WCDO Radio News

Broome County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Response Group observed a motorcycle Wednesday Night operating in Binghamton with improper plates, a traffic stop was attempted & the operator failed to comply and led deputies on a pursuit throughout the City. Eventually, the operator, 28 year old Brian Harrison of Binghamton lost control and attempted to flee on foot, he was apprehended & was found to possess a loaded handgun, as well as a quantity of Methamphetamine. Harrison was charged with Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm, and other similar charges, plus Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he faces court action shortly.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 am. on Friday, August 29, to 6:00 am. on Tuesday, September 2, to ease travel throughout Labor Day weekend. Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. State Police and local law enforcement are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, through Monday, targeting impaired and reckless driving through increased patrols and check points.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-28-25

Otsego County, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public community update meeting Today, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Morris Fire Hall. The meeting will be held in person and live-streamed, with a recording available afterward at otsegocountyny.gov/broadband. This community session is part of Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project aimed at improving high-speed internet access for residents, businesses, and institutions across the region.

Otsego County, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public community update meeting on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Morris Fire Hall, the meeting will be held in person and live-streamed online, with a recording available afterward on the project website: www.otsegocountyny.gov/broadband.php. The community session is part of Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project, aimed at accessing high-speed internet access for residents, businesses, and institutions across the region.

51 year old Joseph Amato of Treadwell was indicted by a Grand Jury on for Driving While Intoxicated and Obstructing Governmental Administration, this would be Amato’s third DWI within four years. It is alleged that on June 26, 2025, Deputy Elderkin conducted a routine traffic stop and found Amato to be slurring his words with the odor of alcoholic beverages, Amato refused to submit to field sobriety test, He was also uncooperative with law enforcement and impeded their ability to perform the traffic stop.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 19 year old Johnny Mackinsdixon and 24 year old Bless King of Brooklyn, On April 27th, Colchester Police attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled the scene, but the operator was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, striking the curb, sidewalk and retaining wall of the bridge. Both the driver and passenger fled the accident scene on foot & were apprehended. The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Brooklyn NY on April 26, it had stolen Washington State License plates. Mackinsdixon was charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, speeding, as well as several other lesser charges, King was charged with Obstructing Governmental Administration. Both were turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where they were remanded on $10,000 cash Bail.

Attorneys general from 17 states , including New York, are challenging an executive order President Trump signed, pausing approvals, permits and loans for all wind energy projects both onshore and offshore. The lawsuit claims that Trump doesn't have the authority to unilaterally shut down the permitting process, and he's jeopardizing development of a power source critical to the states’ economic vitality, energy mix, public health and climate goals, they are asking a federal judge to declare the order unlawful and stop federal agencies from implementing it.

Governor Hochul announced the launch of Round 14 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which includes $445 million in grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 8 state agencies, Empire State Development is launching the Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program and the Small Manufacturer Modernization Grants Program. A 2nd round of the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program will make up to $5 million available for organizations that can assist with facility improvements and upgrades.

The Butternut Valley Alliance has announced a partnership with SFCU, to take the necessary measures to open a full-service branch in Morris. This development comes after the "Save Our Bank" task force was formed, as Community Bank NA had announced plan last year to close their Morris Branch. Butternut Valley Alliance Vice Chair Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-14-24)

Brenner said that the BDD process can take 6 to 12 months, meanwhile, SFCU plans to begin offering limited services with a representative assisting businesses and residents in opening accounts, The Alliance will try to find out Community Bank's plans with their former office in Morris, to see if it can become a new branch for SFCU.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-14-24

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested a Kirkwood man for 3 gas station robberies. The 1st Robbery was on May 9th, at the Speedway gas station on Route 7 in Sanitaria Springs, where a male with a black shirt wrapped around his hand, implying he had a weapon, and grabbed a cash register & fled the scene in a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck. The 2nd Robbery was at the Mirabito gas station on Old Route 17 in Windsor, Sheriff Deputies identified the suspect vehicle and potential suspect as 46 year old Clint Loomis of Kirkwood. On Friday, a 3rd Robbery occurred at a gas station in Greene, Loomis was located on Route 12 in the Town of Chenango, A Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Loomis resisted, a Taser was deployed but Loomis drove off, Tire deflation devices were set up, Loomis damaged his tires but continued to flee, eventually leaving the vehicle on foot, he was apprehended. Loomis was wanted on a warrant, & was charged with Robbery, Obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment, unlawfully fleeing Police, Resisting arrest & 26 traffic violations, he was being held for arraignment.

