WCDO Radio News

Norwich police announced that 73-year-old Gary Powell of Norwich has been reported missing.  Powell was last seen yesterday afternoon operating a 2006 PT Cruiser, black, with New York license plate number CKR-5668. Police said that Powell may be suffering from dementia and is in need of dialysis treatment. Anyone with information can call 334-1212.

State Troopers arrested 31-year-old Brandon Hannah of Bainbridge on charges of 2nd degree burglary and reckless endangerment.  Hannah was charged following a complaint on Searles Hill Road, he was arraigned & was remanded to the county jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local unemployment rates for November.  Locally, Chenango County’s rate went up one tenth to 6.3%, Delaware county’s rate went down 2/10’s to 6.9% Otsego county’s rate went down 1/10th to 6.1%.

The Otsego County Chamber (https://www.facebook.com/TheOtsegoCountyChamber) of Commerce announced that the State of the State Breakfast would be January 7th at the Foothills Performing Arts center in Oneonta from 8:00 am to 10:00am. Area elected officials have been invited to attend, chamber members are advised to RSVP by January 3rd at 432-4500 extension 207.

The NY State of Health reported that 447,990 New Yorkers have completed their applications and 214,077 people have enrolled for coverage starting on January 1st.  The number of enrolled New Yorkers increased by 25,531 since Monday.  More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling toll-free at 1-855-355-5777.

The Binghamton Senators announced that they would be inducting Denis Hamel into the Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame in an on-ice ceremony during the January 25 home game versus the Rochester Americans. Binghamton Senators Team owner Tom Mitchell explains:

(Tom Mitchell 12-26-13)

Hamel played in 438 games recording 203 goals and 189 assists, for 392 points, power-play goals with 86, game-winning goals with 36 and shorthanded goals with 14.  Tickets are available by calling the Binghamton Senators Executive Office at 722-7367 or at the Arena Box Office, or through Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.

A national coalition of anti-smoking advocates ranks New York 21st among states in funding for smoking cessation programs. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids also included New York among states it said broke promises to use all or most of the money, from the tobacco company settlement 15 years ago, to combat smoking. The group said New York is spending about $40 million a year on tobacco prevention programs after annual declines the last decade. That spending is only about 16 percent of the $254 million in yearly funding recommended for New York by the CDC.

A.m. news Tuesday 12-24-13

62-year-old  Barry Renert has been apprehended by the Richmond City Police Department in Virginia, shortly after midnight.  Renert was remanded to the Richmond City Jail, he was wanted for yesterday’s shooting at the 7th Inning Stretch store at 137 Main Street in Cooperstown.  Renert is expected to be extradicted back to Otsego county to face court action.

The River Club in Afton will offer a free Christmas day buffet again this year, for area families that may have fallen on hard times.  Buffets will be offered from 12 noon to 2:30pm. Reservations, or requests to have meals delivered can be made at 639-3060.

State wildlife managers tallying results of the 2013 big game season said hunters killed slightly more deer than last year, but not enough to meet population reduction goals in targeted areas. The state DEC said the number of deer killed is about 1 percent higher than last year. The DEC tried to increase the number of antlerless deer killed to reduce deer populations in many areas.

Today is the latest deadline to sign up for the Federal Affordable Care act through the state’s health exchange, for coverage starting January 1st.  About 135,000 people have enrolled and 363,000 have completed applications. The last day for enrollment in coverage for next year is March 31st.  More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Schools and villages May face additional cuts to their budgets next year, as the property-tax cap will be 1.6%.   The tax cap is calculated every year based on rate-of-inflation projections from the state Budget Division. The cap is either 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the locations of 116 winter farmers’ markets – the total at an all-time high in New York State – can now be found on the state’s open data website at Open.ny.gov (https://data.ny.gov/). This comprehensive data transparency website will help provide New Yorkers with a user-friendly way to search for farmers’ markets near their homes this winter season.

Governor Cuomo announced changes yesterday to the mental health situation in the southern tier, with a new plan to keep much of the existing services going, and add new services. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch was one of the lawmakers who opposed the initial plans to close down mental health services around the greater Binghamton area, he told WCDO News that he is pleased with this outcome:

(Cliff Crouch 12-20-13)

Crouch said that they still have to work on a plan to keep the Broome Developmental Center opened; it is scheduled to close in 2015. Details of the plans announced yesterday are available at governor.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo signed 35 bills into law late Wednesday and vetoed 33 others, rejecting legislation that would have allowed the limited sale of sparklers and exempted small vending machine sales from tax. Cuomo signed bills expanding the number of judges serving on city court benches, increasing oversight of special-education providers; easing requirements for a business tax credit for hiring high school students; modernizing state laws that govern nonprofits; and requiring manufacturers to collect old mercury thermostats. 11 bills still need to be dealt with by Cuomo before the end of the year.

State Troopers at Troop C in Sidney arrested 45-year-old Keith Hoefer of Unadilla for unlawful possession of marihuana. The arrest resulted from a vehicle and traffic law stop on State Route 7 in Unadilla, Hoefer was found to possess 14 grams of marihuana. He was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Unadilla Court at a later date.

Sidney village police arrested 61 year old Robert Holt of Unadilla on a charge of petty larceny. Holt is accused of taking a misplaced envlelop with $1,000 cash belonging to someone else, in the lobby of the Sidney Federal Credit Union’s Main Branch. Holt faces court action in February.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will send out judges tonight & through the weekend, to decide on their annual “Sprit Awards", for the best decorated houses for the holidays. Chamber spokesperson Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 12-20-13)

The Sidney Chamber held their annual Jolly Holly days Parade December 6th, as well as the annual children’s holiday party at the Sidney Library last Saturday, and this year they collected food for the food pantry during the annual parade.

Milk prices could reach $7 or $8 a gallon next year if Congress can't pass a new farm bill. Congress is required to pass a new farm bill every five years which sets milk prices to farmers and also determines food stamp benefits. The last farm bill expired in the fall of 2012. Congress has until the end of the month to pass a new farm bill or an extension on the old one.

A lawsuit challenging the legality of the property-tax cap will be heard in state Supreme Court. The New York State United Teachers union is suing Governor Cuomo and the state Education Department over the law, saying it is unconstitutional to limit the growth in property taxes to 2% a year. This year, 98 percent of schools and 77 percent of local governments stayed under cap. For 2014, the tax cap is set at 1.6 percent, based on the current rate of inflation. The tax cap can be overridden with 60 percent of a vote of a governing board, or for schools it’s 60 percent of the public vote in May.

P.m. news Tuesday 12-17-13
State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced the death of Trooper David Cunniff. Who succumbed to injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident on the State Thruway last night. Trooper Cunniff was conducting a traffic stop at around 8:00 PM last night when he was struck by a tractor-trailer, which had veered off of the road into the Patrol Vehicle & the stopped vehicle. Trooper Cunniff was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he died this afternoon. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

The Broome County Sheriff’s department responded to another gas station armed robbery last night, at about 9:45 p.m. to the Xtra Mart in Chenango Bridge. The Sheriff's Office reported that a robber entered the store at 1757 Route 12 and flashed a knife, he then fled on foot. The suspect was described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, 5 feet 11 inches tall. Similar armed robberies have been reported in recent weeks in Johnson City, Binghamton and Fenton, the investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo today released a report on the State's tourism initiatives showing that the number of visitors to New York increased by 8.8 million this year. The tourism industry is projected to generate $7.7 billion in state and local taxes with direct spending expected to reach $61.3 billion. The industry is also projected to add 24,800 jobs by the end of the year. Details of the report are available at governor.ny.gov.

