WCDO Radio News

A free rabies clinic will be held tonight at the South New Berlin Fire House. The Clinic Will be held from 5:30 TO 6:30 PM, more information is available at 337-1673 or CO.CHENANGO.NY.US.

The State Department of Corrections announced a State Department of Civil Service test would be held on February 3, 2018, with a filing deadline for the exam of December 13th for those interested in a career in the department. Anyone interested may apply online or download examination information and applications at cs.ny.gov/exams. Additional information about the position of correction officer is available at doccs.ny.gov.

The Unadilla Public Library will feature a video screening of "Blissville, an Investigation" by video artist Hank Linhart of Brooklyn. The documentary outlines the former Queens New York Neighborhood that was incorporated into the neighborhood of Long Island City following the construction of a highway in the late 1930's. The video will be shown tonight at 6:30 PM, more information is available at blissvillestories.org.

Governor Cuomo announced New York has expanded eligibility for crime victims' compensation for individuals who have no other way to pay expenses resulting from the crime. Victims of hate crimes and certain other offenses that are not physically injured, and vulnerable elderly or disabled individuals incapable of caring for themselves who have lost up to $30,000 in savings, can now seek compensation from the state Office of Victim Services. The Legislation went into effect Tuesday and applies to claims for medical and counseling bills, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages and support.

Delaware County Public Health will hold their last Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall. Delaware County Public Health recently announced the 4th rabid animal of the year, which was a rabid bat with 1 human exposure. More information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

State Police Superintendent George Beach has promoted Captain William McEvoy to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C in Sidney. Major McEvoy started his career in 1984 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C; in 1989 McEvoy was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City. In 1991, he returned to Troop C, where he spent the majority of his years with the State Police, his most recent assignment was BCI Captain.

33-Year-Old Tory Brown of Columbus was arrested by Chenango County sheriff’s Deputies for unlawful possession of marihuana, criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated unlicensed operation. Brown was charged following a traffic stop in the Village of New Berlin for operating a motor vehicle while having his driving privileges suspended, marijuana and a weapon were located in the vehicle. Brown was arraigned in the Town of New Berlin Court and was remanded to Chenango County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.

The State Education Department should improve its process to investigate serious complaints against nurses and more actively monitor professional misconduct, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The investigations of “priority 1” complaints against nurses, which includes offenses such as sexual misconduct, practicing under the influence of alcohol or physical abuse, are supposed to be completed within 42 days. Auditors found that on average it took 228 days to complete such investigations, SED officials acknowledged the risks noted by DiNapoli’s auditors and cited steps to address them. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us//audits.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday October 13th, is the last day to postmark a registration form to vote in the November 7th General Election. Also, October 13th is the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2018. In Delaware County this year, Offices up for Election include Supreme Court Justice, County Sheriff, County Clerk, County Treasurer and many town offices. Officials also stated that the Sidney Center poll site change: Districts 1 & 3 voters will vote at the New Sidney Center Fire Department Building. Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded at co.delaware.ny.us/departments/elec/elec.htm or by calling 832-5321

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Stephen Duvall for criminal possession of stolen property, following the report of a stolen golf cart was being operated in the Village of New Berlin. When Deputies responded a local resident had stopped Duvall & the golf cart by blocking him in with his personal vehicle, the cart had been reported stolen in Otsego County. Duvall was arrested and was turned over to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation; he faces court action in New Berlin Court on October 16th.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the appointment of Pete Lopez to become Regional Administrator for Region 2. Lopez will oversee environmental protection efforts in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lopez has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2007.

The State Court of Appeals reversed a decision today, that would have granted convicted murderer Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin a new trial, The Court of Appeals sent the case back to the appellate division to re-examine the Ramsaran trial in Chenango County Court, Ramsaran was found guilty in September 2014 of killing his wife, Jennifer in 2012, last July, a state appellate court ruled that Ramsaran should get a new trial due to ineffective defense regarding DNA evidence

Sidney, Unadilla & Masonville fire fighters responded to a fire at 80 Main Street in Sidney today at about 2:45 PM, in the basement of Ermeti’s Community Lounge. Sidney Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Ray Baker told WCDO News that the fire appears to have started in a dryer, & it was under control in about 30 minutes.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Rumeal Soler of Davenport, on a Bench Warrant from the Town of Oneonta Court for Failure to Pay Fines. The arrest came as the result of an investigation into a two-car motor vehicle accident in which Soler was one of the drivers. Soler had an active warrant for his arrest; he was taken into custody and turned over to the Oneonta Police Department for arraignment.

40-year-old David Burton of Johnson City was found guilty today in Broome County Court on murder & arson charges. Burton was found guilty of starting a fire at an ex-girlfriends residence in October 2015 in Johnson City, the fire Killed the Ex-Girlfriend's 2 sons, 3 year old Michael Maxwell & 4 year old Joshua Maxwell, and injured 2 others. Burton will be sentenced on September 14th.

Ride Sharing services began in New York State today, after Uber & Lyft paid to begin operating in the state. The ride sharing services were only allowed in New York City, until legislation was passed this year, allowing for it to expand into all 62 New York Counties. An app must be downloaded in order to order a ride, which will be available anywhere in the state where drivers have signed up to participate.

State Lawmakers have reportedly reached a deal to name the new Tappan Zee Bridge after the late Governor Mario Cuomo. A new bridge is currently being built to replace the old span over the Hudson River, which was originally named after Governor Malcolm Wilson, who served as Governor in the 70's.

The Chenango Arts Council Board of Directors have officially appointed Alecia O'Neill the Council’s new executive director, she told WCDO News that they have a full slate of activities planned already:

(Alecia O’Neill 6-29-17)

The appointment followed the strong recommendation of the search committee, which had been evaluating candidates over the last 6 months; O'Neill was appointed Interim Executive Director when previous director Diane Batson-Smith resigned.

