WCDO Radio News

45 year old Bernard Barnes of Binghamton was found guilty of Grand Larceny following a Jury Trial in Broome County Court, Barnes served as an aide to an elderly individual to assist an elderly man. Family members of the victim became suspicious after a camera in the victim’s room had been covered with tape, after reviewing available footage, it was determined that Barnes had re-positioned the victim’s bed and accessed a safe, from which he stole approximately $14,000 worth of jewelry. Barnes is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2026, in Broome County Court to 3 ½ to 7 years in New York State Prison.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies season gets underway tonight on the road against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The home opener is on Tuesday, April 7 against the Somerset Patriots at 6:07 pm; for Tickets, or more information, call (607)-722-3866, or go online at bingrp.com.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-3-26

State Police are warning the public, about scams where individuals are falsely told they are “wanted on a warrant” and must pay money to avoid arrest. Scammers are contacting victims impersonating law enforcement officers, court officials, or government agencies, The victim is pressured to make payment using cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other non-traceable methods. On April 1, a victim was instructed to meet an individual who was purported to be a law enforcement officer to collect funds at a location in Bainbridge. This would have been the 3rd occasion for a sum of money to be over $100,000. After the victim handed over the cash, Troopers intervened and arrested Tushar Sharma of India for 2nd degree Grand Larceny, Scheming to Defraud & Conspiracy, he was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance, and is scheduled to appear at Bainbridge Town Court on April 20th.

Broome County Corrections Academy will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton at 11:00 this morning. This year, 15 graduates will officially earn the rank of Officer, after weeks of grueling training, learning defense tactics, studying law, and more on their journey to a career in the Correctional Facility.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host their annual Meet the Ponies event at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton Tonight at 5 pm at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton. The event will begin with an autograph session at 5 pm and at 6:45 pm. the program will continue with an introduction of the 2026 coaching staff and players. The Rumble Ponies open the 2026 season on the road Friday against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The home opener is on Tuesday, April 7 against the Somerset Patriots at 6:07 pm. Season Tickets, Ballpark Passes, Flex Tickets, and Individual Game Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale by visiting Mirabito Stadium, by phone at (607)-722-3866, or online at bingrp.com.

Tickets are now on sale for Meet the Ponies annual kick-off event for the return of Binghamton Rumble Ponies Baseball at Mirabito Stadium. This year's event will be on April 2nd at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton at 5:00 PM, with the 2025 Binghamton Rumble Ponies available for autographs and photographs. Tickets are available until March 28th at bingrp.com, by calling 607-722-3866, or by visiting the Mirabito Stadium Administrative Offices. The Rumble Ponies home opener is on Tuesday, April 8th at 6:07 pm. against the Hartford Yard Goats.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for their annual awards, for Citizen of the Years, plus Business and non profit of the years. Nominations are due by March 20th, you can email your nominations to sidneychamberny@gmail.com, the forms are available online at files.constantcontact.com. The Annual Recognition Dinner, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Club 55 in Sidney.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-24-25

A Chenango County Grand Jury indicted William Ramirez for 1st Degree Sexual Abuse, Aggravated Sexual Abuse & Forcible Touching, Ramirez is accused of forcibly touching and sexually assaulted victims at the Sherburne Earlville School Swimming pool in October of last year.

The Broome County Corrections Academy will hold its graduation ceremony Friday morning for the Class of 2024 at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton. This year, 21 graduates will officially earn the rank of Officer, after 3 months of training, learning defense tactics, studying law, and more on their way to a career in the Correctional Facility.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-16-24

Governor Hochul gave the Executive Budget presentation this morning in Albany, she talked about her emphasis on assisting law enforcement, Education, addressing Mental Health issues and economic development, among other topics:

(Hochul 1-16-24)

The proposal increases spending by 4.5% for a total of 233 Billion Dollars, Lawmakers have until April 1st to get a deal finished by the beginning of the state's fiscal year.

Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announces the guilty plea of Rajee Al-Mashni for a fatal hit and run that occurred in 2023 in Johnson City. Al-Mashni pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Driving While Ability Impaired by Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol and Attempted Assault, in Broome County Court, for fatally striking Elizabeth Atkinson with a vehicle at the Oakdale Commons on March 5th, 2023. Al-Mashni also entered a guilty plea to Attempted Assault, for a June 2022 motor vehicle accident in Binghamton which left several people seriously injured. Al-Mashni will be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in State prison when he is sentenced April 9th.