The state Board of Regents recommended a 6 percent increase in state education funding next fiscal year, saying the $1.3 billion increase is needed for struggling districts and pre-kindergarten programs. Schools have received a 4 percent annual increase in state aid since 2012 and the proposal calls for aid to increase from nearly $21 billion to $22.3 billion for the 2014-15 fiscal year, which starts April 1. Gov Cuomo will release his budget proposal on Jan. 21

The NY State of Health, the State's official health plan marketplace, said 363,258 New Yorkers had completed their applications and 134,622 people have enrolled for coverage starting on January 1st. The enrollments represent an increase of about 34 percent over the total from December 9th. more information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Donald Trump said that he would decide soon on whether or not to run for Governor of New York next year, against an expected bid to re-election by Andrew Cuomo. Trump said that he hadn't considered a run for governor, but several top state Republicans have courted him to consider it. A recent Marist College poll shows Cuomo leading Trump by a stunning 70-24 margin.

The fire that destroyed 118 Mechanic Street in Guilford Monday night was caused by a defective television, according to investigators with the Chenango county bureau of fire. All occupants escaped the fire, which started at around 6:00 PM Monday night, and rekindled briefly Tuesday morning. No injuries among firefighters from the Guilford and Oxford fire departments were reported.

State Police and the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department arrested 27-year-old Brendan Lawrence of Oneonta, on charges of 1st degree burglary, 3rd degree criminal mischief, & endangering the welfare of child. Police responded to 474 Airport Road in the Town of Laurens, for a burglary in progress, Lawrence was arraigned in the Town of Laurens Court and committed to the Otsego County Jail on $15,000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Laurens Court on February 20th.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings in Sidney to women 40 and older that are uninsured. The event will be held today from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital on Pearl Street in Sidney, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 5 suspects from Sherburne, New Berlin, Edmeston and Pittsfield for 1- count each of 2nd degree Burglary.  Arrested were 38-year-old Christina Clifford of Pittsfield, 20-year-old Travis Conklin of New Berlin, 19-year-old Samantha Savianeso of Edmeston, 20-year-old Samantha Marshall of Sherburne, & 18-year-old Isabella Gray of Edmeston, Following a weeklong investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.  All 5 are accused of entering the Milford Academy in the Village of New Berlin and stealing items ranging from clothes to electronic equipment.  Deputies reported that some of the items have been recovered; anyone with more information should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Local lawmakers have met with Governor Cuomo’s staff and members of the state health department, regarding plans to close mental health facilities in Binghamton, Elmira & across the North Country, and move all of those patients to get care in Syracuse.  Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News that better plans need to be formulated:

(Cliff Crouch 12-4-13)

Crouch said that he is also co-sponsoring a bill in the assembly that State Senator Tom Libous has forwarded in the Senate, to freeze mental health facilities closings for 2 years, in order to formulate a better plan that simply closing facilities and passing the problem into local hospital and jails.

Oneonta police have arrested 23-year-old Anthony Placido or Newtown North Carolina, for 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree conspiracy, and 1st degree attempted robbery, in connection with a November 14th incident on Gilbert Street in Oneonta.  Placido is being held on $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond in Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

New York financial regulators sent subpoenas to 16 online firms suspected of deceptive marketing by generating leads for illegal payday loans. The Department of Financial Services said the firms collect and sell personal information to payday lenders in violation of state law. The short-term loans are typically advances on a paycheck with high interest rates. Letters were also sent to debt collectors in New York, telling them not to collect on illegal payday loans.  For more information go to dfs.ny.gov.

The Moreland commission is proposing limiting the use of public funds to help pay for political campaigns to combat Albany's misconduct. The commission also seeks lower limits for contributions, greater disclosure of legislators' private law firm clients, and greater disclosure of who contribute to politicians and political parties. Governor Cuomo created the commission after the latest spate of corruption cases brought by federal prosecutors.  30 state officials have been involved in corruption cases over the last 7 years.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $45 million in funding for the Vital Access/Safety Net Provider Program to support projects over the next 3 years by 37 facilities that were selected due to financial condition and critical role in providing services to their elderly population.  The VAP program was established by the Medicaid Redesign Team, the Department of Health will immediately begin working with the facilities to establish goals & track progress, locally, Facilities receiving funding include A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, with over $ 3 million dollars, and Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, with  $ 221,000.

New York Farm Bureau members along with the Feeding America Food Banks have donated almost 8.4 million pounds of food this year.  Farm Bureau also handed over a nearly $1,000 cash donation from nine County Farm Bureaus within the Food Bank of Central New York’s 11 county area. The announcement was made at the first day of the Farm Bureau’s 2013 State Annual Meeting in Syracuse yesterday.

Family Planning of South Central New York will sponsor Free HIV & Free Emergency Contraception days today in Walton & tomorrow at their Sidney location.  The event coincides with “World Aids Day”; more information is available 723-5130 extension 232.

The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will host the Holiday Open House at NBT Bank today.  The Holiday Open House will run from 5:00p.m. To 7:00 p.m. at the 1 Wall Street Oneonta location, more information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

The Sidney chamber of commerce will hold their next regular meeting this morning.  The December Meeting will begin at 7:45 am at the Sidney Golf & country club.

The Otsego county department of health will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic today in Cooperstown.  The event will be held at the SPCA facility in Cooperstown between 4:00 & 6:00 PM.  More information is available at 547-4230.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings on December 9th, when the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will set up at the Walton Big M supermarket on Delaware Street, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Screenings include pelvic exams, pap tests, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits for men and women 50 or older.  Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Today is World Aids Day, and Family Planning of South Central New York is offering free services today & even later in the week at their area locations.  Spokesperson Debra Marcus explains:

(Debra Marcus 12-2-13)

More information about Family Planning of South Central New York is available 723-5130 extension 232.

The Delaware County Fair Board announced that country music star Easton Corbin, with special guest Danielle Bradbery will perform in concert on Saturday August 16, 2014 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton.   Easton has had a string of hits on the country charts; Bradbery charmed her way into the national spotlight during Season 4 of  “The Voice”.  Pre-sale TRACK ONLY ticket vouchers are now available for $30 at Hodges Sales and Service on Delaware Street in Walton today through December 24th.

Delaware County officials announced that it had received a grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal in support of its efforts to attract Data Control Group LLC to Hancock.   Data Control Group plans to make a $2.8 million investment in Hancock to renovate and equip a portion of the long vacant Becton Dickinson manufacturing building for the development of a call center and back office operation.  This project is projected to result in the creation of 400 new full-time jobs over the next two years. More information is available at the County’s Economic Development website atwww.dcecodev.com (http://www.dcecodev.com/) or by phoning 746-8595

Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies Arrested 19 year old Devyn Clum of Kortright for 2 counts of 4th degree Criminal Mischief and 2nd degree Harassment.  Clum was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident; he is accused of destroying property and for not allowing the victim to call 911. Clum was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail, he will appear in the Town of Kortright Court at a later date.

The Oneonta Police Department arrested 57 year old Lafayette Alexander of Hollis Points, New York for 1st degree Forgery, 2 counts of 1st degree Identity Theft, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Falsifying business records, Attempted Identity Theft & Attempted Grand Larceny.  Police were notified by NBT bank personnel of a fraudulent business loan application,  Alexander allegedly used another person’s name, social security number, fake drivers license and fraudulent tax returns as well as other questionable information.  Alexander was arraigned and held on $30,000 cash bail, or $60,000 bond pending future court action.

State police are continuing with the investigation into the death of 52 year old Charles Bruce of Long Island, who was fatally shot in the chest while hunting in Westford Saturday.  Bruce was hunting with friends Saturday, when he was shot by an unidentified person hunting from a tree, Bruce died at the scene, the case is being investigated by state Police, the state DEC and the Otsego county District attorney’s office.

