WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo & State health officials held a press conference this morning,  blasting Congressman  Chris Collins of Buffalo and area congressman John Faso for supporting the House Republican health care bill and the push to have the state assume county Medicaid costs.

(Cuomo 3-21-17)

The Governor stated that over 4 years New York State would lose $4.6 billion and lose at least $2.4 billion a year by fiscal year 2020. The Collins-Faso amendment would stop the counties from paying a share of Medicaid, which would cost upstate counties is 2.3 Billion Dollars.

Conference committee activity will continue among lawmakers in Albany through the end of the month, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch has been assigned to serve on some committees, he said that the Agriculture portion of the budget should be favorable this year:

(Crouch 3-21-17)

The Governor's Budget proposal increased spending by 1.9% over last year, with over 152 billion dollars in spending, the deadline to pass the budget is April 1st.

The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will hold their annual dinner & Prevention education night Wednesday night at the Sidney High School. Coalition President Lorraine Keckeisen told WCDO about the guest speakers & other items of interest:

(Lorraine Keckesien 3-21-17)

More information is available at 561-7707.

The Oneonta City Commission of Community Relations & Human Rights announced that they have selected Carla Balnis & Luisa Montanti as the "Over 25" recipients of the "Women's Trailblazer" award, and Judy Morales as the Under 25 recipient. The women will be honored with a ceremony at 6:30 PM tonight in the lobby of City hall, prior to tonight's Oneonta Common Council meeting at 7:00 PM.

The State DOT will hold a public open house meeting on Thursday, March 23 to discuss plans to replace a bridge on State Route 7 in the village of Afton. The meeting will be held at the Afton Town Hall, from 5:30-7:00 pm. The bridge in question was built in 1922 and carries State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook. The bridge is safe for continued travel and is regularly inspected.

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting encourages residents to support the State Sheriff's Institute, during their membership drive currently underway. The Sheriffs Institute has numerous programs, including the Sheriff's Summer Camps, the Criminal Justice Scholarship Program & the Victim Notification program. More information is available at sheriffsinstitute.org.

State Police located wanted subject Troy Maloney of Hampton, New Hampshire operating a motor vehicle on Interstate 88 in the Town of Colesville. Maloney was wanted by the State of Massachusetts for Arson to a Dwelling, Troopers stopped the vehicle Maloney was traveling in and arrested him without incident. Maloney was arraigned as a Fugitive From Justice in Town of Colesville Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of bail pending an extradition hearing.

State Senator Jim Seward has been named co-chairman of the general government/local assistance budget conference committee and will also serve as a member of the education budget conference committee. The conference committees are made up of five senators and five assemblymen tasked with negotiating budget differences between the houses, in concert with the governor, to develop a final spending plan. The conference committees conduct open, public meetings, which can be viewed on-line at www.nysenate.gov.

The Arc Otsego, in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities is holding a free Front Door Information Session from 4:00 to 6:00 PM today for individuals and families regarding access to services through OPWDD. The session will be held at The Arc Otsego, located at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting today at Green's Long River Inn, State Route 357, in Unadilla beginning at 8:15 am. Nominations for Business of the Years and Good Neighbor/Commitment to Community are to be turned in at this meeting for selection with honorees to be honored at the Annual Dinner meeting on Sunday, April 23 at the Unadilla Methodist Church, Main Street, Unadilla. All members and directors are urged to attend.

Many area villages will hold elections for local positions today. many of the races have candidates running unoopposed, In Sidney Andrew Skrobanski is running unopposed for Village court justice, in Milford Taylor Brose, Michael Strong & William Tallman are running for 2 seats on the village board.

The Next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours will be today, co-hosted by the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at The Stadium in Oxford. The staff of the Rumble Ponies will discuss various promotions & the changes at NYSEG Stadium. More information is available at 334-1400.

Governor Cuomo discussed his plans to strengthen the Upstate economy, with income tax cuts for middle class families, free tuition at SUNY & CUNY Schools for middle class families, and the continuing of the Regional Economic Development Councils.

(Cuomo 1-23-17)

Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor's 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.

Governor Cuomo announced a series of actions to firmly secure access to reproductive rights in New York State. The State will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles regardless of the future of the Affordable Care Act; contraceptives are available in amounts exceeding one month’s supply at a time; and all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The announcement coincides with this weekend's Women’s Marches in Washington D.C., across New York State and across the country, as well as the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision.

