WCDO Radio News

Organizers for the Annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in Norwich are in desperate need to get volunteers for the July 9th event, and the deadline for teams to sign up has been extended. Organizer Tom Revoir explains:

(Tom Revoir 6-22-16)

Teams can still sign up online at GusMacker.com, Revoir said that those interested in volunteering could stop at the Norwich YMCA or call him there at 336-9622, extension 29.

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Governor Cuomo signed legislation to enact new laws & protocols in dealing with the state's rising Heroin & Opioid Abuse epidemic:

(Cuomo 6-22-16)

The legislation followed the findings of various Task Force hearing around the state where lawmakers heard testimony from medical professionals as well as those who have battled the addictions.

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The Company that has proposed the Constitution Pipeline is filing a lawsuit after the state DEC rejected the paperwork that was submitted for the plan. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News that several area companies were promised low cost natural gas through this plan, and now they are in limbo:

(Cliff Crouch 6-22-16)

Crouch said that the lawsuits will likely take 2 or 3 years to complete, hopefully the companies like Amphenol, Acco & Raymond will be able to operate at current levels until the Pipeline is approved & built.

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The Otsego County Fair officials announced that there were able to get a concert lined up for this year's Fair, following a request for a show by fairgoers. Spokesperson Lisa Jones explains:

(Lisa Jones 6-22-16)

Jones Said that SFCU is sponsoring the concert at this year's fair, which will run at the fairgrounds in Morris August 2nd through the 7th.

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The Greater Chenango Cares IRT event will be held in Norwich at the High School & In Cortland County starting July 15 through the 24th. Chenango United Way Spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco said that county organizers were happy to get the event for an unprecedented 2nd straight year:

(Elizabeth Monaco)

Monaco said that volunteers are still needed to help the military personnel with the event; they can get more information by calling the united way at 334-8815.

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Fireworks over The Fairgrounds will be held this coming July 4th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. Organizer terry Potter explains:

(Terry Potter 6-22-16)

Potter said that the gates would open at 8:30 AM; kids under 15 will get in free.

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Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they would continue to flush Water Mains on the Intermediate Service on Thursday, Friday & Monday, through the residential area of the City North of the Downtown Business District. Water pressure & color may change; those with questions can call the department at 432-2100.

Constitution Pipeline Company has appealed the State DEC’s refusal to grant the company’s request for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification under the Clean Water Act. The appeal was filed with the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, they contend that the refusal is arbitrary and capricious and constitutes an impermissible challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which was issued in December 2014. The company also filed an action with the U.S. District Court seeking a declaration that the State of New York’s authority to exercise permitting jurisdiction over certain other environmental matters is preempted by federal law.

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State Lawmakers are looking to pass a constitutional amendment to be able to strip convicted lawmakers like Sheldon Silver & Dean Skelos, of their pensions. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch explains:

(Crouch 5-17-16)

Crouch said that a constitutional amendment needs to pass the legislature 2 years in a row and be passed by voters in order to take effect.

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Today is school budget vote day across the state, voters in many districts will also be filling school board seats an voting on various capital projects or Bus purchases. Voting for the BG school district residents will be held in the Bainbridge & Guilford town Halls today, voting will be from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM.

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The Village of Sidney announced that work would be performed on the Main Street Bridge on Tuesday May 24th from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. The bridge will be open for 1 lane traffic only during the work.

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The Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street, is selling chicken on Sunday May 22nd in appreciation of all military veterans. All military veterans will eat for free. Chickens will be sold from 12:00 Noon until all are gone. This is in Sidney.

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The Bainbridge Village Planning Board Meeting originally scheduled for yesterday, has been rescheduled for Monday May 23rd at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Bainbridge Village Clerk's office at 33 West Main Street & is open to the pubic.

