WCDO Radio News

State Police responded Wednesday night to a 2-vehicle collision on State Route 206, in the town of Bainbridge. A 2002 Mitsubishi operated by 18-year-old Maleek Smith of Staatsburg crossed into the opposite lane into the path of a Chevrolet SUV driven by 53-year-old Joseph Artuso of Syracuse. Smith was eventually air lifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was pronounced deceased due to accident related trauma. Artuso and his two passengers were transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney, NY where were treated for minor injuries and released. The investigation is continuing.

A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood at a special blood drive in Savannah's memory on Thursday, December 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School at 17 Prospect Street 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

Governor Cuomo today unveiled the 3rd proposal of the 2018 State of the State: to invest $100 million to launch the 3rd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative which is aimed at transforming communities with a variety of economic development projects. The downtown areas will be selected by the state's Regional Economic Development Councils. Locally, in the 1st round, the City of Oneonta won a $10 million dollar award through the Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council; they are currently in the process of the downtown upgrades funded through that award.

Downsville Central School District officials reported that 6 students suffered minor injuries & were taken to area hospital as a precautionary measure, after a crash Thursday morning. Investigators believe that a truck lost control while making a turn on Route 30 in the town of Hancock, and hit a district school bus carrying 31 students. The investigation is being conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff's department.

23 Year old Kevin Perry of Laurens has been charged with 1st degree murder & criminal use of a weapon, for allegedly killing his parents in their home on New Road in the town of Laurens last night. The sheriff's office received a call from a relative who found Tim & Solveig Perry dead in their home, The Otsego County Sheriff's department alerted area law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for Perry's Pickup truck. Schoharie County sheriff’s deputies spotted the Pick Up truck, on I-88, Perry was apprehended following a high-speed chase, & a crash where Perry’s vehicle overturned at Exit 23. Perry was arraigned today in Town of Oneonta court, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits of several school district around the state, including the Oneonta City School Districts. The Comptrollers report regarding the Oneonta District said that the district ensured the accuracy of compensation and benefits provided to employees. Officials effectively segregated the multiple aspects of the payroll process and provided adequate oversight.

The State Health Department declared that influenza is now prevalent in the State, which puts into effect a regulation requiring that health care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present. New York has had 1,820 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in 54 counties and all 5 boroughs of New York City. There have been 612 influenza-related hospitalizations reported, and no reports of pediatric deaths from influenza. Over the last three seasons, there have been 19 pediatric influenza deaths in New York and an average of 11,183 influenza-related hospitalizations each season.

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell announced that Joshua Taylor was sentenced in Broome County Court Tuesday, for the murder of James High in Binghamton in 2015. Taylor will spend 25 years to life behind in jail for the murder of High outside the Antler Lodge in July 2015.

Norwich Police & Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested 3 people on various charges after the execution of a "no-knock" search warrant at 29 Silver Street Tuesday. Arrested were 50-year-old Alan Banks of Norwich for Criminal sale of a controlled substance & Criminal nuisance, 31-year-old Steven White of Norwich for Criminal sale of a controlled substance & 29-year-old Amanda Strozier of Norwich for Criminal nuisance. Banks and White are accused of selling cocaine; while Banks and Strozier are accused of allowing people to sells drugs at their Norwich apartment. Banks and White were sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail each, while Strozier was sent on $5,000 bail. All 3 will appear in Norwich City Court Thursday.

The Otsego County Health Department has reported that the Oneonta School district has 6 cases of Pertussis, also know as Whooping cough. Parents of students at the Oneonta School have been notified, Pertussis is highly contagious & is usually accompanied by fever, a runny nose & a harsh cough.

Oneonta Police arrested A Milford man for 2nd degree Assault, criminal possession of a weapon & criminal Tampering. 23-year-old Michael VanDeusen was charged following a fight in Oneonta on November 18th, where an unidentified man from Mount Vision suffered a non-life threatening stab wound. VanDeusen was arraigned; he faces action in Oneonta City Court in January.

