WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Public Health is holding free Climate & Health Workshops for Seniors, with the next one coming up this month in Hancock, spokesperson Isabella Ziolkowski explains:

(Isabella Ziollkowski 5-4-26)

The events will be held during the senior meals from 11:30 to 12:30 at each location, and each participant will receive a free starter Emergency kit.

74 year old Miles Marshall faces up 4 to 12 years in prison for stealing more than $50 million from hundreds of people in upstate New York as part of a massive Ponzi scheme. Marshall pleaded guilty last week, to grand larceny, securities fraud and scheme to defraud, Marshall prepared taxes and sold insurance in Hamilton, he is scheduled to be sentenced in Madison County Court on June 11.

A free Rabies vaccination clinic will be held today at the Sidney Fire Hall. the clinic will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, pre-registration is requested at health.ny.gov/go2clinic.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing Coinbase and Gemini, 2 of the newest players in the prediction market industry, arguing that the companies' unregulated and unlicensed platforms are illegal gambling operations. By operating without licenses, the lawsuit says, Coinbase's and Gemini's prediction market businesses aren't paying the same taxes as licensed casinos and mobile sports-books, which are taxed by the state at a rate of approximately 51% of gross revenues. The lawsuit also claims that Coinbase and Gemini allow users as young as 18, the state law prohibits wagering by anyone under 21. The lawsuit seeks to bar the companies' platforms from operating in the state unless and until they obtain licenses from the state Gaming Commission.

"Clue" the murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game and adapted from a film, will premiere at the Forum Theatre tonight & tomorrow night, tickets can be purchased at BroadwayInBinghamton.com, Ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Arena Box Office. For more information visit BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Delaware County Public Health is hosting free Climate and Health Workshops at the Delaware County Senior Dining Centers. Participants will learn how changes to the climate can impact their health and ways to prepare for emergencies. These workshops are free and open to residents 60 years and older. Each workshop will take place during the senior dining program lunch hour from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, each participant will receive a starter emergency preparedness kit. Workshops will be held today at Grand Gorge Civic Center, Thursday at the Sidney Civic Center Room, Friday in Walton at the St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, others are planned in May & July.

Arc Otsego is partnering with the City of Oneonta Sustainability Committee to host the 2nd Repair Café on Saturday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 77 Main Street, Oneonta. The initiative is aimed at reducing landfill waste by encouraging the repair of items such as electronics, furniture, jewelry and clothing, potentially preventing hundreds of pounds of waste from entering the waste stream. To register free of charge, go to forms.office.com to reserve a time.

An Endicott man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation into illegal cigarette sales in the Village of Endicott by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force. On February 14th, the Broome County SIU executed a search warrant at Crown Fried Chicken, in Endicott, they seized 3,204 pack of Untaxed Cigarettes, $1,936 in US Currency, 69 year old Jamshaid Ahmad of Endicott was charged with Criminal Tax Fraud, Possession/Transport for Sale of Unstamped/ Unlawfully Stamped Cigarettes, the seized cigarettes represent approximately $17,141.40 in evaded New York State taxes.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-16-24

40-year-old Alex Shoga of Binghamton was found guilty on a number of charges regarding a home invasion in the Town of Chenango. A Broome County jury convicted Shoga on 2 counts each of robbery, burglary and criminal possession of a weapon, in March of 2023, Shoga broke into a home on Dimmock Hill Road and struck a man on his head twice with a handgun, he held 2 people at gunpoint, face down on the floor and threatened to kill them. Shoga stole money, credit cards, cell phones and wallets before fleeing. Using the “Find My iPhone” app on one of the victim’s phones, Deputies track Shoga to Johnson City where a high-speed pursuit ensued, he jumped out of the Jeep & was apprehended following a short foot pursuit. Due to previous convictions, Shoga faces between 15 years to life and 25 years to life at his sentencing in July.

