WCDO Radio News

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced that the Filtration Waiver granted to towns & counties in the City's upstate Watershed has been granted for another 10 years. The agreement was reached 20 years ago after lengthy negotiations between the City, The State & a coalition of local leaders from the towns affected by the original onerous regulations proposed in 1989. The agreement allowed for New York City to receive water from the upstate reservoirs without building an expensive filtration system.

The City of Oneonta announced that City Hall would be closed on Monday, New Year's Day. Oneonta City Hall will re-open on Tuesday January 2nd, a Common Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM.

Long time area businessman George McLain announced that he is retiring after 51 years in business & his Bainbridge & Oneonta offices will be under new management next week:

(George McLain 12-29-17)

McLain said that the records of all of his customers will remain in the Bainbridge & Oneonta offices under the new H&R Block ownership.

The state DEC announced that the statewide Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program is available for participation by PHARMACIES, HOSPITALS AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. The PROGRAM is funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, with resources from the fund used to cover the full cost of purchasing U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-compliant medication drop boxes, as well as the cost of pick up, transport, and destruction of collected waste pharmaceuticals for a two-year period. The program is being instituted as Flushed medications have been found in New York lakes, rivers, and streams and can negatively affect the waterways, as well as the concerns about unused pharmaceuticals getting into the wrong hands. Retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities are encouraged to enroll online at dec.ny.gov/chemical or at on.ny.gov/rxpilot.

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

State DOT officials announced the completion of a $3.9 million replacement of the State Route 7 Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the Town of Worcester. Construction of the new bridge was expedited and completed in one construction season, replacing a bridge that opened in 1941. Approximately 2,000 vehicles per day travel the Route 7 Bridge.

IT WAS AN HISTORIC WEEK FOR THE B-G GIRLS BASKETBALL PROGRAM AS THE LADY BOBCATS ADDED 2 NEW MEMBERS TO THE 1,000 CAREER POINT CLUB. SENIOR MEGAN PALMATIER REACHED THE MARK ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AGAINST TIOGA AND JUNIOR ABIGAIL SELFRIDGE ACHIEVED THE MILESTONE ON THURSDAY NIGHT AGAIN DEPOSIT-HANCOCK. PALMATIER & SELFRIDGE ARE THE 6TH AND 7TH MEMBERS IN SCHOOL HISTORY TO REACH THE 1,000 POINT CLUB FOR GIRLS. THE BOBCATS ALSO CAPTURED THE KAZALSKI TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP LAST NIGHT WITH SELFRIDGE BEING NAMED THE MVP.

As a response to the federal tax bill limiting the deduction for state and local taxes, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order allowing New Yorkers to pay their 2018 property taxes in 2017. There has been some confusion locally about who needs to take advantage of this offer, Sidney Town Clerk Lisa French explains:

(Lisa French 12-28-17)

French said that residents should consult their local City, Town or County Tax department or their tax preparer or tax attorney regarding the details, those particicpating need to make their Payments by December 31st.

After 15 years of absence, Broome County is once again home to African Lions. A new cub recently came to reside at Animal Adventure Park, The female cub is 3 months old, its addition will be will be celebrated on World Lion Day, Friday, August 10th, with the celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.

New York Farm Bureau has released its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 172 New York State Legislators to this year’s list. The “Circle of Friends” honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau has either supported this year. Local “Circle of Friends” recipients for 2017 are State senator’s Fred Akshar, John Bonacic, Jim Seward & Assembly Members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.

New York will require all animal shelters and rescues to check stray and abandoned animals for microchips. The measure was signed into law by Governor Cuomo recently, it will take effect in March of next year. The new law also requires shelters and rescues to make an effort to notify the animal’s human companion within 24 hours if they successfully identify the person through the information on the microchip.

Governor Cuomo issued an emergency Executive Order to help protect property owners in New York from the devastating impact of the Trump tax bill. This order authorizes local governments to immediately issue tax warrants for the collection of 2018 property tax payments and allows property owners to pay at least a portion of their bill before the end of the year and under the current tax construct. The Governor directed the Department of Taxation and Finance to work with local governments to facilitate early tax collection. The federal tax plan caps the deductibility of state and local taxes at $10,000, effectively raising property taxes and reducing home values.