The Afton Central School District has appointed Timothy McNamara as the new Superintendent of Schools. McNamara has accepted the position; the Afton School board is expected to act on McNamara's appointment at their meeting this evening.

Governor Cuomo announced nearly $6.5 million in grants to 55 state-approved anti-sexual assault crisis and prevention programs operated by hospitals, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies statewide. The grants will help fund local crisis hotlines and direct services for sexual assault victims, such as crisis counseling, advocacy and trauma therapy, and support prevention and education in schools, on college campuses and in communities. A complete list of the funded programs is available at governor.ny.gov/sites.

Destination Oneonta announced that the Oneonta Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held today. The event will be held starting at 5:00 PM through 8:30 PM in Muller Plaza on Main Street. Activites include Horse Drawn wagon rides, & music.

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

Governor Cuomo today announced that $20 million dollars will be awarded statewide to replace residential drinking water lead service lines as part of New York's Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program awards locally include the City of Binghamton, which will receive $663,000.

Destination Oneonta announced that the Tri County business community can attend a networking mixer on Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Hampton Inn of Oneonta on River Street. Organizers say this month’s topic is “How Can Technology Help My Business”. Bring your tips, tricks, and technology recommendations and questions to share and discuss along with meet and network with other local business and professional people. More information call 607-433-9000

State Senator Fred Akshar will be visiting classrooms in 3 more schools Today as part of his new district-wide "Akshar All-Star" student recognition program. Akshar will visit the Tioga Central High School in Barton, The Vestal Middle School Library & at 2:00pm, the Oxford High School

The Afton Central School District Board of Education has invited 2 candidates to interview for the Superintendent position. A forum for each candidate will be held next week, with the forum with Daniel Erickson; who is the middle school principal in Johnson City, will be November 28th, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium. Timothy McNamara is the principal in the Downsville Central School District; his public forum will be on November 30th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening starting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall. The Oneonta clerk's office announced that City Hall would be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on both Thursday & Friday this week.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Council's chambers at City Hall.

Norwich City Police Department and the Chenango County Sheriff's office arrested 24-year-old Brandley Bishop of Norwich was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, following a month long investigation into the sale of methamphetamine in the City of Norwich. Bishop was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Oneonta Police conducted 3 no-knock search warrants this past weekend, resulting in the arrests of 2 men on drug charges. Police seized crack cocaine, marijuana, packets of heroin & cash, 34 year old Terrell Ford of Wilson North Carolina was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 25-year-old Damien Ortiz of Queens, was charged with 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance. Both were being held pending court action in the City of Oneonta Court.

The Unatego School District Board of Education will hold their next regular meeting at the Middle School/ High School today in Room 93. The session will begin at 6:30 PM, with the open portion beginning at 7:00 PM.

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

The Oneonta Board of Public Service will hold their next meeting this afternoon. the board will meet at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

Oneonta Police are reminding area vehicle owners to always lock up their vehicles, after the report of a few vehicles being ransacked around the city. Police also remind vehicle owners to never leave valuables in plain site inside vehicles. Oneonta Police urge that is you see suspicious activity, call them at 432-1111.

State Senator Fred Akshar joined local librarians at the Fenton Free Library to announce over $150k in library funds for 24 libraries through the BOOKS Program. These funds will go towards children's programming and new books for the children and young adults collections at libraries across the 52nd Senate District. Local Libraries receiving funding includes Afton, Bainbridge, Deposit, Fenton, Oxford & Windsor as well as the 4 County Library System Cybermobile

The Sidney Central School District announced that they would offer after-school programs for no charge, starting in September. The District will offer an after-school program for students in grades K through 6th Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM, on full-length school days & Transportation is available. The After-school programs will begin on Monday, September 11th, more information and registration will be posted on the school website by the end of this month.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators arrested a New York City woman on a Sealed Indictment Warrant, regarding the distribution of heroin from New York City into Delaware and surrounding counties. 24-year-old Courtney Williamson of Queens and 34-year-old Monica Iannarelli, of Brooklyn were charged by the Grand Jury with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance & 3 counts of Conspiracy. Williamson was arrested in April in the Town of Middletown; officers seized 83 bags of heroin and 30 bags of cocaine, she is being held in the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 bail. On July 28th, Iannarelli was apprehended in Brooklyn by U.S. Marshal’s and was turned over to Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies; she was arraigned on Monday and was held on $50,000 cash bail.

