WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-5-20

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are still seeing an increase in COVID 19 cases. They currently have 33 active cases, 211 quarantined, with 6 people hospitalized. Chenango County has had 432 total cases, 379 recoveries and 9 deaths. Also, their contact tracing team received confirmation from the Broome County Health Department that a COVID19 positive visited Lippy's Bar & Grill at 119 River Valley Lane in Greene on Thursday October 29th between 5:00 and 9:00 PM. Those who were at Lippy's at that time should closely monitor themselves for COVID symptoms, anyone who exhibits any symptoms should immediately begin self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.

Hartwick College reported 1 new case of COVID-19 has been detected, there are 27 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is up to 58.

1 Small Business Saturday event will encompass more than 1 Saturday this year, for holiday shopping convenience locally. Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-5-20)

Schunk said that they are still planning out the schedule for special events leading up to the holidays, and announcements will be made shortly.

Catholic Charities, other charities & the Village of Sidney are teaming up for another mass food distribution at the Sidney Fire Department Friday starting at 11:00 AM. Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities explains:

(Penny McKnight 11-5-20)

McKnight said that the September 17th Mass Food Distribution helped out about 1200 individuals from 500 families, with 12 tons of food given out.

The State Education Department announced the cancellation of the January Regents Examinations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Education department also plans to submit a proposal at the December Board of Regents meeting to modify requirements for high school diplomas, so the Regents cancellation will not affect students about to graduate. The Education department canceled the June Regents earlier this year because of the pandemic, and modified high school diploma requirements for the Class of 2020.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-5-20

The State Health Department reported that 133,000 COVID 19 test results were reported Tuesday, yielding 2126 positives. Patient Hospitalization went up again by 26 to 1,253, the number of ICU patients increased to 284, 129 are on ventilators, there were 14 COVID Deaths.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 14 new cases of COVID 19, 2 are in college students, and there is a cluster of 10 cases related to a residential group home in Oneonta. Otsego County reports 1039 total confirmed cases with 47 active cases, 0 hospitalized, 8 deaths, and 754 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 56 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Public Health reported 8 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, they have 47 active cases & 181 quarantined, and they are now at 201 total cases since March with 9 deaths and 145 recoveries.

Richelle and Delana Wood of Walton held a lemonade sale at their Walton home in September to benefit the Delaware County Sheriff’s K9 program. The Wood Sisters indicated they wanted to recognize K9 “Ozzie” who passed away due to a medical condition earlier this year, & support the continuation of the program and our agency’s new K9, “Eli”. The girls raised $516.55 for the K9 program; $416.55 through lemonade sales as well as another $100.00 by private donation, Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 Eli received the donation from the girls at their Walton home last week.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported burglary in the Town of Walton, Deputies were informed by the victim that property stolen from a building located on County Highway 21 was found at the Cow Path Lane location. Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant and recovered the stolen property. Deputies arrested 40 year-old Robert Smith and 35 year-old Terriann Connolly, both of Walton, for 3rd degree burglary & Petty larceny. Smith was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property; both were released on appearance tickets directing them to appear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

Johnson City Police arrested 25 year old Brandon Rose of Endicott has been charged with 2nd degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, after a police found a dead man in a crashed vehicle off Route 17 at Exit 70 North.  Police reported that the male victim had stab wounds & gunshot wounds, Rose is being held pending future court action.

The State Health Department announced that there were 608 new positives for COVID 19 Sunday, about 1% of all tested, bringing the state total since March up to 412,344.  There were 11 deaths reported Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,117.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest numbers for COVID 19 today, they now report that they are up to 203 confirmed cases, with 162 Active Quarantines 162 with 1 Active Hospitalization, 169 Recoveries, 7 deaths, & just under 15,700 Tests Performed.  The Public Health Contact Tracing team interviewed a positive COVID19 case last Friday, who reported visiting Park Place Sports Bar and Grill  in Norwich July 18th between 9:00 and 11:00 PM, and the Broad Street Tavern from 11:00 to 12:00 Midnight.  Anyone who was at either establishment at those times should closely monitor themselves for COVID 19 symptoms & those who exhibit the symptoms should immediately self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.

Broome County Health Department reported that they are up to 932 positive COVID 19 cases Sunday, they report 64 deaths, 722 recoveries & 659 people are being monitored by the Health Department

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic safety check on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester Friday, During the detail, 42-year-old Kris Rose of Monticello was stopped for having an expired inspection, the investigation revealed that Rose’s license plates were suspended and switched from another vehicle & his driving privileges in New York were suspended.  Rose was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, along with several other violations, he was directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi's office announced that the Congressman will Host another Telephone Town Hall with local guests, on August 3rd at 5:00 p.m.  Constituents are encouraged to RSVP to brindisi.house.gov/live to receive the call or dial-in at 5:00 p.m. on August 3rd to 855-614-0159.

State Police arrested 29 year old Nathaniel Richardson of Unadilla for 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, plus Unlawful Imprisonment and Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute July 11th, in the town of Unadilla.  Richardson is accused of taking a cell phone away from the victim & holding the victim down, in the presence of 4 children.  Richardson was arraigned & was released & an order of protection was issued, which Richardson allegedly violated hours later. Richardson was located, was processed was released again pending future court action.

State Police arrested several individual allegedly involved in a Windsor Burglary in April, items stolen included a rowboat, propane tanks, several tools and household items. Police have arrested 23 year old Caleb Harris of Windsor, 46 year old Robert Harris of Windsor & 39 year old Jamie Klein of Kirkwood, all were processed & released pending future court action.

Delaware County received one new positive test result for COVID-19 Friday and no additional recoveries. The known active cases in the County as of today are 8.   To date there have been 92 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 62 people under mandatory quarantine and 10 people under precautionary quarantine, 7 people are isolated at home and 1 is in the hospital, 6 people have died and 78 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Health Department reported 3 new cases, they are up to 96 total confirmed cases, with 12 active cases, 3 are hospitalized, 79 have recovered, and there have been 5 deaths.

Governor Cuomo today declared a state of emergency for the counties in the Catskill regions, New York City & Long Island ahead of the coastal storm, which is bringing another round of heavy, wet snow through this evening. 300 New York National Guard service members have been activated and will be deployed to areas impacted by the storm, and a travel ban on tractor trailers on certain roads has been instituted due to the hazardous winter weather conditions, which restricts tractor trailers, short and & long tandems trailers, from entering several Interstate Highways.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s arrested 32 year old Andrew Baker of Bainbridge for Criminal Mischief. Baker is accused of intentionally damaging leg restraints while incarcerated at the Delaware County jail; he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court on March 27th for arraignment.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the guilty plea and conviction of Robert Niederriter of Kirkwood, and his business, Buffalo Head Bar & Grill, for failing to file numerous sales tax returns and remit over $59,000 in sales tax that was collected at the business. Niederriter paid $59,789 to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for the unpaid sales tax and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge.

State Police arrested 35 Year old Christopher Lindow of Binghamton for Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C of .29% and several traffic infractions. A passing motorist had contacted Chenango County 911 reporting that a vehicle was parked in the middle of the driving lane on State Route 26, in the town of Bainbridge. Lindow was arrested & was released on appearance tickets for town of Bainbridge Court on April 5th.

State Police arrested 49 year old Dwayne Lockwood of Guilford for DWI. Troopers were originally called to a dispute at a residence in the town of Butternuts but learned that Lockwood left the residence prior to their arrival. Lockwood was located by Troopers at a business nearby, he was arraigned in the town of Guilford Court, he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond pending an April 10th court date.

State Police arrested 19 year old Sarah Smith of Oneonta for Petty Larceny, for allegedly stealing state lottery tickets while employed at Leatherstocking Market and Fuels on County Highway 11 in the town of Davenport. Smith was arrested and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Davenport Court on March 27th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 41 year old Daniel Sulima of Walton, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a routine traffic stop in Walton. Troopers discovered that Sulima’s driving privileges were revoked, he was also charged with operating a motor vehicle with unsafe tires. Sulima was arraigned at the Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $150 cash bail, pending future court action.

