WCDO Radio News

State Police are currently looking for a 67 year old New Jersey man who was reported missing from his hunting cabin on Streeter Hill Road in the Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County. John Bourgholtzer is a white male who is 6’ tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes Mr. Bourgholtzer was last seen on December 12, 2015, at about 8:00 a.m., leaving his camp to go hunting by himself. He may be driving his 2011 Ford Focus with New Jersey license plates KDN45E. Anyone with information please call the New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

State Police at Sidney arrested 38 year old Karlton Tompkins of Mount Upton for Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a report of a man sleeping at the wheel of a parked vehicle at the Valero gas station on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. The responding trooper saw Tompkins sleeping behind the wheel of a parked vehicle with the engine running, Tompkins was impaired by drugs, he then physically resisted and fought momentarily but was handcuffed. After Police impounded the vehicle, a small amount of methamphetamines was recovered. Tompkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Guilford court on December 22nd.

30 year old Gregory Eager if East Worcester has been charged with 2nd degree grand larceny, for allegedly stealing over $83,000 from the East Worcester fire department. Eager turned himself Monday he is accused of embezzling the money from July 2013 until recently, while serving as the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief and the secretary/treasurer. Eager was arraigned, and faces court action on January 5th.

NY State of Health announced the December 15th deadline for individuals enrolling or renewing health insurance coverage that takes effect January 1st, has been extended through December 19th. NY State of Health’s Customer Service Center answered more than 170,000 calls from New Yorkers last week with call volume averaging more than 34,000 calls per day. A new option on the Marketplace for 2016 is the Essential Plan for lower income individuals and families between 138-200% federal poverty level, which will lower premiums to $20 or less a month and provide comprehensive benefits for hundreds of thousands of lower income New Yorkers. Additional Information on the Essential Plan can be found here, info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

The ONEONTA COMMON COUNCIL will hold their next meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor.

State Police are currently investigating a burglary to the Quickway convenience store located at State Route 205 in Hartwick, on December 7, at about 1:45 a.m. The suspect is a white male with short hair who was wearing a green sweatshirt or jacket, driving a gray Ford Focus possibly between 2008- 2011 model years. Anyone with information is asked to please call the State Police at (315) 858-1122. All information will be kept confidential.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 men in connection with multiple burglaries in Chenango County, the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania. The Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Nicholas Neer of Port Crane and 27 year old William Polhamus from the Town of Greene, for allegedly committing 2 burglaries in the Town of Greene & 1 in the Town of Oxford. Several pieces of stolen merchandise were recovered during the investigation. Both men were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests will be made. The State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.

Governor Cuomo outlined the latest efforts of his Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation. From the start of 2015 to today, the State has recovered and returned $28.9 million to more than 24,000 workers who were victims of wage theft. The Task Force has officially launched more than 450 investigations, finding more than 2,700 violations, including theft of wages, failure to protect workers with mandatory Workers’ Compensation coverage and retaliation against workers who complain about violations of the law. The cases affect more than 2,000 workers in New York State.

Governor Cuomo today announced the growth of agricultural sales in New York outpaced the national average, with cash receipts up 36% across the state and only 32% nationally. In 2014, farmers in New York State also set a new record for sales with $6.36 billion in cash receipts, representing a nearly $1.7 billion increase in gross income from sales of crops, livestock, and other products.

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting announced support today for Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum, who last week called on his county's residents with valid licenses to carry their weapons publicly, in case of a mass shooting.   Sheriff Cutting said he supports the legal right of those with permits carry fire-arms to do so, to ensure the safety of themselves & their loved ones, but be knowledgeable of the laws of New York with regard to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it. Cutting becomes the latest New York Sheriff to support Sheriff Van Blacum's controversial call, following last week's San Bernadino California mass shooting.

Bainbridge area organizations are teaming up for a Christmas parade & many other activities this coming Saturday. Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-7-15)

Payne said that anyone interested in participating in the parade should line up at around 4:00 pm Saturday afternoon.

Various Oneonta committees will hold meetings today. The FTO-CIC committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance -Administration committee at 5:00 PM and the Parks & Recreation Committee at 7:00 PM. All 3 committees will meet in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.

State Police arrested 45-year-old Michael Clark of Port Crane for criminal sexual act. On April 29, Troopers received a report of child abuse from the Broome County Child Protective Service, Clark is accused of sexually abused his 4 children in 2011, they were less then 11 years old. Clark was being held in the Gowanda Correctional Facility on an unrelated charge, he was arraigned at the Town of Fenton court and then remanded back to his correctional facility, pending future court action.

State Parole Officers & Broome County Sheriff’s department arrested 5 people on various drug & weapons charges Thursday at the Econo Lodge in the town of Dickinson. Arrested were 38 year old Terrance Brown of Dickinson., 27 year old Patrese Reid of Brooklyn, 24 year old Lauren Steckler of Binghamton, 23 year odl Breeanna Ortiz of Afton & 25 year old Gabrielle Bohn-Blodgett of Binghamton. Authorites seized heroin, marijuana, hypodermic needles, heroin packaging materials, scales and s stolen Pennsylvania State Police handgun. All fcee court action at a later date.

The Toys for Tots Train will be in Bainbridge Saturday. Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce President John Payne Comments:

(John Payne 12-4-15)

Donations for Toys for Tots will be accepted at that time, The Train will leave at about 12:40, it will then arrive in Oneonta at about 1:30.

The Delaware county recycling facility has been in operation fro a full year, accepting a lot more plastic & other items for recycling, according to Delaware County Solid waste Coordinator director Sue McIntyre:

(Sue McIntyre 11-12-15)

McIntyre said that the revenue generated from the #3 to 7 Plastics is marginal, but she said that there is a market for all of the items coming in to the recycling facility, and an added bonus of NOT having those items winding up in the landfill or the comporting facility.

HARTWICK COLLEGE HAS SUSPENDED ITS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND 5 UNIDENTIFIED PLAYERS AFTER AN INCIDENT IN A GAME AGAINST ST. JOHN FISHER. WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL HAS MORE….

