WCDO Radio News

Oneonta's First Night 2016 kicks off at 6:00 pm tonight with a PARADE down Main Street Oneonta. Officials said that 7:00 pm; entertainment starts at venues such as the Foothills Performing Arts Center, the First United Methodist Church, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society and the Main Street Walkway & a FIREWORKS DISPLAY at 10:30 pm!

A variety of new laws go into effect tomorrow in New York State. The Business Income Tax rate will be lowered from 7.1 to 6.6 percent, saving businesses a total of $125 million. Also, New York State’s small business exemption increases to 5 percent for sole proprietors and farmers with at least one employee and a federal adjusted gross income that does not exceed $250,000. A new law that takes effect Saturday January 2nd that helps reduce the local property tax burden for veterans by authorizing an increase in limits to the real property tax exemption, Municipalities have the option of offering these exemptions to help veterans afford owning a home. The new limits take into account rising property values so that the savings offered with tax exemption, can continue to help eligible veterans.

Medical marijuana dispensaries could open in New York State next week, but patients may still be waiting to get access after that time. When the Compassionate Care Act was signed into law, it set January 5th, 2016 as a target date for up to 20 dispensaries to open statewide. The Department of Health didn’t launch the patient registration system until last week, they also have not published a list of doctors trained to certify medical marijuana patients, making it difficult for patients to identify a qualified physician.

31-year-old Daniel Mitchell of Sidney has been charged as the 4th person in connection with an alleged marijuana transaction that operated out of the Wal-Mart parking lot in Oneonta. Mitchell was arrested for allegedly leaving $250 in the unlocked pickup truck of Wal-Mart employee Jason Foster, who was arrested with his wife Alice for allegedly growing marijuana at their New Lisbon home, & selling marijuana it in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Mitchell was taken into custody by Sidney police and charged with conspiracy, he was sent to the Otsego County jail pending court action in town of Oneonta court January 21st. 28-year-old Joseph Lukeman of Mount Vision was also arrested in connection with the case for allegedly removing marijuana from the Foster home after the investigation by police was underway.

Governor Cuomo announced that temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on State highways will not be permitted now through Monday, December 28 at 6:00 AM & again from December 31 through Monday, January 4. The lane closure restrictions have been put in place to accommodate motorists traveling for the holiday weekends. AAA predicts that the number of people traveling more than 50 miles from home this holiday season will top 100 million for the first time in history.

The State Department of Health announced the launch of its online Medical Marijuana Patient Certification and Registration System, which allows qualified patients to enroll in the Program to purchase medical marijuana when it becomes available in January. A patient must receive a DOH Medical Marijuana Program certification from a registered physician. Additional information and detailed instructions are available at health.ny.gov.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that legislation he sponsored, has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The bill adds pregnancy as a qualifying event for women to enroll in any health insurance plan at any time. Previously, New Yorkers could only purchase insurance coverage through the exchange outside of an open enrollment period when certain "qualifying events" such as marriage, divorce, becoming a U.S. citizen, or giving birth occur.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico has promoted Troop C Major Donald Faughnan to the rank of Staff Inspector and has assigned him to Internal Affairs in Liverpool. The Superintendent has also promoted Captain James Barnes to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C Headquarters in Sidney. Major Barnes started his career in 1989 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C and has received several promotions through his career.

State police are investigating an two-vehicle crash with serious personal injury on state Route 8 in the town of Norwich, between Holmesville Road and county Route 34 at about 7:35 this morning. Several area emergency squads responded to a 2-car Accident Initial reports have 6 injuries, & 1 fatality, State Route 8 was closed for several hours for the investigation. More details will be released as they become available.

State Police and local law enforcement across New York will participate in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Friday, December 18, 2015 through Friday, January 1, 2016. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new 'Kitchen Table Toolkit' as part of the State Combat Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse campaign. This toolkit features 2 new videos, which can be used by parents, teachers and community members, concerning the health risks and dangerous consequences of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse. to download the toolkit, visit talk2prevent.ny.gov or call 1-877-8-HOPENY

In November 2015, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 13,100, to almost 7.9 million, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate stayed at 4.8% in November, remaining at its lowest level since November 2007. The national unemployment rate was 5.0% in November.

State DOT announced the opening of 2 bridges carrying Route 28 over the West Branch of the Delaware River in the village of Delhi. A $1.5 million project to rehabilitate the bridges is now substantially complete, it included repairing the concrete bridge deck, paving and repainting the bridges, Sidewalk and pedestrian railings also were repaired as part of the project. The bridges are located in succession and cross 2 legs of the River, they were built in 1940.

Governor Cuomo today announced that 6 Farm to School programs have been awarded funding to help increase the use of healthy, locally grown foods on school menus. In the Southern Tier, the Broome-Delaware-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services: Southern Tier Farm to School Project receives $74,970, to employ a Farm to School Coordinator and a Farm to School Consultant to train food staff, purchase specialized equipment to transport specialty crops and to recruit farms, food hubs and processers within a 6-county region.

Governor Cuomo today directed State Department of Public Service CEO Audrey Zibelman to immediately begin a full investigation of the operations and safety protocols at Indian Point Nuclear Facility. The Governor’s action comes after the unexpected shutdown of Indian Point Unit 3 – which marks the 13th unplanned shutdown at the facility since June of 2012.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Board of Education has begun its search for a new Superintendent of Schools. The Board is interested in soliciting feedback from the community on the final 3 superintendent candidates. Parents and community members who are interested in serving on the Community Interview Committee should notify the District Office at 967-6321, no later than Thursday, January 7th. Members of the Community Interview Committee must be available to attend a workshop for all committee members on February 2, 2016 at 3:30 pm as well as the three finalist interviews on February 9, 10, and 11 at 4:30 pm each afternoon. A committee of 7 to 10 people will be selected by the Board of Education.

State Police are currently looking for a 67 year old New Jersey man who was reported missing from his hunting cabin on Streeter Hill Road in the Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County. John Bourgholtzer is a white male who is 6’ tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes Mr. Bourgholtzer was last seen on December 12, 2015, at about 8:00 a.m., leaving his camp to go hunting by himself. He may be driving his 2011 Ford Focus with New Jersey license plates KDN45E. Anyone with information please call the New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced settlement agreements with 30 online retailers from across the country that sold illegal toy guns to consumers in New York State. The toy guns in question violate a state law that prohibits the sale of imitation weapons, which are toy guns that look too much like real guns. Today’s announcement follows a related investigation of major retailers this summer that included Wal-Mart, Kmart, Amazon.com, and Sears. Those retailers paid of over $309,000 to settle the investigation and agreed to comply with applicable state laws.

State Police at Sidney arrested 38 year old Karlton Tompkins of Mount Upton for Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a report of a man sleeping at the wheel of a parked vehicle at the Valero gas station on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. The responding trooper saw Tompkins sleeping behind the wheel of a parked vehicle with the engine running, Tompkins was impaired by drugs, he then physically resisted and fought momentarily but was handcuffed. After Police impounded the vehicle, a small amount of methamphetamines was recovered. Tompkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Guilford court on December 22nd.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old David Franklin of Oxford for 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Detectives arrested Franklin while investigating a Larceny from an Oneida County Business; Detectives located and recovered the stolen property in Franklin’s possession in the City of Norwich. Franklin was arrested and arraigned on a Chenango County Court Warrant and was remanded without bail, he was issued appearance tickets to appear at a later date in City of Norwich Court. Additional charges are pending in Oneida County.

A Town of Columbus resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny. Detectives arrested 20-year-old Maxwell Horton; Detectives located and recovered the stolen property, which had a value of over $3,000. Horton was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $3,000 cash bail.

30 year old Gregory Eager if East Worcester has been charged with 2nd degree grand larceny, for allegedly stealing over $83,000 from the East Worcester fire department. Eager turned himself Monday he is accused of embezzling the money from July 2013 until recently, while serving as the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief and the secretary/treasurer. Eager was arraigned, and faces court action on January 5th.

NY State of Health announced the December 15th deadline for individuals enrolling or renewing health insurance coverage that takes effect January 1st, has been extended through December 19th. NY State of Health’s Customer Service Center answered more than 170,000 calls from New Yorkers last week with call volume averaging more than 34,000 calls per day. A new option on the Marketplace for 2016 is the Essential Plan for lower income individuals and families between 138-200% federal poverty level, which will lower premiums to $20 or less a month and provide comprehensive benefits for hundreds of thousands of lower income New Yorkers. Additional Information on the Essential Plan can be found here, info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

The village of Bainbridge will hold a public hearing today on their Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will begin tonight at 6:30 PM at the village offices.

Governor Cuomo stated that at approximately 7:00 pm, Unit 3 at the Indian Point nuclear facility shut down. The cause is currently unknown; the Department of Public Service is conducting the investigation into another unexpected incident at Indian Point. The company reports there was no radioactivity released to the environment. Cuomo said that “Because of the number of recent unplanned outages, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's requirements will result in increased inspections and scrutiny of the plant.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 men in connection with multiple burglaries in Chenango County, the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania. The Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Nicholas Neer of Port Crane and 27 year old William Polhamus from the Town of Greene, for allegedly committing 2 burglaries in the Town of Greene & 1 in the Town of Oxford. Several pieces of stolen merchandise were recovered during the investigation. Both men were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests will be made. The State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Oneonta Municipal Airport in Oneonta this afternoon, with local officials with the Oneonta Airport Commission and the Oneonta Job Corps to unveil improvements at the airport. Senator Seward will also announce additional funding to support future upgrades.

Governor Cuomo outlined the latest efforts of his Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation. From the start of 2015 to today, the State has recovered and returned $28.9 million to more than 24,000 workers who were victims of wage theft. The Task Force has officially launched more than 450 investigations, finding more than 2,700 violations, including theft of wages, failure to protect workers with mandatory Workers’ Compensation coverage and retaliation against workers who complain about violations of the law. The cases affect more than 2,000 workers in New York State.

Governor Cuomo today announced the growth of agricultural sales in New York outpaced the national average, with cash receipts up 36% across the state and only 32% nationally. In 2014, farmers in New York State also set a new record for sales with $6.36 billion in cash receipts, representing a nearly $1.7 billion increase in gross income from sales of crops, livestock, and other products.

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.

The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.

Governor Cuomo announced the final report and recommendations of the Common Core Task Force. The Task Force recommends overhauling the current Common Core system and adopting new, locally driven New York State standards in a transparent and open process. The Task Force also recommends that current Common Core aligned tests should not count for students or teachers until the start of 2019-2020 school year to ensure the system is implemented completely and properly to avoid the errors caused by the prior flawed implementation.

Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day, which has now been moved back to the Sidney Fire Department's Training Center on River Street. Schmidt said that they still are looking for volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 12-11-15)

Schmidt can be reached at 610-4030, Donations can be sent by check to the Sidney United Methodist Church, with Community Christmas Dinner on the memo line. Schmidt said that last year they served about 250 dinners on Christmas day.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual children’s Christmas Party tomorrow. Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-11-15)

Green said that the Chamber would hold their annual Holiday House decorating contest the following weekend.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Christmas parade tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-11-15)

Payne said that there will also be free movies, bake sales & other activities around the Village tomorrow.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will hold their annual "Holidays in the Hamlet" Christmas celebration in Sidney Center Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Mike Sellitti 12-11-15)

Sellitti also said that they would accept donations of canned goods for area food pantries during Saturday’s event.

Chenango Arts Council will host an open house at their facilities Sunday. The day includes various musical performances as well as tours of their Art Gallery, Pottery and Ceramic Classrooms, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

State Police arrested 38 year old Nathan Mower of Harpursville, for criminal possession of stolen property, and arrested 43 year old Kristina Shuldt of Windsor for criminal possession of stolen property, after investigating a theft of a safe and over $50,000 cash from a home in the Town of Windsor on August 3rd. Mower and Shuldt were arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

State Police arrested 18 year old Nathaniel Shaffer-Groover of Kirkwood, 17 year old Joshua Goetz of Windsor, NY and 16 year old Conor Collins of Kirkwood for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Dunbar Road in the Town of Windsor, after a caretaker saw teenagers stealing from it and fleeing in a red pickup truck. The 3 teens are accused of stealing a TV, binoculars and bullets; they were arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

Assemblyman Pete Lopez of Schoharie formally announced his bid to seek the Republican & Conservative nomination for the 19th Congressional District being vacated by House of Representatives Member, Chris Gibson of Kinderhook. Assemblyman Lopez travels extensively around his Assembly district each year, he has served in the State Assembly since 2007.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today in Sidney. The screenings will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Sidney, 37 Pleasant Street in Sidney, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Former State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton was sentenced in Federal Court today to 6 months of home confinement, a $50,000 fine and two years of probation. Libous was convicted in July for Providing a False Statement to the FBI during an investigation of his son Matthew. Libous's attorney pleaded for leniency as Libous's cancer has worsened & was told by his cancer doctors that he has maybe a year to live.

Governor Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to protect themselves from identity theft and beware of scams on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and throughout the entire holiday shopping season. Cuomo said that Criminals would take advantage of the holiday shopping season to scam consumers and steal their money and identity. He urges New Yorkers to never give out any personal financial information to phone callers or through email to unknown entities. For more information or to file a complaint against a business, visit the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection website at http://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/ or by contacting the Division’s hotline at (800) 697-1220. The Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The State Comptrollers office has completed their 3rd audit since 2000 of the Town of Sidney; the town supervisor does not review bank statements or canceled check images to verify that only those disbursements approved by the board are made, & that the board did not perform annual audits of the supervisor’s records. The Audit found no improper disbursements or unreasonable payroll payments, but the opportunity exists for inappropriate disbursements without oversight. The audit also questioned the Town paying 2 vendors for disbursements being paid over $16,000 a year. The Comptroller’s report stated that the Sidney Town Supervisor should Continue to review bank reconciliations and canceled check images, Approve payroll before checks are electronically signed and Maintain control over his signature & Perform a cost benefit analysis to determine if the bookkeeper Should be performing disbursements duties currently performed by the two vendors. The Board should perform the required annual audit of the
Supervisor’s records.

The New York State Department of Labor released today preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2015. Between September and October 2015, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.1% to 4.8%, its lowest level since November 2007. Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate was 4.6%, Delaware County was at 4.7% and Otsego County registered 4.3% unemployment for October.

The state DEC Announced that $2,000,000 in grants are available to organizations for projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in New York State's waterways, The grants are the latest action in the state's comprehensive efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and aim to foster outreach to users of water bodies, install decontamination stations and provide steward training programs in high priority areas. Applications & more information are available at dec.ny.gov.

Chenango County will be held next week, sponsored by Opportunities for Chenango. OFC Spokesperson Donna Wood-Craig told WCDO News about the panelists for the discussion:

(Donna Wood-Craig 11-24-15)

The community talk will be held at the Guernsey Library on December 1st at 6:30 and is open to all interested parties.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker urged New Yorkers to talk with their health care providers before asking for antibiotics because they may not be appropriate and may even pose additional health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports said that at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics every year in the U.S. and at least 23,000 people die as a result of these infections, the over prescribing of antibiotics can Kill good bacteria in the body; Cause a serious allergic reaction that may require hospitalization; Result in an antibiotic-resistant infection. Resistant bacteria are harder to kill.

The State DEC announced that the 2015 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on Saturday, November 21, in New York's Southern Zone. These big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, December 13. The Southern Zone Regular Season is New York's most popular hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York's 550,000 licensed hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30 to 60 percent of the statewide bear harvest.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season. Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. The next blood drive is today in Norwich from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at BOCES of Chenango County, located at 6678 Country Road 32.

Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County is looking to increase enrollment in their classes currently. Program Director Ellen Hurtubise explains:

(Ellen Hurtubise 11-19-15)

Those who are of high school age or adults, whose level of reading math or even computers skills are low, can contact the program at 334-7114.

The Chenango County Historical Society will open a new exhibit featuring the history of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. The exhibit will be a permanent display at the museum located on 45 Rexford Street in Norwich. Preferred Mutual Insurance Company began in 1896, they have maintained many of their original artifacts despite a historic fire, multiple renovations, and years of use, and these items will be available for public viewing.

State Police and Oneonta Police Department arrested 33-year-old Godfrey Little of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Police executed a Search Warrant, they Seized crack-cocaine, a set of digital scales, drug packaging material and over $22,000 cash and a Chevy Malibu, Little was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash/$20,000 property bail.

State Police officially announced that they have located the 2 missing Afton teens in the Binghamton area at about 3:00 PM Thursday. Lindsey Seymour & Charles Weed were both in good health, the pair were missing after they left classes for the day on Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing.

State Police announced that merchants in the Otsego and Delaware County area have received numerous counterfeit $100 bills since October 30th. The trend has been to make a small purchase and pay with a counterfeit $100 bill in order to receive as close to one hundred dollars in authentic US currency. Troopers are asking local businesses to be alert, & if a suspicious person attempts to make payment with $100 bills, they should contact their local police department immediately.

This Sunday is the 34th Norwich Family YMCA’s Turkey Trot; officials will have over 550 runners participating in the 5K race, starting at 2:30 PM. This year’s race will start in front of the YMCA and will travel on North Broad Street, through Birdsall and Silver Street back on to North Broad to finish. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for local food pantries. Registration for the race will continue until 12:00 PM Sunday.

The Bainbridge Guilford central school district board of education is currently seeking indivduals interested in filling a vacant seat on the board. Candidates must be a qualified voter in the district, 18 years of age, among other qualifications. Those interested should submit a letter to the Bainbridge Guilford school district clerk at 18 Juliand Street Bainbridge 13733 by November 30th, more information is available at 967-6321.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 19-year-old Keegan McCumber of Guilford in the Town of Franklin Saturday, when a vehicle had passed them on State Highway 357 with a loud exhaust. When Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle McCumber failed to comply, after a short pursuit, he was stopped in a driveway on Main Street in Franklin. , McCumber was arrested for Aggravated DWI, loud exhaust, driving left of payment markings, failure to use turn signal and failure to comply, he will appear in Town of Franklin Court at a later date

A Town of Bainbridge resident was arrested on an active arrest warrant by the Chenango County Sheriffs department. 26-year-old Richard Margarum was wanted on a charge of Criminal Possession of Stolen property, he was arrested at a Town of Afton residence, upon arrest, he was found that he was in possession of a controlled substance. Margarum was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. Margarum was also issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriffs department arrested 32-year-old Rhiannon Browne of Norwich for Welfare Fraud & Offering a False Instrument for filing. Browne was issued appearance tickets and released. It is alleged that alleged that Browne failed to report a change in her household composition, which resulted in her receiving more than $63,000 in assistance she was not entitled to from 2008 through 2014.

Governor Cuomo today announced that GEICO is the first insurance company in New York State to complete the certification process through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to allow customers to begin using electronic identification cards on their smart phones and other electronic devices. At the Governor’s direction, DMV amended its regulations in April 2015 to allow insurance companies to issue e-cards to their customers. This new feature will be available to New York customers on the GEICO app starting tomorrow.

NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric will mark a milestone this month as the 50,000th refrigerator or freezer is picked up through the companies’ recycling program that began in 2011. The recycling program pays customers $50 for an energy-wasting refrigerator or freezer still in working condition. Customers can also save up to $150 a year in electricity costs by removing energy-wasting units from their homes. Customers can call 1-877-691-0021 toll-free to schedule a free pick-up of an old, working, energy-inefficient refrigerator or freezer picked at their home. They can also schedule a pick-up online at www.nyseg.com.

Governor Cuomo announced households that need help paying their heating bills this winter can begin applying for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program today. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 this winter depending upon income, household size and heating source. Last winter in the Southern Tier; over 56,000 households received assistance. More information is available at myBenefits.ny.gov.

The Town of Sidney Zoning board of appeals will conduct a public meeting at 7:00 pm at the Sidney Civic Center board room, To continue examining findings of the Town Code Official in regards to further developing the KOA campground at 242 Union Church Road Franklin.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to expedite access to medicinal marijuana for New Yorkers suffering from serious health conditions. Cuomo also announced that he has ordered state health officials to review whether a new, broader medical marijuana program due to begin in January has enough production and dispensing sites to adequately serve the state. 20 sites are scheduled to open early next year. The governor said that the drug would be dispensed to eligible patients as soon as practicable, he also said that the state will abide by standards from the U.S. Justice Department to ensure that New York’s program does not trigger enforcement actions by the federal government.

The Delaware county recycling facility has been in operation fro a full year, accepting a lot more plastic & other items for recycling, according to Delaware County Solid waste Coordinator director Sue McIntyre:

(Sue McIntyre 11-12-15)

McIntyre said that the revenue generated from the #3 to 7 Plastics is marginal, but she said that there is a market for all of the items coming in to the recycling facility, and an added bonus of NOT having those items winding up in the landfill or the comporting facility.

HARTWICK COLLEGE HAS SUSPENDED ITS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND 5 UNIDENTIFIED PLAYERS AFTER AN INCIDENT IN A GAME AGAINST ST. JOHN FISHER. WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL HAS MORE….