State Police arrested 36-year-old James Brower of Norwich, for 1st degree Murder, he is accused of murdering 11-year-old Jacelyn O’Connor in his residence in Norwich Sunday, anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at 334-3296. Brower was arraigned in Chenango County Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail pending court action in the Town of Norwich Court on Thursday, at 9:00 AM. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office assisted with this investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo was in Johnson City this morning, to deliver state funds to assist the Regional Econimic Development's wishes to assist Binghamton area businesses add jobs:

(Cuomo 8-2-17)

The State has already invested more than $3.1 billion in the region since 2012, recent REDC efforts in Binghamton have led to the building of the new Pharmacy School in Johnson City & the expansion of the Decker School of Nursing into a bigger facility.

Area Law Enforcement Agencies will team up with Area Dunkin Donuts locations to raise money for the "Cops On Top" fundraiser. Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack told WCDO News that the SIdney Police Deaprtment will be involved Friday:

(Jan Gorshack 8-2-17)

Police officers will also assist in the fundraising efforts in Bainbridge, Norwich, Vestal, Binghamton, Johnson City & Whitney Point this coming Friday morning.

New York State has announced a new round of funding for a program aimed at keeping students from dropping out of school. The state Education Department on Monday said 44 colleges and universities would receive a total of $17 million as part of the Liberty Partnerships Program. Under the program, colleges partner with struggling schools and community-based organizations to help middle and high school students who are at risk of dropping out complete school and go on to college. Commissioner MaryEllen Elia says the program gives students access to skills assessment, tutoring, counseling and mentoring. The program was started in 1988.

The Oneonta Common Council meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday has been rescheduled to tonight. The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM at the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

There will be a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council tonight, the meeting will begin at 6:00 PM, and the council will establish budget guidelines for the 2018 city budget.

Catholic Charities is offering free School supplies & Backpacks to eligible Sidney School district students. Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 7-24-17)

McKnight said that last year they gave away 111 backpacks with school supplies for Sidney students. Catholic Charities office is located in the Sidney Civic Center.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that Crime in Broome County has decreased since 2015. 2 years ago, Broome County had the highest crime rate of all 62 counties in New York State, it is now ranked 6th. Crime in the county decreased by 16%, according to the Department of Criminal Justice Statistics. The DCJS counts index crimes - murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital announced the appointment of 5 new members to their Board of Directors. Joining the Board is Noel Goodspeed of Sidney, who is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at SFCU, Jeffrey Lord who is Vice President at Community Bank, N.A, Scott H. McLean of Sidney, who is the owner and President of Tieco-Unadilla Corporation in Unadilla, is business administrator at C.H. Landers, Funeral Chapel, Luisa Montanti who is the Property Manager of the Southside Mall, and Oneonta City School Superintendent Joseph Yelich.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that he would tour upstate counties & cities this summer, in order to learn more about the issues facing upstate residents. Heastie stated the tour today in Syracuse, he will also visit Rochester, the Southern Tier, The North Country, the Capital District, & Long Island in the coming weeks.

The Chenango County District Attorney's office announced that 28-year-old Travis St. Denny of Norwich accepted a plea deal Monday in Chenango County Court. St. Denny pleaded guilty to 2 counts of criminal sex act, and one count of producing obscene materials to a minor. St. Denny agreed to serve 5 years for each criminal sex act charge, resulting in a 10-year prison term, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. He will be sentenced in September.

