WCDO Radio News

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.

The number of Animal Cruelty cases or cases of animal hoarding have spiked recently in the Southern Tier, which creates a difficult situation for area Shelters. Erin Insinga of the Delaware Valley Humane Society told WCDO News that if you know of those situations, the first call is to your local sheriff's department:

(Erin Insinga 12-12-18)

Insinga said that the animals are removed by law enforcement, they get checked by vets and can then be adopted following a brief process, and more information is available at 563-7780.

A Free Christmas Dinner will be available in Sidney this year on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station, organizer Gene Schmidt said that donations & volunteers are needed:

(Gene Schmidt 12-12-18)

Schmidt said that he can be reached at 607-610-4030. This year will be the 6th year that Schmidt & his family have offered the free Christmas dinner.

Almond Upton of Florida has died in Prison, where he was serving time for the murder of State Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 In Broome County in May of 2014. Upton was serving his sentence in the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora. Upton claimed he was in a manic state at the time he intentionally ran over Trooper Skinner, who was ocnducting an unrealted traffic stop, Upton was found guilty & was sentecned to life in prison, he died Sunday & the cause of death has not yet been released.

The Department of Environmental Protection announced plans to build a $34 million hydroelectric facility at Cannonsville Reservoir, which should produce enough electricity to power more than 3,500 homes each year. DEP officials announced that they will host 2 public meetings on Friday, one at 9:00 AM at the Deposit State Theater, at 148 Front Street in Deposit, & at 12:30 PM at the Upper Delaware Council office, 211 Bridge Street in Narrowsburg. More information is available at nyc.gov.

Residents in South New Berlin are voting today on a proposed $1.1 million project to purchase property and construct a new fire department building. Voting will be held from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM at the South New Berlin Firehouse.

Voters in the Unadilla Valley School District will vote Thursday on a capital improvement project involving heating, parking lots, roof replacement, and auditorium improvements, among many other projects. The project would be paid for through a Capital Reserve Fund & State Aid, the $10 million dollar project vote will be held from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM in the District Office lobby Thursday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 21 year old Rebecca Kole of Delancey, for moving from a lane unsafely, DWI, and other charges, following an investigation into a Motor Vehicle accident in the Town of Walton. Kole was later released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear at Walton Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The City of Oneonta and the Otsego County Conservation Association will be co-sponsoring a talk on the emerald ash borer on today, at 6:30pm. The insect is highly destructive; the first one was discovered in the town of Unadilla in 2014. The free talk will take place at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, 189 Main Street, Suite 500; it is free and open to the public. More information is available by calling OCCA at 282-4087.

The City of Oneonta has listed a number of items available for public auction. The items can be viewed & bidded on at publicsurplus.com/sms/oneonta,ny

Firefighters from a dozen area companies responded to a blaze on Porter Hollow Road in Port Crane at about 8:00 PM Sunday. Firefighters were on the scene for about 4 ½ hours, No injuries were reported , and the unidentified family of 4 were left homeless.

Sheriff Cutting reports on December 6th, 2018 the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested an inmate for assaulting a Corrections Officer. Members of the Detectives Division arrested Michael J. Perry, age 42 who was incarcerated on a separate charge. It is alleged that Perry assaulted a Corrections Officer in an attempt to get to another inmate within the facility. Perry was processed for Assault in the Second Degree and arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court. He was remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

Firefighters from Franklin, Oneonta, West Oneonta, Otego, Sidney, SIdney Center, Treadwell & Wells Bridge responded early this morning to a fire at 161 HODGE ROAD in the town of Franklin. The fire was called in at about 12:10 AM; The home was destroyed in the blaze, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

SFCU announced that James Reynolds will replace Jim Doig as the President & CEO of SFCU shortly, both talked to WCDO News about the change in leadership:

(Reynolds/ Doig 12-10-18)

Doig announced his retirement recently after serving for 22 years as the President & CEO of SFCU.

Lee Smith and Harold Baines have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Today’s Game Era Committee, it was announced today on MLB Network. The Today’s Game Era Committee considered a ballot of six former players, 3 former managers and 1 former executive whose contributions to the game were most significant from 1988 through the present. The Today’s Game Era Committee held meetings today in Las Vegas, site of Baseball’s Winter Meetings. Smith and Baines will be joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2019 by any electees who emerge from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting, which will be announced on Tuesday, January 22nd.