A free rabies vaccination clinic will be held today at the Worcester Town Barn, for dogs, cats & ferrets. The clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, More information is available at (607) 547-4230.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-16-24

Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen have been identified as the Officers killed in a shootout in Liverpool Sunday Night. Syracuse Police Officers encountered a suspicious vehicle that was eventually lost, but they discovered that the car was registered in Liverpool, they responded along with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, they were encountered by an armed male and an exchange of gunfire followed. Hoosock & Jensen were struck by gunfire, the unidentified suspect was also shot, all 3 were taken to Upstate Medical, all 3 died from their injuries.

State Leaders announced an agreement with legislative leaders on the Fiscal Year 2025 New York State Budget. The legislature is expected to pass bills that will enact the budget, totaling 237 Billion Dollars, The budget does not raise income or business taxes and maintains state reserves at 15%.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that New York State received $1.06 for Every Tax Dollar Sent to Washington D.C. in Federal Fiscal Year 2022, it was the 3rd Consecutive Year of Positive Balance. The money mostly came from the federal pandemic relief funds, previously, New York was sent way more to the federal Government than they received back. In Federal Fiscal Year 2022, New York state generated $361.8 billion in federal taxes and benefited from $383 billion in federal spending.

The Community Cultural center in Sidney will be busy Tonight & Sunday, Spokesperson Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 4-12-24)

At tonight's Comedy will be Angela Cobb opening for Vinnie Mark. Tickets are $15.00 each or 2 for $25.00. Doors open @ 7:00 pm, show @ 8:00 pm, Sunday's Jazz Musical Festival is free.

The State budget was not passed by lawmakers in Albany by the midnight deadline last night, The Governor's Housing plan & taxes on the rich were some of the sticking points.

The Workforce Development Board is offering a free virtual job fair today, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for all businesses and job seekers in numerous area counties including Delaware Otsego & Chenango Counties. More information is available at working-solutions.org.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that a flu shot clinic will be held Friday November 18th at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. The Flu Clinic is free for those 10 years of age & older who have no or limited coverage insurance, per-registration is requested at 337-1660.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that since early January, when mobile sports wagering became available in New York, the State has collected $542 million in taxes through the week ending October 30, far surpassing every other state in the nation. An additional $200 million in licensing fees has also been collected, generating a total of more than $740 million in revenue, most of it to be used for education.

Delaware County Public Health announced a free special event on June 16th at SUNY Delhi; "Not My Kid: 21 Steps to Violence Prevention in Children & Emerging adults with Special Health Care Needs, with guest Speaker Mary Muscari, DCPH Spokesperson Stacy Greene explains:

(Stacey Green 6-1-22)

More information about the program is available at 832-5200.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-1-22

The State Health Department reported that the Statewide 7-Day Average Case Rate for COVID 19 has Dropped every day for the last 2 weeks, back to the lowest levels since April 28th, across all regions of the state. More Than 80 Million Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Tests have been distributed To New Yorkers & there were 26 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

Taxes on motor fuel and highway diesel motor fuel are suspended today through December 31st. The State Department of Taxation & Finance announced that excise tax, prepaid sales tax, and state sales and use taxes are suspended, Local sales and use taxes are not suspended except where local legislative bodies voted to suspend their tax also. Several jurisdictions have elected to change their sales tax rate effective, today, the list of counties & municipalities that have dropped their portion of the gas tax can be found at tax.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies patrolling State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi last Thursday, stopped an erratic vehicle & charged 67 year-old Joan McIntosh, of Bovina for failure to keep right and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after a routine check revealed that McIntosh’ driving privileges were suspended for failure to pay taxes. McIntosh was released and directed to appear in the Delhi Town Court on a later date to answer those charges.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s September 8th Induction Ceremony will return to its standard seating format, following last Tuesday’s announcement by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that lifted significant COVID-19 restrictions. Tickets will not be required for the event’s free lawn seating area. The Induction Ceremony, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, on the grounds of Cooperstown’s Clark Sports Center, will celebrate the inductions of Class of 2020 members Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

The New York
Association of Counties held an advocacy day at the State Capitol to voice
concerns over changes to the Medicaid program contained in the Executive Budget
and to advocate for the maintenance of current local Medicaid caps.  The Association also wants the state to
maintain the 2% property tax cap, implemented by the Cuomo administration &
the State Legislature in 2012, which has slowed the increases in state property
taxes from previous annual double digit increase levels.