Transportation Security Administration officers at Hancock Airport in Syracuse stopped an unidentified Chenango County man from Sherburne with a loaded handgun at the Airport security checkpoint Monday morning. The a 9mm caliber handgun was loaded with 6 bullets, A TSA officer spotted it on the X-ray machine as the man’s belongings were being screened, Syracuse Police responded and confiscated the weapon. The man told officials that he had placed the gun in his bag when he went hiking and forgot that he had his loaded gun with him, he was not charged.

The Unadilla Drive In will re-open for the season this Friday night under new ownership, Julie Miller and her family will be operating the Drive-in, she told WCDO News what their first features will be:

(Julie Miller 5-3-22)

Miller said that the Drive-In will be open on weekends through the end of the school year & may expand to more nights during the week in the summer months, they are also open to other groups looking to rent the facility, more details are available on their Facebook Page or by calling 369-2000.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-3-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of Round 12 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding to be combined with a wide range of programs from 10 state agencies that will provide funding for prospective projects. $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development will be available to projects on a continuous basis, Applications are available at apps.cio.ny.gov & are due by July 29th.

The Cullman Child Development Center in Sidney is holding a free event this Saturday to test area children's hearing, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 5-3-22)

The screenings will be held this Saturday At the Cullman Center in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for those who register at cullmancenter.org, or at 563-7529.

Commerce Chenango will join the U.S. Small Business Administration in celebration of National Small Business week Through this Saturday, Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 5-2-22)

Small Businesses in Chenango County that need help getting started or that need additional information can call 607-334-1400, email info@chenangony.org, or visit our website and click commercechenango.com & click on the Economic Development tab.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-20-22

A Racist video was posted by a Bainbridge Guilford Student Monday, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and was circulated around the District by the following day. BG Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that he met with Administration, The School Attorney, The School Board, to come up with a plan to address the racist nature of the video with the students:

(Tim Ryan 1-20-22)

Ryan said that they can not divulge the identity of the student who posted the racist video on social media at this time & the investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Department of Economic Development in partnership with CDO Workforce has announced the Train to Work Initiative, which will reimburse Delaware County businesses for hiring and training employees. Economic Development Spokesman Evan Bowker explains:

(Evan Bowker 1-20-22)

Bowker said that there is no deadline and the Initiative will accept applications until it runs out of funds, interested businesses can get more information at ecd@co.delaware.ny.us or 607-832-5123.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $420,000 in federal funding to develop and implement regional economic development strategies throughout New York State. The funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration and will promote public-private partnerships to diversify and strengthen regional economies in New York. The Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board receives $70,000 for the Development and implementation of economic development strategies for 8 counties, 129 towns, 54 villages and the cities of Binghamton, Ithaca, Cortland, Oneonta, and Norwich.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-19-22

State Police at Sidney are looking to identify a white male subject, who was caught on a surveillance camera at the Bainbridge Coin Laundry on West Main Street in the village of Bainbridge November 20th, and is a suspect in a larceny investigation. Anyone with information asked to call State Police at (607) 561-7400, pictures can be viewed on the state police Facebook page.

As the rise of the Omicron variant continues to threaten the safety of our nation’s health care workforce, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on the Biden administration to continue and make permanent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency COVID-19 protections for health care workers, after OSHA let the temporary requirements to lapse:

(Gillibrand 1-12-22)

Gillibrand said that the safety measures must be re-instated as soon as possible, as more than 120,000 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 nationwide, further straining overworked health care workers and hospitals facing severe staffing shortages.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-12-22

The Chenango County District Attorney's Office reported that Cody Coleman of Smithville Flats, appeared in Chenango County Court on December 20th to accept that plea bargain, for the murder of his 16 year old Girlfriend Amelia Wakefield in May of 2019. The case was scheduled to go to trial in May of 2020, but was delayed by the COVID 19 pandemic. Chenango County District Attorney's office offered a plea deal, the charge was lessened from murder to manslaughter, Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28th in Chenango County Court.