State police arrested 33-year-old Bridgitt Eggleston of Bainbridge following the reported theft of as vehicle.  Eggleston was charged with 4 counts of 3rd degree grand larceny and 3 counts of 2nd degree grand larceny, following the investigation, she faces court action shortly.

State Senator Tom Libous is seeking a meeting with key state officials in an effort to keep Broome Developmental and other key facilities open.  Libous forwarded legislation call for a freeze until 2015 for the closure of mental health facilities, so that alternative plans can be forwarded & discussed.  Libous told WCDO News what prompted the talk of these closures:

(Libous 11-21-13)

Libous said that he is looking forward to meeting with key officials as early as next week regarding the issue, he has registered his concerns with Governor Cuomo, who he said is sympathetic to his position.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 31-year-old Vann Ross Shipley of Bainbridge as a fugitive from the State of South Carolina.  Shipley was wanted on a warrant issued by Horry County Family Court for failure to pay child support; he was arraigned in Chenango County Court & was remanded to the Chenango County jail without bail pending extradition back to South Carolina.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 64-year-old Daniel Dumont of Albany County, on a charge of 4th degree Grand Larceny.  Dumont is accused of making ATM withdrawals of more than $1,000 from a checking account that he was not authorized to access.  Dumont was taken into custody at the Bethlehem Police Department in Albany County & was transported to the Town of Norwich Court for his arraignment, he was ordered to reappear at a later date.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced the death of Trooper Ross Riley, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a fall at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County.  Riley was a member of the Special Operations Response Team, he fell from a ledge approximately 30 feet into a creek, and He was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford Cafeteria at 6:30 PM.  The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Assemblyman Pete Lopez will be holding a town hall meeting for the towns of Cherry Valley and Roseboom Tonight at 7:00 PM.  The meeting will be held at Community Center at 2 Genesee Street in Cherry Valley.

NYSEG reported wide spread power outages throughout the region, from last night’s high winds.  The Walton area had the largest number with about 1000 customers without power this morning that forced the cancellation of classes at the ARC of Delaware County Walton facilities, as well as the closure of the Walton central school district. Power has been restored to walton and most affected areas today.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators, Deputies and K-9 "Ozzie", assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit and members of the State Police executed a Search Warrant at the Tammy Fairbairn residence in Bloomville.  Law Enforcement officers seized 130 bags of heroin, about $1100 in cash and Public Assistance Benefit Cards.  Investigators arrested 46-year-old Tammy Fairbairn of Bloomville, 20-year-old Nakota Lame of Bloomville and 26-year-old Alamin McMillon of Syracuse, for 1 count each of 3rd degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  All 3 were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on bail, more charges are anticipated.

State Senator Tom Libous held a press conference in Binghamton today, he mentioned that he has discussed with Governor Cuomo his concerns about the proposal to close mental health facilities in Binghamton and Elmira, that would force some people to far away locations around the state, and force sex offenders into local group homes:

(Libous 11-18-13)

Libous said that he is also planning legislation to call for a freeze of the closing of mental health facilities until 2015 in order to come up with alternative plans.

State police in Sidney & the US Marshals fugitive task force apprehended 29-year-old Angelina Wilson of Conklin, who was wanted for absconding from the Pennsylvania Department of parole & probation, for her participation in gas station armed robberies around Halstead, Pennsylvania.  Wilson was caught while fleeing from a trailer park in Conklin, she was also found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle and syringe.   Wilson was arraigned as a fugitive from justice and remanded to Broome county jail pending extradition back to Pennsylvania.

“Register Now” post cards are being mailed to 900,000 homeowners who have not re-registered for the “STAR” school tax relief program   those who have not re-registered will receive their postcards in the mail this week, reminding to register by the December 31st deadline.  Homeowners with basic STAR exemptions had to re-register this year after an investigation by the Tax department found that thousands received STAR Exemptions on more than one property.  Registrations can be performed at tax.ny.gov.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced that he would be hosting 2 town hall meetings next week.  The first meeting will be the Town of North Norwich, at 5:30 PM today at the town hall at 188 County Route 23, followed by a town hall meeting for the Town of Nanticoke tomorrow night at 6:00 PM at the Nanticoke Town Hall at 755 Cherry Valley Hill Road in the town of Maine.

Congressman Gibson submitted comments to the State Department of Health regarding the draft midterm revisions to the New York City’s Filtration Avoidance Determination.   Gibson stated that the Land Acquisition Plan needs  to be decreased from $50 million to $20 million over the next 5 years.  Gibson also said that Reservoir levels should be maintained based on a scientific and technical review of NYC water needs, new infrastructure improvements, and an analysis of the risk facing Upstate communities. Contingency plans should also be put in place in the event of the potential of significant weather events.

Assemblyman Pete Lopez will be holding town hall meetings for area constituents this week.  Tonight’s meeting will be for the towns of Worcester and Decatur at 7:00 PM tonight at the Worcester Central School Auditorium at 198 Main Street in       Worcester.

P.M. NEWS 11-13-13

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 men on charges of 3rd degree Criminal Mischief, 4th degree Grand Larceny in the fourth degree & 3rd degree Criminal Trespass.  Deputies arrested 22-year-old Cody Gay of North Norwich & 22 year old Paul Presnell of North Norwich following an investigation into damaged and stolen railroad tracks from the New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railways. The pair is accused of using torches to cut out sections of track in North Norwich in August, and then selling the metal.  Gay and Presnell were processed and released on appearance tickets for a later court date.

The State Police Troop C Violent Felony Warrant Squad, and U.S Marshals Fugitive Task Force, apprehended 3 people wanted in Broome County.  Arrested were 20-year-old Shayne Bartow of Vestal, who was wanted for Felony Probation Violation & 2nd degree Burglary by the Broome County Sheriff's Office.  Also apprehended were 21-year-old Denzel Duncan of Binghamton, who was wanted for Felony Aggravated Family Offense by the Binghamton Police Department and 50-year-old Debbie Duffy of Vestal, who was wanted for Welfare Fraud by the Binghamton Police Department.  All 3 fugitives were turned over to the respective wanting agencies.

Area Assembly Members Cliff Crouch & Donna Lupardo hosted a public meeting last night at the Chenango Valley High School, to get input on the controversial plan to close down the Broome Developmental Center.  Area State Senator Tom Libous is opposed to the closing:

(Libous 11-13-13)

Initial plans called for Broome Developmental and 2 other mental health facilities in the area to get closed down as part of proposed state budget cuts, and move the employees at those facilities to similar facilities around the state.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined with 31 attorneys general urging Google/Motorola, Samsung and Microsoft to develop a technological means to protect smartphone users by drying up secondary markets for stolen devices and eliminate the economic incentive for theft.  The Secure Our Smartphones Initiative encourages the smartphone industry to implement a solution to the robberies involving mobile communication devices.  Smartphone thieves victimized about 1.6 million Americans in 2012, with San Francisco & New York City seeing huge increases.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 33-year-old Timothy Heady of Norwich for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.  Heady was charged following a traffic stop for a moving violation in the Town of Columbus, during the stop, Heady was found to be operating the motor vehicle under the influence of marihuana, he was also found to be in possession of marihuana.  Heady was taken into custody without incident, was processed and released to a sober third party, he will appear in the Town of Columbus Court at a later date.