State Police arrested 51 year old
John Travis of Port Crane, for felony of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, plus
DWI & False Personation.  A trooper
on Interstate 88 in the town of Fenton checked on a motorist who had pulled
over to the shoulder of the road,  Travis
appeared intoxicated & gave the trooper a fake name.  Travis was issued appearance tickets to the
town of Fenton court & was turned over to a sober third party.

The Chenango Arts Council and
Guernsey Memorial Library are presenting another classic movie this evening for
free.  Humphrey Bogart and Lauren
Bacall’s To Have and To Have Not will be shown tonight at 6:30 at the library.  Back at the Arts Council on February 19, The
Quiet Man stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and the Dynamic Duos series
concludes February 26 at the Library with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn
in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?.

New
York lost more people than any other state in the nation for the 2nd year in a
row, according to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.  New York has a population of  19.5 million people, ranking 4th out of the
50 states,  the state's population
dropped by 76,790 other states losing significant population were Illinois,
West Virginia & Alaska.   New York
could lose 1 congressional seat when district lines are redrawn based on the
2020 Census.  Top reasons cited for
leaving New York included low wages, lack of jobs, high housing costs, bad
weather, partisan politics, high energy costs, crime & high taxes.

Several
Fire Companies responded to a blaze at 78 Broad Street in Morris Saturday.  The cause of the fire appears to be
electrical in nature, fire fighters from Morris as well as Gilbertsville, West
Laurens, West Oneonta, Laurens, Mount vision, Garrettsville and Pittsfield
responded.  No injuries were reported
& the Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

First
Night Oneonta’s alcohol free, family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration will
be held tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, on Market Street in
Oneonta.  At 5 pm the celebration begins
with a parade down Main Street. Line-up is at the Foothills between 4 and 4:30,
followed by a full line-up of activities at Foothills.

State
Lawmakers are calling on Governor Cuomo today to repeal or delay his bail
reform changes that are scheduled to take effect on January 1st.   The reforms would allow hundreds of
defendants accused of offenses considered “non-violent” to walk free of bail
while awaiting trial, Some of crimes that are included are criminal sale of a
controlled substance, 2nd Degree Manslaughter, money laundering in support of
terrorism, failure to register as a sex offender, promoting an obscene sexual
performance by a child and aggravated cruelty to animals.

Local
governments in New York levied a total of $36.6 billion in property taxes in
2019, a 2.4% increase over 2018, according to a report released today by State
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.    There are
more than 3,700 taxing jurisdictions; property tax levies increased the most in
cities at 6.1%, towns at 4.4% and school districts at 4%. Village levies grew
by only 1.7%; the full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

Icy
Road conditions slowed down commuters this morning, many area school districts
have delayed opening today; WCDO will air "StormWatch" reports
throughout this morning.

The Sidney Central School District announced a change in how
school tax bills are collected. Officials said that NBT Bank will no longer be
collecting Sidney school taxes, mailed checks should go to the Sidney Central
School District, Attention Tax Collector, 95 West Main Street Sidney
13838.  Walk-in hours are available at
the Sidney Central School District & a drop box available, more information
is available at 561-7700.

The House of Consignment will hold their annual Tampon Drive
Saturday, with free admission to the Unadilla Drive In with a Tampon donation,
House of Consignment owner & drive organizer Kirsty Roefs explains:

(Kirsty Roefs 9-5-19)

This year is the 5th Tampon drive helping out women in need.

The Final concert of the Afton Sunday Summer Concert will be
held this Sunday.  The show will feature
the Afton Community Theater performing selections from their next production
"Matilda" at 6:00 PM at Foster Park, the show is free & Open to
the public.