CDO Workforce is partnering with Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Chenango, and Delaware County Economic Development to host a ZOOM webinar: “Workforce Services for Businesses”. The ZOOM meeting is this morning at 11:00 for those who pre-registered.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-9-21

The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council has awarded the City of Norwich a 10-Million-Dollar grant for the revitalization of downtown Norwich. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green commented about the award on WCDO this morning:

(Kerri Green 12-9-21)

Green said that the area that will benefit is about 1 mile long and a quarter-mile wide and is in the existing Business Improvement District in Norwich, the Norwich Proposal can be viewed by going to ny.gov, click on downtown revitalization initiative, go to round 5 winners & scroll to Southern Tier & click on Norwich & then view DRI Application.

Otsego County Sheriff's department arrested a County inmate Wednesday for assaulting a Corrections Officer and fleeing from custody during a Court appearance in the Town of New Lisbon yesterday afternoon. 27 year old John Clark was charged with Assault on Police Officer, 2nd degree Escape, 3rd degree Assault, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest & Harassment. Otsego County corrections officers were transporting Clark to a regularly scheduled court appearance when he fled from the custody of the corrections officers, a foot pursuit was initiated and a corrections officer attempted to take the defendant back in to custody. During a brief struggle, Clark caused the correction officer to sustain a hand fracture. Clark was returned back to the Otsego County Correctional Facility and will be processed at Otsego County Centralized Arraignment at a later time. The corrections officer was treated at Bassett Hospital and a return to work has not been established.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has decided to name the Delaware County Department of Economic Development as the entity to promote tourism. Previously, tourism programs were run by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, through a contract with Blue Spark Creative Services of Delhi, Blue Spark is expected to continue its work through the Department of Economic Development.

A.M. News Thursday 12-9-21

Delaware County Public Health will hold a COVID 19 Vaccination Clinic at 97 Main Street in Delhi today. Johnson & Johnson vaccine-Walk-ins and Moderna 1st or 2nd shot Walk-ins will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Moderna boosters require Pre-registration, they can get the boosters between 2:00 to 400 PM, register at apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-520

Commerce Chenango announced that the effort to strengthen broadband across Chenango County will be getting a $1.9 million assist from the New York State Office of Community Renewal. The Chenango County Board of Supervisors accepted the Community Development Block Grant recently through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or "CARES" Act. Funds will be used to bolster wireless internet in the City of Norwich and the Town of New Berlin, plans call for the installation of wireless antennas atop already existing tall structures within the municipalities.

Sidney Police Department responded early this morning to the area of Great American for a report of a person causing a disturbance. Upon arrival officers located 38 year old Bobbi Worden, who is alleged to have caused damage to a vehicle, she became combative when officers attempted to take her into custody. Worden was charged with Criminal mischief, Resisting arrest, Obstruction of governmental administration, she was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sidney Court at a later date.

The Regional Economic Development Council local Awards have
been announced.  In Delaware County,
Saputo Dairy, will be able to Purchase and Install New Equipment in their Delhi
facility with their $599,000 award, Trout Unlimited, Federal Hill Culvert
Aquatic Connectivity Restoration in Hughes Brook in the Town of Delhi received
$109,264, the Village of Delhi Water Treatment Plant will receive $82,000 for
improvements, & Delaware County will receive $50,000 for their
Comprehensive Housing Study.

Members of the Governor's administration participated in
volunteer events at 15 organizations statewide, they distributing over 5,600
toys, coats and school supplies to communities in need. Volunteers from the
Producers Guild of America participated in collecting and sorting donations for
the 4th year in a row.

Another development in the October 6th 2018 Schoharie
Limousine crash has come out, where a former repair shop manager told
investigators that brake work was billed but not performed on the stretch
limousine that crashed & killed 20 people.
The former manager of a Mavis Discount Tire shop told investigators that
a brake system master cylinder was invoiced but not installed at the time of a
May 2018 inspection on the 2001 Ford Excursion limo, the vehicle did not stop
& blew through an intersection and crashed into a convenience store parking
lot, killing all 18 on board & killing 2 people in the parking lot.   Limo company operator Nauman Hussain is
facing numerous felony counts in connection with the crash; He is expected in
court in January.