On Thursday January 19th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on charge of obstructing governmental administration, felony assault, and felony assault on a police officer following a report of an assault in progress at a Restaurant in the Village of Stamford. Deputies allege that Bennett repeatedly struck another person leading to a fractured vertebra, and then kicking a Deputy in the face. Bennett was later arraigned in Stamford Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer to eliminate a ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. An investigation was launched following a complaint last year about Cigna’s policy. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy's Law, which is named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance denial. The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual women's Trailblazer Award, presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community relations & Human Rights. The award honors an Oneonta Area woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in her field or in the community that has enhanced the visibility & Stature of women. Nominations are due by February 21st, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.

Chenango County Sheriff's office arrested 23 year old Branden Ward of Brookfield for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and additional vehicle and traffic violations. Ward was charged when correctional officers received information of narcotics attempting to be brought into the Chenango County Jail. Ward is accused of selling narcotics, and was later found to be in possession of heroin, suboxone, and marihuana. Ward was also allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license & was wanted by the New Hartford Police Department on a separate charge. Ward was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail & will reappear in court at a later date.

State Police stopped a vehicle traveling west on State Route 17 in the Town of Sanford for a traffic infraction. Troopers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered approximately 7 ½ pounds of marihuana. 22 year old Andrew Reid of Queens, was arrested for second-degree criminal possession of marihuana, he was arraigned in the Town of Sanford Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. 20 year old Andeka Morgan of Queens was charged with unlawful possession of marihuana and released.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that the income tax filing season officially begins today. New York taxpayers with household income of $64,000 or less in 2016 can qualify to use Free File software, the Tax Department is hosting 54 Facilitated-Self Assistance sites throughout New York State, each staffed by Tax Department experts. More information is available at tax.ny.gov/fsa.

The Unatego School District Board of Education will be deciding next month on the recommendations from a Facilities study on the district's buildings. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-23-17)

Richards said that the 2 Elementary school buildings are each about 90 years old & would require millions of dollars in renovations, however the need for the extra space is negated by the fact that the district population has decreased by 28% over the last 10 years.

THE UNADILLA CHAMBER of Commerce IS HOSTING THE 4 CHAMBER MIXER at Green's Long River Inn, Unadilla today. The Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm for members of the Unadilla, Sidney, and Bainbridge & Afton Chambers of Commerce.

An Interfaith Candlelight Vigil will be held tonight in Oneonta, in support of the Orlando Florida Shooting Victims. The vigil will begin at 7:00 PM in Muller Plaza on Main Street, the event is being hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, The 1st Methodist Church, the Oneonta NAACP & the city Of Oneonta Commission on Community Relations & Human Rights.

The State Public Service Commission adopted a 3-year electric and gas rate plans for NYSEG & Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation. Effective July 1 of this year through April 30, 2019, typical residential electric customers in NYSEG’s service territory will see a monthly delivery charge increase of approximately $2.20 in the first year with increases of $1.76 and $1.79, respectively, in the second and third years. Under the company’s proposal, in rate year one, typical residential customers would have experienced an increase in delivery charges of $8.79 per month. Typical residential gas customers in NYSEG’s service territory will see a monthly delivery charge increase of approximately $1.35, $4.01, and $4.21 in rate year one, two and three, respectively.

The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.7% in May 2016. This represented the state’s lowest unemployment rate since August 2007. New York’s unemployment rate was equal to the U.S. rate in May 2016. In addition, the number of unemployed New Yorkers also decreased over the month – falling from 476,600 in April to 461,800 in May 2016, reaching its lowest level since October 2007. New York State's private sector job count declined by 19,600, or 0.2%, in May 2016. About half of the state's private sector job losses in May were temporary, due to a strike in the telecommunications industry. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, New York State’s economy has added 794,700 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 56 of the past 65 months.

There will be a Federal Primary Election on Tuesday, June 28th, from 12;00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Democrats & Republicans will hold a Primary for Representative in Congress of the 19th District. There is a change for the town of Tompkins polling site, all Tompkins voters will vote at the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge Street in Trout Creek. June 21st is the last day an absentee ballot application may be mailed to the Board of Elections. June 27th is the last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot and the last day to mail a completed ballot to the Board of Elections. June 28th is the last day for a ballot to be delivered by agent to the Board of Elections. More information is available at the Delaware County Board of Elections at 832-5321.

