WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-29-25

Throughout October, members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Corrections and Road Patrol divisions will be sporting pink badges or patches and helped raise funds for local families battling cancer. Community members can support the Project by visiting the online store to purchase a t-shirt, sweatshirt, patch, or other items at thepinkpatchproject25.itemorder.com. All proceeds will go to local organizations supporting local families fighting breast cancer by assisting with groceries, childcare or other expenses, Since the project’s 1st year, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office raised over $7,400 for local families fighting cancer.

The October 12th show for Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encores in Binghamton, has been canceled. Tickets will be refunded at the original point of purchase. Magic City Productions announced that Frankie Valli has been under weather and has been instructed by his doctors to stay home and rest, they are sorry for any inconvenience to the over the 1,330 fans who purchased tickets.

Governor Hochul announced that $25 million has been awarded to help New York’s farmers support agricultural water quality conservation projects. Locally, $300,375 was awarded to the Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with a farm in the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed, $1,534,136 was awarded to the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with 3 farms in the Delaware River Watershed and Upper Susquehanna River Watershed.

Mirabito Cares announced that they will once again conduct their "Round Up" fundraising campaign shortly at their 112 Mirabito Convenience Stores, as they partner with the American Cancer Society, spokesperson Marissa Sweeney explains:

(Marissa Sweeney 9-29-25)

Last year's campaign helped provide 702 patients with over 10,000 nights at Hope Lodge, over 1,000 rides to treatment appointments, Over $1.3 million in cost savings for local patients.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-29-25

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned an 8 Count Indictment against 61 year old Edward Batka of Fleischmanns, for several counts of 1st degree Rape, plus Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Unlawful Imprisonment, Unlawful Dealing with a Child on Friday. Batka was arraigned in Delaware County Court, Due to the severity of the offenses, the District Attorney’s Office requested that Batka be remanded without bail.

Mohawk Valley Gives, the annual one-day on-line fundraiser, was a big success for Otsego County Non-Profit Organizations this year, according to Executive Director Jeff Katz of the Community Foundation of Otsego County:

(Jeff Katz 9-29-25)

Katz said that the Community Foundation of Otsego County grants $300 to each nonprofit that participates in the annual fundraiser and offers prizes for a variety of accomplishments during Mohawk Valley Gives, including greatest number of new donors, greatest number of donors, most successful environmental organization and others. More information is available by email: contact@cfotsego.org, or by calling 607-286-3750.

Broadway In Binghamton announced that single tickets for TINA – The Tina Turner Musical are now on sale. The musical will make its Binghamton debut October 30 & 31 at the Forum Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at BroadwayInBinghamton.com, Ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Arena Box Office. For more information visit BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown has begun the next phase of its project to construct a childcare center on the hospital’s campus, which is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The facility will be called the Harrison House Childcare Center in honor of Dr. Francis Harrison, an internist who joined Bassett in 1928, The new facility will be at 1 Beaver Street & it will have space for 58 children, plus 15 additional spots for sick care. The center will employ around 18 staff members.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-21-25

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 29 year old Dmitri Grassi of Greene on a Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrant. Grassi is charged with 3rd Degree Burglary, Grand Larceny & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Grassi & 1 other person are accused of entering a property & stealing items worth more than $1,000, he was processed, arraigned in Chenango County Court where he was released on his own recognizance and is to appear in Chenango County Court at a later date.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango will have their annual Spring Plant Sale again this year, spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 4-21-25)

More information is available at hospicechenango.org, or by calling 607-334-3556, during normal business hours.

The Sidney Shade Tree Commission will host another Arbor Day Celebration on Tuesday April 29th in Keith Clark Park beginning at 10:00 AM, Commission Chairperson Lorrie Roach told WCDO News about the annual event:

(Lorrie Roach 4-21-25)

The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District has also provided saplings to be distributed while the supply lasts.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next Business & Breakfast networking event at the Old Schoolhouse Inn in Downsville next Monday morning starting at 8:30 AM. Chamber members can register at delawarecounty.org.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $7.9 million is being awarded through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program to help over 70 farms across the state reduce their environmental footprints and prepare for extreme weather events related to climate change. Locally, in the Southern Tier, a Total Award, of more than $693,000 will distributed, the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District was awarded $159,160 to assist three farms.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office is continuing with an investigation into animal cruelty at a farm in the town of Butternuts earlier this week. Numerous animals were removed & were taken to the Susquehanna SPCA for evaluation & treatment, so far, no charges have been announced against the owner of the animals.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-22-22

State Police arrested 56 year old Francesco Carotenuto of Schenevus for 1st degree rape, he was previously arrested on charges for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child on September 8, 2022. After a further investigation, Investigators learned that Carotenuto forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with a victim several years ago. Carotenuto was in jail for the previous charges, he was processed and returned to jail.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor this year's Business Awards in a variety of categories, Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News about the winners:

(Ray Pucci 9-22-22)

The Event begins at 5:30 PM at The Andes Hotel.

