WCDO Radio News

The Sidney K-Mart has donated toys to the Toys for Tots program, after the recent fire in Norwich & fundraising efforts to raise money to buy more toys for underprivileged children by Christmas.  K-Mart Northeast Regional Vice President David George is a Bainbridge native; he told WCDO News that the donation is 11 pallets, or about half of a tractor-trailer’s capacity:

(David George 12-13-13)

Toys for Tots Coordinator Roger Barnhart explains:

(Roger Barnhart 12-13-13)

Barnhart said that they would check out the donated toys from K-mart quickly, in order to get as many toys distributed for this Christmas.

This year's Regional Economic Development funding includes a total of $1,086,701 for 8 projects in Chenango County.  Engineering grants will help the Village of Greene improve wastewater treatment, and lay the groundwork for sanitary sewers in the Village of New Berlin.  A technical assistance award will help with renovations in downtown Oxford.  The state has committed another $1 million to the Southern Tier Rural Initiative Fund, for loans to businesses that increase demand for farm and forest products.   A list of projects and awards is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

Free 5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are now available to non-profit agencies and Otsego County residents.  The pain is available on a first come first serve basis, it was collected as part of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in September, it was re-mixed and packaged for distribution through the generosity of Golden Artist Colors of New Berlin.  More information is available by calling the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 5 suspects from Sherburne, New Berlin, Edmeston and Pittsfield for 1- count each of 2nd degree Burglary.  Arrested were 38-year-old Christina Clifford of Pittsfield, 20-year-old Travis Conklin of New Berlin, 19-year-old Samantha Savianeso of Edmeston, 20-year-old Samantha Marshall of Sherburne, & 18-year-old Isabella Gray of Edmeston, Following a weeklong investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.  All 5 are accused of entering the Milford Academy in the Village of New Berlin and stealing items ranging from clothes to electronic equipment.  Deputies reported that some of the items have been recovered; anyone with more information should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Local lawmakers have met with Governor Cuomo’s staff and members of the state health department, regarding plans to close mental health facilities in Binghamton, Elmira & across the North Country, and move all of those patients to get care in Syracuse.  Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News that better plans need to be formulated:

(Cliff Crouch 12-4-13)

Crouch said that he is also co-sponsoring a bill in the assembly that State Senator Tom Libous has forwarded in the Senate, to freeze mental health facilities closings for 2 years, in order to formulate a better plan that simply closing facilities and passing the problem into local hospital and jails.

Oneonta police have arrested 23-year-old Anthony Placido or Newtown North Carolina, for 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree conspiracy, and 1st degree attempted robbery, in connection with a November 14th incident on Gilbert Street in Oneonta.  Placido is being held on $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond in Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

New York financial regulators sent subpoenas to 16 online firms suspected of deceptive marketing by generating leads for illegal payday loans. The Department of Financial Services said the firms collect and sell personal information to payday lenders in violation of state law. The short-term loans are typically advances on a paycheck with high interest rates. Letters were also sent to debt collectors in New York, telling them not to collect on illegal payday loans.  For more information go to dfs.ny.gov.

The Norwich Fire Department battled a fire Friday at a storage unit complex on County route 32 in the Town of Norwich.  The call was received at 8:00 am (//0) for smoke coming from storage lockers at The Storage Center; Mutual aid was received from North Norwich, Plymouth, Sherburne and South New Berlin, with Oxford Fire Department on stand-by.  The Chenango County Toys for Tots program lost toys in Friday’s fire, the cause is currently under investigation by the Chenango County Bureau of Fire and State Police.

2 polls were released last week show that more people across the state are against fracking for natural gas than are in favor of it.  A Marist poll shows that 47% are against fracking while 37% support it, with upstate opposition Upstate at 53%.  A Quinnipiac Poll had 46% of people opposed to fracking while 44% favor it.  Governor Cuomo has said that a decision on fracking will be made before next year's election; The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York is ready to file a lawsuit against the Governor over the delay.