State Police at Sidney arrested 20 year old Brandon Swislosky of Unadilla for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Swislosky was stopped at a checkpoint on State Highway 7, in the town of Unadilla, Troopers determined that Swislosky was driving while impaired by drugs; he was released and was issued appearance tickets for town of Unadilla Court at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a free Rabies Vaccination Clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets today. The Clinic will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The New York State Preparedness Corps will conduct disaster preparedness training on Tuesday November 7th at the Sidney Public Library with a session for seniors from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, and another for the General Public from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Carol Allen of the Tri County Senior Center explains:

(Carol Allen 11-1-17)

The Training is free & is co sponsored by the Tri County Senior Center & The Sidney United Way sponsors the Disaster Training, pre-registration is requested at 563-8065, or in person at the Senior Center.

A.O. Fox Hospital and the Oneonta Job Corps Academy are partnering to bring the Oneonta community its first blood drive competition on November 8th & 9th to benefit the American Red Cross. The competition is called The First Annual Donor Dash: Fox Hospital Spokeswoman Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 11-1-17)

Registration is requested for either event at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

New York State of Health begins its 5th Open Enrollment Period today. Consumers can enroll in Qualified Health Plans now through January 31, 2018. New York State extended the enrollment deadline beyond the federal deadline of December 15th to give consumers more time to consider their health plan options and enroll. Consumers can enroll in a health plan by: Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777, or be logging on at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Fox Hospital in Oneonta is looking for volunteer companions for patients at the Hospital; they will hold a special session today about their program. Fox Hospital Chaplain Reverend Judy Thistle explains:

(Rev. Judy Thistle 10-18-17)

The program will be held today in the Levine Conference room at Fox Hospital from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 431-5009.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber Of Commerce announced that they are hosting the next 4-Chamber Meeting this evening at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge; Commerce Chenango CEO Steve Craig will be the guest speaker.

The Sidney Democratic Committee will have a "Meet the Candidates" session tonight at the Sidney Memorial Library. The candidates will be Supervisor candidate Bill Heath & Town Council Candidates Pete Cordes & Dan Cristelli, the event will run form 6:30 to 8:00 PM, election day is necxt Tuesday November 7th.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will have their Monthly meeting this morning at the Sidney Golf Course; the meeting will begin at 7:45am. Chamber members & directors are urged to attend.

A large cast of actors from all over the Southern Tier will perform in the Afton Community Theater's production of Shrek The Musical for 3 performances starting tonight at the Afton Central School. Director Brandy Engle comments:

(Brandy Engel)

The shows will be tonight at 7:00 PM, Saturday Night at 7:00 PM, & Sunday Afternoon at 2:00 PM.

A Sidney 5K Walk or Run will be held this Sunday at 1:30 PM, to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. Sidney Heath Education Teacher Jonathan Yurka explains:

(Jonathan Yurka 10-20-17)

The event will be held between the Sidney High School & Middle school buildings Sunday afternoon with a variety of food & entertainment also scheduled.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & the State Division of Parole located and arrested 33 year old John Barnett of Margaretville & charged him with being a Fugitive from Justice. Barnett was wanted from the Prince Edward County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office on 5 counts of Violation of Probation for failure to pay restitution following burglary and larceny convictions. Barnett was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending extradition to the State of Virginia.

Governor Cuomo today announced grant awards totaling $2.3 million for urban forestry projects in communities across New York. The grants are funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and are part of New York's ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change and environmental justice. Locally, in Otsego County, the City of Oneonta will recieve $50,000 for their Emerald Ash Borer Preventive Maintenance Program, $42,240 for their Planting of Street Trees as part of the Market Street Project & another $50,000 for their General Tree Maintenance Program

The Great Afton Area Chamber Of Commerce announced that they are hosting the next 4-Chamber Meeting on November 1st at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Hoghway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbriodge, Commerce Chenago CEO Steve Craig willbe the guest speaker.

The Jericho Arts Council announced the return of the popular Bluegrass Music act "Zink & Company" Saturday night. The show will begin at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, tickets will be available at the door, tickets can be reserved at 288-3882, more information about this & other shows are available at jerichoarts.com.

Senator Fred Akshar will be hosting 3 more "Face Time With Fred" town hall meetings on Saturday and Monday. Community members are invited to attend the informal meetings to discuss important state and local issues or to watch a live stream and ask questions through Akshar's Facebook Page. The meeting will be held Saturday from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at Aiello's Restaurant, 2677 Main Street in Whitney Point, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Oxford Fire Department, and on Monday, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 10898 NY State Route 38 in Newark Valley.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Ozzie assisted the Delaware County Corrections Officers with a routine Jail Search, which revealed that William Effner was in possession of a powdery substance believed a crushed prescription medication, that he may have acquired from another inmate. Investigators arrested Effner for Promoting Prison Contraband; he will be arraigned on the charges in the Village of Delhi Court Tuesday.

State Senator Jim Seward joined community, labor and business leaders to announce the launch of New Yorkers for Affordable Energy, which supports increasing access to natural gas for manufacturing facilities, power production, transportation, and other purposes to support New York's economy and quality of life:

(Seward 5-2-17)

Seward said that the Coalition partners includes the Otsego County IDA, Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, The Business Council of New York State, more information can be found at www.affordableenergyny.com.

The Next Meeting of the General Clinton canoe Regatta committees will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge. At 6:30, the Race Committee Meeting will begin, followed at 7:30 PM with the Regular meeting. Information about the regatta is available at canoeregatta.org

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said that she is ruling out a run for president in 2020, as she is focused on running for re-election for her US Senate seat in 2018. Gillibrand had to speak on the subject again yesterday in the North Country; she gave the same answer as she has since the beginning of the year, when reporters suggested that she could be a viable Democratic Party candidate for the Presidential race in 2020.

The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course, will take place on Friday, May 12th. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens. More information or to request an entry form please contact the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750.

The Town Of Oneonta will hold 2 public meetings this week to provide residents with information about an energy delivery program that may save residents money on their energy bill. The program, Community Choice Aggregation is a new State program, which has authorized communities to join to together to aggregate the purchase of electricity in hopes of getting better prices for the residents. The first informational meeting is today at the Oneonta Town Hall from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the second meeting is on Thursday, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Foxcare Center.

The New York State Senate passed a bill that would strengthen Kendra's Law and make it permanent. The bill enhances improves the quality and effectiveness of care provided to the mentally ill, and prevents Kendra's Law from expiring on June 30th. Kendra's Law was first enacted in 1999 after Kendra Webdale was pushed in front of a subway train by a man with untreated schizophrenia in New York City. The bill has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.

An Open House will be held at "The Place" in downtown Norwich later today. Spokesperson Sharon Velsey told WCDO News about their program:

(Sharon Velsey 5-2-17)

The Place open house will run from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, at their East Main Street Norwich location, behind the Norwich Post Office.

The village of Sidney will be putting bids out in the next couple of weeks for the Main Street Project, with an eye on getting the projects under by the end of may or early June, which led to SFCU Officials deciding to cancel this year’s home town day parade. Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 4-4-17)

SFCU officials announced that they fully plan on running the next Hometown Day Parade in June of 2018.

The Delaware Valley Humane society is looking for donations of cleaning supplies, canned food & new families for the animals currently at the shelter. Director Erin Johnson explains:

(Erin Johnson 4-4-17)

More information about the shelter, the adoption process or the animals available, can be obtained at 563-7780, or at the website dvhsny.org.

