WCDO Radio News

The Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting & Chenango county DA Joe McBride held a press conference this morning, regarding the murder of 39-year-old Lucinda Knoll of Norwich, and the arrest of her former boyfriend, 48-year-old William Danielson of Preston.  Sheriff Cutting described the intial response after deputies arrived to the report of the attack Friday in Norwich:

(Sheriff Cutting 12-31-13)

Chenango County DA Joe McBride said that they have enough evidence for the arrest of Danielson & to present to a Grand Jury:

(Joe McBride 12-31-13)

Danielson is being held in the Chenango County Jail without bail.  Sheriff Cutting said that the couple’s 7-year-old son is the sole witness of the attack so far; he was removed from the vehicle by a neighbor, who then called police. Sheriff Cutting is asking anyone who was in the vicinity of Maple Grove Trailer Park around 6:00 AM Friday to call 337-1921 or 337-1863.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance issued a final reminder to homeowners, that they must register for the Basic STAR property tax exemption today. The average homeowner saves $700 each year on their tax bill from the Basic STAR exemption, which is available on the primary residence of homeowners with incomes under $500,000. Registrations are available at  tax.ny.gov or 518-457-2036.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office announced that 39-year-old Lucinda Knoll of Norwich passed away on Saturday from the injuries sustained in the attack early Friday morning.  Knoll’s former boyfriend, 48 year old William Danielson of Oxford has been charged with 2nd degree murder, he was arraigned on the news charges Monday and was remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who was in the area of Maple Grove Trailer Park around 6:00 AM Friday to call 337-1921 or 337-1863.   more details will be released later this morning by Sheriff Cutting at a press conference in Norwich.

The NY State of Health reported that 480,911 New Yorkers have completed their applications and 241,522 people have enrolled for health insurance coverage. Over the two-day period from December 23 to December 24, enrollments increased by 42,078. The open enrollment period for individuals on the NY State of Health marketplace runs through March 31st.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 39-year-old Lucinda Knoll has died, from injuries sustained in an attack early Friday morning.  Knoll’s former boyfriend, 48-year-old William Danielson of Oxford is now charged with 2nd degree Murder & he was arraigned on the new charge this morning & continues to be held in the Chenango County jail without bail.  Anyone with information about the early Friday morning attack at the Maple Grove Trailer Park in Norwich is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 337-1921 or 337-1863.

Many new laws go into effect on Wednesday, New Year’s day.  The Family Tax Relief law means that over the next 3 years, Middle class families with at least 1 dependent child and a household income between $40,000 and $300,000 will receive $350 in direct tax relief each year.  Also,  the state’s corporate tax on manufacturers will be reduced by almost 10% in 2014 & will be fully phased-in by 2017-18.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 48-year-old William Danielson of oxford, following the attack on a woman in her driveway on Bourbon Street in the Town of Norwich. 39 year old Lucinda Knoll was transported to Wilson Hospital with serious head trauma, Danielson is charged with 2nd degree Attempted Murder & 1st degree Robbery, he was arraigned in Chenango County Court and remanded to the Chenango County jail without bail pending court action January 2nd.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who was in the area of Maple Grove Trailer Park around 6:00 AM Friday to call 337-1921 or 337-1863.

Governor Cuomo announced Empire State Development has approved more than $14.5 million in New York State Broadband Grants to support 9 projects to expand access to broadband services for nearly 30,000 residents and more than 2,000 businesses across Upstate New York.    The 9 projects will deliver broadband services to 29,117 households, 2,052 businesses, and 236 community anchor institutions, and will provide 614 miles of new fiber.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov.

There are only 4 more days left to register for the Basic STAR property tax exemption.  The state department of Taxation & Finance urges homeowners to register before the end of the day on December 31st, they can do so online at tax.ny.gov, or they can call 518-457-2036 from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM weekdays, and from 9:00 Am to 1:00 Pm Saturday’s & Sundays.

Governor Cuomo today announced funding for college tours to provide low-income students an opportunity to experience college first-hand and increase their interest in higher education.  The State Higher Education Services Corporation administers the New York College Access Challenge Grant program; they are dedicating $500,000 to support sub-grants of up to $45,000 for organizations that provide college tours to low-income students. More information is available at HESC.ny.gov/CACG.