(Nate Lull 11-12-15)

(text: HARTWICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MARK CARR AND 5 OF HIS PLAYERS ARE BEING PUNISHED AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF A 41-34 LOSS LAST WEEKEND. HARTWICK OFFICIALS DEEMED THAT ACTIONS BY THE TEAM IN THE CLOSING MOMENTS OF THE GAME WERE CONSIDERED TO BE UNSPORTSMANLIKE. ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE WAS LEADING THE GAME AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK BY TAKING A KNEE BUT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HARTWICK PLAYERS MADE HITS ON PLAYERS THAT WERE CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY. THE 2ND HIT ENDED WITH BOTH BENCHES CLEARING ONTO THE FIELD. THE TEAMS WERE QUICKLY SEPARATED. THE EMPIRE 8 LEAGUE SAID THEY SUPPORT THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION. A LARGE GROUP OF HARTWICK ATHLETICS SUPPORTERS PROTESTED THE SCHOOL’S DECISION AND IS HOPING THAT THEIR EFFORTS WILL CHANGE THE MIND OF HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION GOING FORWARD. FOR NOW- THE SUSPENSION WILL HOLD FOR THE HAWKS FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR THIS WEEKEND AGAINST UTICA COLLEGE. FOR WCDO SPORTS I’M NATE LULL)

State Police received a report from a resident in Roxbury, that an X-Acto knife type razor blade was found inside a sealed bag of Sour Skittles which had been obtained while Trick or Treating. The candy was not opened until opened on November 9th; it has been traced back to the purchase point of the CVS Pharmacy in Margaretville. The investigation has not been able to identify the source of the razor blade and parents all over the region are recommended to thoroughly check all candy prior to consumption.

State Police have recently received several reports of telephone callers claiming to be from the IRS that aggressively demand the resident pay money to clear up an outstanding tax debt, or face criminal charges. The public is being advised that the IRS does not make phone calls in this manner, and anyone receiving a telephone call of this nature should check with the local IRS office.

The first Baptist Church in Sidney will hold their services this Sunday at the Circle Drive Alliance church from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, due to a heating problem. After the church services, members of the church will return to the Baptist Church for packing the "Operation Child" boxes as originally scheduled.

New York outlawed daily fantasy sports websites and FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles said that they're hoping to work around the decision by New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that declared daily fantasy sports sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings are illegal gambling operations. Eccles said that their attorney claims that there is a 5-day period allotted in the cease-and-desist letter in which they'll be working to figure out their options. About 10% of the 2 companies business has been from New York.

The New York State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction will be held today in Binghamton, however the previously scheduled auction in Unadilla was cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov. Today’s auction will begin at 9:30 AM at the DOT at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 38-year-old Richard Swislosky of Sidney on Wednesday on a Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrant. Swislosky was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff's Office on October 8th and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, following an investigation by the Sheriffs department, Probation Department & the Village of Sidney Police Department for allegedly trafficking heroin in Sidney and Oneonta. A Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Swislosky on those charges and 2 additional charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling heroin in the Sidney area prior to his October 8th arrest. Swislosky was arraigned on the new charges & was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail pending further court action.

36 year old Jamie Blewett of Norwich was sentenced to consecutive prison terms of 1 to 3 years this week, she had pleaded guilty in July to 2 counts each for robbery & grand larceny, in connection with Bank Robberies in May at the People’s Security Bank and Trust in the Town of Chenango, and another robbery a week later at the at People’s Security Bank in Conklin.

State Police arrested 57-year-old Robert Crowley of Windsor for 2 counts of 3rd degree Grand Larceny. The arrest followed an investigation for missing money from the bank accounts of the Windsor Youth Sports Programs. Crowley is accused of taking about $18,000 from the account while serving as the director of the program. Crowley was arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and was released without bail required. The investigation is ongoing.

51-year-old Joyce Mitchell was ordered to pay nearly $80,000 in restitution to New York State, for helping to get 2 inmates out of the Clinton Correctional facility earlier this year. Mitchell is being ordered to pay for repairs needed at the jail after she provided tools to Richard Matt and David Sweat to cut their way out. Mitchell pleaded guilty to charges related to the escape and was sentenced to 2-1/3rd to 7 years in prison. Matt was shot dead, Sweat was located, shot & wounded 2 days after Matt’s death, both men were on the run from police for about 3 weeks.

The Unatego Cue & Curtain Theater group will have performances of Cinderella this coming weekend. Director Sandy Bonczkowski comments:

(Sandy Bonczkowski 11-6-15)

Bonczkowski said that tickets will be available prior to each performance at the door, the shows are tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM and a Sunday matinee is at 2:00 PM at the Unatego High School Auditorium.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Dax Marshall of Oneonta for aggravated driving while intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .18%, more than twice the legal limit. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop for speeding on East End Avenue in the City of Oneonta. Marshall was issued tickets for City of Oneonta court.

State Senator Jim Seward joined officials with the State DOT Thursday to reopen the fully rehabilitated Worcester rest area on Interstate 88 eastbound between exits 18 and 19. In 2010, the DOT closed six rest areas on interstate highways in what was announced as a cost saving measure. Senator Seward objected to the closings and joined local officials and transportation advocates to press for their reopening.

(Seward 11-6-15)

Senator Seward secured an additional $2.5 million in the state budget to perform the same work at the Wells Bridge rest area, Work on the parking lot rehabilitation began in the summer, improvements to the building are being designed and construction is expected to occur in 2016.

Pathfinder Village of Edmeston, announced that a Donor & press event for the new $1.2 million Dr. William Streck Community Health Center would be held on Friday November 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The new 3,800 square foot Health Center is just east of Pathfinder Village, off of State Route 80, Pathfinder Village will lease the new facility to Bassett Healthcare Network, which will oversee medical operations. The new health center replaces an older, smaller clinic in Edmeston, and is expected to offer expanded access to healthcare services to area residents.

The Bainbridge Chamber recognition dinner will be at The Sundown Golf Club on Saturday, at 6:00 to honor the Richard Metzger as the 2015 Citizen of the Year along with Highway 7 Bar & Restaurant as the Business of the Year.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that State Police, local and municipal law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk driving and underage drinking this Halloween weekend. The special traffic enforcement detail will begin today and continue through Sunday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2009 to 2013, 43% of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes across the U.S. on Halloween night were in crashes involving a drunk driver. Motorists can expect to see a number of sobriety checkpoints and additional patrols. Troopers will also conduct a special enforcement detail to crack down on the sale of alcohol to minors.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Oneonta today at the City Public Safety Building in Oneonta, along with Assemblyman Bill Magee, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, and Oneonta Fire Chief Patrick Pidgeon to inspect the fire department’s recently delivered ladder truck. Both Seward and Magee secured a total of $500,000 in state funds to assist in the purchase of the new truck.

The Firemen's Association of the State of New York is urging residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as daylight saving time approaches. Officials with the Association stated that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be cleaned to remove any debris that could prevent them from working properly. Older alarms that have removable batteries should receive a new pair. More information is available at fasny.com.

On Sunday, the Chenango County American Legion will host a joint visitation by the Legion's State Commander James Yermas, & State Auxiliary President Jan Mahoney among others. the leaders will visit Oxford's Fort Hill Post 376, the Veterans' Home at Oxford, the Chenango County Sheriff's Department in Norwich, followed by a reception & dinner at the Lieutenant Warren Eaton, DSC Post 189, at 29 Sheldon Street, Norwich.

Governor Cuomo commemorated the three-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and released a report detailing the continued progress made by New York State. It underscores the advancements made in rebuilding homes, businesses, and large-scale infrastructure projects in communities and neighborhoods, as spearheaded by the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery. More information can be found at stormrecovery.ny.gov.

26-year-old Timothy Green of New Berlin has been charged with forgery and Grand Larceny following an investigation by the State office of the Inspector General. Green was a substitute worker for the New York State Office for the People with Developmental Disabilities in Norwich, he is accused of submitting fraudulent time sheets for work that he did not do, which resulted in over $39,000 in payments. Green was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 property bond.

the City of Oneonta began investigating a decrease in sanitary sewer flow into the wastewater treatment plant, as compared to historical averages. On Monday, a flow variation was identified in the line between Market Street and Neahwa Park, on wedensdya an outside contractor was brought in with equipment sufficient to inspect the line, and a partial collapse of the underground 30” sanitary sewer line flowing near the Millrace was identified. a significant quantity of untreated wastewater has emtered the Millrace & emergency measures are underway to have the line bypassed and repaired as soon as possible. The public should avoid recreational activities in the Millrace and Susquehanna River downstream from the pipe break. Updates will be provided by the City, they can be viewed at nyalert.gov or at 432-6450.

State Police at Sidney arrested 36 year old Brandi Brown of New Berlin for the felony DWI with a BAC result of .16% which is twice the legal limit. This arrest occurred after traffic stop for failing to keep right on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. Brown was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and was released without bail required. Her next court date in the Town of Guilford is November 12, 2015.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a brochure offering tips to New Yorkers buying health insurance coverage for next year, entitled “Shopping For Health Insurance Coverage” Which is being released in advance of the New York State of Health Marketplace’s open enrollment period starting on Sunday. Schneiderman encourages consumers to take advantage of this open enrollment period to evaluate how their current health plan, whether it will change, or to consider what other options are available. Open enrollment through New York State of Health begins on November 1 through December 15th, for coverage effective January 1st.

Bainbridge area dentist Dr. Michelle Gifford is participating in a program that will protect area smiles from the cavity monster, and send smiles to troops overseas, following Halloween Trick or treating this weekend. Spokesperson Trish Hippenstiel explains:

(Trish Hippenstiel 10-30-15)

The candy collection will be at Dr Gifford's office at 10 Whitney Way in Bainbridge on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. More information is available at 967-8200.

The Afton Fire Department will host a Pancake Breakfast tomorrow morning at the Fire Station on Spring Street. The Breakfast will run from 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Todd Hamilton of Unadilla for menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 35-year-old Nathan Diamond of Unadilla and 33-year-old Jodi Babcock of Sidney for criminal possession of a controlled substance on Thursday. Troopers responded to report of a two men fighting in a car in Preston. Hamilton was driving, he allegedly tried to stab Diamond with a knife, and Babcock called 911. The 3 were found to be in possession of heroin, they were arraigned in Town of Oxford court and were remanded to the Chenango County jail on bail pending court action Tuesday.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that Tax collections of $38.2 billion through the first half of the fiscal year were $675.6 million higher than the latest projections largely due to strong personal income tax receipts. The General Fund ended the first half of the year with a balance 33% higher than the year earlier, largely because of legal settlement dollars. Tax receipts through the first six months were 11.7% higher than the same period last year, and collections in September were 16.2% higher than a year earlier.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Oneonta this afternoon, at City Hall he will be joined by City of Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, Acting City Manager Meg Hungerford, and other city officials. Seward will discuss his mandate relief legislation that would provide state aid to Oneonta and other SUNY-host municipalities.