Retiring State Senator John Bonacic announced that he will be closing his Delhi Office on Friday December 21st. anyone needing to contact Senator Bonacic can call the Middletown Office at 845-344-3311 until the end of the year. Bonacic decided to retire this year after serving for decades in both the State Assembly & State Senate.

State Police arrested 30 year old Dustin Freeman of Morris after he allegedly threatened a victim with a knife and sexually assaulted the victim in the New Berlin area. Freeman was charged with 1st degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Act and Unlawful Imprisonment, after Troopers located Freeman in the city of Rome, where he fled on foot. He was taken into custody & was transported to Norwich where he was processed and later arraigned in the town of Norwich Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail. An order of protection was also issued by the judge to the victim. The investigation is still on-going.

A Town of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment. Deputies arrested 61 year old Larry Conant after an incident that occurred on a Norwich Central School bus in the town of Guilford. Conant, was a school bus aid, he allegedly used unnecessary force on a 7 year old child. Conant was released on an appearance ticket for a later date.

A Town of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Contempt. Deputies arrested 20 year old Jeremy Thomas After responding to a complaint at a business in the Town of Norwich it was found that Thomas violated an order of protection. Thomas was processed and released on an appearance ticket. Thomas is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The American Red Cross is hosting a Blood Drive in Sidney today from 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 pm, at the A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

Luis Rojas will join the New York Mets Major League coaching staff for the 2019 season, filling the new position of Quality Control Coach. Rojas served as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies manager for two seasons, The Mets have yet to name a replacement for Rojas in Binghamton. The Rumble Ponies will start their 2019 home schedule at NYSEG Stadium on April 11, 2019 against the Erie Sea Wolves.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-7-18

State police are asking for the public's help in locating 39 year old James Sitts of Oneonta, who is wanted in connection with a grand larceny investigation. Sitts is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 165 pounds with brown hair, blue eyes and a beard, he has several distinctive tattoos on his neck and right arm, his last known address was in the Lantern Hill Trailer Park in Oneonta. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at (607) 561-7400.

Federal law Enforcement officials arrested 41 year old Justin Hobbie of Springfield, on child pornography charges. Hobbie was working as a physical education teacher & was formerly a girls’ soccer coach in the Cooperstown School District. District officials alerted parents of the arrest this morning, they did not believe that any incident involving a Cooperstown Student occurred, the investigation is continuing.

60 year old Lynn Beilby of South New Berlin has been charged with animal abuse, for allegedly torturing an animal and failing to provide sustenance to an animal. Beilby is scheduled to appear in the Town of Morris Court on January 14th to answer to the charges.

The Delaware County Historical Association will host its inaugural Christmas Fair on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event is free & open to the public, more information is available at 746-3849 or e-mail dcha@delhi.net

The Village of Franklin will hold their annual Christmas celebration tomorrow. Events will include a Library Book Sale, Grandma’s Pantry will be open from 11:00 to 3:00 at the Methodist Church, and the annual Holiday Market will run from 12:00 to 4:00 at the Fire House, pictures with Santa Claus will begin at 6:00 PM, also at the Fire House.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announces a variety of events to be held Saturday. The highlight will be a parade starting at 5:00 PM, there will also be a library open house from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, and carolers, and after the parade be sure to go to the Episcopal Church (with red doors) for your photos with Santa.

State Police arrested 37 year old Michael Collins of Butternuts, for Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Criminal Mischief, after Troopers were dispatched to a residence on Wilbur Hill Road in the town of Butternuts for a domestic dispute. After an investigation, troopers determined that Collins and a victim were involved in an argument that turned physical, where Collins is accused of choking, taking a phone away when the victim attempted to call for help and not allowing the victim to leave. Collins was arraigned in the town of Butternuts Court where he was released on his own recognizance. The judge issued an order of protection to the victim.

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and they are hosting 3 blood drives today. In Oneonta, a blood drive is being held at SUNY Oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM, one is being held in Cooperstown from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Clark's Sports Center, & another is being held in Morris from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Zion Episcopal Church on Main Street. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The Unadilla Rotary Club & the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will be presenting the Annual Santa Saturday in Unadilla, with Events being held at the Bauer Community Center at 246 Main Street, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Santa will arrive by Fire Truck at 3:00 pm. The parade will form at 2:30 on Sperry Street, off Clifton Street and proceed down Main Street to the Community Center. The Unadilla Rotary Club will have their annual basket raffle fundraiser with ticket winners announced. The Unadilla Public Library will be showing Classic Christmas Movies.