Mike & Anna Banks of Sidney announced plans to open "My Home Gym" on State Route 7 between Sidney & Bainbridge, at the site of the former "Peak Fitness" facility. Mike Banks told WCDO News that all new equipment is going in currently prior to the opening:

(Mike Banks 12-26-17)

My Home Gym is scheduled to open January 6th, more information is available at their Facebook page, with a link to a website for easy membership registration.

Area Law Enforcement officials remind the public that New York’s “911 Good Samaritan” law provides protections from charge and prosecution for drug and alcohol possession for the victim and those who seek to help for an overdose victim. Law Enforcement officials reported that if someone suspects that a loved one is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose; don’t hesitate to call for help, as early intervention is an important factor in their recovery.

Governor Cuomo announced that road construction will be suspended during peak holiday travel times over the next two weekends to provide easier travel for residents and visitors. Governor Cuomo also urged motorists to abide by New York's Move Over Law and utilize one of 64 text stops located across the state to text, make phone calls, or do other non-driving activities. All work behind temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects is suspended until 6:00 AM Tuesday. Some construction work behind permanent barriers or for emergency repairs may be done.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans to certain small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations across New York, following the excessive rain on April 1st this year. The disaster declaration includes Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties; eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities qualify for the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. More information is also available at 800-659-2955, by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications are also available at sba.gov/disaster. Loan Applications must be completed and submitted to the SBA by August 13, 2018.

The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced that the documentary “Reversing the Stigma” is now available to view on YouTube. “Reversing the Stigma” highlights the work being done in New York State to combat addiction and reminds viewers that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable. The film profiles multiple people in various stages of recovery, who share their stories and experiences. The state Office advises residents to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction, more information is also available at the State's Talk2Prevent website.

25-year-old Joshua Underwood has notified Otsego County Court that he is planning to withdraw his guilty plea from last month, for the murder of Mark Morrison in his Oneonta Apartment at 229 Main Street on January 1st. Underwood will be assigned a new attorney & he will be back in Otsego County court in January.

The State DEC announced that the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act has driven the collection and recycling of more than 520 million pounds; or 260,000 tons of electronic waste from 2011 to 2016. The announcement was highlighted in DEC’s second Electronic Waste Recycling Report, which documents e-waste recycling from 2013 to 2015. The e-waste reports are available on DEC’s website dec.ny.gov/chemical.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today issued a reminder to New Yorkers that not only are contributions to New York’s 529 College Savings Program accounts tax deductible* but now lower fees, higher maximum balances and the elimination of the $25 minimum contribution fees make it easier to save for continuing higher education. Contributions made by December 31st can provide up to $10,000 in state tax deductions on 2017 income tax filings. More information is available at nysaves.org.

Governor Cuomo unveiled a proposal to direct the Commissioner of Labor to schedule public hearings to examine industries and evaluate the possibility of ending minimum wage tip credits in New York State. In certain workplaces, such as car washes and restaurants, where wages and tips are both generally low, workers' income can rely entirely upon tips. The Department of Labor will hold public hearings to solicit input from workers, businesses, those who wish to testify will be able to pre-register on the Department's website, times & locations for the hearings will be posted on that website shortly.

State Senator Fred Akshar visited 3 local schools today & & will visit a 4th on Thursday as part of his new district-wide "Akshar All-Star" student recognition program. Each month, Akshar will recognize 3 or 4 local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown leadership, compassion, & school spirit. Akshar visited students today at Norwich High School, the DCMO BOCES, Deposit High School and Thursday he will be at the Newark Valley Senior High School.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says that state-funded debt is projected to grow to $63.7 billion shortly, which averages out to more than $3,100 per New Yorker. DiNapoli is calling for reforms that include voter approval of borrowing and better capital planning for infrastructure projects. New York's annual debt service payments are projected to exceed $8.2 billion by 2022.