Utica Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi already announced his intentions to run for the 22nd congressional district in November 2018, at a press conference in Utica this morning. Brindisi seeks to unseat Republican Claudia Tenney, who is only 6 months into her first term in Congress. The 22nd congressional district covers part of Chenango & Broome Counties locally. Brindisi will reschedule a press conference for Binghamton that was postponed today due to the extraordinary session of the Assembly called by Governor Cuomo for today in Albany.

Lawmakers were called back to Albany today for an Extraordinary session to deal with some left over legislation that was not dealt with before the end of the 2017 session last Wednesday. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that some of the bills really should be dealt with by the local municipalities, and not the state legislature:

(Cliff Crouch 6-28-17)

In the last weeks of the legislative session, state lawmakers had to decide on what Crouch called "Home Rule" issues, like allowing for counties to continue to collect sales tax, in addition to the issue of New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio overseeing the City schools.

The Catskill Area Hospice is holding their annual fundraising concert in Oneonta this evening. The headlining act will be Daughtry, with opening acts Brett Young & Night Ranger, at the 6th Ward Booster Club Field at Scramling Avenue off of River Street in Oneonta. Tickets for the 5:45 PM show are available at hospicetickets.com; proceeds will help the Catskill area Hospice, serving those with end of life issues.

The Tri-Town Coalition On Substance Abuse Prevention meeting will be this evening at 6:00 pm in the Sidney Middle School Cafeteria-Gym. The agenda for the meeting will be action planning for the upcoming 2017/2018 coalition year. This meeting will be led by the Prevention Resource Center and the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 County residents on Drug charges. Deputies arrested Chauncey Couse of Oneonta and Nichole Conklin of Laurens, for 2 counts each of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling heroin in the City of Oneonta. Couse was already being held in the Otsego County jail on a previously charge, with Couse's bail set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond, Conklin was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond, pending future court action.

State Police were alerted to an alleged threat on Facebook that 2 students at Harpursville High School were going to "shoot up the school". The alleged perpetrators were 2 subjects that came into the State Police barracks in Kirkwood to report what was posted. State Police and Harpursville School District administrators determined that there was no credible threat and that the posting was done by a third party. State Police arrested a 15-year-old student and they were charged with making a terroristic threat. The student was released to the custody of their parent and will appear in Family Court at a later date.

The Arc Otsego will hold its Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet on June 15, 2017, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. The event is open to the public and will include dinner from Brook’s BBQ, music, dancing, raffle prizes, and the following awards: Community Employment Employee of the Year, The Arc Otsego Employee of the Year, Community Employment Employer of the Year and the 2017 Achievement Award. Seating is limited, and reservations should be made today by calling 433-8424.

The states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York City today announced an agreement on a plan to continue sustainable water management for the Delaware River. The New York City DEP will voluntarily release additional water from its Delaware System reservoirs to protect the ecological health of the Delaware River, maintain seasonal reservoir voids that enhance flood protection, and lessen the regional harm caused by the expiration of the Flexible Flow Management Program, which regulated the flow of water from the Cannonsville, Neversink and Pepacton reservoirs on the headwaters of the Delaware River since it was first adopted in 2008. The program had been extended for several years upon unanimous agreement of the governing bodies, which were given that authority by a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree.

New York State is getting 35 million dollars to expand After-School Programs. The Governors office stated that the money would go to the school districts with the highest poverty rates, State officials are looking to increase after school participation by 36%, to more than 20,000 children statewide.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of nearly $700,000 in public library construction grant funds. Local Libraries receiving funding include Franklin, the Huntington Library in Oneonta, & Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM starting with a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-17-17

"The Wall The Heals" will be set up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta over the Memorial Day Weekend, local organizer for the event; Gene Schmidt said that there is still a need for a few more volunteers, as preparations are already underway:

(Gene Schmidt 5-17-17)

Schmidt said that the Wall would be brought through area towns on May 25th, along State Route 7 from Harpursville to Oneonta; the wall will be in Neahwa Park through the late afternoon hours of Memorial Day.

