WCDO Radio News

State Police arrested 32-year-old Curtis Commesso of Bainbridge for reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal contempt, after troopers were advised of a domestic dispute on I-88 in the Town of Fenton. Commesso allegedly drove recklessly by another vehicle that was occupied by his ex-girlfriend, their young child and others, he swerved in front of the victim’s vehicle, and the behavior violated a court order of protection. Commesso was arraigned in the Town of Fenton Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, pending future court action.

New York state’s Medicaid system made approximately $6.8 million in inappropriate payments, including $3.5 million for separately billed medical services that should have been covered by managed care plans, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Additionally, auditors identified 15 Medicaid providers who were charged with or found guilty of crimes that violated the laws or regulations of a health care program. So far, about $2.4 million of the overpayments were recovered. The report is available at osc.state.ny.us/audits.

A New York state environmental conservation officer was hospitalized after being shot while investigating illegal hunting in Columbia County. State police say 2 En-Con officers were checking out reports of trespassing with shots fired Tuesday afternoon; Officer James Davey was shot in the pelvic area by 54-year-old Alan Blanchard of Gallatin. Davey underwent surgery at MidHudson Regional Hospital and is listed in stable condition. Blanchard was charged Tuesday night with assault. He was being held Wednesday in county jail without bail.

The Otsego County Sheriffs department arrested 59-year-old Rhonda Wing of Morris for DWI Saturday after she crashed her car in the Town of Pittsfield. Wing was arraigned at the Pittsfield Town Court and is expected to reappear December 21st.

The State Assembly held a public hearing in Albany today regarding the rapid increase in student debt by college graduates. Statistics compiled by the state comptroller's office shows that student loan debt has doubled in the last decade. Last year, New York residents had an average of $32,200 in student debt, which is well above the national average of about $25,500.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 46-year-old Ronald Walley of Walton, for DWI, failure to keep right and speed unreasonable and prudent, following a 1-car rollover accident on County Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Walley was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court on December 28th.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Christmas Parade this Friday night in downtown Sidney. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor said that this year’s theme is "A Country Christmas:"

(Steph Taylor 11-30-16)

Taylor said that they will also hold their house decorating contest again this year, with 30 local homes winning the "Spirit Award" More information is available at the new Chamber office at 85 main street in Sidney.

The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will have their next meeting today; The Sidney High School Student Teen Institute team will present their recent experiences at the State Prevention Network's Conference. Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 11-30-16)

Tonight's meeting runs from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Sidney High School Library & is open to the public.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State DEC will hold a public scoping meeting for a study on flood-damage reduction needs today. the meeting will be held in the Sidney Memorial Public Library at 6:30 PM in the Smart Community Room. The Public is invited to attend.

The State DOT announced that bridge work on State Route 30/206 northbound and southbound over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the town Colchester will require intermittent road closures in both directions starting today through December 2 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Crews will be setting bridge girders for the new bridge. Motorists will encounter traffic stoppages intermittently for 10 – 15 minutes several times during the work hours daily. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

The Lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which came from Oneonta this year, will be seen on the big screen at the Foothills Performing Arts center tonight. Center Spokesman Bill Youngs explains:

(Bill Youngs 11-30-16)

The tree was removed recently from the Eichler property at Country Club Road in Oneonta; it will be let in the televised ceremony tonight & will be on display until January 7th.

Governor Cuomo announced plans to create a new hate-crimes unit in the state police and legal assistance for immigrants targeted for deportation or discrimination. Cuomo said Sunday that the legal assistance will take the form of a public-private legal defense fund run by the New York State Office for New Americans, The state police’s new hate-crimes unit has responded to numerous racial incidents since Election day with nazi literature & Swastikas found on Long Island, at a Brooklyn park, and in Wellsville & Livingston upstate

Delaware County deputies along with Downsville Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a missing hunter in the Campbell Brook area in the Town of Colchester Sunday. Deputies and Fire personnel located the vehicle of the missing hunter on Morton Brook Road; Services were summoned from the Environmental Conservation Police, Forest Rangers, Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department and the Colchester Police Department. Following a lengthy search, 24-year-old Steve Quinn of Ocean Side, New York was located, in good health; he was treated by members of Downsville EMS and was released.

Governor Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will not be permitted from 6:00 AM Wednesday, through 6:00 AM Monday, in order to accommodate motorists during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. AAA predicts that nearly 49 million people will travel more than 50 miles from home from Wednesday through Sunday, and more than 89% of those travelers will be driving. That number is up an estimated two percent over last year and is the highest number of expected Thanksgiving travelers since 2007.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a statement on the $25 million settlement agreement reached in Trump University fraud case. Schneiderman stated that his office first sued Donald Trump in 2013 for swindling thousands of Americans out of millions of dollars through a scheme known as Trump University. Trump agreed to a $25 million settlement agreement for over 6,000 victims of the fraudulent Trump University.

Students from the Delaware Academy in Delhi auditioned last week by video for a chance to sing the National Anthem at Citi Field before a New York Mets Baseball game next year. ON Friday, Officials from the Mets notified school officials that their students would be singing at Citi Field on June 18th.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to an Armed Robbery Friday at the Speedway Gas Station, in the Town of Norwich. The suspect displayed what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money from the store employee. The Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Jeremy Farnsworth of Norwich for 2nd degree Robbery police recovered the stolen cash and the weapon used in the robbery. Farnsworth was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail. He is to reappear in court on November 22. The State Police and City of Norwich Police Department assisted with the investigation.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be conducting NYSERDA’s free energy workshops titled “EMPOWER Save Energy, Save Dollars” at three locations, for those who pre-register through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531. A new workshop has been scheduled for Monday October 31st at the Opportunities for Otsego from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at 3 West Broadway in Oneonta. Other workshops will be held on November 3rd from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Deposit Senior Meals Site at 14 Monument Street, and on November 7th from 1:00 to 2:30pm at Opportunities for Otsego at 3 West Broadway, Oneonta.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county voters that the general election will be on November 8th this year, with the polls open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Absentee ballots and sample ballots for the General Election are available at the Board of Elections Office at 3 Gallant Ave., Delhi NY. Absentee ballot applications may be downloaded from co.delaware.ny.us Sample ballots may also be viewed on that website. The Board of Elections Office will be open on Saturday October 29th and Saturday November 5th from 9AM until Noon for absentee voting. More information is available at 832-5321

The Otsego County Chamber of commerce announces that their Education Committee will host a discussion supporting Tourism on Wednesday, November 9, from 8:30 10:00 AM. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, NY 13820. Those interested in attending must R.S.V.P by Monday, November 7. More information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that Cigna Insurance would end its policy of requiring prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Cigna’s change comes just months after Schneiderman requested that the company provide information about their policies to address concerns about barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder. Schneiderman said that Preauthorization requirements can lead to delays in patients obtaining quick, necessary treatment for addiction.

A Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council meeting will be held at the Sidney Library tomorrow. Delaware County Public Health Spokesperson Vera Buell told WCDO News who should attend this meting.

(Vera Buell 10-24-16)

The meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon tomorrow.

The Sidney Police Department will have a new Chief sworn in at tonight’s Village Board meeting, and then Jan Gorshack will replace Mike Hood as chief officially Thursday. Gorshack told WCDO news about taking over as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Jan Gorshack 10-14-16)

Gorshack has served in the Sidney Police Department for 23 years, he ran the DARE Program for 20 years, out going Chief Mike Hood will work part time with the Bainbridge Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriffs department.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 6 individuals have been arrested as part of a "Major drug trafficking enterprise” The 6 were arrested Sunday following a joint investigation by law enforcement agencies in Binghamton, arrested were Devon Johnson, Ferris Brown, Shawn Perry, Maurice Rollins, Mary Peters, & Andrew Savo. All 6 were arraigned in Binghamton City Court, and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Broome County DA Steve Cornwell announced that 32-year-old Christopher Clerveau of Kirkwood, pleaded guilty Friday to charges relating to his involvement in a large-scale drug ring operating in the region by Terrence Wise. Clerveau is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1st.

The next ReUnite Bainbridge meeting will be held tonight in Bainbridge. The meeting will be held at Bob's Diner the public is encouraged to attend & participate.

The Oneonta Common Council has been called in for a special meeting today at 5:00 PM. The meeting will be held to discuss the next city budget, it will be held in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall & is open to the public.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at The Amphenol Corporation of Sidney voted to approve their new 3-year contract Saturday. The Union & Amphenol negotiate a new deal every 3 years.

On Wednesday Oneonta Police assisted the Otsego County probation Department with items located during a routine visit of a person on probation. Officer confiscated 40 bags of heroin, Packaging materials, Scales & A small quantity of marijuana, police arrested 30 year old Daniel Londner of Oneonta for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Criminally using of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana, Londner was held pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court

After many years as the Chief of the Sidney Police Department, Mike Hood is stepping down next week, to be replaced by 23-year Sidney Police Department veteran Jan Gorshack. Hood Commented about his years as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Mike Hood 10-21-16)

Hood's last official day as Sidney Police Chief is October 28th, he will work part time for the Bainbridge Police Department & the Delaware County Sheriff’s department.

The Chenango County IDA announced significant progress in its Rail Revitalization project, which aims to restore service to the 45 ½ miles of the Utica Mainline track between the Madison and Broome County lines. Frontier Railroad Services of New Stanton, PA is nearing completion of the construction phase of the project, which repaired numerous washouts caused by floods in 2006 and 2011. Chenango County IDA Spokesman Steve Craig comments:

(Steve Craig 10-21-16)

Frontier is working with IDA's engineers at Stone Consulting on the final "punch list" of remaining tasks.

The Maine-Endwell Little League World Series team will be honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this weekend. The Maine-Endwell team was the champions of Little League World Series in August, Team members and coaches will visit the Hall of Fame on Sunday, for a special 1:00 PM ceremony hosted by Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at The Amphenol Corporation of Sidney will be voting on a new contract tomorrow. Union members will receive & review the contract proposal tomorrow morning, and then vote at the Sidney High School Gym. The Union & Amphenol negotiate a new deal every 3 years.

From September 2015 to September 2016, New York State's private sector job count climbed by 115,100, or 1.5 percent, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. In September 2016, the state's private sector job count fell by 4,400. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's administration, New York State's economy has added 839,500 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 58 of the past 69 months. In September 2016, the statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 5.0%, which was equal to the comparable U.S. unemployment rate of 5.0%.

Governor Cuomo announced $1 million in funding is available to assist new and early-stage farmers through the State New Farmers Grant Fund. The Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50% of eligible project costs, with the remaining 50% matched by the recipient. This year, the program has eliminated the 150 acres or fewer requirements and is now accepting farm applicants of all sizes. The application and guidelines are available online at http://esd.ny.gov. The deadline for submission is January 27th.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to health insurers outlining new insurance coverage requirements for substance abuse treatment. Under the new law, health insurers will be required to cover medication, including naloxone, for detoxification or maintenance treatment of substance use disorders under large group policies. Health insurers will also be required to provide coverage without preauthorization for inpatient substance abuse treatment in facilities that participate in their networks and are certified by the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Another Blood drive will be held in West Oneonta today from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at 107 Balmoral Drive. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Sportsfield Specialties has completed a recent expansion to their manufacturing facility in Delhi. The company is inviting the public to their Open House Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM it will include tours, demonstrations, family activities, and complimentary refreshments.

The Sidney American Legion is hosting a fundraiser Saturday for Camp Hope Veterans Outreach. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 10-21-16)

The fundraiser will be held at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street, Sidney from 1:00 until 5:00 PM, they are asking for donations of services, products and gift certificates to auction or a monetary donation, in order to buy property & start The Camp Hope facility.

