WCDO Radio News

State Police from Sidney arrested 21 year old Dillon Kemmerer of Port Crane for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and other vehicle and traffic law violations following a vehicle and traffic law stop when a Trooper observed he was driving a vehicle with a suspended registration while on State Route 41 in Afton. An investigation determined Kemmerer had several suspensions on his driver license and was driving without valid insurance. Also, after smelling marihuana, the Trooper found he unlawfully possessed a small amount inside the vehicle. Kemmerer was arraigned in town of Afton Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail

New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual "Circle of Friends," naming 125 State Legislators to their annual list of lawmakers who's voting record closely echoes the Farm Bureau's agenda. The "Circle of Friends" locally included State Senators John Bonacic, Jim Seward & Tom Libous, and Assembly Members Cliff Crouch, Bill Magee, Donna Lupardo & Pete Lopez.

A proposal to create a single-payer, government-financed health care system for all New Yorkers was the subject of a public hearing at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Richard Gottfried, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, has been pushing the proposal for more than 20 years. Under his "New York Health Act" bill, the state would get rid of private health insurance and replace it with a publicly funded system. The proposal is opposed by the insurance industry and business groups. Proponents of the single-payer approach said it would lower cost and improve access to care.

State Police has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a child abduction in Greenport, at about 10:47 PM Sunday. The VEHICLE has been identified as a Blue Chrysler Minivan with Connecticutt a license plate, last seen traveling South, possibly heading for New Jersey. The Suspect , 21 year old Steven Ristick, came from NJ and entered house unannounced and forcibly took the 3 month old baby boy & is also accused of assaulting the child's grandfather. Anyone with any information on this abduction is asked to call the State Police at (866)N Y S-AMBER.

A 2nd meeting for "Reunite Bainbridge" has been scheduled for tonight, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne talked about some of the ideas that have been forwarded already:

(John Payne 11-24-14)

The meeting will be held at the Town Hall Theater starting at 7:00 PM & is open to all Bainbridge residents.

Firefighters form Bainbridge, Sidney Coventry & Afton Fire responded to a fire Saturday evening at 148 East Keech Road in Bainbridge for a trailer fire. The trailer was destroyed in the blaze; the Carey-Scott family lost all of their belongings, fundraising efforts through go fund me .com is underway.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many important races on the ballot tomorrow, WCDO News Director Rob ray has details:

(Election 2014)

A felony hearing was held Friday in Bainbridge Town Court for 56 year old John Guzy of Bainbridge, charged with second-degree murder in the death of 26 year old Derek Prindle of Afton. Friday's felony hearing served to send the case before a grand jury in county court. At the close of the hearing, Bainbridge Town Judge Brian Barnhart denied a request by Assistant Chenango County Public Defender Aaron Dean to dismiss the murder charge. Guzy remains held in the Chenango County jail without bail. If convicted of second-degree murder, he faces a maximum of 25 years to life in state prison.

New texting-while-driving laws are now in effect. First-offense convictions of texting or talking while driving will impose a 120-day license or permit suspension for young drivers under 21 with junior licenses. A maximum fine for all violators for a first offense will rise from $150 to $200. For a second offense -- committed within 18 months of the previous offense -- fines will increase from $200 to $250. A third violation or subsequent violations committed within 18 months will increase from $400 to $450.

State Troopers arrested 45-year-old Daniel Caulfield of Oxford for 3rd degree Assault. The arrest resulted from a complaint at the Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment in Norwich, where the investigation determined that during a dispute with a resident, Valley Ridge employee Caulfield punched the resident in the mouth causing an injury. Caulfield was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Norwich Court on November 6, 2014.

a Town of Norwich woman was arrested twice in 2 days by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office. 28-year-old Jovonne Woolever was charged with Failure to appear on criminal possession of a controlled substance charges, she was taken into custody without incident and arraigned in the City of Norwich Court, she was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. the following day, Deputies arrested Woolever for 1st degree Promoting Prison Contraband, for allegedly possessing narcotics while being booked into the Chenango County Jail. She will appear in Court on November 6th on the later charges.

The $138 million reconstruction of the Gilboa Dam has been completed with a ceremony held Friday. The project included the addition of 234 million pounds of concrete, molded and dyed to resemble the original bluestone face of the dam, more than 500 spillway slabs, and upgrades to the abutment walls that support the dam. The project was completed two years ahead of schedule. The new dam includes instruments to constantly measure stress on the dam and will allow engineers to visually inspect the inside and outside on a regular basis.

Local fire departments are urging area residents to make sure that they carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths nationwide, with about 200 new Yorkers being hospitalized each year. Those who are poisoned tend to exhibit flu like symptoms; a New York state law from 2010 requires carbon monoxide alarms in residential properties as wall as hotels, dorms & nursing homes.

