WCDO Radio News

23-year-old Kevin Perry of Laurens was scheduled to appear in Oneonta Town Court this morning to face a felony hearing. Perry of accused of fatally shooting his parents in their Town of Laurens residence last Tuesday, he remains held without bail in the Otsego county jail pending future court action.

State Senator Fred Akshar visited 3 local schools today & & will visit a 4th on Thursday as part of his new district-wide "Akshar All-Star" student recognition program. Each month, Akshar will recognize 3 or 4 local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown leadership, compassion, & school spirit. Akshar visited students today at Norwich High School, the DCMO BOCES, Deposit High School and Thursday he will be at the Newark Valley Senior High School.

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.

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.

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.

The Toys for Tots train will make its annual appearance in Bainbridge Saturday, Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-1-17)

The Toys for Tots train is also scheduled to stop in Oneonta at about 1:30 PM Saturday.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Teachers' Association is hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, tomorrow at the Greenlawn Elementary School Gymnasium. BG High School Teacher Amy LaFever told WCDO News that the proceeds would benefit the BG Angel Fund:

(Amy LaFever 12-1-17)

Among the activities from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM tomorrow, will be crafts for children, a Chinese Auction, a bake sale, and $5 pictures with Santa, plus a pancake breakfast in the Greenlawn cafeteria, more information is available at 437-7896.

Santa will be appearing in Unadilla Saturday, with events starting at 9:00 AM with a Breakfast at the Methodist Church followed by Classic Christmas Movies at the Library. At 1:00 pm, The Parade line up on Sperry Street, at 1:30 pm, Santa arrives by Fire Truck at Community Center to meet with area children. Other Activities planned include Musical Performances by Unatego High School Band, & the Unadilla Rotary Club Basket Raffles. The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce and Unadilla Rotary Club sponsor the day's events

The Home for the Holidays Parade Hosted by Destination Oneonta will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Main Street in Oneonta. Following the Parade will be the 2nd Annual Gingerbread Jubilee & Gingerbread Contest in the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. The Inaugural Festival of the Trees will be held in the Foothills Production Room.

Governor Cuomo announced today that $5 million dollars has been awarded to 16 high need school districts state wide, to expand their pre-k programs for 3 & 4 year olds. Locally, the Windsor School District will receive $137,000 to expand that program.

Destination Oneonta announced that a networking mixer for Tri-County area business owners will be held this morning at 8:30 at the Hampton Inn of Oneonta on River Street. This month’s topic is “How Can Technology Help My Business”.

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

The Murder trial of Joshua Underwood will begin on December 4th in Otsego County Court. Underwood is accused of killing 52 year Mark Morrison of Oneonta on January 1st at Underwood's Main Street Oneonta Apartment, and initially trying to cover up the fire by starting a fire that did not spread. Underwood has been held in the Otsego County jail on $100,000 bail since turning himself into police shortly after Morrison’s death.

Country music star Joe Diffie will be performing at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta Saturday, Foothills spokesman Bill Youngs told WCDO News that the evening is a tribute to Military Veterans:

(Bill Youngs 11-2-17)

The show begins at 7:00 PM Saturday; tickets are available at 432-2080 or at foothillspac.org.

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

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.

A 5-K Walk or run will be held on Sunday October 22nd at 1:30 PM at the Sidney Central School, to raise money for the "Hope & Heroes" program, which supports children being treated for Cancer. Sidney Health Ed Teacher Jonathan Yurka is organizing the event:

(Jonathan Yurka 10-5-17)

Local residents interested in participating can sign up at localraces.com, and then search "Warriors"

Governor Cuomo announced that $1 million is available for eligible school districts to support the growth of Farm-to-School Programs across New York State. The program helps grades K through 12 connect with local farmers, increase the use of locally grown food on school menus and educate young people about agriculture. More information is available at agriculture.ny.gov.

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

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 Sidney Central School District and the Sidney SADD chapter are organizing a 5k walk or run on Sunday October 22nd, to help support children with cancer. 100% of proceeds will be given to "Hope and Heroes". The race will begin at 2:00PM, the Start and finish will be at Sidney Central School District, the course is will be along the river with some small hills. There will be a live band with food and beverage provided after the race. Online registration ends on Saturday October 21st, at 6:00 PM, more information is available at localraces.com

State Senator Jim Seward joined officials from the Greater Oneonta Historical Society to announce a $250,000 state grant to fund renovation and restoration work at the Oneonta History Center on Main Street. The $250,000 grant is under the state's 2002 Strategic Investment Program and is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties will host its 2017 Campaign Kick-off event on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the B-Side Ballroom, in Oneonta, beginning at 4:00 pm. More information about the event or fundraising efforts are available at 432-8006.

The Sidney Rotary Club announced that Sidney Central School District Superintendent Bill Christensen will be presenting a program to Rotary Friday at St. Luke's Church, regarding updates at the District. The public is invited for Lunch at noon for $9.00 or at 12:40 for the Superintendent's presentation.