State Police and local law enforcement will participate in the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign beginning today. Through Saturday, December 30th. State Police will also be conducting an enforcement period over New Year's Eve, from Sunday, December 31st to Monday, January 1st. Police will set up DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the "Move Over Law," & they will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.

Commerce Chenango is still accepting new, unwrapped toys to fill the Toys for Tots box in their lobby, at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich. Toys for children age's newborn through 12 years old will be accepted through December 19th. Families needing assistance this holiday season may call 607-371-3567 or 607-244-8124.

The State Department of Health announced that New York made the largest five-year gain of all 50 states in this year's annual America's Health Rankings report. New York was ranked 10th in 2017, rising from 18th in 2012. When the rankings were first created in 1990, New York was ranked 40th in the nation. The full report is available at assets.americashealthrankings.org.

23 Year old Kevin Perry of Laurens has been charged with 1st degree murder & criminal use of a weapon, for allegedly killing his parents in their home on New Road in the town of Laurens last night. The sheriff's office received a call from a relative who found Tim & Solveig Perry dead in their home, The Otsego County Sheriff's department alerted area law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for Perry's Pickup truck. Schoharie County sheriff’s deputies spotted the Pick Up truck, on I-88, Perry was apprehended following a high-speed chase, & a crash where Perry’s vehicle overturned at Exit 23. Perry was arraigned today in Town of Oneonta court, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested Matthew Bowden of Hancock for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, after a stop in Hancock for traffic violations. Deputies observed a strong scent of marihuana emanating from the vehicle; a search of the vehicle uncovered a quantity of marihuana. Deputies also discovered that Bowden’s operating privileges in New York State had been suspended. Bowden was released with appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $755 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. All 10 regions won money for their projects, the top 5 winning regions were Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, The Mid Hudson region & Long Island. Locally, the Mohawk regional Council, which includes Otsego County, receives $85.5 Million dollars for their projects, which includes a $525,000 award for Brewery Ommegang for their Hospitality Center in Cooperstown. The Southern Tier Region, which contains Delaware, Chenango & Broome Counties will receive 67. 3 Million dollars for their various projects.

The State Health Department declared that influenza is now prevalent in the State, which puts into effect a regulation requiring that health care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present. New York has had 1,820 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in 54 counties and all 5 boroughs of New York City. There have been 612 influenza-related hospitalizations reported, and no reports of pediatric deaths from influenza. Over the last three seasons, there have been 19 pediatric influenza deaths in New York and an average of 11,183 influenza-related hospitalizations each season.

The number of craft beverage manufacturers has grown by 50% since the enactment of the Craft New York Act 3 years ago. In the three years since the Craft Act was enacted, 35 cideries, 60 wineries and farm wineries, 67 craft distillers and 178 craft breweries have opened for business in the state. Of those 340 new businesses, 260 are farm-based producers that use locally sourced ingredients in their production.

President Donald Trump is engaging in a Twitter feud with Democratic New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, after the Senator called on Trump to step down due to numerous accounts of sexual harassment by several women against Trump over the last 4 decades. The President called Gillibrand disloyal, for allegedly asking Trump for Campaign Contributions a few years ago before Trump's alliance with the Republican Party.

Governor Cuomo today directed the New York Department of State to issue new regulations holding consumer credit reporting agencies accountable to the public. The regulations, adopted on an emergency basis and effective immediately, require consumer credit reporting agencies to respond within 10 days to requests made by the Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection on behalf of consumers. The new regulations to protect consumers are available at dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

The State's "Charge NY" initiative is offering electric car buyers a Rebate of up to $2,000 for new car purchases or leases, which when combined with a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500 can lead to savings for New Yorkers interested in the newer Green vehicles. State residents who buy or lease a plug-in hybrid or battery-powered car may qualify for the Drive Clean Rebate. Currently, there are 30 electric car models that can qualify for the rebate programs.

The Delaware County Office for the Aging will hold a Holiday Open House Wednesday at their new location. The Open House will run from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the 97 Main street location in Delhi.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the newly created Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program, to provide funding assistance to eligible applicants for projects that seek to attract more tourists. Applications for grant assistance under this program must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. The Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program is funded through revenues raised through the Delaware County Hotel Occupancy Tax. More information is available at the Delaware County Department of Economic Development at 832-5123, by email to ecodev@co.delaware.ny.us or at the office at 1 Courthouse Square in Delhi.