Governor Cuomo announced the establishment of a strategic fuel reserve at 6 locations in the upstate counties, to ensure that gas & diesel fuels are available to emergency responders in the event of an emergency like severe storms. The reserve terminals are positioned to rapidly provide service to all areas of upstate in the event of a declared emergency. About 2.5 million gallons of gas & diesel will be housed and supplied to emergency responders if their own fuel supplies are disrupted.

An autopsy conducted at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton on 26-year-old Derek Prindle of Afton determined that the cause of death was from a gunshot wound to the chest, the death ruled as a homicide. State police are looking of eyewitnesses to the shooting in the parking lot of Peak Fitness in the town of Bainbridge Monday between 1:00 & 1:30 PM; they can call Troop C at 561-7400. Former New York City police officer and John Guzy of Bainbridge has been charged with 2nd degree murder, he is being held in the Chenango county jail without bail pending court action Friday.

A Delaware county sheriffs deputy was involved in a head on crash on state highway 10 in the town of Walton that resulted in a serious injury to the driver of the other vehicle.   Deputy Stephanie Proffitt was taken to Delaware valley hospital in Walton where she was treated for a leg laceration & was released. The 2nd driver, 27year old Amber Phraner of Walton was airlifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where she was listed in critical condition. The investigation is continuing.

Democratic incumbents in state races all have leads of at least 20 points over their Republican opponents heading into the closing days of the 2014 campaign, according to a new Siena College Poll. Governor Cuomo leads Rob Astorino 54-33% with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins up to 9%. Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman increased his lead over John Cahill 55-35% & State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has a 58-31% over Bob Antonacci.

The National Pastime’s marquee event will come home to Cooperstown as the World Series Gala returns to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Saturday. The Grandstand Theater will host the family-friendly event featuring ballpark food and soft drinks, trivia, raffles, prizes and screening of Fox’s live broadcast of Game 4 of the World Series between the San Francisco Giants & the Kansas City Royals in san Francisco Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., Tickets are available at 547-0397 today from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Tri-County Tea Party Patriots will hold a Public Meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Several guest speakers are scheduled, refreshments will be served.

State Police from Oneonta arrested 18 year old Brian Colon of the Bronx and 18 year old Nicole Nunez of Manhattan for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. The arrests occurred after an off duty Trooper called and reported that he had possibly received counterfeit ten dollar bills from a man during a sale on Craigslist. The investigation determined that the off duty Trooper was selling four tire rims on Craigslist and agreed to meet Colon in Oneonta to complete the transaction, Police accuse Colon of paying the Trooper with 70 counterfeit ten dollar bills, and that Nunez had also knowingly possessed several counterfeit ten dollar bills. Colon and Nunez were both arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of a $750 cash bail.

The state Gaming Commission approved New York entering into a new multi-state lottery game, called Monopoly Millionaires’ Club, the first drawing will be Friday October 24th. Tickets are $5 each; the prize pool starts at $15 million and grows up to $25 million if there is no winner. The game is projected to bring in more than $34 million annually for the state

Candidates for the state’s 121st Assembly District will debate the tonight at the League of Women Voters of candidate forum at 7 p.m. at Morris Hall at the State University of New York at Oneonta. Incumbent assemblyman Bill Magee will debate his Republican opponent John Salka, who is currently serving his fourth term as Brookfield Town Supervisor. Magee is completing his 12th term in office. The public is invited

A newly created database of New Yorkers deemed too mentally unstable to carry firearms has grown to 34,500 names. The database is the result of the Safe Act. Gun control supporters argue a wide net is appropriate, given the potentially dire consequences. Under the law, the reports prepared by doctors, psychologists, nurses and social workers are first sent to county officials. If they agree with the assessments, the officials then input the names into the state database. The information is retained for five years. If the authorities find a person in the database has a gun permit they are required to revoke the license and seize any guns. The people in the database are barred from obtaining a permit until their names are purged

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has awarded $197 million to New York State, to help finance improvements to water projects to protect public health and the environment. The money will be used to upgrade sewage plants and drinking water systems throughout the state. This funding, which is awarded annually, is in addition to the $340 million NY recently received for Hurricane Sandy resiliency projects

Governor Cuomo chose not re-appoint Republican judge Victoria Graffeo to the state's highest court, picking instead a Democratic judge from the Albany area. The pick of Leslie Stein, means Democrats will have four of the seven seats on the Court of Appeals, for the first tim in modern history. It's the third Democratic woman picked for the court since Cuomo took office in 2011. If re-elected Nov 4th, Cuomo would be able to appoint the four other seats, allowing him to reshape the entire court. Court of appeas judges serve for 14 years, but must retire at age 70. The appointments require state Senate confirmation

The Afton area chamber of commere will host its annual four chamber cocktail party tonight at Vincent's Restaurant in Afton. There will be an hour of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments at 6pm with the meeting at 7pm. All members of the Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge and Afton chambers are invited

The town of Masonville will hold a budget workshop this evening. The workshop will be held at the Masonville Town Hall beginning at 7:30 PM, town residents are encouraged to attend.