Norwich police announced that 73-year-old Gary Powell of Norwich has been reported missing.  Powell was last seen yesterday afternoon operating a 2006 PT Cruiser, black, with New York license plate number CKR-5668. Police said that Powell may be suffering from dementia and is in need of dialysis treatment. Anyone with information can call 334-1212.

The NY State of Health reported that 447,990 New Yorkers have completed their applications and 214,077 people have enrolled for coverage starting on January 1st.  The number of enrolled New Yorkers increased by 25,531 since Monday.  More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling toll-free at 1-855-355-5777.

The Binghamton Senators announced that they would be inducting Denis Hamel into the Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame in an on-ice ceremony during the January 25 home game versus the Rochester Americans. Binghamton Senators Team owner Tom Mitchell explains:

(Tom Mitchell 12-26-13)

Hamel played in 438 games recording 203 goals and 189 assists, for 392 points, power-play goals with 86, game-winning goals with 36 and shorthanded goals with 14.  Tickets are available by calling the Binghamton Senators Executive Office at 722-7367 or at the Arena Box Office, or through Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.

A national coalition of anti-smoking advocates ranks New York 21st among states in funding for smoking cessation programs. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids also included New York among states it said broke promises to use all or most of the money, from the tobacco company settlement 15 years ago, to combat smoking. The group said New York is spending about $40 million a year on tobacco prevention programs after annual declines the last decade. That spending is only about 16 percent of the $254 million in yearly funding recommended for New York by the CDC.

COOPERSTOWN FUGITIVE CAUGHT

62-year-old  Barry Renert has been apprehended by the Richmond City Police Department in Virginia, shortly after midnight.  Renert was remanded to the Richmond City Jail, he was wanted for yesterday’s shooting at the 7th Inning Stretch store at 137 Main Street in Cooperstown.

State wildlife managers tallying results of the 2013 big game season said hunters killed slightly more deer than last year, but not enough to meet population reduction goals in targeted areas. The state DEC said the number of deer killed is about 1 percent higher than last year. The DEC tried to increase the number of antlerless deer killed to reduce deer populations in many areas.

Today is the latest deadline to sign up for the Federal Affordable Care act through the state’s health exchange, for coverage starting January 1st.  About 135,000 people have enrolled and 363,000 have completed applications. The last day for enrollment in coverage for next year is March 31st.  More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the locations of 116 winter farmers’ markets – the total at an all-time high in New York State – can now be found on the state’s open data website at Open.ny.gov (https://data.ny.gov/). This comprehensive data transparency website will help provide New Yorkers with a user-friendly way to search for farmers’ markets near their homes this winter season.

The drug problem in Delaware County continues to accelerate at a dangerous rate & 39 County officials met at the Public Safety Building to establish a County Drug Task Force. Sheriff Tom Mills said that there are problems associated with new drugs like “Mollies” as well as some other drugs that have been around for decades:

(Sheriff Tom Mills 12-23-13)

The drug epidemic in Delaware County has grown by 223% in 2012 and in response to the continuing increase in drug arrests, the Sheriff's Office is encouraging the public to get involved, by sending tips to the Sheriff's email on the Delaware County website: co.delaware.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the 2014 State of the State Address would be held in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center on January 8th at 1:30 PM.  New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register: www.governor.ny.gov.  The registration period takes place from today to Monday, December 30th at 5:00 PM.  Guests will be notified of their selection via email by January 6th. Guests are reminded that weapons and controlled substances as well as bags, backpacks, luggage, parcels, briefcases, and like articles will be strictly prohibited from the event.

Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies arrested 21-year-old Barbara Rico & 37-year-old Christopher Merwin, both of Delhi for 1 count each of Petty Larceny.  Rico & Merwin are accused of stealing checks from a Town of Hamden home where Rico was staying as a guest. Rico was arrested at the Delaware County Jail & was issued an appearance ticket in the Town of Hamden Court; Merwin was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail.  These arrests are a result of a joint investigation between the Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Sidney and Village of Walton Police Departments.  Merwin and Rico face additional charges in the Village of Sidney and Village of Walton.