(Nate Lull 11-12-15)

(text: HARTWICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MARK CARR AND 5 OF HIS PLAYERS ARE BEING PUNISHED AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF A 41-34 LOSS LAST WEEKEND. HARTWICK OFFICIALS DEEMED THAT ACTIONS BY THE TEAM IN THE CLOSING MOMENTS OF THE GAME WERE CONSIDERED TO BE UNSPORTSMANLIKE. ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE WAS LEADING THE GAME AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK BY TAKING A KNEE BUT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HARTWICK PLAYERS MADE HITS ON PLAYERS THAT WERE CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY. THE 2ND HIT ENDED WITH BOTH BENCHES CLEARING ONTO THE FIELD. THE TEAMS WERE QUICKLY SEPARATED. THE EMPIRE 8 LEAGUE SAID THEY SUPPORT THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION. A LARGE GROUP OF HARTWICK ATHLETICS SUPPORTERS PROTESTED THE SCHOOL’S DECISION AND IS HOPING THAT THEIR EFFORTS WILL CHANGE THE MIND OF HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION GOING FORWARD. FOR NOW- THE SUSPENSION WILL HOLD FOR THE HAWKS FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR THIS WEEKEND AGAINST UTICA COLLEGE. FOR WCDO SPORTS I’M NATE LULL)

State Police received a report from a resident in Roxbury, that an X-Acto knife type razor blade was found inside a sealed bag of Sour Skittles which had been obtained while Trick or Treating. The candy was not opened until opened on November 9th; it has been traced back to the purchase point of the CVS Pharmacy in Margaretville. The investigation has not been able to identify the source of the razor blade and parents all over the region are recommended to thoroughly check all candy prior to consumption.

State Police have recently received several reports of telephone callers claiming to be from the IRS that aggressively demand the resident pay money to clear up an outstanding tax debt, or face criminal charges. The public is being advised that the IRS does not make phone calls in this manner, and anyone receiving a telephone call of this nature should check with the local IRS office.

The first Baptist Church in Sidney will hold their services this Sunday at the Circle Drive Alliance church from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, due to a heating problem. After the church services, members of the church will return to the Baptist Church for packing the "Operation Child" boxes as originally scheduled.

New York outlawed daily fantasy sports websites and FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles said that they're hoping to work around the decision by New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that declared daily fantasy sports sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings are illegal gambling operations. Eccles said that their attorney claims that there is a 5-day period allotted in the cease-and-desist letter in which they'll be working to figure out their options. About 10% of the 2 companies business has been from New York.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood today. 2 blood drives will be held in Delaware County today, one in Sidney from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street & in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Those looking to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. All blood types are needed.

Republican Businessman Andrew Heaney of Mill brook announced his candidacy for the 19th Congressional District. Heaney has not held an elected office, He seeks to replace Chris Gibson, who announced that he will not seek another term in Congress at the conclusion of his current term, John Faso & Pete Lopez have already announced their intentions to seek the 19th district congressional seat.

The State DEC announced that Veterans Day, November 11 is now a designated annual free fishing day in New York State. No license is required to fish in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds or 50,000 miles of rivers and streams during state-designated free fishing days. Anglers are reminded that although the requirement for a license and enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry has been waived during free fishing weekend, all other regulations remain in effect.

The Oneonta Veteran's Club is inviting all veterans and the public to a ceremony Wednesday at Neahwa Park's Veterans Memorial Walkway at the east end, under the American Flag. The ceremonies will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday.

A fundraiser for the Delaware valley humane society will be held this Sunday at the Houndstooth Bakery & Boutique on Main Street in Sidney, where area pet owners can have pictures of their pets professionally taken for the holidays. Terri Heath of the Delaware Valley Humane Society explains:

(Terry Heath 11-10-15)

The event will run from 10:00 until 2:00 PM, more information is available at 563-7780 or 563-2275.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain project will be performed and will require lane closures in the City of Binghamton and the Town of Dickinson, all this week from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Concrete pavement work will be performed on I-81 Northbound between Exit 4 Binghamton and Exit 5 Front Street, the highway will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

Governor Cuomo announced that during the first 10 months of 2015, New York State recouped and returned $25.1 million to approximately 22,600 workers who originally were not paid the proper minimum wage, overtime pay or fringe benefits. This amount puts the state on pace to exceed the record $30.2 million disbursed to 27,000 workers in 2014. The State Department of Labor announced that more than 80% of all investigations are now completed within 6 months, in the Southern Tier region, $209,000 was returned to 293 workers.

State Police arrested 26-year-old Scott Losee of Sherburne for 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief and unlawful imprisonment, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute that occurred on November 2 in Sherburne. Losee allegedly assaulted his girlfriend causing an injury to her face. He also smashed her cell phone and kept her from leaving the home. Losee was arraigned in the Town of Sherburne court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Sherburne is on November 18, 2015. The court issued an order of protection against Losee.

New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 158 State Legislators to their annual list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker’s support of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau, based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance. The “Circle of Friends” local recipients for 2015 are State Senators John Bonacic & Jim Seward & Assembly members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Worcester Thursday at the I-88 rest stop. Officials from the State DOT will join Seward and other local leaders to officially reopen the fully rehabilitated I-88 rest stop closed in 2010 due to budget constraints. Officials will also provide an update on work to reopen the I-88 rest stop in Wells Bridge.

A man arrested by Delaware County Sheriff's Office Investigators on September 29th on a heroin possession charge was arrested again on Tuesday & charged with 2 additional felony drug charges. 31 year old Sean Dingle of Binghamton and Queens was charged Tuesday with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, with intent to sell & Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly possessing and selling heroin in the Town of Sidney in September. Dingle was arraigned in Town of Sidney Court on the new charges; his previous set $50,000 bail was subsequently raised by Judge Rose, who remanded Dingle to the Delaware County Jail on $250,000 cash bail.