State Troopers arrested 25-year-old John Posson of Norwich for 3rd degree Assault, following a complaint by a woman that claimed that she was punched in her right eye, during a fight at the American Legion in South Otselic. Posson was released with a ticket returnable to the Town of Otselic Court on October 13th.

The America Cancer Society's Annual Harvest Festival takes place tomorrow at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with all proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society more information is available at 865-4990 or on Facebook at "Annual Harvest Festival-American Cancer Society".

A missing Windsor man was found yesterday after a daylong search involving multiple public safety agencies and volunteers. 30-year-old Brian McNulty was missing since Tuesday. When a cell phone provider indicated his phone might be in a wooded area off Grove Street, state DEC forest rangers and the Windsor Fire Department were called in to aid in the search, along with the sheriff's office K-9 unit. McNulty was found semi-alert, on an island in the Susquehanna River in the Village of Windsor at 3:10 p.m. He was flown by helicopter to Wilson hospital in Johnson City

The Delaware Valley Humane Society is sponsoring "Walk For Paws" fundraiser tomorrow from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, at the Sidney Walking Trails, located at the Keith Clark Park on River Street in Sidney. Registration will be at the Cable House at the entrance to the park. Forms can be picked up at the Delaware Valley Humane Society at 101 East Main Street, Sidney.

NEWS 10-9-14

The New York State DOT will hold a public open house at the Delhi Village Hall, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM today. The purpose is to provide the public with information about upcoming construction work which includes repairs to 2 bridges at in Delhi.  Some work may begin shortly; however, long-term lane closures will not start until after May 10th 2015. More information is available at 721-8091.

Walton police have arrested 42-year-old James Winant of Walton, and charged him with 2 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 2 counts of 4th degree grand larceny and 3rd degree arson. In connection with the Monday house fire at 104 Saint John Street in Walton. Winant was arraigned in the Walton village court and sent to jail on $5,000 bail, pending further court action.

Those looking to vote in November's general election have until tomorrow to register. Mail in registration forms must be postmarked by midnight Friday and received no later than October 15th. People can also register in person but must do so by Friday. Along with races for governor, lieutenant governor and Congress, there are three ballot proposals including a change to the legislative redistricting process and the authorization of a $2 billion bond for technology in schools. Election Day is November 4. More information is available at elections.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo received the endorsement from the New York State Business Council in his bid for re-election. Cuomo cited what he is calling his sound fiscal stewardship, having passed 4 on-time budgets in a row, as well as limiting spending increases in the state to under 2%.

The Binghamton Senators will start their regular season this Saturday night at the Floyd Maines Broome County Arena against the Worcester Sharks, Team President Tom Mitchell comments:

(Tom Mitchell 10-9-14)

Tickets are still available at the Arena Box office, by calling the B-Sens offices at 722-SENS or online at binghamtonsenators.com.

Governor Cuomo proposed that the state spend $500 million to expand broadband access, mainly upstate, if he's re-elected November 4th. Cuomo said he would allocate $500 million for a "New NY Broadband Fund" that would make high-speed Internet available to all New Yorkers and businesses by 2018. Cuomo said that rural areas couldn’t compete in the global marketplace without high-speed Internet

The re-election rate for incumbents in New York reached 97% in 2012, after the state redrew district lines. Citizens Union and other good-government groups support a referendum on the November 4th to create a new panel to draw legislative district lines every 10 years.   In 2012, Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders battled over how to draw the lines, and settled on the same process as before, but agreed to new standards in 2022. All statewide and legislative seats will be on the ballot on Election Day

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies seized a quantity of drugs and arrested 35-year-old Francis Smith of Kingston today, after investigating illegally parked vehicles in Arkville. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, which violated the terms of his probation in Ulster County. Smith is accused of possessing a switchblade knife, & he may also face drug possession charges upon completion of a laboratory analysis of the seized drugs. Smith was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail.

Assemblyman Bill Magee nearly doubled his campaign coffers in the final days of his successful fight to hang onto his seat, according to the state Board of Elections. Magee raised $54,305 between August 25th and September 15th in his effort to defeat Sherrill City Commissioner Mike Hennessy in the democratic primary. Magee beat Hennessy 2,082 to 1,431; he will face Republican John Salka of Brookfield in the November election.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state Education Department Commissioner John King said a survey would be sent to each school district, seeking information on actions they have taken, to implement provisions of the Dignity for all Students Act. The Act is state's 1st anti-bullying legislation, the results of the survey will be used to identify steps that schools have taken, and model policies and practices now being implemented by districts, to help ensure students are provided safe school environments.