State Police warn residents of several fraudulent schemes
asking for money.   Recent scams involve
callers claiming to be from the State Lottery, The IRS, Social Security, a
Utility Company, a Computer Company or the caller will claim that there is
family emergency requiring money.   State
Police remind residents to never send cash to anyone you do not know, Do not
send gift cards to unknown callers,  No
lottery will pre-charge taxes as a result of winning, never provide information
with your bank account information or social security number, & never
provide access to your computer, in person, on the phone, or through the
internet. If you feel like you have been victimized, contact your local police
agency.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies
Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at
Colchester Highway Garage in Downsville, more information is available at
832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Rockland County ranked 1st among New York's Counties in a
ranking from Smart Assets on effective spending by County Governments of the
Tax Dollars that they collect.  Otsego
County ranked 2nd in that ranking, Delaware County ranked 26th & Chenango
County was 35th.  The source can be found
at smartasset.com/taxes.

A  Free 7-Week Smoking Cessation Course will
start on Tuesday April 2nd at the O’Connor Hospital Board Room in Delhi.  The weekly class will run from 1:30 to 3:30
PM, registration, or more information is available at 431-5692 or
bassett.org/quit-today.

State Police issued 13,038 tickets and arrested 259 people
for impaired driving during the St. Patrick's Day weekend impaired driving
crackdown. The STOP-DWI initiative started on Friday, March 15 and continued
through Monday, March 18th.  During the
2018 campaign, Troopers issued nearly 12,959 total tickets and arrested 243
motorists for impaired driving.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch has
been named to participate in the budget conference committees, now that both
houses of the legislature have passed their budget bills:

(Cliff Crouch 3-15-19)

The budget is due on April 1st,
the state budget office stated that the Senate budget would add 3.5 billion
dollars to the deficit, the assembly bill adds unnecessary spending & added
taxes to pay for it.

Constituents are invited to join
Senator Jen Metzger and Delhi Village Mayor Richard Maxey for coffee today at
Delhi Village Hall to ask questions, and address concerns in the 42nd Senate
District.  This event is free, and open
to the public, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, more information is available at
845-344-3311.

Congressman Antonio
Delgado will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 at the Delaware
Academy high school auditorium in Delhi. Delgado’s town hall will begin at 5:30
PM in Delhi.

The Department of Environmental
Conservation announced that this weekend is the 1st “Free Fishing Weekend of
2019.  Anyone can fish without buying a
license this Saturday and Sunday, More information is available at
dec.ny.gov/outdoor.

Appointments are
available Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings through the Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Norwich. Residents who
earned less than $54,000 in 2018 can work with trained community volunteers to
help file income taxes,   To arrange an
appointment, please call Cornell Cooperative Extension at (607) 334-5841,
extension 11.

Governor Cuomo signed
the Child Victims Act, which ensures those who abuse children are held
accountable criminally and civilly and that survivors of childhood sexual abuse
have a path to justice.  This legislation
Increases the amount of time during which perpetrators of these crimes may be
held criminally accountable; Allows victims of these crimes to start a civil
lawsuit at any time before they reach 55 years of age; Provides victims whose
claims have been time-barred a new opportunity for their day in court; among
many other provisions.

THE 3rd ANNUAL ONEONTA
INDOOR HEART WALK AND HEALTH FAIR AT FOXCARE CENTER ON ROUTE 7 IN ONEONTA ON
SATURDAY,FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM.

(Gabby Argo 2-15-19)

REGISTRATION is $30 AND
PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. KIDS 15 AND UNDER ARE
FREE, More information is at bassett.org.

Governor Cuomo & State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today that the state budget is facing a 2.3 billion dollar shortfall, due to the Federal “Salt” adjustments that penalized the state by eliminating full deduct-ability of state and local taxes, plus Stock Market volatility and a slowing economy in the 4th quarter:

(DiNapoli 2-4-19)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to get a budget passed for
the start of the next fiscal year.

State Lawmakers may decide to eliminate "Cash Bail”
this year, among other reforms involving those arrested for criminal
activity.  Governor Cuomo outlined
possible reforms in his “State of the State” address last month:

(Cuomo 2-4-19)

Various groups opposed to Cash
bail protested in Albany earlier today, opponents claim that the Bail System unfairly
penalizes the poor & minorities & allows too many people with financial
resources go free.