Sidney Central School will hold their Summer Food Service Program this summer, to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Sidney Central School will serve children at the Junior/Senior High School Cafeteria, Monday through Thursday from July 11th to August 19th, with breakfast from 7:30 am to 8:30 am and lunch from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The free program is open to youth and children 18 years and under & for Special Education students up to age 21. More information is available at 563-2135, extension 4264.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of coordinated sweeps during the summer concert season and at other underage hotspots as part of ongoing efforts to deter underage drinking and prevent the use of fake IDs. The enforcement sweeps will occur unannounced at various concert venues and will be carried out by the DMV, the State Liquor Authority, State Park Police, State Police, and local law enforcement agencies. Patrons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

The State Lawmakers are wrapping up their work for the 2016 session, this year's Budget contains highway funding going to individual municipalities this year through "Pave NY", for them to take care of various road repairs after the winter months. Area Assemblyman Bill Magee explains:

(Magee 6-16-16)

Magee said that there was also extra money sent to area school district and agricultural programs in the final version of the budget passed on April 1st.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminded New Yorkers of common scams that occur during the summer, targeting consumers embarking on home improvement projects or planning family vacations. The Attorney General urged New Yorkers to notify his office If they have been targeted or victimized by these scams, through the Consumer Complaint Hotline at 1-800- 771-7755 or online at ag.ny.gov.

The Town Of Unadilla Board meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, will be held tonight. the monthly Town Board Meeting has been rescheduled for Tongiht at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall, on State Route 7.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

It's not looking to promising for New York State to have a budget passed by tonight's deadline. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the whole budget process has been out of the public's eye & the rank & file Lawmakers again this year:

(Lopez 3-31-16)

Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO news this morning that he doesn't see a budget passed by midnight:

(Cliff Crouch 3-31-16)

Crouch said that 1of the key sticking points in this year's budget negotiation is the phased in minimum wage proposal, increases in revenue expected from New York City, he expressed disappointment in the closed process, and the lack of discussion about leadership term limits after many former legislative leaders faced charges & conviction for corruption.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul & State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey unveiled a $2.2 million project that will transform the popular beach area at Chenango Valley State Park Wednesday. The project will expand the sand beach area and create multiple swim areas that provide a range of appropriate depths for all ages. Water circulation and quality will be improved through hydro-engineered technology and aeration, which pushes and circulates water from the bottom of the swim area.

The 4th murder trial of Cal Harris begins today in Schoharie County Court. After 2 jury convictions in Tioga County court, 2 successful appeals, and a move to Schoharie County and a hung jury, Harris has requested that the Judge Richard Mott decide his fate after all the testimony is given. Harris is accused of killing his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

The New York State Court of Appeals has upheld smoking restrictions in state parks, unanimously rejecting arguments from a smokers' rights group that parks officials exceeded their authority and smoking limits should be left to state lawmakers. Judge Eugene Fahey writes that lawmakers gave responsibility to the parks department authority to provide for public health and welfare within the park system. The parks office oversees 179 parks and 35 historic and other sites, they said that the smoking restrictions apply to less than 5% of their 330,000 acres.

The Unadilla Youth for Christ organization will hold their 3rd annual 5K run this Saturday. The race begins at 10:30 from the Unadilla elementary school, registration & number pick up begins at 8:30. Participants are encouraged to run in costume, all proceeds benefit the youth for Christ teen center. More information is available at 432-0594.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring two conferences on Epigenetics and Breastfeeding today with keynote speaker Larry Noble. The 1st conference is at the FoxCare Center from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, the 2nd at SUNY Delhi’s Okun Theatre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The American Red Cross will have another area blood drive today in Chenango County, from 10:00 to 3:00 today at the NBT Bank Branch at 52 South Broad Street in Norwich. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The city of Oneonta commission on community relations & human rights will meet tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Otsego County Medical reserve corps will hold a meeting today for those looking to volunteer their expertise in the event of a disaster. Stefan Dunham heads up the corps:

(Stefan Dunham 3-31-16)

Dunham said that a meeting is today at 5:00 PM in Cooperstown at the Meadows Office Building, EMS Classroom b. More information is available at 547-6477 or dunhams@otsegocounty.com

This morning at 8:30 AM until 9:30, The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Eye Opener Continental breakfast at The Hampton Inn in Oneonta on behalf of Catholic Charities for Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The Dispute Resolution Center of Catholic Charities is currently recruiting potential candidates to become trained volunteer mediators for their program.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency and ACCO Brands Corporation announced a project that will result in the creation of 25 new, full-time jobs at ACCO Brands’ Sidney facility. County Economic Development Director Glen Nealis explains:

(Glen Nealis 2-19-16)

The project will result in the creation of 10 jobs within a newly created call center facility at ACCO Brands’ administrative building, as well as 15 new production-related jobs generated through manufacturing and distribution operations. The IDA responded with a $20,000 loan to offset the investment of over $60,000 by ACCO Brands, with the potential for loan forgiveness contingent upon ACCO Brands meeting certain job creation benchmarks.