Governor Cuomo today announced
that $1.5 million is available for eligible school districts to support the
growth of Farm-to-School programs across the state. Grant funding of up to
$100,000 per project will be awarded for employing a local or regional
farm-to-school coordinator; Training of food service staff & the Purchase
of equipment needed to increase capacity of school kitchens.  More information is available at
agriculture.ny.gov

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 2019
Workforce Summit this morning at Morris Hall at SUNY Oneonta starting with 9:00
AM.    The Chamber joins with Educators,
Students, Workforce and Economic Developers, Community Leaders, Employers &
others to try to improve the overall quality of the region's workforce.

Governor Cuomo urged State residents to register as organ
donors through the newly-modernized New York State Donate Life Registry.  Nationally, 20 people each day die while
awaiting a match for a transplant, according to the federal Health Resources
and Services Administration. A person is added to the wait list every 10
minutes, but one donor can save as many as eight lives.  State residents can enroll to be organ donors
through 2 online options, donatelife.ny.gov, or dmv.ny.gov

19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado announced the
creation of his 19th Congressional District Small Business Advisory Committee
to meet & advise him on the priorities of small businesses in the area and
legislation before the House regarding small businesses.  Among those serving on the Committee are
Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci, Delaware County Economic
Development Director Glenn Nealis & Otsego Now CEO Jody Zakrevsky. The 19th
District has more than 27,000 small businesses and self-employed owners.

Sidney Village Police responded to the area of the McDonalds Friday for the report of a suspicious person, which led to the arrest of 30 year old Salvatore Gallo of Sidney.  Gallo was charged with trespassing, unlawful possession of marijuana, obstructing governmental administration & criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned & was sent to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 Cash Bail or $20,000 bond.

The Regional Economic Development Council awards will include $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair held 50 years ago. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 50th anniversary event for next year, which is planned as a 3-day festival like the original event.

The Governor’s Administration and Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced an October 11 roundtable event in Oneonta to discuss the upcoming 2020 Census and steps to ensure a full count of all New Yorkers. The discussion will be led by Mayor Herzig and Richard Tobe, Governor Cuomo’s Director of Special Intergovernmental Projects, it is open to the public and will take place Thursday at 2:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center on Market Street and more information is available at ny.gov/programs/2020-census.

A former top aide to Governor Cuomo, Joseph Percoco was sentenced to 6 years in prison for fraud and accepting bribes. Percoco was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni. he was convicted in March of accepting more than $300,000 from companies that wanted influence with the Cuomo administration regarding economic development projects.

Governor Cuomo was in Johnson City this morning, to deliver state funds to assist the Regional Econimic Development's wishes to assist Binghamton area businesses add jobs:

(Cuomo 8-2-17)

The State has already invested more than $3.1 billion in the region since 2012, recent REDC efforts in Binghamton have led to the building of the new Pharmacy School in Johnson City & the expansion of the Decker School of Nursing into a bigger facility.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said that the Food and Drug Administration should launch a formal investigation into the health consequences of chemicals used in fast food packaging. Schumer is asking for the investigation into chemicals used in plastics to make them more flexible and harder to break, but they have been linked to developmental and reproductive issues.

As students prepare to graduate from High School or college, the push is on to try to keep the graduates establishing their career in New York, instead of moving south. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that there are some local jobs available this spring locally:

(Cliff Crouch 5-15-17)

The Cuomo administration has been pushing for jobs & companies of the future to start or move to New York, through the Start Up New York Program with tax breaks for those who establish near SUNY Schools, and through the Regional economic Development councils.

The City of Oneonta is gearing up for a busy period of activity, as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects should begin shortly. Oneonta mayor Gary Herzig explains:

(Gary Herzig 4-20-17)

Oneonta was one of a handful of communities to be rewarded with state money for aggressive economic development plans.