State Police in Binghamton have been looking for 88-year-old Helen Oltz, who is a vulnerable adult with dementia and may be in need of medical attention. She has been missing since 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, she be driving a 2007 gray Buick Rendezvous SUV with New York registration BXZ-8810.  State Police in Binghamton ask anyone with information to call 775-1241 or 911.

Governor Cuomo announced changes yesterday to the mental health situation in the southern tier, with a new plan to keep much of the existing services going, and add new services. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch was one of the lawmakers who opposed the initial plans to close down mental health services around the greater Binghamton area, he told WCDO News that he is pleased with this outcome:

(Cliff Crouch 12-20-13)

Crouch said that they still have to work on a plan to keep the Broome Developmental Center opened; it is scheduled to close in 2015. Details of the plans announced yesterday are available at governor.ny.gov.

Sidney village police arrested 61 year old Robert Holt of Unadilla on a charge of petty larceny. Holt is accused of taking a misplaced envlelop with $1,000 cash belonging to someone else, in the lobby of the Sidney Federal Credit Union’s Main Branch. Holt faces court action in February.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Greater Binghamton Health Center  will remain open to provide adults and children’s services to the local communities. Under a revised plan the Greater Binghamton Health Center will maintain 16 children beds,a Children’s Behavioral Health Center of Excellence for the Southern Tier will be established in Binghamton.  The Greater Binghamton Health Center will maintain 60 adult beds and add 60 new community residential beds. The savings which will be reinvested for the combined 108 new residential beds with supported housing and family care, plus other services.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced that Service arrangements for Trooper David Cunniff have been set for today and tomorrow.  Calling hours will be today from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the Grace Fellowship Church in Watervliet, the Funeral Service will be tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM, also at the Grace Fellowship Church in Watervliet.  Trooper Cunniff died from injuries sustained while conducting a traffic stop on the Thruway Monday night in Amsterdam.

Governor Cuomo announced that his Administration has approved a new program from  Esurance, which allows policyholders to install a device free of charge in their cars that helps prevent teens from texting and calling while driving.  Esurance policyholders may install an in-car device into their teen’s car that, in conjunction with an Esurance app installed on their teen driver’s phone, can limit the use of text, email, application usage, and phone calls while driving, with the exception of 911. The device can also monitor driving behavior, including speeding, hard braking & fast acceleration, more information is available at  dmv.ny.gov/youngerdriver.

Governor Cuomo announced the availability of $500,000 to aid farmland protection efforts, where Municipalities can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to amend local laws to better protect farmland from being converted to non-agricultural use. Application materials and  webinar information is available for download at  agriculture.ny.gov (http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html).

Many questions will have to be answered next year, following a proposal to close facilities that cater to mental health issues, in Binghamton, Elmira & the north country.  State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton comments:

(Libous 12-18-13)

Libous said that if necessary, he has legislation, co-sponsored by Cliff Crouch in the Assembly, to call for a freeze on the closing of mental health facilities until 2015, if these questions can not be adequately answered.

Norse Energy filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court in Albany late Tuesday, the court papers challenge whether referring the review to the state Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah was permissible under state law, or was it a politically motivated delay.  The lawsuit seeks to force the DEC into finalizing its 5 ½ year review on the High-volume Hydraulic fracturing process to extract natural gas.

The New York Power Authority board of trustees approved the authority's 2014 budget that continues to invest in its 16 power plants and transmission facilities, and in its energy efficiency projects at local and state government facilities statewide.  The 2014 operating plan includes a budget of 379.3 million and an energy services budget of 222.3 million.  For more information go to nypa.gov.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will be hosting a town hall meeting for the town of Colchester tonight.   The meeting will take place at the town hall building at 72 Tannery Road Downsville at 6:00 PM.

P.m. news Tuesday 12-17-13
State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced the death of Trooper David Cunniff. Who succumbed to injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident on the State Thruway last night. Trooper Cunniff was conducting a traffic stop at around 8:00 PM last night when he was struck by a tractor-trailer, which had veered off of the road into the Patrol Vehicle & the stopped vehicle. Trooper Cunniff was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he died this afternoon. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

Governor Cuomo today released a report on the State's tourism initiatives showing that the number of visitors to New York increased by 8.8 million this year. The tourism industry is projected to generate $7.7 billion in state and local taxes with direct spending expected to reach $61.3 billion. The industry is also projected to add 24,800 jobs by the end of the year. Details of the report are available at governor.ny.gov.