Binghamton Fire Fighters responded to a blaze at 2 Pleasant Street, where 1 person escaped & another died in the fire. Fire Fighters believed that the building was vacant, but 1 occupant was taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation & the other was dead at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

Tickets go on Sale this Friday Morning as Legendary Rockers "Styx" will be performing in Binghamton on March 26th, according to Stu Green of Magic City Productions:

(Stu Green 1-16-24)

WCDO will go you the chance to win Styx Tickets before you can buy them on Friday, at the Box office or through ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 "Meet the Rumble Ponies" dinner on April 3 at the Holiday Inn Binghamton. The event starts at 5:30 pm. with the entire Opening Day roster of your 2024 Rumble Ponies available for autographs and photographs. Then, bid on an array of amazing auction items, with proceeds to benefit the Rumble Ponies Foundation. Tickets are available for purchase until March 29 online at bingrp.com, by calling 607.722.3866, or by visiting the Mirabito Stadium Administrative Offices,

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Next Blood Drive Will Be Held Today In Walton from 1:30 pm. - 6 pm., Pines Brook Church, to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The United States Marine Corps Reserve today announced the schedule for the 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Train. The holiday train will take to the rails Saturday, Locally, the train will stop in Oneonta at the Gas Avenue Rail Crossing, from 12:05 pm. to 12:40 pm. The train will be in Bainbridge at the Walnut Street Rail Crossing, from 1:30 pm. to 2:00 pm. The train's schedule ends at the East Binghamton Yard Entrance, 3:20 pm. to 4:00 pm.

Hill City Celebrations to Host Oneonta Festival of Lights in Neahwa Park and First Night Celebration at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. The Festival of Lights Begins on December 16 through January 1st. Organizers stated that anyone interested in building a display for the Festival of Lights should Email firstnightoneonta@gmail.com by this Thursday November 30th, with set-ups beginning December 7. More information will be available at hillcitycelebrations.com/festival-of-lights, or on their Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-28-23

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Binghamton arrested 48 year old Stacie Congdon of Windsor for 3rd degree Grand Larceny. An investigation revealed that while volunteering for the Windsor Town Fair, Congdon made several unauthorized debit card purchases and cash withdrawals totaling over $10,000 between May and September 2023. Congdon was arrested and then turned over to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Arraignment. On September 29, Congdon was arrested for 2nd degree Grand Larceny, for allegedly stealing over $50,000 from the nonprofit, Punch Out Parkinson’s Inc.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives will be held today, 1 at the DCMO BOCES from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on State Route 206 in Trout Creek. Another Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, appointment can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The Broome County Corrections Academy will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, starting at 11:30 this morning. 25 graduates will officially earn the rank of Officer, after 3 months of training, learning defense tactics, studying law, Several recruits will also be recognized with individual awards.

The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office reported that a Binghamton man who led police agencies on a manhunt, was taken into custody today. Christopher Borges of Binghamton led police on a manhunt covering several hours, he was located and taken into custody around 10:07 am. on Deerfield Lane in the Town of Caroline without incident. Charges against Borges include kidnapping, robbery and criminal contempt.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to man the Red Kettles prior to the Christmas holiday, at 2 Sidney Locations, spokesperson Marie Cole explains:

(Marie Cole 10-25-23)

Those interested in volunteering should call Cole at 607-435-5882 & leave a message.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-25-23

