WCDO Radio News

P.m. news Friday 12-19
New Yorkers oppose giving the state Legislature its first raise since 1999, and they remained split over whether the state should have moved forward with hydraulic fracturing, according to a Siena College poll. Voters oppose a legislative pay raise, 63 to 28%. Despite voters being evenly split upstate, the state's tough gun-control law called the SAFE Act was supported, 58 to 33% statewide. Voters were also evenly divided on the Dream Act that would provide tuition assistance to illegal immigrants, with 44% supporting it and 48% opposing it. Governor Cuomo had a 58% to 37% favorability rating, up slightly from October.

Action has been taken against several retailers after an investigation revealed many were selling toy guns that appear to be real. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office sent cease and desist letters to stop the online sales and shipments of toy guns that do not have required distinguishing designs. State law prohibits the sale of imitation guns in realistic colors, unless it has a one-inch wide orange stripe running down both sides of the barrel. Some toy guns could be mistaken for real weapons by both law enforcement and the general public. Since 1997, at least four people have died when law enforcement mistook toy guns for the real thing.

Governor Cuomo announced that the next phase of New York’s Combat Heroin campaign. Starting today, public service announcements will begin airing in movie theaters across New York State & 10 new “Real Story” videos have been posted to the state’s Combat Heroin website, at combatheroin.ny.gov. The PSAs and new videos show New Yorkers sharing their stories of recovery and addiction, the PSAs will be shown in movie theaters through early January, The Combat Heroin website now has 22 videos of New Yorkers describing heroin or prescription opioid addictions. combatheroin.ny.gov/real-stories.

The state DEC is reminding New Yorkers that as of January 1st, old electronic equipment must be recycled, not thrown in the trash. That includes computers, cell phones, televisions, stereos and other devices that plug in or run on batteries. On DEC's electronics recycling web page, consumers will find the brand of equipment they wish to recycle, as well as a link to the manufacturer's recycling program web page and a toll-free number for information about recycling. Go to dec.ny.gov

The State Department of Health has completed its public health review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing and Acting Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker recommended that high-volume hydraulic fracturing should not move forward in New York State. Dr. Zucker announced his findings and recommendations today at a Cabinet Meeting in Albany. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens will issue a findings statement that will prohibit Hydrofracking in New York State, the DEC will incorporate the findings of the public health review into the Final Environmental impact statement, which will be released with a response to public comments early next year.

Chobani will be donating one million cups of Greek yogurt to New Yorkers in need this holiday season as part of its commitment to give to the communities where they operate. The first one million cups will be distributed to City Harvest, to help feed more than 1.4 million New Yorkers facing hunger. The company will begin loading product on today from their plant in New Berlin. Chobani will also be making another large product donation to a local food organization near their Twin Falls plant in Idaho.

New York State remains free of any Ebola cases and the State Department of Health continues to monitor and screen health care workers and others traveling from Ebola-affected countries. Individuals may be monitored or quarantined for 21 days, depending on their contact history with Ebola. Anyone that has symptoms consistent with Ebola virus will be immediately transported to a specially designated hospital and tested. New York has had only one patient with Ebola, a health care worker who recovered from the disease at Bellevue Hospital in New York City

Governor Cuomo announced today that New York will not move forward with hydrofracking. The announcement follows a study on a possible health effects on Hydraulic Fratcuring for Natural gas. State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker doesn't recommend moving forward with hydrofracking until more studies are done, the state has hadf a moratorium in place for 6 years, ther process was used extensively in Western New York since 1979.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a new scam app that allows homeowners to identify and avoid mortgage rescue scams. AG ScamHelp.com is a web based-app that allows users to search the name of any real organization offering mortgage assistance. The app will show that an organization is "Trusted" if it is part of the Attorney General's Homeowner Protection Program, or has been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It will also warn consumers of some of the hallmarks of mortgage rescue scams

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced a new reduction in management fees for the state’s 529 College Savings Program’s Direct Plan. New York’s Direct Plan has more than 650,000 accounts valued at more than $16 billion. The 529 College Savings Program is an investment tool to help parents save for college. The Direct Plan offers a variety of investment options including three age-based portfolio options that parents can choose from based on risk tolerance and the age of their child. For more information about the program, visit osc.state.ny.us