The Jericho Arts Council will feature the bluegrass music of "Zink & Company Saturday night. Spokesman Phillip Wade comments:

(Phillip Wade 10-21-16)

ZINK & COMPANY will perform at the Town Hall Theatre on Main Street in Bainbridge beginning at 7:00 PM

The Village of Sidney Police Department is collecting unused & unwanted medications at a "Take Back" event Saturday. Offer Jan Gorshack explains:

(Jan Gorshack 10-21-16)

Gorshack said that they can NOT collect needles & sharps at the event, but can take prescription & over the counter medications, preferably in their original containers.

Republican Congressional Candidate Claudia Tenney will be speaking at the Bainbridge Town Hall tonight at 6:30 PM. Tenney is the Republican candidate for the Congressional District 22 seat being vacated by Richard Hanna, she is facing Democrat Kim Myers & Independent candidate Martin Babinec. The public is invited to attend.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, State Police and the Massachusetts DEA Task Force today announced the indictment of more than 2 dozen people for their roles in an alleged national heroin smuggling ring. The investigation, seized more than 33 kilos of heroin and 2 kilos of Fentanyl worth about $13 Million dollars, plus weapons & vehicles, The operation netted alleged dealers and traffickers in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and New Jersey, it is one of the largest heroin seizures ever in New York and is the single largest single seizure in the 46-year history of the state's Organized Crime Task Force.

Federal Prosecutors last month announced charges against three members of the Sex Money Murder gang of the Bronx, which included Corey Brown, Josnel Rodriguez & Christopher Canada, for racketeering, firearms charges, & for the murder of Vincent Davis in July of 2012. Rodriguez & Brown were brought into court, but Canada was on the run from law enforcement, until he was apprehended by US Marshals & Oneonta Police in a Division Street Apartment yesterday afternoon. Canada was apprehended without incident & was returned to New York City to face prosecution.

State Police responded to a car & tractor trailer fatal crash on State Route 90 in the Town of Homer. A 61 year old Cortland man was driving a Subaru southbound, he drifted into the northbound lane and struck a tractor trailer driven by 48 year old Michael Gross of Norwich. Police said that the Subaru spun off the southbound shoulder and came to rest, the tractor trailer crossed over the southbound lanes and came to rest in a swamp, diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway, and the tractor began to burn. The unidentified Cortland man was declared dead at the scene, Gross was transported to Upstate Medical for non-life threatening injuries. The deceased driver’s name is not being released pending family notification.

Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will hold their 2nd annual Health Fair tomorrow, which will give the community an opportunity to meet with staff, according to spokesperson Amy Beveridge:

(Amy Beveridge 9-23-16)

The event will be held on the hospital Grounds from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the 43 Pearl Street location.

A "Tampon Drive" is being held at the House of Consignment in Unadilla tomorrow, & the Price of admission to the event is a box of Tampons: Store owner Kirsty Roefs comments:

(Kirsty Roefs 9-23-16)

All Items in the House of Consignment will be 20% OFF, & there will be many activities scheduled at the 214 Main Street Unadilla location from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday.

The Jericho Arts Council will hold the first of their scheduled events for the season Saturday, Spokesman Phillip Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 9-23-16)

Other scheduled events for the season include Zink & Company on October 22, The Corvettes on November 5th, & The Out Of The Woodwork Players performance of "Double Wide Texas" on November 18th & 19th. More information is available at jerichoarts.com.

Sidney Village Police arrested 62 year old Michael Connors of Sidney Center, for Driving While Intoxicated, and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, in the village of Sidney on September 9th. Connors faces court action on the charges at a later date.

Tomorrow will be the 21st annual "Doctors with A Heart" event, where dentists at several locations in the Southern Tier perform free basic dental services to the unemployed or uninsured. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon tomorrow at Progressive Dental at 101 South Board Street in Norwich, as well as their locations in Kirkwood, Endwell, & Montrose Pennsylvania, plus the Chenango Bridge dental office at 528 Main Street in Chenango Bridge. More information is available at 722-5464.

The 3rd Annual Franklin Volunteer Fire Department open house & Public Safety day on Sunday form 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM. A variety of activities & demonstrations are scheduled, at the Franklin Fire House.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Senator Charles D Cook County Office Building at 111 Main Street Delhi on Saturday September 24th from 10AM to 2PM to educate the public on how to vote on the voting machines. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

The Greene Chamber of Commerce will hold the 30th Annual Greene Applefest tomorrow. The event will be held from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ball Flats.

Delaware County Clean Sweep 2016 begins today & concludes tomorrow for those County Residents who pre-registered. today, Businesses & Municipalities participate from 10:00 to 11:45 AM at their alloted time, then Farmers today from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM. County residents bring their items Saturday, from 8:00 to 11:30 AM.

State Police arrested 43 year old Angel Rodriguez of Long Island, and 25 year old Desiree Hernandez of Brooklyn for criminal possession of stolen property, after a trooper responded to check on the welfare of the occupants of a broken down vehicle on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock. An investigation determined that the car had been reported stolen on August 6th in New York City. Rodriguez & Hernandez were arraigned in the Town of Hancock court and were remanded to the Delaware County jail. Rodriguez had his bail set at $25,000 cash and Hernandez had her bail set at $15,000.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report on student loan debt which found the average New Yorker with college loans owed $32,200 in 2015, higher than the national average of $29,700. Student loan debt more than doubled during the last decade in the state, growing to $82 billion from $39 billion, an increase of 112%. The number of students taking out loans rose sharply in New York over the past 10 years by 41% to 2.8 million. Student loans represented 11.4% of the $722 billion outstanding consumer (or household) debt in New York in 2015. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

A new poll of registered New Yorkers suggests that Hillary Clinton has a big lead over Republican candidate Donald Trump. A Sienna Poll released today shows Clinton with 51% compared to only 30% for Trump. 19% were undecided or favored other candidates.

Another child safety seat check is being held in Oneonta this afternoon. The event will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the AAA Offices at 195 Oneida Street. Certified technicians will be on hand, more information is available at the Otsego county department of health at 547-4230.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that s steering committee of local shareholders & community leaders has been formed, who will work with urban planners and staff members from the department of state, homes & community Renewal & the governors office. The city received a $10 million dollars Downtown revitalization award through the Mohawk Valley Economic Development regional council, the first meeting of the steering committee will be on September 27th, a time & a place has not yet been announced. The meetings will be open to the public, and time will be allotted for public input.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced this years winners of the “Citizen Of The Year” and “Business of the year”. The Citizen of the year is John Payne, the Business of the Year is “Nana’s Keepsakes”, and both will be honored at the annual dinner to be held at the Sundown Golf & Country Club in Guilford on October 29th.

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

A Broome County jury has found Brendan Barrett not guilty of beating an infant to death. Barrett was originally charged with 2nd-Degree Murder, 1st-Degree Manslaughter, and 2nd-Degree Assault in the December 2013 death of Camryn Davies.

GO-EDC energy sub-committee has scheduled a general interest presentation on this subject for Today, at 4:00 PM in the conference room of the Oneonta Hampton Inn. Dan Sullivan, the Mohawk Valley Region's new outreach coordinator for the Clean Energy Program will be the presenter. The CECP is a NYSERDA program which provides grant opportunities to Clean Energy designated communities of between $100,000 - $250,000 depending on population.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Leonard Ortiz of Bronx on 71 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 1 count of criminal possession of forgery devices, criminal possession of marijuana, speeding at 86 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Deputies allege that Ortiz possessed numerous forged credit cards and checks & equipment to produce forged instruments, following a vehicle search on State Highway 17 in Hancock. Deputies seized 8 ounces of marijuana, packaging envelopes & scales used to weigh and package the marijuana. Ortiz was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

State Police Arrested 24 Year old Joshua Bowman of Chenango Forks, for criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute in the Town of Greene. Bowman allegedly choked & punched an unidentified male victim in the head, he was arraigned in the Village of Greene court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond pending court action in the Town of Greene on September 22nd.

Oneonta Police Department arrested 26 Year old Nicholas McDonald of Oneonta on multiple counts of 2nd degree Burglary, 3rd & 4th degree Grand Larceny, Petty larceny, & Criminal mischief. The arrest followed the investigation into a rash of burglaries and larcenies in the center city area of Oneonta over the past several weeks. This investigation is still open and ongoing.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Donald Rowe of Port Crane for 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Troopers were advised of a dispute in a moving car on Hancock Road in the Town of Colesville, Rowe is accused of punching a female passenger while driving, causing an injury & for allegedly taking her cell phone, & forcing her to leave the vehicle, he then drove away. Rowe was located in the Town of Fenton; he was arraigned in Town of Sanford court where an order of protection was placed against him. He was released without bail required and his next court date in the Town of Colesville today.

Due to last night's rain out, and other scheduled events around the region, I-88 speedway has cancelled races for the coming weekend. Track Spokesperson Denise Page explains:

(Denise Page 9-19-16)

Page said that the last weekend of racing at I-88 speedway will be the Short Track Super Nationals on Friday & Saturday October 7th & 8th,

Oneonta Police arrested 23-year-old Joshua Johnston of Oneonta Friday for 2nd degree robbery & 3rd degree assault, for allegedly robbing and injuring a 66-year-old woman on River Street Thursday afternoon. The unidentified victim suffered a broken arm, Johnston faces action in Oneonta City Court shortly on the new charges, plus charges relating to allegedly stealing items from parked vehicles in the city recently.

Delaware County Public Health will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event today at Little Lambs Children’s Center 383 Delaware County Hwy 11 Oneonta, from 3:00 to 5:30PM. 75% of children are riding in car seat that are not properly installed or do not fit correctly. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well. More information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

The Binghamton Senators announced that single game tickets for the team’s 2016-17 regular season home games will go on sale Monday, September 19th at 10:00 AM at the B-Sens Executive Offices, the Arena Box Office, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Binghamton will play 37 regular season games at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in addition to a home preseason game against the Rochester Americans on Saturday, October 8, starting at 7:05 p.m. The B-Sens’ home opener is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, against the Hershey Bears at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for the show "STOMP" go on sale this morning at 10:00 AM, for the 2 Binghamton Performances on October 26th & 27. Tickets for STOMP will be at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster 800-745-3000, for more information visit our website: BroadwayinBinghamton.com

The town of Bainbridge will be closing Gifford Road from the Amphenol plant to County Route 39 for paving today. Motorists are encouraged to use a different route during the paving process.

Governor Cuomo announced that flags on state government buildings would be flown at half-staff on Sunday, September 11. The Flags will be flown in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks.

State Police at Norwich arrested 20-year-old Jacob Burrell, 18-year-old Melissa Land, & 18-year-old Kayla VanPelt, 18, all of New Berlin, for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers were advised of a burglary at a home on Hemlock Hill Drive in the Town of Columbus in July. Burrell is accused of damaging a window to gain entry; all 3 allegedly entered & stole liquor. Burrell, Land and VanPelt were arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and were released; they face court action in the Town of Columbus shortly.

State Police arrested 50-year-old Michael Silver of Franklin for criminal mischief, after Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on State Route 357 in the Town of Franklin. Silver is accused of smashing the victim's front windshield of her vehicle with a baseball bat, as she was driving away, following a dispute. Silver was arraigned in the Town of Franklin court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

Cal Harris will appear In Oneonta Town Court on October13th, to answer to charges for allegedly stalking a State Police Investigator who testified in Harris's most recent Murder trial in Schoharie County Court earlier this year. Harris was sentenced in Owego earlier this week in a separate case, for harassing an unidentified student at a SUNY Broome Satellite class in Tioga County in 2015. Harris was freed following his 4th trial earlier this year, after being accused & convicted twice of killing his estranged Wife Michelle in 2001, 2 convictions were overturned on appeal, the 3rd murder trial ended with a hung jury, his last trial ended with his being released of murder charges.