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Danielle Ashdown of Binghamton during the intake process at the Broome County Correctional Facility. On October 6th, Ashdown was arrested by Binghamton Police for a conditional discharge. A routine search uncovered 2 clear bags hidden on her person, containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, they also recovered 2 other substances. Ashdown was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 3 Counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, she was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be held today at Fred’s Inn, in Norwich, beginning at 6:00 pm. Members, farmers, and legislators will be present to discuss the future of agriculture & how green energy is affecting production.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office announced that A routine traffic stop in Binghamton led to an arrest on an outstanding warrant for aggravated harassment charges on Sunday. Deputies observed a parked car at a gas Station and identified the driver as 26 year old Jesse Roberts who was wanted for aggravated harassment for allegedly sending threatening messages to a woman and was taken into custody. Roberts had been driving with an open container of alcohol and six open license suspensions for failing to appear in court for traffic tickets, he faces a number of additional charges and was taken to the Broome County Correction Facility for arraignment.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies “Meet the Ponies” dinner will be held tonight at the Downtown Holiday Inn in Binghamton. The Rumble Ponies open the 2023 season on the road against the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday April 6th, with the home opener on Tuesday, April 11th against the Somerset Patriots at 6:35 PM.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced this afternoon the arrests of 3 inmates for having contraband in their housing pods at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility this week. Investigators recovered crack cocaine, synthetic cannabis, & suboxone strips, they arrested 36 year old Dreyshawn McDonald for Criminal Possession Controlled Substance & Promoting Prison Contraband, 41 year old Ryan Carney of Endicott for Promoting Prison Contraband & 35 year old Paul reed of Endicott for Promoting Prison Contraband. This sweep was the latest in a series of investigations into narcotics, drug and contraband smuggling at the Correctional Facility, which have led to 9 arrests and dozens of charges since the beginning of the year.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 37 year old Farrah Singleton of the Bronx, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court today to 3rd degree Burglary. Singleton admitted that he unlawfully a residence at 226 Court Street in Binghamton and stole property on September 1st 2021, he was arrested a week later by Binghamton Police, he will serve 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison when sentenced on May 4.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that tickets are now on sale for the “Meet the Ponies” annual dinner on Tuesday, April 4th at the Downtown Holiday Inn in Binghamton. Tickets are available to purchase until April 1st online at bingrp.com, by calling 607.722.FUNN, or at Mirabito Stadium, The Rumble Ponies open the 2023 season on the road against the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday April 6th, with the home opener on Tuesday, April 11th against the Somerset Patriots at 6:35 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-2-23

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 year old Ashley Williams of Laurens on 2 counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance. Williams was arrested following an investigation into a report of loose horses in the road in the Town of Laurens on December 11th of last year. During the course of the investigation, it was found that Williams did not provided proper care for her animals, Williams was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Laurens Court for a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-21-22

Some rapidly changing temperatures will be occurring over the next few days into the Christmas Holiday Weekend, Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 12-21-22)

A sizable percentage of the country will have adverse Winter Weather over the next few days, We'll have a look at the forecast at the end of this newscast.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $102 million awarded to 64 projects through the Restore New York Communities Initiative. The Southern Tier was awarded more than $15.7 Million in support of 8 projects, including in the Village of Endicott with $6 Million for the IBM North Street Demolition Project: almost $3 Million Dollars for the City of Binghamton for the development of vacant site into a multi-story building with 102 rental units & $1.8 million dollars for the Town of Roxbury for the Inn at Kirkside, to re-purpose the historic site into a hotel/restaurant with an integrated educational program.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-15-21

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will hold their annual holiday season "Light Up A Life" ornament sale, which will culminate with a special event in December in Norwich, Spokesperson Sarah Greene explains:

(Sarah Greene 10-15-21)

More information about the ornaments can be found at hospicechenango.org, or by calling their offices at 334-3556.

State Police & Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a tractor trailer with scrap metal crashing & landing on its side Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred at about 1:00 PM, on I-88 near and Interstate 81 in the town of Chenango. Some of the scrap metal wound up on an embankment near the Comfort Inn Hotel the unidentified driver was treated for back pain, no tickets have been issued.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today an uptick in COVID 19 cases in the County over the last week. The Broome County Health Department had 105 new cases in Thursday, the total number of active cases is up to 780, up by 140 in the last week, the 7 day rolling average positivity rate was back up to 6%, and hospitalizations doubled in the last week back up to 92, the percentage of Broome county residents fully vaccinated was 59%.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-15-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the State Environmental Facilities Corporation has approved more than $44 million for drinking water and wastewater projects, with grants, interest-free and low-cost financing. Drinking Water Projects will include the Village of Walton; Clean Water Projects will go to the City of Binghamton and Village of Johnson City.

34-year-old Daniel Butash of Endwell was indicted on charges of DWI, assault, aggravated vehicular assault and reckless endangerment, in connection with an incident where he drove the wrong way on State route 17, & head on into a patrol vehicle driven by Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy Kristy Botsford on February 1st. Botsford sustained knee and ankle injuries, and is still recovering from her injuries.