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State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a motor vehicle accident on West Kortright Church Road in the Town of Kortright, Monday at around 5:45 PM. Troopers determined that 58 year old Michael Berry of East Meredith, lost control of his pickup truck, he left the roadway, struck a culvert, & overturned. Berry was transported to Fox Hospital in Oneonta where he was pronounced deceased from internal injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State will award $1 million each to Bard College, University at Buffalo and SUNY Broome as part of the “Energy to Lead Competition, ” which challenged student-led coalitions to design and develop plans for clean energy projects. SUNY Broome’s “Geothermal Learning Laboratory” project shows how a geothermal system can harness the energy stored in the earth to heat and cool a campus, serve as a hands-on learning resource for students, and generate energy bill savings that can be reinvested in energy conservation measures. The project is expected to result in the avoidance of 135 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting tonight at Country Squire Realty, at 1639 State Route 7 beginning at 6:00 pm. On the agenda will be making final plans for the 40th Annual Carnival of Sales on Saturday, July 9th along with fireworks discussion and the Concert Series with entertainment on Thursday, July 7th.

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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall & is open to the public.

The Constitution Pipeline denial by New York State DEC could have severe ramifications to the economy of the Southern Tier. Delaware county IDA Chairman Jim Thompson Commented:

(Jim Thompson 4-28-16)

Constitution pipeline officials stated a desire to appeal the New York State ruling to a federal court.

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Governor Cuomo announced that $3 million is available to help New Yorkers who have medical conditions that can be aggravated by extreme heat, to buy and install air conditioning. Eligible households can apply for cooling assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Home Energy Assistance Program beginning May 2. Last year about 240 Southern Tier families received help; overall more than 4,100 households received cooling assistance last summer

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The Sidney Rotary Club is continuing with plans to educate the local public about the continuing Heroin Crisis. Another meeting has been scheduled for May 25th at the Sidney High School Library at 6:15

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The Otsego Electric Cooperative announced that attorney Timothy Johnson of Edmeston, will be their new CEO. Johnson formerly served as legal counsel to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

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The New York State Court of Appeals ruled today that DNA evidence presented by prosecutors in a trial, must be accompanied at trial by at least one analyst involved in the critical stages of the processing of the DNA Evidence used, or who independently analyzed the raw data. The Court of Appeals ruled 4-3, that DNA evidence otherwise violates a defendant's constitutional right to confront an accuser. The ruling follows a controversial Brooklyn trial where DNA evidence was presented & eventually convicted a man, who will now get a new trial.

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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report of a Domestic Dispute Monday on Town Shed Road in the Town of Deposit. Deputies arrested 36-year-old Brian Curtis of Deposit for 3rd degree Assault, Criminal Mischief & 3rd degree Robbery, he was arranged in Town of Deposit Court & he was released on $500 cash bail and is to reappear in the Town of Deposit Court at a later date.

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Sidney Flowers and Gifts are expanding their store at 67 Main Street in Sidney and The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci assisted with the ribbon cutting this morning, he commented about the explansion & the Sidney business community:

(Ray Pucci 4-28-16)

Sidney Flowers & Gifts will also host the Sidney Chamber's Business After Hours event from 5:00 to 7:00 PM today.

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Delaware County Public health will hold a free rabies clinic today at the Pindars Corners Fire department on state route 23. The clinic runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM today.

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Former Town of Tompkins Supervisor & Delaware County Budget Director Perry Shelton has died at the age of 97. Shelton led the fight against the New York City Watershed Regulations from 1991 through 1997, resulting in the Watershed agreement signed by then Governor George Pataki; he also co-founded the Sidney Federal Credit Union. Calling Hours will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, at Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty Street in Sidney.

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State Police were dispatched Thursday to the Hancock Central School for a report of a 16 year old former student, displaying a knife and making threats to an 11 year old student. State Police investigated & then arrested the 16 year old unidentified suspect for Menacing & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, he was arraigned at the Village of Hancock Court and released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued for the victim.

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Oneonta Police Department arrested 25-year-old Leonard Funderbunk of Buffalo, for allegedly breaking windows of 3 Main Street Businesses. Funderbunk was charged with 3 counts of 3rd degree criminal mischief, he faces court action shortly on the charges.

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Drunk drivers convicted of certain alcohol-related offenses are not always being reported for attempting to operate their vehicles while under the influence or for tampering with the court-ordered ignition interlock device in their vehicles, according to an audit issued today by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli’s audit examined compliance with state regulations in six counties, including Otsego County. DiNapoli’s auditors found that none of the six counties consistently provided notifications to the courts and district attorneys of operators with negative activity. Auditors also revealed that 66 individuals, who indicated they owned or operated a vehicle, did not comply with program regulations because they either installed the devices late or did not install them at all. County officials did not report 50 of those cases.