Bassett Healthcare, Delaware County Public Health & Cornell Cooperative Extension's Rural Health Care Alliance will present speaker Mark Fenton tonight at 6:30 PM at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall. Bassett spokesperson Amy Beveridge explains:

(Amy Beveridge 10-14-15)

Among the topics Fenton is expected to discuss making comminutes healthier by developing walking & biking trails, how to provide safe routes to schools and the economic, environmental & public health benefits of being active.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office has obtained an order dissolving Angel’s Gate animal hospice and rehabilitation charity & directing that the charity’s real property be sold with the proceeds to be paid to another charity whose mission is the protection and care of animals. Acting Supreme Court Justice John Lambert ordered the appointment of a receiver to sell the property held in the names of Angel’s Gate, Inc. and Susan Marino in the Town of Meredith. Schneiderman’s Office previously brought a proceeding against Angel’s Gate and Marino to dissolve the corporation because they had failed to file legally required financial reports related to the handling of their charitable funds.  Marino and Angel’s Gate had raised over $3.1 million from donations; Marino mismanaged the funds while continuing to live on the property as her primary residence, without any oversight by an inactive Board of Directors.

The Oneonta Town Board will consider a presentation of a proposed budget for 2016 during a meeting at 6:30 PM today, in The Town Hall in West Oneonta.

Delaware County Public Health Services announces that the next free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall at 140 Delview Terrace. This will be the last rabies clinic for 2015 for Delaware County; more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, the Oneonta Lion’s Club and Hannaford of Oneonta, will be holding a food drive at the 2015 Oneonta Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31st at 7:00 PM. All food and monetary donations will be given directly to Opportunities for Otsego and the Salvation Army Food Pantry to help defray the loss that both agencies will incur this year by the Holiday Train not making its annual visit to Oneonta. Volunteers from United Way will be on hand at the Halloween Parade with shopping carts donated by Hannaford to collect non-perishable food items. More information is available at 434-2458. Those who would like to donate prior to the parade can call the United Way at 432-8006.

Governor Cuomo today announced nearly $710,000 in state grants to 51 police departments and sheriffs’ offices across the state for the purchase of electronic fingerprinting equipment. This new equipment will replace existing devices that either malfunction or are obsolete. Locally, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office received $10,000 & the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office: $18,131 for two devices

On Sunday afternoon, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 63-year-old Patricia Carlson of Delhi for felony DWI, & felony aggravated unlicensed operation, following an investigation of a 1-car motor vehicle accident on Archie Elliot Road in the Town of Meredith. Carlson was additionally charged with unlicensed operator, operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage & failure to keep right, she was arraigned in Delhi Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail.

Oneonta Police arrested 47-year-old John Nack of Oneonta on felony drug charges. Nack was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance, for illegally possessing & selling heroin in August. Nack was arrested at the Otsego County jail where he was being held on other charges, he was arraigned in County Court and sent back to the County jail, pending later court appearances.

Early Saturday morning, Binghamton Police responded to a 911 call of gunshots near f Gerard Avenue & Murray Street. officers found a 20 year old male lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the chest, he was taken to an area hospital and was listed in critical condition over the weekend. Binghamton Police charged 26 year old Walter Andino Jr. of Binghamton for attempted Murder, he was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail, the . investigation is continuing and the Binghamton Police encourage anyone with information to call the Detective Bureau at 772-7080.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the arrests of 68-year-old Kenneth Cohn and his wife, 64-year-old Sharon Cohn of Binghamton, for allegedly violating the Workers’ Compensation law and illegally obtaining over $1 million from the Medicaid system. while owning & operating Yellow Medi-Van and Taxi, Incorporated. The Cohns were charged with Grand Larceny, Offering a False Instrument for Filing among other charges, they were arraigned in Binghamton City Court.

Fire Prevention Week is underway, and the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is reminding all New Yorkers of the importance of having working smoke alarms throughout their homes. The National Fire Protection Association urges everyone to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement, to connect all smoke alarms throughout the home so that all sound when one initially goes off. Everyone is also encouraged to test alarms monthly, replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old & make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.

The Delaware County Department of Economic Development will hold three public meetings to discuss the proposed “Bed Tax” for Delaware County in the lodging and accommodating businesses. The public meetings will be held in Delhi today, in Margaretville on October 7th and Hancock on October 12th. All meeting will be at the town halls and will begin at 6:00 PM. More information is available at 746-8595.

On Saturday Oneonta Police responded to Fox Hospital Emergency Department for a reported stabbing victim. Police arrested 25-year-old Avi Figueroa of Oneonta, 37-year-old Nancy Callahan of Oneonta and 16-year-old Future Clovis if Richfield Springs, for 2nd degree Assault & 5th degree Conspiracy, Clovis was also charged with Menacing & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Police stated that the victim had been walking on Chestnut Street in Oneonta near Fonda Avenue, when a confrontation ensued; the victim suffered a stab wound to the upper buttocks that required medical treatment. All 3 suspects were held for arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office 32 year old arrested Fitim Latifi of Norwich Friday, for an active arrest warrant issued by the Chenango County Court. The warrant followed a sealed indictment presented to the Grand Jury Friday involving the sale of heroin in the Norwich area. Latifi was located at his residence, he had been indicted on 4 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling heroin in the Norwich area on 4 occasions, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold another "Reunite Bainbridge” Meeting tonight. Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne comments:

(John Payne 8-31-15)

Tonight’s meeting will be held at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner, & all residents are encouraged to attend & participate.

2 bridges on Interstate 81 near the Castle Creek exit in the Town of Chenango were formally dedicated today to State Trooper Christopher Skinner. Skinner was conducting a routine traffic stop on I-81 when a car swerved from the left lane & hit Trooper Skinner in May of 2014. Almond Upton of Florida will stand trial in November in Broome County court; he is facing an 11-count indictment that includes a first-degree murder charge.

State Police at Endwell arrested 3 suspects for Burglary following a 911 call of a burglary in progress to an unoccupied residence in the Town of Union. Troopers located 2 suspects in the residence & a 3rd suspect was taken into custody on an adjacent street with proceeds of the burglary. Charged were 54 year old Otis Bivins of Endicott, 32 year old Roger Edwards Jr. of Endicott & 30 year old Russell Harris of Binghamton, all 3 were arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. The Broome County Sheriff's Office assisted in the apprehension of the defendants.

About a dozen groups rallied at General Clinton Park Sunday, to discuss how to get several southern tier towns to secede New York State & join Pennsylvania, or to split New York State into 2 states. Groups involved were pro gas drilling groups upset with the Governor's ban on Hydrofracking, and are Tea Party groups.