The NY State of Health, the State's official health plan marketplace, said 363,258 New Yorkers had completed their applications and 134,622 people have enrolled for coverage starting on January 1st. The enrollments represent an increase of about 34 percent over the total from December 9th. more information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

13 canines and their handlers will graduate from New York State Police K-9 Academy this afternoon at 1:00 PM at the Police Academy in Albany.    The 13 graduates will be assigned throughout the state, locally Trooper Christopher May, & Canine Skiff will be at Troop C

State police at Norwich arrested 23-year-old Farrell Ruffles of Burlington Flats for aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC result of .21%. The arrest occurred after a 1-car property damage accident on State Route 12 in Norwich.  Ruffles was arraigned in the Norwich town court and remanded to the Chenango county jail in lieu of $2,000.00 cash bail.

State Police at Norwich received a missing person complaint involving 57-year-old STEVEN MORAN of Greene.  MORAN was last seen at a neighbor’s house on State Route 12 in the Town of Greene on Monday December 9th at about 3:00 PM, he was presumed to be walking back to his home.  MORAN suffers with Bi-polar disorder, searches of the area surrounding MORAN’S home have been conducted by State police, State Forest Rangers, State Police Aviation and Dive Team as well as volunteer searchers.  State Police are continuing the investigation and ask anyone who may have information as to Moran’s location or condition or may have had recent contact with him, should contact Police at 334-3296.

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

(David George 12-13-13)

Toys for Tots Coordinator Roger Barnhart explains:

(Roger Barnhart 12-13-13)

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

A winter storm is heading for the WCDO Listening area this weekend, Sidney High School Science Teacher & area meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 12-13-13)

WCDO will pass along any cancellations or postponements due to this winter storm.

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

The State Tax Department announced the state deadline to file for the 2014 STAR program has been moved from December 31st to early March.  Officials said that homeowners have the extra time, as the tax department has to notify local assessors about who hasn't registered. The registration does not apply to senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office investigates an armed robbery at the Sunoco station on Chenango Street in the town of Fenton last night.  Deputies responded to the Report of an armed robbery at 11:00 PM, where a man entered the store, pulled a knife on a clerk and left with an unknown amount of cash. The man is described as approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a gray hoodie, black ski mask, sunglasses and black pants, he left on foot in an unknown direction.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Sheriff's Detectives at 778-2053.

The New York Tax commission released its report to governor Cuomo earlier this week, with proposal to keep the state growing by lowering or freezing taxes. Governor Cuomo commented yesterday in Albany about the plan”:

(Cuomo Tax Commission 12-12-13)

The Commission also endorsed most of the plans forwarded to simplify the structure of state’s tax system by eliminating nuisance taxes. The governor will include the recommendations in his State of the State address January 8th and his state budget proposal, which will be released on January 21st.

State Senator Tom Libous reported that only 70% of Delaware County homeowners have registered for their STAR exemption. Libous said that there are still about 1,100 homeowners in Delaware County who are missing out on this money-saving School Tax Relief exemption. Homeowners across New York State who receive the Basic STAR exemption must re-register with the New York State Tax Department, by December 31st. registrations are available at tax.ny.gov and clicking on Register for STAR, or by calling 518-457-2036. Seniors receiving Enhanced STAR are NOT affected. Libous stated that the STAR program saves the average property owner $700 a year.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 23-Year-old Maxwell Ginty Jr of Delhi Monday. Deputies reported that an arrest warrant had been issued by the Town of Fenton Court on a charge of 4th degree Grand Larceny. Ginty was turned over to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office for further action.

Lawmakers from this area & the North Country have teamed up to oppose a plan to close mental health facilities in those regions, and funnel mental health patients all to Syracuse. Area assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that there is already a shortage of beds for mental health patients in this region, even before any cuts are implemented:

(Cliff Crouch 12-12-13)

Crouch said that if a cohesive long range plan is not agreed upon, he & state Senator Tom Libous will forward legislation in 2014 calling for a freeze on these cuts until 2015.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new I LOVE NY web store, providing New Yorkers and visitors 24/7 online and mobile access to purchase I LOVE NY merchandise. Users can visit the web store from the ILoveNY.com website, where they will be redirected to the online retail portal, or they can go directly to www.shopiloveny.com.