The Oneonta Police Department reminds area residents to make sure to be safe, with their homes & belongings. Police remind residents to lock up doors and windows of all vehicles and structures, Remove valuable items & cash from vehicles and never leave them in plain site, park in open well-lit areas with good visibility & Call the police if you witness suspicious activity.

Former Syracuse University Collegiate basketball stand outs Roosevelt Bouie & Dale Shackleford visited Springbrook in Oneonta yesterday, to conduct a basketball clinic for the Springbrook Scorpions basketball team. Springbrook COO Seth Haight & Security Mutual Life Insurance COO Bruce Boyea coordinated yesterday's event, Haight comments:

(Seth Haight 9-13-17)

Bouie & Shackleford were teammates for 3 years at SU in the late 70's, Bouie made a name for himself for 16 years in the Italian Basketball league, Shackleford played professionally in Italy & Chile after college.

Sidney Central School District & area law enforcement investigated a social media post with threatening implications early this morning, Sidney Superintendent Bill Christensen explains:

(Bill Christensen 9-13-17)

Christensen said that the Students schedule was maintained, all after school activities went on as planned & they are waiting for the conclusion of the investigation by Police regarding the origin of the original post.

The Arc Otsego will host a career fair today from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, at The Arc Otsego at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta. The agency is currently hiring for a variety of positions, including direct support professionals, community service providers, bus drivers, home managers, individual program coordinators and more. There is no appointment necessary, and there will be onsite interviews and childcare available.

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.

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.

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.

Another Democrat has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2018 election for the 22nd Congressional District seat. Heath Phillips of Cincinnatus, made the announcement to challenge fellow Democrat Anthony Brindisi of Utica, for the seat occupied by Republican Claudia Tenney, who was only elected to the seat last November.

State Police are looking for 16-year-old Khailee Stoughton of Laurens; she was last seen leaving her home on June 19th. She is described as a Black Female; 5' 4" tall and medium build. She has long brown hair and brown eyes. She has been traveling between Albany and the Laurens/Morris/Oneonta areas, anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 432-3211.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford Cafeteria. The annual Re-Organization Agenda meeting will start at 6:30 PM.

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 1st Oneonta Pridefest will take place this Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in downtown Oneonta. Pridefest 2017 will begin with a rally at 10:00 AM Sunday in Muller Plaza, with speakers discussing issues facing the LGBT community, they will then march down South Main Street to Neahwa Park, where a variety of activities are planned. More information is available at the Oneonta Pridefest Facebook page.

The Otego Parent Teacher organization will hold a Community Carnival tomorrow at the Otego Elementary School. The event will be the last school district event at the building, which is slated to close at the end of the school year, following the recent decision to close the building due to rising costs & diminished enrollment. The Otego community is urged to attend the event, which runs form 12:30 to 4:00 PM.

After getting rained out on Monday, May 29th, Bainbridge officials have decided to hold a rescheduled Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony Tomorrow. The Parade will form at the Greenlawn Elementary School at 10:00 A.M. on June 10th. Military veterans should report to the Greenlawn Cemetery not later than 10:00 AM, as services at the Cemetery will begin at 10:15 A.M. The Parade will start at 10:30 AM. Final Memorial Day Ceremonies with commence at the Village Green.

A Special Fundraiser will be held Saturday from 2:00 to 10:00 PM in Norwich, to benefit the Savannah Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. Spokesman Rick Runyon told WCDO news that 2 scholarships have already been announced, & he explained the criteria for those receiving the scholarship:

(Rick Runyon 6-9-17)

The event will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich featuring a chicken Barbecue, Pig Roast, & Live music from 3 area bands. Savannah Williams was a Norwich High School Graduate who was killed in a car accident last year, while attending SUNY Geneseo.

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.

An Elder Law & Special Needs Law Clinic will be held on Thursday June 29th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, for residents of Otsego, Chenango & Delaware, for those 60 and older. A free ½ hour legal consultation from an attorney will be available to discuss Wills, Trusts, Health Care Proxies, Bankruptcy, Grandparents Rights, Personal Injury, and many other issues pertinent to seniors. The event will be held at the ELM PARK CHURCH at 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Pre-registration is required by June 27th at 607-231-5950

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is now taking applications for Sheriff’s Camp 2017. The camp program runs Monday mornings though Thursday afternoons and is for youths 9 years to 12 years old. Sheriff's Office Staff put on demonstrations on drugs, canines, gun safety, horse & buggy rides, boating safety and scuba diving. Applications can be picked up at County school district or at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, more information is available at 334-5175.

The State Senate passed of a package of bills to reduce mandated costs and other expenses that drive up local taxes for municipalities and school districts. Included in the package is a bill sponsored by Senator Jim Seward, to change the requirement for school districts to conduct internal audit risk assessments from annually to biennially. The package of bills was sent to the Assembly.

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.

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.

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.