WCDO Radio News

Former New York Governor George Pataki told supporters on Tuesday that he is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. The former governor never made it onto a main debate stage and has had trouble raising funds. Pataki flirted with presidential runs in 2008 and 2012 but did not enter the race..

In memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner, The State Police are inviting the public to join them by giving blood at the 2nd annual Trooper Skinner Memorial American Red Cross blood drive today. Trooper Skinner was killed in the line of duty, while conducting a routine traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Chenango. The public can Donate Blood in Memory of Trooper Skinner from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at the State Police Barracks at 84 Crescent Drive in Kirkwood today.

Governor Cuomo announced that the minimum wage increase for State Workers would take effect beginning tomorrow. The increase will be implemented on the same phased-in schedule currently underway for fast food workers, all State workers will receive an hourly wage of at least $9.75 per hour for employees outside of New York City.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Governor Cuomo announced that New York State would begin accepting applications for the new 'Get On Your Feet' Loan Forgiveness Program on December 31st. the program offers up to 24 months of federal student loan debt relief to recent college graduates living in the State. To qualify, applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from a college or university located in New York State in or after December 2014, have an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000, and be enrolled in the federal Income Based Repayment plan or Pay as You Earn plan. more than 2,500 graduates from the class of 2015 have registered to apply for the program through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Governor Cuomo announced that Taste New York has achieved the goal of tripling gross sales of participating vendors in 2015, to over 4.5 Million dollars. Additionally, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets partnered with Empire State Development to provide New Yorkers and visitors worldwide instant access to a list of all the Taste NY agri-tourism destinations through the I LOVE NY mobile app, bringing greater exposure to New York’s food and beverage businesses across the state. The Department also worked with Food Export USA and Empire State Development this year to ensure Taste NY products were included in the Governor Cuomo's trade missions to Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity has been settling into their new office space located in the Klee House in Guilford. Officials remind residents that they can donate bottles and cans in the Habitat Bottle Shed at the Rte 12 Redemption Center in Norwich. Officials are also looking for more volunteers, interested parties can call 334-7492; more information is available at habitat.chenango.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced $10 million in Public Safety Answering Points operations grants have been awarded to municipalities across New York State. The funding through State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will support 57 counties and the City of New York in improving 9-1-1 response and emergency dispatching. Locally, Broome County receives $209,000, Chenango County gets over $170,000, Delaware county received over $154,000 and Otsego County will get over $157,000.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to expedite the freedom of information law appeals process. The order fast-tracks FOIL appeals by requiring that all state agencies file notice of an appeal, settle the record on appeal, and file a brief within 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances outside agency control. The Governor will introduce legislation in the upcoming session that encompasses the order, while also correcting the serious flaws of 2 Assembly Bills.

State Police arrested 48-year-old George Velten of Guilford for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after Velten was stopped during a road check on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Velten’s license showed that he had 12 suspensions on 10 different dates, he was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.

90% of New Yorkers say they are somewhat concerned, 60 % say they are very concerned, that another terrorist attack will happen in New York in the near future, according to a new Sienna College poll released today. 63% said they have not changed their lifestyle out of fear of a terrorist attack. By a 52-39 percent margin, voters oppose allowing Syrian refugees to come to the United States at this time. 90% also believe that corruption in Albany is still a serious problem, and by a 3-to-1 margin, voters say new laws are needed to prevent further corruption in state government. 2/3rds also agree with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that daily fantasy sports games are gambling and illegal in New York.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Nobel of Meridale for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus several traffic summons related to the accident. Nobel was arranged in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. Noble is to re-appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 25-year-old Dustin Phillips of Binghamton for criminal possession of a weapon, after troopers responded to assist an Environmental Conservation Officer who was out with three men shooting on state lands in the Town of Kirkwood. An investigation determined that Phillips and two other men where shooting shotguns at targets, Phillips is on parole and also is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms; he faces court action on Tuesday.

Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were found guilty Friday of 8 counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his power as Senate Majority Leader to get no show jobs to his son Adam. The conviction means that Skelos has been removed from the Senate seat that he held onto after resigning as Senate Leader in May.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Cuomo announced a push to prevent known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns in New York State. Schumer commented at a Press Conference this weekend:

(Schumer 12-14-15)

Schumer said that the request became necessary after legislation in the US Senate did not pass, that would have closed the "Terror Loophole".

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing for one of the season’s signature events: Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, set to return over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2016 Classic will be held on Saturday, May 28 at Doubleday Field. New in 2016, the Classic moves to 1:00 PM, with the popular Home Run Derby starting at noon. Tickets for the 2016 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale on Monday, March 7th.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to expedite access to medicinal marijuana for New Yorkers suffering from serious health conditions. Cuomo also announced that he has ordered state health officials to review whether a new, broader medical marijuana program due to begin in January has enough production and dispensing sites to adequately serve the state. 20 sites are scheduled to open early next year. The governor said that the drug would be dispensed to eligible patients as soon as practicable, he also said that the state will abide by standards from the U.S. Justice Department to ensure that New York’s program does not trigger enforcement actions by the federal government.