Firefighters from several area companies responded to a
blaze at 3 Johnson Street in Bainbridge at about 4:00 PM Sunday afternoon.   Bainbridge Fire Chief Fred Bell told WCDO
news that the fire was electrical, starting in the 1st floor kitchen, it spread
to the 2nd floor, all occupants & their pets escaped, there were no
injuries reported.    Firefighters from
Afton, Sidney, Guilford, Masonville, & Coventry also responded.

The Delaware Valley Humane Society is seeking donations for
the McClancy family, who lost their belongings in Friday's Fire at 14 East Main
Street in Sidney.  Humane Society
Director Erin Insinga told WCDO News that the family had adopted 2 dogs from
the shelter, that eat 4-Health Grain Free Dry Food, they will also accept
toiletries, Gift cards & any other donations on behalf of the family at the
shelter, during normal business hours from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.  Friday's Fire was caused by an electrical
problem, there were no injuries among fire fighters & the occupants &
their pets escaped without injury.

Chenango county residents 60 & older can get their
income taxes prepared for free again this year through the Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance program through Cormell Cooperative Extension in Norwich.  Appointments are available from February
through April, & they can be made at 334-5841, extension 11.

State Police released the names of the people involved in a 2-car Head-On crash in the Town of Columbus Saturday. 27 year old Bradley Prosser of Sherburne was the driver of the first vehicle that crossed into the opposing lane and crashed head on into a 2nd vehicle. Prosser was pronounced dead at the scene, he had a .23 BAC according to the autopsy report. Prosser’s passenger, 26 year old Tasha Carney of Edmeston suffered minor injuries from the crash. The driver of the 2nd vehicle was 46 year old Shannon Donnelly-Travis of Schuyler Lake; she was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, for a fractured arm and leg.

State Senator Fred Akshar continued the 2nd year of his "Akshar's All-Stars" student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at 4 school districts. At the Harpursville High School, Akshar recognized senior Colin LaDue for his leadership, dedication and many contributions to his school and community. At the Afton High School, Akshar recognized sophomore Logan Ives for her selfless devotion to charity and giving back to others in need. At Bainbridge-Guilford High School, Akshar recognized senior Tannar Cliffe for his kindness and dependability both in and out of school. At DCMO BOCES in Norwich, Akshar recognized senior Destin Foley for his energy and dedication to both his academic studies and to helping others in the classroom.

Firefighters from Sherburne & 2 other local departments responded to a fire at Crandall's Auto on Blanding Road in Sherburne last night at about 8:30 PM. No injuries were reported, the building was completely destroyed; investigators are trying to determine how that fire started.

The Chenango Arts Council's 2019 Grants for Teachers application deadline has been extended until this Friday, December 21st. The Program provides up to $500 to K-12 teachers in Chenango County who find innovative ways to integrate the arts into the regular school curriculum through projects that are not covered by the school budget. Teachers currently employed by a public or private school in Chenango County are eligible to apply; more information is available at chenangoarts.org/grants/grants-for-teachers. Awards will be made in February 2019.

A Free Christmas Dinner will be available in Sidney this year on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station, organizer Gene Schmidt comments:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-18)

More information about the free Christmas day Dinner is available at 607-610-4030; this year will be the 6th year that Schmidt & his family have offered the free Christmas dinner.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will tour several area business today. Hochul will Tour Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney this morning at 9:15, Corning Incorporated in Oneonta, at 10:30, and then at 1:30 this afternoon she will tour Chobani in New Berlin.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the state Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment Training today, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. New York State mandates ALL employers to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy as well as to train ALL employees on sexual harassment prevention. The Seminar will be held at the Otsego County Chamber/Otsego Now Offices at 189 Main Street on the 5th floor, in Oneonta.