Oneonta Police, State Police BCI & the Otsego County Department of Social Services arrested 25 year old Benjamin Williams of Oneonta for 6 counts each for Assault & Endangering the welfare of a child following a report of a 4 month old child treated for injuries consistent with abuse. Williams is also accused of possessing child pornography & was additionally charged with Possession of Obscene sexual performance by a child & Possession of sexual Performance by a child, police said that the investigation is continuing.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold another "Reunite Bainbridge” Meeting on Monday. Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne said that they are still seeking community input on ways to improve Bainbridge:

(John Payne 8-27-15)

The next "Reunite Bainbridge" meeting will be held on Monday august 31st at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner, & all residents are encouraged to attend & Participate.

Sidney Firefighters responded yesterday to a fire at Acco in Sidney. The Fire was called in at about 2:15 as a problem with a garbage compacter that spread into a nearby wall, many of the Acco employees were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Hartwick College Officials announced that senior and football player, Dante Crump, and four of his companions were killed in a car accident Wednesday near Saugerties. Orange County Sheriff’s department reported that the 19-year-old woman was driving the vehicle, died after being airlifted to Albany Medical Center, the vehicle left the & went over an embankment, falling about 100 feet, before hitting a house & landing on the vehicles roof.

The State Department of Health today announced amended vaccination regulations for children entering or attending school. School children will now be mandated to receive a complete series of all required vaccines – or be in the process of doing so – in order to attend classes. Beginning September 1, children entering or attending kindergarten through grade 12 will be required to have two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Children entering kindergarten through grade 5 will need to have five doses of the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and a cellular pertussis. Children entering kindergarten, and grades 1, 6 and 7 must have four doses of the polio vaccine. Children who have not yet received all required vaccine doses must schedule appointments with their health care providers to complete the vaccine series in order to remain in school.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, State Police Warrant Task Force and the State Parole apprehended Justin Knapp at a residence on Route 369 in the Town of Fenton. Knapp had a parole warrant for dangerous drugs violations; additional charges will be filed regarding a “one-pot” methamphetamine Knapp allegedly cooked. Knapp attempted to break out a rear window to escape police, who had surrounded the house, he dove out of a glass bedroom window, and he was subdued with a Taser & was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility. Knapp was charged on the Parole warrant, police seized Methamphetamine materials, he was then charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will make business easier for craft beverage companies in New York State. The 3 measures will allow farm distilleries to sell gifts and souvenirs, authorize retail stores to conduct tastings of liquor, beer and cider, and exempt micro-breweries from redundant tax filing requirements.

Governor Cuomo announced that global technology leader AG plans to generate more than 1,000 new jobs and initially invest over $2 billion to support a cutting edge, 360,000 square foot wafer fabrication facility to be constructed at the Nano-Utica site in Marcy. Cuomo also announced that GE Global Research will expand its New York global operations to the Mohawk Valley, serving as the anchor tenant of the Computer Chip Commercialization Center on the campus of SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Utica. Nearly 850 jobs are expected to be created over the next 10 years.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has proposed an amendment to Federal Aviation Administration legislation, to prevent drones from flying within two miles of U.S. airports. Schumer said that a drone could get sucked into the engine of an airliner & cause hundreds of deaths." Schumer’s proposal calls for installing additional software in drones that does not let them fly within 2 miles of an airport & does not let them fly above 500 feet high. Schumer’s request follows an FAA report that pilot sightings of unmanned aircraft have nearly tripled in the past year from 238 sightings last year, and already there have been 650 sightings this year.

Friday promises to be a big day at the Delaware county Fair in Walton spokesman John Jackson comments:

(John Jackson Friday)

Jackson said that the fair will wrap up with the Parmalee, Jana Kramer led concert Saturday night at the grandstand

This Year’s Delaware County Fair Dairy Princesses Are Malorie Jordan & Sabra Warner of Franklin, they have been at the Delaware County Fair in Walton all week, to help promote the health benefits of 3 dairy servings per day. Jordan & Warner explain that 1 of their projects will be helping athletes refuel after this Saturday’s Fair 5K & 10 K running races:

(Jordan-Warner 8-20-15)

The full interview with Warner & Jordan will air tomorrow after the News at 10:00 AM on WCDO.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will require tattoo and body piercing studios in New York State to use single-use needles and single-use ink for all procedures performed within their establishments. Single-use ink and single-use needles come in sealed, sterile packages and are intended for only one use. This bill would take effect 120 days after becoming law.

State Police arrested 39-year-old James Peart of Chenango Forks for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, following a traffic stop for speeding near the on ramp for State Route 17 in the Town of Dickinson. Peart was observed throwing a small metal object while stopping his motorcycle, Troopers located the object and found that it contained 4.4 grams of illegal methamphetamine. Peart was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Dickinson on September 1st.

The Delaware county Fair continues tomorrow at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair Spokesman John Jackson told WCDO News what is planned Thursday at the fair:

(John Jackson Thursday)

The fair runs through Saturday night, concluding with the country music concert headlined by Parmalee & Jana Kramer.

Sidney Village Superintendent of Public Works Mike Mercurio announced today that the traffic light at the intersection of Main & River Streets in Downtown Sidney is now in operation. Mercurio reminds motorists that the 4-way stop system implemented since March is no longer in effect & motorists need to obey the newly installed signals.

The Unadilla Rotary Club is presenting the 6th annual Unadilla Autumn Fest on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Unadilla Community Field. Those who are interested in being a vendor will be able to get 10’ x 10’ stalls for $25 and local farmers and crafters can contact zoe@unadillarotary.org for an application or more details. Autumn Fest 2015 will include activities for kids; Animal Encounters by Animal Adventures, more information is available at unadillarotary.org or the Unadilla Rotary Facebook Page.

Tickets are now on sale for the musical comedy "42nd STREET" at the Forum Theatre Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7. Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment comments:

(Tina Niles 8-18-15)

Tickets for 42nd Street are on sale at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster. Season Tickets are still on sale at BroadwayinBinghamton.com or by calling The Broadway Theatre League at 772-1391.

Sidney Village Superintendent of Public Works Mike Mercurio announced today that work would begin at 8:30 tomorrow morning on the traffic light at the intersection of Main & River Street in downtown Sidney. Mercurio told WCDO News that the 1962 state installed light stopped working on March 11th, and parts were no longer available.