A candlelight vigil will be held today in honor of State Trooper Christopher Skinner at 6:00 PM at Port Dickinson Community Park. The event is organized by the town and by State Police Troop C, & is open to the public. Trooper Skinner had pulled over a car May 29 on I-81 in Chenango Bridge, he was out of his patrol vehicle & hit by a white truck allegedly driven by Almond Upton of Melrose, Florida. Upton has been indicted on 11 charges, including 1st degree murder.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Apple’s new iPhone 6 will go on sale this month, it’s a reminder that all wireless carriers and smartphone manufacturers should implement a kill switch on all devices, as the rise in smartphone thefts increased as criminals target devices without a kill switch. Robberies involving iPhones fell following the release of Apple’s Activation Lock.

Governor Cuomo announced the I LOVE NEW YORK fall foliage report is available online. The report tracks the color change in foliage throughout the state through November. The governor also announced a social media campaign called “Foliage Photog of the Week.” Each week, one picture submitted on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook would be used to promote fall tourism. For information, or for a map on the best fall foliage viewing spots, go to ILOVENY.com.

Sherrill City Commissioner Mike Hennessy said he's not ready to concede Tuesday's Democratic primary to Assemblyman Bill Magee, despite falling short by more than 500 votes. Hennessy, who is also a former Oneida County lawmaker, is fighting for a spot on November's ballot on a "Fix Albany" line. Magee's supporters challenged that attempt, and Hennessy has a court date in Albany on Sept. 22nd. Magee beat Hennessy by 560 votes for the Democratic line in the 121st Assembly District. Republican John Salka is on the ballot in November.

Governor Cuomo opened up the New York State Fair in Syracuse this morning, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Cuomo is currently running for a 2nd term as governor, his republican challenger Rob Astorino also made the rounds at the State Fair today, he is trailing Cuomo in the most recent polls by a 2 to 1 margin.  Green Party Candidate Howe Hawkins held a press conference at the main entrance to the fair at 12:00 Noon.

Governor Cuomo is calling on the state to outlaw discrimination against transgender people, claiming that gender identity should be included in the state’s civil rights law alongside race, religion, and disability.   Cuomo said that if he is re-elected, he would push to outlaw discrimination based on a person’s gender identity when it comes to housing, employment or public accommodations.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America. The settlement includes $800 million that will be allocated to New York State; Bank of America acknowledged it made serious Misrepresentations to the public from the packaging, marketing, sale and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities

The State Police CNET team, along with Endicott and Vestal Police arrested 32-year-old Greg Potter of Endicott, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and 2 counts of Criminally Using of Drug Paraphernalia.  Potter was arrested after police executed a search warrant.  Items seized included liquid and powder methamphetamines; liquid anabolic steroids, packaging materials and scales, as well as components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.  Potter was arraigned in Village of Endicott Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The State Police CNET Gun Investigation Unit, arrested 50 year old John Hamilton of Binghamton on 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Unlawfully Possessing or Selling Noxious Material and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis.  Hamilton was charged after police executed a search warrant at his residence. Police seized illegally possessed weapons, explosives and marihuana. Hamilton was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The Upper Susquehanna Watershed Project held annual conference at Sidney High School this afternoon, to present the projects of 7 students who collected data for a variety of projects all tied to the water quality of the Susquehanna River Basin.  Sidney Science Teacher Rich Townsend said that this summer, soil gauges were added:

(Rich Townsend (8-21-14)

Townsend said the data from the new soil gauges should give sufficient data on how the water saturation affects area-flooding issues over the next 1 to 5 years.

An estimated 48,000 baseball fans attended the annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown yesterday, to see 6 more legendary figures in the sport enter that Hall. 3 players were inducted into the hall this year; they were pitchers Tom Glavine & Greg Maddux and slugger Frank Thomas.

Greg Maddux pitched mostly for the Chicago Cubs & the Atlanta Braves, he was grateful to be inducted & join his boyhood heroes:

(Greg Maddux 7-28-14)

Tom Glavine spent most of his career with Atlanta as Maddux’s teammate, as well as 4 years with the New York Mets. Glavine reflected on what it took to get to the Hall & thanked those who helped him:

(Tom Glavine 7-28-14)

Frank Thomas played the bulk of his career with the Chicago White Sox & was known as the “Big Hurt” for hitting over 540 homer runs in his career. The imposing figure broke down early on when discussing his late father, but rebounded to thank 139 teammates, the 3 cities he played in and to deliver a message to kids:

(Frank Thomas 7-28-14)

Other inductees to the Baseball Hall Of Fame this weekend were writer Roger Angell and Texas radio broadcaster Eric Nadel & legendary managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa & Joe Torre

An estimated 48,000 baseball fans attended the annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown yesterday.