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Governor Cuomo today announced $57 million in Weatherization Assistance Program funds that will help cut utility costs for nearly 8,000 low-income families and seniors across the state. The funds are being released to a statewide network of non-profit organizations to conduct energy-efficiency work including but not limited to air sealing, insulation, upgrading heating systems, and diagnostic testing to identify hazards such as carbon monoxide and mold to ensure air quality.

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The Department of Environmental Conservation won't issue a water quality permit for the Constitution Pipeline. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline project in 2014 contingent on the state permit, which is required by the federal Clean Water Act. Constitution Pipeline Company officials will appeal the state decision to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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A traffic stop by Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies in the Village of Delhi Thursday, led to the arrest of 52 year old Leland Liddle of Andes, Deputies discovered more than 30 bags of heroin in the vehicle. Liddle was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, failure to keep right, failing to notify the DMV of an address change & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Investigators then executed a search warrant and also arrested 31-year-old Sean Dingle of Queens on charges of Criminal Possession and criminal sale of a Controlled Substance, Liddle and the child were observed in a vehicle waiting for Dingle in the Unadilla Fishing Access parking lot.. Liddle was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $250,000 cash bail pending further court action.

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The next ReUnite Bainbridge Meeting will be tonight at 7:00 pm at Bob's Diner. The Agenda for the meeting will be an Update on Block Party, July 23rd, & the 54th Annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta in May.

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A Town of Sherburne resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Friday for Menacing, Criminal Mischief, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Deputies arrested John Bush of Sherburne, following a report of a domestic dispute, where Bush allegedly struck his girlfriend and damaged her property, in the presence of a child. Bush was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

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The Otsego County Conservation Association will hold its annual “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Garage Sale on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Sunday, May 1ST from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market building at 101 Main Street. The collection dates for the OCCA garage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday, more information is available at 547-4488.

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Mike Piazza spent the last couple of days in upstate New York, visiting the Baseball Hall of fame in Cooperstown, where he will be inducted this summer. He was also honored by Governor Cuomo at the executive mansion in Albany Thursday:

(Piazza 3-10-16)

Piazza will be inducted into the national Baseball Hall Of Fame with Ken Griffey Junior in July.

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Budget negotiations continue among lawmakers in Albany with Conference Committee activity beginning next week. State lawmakers are dealing with a budget surplus this year, Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 3-10-16)

Crouch said that the surplus includes 1 time settlement money, which he hopes will be used for infrastructure projects upstate, where 40% of the bridges are in need of repair or replacement.

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Constitution Pipeline Company announced today that they are changing the projected start of service from the 4th quarter of this year to the 2nd half of 2017. The company says it won't be able to complete tree-clearing before the end of March; they have completed tree-felling along the Pennsylvania leg of the project, New York work will not begin until state regulators issue a water quality certification. The Constitution Pipeline would be a 124-mile of natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania through the southern Tier for distribution into the New England markets.

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The State Department of Environmental Conservation and local Fire Departments remind area residents that the annual burn ban will be in effect from March 16th to May 14th. The DEC prohibits outdoor residential burning during the high-risk fire season to reduce the number of wildfires and protect people, property and natural resources. Since being enacted in 2009, the ban has been effective in reducing the number of wildfires. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

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The Saint Baldrick's Foundation will hold one of their head shaving events on Saturday at the American Legion Hall at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich at 6:00 PM. About 45 people are expected to get their head shaved to show solidarity with children with cancer, and to raise money to conquer childhood cancers. More information is available at stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich, or that the Norwich Saint Baldricks facebook page.

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Nearly a thousand people will come to Broome County this summer to take part in the 98th annual New York State American Legion Convention, as well as the 96th annual New York State Auxiliary Convention and the 42nd annual Sons of the American Legion Convention. The conventions will take place from Thursday, July 13th through Saturday, July 16th; The Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, along with the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena will serve as the headquarters for the Legion Convention.