Governor Cuomo announced his agenda for the 1st 100 days of 2019 on Monday. Among the items on his agenda: adopting a Progressive Tax System, Cut Middle Class Taxes, Protecting Affordable Health Care, Gender Equality, Combat Gun Violence, ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water, Pass the Child Victims Act & Legalize Adult Use of Recreational Marijuana.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 40 year old Brenna Talbot of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree following a traffic stop on County Highway 21 in the Town of Franklin. Talbot was additionally charged with unlicensed operator, operating without a headlight. She was released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

New York sent an estimated $24.1 billion more in tax payments to Washington than it got back in federal spending in federal fiscal year 2017, getting back 90 cents for every dollar, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. In 2017, New York was one of just 11 states that sent more to Washington than it  received. Only New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut fared worse while New Mexico fared the best. While New York received 10 cents less per dollar of taxes, most states received more than they paid.

Otsego County Conservation Association is formally launching the first annual Heat Smart Otsego Campaign Tonight at 6:30 pm, at Foothills Performing Arts Center. The event will feature guest speaker, Jay Egg. The founder of EggGeothermal, Egg will discuss the basics of geothermal, and examine how far geothermal can go towards a renewable energy future. The Heat Smart Otsego Kickoff Event is free, more information 435-1364 or occainfo.org.

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

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released the results of an audit of the village of Deposit today. The Audit found that the Board did not ensure all disbursements were approved before payment and listed on an approved abstract & did not ensure all disbursements were supported and for proper purposes. The audit found that the board began to enforce the collection of delinquent real property taxes in March 2016, but $172,900 remains outstanding. DiNapoli's report recommended that the board Review, audit and approve all disbursements before payment, unless otherwise allowed by law, Ensure disbursements are adequately supported and for proper purposes & that they should audit the Clerk-Treasurer’s records and report at least once a year.

The Don Clayton Memorial Trailside Concert series continues this evening at the pavilion at Keith Clark Park. Tonight's free concert will be performed by D.J. Wooden, starting at 6:30 PM.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Masonville Fire Hall. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Saint Luke's Church, Parish Nurse Committee & the Sidney Area Youth Advocate Prgram will be presenting the documentary "Chasing The Dragon" free of charge, on Saturday April 14th at St. Luke's. The film deals with the issue of heroin & Opiod Abuse in Graphic Terms, and is a must see, according to Sidney Area Youth Advocate Program Spokesperson Ronnie Haag:

(Ronnie Haag 3-15-18)

Haag said that Parents & children middle school age & up are especially encouraged to attend, Light Refreshaments & a discussion is scheduled after the Documentary is screened.

Lawmakers in each house of the Legislature have finished their budget proposals, State Senator Jim Seward said that the Senate budget cuts $1 Billion dollars in taxes but adds spending for Agriculture, the Opioid Crisis & veterans issues:

(Seward 3-15-18)

The state budget is due on April 1st.

Governor Cuomo announced that 2 schools had "copycat" threats made by students threatening violence and saying they would bring guns to schools earlier today. The 2 matters are under control according to State Police, the schools involved were the Chautauqua Lake School District and the Randolph Academy in Cattaraugus County. Both students are in police custody.

Governor Cuomo today announced 30-day amendments to the Executive Budget, including legislation to protect New York taxpayers from federal tax increases. Amendments include legislation to create a new optional Employer Compensation Expense Tax system, allowing participating employers to shield their employees from federal tax hikes. Budget amendments include provisions to decouple the state tax code from the federal tax code so that State taxpayers do not see more than $1.5 billion in state taxes because of federal tax increases.

The Out of the Woodwork Players are hosting a Karaoke Party Saturday, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM FREE, at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre. Registration is requested at activeentertainment@outlook.com, or at 371-4030 or 227-8186.

Governor Cuomo today highlighted proposed enhancements in the Executive Budget Proposal to continue the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative. The budget includes a $225 million investment to help localities consolidate efforts, and further empowers towns to share justices. The Initiative is designed to lower property taxes by sharing services, facilities & equipment wherever it is feasible.