It's a little more than a month away for this year's Tri Town Relay For Life for the American Cancer society. Spokesperson Heather Brewster comments:

(Heather Brewster 4-4-17)

The event will be held from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, to raise money for cancer society research, education & advocacy for cancer patients in the region.

Opioid Overdose training will be held the next 2 nights at the Bainbridge Guilford high school. The training session will begin at 6:00 PM tonight & Wednesday night, all participants will be taught how to administer Naloxone & will receive a free rescue kit. More information is available at 967-6321.

The next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge at 6:30 PM the Race Committee Meeting will begin, followed at 7:30 PM with the Regular meeting. More information is available at 237-6008.

Governor Cuomo announced the passage of a budget extender in order to continue all state operations and the $16.4 billion New York construction and economic development plan for the next complete fiscal year. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that he voted against the extender:

(Crouch 4-4-17)

Governor Cuomo said that agreements must still be made on free college tuition for the middle class, funding public schools, middle class tax cuts, & the controversial "Raise the Age" proposal, which calls for raising the age of criminal responsibility for 16 & 17 year olds.

Oneonta City Mayor Gary Herzig will deliver the annual State of the City address tonight at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting, Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2017 Job Fair on Today at the Holiday Inn, State Route 23, Oneonta. The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

State Police arrested 60 year old Brian Lewis of Gilbertsville for DWI and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a 1 vehicle rollover crash on Copes Corners Road in the Town of Butternuts. Trropers accuse Lewis of driving while intoxicated when he crashed his vehicle causing it to rollover. His passenger received a hand laceration, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Lewis refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. He was released after arraignment at the Town of Butternuts Court.

Victims of child sexual abuse in New York say that the political power of the Catholic Church & other institutions is preventing lawmakers from passing a law that would relax one of the nation's tightest statutes of limitations on filing criminal charges & Lawsuits. One bill would create a 1-year window for lawsuits otherwise barred by the current statutes; opponents claim that provision would cause catastrophic financial harm for institutions that work with children. Governor Cuomo said that he supports the idea of making it easier for child sexual abuse victims to sue.

Governor Cuomo last week pinned the blame on the state's high property taxes on the excessive levels of local Governments and is seeking more cooperation & consolidation among municipalities. Local assemblyman Cliff Crouch previously served as the Chenango County Chair of the Board of Supervisors, and said that the Governor's statement was unwarranted:

(Crouch 3-7-17)

Crouch said that the property taxes have gone up as the state has given less money to counties but continued to pile on costly mandates without sufficient compensation.

The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge. At 6:30 PM the Race Committee Meeting will begin, then at 7:30 PM, the Regular meeting will begin.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall.

New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs announced that a former employee of Springbrook in Sidney was arrested on charges that she drove an agency vehicle erratically while texting on her phone, jeopardizing the safety of a passenger. 30 year old Christi Swartwout of Sidney is charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person, following an August 2016 incident in which Swartwout was transporting an individual with developmental disabilities when she was observed driving erratically, nearly colliding with other cars. Swartwout was terminated from her position as a Health Care Assistant, she was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to reappear in court on March 21.

State lawmakers continue to examine proposals in the executive budget plan. The State Assembly is holding hearings on a plan to charge consumers as much as 7.6 Billion dollars over 12 years to bail out 3 aging nuclear power plants. State Senate Democrats are expected to release a college affordability plan shortly; the budget plan is due Aprils 1st.

State Police arrested 48-year-old Henry Grant of Oxford, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, False Inspection Sticker and several other traffic violations. A State Trooper saw an improper inspection sticker on a vehicle in the Town of Candor, it was determined that Grant had placed a fake inspection sticker on the windshield a Toyota SUV, he was driving with a suspended license, had switched plates on the vehicle and was driving without insurance. An inventory of his vehicle found that he unlawfully possessed about three grams of methamphetamine. Grant was arraigned Candor Town Court and was released to reappear on March 6th.

Sales tax collections in Delaware County grew by about 7% in 2016, according to a report recently released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce president Ray Pucci, claims that tourism is reason:

(Ray Pucci 2-7-17)

While statewide collections grew by 2.3%, Delaware County was among only six counties that saw increases of more than 4%, Regionally, the Southern Tier counties grew by less than 1%.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that the Assembly Majority plans on implementing legislation to protect & enhance the lives of New York's Immigrant population:

(Carl Heastie 2-7-17)

Heastie also said that they would once again act on the "Dream Act" to allow illegal immigrants to pursue higher education that legislation has failed to pass in the Republican led State Senate in the past.

State Police arrested 37 year old Brenten Bryan of Stamford, for the felony of Aggravated DWI, with a child passenger less than 16 years old, with a B.A.C. result of .24%, plus other traffic violations. Bryan was observed speeding and then pulling into the South Kortright Central School parking lot, where he had let a child off at the school. Bryan was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Kortright Court on Feb 21st.

The State Senate passed a bill to bring ride sharing to Upstate communities. The bill provides the framework for ride-sharing companies to expand operations outside of New York City and enable new jobs to be created. While the Executive Budget includes a tax of 5.5 percent on rides that begin outside of New York City, the Senate's measure cuts that tax to 2 percent and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales tax.

The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown revitalization Initiative Planning Committee will be held today, at the Foothills Performing Arts center on the 2nd floor. The meeting will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM & is open to the public and there will be a period for public comments. Also, the Oneonta Common Council will hold their next meeting tonight, at 7:00 PM at City Hall.

The National Women's Hall of Fame will announce their 2017 inductees today in Seneca Falls, the site of the first women's rights convention. 10 women who will be inducted to the hall during a ceremony in September, so far 266 women who have influenced arts, athletics, business, education, government, and the sciences, have been inducted.

The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge. The Race meeting will start at 7:00 PM; the General meeting will start at 7:45 PM

Governor Cuomo unveiled the 1st signature proposal of his 2017 agenda: making college tuition-free for New York’s middle-class families at all SUNY and CUNY two- and four-year colleges.

(Cuomo 1-3-16)

Governor Cuomo was joined at the press conference by US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who made free college tuition a key part of his recent run for the presidency.

(Bernie Sanders 1-3-17)

Governor Cuomo Said that more than 940,000 middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 per year would qualify to attend college tuition-free at all public universities in the State through the Excelsior Scholarship program.

Governor Cuomo today announced that The 2017 Regional State of the State Addresses would take place in 6 different locations over the course of 3 days. Cuomo announced that on Monday, January 9 in state of the State speeches would be delivered in New York City and Buffalo, on Tuesday, January 10 in Westchester County and Long Island & on Wednesday, January 11 in Albany and Syracuse. Tickets are non-transferable and seating is limited at each of the locations, tickets can be requested at governor.ny.gov through this Friday at12:00 Noon, Guests will be notified of their selection by email by Sunday, January 8.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30 year old Anthony Hebbard of Treadwell on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 1st degree, felony aggravated driving with a BAC of .18% or greater, felony DWI, operating a motor vehicle in violations of ignition interlock, leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle accident and moving from lane unsafely following  a report of a 1 car MVA on County Highway 14 in the Town of Franklin. Hebbard is accused of having a BAC of .21%, he will appear at Franklin Town Court at a later date.

Several New laws went into effect for 2017 in New York State. A new law updates the state's Public Health Law to ensure that newborns are covered retroactively under the Child Health Plus program. Newborns were not eligible under the previous requirements of CHP for periods lasting up to 30 days after enrollment. Newborns will be covered going back to the first day of their birth month.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 57-year-old David Hayes of Coventry, Connecticut for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Hayes is accused of driving a motor vehicle while having two active suspensions on his license. Hayes was additionally charged with driving with an out headlight and was released on traffic tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on State Route 7 in Bainbridge. The Race Committee will meet at 6:30, followed by the Regular meeting at 7:30 PM.

