WCDO Radio News

Bail for 18 year old Cody Coleman of Smithville was set at
$600,000 cash or $1 million bond earlier this week in Chenango County
Court.  Coleman was charged with 2nd
degree murder, criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon
for the May 3rd death of his 16-year-old girlfriend, Amelia Wakefield of
Oxford.   Coleman is being held at the Chenango County
Correctional Facility pending future court action.

The Delaware County Historical Association is accepting
nominations for its annual Awards of Merit. Individuals and groups who have
made significant contributions to the preservation and presentation of local
history, traditions and culture will be presented with awards at the
Association’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 3rd.   More
information is available at 746-3849, by E-mail:  dcha@delhi.net or online at dcha-ny.org

Tomorrow is the last day to register online for this
Saturday's Bainbridge Glow Run at General Clinton Park, benefitting the
charitable event's founder Heather Bucalos of Sidney, who is facing cancer
treatments for the 2nd time in 5 years.
Bucalos comments:

(Heather Bucalos 9-11-19)

The event starts at 5:00 PM Saturday at General Clinton Park;
Bucalos started the event in 2015 as she was wrapping up her own Chemotherapy.

Hartwick College will honor a pair of local benefactors
during their True Blue Weekend on September 21st.   The late Clyde and Mildred Wright will be
honored with the naming of Hartwick’s new turf athletic field.  Wright Stadium is home to the College’s men’s
football, women’s field hockey, and men’s and women’s lacrosse programs, as
well as intramural sports.  Starting on
the 21st, all men’s sporting events played at the stadium will take place on
“The Clyde;” all women's sporting events will play on “The Millie.”  More information is available at 431-4432 or
joness3@hartwick.edu.

The Chenango Arts Council
announced that their Fall Workshops begin on Saturday September 14th through
October 19, where Rod Sutton will teach Photography to students of all levels
of experience.  An Advanced Drawing
workshop will also be held from September 23 until October 14, the workshops
are made possible in part by the State Council on the Arts.  More information is available at 336-ARTS or
chenangoart.org.

The American Red Cross will hold blood drives today,
September 11th, which is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and
Remembrance.  In The Southern Tier, a
blood drive will be held from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Binghamton University, in
Chenango County, in New Berlin from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM At Golden Artist
Colors, at 188 Bell Road.

Governor Cuomo announced the Department of Financial
Services is taking action against the opioid manufacturers, distributors and
pharmacy benefit managers to secure $2 billion for New York consumers who have
shouldered the cost of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the form of higher
insurance premiums.

(Cuomo 9-11-19)

Governor Cuomo said that the Department of Financial Services
Will Hold Hearings across the State to Shed Light on Issue

At 8:30 a.m., Governor Cuomo will attend the September 11
Commemoration Ceremony.  Following the
ceremony, Governor Cuomo will join more than 700 motorcycle riders
participating in the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride at a lunch and ceremony in
New York City.  Groups of riders will
travel from Albany, Ulster and Nassau Counties before converging in New York
City.  Following the lunch, Governor Cuomo
and the other riders will depart on motorcycles for a ceremonial ride down the
West Side Highway to the World Trade Center site.

Oneonta City Police arrested 30-year-old John Smith of Oneonta & 24-year-old Duane Oates of Schenectady foo multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly possessing cocaine in their vehicle. Both men face action in Oneonta city court shortly; additionally Oates was wanted on a parole warrant & was sent to the Otsego County jail.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Houston Hollister of Oneonta for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person. The arrest stemmed from a report that Hollister allegedly pushed and kicked a resident while he was employed at a residential home for people with developmental disabilities in the town of Milford in December. Hollister was arrested Thursday & was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Milford Court on March 15th.

This afternoon U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will appear at 2:25 at Co-owners of 3i Graphics & Signs to push bipartisan legislation, the Investing in America’s Small Manufacturers Act. Gillibrand states that the bill would increase the availability of affordable loans for small manufacturers through the Small Business Administration’s loan guarantee programs, it would also eliminate a penalty that new manufacturers are required to pay when applying for an SBA 504 loan. Gillibrand will be joined by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, City of Binghamton Mayor Richard David, and Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jennifer Conway.

Governor Cuomo announced that for the 2nd consecutive week, the number of laboratory confirmed influenza cases has decreased. Last week, 6,414 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the State Department of Health, The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the 4th consecutive week, with 1,026 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.