3 legendary managers were inducted into Baseball’s Hall Of Fame Sunday in Cooperstown. Bobby Cox managed the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves, where he had amazing success, which he attributed to the pitching of fellow inductees Greg Maddux & Tom Glavine as well as John Smoltz:

(Bobby Cox 7-28-14)

Tony LaRussa achieved managerial success in Chicago, Oakland and St. Louis; he said that he was uncomfortable getting all the credit for the work of his coaches & players:

(Tony LaRussa 7-28-14)

Joe Torre managed the Mets, Braves, Cards, Yankees & Dodger, he acknowledged that his League & World championships with the Yankees got him elected, and he sees a bright future continuing for the game of baseball:

(Joe Torre 7-28-14)

Other inductees to the Baseball Hall Of Fame this weekend were writer Roger Angell and Texas radio broadcaster Eric Nadel, Pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine & Slugger Frank Thomas.

Delaware county fair officials announced today that Entries for most departments at this year's Delaware County Fair are due no later than August 1st & are available at delawarecountyfair.org. Fair spokesman John Jackson said that this year's county fair has a packed lineup:

(John Jackson 7-21-14)

Jackson said that the fair runs from August 11th through the 16th at the county fairgrounds in Walton, those entering the various livestock competitions can get the fair book at all Town Clerk's Offices in Delaware County.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 50-year-old Eric Lagarde of Colchester for Unlawful Imprisonment & Forcible Touching. The charges were the result of allegations made following a domestic incident in the Town of Hamden; He was arraigned & was released pending further Court Action.

The concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Baseball Hall of Fame for August 2nd at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown has been canceled. The concert was scheduled for this Saturday with Hunter Hayes, Paul Simon, & Bernie Williams among others. Those with tickets to the concert are asked to visit www.cooperstownconcert.com for information

Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller has called a special meeting of the Common Council for tonight at 7:00 PM. The meeting was called to discuss the city manager search committee and whether membership of the committee will be expanded to include community members. The meeting will be held in Common Council chambers at City Hall and the public is welcome.

Governor Cuomo leads Republican opponent Rob Astorino by 37 points, according to a new Siena Poll. Cuomo leads 60- 23%. Cuomo's lead among likely voters is 76 points in New York City and just 15 points Upstate. The poll showed a lower opinion of state legislators, yet were still inclined to re-elect their own legislators over someone else. The poll also asked a question about the Common Core education standards. By a 10-point margin, voters said the standards should be stopped. On hydrofracking, 43 percent said they oppose allowing the state to move forward with hydrofracking.

Governor Cuomo leads Republican opponent Rob Astorino by 37 points, according to a new Siena Poll. Cuomo leads 60- 23%. Cuomo's lead among likely voters is 76 points in New York City and just 15 points Upstate. The poll showed a lower opinion of state legislators, yet were still inclined to re-elect their own legislators over someone else. The poll also asked a question about the Common Core education standards. By a 10-point margin, voters said the standards should be stopped. On hydrofracking, 43 percent said they oppose allowing the state to move forward with hydrofracking.

Republicans in both houses of the legislature are urging the Assembly leadership to pass Brittany’s Law, to create a registry of violent felony offenders, similar to the sex offender registry created under Megan’s Law. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch supports the bill:

(Crouch 5-21-14)

Brittany’s Law has advanced in the Senate in each of the last 4 years, it is named after 12 year old Brittany Passalacqua who was murdered in 2009 in Geneva, by John Edward Brown, who was on parole after serving time for violently assaulting his infant daughter, Brittany’s family was unaware of his violent history.

All area school Budget votes and assorted propositions passed around the tri-County region yesterday. The state education department noted that 97% of district proposed budgets at or below the state’s property tax cap, and close to that percentage passed. Unadilla Valley Voters elected Victoria Gregory, Richard Potter and Kimberly Murray to school board, Oneonta District voters elected Amy Burnsworth and Daniel Buttermann to the school Board to 3-year terms.

Long time general Clinton canoe regatta participant Dave Price is being elected to the Regatta Hall of Fame on Saturday, for his contributions to the Clinton since the late 60’s. Price was asked if there was a moment along the way containing special memories:

(Dave Price 5-21-14)

Price has been a Regatta committee member and 2 time chairman, he helped initiate the famous “700-Mile Club” & he will be the Race starter in Cooperstown for the 37th time on Memorial Day.

The state health department is releasing a “Youth Sexual Health Plan” to address HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy prevention. The health department said the plan is a guide to ensure that age-appropriate, medically accurate and unbiased sexual education programs are available to all youth. Goals include reducing teen pregnancy; providing HIV and STD screening through school-based centers; increasing access to contraception services; and promoting healthy and safe relationships and decision-making. The plan can be viewed at health.ny.gov

A state panel implementing the  Start-Up New York program voted Tuesday to include Hartwick College in Oneonta as potential Tax free business sites.  The Oneonta zone would be 1.15 acres of vacant land at Hartwick College,  any business that would move into that site  would have all taxes waived, including sales and use taxes, real estate and property transfer taxes and local personal income taxes, Eligible businesses must be a new company in New York state, an out of state business locating here, or an expanding business. They must also create jobs in the first year and their business activities should align with the mission of the college or university.

