WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo announced a new statewide initiative to examine cancer patterns and the potential causes of cancer in 4 regions across the state that have a higher incidence of certain cancers. The Department of Health will be reviewing cancer data, potential demographic and occupational factors, and will consult with the DEC on environmental factors contributing to the cancer clusters.

New York State today filed a notice of intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for violating the federal Clean Air Act by failing to curb ground-level ozone pollution that blows into New York from upwind states. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that at least 1 in 3 New Yorkers breathe air with unhealthy levels of smog pollution. The EPA's own studies demonstrate that pollution from states upwind of New York contributes substantially to the state's dangerous smog problem.

The Oneonta Police Department is asking the local public for assistance, following possible acts of vandalism. The Police Department announced that the bathrooms at Neahwa and Wilber Parks sustained damage within the last few days. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Detective Division at 432-1111 or submit an anonymous tip on the department's facebook Page. to local.nixle.com/tip/city-of-oneonta. Any information will be confidential.

New York residents stand to lose more than $72 billion in reported deductions for income and property taxes if proposals to change the federal tax code are implemented, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Among the deductions the administration has targeted are those for state and local taxes, New Yorkers reported more than $72 billion in such federal deductions in 2015, including $51.7 billion for income taxes and $20.9 billion for property taxes.

The New York State Parks Department has updated their maps for this weekend, regarding the Fall Foliage season. The full map can be found at iloveny.com.

State Police arrested 34 year old Michael Graziano of Oneonta, for Grand Larceny and Falsifying Business Records, after troopers were advised of a theft by an employee that had occurred at Springbrook in the Town of Milford. Graziano allegedly falsified business records to steal over $7,000 in pay; he was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and was release on his own recognizance. His next court date is on December 12th.

State Senator Fred Akshar, & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting today, to discuss the ongoing repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School.

Governor Cuomo announced $7.5 million to construct, rehabilitate and improve the homes of 367 income-eligible families across New York. The funds are awarded through New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Affordable Home Ownership Development Program, administered by the Affordable Housing Corporation. In the Southern Tier, a $600,000 grant will go to Delaware Opportunities for the acquisition and rehabilitation of approximately 15 homes located on scattered sites in Delaware County. $290,000 grant to M-ARK Project, for the acquisition and rehabilitation of approximately 10 homes located in Delaware County.

Governor Cuomo has signed legislation to remove barriers for businesses in New York seeking brand label registration for alcoholic beverages. Currently, the law requires brand label registrations to be filed by certified mail, registered mail or overnight mail. Under the bill the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law will permit brand label registration applications to be submitted electronically and filed every three years, rather than every year. The bill also permits the Authority, or third party, to charge a processing fee for electronic submissions.

Delaware County Public Health will be sponsoring a free EPA Certified Lead Renovator 8-Hr. Training Course today at the Walton Town Hall. ConTrax, LLC is conducting the class. The class is sponsored by Delaware County Public Health; it will include all course materials, manual, refreshments, lunch and certificate of completion. Free tuition offered on a first come basis, with preference given to Delaware County residents, businesses, rental property owners, home improvement contractors and their employees.

Governor Cuomo today announced $59 million in available funds to construct, rehabilitate, and improve the homes of income-eligible families across the State. Funding is available through New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Affordable Home Ownership Development Program, which provides up to $40,000 per dwelling to eligible municipalities, municipal housing authorities, and other not-for-profit and charitable organizations that develop affordable housing or assist homeowners in funding necessary repairs.

Sunday May 29th will be a day of Music at General clinton Park during the General Clinton Canoe Regatta. Regatta Chairman John Harmon comments about this year's Dundee Ales & Lagers Music Festival

(John Harmon 5-20-16)

Other entertainment highlights during the regatta this year will be Animal Adventure, Jeff The Magic Man, The Beadle Brothers Band, & Fire works on Saturday night.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum is opening a new exhibit starting tomorrow, at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich. The new exhibit is titled "Road Rivals: Police Cars Vs. Muscle Cars, Vs, Motorcycles" which will be on display through April of 2017. More information is available at 334-2886 of classic car museum.org.

The State DEC announced that Campgrounds in the Catskills & the Adirondacks are officially open for the summer camping season. The DEC operates 52 campgrounds and 6 day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves; more information is available at dec.ny.gov or call 518-457-2500.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council has scheduled a presentation on Monday, June 20th at 4:00 PM in the conference room at the Oneonta Hampton Inn. The theme of the meeting is to introduce discussion on how renewable energy sources might favorably address our current area limitations of natural gas and electricity. Professor Jeff Freedman, Research Associate from the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at Albany University, will discuss how wind and solar might be applied to our area with emphasis on shared institutional applications.

A 3rd community forum will be held at the Sidney High School Library on Wednesday, May 25th regarding the Heroin/Substance Abuse crisis. Doors open at 6:15, presentations start at 6:20 and end at 8:20 P.M. Organizer Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 5-20-16)

Experts regarding drug prevention programs, & law enforcement will be on the panel.