Firefighters from Cooperstown & surrounding communities responded to a fire in kitchen of the Phinney House Bed & Breakfast at 14 Elm Street in Cooperstown, at 7:30 this morning. The Vrooman family escaped from their house & safely removed nearby vehicles before firefighters arrived. The fire was under control in about 90 minutes, significant smoke and water damage was reported. The Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Oneonta Police Department received a call Friday Night from a citizen in southern New York State regarding an acquaintance who was stranded in Oneonta and possibly expressing suicidal and homicidal tendencies. Officers located 35 year old Samuel Browning of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in the area of 145 Main Street. Browning was taken into custody without incident, he was found to be in possession of a loaded .357 magnum revolver and a small quantity of marijuana, the handgun had been reported stolen from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Browning was charged with Criminal possession of a firearm, Criminal possession of stolen property, And Unlawful possession of marijuana. Browning was held at the Oneonta Police Department until arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

Fire Fighters from many area companies responded Sunday night to a Fire at the Milford Methodist Church. The fire was called in at about 7:00 PM, the church was heavily damaged & 2 nearby buildings had minor damage. No injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation, the building is expected to be ruled as a total loss.

Governor Cuomo announced that the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved nearly $60 million in grants and interest-free and low-cost loans to support vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across New York State. The Village of Sidney will receive $9.4 million to improve source water quality by developing new wells, and/or providing the existing two wells with a treatment system. Additionally, water mains with poor pressure and frequent breaks will be replaced and meters will be installed on all remaining unmetered services.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 Town of Greene residents for agriculture and markets law violations. Deputies arrested Martin and Mary Canny for 7 counts of failure to provide proper sustenance of farm animals and dogs, following a complaint on March 6th, the Leather Stocking Veterinary Clinic of New Berlin responded, they found numerous animals to be malnourished and recommended them to be removed from the property and offered assistance from the clinic. Martin and Mary Canny voluntarily gave up their rights to the rest of their animals, they were also taken to the Leather Stocking clinic.

The State Health Department announced that the UHS Senior Living at Chenango Memorial; Hospital in Norwich is in the top 20% of New York Nursing homes. The distinction was based on the 2016 Nursing Home's Quality Initiative, which evaluates the nursing homes Quality of Care & Performance. The UHS Senior Living department at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich is located on the Hospitals 2nd floor & offers 75 beds.

A 16 Year old was killed in a structure fire at 457 State Highway 8 in Mount Upton early this morning. Firefighters from Mt. Upton Fire Department, Sidney, Bainbridge, Guilford, & South New Berlin responded, Chenango County Sheriff's Department reported that the 16 year old youth was unable to escape the fire, the name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The cause of the fire appears to be a wood stove which was the main home heating source. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation Team & State Police.

The State Department of Health announced today that it is launching a pilot program that will allow residents that are served by either a private well or public water system an opportunity to have their drinking water tested for lead free of charge. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to sign up on the Department’s website at health.ny.gov. Testing will continue as long as funds are available.

Governor Cuomo announced $38.8 million in New NY Broadband Program Round II grants have been awarded to 17 projects in the Southern Tier. These awards will provide 12,835 homes and businesses with access to high-speed broadband for the first time, and leverage $11.7 million in private matching funds; bringing the total public-private investment in the Southern Tier to $50.5 million in Round II.

Governor Cuomo announced that he is advancing new legislation to end child marriage by raising the age of consent to marry from 14 to 18-years-old in New York. The legislation strengthens protections for minors by preventing child marriage and holding violators accountable. Under the new measures, those who issue a marriage license to anyone under 18-years-old without parental and judicial written consent will be charged with a misdemeanor.

New York State has new rules in effect today that will require financial institutions to create & maintain cyber-security programs in order to prevent illegal access to sensitive personal records of their customers from hackers. Most banks already have programs in effect, but the new rule makes in mandatory instead of optional.

State Police arrested 27-year-old Justin Martin of Guilford, for DWI with a B.A.C. result of .16% along with other traffic violations, after Martin allegedly failed to stop at a red light in the Village of Bainbridge. Troopers discovered that Martin was wanted by the Oneonta City Police Department on a warrant. Martin was issued tickets for the Town of Bainbridge Court on January 23; he was then turned over to the Oneonta Police Department.

Several area fire companies responded to a blaze at 389 Hunts Pond Road. The fire was reported at about 1:30 PM Monday & was under control by 5:30. No injuries among fire fighters were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters in Chenango County responded this afternoon to a structure fire at 389 Hunt Pond Road in New Berlin. The fire was called in shortly after 1:00 PM today, fire fighters from New Berlin & South New berlin responded.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the income tax filing season officially begins on Monday, January 23. last year, 92% of New York taxpayers e-filed, this year, New York taxpayers with household income of $64,000 or less in 2016 can qualify to use Free File software, the Tax Department is hosting 54 Facilitated-Self Assistance sites throughout the State, each staffed by Tax Department experts. More information is available at tax.ny.gov/fsa.

This year, the state will require vehicles' window tint to be examined during a yearly State safety inspection. If the glass on a vehicle is tinted beyond 30 percent of light transmittance, then that vehicle would not pass the inspection. The window tint would have to be removed or altered for the vehicle to pass. The new law is a more proactive approach intended to protect law enforcement and other drivers, as darkly tinted windows hinder their ability to see inside the vehicle.

The State Office of General Services announced that the New York State observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be held this morning at 9:30 in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Commissioner Samuel Roberts, of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, will present remarks during the Call to Commemoration portion of the program. The public is invited to attend the free program in celebration of the 88th anniversary of Dr. King’s birth.