The dedication of Miller Park in Oneonta will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. The park is located at the intersection of the Lettis Highway & Main Street in Oneonta, to honor the former Mayor of Oneonta & Hartwick college president Dick Miller, who took his own life in October of 2014.

A free Breakfast will be offered to all first responders Sunday morning, at the Sidney American legion post on Union Street. All active & retired Police officers, Firefighters, Emergency Squad members can eat for free; breakfast will be $6.50 per person for the public.

The Family of former State Assembly Minority Leader Clarence "Rapp" Rappleyea has announced calling hours & funeral services. Rappleyea died on September 4th at the age of 82, Friends are invited to call at the NorthEast Classic car Museum from 4:00 p.m. -8:00 PM today. A Celebration of Life for Rapp will be held at the Car Museum at 11:00 AM Saturday. Private burial services will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich. Another Celebration of Rapp's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday at the Terrace Gallery, at the New York State Museum in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The family is requesting donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, or the Roger Follett Foundation, Inc., 35 West Main Street, Norwich, 13815.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood & Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood drive is being held today in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center at 2 Main Street, another blood drive is being held in Oxford from Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the American Legion on South Washington Street. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. This free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Be sure to bring your child/children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well. More information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event today & tomorrow. Residents can participate at the UNADILLA SITE today from 8:00-11:00 am & the COOPERSTOWN SITE on Saturday from 8:00AM to 1:00 pm. Small Businesses that pre-registered will participate today from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM at the Meadows Office Complex County next to the Otsego County Public Safety Building. More information is available at the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

Cal Harris was sentenced in Owego Village Court today on a harassment charge. Harris was found guilty of harassing a student at a SUNY Broome satellite campus back in March of 2015, he will serve no jail time, he was ordered to undergo anger management and an order of protection was issued, & Harris will also have to pay a fine. Harris said that he plans to appeal, Harris is still facing a charge for allegedly stalking a state police investigator in Oneonta, right after Harris was released after a 4th trial for murdering his estranged wife Michelle in September 2001.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced its annual award recipients, this year's winners are: Wahl to Wahl Auto, The Hartwick College Center for Craft Food & Beverage, The award winners will be honored at the Chamber's Small Business Banquet on Thursday, October 20th at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.

Bassett Healthcare Network has been awarded a $297,419 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for up to four years to bring telehealth services to the school-based health care setting. The grant-funded project will benefit students enrolled in 18 of Bassett’s school-based health centers in Delaware, Otsego and Chenango counties. In addition to providing access to sub specialists, the school-based project will include diabetes care and education, obesity prevention programming and nutritional counseling, oral health care, behavioral health services, and asthma care and education. From July of 2015 through June of 2016, the program handled 33,522 visits; 32 percent of those were mental health visits, and 59 percent were medical visits; the dental component handled over 3,054 visits.

For more than 75 years, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has been committed to preserving the history of the National Pastime in Cooperstown. Starting today, thanks to the Hall of Fame Digital Archive Project, 25 volumes of 10 different Babe Ruth scrapbooks in the collection will be available online for the first time. These one-of-a-kind scrapbooks, created by Ruth’s agent Christy Walsh, provide a unique look at Ruth’s career through letters, stories and photographs, and give a glimpse at the authentic Babe Ruth. Additional digitized photos, audio, video and text, from the Museum collection will be published every other Wednesday as the Museum adds to the PASTIME online collection, which is available at collection.baseballhall.org.

Just under $310 in cash was raised Friday at the Penguin Ice Cream & Snack Bar for the Delaware Valley Humane Society. Numerous donations of cleaning supplies, food & bedding were also donated at the event at the State Route 8 Masonville location Friday.

A "Glow Run" benefit will be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge on Saturday September 17th starting at 5:00 PM, to raise money for an Oxford Nurse battling Leukemia. Sidney Native & Cancer Survivor Heather Bucalos is coordinating her 2nd "Glow Run"; she was inspired by people who held fundraisers for her against her battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma, she told WCDO News how to register for this event.

(Heather Bucalos 9-7-16)

Last year's event assisted Ken Long of Binghamton, this year, Mindy Ives Natoli of Oxford will be the recipient of funds raised through the Glow Run & the sale of T-shirts commemorating the event. More information is available at the Glow With The Flow Benefit 5K run/walk/ Roll Facebook page.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office is investigating Mylan Pharmaceuticals, the maker of EpiPens, after a review by the Office of the Attorney General revealed that Mylan might have inserted potentially anticompetitive terms into its EpiPen sales contracts with numerous local school systems. Mylan's EpiPen is the predominant epinephrine autoinjector, which is used where an individual suffers a severe allergic reaction, which could otherwise lead to death.

A jury has been seated & Testimony began today In Broome County Court, in the case of 32 year old Brendan Barrett, who is charged with 2nd-degree murder, 1st-degree manslaughter, and 2nd-degree assault for the murder of infant Camryn Davies, at 9 Bevier Street in Binghamton on December 9th, 2013.

State Police arrested 26-year-old Brittany Waldruff and 24 year old Derrick Waldruff of North Norwich, on 4 counts of cruelty to animals. Their arrests occurred after troopers responded to assist the Norwich Dog Control Officer with an abandoned beagle and puppies at home on State Route 12 in the Town of North Norwich. The Waldruffs are accused of abandoning their pet beagle and her 4 new puppies without food or water inside a locked apartment after they were evicted. Both were issued tickets returnable to the Town of North Norwich Court on September 14th.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they would be flushing water mains on the low service in the West End over the next 2 weeks. The flushing will affect residents & businesses at Chestnut Street & All other streets west of Clinton Street, including all Town of Oneonta customers connected to the City water system. Water color & pressure may be affected during this period; more information is available at 432-2100.

Governor Cuomo today signed landmark legislation mandating that schools test drinking water for lead contamination. Lead is a toxic material that is extremely harmful to young children and can result in lowered IQ, behavioral problems and brain damage. The state Department of Health also issued emergency regulations pursuant to the new legislation, requiring that school districts test their water for lead contamination by Oct. 31, 2016 and report results to parents, the state Department of Health and local government officials. These new regulations will reduce the risk for exposure to this dangerous substance and ensure all New York’s students have access to clean, drinkable water.

The Sidney Chamber’s September meeting will be held this morning. The Meeting will be held at the Sidney Golf & County Club at 7:45 a.m.

The 2016 Little League World Series Champion Maine-Endwell team will be honored in a ceremony on Saturday at 6:30 PM prior to the Binghamton Mets game against the Erie Sea Wolves. The 11 players, along with manager Scott Rush and his coaching staff will be recognized for their 24-0 season that finished with the championship last Sunday. Fans can purchase tickets for the B-Mets upcoming season-closing homestand at the NYSEG Stadium box office, by calling 723-METS or by visiting BMETS.COM.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host "Bainbridge Days" today & tomorrow, Chamber spokesperson June White comments:

(June White 9-2-16)

Events will be located around the Village, in the Downtown Bainbridge business District, as well as the parking lot behind Bob's Diner.

Binghamton Police charged 27-year-old Nicholas Chappell of Binghamton with 2nd -degree murder & attempted 2nd degree murder for the fatal shooting at 1 Mozart Street Wednesday morning. Chappell is accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old David Sanborn of Whitney Point & injuring 26-year-old Jordan Doolittle of Windsor. The investigation is ongoing.

City of Oneonta Police arrested 18-year-old Noah Graetz of Owings Mills Maryland & Hartwick College for Criminal possession of a Controlled substance & Criminal possession of marihuana. Oneonta Police Department Detectives received information regarding illegal narcotics and a large amount of marihuana on the Hartwick College campus; Police seized 6 grams of cocaine, 27 ounces of marijuana, & $2,150 cash. Graetz was held in the City of Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon has tested positive for Rabies in the town of Middletown. The Raccoon was sent to the State Rabies Lab for testing, the positive test results were received Wednesday. Officials said that there was 1 domestic animal and 1 human exposure; they are coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment that the adult will be receiving. The animal has been placed in quarantine for 6 months due to a short lapse in rabies vaccination status. The next scheduled rabies clinic is: Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Governor Cuomo announced that the sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products sold in New York State is in effect. Feminine hygiene products have been taxable since the state sales tax was first instituted in 1965, even as a wide variety of other goods, such as dietary and family planning products, have been exempt.

The Susquehanna Balloon Glow Festival will be held in Oneonta this weekend. Activities begin this evening at 5:00 PM and will continue Saturday & Sunday. The full schedule of events is available at the Balloon Glow Fest Facebook page.

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce has moved into their new location at 85 Main Street in Downtown Sidney. The chamber will once again share office space with the Sidney United Way. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for September 12, and a Business After Hours event is also scheduled for September 12th.

All public and private school students entering 7th or 12th grades in New York State will be required to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease in order to attend school. Meningococcal disease that can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, as well as blood infections. New York joins 27 other states that currently require meningococcal vaccination for school attendance.

Calling hours for Sidney native & US Army Veteran Adam Petzack of Great Falls Montana will be held at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel on Main Street in Sidney today from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A memorial mass will begin at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Liberty Street in Sidney with military honors following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Adam's memory either monetary or air miles to healinghero.org. A gathering at of family & friends will follow at Vincent's on Main Street in Afton will follow the services.

New York State Electric & Gas are making headway in returning power to those who were affected by these weekends’ storms. In Chenango County NYSEG reported that power outages affected just under 700 this afternoon, the majority of affected customers were in New Berlin, Norwich & North Norwich. Otsego County had about 1000 customers without power, scattered through the middle & northern townships. Delaware County had all power restored this afternoon.

Governor Cuomo today announced $13.7 million in grants to support eight critical municipal water infrastructure projects across the Southern Tier. These grants are part of the second round of NYS Water Grants funded through the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. Locally the villages of Sidney, Delhi & Stamford, &the town of Guilford will receive grants for their drinking water improvement projects.

The Delaware County Fair opens today at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair Spokesman John Jackson told WCDO News that the new "Hay Hauling" event looks like it would become a staple at the fair:

(John Jackson 8-15-16)

The hay-hauling event will be held Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Delaware county fair.

State Senator Jim Seward joined in the dedication Saturday of the historic Andes Train Depot and announced a $75,000 state grant he secured to help with restoration costs. The capital funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Program has been used to help fund the restoration of the Delaware and Northern Railroad Depot building, it is now the starting point of the Andes Rail Trail.

NYSEG is reporting that hundreds are still without power this morning following the damaging weekend storms. Chenango County had over 1100 without power late this morning, mainly in Norwich, New Berlin & Preston. In Otsego County, over 1300 were without power, scattered mainly in the middle & northern sections, Delaware County had a little over 100 without power, mostly around Andes and Downsville. NYSEG opened a distribution center at the Norwich Fire Department and is handing out free bottled water.

The New York State Health Department today announced that the more than 2.8 million people signed up for health insurance through the end of the 2016 open enrollment period on January 31, 2016. The data show that enrollment in the Marketplace increased by 33 percent, or nearly 700,000 enrollees from the previous enrollment period; 92 percent of those enrolled through the Marketplace report that they did not have health insurance at the time they applied.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Delaware County Fair on Friday August 19 to educate the public on how to vote on the machines. It will be at the Republican Booth from 11am to 3pm and at the Democratic Booth from 3pm to 7pm. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that OGS is hosting a free training seminar meant to familiarize local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations with the use of new state contracts. The all-day training is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at the Binghamton State Office Building. During the event, purchasing officials will receive a general overview on how to use new OGS contracts. To register for the training or learn more about upcoming training opportunities visit www.nyspro.ogs.ny.gov/roadshow.