Delaware County Officials announced that Delaware County Public Health has vaccinated 613 people and will continue to vaccinate 1B essential workers. This week, Public Health began vaccinating people 65 and older with comorbidities; People over the age 65 can call the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 832-5750 to schedule an appointment.  Vaccines will continue to be available for people over 65 at pharmacies, call your local pharmacy and check websites to see when they will be receiving vaccine. More information is available through the "Ami I Eligible" App or through health.ny.gov.

Chenango County Public Health added 1 new COVID- 19 case today, bringing their total to 2328.  They have 59 active cases, a decrease of 16, 206 quarantines, a decrease of 39, and 14 are hospitalized, a decrease of 5.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar reported today that the U.K. variant of the coronavirus has been found in Broome County.  The County has experienced over 13,100 positive COVID 19 cases since the start of the pandemic with 300 deaths & over 12,600 recoveries.

Governor Cuomo today announced $4 million is being awarded through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program to help 80 farms across the state reduce their environmental footprints and prepare for extreme weather events resulting from climate change. The projects selected will reduce greenhouse gases by an estimated 90,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, or as much as eliminating nearly 20,000 cars from the road.  Locally, Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $87,347 to assist 2 farms, & the Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $175,715 to assist 3 farms.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that an Oneonta taxi driver has been arrested for soliciting sexual acts in exchange for the cab fare Thursday evening.  Deputies responded to Treadwell to investigate a report of an individual being solicited by a taxi driver, 40 year-old Jeremy Wilcox of Oneonta was charged with 1 count of patronizing a person for prostitution, he was issued an appearance ticket and was released to appear in the Town of Franklin Court to answer the charge on a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced today that indoor family entertainment center can open March 26th, Outdoor Amusement Parks can open April 9th. There will be a 25% Capacity Limit in Indoor Centers and Amusement Centers; 33% Capacity Limit in Outdoor Amusement Parks, all must Submit Reopening Plans with Health Protocols to their Local Health Department.  Face Masks & Social Distancing will be required for Customers and Staff; Health Screening with Temperature Checks Required for All Customers Prior to Entry.  Day and Overnight Summer Camps Can Begin to Plan for Reopening; the State Department of Health Will Issue Guidance in the Coming Weeks.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 2-17-21

The State Health Department reported that a case of the South African COVID-19 virus variant has been found in New York. A Connecticut resident who is a patient in a New York City hospital has tested positive for the South African variant. There is no evidence of any spread in New York State to date, New Yorkers should continue to wear face masks, remain socially distant and wash hands often.

Delaware County Public Health reported 13 new COVID 19 cases out of 120 tests Tuesday.  They report 132 active cases, 23 hospitalized & 274 quarantined.

The Village of Sidney will be having a Police Reform & Reinvention Collaborative Committee meeting by Zoom tonight at 6:00pm, where they will discuss the results of a recent citizen’s survey regarding the Sidney Police Department.  Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains their timeline:

(Andy Matviak 2-17-21)

The information for the Zoom meeting will be on our Village website at Village of Sidney.org or at the Village of Sidney Facebook page.

James Brower and Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding of Norwich will face trial in November in Chenango County Court. The 2 are accused of raping & murdering 11-year-old Jacelyn O'Connor of Morris in July of 2017; Rundstrom-Wooding is facing the most serious charges in the case, for 1st & 2nd degree murder, rape, and possession of a sexual performance of a child among other charges.

33 year old Brian Johnston was charged with DWI & other charges by State Police for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a child in his vehicle, following a 2 vehicle accident on State Route 80 in Edmeston. Johnston attempted to turn into a private drive, when another vehicle failed to stop in time and struck Johnson's vehicle, Johnston was arraigned in the Edmeston Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to reappear on June 4th.