The State Department of Health announced the filing of regulations for adoption that will improve the state's Medical Marijuana Program for patients, practitioners and registered organizations. These regulations allow for the sale of additional medical marijuana products and the ability for the Department to approve new courses that will allow prospective practitioners to complete their training in a shorter amount of time. The regulations also streamline the manufacturing requirements for medical marijuana products. There are 38,642 certified patients and 1,358 registered practitioners participating in the program.

Governor Cuomo today announced the availability of $26 million of for the Affordable Home Ownership Development Program. Grants can be used to make improvements to existing owner-occupied single or multi-family homes, condominiums, or cooperatives; acquire and rehabilitate owner-occupied homes for sale, including single and multi-family homes, condominiums, or cooperatives; and construct new owner-occupied homes for sale, including single and multi-family homes, condominiums, or cooperatives including dilapidated and manufactured homes. Applications are due February 16, 2018. More information can be found at nyshcr.org.

Operation Merry Christmas announced Sunday that this year's giveaway will be on Saturday, December 16th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Charitable organization announced that pick ups will be at their new location at 12 Whitney Way in Bainbridge, behind the Galaxy bowling alley on State Route 7, just outside of Bainbridge.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Shakeem Enang of the Bronx on a sealed indictment warrant following a grand jury proceeding involving the sale of HEROIN in Stamford. Deputies located Enang in a bathroom inside a residence, where he allegedly attempted to flush HEROIN and COCAINE down a toilet. Enang was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance & 1 count of Tampering with physical evidence. Investigators seized 80 wax bags of heroin, 2 grams of Cocaine and $668 cash. Enang was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail pending future court action.

The Afton Central School District has appointed Timothy McNamara as the new Superintendent of Schools. McNamara has accepted the position; the Afton School board is expected to act on McNamara's appointment at their meeting this evening.

Resorts World Catskills announced that the new casino in Monticello is expecting to add 1400 jobs once they are open for business. The company is holding job fairs in Sullivan & Orange Counties, the casino is one several new casino's opening in the Upstate Counties, after the state amended their laws to allow for the casino's to open.

Environmental Advocates of New York released an update to its 2016 report Tapped Out: New York's Clean Water in Peril. The new analysis published by the DEC as required by the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act, shows that from May 2013 to July 2017, a total of 10,687 overflows were reported, translating into over 3.8 billion gallons of sewage being discharged into waterways. Statistics indicates more work is needed to help municipalities fully comply with the Act and more funding is needed for municipalities to address aging infrastructure.

The Oneonta Common Council decided at last night’s meeting to prohibit smoking & tobacco use in Muller Plaza & in all city parks. Mayor Herzig will hold a public hearing on the new ordinance at the December 19th meeting before it can be signed into law.

New York State hunters have been more successful in 2017 than last year through the first several weeks of big game seasons, according to the state DEC. Through the 3rd weekend hunters reported 69,550 deer, compared to 61,184 through the same period in 2016. Hunters have reported taking 814 bears so far in the Southern Zone, compared to 775 last year. A final tally of the seasons’ deer and bear harvests will be compiled and released early in 2018.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released an updated Brochure "Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Know Your Rights"; to inform New Yorkers sexual harassment laws. The guidance provides victims of sexual harassment with information on the appropriate agencies to consult should they seek to file a complaint or take legal action, along with help lines for further support. The brochure is available at ag.ny.gov.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will begin its 2018 monthly networking breakfasts on January 5 at SUNY Delhi’s Alumni Hall from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The presentation will be on the New York Paid Family Leave Law, nearly all private sector employees in New York will be eligible for Paid Family Leave, the featured speaker is New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations are required at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 15 state Attorneys General, they filed a lawsuit against the EPA and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for failing to meet the Clean Air Act's statutory deadline for designating areas of the country impacted by unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone pollution. The lawsuit, was filed jointly by the Attorneys General of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington DC & 10 other states Tuesday.