Governor Cuomo announced Thursday that water quality issues will be backed up with extra funding in the state budget this year, on top of the $300 Million dollars for the Environmental Protection Fund, following water issues in Flint Michigan, and on Long Island:

(Cuomo 2-19-16)

Cuomo said that the 2 biggest challenges to New York State currently are terrorism and environmental issues, both which can be unpredictable and have no immediate solution at the time those problems surface,

Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal Heed) of Bassett Healthcare met with state lawmakers and he asked them to prioritize funding for pediatric primary, preventive, mental and dental health services in the school setting.

(Dr. Chris Kjolhede 2-19-16)

Dr. Kjolhede heads up the School based Healthcare system in the communities served by Bassett Healthcare Network, which is now up to 20 school districts in the four counties region.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested and charged 2 area men following an investigation of a Town of Hamden seasonal home burglary that was reported in July, 2015. Deputies charged 38-year-old Henry Stellato of Hamden and 31 year old David Thompson for 2nd & 3rd degree Burglary; 2 counts of 3rd degree Grand Larceny; 4th degree Grand Larceny; and Criminal Mischief. Stellato and Thompson were arrested at the Delaware County Correctional Facility where they were being held on unrelated charges, they are scheduled to be arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court on later date.

After a month long investigation, members of the State Police, Vestal Police Department and the United State Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant on 23 year old Kevin Hill of Binghamton, Police seized cocaine, marihuana, packaging material, a digital scale, weapons and $4,840.00 cash. State Police charged Hill with 2 counts of Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon & 1 count each for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Hill was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo announced a new free mobile app to help the state's 900,000 veterans and their family members connect with valuable services and programs. The State Veterans App provides users with easily accessible material about federal and state Veterans’ benefits, programs, and services, including: essential materials regarding healthcare, housing, employment, education and filing claims for financial Veterans' benefits with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The state will provide up-to-the-minute updates about state and federal programs that directly impact the lives of Veterans and their family members.

The 21st Annual Polar Bear Jump will be held Saturday at Goodyear Lake. This event and organization raises money by jumping into frigid water, All proceeds are used to support local children and families experiencing medical disabilities. Last year the event had over 300 jumpers and raised $127,000. More information is available at 337-4019.

The n. Oneonta City Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights is now seeking nominations for the 10th Annual Woman Trailblazer Award, during Women’s History month. The Deadline for submitting nominations is February 19th & the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. A complete nomination form is available at City Hall or on the City Web site at oneonta.ny.us and click on City Government, then Commissions, then Community Relations & Human Rights. . More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.

Jury selection will begin July 5th for Almond Upton's murder trial in Broome County Court. Upton is accused of intentionally driving into State Trooper Christopher Skinner as he was conducting an unrelated routine traffic stop on I-81 In the town of Chenango on May 29, 2014. Upton pleaded not guilty to an indictment of 11 charges, he is being held in the Broome County jail without bail.

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors. Donations are needed now to help prevent a shortage, following lower than normal collections during the holiday season. The Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are celebrating National Volunteer Blood Donor Month with an offer for a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card with a blood donation. Those interested in donating blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS-to make an appointment.

Wal-Mart is closing 269 stores, more than half of them in the U.S. and another large number in Brazil. In the U.S., 154 locations will be closed, most of them small format stores called Wal-Mart Express, which were launched as a test program in 2011. No New York Wal-Marts will be closing.

Governor Cuomo called for a state constitutional convention, to give New Yorkers the chance to reform their state government.

(Cuomo 1-15-16)

Voters would decide in 2017 whether to hold a constitutional convention, where they could revise the rules under which government operates. Cuomo said that he wants to include $1 million in the state budget to create a non-partisan commission to look into holding a constitutional convention.

The New York state unemployment system has experienced technical problems with its website and telephone lines all week, causing problems for people looking to file or claim jobless benefits. The Department officials said that they are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

The Oneonta City Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights is now seeking nominations for the 10th Annual Woman Trailblazer Award, during Women’s History month. The Deadline for submitting nominations is February 19th & the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. A complete nomination form is available at City Hall or on the City Web site at oneonta.ny.us and click on City Government, then Commissions, then Community Relations & Human Rights. . More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.

A Town of Bainbridge resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 1 Count of Sexual Abuse & 1-Count Endangering the Welfare of a child. 19 year old Cody Rowe was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to Chenango County Jail on $250 cash bail; he is accused of subjecting a 13 year old female to sexual contact in September 2015.