New York's new online health exchange now reports 197,011 New Yorkers have completed applications to get insured, while 48,162 have enrolled in plans, nearly half in the Medicaid program for low-income residents. The exchange, which opened Oct. 1st as the state's response to the federal Affordable Care Act, includes low-cost plans for individuals and small businesses with coverage starting January 1st. State officials have estimated 1.1 million uninsured will enroll over the next few years.  For more information go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov

Governor Cuomo announced that the State University of New York was recognized by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities with a national award for its economic engagement efforts, including START-UP NY. SUNY was one of four institutions of higher education presented with the Innovation and Economic Prosperity Award in Washington, D.C. START-UP NY, initiated by Cuomo this year, is designed to attract business and investments to the state, by offering an opportunity to operate completely tax-free, while partnering with world-class institutions of higher education.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 33 year old Jonathan Hynes, who was arraigned on charges from a sealed indictment in Delaware County Court, for 2 counts of 1st degree Robbery, 3rd & 4th degree Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 3rd degree Burglary, Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument & Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  The charges followed the investigation into the October 26th Stamford Country Store & the October 28th robbery Davenport Quickway robberies.  Hynes was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail pending further action.  36 year old Jolene Hynes was also charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, she was arraigned in Stamford Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail and $2000 bond, pending court action on November 26th.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Geneia Rood of Pitcher, completing the investigation into the death of 3-month-old Brenna Quinn on September 5th in Pitcher.  Deputies reported that the infant died while being watched by Rood, who has been charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter.  Dr. James Terzian ruled the victim’s death a homicide, as the child had alcohol in her system. Rood was arraigned in Chenango County Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $50,000 cash bail; she will face court action on November 18th.

Delaware county Deputies arrested 3 people on a Sealed Indictment Warrants issued by the Delaware County Court.   42-year-old Amy Mills of Franklin was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling prescription medications, she was arraigned in the Delaware County Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000.00 cash bail or $10,000.00 insured bond.  Also, 39 year old Stephanie Townsend of Sidney was charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and 45 year old James Townsend of Sidney was charged with 1 count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, they are accused of selling prescription medications, they were both arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail.   Sidney Village Police Department assisted deputies during the investigation and the subsequent arrests.

The Oneonta town board is expected to act on their annual budget proposal at tonight’s meeting.  The budget totals 1.2 million dollars; with a tax levy increase of 1.2%.  Tonight’s meeting will be held at the Oneonta town hall in west Oneonta starting at 7:30 PM.

The Sidney Memorial Public Library will host a presentation of New York state health Navigators tonight at 6:30.  The presentation is a chance for uninsured individuals under the age of 65 to have access to affordable health insurance options.  The program is free & open to the public.

The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce NETWORKING LUNCHEON PIZZA PARTY will be held today at Stella Luna from 11:45 to 1:30 PM today. More information is available at 432-4500.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 41-year-old Paula Adams of Otsego County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.  Adams was charged following a traffic stop in the Town of New Berlin, after an individual was spotted in the vehicle with an active arrest warrant for an unrelated charge, During the stop, Adams was found to be operating the motor vehicle with a suspended license, and she was also found to be in possession of the narcotic Suboxone.  Adams was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court; she faces court action at a later date.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is receiving items used in the World Series, which ended last night with the Boston Red Sox 3rd world championship since 2004.  Officials at the Hall will receive a Bat used by David Ortiz, Spikes worn by closer Koji Uehara, a   Jacket worn by Manager John Farrell, a Catcher’s helmet and mask worn by David Ross, a Glove used by shortstop Stephen Drew, batting gloves used by Xander Bogaerts & a bat used by Jonny Gomes.  The Museum will open the exhibit dedicated to the 2013 Red Sox in early December in Cooperstown.

A new study on prison health care costs shows New York 13th among states in spending for inmate care. The study by The Pew Charitable Trust and MacArthur Foundation shows New York spending rose 33% to nearly $5,900 for a prisoner's medical care in 2008. The report says inmates have higher incidence of mental illness and chronic and infectious diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis C than the general population that are costly to treat. New York was among the few states getting Medicaid reimbursements, getting $4.5 million through 2012

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Office found more than 25% of the real estate is exempt from all local taxes, totaling $680 billion. The study found some municipalities had less than 10% tax exempt, while others had more than 60%, 41% is government-owned property, 28% individual homeowners with special exemptions and14% for non-profits. Industrial and commercial properties account for 9 percent, and agriculture and public housing another 8 percent of tax-exempt property.

The state smoking ban was toughened when a new law made it illegal to smoke on the grounds of hospitals and nursing homes. The new law will makes it illegal to smoke within 15 feet of a building’s entrance or exit and 15 feet from the start or exit of the property of the facility.  The state Clean Indoor Act prohibited smoking indoors in almost all workplaces went into effect in 2003.

State police say New York cialis canadian drugs (http://www.lowtclinics.com/cialis-canadian-drugs) ammunition sellers will have to register with the state by January 15th.   The law enacted this year banned large-capacity magazines, required federal background checks for private gun sales and banned selling some popular semi-automatic rifles while requiring current owners to register them by next April 15th. Once the database is established, dealers will have to record transactions and report them, complete with dates, names, ages, occupations and residences of buyers and sellers.

State Police in Ithaca, along with the New York State Park Police, are investigating the discovery of skeletal human remains that were located in a wooded area in the Town of Ulysses, in Tompkins County.  State Police are currently working in conjunction with the Binghamton University Anthropology Department and the investigation is continuing.

The NY State of Health plan officials reported that nearly 174,000 New Yorkers have completed the application process and are eligible for the federal Affordable health Care insurance plan.  The rates for the health plans represent a 53% reduction compared to the previous year’s individual rates.  More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or by calling 1-855-355-5777.

More than 25% of real property value in New York is exempt from county, city and town property taxes, according to a report issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The total value of these exempt properties is $680 billion. The value increases to $826 billion for properties exempt from more than one type of local government or school district taxes. A copy of the new report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo signed a new law that will better protect New Yorkers from Hepatitis C by requiring hospitals and health service providers to offer testing for the virus to all patients born between 1945 and 1965.  According to the CDC 75 % of Hepatitis C infection and about 73 % of Hepatitis C-associated mortality occurs in individuals born during that period, as 150,000 New Yorkers are unaware of their Hepatitis C status. The new law will take effect on January 1st.

Hundreds of business leaders and CEOs from around the globe met yesterday for the official launch of START-UP New York, governor Cuomo’s plan to jump-start the state’s economy, especially in the struggling upstate regions, and around the upstate colleges.  Governor Cuomo commented at yesterday’s summit:

(Cuomo 10-23-13)

Governor Cuomo said that Businesses that are looking to startup or expand, and most importantly create jobs, should Visit www.startup-ny.com (http://www.startup-ny.com/) to learn more about the program.

The League of Women Voters of the Oneonta Area has set up debates tonight for a number of Otsego county races.  The Debates will begin at 7:00 PM  & will run until 9:30 this evening, at the Otsego Grille in Morris Hall at the State University of Oneonta.  The debates may be viewed on Time Warner Cable public access channels or at lwvoneonta.org.

A state loan program to assist first responders is changing  under legislation signed into law by Governor Cuomo.  The legislation was sponsored by area State Senator Jim Seward; it increases the amounts of allowable loans under the emergency services loan fund.  The program is financed by repayments to the fund, budget authority and a 911 surcharge on wireless telephone calls. Fire and EMS officials who are interested in the program may contact the Office of Fire Prevention and Control at 518-474-6746 or online at http://www.dhses.ny.gov.

Town of Guilford residents are invited to participate in a special planning workshop l on Saturday October 26th at 9:30 AM.  The event will be held at the Guilford town hall on marble road, more information is available at 895-9966 or 895-6827.