Tri Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will have a new name as of January 1st, following the recent decision to have the hospital affiliated with Fox Hospital in Oneonta, rather than Bassett hospital in Cooperstown. State regulations stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care facility, Fox is about 23 miles from the Sidney facility. The new name will be A.O. Fox Hospital- Tri Town Regional Campus; services that are available will be unchanged with the new name.

New York Farm Bureau & the Food Bank Association of New York State announced that New York farmers donated 9 million pounds of fresh food and farm products this year through the month of November. 7 million meals were provided to New Yorkers in need, and with less than a month to go in 2017, the number is expected to climb even more during the holiday season.

The Commerce Chenango Business After Hours Holiday Celebration will be held today at the Norwich NBT Bank. Participants are asked to help Catholic Charities "Roots and Wings" food pantry by bringing a non-perishable food item, NBT is also accepting new, unwrapped toys for the local Toys-for-Tots Program.

Michael Rodriguez of Pennsylvania was charged with reckless endangerment & assault, for firing allegedly firing a weapon at the Galleria Mall in Wallkill on November 26th. A mother & 12 year old son were injured in the shooting, Rodriguez will not be arrested on any weapons charges as he had legal permits to carry the weapon in both Pennsylvania & new York.

Fire investigators have ruled that it was static electricity set fire to a flammable liquid during the manufacturing process that led to a fire at the Verla Cosmetics factory in New Windsor on November 20th. 1 person was killed & 125 suffered a variety of injuries at the plant that employed 225 people.

Governor Cuomo responded regarding the Senate passage of a tax bill that would be devastating to New York State:

(Cuomo 12-3-17)

Senators Gillibrand & Schumer voted against the measure.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Teachers' Association is hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, tomorrow at the Greenlawn Elementary School Gymnasium. BG High School Teacher Amy LaFever told WCDO News that the proceeds would benefit the BG Angel Fund:

(Amy LaFever 12-1-17)

Among the activities from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM tomorrow, will be crafts for children, a Chinese Auction, a bake sale, and $5 pictures with Santa, plus a pancake breakfast in the Greenlawn cafeteria, more information is available at 437-7896.

New York State Office of General Services announced that a special exhibition at the Empire State Plaza, “AIDS: Art in Protest,” will open today on World AIDS Day. The event is free and open to the public, it will be held at the exhibit space located on the walls adjacent to the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop. The exhibit will be on display until January 1, 2018

Acco Brands of Sidney & Wal-Mart announced an agreement today in Sidney that Walmart will have a large assortment of Acco Brands products in their stores, following a 250 billion dollar Walmart corporate decision to commit to purchasing American Made Products. Jason Klipa is the Director of public affairs for Walmart:

(Jason Klipa 11-30-17)

Sal Testani is the Senior Vice President of sales for Acco Brands, he told WCDO News how they worked to convince Walmart buyers that Acco was a perfect partner in this initiative:

(Sal Testani 11-30-17)

Testani said that the move already added 15 jobs in Sidney, & Acco has spent millions of dollars on new machinery & upgrades to maintain this partnership with Walmart for years to come.

Governor Cuomo today announced the availability of up to $3.5 million for research and development proposals to accelerate the use of electric vehicles, reduce the cost of installing and operating charging stations, and provide recommendations on how they can be used for grid resiliency. NYSERDA will administer the solicitation, proposals could focus on How to reduce the impact of charging vehicles on the grid; how vehicles can be integrated into buildings to provide backup power; or How to remotely manage electric vehicle charging at peak times. There are about 23,000 electric vehicles registered in New York currently.

New York State of Health announced that more than 45,800 new enrollees already have enrolled in coverage in the first four weeks of the current open enrollment for next year. Enrollment is outpacing last year by about 13% & more than 140,000 consumers have already renewed coverage or newly enrolled in health plan for 2018. New York's uninsured rate is down to 4.7%.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch reminded pistol permit holders that due to SAFE Act requirements, they must recertify all pistol permits 5 years after the date the license was issued. Last January, the State Police mailed approximately 350,000 letters statewide to remind pistol owners of the new recertification restrictions. As of right now, only about 175,000 people have responded. More information is available at troopers.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced New York has committed $2.6 million to build or improve 12 playgrounds at 10 State Parks across New York - as part of a goal to modernize 100 State Park playgrounds. Locally, Chenango Valley State Park will receive funds to construct a 3,500-square-foot splash pad as a part of the beach redevelopment.