State Police arrested 39 year old Jamie Varieur of Glens Falls for Attempted Assault on a Police Officer and attempted Criminal Mischief, Criminal Impersonation and Obstructing Governmental Administration. Varieur is accused of attacking a trooper while heading to arraignment. Troopers originally received a complaint in March 2019 that a woman’s license was suspended after she failed to answer to a speeding ticket; she claimed she had never been stopped by a trooper for speeding. The investigation revealed that in November 2018, a trooper observed Varieur speeding on I-88, & she turned herself in to State Police Monday, & allegedly assaulted the trooper transporting her to the town of Sidney for arraignment. Varieur was pepper sprayed and eventually complied with troopers. Varieur was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $4,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Job Expo at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown today. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, it is open to the public; more information is available at 432-4500.

Republican Congressional Candidate George Phillips will be kicking off an 8-county tour this week that will stretch into May. The tour will include visits to all the counties of the 22nd Congressional District, The Broome County Kick-Off will be held today at 12:00 Noon at the Holiday Inn at 2 Hawley Street in Binghamton.

Otsego County officials announced that an auction on tax foreclosed properties will be held in Oneonta on August 15th. Information about foreclosed property can be found at NYSAuctions.com, click on Otsego County, specific properties can be located by putting an address in the Search box. The Auction on the 15th will be held at the Oneonta's Holiday Inn on route 23 Southside.

Justin Crandall was sentenced Wednesday in a Binghamton federal courtroom to 50 years in prison with post-release supervision for life, after he pleaded guilty to sexually exploited a 17-month-old child between December 2016 and February 2017 in Sidney. His wife Jessica Crandall was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in prison with post-release supervision for life. Both pleaded guilty in October 2017.

NYSEG President & CEO Carl Taylor announced a $400,000 economic development grant for Binghamton University this afternoon. The latest award brings the total up to $1.2 million in funding which NYSEG has granted to the university, to help support 3 projects under the company’s economic development electric infrastructure programs. The goal is to help offset electric-related infrastructure improvements as well as to research, develop and promote energy-efficient systems.

Sidney will hold it's annual Arbor Day Celebration tomorrow at the Walking Trail Pavilion in keith Clark park, beginning at 10:00 am. A tree dedication planting will be part of the activities. A limited number of young sapling trees will be distributed.

The Arc Otsego, in partnership with Family Resource Network will be hosting a Family Forum presented by LIFEPlan CCO today from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Pm at the Holiday Inn Oneonta. The Forum will include a presentation by LIFEPlan CCO on how Medicaid Service Coordination will transition to Care Coordination on July 1st, & what individuals and families need to know about the CCO and enrollment process. Agency staff will be on hand to answer any questions; more information is available at 433-8417.

Binghamton police are investigating the shooting of 40 year old Grady Hunter on Sunday, Hunter was hospitalized with life threatening injuries, Police reported that Hunter was sitting in his car outside a Deli at 121 Susquehanna Street at around 12:00 Noon Sunday. A suspect has been taken into custody today, anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call detectives at 772-7080.

Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Randy Johnson, Phil Niekro, Tim Raines and Ozzie Smith will headline Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, May 25th to the 27th in Cooperstown. The 6 Hall of Famers will be joined by recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams for the Hall of Fame Classic, which features a pregame Home Run Derby 12:00 noon, followed by first pitch at 1:05 PM, of the 7-inning legends game on Saturday, May 26th at Doubleday Field. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Classic are on sale at 1-877-726-9028, or at baseballhall.org

The Color Run is coming to Binghamton on Sunday, April 15th and will be held at SUNY BROOME. The event will benefit Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier to assist in enhancing the lives of all community residents by improving their mental health and wellness.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies invite fans to their annual Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner on Tonight at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton. Tickets are on sale, at the Box Office at NYSEG Stadium. Rumble Ponies players will arrive at 5:30 PM for the “Meet the Rumble Ponies” autograph reception. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM followed by an interview with returning Rumble Ponies manager Luis Rojas and introductions of the new coaching staff and players. The Rumble Ponies kick off the 2018 season at home on Thursday against the Portland Sea Dogs at 6:35 PM.

Binghamton Police announced that they are looking for 22 year old Orlando Tercero of Nicaragua regarding the death of 22-year-old Haley Anderson, a nursing student at Binghamton University. Tercero and Anderson were previously in a relationship, Anderson was found dead in her Oak Street apartment Friday, while Tercero left the United States for Nicaragua. Anyone with information can contact the Binghamton Police Detective Division at 607-772-7080 or 607-772-7082.