State Police and the Broome County Sheriff’s Department arrested 2 people Friday, after a string of convenient store armed robberies. State Police arrested 24 year old Ruslan Opatskyy of Binghamton & 21 year old Cathrine Boyea-Kaninsky of Port Crane for 2nd degree Robbery 2nd. Both are accused of committing the October 20th armed robbery of the Kwik Fill Gas Station in Port Crane, they were arraigned in the Town of Fenton court and held without bail at the Broome County jail. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.

State Police arrested 19-year-old Daniel Dumond of Milford for DWI & unauthorized use of a vehicle. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a single car accident on Upper Dutch Hill Road in the Town of Milford. Dumond was driving while intoxicated when he rolled the vehicle, he was driving the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am without permission from the owner. Dumond was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Milford court on November 3rd.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Police arrested 32-year-old Erin Harrington of Unadilla, on charges of forgery & petty larceny. Harrington is accused of stealing money from the Sidney Youth Football Program following a recent fundraising event. Harrington is further accused of then trying to cover up her theft by creating a fictitious document purporting to be from the Sheriff's Office to try to convince officials that the money had been stolen from the Harrington residence during a burglary that did not happen. Harrington was also issued traffic tickets charging her with operating an uninsured motor vehicle with a suspended registration. Harrington was and released on recognizance pending a future appearance in the Town of Sidney Court.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office graduated 6 new officers professionally trained in equine mounted patrol activities. The mounted patrol was re-established in 2012,it is made up of a team of officers from various law enforcement agencies throughout the County. the horses will be used for searches in Delaware County where much of the county is not accessible by conventional methods.

Pathfinder Village of Edmeston, announced that a Donor & press event for the new $1.2 million Dr. William Streck Community Health Center would be held on Friday November 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The new 3,800 sq. ft. Streck Health Center is just east of Pathfinder Village, off of NYS Route 80, Pathfinder Village will lease the new facility to Bassett Healthcare Network, which will oversee medical operations. The new health center replaces an older, smaller clinic in Edmeston, and is expected to offer expanded access to healthcare services to area residents.

The Norwich Business Improvement District announced a full line up of events for the annual Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 23rd through Saturday the 24th in Norwich. Today, from 5:30-7:00 pm is the Giant Pumpkin Contest-Weigh In, On Saturday; events include a Pumpkin Bake-Off Contest, the YMCA Halloween Parade, Horse & Wagon Rides, and music with Kaitlyn Jackson and the Hometown Ban& The Beadle Brothers, followed by fireworks at the end of the evening.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that he is sponsoring a pair of free senior scam prevention forums in Oneonta and Cooperstown on Friday. Senator Seward is partnering with the State Department of State to notify senior citizens, caregivers, and others about the alarming trend of senior targeted scams. The forums will take place today from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Elm Park Church, 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta & from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Village Offices, 22 Main Street in Cooperstown. The forums are free and open to the public.

Governor Cuomo introduced regulations through the New York State Human Rights Law that bans harassment and discrimination against transgender people.

(Cuomo 10-23-15)

These regulations affirm that all transgender individuals are protected under the State’s Human Rights Law, and all public and private employers, housing providers, businesses, creditors and others should know that discrimination against transgender persons is unlawful, it’s the first time that any Governor has issued regulations to prohibit harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity, transgender status or gender dysphoria.

State Police responded to a Chenango County 911 report of an unattended death at 162 One Eye Street in South Plymouth. The deceased woman has been identified as 25-year-old Kristina Wilkinson, She was found unresponsive by friends when she did not show up for work Thursday. An autopsy was performed at Lourdes Hospital, the results are pending. While investigating this death, troopers observed marijuana in the home of 50-year-old Mark Pontario. Following the execution of a search warrant police found about 1.7 pounds of marihuana, 18 marihuana plants, marihuana growing equipment and an unregistered handgun. State Police arrested Pontario for criminal possession of marihuana, criminal possession of a firearm and unlawfully growing cannabis. Pontario was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County jail with no bail set at this time.

Delaware County Public Health sent two specimens to State Rabies Laboratory and both tested positive for rabies this week. A raccoon in the Town of Sidney tested positive for rabies, no human exposures were reported. In the Town of Hamden a skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk reportedly attacked a young unvaccinated calf; the calf was euthanized soon after the incident. Two people from Hamden are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, after being exposed the rabies virus. 3 animals have tested positive for rabies in Delaware County this year. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 832-5200. more information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Governor Cuomo today announced 5 Million dollars in funding to assist the Catskill region for promotion for next year. Delaware County Chamber Of Commerce Presdnet Ray Pucci Comments:

(Ray Pucci 10-23-15)

Part of today's announcement includes shifting the annual Adirondack Challenge into the Catskill Challenge, with more details to be released shortly.

Pink Faith of Chenango County and Broome County will hold their 3rd annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fundariser tomorrow 1-5 PM at The River Club of Afton. Spokesperson Wendy Stooler comments:

(Wendy Stooler 10-23-15)

Admission to the event is $10 per person which includes the River Club Buffet.

The Oneonta department of public service will conduct an additional week of brush & yard waste removal next week for the entire city. Residents are encouraged to review the programs regulations at oneonta.ny.us, or by calling 432-2100.

Governor Cuomo today announced $1 million in funding is available to assist new farmers begin their careers. the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs. Funds may provide a minimum of $15,000 and maximum of $50,000 for up to 50 percent of project costs with the remaining 50 percent being matched by the recipient. The application and guidelines for the Fund are available online at regionalcouncils.ny.gov; the deadline for submission is January 22, 2016.

The push is on for the 10 sections of the state to compete for 1.5 million dollars in stated funding, in the 2015 regional econimic development zones competition. Each of the 10 Councils from around the state will make a presentation to the SIAT over a three-day period as part of the competition, so far, nearly $3 billion has been awarded through the REDC process to support over 3,100 projects statewide, which created or retained more than 150,000 jobs statewide. Later this fall, economic development grants will again be awarded through the REDC competition, with 3 councils receiving up to an additional $500 million to use over a 5-year period.

On Tuesday afternoon at about 2:10 pm, State Police responded to a reported armed robbery at the Runway Food Mart, Gulf Gas Station, on Martin Hill Road in the town of Colesville. State Police are currently seeking one suspect, a white male, small build, wearing a blue sweatshirt and jeans. A handgun and knife were displayed and the suspect was last seen exiting the gas station on foot in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 775-1241.

On Tuesday morning, a Delaware County Correctional Facility inmate was arrested and charged with assaulting another inmate at the County Jail last week. Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged 19 year old Michael Fairbairn of Sidney, for 2nd degree Assault, for allegedly punching another inmate in the face several times, causing injuries requiring medical treatment. Fairbairn, who was being held on a burglary charge pending in Delaware County Court at the time of the assault, he was arraigned and was returned to the Delaware County Jail on the previous County Court order, on $10,000 cash bail.

The Oneonta city department of public service has completed the flushing of water mains in the city's west end. Officials announced that the final phase of low service flushing would begin next week in the 6th ward, starting on Monday & lasting several weeks. Water may be discolored or pressure may be low during the flushing, more information is available at 432-2100.

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

Sidney republicans & Democrats co-hosted a candidate’s forum at the Sidney Library Smart Community Room Last night. The main part of the forum was the chance for voters to hear from County Family Court Judge candidates Gary Rosa & Porter Kirkwood. Rosa told WCDO News why he felt he should be the first Delaware County Family Court Judge:

(Gary Rosa 10-21-15)

County Attorney Porter Kirkwood told WCDO News why he felt he should be the first county court judge:

(Porter Kirkwood 10-21-15)

4 candidates are running for 2 seats on the Sidney town board, they are incumbent Bill Heath, Former town Council man Eric Wilson as well as Loddie Marsh & Jeannette Hinckley, who each gave introductory comments at the Sidney Library Forum last night.

Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties will celebrate the grand opening of a new office at 19 Union Street, Sidney with an open house today from 4:30-7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The open house. located in the Community Bank Building. The event will include office tours, refreshments and live music.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The Bassett Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Walton, 130 North Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Town of Sidney Zoning board of appeals will conduct a public hearing on today at 7:00 pm at the Sidney Civic Center Room 204. The main Issue will be to determine if the Code Official's finding of "Pre-existing non-conforming use” is proper, in regards to further developing the KOA campground at 242 Union Church Road in Franklin. Interested parties may attend and will be heard if desired.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Sidney today, from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital. Those wishing to donate can do so with a download of the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Governor Cuomo's SAFE Act gun control law that bans assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines doesn't violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Court upheld a lower court's decision striking down the 7-bullet limit for ammunition clips, New York had already agreed to not enforce the 7-bullet limit in the law.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September 2015. Between August and September, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1%, Locally, the unemployment rate in Chenango county was down to 4.8%, Delaware county was at 5.2% and Otsego county’s rate was at 4.5%, all down significantly from September of 2014.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than 2 million people have camped at New York's 66 State Park campgrounds this year, surpassing the previous record set in 2014. As of Columbus Day weekend, 2.008 million people have camped at State Parks in 2015, up from 1.965 million the previous year. Those visitors booked State Park campsites, cabins and cottages for more than 618,000 nights this year. That represents a 4 percent increase over last year’s record of 594,400 overnight stays.

The State Attorney General's office announced a settlement agreement releasing $550 million belonging to New Yorkers that has been trapped in an escrow account during a decade-long dispute between the state and the major tobacco companies. The agreement unlocks the funds, and that have been tied up following the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which requires the companies to compensate the 52 states and territories for the public-health costs of smoking-related illnesses. half of these funds will go to New York State, one-quarter to New York City, and one-quarter to counties outside the city.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $39.2 million in economic development funding has been approved for 34 projects that are spurring growth and opportunity across the state. The funding, approved by Empire State Development’s Board of Directors, supports projects that are creating 233 new jobs and retaining 1,589 existing New York State jobs – many of which have already been created or retained. This funding will also leverage $338.6 million in private assets and other public funding to support local businesses and projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation.

The Assembly Minority Task Force on Heroin Addiction & Community Response will hold a regional forum today, aimed at identifying problems and weaknesses in current efforts to combat the rampant heroin epidemic. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch & other lawmakers will participate from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the SUNY Broome Decker Health Science Center in Room D201. Representatives from rehabilitation and treatment organizations and facilities, law enforcement and criminal justice, and those with firsthand experience dealing with heroin addiction have been invited to attend and provide feedback.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference room at 7:00 PM to discuss the Superintendent Search.