Wednesday is Day 3 of the Delaware County Fair; it will be Kids Day according to Fair Spokesman John Jackson:

(John Jackson Wednesday)

The Fair runs through Saturday night at the Fairgrounds in Walton, concluding with the country music concert headlined by Parmalee & Jana Kramer. Daily Schedules are available at DelawareCountyFair.org.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has been allotted a single ticket to the Joint Meeting of Congress with Pope Francis on September 24th in Washington, DC. Those interested must sign up by August 26th and enter the raffle for the chance to win either a pair of tickets to see the Pope in the Audience outside the Capitol or the single ticket to hear him speak before Congress. 1 Joint Session ticket winner and 100 winners of a pair of tickets to the Papal Audience will be notified on August 27th.

State Police in Deposit arrested 20-year-old Shawn Stamper of Johnson City, for Driving While Intoxicated, following a report of an accident with injuries on Chestnut Street in the Town of Windsor. Stamper was charged with DWI after he crashed into a guide rail and overturned, he was transported to Wilson Hospital with lacerations to his face, he was issued tickets for Town of Windsor Court on August 24th.

United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is seeking donations of kid friendly foods and children’s hygiene items for its 2015 Food and Hygiene Supply Drive. Susan Kurkowski of the United Way told WCDO News what items can be donated:

(Susan Kurkowski 8-19-15)

The drive will begin tomorrow and run through September 14th, when the United Way officially kicks-off their 2015 Campaign. All donations will be given to backpack programs and food pantries in both Delaware and Otsego Counties. United Way will be partnering with Opportunities for Otsego and Delaware Opportunities to get the supplies delivered. More information is available at 432-8006.

Free rabies clinics will be held today for dogs, cats & domesticated ferrets. In Franklin at the Franklin Fire Hall from 4 to 6pm and in Oneonta at Neahwa Park from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Previous vaccination certificate must be presented to receive a 3 year booster.

The Delaware County Fair will be held in Walton August 17th through the 22nd. Fair representative John Jackson told WCDO about their popular children’s day Wednesday August 19th:

(John Jackson Fairkids)

Last year near 80,000 thousand people attended the Delaware County Fair in Walton. The Chenango County Fair in Norwich is running today through Sunday. Tonight there will be live music with “American Pride” Statler Brothers tribute.

Both the leader of the State Senate and Speaker of the Assembly have been charged with crimes, but even if they are convicted of federal corruption charges, both Dean Skelos and Sheldon Silver will still be eligible to receive their state pensions. This past spring, both the Senate and the Assembly passed bills that would revoke pension for elected officials convicted of a felony but they could not agree on the wording at this time. The Assembly wanted only elected officials to lose their pensions but the Senate wanted all state employees who were convicted of a felony to lose their pensions.

A TOWN OF SHERBURNE RESIDENT WAS ARRESTED LAST WEEK FOR A VARIETY OF CHARGES AFTER HE BROKE DOWN A DOOR TO A RESIDENCE AND ATTACKED A FAMILY MEMBER. 39 YEAR OLD JOHN BUSH WAS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, CRIMINAL OBSTRUCTION OF BREATHING AND HARASSMENT DURING A DOMESTIC DISPUTE. HE WAS ARRAIGNED IN TOWN OF SHERBURNE COURT AND REMANDED TO THE CHENANGO COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN LIEU OF 25 HUNDRED DOLLARS BAIL. HE WILL APPEAR IN COURT AT A LATER DATE.

New details on the Delaware County couple that were involved in a fatal crash on Sunday in Otego when the golf cart they were driving was struck by a freight train near County Route 48 in Otego. New York State Police are reporting that the golf cart hit the side of the locomotive around 2:54 PM on Sunday afternoon. State Police are still investigating the circumstances of the case – hoping to find out why the couple hit the side of the train. They are unsure at this time if perhaps the cart was unable to stop at the time of the accident. Troopers have reported that it does not initially appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor. Charles Turk, 57, of Bloomville was killed in the accident. His wife, 58 year old, Cynthia Turk had 2 broken femurs. She is in stable condition at this time and her injuries are not life threatening. The Turk’s dog was also killed in the accident. WCDO will have more updates as they become available.

The Broome County Special Investigation unit arrested 19-year old Jeana Dimeo of Binghamton yesterday after she was found with over 100 grams of crack cocaine. Officials executed a search warrant on Monday on Frederick Street in Binghamton where they found approximately 119 grams of power cocaine and crack cocaine along with packaging material. Dimeo was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree – a felony. Also, 2 counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia – a misdemeanor.

Those who would like to vote in their party's primary election on September 10th, need to register in person to their county board of elections by this Friday August 14th, or by mail with a postmark no later than August 15th. Several Primaries will be held through the region on the 10th for a variety of positions, with the winners to be placed on the General Election Ballot in November.

There will be 3 area Free Rabies clinics locally in the next 2 days. One will be held today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Station at 74 River Street, a 2nd one will be held at the Afton Town Garage from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, another will be tomorrow afternoon, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Franklin Fire Hall at 351 Main Street.

THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME IN COOPERSTOWN WILL HOST A BLOOD DRIVE FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND BASSETT HEALTHCARE. THE DRIVE WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 9AM TIL 3PM IN COOPER PARK ADAJACENT TO THE HALL OF FAME IN A RED CROSS BLOOD MOBILE. ALL BLOOD DONORS WILL RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION TO THE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM ON FRIDAY.

State Police arrested 19-year-old Elizabeth Grace of Palm Beach, Florida for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Possessing a Controlled Substance in a Non-Original Container. The arrest followed a traffic stop for speeding, at about 110 mph, on I-88 in the Town of Maryland. Grace is accused of unlawfully possessing Amphetamine pills, Adderall pills, Ritalin pills, marihuana cigarettes and other drug related items, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on bail pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced advance ticket sales for the 2015 Great New York State Fair will begin July 13 at 9 a.m. with expanded online savings for advance admission, midway and bargain book items. For the first time, online purchases will be available throughout all 12 days of the Fair and fairgoers will be able to use an electronic ticket on their smartphone for easy entry. Tickets will be available online and in hundreds of stores across New York. 5 products will be sold online at www.etix.com, the State Fair runs from August 27th to September 7th this year.