State police responded to an Otsego County 911 report of a car-pedestrian accident on Main Street in Unadilla. 15 year old Edward McKinnely of Unadilla was walking with another person on the westbound shoulder of Main Street when he was struck by an SUV driven by 47 year old Michelle Swift of Unadilla Police said that the accident occurred on a dark roadway near the shoulder at about 5:30 PM Monday, Swift was not intoxicated or impaired by drugs. McKinnely was transported by LifeNet to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with severe head and body injuries; he succumbed to the injuries earlier today.

The Next Meeting of the General Clinton Canoe regatta committees will be tonight in Bainbridge. The Meeting will be held at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill at 6:30 PM, the Race Committee Meeting will begin, followed at 7:30 PM by the Regular meeting, where new ideas for 2017 will be discussed. More information is available at 237-6008

The "Selfies with Elfies For Sarah" fundraiser will be held this Saturday from 5:15 to 8:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall. Sarah Richardson has stage 4 Liver Cancer, & is the mother of a 3-year-old boy. Participants are invited to dress up as elves and take a selfie, with the money raised to assist Sarah with medical costs. There will also be a Christmas raffle basket, a face painter & Bake sale, free activities for the kids, more information is available at Eventbrite.com and search for Selfies with Elfies for Sarah for online presale tickets!

There is a chance that the state legislature gets called back a special session before the end of the year, & they may try to get a pay raise for themselves. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

(Lopez 12-6-16)

Governor Cuomo is expected to lobby for more stringent ethics reforms in exchange for any possible deal on lawmakers pay raises. The state legislature has not had a pay raise in 17 years.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a newly upgraded web-based search tool to help connect residents struggling with addiction to treatment. Visitors to FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov can find information on available treatment beds, outpatient services and opioid treatment programs anywhere in the state; it includes a search feature with proximity searches on available treatment within 3, 5, 10, 25 and 50 miles of the searcher’s location.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that Luis Rojas will serve as the team's manager for the 2017 season. Rojas managed the Single A Saint Lucie Mets for the previous 2 seasons, he replaces Pedro Lopez, who served for 5 years as Binghamton manager, and he has been promoted & will manage the AAA Las Vegas 51's in 2017.

Commerce Chenango Annual Holiday Spectacular Today from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at NBT Bank 52 South Broad Street Norwich, NY 13815

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

Motorists must now slow down when they drive past sanitation vehicles, as a new state law classifies garbage trucks and waste collection vehicles as “hazard vehicles,” which adds them to the state's “Move Over” law. Motorists must reduce their speed when passing waste and recycling collection vehicles with flashing lights, a violation could result in fines of $45 to $100 and can carry a prison term of up to 15 days. The "Move Over" law in 2012 required motorists to slow down when passing a construction zone or public safety vehicle with flashing lights; tow trucks & and now garbage trucks are added to the law.

21-year-old Rebel Whitman of Binghamton man faces several charges, after allegedly trying to flee law enforcement. The Broome County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle on Colesville Road near Route 11 in the Town of Kirkwood early this morning, Whitman allegedly failed to comply & continued to Sanitaria Springs, into Chenango County through back roads & then onto State Route 206 in the Town of Greene, where he sideswiped a State Police vehicle before traveling into a ditch. Whitman & a passenger were taken into custody, Whitman was charged with Forgery, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, plus numerous other Violations. Whitman was arraigned in the Town of Kirkwood Court and taken to the Broome County Jail. Whitman's unidentified passenger was released.

Governor Cuomo today announced $28.3 million in federal highway safety grants has been awarded to 550 programs throughout New York State to improve overall highway safety and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is distributing the funding in the form of grants to state, local and not-for-profit agencies to support specific types of driver safety initiatives: A complete list of 2017 grant projects is available at safeny.ny.gov.

A free workshop, "So You Think You Want to Be an Entrepreneur," will be held today from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Oxford Academy High School multipurpose room. Ariana Blossom of the Southern Tier Startup Alliance, will talk about entrepreneurship demands and opportunities, she will be joined by guest presenter Reggie Smith, a telecommunications industry professional and a former NFL Player for the Denver Broncos and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Upper Delaware River Tailwaters Coalition and Friends of the Upper Delaware River are working on a project to protect, manage, and restore waterways in Delaware County. Public workshops will be held today at the Deposit State Theater at 148 Front Street, on Wednesday at the Hancock Town Hall at 661 West Main Street & on Thursday at the Colchester American Legion Hall on River Road in Downsville, all meeting will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

The next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on route 7 in Bainbridge. At 6:30, the Race Committee Meeting will begin & at 7:30 PM the Regular meeting will begin. More information is available at 607-237-6008.

The State Office of General Services announced that there will be surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions in Broome County on Wednesday, November 9. Information on specific items and terms of sale is available at ogs.ny.gov, by email to state.surplus@ogs.ny.gov, or by calling (518) 457-6335. The auctions will be at 9:30 AM at the Department of Transportation at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton & at 1:30 PM at SUNY Binghamton at Vestal Parkway East, Vestal

The State DEC announced that remaining Deer Management Permits in several Wildlife Management Units are available to hunters today. More information is available in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide at dec.ny.gov.

The Next Oneonta Common Council meeting will be held this evening at Oneonta's City Hall. The Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor. The Council is also scheduled for a 2017 Budget meeting Thursday at 7:00 PM.

Delaware County Deputies responded Monday to a report of a 1-car motor vehicle accident on State Hwy 28 in the Town of Franklin. Deputies arrived on scene to find a pick-up truck on its roof with the occupant still inside. 72-year-old John Condon of East Meredith drove off of the roadway, through a ditch, flipped over & landed back on the roadway on the vehicle’s roof. Condon was transported to Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. No tickets were issued.

State Police arrested 35-year-old James Smith of Norwich for criminal sexual act & endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of an incident that happened in the Town of Norwich, Smith is accused of having sexual contact by forcible compulsion, he was arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 property bond, pending court action at a later date in the Town of Norwich court.

Governor Cuomo announced the proposal of new regulations that would require the State Board of Parole commissioners to consider both an inmate's current risk to public safety and that individual's own needs, as well as offer explanations of those findings, before making any release decision. The proposed regulations would require the Board's release determination to incorporate an inmate's current score on a risk and needs assessment, Additionally, the regulations would direct the Board to consider the diminished culpability due to age at the time of the crime and to weigh any demonstrated growth and maturity since the time of the offense.

An investigation is underway into the death of an inmate at the Broome county Jail. 34-year-old Kevin Carroll was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City on September 27th, he died 3 days later. The state commission of Corrections is conducting the investigation, Carroll was being held in connection with a shooting in Binghamton in October 2014.

The 2016 New York State Tourism and Craft Beverage Summit will bring hundreds of industry experts together on Tuesday, October 18 to discuss new strategies to strengthen the economy and create jobs in New York. The Summit will begin at 10 a.m. in the Hart Lounge at The Egg on the Empire State Plaza. The morning session will consist of presentations and discussions by State officials and industry experts on the impact of both industries across New York State.

Governor Cuomo announced that from October 1 to October 14, the Department of Motor Vehicles automated online system processed 214,356 online voter registration applications, including 122,147 from first-time voters, shattering the previous one month set in the entire month of September. Since the state launched the online application system in 2012, the DMV website has processed 822,014 online voter registration applications, including 383,118 from first time voters.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Fall 2016 Four Chamber Mixer today at 6:00 pm at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on route 7 in Bainbridge. the Guest Speaker will be Rich Cuthbertson regarding the Afton Sertoma

The Broome County Sheriff Department is investigating a fatal 2-vehicle car vs. motorcycle accident Monday afternoon. Deputies reported that a Jeep Cherokee, operated by 28 year old Adam Alexander of Afton, struck a motorcycle operated by 36 year old Jason Smith of Binghamton, at State Route 235 & State Route 7. Smith suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to Wilson Hospital where he died from his injuries. Alexander was chargedd with Vehicular Manslaughter & DWI, he was arraigned in Town of Colesville Court & he was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.