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The Broome County Sheriff's Office & New York State Parole arrested 3 people on drug charges at a motel in the Town of Dickinson during a parole Check. Deputies found the parolee & 2 females, as well as cocaine, hypodermic needles, packaging material, Marihuana & heroin. 23-year-old Odell Tindley from the Bronx & Binghamton was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was sent to the Broome County Jail on the parole warrant & will be arraigned at a later date. 22-year-old Rochelle Landon Of Newfield and 20-year-old Hanna Lecoq Of Interlaken were both charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana Violation. They were released on appearance ticket for the Town of Dickinson Court.

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The Chenango County Sheriff's Office & Sherburne Police investigated incidents of criminal mischief and larceny, on March 8the & 9th. The investigation began with the report of a motor vehicle crash in the Town of Smyrna, the occupants of the vehicle left the scene, and the vehicle was stolen from Sherburne. Information led to the arrest of a 15 year old male & 17 year old Michael Wilson, of Sherburne. The pair is accused of stealing the vehicle; spray painting vehicles, school buildings, and residences & stealing items from vehicles. Both were charged for multiple counts of Grand Larceny, Petty Larceny, and Criminal Mischief, the amount of damage and stolen property is approximately $15,000.00 The 15 year old male was released on a juvenile appearance ticket and Michael Wilson is being arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court. The investigation is continuing and the Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to call 337-1931 or 334-2000 option 1.

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The city of Oneonta announced that a special meeting of the legislative Committee has been scheduled for today. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City hall; the committee will discuss proposed changes to the City charter.

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Nominations for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce "Citizens of The Years" & "Business of the Years are due today to the Chamber office. The award winners will be announced in April and will be honored at the Annual Dinner in June. More information is available at Sidneychamber.org or by calling 561-2642.

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The village of Bainbridge Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting today at 4:30 PM at the village office at 33 West Main Street. The Purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the 2016-2017 Village Budget; the meeting is open to the public.

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A Rally was held Saturday at the River Club in Afton with about 300 + Constitution Pipeline supporters. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended:

(Crouch 1-25-16)

The Constitution pipeline is expected to traverse the southern tier along the I-88 Corridor from Pennsylvania into the New England markets, with local availability to Am phenol in Sidney among others, along the route.

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State Police arrested 35 year old Andrew Adams of Oneonta for 2nd degree Assault, 4 counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated with children under the age of 16, 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Driving while ability impaired by drugs, plus harassment & several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after an Otsego County 911 report of an erratic driver on Interstate 88 westbound who crashed into a guide rail near mile marker 33 in the Town of Sidney. Adams had his four children ages 8-12 in his car with him, with No injuries were reported. Adams also became disorderly and punched at troopers during processing. Adams was arraigned at the Town of Sidney court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 property bond. His next court date in the Town of Sidney is on February 26th.

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The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Jeremy Morris of Oneonta & 24 year old Amanda Tolbert of Oneonta on a variety of charges in Cooperstown on January 13th. Morris was driving without a license, when he was stopped deputies found hypodermic needles, drug packaging materials, two firearms & ammunition, he was also accused of selling heroin in Oneonta. Morris was charged with Possession of a hypodermic instrument, Criminal possession of a weapon, Criminal contempt, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, & Criminal sale of a controlled substance, he was returned to the Otsego County Jail on $50,000 cash bail and $100,000 bond. Tolbert was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument & she was wanted on an active Family Court arrest warrant. Tolbert was arraigned in the Town of Otsego Court and taken to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

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The Windsor district will hold a Drug Awareness Night this Wednesday, January 27th at the Middle and High School. To reserve your seat and to choose your small group sessions for the Windsor event, call 655-8250. The Deposit district will do hold a Drug Awareness Night on Thursday, February 4th. To reserve your seat and to choose your small group sessions for the Deposit event, call 467-8509

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The American Cancer Society Relay for Life announces an information team captain meeting will be held on February 1st at the United Methodist church in Sidney. The meeting will begin at 5:30 PM. This year's Tri-Town Relay for Life will be held on May 14th at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, more information is available at 563-9634.

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36 year old Rafael Figueroa, of Saugerties was convicted Friday of felony drug trafficking following a trial in Delaware County Court. The jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before reaching its verdict, Figueroa was found guilty of 3 felony charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for trafficking of cocaine into Town of Middletown. Figueroa was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending sentencing.