The City of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be working on Chip Sealing of area streets this week between the hours of 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM. Area Motorists are reminded to remove their vehicles from the affected streets or facing being towed and facing towing fees. A list of streets is available by calling the DPW at 432-2100.

State & Local fire investigators are trying to determine what started the fire early Tuesday morning at the former Cooperstown Motel at 90 Chestnut Street in the village of Cooperstown. The Heirs of Al O’Brien were expected to sell the property to the CVS Pharmacy chain, with a closing scheduled for August 22nd, the Village of Cooperstown board will hold a special meeting on Friday to discuss their option. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, the Motel had been empty for several months & furniture had been removed for auction.

According to a new study, New York State is among the worst places to have a baby. "Wallet Hub" compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions: Delivery budget, health care and baby-friendliness, their research had New York State ranked 48th out of 51. The Top States to have a baby were Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Minnesota & New Hampshire. New York also ranked near the bottom in annual infant-care costs & child-care centers per capita. The states that ranked worse than New York were Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi.

Farmers in Otsego & Schoharie Counties will participate in Family Farm day this Saturday. Participants will be able to visit working farms talk to the farmers about their operations, & sample farm fresh produce. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at participating farms, a list of farms participating in the program is available at familyfarmday.org.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll announced that the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for federal fiscal years 2017 through 2020 is available for public review and comment. The list has all projects in New York that will receive federal funding. The draft of the STIP document will be available for public review and comment through August 26th, at dot.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Fair continues today through Sunday, today is the 2nd free admission day at the Fair, Spokesperson Mary Weidman told WCDO News about some of the remaining highlights:

(Mary Weidman 8-10-16)

The Chenango County Fair runs through Sunday at the Fairgrounds in Norwich.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WILL HOLD A Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today in Sidney. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Station, on River Street. more information is available at 832-5200, or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the USDA to begin the process of issuing a disaster declaration to help Upstate New York farmers who suffer major losses and crop damage from this year’s severe drought.. Schumer is also calling for USDA to work with farmers to document losses and process their claims for USDA disaster assistance programs. Drought conditions are at their worst in 22 counties in the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes region, Central New York & Western New York.

The Annual Chenango County Fair begins tomorrow in Norwich, fair spokesperson Mary Weidman comments:

(Mary Weidman 8-8-16)

The fair will run though Sunday at the fairgrounds in Norwich, The full schedule of events is available at chenangocountyfair.homestead.com.

Broome County Deputies responded to the report of a crash at Airport Road and CFJ Boulevard in the town of Dickinson Saturday afternoon. 33-year-old John Dirig of Long Eddy is accused of leaving the scene, and a 32-year-old woman who had overdosed on heroin in Dirig’s vehicle. Deputies administered Narcan and she was taken to an area hospital. Dirig was apprehended, he faces charges including criminal possession of a controlled substance, as Deputies confiscated 14 packets of heroin and hypodermic needles in his vehicle. The investigation is continuing, & more charges are possible.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Kayla Hartmann of Utica for DWI, obstructing governmental administration, unlawful possession of marihuana and several other traffic violations, following the report of a 1-car crash on Otsego County Road 10 in the Town of Laurens. Troopers were approached by 21-year-old Shania Russell of Oneonta, as well as Hartmann, both told troopers that Russell was driving when the crash happened and that Hartmann was a passenger, troopers reported that Hartmann was driving while intoxicated and had told her passenger to lie. Hartmann was arraigned in Town of Milford court and then was released without bail required. The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County's annual Clean Sweep event will be in Late September again this year, for homes, farms & small businesses. Online Registration is already underway & phone registrations will be held next month, according to Delaware County Solid Waste Coordinator Sue McIntyre:

(Sue McIntyre 8-8-16)

McIntyre said that all of the flyers, tip sheets & the list of acceptable items are also available at the online registration website, the acceptable items are the same as last year. Businesses & farms will drop off their materials on Friday September 23rd & Households will go on Satu8rday September 24th.

A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Village of Delhi. The Skunk was sent to the State Rabies Laboratory, The positive test results were received Friday & there was 1 human exposure. Delaware County Public Health is coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment the adult will be receiving. The next scheduled rabies clinics are at the Sidney Fire Hall on August 10th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM & the Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 832-5200. More information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com -------------------------------------------

33 year old Joshua Whaley of Pitcher was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff's department on 5 active warrants from various courts and various Police agencies. Whaley was wanted for failure to appear in court on original charges of Unlawful Fleeing, Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, and promoting prison contraband. Whaley was also charged with resisting arrest after he tried allegedly tried hiding inside a residence to avoid apprehension. Whaley was remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office without bail until Chenango County Court convenes.

The State DOT announced that work to install temporary traffic signals on State Route 28 between Upper Main Street and Grove Street in the village of Cooperstown will begin today. Work will be performed daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Wednesday, August 17th. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

The Sidney Arts & Music festival will be held this Saturday in Downtown Sidney. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(STEPH TAYLOR 7-26-16)

WCDO will be broadcasting live during the Cruise in Portion of the Arts & Music Festival Saturday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a domestic dispute in Andes Monday. 21 year old Joel Maldonado of Lydenhurst, New Jersey & 21 year old Preston Reed of Andes fell through a plate glass window during the altercation, Maldonado sustained a head laceration, he was taken to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, where he was treated and released. Deputies determined that 2 small children were in close proximity to the altercation, Maldonado was charged with 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Mischief, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 dollars cash bail, Reed was charged with 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On Monday, July 25, 2016 Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old John Mahler on a Parole Warrant issued by the State Division of Parole. Mahler was convicted in 2013 of committing burglaries in the Village of Walton; he was paroled in March, & was subject to Post Release Supervision until March 2019. Mahler is being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending further action by the Division of Parole.

A 2nd Sidney Rotary Club Grant has been awarded for local efforts in combating the Heroin crisis locally. The Recovery Coach Training Grant will allow for up to 25 people to be trained to assist those recovering from addiction, according to spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 7-26-16)

Keckeisen said that the efforts to create a coalition for the tri town area has been successful, the coalition will be called "the TRI-TOWN COALITION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE". Also, plans are being formulated to schedule Narcan Training with Joseph Filippone of Catholic Charities at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney in the fall.

The State Labor Department released the unemployment rates for southern tier area counties today. Chenango county registered 4.5% unemployment, Delaware County had an even 5%, Otsego county registered a 4.3 % for teh Month of June. The state wide unemployment rate for June was at 4.7% for the 2nd straight month.

Governor Cuomo announced the arrests of 5 people for illegally selling synthetic marijuana at stores in Syracuse and Binghamton. State Police seized more than 100 packets of suspected synthetic marijuana, the State Health Commissioner is issuing orders to immediately close the establishments found to be selling these illegal substances. In Binghamton Troopers arrested 62-year old Vijaykumar Hathi and 64-year old Deepa Hathi, owners of Friend’s Grocery at 46 Court Street in Binghamton. Both were charged with sale of synthetic drugs, & possessing of synthetic Marijuana.

FEMA released updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Otsego County for public comment. The maps and the associated Flood Insurance Study report will serve as the basis for floodplain management measures, flood insurance rates, and insurance purchase requirements& will help property owners make decisions about how to protect homes against future flood risk. FEMA and & the DEC will host a Flood Risk Open House meeting today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Meadows Office Building, in Cooperstown.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the next 4-Chamber mixer to be held today at Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 6 :00, members of the Sidney, Bainbridge, Afton & Unadilla chambers are urged to attend.

A Delaware county man was killed in an accident Sunday, when a deer hit by one vehicle on state route 30, ricocheted into another car. 49 year old John Peters of Roxbury was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 35 year old Renee Wojciechowski, Investigators reported that the deer was first hit by a vehicle driven by 58 year old Susan Greene of Denver New York, it then bounced off the Greene vehicle, and hit Peters, who died a few hours later at Albany Medical Center from injuries sustained in the accident. Wojciechowski & 2 other passengers were injured by broken glass, Greene & her 2 passengers were not injured.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against a Binghamton-area woman for allegedly pocketing a portion of proceeds raised via a GoFundMe.com charitable campaign. Meghan Terry, of Endicott, NY, began a GoFundMe fundraising campaign last year to raise money for a scholarship fund established in the name of Collin Murray, a Binghamton area resident who tragically died in 2015 while attending SUNY Brockport. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Terry raised almost $2,600, after expenses, but only turned over $1,330 for the scholarship fund.

Broome County public health officials are announcing the county's first confirmed case of Zika virus. The CDC reports that the symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, it has been linked with serious birth defects in babies of mothers who were infected with the virus while pregnant. Officials said that the mosquito itself has not been found in Broome County, the disease tends to be contracted by those who have traveled to areas where the type of mosquito exists.

A Town of Plymouth resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny. Deputies arrested 18-year-old Korey Crandall of Plymouth, after an investigation where Crandall allegedly stole a John Deere riding lawn mower from a Village of Smyrna resident. Crandall was arraigned in the Village of Smyrna Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

State Police arrested 32 year old Jeremy Litchko of Kirkwood for Public Lewdness and Disorderly Conduct, following a complaint of the suspect acting disorderly on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Litchko was arraigned at the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to County Highway 47 in the Town of Tompkins for a report of a hit and run accident, where a telephone and electric utility pole had been struck & was obstructing traffic. Deputies located the involved vehicle and then vehicle’s impaired driver, 30 year old Adam Buteau of Deposit, walking 3 miles from the scene. Investigators accuse Buteau of driving the flatbed off the roadway, severing the utility pole & fleeing the scene. Buteau was charged DWI, failure to keep right and leaving the scene of a property damage automobile accident; he was arraigned in Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1500 cash bail pending further court action.

The City of Oneonta department of Public Service announced that they would continue to flush water mains on the intermediate service today through Friday. During flushing, water users may experience a change in water color or pressure, it is not a cause for alarm, and more information is available at 432-2100.

Otsego county officials announced that a free rabies clinic would be held today in Morris. The clinic will be held at the Morris fire department form 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Delaware County Public Health will hold another free rabies clinic today in Deposit. The Clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Deposit Town Clerk Building at 3 Elm Street.

Sidney village police Arrested 31 Year old for felony assault, & 2 counts of criminal mischief & attempted criminal mischief early Sunday morning. Thomas Walters Jr. is accused of assaulting his father & His wife during a domestic dispute. Walters also tried to kick out the police car window. Walters was intoxicated & was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $10,000 cash bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 25-year-old August Marcy of Frankfort, for DWI & other traffic violations, following the report of a crash on State Route 80 in the Town of Sherburne. Marcy is accused of driving while intoxicated when he drifted off the roadway and struck 3 street signs and a tree, Marcy was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Sherburne Court on July 7th.

Oneonta Police responded to a 3-car accident Monday morning on I-88 at about 8:30 AM. Police reported that 43 year old Jason Gillis of Brunswick Hills Ohio was distracted by the GPS App on his cell phone, and ran into the back of the car being driven by 22 year old Erin Yelich of Oneonta, which forced her car to spin and hit the guard rail. Yelich was taken to Fox Hospital with minor injuries. A 3rd vehicle was being operated by 47 year old Joseph Dent of Oneonta, who was driving behind Yelich’s car and tried unsuccessfully to maneuver around it., causing Dent's vehicle to flip onto the driver’s side. Gillis was ticketed for use of an electronic device and following too closely. Dent was also ticketed for following too closely.

Testimony began today in Broome County Court in the murder trial of Andre Lee of Binghamton. Lee was arrested for 2nd-degree murder for the shooting death of 19-year-old Scott Wright following a fight at a party at Town & Country Apartments on July 4th 2014, Wright died 3 days later.

