WCDO Radio News

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office announced that staff will attend community events around the state in September to help residents search for unclaimed funds. DiNapoli oversees more than 39 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $15.5 billion until the money can be returned to its rightful owners. Unclaimed funds come from old bank accounts, utility deposits, uncashed checks, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant for a number of years. Residents who cannot make it to the events can call 1-800-221-9311. The next Southern Tier event with representatives from the Comptroller's office will be on September 9th from 12:00 Noon until 10:00 PM at the Blues on the Bridge at Riverside Drive & Water Street in Binghamton.

A community preparedness class will be held on September 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Circle drive Alliance Church. Registration swill be accepted through today at DISASTER.SALVATION ARMY USA.ORG; The class will prepare participants in how to deal with floods, fires & snow storms.

Governor Cuomo today announced additional funding is available to help eligible New Yorkers heat their homes following severe low temperatures this winter. Households in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off will be able to apply for a second emergency benefit beginning February 12th. There has been a 40% increase in requests for emergency heating assistance compared to last year, more information can be found at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/.

Governor Cuomo today announced the state's Community Restoration Fund has purchased 172 mortgages in a strategic effort to bring owners in targeted communities out of foreclosure and keep the homes from abandonment. The Community Restoration Fund has helped strengthen the financial position of homeowners, bringing stability back to the housing market in neighborhoods across the state. This latest effort brings the total investment through the Fund to $10 million, which has leveraged more than $111 million in private funds and enabled the purchase of 570 distressed mortgages to date. 9 of the properties were in the Southern Tier, 21 were in the Mohawk Valley & Central New York regions.

Oneida County native Erin Hamlin has been selected as Team USA's flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. Hamlin was born and raised in Remsen, she was chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA members. Hamlin made history at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi 2014 when she became the first U.S. athlete ever to win an Olympic singles luge medal in the sport’s 50-year Olympic history. This is Hamlin's 4th Olympic games, the Opening Ceremony will take place tomorrow.