WCDO Radio News

P.m. news Thursday 6-26-14
The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested Adam Simpkin of Afton on charges of 3rd degree Burglary & 5th degree Conspiracy. Simpkin was arrested following an investigation into an incident in Sherburne; he was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and remanded to the Correctional Facility on $5,000 bail pending future court action.

Graduation parties will be held all over the region this weekend, as are high school seniors attend their commencement exercises, and graduation parties. Justin Hamm of the Alcolhol & drug abuse council of Delaware county reminds parents of seniors that Social Host Laws of New York state prohibit serving alcohol to minors in their homes:

(Justin Hamm 6-26-14)

Hamm also said that scientific research in recent years shows that the human brain continues to grow to maturity until about the age of 25 and introducing alcohol to the adolescent brain could reduce cognitive skills and memory.

Governor Cuomo announced $13.8 million in funding to help more than 200 farms across New York implement enhanced soil and water conservation practices. Grants were awarded to 32 county soil and water conservation districts, and provided by the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Locally, Broome receives $173,555.00 for 5 farms, Chenango receives $515,050.00 for 4 farms, Delaware County gets $543,492.00 for 18 farms and Otsego County gets $161,678.98 for 3 farms. More information is available at nys-soilandwater.org.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 34-year-old Derick Coveny of Morris for DWI following a motorcycle accident on Walters Road in New Lisbon. An investigation determined Coveny was driving his motorcycle while intoxicated and without a helmet. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. Coveny was issued tickets for New Lisbon Court July 15th

New York’s health exchange enrolled nearly 1 million people since October, and the largest percentage were aged 26-34. New York nearly met its enrollment goal for 2016 in its first year of the health exchange, signing up 960,762 state residents. 55 percent chose Medicaid, the federal program for the poor and disabled. About 370,000 chose a private insurer; and nearly 65,000 picked Child Health Plus, the state’s insurance program for poor children. The next enrollment period starts Nov. 15

New York State will receive $6.18 million, from the U.S. Department of Labor, to train unemployed workers for jobs in high-demand industries. New York is one of 32 states, receiving grants totaling $154 million, under the National Emergency Grant Program. The funding will help create or expand employer partnerships that provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships and other occupational training, that result in an industry-recognized credential. The funding also will be used to provide career coaching and counseling, as well as job placement assistance. For more information go to dol.gov

The 5 member Independent Democratic Conference announced it would seek to share power with Senate Democrats after the November elections, ending the coalition with Republicans that ran the Senate for the past 2 years. The move would have implications on policy decisions, such as whether to raise the minimum wage, implement public financing of political campaigns and strengthen abortion rights. Democrats would control all branches of state government when the legislative session resumes in January, if Governor Cuomo and Democrats win election this fall.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a “no knock” search warrant in South New Berlin, following a lengthy investigation into the sales of heroin and cocaine.  39-year-old Jennifer Perrotti was charged with  Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance,  Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  The Narcotics Division recovered cocaine and heroin from within the residence as well as packaging material and scales,   Perrotti was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $15,000 cash bail. She is expected to return to the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

Several area organizations are teaming up to present a Health fair in Sidney Saturday,   including  the Sidney  Boys & Girls Club,   club director Trish Tyrell comments:

(Trish Tyrell 5-16-14)

The event will be held at the Fireman’s Training Center in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Other organizations involved include Utica School of Commerce, The Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County, Birthright of Sidney & Family Planning of South Central New York.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, State Police & Norwich Police arrested 53 year old Allan Sheppard on Friday for criminal nuisance, and criminal possession of a weapon, following a drug investigation into illegal drug activity in Afton. Police recovered more than 6 illegally possessed long guns and an undisclosed amount of cash, Sheppard has a prior felony conviction, which prevents him from legally possessing a firearm, and the criminal nuisance charge alleges that Sheppard was using his residence to sell controlled substances. He was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of $30,000 cash bail. More arrests are pending.