Governor Cuomo announced that the State University of New York would put in place a comprehensive system-wide uniform set of practices to combat sexual assaults on SUNY campuses. The resolution was passed Thursday by the SUNY Board of Trustees, It includes a system wide definition of consent that is required between participants before engaging in sexual activity; an Immunity Policy to protect students coming forward to report sexual assault; A training program for campus police and administrators, Regarding how to address sexual assault incidents; and a Sexual Assault Victims Bill Of Rights that will inform a student of their rights following an attack, including the option of approaching State Police.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man who has been contacting women on FaceTime. the unidentifed man performs a lewd act in front of the camera & has threatened physical harm to at least 1 of the victims. Anyone with information is to contact the Sheriff's Office on Facebook, at chenangosheriff.us or 334-2000.

The Norwich City School District will put forward a $15 million building project to be divided among each of the district’s four schools, as well as the field house and bus garage. The proposal marks the first major building project for the district since 2005. Using money from three primary sources (state aid, existing debt payments, and reserves), school officials said the project will bear no impact on the local tax levy

The state department of taxation said all one million family rebate checks have been mailed, but the state is warning about potential scammers. The $350 rebate checks should all arrive by this Friday. If you don’t get one and think you should, you can apply for it at tax.ny.gov. The tax department warned that scam artists have been contacting taxpayers by phone seeking personal information to confirm they are eligible for a tax rebate. People should not answer any questions about personal information and to call the state Attorney General’s Consumer Protection line: 1-800-771-7755

The Binghamton Mets will host game 3 of the Eastern league Championship series tonight against Richmond. The Mets took the first 2 games of the series in Richmond, if they win tonight, the team will have their first league championship since 1994.   Tickets are still available at Bmets. Com, game time tonight at 7:05 at NYSEG stadium.

2 Senate Democrats introduced legislation to reduce the financial incentive for corporations to move their headquarters overseas through transactions known as tax inversions. The bill by Senator Chuck Schumer of and Richard Durbin would reduce the practice known as "earnings stripping'' in which U.S. subsidiaries deduct up to 50 percent of interest payments on their debt. Schumer and Durbin want to cut the deduction in half and to stop letting corporations carry forward their interest expense deductions to use them in the future. Schumer said he hopes the bill can pick up enough GOP support to pass after the November elections

Governor Cuomo opened up the New York State Fair in Syracuse this morning, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Cuomo is currently running for a 2nd term as governor, his republican challenger Rob Astorino also made the rounds at the State Fair today, he is trailing Cuomo in the most recent polls by a 2 to 1 margin.  Green Party Candidate Howe Hawkins held a press conference at the main entrance to the fair at 12:00 Noon.

The 3rd murder trial of Owego Businessman Calvin Harris has been rescheduled to begin in October, instead of the original September 15th date, in Schoharie county court.  The move was made following arguments by Harris’s defense team during pre-trial proceedings.  Harris was first convicted in 2007 for the September 11th 2001 murder his estranged wife Michelle, that conviction was set aside when an eyewitness came forward claiming to have seen Michelle Harris after the original murder date.  Harris was convicted at his 2nd trial in 2009, which was also overturned, Michelle Harris’s body, and the murder weapon have never been found.

New York drivers are breaking the law unknowingly, as license plate holders are illegal if it obstructs the portion that says New York, or blocks any number on the plate. Drivers can be ticketed for the holders some car dealers put on, but State Police said it's not common to get pulled over just for your license plate cover, but it can happen.

Starting today, you can buy advance tickets to the New York State Fair online. A one-day advance sale admission ticket will cost $6. If you plan on going more than one day, 6-day frequent fairgoer admission books are available for $30. For information on how to get tickets, go to nysfair.org.

Governor Cuomo leads Republican opponent Rob Astorino by 37 points, according to a new Siena Poll. Cuomo leads 60- 23%. Cuomo's lead among likely voters is 76 points in New York City and just 15 points Upstate. The poll showed a lower opinion of state legislators, yet were still inclined to re-elect their own legislators over someone else. The poll also asked a question about the Common Core education standards. By a 10-point margin, voters said the standards should be stopped. On hydrofracking, 43 percent said they oppose allowing the state to move forward with hydrofracking.