State Police arrested 38 year old Erik Barber of Syracuse, for the felonies of DWI & Criminal Possession of a Firearm and other traffic violations. Troopers were advised of an erratic driver on State Route 8 in the town of New Berlin; Barber was arraigned at the village of Sherburne Court and was released on his own recognizance. His next court date in the town of New Berlin Court is December 6th.

The State DEC announced that $2.2M available to help local governments across New York switch to Electric Cars & install charging stations. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles & refueling infrastructure are also eligible. More information is available at the State's grant database on.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced the deployment of 72 additional New York State electric utility experts to Puerto Rico arriving today and tomorrow to assist with the ongoing recovery of Puerto Rico's power grid. The deployment coincides with the arrival of a barge loaded with an additional 55 utility vehicles and equipment docking at the port in San Juan. Under Governor Cuomo's direction, this week's deployment brings the total number of New York utility personnel involved in the power restoration effort to 457 along with approximately 330 New York utility vehicles and other power recovery equipment to assist with the island's restoration of power.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $20 million dollars will be awarded statewide to replace residential drinking water lead service lines as part of New York's Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program awards locally include the City of Binghamton, which will receive $663,000.

Governor Cuomo announced a new public awareness campaign on the fentanyl crisis, which consists of ads about the dangers of fentanyl, providing safety tips on prevention, and offering guidance on how to safely respond to a fentanyl overdose. The campaign will include banners on social media, Advertisements on all forms of mass transit, and ads in shopping area and laundromats in communities throughout the state. Each advertisement will direct people to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov or call the state's HOPEline number for help, at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

The Village of Sidney is reminding Main Street area property owners & residents to NOT use salt or salt-like products on the newly poured concrete this winter. Sand is available by request to building & businesses owners or caretakers to throw sand on any snow this winter, as the rock salt could be harmful to the new concrete. More information is available at 561-2329 Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM & 2:30 PM.

State Senator Fred Akshar will be visiting classrooms in 3 more schools Today as part of his new district-wide "Akshar All-Star" student recognition program. Akshar will visit the Tioga Central High School in Barton, The Vestal Middle School Library & at 2:00pm, the Oxford High School

Governor Cuomo reminds New Yorkers that there is free admission to all New York State parks to encourage New Yorkers and their families to take advantage of the more than 335,000 acres of state-owned land. During Thanksgiving weekend, State Parks will offer various family friendly events and programs at locations across the state. The full list of parks is available at parks.ny.gov.

State officials are reminding Hunters to be extra careful, following a fatal accident in Western New York. DEC officials reported that on Wednesday afternoon, Rosemary Billquist of Sherman, New York was shot by a hunter while walking her dogs in a field by a male subject, who called 9-1-1 and administered first aid. Billquist was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Governor Cuomo today announced a statewide holiday drive to benefit families in need across New York. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are being collected to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season. The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations that will be collecting donations from Monday, November 27 through Friday, December 15. Local Drop-off locations are the Binghamton State Office Building, at 44 Hawley Street, The Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street in Oneonta

The New York State Department of Health is reminding all New Yorkers that beginning today the use of electronic cigarettes is banned indoors everywhere that smoking tobacco products are prohibited in New York. This new law will reduce exposure to the potentially dangerous chemicals for e-cigarette users and those around them. This ban builds upon legislation signed in July by Governor Cuomo that immediately banned the use of e-cigarettes on all public and private school grounds in New York State.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2017. Locally, Chenango County's rate was at 4.7%, Delaware County at 4.8% & Otsego County at 4.3%. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.8% in October 2017.

Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a $1.7 million project to replace the State Route 28 bridge over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the town of Milford. The bridge opened to traffic today, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The new bridge is a two-span structure supported by steel and concrete beams. It has 12-foot travel lanes and eight-foot shoulders in each direction. Approximately 5,200 vehicles use the Route 28 bridge each day.

The State DMV, the DEC and the State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation are reminding New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually, it can be performed online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Last year, 106,867 snowmobiles were registered in New York.

The Village of Bainbridge announced that there would be 2 public hearings in addition to the regular monthly Board meeting. The hearings are for the new Spectrum contract and the resolution for the Restore NY grant application. All residents are encouraged to attend this evening at 6:30 PM at 33 West Main Street.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to read the fine print on gift cards this holiday season for details about fees and expiration dates. DiNapoli said New Yorkers should use their gift cards within a year of purchase to avoid inactivity fees and register cards with the retailers that offer it so the owner can be identified. Money from unused gift cards issued by New York businesses is turned over to the State Comptroller’s office as abandoned property after five years of dormancy.

The first side of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization project is winding down prior to the extended winter weather. Ian Law of Place Alliance told WCDO News of the timeline:

(Ian Law 11-20-17)

Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak said that the Main Street Property owners are being told NOT to use sale or salt like products on the newly poured concrete:

(Andy Matviak 11-20-17)

The Next public meeting with Sidney officials & Place Alliance will be December 4th at 10:00 AM in the 1st floor board room of the Sidney Civic Center.

The Bainbridge Guilford Girls Volleyball Team won the New York state Class D Title this weekend in Glens Falls, with an exciting win over defending Champions Panama from Western New York. B-G Coach Tami Selfridge said that the team made school history with this win:

(TAMI SELFRIDGE 11-20-17)

The Lady Bobcats were welcomed back to Bainbridge last night with a parade of fire trucks, Police cars & hundreds of fans who came out to celebrate with the girls. Coach Selfridge & the team thank the school & the entire communities for their support this season.

A review of the Oneonta Police Department’s actions, following the recent death of a man in custody has been completed by the Oneonta Police Department & the Otsego County District attorney's office. Oneonta Police had a search warrant for a city residence & to perform a strip search of 52-year-old Kenneth Faulkner of New Rochelle, following a lengthy drug investigation. Faulkner resisted the efforts of 4 officers; he swallowed a packet of cocaine, which led to his death several hours after the struggle on November 2nd. The results of the department’s report have been submitted to state officials.

State Senator Fred Akshar and Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch have released answers to the many questions posed by the community regarding the planned repurposing of the former Broome Developmental Center to bring new Addiction Treatment Services to the community. The document compiles questions raised at the October 26th Town Hall Meeting, with answers from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, the Broome County Department of Social Service and the Broome County Health Department. The document can be found at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov; nyassembly.gov/Donna Lupardo or nyassembly.gov/Clifford Crouch.

Officials with the Jericho Arts Council announced that the concert originally scheduled for Saturday night has been cancelled. The Council had scheduled Tony Holt & The Wildwood Valley Boys for Saturday night, a new date for a make up show has not been announced.

New York’s statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.8% in October, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. Private educational and health services added the most jobs (+51,900) of any major industry sector over the past year. Manufacturing lost the most jobs (-17,100) of any major industry sector in New York State, other losses were concentrated in durable goods (-12,800), especially fabricated metal products (-3,200).

Bassett Healthcare Network is currently holding their annual "Coats for Kids" event. Interested residents can drop off new or gently used children's coats at Bassett Healthcare Network locations or at any First Choice Cleaners before Monday. Coats will be cleaned by First Choice Cleaners, the Distribution of the items will be November 25th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Bassett Healthcare at 125 Main Street, Oneonta & November 27 to December 1st from 10 AM to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. More information is available at 547-3914

Today is “The Great American Smoke Out”, a day when smokers try to quit together for at least one day, in the hope of quitting permanently. More than 2.2 million New York adults still smoke and more than 26,000 die as a result each year, the State Smokers' Quitline is still available as a free resource for all New Yorkers seeking help. Quit Coaches can be reached at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) to provide personalized coaching and support, and additional resources are available online at www.nysmokefree.com.