Natural gas production from the Marcellus Shale region is growing faster than expected, according to a new federal report issued Tuesday.   The Energy Information Administration report found production has now reached 12 billion cubic feet a day, which is the energy equivalent of about 2 million barrels of oil a day, and more than 6 times the 2009 production rate. The majority of the Marcellus gas is coming from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Marcellus shale is also under Ohio & New York, but Ohio has concentrated on oil production, and New York has a moratorium on shale gas drilling while comments were collected & health studies are continuing.

A new poll finds New Yorkers divided over whether the state is on the right track. A Siena College poll of registered voters found respondents evenly divided, 44 to 44% on whether the state is headed on the right or wrong direction. People who live in upstate New York tended to be more pessimistic, with 57% claiming that the state is headed in the wrong direction.  51 percent of New York City and downstate voters felt the state was headed on the right track.

Nearly 92% of teachers were rated highly effective or effective in the first year of a new evaluation system according to the state Education Department. The results are for 126,829 teachers outside New York City. The results come after the state released new student assessment scores as part of the Common Core program last summer, that showed just 31% of New York students in elementary and middle schools were proficient in math and reading.

State troopers arrested 19-year-old McKinley Ridenour & 20 year old Patrick Schneck of Delhi for unlawfully dealing with a child following a complaint.  Troopers responded to 1360 Scotch Mountain Road in Delhi, they observed a large number of under aged youths possessing alcoholic beverages.  Troopers discovered that the residents of the property where aware of under aged drinking, & were also participating in the party.   Ridenour  & Schneck were issued tickets returnable to the Delhi town court on October 29th.

Sidney Police Department arrested 25-year-old Kristin Yale of Sidney, following an accident on October 17th.  Yale was charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08% or higher & leaving the scene of an accident.  Yale faces court action on November 5th.

Sidney village police arrested 18-year-old Gage Leach of Norwich and 18-year-old Austin DeMuth of Oxford Saturday, following the report of a fire in a dugout at Ed Ray Field.  Both were charged with 4th degree attempted arson and endangering the welfare of a child, both face court action today.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will hold a community forum on the planned closure of inpatient services at the Greater Binghamton Health Center on Oct. 22nd from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Binghamton High School. There will be an opening presentation regarding the status of the closure and the public will have an opportunity to comment.

Tickets are available for the Broadway Musical “Hello Dolly” starring Sally Struthers, for 2 shows on November 10th in Binghamton.  Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 10-21-13)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Ticketmaster.com, at the Arena Box Office, more information is available at BroadwayInBingamton.com.

State regulators claim that utilities providing natural gas service have adequate supplies, delivery capability and storage inventory, to meet customer demands under severe winter weather conditions.  The Public Service Commission said that their annual review of the utilities winter preparedness also finds that customers heating bills are expected to rise this winter by more than 3% or about $6 a month, during the heating season.

DOT Officials announced that Prospect Street eastbound between Karlada Drive and Front Street in Binghamton would be closed for reconstruction of Prospect Street near the Front Street intersection.  A signed detour will be in place for Prospect Street eastbound traffic to Front Street, which will guide motorists on Prospect Street west to Airport Road, to the on-ramp to State Route 17 eastbound & to Interstate 81 northbound exit 5 to Front Street.   This traffic restriction will be in place for 6 weeks.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced a bill to create a Tick-borne Disease Advisory Committee.  Gibson said that they want to increase awareness & improve the diagnosis & treatment of those diseases, the CDC estimates that the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year is about 300,000, more information is available at Gibson.house.gov.

The Unadilla Fire Department will hold an open house tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the firehouse on Clifton Street.  The public is invited to check out the department’s equipment, and members will be on hand to answer questions.

The New York health exchange has signed up 134,000 New Yorkers since it opened on October 1st.  The goal is to sign up 1 million uninsured New Yorkers over the next 3 years.  The exchanges open January 1st and runs through March 31st, more information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics reported that  $105 million was spent on lobbying in the first 6 months of the year, the lowest amount in 5 years.  Philip Morris tobacco spent the most at nearly $1.6 million, 2nd was the New York State United Teachers union, 3rd was The Greater New York Hospital Association which spent $1.1 million, and New York State United Teachers union, which wants to build a new stadium in Queens, spent $842,000.  Lobbying amounts have decreased by 19% since Governor Cuomo’s first year in office.

Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies Arrested 25 year old Eric Ball of Oneonta for DWI, operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than .08, refusal to submit to a breath Test & speeding.  Ball was arrested following a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 10 in the Town of Walton. He was released to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced $10 million in Brownfield Opportunity Areas grants for 26 communities throughout the state. The grants provide funding for municipalities to implement revitalization strategies to redevelop impacted sites. Locally, the City of Norwich will get $90,000 to complete a revitalization plan for a 591-acre area with 33 vacant and Brownfield sites located at former industrial sites on the City's east side and for new commercial developments in downtown.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 29-year-old Bradley Lidell of Cincinnatus on an active Bench Warrant.  Lidell was picked up on a warrant issued out of the Town of Pitcher Court for failure to appear on Aggravated Unlicensed Operation charges, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

The Health & Wellness Fair will be held at the Southside mall in Oneonta tomorrow.  The event runs form 11:00 to 4:00 PM, a variety of health care professionals will be participating.

Governor Cuomo signed the Farm Cideries bill that establishes a new license for farm cideries similar to the licenses already available to farm wineries, breweries and distilleries. This  legislation follows through on promises made to farm cideries after the Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit held by the governor. The signing coincides with the beginning of CiderWeek NY through October 27th; more information is available at ciderweekny.com.

The Otsego county sheriff’s department arrested 16-year-old John Gardner of Morris for unlawfully fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of marijuana and multiple vehicle and traffic violations.  Gardner is accused of attempting to flee deputies, who attempted to stop him from driving an ATV at a high rate of speed through Morris.  Gardner was apprehended in a wooded area & fought with authorities, he was arraigned in Morris Town Court and sent to Otsego County jail on $1,000 bail, he posted bail & was released, he’ll reappear in court at a later date.

16 organizations in the region are received grants from the Community Foundation for South Central New York’s Community Fund and Women’s Fund fall 2013 competitive grant cycles. Local Organizations that won awards were Broome County United Way, the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship of Delaware & Otsego counties, Delaware Opportunities, the Kopernik Observatory, the 4 County Library System, Girls on the Run & Opportunities for Otsego.   More information about the Foundation can be found at donorswhocare.org.

State police reported that 21-year-old Megan Dunleavy of Connecticut fell from a 5-story roof at the former Kutcher’s resort in Sullivan county Thursday, while working for an event to reform marijuana laws.  Dunleavy was a senior at Hartwick College in Oneonta, foul play was not suspected.   State police reported that Dunleavy had been staying at Kutcher’s while working for concert promoter Damn Sam Productions and was assisting in the organization of the New York Harvest Festival and Freedom Fair that had been scheduled this past weekend.

The Sidney Republican Committee will hold a meet the candidates’ event this evening in Sidney.  Supervisor candidate Gene Pigford and Town Council candidates John Woodyshek & Jodi Proffitt will meet with interested Sidney town residents at the Sidney library from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.

The Chenango County Health Department will hold another free rabies clinic tonight.  The clinic will be held at the Oxford fire station from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, more information is available at 337-1673.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department arrested 20-year-old Samantha Rinker of Nineveh for allegedly bringing heroin into the Otsego County jail while being booked on a petty larceny charge.  Rinker was charged with a felony count of promoting prison contraband and criminal possession of a controlled substance, during processing Rinker was in possession of a small amount of heroin. Rinker was arraigned in Village of Cooperstown Court and was returned to the Otsego County jail on $1,000 bail, pending court action October 16th.