The City of Oneonta has hired George Korthauer as the new City Manager. Korthauer served as a city manager in Michigan, he beat out about 90 applicants for the Oneonta City Manager's position.

Governor Cuomo today ordered a comprehensive review of compliance under the 2015 "Enough Is Enough" law at all higher-education institutions across the state. The statewide inspection will ensure that all colleges and universities are fulfilling their obligations under the law to protect students from sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, and are taking every measure to properly investigate allegations of sexual assault on campus.   The Governor has directed the review be completed for all schools by the beginning of the fall semester.

All area school districts had successful budget votes yesterday, many by a wide margin. Locally, the Franklin School district required a Super Majority Voter Approval; their tax levy increase was slightly above the state cap.

4 people were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a ‘no knock’ warrant on North Broad Street in Norwich Tuesday. Arrested were 19-year-old Chase Webb of Norwich, 37-year-old Steven Peterson of New York City, 30-year-old Sebastian Catanzaro of Norwich and 28-year-old Christina Banks of Norwich. Webb is accused of selling heroin; Peterson is accused of possessing cocaine and crack with the intent to sell. Catanzaro and Banks are accused of maintaining a place for drug sales. All 4 were arraigned; Webb was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending future court action.

Construction on the Oneonta Transfer Station will begin today; it will remain open during construction. Construction on the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown will follow, that Transfer Station will be closed during construction.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride announced that Melissa Crispell pleaded guilty to 1st degree Robbery, she will serve 15 to 25 years in state prison in connection with the death of David Green in his Oxford Home last year. A part of a plea deal, Crispell will testify against her co-defendant Jeremy Coates, who will face murder charges when his trial begins at a later date.

New York state school budget votes, and in some district, votes on School Board candidates bus purchases & capital projects, is being held today. The New York State School Board Association reported that the average proposed school district tax levy increase is 1.48%, which is more that half a percentage point below the "2 percent" property tax cap. This is the 4th consecutive year the tax cap growth factor will be below 2%. Most area schools have tax levy increases below the cap this year.

Governor Cuomo today launched the 2nd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative to boost local economies, by investing $100 million into 10 additional downtown neighborhoods, as selected by each of the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils. The REDC's will solicit applications for the 2nd round, they must be submitted by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 14th. Last year, Oneonta was selected as a $10,000,000 dollar award winner.

This summer, the city of Oneonta, Along with Otsego Now & Empire State Development, will begin the process of updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. The plan has not been updated since 2007, a series of public outreach events will be scheduled, and the update process is expected to take about 12 year to complete.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

Broome Count District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced today that Charles Burks was sentenced to 13 years in prison, and Jennifer Burks was sentenced to 9 years in prison, on 2nd-degree manslaughter and 1st degree assault convictions. The couple was accused of giving their son, 5-year-old Chace Burks a fatal dose of oxycodone on May 7th of 2016, and a debilitating dose of methadone in May of 2015.

State Police arrested 44-year-old Corey Christman of Oneonta for Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Christman was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to Otsego County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond, pending future court action.

A large wind turbine is being moved today down State Highway 12 from the North Norwich rest area to the Oxford rest area. This will cause major traffic delays, particularly in the City of Norwich, to get the load over the Canasawacta Creek Bridge around the lunch hour. Motorists are encouraged to avoid State Highway 12 if possible. You can use County Road 32/East River Road as an alternate.

The Town Of Oneonta will hold the 2nd of 2 public meetings today to inform residents about the "Community Choice Aggregation" energy delivery program, which is a State program that authorizes communities to purchase of electricity at lower rates. Today’s meeting is from 5:00to 7:00 PM at the Foxcare Center on Route 7. Residents are encouraged to bring their electric bill to compare pricing.

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

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation investing a record $25.8 billion in education aid across New York State. The new legislation boosts education aid by $1.1 billion, including a $700 million increase in Foundation Aid. Aid to New York school districts has increased by 32% over the last 6 years.