Starting today, you can buy advance tickets to the New York State Fair online. A one-day advance sale admission ticket will cost $6.  If you plan on going more than one day, 6-day frequent fairgoer admission books are available for $30. For information on how to get tickets, go to nysfair.org.

Governor Cuomo leads Republican opponent Rob Astorino by 37 points, according to a new Siena Poll. Cuomo leads 60- 23%. Cuomo's lead among likely voters is 76 points in New York City and just 15 points Upstate. The poll showed a lower opinion of state legislators, yet were still inclined to re-elect their own legislators over someone else. The poll also asked a question about the Common Core education standards. By a 10-point margin, voters said the standards should be stopped. On hydrofracking, 43 percent said they oppose allowing the state to move forward with hydrofracking.

The Anti-Fracking movement claimed victory this week when a supreme court judge tossed out lawsuits from the Joint Landowners Coalition and Norse energy, the 2 entities were trying to push Governor Cuomo to make a decision on Hydrofracking after 6 years of a moratorium.  Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Rob Astorino vowed to move forward with allowing hydro-fracking is elected as governor in the November election.  Governor Cuomo inherited the gas-drilling moratorium from the previous administration of David Paterson; research is still being performed by the state health department following thousands of [public comments on the issue.

State Police announced the results of a preliminary investigation into a plane crash in the Town of Roxbury last Friday afternoon. The investigation determined that 45-year-old James Leavelle of Mentor Ohio was piloting the 1943 single propeller aircraft; he attempted to land on a private grass airfield due to approaching foul weather, Leavelle felt that his forward momentum was too great to stop within the length of the field, he attempted to become airborne again for a 2nd attempt, he clipped trees & a power line and crashed. Leavelle suffered a minor hairline fracture in one spinal disc in the neck; the plane was dismantled and removed for the investigation by the FAA & The NTSB.

A bill that would create a statewide registry of violent felony offenders has passed the Senate. “Brittany’s Law” would require violent convicted felons to register with the state’s Department of Criminal Justice Service, after being released from prison, it would be set up similar to the current sex offender registry. The bill is named after 12-year-old Brittany Passalacqua who was killed in 2009 by John Brown, who was on parole at the time after serving 2½ years for assaulting his infant daughter. The bill was sent to the Assembly for consideration.

Businesses owned by disabled veterans will get a share of state contracts under a bill signed Monday by Governor Cuomo. The Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act requires the state to create rules and regulations to oversee a new program, that will set aside 6% of contracts to a business owned by 1 or more veterans with a disability while serving in any branch of the Military. The law was passed by the state Legislature in March.

P.m. news Wednesday 5-7-14
Governor Cuomo yesterday honored 20 fallen police officers from law enforcement agencies across New York State, including 5 who died in 2013 in the line of duty. The names of the 20 officers join the 1,340 others who have been inscribed in the black granite walls of the Police Officers' Memorial, which represents 140 police agencies statewide and five federal agencies. More than 400 people attended the remembrance ceremony, which was held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino made a stop in Broome County yesterday advocating for natural gas drilling. Astorino said the State DEC reports at least 25,000 jobs could be created through natural gas drilling. Astorino claims he will allow natural gas drilling, if he becomes Governor, but would put public health first by setting up the proper regulations before moving forward. Astorino is challenging Governor Cuomo in the upcoming November election.

State Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney has challenged incumbent Republican Congressman Richard Hanna to debates prior to the Republican primary for the 22nd Congressional District seat. A recent poll shows Hanna with a large lead over Tenney by 73% to 17% with 9% undecided.   Tea Party activist Michael Kicinski of Earlville has also filed petitions to appear on the GOP ballot. He lost to Hanna in a primary in 2012. No democrats have come forward to run in this race.

New Yorkers are reminded that nearly 88,000 jobs are currently available and listed on the Jobs Express website. The site sorts thousands of jobs by region and occupation, and also allows users to search jobs based on zip code and travel distance. New businesses and job listings are added each day. A total of 7,700 businesses posted a new job order on the site in March 2014, an increase of 22 percent from March 2013. Go to jobs.ny.gov

The state Attorney General’s office is trying to dismiss 2 lawsuits that seek to force a decision on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in New York. The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York, and the bankruptcy trustee for Norse Energy, filed separate legal challenges recently, arguing that the Cuomo administration is unnecessarily delaying a review of hydrofracking.  Hydrofracking has been under a moratorium in New York since 2008, when then-Governor David Paterson began the environmental review process.  A hearing on the lawsuits is currently scheduled for April 25th in state Supreme Court in Albany.

