WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 2 New York City men on felony marihuana possession charges following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Deputies stopped a speeding vehicle operated by 20-year-old Messiah Ortiz of New York City, a search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the seizure of 1 pound of marihuana and over $2500 cash. Deputies charged Ortiz and 26-year-old Michael Lewis of New York City, with Criminal Possession of Marihuana, they were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where they were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 secured bond pending future court action.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Maxx Waters of Afton for 3rd degree Assault & harassment. Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on Hilltop Drive in the Town of Afton, where Waters allegedly engaged in a physical dispute with 2 other victims, with one of the victims receiving a laceration to the head. Waters was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Court on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond. His next court date is on December 8, 2016.

A charity Auction will be held November 19th in Oneonta to benefit the Leatherstocking Council of the Boys Scouts of America. District Executive Peter Miller told WCDO News of some of the auction items up for bidding:

(Peter Miller 11-9-16)

Online bidding & a complete list of auction items can be found at Leatherstocking Council.org, the auction will take place on Saturday November 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Morris conference Center at SUNY Oneonta.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Amber Joy of Morris for 4th grand larceny; Joy is accused of stealing religious items from the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, on Main Street in the Village of Morris, valued at $240. Joy was arraigned in the Town of Morris Court where she was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date is pending.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive of Justice complaint from New Jersey. 30-year-old Scott Russell was taken into custody and was brought to the Town of Norwich Court. Russell was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. He is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

Chenango county sheriffs deputies arrested 56-year-old Peter Constantinou of New Berlin for 3rd degree Assault & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation by Chenango County Child Protective Services and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Constantinou faces action in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

A rally in support of the Sioux at Standing Rock of North Dakota will be held in the Muller plaza in Oneonta tomorrow from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. The Sioux are at odds with a plan to have the Dakota Access Pipeline run through land that they consider sacred. More information is available at the "Stand with Standing Rock" Facebook page.

The elections are over and here are the Winners for 2016: in The U.S. Senate seat for New York, Democrat Charles Schumer beats Republican Wendy Long by a better than 2 to 1 margin. In the House of Representatives: in the 19th Congressional District Race, Republican John Faso defeats Democrat Zephyr Teachout & in the 22nd Congressional district Race Republican Claudia Tenney wins over Democrat Kim Meyers & 3rd party Candidate Martin Babinec. In area State Senate races, Republican incumbents Fred Akshar, Jim Seward & John Bonacic were re-elected. In State Assembly Races, Incumbents Bill Magee Donna Lupardo & Gary Finch defeated their opponents, Cliff Crouch & Pete Lopez were re-elected, they ran unopposed. Broome county voters elected Democrat Jason Garner over incumbent Debbie Preston. John Hubbard wins for Delaware County District Attorney, he was unopposed, Peter McCann wins the election for Morris Town Judge, and Randall Mowers was elected to the Oneonta Town Board

The State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions will be held today in Binghamton and Vestal today. information on specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov or (518) 457-6335. The first auction will begin at 9:30 at the DOT at 241 Colesville Road in Binghamton; the second begins at 1:30 PM at SUNY Binghamton, at 4400 Vestal Parkway East, in Vestal.

The Otsego County Chamber of commerce announces that their Education Committee will host a discussion supporting Tourism on Wednesday, November 9, from 8:30 10:00 AM. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, more information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be conducting NYSERDA’s free energy workshops titled “EMPOWER Save Energy, Save Dollars” at three locations, for those who pre-register through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531. A new workshop has been scheduled for Monday October 31st at the Opportunities for Otsego from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at 3 West Broadway in Oneonta. Other workshops will be held on November 3rd from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Deposit Senior Meals Site at 14 Monument Street, and on November 7th from 1:00 to 2:30pm at Opportunities for Otsego at 3 West Broadway, Oneonta.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county voters that the general election will be on November 8th this year, with the polls open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Absentee ballots and sample ballots for the General Election are available at the Board of Elections Office at 3 Gallant Ave., Delhi NY. Absentee ballot applications may be downloaded from co.delaware.ny.us Sample ballots may also be viewed on that website. The Board of Elections Office will be open on Saturday October 29th and Saturday November 5th from 9AM until Noon for absentee voting. More information is available at 832-5321

The Otsego County Chamber of commerce announces that their Education Committee will host a discussion supporting Tourism on Wednesday, November 9, from 8:30 10:00 AM. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, NY 13820. Those interested in attending must R.S.V.P by Monday, November 7. More information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that Cigna Insurance would end its policy of requiring prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Cigna’s change comes just months after Schneiderman requested that the company provide information about their policies to address concerns about barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder. Schneiderman said that Preauthorization requirements can lead to delays in patients obtaining quick, necessary treatment for addiction.

A Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council meeting will be held at the Sidney Library tomorrow. Delaware County Public Health Spokesperson Vera Buell told WCDO News who should attend this meting.

(Vera Buell 10-24-16)

The meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon tomorrow.

The Sidney Police Department will have a new Chief sworn in at tonight’s Village Board meeting, and then Jan Gorshack will replace Mike Hood as chief officially Thursday. Gorshack told WCDO news about taking over as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Jan Gorshack 10-14-16)

Gorshack has served in the Sidney Police Department for 23 years, he ran the DARE Program for 20 years, out going Chief Mike Hood will work part time with the Bainbridge Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriffs department.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 6 individuals have been arrested as part of a "Major drug trafficking enterprise” The 6 were arrested Sunday following a joint investigation by law enforcement agencies in Binghamton, arrested were Devon Johnson, Ferris Brown, Shawn Perry, Maurice Rollins, Mary Peters, & Andrew Savo. All 6 were arraigned in Binghamton City Court, and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Broome County DA Steve Cornwell announced that 32-year-old Christopher Clerveau of Kirkwood, pleaded guilty Friday to charges relating to his involvement in a large-scale drug ring operating in the region by Terrence Wise. Clerveau is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1st.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at The Amphenol Corporation of Sidney voted to approve their new 3-year contract Saturday. The Union & Amphenol negotiate a new deal every 3 years.