Chenango County Residents over the age of 60 can get their taxes prepared for free, through Cornell Cooperative Extension. The service is available by appointment starting this month. To receive more information, or to make an appointment, call Cornell Cooperative extension in Norwich at 334-5841, extension 11.

Due to the amount of calls & inquiries about Governor Cuomo's executive Order regarding prepaying taxes, The Guilford Town Clerk's office announced that they are now open today, until 1:00 PM. More Information is available at 895-9966.

Governor Cuomo unveiled the 15th proposal of the 2018 State of the State: launch a comprehensive program to provide students access to healthy, locally-sourced meals from kindergarten through college. There are nearly 2.7 million New Yorkers, including almost 1 million children, who do not have consistent access to the food they need to live an active, healthy life. The Governor's No Student Goes Hungry Program includes investments to expand the Farm to School program, legislation to expand access to free breakfast and policy changes to ensure students in kindergarten through college receive access to farm-fresh foods in a quality learning environment.

Governor Cuomo unveiled another proposal that will be part of his 2018 State of the State, which is the plan to combat high local property taxes. The Governor proposes making the state's countywide-shared services panels permanent. The panels have led counties to further consolidate services in order to cut costs at the county levels, so far, 34 counties submitted nearly 400 projects with more than $200 million in savings. Governor Cuomo proposed that County Governments pool employee health plans into combined healthcare groupings, to increase the buying power which should lead to lower costs, save local tax dollars, and not affect employee's plans.

A free Christmas dinner will be offered in Sidney on Christmas day at the Fire House on River Street, organizer gene Schmidt explains:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-17)

Schmidt said that those wanting to volunteer for the set up on Saturday or serving on Christmas, can contact him by email to KrautGene@yahoo.com this week.

Governor Cuomo continues his push to get the entire New York Congressional Delegation to oppose President Trump's Federal budget plans that would raise the taxes of New Yorkers:

(Cuomo 11-9-17)

Cuomo said that New York Sends 48 billion dollars more to the federal government each year than the state gets back in return, which is the highest amount of all 50 states>

Today, Hartwick College will host the 5th Annual Hartwick Hawks’ Night Fever, a pep rally for the entire College community, in Lambros Arena, Binder Physical Education Center, on the College campus. The event starts at 9 p.m., and is free and open to the community

The Village of Oxford Mayor Terry Stark has officially proclaimed November as “Oxford Recycles Month.” to coincide with the state’s “NY Recycles” and the national “America Recycles Day” held every year on November 15th. Mayor Stark calls upon the people of the Village of Oxford to observe November with appropriate programs and activities. Oxford Academy will be spreading the message of recycling with students during “Oxford Recycles Month.”

Governor Cuomo yesterday remarked about the unfairness of the Trump Republican Federal Tax plan that increases taxes on New Yorkers:

(Cuomo 11-3-17)

Cuomo said that 12 states took similar hits; New York pays 48 billion dollars more to the federal government than they receive back in services.

Tri-County Tea Party Patriots will hold a meeting today starting at 7:00 PM in the Bainbridge Town Hall in the First Floor Meeting Room. There will be an explanation of the three NY State Ballot Proposals that will be voted on November 7th. including the vote on a NY State Constitutional Convention. A presentation by featured speaker George Phillips from Reclaim New York is also planned, there will be refreshments available. It is free to attend and open to the public.

New York residents stand to lose more than $72 billion in reported deductions for income and property taxes if proposals to change the federal tax code are implemented, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Among the deductions the administration has targeted are those for state and local taxes, New Yorkers reported more than $72 billion in such federal deductions in 2015, including $51.7 billion for income taxes and $20.9 billion for property taxes.

Delaware County Public Health will be sponsoring a free EPA Certified Lead Renovator 8-Hr. Training Course today at the Walton Town Hall. ConTrax, LLC is conducting the class. The class is sponsored by Delaware County Public Health; it will include all course materials, manual, refreshments, lunch and certificate of completion. Free tuition offered on a first come basis, with preference given to Delaware County residents, businesses, rental property owners, home improvement contractors and their employees.