New York State will invest more in mental health & behavioral health services for children across the estate. Governor Cuomo announced that 6.5 Million Dollars would be distributed to 17 health centers to expand services under the "Healthy Steps" program, which focuses on early life doctor visits & family screening. The funds will go directly to federal qualified health centrs, hospital based clinics, private practices & community health centers for the hiring of specialists to identify behavioral or developmental health concerns, such as maternal depression, developmental delays, and childhood trauma.

Governor Cuomo today announced $112.2 million in funding has been awarded to 81 projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements across the state. The funding will provide up to 80% of the cost of each project & it is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the State DOT.

Governor Cuomo discussed his plans to strengthen the Upstate economy, with income tax cuts for middle class families, free tuition at SUNY & CUNY Schools for middle class families, and the continuing of the Regional Economic Development Councils.

(Cuomo 1-23-17)

Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor's 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.

On Thursday January 19th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on charge of obstructing governmental administration, felony assault, and felony assault on a police officer following a report of an assault in progress at a Restaurant in the Village of Stamford. Deputies allege that Bennett repeatedly struck another person leading to a fractured vertebra, and then kicking a Deputy in the face. Bennett was later arraigned in Stamford Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced today that he would maintain his appointments to the Agriculture, Labor, Rules, Ways and Means, and Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry Committees. He will also continue his work as Chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference. Crouch has been an Assemblyman for 22 years, since first being elected in 1995.

2 Smyrna residents were arrested for obstructing governmental administration and endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies arrested 17-year-old Michael Russell and 43 year old Jodi Clark of Smyrna following an investigation into a missing juvenile female, Police accuse the 2 of hiding the female in their residence, Clark is accused of letting the female remain at her residence. Both were taken into custody without incident, processed and released on an appearance tickets for Village of Smyrna Court at a later date.

34-year-old James Williams of Oneonta was arrested by Oneonta Police following a disturbance at the Sip & Sail Tavern on Water Street. Williams was charged Saturday with criminal possession of a weapon, plus menacing, reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, false personation & trespassing, Police accused Williams of using a chain as a weapon, and giving police a false identity. He was held at the Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the Oneonta City Court.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli proposed changes to the state’s procurement practices in the wake of criminal charges and allegations of corruption in the awarding of state economic development project contracts. By state law, the Comptroller’s office is responsible for reviewing and approving state agency contracts above $50,000 and certain contracts over $1 million for state public authorities, In recent years, executive and legislative actions have eroded the Comptroller’s contract oversight. In 2015, state agencies issued over $6.8 billion in contracts without Comptroller review. DiNapoli suggested restoring previous powers to his office that have been steadily removed in the last 5 years, Create tougher ethics requirements and penalties for those who abuse the procurement process, & Increase transpoarency over the entire process.

Governor Cuomo announced $2.8 million in NYSUNY 2020 awards for Binghamton University, to support the development of a renewable energy research and development facility, to focus on battery life maximization. The facility will collaborate with several other SUNY campuses, provide student research opportunities and promote workforce training in energy conservation.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 5 SUNY Delhi students, 3 were involved in a “Drug deal gone bad” in the Village of Delhi. Deputies arrested and charged 20-year-old Naciar Odindo of Mt. Vernon, & 19-year-old Khalil Baldwin of Queens, for 4th degree Grand Larceny, plus Obstructing Governmental Administration & Criminal Possession of Marihuana. Police reported that both entered the Delhi residence or 21-year-old Dylan Freid of Syracuse, to buy marijuana, but subsequently decided to steal the marihuana instead.   Baldwin and Odindo then fled on foot, Freid flagged down a Deputy and notified him of the theft of the marihuana, Baldwin & Odindo were apprehended.  Freid was charged with Criminal Sale of Marihuana & Criminal Possession of marihuana, deputies also arrested 21-year-old Thomas Hite of Morris, and 20 year old Sharif Johnson of Queens, they were released on appearance tickets returnable to the Village of Delhi Court. Police seized 11 ounces of marihuana, synthetic marihuana, $931 dollars in cash, a handgun and a digital scale. Baldwin and Odindo were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 cash bail; Freid was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.

Governor Cuomo announced 3.85 million dollars in funding to support the state's ongoing effort to combat Heroin & Opioid abuse. The funding will expand existing addiction support initiatives t ensure that 2 family support navigators and 2 peer engagement specialists are available in each of the state's 10 economic development zones. More information is available at combatheroin.org.