HARTWICK COLLEGE HAS SUSPENDED ITS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND 5 UNIDENTIFIED PLAYERS AFTER AN INCIDENT IN A GAME AGAINST ST. JOHN FISHER. WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL HAS MORE….

(Nate Lull 11-12-15)

(text: HARTWICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MARK CARR AND 5 OF HIS PLAYERS ARE BEING PUNISHED AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF A 41-34 LOSS LAST WEEKEND. HARTWICK OFFICIALS DEEMED THAT ACTIONS BY THE TEAM IN THE CLOSING MOMENTS OF THE GAME WERE CONSIDERED TO BE UNSPORTSMANLIKE. ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE WAS LEADING THE GAME AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK BY TAKING A KNEE BUT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HARTWICK PLAYERS MADE HITS ON PLAYERS THAT WERE CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY. THE 2ND HIT ENDED WITH BOTH BENCHES CLEARING ONTO THE FIELD. THE TEAMS WERE QUICKLY SEPARATED. THE EMPIRE 8 LEAGUE SAID THEY SUPPORT THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION. A LARGE GROUP OF HARTWICK ATHLETICS SUPPORTERS PROTESTED THE SCHOOL’S DECISION AND IS HOPING THAT THEIR EFFORTS WILL CHANGE THE MIND OF HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION GOING FORWARD. FOR NOW- THE SUSPENSION WILL HOLD FOR THE HAWKS FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR THIS WEEKEND AGAINST UTICA COLLEGE. FOR WCDO SPORTS I’M NATE LULL)

State Police received a report from a resident in Roxbury, that an X-Acto knife type razor blade was found inside a sealed bag of Sour Skittles which had been obtained while Trick or Treating. The candy was not opened until opened on November 9th; it has been traced back to the purchase point of the CVS Pharmacy in Margaretville. The investigation has not been able to identify the source of the razor blade and parents all over the region are recommended to thoroughly check all candy prior to consumption.

State Police have recently received several reports of telephone callers claiming to be from the IRS that aggressively demand the resident pay money to clear up an outstanding tax debt, or face criminal charges. The public is being advised that the IRS does not make phone calls in this manner, and anyone receiving a telephone call of this nature should check with the local IRS office.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's Spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration.

New York outlawed daily fantasy sports websites and FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles said that they're hoping to work around the decision by New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that declared daily fantasy sports sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings are illegal gambling operations. Eccles said that their attorney claims that there is a 5-day period allotted in the cease-and-desist letter in which they'll be working to figure out their options. About 10% of the 2 companies business has been from New York.

The New York State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction will be held today in Binghamton, however the previously scheduled auction in Unadilla was cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov. Today’s auction will begin at 9:30 AM at the DOT at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood today. 2 blood drives will be held in Delaware County today, one in Sidney from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street & in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Those looking to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. All blood types are needed.

FEMA has extended the deadline for policyholders who want to request a review of their Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claims. The new deadline is October 15th, 2015, for those who feel that their Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claim was underpaid. FEMA will review those claims; more information is available at 866-337-4262, weekdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

First responders were called to 8129 State Route 23 in the town of Davenport yesterday morning at about 10:15 AM for a report of a vehicle that drove into a structure. State police reported that the unidentified driver of the vehicle suffered a medical emergency, swerved off the road, then crossed back across oncoming traffic and hit the house. The driver and a passenger were transported to Fox Hospital in Oneonta; no one was in the house at the time of the accident. The investigation is continuing.

Magic City Music Hall will be coming back to the Southern Tier; they will reopen at a new location at 1240 Front Street in the Northgate Plaza, at the site of a supermarket that closed 3 years ago. Magic City owner Stu Green comments:

(Stu Green 9-16-15)

Magic City Music Hall was forced to leave their former site on Harry L Drive in Johnson City in 2008 due to roofing concerns. WCDO will be giving away tickets for the first magic City Show with REO Speedwagon later this week. Tickets will be available for all shows starting this weekend.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office approved 1,821 contracts valued at $1.9 billion and approved 1.7 million payments worth $8.5 billion in August. His office also rejected 191 contracts and transactions valued at $713 million and nearly 1,600 payments valued at $61.6 million due to fraud, waste or other improprieties. Major Contracts Approved specifically in August were for the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for State Fair expenses, including $2 million paid out for 15 contracts to provide entertainers & $1.4 million for 3 contracts for ambulances, mobile restrooms and bedding/manure removal for livestock.