A Village of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Mischief. 49 year old is accused of intentionally striking 2 of the victim’s parked vehicles on January 4th on New Virginia Road in the Town of Oxford. Rheinhaeimer was arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and was released on his own recognize. Rheinhaeimer is scheduled to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 20 year old Aubree Shoemaker of Nanticoke for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and 2nd degree Harassment, after Troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a person punching, slapping & choking a 10 year old female. Shoemaker was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $100 cash bail; the court also issued an order of protection for the victim.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State parks and historic sites hosted 62 million visitors in 2014, which is a 3% increase over 2013, and a nearly 8% increase since 2010. State Parks’ 2014 attendance was up 1.9 million visitors from 2013, and up 4.5 million visitors since 2010. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by more than 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Jury selection continued today in Schoharie county court for the 3rd Murder trial of cal Harris. Over 40 more prospective jurors were dismissed Tuesday as the attorneys seek to have 12 jurors & 6 alternates seated for the Harris Trial. Harris has been twice convicted for the 2001 murder of his wife Michelle, both convictions were overturned, this 3rd trial was moved to Schoharie county after 2 Tioga County trials.

A Joint investigation by State Police & Vestal Police led to the arrest of 3 people for felony sex trafficking and promoting prostitution in Broome County & the exploitating underage females in the prostitution trade in the Broome County region. Charged were Larhonda James of Johnson City, Alphonso Dennis of Binghamton, & Antonio Ballard of Binghamton, All 3 were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County jail pending future court action.

State DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced that New York’s environment will benefit under the nation’s most stringent new regulations adopted today that will make liquefied natural gas available to fuel trucks and for other purposes, The adopted regulations enable permits to be granted to safely site, construct and operate new LNG facilities under requirements established in a DEC permit. Liquefied Natural Gas will be available to haulers as a cleaner burning alternative to diesel fuel. The final rule making documents, including the Assessment of Public Comment, are available on DEC’s website dec.ny.gov/regulations.

The State Senate is working on a package of bills to close Loopholes regarding sex offenders. State Senator John Bonacic explains:

(Bonacic 1-28-15)

The package of bills will be sent to the Assembly for consideration.

Nominations are being accepted currently for the 9th annual Woman Trailblazer Award presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community Relations & Human Rights. A complete nomination form is available at City Hall or on the City Web site at: www.oneonta.ny.us and click on City Government, then Commissions, then Community Relations & Human Rights. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 20th, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council meeting at City Hall.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 29-year-old Jamell Shannon of Binghamton, 41 year old Charles Jones of new Hartford Connecticut and 30 year old Natasha Castillo of Binghamton on a variety of drug charges, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at 15 Williams Street, in Binghamton. Police confiscated crack cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale used to weigh narcotics plus various prescription pain killers.  Castillo was processed and released on an appearance ticket for City of Binghamton Court on a later date. Shannon and Jones are both being held at the Binghamton Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Binghamton Court.

Lawmakers wrapped up the state budget on time, and Governor Cuomo vetoed more spending out of the plan last week.  Area assemblyman Bill Magee said that the agriculture fared well in the budget:

(Bill Magee 4-16-13)

Magee represents the new 121st assembly district, which includes part of Otsego County, including the city of Oneonta; he chairs the assembly agriculture committee.

State troopers in Oneonta arrested 25 year old Eric Dorsey of Sidney for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th following a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Otego.  Dorsey was released with an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Otego Court on April 25th.

The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting tonight at 7:00 PM.  Prior to tonight’s meeting, the trailblazer award reception will be held at the Oneonta middle school cafeteria, where Charlotte McKane and Sarah Patterson will be honored by the city Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights.  The common council meeting will also be held at the middle School cafeteria.

Hartwick College announced that they will host an Open House program on May 4th geared toward current high school juniors who are interested in becoming part of Hartwick's Class of 2018.  The Open House will be on May 4th, it will provide opportunities to learn more about Hartwick's campus, academic (http://www.hartwick.edu/academics) and extracurricular offerings, to meet with Hartwick staff, tour the campus and learn about the 3 year degree program instituted a couple of years ago.  Those who wish to sign up can do so at hartwick.edu

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/) has stopped $21.2 million in questionable personal income tax refunds. DiNapoli stated that his office found more than 6,300 improper filings this year, but has approved nearly four million refund requests.  Another 271,000 refunds are expected to be paid in the coming days.

State police in Norwich arrested 24-year-old Justin McLain of Smithville, for 4th degree Criminal Mischief. The arrest resulted from an investigation into a disturbance on Scribner Lane in Smithville; McLain was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Smithville Court on April 23rd.