A man arrested by Delaware County Sheriff's Office Investigators on September 29th on a heroin possession charge was arrested again on Tuesday & charged with 2 additional felony drug charges. 31 year old Sean Dingle of Binghamton and Queens was charged Tuesday with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, with intent to sell & Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly possessing and selling heroin in the Town of Sidney in September. Dingle was arraigned in Town of Sidney Court on the new charges; his previous set $50,000 bail was subsequently raised by Judge Rose, who remanded Dingle to the Delaware County Jail on $250,000 cash bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 63-year-old Patricia Carlson of Delhi on a bench warrant issued by the Town of Delhi Justice Court for Failing to Appear at her scheduled court date October 9th. Carlson was arraigned at the Town of Delhi Justice Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond. A felony hearing has been rescheduled for Friday in the Delhi Town Court.

Bassett Healthcare, Delaware County Public Health & Cornell Cooperative Extension's Rural Health Care Alliance will present speaker Mark Fenton tonight at 6:30 PM at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall. Bassett spokesperson Amy Beveridge explains:

(Amy Beveridge 10-14-15)

Among the topics Fenton is expected to discuss making comminutes healthier by developing walking & biking trails, how to provide safe routes to schools and the economic, environmental & public health benefits of being active.

The State Attorney General's office will be doing a presentation on "Senior Scams" this afternoon at 2:00 PM at St. James Manor, Oneonta. The event is open to the public. More information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

Springbrook will host an "Informed Decision Making" workshop today in the Events Room at their Campus on State Route 7 in Oneonta. The main goal of the workshop is to provide training for direct support professionals in understanding how to properly guide the people they support through the decision making process. The workshop is a half-day event from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 1:30 to 4:30 PM.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office has obtained an order dissolving Angel’s Gate animal hospice and rehabilitation charity & directing that the charity’s real property be sold with the proceeds to be paid to another charity whose mission is the protection and care of animals. Acting Supreme Court Justice John Lambert ordered the appointment of a receiver to sell the property held in the names of Angel’s Gate, Inc. and Susan Marino in the Town of Meredith. Schneiderman’s Office previously brought a proceeding against Angel’s Gate and Marino to dissolve the corporation because they had failed to file legally required financial reports related to the handling of their charitable funds.  Marino and Angel’s Gate had raised over $3.1 million from donations; Marino mismanaged the funds while continuing to live on the property as her primary residence, without any oversight by an inactive Board of Directors.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 25-year-old Britney Fraser of Oneonta for criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & possessing a controlled substance in a non-original container. 21-year-old Ashley Harty of Sherburne was also charged with 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marihuana. The arrests occurred after a vehicle stop when Fraser was observed failing to stop for approaching traffic as she drove onto State Route 7 in the Town of Oneonta. Troopers detected the odor of marihuana & a search was conducted, troopers accuse Fraser of possessing half of a narcotic and driving with a suspended license. Harty was found to unlawfully possess marijuana, heroin and cocaine. Fraser and Harty were arraigned at the Town of Oneonta court and both were remanded to the Otsego County jail on $400 cash bail or $800 property bond, pending Town of Oneonta court on November 12th.

State Police at Binghamton arrested 34-year-old Melissa Ipson of Liverpool for criminal possession of a controlled substance, driving while ability impaired by drugs and possessing a controlled substance in a non-original container. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Ipson appearing disoriented as she sat in her vehicle at a gas pump and then drove to a parking space at the Mirabito on Castle Creek Road in the Town of Barker. An investigation determined that she was driving while impaired by drugs and unlawfully possessed over 2 grams of cathinone bath salts. Ipson was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail set at this time.

The Oneonta Town Board will consider a presentation of a proposed budget for 2016 during a meeting at 6:30 PM today, in The Town Hall in West Oneonta.

Delaware County Public Health Services announces that the next free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall at 140 Delview Terrace. This will be the last rabies clinic for 2015 for Delaware County; more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The Sidney Fire Department will host their annual Open House tonight at the River Street Fire Station, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The fire department will have a live burn demonstration, an auto extrication demonstration, aerial ladder rides, the Sidney Police Department will conduct their child-fingerprinting program, & refreshments will be available.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, the Oneonta Lion’s Club and Hannaford of Oneonta, will be holding a food drive at the 2015 Oneonta Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31st at 7:00 PM. All food and monetary donations will be given directly to Opportunities for Otsego and the Salvation Army Food Pantry to help defray the loss that both agencies will incur this year by the Holiday Train not making its annual visit to Oneonta. Volunteers from United Way will be on hand at the Halloween Parade with shopping carts donated by Hannaford to collect non-perishable food items. More information is available at 434-2458. Those who would like to donate prior to the parade can call the United Way at 432-8006.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that flushing of water mains would continue on the low service in the Town of Oneonta, west of West End Avenue, for the next 2 weeks. Water users may experience a temporary change in water color or pressure; more information is available at 432-2100.

New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul continues delegation meetings with elected officials at various health care facilities throughout Puerto Rico to further Governor Cuomo's commitment to assist with the health care crisis. At 4:00 PM the Lieutenant Governor and State Elected Officials Hold a Press Conference with the Puerto Rican Delegation.

Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties will celebrate the grand opening of a new office at 19 Union Street, Sidney with an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 4:30-7 p.m. The public is invited to stop at Coldwell Bankers’ fifth office, located in the Community Bank Building, to meet the staff and learn more about the region’s largest real estate company. The event will include office tours, refreshments and live music. Jackie and Steve Rose, two of the most well respected real estate professionals in the Sidney area, are managing the new Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties office.

State Police responded to a report of a motorcycle accident on State Route 28 in the Town of Exeter. 86-year-old Herbert Black of Remsen was operating his motorcycle on State Route 28 when he entered a curve in the roadway, he was unable to maintain his lane and struck a street sign & was ejected and suffered serious injuries to his head, neck and chest. Black was transported to Bassett Hospital where he was pronounced deceased, no autopsy would be required.

On Monday October 8th, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and State Police responded to a reported bomb threat at the DCMO BOCES, Harrold Campus, in the Town of Masonville. The bomb threat was discovered written on a bathroom wall. The building was evacuated, a search found no explosive devises. Deputies have determined that a 14-year-old male was responsible for making the written threat. The youth and his legal guardian were subsequently issued a juvenile appearance ticket for the Delaware County Probation Department where the juvenile will answer a charge of Filing a False Report in the First Degree.

State Police in Norwich observed a 2007 Hummer traveling on State Route 12 in the Town of North Norwich; the vehicle matched the description of a stolen vehicle from Utica, and had been in a pursuit earlier in Oneida County. Several attempts to stop the driver were made and were stopped for safety reasons as the suspect approached the City of Norwich and then the Village of Greene. Troopers reported that as the vehicle entered Broome County, 2 Tire Deflation Devises were deployed, the front tires were disabled & the suspect continued to the Town of Chenango, and then fled the disabled vehicle and ran into the woods, A search by a State Police & Broome County Sheriff’s K-9 teams led to 17 year old La-Tee Baker of Utica, who was located near Otsinigo Park. Baker was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of stolen property, he was arraigned at the Town of Chenango court and remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time.

The Oneonta police department special response team is scheduled to work in cooperation with the Greater Plains Elementary School to conduct a school lockdown drill on Thursday. The event will provide the Oneonta SRT Team to train in full gear, and it will give students & faculty a chance to become familiar with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency.

The New York State Office of Information Technology Services is offering a number of resources and activities to help all users learn more about cyber security and how to safeguard themselves from cyber-based threats. The 2015 Cyber Security Toolkit features awareness resources geared to a broad audience, including government, businesses, schools, and the general public. New York ITS is also coordinating a statewide cyber security poster contest for students in grades K through 12 promoting online safety, winners will be featured on the ITS website and entered into a national contest, more information on the poster contest is available at its.ny.gov/eiso.

The Assembly Minority Task Force on Heroin Addiction & Community Response will hold a regional forum aimed at identifying problems and weaknesses in current efforts to combat the rampant heroin epidemic. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch & other lawmakers will participate on Tuesday, October 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the SUNY Broome Decker Health Science Center in Room D201. Representatives from rehabilitation and treatment organizations and facilities, law enforcement and criminal justice, and those with firsthand experience dealing with heroin addiction (http://americanaddictioncenters.org/heroin-treatment/how-to-help/) have been invited to attend and provide feedback.

The city of Oneonta FTO-CIC committee will hold their next meeting this afternoon at 4:00 this afternoon, the Oneonta Finance/Administration committee will hold their next meeting at 5:00 PM, both meetings will be held at Oneonta city hall.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies Arrested 26-year-old Amy Brooks of Sidney & 26-year-old Mark Rathbun of Franklin Tuesday. Brooks was tracked down by Canine Ozzie after she fled from Rathbun’s residence into the woods, Brooks was arrested on the Village of Sidney Court Bench Warrant for Violation of the Terms of her Release on charges of 2nd degree Burglary & Petty Larceny, she was additionally charged by deputies with Resisting Arrest. Rathbun was charged with Obstructing Governmental Administration. Brooks was arraigned in the Town of Franklin Court & was ordered held on $7,000 cash bail, Rathbun was also arraigned in the Town of Franklin Court & was ordered to be held on $2,000 cash bail.

Tonight at 6:30 pm there will be a free training on Heroin & Opioid Overdose Prevention at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street. The training will be provided by the Southern Tier Aids Program, it will include how to learn the signs and symptoms of heroin and opioid overdose, how to use NARCAN to respond to an overdose situation & participants can receive a Free NARCAN kit. The event is open to the community. Registration is requested at 829-3000.

The Leadership Chenango Kick-off Dinner will be tonight at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, with Registration at 5:00 PM& the Dinner at 6:00 PM.

The Oneonta Police Department announced the arrest of 2 people on drug charges after they served a search warrant at 195 Main Street Wednesday morning. Arrested were 34-year-old Nelson Canales of Oneonta & 31 year old Jamie Osborne of Oneonta, for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Canales was also charged with 2nd menacing. The Oneonta Police uncovered crack cocaine, prescription narcotics & 2 replica firearms. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department assisted Oneonta Police with the investigation.