Veterans & their families are going to hold a rally at the veteran’s memorial in Bainbridge Park Sunday at 9:00 AM.  Katherine Colley is the wife of a Vietnam Veteran; she said that veterans nationwide are frustrated at the federal government shutdown:

(Katherine Colley)

The Sunday rally in Bainbridge will start at the same time as the Washington DC Million Vets March, Vets are protesting the Federal government shutdown, and how it adversely affecting benefits and their intended Washington gathering in another location.

The State Department of Financial Services will investigate salary spiking in the state’s pension funds and potential conflicts of interest among consultants used to oversee the funds, which are still among the largest in the country. The agency will audit the public-pension funds and they have sent letters to the New York City pension fund, the state pension fund and the New York Teachers’ Retirement System.

Flu season is coming and the State Health Department is recommending people get their flu shots now. The health department recommends anyone older than 6 months of age should get the flu shot unless their doctor instructs them otherwise.

Federal courts will run out of money this month unless Congress ends their shutdown. The U.S. Northern District Court of New York is operating on carry over funds from previous budgets. The entire federal court system will run out of that option by October 15th if shutdown continues. Courts are considered essential services so many employees will still have to report to work without pay. The courts say there could be delays because of possible furloughs.

State police at Oneonta arrested Tyler Evans of Brooklyn for driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marihuana.  Troopers on Southside Drive in Oneonta stopped Evans, during the stop Evans was found to be intoxicated and possessing 7 grams of marihuana, he was issued tickets returnable to the Oneonta town court on November 12th.

New York is not among the states affected by a recent salmonella outbreak, according to the CDC, but health officials warn the Federal government shutdown could hamper their efforts to combat outbreaks in general. The CDC said with more than two thirds of its staff cut by furloughs, they lack the personnel to find outbreaks. Making sure chicken is fully cooked is one way to prevent salmonella poisoning.

Chenango Street in Binghamton will be closed through 7 a.m. Saturday between Moffatt Avenue and Sturges Street, according to the state Department of Transportation. Crews are removing the remaining portion of the I- 81 southbound/Route 17 eastbound bridge over Chenango Street.. During that time period, Chenango Street will be closed to both motorists and pedestrians. A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the road closure. The work is part of the DOT’s Prospect Mountain project, which is reconfiguring the area where the 2 highways come together.

State Police arrested 39-year-old Leslie Bonham of Marathon with 18 counts of 1st degree unlawfully dealing with a child.  Bonham was charged following a report that she allegedly provided alcohol to under aged teenagers this summer; Bonham was issued appearance tickets to appear in the both the Lisle & Marathon town courts at later dates.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a Town of Norwich couple for 1 Count each of 3rd degree Welfare Fraud and offering a False Instrument for filing.  55 year old Gregory Huzinec & 52 year old Donna Huzinec are accused of illegally receiving over $13,000 in assistance from the department of social services that they were not entitled to, between 2008 & 2013.  They face court action shortly.

Noted author, Sidney Native & broadcaster Chuck D'Imperio will discuss his 6th & latest book “Unknown Museums of Upstate New York” tonight at the Bainbridge Museum at 7:00 PM.  D’Imperio discussed his book & tonight’s appearance in Bainbridge:

(Chuck D’Imperio 10-8-13)

The Bainbridge Museum is one of the museums featured in D’Imperio’s book, along with other local ones like the Maywood Depot Museum in Sidney Center, Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith, and the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich.

Oneonta Police arrested 19-year-old Harley Falasca of Tarrytown for Driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, & 2nd degree criminal trespass.  Police accuse Falasca of crashing his car, and leaving the scene, & for breaking into a home on Glen Drive to sleep.  Falasca later fled into the woods, where police apprehended him, he had a BAC of .18, and was issued tickets returnable to Oneonta town court at a later date.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a consumer advisory encouraging New Yorkers to sign up for the federal affordable health insurance now being offered through "New York State of Health," which is the official marketplace created by Governor Cuomo to purchase health plans made possible by the Federal Affordable Care Act.  To sign up for health insurance, and for any questions, go directly to the official New York website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

The Chenango county sheriff’s office arrested 40-year-old Dewaine McCrady of Smithville on an active warrant arrest for Unlawful Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle.  McCrady is accused of not stopping for police on August 9th in the Town of Smithville, he was arraigned and is being held at the Chenango County Jail on $1000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Smithville court on a later date.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch has announced his October Grant Action News update to residents, organizations and local governments regarding a series of grants available from the state, federal government and private entities.  The Grant Action News bulletin is updated at the beginning of each month with newly available grants and information on how to apply, Assemblyman Crouch will also provide regular updates about these grants on his own Assembly website at assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Clifford-W-Crouch, (http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Clifford-W-Crouch) and on his facebook page.

Former Otsego county Chamber of Commerce president & CEO Rob Robinson & Norman Michaels have been indicted by an Otsego county grand jury on charges of grand larceny, scheming to defraud, & insurance fraud.  The pair is accused of adding downstate residents into the chamber’s health insurance plan.  Robinson resigned from the chamber in 2011 when the allegation came to light.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that Binghamton Parks and Recreation Department Director John Whalen has been charged with grand larceny, for allegedly using $108,000 in taxpayer funds for his own purposes.  DiNapoli’s audit accuses Whalen of using the money to pay for his son’s student loans, and to pay his home mortgage, cell phone bills, credit cards insurance, gasoline and flowers, between 2007 and 2012. A copy of the audit is available at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State DMV is now offering qualified veterans the option of having their veteran’s status indicated on their drivers license, permit or non-driver identification card. The Governor signed legislation last year that directed the DMV to make the veteran’s status available to all honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces who apply for the designation on a DMV issued photo document.  More information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

The Binghamton Senators open their 12th season tomorrow night when they play the Syracuse Crunch at 7:05 at the Broome County Arena.   Tickets can be purchased through the B-Sens’ executive office, the Arena box office, at 722-SENS, through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com, more information is available at bsens.com.

All state income tax returns that were filed before September 1st will be processed by the close of the business day today, according to the state Department of Taxation and Finance. Processing issues tied to a state contractor led to delays in distributing 2012 tax refunds to those who filed their returns by paper this year. More information is available at tax.ny.gov

The state opened its new health-care exchange today in hopes of trying to enroll more than 1 million uninsured New Yorkers. The state has a website and hotline to help people enroll, called NY State of Health. The exchanges are open to individuals or small business owners with 50 or fewer employees. The enrollment period runs through March 31. The exchanges start Jan 1st.  For more information go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov

The gap between opponents and supporters of hydraulic fracturing has grown to an all-time high in New York, according to a new poll. The Siena College survey shows 45 percent of New York voters do not support allowing high-volume fracking in the state, compared to 37 percent who do. Eighteen percent had no opinion. The gap is even larger upstate, where 52 percent oppose fracking and 34 percent are in favor.

Governor Cuomo signed 43 bills into law late last week, including a measure restricting the custody rights of a person who conceives a child through sexual assault.  Under that bill,   judges would be required to presume that putting a child in the custody of the attacker is not in the child’s best interest.  Previously, the law had only specifically rejected custody to attackers who conceived a child and were convicted of forcible first-degree rape. The new law expands that provision to include a number of different crimes, including second-degree rape and predatory sexual assault, among others.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested a 13-year-old male from the Town of Lebanon Thursday, after he allegedly made a bomb threat at the Sherburne Earlville School.  The 13-year-old male is accused of making a written threat referring to blowing up the school. The unidentified teen was charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident, he was issued a juvenile appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Chenango County Family Court at a later date.