Sidney Village police arrested 36-year-old Sidney man for assault, harassment, & endangering welfare the child. Eddie Ocasio is accused of assaulting a Sidney resident after accusing the resident’s wife of stealing his marijuana. Ocasio was released in his own recognizance & will appear in Sidney Court at a later date.

The State Department of Labor released the preliminary local area unemployment report for the month of May, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased over the month, from 4.9% to 4.7% in May, Locally, Chenango county's rate was at 4.5%, Delaware County at 4.9% and Otsego county’s rate was 4%.

Governor Cuomo announced that 22 upstate counties and 3 municipalities are receiving $30.2 million in license fees paid by newly licensed destination resort casinos. The county payouts are one portion of the $151 million in commercial casino license fees that are being distributed using the same formula for casino gaming revenue laid out in the Upstate New York Gaming and Economic Development Act of 2013. Local counties receiving money will be Delaware County, with $241,536 and Broome County $2,360,583. The remaining $40 million is being distributed to public schools statewide as part of the state’s education formula.

The State Department of Health announced a public meeting on the issuance of New York City's Filtration Avoidance determination. Locally a meeting will be held this evening at the Senator Charles Cook County Office Building in Delhi from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

The Delaware county department of public works will be replacing culverts on County Route 20 in the town of Masonville. The work will be performed between 8:00 to 3:00 PM on Today, Wednesday & Thursday & the road will be reopened to traffic each afternoon at 3:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5800.

I-88 Speedway will hold a special night of Tuesday Night racing tonight. Track Spokesperson Denise Page explains:

(Denise Paige 6-21-16)

More information about tonight's racing and the full schedule this year is available at I88Speedway.com

The City Of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be flushing Water Mains on the Intermediate Service today through Friday. Affected areas are East Street above Hazel Street, Wilber Park Apartments, and the top of Draper Street, & North 5th, 6th, & 7th Streets, East Center Street Youngman Avenue & Park Street. More information is available at 432-2100.

Governor Cuomo & State Leaders announced an agreement on legislation to modernize New York’s 80-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The agreement will Expand Sunday Sales times; Eliminates Paperwork Requirements for Craft Manufacturers; Authorize the Sale of Wine in Growlers; Reduce Fees for Craft Beverage Salespeople; Reduced Fees for Small Wholesalers; & Authorize Gift Wrapping.

State Police arrested 24 year old Jesse Adams of Maryland, New York for 3 counts of 3rd Degree Assault 3rd degree, after troopers were advised of a series of physical assaults at a home on Dog Hill Road in the Town of Maryland. Adams is accused of assaulting his Girlfriend 3 times the last 8 months causing injuries. Adams was arraigned in Town of Milford court and was released without bail required; an order of protection was placed against Adams.

Governor Cuomo, & State Leaders announced a final agreement on legislation to combat heroin and prescription opioid abuse in New York State. The package of 3 bills calls for the elimination of insurance Barriers To increase access to treatment, increases evaluation For those incapacitated by opioids from 48 to 72-HOUrs, reduces prescription limits for Opioids from 30 to 7 days, requires education for physicians on pain management, mandates pharmacists to provide easy to understand information on the risks associated with Opioid pain medications and requires data to be collected on overdoses & prescriptions to assist the state in fighting the epidemic.

State Police announced the recovery of the body of 9-year-old Dylan Giangregorio Tuesday. Police said that the boy was presumed to have drowned when he and six family members were swept over a waterfall at Letchworth State Park, the body of his 6-year-old brother Preston was recovered Sunday. 5 other family members were rescued & were taken to area hospitals, State Police reported that the family of 7 left a designated trail and entered the water above the falls illegally.

The State Tax Department reminds quarterly and monthly sales tax vendors to avoid penalties and interest by filing their returns on or before Monday, June 20th. New York State has more than 536,000 sales tax filers, including about 227,000 quarterly filers and 49,000 monthly filers. In the 2015 calendar year, sales tax payments totaled more than $28 billion, which is revenue shared by the State with the counties or cities where the sales transactions occurred.

Matthews Ford of Norwich has announced their 11th annual Mustang rally for July 9th, coinciding with the Annual Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Norwich. Matthews Spokesperson Kathy Breno explains:

(Kathy Breno 6-15-16)

Breno said that last year over 250 Mustangs from all over the region attended the annual event at the Norwich Dealership.

Delaware County Public Health Services will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Tompkins Highway Garage, on County Highway 20 in Trout Creek. Cats and Dogs can get their first rabies vaccine at 3 months of age. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Otsego County Chamber of commerce will begin their summer Networking Luncheon series today with the Oneonta Outlaws baseball team at Damaschke Field. The event runs from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM. the guest speaker will be Jeff Kunion, President of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require lane closures in the City of Binghamton. Today & tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, I-81 north/State Route 17 west will have periodic, alternating lane closures between Exit 3 and the I-81/SR-17. Also, today through Friday, June 17 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Glenwood Avenue will have periodic, alternating lane closures for asbestos abatement work on the State Route 17 West Bridge over Glenwood Avenue. Flag personnel will guide alternating traffic through the work zone.

State Police are continuing to investigate a November 1980 homicide case in Broome County 30-year-old Barry Marquart of Binghamton was reported missing after they were contacted by Marquart's father, who stated that his son had been missing & he had received a call from Barry’s roommate. On November 9, 1980 Marquart’s car was found parked at the Exit 5 rest area on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson, Troopers found Marquart’s body in the Chenango River, his wallet was located in Otsiningo Park, south of the rest area. The autopsy ruled the death as a drowning and determined the victim received injuries from blows to his head and face. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Investigator Matthew Hicks at the State Police Major Crimes Unit at 561-7400.

Following a month-long review, the New York State Police Search Committee unanimously recommended Lieutenant Colonel George Beach to serve as superintendent of the State Police. Beach has more than 30 years of expertise in crisis response, operational planning, emergency management and public policy; he will replace Joseph D’Amico who has served as superintendent of the New York State Police since 2011.

Members of the Assembly's Minority Conference called for changes to the way the books are kept, to create more transparency, accountability and oversight in how tax dollars are spent--especially in terms of New York's Economic Development, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch responds:

(Crouch 6-7-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez also responded:

(Lopez 6-7-16)

The Assembly Minority Conference Legislation sets up an independent advisory committee, streamlines economic development tax credits and other programs to make it fairer for all businesses to compete for state contracts and prohibit campaign contributions from appointees to their appointing authority.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Patrick Davenport of Oxford on an active Bench Warrant from the Norwich Police Department. Davenport was wanted for failure to appear on the charges of Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and 3rd degree Burglary. Davenport was turned over to the custody of Norwich Police Department for processing.

Governor Cuomo today announced special education providers would receive a 4% increase in reimbursement rates. Schools benefiting from this increase serve approximately 13,500 students across the state with emotional or physical disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, substance abuse, or involvement with the juvenile justice, social service or child welfare system. Action was taken to continue the reforms approved 2 years ago to help stabilize and streamline the rate-setting process for school-age providers.

Fox Hospital’s executive leadership team and the board of directors announced that Dr. Reginald Knight has been selected as the new Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Knight will begin his appointment at Fox on July 5th; He will be based at Fox three days of the week, splitting time between Bassett Medical Center and Fox. For the last 7 years, Dr. Knight has been an attending orthopedic surgeon for Bassett Medical Center. He also serves as director of Bassett’s spine care institute as well as president of the medical staff.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings, to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or are underinsured. Screenings include pap with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits. Those who Sign up now will receive a 25% discount card to Sweet Frog, those who get the screenings done by June 30th will have their name entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart and Mirabito's. Appointments can be made toll-free 1-888-345-0225.

The Town of Unadilla announced that their Board Meeting originally scheduled for June 14th, has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 16th at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall, on State Route 7. The meeting has been moved in order to not conflict with Flag Day.

The SFCU Hometown Parade will be held this Saturday along West Main, Main & river Streets in downtown Sidney, SFCU Spokesperson Elise Glassett explains:

(Elise Glassett 6-6-16)

Sidney police will close off area roads around the parade route prior to the 12:00 Noon start time until the conclusion of the parade.

Delaware County Public Health will host a rabies clinic today in Walton, for dogs, cats, and ferrets on: 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Walton Highway Garage on state route 10.

31-year-old Dennis Gellat of Earlville has been arrested in connection with the robbery at the NBT Bank in Edmeston on May 23rd. The Otsego County Sheriff's Department reported that Gelatt was arrested Sunday night and charged with 2nd-degree robbery after deputies from Otsego and Madison counties executed a search warrant at his residence. Gelatt was arraigned in the Edmeston Town Court and he was sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $25,000 bail.

On Friday morning, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of 3 suspicious men on the DCMO BOCES Harold Campus in Masonville. Deputies located 3 adult males in a vehicle parked area near the auto mechanic shops, the driver was 21 year old George Robinson, Jr., of Delhi was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. A passenger, 29-year-old Jonathan Gutliph of Hamden, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly possessing prescription medications. An unidentified 18-year-old Delhi male was also ticketed for having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle; all 3 were processed and released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Masonville Court at a later date. State Police and Village of Walton Police assisted with the investigation.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced new legislation he will introduce in the Senate that would require landline and mobile carriers to offer free robocall-blocking technology to all consumers. The Act would also direct the FCC to require telephone companies to label and block calls with fraudulent caller ID, it also subjects callers to penalties, fines, or state actions to those who intentionally cause call-blocking technology to incorrectly identify callers originating from an automatic dialing system or using an artificial or prerecorded voice.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 57-year-old John O’Connor of Meredith last Wednesday for Reckless Endangerment, for allegedly passing 2 school buses on the morning of June 1st in the Town of Franklin. Deputies reported that as O’Connor passed the 2nd school bus children were about to walk across the street. O’Connor was issued traffic summons & an appearance ticket for Town of Franklin Court on June 23rd.

The city of Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they will b flushing hydrants for the next 3 to 4 days. Affected areas include West Street North of Clinton Street, College terrace, Suncrest terrace, Overlook Drive & The ravine parkway, And Bugbee road west of Crestmont, College park Drive, Brigham Road, Carson road, residents may noticed a change in water color or pressure, more information is available at 432-2100.

On Friday Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced the arrest of a recently paroled Village of Walton career drug dealer on new drug trafficking charges. the Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division arrested 33 year old Gerard Johnson, of Walton on a Sealed Indictment Warrant, Johnson was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for heroin sales in Walton, Johnson was arraigned on the new charges in Delaware County Court on Friday and was ordered held on $50,000 cash or $100,000 bail bond pending further court proceedings.

Tourism remains the 2nd biggest industry in Upstate New York, and signs are looking positive for a good year fro Delaware County, According to Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci:

(Pucci 6-6-16)

Pucci said that the state tax revenue statistics tend to be a couple of years behind, but many area tourism related businesses are reporting increased activity & inquiries for this summer.

The Greater Chenango Cares IRT event will again be occurring in Norwich this summer. The 10 day initiative that will offer no cost medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care for children and adults in our region. The event is being led this year by the Chenango United Way and its volunteers and is occurring because of a partnership between many local health and human service organizations, local government agencies and the Department of Defense. The event will run from Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 24 and will be held once again at the Norwich High School. more information is available at 334-8815

The 1st Pine Ridge Grocery Dash For Cash race from Sidney to Bainbridge was run last night on the Susquehanna River. C2 winners were Ben Schlimmer & Trevor Lefever of Oneonta, Schlimmer told WCDO’s Nate Lull at the finish line that they started slow:

(Ben Schlimmer 5-25-16)

Lefever described the river conditions for the race:

(Trevor Lefever 5-25-16)

The C1 winner was Matt Rudnitsky of Gilbertsville described the experience:

(Matt Rudnitsky 5-25-16)

The Mixed C2 winning team was Mary Schlimmer & Pat Madden.