The Eat Smart New York Program from Cornell Cooperative Extension will demonstrate healthy ways to serve fruits and vegetables during the holidays.  The demonstrations will be from 10:00 am-12:00 noon today, December 9th from 4:00-6:00 pm, December 16th from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Sidney Price Chopper, as well as today & December 17th  from  1:00-3:00 pm at the Sidney Great American.  more information about the Eat Smart New York Program is avaialbel at otda.ny or 865-6531.

State Police in Norwich report that a body of a deceased male was located submerged in the Unadilla River in the Town of Butternuts, about 2 miles south of South New Berlin. The discovery followed the search by State Police, New Berlin Police, State Forrest Rangers, Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies and Civilian volunteers, searching for 45 year old Daniel Reimers of New Berlin, who was last seen on November 7th. The investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo was presented with the final report of the New York State Tax Reform and Fairness Commission, which outlines options to modernize the current tax system. Cuomo called on former state Comptroller Carl McCall and former Governor George Pataki to serve on the Commission:

(Cuomo 11-20-13)

The report suggests modernizing the sales tax while funding low- and middle-income tax relief, modifies the estate tax, reforms the state’s corporate and bank franchise taxes & reviews best practices to make the system more equitable for local governments, businesses and homeowners. Governor Cuomo will consider the Tax Relief Commission’s recommendations for including in the next state budget.

The New Berlin Police Department is investigating the disappearance of a 45-year-old Danny Reimers, who has been missing since November 7th. Reimers is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds and has a dark complexion. Anyone with information is asked to call New Berlin police at 847- 8900.

The New York State Office of General Services announced that surplus vehicle and highway equipment auctions start today at 9:30 AM at the State DOT facility at 241 Colesville Road in Binghamton. the 2nd auction this week will be tomorrow in Sidney at 9:30 AM at the State Police Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7.

The unofficial election results are in from the county boards of election:

In Delaware County:

In the town of Sidney, Republican Gene Pigford wins the Supervisor position; winning town council seats were Democratic incumbent Pete Cordes, & Republican John Woodyshek

In the Town of Franklin, Republicans David Grant & Garrett Sitts win board seats,

In the Town of Masonville, Republican Michael Spaccaforno is re-elected Supervisor. Steven Roff and Betty Scott are elected to the town board.

In the town of Davenport, Dennis Valente was re-elected as supervisor. Republicans kitty Ballard and William Hansen won town board seats.

In deposit, Victor Davis and Carl Clark win town board seats,

In the town of Meredith: James Ellis is the new Supervisor,

In Otsego County:

Dan Crowell wins the election for county treasurer,

2 seats on the Town of Oneonta board were won by democrats Patricia Jacob & Andrew Stammell. Republicans Sean Farrell & Bruce Smith won the 2 town justice seats.

In the Town of Unadilla, Republicans Roger Cecce, George Banta, won 2 seats on the town Council

In the Town Of Butternuts, the supervisor is Charles Eckleman

The Otego town supervisor is Joseph Hurlburt.

In Chenango County,

In the Town of Afton, Republicans Robert Tallmadge, and Chris Warren win seats on the town board,

In the Town Of Guilford, for the 2 seats on the Town Council; Republicans Tomas Ives & Barbara O’Dell win.

In New Berlin, Robert Star is the supervisor, Wendy Rifanburg & John Parks are the winners for town board seats.

In the town of Oxford Lawrence Wilcox is the supervisor; Ronald Charles and John Hoffman win board seats.

In the Town of Coventry, the Supervisor is George Westcott, for Town Justice, Republican Joseph Agunzo wins

On the Town Council, Republicans Robert Boudreau & John Wicks win 2 seats on the board.

Some of these results could change pending the counting of absentee ballots.

New York voters approved of 5 of the 6 propositions on the ballot yesterday.  Voters approved casino gambling, the only proposition to be voted down, would have raised the retirement age for certain judges to 80.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 41-year-old Paula Adams of Otsego County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.  Adams was charged following a traffic stop in the Town of New Berlin, after an individual was spotted in the vehicle with an active arrest warrant for an unrelated charge, During the stop, Adams was found to be operating the motor vehicle with a suspended license, and she was also found to be in possession of the narcotic Suboxone.  Adams was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court; she faces court action at a later date.