The New York farm bureau president Dean Norton announced that the federal government shutdown could be disastrous for New York farmers, as the safety net for dairy farmers in the farm bill will put dairies in a vulnerable position if milk prices dive below production costs again.  The government shutdown also will leave many of New York's fruit and  vegetable growers without a safety net if there is no movement to secure a responsible farm policy in the  next few months.  Norton also stated that It won't just be the state's farmers who will pay the price of not  having a Farm Bill in place, but consumers will have to pay more money to put healthy farm fresh foods on their tables.

Governor Cuomo signed a bill allowing roadside markets to sell wine from farm wineries as well as measures to extend or reconfigure a number of wine trails.  The wine bill would allow products from up to two nearby farm wineries to be sold at roadside markets. The wineries must be within 20 miles of the farm stand.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 10th Annual Light The Night Walk will be held tonight at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton.  Registration will begin at 5:00 pm and all festivities will take place around NYSEG Stadium, with a Remembrance Ceremony at 6:00 pm, Opening Ceremonies at 6:15 pm & the Walk Begins at 6:30 pm.  Funds raised through donations will support programs of blood cancer research, local patient aid, advocacy, education and  community service.

This week marks the start of the 2013 Holiday Mail for Heroes program, meaning that Americans who wish to send a holiday card to a service member can easily do so with the help of the American Red Cross.  Through December 6th, Americans can express their gratitude and best wishes for the holiday season to those by mailing them to the Red Cross at Holiday Mail for Heroes,  P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, and Maryland 20791.

Judges could remain on the state court of appeals, until they turn 80 years old if New York voters approve a referendum November 5th to increase the age limit by a decade. The constitutional amendment would also extend the mandatory retirement age for New York’s main trial court to 80. The state Senate voted 54-9 and the Assembly 117-25 to advance the proposal.

New York regulators said four insurers would pay $2.2 million in restitution to over 3,400 seniors across the state because of overcharges on their policies. The Department of Financial Services said the refunds are for Medicare supplemental insurance and average $624 per policyholder. The department investigation showed the companies failed to comply with New York’s requirement they spend most premiums on medical bills instead of administrative expenses or profits. The insurers are American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Co, Excellus Health Plan, First United American Life Insurance Co and Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Co. Distribution will begin Sept. 30th.

The New York attorney general’s office is sponsoring a statewide gun buyback program where people can turn in weapons for debit cards.  Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the program aims to remove firearms from places where the guns can be stolen or misused. Officials will begin accepting unloaded working and broken guns in Binghamton and other locations in the state in the coming weeks.  More information is available at oag.state.ny.us

Governor Cuomo signed a bill to restore up to $90 million for programs for the developmentally disabled. Earlier this year, lawmakers had agreed to a plan from Cuomo to cut $90 million in funds for the disabled. The cut was needed to help make up for an unexpected $1.1 billion bill from federal government in healthcare costs, but the agreement drew criticism from the disabled community. The governor charged a work group made up of some of the providers and state officials to address the $90 million; they came up with $40 million in savings through audits. The other $50 million in savings will come from program reductions spread out over time.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department investigated a motor vehicle accident on state highway 41 in the town of Greene Thursday afternoon at about 2:30 PM.  23-year-old Sean Urich of Little Falls was ticketed for moving from a lane unsafely lost control of the tractor-trailer, & the vehicle overturned onto the shoulder.  Urich was airlifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, with lower back *& shoulder injuries.

Delaware County Deputies observed 58 year old Cindy Prosser of Oxford traveling South on State Hwy 10 in the Town of Hamden with a flat tire. Upon conducting a traffic stop Prosser was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Prosser was released and is to re-appear in the Town of Hamden Court at a later time.

State troopers arrested 49-year-old Bert Dorfman of Binghamton for criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating without insurance and suspended registration.  The arrest occurred in the town of Dickinson, where a trooper was advised by his license plate reader that a passing motorist had a suspended registration.   Dorfman had no valid insurance and had a suspended driver license and registration, upon arrest, he was also found to be in possession of a crack pipe with crack cocaine residue.  Dorfman was issued tickets returnable to the Dickinson court on October 8, 2013.

A $1.1 million federal grant will bring new pavement to Greater Binghamton Airport’s west apron. U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Richard Hanna announced the $1.1 million dollar grant from the federal Department of Transportation. The 168,000-square-foot asphalt apron is separate from the runways and taxiways. There, aircraft load and unload, and are boarded, parked and refueled. The pavement currently shows signs of distress and requires rehabilitation.

Newly retired people in Harpursville, Port Crane, Afton and Sidney can attend a series of workshops at the Eastern Broome Senior Center. The Positive Aging Academy will run from 12 to 2 p.m. Thursdays from October 3rd to November 7th at 27 Golden Lane in Harpursville. Register is accepted at 778-6206

A CHILD PASSENGER CAR SEAT CHECK WILL BE HELD TOMORROW FROM 10:00 AM TO NOON AT the Oneonta AAA at 195 ONEIDA Street.  Parents are reminded to bring the  INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR their SAFETY SEAT AND their vehicle  THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE OTSEGO COUNTY health department & SHERIFF'S Department.

New York added 22,700 private-sector jobs in August, but the unemployment rate rose as more people try to re-enter the workforce.   New York’s unemployment rate rose from 7.5 percent in July to 7.6 percent in August. The national rate was 7.3 percent in August. The number of unemployed New Yorkers rose from 717,400 to 729,700 between July and August.

New York electric customers will get a small credit on an upcoming bill, as the state Public Service Commission approved of a 1-time credit to electricity bills of up to $3.00, depending on usage.  Regulators reported that the credit steams from a settlement that included a $110 million dollar civil penalty against constellation Energy commodities Group, on grounds that the power producer manipulated wholesale energy sales in 3 regional markets.  The credit will be passed on as soon as utilities received the funds.

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergency responders remind resident to have a plan with family members as to where to meet following an emergency, they should also have a disaster kit with 3 days worth of food, a can opener, clothing, medications and hygiene items.  The Red Cross will hold an Emergency Preparedness Fair tomorrow at Binghamton University from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The state Health Department opened its hotline to help customers sign up for New York's health-care exchange. The enrollment period runs from October 1st through March 31st.  The exchange will provide health insurance to at least 1 million uninsured New Yorkers as part of the federal Affordable Care Act. The program will provide tax credits for individuals with incomes under $45,960 and families of four with incomes less than $94,200. The phone number for the "NY State of Health" program is 1-855-355-5777; more information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

The Firemen's Association of New York offer a program called “the Higher Education Learning Program” which provides tuition reimbursement to students who are volunteer firefighters and attending college for up to 80 credit hours. The deadline to apply for the fall semester is October 1st; information on the program and how to apply is available at fasny.com. (http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/)

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:30 PM.

Residents in the town of Sidney will be voting for a new town supervisor in November, as incumbent Bob McCarthy is not running for a 2nd term.  Republican Gene Pigford is running for town supervisor, who told WCDO news about his ideas:

(Gene Pigford 9-18-13)

Pigford faces democrat & Sidney First Candidate Bill Heath for Sidney town supervisor on Election Day in November.

Governor Cuomo today visited the Village of Margaretville in Delaware County for a New York Rising Community Reconstruction Planning Committee.  Planning experts, community officials, and residents gathered to kick off the long-term rebuilding process following Tropical Storm Lee & Hurricane Irene in 2011 that devastated Margaretville. The New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program is designed to empower communities to create and implement their strategies to rebuild and prepare for future extreme weather.  The governor was also planning to attend a NY Rising meeting in Staten Island, which was heavily damaged from Super storm Sandy.

State Troopers in Deposit arrested 19-year-old Travis Decamp of Sanford, for driving while intoxicated with a reportable BAC result twice the legal limit.  The arrest followed an accident investigation on Old Route 17 in Sanford; Decamp was issued tickets returnable to the town of Sanford court on October 7th.