Governor Cuomo announced today that recent investigations to protect exploited workers in New York State have led to nearly $3.3 million in back wages, damages and settlements for 800 workers. In the upstate counties, State Agriculture Labor Specialists assisted in recovering more than $9,000 in back wages for 23 farm workers who were underpaid. State investigators conducted more than 380 field visits and met with 300 agricultural businesses to offer hiring assistance and educate employers about labor law compliance and available resources. The agency has increased the number of field visits, reduced the number of violations and is protecting workers by helping more businesses comply with the law.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced that $500,000 in grants are now available to help organizations to improve State parks, trails and historic sites. The grants are available for the program will be administered by State Parks and Parks & Trails New York. The program is designed to enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of State parks, trails and state historic sites; as well as promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails and greenways.

State Police arrested 25 year old Ian Kosciusko of Worcester for sexual abuse. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of an incident that occurred on September 11, at the Holiday Inn on State Route 23, in the Town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that an employee had unwanted sexual contact with an adult victim, Kosciusko was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, An order of protection was issued by the court.

Empire State College will hold public information session about its associate and bachelor's degree programs at its Binghamton location, State Office Building, Room 505, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton today at 4:30 PM. More information is available at 721-8651.

This week the state assembly passed a package of bills to help those who have been victimized by various forms of Human Trafficking. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie comments:

(Heastie 3-18-15)

The bills move onto the Senate for consideration, they have the support of Governor Cuomo.

Today, village elections will be held across New York State. In tri-county area mayoral races, incumbents are running unopposed; there are trustee positions up for election in Sidney, Unadilla, Greene, Delhi, New Berlin & oxford.

Today is Chenango County’s National Agriculture Day from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon At the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich. Ag & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and New York State FFA officer Kait Isaac from St. Johnsville in Montgomery County will be the guest speakers.

Empire State College will hold public information session about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at its Binghamton location, State Office Building, Room 505, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton today. The session will be held at 4:30 PM, more information is available at 721-8651.

Governor Cuomo announced that 11 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State under the START-UP NY program. The businesses will invest nearly $30 million, creating 158 new jobs over the next 5 years in tax-free areas sponsored by State university schools. Morrisville State College will have 54 new jobs that will be created by Empire Farmstead Brewery at a microbrewery where beer will be manufactured for regional and international distribution. Also at Morrisville, K16 Corporation is a new technology device and software development firm focused on developing technology based solutions in teaching methods. K16 will be locating to on-campus space in Morrisville and create two net new jobs while investing $10,000.

State lawmakers are working toward getting a state budget together by the April 1st deadline, in spite of the governor’s acknowledgment that a budget might be late if ethics reforms are not passed. Area assemblyman bill Magee comments:

(Bill Magee 3-4-15)

Magee also said that Governor Cuomo proposed cuts to some agricultural programs, that they hope to have restored in the final budget plan.

The Kennedy performing arts center dancers of Sidney will be performing a routine at Madison square garden this weekend at a New York knicks basketball game. Nikki Reed of the Kennedy performing arts center explains:

(Nikki Reed 3-4-15)

Reed said that a recent fundraiser raised about $800 in order to pay to get the dancers to New York City to perform their routing in front of the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that since January 2011, his office has helped over 17,000 people successfully resolve their consumer complaints, totaling over $13.5 million in refunds and other relief for over 12,000 of those consumers. The largest number of complaints deals with the Automobile industry, followed by Credit and Identity Theft issues, the Service Industries, Utilities and Landlord/Tenant complaints. The Attorney General's Consumer Helpline for those who beleive they may have been victimized is 1-800-771-7755.

Budget hearings are continuing for the state budget, with a looming showdown between Governor Cuomo & lawmakers about ethics reform tied to the budget & a possible government shutdown. Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that he is all for ethics reform...for everyone in state government:

(Lopez 2-17-15)

The state budget is due April 1st; governor Cuomo said that he would not sign a budget unless stringent ethics reforms are passed, following the most recent arrest of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

State Police arrested 35-year-old Michael Winner of Otego for the felony of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child with a reportable BAC result of .17% and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest followed a vehicle stop on State Route 28 in Oneonta, Troopers accuse Winner of driving the vehicle while he was intoxicated, which became a felony as he had a 15 year old passenger with him as well as a prior conviction for DWI within the last ten years. Winner was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 cash bail.

Pathfinder Village will host 3 informational Open Houses for their New "Otsego Academy" which is a 2-year post-secondary education program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The first event will be at the Village’s Kennedy Willis Center in Edmeston on Thursday, February 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Director of Admissions Kelly Myers explains:

(Kelly Myers 2-17-18)

Myers said that the program started last November with 4 students, subsequent events will be hosted at Pathfinder Village on Thursday, March 19th & Saturday, April 18th. Pre-registration is recommended at 965-8377, ext. 154 or visit otsegoacademy.org.

Empire State College will hold public information session about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at its Binghamton location, State Office Building, Room 505, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton next month. The session will be held on Wednesday, March 18th at 4:30 PM, more information is available at 721-8651.