The grounds at the General Clinton Canoe Regatta in Bainbridge will be filled with rides and a variety of food concessions again this year.  Regatta Chairmen John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-15-14)

more than 1000 canoe racers and over 10,000 spectators are expected in the region for the 52nd General Clinton Canoe Regatta over the Memorial Day weekend.

Nearly 100 New York lakes have issues with occasional algae blooms, according to U.S, Senator Chuck Schumer, who is  calling on the EPA to set standards for toxins in lakes so the state can become eligible for federal help in combating blue green algae.  Lakes in the Tri County region with blue green algae were Chenango & Echo Lake in Chenango County, plus Somerset & Titus Lakes in Delaware County.  Schumer said more than a dozen countries test drinking water for toxins, but the EPA does not.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Boater Safety Course on May 31st from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The class is free to all participants, who were born on or after May 1st 1996 who are now required to complete an approved course in boater education to operate any boat or watercraft. More information or reservations are available at 337-1920.

General Clinton Canoe Regatta chairman John Harmon announced that the last day to get tickets for Hall of Fame dinner has been extended to May 15th, for the ceremony on May 24th:

(John Harmon 5-12-14)

Other inductees along with Dave Price & Ed Ray are Paddlers Gary Aprea, Willis Hackett, Jeff Kolka & Blaise St. Pierre.

Yonkers Republican John Cahill announced his intentions to run for the state Attorney General position this year, against incumbent Democrat Eric Schneiderman. Cahill formerly served as a top aide to former Governor George Pataki, who joined Cahill at his press conference yesterday.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that adds an additional 5 days to the period to gather signatures for designating petitions for the 2014 State and local primary elections. The extension takes into account the time for a Jewish festival, and helps ensure that all interested New Yorkers may participate in the State's political process. Extending the deadline moves the first day to sign up to May 29th, 42 days before the day to file candidate petitions.

US Senator Charles Schumer is pushing a plan in the Senate that would allow undergraduate borrowers, with outstanding student loan debt, to refinance at today’s lower rates. Schumer outlined the proposal at Hofstra University today. The Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 set the undergraduate student loan interest rate at 3.86 percent for the 2013-2014 school year. But he said borrowers who took out loans before 2013 are paying nearly 7 percent or higher. Schumer announced new legislation that will allow them to pay back their outstanding loans at the same rates as new borrowers

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will bring back youth Wrestling at this years activities in General Clinton Park. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-8-14)

Harmon said that the matches would all be under a tent in the park, the wrestling matches were a very popular event at the Regatta in the 1980’s.

The State Senate Task Force on Heroin & Opiod addiction will hold another public hearing tomorrow, to gather more input on the growing problem. The task force will be in State Senator John Bonacic’s District:

(Bonacic 5-8-14)

Friday’s hearing will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, those who were unable to attend the Oneonta event are invited to testify at Friday’s event.

The Delaware county Sheriff's Office now has a drug drop-0ff Box In their Front Lobby at 280 Phoebe Lane in Delhi.   Sheriff Tom Mils announced that Mallinckrodt's Hobart plant is responsible for the prescription drug take-back collection box. County Residents are invited to safely and legally dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs at the Delhi Location, in order for these items to stay out of the wrong hands. The box may be utilized to dispose of prescription medications, however, Needles and liquid medicine cannot be discarded in this box.   More information is available at 746-2336.

Federal auditors say New York should repay $60.8 million in Medicaid reimbursement, for unallowable costs for room and board for taking care of developmentally disabled people. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services inspector general said repairs, maintenance, utilities, and property-related costs should have been excluded, in calculating Medicaid payment rates at state-operated residences. The audit recommends the state Health Department refund the $60.8 million federal share of those costs.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors announced that they have set up a hotline, to inform law enforcement agencies of possible drug issues, mainly with heroin.  State senator John Bonacic said that while the “I-Stop” program has cut down on doctor shopping, there were unintended consequences:

(Bonacic 4-21-14)

The Delaware County hotline to inform police of heroin & drug related problems is 888-914-9111, all calls will be confidential.

State Troopers arrested 49-year-old Patrick Keigel of New Lisbon for Unlawful Imprisonment, Menacing and 3rd degree Assault.  The arrest followed a dispute in New Lisbon, where Kiegel allegedly pulled a victims hair out, threatened to strike the victim with a hammer & held the victim against their will.  Kiegel was arraigned in the Town of New Lisbon Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.  An  order of protection was issued against Kiegel for the victim.