A total of $99,400 in cultural funding is available from the Chenango Arts Council for initiatives in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties. Funding is available for grants up to $5,000 through the 2014 Decentralization Program.  The grants provide support to community-based organizations, groups, collectives or artists. The deadline for the grant application is December 11th; Guidelines & applications are available at chenangoarts.org.

About 9,000 state workers could get a raise and a regular salary review if Governor Cuomo signs legislation proposed by state Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse.  The bill would affect state workers designated as managerial or confidential, who are not represented by unions, & who have not had a raise since 2008. The proposal calls for the state to create a commission to analyze salaries of non-unionized state workers and report recommendations about pay changes every four years. Governor Cuomo has until September 27th to sign or veto the bill.

New York’s 16 medical schools have more students this fall than last year, including the first in a pair of three-year programs that allow students to graduate faster and with less debt.  Associated Medical Schools of New York states that the 2,424 new medical students represent an enrollment increase of 120 over last year. More than half are state residents, nearly half are women and 3 percent are international students. Most programs last four years with annual tuition ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

Congressman Chris Gibson and his Watershed Advisory Group released a position overview on the State Health Department’s draft midterm revisions (http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/nycfad/) to the New York City Filtration Avoidance Determination. Gibson said that the current plan by the city to purchase land in the watershed region is unacceptable, with the money used for land purchases better suited for flood mitigation and upstate economic development.  Gibson also said that the reservoir should be set at levels that meet new York city’s drinking water needs without endangering watershed communities above & below dams, in order to prevent flooding.   The revisions were published by the DOH in late August, and are currently in a public comment period.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police, arrested 39-year-old James Wilber of Plymouth Friday on charges of Reckless Endangerment, Menacing, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment.  Wilber was found to be in an intoxicated state and destroying property in a residence with an axe all in the vicinity of a child less than 15 years of age, and for allegedly kicking & throwing items at the child, who escaped by climbing out of a window to a neighbor’s residence.  Wilber was arraigned in the Town of Plymouth Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 Secured Bond pending future court action.

With the threat of another lawsuit over the hydrofracking issue, Governor Cuomo continues to state that he is waiting for the state health department to finish their research on any possible health issue relating to the gas drilling process. State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton said that he hopes that the state makes its decision in the next 3 to 6 months:

(Libous 9-17-13)

Libous has supported the proposal to bring hydrofracking into the Marcellus shale that lies below much of the southern tier.  A ban on gas drilling has been in effect for 5 years.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 41-year-old Wendy Thomas of Oxford, following the report of a 2-vehicle accident Monday afternoon.  The accident occurred at around 2:45 PM on County road 32.  The investigation revealed that Sean Wahlberg was driving a pick up truck, when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Wendy Thomas, who had veered into the opposing lane of traffic, the crash forced Wahlberg off of the road.  Thomas was charged with unlawful possession of marihuana & Failure to keep right.  She will appear in court at a later date.

The Sidney American Legion Post# 183 is sponsoring a tribute-gala fundraiser for the Sidney Fire Department, on Saturday September 28th, at 2:00 PM, at 22 Union Street in Sidney.  There will be a chicken barbecue, Chinese auction and entertainment.  Officials said that they are in need of auction items, which can be dropped off at the legion on Friday September 27th or Saturday morning September 28th.  Tickets can be purchased at Video Entertainment Plus, Trackside Diner or the Sidney American Legion; more information is available at 237-4762 or 563-8031.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 23-year-old James Robinson-Glass of Gloversville for Driving While Intoxicated with a reportable BAC result of .13%. The arrest followed the report of an accident on I-88; Robinson-Glass was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Worcester Court today.  No injuries were report in the crash.

State police are participating in the National Child Passenger Safety Week through this Saturday, September 21st.  Police will enforce seat belt laws through routine patrol and by checkpoints. State law mandates that children be required to use a child safety seat up to the age of eight years old.  Statistics show that the chance of a fatality on a motor vehicle crash greatly increases if safety belts or child safety seats are not used, or are used incorrectly.

State Police Employee Relations, announced that 35,203 people have signed up to take the exam.  The exam will be held at various locations around the state on October 5, 12, 19 and 26.  Troopers expect to place a recruit class from the eligibility list created by the October test during the summer of 2014.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 20 year old Cortney Hess of Grand Gorge, 24 year old Howard Macken of Grand Gorge and 37 year old Jason Conklin of Prattsville after an investigation of stolen scrap metal from Catskill Craftsman in Roxbury.  Deputies were alerted to this larceny through security cameras on the property.  All face action in town of Stamford court today at 6:00 PM.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 20 year old Christopher Bracci  of Delhi for Driving while Intoxicated, Failure to Submit to a Chemical test, Improper use of Dealer plates and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court. He was sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000.00 cash bail.

The Delaware county department of public health nursing announced another Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets.  The clinic will be held today at Tractor Supply Company at 6396 State Highway 23 in Oneonta, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. more information call 607-832-5200, more information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com

Several local fire departments worked into the early morning hours today fighting a fire that gutted the Bluestone Grill in Hancock. The fire was called in at 10:30 p.m.last night. Crews from Hancock, Deposit, Walton and East Branch responded. There were no injuries, and there was minimal damage to surrounding homes. Deleware County fire investigators are looking into the cause.

Police arrested a Windsor a man for allegedly stealing nearly $20,000 worth of merchandise from a Conklin business. Broome County deputies arrested 44 year old Greg Rought, who is charged with stealing tools and gift cards from E. Systems Group in Conklin on Aug. 14. Rought was arraigned in Town of Dickinson Court and sent to the Broome County jail. Anyone with any information should call the Sheriff's Office at 778-2053

In an effort to promote economic growth, community leaders in Delaware County are proposing a new project at SUNY Delhi to create more business opportunities by recycling waste water. The project would take waste water from the Delhi Waste Water Treatment facility and recycle it through an irrigation system on campus golf course. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined campus and community leaders earlier this week in support of the project. Leaders hope Gillibrand will go to bat for them, as about half of the funding for the $2 million plan is still needed and the project is eligible for federal grants. Construction is anticipated to begin next spring.

State Police arrested 66 year old Stephen Hay of Sidney Center for DWI with a BAC of .09% following an investigation into a property damage accident on Sherman Hill Road in Franklin. Hay was issued tickets for Town of Franklin Court September 12.

US Senator Charles Schumer is trying to make a connection that would bring up to 600 jobs to Delaware County. The jobs would be created at a call center to be built in Hancock. Schumer says he's pushing for funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For more information, go to scumer.senate.gov.

Celebrating the end of the summer? Make sure you’re not drinking and driving, or you may end up with a Labor Day ticket. State and local law enforcement agencies have been out in force since Aug. 16 with sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter drunk driving. Law enforcement agencies will also crack down on drivers whose ability is impaired by drugs, both illegal and prescription. Nationally, someone is killed every 51 minutes on average in a drunk-driving crash. The majority of these crashes involve drunk drivers who have nearly twice the legal BAC of .08 or higher.

Governor Cuomo announced 16 winners, across the state, of a statewide competition to form public-private partneships to prepare high school students for high skill jobs in technology, manufacturing and healthcare. Students can earn an associate degree at no cost. Partnerships include Broome Community College, Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton and United Health Services. For more information, go to governor.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that most DOT construction projects in New York state wil be suspended over the Labor Day weekend. The Governor's "Drivers First" inititatve prioritizes the convenience of motorists and ensures that disruptions are as minimal as possible to motorists. For real time travel information, call 511 or go to 511ny.org