The state Gaming Commission's Facility Location Board will put out requests for applications today for 4 privately owned casinos in 3 regions of the state: the Albany area, Catskills and Southern Tier.  9 bidders have already come forward with their plans, working out to 3 bidders in each region.  The application process will end on June 30th.

Governor Cuomo announced additional efforts to protect New Yorkers from potential disasters involving the transport of crude oil by train, including a 2nd round of rail inspections to enforce existing freight rail safety regulations.  Cuomo is urging changes to federal spill response plans to better reflect and properly address threats posed by the increasing transport of crude oil throughout New York State.  Governor Cuomo raised concerns about the issue Following several severe accidents across the U.S. and Canada of trains transport volatile chemicals, he issued an Executive Order as crude oil involved in train explosions in North Dakota is transported across Upstate New York by rail, through many communities.

Legislative leaders & Governor Cuomo are moving toward a budget agreement that would increase school aid by 1.1 billion dollars, install a 2 year property tax freeze, and would delay the implementation of new testing standards for students.  The agreement is expected to be finalized today, 3 days before the end of the state’s fiscal year.  Cuomo has pressed for a 2 year property tax freeze that would require local governments & schools to cap property taxes, and in year 2, agree to cut the tax levy, in exchange for homeowners getting a rebate check that averages $350 a year.  Also schools & local governments would have to develop a plan to share services, but it would not be pegged to any specific cuts on the tax levy.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced today that The IRS is alerting the public of a new phishing scam in which taxpayers receive emails purporting to be from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Gibson said that the emails have the IRS logo and contain a bogus case number, the emails claim that the person receiving the email is having their 2013 income is flagged for review due to a document processing error, and the case has been forwarded to the Taxpayer Advocate Service.  The email contains a link soliciting personal information from the recipient; the congressman & the IRS advise people not to click on the link, & to forward the email to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. More information is available at IRS.gov.

Sidney residents with homes in the 100 year flood plain should be aware of the state recovery housing programs, which can lead to buyouts of homes no matter the level of damage sustained.  The programs can pay for repairs, rehabilitation or elevation; residents must apply by April 11th.  State representatives will be available Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the village office at the Sidney Civic Center; information is also available at stormrecovery.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo issued a warning to employers not complying with the state’s minimum wage laws, failure to comply can result in fines, charges and criminal punishment. Resources, including one-on-one support and a streamlined reporting process, are available to help businesses comply with the minimum $8.00 per hour now in effect.  The minimum wage in the State will increase to $8.75 this December 31st, & $9.00 on December 31st  2015. The Department of Labor is offering additional resources at labor.ny.gov.

The harsh winter weather froze housing sales across New York in February, according to the monthly housing report by the New York State Association of Realtors. Closed sales in New York dropped almost 6 percent this February compared to one year ago, falling from 5,681 to 5,346. But the statewide median sales price (/l) rose nearly 7 percent, from $217,000 to $232,000.  For more information go to nysar.com.

Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney will decide this week whether to go forward with a Republican primary challenge against Congressman Richard Hanna. Tenney’s supporters started circulating petitions (http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/03/tenney-circulating-ny-22-petitions/) recently, to pick up the 1,250 signatures needed to gain a spot on the June 24th primary ballot, and the petitions are due by April 10th.

The state Senate approved legislation to hold criminals responsible for the environmental damage occurring during their crimes. Sponsors said current criminal mischief statutes don’t address environmental devastation, so the bill would make crimes that result in large-scale environmental damage, a class C felony. The bill follows an incident in western New York in which criminals, who broke into an electrical transformer to steal copper, caused an oil spill that resulted in $1 million worth of environmental damage. The bill was sent to the Assembly.

Daylight savings time means that clocks will be moved forward 1 hour, officially at 2:00 AM this coming Sunday morning, make sure to move your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday night.