The former State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno will go on trial again next month, he is accused of 2 charges under a revised fraud case alleging the he took bribes or kickbacks.  Bruno is accused of accepting more than $400,000 from a businessman for helping with state grants. Bruno led the Senate’s majority for 14 years before stepping down in 2008.  Bruno was acquitted in 2009 of 5 fraud counts and convicted of 2 others. The convictions were overturned on appeal.  The trial is scheduled for May 5th

The Delaware Valley Humane Society announced today that they would celebrate their 50th anniversary in June.  The event will be held on Saturday June 21st from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM at the shelter in Sidney.

Several state senators will begin holding public hearings around the state regarding the growing problem of heroin addiction.  State senator John Bonacic will participate in the task force:

(Bonacic 4-15-14)

Dates for the public meetings will be announced shortly, and data will be compiled quickly, in order to get a report to lawmakers by June 1st.

New state legislation is being drafted to require state agencies to comply with the section of the open records law that calls for posting information online. Part of New York’s Freedom of Information Law requires each state agency to maintain indexes of all records maintained by the agency and to post them on the Internet. A study of 86 state agencies found 79 were not in compliance, state Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski chairs the state Assembly’s Administrative Regulations Review Commission, he announced that they are working to introduce legislation to ensure agencies comply.

Recently members of Sidney Federal Credit Union were contacted through texts and phone calls stating that their Debit or Credit cards had been deactivated.  They were then asked to call or text back with their card numbers to have their cards reactivated.  This is a phishing scam, please do not respond to these calls or texts.  The local authorities have been notified and are investigating.  If you have any concerns or have given any personal information please contact SFCU toll-free at 1-877-642-SFCU.

Governor Cuomo called for the Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice to give information on the state's youth criminal records by the end of the year. Cuomo hopes to raise the age in which a teen can be tried as an adult, currently New York is 1 of only 2 states that can charge a 16 year old as an adult.

The Broome County Sheriff’s department arrested 2 Chenango county residents, for allegedly using heroin in Otsiningo Park Saturday, following a complaint from a citizen.  21 year old Michael Verry of Greene was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & 1 count each of Obstructing Governmental Administration & Resisting Arrest, 24 year old Amber Halko of Oxford was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of a Hypodermic instrument.  Police confiscated drug paraphernalia, several packages of heroin, hypodermic needles, & controlled prescription drugs, Verry was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail on bail, and Halko was released on an appearance ticket.

The State Senate has passed legislation assisting disabled veterans who own businesses in New York State, State Senator John Bonacic comments:

(Bonacic)

Governor Cuomo had proposed similar legislation, it is expected that he would sign the Senate Bill into law if it reaches his desk.

State Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney of New Hartford announced today that she would mount a Republican primary challenge against incumbent Republican congressman Richard Hanna in the 22nd Congressional District.  Tenney joins Michael Kicinski, of Earlville, and Michael Vasquez, of Binghamton, Hanna has already won the endorsement (http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/madison_county_gop_endorses_rep_richard_hanna_for_third_term.html) of all 7 county Republican committees in the 22nd district.

State Police, the State Liquor Authority and the State University at Delhi conducted an Underage Drinker Initiative detail on Saint Patrick’s Day.   3 college students were used as operatives at bar checks in Stamford & Oneonta.  John’s Tavern in Stamford, the Sip N’ Sail Tavern in Oneonta, & the Red Jug Tavern in Oneonta all passed, however State police arrested 23 year old Chelsea Jordan of Cobleskill with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child & Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Person Under 21, for serving alcohol to a minor at Legend’s in Oneonta.  Jordan was issued for the City of Oneonta Court. Additional State Liquor Authority charges are pending against Legend’s.

State Senators Jim Seward & John Bonacic have been selected to serve on a new drug task force, to deal with the growing epidemic of Heroin.  Federal statistics show that more than twice the amount of people admitted to heroin use from 2007 to 2012, The Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction will organize meetings across the state shortly.

New York is launching a program to expand access to short-term bridge loans to minority and women-owned business enterprises.  Governor Cuomo said participating lenders are committing at least $20 million to the launch of the “Bridge to Success” program, where loans will be less than $200,000 with terms fewer than 2 years. The money will allow qualified businesses to hire staff, buy material and purchase equipment.  More information is available at governor.ny.gov.

If you’re a cigarette smoker in New York, odds are that your purchase was illegally smuggled in from another state to avoid paying taxes. A new study (http://taxfoundation.org/article/cigarette-taxes-and-cigarette-smuggling-state) by the Tax Foundation said 56.9% l of cigarettes sold in New York were illegally imported, which is directly related to the state’s $4.35 per pack tax, which is the highest cigarette tax in the nation. Cigarette taxes are even higher in New York City (http://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/cig/cigidx.htm), $5.85 per pack.

Firefighters have responded to a fully involved structure fire at 159 west Main Street in Stamford this morning.  The building is known locally as the Cyr building, formerly the Rexmere Hotel, several area fire companies have responded.  WCDO will have further details as they become available.