START UP NY spending on advertising has been cut drastically, with no ads running since the spring. The Cuomo administration spent $544,315 marketing the economic development programs from April 2015 through mid-September 2016; they have not run any of these ads since March. The Start-Up program allows businesses to operate tax-free for 10 years if they locate near SUNY campuses, it was criticized for adding 76 jobs after the state spent millions in advertising initially.

The Mohawk Valley & Central New York Regional Economic Development Councils award winning projects are sparking economic activity in the 2 regions, Assemblyman Bill Magee's district overlaps into bight of those councils, and he described the projects already underway:

(Magee 5-5-16)

The Cuomo administration will once again award regional economic development awards later this year to keep promoting economic development projects forwarded by local leaders in each region.

Congressmen Chris Gibson, Richard Hanna and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts introduced the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act. The bipartisan bill introduced in the House this week seeks to modernize the Small Business Administration’s approach to broadband access, connecting more small businesses & farms with financing programs and guidance on broadband acquisition. The House bill is a companion to bipartisan Senate legislation co-sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

The town of Guilford is accepting letters of interest from the Economic Development committee. Candidates must be a residents of the town, be 18 years of age, letters will be received until March 30th , interviews will then be scheduled with the town board. More information is available at 895-9966, letter should include an email address & telephone number & should be sent to Town Of Guilford. 223 Marble Road Guilford NY 13780

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency and ACCO Brands Corporation announced a project that will result in the creation of 25 new, full-time jobs at ACCO Brands’ Sidney facility. County Economic Development Director Glen Nealis explains:

(Glen Nealis 2-19-16)

The project will result in the creation of 10 jobs within a newly created call center facility at ACCO Brands’ administrative building, as well as 15 new production-related jobs generated through manufacturing and distribution operations. The IDA responded with a $20,000 loan to offset the investment of over $60,000 by ACCO Brands, with the potential for loan forgiveness contingent upon ACCO Brands meeting certain job creation benchmarks.

After a month long investigation, members of the State Police, Vestal Police Department and the United State Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant on 23 year old Kevin Hill of Binghamton, Police seized cocaine, marihuana, packaging material, a digital scale, weapons and $4,840.00 cash. State Police charged Hill with 2 counts of Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon & 1 count each for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Hill was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

3 committees of the Oneonta Common Council will meet today. The facilities, technology, operations -community improvement committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the finance & administration committee will meet at 5:00 PM, the zoning & housing board of Appeal will meet at 7:00 PM. All of the meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council will hold their next meeting today at the Oneonta Holiday Inn at 7:00 PM. Residents of the town & city of Oneonta are encouraged to attend; the topic is the possible savings in taxes by consolidating the town of Oneonta into the City of Oneonta.

The Village of Sidney received $1,176,500 in Consolidated Funding Application grant assistance through the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council for 5 projects from 3 State agencies, to advance implementation of the Village’s Long Term Flood Recovery Plan and New York Rising Reconstruction Program. Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 12-12-14)

Matviak said that the details will be released in the coming weeks, one of the grants issued for the Sidney Village recovery plans, was the largest one awarded in the state.

State Education Commissioner John King will step down as the state's top-ranking education official for a job in President Obama's administration. King will leave the state Department of Education to become senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. King's resignation will take effect at the end of the year. King has served as state commissioner since he was appointed by the Board of Regents in May 2011

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 41-year-old John Burrows of Walton for Obstruction of Governmental Administration & Resisting Arrest.  The charges are a result of an incident where Burrows allegedly refused to comply with Deputies orders to stop interfering with the Walton Dog Control Officer.  Deputies reported that after being advised he was under arrest, Burrows had to be subdued with a Taser to affect the arrest.  Burrows was processed and released on an appearance ticket to return to Walton Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

In upcoming weeks, the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council will rank 179 project proposals vying for a share of $750 million in state funding. The Southern Tier region is competing against nine other economic development councils in the state. In 2013, the Southern Tier region, which includes Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties, as awarded $81.9 million in state funds for 87 projects. Projects will be scored during the review period. Scores are due to the state Aug. 15th. The state then makes a final determination on which projects will receive funding