Governor Cuomo today announced the total economic impact of New York State's tourism industry in 2014 reached an all-time high of $100.1 billion. The governor’s office said that the Direct impact was $62.4 billion; Indirect impact was at $18.5 billion, which is the secondary benefit to suppliers of goods and services, like food wholesalers that provide goods to a New York restaurant. The Impact to local economy is tabulated at $19.2 billion, which includes the incomes of those who directly or indirectly work for businesses that earn money from tourism. Tourism ranks 2nd to agriculture as the state’s top industries.

47 Baseball Hall of Famers are expected to return to Cooperstown for this year’s annual induction ceremony weekend, July 24th through the 27th. 2015 inductees Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martínez and John Smoltz, will be enshrined on Sunday, July 26th with the Induction Ceremony beginning at 1:30 PM.

Pitchers Luis Cessa and Paul Sewald along with infielder Josh Rodriguez and outfielder Brandon Nimmo will represent the Binghamton Mets at the 2015 Eastern League All-Star Classic in Portland Maine on Wednesday, July 15th. It’s the 3rd straight season the B-Mets will send at least 4 players to the annual event. Nimmo is a former 1st round draft pick by the New York Mets, this will be his 3rd straight All-Star game selection.

A new Quinnipiac University poll has Governor Cuomo's approval rating to 44%, with 42% disapproval. A poll in March had the governor at 50% approval & 39% disapproval. 45% of those polled think all state lawmakers should be voted out of office.

Top level new York state leaders have been frequently arrested for a variety of crimes over the last several years, the most recent being Sheldon Silver & Dean Skelos resigning from leadership posts in the state legislature. Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that lawmakers have been getting ethics training over the last few years.

(Crouch 6-3-15)

Crouch said that he believes that new leaders Carl Heastie & John Flanagan will do a fine job & will be scrutinized intensely. Crouch said that the spate of arrests of top-level state leaders since he’s been in Albany shows the need for term limits in all leadership positions, including in committee chairmanships..

Governor Cuomo renewed his push for lawmakers to extend a cap on local property taxes. The governor announced that they would launch an online media campaign to support the cap that was enacted in 2011. Republicans in both houses want the cap made permanent, while Cuomo seeks only a 5-year extension of the existing law. The cap generally restricts local governments from increasing tax levies by more than 2 percent or the rate of inflation and can only be overridden by voters.

Fire Fighters from several area companies responded to a structure fire at 5200 State Highway 8 in New Berlin. The fire was reported at about 2:00 AM this morning, fire companies from New berlin, South New Berlin, Sherburne & North Norwich have responded, initial reports suggested that the occupants & pets all escaped without injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

The Tri Town News announced the death of long time Publisher Ken Paden. Paden passed away Monday, he had announced the selling of the tri town news & his other regional weekly newspapers on may 21st, to the River Valley News Group. Paden was with the Tri Town News since the mid-70’s.

This year's General Clinton Canoe Regatta ranked among the most successful of all time, Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO News that there are numerous people to thank:

(John Harmon 5-28-15)

Harmon said that he anticipates being back next year as the chairman for an 8th year.

Employees at the Chenango County Office building were evacuated for a brief period today, after an extension cord overheated in an office, and led to smoke throughout the building. Norwich Fire chief Tracy Chawgo told WCDO News that no one was injured, the situation was stopped quickly, the building was aired out, and all office are expected to be opened normal hours Friday.

The 53rd General Clinton Canoe Regatta featured 4 days of canoe racing, over the Memorial Day weekend, over 1000 paddlers from North America, competed including yesterday’s 70-mile endurance races, from Cooperstown to Bainbridge. Andy Triebold from Michigan & Steve Lajoie from Quebec won the pr race for the 7th time together, Lajoie explained what it’s like paddling with all the amateur teams on the river:

(Steve Lajoie)

In the new 4-person division, the local Otego Oneonta team, of Bob Wisse, Cathy Grimes, Jeff Shultis & Larry Harrison, finished 3rd, just 3 minutes behind the 2nd place team. Harrison talked about their race:

(Larry Harrison 2015)

The 53rd regatta also featured rides, games, entertainment, music & fireworks throughout the weekend.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6 more people were inducted into the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of fame this year, including paddlers Jan Whitaker, Calvin Hassel, Mike Packard, & Rodney Robinson & original Clinton organizers Dick Sloane & Don Loudon. Local Paddler Mike Packard of Otego commented after the ceremony:

(Mike Packard 5-26-15)

Paddler Rodney Robinson of Otego also commented after the ceremony:

(Rodney Robinson 5-26-15)

Special commendations were also given by the regatta Hall Of Fame Committee to the Benson Family for their decades of volunteering, John & Shirley Girton for handling race entries & results, and to WCDO for broadcasting the Regatta for 30 years.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a fatal ATV accident off of Apex Road in the Town of Tompkins. Troopers observed 36 year old Keith Stratton of Bellmore, New York deceased in a shallow creek by an overturned ATV. Troopers reported thar he had been at a family party at a home on Apex Road when he decided to take a ride on an ATV, without a helmet. Troopers beleive that he failed to make a right turn and overturned in a nearby creek & was killed on impact. Alcohol was a factor in the accident, he was pronoucned deceased at the scene.

Governor Cuomo today announced that law enforcement agencies in 17 counties participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative would receive $13.3 million to target gun violence and save lives. The initiative requires the use of proven strategies to reduce shootings and firearm-related homicides in communities served by 20 police departments in those counties. Locally, The Binghamton Police Department and Broome County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office will share $393,944.

State Police arrested 27 year old Jonathan Robinson of Oneonta for Resisting Arrest, 2 counts of Criminal Mischief & 3 counts of Harassment. The arrest resulted from a complaint of someone damaging a vehicle and making threats at a residence on County Highway 11 in the Town of Laurens. Robinson is accused of damaging 2 vehicles, threatening people from outside & physically resisting arrest. Robinson was arraigned in the Town of Laurens Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $200 cash bail pending future court action.