Several area fire companies responded to a structure fire at 211 Otsego County Highway 8 in Gilbertsville this morning. The fire was toned out at about 10:20, with Firefighters from throughout the Tri County region responding.

The 2016 Great New York State Fair has generated the highest level of attendance in its 175-year history, shattering numerous records over the course of its twelve-day run. A record 1,096,524 visitors passed through the Fair's redesigned main gate, beating the previous record by about 85,000 over 2001.

The next meeting of the Oneonta Common Council will be held today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

The next meeting of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee will be tonight in Bainbridge. Next year will be the 55th Regatta, committee members are asked to bring new ideas for next year, the Race meeting will begin at 6:30 & the regular meeting starts at 7:30 PM at Highway 7 Bar and Grill on Route 7 in Bainbridge.

State Police reported that 3 people were killed after a car accident in Morris on Saturday morning at about 3:15 AM. The accident occurred on State Route 23 near Pegg Road, the driver of the vehicle was 21 year old Dillon Clemens of Norwich, others killed were 22 year old Jordan Crandall of Norwich; and 22 year old Christopher Brissette of Sherburne, State police reported Clemons failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, while traveling at a high rate of speed, the left the roadway, struck multiple objects in its way, eventually went down a hill into a ravine, where it caught fire. All 3 were pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology reports are pending

A small plane crashed in the woods at Chenango Valley State Park Sunday morning after having engine failure. The crash happened Sunday at around 10:45 AM. The pilot lost control shortly after takeoff, he was not injures. State police, State Park Police and the Broome County Sheriff's Department all responded. The Investigation is continuing.

William Canney of Binghamton was arrested Friday by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Menacing of a Police Officer. The Sheriff’s Office and State Police responded to a shots fired complaint on Hotchkiss Road in the Town of Greene, Canney is alleged to have pointed a loaded shotgun at a deputy, who drew his weapon and was able to deescalate the situation without any shots fired. Canney was arraigned it the Town of Greene Court and ordered to the Chenango County Jail on $2000 bail and $5000 bond and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Greene Court at a later date.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 26 year old Jeremy Aubry of Middletown, for Attempted Burglary, Attempted Robbery, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Mischief & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Aubry is accused of attempting to make entry into a house on State Highway 30 in the Town of Middletown, where he attempted to rob the homeowner of a purse. Aubry was found in possession of pills and kicked a window of a patrol car causing damage. He was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. He is to return to the Town Middletown Court at a later date.

A man injured in the July 13th house explosion & fire in Masonville, has died from the injuries sustained in that explosion. 31 year old Shayne Charles died Saturday at Upstate medical center's burn unit, calling hours will be held at C.H. Landers funeral home in Sidney Thursday from from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel.

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.

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.

I-88 Speedway will have a special feature with the "Crazy 8's Special" on Wednesday at the track in Afton. I-88 Speedway spokesperson Denise Page explains:

(DENISE PAIGE 7-26-16)

A follow to Wednesday’s racing will be held in October at I-88 Speedway.

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.

The Sidney Civic Center Has Been sold to 2+4 management of East Syracuse for $364,000, with the closing coming in October. Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 7-22-16)

Matviak said that construction would start on the 2nd & 3rd floors after the closing; 2+4 Management is the same developer behind the Sherwood Heights project.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation that eliminates sales tax on feminine hygiene products. The bill exempts these products from all local and State sales tax, 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 new exemption is expected to save women purchasing tampons, and other similar products, an estimated $10 million a year.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation expanding New York State's "Move-Over" Law to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. The measure requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane when approaching a vehicle with flashing blue or green lights that are operated by volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers involved in a roadside emergency. Previously, the “Move-Over” law only applied to drivers approaching stopped police, emergency or hazard vehicles with flashing red and white or amber lights.

Magic City Music Hall in Binghamton was advised Thursday evening that a member of Quiet Riot, who were scheduled to appear Saturday night, was hospitalized yesterday afternoon, necessitating cancellation of the band's upcoming show. Magic City Officials are working with management to reschedule the show, in the meantime; Quiet Riot Tickets may be redeemed for a credit towards any other announced concert at Magic City, including Ace Frehley on Saturday September 24th or for a refund. Magic City has also just announced that Sister Hazel will perform there on September 9th; tickets go on sale on Saturday July 30th.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services awarded $1 million in funding to support 25 new treatment beds to provide care for New Yorkers with substance use disorders. The funding was awarded to Tompkins County addiction treatment services provider Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services for the creation of a new 25-bed adult residential treatment facility. The residential treatment facility in Trumansburg will offer a full spectrum of addiction treatment services to residents including counseling, life-skills training and after-discharge support.

The 1st annual Pound 4 Paws fundraising event will be held in Oxford Saturday night. A variety of sporting competitions will be held, sponsored by the Pound Gym in Norwich, proceeds will go to the Delaware Valley Humane society, the event starts at 7:00 PM Saturday at 207 Tamarac Road in Oxford.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2016 Induction Ceremony will Ken Griffey Jr.& Mike Piazza, beginning at 1:30 PM Sunday at the Clark Sports Center. Hall of Fame Weekend will also feature the Saturday Awards Presentation, when Ford C. Frick Award winner Graham McNamee and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Dan Shaughnessy will each be honored. On Saturday in Cooperstown, will be the Parade of Legends down main Street, and on Monday, Piazza & Griffey will participate in the Legends of the Game Roundtable discussion.

On Saturday, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the Bainbridge Summer Fest with a variety of event & a showcase the new sound system for use during village and town events. Spokesperson June White Comments

(June White 7-22-16)

White said that at 7:00 pm, one of Payne's Cranes would drop 400 golf balls on the lawn next to the Methodist Church. There will be prizes for the Golf balls that are closest to the hole; tickets can be purchased at Hometown Hardware, Highway 7 Bar and Grill, B&W Wines and Liquors LLC, Nana's Keepsakes, New Image Hair Care, Newbauer's Construction and Bainbridge House Bed and Breakfast. Also, at 8:00 pm "Footloose" will be featured as The Movie in the park.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that requires guidelines for end of life notices and visitation rights regarding incapacitated individuals subject of legal guardianship proceedings. The bill requires the court order appointing a guardian to oversee the care of an incapacitated person to identify all individuals who are entitled to notice of a person's death, funeral and burial arrangements.

State Senator Fred Akshar of Colesville announced his official candidacy for reelection at his First Annual "Spiedies with the Senator" event at Chenango Valley State Park. Akshar was elected in a special election last year to finish up the term, following the conviction of the late Senator Tom Libous.

State Police are continuing their investigation into the fatal motor vehicle accident on April 1st on State Route 17 in the Town of Kirkwood. The driver of a pickup truck that was heading the wrong direction died after the truck collided head-on with a marked New York State Police patrol vehicle. The driver of the pick-up truck has been identified as 66-year-old John Roote of Morris. Police stated that an autopsy on Roote was conducted at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, the Cause of death was determined to be multiple internal injuries, and the Toxicology result is pending. The Trooper involved in the accident is identified as Zone Sergeant Steven Meyer, who suffered minor injuries in the crash.

3 Walton residents were arrested on felony drug charges Monday afternoon by Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators after an investigation of a Walton burglary. Investigators located 23-year-old Daniel Bowker of Walton driving on Delaware Street in Walton on Monday afternoon with 2 passengers, the stop led to the seizure of heroin. Bowker, 19 year old Kyle Buckley and 29 year old Heather Terry of Walton were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Terry was also found to be in possession of a NYS Public Assistance Benefit Card. Bowker was additionally charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Burglary & Grand Larceny. All 3 were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on bail pending future court action.