A new study on prison health care costs shows New York 13th among states in spending for inmate care. The study by The Pew Charitable Trust and MacArthur Foundation shows New York spending rose 33% to nearly $5,900 for a prisoner's medical care in 2008. The report says inmates have higher incidence of mental illness and chronic and infectious diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis C than the general population that are costly to treat. New York was among the few states getting Medicaid reimbursements, getting $4.5 million through 2012

The state smoking ban was toughened when a new law made it illegal to smoke on the grounds of hospitals and nursing homes. The new law will makes it illegal to smoke within 15 feet of a building’s entrance or exit and 15 feet from the start or exit of the property of the facility.  The state Clean Indoor Act prohibited smoking indoors in almost all workplaces went into effect in 2003.

State police say New York cialis canadian drugs (http://www.lowtclinics.com/cialis-canadian-drugs) ammunition sellers will have to register with the state by January 15th.   The law enacted this year banned large-capacity magazines, required federal background checks for private gun sales and banned selling some popular semi-automatic rifles while requiring current owners to register them by next April 15th. Once the database is established, dealers will have to record transactions and report them, complete with dates, names, ages, occupations and residences of buyers and sellers.

New texting laws take effect today for drivers with commercial licenses, which bands them from using their phones even at traffic stops. The legislation was passed earlier this year, Governor Cuomo signed it in July, the law increases the penalty from 3 to 5 points on a license for texting. The new law also adds texting while driving to the infractions for probationary and junior licenses that can lead to a 60-day suspension.

Governor Cuomo announced the availability of $1 million in state funding to assist law enforcement agencies in Upstate New York with their efforts to reduce, solve and prevent crime.  Operation IMPACT grants are available to law enforcement agencies in 40 Upstate counties that are not otherwise covered by the program, which provides funding in 17 counties that account for 80% of upstate crime.  Agencies can cialis for sale (http://www.nationalmalemedicalclinics.com/cialis-for-sale/) apply for up to $50,000 for funding patrols; warrant sweeps, investigations and overtime. Applications for funding must be submitted by November 26th, they will be awarded in early 2014.

State officials are giving the public another month to weigh in on a proposal to allow new liquefied natural gas facilities in the state for the first time in 40 years. The comment period on the proposed regulations is extended until December 4th, Groups opposed to hydraulic fracturing claim that the new facilities would increase pressure to lift the state’s 5-year-old ban on fracking. Proponents say new liquefied natural gas facilities would allow truck fleets using the fuel to pass through New York. The proposal is available at dec.ny.gov.

4 State University of New York campuses will get more locally grown vegetables under a pilot project called Farm to College. The project is supported by a $99,000 federal agriculture grant to American Farmland Trust. The 4 SUNY campuses are the University of Albany, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego and SUNY Oneonta.  The grant will help New York farmers get more local produce into the state’s colleges.

State Police arrested 42-Year Old Thomas Ottoson of New Berlin Monday for 2nd degree Harassment.  The arrest resulted from a dispute on County Road 29 in New Berlin, Ottoson was arraigned in Norwich town court and released on his own recognizance, he is scheduled to appear in the New Berlin town court on November 13th.

The Chenango county sheriff’s office arrested 24 year old Adam Holt on charges of 4th degree Grand Larceny, Obstructing Governmental Administration, 2nd degree Harassment, DWI and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle.  Holt was charged following an accident in which Holt is accused of driving a stolen car from the town of Columbus, into a ditch while intoxicated.  Holt had called for a tow after the accident, he is accused of fighting, kicking and spitting on the responding deputies, and he was arraigned in the Town of New Berlin Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000.00 bail.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to cap agricultural land assessments at 2% per year, ensuring a more predictable tax climate for New York’s farms. Currently, 25% of New York’s land is in agriculture. High property taxes on agricultural lands put New York at a competitive disadvantage with other states.