Delaware & Ulster Rail Road is participating in the 2018 Delaware County Toys for Tots campaign and passengers can ride the Silver Sleigh on Sunday, in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy that will be delivered to a Delaware County child in time for Christmas! For departure times and more information visit durr.org.

State Police arrested 27 year Sabrina Gray of New Berlin for felony of Aggravated DWI after a trooper was dispatched to State Highway 12 in the town of Norwich to check on a female who appeared to be sleeping in her parked vehicle. The trooper observed the vehicle running with Gray in the driver’ seat and a 5-year-old child in the passenger’s seat. Gray was arrested & the child was turned over to a family member. Gray was arraigned in the town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 property bond.

State Police at Norwich arrested 22 year old Nathan Whitehill of New Berlin for DWI with a B.A.C of .12%, plus Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Troopers observed the vehicle Whitehill was operating to be speeding and failing to keep right while on County Road 33 in the town of Norwich. A traffic stop was initiated and Whitehill was arrested, troopers also discovered a mason jar of marijuana in his possession. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Norwich Court on December 20th.

The Capital Region Toys for Tots Foundation today announced its distribution plans for the 2018 holiday season, to deliver thousands of toys and winter coats to children in need throughout Upstate New York. The Toys for Tots Train schedule is December 1st, starting at 10:00 AM at the Binghamton Yard, it will then arrive in Bainbridge at 11:45 AM, then at 1:15 pm at the Gas Avenue Crossing, Oneonta, before heading for Cobleskill & Delanson. The train will continue on Sunday & finish its run in through the Capital region to Rouses Point.

Governor Cuomo today announced six projects are being funded under the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative in Oneonta. The six programs include Communication Across Barriers, Opportunities for Otsego, CDO Workforce, the Oneonta School District, Family Planning of South Central New York, & the Otsego County Drug Court. The money is part of a broader $25 million effort to target pockets of poverty around the state.

Tajiri the giraffe, who was born at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, will not be going to be heading to a new wildlife facility in North Carolina. Animal Adventure officials announced on Saturday that "requirements and deadlines were not satisfied" on time for Tajiri's transfer, instead, they announced that Construction starts today on a new building to house Tajiri at Animal Adventure, the project is expected to be completed in 3 to 4 weeks.

Democratic incumbent US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will debate Republican opponent Chele Farley Thursday in New York City. A debate had been scheduled for Sunday sponsored by Spectrum's New York City News channel; it was cancelled after Gillibrand refused to cross picket lines at Spectrum’s parent company Charter Communications. A debate between Gillibrand & Farley will be held at WABC-TV in New York City on Thursday, at 1:30 p.m.

Author Gray Basnight of Bethel New York has published his 3rd book, “Flight Of The Fox” a mystery thriller that takes place in Upstate New York, & is tied in to the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Arts festival in Bethel in 1969. Basnight told WCDO about his novel:

(Gray Basnight 10-22-18)

Basnight will appear at the Huntington Memorial Library on Chestnut Street in Oneonta this Saturday starting at 11:30 AM for a book signing. The book is Published by Down & Out Books.

State Police arrested 29 year old Kody Weidman of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Failure to Use an Interlock Device. Troopers observed Weidman commit a traffic violation while at State Route 20 and State Route 8, he attempted to elude troopers by turning into a driveway and turning off his headlights, troopers uncovered several grams of cocaine. Weidman was arrested and released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Bridgewater Court on November 5th.

Fire Fighters from Several Area Companies responded to the report of 2 trailers on fire at the Sidney Unadilla Trailer Park at 754 State Route 7, near the State Police Troop C Headquarters today. The fire was reported at around 1:00 PM, with occupants escaping the fire, fire fighters from Sidney, Wells Bridge, Sidney center, Bainbridge & Franklin responding. WCDO News will have further details as they become available.