State Police arrested 41 year old Joseph Blaylock of Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, for allegedly possessing unlicensed firearms. Troopers were dispatched to a residence on State Highway 8 in the town of Deposit; a trooper witnessed 2 men around a campfire with a handgun and a shotgun near them. Blaylock was charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, criminal possession of an assault rifle and possession of a large capacity ammo-feeding device, he did not have permits for the weapons. 58 year old Robert Catania was issued a ticket for possession of marijuana. Blaylock was arraigned in the town of Deposit and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bond pending court action Friday.

Norwich Police arrested 30 year old Rhonda Horton of Norwich for allegedly selling cocaine. Horton was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance; she was arraigned at the Norwich City Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $20,000 cash bail.

The 69th annual Pageant of the Bands will take place Today through Sunday at Sherburne-Earlville High School. The pageant will feature 30 participating schools, and is expected to draw about 20,000 people to Sherburne, the event is free & open to the public.

Governor Cuomo announced nearly $38 million is available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program to help farmers across New York protect valuable and at-risk farmland. Municipalities, counties, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and land trusts are eligible to apply for individual grants of up to $2 million Dollars. The application deadline is August 31st & the Request for Proposals is available at agriculture.ny.gov.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is seeking teams for its 19th Annual Business Links Golf Tournament which will be held at the SUNY Delhi Golf Course on Tuesday, June 12th at 1:00 PM. The entry fee for the Captain and Crew format is $300 per team, to register a team visit delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting Today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM for the purpose of accepting bids for the Capital Project and interviewing Candidates for the open Board seat.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35 year old Daniel White of Mt. Upton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, use of a Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, plus several other traffic violations, on Circle Drive in the Village of Sidney. White was arraigned at the Village of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2500 cash bail. White is scheduled to return to the Village of Sidney Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The FoxNow Convenient Care Clinic at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta will be closing tomorrow, Fox Hospital Marketing Director Gabrielle Argo Explains:

(Gabrielle Argo 4-30-18)

The Convenient Care Clinic off of River Street in Oneonta is open 7 days a week, more information about their services is available at bassett.org or at 1-800-bassett.

Governor Cuomo announced nearly $2.2 million will be awarded to 34 farms across the state through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, to help farms reduce their operational impact on the environment and better prepare for and recover after extreme weather events. In the Southern Tier; Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $77,255 to work with 6 farms to implement cover crops, which are planted to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and to increase soil organic matter to improve resiliency during periods of flood and drought.

Broome County Special Investigators seized 200 bags of heroin, drug packaging materials, marijuana and $300 in suspected drug money from a Chenango Street residence in the City of Binghamton. The Broome County Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Task Force on Wednesday executed a search warrant at 66 Chenango Street. Police arrested 38 year old Juan Delacruz of Binghamton on a felony drug possession charge. Delacruz was arraigned in City of Binghamton court and remanded to the Broome County Jail.

State Senator John Bonacic announced Friday that he will not be running for another term. Bonacic has served in the state Senate for 20 years & has served in elected office for more than 4 decades. Bonacic’s 42nd District includes the Masonville, Delhi, Hamden, Walton, Tompkins and Colchester.

State Senator John DeFrancisco said Friday he will not seek re-election and plans to end his 40-year career in politics when his term expires at the end of the year. DeFrancisco had considered a run for Governor but he announced Friday that he will retire from the Senate & from politics.

The next "REUNITE BAINBRIDGE” Meeting will be held today at 7:00 PM at Back of Bob's Diner. Topics of discussion will include the Status of Mural Project, the upcoming General Clinton Canoe Regatta, Jericho Arts Council Activities and Dates, Memorial Day Activities, the Summer Fest & the Golf Tournament, more information is available at 967-8700

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds Sidney Center voters that that the polling site from District 1 & 3 this year, has been changed. Voters in those voting districts will go to the new Sidney Center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

Governor Cuomo and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer today held a conference call to discuss the devastating Republican tax plan and state and local deductibility.

(Senator Schumer 11-6-17)

Schumer & Cuomo are calling all members of the New York Congressional delegation to oppose the Trump New York Tax increase plan. New York pays 48 billion dollars to the federal government than they receive in return each year.

Otsego County Farmers will have 2 opportunities to drop off used agricultural film plastic for recycling under a special program offered by the County Solid Waste Department, the County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Collection dates are this Saturday, November 11, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, November 16 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested. Registration & more information is available at 282-4087, or occainfo.org/recycling-agricultural-plastics.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Gary Goslee of New Milford, Connecticut, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a traffic stop for speeding on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Goslee was arraigned & was later released on $500 cash bail, and scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date for further court proceedings.