Governor Cuomo announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has -recommended the addition of 21 properties, resources and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.  The State Review Board recommended 1 local site, which is the Loomis Family Farm in Oxford.  The farm was settled in 1801 & includes an 1832 stone farmhouse, a large dairy barn, and other smaller farm buildings.  More information about the recommended sites in online at paththroughhistory.ny.gov.

State Police announced the arrest of 3 people for allegedly operating a Meth Lab in Broome County.  Arrested were 25-year-old Caleb McNeilly, 33-year-old Brad Gates  and 27 year old Nathan Pixley, all from Castle creek, on a variety of drug charges, following a 3-week investigation by the state Police CNET team & Vestal Police.   Police confiscated 8 ounces of liquid methamphetamine; 2.5 grams of powder methamphetamine; a scale; a surveillance camera; cellphones; a 20-gauge shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle; as well as chemicals & items utilized in meth manufacturing.  All 3 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail.

Sidney residents in the flood prone areas are urged to meet with village economic development director John Redente in the next week, to discuss their options regarding their property.  Redente commented about the process:

(John Redente 1-31-14)

Those interested in setting up an appointment should call soon at 561-2320.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has opened a campaign account with the State Board of Elections that allows him to raise money for this year's gubernatorial race. Astorino has not publicly declared his candidacy. But the new account allows him to accept much larger contributions as he considers challenging Governor Cuomo, a Democrat with $33 million in the bank. Astorino has said he will make a decision later this month about whether to run for governor.

About one third of the 17,487 bridges in New York are rated either "structurally deficient" or "functionally obsolete."  The state Department of Transportation said those bridges are safe, but need repairs or upgrades. For each bridge, the state provides the location, the feature it passes over, the year it was built, the owner, the date of last inspection and the condition ratings. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report that said the state should rework the pot of money dedicated to highway and bridge repairs so it pays for its intended purpose.

The Oneonta Police Department, announced several arrested at the Motel 88 at 340 Chestnut Street in Oneonta yesterday.  24-year-old Adam Scully of Oneonta was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 4th degree Conspiracy, 24-year-old Robert Gaudino was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 4th degree Conspiracy, 19-year-old Dylan Gaudino of Oneonta for was charged with 4th degree Conspiracy.  Oneonta Police confiscated 146 bags of heroin, prescription medications that did not belong to the suspects, and $700 in cash, all 3 were remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to appear at a later date.

Sidney residents in the flood prone areas are urged to meet with village economic development director John Redente in the next 2 weeks, to figure out which of several options that they can chose regarding their property.  Redente told WCDO that their options are much better than before:

(John Redente 1-31-14)

State officials met with about 200 village residents Wednesday night, those interested in setting up an appointment can call 561-2320.

State Senator Jim Seward commented on New York State Education Commissioner Dr. John King’s appearance before the senate education committee in albany in regard to the implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards and new state testing assessments:

(Seward 1-24-14)

Governor Cuomo acknowledge this week that the Common Core has been rushed and poorly managed, and that changes must be made by the legislature this session.

State tax receipts for the first three quarters of the fiscal year were below projections, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Tax collections were $49 billion, through December 3rd, which was $2.6 billion higher than last year, but $534 million below mid-year projections. All Funds receipts totaled $99.5 billion through the first three quarters, $606 million below updated projections

A benefit is being held for Cameron Palmatier of Bainbridge, to cover medical expenses following a Dirt Bike accident last year. The fundraiser will be held Saturday from 12:00pm until 5:00pm at Cream Of the Crop on Route 7 in Bainbridge.   Palmatier suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash on August 17th; he was in Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for 3 months and was transferred to a rehabilitation center & was discharged January 14th, but he will need additional therapy.  Saturday's Proceeds will go for uncovered medical expenses; donations can also be pledged at 237-7097 or 237-2916.

The Binghamton Senators will be inducting Denis Hamel into the Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame in an on-ice ceremony during Saturday’s game against Rochester.  Hamel played with the Binghamton for in 6 seasons and holds numerous B-Sens records, Binghamton Senator Team Owner Tom Mitchell comments:

(Tom Mitchell 1-24-14)

Tickets are available by calling the Binghamton Senators Executive Office at 722-7367, at that Broome County Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets at ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

The Oneonta Police Department announced the arrests of 3 juveniles, in connection with the vandalism at Doc Knapp Field, Riverside Elementary School, the Swart –Wilcox House and a vehicle last weekend.  Police officials said the tips provided by the public led to these arrests.  All 3 suspects are under the age of 16, their identities will not be released, and the investigation is still continuing.

Plans are continuing to go forward, for the ambitious plan to try to get village of Sidney residents out of the flood prone areas downtown, into a new settlement to be built in the Plankenhorn Road area.  Sidney village Economic development Director John Redente explains:

(John Redente 1-21-14)

Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that another informational meeting would be held on January 29th at 7:00 PM at the river street Fire Training Center.