Former Governor George Pataki, former Comptroller Carl McCall and union and business leaders will head the New York Tax commission set up by Governor Andrew Cuomo, to find ways to cut $2 to $3 billion dollars in taxes over the next few years.  Cuomo commented at a press conference in Westchester County Wednesday:

(Cuomo 10-3-13)

The Commission’s recommendations will be due by December 6th for inclusion in the Governor’s 2014 State of the State message.

Flu season doesn’t technically start until December 1,  experts are urging people to get their flu shot early after last year's flu numbers rose across New York State. Anyone 6 months and older should get the shot every year. People younger than 5, and older than 50 have the highest risk of suffering complications from the flu. More information is available at health.ny.gov

New York is looking into creating its first statewide early warning system for tornados. A bill signed into law by Governor Cuomo directs a review into the feasibility of installing a system that could involve sirens at firehouses, schools, hospitals, sports facilities and other buildings to alert residents in areas statewide. The effort by the Legislature and governor comes after three years of severe weather that included hurricanes, floods and tornados. The warnings would also be spread in social media including text messages. The first report of findings and recommendations is due March 1st.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY arrested 3 people on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy, making a false written statement and Petty Larceny.  Charged were 25-year-old Vanessa Furgison, 40-year-old Brian Smith and 30-year-old Heidi Moore, for allegedly stealing a prescription bottle from a victim’s purse while visiting that person’s residence in the village of new Berlin.  All 3 were issued appearance tickets for town of New Berlin court at a later date.

4 people are running for 2 seats on the Sidney town board this year.  Pete Cordes is the only incumbent running, under the democratic party line, he told WCDO News what he thinks needs to be done:

(Pete Cordes 10-3-13)

Cordes will participate in the town board debate at the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Library starting at 6:00 this evening.  Town Supervisor candidates Gene Pigford & Bill Heath will also debate.

Commerce Chenango, The Chenango Foundation, Inc. and the Advisory Committee of Leadership Chenango announced that Robert Wadsworth is the 2013 recipient of the Harry Tecklenburg Leadership Award.  The award will be presented at the Kick-off Dinner for the Leadership Chenango Class of 2014 tonight at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.  Wadsworth served as Chairman and CEO of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company in New Berlin, from 1997 until his retirement in 2008.

Chenango county judge Frank Revoir has rejected a request from the defense attorney for Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin, to hold a hearing to reconsider the amount for bail.  Judge Revoir ruled that there was no basis for a hearing currently, Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer last December, her body was found in June in the town of Pharsalia.   Ramsaran remains held in the Chenango County jail.

Students looking to become teachers through State University of New York colleges and universities will face higher admission requirements under a resolution approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees. By the 2015-16 school year, prospective teachers must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and take a high-level exam, such as the GRE, to be accepted into a teaching program at a SUNY graduate school. For undergraduate programs, a student must have graduated within the 30th percentile of their class. The change was a recommendation from the New NY Education Reform Commission, which was created by Governor Cuomo last year to recommend ways to improve the state’s education system.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division executed a no knock search warrant at 118 Meadow Lane in the Town of New Berlin. During the search, crack cocaine was seized along with cash, packaging material, and paraphernalia.  Jessica and Alan Crisell were both charged with the Class E Felony of Criminal Nuisance, for maintaining premises for the unlawful sale of controlled substances. Jessica Crisell was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument.  Dequay Shoulders of Syracuse, was charged Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail, pending action in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

A motion to disqualify the Chenango County District Attorney from prosecuting the murder case against Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin woman has been denied. The motion would have required the appointment of a special prosecutor from outside the district attorney’s office, due to an alleged conflict of interest with the defendant.  Chenango county judge Frank Revoir denied the motion.   Ramsaran has been charged with 2nd degree murder in connection with the murder of his wife Jennifer late last year, she had been reported missing by her husband, her body was found several months later in a wooded area in the town of Pharsalia.

A federal judge has set a trial date of December  2nd for a new fraud trial for former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.  The 84-year-old Bruno’s 2 fraud convictions from 2009 were overturned on appeal. Bruno is accused of accepting $440,000 from a businessman for helping with state grants.