36 year old Jennifer Grenchus of Vestal pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in Broome County Court on Friday. Grenchus was impaired by drugs on April 24th, when police responded to the parking lot of Tom's Cards and Gifts at 184 Main Street in Binghamton where they found that Grenchus hit 47 year old Ronald Richardson of Binghamton along Main Street and dragged his body underneath for several yards, before she turned into Tom's parking lot, Richardson died at the scene. Grenchus will be sentenced February 6.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Johnny Moxham of Delhi for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Moxham is accused of possessing heroin while driving without a license as well as operating a vehicle with a loud exhaust & an unsafe tire. Moxham was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.

NYSEG reports that over 500 power lines & over 80 Power poles were damaged by Monday's storm. Dry ice & bottle water will be available at Norwich, Oxford & Windsor Fire Departments today until 8:00 PM. About 90% of customers that lost power, should be restored by tonight at 10:00 PM, the remaining 10% should be restored by 1:00 PM Thursday. The Afternoon, over 7000 customers were without power in Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation investing a record $25.8 billion in education aid across New York State. The new legislation boosts education aid by $1.1 billion, including a $700 million increase in Foundation Aid. Aid to New York school districts has increased by 32% over the last 6 years.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41-year-old Sonya Thomas of Norwich for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Thomas is accused of failing to report that her child had runaway and was missing for over a week. Thomas was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Norwich court at a later date to answer to the charges.

The city of Oneonta announced that the Department of Public Service will be conducting additional curbside residential pick ups of residential brush & yard waste, for the rest of this week & into next week. The extra collection time is due to the high winds from Monday's storm that knocked down limbs & branches all over the city more information is available at 432-6465, extension 3.

State Police conducted a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 23 in the Town of Davenport. The driver was 58-year-old Gasper Ciraolo of Bainbridge; the passengers were 22-year-old Ashley Nistad, and 18-year-old Colin Stanton, both from Sidney. A search located heroin, prescription pills and a switchblade in the vehicle; Ciraolo was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and other traffic violations. Nistad and Stanton were arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; all 3 were arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on bail, pending court action on May 9th.

Farmers will have two opportunities to drop off their agricultural plastic for recycling under a special program offered by Otsego County Solid Waste Department, the Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Ag plastic will be collected Saturday, May 6, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, May 11 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested, at (607) 282-4087.

The Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee of the Otsego County Board of Representatives announced that they continue to investigate the situation regarding Sergeant Ros Devlin of the Otsego County Corrections Department, who is also the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Ros Devlin was accused of using excessive violence as a corrections officer, he is also accused of making threats, possibly against area schools and the public in general that led to his pistol permit being revoked, and he was banned from being on County Property, and his behavior was being investigated by the County District Attorney’s office, The County’s Labor Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department & State Police. Sheriff Devlin was requested to recuse himself from the investigation due to an obvious conflict of interest, which he initially refused; County officials said that the Sheriff did not advise them of his original disciplinary action until April 10th. The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 21 year old Alissa Young of Hancock, Thursday for 1 count of Driving While Ability Impaired Drugs plus other charges, Following the report of a vehicle going off the road and into a ditch on State Highway 97 in the Town of Hancock, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bail bond. Deputies also arrested Young’s passenger, 26-year-old Anthony Rhinebeck of Hancock, for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument, he is accused of possessing 3 hypodermic instruments, Rhinebeck was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bail bond.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that they have extended the hours of its Income Tax Call Center through the April 18 filing deadline to assist taxpayers. On Monday & Tuesday, the call center at 518-457-5181 will remain open until 7:30 p.m. to assist taxpayers with last minute tax return filing questions. For taxpayers using a home computer or mobile device, many questions can be answered at tax.ny.gov.

A special meeting for Afton Village Residents meeting will be held on Sunday, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Bolster Community Center, on Main Street. Residents will hear about 2 grants that could benefit the Village, & ask questions to the consultants from GeoEco Design, regarding the Economic Revitalization Strategic Plan. More information is available at 639-4849.