The murder trial of John Guzy began in Chenango County Court Monday. Guzy was charged with the murder of Derek Prindle in the Peak Fitness Parking lot, following an apparent road rage incident. Guzy is accused of fatally shooting 26 year old Derek D. Prindle, & shooting & injuring his father Derek S. Prindle on October 27th 2014.

State Police arrested 20-year-old Juan Carlos of the Bronx for speeding in the town of Kirkwood and eventually crashing in man in the town of Colesville Saturday. State Police said that Carlos was driving an Uber vehicle as the Uber driver; 43-year-old Corey Robinson of Philadelphia took a nap. Troopers found the vehicle crashed into a guide rail on Sanitaria Springs Road in the town of Colesville. Carlos was charged with unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, driving without a license and several other traffic violations, Robinson was not charged, both men were treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 28-year-old Justin Harrington of Norwich for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Harrington was charged following a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich, Harrington was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date to answer to his charge.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation Monday enacting a statewide $15 minimum wage plan and a 12-week paid family leave policy. The legislation was passed as part of the 2016-17 state budget. The Governor signed the 2 pieces of legislation immediately prior to attending a 1,000-person victory rally, which included workers, advocates, labor leaders, and elected officials, at the Javits Center in New York City.

State Police responded to Sunday’s accident on I-88 westbound, in the Town of Maryland, which involved 15 vehicles, including 3 tractor-trailers and 1 bus. The accident started when a SUV struck a tractor-trailer due to white out conditions and very strong winds. Both vehicles came to rest in the driving lane and northern shoulder. An Adirondack Trailways bus, carrying 20 passengers, then collided with the tractor-trailer and came to rest in the driving lane. A second and third tractor-trailer then struck the bus causing damage and a large debris field on the Interstate. Several additional passenger vehicles then collided with the vehicles involved. Several passengers on the bus as well as a tractor-trailer operator were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

27-year-old Jeffrey Cabral was arraigned in Norwich City Court Monday for 3rd degree Robbery. Cabral is accused of stealing controlled substances from a Norwich pharmacy Monday morning. Police stated that Cabral had a demanding note that threatened bodily harm; Bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

The next General Clinton canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight. The meeting will be held at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill beginning at 6:30 PM with the Race Committee Meeting followed at 7:30 PM with the Regular meeting.

State Police were on the lookout for a Dodge Magnum driven by 27 year old Elvis Guzman of Cincinnatus, following the report of a violent domestic dispute. Trooper Michael Gardner observed the Guzman vehicle & he refused to stop. After a brief pursuit, Guzman purposely drove off of State Route 79 and into a field that led down a steep embankment and into an ice-covered lake in the town of Barker. Trooper Gardner with the help of a passing motorist, tied a rope to his belt and entered the ice-covered water & pulled Guzman out. Guzman's vehicle was located & removed, Guzman was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where he refused medical attention, he was issued numerous traffic tickets to the Town of Barker court & he was then turned over to the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department for a possible felony assault charge.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of the New “New York Broadband Program’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal", which is now accepting applications for the Request for Proposals issued on January 8th . The $500 million program provides funding for high-speed Internet access to unserved and underserved areas across the state, Applications may now be submitted through the New York State CFA Portal, and are due Friday, April 15th. Applicants must be able to complete projects by December 31, 2018. Subsequent rounds of funding will be announced throughout 2016.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a statement on today’s decision by the Appellate Division, in the office’s lawsuit against Trump University: Schneiderman said that the decision was a victory in the state’s effort to hold Donald Trump and Trump University accountable for defrauding thousands of students. The state Supreme Court had already determined that Trump and his University are liable for operating illegally in New York as an unlicensed educational institution. The state’s fraud case will move forward on behalf of 5,000 consumers who paid out millions of dollars for tuition to Trump & Trump University.

Construction on the Oneonta Heights project in Oneonta is expected to begin shortly. The project calls for 60 units of affordable housing in 7 buildings, at a cost of 15.9 million dollars. The buildings will be in 3 “clusters”, the largest being at Silver Creek, located between Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. Locations include Monroe Avenue, Columbia Street, West Street & Spruce Street.

54 recruits began their first day of training today, as the Department of Environmental Conservation opened the 20th Basic School for Uniformed Officers. The 27-week training academy will prepare the recruits for careers as Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers. The EnCon Officers & Forest Rangers are full-fledged State Police officers and are often called upon to assist in police work.

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.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig & City Manager Meg Hungerford will be presenting the annual state of the City Address at the March 1st Common Council Meeting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall, more information is available at 432-6450.

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced proposed revisions to the state’s solid waste regulations to increase protections for public health, safety, natural resources and the environment. The proposed changes include measures to regulate previously unregulated facilities, activities, and waste streams within the state’s existing solid waste management program. The regulations will also increase oversight of construction and demolition debris and historic fill, reducing the potential threat of these waste streams to water quality and the environment throughout the state.

The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge. At 6:30 PM, the Race Committee Meeting will begin, at 7:30 PM the Regular meeting will begin.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators today arrested 30-year-old Johnny Uhl, an inmate at the Delaware County Correctional Facility. UHL was charged with one count each of Promoting Prison Contraband and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, for possessing crack cocaine inside the Jail. Uhl remains incarcerated, he was recently arrested in connection with a Meth Lab operating in the village of Walton in January, he faces arraignment on the new charge in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their 2016 Annual Awards: New York Central Mutual Insurance is honored with The NBT Bank Distinguished Business of the Year Award. John Remillard is honored as the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr. Distinguished Citizen, for his years as President and CEO of Fox Hospital. Oneonta Family YMCA is honored with the Quality of Life Award, the annual celebration will be on Thursday, March 3rd at 5:45 PM at The Hunt Union Ball Room at SUNY Oneonta, reservations are now being accepted at 432-4500 Extension 207 or e-mail: kelly@otsegocc.com.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware county will be conducting NYSERDA’s free energy workshops entitled “EMPOWER Save Energy, Save Dollars.” Those attending will learn how to reduce energy bills with low-cost or no-cost actions. The next Workshop is Saturday, February 27th from 10:00AM to 12:00 noon at the Hamden town Hall on State Route 10, Preregistration is available with Cornell Cooperative Extension-Delaware County at 865-6531 or EMAIL: vsd22@cornell.edu. More information is available at ccedelaware.org.

The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta meeting will be held today. The Regatta Meeting will be held at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill at 6:30 PM, the Race Committee Meeting will begin and at 7:30 PM the Regular meeting will start.

A Village of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s on an active Arrest Warrant for 3rd degree Assault. Deputies arrested 39-year-old David Anderson on an active arrest warrant issued from Village of Oxford Court. Anderson was arraigned in the Village of Oxford Court & he was remanded to the custody of The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of $1,500 cash bail. Anderson is to re-appear in the Village of Oxford Court at a later date.

A City of Syracuse resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree. Deputies made traffic stop operated by 42-year-old Tomas Rouse, in the Town of McDonough for failure to keep right. Rouse was allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, he was also found to possess marihuana. Rouse was arraigned in the Town of McDonough Court and released. Rouse is to reappear in the Town of McDonough Court at a later date to answer to his charges.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Town of Pharsalia woman for Driving While Intoxicated. Deputies responded to an accident on County Road 47 in the Town of Pharsalia, where 48-year-old Mary Blaylock was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Blaylock was released to a sober third party and is to appear in the Town of Pharsalia Court at a later date.

Several area fire departments responded Monday Afternoon to as brush & grass fire at 227 Garlick Road in Afton. The fire was knocked down in about an hour, no injuries were reported.

Governor Cuomo today announced the New York State Department of Health will offer advanced lab testing for individuals with symptoms who have travelled to areas where Zika virus infection is ongoing. This will be done by the Wadsworth Center – one of only three state laboratories in the nation with the ability to conduct this kind of advanced testing – and will also include screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies against Zika and other related viruses. Additionally, the state has launched a new information hotline (1-888-364-4723) for New Yorkers to call and learn more about the virus.