The City of Oneonta will be sweeping all 3 levels of the municipal parking garage, tonight at 10:00 PM through tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM. The garage will be closed on all levels during that time; lots at Dietz Street, Wall Street and the Westcott lot will all be open. The Clarion Hotel lot will be open for public use during that time; it can be accessed from south main street or Market Street. More information is available at 432-6465.

The General Clinton Canoe regatta officials brought back the Wrestling tournaments that were hugely popular many years ago. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-22-15)

Harmon said that there is a nominal fee for the wrestling tournament, more information is available at canoeregatta.org.

Rural fire departments can now apply for $400,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants, according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation. The grants help rural fire departments enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities. The deadline for applications to the federally funded program is June 30. Applications or further information is available at (518) 402-8839, or dec.ny.gov/regulations.

The City of Oneonta Crews will be sweeping all 3 levels of the municipal parking garage, from Tuesday May 26th at 10:00 PM, to Wednesday may 27th at 11:00 AM. The garage will be closed on all levels during that time; lots at Dietz Street, Wall Street and the Westcott lot will all be open. The Clarion Hotel lot will be open for public use during that time; it can be accessed from south main street or Market Street. More information is available at 432-6465.

Voters in New York State approved of all area school budgets yesterday, with the exception of the Walton district. Building projects were approved in Sidney & Unadilla Valley, Walton voters rejected a building project proposal by a better than 3 to 1 margin. Kjersti Van Slyke-Briggs, Marissa Orezzoli, Nancy Parsons & Thomas Hoskins won school board seats in Sidney. School Board seats in the Bainbridge Guilford district were Tina Ammon, Keith Hanvey & Rebecca Sullivan, in the Norwich district, Jennifer Collins, Robert Smith & Joseph Stagliano in Franklin Jamie Archibald was elected to the school Board.

The Oneonta department of public Service announced that they plan to co0nnect the new Burnside Avenue water main to the existing water main On River street. The work will begin at 10:00 PM tonight, and crews will be working throughout the night. River Street will be closed to traffic between Wilcox & Mitchell; side streets may be used as detours. Officials said that about 40 customers would be without water, the trench across the street would be filled in & repaved tomorrow morning. Those with questions can call 432-6465.

The B-G Central School District is seeking 2 Community members interested in serving on a Varsity Football Coach Selection Committee. The first meeting will be held tonight at 6:00 PM in the District Conference Room. Candidates will be interviewed next week, with the appointment by the BG School Board expected at their June 18th meeting. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.

Governor Cuomo's girlfriend & Food Network TV Chef Sandra Lee had successful double mastectomy surgery in New York City yesterday. The 48-year-old Lee found out that she had Breast cancer in March, she has urged all woman to get checked regularly for breast cancer.

Rides, games & giveaways will all be part of the activities at General Clinton Park at this year's canoe regatta. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(Harmon 5-20-15)

Harmon said that the General Clinton Canoe regatta brings thousands to the region from Cooperstown to Bainbridge each year over the Memorial Day weekend.

Governor Cuomo today ordered flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in memory of New York City police officer Brian Moore, who died yesterday. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning today, and remain at that position until Officer Moore’s interment. Officer Moore was shot while on duty over the weekend in Queens.

There will be a full line up of music with the "Dundee Ales & Lagers Regatta Music Festival this year, at the General Clinton canoe regatta. Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-5-14)

More information about this year's General Clinton Canoe Regatta is available at canoeregatta.org.

Endicott native Jon Bones Jones has been suspended indefinitely and stripped of his UFC light heavyweight championship, as Jones faces felony hit-and-run charges for allegedly hitting the car of a pregnant woman with his rental car & fleeing the scene Sunday morning in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The unidentified woman suffered a fractured arm and wrist; Jones appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, where he was released on $2,500 bond. Jones was removed from the card of a bout by the UFC that is scheduled for May 23rd in Las Vegas.

Governor Cuomo announced that $3 million has been allocated to the Cooling Assistance Component of HEAP to help low-income New Yorkers who suffer from medical conditions aggravated by extreme heat. The program will provide air conditioning units to eligible households for the summer months. Local departments of social services will accept applications to the program beginning May 1st. More information for local departments of social services can be found at http://otda.ny.gov.

A deadline is approaching for those who want to participate in the Sunday & Monday races at a lower fee, for the General Clinton canoe regatta this year. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 4-29-15)

Harmon said that more information regarding entry fees is available at canoeregatta.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced additional details for funding of the 76West initiative, which includes a $10 million clean energy business competition and $10 million for business support services to the local clean energy market. The initiative is expected to launch this fall; it is designed to enable self-sustaining, clean energy markets to build a clean, resilient, and affordable energy system for New York. The winners will be in or move their operations in upstate counties, including Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties.

State Troopers arrested 35-year-old Joshua Carey of Stamford, for Reckless Endangerment as well as numerous traffic violations. Police said that on Saturday afternoon, Troopers were assisting with traffic control at a boy-scouting event in Harpersfield, when they observed Carey drive by them in an unregistered Jeep Cherokee with switched plates. Troopers attempted to stop him but where unable to catch up. The vehicle was eventually located & troopers discovered that he fled on foot into the woods after he wrecked the Jeep & parked it. Carey was located and arrested Sunday he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000.00 property bond.

New York State’s short-term financial condition continues to improve and the state has built on its reserves, but the 2015-16 Enacted State Budget contains broad statutory authority on some spending, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Preliminary spending estimates indicate that All Funds spending will total $150.3 billion, an increase of $7.3 billion, over last year, the enacted budget also Provides $2.33 billion for economic development, 62% higher than last year, & it Relies on $300 million in transfers and miscellaneous receipts from state public authorities for budget relief, economic development, housing and other purposes.

Bainbridge area residents are invited to participate in the next "Reunite" Bainbridge meeting Monday, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 4-22-15)

Payne said that there are a number of projects already being discussed from the previous "Reunite Bainbridge" Meeting, including assisting with their wildlife preserve, road signage and the possibility of a "Boys & Girls Club".

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March. The state's private sector job count increased to 7,753,700, which is an all-time high, the state's unemployment rate fell from to 5.7% in March, and the lowest level since August 2008. Locally, The Greater Binghamton area rate was at 6.3% in March down 7/10's from March of last year.