For the 2nd year in a row, Melodie Loya, a home schooled student from Sidney, will be going to the Scripps National Spelling bee in late May & early June, after winning the local DCMO BOCES Daily Star spelling bee this past weekend. Martha Ryan of DCMO Boces said that they are putting together a fundraiser so that Melodie can go to Washington & Compete again:

(Martha Ryan 3-12-18)

Melodie finished in the top 50 at last year's Scripps competition in Washington D.C.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies invite fans to their annual Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner on Tuesday, April 3rd at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton. Tickets are on sale, at the Starting Gate Box Office at NYSEG Stadium. On the night of the dinner, Rumble Ponies players will arrive at 5:30 PM for the “Meet the Rumble Ponies” autograph reception. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM followed by a special event including an interview with returning Rumble Ponies manager Luis Rojas and introductions of the new coaching staff and players. The Rumble Ponies kick off the 2018 season at home on Thursday, April 5 against the Portland Sea Dogs at 6:35 PM.

Construction is underway on a $4.2 million bicycle and pedestrian trail that will link downtown Binghamton with the South Side neighborhoods. The Greenway is part of Governor Cuomo's $59 million investment in the multi-phase Route 434 Greenway / Route 363 Gateway project ; The 1st phase includes the Route 434 Greenway trail from the South Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge to the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Vestal Avenue in Binghamton’s south side The Greenway phase will also provide a crossing over Route 434 on the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge. The rest of the phases of the project should begin in 2020.

State Police arrested 45-year-old Vernon VanValkenburg of Masonville, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 4 counts of Reckless Endangerment, and Illegal Discharge of a Firearm within 500 feet of a Residence. Troopers responded to a report of shots fired by a subject at a residence on Finnerty Road in the Town of Masonville, VanValkenburg is accused of firing at a neighbor's house, VanValkenburg was unable to possess a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, he was arraigned in the Town of Masonville court and remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,000 cash bail. An order of protection was issued, no injuries were reported.

Former First Lady of Canada Margaret Trudeau will give the keynote speech today at the Women’s Fund Annual Breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Binghamton. Trudeau’s speech will focus on her life as First Lady, Mother of current Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the loss of a son and her former husband, & living with bipolar disorder.

Former First Lady of Canada Margaret Trudeau will give the keynote speech at this year’s Women’s Fund Annual Breakfast on Thursday, June 22 at the Holiday Inn on Hawley Street in Binghamton. Trudeau’s speech will focus on her life as First Lady, Mother of current Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the loss of a son and her former husband, & living with bipolar disorder. Tickets to the program can be obtained at 772-6773 by June 15th for reservations.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced a partnership with Broome Opioid Abuse Council Drug Free Communities to provide a Prevention Night at NYSEG Stadium tonight. no alcohol will be served during the Rumble Ponies’ game, as part of this year’s “We Care Wednesdays”. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and Gates open at 5:30 PM for the April 19 game against the Portland Sea Dogs. Details of the event are available at bingrp.com.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have unveiled their new mascot recently, and they are searching for help from their fans to name him. Introduced to the Southern Tier at Parade Day in early March, Fans can cast a vote for their favorite name at bingrp.com until April 3. After receiving over 1,000 submissions, the Rumble Ponies have narrowed down the list of possible names to 5, which are Bing, Buster, Ross, Rowdy, & Rumbleton. The final selection will be unveiled at the Meet the Ponies Dinner at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton on April 4th.

Stephen Stills & Judy Collins tickets available today for August 28th show at Anderson Center @ SUNY Binghamton. Tickets are available at the Anderson Center Box Office, at 777-2787 or at anderson.binghamton.edu.

The Binghamton Senators have called a Press Conference for Tuesday afternoon at the Holiday Inn of Binghamton, they are expected to address the replacement team for the Senators, after Ottawa team officials announced that they are moving the their top Farm team out of Binghamton after this current season. Published reports out of Albany suggested that New Jersey Devils would be moving their farm team from Albany to Binghamton; an official comment is expected at tomorrow’s press conference.

A special Red Cross blood drive will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Binghamton, on Hawley Street. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks. Each year tens of millions of Americans and people around the world observe the anniversary of 9/11 by performing good deeds that help people and communities in need.

Governor Cuomo today announced that non-essential lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, September 2, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day holiday weekend. The construction suspension is in keeping with Governor Cuomo's Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The American Red Cross, Broome County Executive Debra Preston and City of Binghamton Mayor Richard David are supporting 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who responded following the tragic events of Sept.11. A special Red Cross blood drive sponsored by Preston and David will be held on Thursday, September 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Binghamton, 2-8 Hawley Street. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Each year tens of millions of Americans and people around the world observe the anniversary of 9/11 by performing good deeds that help people and communities in need.