The state Public Service Commission is urging income-eligible consumers to sign up for a discount telephone service through a program aimed at making New Yorkers safer at home. The Lifeline program provides discounts for monthly residential phone bills for basic telephone service.  New Yorkers already receiving other benefits including Food Stamps, Veterans’ Disability, SSI and Home Energy Assistance Program help are eligible. more information is available at AskPSC.com.

Despite an overall drop in attendance at New York parks, Chenango Valley State Park had a steady flow of swimmers, campers, hikers, golfers and guests this summer. The park, in the Town of Fenton, recorded attendance of 94,136 from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends — a decrease of just 158 from the same time period last year.  At Oquaga Creek State Park, in northeastern Broome and Delaware counties, attendance dropped 10.2 percent this summer. Overall, officials attributed the slight attendance decline at parks across the state to a rainy start of the summer season.

Heavy rains and isolated hail storms caused power outages as they moved through the WCDO listening area on Labor Day Monday. Localized flooding was reported on many small streams and low lying areas. There was isolated basement flooding in the Whitney Point to Walton corridor and areas north including South New Berlin that had multiple calls. Water also flooded roads in many areas including State Highway 80 and Dunham Road in Smryna, and multiple roadways were covered in the Franklin and Walton areas. We remind you to use caution and pay attention to road conditions when travelling throughout the area today.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming September
primary elections is August 16th.  Governor Cuomo announced that so far, more than 200,000 New Yorkers have used the state's new online MyDMV, and automated systems to register, or update, their voter registration since its launch last year.  Those who wish to vote in the September primaries can log on and register at dmv.ny.gov.

Tickets are still available for the 2nd annual “Rock In The Park” concert to benefit the Chenango county Toys for Tots this year.  Concert Organizer Jason Hall told WCDO News that the concert Saturday features the Artimus Pyle band, a tribute to Ronnie Van Zandt & Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as local favorites Tumbleweed Highway & Woodshed Prophets, and they could raise a good amount for a great cause:

(Jason Hall 8-7-13)

Tickets for the Saturday show at noon at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge are available at RockInThePark2013.eventbrite.com.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 31 year old James Bley of New Berlin for Aggravated DWI with BAC of .18 or higher, DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Unlicensed operation. The arrest followed an investigation into a disorderly conduct complaint in the Village of Sherburne where the defendant allegedly engaged in a verbal confrontation at a Village of Sherburne business and then left the area.  Bley was located in Sherburne and is accused of operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition and without a license.  Bley was processed & will appear in Sherburne Court at a later date.

Chesapeake Energy has given up a two-year legal fight to retain thousands of acres of natural gas drilling leases in New York State.  The move follows a conflict with landowners in Broome & Tioga Counties, who had leased acreage to Chesapeake over the past decade, the landowners battled Chesapeake to prevent them from extending the old leases under their original terms that were more favorable to Chesapeake then later ones negotiated with various landowners coalitions.  The move now allows those landowners to negotiate with a new driller to operate after New York’s gas drilling moratorium expires.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 29-year-old Rick Donnelly of Norwich on an active bench warrant issued by the Town of New Berlin Court for violation of probation.  Donnelly had been arrested in July 2012 on charges of 3rd degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, he was arraigned on the probation violation charge and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash bail & will re-appear in the Town of New Berlin court on August 21st.

Governor Cuomo launched the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program to help communities hit hard Superstorm Sandy, Tropical Storm Lee & Hurricane Irene, to create and implement strategies for rebuilding and strengthening their communities against future extreme weather. Yesterday the governor announced that the state would put up 16 million dollars in flood relief for those affected in late June & early July after FEMA announced that they would not be assisting:

(Cuomo 7-18-13)

The Governor also announced that the State would award $250 million of the State’s FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the New York Rising Communities to implement eligible projects for infrastructure or building improvements to protect communities from future extreme natural disasters.