State Police arrested 26 year old Christopher Kuiper of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawfully fleeing police in a vehicle, reckless driving and several other charges, after a trooper observed a Nissan making an illegal U-turn on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson. Kuiper allegedly failed to stop for pursuing troopers, he is accused of driving at speeds up to 90 miles an hour through the Prospect mountain work zone to State Route 17, he braked hard and his vehicle was struck by state police vehicle. Kuiper exited the vehicle was arrested without incident. Kuiper was found to unlawfully possess Percocet and marihuana; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail on $1,000 cash bail. Police stated that the pursuit lasted 4 minutes and covered 9 miles.

Governor Cuomo announced that over $32 million in federal highway safety grants have been awarded to 541 highway safety programs throughout New York State to improve overall highway safety and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries due to crashes. Locally, funding will go to the Binghamton police department, Broome County Sheriffs department, Deposit Police, Sidney village police, Delaware county sheriffs department, Oneonta city police and the Otsego county sheriff's department. The funding was awarded to New York State by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Chenango Arts Council announced a 20% increase in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2016 Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Grant Program. $129,280 is available to non-profit organizations and artists who partner with an eligible non-profit for cultural initiatives in 2016. Funding is available for grants up to $5,000 each to support Community Arts and Arts Education grants in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties. The deadline for 2016 grant application is Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Opportunities are for projects through December 31, 2016. More information is available at Chenangoarts.org or 336-ARTS.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older that are uninsured Friday. The Bassett mobile Screening Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street in Oneonta. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Friday through Sunday, Hartwick College in Oneonta will celebrate True Blue Weekend 2015. The weekend opens Friday with the Hartwick Golf Classic at the Oneonta Country Club, the True Blue Kickoff Party; a Men's Soccer game on Elmore Field, Saturday includes the Golden Jubilee breakfast, and feature a series of tours and alumni presentations. A Pep Rally Parade and Varsity Football game, Sunday will feature the College's annual memorial gathering in the Shineman Chapel House, as well as a Legacy Family breakfast, more information on and the full schedule are available at HartwickAlumni.org/TrueBlue or 431-4064.

Lake Placid officially opened today; they welcomed several USA Luge athletes for the first official runs of the season this morning. The Olympians will be practicing at the Lake Placid site each morning through the end of this month. World cup racing will be held at Lake Placid in December.

Approximately 460,000 New York Medicaid recipients diagnosed with diabetes received diabetes-related services costing more than $1.2 billion in state fiscal year 2013-14, according to a report released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report notes that about 1.6 million adult New Yorkers, or 10.3% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, which is higher than the 3-year nationwide average of 9.6%.

Runners from all over will participate in this year's "Pit Run" Sunday. The annual race will begin at 10:45 at Neahwa Park in Oneonta, it is named in honor of Late State Police Investigator Rick Parisian of Oneonta, who died trying to stop an armed robbery at an Oneonta supermarket in 1994.

The last day to register to vote in the November 3rd General Election for Delaware county residents is Friday October 9, 2015, it is also the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2016. The 52nd Senate District covering Deposit and Hancock has a 1-year vacancy. County Court Judge and County Family Court Judge and many town offices are up for election. Absentee ballots, sample ballots with any propositions for the General Election are available at the Board of Elections Office in Delhi, Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded from co.delaware.ny.us/departments.

Fire Prevention Safety Week is this Sunday October 4th through Saturday October 10th. The Franklin Fire department will hold their 2nd annual open house & public safety day on Sunday, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, with free refreshments, free smoke detectors & participation with the American Red cross, Delaware county sheriff's department state police & Bassett health care among others. The Franklin fire department is located at 351 Main Street.

Delaware County Public Health Services announces that the next free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets on October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall at 140 Delview Terrace. This will be the last rabies clinic for 2015 for Delaware County; more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The Sidney high school athletic department announced that directions are available to the Sullivan West central school in Lake Huntington for tonight's Sidney away game. The directions can be accessed on the Sidney central school district athletics web page.

The 2nd annual Protect Our Angels SIDS Awareness Walk will be held in Sidney Saturday in memory of area Babies lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The Walk will be Saturday from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM at Keith Clark Park in Sidney, more information & registration is available at protectourangels.org

The Chenango County Council of the Arts will host a Drink Wine & Let’s Design workshop today from 6-9pm, Workshop fees are $35 for CCCA members and $45 for non-members, and includes workshop instruction, paint, palette, brushes and canvas. Classes are held in the Council’s art classroom at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

49-year-old William Danielson of Oxford changed his plea today in Chenango County Court, to guilty, as his murder trial was schedule to begin in Norwich. Danielson was charged with murder for the death of Lucinda Knoll of Norwich in 2013. The court has accepted the change in plea and sentencing will be scheduled shortly.

The Delaware County Sheriff's department arrested 31-year-old Sean Dingle of Queens on drug charges, following the execution of a search warrant in the Town of Sidney. The warrant was obtained following a 5-month heroin trafficking investigation conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, the Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Probation Department and the Broome County Special Investigations Task Force. Dingle was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana after seizing 100 bags of heroin & a small amount of marijuana, that Dingle intended to sell at the Unadilla public fishing access lot in Sidney. Dingle was arraigned in Town of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending a future court appearance.

The Otsego County Department of Health announced today that a skunk in the town of Otego tested positive for rabies. Otsego County Health Department officials stated that 2 unvaccinated dogs were exposed & will be euthanized, the skunk was shot and the remains were sent to the state lab for testing. A free rabies clinic is scheduled for Otego at the fire department on October 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

State Senate candidate Fred Akshar hosted more than a dozen local farmers, agriculture students and professionals at a roundtable discussion on challenges and opportunities for Southern Tier agriculture in Whitney point Tuesday:

(Akshar 9-30-15)

Akshar faces former Broome County Executive & State DMV Commissioner Barbara Fiala in a special election to fill the seat vacated by the conviction of long time Republican State Senator Tom Libous.

The State DEC has adopted amendments to update and consolidate Petroleum Bulk Storage and Chemical Bulk Storage regulations. The changes clarify existing requirements and make it easier for those who store bulk amounts of petroleum or chemicals in tank systems to comply with equipment and handling standards needed to prevent contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water and public water supplies.

Governor Cuomo today announced $20 million is available for the construction of new affordable housing units damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. Qualified housing developers are invited to submit proposals for properties to be developed in the eligible counties, which locally includes: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego Counties. Funding will come from the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, out of its $4.4 billion federal allotment.

The Taste of the Catskills Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th at the Maple Shade Farm in Delhi. The Festival will include food from local farms, restaurants & Micro-Breweries & Live music. On Sunday, October 11th Catskill Mountainkeeper will screen their documentary "Catskill Park,” More information & ticket purchases can be accessed at TasteoftheCatskills.com.

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of a hunting accident in the Town of Sanford. 2 separate groups of hunters were hunting when 45-year-old Duane Wayman of Binghamton failed to observe another hunter & shot him. 50-year-old Andy Patrick of Johnson City was injured near his right eye, the right side of his chest and his left shoulder. He was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. All hunters possessed valid licenses, the investigation is ongoing.

State Police arrested 44-year-old Wayne Johnson of Oneonta for aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .23% and several other traffic law violations. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to an Otsego County 911 report of a vehicle in a ditch off of Emmons Hill Road in the Town of Oneonta. Troopers observed Johnson sleeping behind the wheel of a Pick Up stuck in a ditch, they accuse Johnson of being intoxicated when he tried to back his truck up and got it stuck. Johnson was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on October 6th .

Governor Cuomo announced a new funding opportunity for school districts across the State aimed at connecting them to farmers to increase the use of locally grown specialty crops. Through the Farm to School program, $350,000 in grants is now available for projects that will help school districts buy & serve locally grown foods on school menus.

On Saturday afternoon Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Christina Regg of Davenport on 1 count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Deputies accuse Regg of intentionally placing a house cat into a paint bucket with a sealed lid, which allegedly caused the death of the animal. Regg was later released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Davenport Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Steven Keller of North Branch for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the Town of Hamden. Keeler is accused of driving with a suspended license due, with an insurance lapse & also operating a vehicle with a loud exhaust. Keller was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

On Friday evening, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, and Hancock Police Department conducted a joint Traffic Safety Check on State Highway 97 in the Village of Hancock. A total of 68 traffic summons were issued, 5 for unlicensed operation, 2 for unregistered motor vehicle tickets, 7 for uninspected motor vehicle tickets, and 1 aggravated unlicensed operation ticket. 13 subjects were also arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana:

The identities of 2 women arrested by state police in Oneonta on Thursday have been identified as 30 year old Kelly Anderson of Maine, and 25 year old Amanda Castillo of Connecticut. . Anderson was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance; both Anderson and Castillo were charged with criminal possession of marijuana and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, they were held in the Otsego County jail pending court action.

Delaware County Public Health continues its pertussis investigation; there are now 4 confirmed cases in the Walton area. Public Health is working with the school district and the community to identify and notify students and residents that have possibly been exposed. If you or your child has been around someone with pertussis, you may become sick with pertussis as well. More information is available by contacting the department at 832-5200.

The city of Oneonta will have 2 committees meet later today. The FTO-CIC committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance /Administration committee will meet at 5:00 PM, both meeting will be held in the Common Council chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

State Troopers arrested 20-year-old Christopher Nunez of Holbrook for reckless driving, unlawful fleeing a police officer and numerous other vehicle and traffic law violations, following a high-speed chase on I-81. Nunez is accused of traveling at over 100 mph on a motorcycle and then failing to stop, Nunez was later found driving his motorcycle in the City of Binghamton. Nunez was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond pending court action on September 29th.

A Hartwick College student fell from her 4th floor dorm room window Sunday morning. The unidentified 20-year-old student from Trumansburg suffered injuries that were not considered life threatening, campus security and Oneonta Police and Fire department officials are investigating.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 44-year-old Robert Dibble of Sidney, on a bench warrant issued from the Village of Sidney Court for failure to appear in court. While executing the warrant, Dibble physically resisted and was also charged with resisting arrest, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.

Delaware county Public Health officials announced that there is 1 County resident that has been confirmed with Pertussis. Delaware County Public Health’s investigation is ongoing to identify possible exposures. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by cough; it usually begins with cold symptoms and cough, which becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include “coughing fits”, followed by a whooping noise.

State Police arrested 20-year-old Cory Meadows of Oneonta for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute on the roadway of State Route 7 in the Town of Milford. Responding troopers found Meadows walking alone on the roadway. Another motorist told them that they had seen her jump out of a moving vehicle during a dispute. Meadows refused to give her name or information and became disorderly to the troopers, she physically resisted as she was handcuffed. Meadows was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $200 cash bail.

Tri Town Regional Hospital will host a Health fair this Saturday, with a variety of representatives on hand, spokesperson Amy Beveridge comments:

(Amy Beveridge 9-22-15)

The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and will feature representatives from At Home care, the Pharmacy, a health insurance navigator as well as the Sidney Police department with their child-fingerprinting program.

The 13th Annual Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Ceremony will be held this coming Friday night as well as Saturday. Spokesman Greg Davie comments:

(Greg Davie 9-22-15)

This year's inductees will be Liz Wagner from the class of 93. Steve Fessenden from the class of 76, Rick Cole from the class of 67, Tony Ferrera from the class of 88, and the Legacy Team will be the 2005 Football team, which won the New York State Class C Championship.

State Police arrested 19 year old Stephen Counterman Jr., of Afton for assault and criminal possession of a weapon. The arrest occurred after troopers where advised of an assault that happened in the Town of Afton on September 19th, Counterman is accused of striking a 53 year old man in the back of the head with a tree branch, causing a laceration that required medical attention at Wilson Memorial Hospital. Counterman was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond. His felony hearing is later today.

The Oneonta department of Engineering announced that work would start on Wednesday to replace the traffic signal at Center & Maple Street. Powerline constructors of Clinton were awarded the bid, they will install new traffic signal & pole, new pedestrian crossing signals and they will be replacing the handicapped sidewalk ramps & some sidewalk. The project will to 60 days to complete, traffic will be controlled by flaggers.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older that are uninsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer 2 more “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” workshops! Today from 6:00 to 8:30pm, a workshop, with the theme “Americana” is scheduled, on Friday, October 2nd; another Wine & Design workshop is also scheduled from 6:00 to 8:30pm, with the theme “Spooktacular Full Moon”. The classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council art classroom at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

Aerial surveillance by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, State Police Aviation Division and CNET, led to the arrest of a Walton man and seizures of marihuana in the Towns of Walton and Harpersfield. 53-year-old William Picinich was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlicensed Growing of Cannabis and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Picinich will appear in the Town of Walton Court on September 23rd.

The 19th annual Delaware County Clean Sweep chemical disposal days are scheduled this weekend. County Solid Waste coordinator Sue McIntyre told WCDO News comments:

(Sue McIntyre 9-18-15)

Businesses & farms dropped off their items earlier today; households will participate at their designated time tomorrow.

The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% to 5.2% in August 2015, reaching its lowest rate since May 2008, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. County-by-County breakdowns will be released shortly.

The Let’s Make A Deal Live Stage Show Is Coming to the Floyd Maines Broome County Arena on November 2nd at 7:30 pm. The show is based on the long time TV show, Let’s Make A Deal Live, gives audience members a chance to make deals for big cash and prizes just like on TV. Let’s Make A Deal Live in Binghamton will be hosted by Mark Walberg, Reserved seats will go on sale Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or at 800 745 3000.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Car Seat Event today. Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be at Delhi Campus Child Care Center at 1104 Arbor Hill Road Delhi, from 3PM-6PM, to check car seats and give instruction to parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. More details are available at 832-5200.

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

Governor Cuomo issued a consumer alert advising New Yorkers to exercise caution when making used car purchases from private sellers over the internet following an increase in the number of complaints about online used car scams received by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles investigators. Each year, these state investigators, working with other federal, state and local officials, recover as much as $1.5 million in stolen vehicles and parts purchased online.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Joshua Whaley of Pitcher on an active arrest warrant for 3rd degree Burglary, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing plus several other charges. Whaley was arrested & was found to possess methamphetamine & an illegal weapon; he was additional charged with Criminal Possession of a Control Substance and Criminal Possession of an Illegal Weapon. Whaley was arraigned & and is being held in the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5000 cash bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 44-year-old Patrick Burton of Binghamton for aggravated cruelty to animals. Troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of animal abuse in Conklin. Burton is accused of beating his girlfriend’s dog; Burton was arraigned in the Town of Conklin Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond.

Oneonta officials announced that more tests are being conducted next week on their water distribution system. Hydrant flow test & pipe condition tests will be conducted on Monday at numerous locations around the city, they will continue again on Friday the 25th. More information is available at 432-2100.

New York State's education commissioner Mary Ellen Elia stated that next spring’s Common Core tests would be shorter. Elia spoke to the Board of Regents Wednesday in Albany, she said that some of the writing and reading passages will be removed and the math assessments will lose some multiple-choice questions. The controversial tests are given statewide to 3rd to 8th grade students each spring to measure student and teacher performance. Elia said that teachers would have a greater role in developing the tests when the state begins working with new vendor Questar for the 2017 school year.

The Chenango county historical society will unveil an agricultural education center in Norwich later this month, with the centerpiece being an 1800’s Oxford barn. Society Board of Directors President Joyce Zummo explains:

(Joyce Zummo 9-17-15)

The grand opening & ribbon cutting will be on September 26th from 11:00 to 4:00 PM at 45 Rexford Street in Norwich.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State Police arrested 769 individuals for DWI during the 20-day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national crackdown on impaired driving. State Police and local law enforcement agencies reported that of the 769 DWI arrests during the enforcement period, more than 219 occurred during Labor Day weekend alone. During the same period last year, 663 people were arrested for DWI. During the “Drive Sober” campaign, Troopers also issued 47,359 tickets, 18,660 for speeding, 1,613 for distracted driving, 2,522 for child restraint and seatbelt violations, and 556 for failing to “move over.” Troopers investigated a total of 2,973 crashes during the period, 857 people were injured, and 25 people were killed.

State agencies spent more than $337 million on overtime in the first six months of 2015, a jump of $21 million over the same period in 2014, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today. State employees worked more than 8.2 million overtime hours, up 5 percent over the same period in 2014. If overtime continues to rise at this pace, total costs for 2015 would exceed $700 million, an all-time record. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Division of State Police overtime costs for June and July 2015 jumped by more than $22 million over last year. But the mid-year totals reflect only a small portion of overtime costs incurred in the statewide search for the two escapees from the Clinton Correctional Facility.

In less than a month, New York’s affirmative consent law requiring uniform steps to combat sexual assault on college campuses takes effect. State officials have announced details of how they plan to implement the law, including a dozen State Police investigators assigned to a new victims’ unit to help investigate campus rape cases. Under Governor Cuomo’s “Enough is Enough” law, the rules at state institutions are extended to private schools. They include adopting student codes requiring affirmative consent before sex, and spelling out students’ rights to report sexual assault, dating or domestic violence and stalking to police.

Governor Cuomo announced that New Yorkers have scheduled more than 700,000 reservations to visit state-operated Department of Motor Vehicles offices since introducing the service on its website in 2013. Customers who make reservations online ahead of office visits, reserving a day and time convenient for them, are able to avoid wait times, which have decreased dramatically since the launch of DMV’s Customer Service Initiative in 2012.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Brett White of Binghamton for the felony of criminal contempt of court and the misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a dispute in the Town of Binghamton. An investigation determined that during a physical dispute White grabbed and threw his wife and his 7-year-old child to the floor, which violated a prior valid order of protection. White was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and released after he paid a $2,000.00 cash bail.

On Tuesday, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Lakewood, Pennsylvania man on a felony assault charge following a domestic incident in the Town of Walton. 44 year old Joshua Loucks was charged with 2nd degree Assault and leaving the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle accident, for allegedly using a motor vehicle to cause physical injury to a 42 year old female by intentionally striking her with it, on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton and then leaving the scene of the incident. The victim was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital where she was treated and released. Loucks surrendered to Deputies in Hancock and was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where he was released upon posting $1000 cash bail pending further court action.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Richard Bell of Bainbridge for assault, criminal trespass & harassment after a Delaware County 911 report of a dispute at a home on Blueberry Road in the Town of Masonville. Troopers determined that during a verbal dispute outside the victim’s home, Bell followed the man as he fled inside and allegedly struck him causing an injury. Bell was arraigned at Town of Tompkins Court, he was released without bail, & he will appear in Town of Masonville Court on September 15th.

The New York State Department of Health reminds parents that the fall season is prime time for head lice as children head back to school. Infestations are especially common in school, where children spend time in close quarters. When kids share objects like headgear, hats and hairbrushes, the lice can spread easily. An estimated 6 to 12 million children are infected each year. Information on what to do if your children have head lice is available at health.ny.gov/diseases.

The Binghamton Mets secured their playoff spot with the Divisional Round Best of 5 series beginning tonight at NYSEG Stadium at 6:35 pm; game 2 will be Thursday night at 6:35 pm with Post game Fireworks scheduled. If the B-Mets advance, the Championship Round Best of 5 series would begin on Tuesday, September 15th at 6:35 pm and continue on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:35 pm at NYSEG Stadium. More information is available at BMETS.com

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has been awarded a $3.75 million grant, over five years, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enhance the treatment and prevention of strokes, which is the 4th leading cause of death in New York, accounting for more than 6,000 deaths annually. The grant will allow the State Department of Health to expand its existing New York Coverdell program, to improve in-hospital care for acute stroke, as well as improve programs for education, emergency medical services & addressing stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, high cholesterol and poor medication adherence.

The Kick off meeting for the 2016 General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held today at the Highway 7 Bar & Grill on Route 7 in Bainbridge at 7:00 PM. The meeting is a joint meeting of the Regular & the Race Committees, they will discuss Meeting dates & times & ideas for next year's Regatta.

The 19th annual Delaware County Clean Sweep chemical disposal days are scheduled for September. County Solid Waste coordinator Sue McIntyre told WCDO News that online registration have been going on for a couple of weeks, and telephone registration begins today:

(Sue McIntyre 9-1-15)

Businesses & farms will drop off their items at their designated times on Friday September 18th, households on Saturday September 19th

33 year old Wayne Spratley of Greene, has been indicted for 1st & 2nd degree attempted murder, 1st degree assault, & criminal use of a firearm; in connection with the July 19th shooting of a black man in a City of Norwich parking lot. Many of the charges in the indictment are also characterized as hate crimes. Spratley is accused of shooting the man & using racial slurs against him during the attack. The unidentified victim required surgery for gunshot wounds to the abdomen, he has since been released & has left the area. Spratley will be arraigned in Chenango County Court shortly on the new charges in the indictment

State Police arrested 41-year-old Barry Wenger of Endwell Monday, for 1st degree Burglary & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Wenger is accused of entering a residence in the Town of Union & assaulting the occupant, causing injury. Wenger was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. The Investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo announced that he would lead a delegation to Puerto Rico to meet with local officials and discuss the Puerto Rican governments' ongoing healthcare crisis and economic challenges as well as the need for Washington to act. The Governor is leading the delegation at the invitation of Puerto Rico’s Governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla. The group will depart on September 7th & return on September 8th.