Two men were arrested and 100 pounds of marijuana were seized after the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department raided elaborate growing operations in Morris and New Lisbon. 47 year old Christian Balmaceda of Morris and 49 year old Joseph Ali of New Lisbon were arrested, Balmaceda was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Growing of Cannabis, and 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Ali was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawfully Growing of Cannabis, they were remanded to the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

Free 5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are still available to non-profit agencies and county residents on a first come, first served basis. The paint was collected as part of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, it was re-mixed and packaged for distribution by Golden Artist Colors of New Berlin. Pails of beige/tan paint are still available. All other colors have been distributed. For more information or to place an order for paint, please call the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

State Police arrested 25 Year old John Corgan of New Berlin for DWI, after Troopers were dispatched to a 1 car accident on State Highway 8 in New Berlin. Corgan drove off the road into a field and then struck a building, He released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of New Berlin Court on October 17th.

The State DOT announced that a long-term winter traffic pattern on State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook in Afton will go into effect during this week. Traffic will be shifted from the westbound lane to the new portion of the bridge on the eastbound side over Kelsey Brook. Temporary traffic signals will control traffic.

Free 5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are available to non-profit agencies and Otsego County residents free of charge on a first come first serve basis. The
paint was collected as part of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day held this past September. Paint collected during the event was re-mixed
and packaged for distribution through the generosity of Golden Artist Colors, Inc. of New Berlin. To place an order or to get more information, call the Otsego County
Planning Department at 547-4225.

The Bainbridge Glow Run 5K & 1 Mile Lightning Bug dash will be held on September 29th at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, The event is a fundraiser for a
Bainbridge native fighting cancer, according to organizer Heather Bucalos of Sidney, who is also a cancer survivor, she told WCDO News that there are a lot of costs to
deal with for cancer patients:

(Heather Bucalos 9-20-18)

Registration for the event is available at Runsignup.com/Race/NY/Bainbridge/GlowFundraiser

New York state’s farms generated $4.8 billion in revenue in 2017, with 15 agricultural products ranked in the top 5 nationwide, according to a report released today by
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York has more than 35,000 farms covering 7.3 million acres, nearly one quarter of the state’s land area. Milk is by far the state’s
largest agricultural commodity, with $2.7 billion in sales in 2017, New York vineyards covered 35,000 acres in 2017, producing 187,000 tons of grapes, surpassed only by
California and Washington. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us/reports.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20 year old Thomas Phillips of Fleischmann’s New York on 1 count of criminal mischief following a report of a vandalized vehicle at the Delaware County Fair. A 16 year old youth was also charged with criminal mischief in connection with the same reported vandalism of a vehicle in the parking lot at the Delaware County Fair.  Both Phillips and the 16 year old youth were later released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear at Walton Village Court at a later date to answer the charges.

State Police arrested 30 year old Maggie Davis of New Berlin for Driving While Intoxicated, several traffic tickets, including one for Refusal to Submit to Breath Test. Troopers on patrol observed the vehicle Davis was operating cross over the solid center line on multiple occasions while on State Route 32 in Norwich, a traffic stop was initiated and Davis refused to provide identification or to perform field sobriety tests. She was arrested and while being processed, refused to give her fingerprints. Davis was arraigned in the town of North Norwich Court where she was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $2,000 cash bail.

State Police arrested 66 year old John Johnson of Newport for Driving While Intoxicated, after a trooper monitoring traffic on Interstate 88 in the town of Sidney observed Johnson’s vehicle unable to maintain its lane. A traffic stop was initiated and Johnson was arrested & was arraigned in the village of Sidney Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail.

The 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship makes a stop at Unadilla Valley Sports center in New Berlin ,starting today through Sunday, Sports Director Nate Lull has more:

(Nate Lull 8-10-18)

Ticket Information & a full race schedule are available at Unadilla MX.Com.