Chenango County area fire departments responded to a barn fire on Newton Road in Pharsalia just after 4:00 PM yesterday At Balsam View Dairy Farm. Fire fighters from Pharsalia, McDonough, and McGraw responded, no injuries were reported, but several cows were killed in the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Town of Unadilla Highway Department announced that they will be paving Ben McCumber Road Today. The paving project will start at 6:30 AM and is expected to be completed at around 4:30 PM.

Delaware County Emergency Services has been notified that many residents in the hamlet of Bloomville and the immediate surrounding area in the Town of Kortright who have landline phone service through Verizon have been without phone service for an extended period of time, which includes the inability to dial 911 in the event of an emergency. If this outage is affecting you, or you know of someone being affected by this outage, please call the Delaware County Emergency Services Office at 607-832-5600.

Delaware County Public Health is offering free one day training today from 8:30am-3:00 PM at SUNY Delhi, for therapists, parents, and educators. The morning session “Get Your Game On!” explores the power for play-based instruction through the implementation of cooperative learning games and identify the developmental benefits for individuals. The afternoon session titled Sensational Sensory Experiences-Enhancing Learning Opportunities through Sensory Play, to recognize the benefits of intentionally creating sensory experiences for individuals with sensory needs. Each session has includes “make and takes”, all supplies are provided.

Broome County Sheriff’s department reported that 1 person was killed when a disabled Jeep was struck by a tractor-trailer at 1:30 this morning on state Route 17 near Windsor. Deputies reported that a disabled Jeep stopped in the right lane of the highway was rear-ended by a tractor trailer, the Jeep & the tractor Trailer both went over an embankment. The Jeep's driver was pronounced dead at the scene, the identity of the driver has not been released pending family notification. The tractor trailer driver suffered head injuries and was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital, the investigation is continuing.

Convicted Murderer 46 year old David Dart has been denied parole, Dart was convicted in Otsego County Court of fatally stabbing Gillian Gibbons of Milford in 1989 her body was found in her car in the lower level of the Oneonta Municipal Parking Garage. Dart will continue to serve a prison term of 25 years to life.

Oneonta Police arrested two residents on burglary & grand larceny charges. 44-year-old Courtney Griffin & 54 year old Joanne Roberts of Oneonta allegedly broke into a college student's apartment on Main Street & stole over $3,000 worth of property. The two were charged with the 2nd degree burglary & 3rd degree grand larceny plus criminal mischief, they face court action shortly.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old Jennifer Hinman of Sidney following a burglary investigation in the town of Sanford. Hinman is accused of unlawfully entering a home & taking property from the home on May 18th. Hinman was charged with 2nd degree burglary, she was arraigned in Fenton town court and released on her own recognizance.

There are only about 3 weeks to go for the current session of the state Legislature, and there seems to be little talk about ethics reforms, even after the convictions & sentencing of recent leaders of both houses. Assemblyman Pete Lopez explains:

(Lopez 5-26-16)

Legitimate topics of discussion in the final weeks include economic development, Job creation & tackling the Heroin & Opioid crisis.

The Binghamton Mets announced NYSEG Stadium would go tobacco-free starting in the 2017 season. Inside the gates, fans will no longer be allowed to use cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes nor vaporizers. Tobacco users will have a special smoking area at all games outside the gates of the stadium. The tobacco-free policy will go into effect on Opening Day in April 2017.

The State Economic Development Council announced that Otsego Now has been named a recipient of several 2016 Marketing, Literature and Promotion Awards. The awards will be presented at the Awards Banquet Tonight at the 2016 NYSEDC Annual Meeting in Cooperstown. Otsego Now was honored as Best in Class for its fiscal year 2014 Annual Report, & they received a Certificate of Excellence for its Workforce Training Center brochure, and an Honorable Mention for its web site at www.otsegonow.com.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of a statewide heroin task force charged with ending the heroin and opioid crisis in New York. The group is a coalition of experts in healthcare, drug policy, advocacy, education, and parents and New Yorkers in recovery, will build on the state’s previous efforts and use their expertise and experience to develop a plan to combat the state’s opioid epidemic. Members of the task force will hold public listening sessions across New York to inform their recommendations.

A Broome County Grand Jury has indicted 2 people in connection with an incident involving gunfire at the SUNY Broome Dorms. 20-year-old Jermain Carr and 19-year-old Derris Robinson were each charged with felony Reckless Endangerment & criminal possession of a weapon for the incident last October 29th.

The Broome County Sheriff's department has been searching for 37-year-old Brenda Halpin of Chenango Bridge for over a month, since she disappeared from her home, without medication for health issues, which includes the degenerative Huntington's disease. Halpin was last seen April 8th in the Poplar Hill Road area; her family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts. Halpin is described as a White Female, about 5 feet tall, about 90 pounds, with long straight brown hair, Huntington's diseases makes it difficult for her to sometimes walk or communicate clearly.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta committee has worked with the Sidney Chamber Of Commerce to have 3 sets of canoe races on may 21st, may 25th & the memorial day weekend. Clinton regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-10-16)

Harmon said that there used to be a few weeks difference between the Wessels and Clinton Races, which made it difficult for paddlers from outside the area to make 2 separate trips, paddlers would often chose just one race to participate in. The thought is that 3 races within a week could make it more reasonable for paddlers to stay for one week & race in all 3 races

Governor Cuomo today honored 26 police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to communities across New York State. The officers from six local, state and federal law enforcement agencies were remembered at New York State’s annual Police Officers’ Memorial Remembrance Ceremony. Their names joined 1,387 others on the granite memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Otsego County Sheriff’s Department & Oneonta City Police arrested 26-year-old Haley Cornell of Oneonta, 26-year-old Shakeem Enang of the Bronx & 31 year old Michael Lightly of the Bronx on a variety of drug charges Sunday morning at 2 Rose Avenue. Officers seized heroin, crack cocaine, Oxycodon, hydrocodone, marijuana, hypodermic needles and $1,834 in cash. All three were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Enang and Lightly were charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and Cornell was charged with Possession of a hypodermic instrument. All 3 were remanded to the Otsego County Jail on Cash bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 36-year-old Michael Hall of South Otselic, for DWI & 2nd degree assault plus several other traffic violations. Troopers also charged Hall's Girlfriend, 25-year-old Ashlee Simms of South Otselic, for DWI & other traffic violations. Troopers responded to a report of a woman yelling for help on South Chenango Street extension in the Town of Greene. Simms had been in a physical dispute with her boyfriend Hall who was a passenger in her vehicle, she stopped and ran for help, and Hall attempted to drive away & backed into a ditch and then fled on foot. Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango county jail on $250 cash bail or $500 property bond. Simms was also arraigned and was released without bail required. They face court action in the Town of Greene court on Thursday.

The Sidney Central School District will be holding its Budget Hearing Tonight at 7:00 pm in the high school library. Superintendent Bill Christensen will be presenting the 2016-17-school budget. The public is invited to attend.

Governor Cuomo today announced the award of $6,081,700 to help 122 behavioral health providers that offer children’s services improve or develop their technological infrastructure or update their Medicaid billing infrastructure. In the Southern Tier organizations will receive $548,350, those included in the funding are: Catholic Charities of Broome County, Chenango County Mental Health & Delaware County Department of Mental Health

2 Herkimer County children who were the subject of an AMBER alert last night have been found safe, according to State Police. Alicia Seelbach turned herself in to the Utica Police Department this morning; Seelbach is scheduled to be arraigned in Herkimer County Family Court, in connection with the reported child abduction in Frankfort on April 22nd. 1-year-old Jordan Lints and 3 year old Mariah Seelbach, were found in good health last night, police had been looking for Alicia Seelbach and 25-year-old Jordan Lints. The investigation is continuing.

All 5 announced Major Party candidates for the 19th congressional district seat will participate in a forum on Tuesday at the Oneonta High School. The Otsego County Farm Bureau sponsors the forum; it will run from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. The republican candidates are John Faso, Andrew Heaney, and Bob Bishop; the democratic candidates are Zephyr Teachout, and Will Yandik. The event is free and open to the public.

Governor Cuomo today announced the members of the search committee for the next Superintendent of the New York State Police. The committee will be reviewing and recommending candidates to the Governor in the coming days. Current Superintendent Joseph D’Amico recently announced his plans to retire after 6 years of leadership with the State Police, and 35 years in law enforcement overall. Superintendent D’Amico will be in place through the transition.

State Senator Jim Seward has returned home after recent Cancer Surgery, he then announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation to aid counties in paying mandated salary increases for full time district attorneys. In the past, the state has funded the DA salary increases in the state budget; however, costs associated with recently adopted raises were not part of the governor's 2016-17 budget proposal or the final adopted budget. Seward’s Senate bill would provide 100% state aid to counties to cover the increase in salary costs. The bill has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee

Bassett Healthcare Network is partnering with the Oneonta Elks Club to offer free hands-only CPR classes on Sunday. The course is offered in 2 sessions, it will teach children and adults what to do in an emergency situation. More information is available at the Oneonta Elks Club at 432-1312.

The Sidney Center Improvement group is holding a "Lucky Day” Auction this Sunday May 1st at the Sidney center Fire Department. Group Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 4-26-16)

The Sidney Center Fire Department will also be holding their annual spring chicken barbecue Sunday; more information is available at scigny.org or at the Sidney center Improvement Group facebook page.

Sidney will hold its annual Arbor Day Celebration today at the Walking Trail Pavilion beginning at 11:00. A tree dedication planting will be part of the Arbor Day activities. A limited number of White Birch Saplings will be given out as well as an opportunity to speak with members of Sidney's Shade Tree Commission and an area conservationist and forester.

The Otsego County Conservation Association will hold its annual “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Garage Sale on Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m and Sunday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market building at 101 Main Street (in Pioneer Alley), Cooperstown. More information is available at 547-4488.

The Oxford Village Tree Board will be holding its 13th annual ” Tree City USA” Arbor Day Celebration Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Lafayette Park Bandstand. Prize presentations will be made to 3 Oxford Academy 5th grade Arbor Day poster contest winners, and there will be a giveaway of 100 seedling trees and, new this year, a variety of 125 seedling shrubs. Oxford was recently named “Tree City USA” for its 23rd year in a row. For more information contact the Oxford Village Hall: (607) 843-2512, or email: vgoxford@stny.rr.com.

The Delaware County Historical Association's Volunteer Work Day from is Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the museum's site on State Highway 10, 3 miles north of Delhi. More information is available at 746-3849 or by email at dcha@delhi.net.

The Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women Incorporated is sponsoring an AMBA scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM, at the Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Oxford located at 16 Fort Hill. The AMBA Wellness Clinic offers doctor-ordered blood tests for a reasonable price. Scholarship awards are given annually to students in the Sidney Central School District, Unatego Central School District, Bainbridge-Guilford Central School and Norwich High School. Young women attending the NYS Women, Inc.’s annual Youth Leadership Conference have also been sponsored. More information is available at 1-800-234-8888 today from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

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

(Jim Thompson 4-28-16)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Ray Pucci 4-28-16)

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

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

Amphenol of Sidney has laid off 90 production workers for the 2nd time in 7 months, after a stop-shipment order by the Defense Logistics Agency, Land and Maritime, on connectors made at the Sidney plant. Delaware County Economic Development Director Glen Nealis explains the issue:

(Glen Nealis 4-20-16)

Nealis said that Amphenol is not in danger of falling below employment numbers promised to the state, following agreements made with the state for funding to build the new plant on Delaware Avenue following the devastating floods of 2006 & 2011.