Residents in the village of Sidney flood plain attended another meeting last night, as plans move forward to get residents out of the flood plain to the Plankenhorn area, or elevate their home, as well as fix up the Main Street Business district, John Redente is co-chairman of the committee assigned to get the plan together based on public input:’

(John Redente 2-28-14)

Dennis Porter is co-chair of the committee with John Redente, he commented about the aggressive plan to get people to live safer in Sidney:

(Dennis Porter 2-28-14)

Sidney will know if they will be available for 3 million dollars on top of the 3 million already approved for the Sidney Plan, in early May.  Plans can be found at stormrecovery.ny.gov/nyrcr/community/village-sidney.

The Business Advocacy and Public Policy Committee of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, invites area business leaders to the Foothills Performing Arts Center this morning, to sign up for Small Business day with representatives from the U.S Chamber of Commerce in Albany.  Today’s event will run from 8:00 to 9:30 this morning, the Small Business Day in the Capitol will be March 12th.

The new Senior Center opened today on the 2nd floor of the Sidney Civic Center, which will be tied into the recreational facilities at the Sidney Boys & Girls Club.  Club Director Trish Tyrell said that many area organizations and businesses have supported this project:

(Trish Tyrell 1-21-14)

Congressman Chris Gibson attended the ribbon cutting for the Senior Center this morning, he commented about the importance of this undertaking:

(Congressman Chris Gibson 1-21-14)

More information about the Senior Center or the Boys & girls Club is available at 561-2311.

Plans are continuing to go forward, for the ambitious plan to try to get village of Sidney residents out of the flood prone areas downtown, into a new settlement to be built in the Plankenhorn Road area.  Sidney village Economic development Director John Redente explains:

(John Redente 1-21-14)

Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that another informational meeting would be held on January 29th at 7:00 PM at the river street Fire Training Center.

Oneonta police are investigating acts of vandalism Saturday night.  Police reported that the third base dugout at the Doc Knapp Field was set on fire, and the Swart-Wilcox House, Riverside Elementary School and a vehicle were vandalized with graffiti.  The fire was reported at around 7:20 Saturday night, anyone with information is asked to contact police at 432-1111.

A joint meeting of the Otsego County Conservation Association and the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, January 29th at the First Presbyterian Church at 25 Church Street in Cooperstown.  County Planning Director Karen Sullivan will discuss the actions taken by Otsego County this past year in dissolving its contract with MOSA. Sullivan will also outline some of the county’s plans moving forward with regard to recycling, composting and future initiatives.  The meeting is free and open to the public; more information is available at 293-6654.

Commerce Chenango is hosting DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald to Norwich this week, to present Governor Cuomo’s state budget proposal.  McDonald will deliver the presentation at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich Thursday morning at 10:30.  RSVP’s are required to Kara Grippen, kara.grippen@exec.ny.gov.

State wildlife officials drafted an updated black bear management plan. The agency's goal is to stabilize the bear population in most areas, reduce population in a few areas and prevent them from getting established in areas where conflicts with people would be likely.  Public comments will be accepted until February 21 at dec.ny.gov

The Chenango County Sheriff’s department continues to gather evidence in the murder case of Lucinda Knoll of Norwich, who was allegedly beaten in from of her 7-year son, by 48-year-old William Danielson of Preston last Friday morning in Norwich.  Sheriff Ernest Cutting said that they have evidence, but they are looking for more witnesses to come forward:

(Sheriff Cutting 1-2-14)

Danielson is being held without bail on a 2nd degree murder charge, He & Knoll had been negotiating child custody for the 7 year old over the last 4 months; he will face grand jury action later this month.  Anyone With information can call 337-1921 or 337-1863

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Jeremy Cruz of Greene for Felony Criminal Mischief following an incident in the Town of Greene.  The victim had filed a complaint that a tenant had drilled a hole into the bottom of a fuel oil tank causing the fuel oil to leak out. Cruz was charged and was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Greene Court and will appear at a later date.

Many new laws went into effect on Wednesday.  The Small Business Income Tax Reduction goes into effect this year.  This will be the 1st year of a 3-year phased-in tax cut.  Also. The state’s minimum wage increased to $8.00 an hour, it was coupled with a new Minimum Wage Reimbursement Tax Credit to help offset some of the increased wage costs for businesses.