The city of Oneonta announced that the Department of Public Service will be conducting additional curbside residential pick ups of residential brush & yard waste, for the rest of this week & into next week. The extra collection time is due to the high winds from Monday's storm that knocked down limbs & branches all over the city more information is available at 432-6465, extension 3.

Farmers will have two opportunities to drop off their agricultural plastic for recycling under a special program offered by Otsego County Solid Waste Department, the Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Ag plastic will be collected Saturday, May 6, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, May 11 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested, at (607) 282-4087.

Former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston appeared in Binghamton City Court this morning, she pleaded guilty to 1 count of Official Misconduct, she was originally charged with 3 counts. Preston will pay a $1,000 fine. Preston was charged for using a Town of Conklin Credit card for her own purposes when she was a town supervisor between 2005 & 2012.

The City of Oneonta will begin milling & paving on Chestnut Street this week. Today, work will be performed from Clinton Street to Main Street, including side-street tie-ins from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. City Residents can get more information at 432-6465.

The Oneonta Town Board will hold a special meeting this afternoon, to set up a public hearing on the Community Choice Aggregation. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the town hall in West Oneonta.

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

Standard & Poor Global ratings has raised the City of Oneonta's Long Term rating to AA-, on the city's general obligation debt. The ratings review was issued in anticipation of the city's issuance of 4.2 Million Dollars in general obligation bonds next month. The improved rating will mean lower long-term interest rates & lower costs to taxpayers over the life of the bonds.

This Month is Alcohol & Substance Abuse Awareness month across the nation. Justin Hamm of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County told WCDO News of some disturbing statistics:

(Justin Hamm 4-19-17)

Hamm said that The Council is working with the Delaware County Stop DWI program to bring presentation to area schools, and they will be reviving the "Mock DWI" Crash demonstrations shortly.

The next meeting of the City of Oneonta's Planning Commission will be tonight at City Hall. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:00 PM to discuss negotiations and to approve the estimated statement of expenditure for the 2017-18 school year. The business portion of the meeting will start at 6:30 PM.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig delivered his State of The City Address at City hall last night. Herzig outlined the city’s economic development plans for the Main street & downtown area, as well as plans to replace old water mains & to make repairs to the city’s reservoir.

SUNY Oneonta President Dr. Nancy Kleniewski has announced plans to retire in July of 2018. Dr. Kleniewski has been the SUNY Oneonta President since 2008; a presidential search committee will be formed in the next few weeks to find a replacement.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive today at the Edmeston School District Auditorium-Small Gym today from 10:30 AM TO 3:30 PM. Appointments can be made at Redcrossblood.org.

Opioid Overdose training will be held the next 2 nights at the Bainbridge Guilford high school. The training session will begin at 6:00 PM tonight & Wednesday night, all participants will be taught how to administer Naloxone & will receive a free rescue kit. More information is available at 967-6321.

Governor Cuomo announced the passage of a budget extender in order to continue all state operations and the $16.4 billion New York construction and economic development plan for the next complete fiscal year. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that he voted against the extender:

(Crouch 4-4-17)

Governor Cuomo said that agreements must still be made on free college tuition for the middle class, funding public schools, middle class tax cuts, & the controversial "Raise the Age" proposal, which calls for raising the age of criminal responsibility for 16 & 17 year olds.