The City of Oneonta Police Department arrested 41 year old Kindell Worley of Oneonta for 2nd degree Burglary & 4th degree Grand Larceny. The arrest follows the report of a stolen vehicle from October 26, 2014, Worley is accused of entering a residence, stealing items including the keys to a vehicle and then driving the vehicle outside of Oneonta where it was abandoned. Worley was arraigned in Otsego County Court and was released on his own recognizance.

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was convicted on Monday as a federal jury in Manhattan found Silver guilty of all 7 counts he faced for fraud, extortion and money laundering. The conviction comes as Silver's counterpart in the Senate, former Majority Leader Dean Skelos, faces his own corruption trial in the same federal court. Both men resigned their leadership posts but continued to work as lawmakers; Silver automatically loses his seat as a result of his conviction.

In recognition of World AIDS Day, Governor Andrew Cuomo today made a series of announcements regarding the next phase of New York State’s Plan to End the AIDS Epidemic in the State. The Governor is committing $200 million in new funding toward HIV/AIDS efforts, in addition to the $2.5 billion in public funding that the state currently directs toward addressing the disease. He is also calling on the federal government to increase its contribution nationwide for housing assistance for people living with HIV and AIDS.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office approved 215 contracts valued at $109 million and approved 1.7 million payments worth $5.8 billion in October. His office also rejected 45 contracts and related transactions valued at $31 million and more than 6,900 payments valued at $3.6 million due to fraud, waste or other improprieties. DiNapoli’s office has approved approximately 16,200 contracts valued at $142 billion and approved 25.5 million payments worth $107 billion. His office has also rejected 1,660 contracts and related transactions valued at $4.4 billion and 33,100 payments valued at $127.5 million through October.

Commerce Chenango & NBT Bank will co-host the Business After Hours Holiday Spectacular today at NBT Bank, 52 South Broad Street, Norwich. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, featuring holiday music, food, beverages and door prizes. Attendees are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help Roots & Wings stock their food pantry.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is hosting a “Ladies Night Out” on December 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Council Rock Brewery located on Rt. 28, Cooperstown. The United Way will be raffling off gift baskets and drawing for the winner of a Coach® purse at tonight’s event..

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee Meetings will be held today at Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge. At 7:00 The Race committee meeting begins, then at 8:00 The Regular meeting will begin.

The Tri-County Senior Center in Sidney is sponsoring a drive to collect Socks for Seniors. The socks will be distributed to shut-in senior citizens locally Collection boxes are located at Trackside Dining, Lemon Tree Hair Salon and the Sidney Senior Dining Center at the Civic Center. The deadline to drop off socks is Wednesday, December 16th.

Today is Election day, with interesting races In the 52nd State Senate race, Delaware County’s First Ever family Court Judge race, Chenango County District Attorney, and town supervisor races in Franklin, oxford, Harpersfield & Guilford & Town Council races in Sidney, & Franklin locally. Polls will be open until 9:00 tonight.

The Medical Marijuana Expedited Access bill that would expedite patients’ access to medical marijuana has been sent to Governor Cuomo’s desk, he has until November 11th to sign or veto the bill. The state Legislature passed the bill in June, it would give preferential access to medical marijuana to Terminally ill patients, and would be strictly regulated.

State Police arrested 23-year-old Cody Mabe of Pharsalia for fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, resting arrest and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a short pursuit that started when a trooper observed Mabe driving without a front license plate and attempted to make a traffic stop on State Route 23 in the Town of Pharsalia. After refusing to comply, Mabe drove away. The pursuit ended when he drove near his home and fled into the woods. He was arrested shortly after. Mabe was arraigned in the Town of Pharsalia court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Pharsalia is on November 5, 2015

Governor Cuomo & U.S. Senator Charles Schumer are urging the leadership at Kraft-Heinz to spare 3 New York plants that may be on the chopping block, following the merger of the 2 industry giants. One of the plants operates in Walton and employs about 150 people.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committees will meet this evening in Bainbridge. The Meeting will be held at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill, the 6:30 Race committee meeting, it will be followed at 7:30 with the Regular meeting.

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

(Sandy Bonczkowski 11-3-15)

Bonczkowski said that about 35 students are participating in the performance, they started auditioning & preparing back in June.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will get underway at 7:00 PM & is open to the public.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual awards dinner this weekend, chamber spokesman Bruce Kellogg explains:

(Bruce Kellogg 11-3-15)

More information is available by calling the Bainbridge Chamber at 967-8700.

Oneonta Police Department arrested 23-year-old Jeremiah Vonberg of Oneonta for 1st degree Rape & Criminal Possession of a weapon. Vonberg was arrested following an investigation of an incident on October 17th. Vonberg was held pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta court,

State Police arrested 41-year-old Robert McLintock of Edmeston for criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marihuana. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop for driving with a brake lamp not working on State Route 20 in the Town of Richfield. During the stop it was determined that he unlawfully possessed an unregistered handgun and marihuana. McLintock was arraigned and was released without bail required pending court action on November 4th.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated that his office is operating a statewide Election Day Hotline today. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, from 6:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. today.

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

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

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

(Sue McIntyre 9-1-15)

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

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

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

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

The Binghamton annual "Welcome Back B-Mets" Dinner is scheduled for Tonight at 5:30 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Binghamton. All proceeds from this year's event will go towards scholarships for local children to participate in the B-Mets Players Camp held in July at NYSEG Stadium. The Binghamton Mets are set to open their 24th season on April 9TH in Akron, The B-Mets home opener is on April 16th. Tickets are available at BMETS.COM, the NYSEG Stadium box office or call 723-METS.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach in Oneonta today. Spokesperson Stephanie Thorne comments:

(Stephanie Thorne 4-7-15)

The clinic will be at the Southside mall Parking Lot from 9:00 AM to 3:00 pm. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The next meeting of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta committee will be held tonight. The Regatta meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on Route 7 in Bainbridge.

The Sidney Central School District Board Of Education meeting scheduled for Today has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on April 21st at 7:00 pm in the High School Library.

Agriculture contributed $37.6 billion to New York's economy in 2012, an increase of more than 22% from 2007, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The state ranks in the top 10 nationwide for milk and other dairy production, as well as wine, apples, maple syrup and other products. Milk is the state's largest commodity, with $2.4 billion in sales, followed by grains, peas and beans at $856 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2012 census. New York also ranked first nationwide in the production of yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream, and was the second-largest wine producer in 2013, with 34 million gallons. The state also ranked second nationally in maple syrup production.

State Police from Sidney arrested 29-year-old Bradley Brundege of Walton for the felony of Aggravated DWI with a reportable B.A.C. result of .18%. Troopers observed Brundege drive into a rest area and stop off of County Route 23 in Sidney, Troopers determined that Brundege was driving while intoxicated, the charge became a felony due to a prior DWI conviction. Brundege was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of a $1,000 cash bail.

The Delaware County District Attorney’s Investigators arrested 27-Year-Old Jessica Rodriguez of Sidney, for Offering a False Instrument for Filing, Welfare Fraud & Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Rodriguez is accused of receiving $754 in Public Assistance Benefits to which she was not entitled. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to Welfare Fraud in the 5th degree, was fined $250.00 and ordered to pay restitution.

The 53rd General Clinton canoe regatta will be held memorial day weekend & the regatta committee will meet tonight, at 7:00 PM at the Highway & Bar & Grill on Route 7 in Bainbridge. All paddlers & area residents are invited to attend & participate.

Tickets for the 2015 Hall of Fame Classic on Memorial Day Weekend are on sale today, Hall of Fame members Rollie Fingers, Tom Glavine, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith as well as recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams will play the 7 inning legends game. this year's contest will be played on Saturday, May 23 at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field, Tickets are on sale at 1-877-726-9028 or at baseballhall.org.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM & is open to the public.