State Police responded to a train derailment parallel to State Route 17 in Deposit early Thursday morning. The train was traveling in a westbound direction from New Jersey to Binghamton, heavy rainfall and flooding caused a small section of the NY Southern Railroad line to erode at a culvert overpass making the tracks impassible. The train was hauling 59 cars and 4 locomotives, 16 of them derailed, 2 of the locomotives were leaking diesel fuel into the west branch Delaware River tributary. All of the cargo remained intact and there was no danger to the public. As a precaution, four trailers and one single family residence were evacuated but the residents were told they could return. There were no injuries & Cleanup efforts continue.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $1.5 million is available for eligible school districts to support the growth of Farm-to-School programs across the State ahead of the upcoming school year. The program helps Kindergarten through Grade 12 schools to increase the volume and variety of locally grown and produced food on school menus, it also assists the agricultural economy, providing additional business to New York's farmers. Grant funding of up to $100,000 per project will be awarded for Employing a local or regional farm to school coordinator; Training programs for food service staff; & money to expand kitchens & storage for farm products in the schools.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of nearly $655,000 in public library construction grant funds. Locally, libraries in South New Berlin, Andes, Edmeston, Worcester & Hartwick will receive funds.

Several area fire companies responded to the report of a fully involved garage & structure fire at 117 River Road in Gilbertville. Firefighters from Gilbertsville, Mount Upton, Unadilla, Sidney, West Laurens, South New Berlin & Morris responded, no injuries were reported. The investigation is continuing.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch voiced his concerns today with recent reports claiming that 77 violent sexual predators will be granted the right to vote under the governor’s new policy of restoring voting rights to parolees.

(Crouch 7-24-18)

Crouch said that the 77 individuals in question have been deemed as too dangerous to return to society, & were all transferred to civil confinement in state psychiatric hospitals at the end of their prison sentences. Earlier this year the governor announced he would be implementing a new initiative to grant 35,000 parolees in New York state the right to vote.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for June 2018. The Statewide rate was 4.2% in June, locally Chenango County dropped to 5%, Delaware County also dropped to 5% unemployment & Otsego County decreased top 4.5% in June.

The New Jersey Devils today named Rick Kowalsky as an assistant coach. Kowalsky had just completed his 8th season as head coach of the AHL Devils in both Albany & Binghamton. Binghamton Devils’ General Manager Tom Fitzgerald stated that a search for the next head coach of the Binghamton Devils is underway.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that they will again hold their annual "Parade of Legends" this Saturday at 6:00 PM on Chestnut Street & Main Street in Cooperstown. 59 Hall of Famers & this year's inductees will all participate in the parade. The induction of the 6 new Hall of Famers will be held Sunday at 1:30 PM at the Clark Sports center in Cooperstown.

The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation will have an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location at 189 Main Street in downtown Oneonta today. The event will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, LEAF staff will be present to answer questions and give tours. The ribbon cutting will be at 5:00 PM.

State Lawmakers wrapped up their session one calendar later than anticipated, in the early morning hours today. The 2018 session ended without a deal to renew the state law authorizing school zone cameras, Lawmakers also failed to reach a compromise on bills to overhaul teacher evaluations and address school security.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Robert West of New Berlin for allegedly sending messages of a sexual nature to the child by Snapchat. West has been charged with 2nd-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, & 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. West was arraigned in North Norwich town court and sent to Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail.

NYSEG is reporting several outages following last night's storm. over 1400 were without power in the town of Guilford, about 330 in the town of New Berlin, & about 345 in the town of Butternuts & Unadilla. Crews are working to restore the power as quickly as possible.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor local businesses at their 2018 Business Awards today at 5:30 pm at Delaware County FoodWorks+, in Andes. This year's Business of the Year is the Delaware County Broadband Initiative, which is collaboration by Delaware County Electric Cooperative, Delhi Telephone & Margaretville Telephone Company. The New Business of the Year is Catskills Regional Harvest, the Tourism Award goes to Delaware and Ulster Railroad & Business Advocate of the Year is JIM DOIG President, SFCU. More information is available at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that protects New Yorkers from tax increases brought about by the federal tax reforms. Cuomo discussed the main feature, to protect New York wokring class:

(Cuomo 4-18-18)

The legislation provides new options for tax deductible charitable donations, de-couples the state tax code from the federal tax code, to avoid state tax increases brought solely by increases in federal taxes.

Chenango County officials announced that State Route 8 between State Route 23 in South New Berlin & County Route 33 is closed, following a motor vehicle accident. Crews have closed the road to replace a utility pole; Otsego County Route 18 is being used as a detour this morning.