Rotary District 7170 has received a Rotary Global grant to help with the local fight against heroin & Opioid abuse in 7 local counties, including Chenango, Delaware Otsego & Broome Counties. District Grant Committee Chairperson Lana Rouff told WCDO News what the money would be used for:

(Lana Rouff 4-14-17)

Rouff said that the money will also be used of an Internet program to target those who may be using Opioids and get them the help they need.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the newly created Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program. This program will provide funding assistance to eligible applicants for projects that seek to attract visitors to Delaware County and enhance the overall tourism industry. Applications for grant assistance must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5:00pm on May 17th. More information is available at 607-832-5123.

4 Chenango County Farms will benefit following an announcement by Governor Cuomo, to address the impact of climate change on agriculture. The Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $67,716 to work with four farms to plant 1,015 acres of cover crops over a three year period, to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, increase soil organic matter and improve resiliency to the farm from extreme weather conditions like floods & droughts.

State Police arrested 34 year old Rachel Howard of Burlington Flats for the Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .18 and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop when Howard was observed driving across hazard markings while on County Route 22 in the Town of Exeter. An investigation determined that she was driving while highly intoxicated. Howard was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Exeter Court on April 19, 2017.

The State DEC is opening spring turkey season on May 1 in the upstate counties. The DEC's annual youth turkey hunting weekend is scheduled for April 22 & 23, for junior hunters ages 12-15. The DEC encourages experienced hunters to take a novice hunter afield this spring, more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2016-17 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the "Turkey Hunting" pages of DEC's website at dec.ny.gov.

Today is the last day to sign up for free income tax preparation in Chenango County through the Colgate University Volunteer income tax assistance program. Residents who earned less than $54,000 may be eligible to participate, more information, can be made through Cornell Cooperative Extension at 99 Broad Street in Norwich, at 334-5841. The deadline to file state & federal income taxes is Tuesday April 18th this year.

The city of Oneonta department of public service announced that curbside pick up of brush & yard waste will begin again on Monday April 17th. Wards 1-4 will get their waste picked up stating on Monday, wards 5 through 8 will get their first pick up April 24th. More information about what is collectable or the city schedule, can contact the department at 432-2100 during regular business hours.

Amanda Hellman of Vestal was sentenced in Broome County Court to 10 years in state prison for her role in the kidnapping of Shaleen and Kylea Fortner in April of 2015, from their foster home. Both girls were found at Hellman's residence in Vestal, their biological mother Cindy Fortner is accused of assisting Hellman with the kidnapping, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges & faces sentencing shortly.

The Unatego Alumni Association will hold their 1st annual "All Class" alumni reunion this Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Association spokesperson Judy Pitel explains:

(Judy Pitel 7-12-16)

More information is available at 435-3053.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $13.1 million has been awarded for 42 agricultural water quality conservation projects across the state, benefiting over 120 farms. The funding is provided to 25 County Soil and Water Conservation Districts through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, it supports projects that allow farmers to address water quality challenges in priority watersheds. The Southern Tier will see $810,551 for projects

19th congressional district democratic party candidate Zephyr Teachout reported that in the second quarterly fundraising period that runs from April 1-June 30th, she received 69,704 contributions from 43,037 donors, at an average of $15.91, raising a total of $1,109,121.55 in that quarter. In total, Teachout raised $1,639,854.30 since she kicked off her campaign in January. The full filing will be publicly available on July 15th at www.fec.gov. Teachout faces Republican John Faso to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional district in the November General Election.

State Senator Jim Seward is filing nearly 3,800 signatures on nominating petitions for re-election as state senator representing the 51st senatorial district. Seward once again filed for the Republican party nomination, the Independence party nod and the Conservative party designation. Seward also filed for the newly formed Reform party line. Seward was first elected to the state senate in 1986.

The Otsego County Office for the Aging will be providing information & assistance for seniors, regarding Medicare, at their annual Senior Picnic on July 21st at Glimmerglass State Park. Tickets for the event will be available until Monday July 18th at 547-4232 or 855-547-4390.

Norwich Police arrested 36 year old Gregory Huzinec of Norwich for 1st degree robbery, 2nd degree kidnapping, 1st degree burglary, & 2nd degree assault, for allegedly breaking into a Norwich residence on July 7th, forcibly stealing property, displaying a weapon, attacking a person, and causing injuries to a person. He was arraigned in the Norwich City Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 Bond pending future court action today. Additional charges are pending.