The next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets at will be held today in New Berlin.  The clinic will be held at the New Berlin Fire Station from 7:00 to 8:30pm.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that the Personal Income Tax and business tax collections were down in  June compared to last year, but the state’s General Fund balance ended the month higher due to a $250 million regulatory settlement.  DiNapoli said that an increase in tax refunds to New Yorkers led to a 21.8 million dollar decline in state revenue & Business tax collections fell $97.2 million from 2012.  The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us (http://www.osc.state.ny.us/finance/finreports/cash/monthly/june13.pdf).

Chenango county sheriff’s deputies arrested 55-year-old Ronald Thomas of Bridgeport, New York for 1 count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation and 1 count of endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest followed an investigation into a domestic dispute in the town of Norwich, in which Thomas allegedly choked his girlfriend and a 12-year-old family member during an argument.  Thomas was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail pending court action on July 18th.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Arrested John Lyons of New Berlin for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated.  Lyons was arrested following a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich, he was found to have a BAC at 3 times the legal limit.  Lyons was processed and issued tickets and released to a sober third party, he faces action in the Town of Norwich court at a later date.

The next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets at will be held today in Sidney.  The clinic will be held at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, more information is available at 832-5200 or at Delawarecountypublichealth.com.  Other rabies clinics will be held today at the Morris Fire Department from 6 to 8pm and Thursday, at the New Berlin Fire Station from 7 to 8:30pm.

Governor Cuomo today announced $1 million in funding available to law enforcement agencies to video record criminal interrogations.  The grants will be available through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), for either the purchase and installation of video recording equipment for police departments and sheriffs' offices that have not yet implemented the practice, or allow agencies to upgrade older equipment to ensure it functions properly.  More information is available at governor.ny.gov.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will hold his 3rd forum on the New York Safe Act this Saturday; he discussed the likelihood of any more changes coming to the new law this year:

(Crouch 7-16-13)

Crouch will be joined by Delaware County sheriff Tom Mills and others at the event Saturday at the Walton High School.

The incidence of confirmed rabies cases of raccoons in the tri county area continues to increase.  Free rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets are taking place at the Coventry Town Garage today from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Wednesday at the Morris Fire Department from 6 to 8pm and Thursday, at the New Berlin Fire Station from 7 to 8:30pm.

AM NEWS 7-11-13

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that 54 million has been awarded to 20 recipients to finance large scale solar energy projects across New York State. The new projects will add 64 megawatts to the state’s solar capacity and will make New York the leader in solar energy generation. The closest sites to the Southern Tier are Cornell University in Ithaca and SUNY Cortland. For more information on this plan, visit ny-sun.ny.gov

New York officials plan to overhaul the state’s psychiatric services over the next four years by consolidating 24 inpatient hospitals statewide into 15 regional centers and establishing more than two dozen outpatient service hubs. The consolidation plan, released by the Office of Mental Health on Wednesday, also includes closing psychiatric hospitals in Elmira and Binghamton in 2014. The plan is expected to save $20 million the first year. The state spends about $6.6 billion, including federal funds, annually on mental health treatment.

A Binghamton man was charged with felony second-degree strangulation following a dispute on Willow Street with a family member, according to Johnson City police. 33 year old Kareem A. Davis is accused of threatening to kill a woman, and then grabbing her by the neck and choking her, causing her to pass out. Davis was arraigned in village court and sent to the Broome County jail.

Many activites for the entire family are happening in around our area. The Afton Fair and Agricultural Expo opens today at 9am at the Afton Fairgrounds with animal exhibits, floral judging, harness racing, a children's bicycle drawing and the K Bar F Rodeo at 7:30pm this evening. Admission is only $1 per person with children 5 and under free. The Fair continues through Sunday and the complete schedule can be found online at The Afton Fair Dot Com. Also, Unadilla will have their Free Summer Concert for this week, tonight from 6:30-8pm on the Community House Lawn. Montebank Brothers will provide the entertainment, and bring a dish to pass and your own table service, as there will be a community picnic starting at 5:30pm. For dessert The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold a strawberry social during the concert. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the firehouse on Clifton St. Plus, The Chenango County Blues Fest Summer series kicks off tonight in Norwich with New Riders of the Purple Sage taking the stage at 7pm in East Side Park. The series continues weekly on Thursday nights through August 1st. The complete schedule for the series can be found at chenangobluesfest.org.