State Police urge everyone to support the AAA’s annual “School’s Open—Drive Carefully” campaign to help preserve the safety of children traveling to and from school. The campaign alerts motorists to the special risks to school age children from motor vehicle crashes, which is the leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old. The campaign begins September 2, 2015 and runs through October 14.

22 year old Kaitlin Eldred of Hernando, Florida & formerly of Cooperstown, has been charged in connection with the December 26, 2013, robbery of the Pit Stop convenience store on State Route 28 in the town of Hartwick. In April 2014, Timothy, Christine and Kaine Lord, formerly of Hartwick, were arrested in Florida & were extradited back to New York State and pleaded guilty to robbery and criminal use of a firearm, Eldred was charged following the continuance of the investigation, and a grand jury indictment in Otsego County Court. Eldred was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.

Oneonta Police, State Police BCI & the Otsego County Department of Social Services arrested 25 year old Benjamin Williams of Oneonta for 6 counts each for Assault & Endangering the welfare of a child following a report of a 4 month old child treated for injuries consistent with abuse. Williams is also accused of possessing child pornography & was additionally charged with Possession of Obscene sexual performance by a child & Possession of sexual Performance by a child, police said that the investigation is continuing.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today in the District Conference Room; the meeting begins at 6:30 PM.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold another "Reunite Bainbridge” Meeting on Monday. Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne said that they are still seeking community input on ways to improve Bainbridge:

(John Payne 8-27-15)

The next "Reunite Bainbridge" meeting will be held on Monday august 31st at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner, & all residents are encouraged to attend & Participate.

Sidney Firefighters responded yesterday to a fire at Acco in Sidney. The Fire was called in at about 2:15 as a problem with a garbage compacter that spread into a nearby wall, many of the Acco employees were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Hartwick College Officials announced that senior and football player, Dante Crump, and four of his companions were killed in a car accident Wednesday near Saugerties. Orange County Sheriff’s department reported that the 19-year-old woman was driving the vehicle, died after being airlifted to Albany Medical Center, the vehicle left the & went over an embankment, falling about 100 feet, before hitting a house & landing on the vehicles roof.

Binghamton Police and U.S. Marshals arrested 30-year-old Joshua Taylor of Binghamton, for 2nd degree murder for the July 24th shooting of 33-year-old James High of Binghamton. High was found lying on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds, in front of the Antler Lodge at 210 Chenango Street in Binghamton, he died a short time later at an area hospital. Taylor was located in the New York City and was returned to Binghamton Wednesday, the investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact Binghamton police at 772-7080.

1 person was killed, another injured, after a car hit a tree on Hawleyton Road in the town of Binghamton early this morning. State Police responded around 3:30 a.m. to the scene, where 2 passengers were trapped in the wrecked vehicle, they were extricated, & one died a short time later, the other was removed & taken to an area hospital. The names of those involved are expected to be released pending family notification.

The State Department of Health today announced amended vaccination regulations for children entering or attending school. School children will now be mandated to receive a complete series of all required vaccines – or be in the process of doing so – in order to attend classes. Beginning September 1, children entering or attending kindergarten through grade 12 will be required to have two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Children entering kindergarten through grade 5 will need to have five doses of the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and a cellular pertussis. Children entering kindergarten, and grades 1, 6 and 7 must have four doses of the polio vaccine. Children who have not yet received all required vaccine doses must schedule appointments with their health care providers to complete the vaccine series in order to remain in school.

The Binghamton Senators announced the full 2015-16 regular season schedule; they will open the season against the Albany Devils in front of their home crowd at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, October 10th at 7:05 PM. The B-Sens are scheduled to face 12 of the 15 opposing teams in the newly aligned AHL Eastern Conference. Ticket packages are available through the Binghamton Senators Executive Office in the Arena; more information is available at 722-SENS, or bsens.com.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department arrested former New York Ranger NHL player Dale Purinton in Laurens, in connection with an assault case in Oneida County. Purinton was apprehended in Laurens, where he was reportedly staying with family members, he was turned over to Oneida deputies after a warrant was issued charging him with 1st degree burglary.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, & Endicott Police located 15 year old Rebecca Shackelton, who had run away from a Broome County group home. Shackelton was located with a 16-year-old male acquaintance in Endicott Thursday, the 16-year-old male was found to have an active Family Court Warrant and both subjects were turned over to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detectives transported both subjects to Broome Family Court where the 16-year-old male was turned over to the custody of the court. Shackelton was transported to the Village of Bainbridge where she was returned to her legal guardian. Police said that Shackelton was not endangered or harmed during the timeframe and was willingly in the company of the 16 year old acquaintance.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Nathan Tuttle of Deposit on 4 counts of Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Tuttle is accused of having sexual contact with a 15 year old victim and sending the victim inappropriate pictures of himself. Tuttle was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond.

The Delaware county fair will have its biggest day on Saturday at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair spokesman John Jackson explains:

(John Jackson Saturday)

Jackson said that they are hoping to break attendance records this year, because of the large line up of activities, good weather and Saturday nights line up with 4 acts at the grandstand.

The Norwich theater company will have 3 performances of "The Music Man" this weekend, Company spokesman Rich Heim said that tickets are still available for the performances:

(Rich Heim 8-21-15)

Performances are tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Sherburne-Earlville high school.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street in Oneonta & at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Guilford town board will hold a work session tonight for the purpose of budget preparation. The meeting will begin at 6:30 at the Guilford town hall at 223 Marble Road in Guilford center.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, State Police Warrant Task Force and the State Parole apprehended Justin Knapp at a residence on Route 369 in the Town of Fenton. Knapp had a parole warrant for dangerous drugs violations; additional charges will be filed regarding a “one-pot” methamphetamine Knapp allegedly cooked. Knapp attempted to break out a rear window to escape police, who had surrounded the house, he dove out of a glass bedroom window, and he was subdued with a Taser & was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility. Knapp was charged on the Parole warrant, police seized Methamphetamine materials, he was then charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will make business easier for craft beverage companies in New York State. The 3 measures will allow farm distilleries to sell gifts and souvenirs, authorize retail stores to conduct tastings of liquor, beer and cider, and exempt micro-breweries from redundant tax filing requirements.

The Afton Central School District Board of Education will hold their next meeting today. The meeting has been moved to 10:30 this morning at the Afton Central School.

Governor Cuomo directed the State Police to ramp up enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on impaired driving. The 20-day campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from tomorrow through Labor Day, September 7th it is aimed at significantly reducing deaths and injuries caused by motorists driving drunk or impaired by drugs. On November 1, 2014, stronger penalties were enacted in New York to deter impaired driving. Drivers convicted of DWI or DWAI three or more times in 15 years face a Class D felony charge, up to 7 years in prison, and a fine up to $10,000.

Former Broome County resident & escaped prisoner David Sweat appeared in court this morning for arraignment on 2counts of 1st degree escape and 1 count of promoting prison contraband. Sweat did not enter a plea in Clinton County Court in Plattsburgh, so the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Sweat and Richard Matt escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility, they were on the run for 22 days, Sweat was found June 28th where he was shot and wounded by a state trooper. Matt was shot and killed June 26th. Sweat has been transferred to another state facility, he is serving a life sentence for the murder of Broome County Sheriff's deputy Kevin Tarsia in 2002, and he faces court action again, on September 29th.

Governor Cuomo announced that global technology leader AG plans to generate more than 1,000 new jobs and initially invest over $2 billion to support a cutting edge, 360,000 square foot wafer fabrication facility to be constructed at the Nano-Utica site in Marcy. Cuomo also announced that GE Global Research will expand its New York global operations to the Mohawk Valley, serving as the anchor tenant of the Computer Chip Commercialization Center on the campus of SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Utica. Nearly 850 jobs are expected to be created over the next 10 years.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has proposed an amendment to Federal Aviation Administration legislation, to prevent drones from flying within two miles of U.S. airports. Schumer said that a drone could get sucked into the engine of an airliner & cause hundreds of deaths." Schumer’s proposal calls for installing additional software in drones that does not let them fly within 2 miles of an airport & does not let them fly above 500 feet high. Schumer’s request follows an FAA report that pilot sightings of unmanned aircraft have nearly tripled in the past year from 238 sightings last year, and already there have been 650 sightings this year.

New York State’s private sector job count climbed by 19,300, or 0.2%, to more than 7.83 million in July according to statistics released today by the State Department of Labor. The State’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.5% to 5.4%, the State’s lowest rate since July 2008.

This Year’s Delaware County Fair Dairy Princesses Are Malorie Jordan & Sabra Warner of Franklin, they have been at the Delaware County Fair in Walton all week, to help promote the health benefits of 3 dairy servings per day. Jordan & Warner explain that 1 of their projects will be helping athletes refuel after this Saturday’s Fair 5K & 10 K running races:

(Jordan-Warner 8-20-15)

The full interview with Warner & Jordan will air tomorrow after the News at 10:00 AM on WCDO.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Robert Collins of Sherburne after he was found to be manufacturing methamphetamine along the banks of the Chenango River in the Village of Sherburne. Narcotics Detectives located Collins cooking methamphetamine using the “one pot” method; Collins was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Unlawful Disposal of Methamphetamine Laboratory Material, as well as several other drug charges, he was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State is expanding its efforts to prevent colorectal cancer, the state's second leading cause of cancer death. Over five years, $8 million in federal grants will go toward new screening initiatives that will be administered by the New York State Department of Health. Each year, nearly 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer and more than 3,000 die as a result.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next Business After Hours Event today from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm for the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties at Roots Brewing Company at 175 Main Street in Oneonta. Non-perishable food items and Hygiene Items are requested for the United Way Food and Hygiene Items collection through September 14th, as part of their 2015 campaign.

State Police arrested 39-year-old James Peart of Chenango Forks for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, following a traffic stop for speeding near the on ramp for State Route 17 in the Town of Dickinson. Peart was observed throwing a small metal object while stopping his motorcycle, Troopers located the object and found that it contained 4.4 grams of illegal methamphetamine. Peart was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Dickinson on September 1st.

The Norwich theater company will have 3 performances of "The Music Man" this weekend, Company spokesman Rich Heim explains:

(Rich Heim 8-19-15)

Tickets are available online at Norwich theater company.org, or at Service Pharmacy in Norwich & Sherburne at Pires florist in Norwich.

Sidney Village Superintendent of Public Works Mike Mercurio announced today that the traffic light at the intersection of Main & River Streets in Downtown Sidney is now in operation. Mercurio reminds motorists that the 4-way stop system implemented since March is no longer in effect & motorists need to obey the newly installed signals.

The Bainbridge Fire Department responded to the report of a Tractor Trailer on its side, in front of 86 West Main Street this morning. The investigation is continuing & WCDO will have further details as they become available.