Several area organizations are teaming up to present a Health fair in Sidney on May 17th , Trish Tyrell of the Boys & Girls Club of Sidney explains:

(Trish Tyrell 5-12-14)

The event will be held at the Fireman’s Training Center on River Street in Sidney on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Other organization involved include Utica School of Commerce, It takes A Village, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County, Birthright of Sidney & Family Planning of South Central New York.

April is Alcohol & Drug Abuse Awareness Month, and with prom & graduation seasons coming soon, it is important to remember that those events have been incorrectly viewed by generations as a rite of passage for teenagers to be introduced to alcohol, according to Dave Ramsey of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County:

(Dave Ramsey 4-24-14)

Ramsey pointed out that in recent years, new York state has instituted “Social Host Laws” making it illegal to serve alcohol to minors at parties at home, and making the party’s hosts liable for any damage or fatalities that may occur by serving minors alcohol.

Tomorrow is “Paint The Town Purple” to raise awareness about cancer. Helen Gregory of the American Cancer society explains:

(Helen Gregory 4-24-14)

Gregory said that a “Relay For Life” event will be held this weekend in Delhi, and the Tri Town Relay for life will be held in General Clinton park in Bainbridge Friday may 2nd to Saturday may 3rd.

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand called on FEMA to grant another extension to Sandy victims who still need to file flood insurance claims. Under the National Flood Insurance Program, Sandy-impacted homeowners must file a “proof of loss” form, a statement on the amount the homeowner is claiming under a flood insurance policy. The 1st deadline was last October 29th, in order to be eligible for coverage for flood damage, but many were unable to meet the deadline. With the new April 28th deadline approaching, Schumer and Gillibrand are calling on FEMA to grant another extension.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted to implement a bed tax at its meeting yesterday in Delhi. Funds from a 2 percent hotel, motel and bed and breakfast room tax in Delaware County will be used to promote tourism. The resolution will now go before the state Legislature to be assigned a bill

State Police arrested 30-year-old Tory Brown of New Berlin for Criminal Contempt, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Mischief and Harassment. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a dispute in Columbus.   Brown is accused of grabbing the victim by the throat, damaging a cell phone & violating an order of protection.   Brown was arraigned in the town of Norwich Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 bail.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo introduced a bill that would allow farmers in New York to grow hemp, which is used to make fabric, rope, paper, oil, soap, lotion and food. A provision of the new Federal Farm Bill legalized the growth of hemp for research, it had been banned because it stems from the same plant as marijuana, but industrial hemp and marijuana are genetically distinct varieties of cannabis & it is not possible to extract a drug from hemp. If the legislation passes, New York would become the 11th state to produce hemp.

The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning until 8:00 PM due to the increased risk of fire. The breezy conditions and low humidity could lead to fast spreading grass & brush fires, the DEC burn ban runs through May 16th.

A Norwich teen is facing charges after she jumped out a window at the Norwich City Police Department.  17-year-old Cheyenne Davenport was charged with 2nd degree burglary, 2 counts of petty larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, after she allegedly entered a relative’s house and took medication and cash. 2 hours later, she jumped out the department’s window, Police found her hiding in a nearby house and also charged her with 2nd degree escape. Davenport was sent to the Chenango County jail on $2,500 bail.

The National Baseball Hall Of Fame announced today that on Memorial Day Weekend would feature 75 former major leaguers playing in 2014 Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, at Doubleday field in Cooperstown.  Hall of Fame Members Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the sixth annual game on Saturday, May 24th starting with the Home Run Derby at 1 PM and the Classic will start at 2:05 PM. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Classic are $ available at 1-877-726-9028 or at baseballhall.org.

12.6% of New York residents’ income went to state and local taxes in 2011, the highest rate in the nation, according to a report from the Tax Foundation.  Their annual report placed New York at the top of the list for the second straight year, though the total burden fell from 13.1% in 2010. The national average for 2011 was 9.8%.  State Lawmakers have lowered the State tax rates since 2011.