The "Help Tom Help Others" fundraiser is set for this Saturday in Oneonta to help Tom Quiter of Mount Upton fulfill his dream of helping others suffering from various disabilities, to move on with their lives & Make positive contribution to society. Tom suffers from Brittle Bone disease & is wheel chair bound, & the Catskill Center for independence, Foothills performing arts Center have teamed up toe put on a benefit dinner & show featuring comedians & bands Saturday at Foothills. Perry Goodrich is a family friend & auctioneer helping out with the effort:

(Perry Goodrich 4-20-16)

Quiter told WCDO News that despite his affliction, he wants to get a van in order to help others with disabilities, through the Catskill Center for Independence to live life feeling enabled:

(Tom Quiter 4-20-16)

Tickets for the Fundraising event can be purchased at Foothills Box Office, at the Green Toad Bookstore or Music Square in Oneonta or the Tasty Treat in Sidney, or they can be accessed through BrownPaperTickets.com, where there is a link the HelpTomHelpOthers.bpt.me website

Fox Hospital in Oneonta has submitted a Certificate of Need to the NYS Department of Health to combine its labor and delivery services to Bassett Medical Center. Fox CEO Jeff Joyner told WCDO News that the number of childbirths at Fox has dropped significantly:

(Jeff Joyner 4-20-16)

The proposed timeline is January 1, 2017 to allow for a sufficient transition period. Prenatal and post pregnancy care, as well as general women's health services will continue to be available in Oneonta and current maternity patients would still be able to deliver at Fox if they choose to do so. The proposal is part of a larger plan that would also expand orthopedic services at Fox Hospital and focus on a growth strategy designed to sustain Fox Hospital for the long term. The plans are subject to The Department of Health's approval.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 36-year-old Megan Holbrook of Laurens for 3rd degree menacing, after troopers were advised of a verbal dispute & death threats that occurred outside near Laurens Central School. An investigation determined that Holbrook told some children to leave the park who were using nerf guns, when the mother of the children returned, Holbrook became enraged & threatened to kill the woman. Holbrook was arraigned in the Town of Laurens Court and was released without bail; she faces court action in Town of Laurens court at a later date.

The Chenango county health department announces a free rabies clinic for dogs, cats, & ferrets today in Guilford. The clinic will run form 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Guilford Town Garage at 223 Marble Road.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 2 Village of Deposit residents Tuesday on felony drug possession charges following the execution of a search warrant that led to the seizure of 205 bags of heroin, Xanax tablets and $200 Cash, Investigators charged 45 year old John Coe and 44 year old Debbie Moore, with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, Coe is expected to face additional charges at a later time relating to the alleged sale of heroin on previous occasions. Coe and Moore were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail pending further court action.

Red flag fire warnings have been issued in several parts of New York State due to dry conditions and rising temperatures, by the DEC. Residential brush burning is prohibited through May 14th, Currently, Red flag warnings have been issued for the entire Hudson Valley, the Catskill Mountain region, plus New York City and Long Island. A red flag warning is a short-term, temporary warning, indicating the presence of a dangerous combination of temperature, wind, relative humidity, fuel or drought conditions which can contribute to new fires or exacerbate existing fires. Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in the state.

The Town of Sidney Zoning board of appeals will conduct a public meeting on Wednesday April 20, 2016. Meeting to be held at 5:30pm at the Sidney Civic Center.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room, the meeting will begin at 6:00 PM.

State Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service announced the arrest of 22 people and the seizure of drugs, weapons, cash and one vehicle resulting from a joint drug investigation throughout Central New York. “Operation Pandora’s Box,” targeted drug suppliers from New York and around the nation -- and even overseas -- who are using the U.S. Mail to ship narcotics and synthetic drugs, along with other contraband, into the region. Among those arrested locally, 23-year-old Erica Cirzeveto of Binghamton, 24-year-old Nefateia Brink of Binghamton, both on a variety of drug charges, and 37-year-old Terry Davis of Oneonta, for Criminal Possession of Marihuana.

The Out Of The Woodwork Players have assembled a 28 member cast for the play “A Funny Little Thing Call Love” Area Merchant & Local Theater veteran Rich Cooley told WCDO News about the veteran local actors who are performing in this play:

(Rich Cooley 4-12-16)

The play will be held at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Performances: Friday, April 15th & Saturday, April 16th at 7:00pm, and Sunday April 17th at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at owptheatre@yahoo.com OR contact or at Cooley’s jewelers on Main Street in Sidney at 563-1311.

Congressmen Chris Gibson co-introduced bipartisan legislation to bring fairness to the federal system used to determine the price dairy farmers are paid for their milk. The Dairy Margin Insurance Location Calculation Act amends the Farm Bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to use statisitcs from each state to calculate average feed cost and actual dairy production margins. The current margin protection program is harmful to New York dairy farms because it uses calculations based on the average feed costs associated with the Midwest and other differing markets.

Governor Cuomo announced that efforts by state and local law enforcement have resulted in an 840% increase in tickets for texting while driving in New York State since 2011. While the number of cell phone tickets have decreased each year since 2011. The announcement was made in conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Operation Hang Up, a distracted driving crackdown by the State Police and local law enforcement. New York State prohibits drivers from Holding a portable electronic device, Talking on a handheld phone; sending or retrieving e-mails, text messages, or logging onto websites, or playing electronic games.

Delaware County Public Health Services announces a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets tonight from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Hancock Town Hall.

State Police in Oneonta want to advise the public and local businesses that multiple stores in the Oneonta area have recently received several $10 and $20 Norfed “Liberty Dollar” medallions. These medallions are privately produced products that are neither backed by, nor affiliated with the United States Government. They are not genuine United States Mint coins and are not legal tender despite their appearance. These silver medallions are only worth the value of the silver that they are made of; any store clerk who is handed one of these during a sale should not accept it.

With just under 2 weeks to go, more than 500 fire departments across the State have signed up to participate in RecruitNY on the weekend of April 23rd & 24th. RecruitNY is designed to increase membership in volunteer fire departments, fire department volunteers will conduct tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting techniques, allow visitors to try on turnout gear. To find out which fire department are participating, visit recruitny.org.

Officials at the Delaware County Fair announced that All Grandstand Tickets and the Reithoffer Show's MEGA PASS are now on sale, Delaware County fair committee member John Jackson said that Reithoffer’s has been affiliated with the Delaware County Fair for many years::

(John Jackson 4-12-16)

The tickets for the Delaware county Fair are available at delawarecountyfair.org, by phone at 1-800-585-3737 or locally in Walton at Hodges Sales and Service at 53 Liberty Street during normal business hours.

The State Department of Health announced the launch of the “Treat Nicotine Addiction Campaign,” to urge health care providers to reframe smoking as an addiction to nicotine, rather than a bad habit, and to treat nicotine addiction with counseling and medication. Patients who are encouraged to quit and begin medication are 2 to 3 times more likely to remain smoke-free. The Treat Nicotine Addiction Campaign will run through June 2016.

Governor Cuomo today signed an executive order banning all non-essential state travel to Mississippi. The order requires all New York State agencies, departments, boards and commissions to immediately review all requests for state funded or state sponsored travel to the state of Mississippi, and bar any such publicly funded travel that is not essential to the enforcement of state law or public health and safety. The ban follows Mississippi’s enactment of a discriminatory law that allows business and non-profit groups to refuse service to people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce announced today that Long time Sidney Fire Department member & former Chief Ray Baker is this year's choice for "Citizen of the Years” Baker told WCDO News he was quite surprised to get the honor at this mornings chamber meeting:

(Ray Baker 4-6-16)

This year's Sidney Chamber "Business of the Years" award goes to the Cullman Child Care Center, Director Amy Williams comments:

(Amy Williams 4-6-16)

Baker & the Cullman Center will both be honored at the Sidney Chamber Of Commerce's annual dinner in June.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced that the The CASH Coalition of Otsego and Delaware Counties can still prepare and file state and federal income taxes for free, for taxpayers who made under $62,000.00 in the 2015 tax year. The program is available for use on any home computer or public computers at CDO Workforce Offices, in Oneonta, Sidney or Delhi, at the SFCU branch in Delhi. Also, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available for individuals and families who made under $54,000 in the 2015 tax year, They offer free tax preparation and filing by trained individuals under the supervision of volunteer site coordinators, apointments are required by calling Catholic Charities at 432-0061. More information is available at United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties at 432-8006.

Franklin Central School District officials saved more than $800,000 in health insurance costs by switching carriers and offering employees a buyout incentive, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. In January 2013, Franklin school officials assessed the benefits and costs associated with the district’s health insurance coverage and pursued a lower cost alternative, they found a new insurance carrier that was less expensive and which offered employees 2 additional health plans that provided equivalent or better coverage than the previous plan. the district saved an additional $283,000 by offering 25 employees an annual health insurance buyout incentive.

On Friday, April 1st, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested several people following an investigation into an under aged drinking party. Arrested were 19-year-old Kyle Conklin of Delhi, 19 year old John Gisonna, of Delhi, 24-year-old Stephen Jastrow of Delhi, 20-year-old Christopher O’Connor of Bayville, 24-year-old Anthony Rodriguez of Delhi, 23-year-old Alexander Bracco of Delhi All face court action in Town of Delhi court at a later date.

On Sunday, Delaware County Deputies stopped a vehicle in the Town of Hamden for not having an inspection displayed in the front window. As a result of this traffic stop, Deputies arrested 20 year old Anthony Mastrorocco of Walton for driving while ability impaired by drugs, Unlawful possession of Marijuana and uninspected motor vehicle. He was issued appearance tickets for each charge returnable to the Town of Hamden Court on May 2nd.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that the recently adopted State budget includes $200,000 for the City of Oneonta to help offset public safety costs generated due to being a SUNY host community.

(Seward 4-5-16)

Senator Seward’s legislation includes a formula to distribute state aid to municipalities hosting four-year SUNY schools, the bill been referred to the Senate Finance Committee & Companion legislation has been introduced in the State Assembly.

The city of Oneonta announced today that the citizens campaign for the environment will be conducting a home to home canvass in the city from 4:00 to 9:00 PM Mondays through Fridays now through the month of June. More information is available at 432-6450.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Job Fair today from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The Job fair will be held at the Holiday Inn, on State Route 23, Oneonta

Governor Cuomo announced that he is deploying the Department of Financial Services' Mobile Command Center to help eligible New Yorkers prepare and file their taxes for free. The unit will be making stops at locations throughout Upstate New York between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Locally, the event will be held today in Oneonta at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting this morning at 7:45. The meeting will be held at Trackside dining on Main Street.

Local lawmakers are weighing in on the new state budget plan, area state senator Jim Seward comments:

(Seward 4-1-16)

Seward said that the Budget includes the Minimum wage increase to $15.00 an hour by 2021, something that was opposed to, he approves of the $1 billion dollar Middle Class Tax cut in the 1st year, which will reach $4.2 Billion dollars when implemented over the next several years.

The out of the woodwork players have assembled a 28 member cast for the play "A Funny Little Thing Call Love" Area Merchant & Local Theater veteran Rich Cooley told WCDO News that he read the script, loved it and then went about putting together the largest production in recent memory:

(Rich Cooley 4-1-16)

The play will be held at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Performances: Friday, April 15th & Saturday, April 16th at 7:00pm, and Sunday April 17th at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at owptheatre@yahoo.com OR contact or at Cooley's jewelers on Main Street in Sidney at 563-1311.

The Delaware county fair comes back to the fairgrounds in Walton August 15ht to the 20th. Spokesman John Jackson said that tickets for the Saturday night concert go on sale tomorrow:

(John Jackson 4-1-16)

Jackson said that Reithoffers midways are back, as well as the demolition derby, Tractor and farm equipment displays and demonstrations, Livestock contests and encounters with over 1,000 animals, Food & a variety of Live entertainment each day.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 57-year-old Calvin Wank of Deposit on 1 count of unlawful possession of marijuana, and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Deputies accuse Wank of possessing Cocaine, marijuana & Methamphetamine. Wank was arraigned at Deposit Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 22-year-old Tyler Davis of Walton for 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 1 count of Sexual Misconduct & 1 count of Criminal Sexual Act. Davis was taken into custody at the conclusion of an investigation conducted by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and Deputies. Davis was arraigned & was released to reappear at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced a last minute agreement with legislative leaders on the 2016-17 state budget, which includes Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour in every region of the state by 2021, Enacting a paid family leave policy, Holding the growth in state spending to 2%, Cutting the personal income tax, Providing $24.8 billion in School Aid, & ending the Gap Elimination Adjustment. The budget also includes Investing $55 billion in the largest state transportation plan ever approved – including $27 billion for the DOT and Thruway and $27 billion for the MTA of New York City.

The remaining law that completed the Women’s Equality Agenda package will take effect today. This measure creates a pilot program that would enable domestic violence victims to seek temporary orders of protection through electronic means rather than having to appear in person.

The New York State Department of Health announced that Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will lead a team of state and local health officials to a federal Zika Action Plan Summit to share strategies and best practices with colleagues from across the nation. The gathering will be held today at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is increasing evidence that Zika is linked to a birth defect, in the developing fetuses of infected mothers. The State Plan includes distributing 100,000 larvicide tablets to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds; aggressively monitoring the mosquito population through trapping and testing; providing free Zika protection kits to pregnant women; deploying Rapid Response Teams wherever local mosquito transmission is confirmed; issuing emergency regulations requiring local Zika Action Plans; and launching a broad public awareness campaign.

It's not looking to promising for New York State to have a budget passed by tonight's deadline. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the whole budget process has been out of the public's eye & the rank & file Lawmakers again this year:

(Lopez 3-31-16)

Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO news this morning that he doesn't see a budget passed by midnight:

(Cliff Crouch 3-31-16)

Crouch said that 1of the key sticking points in this year's budget negotiation is the phased in minimum wage proposal, increases in revenue expected from New York City, he expressed disappointment in the closed process, and the lack of discussion about leadership term limits after many former legislative leaders faced charges & conviction for corruption.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul & State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey unveiled a $2.2 million project that will transform the popular beach area at Chenango Valley State Park Wednesday. The project will expand the sand beach area and create multiple swim areas that provide a range of appropriate depths for all ages. Water circulation and quality will be improved through hydro-engineered technology and aeration, which pushes and circulates water from the bottom of the swim area.

The 4th murder trial of Cal Harris begins today in Schoharie County Court. After 2 jury convictions in Tioga County court, 2 successful appeals, and a move to Schoharie County and a hung jury, Harris has requested that the Judge Richard Mott decide his fate after all the testimony is given. Harris is accused of killing his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

The New York State Court of Appeals has upheld smoking restrictions in state parks, unanimously rejecting arguments from a smokers' rights group that parks officials exceeded their authority and smoking limits should be left to state lawmakers. Judge Eugene Fahey writes that lawmakers gave responsibility to the parks department authority to provide for public health and welfare within the park system. The parks office oversees 179 parks and 35 historic and other sites, they said that the smoking restrictions apply to less than 5% of their 330,000 acres.

The American Red Cross will have another area blood drive today in Chenango County, from 10:00 to 3:00 today at the NBT Bank Branch at 52 South Broad Street in Norwich. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The city of Oneonta commission on community relations & human rights will meet tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Otsego County Medical reserve corps will hold a meeting today for those looking to volunteer their expertise in the event of a disaster. Stefan Dunham heads up the corps:

(Stefan Dunham 3-31-16)

Dunham said that a meeting is today at 5:00 PM in Cooperstown at the Meadows Office Building, EMS Classroom b. More information is available at 547-6477 or dunhams@otsegocounty.com

This morning at 8:30 AM until 9:30, The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Eye Opener Continental breakfast at The Hampton Inn in Oneonta on behalf of Catholic Charities for Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The Dispute Resolution Center of Catholic Charities is currently recruiting potential candidates to become trained volunteer mediators for their program.

Ryan Lawrence of Syracuse has been indicted for 1st & 2nd degree murder, First-degree kidnapping & Tampering with physical evidence in Onondaga County. Lawrence is accused of kidnapping & killing his 21-month-old daughter Maddox & leaving her body in the water near the Syracuse Inner Harbor.

2 Broome county residents have been charged with 2nd degree murder after a New York City man was found dead in Binghamton. A grand jury has handed up an indictment against Ariana Edwards and Bradley Miles, in connection with the murder of Michael Thomas in August 2015. Thomas, of New York City, was found dead in September inside an apartment at 11 Mather Street. Miles will be arraigned on the charges in Broome County Court Thursday.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department arrested 38-year-old Elisha Steigmeier of Jefferson, for allegedly performing sexual acts with an inmate while servings as a county corrections officer. Stegmeier resigned his position, he was charged with 3rd degree Criminal sexual act, sexual abuse and official misconduct. The investigation is continuing.

The State Inspector general’s office announced that 27-year-old Timothy Green of South New Berlin pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Grand Larceny in Chenango County court. Green will serve six months in jail and five years under probation supervision. He received pay of more than $39,000 for hours he never worked, at the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring two conferences on Epigenetics and Breastfeeding with keynote speaker Larry Noble on Thursday, March 31st. The public is invited to register for either the FoxCare Center at 7:30 am to 9:30 am at SUNY Delhi’s Okun Theatre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Registration is available at 865-6531 or email nc225@cornell.edu.

Chenango County Farm Bureau has scheduled a public informational meeting to be held at the Oxford High School from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm Saturday. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-23-16)

Vickers said that the Farm Bureau will present an attorney, an Environmental Scientist and an Accountant to discuss potential hazards of leasing land to solar companies; RSVP's are requested at 334-6061

Guilford Elementary School will be holding Kindergarten Parent Information Night tonight, at 6:30 PM in the Guilford cafeteria. The purpose of this session is to begin the registration process and to inform parents about our Kindergarten program and the Kindergarten screening process. You will be able to sign your child up for a screening time slot at that time. If the district does not have a copy of a child's birth certificate, immunizations, or proof of residency on file, parents are requested to bring those items. More information is available at 895-6700.

The Sidney Village Police Department is asking motorists to stay away from the entrance to Acco Brands at O’Neill Road/Lower River Street today, due to an overturned tractor-trailer truck. Police reported that thousands of pounds of paper fell out of the trailer, and the clean-up is expected to take some time to complete.

State Police investigated the shooting of a school bus from the Harpursville Central School, where a single round struck the driver's side on Colesville Road in the Town of Colesville, The round did not penetrate the bus, and none of the students were injured. The incident was the result of an errant round fired by 1 of 2 subjects who had been lawfully target shooting on their private land, A search of the suspects’ residence was conducted, 22 year old Lucas Alapeck was found to possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device, it was seized and he was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Alapeck was arraigned in the Colesville Town Court and released on his own recognizance to reappear at a later date.

Firefighters from Afton responded Tuesday morning to a Structure Fire at 299 Algerine Street. The fire was reported at about 8:00 AM, Afton received Mutual Aid from Coventry, Bainbridge, & Harpursville. Chenango County Fire officials reported that the fire was knocked down quickly, no injuries were reported & the investigation is continuing.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on at the Delhi Fire Hall from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo today announced $17 million in awards to nonprofit organizations and municipalities to create more than 700 affordable homes and new home ownership opportunities throughout the state. An announcement for the Southern tier will include more than $1 million to improve and repair the homes of 46 residents in the Southern Tier; it includes $400,000 for Opportunities for Chenango, to provide rehabilitation and energy conversation measures to 16 low-income households.

Governor Cuomo today announced the expansion of the New York State Master Teacher Program. The current 623 Master Teachers have an average teaching experience of 14 years. To be eligible for application to the NYS Master Teacher Program, teachers must be certified New York State public school teachers in grades six through twelve, have a minimum of 4 years of experience teaching STEM subjects and must spend at least 60 percent of their time in the classroom teaching those subjects. Additional information about the Master Teacher Program and the application requirements and process is available at www.suny.edu/masterteacher.

Binghamton Mets New Owner John Hughes announced that the team would remain as a New York met Affiliate, but he is soliciting ideas from fans to rebrand the team & give it a new name synonymous with the Greater Binghamton Area. Hughes revealed the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets would play at NYSEG Stadium under a new name starting in 2017. The team will launch a “Name the Team” contest on Opening Day, April 7. Submissions will be accepted through April 25th, when the top 6 possible team names will be unveiled. Fans can vote for their favorite name for two weeks via the team website. The new official name of the Double-A Mets will be revealed in October 2016.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department announced that there will be a fundraiser this Sunday in Walton, to support their K9 Unit, which has been an integral part of the County’s crackdown on Drug dealers in the County. The fundraiser will be held on Sunday at Danny’s Restaurant at 14 Gardiner Place in Walton from 12:00 noon until 7:00 PM, donations can be made by check to Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills, with “K9 Drug Fund” in the memo box. More information about the fundraiser can be directed to Danny’s restaurant at 865-8496.

Doctor Stephen Benham of Sidney announced his retirement and the closing of his practice, effective march 24th after 32 years in Sidney. Doctor Benham will see patients until the March 24th date, at which point all of his patients medical charts will be transferred and located at the UHS Primary care building at 44 Pearl Street, across for Tri Town regional Hospital. Patients wishing to have their medical records copied or sent to another health care provider should call Benham’s office at 563-7477 until march 24th, and to the UHS Sidney office at 561-2200 after that date.

The City of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be installing a new storm water collection system on Tilley Avenue & Walters street and they will be replacing an existing system on James Street, starting on march 15th. Work will take place between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays through April 30th, with paving scheduled for this summer. More information is available at 432-2100.

State Police reported that KyLea Fortner and her sister Shaeleen Fitch-Fortner, who were reported as teen runaways in April of 2015, were found at 327 Torrance Avenue in Vestal. Both girls were turned over to the Broome County Family Services. State Police received and investigated numerous leads, information was developed which indicated that they were present at the Vestal address. State Police arrested 29 year old Amanda Hellman of Vestal, for 2nd degree Kidnapping. Hellman is a family acquaintance of the victims, she was arraigned in Town of Vestal Court & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. Anyone with information can call 775-1241, The investigation is continuing.

State Police and local law enforcement will initiate special St. Patrick’s Day traffic enforcement efforts as celebrations begin this weekend. The effort will begin Saturday, and run through Thursday, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and underage drinking details during the campaign. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. During the 2015 St. Patrick's Day weekend enforcement effort, Troopers made 264 arrests for DWI and issued more than 14,000 tickets.

With Daylight Savings Time approaching this weekend, The Firefighters Association of New York encourages all New Yorkers to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure their homes are properly protected against fire. Alarms with removable batteries should be replaced; residents possessing alarms equipped with sealed-in batteries should test the alarms to ensure they are in proper working condition. more information is available at fasny.com and nfpa.org.

The Chenango Arts Council announced their 1st Chenango Student Art Competition. The opening reception will be held on Friday, March 11th at 5:30 pm in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Gallery at 27 West Main Street, Norwich, it is free and open to the public. Awards will be presented at 6:00 pm; more information is available at 336-ARTS or ChenangoArts.org.