NYSEG, crews and contractors continue restoration work after a 2nd winter storm blanketed the Hudson Valley region with an additional 10-16 inches of heavy, wet snow, resulting in further damage to the electrical infrastructure. 11,000 customers are without power in the company’s Brewster and Liberty divisions, NYSEG has restored power to nearly 25,000 customers in the two divisions since Thursday morning, and they expect to return power to at least 90% of customers by 11:45 PM Saturday. Restoration crews addressed over 2,700 downed lines and 373 broken poles.

Daylight Savings Time begins Saturday night into Sunday Morning, everyone will set their clocks forward one hour at that time. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York urges all New Yorkers to take this opportunity check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure their homes are properly protected, if alarms have removable batteries, they should be replaced. Alarms equipped with sealed-in batteries should be tested. Alarms that are more than 10 years old should be replaced.

The State Legislature has between 5 to 7 more sessions before the official end of the 2017 session, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch would like to see Ethics Reforms get passed this year:

(Cliff Crouch 6-12-17)

Crouch said that entrenched Assembly & Senate leadership since he starting serving in Albany in 1995, have wound up facing various corruption charges, rather than simply returning to the private sector. Former State Senate leaders Joe Bruno, Dean Skelos, Pedro Espada & Hiram Monseratte & Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have all faces charges & court dates after their runs at the top in Albany.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Dean Martin of Walton, on 1 count each of 3rd degree Assault & Menacing, after an investigation of a domestic incident in the town of Walton Saturday. Martin is accused of threatening an individual with a knife, & causing a physical injury with his fist. Martin was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 in bond, pending future court action in the Town of Walton Court.

Applications are now being accepted for the operation of custom craft beverage production centers to provide space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine, or cider for home consumption. The State Liquor Authority will provide new licenses to facilitate the production, to both current craft manufacturers looking to expand or businesses seeking to open a stand-alone custom homemade craft beverage production center. Governor Cuomo signed legislation last year, creating the new license authorizing the creation of custom craft production centers where craft beverage amateur brewers and cider makers can utilize the expertise, space and equipment of existing facilities to produce craft beverages for personal consumption. More information is available at sla.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that over $3.1 million dollars in wages and interest during the first quarter, has been returned to 1,367 workers by the State Department of Labor. In addition, more than $125,500 in civil penalties have been assessed against employers in violation of prevailing wage law and 14 individuals or business entities have been debarred since the beginning of the year. Locally, 76 Southern Tier area workers were awarded over $168,000 in back wages through this effort.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured or underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney on Monday, June 19th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Appointments can be made at 888-345-0225 for your appointment

State Police responded Friday to a report of a 1-vehicle rollover fatal accident on State Highway 17 in the Town of Sanford. The investigation revealed that the operator of an Econoline van fell asleep at the wheel, the vehicle drifted off the road and overturned multiple times before coming to rest. 5 of the 7 occupants were transported to Wilson and Lourdes Hospitals to be evaluated for non-life threatening injuries, however, 1 Passenger; 70 year old Dennis Pitts of Rochester, was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital, he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is continuing.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments last Thursday regarding the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 49-year-old Louis Aulicino of Franklin, for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Morphine and Oxycodone from his residence between early November 2016, and late January of this year. Sheriff’s Investigators also arrested 46 year old Richard Mattice, of Delhi, on 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Hydrocodone in the Village of Delhi between July, 2016, and late January of this year.

Norwich Police unveiled 20 new officer body cameras to increase transparency and accountability while improving relationships between law enforcement and the community. Officers began utilizing the body cameras on patrol and in the field earlier this year. The cameras are always on and rolling footage, the officer maintains control over when the camera starts to record and save footage. Funding for the equipment was secured through a $50,000 Public Protection Grant by State Senator Fred Akshar in the State Budget.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will make several stops in Cooperstown today. Hochul Discusses New York State Agriculture at North East Association of State Departments of Agriculture Conference at the Otesaga Hotel celebrates the 78th Birthday of Baseball Hall of Fame & visits the Fenimore Art Museum this afternoon.

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

(Seward 5-2-17)

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

Governor Cuomo announced the "Taste New York Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge" today. New Yorkers are invited to vote for their favorite New York craft brewery, The 5 with the most votes will be invited to attend the final Taste New York Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge Tasting Event in New York City, where a panel of all-star judges will decide the winner. Voting is taking place at taste.ny.gov/craft-beer-challenge

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

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

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

NYSEG reports power outages throughout the region from last night's powerful storm, with crews working to restore power as quickly as possible. A state of emergency was declared in Broome County by County Executive Jason Garnar; Broome County had over 13,000 customers without power this afternoon, Chenango County had over 5100 without power, Delaware County had over 1600 & Otsego County had over 2300 without power.