Oneonta City Mayor Gary Herzig will deliver the annual State of the City address tonight at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting, Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

A free entrepreneur workshop, "Customer Discovery Tactics," will be held today from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Oxford Academy Primary School. The presentation will be led by Southern Tier Startup Alliance

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2017 Job Fair on Today at the Holiday Inn, State Route 23, Oneonta. The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Oneonta City mayor Gary Herzig announced today that the annual State of the City address would be held on April 4th at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting at City Hall. Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

The Oneonta City Clerk’s office announced that following tonight’s 6:00 PM finance-Human Resources Committee meeting, there will be a workshop on:” Annexation”, presented by the New York Conference of Mayors attorney Wade Beltramo The focus of the meeting for the City of Oneonta officials will be the reservoir & the airport properties. Thee meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & is open to the public.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported that Ernest Franklin and Heather Franklin were indicted on Friday, by a Chenango County Grand Jury on charges of: 2nd degree Murder, 3rd degree Arson and Tampering with Physical Evidence, in connection with a fire at their residence on State Route 8 in the town of Guilford on March 1st. It was determined at autopsy that their adopted son, Jeffrey, was deceased prior to the fire. Investigators believe the fire was set to cover up the murder. Both defendants will be arraigned on the indictment in Chenango County Court at a later date.

The City of Oneonta announced today that due to a lack of agenda items, today's meeting of the Operations, Planning and Evaluation has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 10th.

Otsego County Conservation Association is seeking volunteers to assist with the 13th annual Earth Festival event at Milford Central School on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the gym at Milford Central School. There is also a pre-festival movie night being held on Friday April 21 at 7:00 PM at the school. Volunteers are being asked to help with a wide variety of tasks on Friday and Saturday, including setting up Friday afternoon, and with clean up after the event. To volunteer, call 547-4488.

Binghamton Police announced a major drug bust in the city today, after police raided a 236 Clinton Street early this morning. Police seized $100,000 worth of heroin, $16,000 worth of crack cocaine & $43,000 in cash from alleged drug sales. Arrested were 46-year-old James Brabham, 59 year old Tyrone Thompson & 62 year old Joseph Bowles on a variety of drug & weapons charges & face court action shortly.

Binghamton Police charged 27-year-old Liz Ayala of Binghamton for 2nd Degree Murder, for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, 26-year-old Gerrard Davis, during a domestic dispute. Binghamton Police responded to 97 Broad Avenue after receiving a 911 call, Davis was taken to an area hospital, where died shortly after arrival. Ayala was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the custody of the Broome County Sheriff Office. 2 children were home at the time of the incident; the Broome County Child Protective Services removed them. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at 772-7080.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged all eligible taxpayers in Central New York to take advantage of three free tax filing assistance events scheduled for today.  Central New York taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less in 2016 qualify to e-file their tax returns using free online software, Today's event will be from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Huntington Memorial Library at 62 Chestnut Street in Oneonta.

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

A Winter Storm is heading up the East Coast & will impact much of the state starting tonight. Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 3-13-17)

The National Weather service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect tonight through Wednesday Night & a Blizzard warning has been posted for parts of Delaware County & neighboring Sullivan County.

Another Opiate Awareness Program will be held this week at the Afton school district in conjunction with Lourdes Hospital & Yes Safe Choices. State Senator Fred Akshar explains:

(Fred Akshar 3-13-17)

Senator Akshar said that he was encouraged that both the Afton & Bainbridge School district are requiring students involved in their athletics programs to be part of the program. Future events are listed at yessafechoices.org/events.

Oneonta Police Department received a call Friday Night from a citizen in southern New York State regarding an acquaintance who was stranded in Oneonta and possibly expressing suicidal and homicidal tendencies. Officers located 35 year old Samuel Browning of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in the area of 145 Main Street. Browning was taken into custody without incident, he was found to be in possession of a loaded .357 magnum revolver and a small quantity of marijuana, the handgun had been reported stolen from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Browning was charged with Criminal possession of a firearm, Criminal possession of stolen property, And Unlawful possession of marijuana. Browning was held at the Oneonta Police Department until arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

The Oneonta city clerk's office announced that due to the impending storm, parking restrictions in the Municipal Parking lots & Parking Garage would be lifted starting at 7:00 PM tonight. Vehicles owners & operators in the city of Oneonta are reminded that vehicles cannot be parked on the streets after 2 1/2 inches of snow falls. City officials said that people could sign up for snow and parking related messages by texting the keyword "SNOWTOW" to 888777.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Carla Gagliano of Oneonta for Grand Larceny, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing, after an investigation by the State Department of Labor. The investigation determined that from March 2014 through March 2015, Gagliano had been receiving unemployment benefits while working at the Astrocom Electronics in Oneonta; the benefits were valued at about $10,500. Gagliano was arraigned in the City of Oneonta Court and was released. Her next court date is on April 19th.