The Delaware, Ulster & Greene Sheriff’s Departments and State Police investigated vehicle thefts, & announced the arrest of 53-year-old Joel Yaro of Ulster Park for 3rd & 4th degree Grand Larceny.  Yaro is accused of   the theft of a vehicle from Hancock that was recovered in the Town of Kortright later that day, following the recovery of that vehicle; Deputies investigated the theft of a vehicle from the Town of Kortright, which was recovered by Greene County Sheriff’s Deputies the following day.  Yaro was arraigned in the Town of Hancock Court on the two Grand Larceny charges Wednesday; he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail pending further court action.

Tougher texting-while-driving penalties for teenage and new drivers were included in this year’s state budget agreement. Under the state’s new budget, drivers who are under 18, or have a probationary license, will see their driving rights suspended for 120 days on a first texting conviction and a year on the second one.  The governor has pushed for tougher distracted-driving penalties since taking office in 2011, when he and lawmakers changed the state’s texting-while-driving ban from a secondary to a primary offense. Last year, there were 55,130 texting-while-driving tickets issued in the state, up 82 percent from the previous year.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, where parents are encouraged to educate their children about the dangers of alcohol & alcohol dependency.  Dave Ramsey of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County told WCDO News that research in the last few years has indicated that alcohol to a forming teenaged brain has lasting consequences:

(Dave Ramsey 4-3-14)

Those who would like more information can go the toe council’s website at ADACONLINE.org.

State attorney general Eric Schneiderman announced agreements with 10 repossession businesses to help limit the marketing of short-term loans using cars as collateral. With so-called title loans, the short-term borrowing by consumers with poor credit histories can carry high interest rates, making them difficult to pay off and easier to roll over for additional interest. At the end of the loan, borrowers may face balloon payments or loss of their cars.  More information is available at oag.state.ny.us.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a “no knock” search warrant at 219 Kelly Rd in the Town of Columbus early this morning.  The Narcotics Division arrested 24-year-old Kody Weidman for Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.  The Sheriff’s Office recovered cocaine and a digital scale during the execution of the search warrant. Weidman is currently a New York State Parole following a previous drug offense.  Weidman was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court and remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $5,000 cash bail. He is also being held on a New York State Parole Warrant.  Norwich Police, New Berlin Police and State Parole division assisted with the investigation.

State Police and the Vestal Police Department arrested 37-year-old Rashid Imhotep & 44 year old Nathaniel Williams on 2 counts each or criminal possession of a controlled substance & using drug paraphernalia, Imhotep was also charged with resisting arrest for jumping out of a window & struggling with officers.  Both were arraigned in City of Binghamton Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.  Police confiscated heroin with a street value of between $50,000 and $80,000, as well as packaging materials, grinders, scales and other items that are used to sell the drug.

Governor Cuomo announced the approval of $5.9 million to support economic development projects throughout the state.  Local projects assisted include the MARK Project of Delaware County for $250,000.  Also the Delaware County IDA & the Amphenol Corporation of Sidney will use a grant of up to $750,000 for a portion of the cost to construct a natural gas distribution line from the Constitution Pipeline to Amphenol’s   existing facility at 40-60 Delaware Avenue, as well as the new manufacturing facility to be being constructed at 171 Delaware Avenue, which will help retain 950 jobs.

12-time GRAMMY Award winner and baseball fan Paul Simon, has joined the lineup for a concert in celebration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s 75th Anniversary on Saturday, August 2nd.  The concert event will take place in Cooperstown at the Clark Sports Center, and will feature the world-renowned Boston Pops & Bernie Williams, a four-time World Series Champion member of the New York Yankees and a GRAMMY nominee. Paul Simon will perform three songs at the concert event, which will celebrate baseball through music, film and video.

Solitary confinement for juvenile, pregnant women and developmentally disabled prisoners will be limited under a deal struck by state and the New York Civil Liberties Union. The NYCLU sued the state Department of Corrections, arguing the state’s system of solitary confinement violated the U.S. Constitution. The state will no longer place pregnant inmates in solitary housing units “except in exceptional circumstances” approved by the corrections department. Inmates who are age 16 or 17 would be limited to no more than 19 hours in their cell per day and offered the opportunity to exercise outdoors five days a week. For developmentally disabled inmates, the deal calls for the state to create an alternative program for those who have been in solitary confinement for more than 30 days

Greater Maywood Rural Community Services is holding The "Lasagna And Laughs" organic fund-raising dinner will be held Saturday night at the Sidney VFW Hall, group spokesperson Lisa Barr comments:

(Lisa Barr 2-21-14)

Admission is $8.00 at the door. Money raised will help the group to continue to operate & maintain the former Sidney Center School building as a community center.