Another Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets will be held this afternoon in Delaware County. The clinic will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Colchester Highway Garage at 6292 River Road in Downsville.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-28-16

The Avon Breast Health Outreach Program has awarded a $60,000 one-year grant to Chenango Health Network to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer and to assure that women in Chenango County are screened and receive follow-up care. Chenango Health Network's Every Woman Counts in Chenango County Campaign is a local community-based effort to encourage and help women to have breast cancer screenings. More than 650 Chenango County women are actively participating in this program. More Information is available at 337-4128 or chenangohealth.org.

82 school districts have been designated as fiscally stressed under New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, for the fiscal year ending on June 30th 2015. The 8 school districts were classified in “significant stress” none of those were in the local tri-county area.   The 2nd level, entitled “Moderate Stress” included the Unatego School distinct, The Cooperstown district was listed as susceptible to fiscal stress. School districts found to be in fiscal stress are operating with low fund balances, a pattern of operating deficits and limited cash on hand & are more likely to have a shrinking property tax base, low budget support and a low graduation rate.

a Town of Otselic resident was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance and Promoting Prison Contraband.   30 year old Steven White was found to be in possession of controlled substance while being booked into the Chenango County Jail, he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Norwich of Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced $11 million is available to protect soil and water resources through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program. These grants will assist farmers in implementing the best management practices to address water quality challenges in priority watersheds throughout New York State while increasing productivity and economic activity. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can now apply for the AgNPS Program through agriculture.ny.gov.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department & State Police announced that 7 people were sent to jail on felony drug charges following the discovery, dismantling and clean-up of an active meth-lab at 116 East Street in the Village of Walton Tuesday night. Police executed a search warrant, 7 adults and 3 children were removed, and the children were provided medical evaluation for potential contamination of toxic chemicals and were placed into emergency foster care. Police seized an active meth lab, prescription medications, cocaine, marijuana and public assistance benefit cards. Sheriff’s Investigators arrested James Nash, of Walton; Amanda Bicknell, of Walton; James Klinegardner of Tennessee, Brooklyn Alford of Walton; Tammy Lewis, of Walton; Johnny & Emily Uhl of Swan Lake, on a variety of drug charges plus Endangering the Welfare of a Child. All 7defendants were returned to the Delaware County Jail on $150,000 cash bail or $300,000 property bond.

The Oxford Police Department has teamed up with "Truth Pharm" to try a different approach to the growing heroin problem; they will be holding a free Narcan training session for anyone interested at the Oxford High School at today 5:30 PM. Oxford Police Chief Richard Nolan comments:

(Oxford Police Chief Richard Nolan 1-28-16)

Chief Nolan said that they will also be holding another session in more detail for first responders in February, they are also receiving grant money to set aside an area for people struggling with addiction to come & talk with Police & Volunteers on how to get treatment to beat the heroin addiction.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next Business After-Hours meeting today. The event starts at 6:00 pm at Stella Luna Ristorante located at 58 Market Street in Oneonta.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday for the 2nd degree murder trial of Anthony Taglianetti of Virginia.  Taglianetti is charged with fatally shooting 51-year-old Keith Reed Jr. in Chautauqua County last September. U.S. Marshals arrested Taglianetti in Virginia 8 days after Reed’s murder. Reed previously served as a principal in Sherburne-Earlville Central School District prior to becoming superintendent of the Clymer Central School District.

Delaware County Deputies responded to Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Franklin regarding a domestic incident complaint.  Deputies arrested 27-year-old Danielle Lister of Walton for Criminal Mischief, Harassment and Endangering the welfare of a child. Lister was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Franklin Court at a later time.

Catholic Charities will hold a fundraiser on September 28th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at the Chenango County fair grounds, to benefit their “Roots & Wings” program.  Executive director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith)

The event is called “Bands, Brew & Barbecue", as local musical acts, micro-breweries and barbecue business will be on hand to help raise funds, over 14,400 households have been assisted by the “Roots & Wings Program.  More information is available at 334-8244.

State senator Jim Seward co-sponsored a proposal called "The Funding Emergency Relief Now” bill, to assist property owners when FEMA or other funding is denied, with a refundable state income tax credit against property taxes paid where properties have suffered value-reducing damage.  The bill calls for a state task force on flood prevention and mitigation, enhanced funding through the Environmental Protection Fund for soil and water conservation districts, National Guard directed and supported construction assistance in communities where flood mitigation measures have been identified, and requiring a simplified and expedited process for the state share of any reimbursable flood-related costs by local governments. The legislation is expected to be voted on next year.