The supply of types O positive and O negative blood at the American Red Cross is at very low levels. Eligible donors with type O blood are asked to donate blood today at a Blood Drive at Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich, at 3 Court Street, from 9:00 to 2:00 pm. Appointments can be made at 1-800-RedCross or redcrossblood.org.
Commerce Chenango will hold their next networking luncheon today at Lewis’s restaurant in Sherburne. Registration begins at 11:30, more information is available at 334-1402.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold the Re-Organizational Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:30 PM.

The incidence of confirmed rabies cases of raccoons in the tri county area continues. Pet owners are reminded that your pets must be vaccinated. Free rabies clinics are taking place next week at the Coventry Town Garage on Tuesday, July 16th from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Wednesday the 17th at the Morris Fire Department from 6 to 8pm and Thursday, July 18th at the New Berlin Fire Station from 7 to 8:30pm. The clinics are for dogs, cats and ferrets.
State regulators are looking for feedback on proposed changes to freshwater fishing rules. The DEC has identified potential changes based on discussions with anglers, biologists, and fisheries managers. Now the DEC is seeking additional angler feedback. Many changes under consideration would eliminate special regulations that didn’t achieve their intended purpose. Highlights include increasing year-round trout fishing opportunities at specific streams and establishing catch-and-release fishing at a few additional streams. To view the potential changes and provide input, go to dec.ny.gov

The New Berlin Main Street Grant Selection Committee would like eligible New Berlin property owners to register by August 1st for applications for the Development Chenango Corporation grant.   Rough project cost estimates, demonstration of funding match availability, and a basic project proposal are required for the initial application.  More information about the downtown New Berlin Main Street Program is available at 334-5532; technical assistance is available at 334-1401.

Governor Cuomo signed the START UP New York legislation yesterday afternoon, at the Binghamton university campus.  The bill calls for creating tax-free communities for businesses to operate in or around SUNY campuses. Cuomo stated that the bill should help to reverse a trend where about 75% of new business that open in New York State, leave in one years time due to high taxes.

38-year-old Michael Degnan of Port Crane is now facing additional charges, according to the Broome County Sheriffs department.  Degnan was arrested last week in Kirkwood in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old female in port crane earlier this month, the subsequent investigation led to new charges of 2nd degree burglary and 3rd degree grand larceny for the break-in on June 14th while Degnan was on the run as a fugitive.  Degnan remains held without bail pending additional court action.

The Broome County Sheriffs department responded to the report of a fatal car crash on interstate 81 in Whitney Point.  69 year old Jules Abramowitz of Morristown New jersey was killed after his vehicle left the road, became airborne and slammed into a concrete bride, near the Whitney Point exit, at around 10:00 AM Monday.  Abramovitz was pronounced dead at the scene,  the investigation is continuing.

Firefighters responded to the report of 2 trailers on fire in Mount Upton early this morning.  The fires were reported at around 3:00 AM, at 115 Carney Lane, with firefighters from Mount Upton, Guilford, New Berlin, Gilbertsville, and Oxford responding.   trailers were completely destroyed, the cause of the fire is under investigation, and no injuries were reported.

The son of Boxing Great Joe Frazier; Marvis Frazier will making appearances this weekend at 3 locations, for book signings of his biography “Meet Marvis Frazier”, co-written by Jamie Potter of Otego.  Frazier told WCDO News that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, but didn’t make it to heavyweight champion status:

(Marvis Frazier 6-25-13)

Frazier will meet with fans at the Oneonta boys & girls club Saturday form 10:00 to noon, then at Pie in the Sky from 1:00 to 5:00 PM and on Sunday at the World of Faith Christian family center on roué 7 in the town of Maryland at 10:00 AM.  Copies of Frazier’s book can be purchased at meetmarvisfrazier.com.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a raid at 25 Berlin Street in Binghamton, capturing resident 18-year-old Gabriel Gonzalez as he attempted to flee.   Gonzalez was charged with 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon and 4th-degree criminal possession of stolen property, police confiscated a stolen .32-caliber revolver, & a sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun.  Gonzalez faces arraignment in the City of Binghamton Court.