Nearly 200 new state troopers graduated from the police academy yesterday as part of the State Police graduation ceremony. The graduates completed a six-month training program and will begin supervised field training across the state next week. Because of state budget cuts, State Police didn’t have a graduating class for three years. The classes resumed last year.

Classes at SUNY Delhi were back in session yesterday afternoon, and will be open as scheduled today, following yesterday’s bomb threat. Law enforcement agencies swept through Evenden Tower & Sanford Hall following the bomb threat called in yesterday morning, both buildings were evacuated and no bombs were found. The investigation is continuing.

The 3rd annual awards for the state’s regional councils will be announced today at The Egg Theater near the state Capitol in Albany. The 10 regional councils competed for $756 million in grants and tax breaks, including $150 million in capital aid and $70 million in tax credits. So far, the program has supported 1,400 projects, and retained or created 75,000 jobs.

SUNY Delhi officials reported that law enforcement agencies responded this morning to a bomb threat received at around 7:30 AM.  The calls claimed that bombs were in Evenden Tower and Sanford Hall, the buildings were evacuated & law enforcement personnel initiated a search of both buildings, no bombs were found.  All classes scheduled for Evenden Tower and Sanford Hall today were canceled today, Delhi Village Police, Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Office and State Police responded, the bomb threat has been ruled as a hoax, the investigation is continuing.

State police arrested 49-year-old Penny Nober of Guilford for 8 counts of 1st degree forgery & 1 count of endangering the welfare of incompetent or disabled person.    The arrest occurred after investigating the reported theft and forgery of checks from a disabled person living on State Route 8 in Guilford, Nober was the caregiver of the victim.  Nober was arraigned at the Guilford town court and was released on her own recognizance pending future court action.

State police arrested 31 year old Ian Ward of Unadilla for felony aggravated DWI and unlawful possession of marihuana.  The arrest occurred after Ward was observed asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle stopped in the middle of Interstate 88 in Oneonta.  Troopers Broke a window & placed the vehicle in park, Ward had a previous DWI conviction, making this arrest a felony, Ward was arraigned at the Oneonta town court and remanded to the Otsego county jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail.

Norwich police charged 2 city residents with a variety of charges after observing them trying to break into parked vehicles.  20-year-old Earl Mullenax Jr  and 23-year-old  Ryan Price  face charges of Petty larceny & 6th degree Conspiracy upon arrest Sunday night, they face court action shortly.

State Police arrested 27-year-old Jamie Skovsende of Oneonta for felony DWI, after a stop was conducted for a loud exhaust on State Route 28 in Oneonta.  Troopers reported that Skovsende refused to provide a breath sample, a prior DWI conviction in 2011 made the new arrest a felony.   Skovsende was arraigned in the Oneonta court and remanded to the Otsego county jail in lieu of $1,500.00 cash bail.

Oneonta Police arrested 19-year-old Matthew Roth of Massapequa for 4th degree Grand Larceny, following an investigation into stolen credit and gift cards from the Hartwick College mailroom,  which  were used in various stores around Oneonta beginning in October.  Roth was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the City of Oneonta court at a later date.

The NY State of Health reported that 314,146 New Yorkers had completed their applications and 100,881 people have enrolled for Health care coverage starting on January 1, 2014. New Yorkers have until March 31st to enroll, and the first round of coverage begins January 1, 2014. To be covered by January 1, 2014, individuals must enroll by December 23, 2013. New York is on track to reach its enrollment goal of 1.1 million people by the end of 2016.

The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce next Business After Hours event will be held at SUNY Oneonta today.  The event will be held in Le Café in the Morris conference center between 4:30 and 6:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Travis Platt Jr of Delhi on a charge of 3rd degree Criminal Mischief.    Platt was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court & was remanded to Delaware County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail and $1,000 bond. He will appear in Delhi Town Court Tuesday for a felony hearing.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & Walton Police arrested 25-year-old Anthony Soules of Walton on an arrest warrant from Delaware County Family Court.  Soules was arraigned in Walton Village Court and sent to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail, he will return to Walton court at a later date.