A.m. news Tuesday 11-4-14
It's Election Day, with the big races on the ballot. The race for governor pits incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo, against Republican Rob Astorino & Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is on the ballot again. In the State Attorney General's race, Incumbent democrat Eric Schneiderman faces Republican John Cahill. In the race for State Comptroller, incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli faces Republican Robert Antonacci. In races of local interest, for the 19th Congressional District, Republican Incumbent Chris Gibson faces democrat Sean Eldridge. In the 52nd State Senate district, Incumbent Republican Tom Libous faces Democrat Anndrea Starzak. In the State Assembly in the 121st Assembly District, incumbent Democrat Bill Magee faces a challenge from republican John Salka. In Sidney, Republican Loddie Marsh is running on the Democratic party line, while Jody Proffitt carries the Republican spot on the ballot for a town council seat. In Oneonta, Patricia Kent faces independent David Rowley for a town board seat. InFranklin, Republicans Donald Smith and Lisa Huyck are vying for two seats on the town council against independents Donald Hebbard and Bryan Babcock. There are also 3 propositions on the ballot; 1 proposal seeks to reform the redistricting process to an independent commission. The 2nd measure have lawmakers receive copies of proposed legislation digitally rather than on print out, the 3rd would allow the state to borrow up to $2 billion for high-speed Internet, equipment & high-tech security features for schools.

Bassett Healthcare Network has established a call in line for patients concerned that they may have been exposed to Ebola - that number is (607) 547-5555 or toll free (877) 547-1745. The number is a resource for patients who have traveled internationally or had close contact with someone who recently traveled internationally and was ill. Patients who fit this criteria and are feeling ill or who have questions about possible symptoms are asked to call the Ebola call in line at Bassett to be connected with a clinician trained to help them.

The 2015 General Clinton Canoe Regatta kickoff meeting will be held tonight in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge.

Insurance company AIG has agreed to pay New York state $35 million to settle claims that two former subsidiaries did business without licenses and misled regulators about their operations in the state. The deal was announced by the state Department of Financial Services. It comes after a $60 million settlement in March with MetLife, which purchased the subsidiaries from AIG. Authorities had alleged subsidiaries American Life Insurance Co. and Delaware American Life Insurance Co. sought customers in New York without licenses and without telling regulators. Under the settlement, AIG will drop a legal challenge to the state's probe and the state will not proceed with charges or a lawsuit

State Police arrested a 22-year-old Tyler Webb for 2nd degree Grand Larceny, for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 from a Town of Greene residence in September. Webb was held without bail and the investigation is ongoing, according to state police.

State police report that a Bainbridge man wanted on charges here was arrested in Montana. A 35-year-old Charles Brasington of Bainbridge was arrested on October 16th & was charged with 4 counts of 3rd degree grand larceny, 3 counts of 2nd -degree grand larceny & 1st degree scheming to defraud, for allegedly stealing a vehicle from the town of Guilford in November of 2013, Brasington is held without bail pending court action.

The Constitution Pipeline project cleared a hurdle today when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a final environmental impact statement that concluded its impacts would be within acceptable levels once mitigation measures are taken. In the report, the federal agency determined the pipeline would result in limited environmental impacts. The decision, however, also included a series of conditions that must be met for the project to win full approval from FERC. The project involves running natural gas pipeline that would begin in Susquehanna County, Pa., and go through parts of Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie counties

The Oneonta Outlaws announced a fundraiser full-length rodeo tomorrow at 1:00 PM at Damaschke Field in Oneonta. Millennia Entertainment is co-promoting and organizing the event. The Saturday Showdown Tickets are $30 and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com. More information is available at 316-2870 or the Oneonta Outlaws office at 432-6326.

The 2015 General Clinton Canoe Regatta kickoff meeting will be held on Tuesday November 4th. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge.

AngelJenny will host a SIDS awareness & fundraising walk tomorrow in Sidney.   The event will run form 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and will begin at 70 River Street in Sidney.   More information is available at angeljenny.com or at 383-0425.

The state Parole Board has denied David Dart's application to be released from prison, he has served over 24 years in jail for the 1989 stabbing death of Gillian Gibbons in her car in the Oneonta municipal garage.  Dart was convicted in Otsego county court and has been serving out that sentence in a downstate prison.  This was Dart’s first attempt at parole.

Sidney village police arrested 19-year-old Austin Demuth of Afton on 3 counts of grand larceny, 17 counts of petty larceny and 5 counts attempted petty larceny.  The arrests followed an investigation of larcenies from unlocked vehicles in the Bird Avenue and Circle Drive area on December 4th.  More arrests are expected, as similar crimes have been committed in Sidney center, Bainbridge, Greene & Cooperstown.  Demuth was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 bail pending court action on February 13th.  Police urge residents to lock up their homes & vehicles to prevent such crimes.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting tonight at the Highway 7 Bar & Grill at 7:00 pm, to discuss the future of the Canoe Regatta. Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne told WCDO News that they will need a new chairman after this year’s regatta, and they are battling the misconception in the region that this is a Bainbridge only event:

(John Payne 2-4-14)

Payne said that they need a lot of volunteers for this year’s regatta and & a new chairperson to take over for John Harmon, who will not continue in that capacity beyond this May.  More information will be available at tonight’s meeting, which is open to the public; information is also available at the chamber office at 967-8700.

The state’s new I-STOP program has cut “doctor shopping” by 75% according to state health department officials.  The I-STOP program started in August, where Doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are now required file prescriptions to pharmacies by the Internet, and to check the database before prescribing painkillers.  Pharmacists are responsible for recording related prescriptions; the law is designed to help practitioners review patient drug histories through the health department’s online registry.

Republicans in the state senate filed a bill to move New York's primary day to late August, arguing the current September date for state offices is too late, to comply with a federal law, that requires ballots for military and overseas voters to be sent out at least 45 days before the general election.  Assembly Democrats passed a bill last month to move state primaries to the 4th Tuesday in June, coinciding with New York's federal primary date.  If lawmakers fail to agree on a primary date, municipalities will hold a primary for federal offices in June and a separate primary for state offices in September

Membership in the National Rifle Association has increased in New York since the state's New York SAFE Act went into effect 1 year ago.  . The number of people who enrolled nearly doubled last year, New York previously ranked 3rd in NRA membership behind Texas and California, New York now has the most NRA members.

NYSEG officials announced today that they are aware of fraudulent activities where customers are contacted by email, phone or in person and asked to pay current or past due charges, the payment ends up with scammers, and not NYSEG.  Officials said that NYSEG will not call customers for payment if an account is in good standing; customers are urged to contact the company and sign up for their “AutoPay” service. At NYSEG.com.  Customers, who believe they have been scammed, should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov and their local police.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to prohibit pharmacies and retails stores from selling cold medications containing Dextromethorphan to anyone under 18 unless they have a prescription.    The new law addresses the problem of teens using the cough suppressant to get high, its use & abuse could lead to short and long term health risks including agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, and even death.  All retail establishments selling DXM will be required to request proof of age unless the customer appears to be more than 25 years of age, or they could be subject to a fine of $250 for each violation.

THE NEXT GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA MEETING WILL BE HELD Tonight, AT THE Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge at 7:00 PM FOR the annual Kickoff meeting.  Regatta Chairman John Harmon is inviting anyone interested to the meeting, to bring in any new ideas for the 2014 REGATTA.  Harmon said that they would be putting together committees in order to keep the regatta growing.

4 candidates are running for 2 seats on the Sidney town board on Election Day.  Today, we hear from democratic candidate Paul Muratore & his ideas for running for the town board:

(Paul Muratore 10-1-13)

Muratore will participate in the town board forum this Thursday evening at the Sidney library smart community room,