State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require lane closures in the City of Binghamton. Today through Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, I-81 north/State Route 17 west will have periodic, alternating lane closures between Exit 3 and the I-81/SR-17 Interchange. Crews will remove overhead sign structures and perform work to prepare for future excavation.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York will hold their 12th Annual Women’s Fund Breakfast Thursday at 7:30 am at The Holiday Inn, on Hawley Street, Binghamton. The morning will feature keynote speaker Anzala Alozie, who is the vice president of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Reservations are requested; Limited seating is still available at 772-6773.

Budget negotiations continue among lawmakers in Albany with Conference Committee activity beginning next week. State lawmakers are dealing with a budget surplus this year, Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 3-10-16)

Crouch said that the surplus includes 1 time settlement money, which he hopes will be used for infrastructure projects upstate, where 40% of the bridges are in need of repair or replacement.

Nearly a thousand people will come to Broome County this summer to take part in the 98th annual New York State American Legion Convention, as well as the 96th annual New York State Auxiliary Convention and the 42nd annual Sons of the American Legion Convention. The conventions will take place from Thursday, July 13th through Saturday, July 16th; The Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, along with the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena will serve as the headquarters for the Legion Convention.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office & New York State Parole arrested 3 people on drug charges at a motel in the Town of Dickinson during a parole Check. Deputies found the parolee & 2 females, as well as cocaine, hypodermic needles, packaging material, Marihuana & heroin. 23-year-old Odell Tindley from the Bronx & Binghamton was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was sent to the Broome County Jail on the parole warrant & will be arraigned at a later date. 22-year-old Rochelle Landon Of Newfield and 20-year-old Hanna Lecoq Of Interlaken were both charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana Violation. They were released on appearance ticket for the Town of Dickinson Court.

Nominations for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce "Citizens of The Years" & "Business of the Years are due today to the Chamber office. The award winners will be announced in April and will be honored at the Annual Dinner in June. More information is available at Sidneychamber.org or by calling 561-2642.

The Binghamton Mets announced that the annual "Welcome Back B-Mets" Dinner is Wednesday, April 6 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Binghamton. B-Mets players and mascots will arrive at 5:30 PM for the "Meet the Mets" autograph reception. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM followed by a special baseball program with team and manager introductions. Tickets may be purchased by calling 723-METS or in person at NYSEG Stadium during normal business hours. The Binghamton Mets are set to open their 25th season on Thursday, April 7 at 6:35 PM at NYSEG Stadium against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

State Police arrested 25 year old Ian Kosciusko of Worcester for sexual abuse. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of an incident that occurred on September 11, at the Holiday Inn on State Route 23, in the Town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that an employee had unwanted sexual contact with an adult victim, Kosciusko was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, An order of protection was issued by the court.

Empire State College will hold public information session about its associate and bachelor's degree programs at its Binghamton location, State Office Building, Room 505, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton today at 4:30 PM. More information is available at 721-8651.

State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton was found guilty by jury of lying to the FBI, for using his political influence to get a son Matthew a job with a Westchester County Law firm. The verdict means that Libous is automatically expelled from the state Senate. Matthew Libous was convicted earlier this year of tax evasion, a special election to replace Libous in the 52nd Senate district will be scheduled shortly.

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston announced details of the upcoming auction of tax foreclosure properties in the County. The auction is Saturday, August 1st, at the Holiday Inn, on Hawley Street in Binghamton at 10:00 AM; Auction bidders must register between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM that morning. 130 properties are being auctioned off, as is, last year the county sold 120 properties, netting $805,000.

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 Sidney Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for this years "Business of the Years" and "Citizen of the Years" awards. Chamber President Tim Cutting explains:

(Tim Cutting 2-19-15)

The Winners will be awarded at the Chamber's Annual Dinner to be held on June 5th. More information is availabel at sidneychamber.org or at 561-2642.

The Binghamton Mets announced that the annual "Welcome Back B-Mets" Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th at the Holiday Inn in downtown Binghamton. Tickets are $25.00 per person, dinner will be followed by a special baseball program with team and manager introductions. Tickets will go on sale on tomorrow at 723-METS or at NYSEG Stadium during normal business hours. 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 Ohio, the home opener is April 16th, highlighted by a pregame ceremony to celebrate their 2014 championship.