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Otsego County Sheriff's Department along with other law enforcement agencies arrested 45 year old Harry Edmond of Oneonta on a variety of drug charges. Edmond is accused of selling marijuana and crack cocaine; He attempted to flee when officers executed a search warrant. Officers seized 9 1/2 pounds of processed marijuana, a small quantity of crack cocaine, an electronic digital scale, a stun gun and $16,852 in cash. Edmond was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of marijuana, criminally using drug paraphernalia & criminal possession of a weapon.

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State Police investigated the report of a forcible rape in the Town of Union. 31 year old Joseph Mancini of Endwell was arrested for 1st degree Rape & Criminal Sex Act; Mancini was arraigned in the Town of Union Court and remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 4-Chamber mixer on Monday, January 25th at the Unadilla House Restaurant, Main Street Unadilla. Social/appetizers at 6 pm. Brief reports from the chambers will be given.

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The town of Guilford is currently seeking candidates to fill openings on their planning board, board of assessment review, & the Mount Upton Park committee. Those interested should call the Guilford Town Clerk’s office at 895-9966; the deadline of applications is February 3rd.

Governor Cuomo is set top deliver his annual State of the State & Budget message to a joint session of the legislature tomorrow. The presentation begins at 12:30, where Governor Cuomo will unveil the details of his 14 proposals that he has released over the last week.

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The state DOT is reminding motorists driving in today’s wintry conditions, to remember a few simple rules: Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Never try to pass one on the right, as the driver will not be able to see you. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered; Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles; Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces; Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets and extra warm clothes;

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State Police arrested 37-year-old Nancy Callahan of Richfield Springs for criminal possession of a controlled substance and possessing a controlled substance in a non-original container. Callahan was observed failing to stop for a flashing red light when she was driving on State Highway 205 in the Town of Laurens, & for possessing Oxycodone pills. Callahan was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Laurens court on January 21st.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office today announced the receipt of a grant of $17,000 from Constitution Pipeline. The grant will be used to support the purchase of Polaris Rangers for Emergency First Responders. The support to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is part of a community grant program available to New York counties that host Constitution Pipeline. Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is one of over 100 community organizations in New York receiving a total of more than $1.9 million in seven rounds of grants. The Funding will be used to purchase Polaris Rangers for emergency response to isolated areas and for tracking missing persons in rural landscapes.

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The Chenango county Sheriff's department arrested Trevor Collins of Norwich, on an active arrest warrant for Failure to Notify Law Enforcement of Address Change. Collins is a registered Sex offender, he allegedly moved from his registered residence in the Village of Earlville to another location in the City of Norwich, without notifying the Norwich police Department or the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office of his new address. Collins was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional facility with no bail pending a future appearance in Village of Earlville court at a later date.

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The Chenango County sheriff's department responded to a 2 car head on crash in the town of Sherburne Monday morning at about 10:20. Deputies reported that Vehicles Number 2 was traveling northbound near Knapp road, when it collided with a vehicle driven by Lance Yerton of Sherburne. Yerton was Taken to a Utica area hospital with face & leg Injuries, the driver of the other vehicle was pronounced dead after being taken to a Utica Hospital, the name of the deceased would be released following notification of the next of kin. The investigation is ongoing.

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Assembly Republicans announced an agenda to revamp New York’s education system. Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

(Lopez 1-12-16)

The plan encompasses 6 points, including changing the Common Core curriculum, Eliminating the Gap Elimination Adjustment, Repeal the current teacher evaluation system and establish a new system.

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State Senator Jim Seward announced the Senate passage of legislation that completely eliminates the Gap Elimination Adjustment this year.

(Seward 1-12-16)

The bill would erase the $434 million in GEA cuts remaining for schools in 2016-17. The bill will be sent to the assembly.

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While the Powerball jackpot continues to grow, a lucky Broome County Lottery player won $50,000 on a ticket sold at Friendly Food Mart at 1308 East Main Street in Endicott. Nobody has claimed the big jackpot; The Lottery encourages everyone who buys a New York Lottery draw game ticket to check their tickets again, as they could be holding a winner. Tickets expire one year after the game’s drawing. The next drawing is Wednesday, with the jackpot now set at $1.4 billion.

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