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

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

A free entrepreneur workshop, "Startup Tactics," will be held today from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Oxford Academy Primary School multipurpose room. Brad Treat of the Southern Tier Startup Alliance will lead the presentation. This event will also be live streamed free through ensemble.dcmoboces.com, more information, is available at 843-2025, ext. 3301.

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

(Sharon Velsey 5-2-17)

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

P.M. News Tuesday 8-26-14
Congressman Chris Gibson met with local elected officials, business owners, and educators this afternoon to discuss further coperations between the educational and business commuinties, to help with the economic development issues in the Sidney area. Congressman Gibson said that consituents are concerned with the education fo their children, and with possible careers for their children locally:

(Congressman Chris Gibson 8-26-14)

The meeting was hosted by The Utica School of Commerce, and held at the Sidney Public Library, congressman Gibson suggested a follow up meeting in 6 months to review progress.

Oneonta Police arrested 26 year old William Alvarez of the town of Maryland early Saturday morning, on charges of DWI, unlawful fleeing police, refusal to take a breath test, Speeding, unsafe lane change, unsafe start, failure to keep right and not wearing a seat belt. Alvarez was sent to the Otsego county jail on $1,750 bail pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced the $40 million NY Prize Competition, by challenging New York businesses, entrepreneurs, and electric utilities to design and implement community-based microgrids, which offer energy independence, local power generation and distribution. The NY Prize Competition will work with the private sector to spur new business models and community partnerships to increase reliability and reduce costs for consumers. More information is available at prize.ny.gov.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff's Office for underage possession of alcohol and open container in a motor vehicle. 18-year-old Gage Leach was after he allegedly pulled up next to Deputy Blincoe's patrol car and asked for directions. Leach was a passenger in the vehicle was found to be in possession of an opened bottle of an alcoholic beverage. Defendant was issued appearance tickets for Town of Norwich Court at a later date, he was charged with Underage Possession of Alcohol & Open Container in a Motor Vehicle

Manufacturers of alcoholic beverages have more than doubled in New York over the past 4 years, according to data released by Governor Cuomo's office. The number of alcoholic-beverage producers has risen from 366 in 2011 to 752, with significant increases in the number of farm-based manufacturers. In all, the state is now home to 291 farm wineries, up from 195 in 2011 and 57 farm-based breweries, which were authorized by a state law that took effect last year.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 30-year-old Nicole Pickard of Green for Petit Larceny and Conspiracy. Pickard allegedly stole $600 from a residence in Greene, she will appear in Town of Greene Court at a later date.

The State Association of Realtors released its July home sale report. Across the state, new listings were up 1 percent compared to July 2013. The number of sales closed was down 10 percent, the median sales price dropped 0.4 percent and the total number of homes for sale was down 2 percent. In Delaware County, new listings were up 2 percent compared to July 2013. The number of sales closed was down 5 percent, the median sales price was up 17 percent and the total number of homes for sale was up 4 percent. In Chenango County, new listings were up 19 percent. The number of sales closed was down 35 percent, the median sales price dropped 21 percent and the total number of homes for sale was down 1 percent

Binghamton & Johnson City Police Chief Joseph Zikuski announced that Johnson City Police Officer David Smith was shot & killed yesterday morning at about 7:05 AM near Wilson Hospital.  The suspect was 43-year-old James Clarke of Greene, who died yesterday morning in surgery.  Officer Smith arrived near the entrance of Southern Tier Imaging to a reported disturbance, when he arrived; Clarke attacked him, took his service weapon & shot Officer Smith during the struggle.  Police back up arrived & shot Clarke several times.  The investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo announced an agreement between Tesla Motors, the New York State Automobile Dealers Association to resolve a dispute concerning how auto manufacturers can sell their products to consumers. Under the agreement, Tesla Motors will maintain their 5 locations in the State, & additional Tesla retail locations will be established under a strengthened dealer franchise law.  The Legislation to implement the agreement will be introduced shortly with the support of leadership in the Senate and Assembly.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that the agreed upon 2014-15 state budget includes funding to reopen the DOT rest area along I-88 eastbound between exits 18 and 19 in Worcester.  In 2010, the New York State Department of Transportation closed 6 rest
areas as a temporary budget cutting measure, the Worcester rest area is the first to be reopened.  DOT personnel have already started to coordinate plans to refurbish and prepare the Worcester rest area for public use. A formal opening date will be announced shortly.

The Chenango county school counselors association is sponsoring their annual spring college day from 10:45 to 2:00 PM today.  The event will be held at the Norwich YMCA, representatives from 40 colleges & the Armed Forces, will be on hand to meet students, parents and interested community members.