THE VILLAGE OF DELHI WITH RECEIVE A $100,000 GRANT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT AS PART OF THIS YEAR'S NEW YORK STATE BUDGET. THE VILLAGE IS PROPOSING TO EXTEND Its WATER SERVICE AREA to AN EXISTING MOTEL THAT IS CURRENTLY ON A PRIVATE WELL. THE FUNDING WILL ALSO HELP TO INSTALL WATER WELL AND REPLACE PIPING THAT SERVES A LOCAL HOSPITAL AMONG OTHER RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.

Voters in a few school districts will be asked to approve budgets that exceed the state's tax cap. The State Association of School Business Officials reported that 98% of the budgets submitted to the state so far would stay within the cap, 15 district want to over-ride it, which means that they will need a 60% super majority of for their budgets to pass. School budget votes will be held on May 16th this year.

A Volunteer meeting for those who have signed up, or who want to sign up for the Memorial Day Weekend visit to Oneonta of the Mobile Veterans wall, will be held next week, march 8th in Oneonta. Organizer Gene Schmidt comments:

(Gene Schmidt 3-2-17)

The meeting will be held at the Salvation Army Gym at 25 River Street in Oneonta starting at 7:00 PM, more information is available at 610-4030.

The City Of Oneonta Fire Department is conducting a community risk assessment, Residents in the city of Oneonta & town of Oneonta served by the fire department t are encouraged to complete the survey & submit it. Copies of the survey can be found at the city of Oneonta website under the "Announcements" tab, on the fire department Facebook page or at surveymonkey.com.

Lawmakers held a press conference Wednesday to repeal the SAFE Act in the upstate counties, but leave it intact in New York City's 5 boroughs. State Senator Jim Seward co-sponsors the bill:

(Seward 3-2-17)

The legislation would reverse elements of the SAFE Act including gun licensing recertification requirements, storage mandates, firearm seizures and registries, and information collected on gun owners. The bill was introduced in January.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Tonight in the Guilford Elementary School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

New regulations will be issued by the New York State Department of State, requiring structural inspections of above-ground parking garages. The State does not currently have laws or regulations requiring public or private parking garages to undergo structural inspections, only fire and general safety rules. The regulations follow the collapse of a parking ramp at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City in July 2015, and the November 2015 closure of the Collier Street parking ramp in Binghamton, due to safety concerns. The State Department of State will soon begin drafting the regulations.

The head of New York State’s Public Service Commission is stepping down to take a job in Australia. Audrey Zibelman announced her departure Monday, she will stay on until the end of March before going to work for the Australian Energy Market Operator, which oversees electricity and natural gas markets and networks.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold an information session in conjunction with the regular Board of Education Meeting tonight, which starts at 6:30 PM with the business portion of the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. A special Board Meeting will be held tonight for Board members to vote on SEQRA and the Capital Project, which will likely go before the public for a vote in March.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the guilty plea of 44 year old Darin Cox of Johnson City, who is the owner and operator of Broome Taxi, for his fraudulent actions in obtaining over $3,000 from the Medicaid system by operating his business without the licensing necessary to operate a taxicab in Broome County. Cox pleaded guilty to 1 count of Grand Larceny, he faces a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.

The Otsego County IDA will hold a public hearing this morning on the State Eminent Domain Procedure Law at 11:00 AM at their offices at 189 Main Street, Oneonta. The purpose of the hearing is to outline and/or describe the proposed acquisition by the Agency of the parcels commonly known as the Ford Block at Market Street in Oneonta.