State Police at Troop C in Sidney will have a new commanding officer shortly, as major Kevin Molinari is now retired after more than 30 years in law enforcement.  The Major talked about his career last week:

(Molinari retires 5-29-13)

Molinari & his wife are heading for the North Carolina where their grown children are currently residing.

State DOT Officials report that Motorists are advised that Chenango Street between Moffatt Avenue and Sturges Street will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic controlled by flag personnel starting today, through Friday afternoon.   Construction crews will be working to remove the bridge over Chenango Street; Drainage work will also be performed.  Also, bridge steel will be placed on the new bridge over I-81 southbound beginning at 6:00 tonight until 6 AM, each night through Friday morning, May 31.  I-81 southbound will be reduced to one travel lane.

The 51st general Clinton canoe regatta was held this past weekend, with the 70-mile endurance races on Memorial Day.  The high river made for faster times for all paddlers, Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, was excited to get his 20-th finish with his 15 year old son Buddy.

(Duke Fisher News 2013)

It was Buddy’s first 70-mile race, and he told WCDO why he chose this year to do it:

(Buddy Fisher News 2013)

The 2nd class of the Canoe Regatta Hall Of Fame was inducted on Saturday, including Ken “Doc” Benson, who was a 40-year regatta volunteer & Coordinator.  His Daughter Tracy Smith reacted to the honor:

(Tracy Smith News 2013)

Over 1200 paddlers from 22 US states & Canada participated in the 4-day regatta.

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Pro canoeists Andy Triebold of Michigan and Steve Lajoie from Quebec won their 5th consecutive pro 70-mile race at the general Clinton Canoe Regatta yesterday.  Lajoie said why he thinks they are so successful:

(Steve LajOIE News 2013)

Both paddlers told WCDO’s Craig Stevens that they planned to race with each other in the future:

(Triebold-Lajoie News 2013)

The pair finished the race in 6:36:55, just 19 seconds slower than the all time record set by Serge Corbin & Bruce Barton in 1990.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the Town of New Berlin leading to the arrest of 47-year-old Valeria Goude for Cruelty to animals.  A search warrant was executed with the assistance of Compassionate Care Veterinarians; they located dead and malnourished animals on the property.  Valeria Goude was arrested and released, the investigation is ongoing.

38 year old Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin was indicted Thursday by a Chenango County grand jury for 2nd degree murder, for the death of his wife Jennifer last December.  Ramsaran will be arraigned Tuesday; he was arrested Friday & was released on $300,000 bond Wednesday from the Chenango County Jail.

38 YEAR OLD GANESH RAMSARAN OF NEW BERLIN POSTED BAIL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND WAS RELEASED FROM THE CHENANGO COUNTY JAIL.  RAMSARAN WAS ARRESTED LAST FRIDAY ON A 2ND DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE JENNIFER IN DECEMBER, HE WAS RELEASED AFTER POSTING $300,000 BOND, HE IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR FOR A FELONY HEARING THIS AFTERNOON IN NEW BERLIN TOWN COURT.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 38-year-old Ganesh Remy Ramsaran of New Berlin Friday, for the murder of his wife Jennifer last December, her body was found in a wooded area 3 months later.  Ramsaran was charged with 2nd degree murder, he was arraigned in Chenango County Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $150,000 bail.  Ramsaran faces a felony hearing Thursday in New Berlin Town Court.

Governor Cuomo announced that today starts a 14-day statewide “Buckle Up New York” campaign to crack down on drivers and their passengers who are not wearing seat belts.  Troop C Commanding Officer Major Kevin Molinari explains:

(Molinari 5-20-13)

This year’s effort runs through June 2nd, & law enforcement agencies that share state borders will team up for “Operation Border to Border” to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites.