WCDO Radio News

The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo's office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA's office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 13 states; they are calling on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to reject deep cuts in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and anti-environmental riders in federal budget bills. The coalition charges that the EPA cuts and riders currently proposed by both houses will lead to more pollution, and an increase in damage to public health." The coalition is urging Congress to pass a final budget that fully funds EPA and omits any anti-environmental riders.

Governor Cuomo called for reforms that mandate transparency in political advertising, require online platforms to maintain an archive of political ads, and protect our State elections from outside influence. The proposal will also calls for the streamlining of voter registration services, remove unnecessary barriers that prevent participation in elections and increase accuracy in the voting process. Governor Cuomo will discuss the Strategy to the legislature during his State of The State Address next month.

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.

Governor Cuomo is encouraging State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to begin planning to divest the state retirement fund from fossil fuels companies. DiNapoli said that the State's $200 billion Common Fund has been adding more investments into alternative fuel companies, but has not yet divested any funds from existing fossil fuel companies.

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.

State Police responded to a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield. 56 year old Joseph Moore of Stamford failed to keep right and collided head on with a dump truck. Moore's vehicle came to rest in a ditch, the dump truck tipped over onto the passenger side. Moore sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bassett Hospital, front seat passenger, 80 year old Joseph Moore Jr., of Stamford was also taken to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, backseat passenger 76 year old Erna Moore of Stamford, sustain serious injuries to her legs and body, she was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the dump truck 33 year old Roland Birdsall of Stamford, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bassett. The investigation by State Police is ongoing.

State Senator Jim Seward announced state grants of $50,000 each for Charlotte Valley, Franklin & Unatego School Districts. Franklin and Unatego will use the grants to assist with general education and classroom needs. Charlotte Valley will use the funds to help with costs associated with a parking lot improvement project to correct drainage problems and enhance safety.

A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich today in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood today from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District

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.

The Bainbridge Guilford Girls Volleyball Team plays in the State Class D Semi-Finals tomorrow in Glens Falls. Bobcats Head Coach Tami Selfridge told WCDO that the school and the community have rallied around this team:

(Tami Selfridge 11-17-17)

The Lady Bobcats begin Pool Play at 3:00 PM Saturday & if they advance they will play for the State Title Sunday at 2:00 PM. WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull will have live updates on Twitter or at WCDOSPORTS.COM from each BG game.

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.

State Police CNET & Binghamton Police executed a federal arrest warrant on Troy Clark of Whitney Point, as part of a federal indictment charging Clark with manufacturing Methamphetamines. Police discovered a meth lab with 30 “one pot” vessels, various methamphetamine laboratory components, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun & a Small amount of marihuana. Police arrested Orion Tanzini of Kirkwood, Brittany Clark of Whitney Point, Jamie Wilson of Whitney Point, Brian Mirra of Chenango Forks, along with Clark. A search warrant was also executed for Charles McNeilly, of Whitney Point, where police again seized meth making materials & arrested Thomas Cole of Whitney Point, Ashley VanOstrand of Whitney Point, along with McNeilly. All face court action shortly, the investigations are continuing and additional charges are pending.

The Bainbridge Girl Scout service unit 365 is having their community giveaway tomorrow from 9:00 Am to 12:00 Noon. Residents can drop off gently used items today from 4:00 to 6:00 PM or early Saturday from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. On Saturday, All items are free to take, at Greenlawn elementary school in Bainbridge. More information is available at 267-2378.

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

Closing arguments ended this morning & the Jury received their orders this afternoon, as the trial of Ramadan Abdullah draws to a conclusion in Broome County Court. Abdullah was originally charged in June & was indicted on 15 counts of Criminal possession of a weapon among other charges, for having a stockpile of weapons stored in various locations around Broome County.

The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced the availability of funding to establish or expand services for youth and young adults in recovery from addiction. Up to 15 projects will be awarded up to $12,000 each. This funding is part of the $25.2 million federal State Targeted Response Grant that New York State received in early 2017. More information is available at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov.

The Oxford and McDonough Communities are invited to the 33rd annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner, served from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 23 at St. Joseph's Church. Volunteers are needed to assist in serving and in the kitchen; more information is available at 843-6249. Free will donations will be accepted at the NBT Bank in Oxford.

Several state lawmakers have written to Governor Cuomo and the state's top corrections official to urge them to end solitary confinement of prisoners. More than 40 members of the Senate and Assembly claimed that the practice of isolating inmates for long periods of time amounts to torture, Cuomo's administration insists it has taken significant steps to end traditional solitary confinement with new rules and standards for when a person may be placed in isolation.

The 2017 regular deer and bear hunting seasons in New York's Southern Zone begin at sunrise this Saturday through Sunday, December 10th. The Southern Zone regular season is New York's most popular hunting season; approximately 85 percent of New York's 575,000 licensed hunters participate. in the Southern Zone, late bow hunting and muzzle loading seasons will run from December 11th through December 19th this year. Hunters should refer to the 2017-2018 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide at dec.ny.gov.

Congressman John Faso of the 19th Congressional district announced a live meeting on the current tax reform proposal tomorrow evening at 6:55pm. Those who would like to participate can sign up by faso.house.gov.signs up will continue until 3:00 pm Tuesday

Governor Cuomo signed 5 bills Saturday on Veteran's day, to support the Veterans living in New York:

(Cuomo 11-13-17)

There are 770,000 veterans in New York State, 28 of the 29 states with medical marijuana programs will now allow patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to qualify. Other bills signed Saturday include Providing combat veterans employed by the State with additional days of paid leave to obtain health services, counseling and access to other benefits & Waiving the civil service examination fee for veterans who were honorably discharged;

Binghamton Police arrested a 66-year-old Ronald Cook of Utica at the Little Venice Restaurant in Binghamton Saturday afternoon. Cook is a Level 3 sex offender who removed his GPS ankle bracelet and didn't report to his parole officer Wednesday, sparking a state wide manhunt.  Cook was convicted of raping a 24-year-old woman in Binghamton in 1990; he was also convicted in 1988 of first-degree sexual abuse and impersonating a police officer.

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.

State Police executed a search warrant at 5435 and 5186 Elk Creek Road in the Town of Meredith, following an investigation into the illegal growing of marijuana. Police seized approximately 500 harvested Marijuana Plants, about 100 pounds of processed marijuana, plus 34 grams of hashish, a digital scale, $1166 in cash, 7 long guns, 2 Security surveillance systems. Police arrested 59-year-old Richard Lane of Walton, 48 year old Edward Lane of Meredith, & 61 year old Clayton Rockefeller of Meredith, for Criminal Possession of Marijuana, all 3 were arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2500 cash bail or $5000 bond.

The African Children’s Choir will be performing at the Binghamton First Assembly Church Friday Night at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour, that has performed all over American & Canada since April. Tour Leader Keira Carnie explains:

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir has been performing for over 30 years, and has performed for Queen Elizabeth at her Golden Jubilee, and has performed with Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey & Keith Urban. Friday Nights show is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

Sidney village officials were notified that a squirrel in NYSEG Substation was responsible for yesterday's power outage, which affected 350 Sidney Customers & 60 Bainbridge customers. The power outage disrupted several area businesses along Delaware Avenue, generators were used to power up traffic signals at State Route 8 & Delaware Avenue, Sidney Police also directed traffic at other affected locations. NYSEG Reported that power was restored at about 7:30 PM Tuesday.

The Pouring of the Concrete has started, as part of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization Project. The concrete is being poured in a way to allow Main Street Businesses to remain open for their customers, the 1 side of Main Street that is being worked on currently is expected to be concluded in the next 2 weeks, the work for the other side of Main Street will begin early next year.

The State office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services announced the opening of the new Voices Recovery and Community Outreach Center at 340 Prospect Street in Binghamton. The center will provide free support and services for people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder and for their families.

Hartwick College officials have announced The Hartwick College Founders’ Award, a guaranteed tuition grant of $10,000 per year, which will be awarded to each newly enrolled 1st year and transfer student who is a resident of New York State. Grants will be awarded to new students beginning in the fall of 2018. Students who enroll in the College’s innovative 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program are also eligible for this award. No special grant application is required; students only need to apply for admission to Hartwick and file the FAFSA form.

The State DEC announced that remaining Deer Management Permits in several Wildlife Management Units would be available to hunters beginning November 1st. The DEC will re-open the permit application process on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may apply for up to two additional permits at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to extend property tax exemptions to eligible United States veterans to include school taxes. Currently, state property tax laws provide partial property tax exemptions to qualified veterans of the United States Military; however, this exemption does not apply to school taxes. In 2013 and 2016 the alternative veteran's property tax exemption and Cold War property tax exemption were amended to give school districts the options of allowing the exemption, now, all 3 veteran's property tax exemptions would be applied to school taxes.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary unemployment rates for September. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 4.9% in September, Locally, Chenango County had 4.7% unemployment, Delaware County had 5% & Otsego County had 4.4%.

The Next Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will be tonight at the Sidney High School cafeteria at 6:00 PM. Sarah Buttice of Fox Hospital will discuss smoking cessation programs & initiatives like “Stop Targeting Our Teens”.

CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free interviewing workshop today at 10:00 AM at the CDO Workforce Center, at the 2nd Floor of the Sidney Civic Center. Reservations are requested at 832-5776, but walk-ins are welcome. The Interviewing Workshop is in time to prepare for the Southside Mall Job Fair later today from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

State Police arrested 67-year-old Thomas Smith of Oneonta for Criminal Contempt, after troopers were contacted by a person with an order of protection against Smith. Smith is accused of calling or arriving at that person’s home in Otego several times; he was issued a ticket to appear in the Town of Otego Court on November 9th.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced today state funding to assist Unison in Norwich with a major expansion project:

(Kathy Hochul 10-17-17

Site Leader Dan Ketchum told WCDO News about the product line that will benefit from the expansion Project:

(Dan Ketchum 10-17-17)

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said that the project expansion at Unison is part of the Southern Tier Soaring economic development initiative.

Commerce Chenango will host their 3rd annual Job fair on November 8th in Norwich, Commerce Chenango CEO Steve Craig told WCDO News that employers from all over the region can sign up to participate:

(Steve Craig 10-17-17)

The Job Fair will be from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus on November 8th.

Governor Cuomo today announced General Motors and Cruise Automation are applying to begin the first sustained testing of vehicles in fully autonomous mode in New York State in early 2018. GM and Cruise are applying to begin the testing in Manhattan, All testing will include an engineer in the driver's seat to monitor and evaluate performance, and a second person in the passenger seat. The legislation in the current state budget, allows for the testing of autonomous technology through a pilot program.

A Sidney 5K Walk or Run will be held this Sunday, with a variety of events scheduled to go along with the run, to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. Sidney Heath Education Teacher Jonathan Yurka explains:

(Jonathan Yurka 10-17-17)

More information about the race is available at localraces.com, and then search for "Warriors” the event will be held between the Sidney High School & Middle school buildings Sunday afternoon.

State Senator Fred Akshar & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting to discuss the 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 Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School at 221 Chenango Bridge Rd.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 36-year-old Harold Wilson of North Branch for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Wilson was observed traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester at a high rate of speed where he was stopped, Deputies determined that Wilson was driving with 13 active suspensions, he was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $750 cash bail or $2,500 secured bond.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $3.7 million in grants to help further reduce motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud.. Police departments, sheriffs' offices and district attorneys' offices will share the funding for anti-theft and anti-fraud training programs to law enforcement professionals. The grants are awarded by the state's Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention program, the state Division of Criminal Justice Services provides staff to the board and administers the grant program.

The Chenango County Health department & the Chenango County Area Office on aging are co-sponsoring a flu clinic today in Oxford. The clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Oxford Firehouse, more information & registration is available at 337-1660.

A forum is being held this evening for Franklin residents with candidates for the Town Council positions. The forum will be held at the Ouleout American Legion Post at 327 Main Street in Franklin beginning at 7:00 PM.