Governor Cuomo announced that more than $9.7 million has been awarded to 12 Southern Tier municipalities through Round 5 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative. Southern Tier Projects include the demolition of the former Endicott K-Mart, to redevelop that site, in the Town of Sherburne - $1,000,000 will be used for the restoration of the Sherburne Inn, in Johnson City, $942,300 will be used for the Remediation and rehabilitation of 19 Avenue B for the Southern Tier Agricultural Foundry Development & in Binghamton, $60,000 will be used to demolish blighted properties & turn the areas into a greenspace & to redevelop the site for an affordable housing development

Governor Cuomo announced the application for the Excelsior Scholarship for new applicants in the 2018-19 academic year is now open. SUNY students whose families make up to $110,000 annually can now apply for tuition-free college at hesc.ny.gov/excelsior. The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college tuition-free. Applications will be accepted through Monday, July 23.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County announced that K through 12 teachers are invited to an all-day teacher training bus tour, Friday, May 11, 2018 to learn about teaching climate change in the classroom through multiple subject matter areas. Bus tour begins at the BOCES campus in Grand Gorge at 8:00 am and includes keynote speaker from Cornell Institute for Climate Smart Solutions plus tour stops at the Gilboa Museum, New York Power Authority, Cammer Forest and Prattsville. Registration is available Online at tinyurl.com/y82ea8dx

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 53 year old William Davis of Sayreville, New Jersey on an arrest warrant issued by the Town of Franklin Court, for Criminal Contempt. Davis is accused of violating an Order of Protection last November. Davis was released on his own recognizance and is set to return to the Town of Franklin Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The State Senate passed legislation that would strengthen Kendra's Law, by improving the quality of care provided to the mentally ill, and by making Kendra's Law permanent. Kendra's Law was first enacted in 1999 following the death of 32-year-old Kendra Webdale, who was shoved in front of a New York City subway train by a man with untreated schizophrenia. The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

State Police arrested 35 year old Thomas Taranto of South New Berlin for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs. Taranto was observed by troopers driving erratically on State Route 23 in Morris. Taranto was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond.

1 million people have registered to vote using the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' online registration process since 2012. Of the 1 million who have registered online, more than 450,000 were first-time voters. New Yorkers can easily apply to register to vote, or change their enrollment information, by using the state's online voter registration application service on the DMV's website, at dmv.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today issued a Travel Advisory for all areas east of I-81 as well as a travel ban on tractor trailers on certain roads beginning at 8:00 AM, due to the winter weather conditions. Once the advisory and ban go into effect, all tractor trailers, tandem trailers, buses, box trucks, and other high profile vehicles will be restricted from entering: I-88 from Binghamton to Albany, I-81 from Pennsylvania line to the New York State Thruway, & Route 17 Binghamton to I-84.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball warns consumers not to consume The Maiden’s Creamery “Wild Meadow” raw goat milk cheese made by Mark Harvey, of South New Berlin, due to possible Listeria contamination. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product, the label shows plant number 36-1315, with a code of 101. This product was sold at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, in late December and early January and at the Sunflower Natural Foods Market, Woodstock, starting on January 10th. Consumers with questions about the recalled product can contact Mark Harvey at 607-859-2227.

New Statistics show that only 14.2% of New York Adults smoke tobacco products, below the national average of 15.5%. The state's current rate represents a 22% drop from 2011. Among young adults, the smoking rate decreased from 21.6% in 2011 to 11.7% in 2016. The smoking rate for adults with less than a high school education, or who earned less than $25,000 annually was significantly higher at about 20%.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 52-year-old Christopher Damato of Garrattsville, on an arrest warrant issued by Village of Sidney Court for failure to appear on charges of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Driver, and No Inspection Certification. This arrest followed a traffic stop by New Berlin Police Department. Damato was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court and posted bail, he will return to Village of Sidney Court at a later date.

The State Health Department announced a series of recommendations that will improve the delivery of health care in New York State. Major recommendations include measures to integrate primary care, behavioral care and substance abuse treatment in a single setting; and deliver telehealth to patients at any location, including their homes. New York State will propose regulations to allow for a new licensure category in order to allow providers to more readily offer integrated services--with a streamlined application and approval process, and standard requirements across all relevant State agencies.

Governor Cuomo announced that the New York State Grown & Certified program is expanding to include the New York maple industry. The program will increase exposure for New York's maple producers, who rank second in the nation in syrup production and generate an estimated economic impact of $141 million each year. Annual Maple Weekends scheduled for March 17-18 and March 24-25