Oneonta police arrested 58-year-old James Hone of Oneonta following an incident earlier this month involving an envelope mailed to Oneonta City Court.  Hone was charged with Aggravated harassment in connection with the February 3rd incident when court employees opened a letter containing a white powder. After an investigation, the substance posed no threat to court personnel.   Hone was arraigned in Oneonta Town Court on Tuesday, he was sent to the Otsego County jail on $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond bail.

The problem of heroin addiction has come back again, as it seems to now regain popularity every 20 years, in spite of its deadly reputation.  Dave Ramsey of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware county comments:

(Dave Ramsey 2-20-14)

Those in need of help regarding heroin or other substance addictions can access information through the council’s website at adaconline.org or by calling 746-8300.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joshua Stilson of Guilford for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment, following an incident in the Town of Norwich.  Stilson is accused of harassing an individual numerous times by electronic means, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and released on his own recognizance, pending future court action.

The Tony Award winning musical “American Idiot” featuring the music of Green Day, will be coming to the Broome County Forum in Binghamton on Thursday March 6th at 7:30 PM.  NAC Entertainment spokesperson Tina Niles explains:

(Tina Niles 2-20-14)

Niles said that good seats are still available at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is proposing legislation to help those wrongfully convicted of a crime, file claims against the state. Schneiderman said current law hinders those who were wrongfully imprisoned and then had their convictions overturned. The Unjust Imprisonment Act would strip away restrictions that block lawsuits, by people seeking financial damages, after being coerced into false confessions or exonerated by DNA evidence. The bill must pass the state Legislature to be enacted into law.

The Amphenol Building Project in Sidney is progressing on schedule.  Amphenol Project Manager Tom Czernicki explains:

(Tom Czernicki 2-18-14)

Czernicki said that they were able to get a roof on the new structure before the winter hit, so this rough winter did not slow them down.  There are currently over 150 people working on the Amphenol project on Delaware Avenue.

The increased use of heroin continues to be a major problem locally and throughout the state, as emergency rooms continue to see increasing numbers of overdoses.  Dave Ramsey of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County told WCDO News that the I-stop Program has cut down on people “Doctor Shopping” for painkillers; the next option for addicts has become heroin:

(Dave Ramsey 2-18-14)

Ramsey said that those who have a heroin problem, or who has a loved one with that addiction, they can contact ADAC at 746-8300.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 59-year-old David Mokay of Meridale on 1 count of endangering the Welfare of a Child and 1 count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Circulation following a Domestic Incident.  Mokay was arraigned in Town of Meredith Court and was remanded to Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bail bond. Mokay is to reappear at Meredith Court on March 5th.

New York transportation officials are setting up public hearings to discuss options for high-speed passenger rail service between New York City and Niagara Falls has been the long time goal of industry leaders, elected officials and transit advocates.  The public meetings will be held between March 4th and 14th in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Utica & Poughkeepsie.

Governor Cuomo announced that all 112 New York Works accelerated bridge projects have been completed and open to motorists.  The opening of the Western Gateway Bridge in Schenectady County marks the final finished project, the program allotted $212 million to address bridge replacement or rehabilitation on 112 bridges,  $687 million was allocated for 9 projects that were delayed due to budget constraints. More than 2,000 miles of pavement were replaced in 2012 as part of the program.

Environmental, health and consumer advocacy groups are pushing back against plans by the Cuomo administration to restructure how pesticides are tracked. 38 groups protested a proposal that rolls back a requirement that commercial applicators report where pesticides are used. It would replace that with a new reporting requirement that collects pesticide data at the point of sale. Environmental Advocates say the changes impede the public’s right-to-know about the use of toxic chemicals. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said the intent is to make the data more usable and accessible.