The battle lines have been drawn this year between Governor Cuomo, the Legislature & the New York state teacher's union, over edcuation reforms. Governor Cuomo said last month that the teachers evaluation enacted last year, was a joke;

(Cuomo 2-16-15)

State Senator John Bonacic said that public schools & charter schools need to be graded on a pass/fail basis:

(Bonacic 2-16-15)

Governor Cuomo last year told school districts to enact a teacher evaluation or face losing additional state aid, this year, Cuomo said he will kick in a lot more money for education if strongest reforms are enacted.

The Delaware County Fair announced that 7 $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to current New York State High School seniors and also students enrolled in college. The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and the New York State Showpeople’s Association sponsor the scholarships. The qualifying students must be active at The Delaware County Fair or with The New York State Showpeople’s Association. All applicants from Delaware County must submit their applications through The Delaware County Fair P.O. Box 344 Walton NY 13856, no later then Friday April 10th. More Information is available at www.nyfairs.org using the scholarships link.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that in the next two weeks he will resubmit the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act, to reduce the number of vacant and abandoned properties falling into disrepair across the state by informing homeowners of their right to stay in their home until a court orders the homeowner to leave, requiring mortgage lenders and servicers to identify, secure and maintain vacant and abandoned properties much earlier in the foreclosure process, and creating a registry of such properties to assist municipalities with enforcement of laws regarding property maintenance. Homeowners who need assistance are encouraged to call the Attorney General’s statewide foreclosure hotline at 855-HOME-456 and visit AGHomeHelp.com to connect with HOPP organizations and agencies in their area that can provide foreclosure prevention services.

Governor Cuomo has submitted a 5-point plan to correct the ongoing issue of corruption among lawmakers, following the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver last week on corruption charges. Cuomo said that the reforms may lead to a late state budget for the first time during his administration.

(Cuomo 2-3-15)

Cuomo proposed total disclosure of outside income of all lawmakers, officials who are convicted of public corruption lose their retirement package, tightening up abuses in "Per diems" for travel by lawmakers which act as backdoor salary supplements, restrict campaign funds for campaigns only, & remove loopholes in campaign finance laws.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold a 3rd “Reunite Bainbridge” Meeting next week. Bainbridge chamber president John Payne explains:

(John Payne 2-3-15)

The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday at the Town Hall Theater.

With Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver under arrest on corruption charges, area state Senator John Bonacic said that he has ideas to curb that continuing problem:

(Bonacic 1-29-15)

Sheldon Silver was arrested last week by the FBI for allegedly taking kickbacks & hiding millions of dollars while serving as Speaker of the assembly since 1994.

90 state school districts have been designated as fiscally stressed under New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System. DiNapoli’s office evaluated 672 school districts. Locally, the Unatego district was listed in Moderate Stress, the Norwich City School & Charlotte Valley were listed as susceptible to fiscal stress. The full list of schools on the report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

The Hill City Rollers will kick off their 2015 Roller Derby season at home against Albany All Stars Roller Derby Friday night in Oneonta. 3 Team members were interviewed on WCDO this morning about their team & the sport, Team member Lisa "Clipnocky" Thies comments:

(Lisa Thies 1-29-15)

Each team has a Jammer who scores points by passing opposing team members, each bout consists of 2 30-minute periods. A portion of the proceeds will go to support The Lord's Table of Oneonta; Doors open at 6:30, team intros at 7:20, and first whistle at 7:30. Tickets are available at the door; $5 for students, children and seniors, $8 for adults. More information available at the Hill City Rollers Facebook Page.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State parks and historic sites hosted 62 million visitors in 2014, which is a 3% increase over 2013, and a nearly 8% increase since 2010. State Parks’ 2014 attendance was up 1.9 million visitors from 2013, and up 4.5 million visitors since 2010. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by more than 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

A Joint investigation by State Police & Vestal Police led to the arrest of 3 people for felony sex trafficking and promoting prostitution in Broome County & the exploitating underage females in the prostitution trade in the Broome County region. Charged were Larhonda James of Johnson City, Alphonso Dennis of Binghamton, & Antonio Ballard of Binghamton, All 3 were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County jail pending future court action.

The State Senate is working on a package of bills to close Loopholes regarding sex offenders. State Senator John Bonacic explains:

(Bonacic 1-28-15)

The package of bills will be sent to the Assembly for consideration.

Nominations are being accepted currently for the 9th annual Woman Trailblazer Award presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community Relations & Human Rights. A complete nomination form is available at City Hall or on the City Web site at: www.oneonta.ny.us and click on City Government, then Commissions, then Community Relations & Human Rights. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 20th, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council meeting at City Hall.

Governor Cuomo recently asked the Gaming Casino Location Siting Board to consider awarding the 4th casino license to the Southern Tier Region, after awarding only 3 licenses out of 4 last month. Area State Senator John Bonacic stated that the Sullivan County choice in his district is outstanding, and should be fast-tracked to get open quickly, before considering Tioga downs:

(Bonacic 1-16-15)

Bonacic said that the casino in Sullivan County is projected to being over 20 million dollars a year in extra revenue to the Sullivan & Orange County areas due to the expected increased tourism to the area because of the new casino.

The state Department of Health inappropriately paid more than 29,000 pharmacy claims worth nearly $1 million over a 27-month period for thousands of Medicaid recipients whose benefits were already covered by other plans, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. A second audit released today found another $61,711 in overpayments to providers because of incorrect Medicare coinsurance, copayment or deductible amounts. DiNapoli recommended that the DOH Review and recover improper overpayments; instruct providers to bill Medicare Part C claims in accordance with existing requirements, & assess all claims that auditors did not examine in detail and determine if overpayments were made that warrant recovery.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown announced today that an Arizona Diamondbacks logo will appear on the cap of the Hall of Fame plaque for 2015 Hall of Fame electee Randy Johnson. The cap selections for Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz will be announced on January 22nd Craig Biggio played his entire career with the Houston Astros. This year’s Hall of Fame Class will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 26th in Cooperstown.

Pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Houston Astros catcher-infielder-outfielder Craig Biggio have reached baseball immortality. They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in July, after the Baseball Writers Association of America announced Tuesday that the four of them earned the necessary votes for Cooperstown. all four will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in July.

The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting gets underway at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers in Oneonta City Hall.