Delaware County & State fire investigators have determined that Thursday fire at Village Pizzeria at 106 Main Street in Delhi was ruled accidental, and started in one of the restaurants deep fryers in the kitchen, it spread into the upper floors, and then to Stephen Antiques next door. The fire was called in at about 6:35 Thursday morning with 10 area fire departments responding, along with other assistance from the State Police, Delhi police, state DOT, Delaware County sheriff’s office & NYSEG.

Delaware county sheriff’s department arrested 31-year-old Jennifer Morris of East Branch Wednesday for falsely reporting an incident and a violation of parole. Deputies responded to a Monday morning 911 call where a female reported being held against her will by 2 men in East Branch. Deputies and Troopers determined that the occupants had not called 911 and that no crime was being committed. The 911 call originated from an telephone number associated with more than one thousand 911 hang-up calls to the Delaware County 911 Center since May. The State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Parole Officers arrested Morris for violating the terms of parole from her earlier conviction for Falsely Reporting an Incident, for making on-line threats against Walton school children through social media. Morris was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5000 cash bail or $10,000 bond; she will remain held without bail on the Parole Violation Detainer Warrant.

State Police at Sidney arrested 38-year-old Damion Hoag of Fallsburg for 1st degree Sex Abuse, & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation into allegations that Hoag was having sexual contact with a person less than 11 years of age in the Town of Butternuts. Hoag was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. His next court date is on August 25th.

The Delaware County Fair will wrap up with their big Country Music concert Saturday night, with up & coming Country Star Frankie Ballard, Spokesman John Jackson comments;

(John Jackson 8-19-16)

Tonight will feature the Demolition Derby, tickets for that event were sold out almost 2 months ago, it continues to be one of the most popular events at the Delaware County Fair year after year.

Last weekend, a record amount of fans attended the Binghamton Senators’ Open House at Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday. The free event provided fans with guided tours and prizes all afternoon. B-Sens spokesman Rob Lipolis told WCDO News that the open house led to the largest number of season ticket sales in several years:

(Rob Lipolis 8-19-16)

Opening Night for the Binghamton Senators is slated for Saturday, October 15 at 7:05 PM; more information is available at 722-SENS or at binghamtonsenators.com.

Lawrence Harvey of Coventry was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 2nd degree menacing. Deputies & State Police responded to a dispute in the Town of Coventry where one of the participants was reported to be using a knife and a baseball bat. Harvey was subdued, arrested and was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge Court, he will return to Town of Coventry Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 45 year old Audra Brendel-Hart of Bainbridge for aggravated harassment, after troopers responded to a report of threatening telephone calls being received at a home in Conklin. Brendel-Hart allegedly made over 10 telephone calls threatening to harm the victim with a baseball bat last Friday Night into Saturday morning. She was arraigned and released, she faces action in the Town of Conklin shortly.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Delaware County Fair on Friday August 19 to educate the public on how to vote on the machines. It will be at the Republican Booth from 11am to 3pm and at the Democratic Booth from 3pm to 7pm. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

Otsego County Conservation Association will be holding a highway cleanup along State Route 80 tomorrow from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The cleanup is part of New York State’s Adopt-A-Highway program, Volunteers will meet at OCCA’s office at Mohican Farm, at the corner of Route 80 and Allen Lake Road, and will collect trash along a two-mile stretch of the road. Bags, water, and safety equipment are provided. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen. More information is available at 547-4488,

Fire fighters from several area departments responded this morning to a structure fire on Main Street in Delhi. The fire began at about 6:30 this morning in the kitchen of Village Pizzeria at 106 Main Street, it eventually spread to an adjacent antiques store. Main Street has been closed off & the Delaware County Courthouse has cancelled all activity today due to a loss of electrical power. Delaware County Emergency Services department reported that fire fighters from Manpower and Apparatus from Delhi, Andes, Bloomville, Bovina, Franklin, Margaretville, Meridale, Oneonta, Pindars Corners, Sidney, Walton, & Wells Bridge responded, 1 firefighter fell on stairs & suffered minor injuries.

Governor Cuomo directed State Police to ramp up enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on impaired driving through Labor Day weekend, one of the deadliest times of year for drunk and drugged driving fatalities. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign began today and ends September 5, will be carried out with assistance from local law enforcement agencies and aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by motorists driving drunk or impaired by drugs. 1/3rd of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In New York State, alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor in more than 7,000 police-reported crashes in 2015, while illegal drugs contributed to more than 800 crashes.

Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event for Small Businesses on Friday September 9th from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM at the Meadows Office Complex County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Otsego County small businesses should call the County Planning Department to register, or obtain more information, at 547-4225 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Registration ends September 2nd

Governor Cuomo today announced the availability of $98.7 million in funding to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and transportation-related programs as well as projects that reduce congestion and help to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. These projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include public benefit, air quality improvement, and innovation. The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through October 21, 2016. Program guidance, applications and workshop schedules may be found at dot.ny.gov.

In July, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 36,200, or 0.5%, to 7.95 million a new state high, according to the state Labor Department. The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged from June’s level of 4.7%, and remained below the comparable U.S. rate of 4.9% in July 2016. New York’s statewide unemployment rate remained at its lowest level since August 2007.

Alphonso Dennis of Binghamton was sentenced to 15 years in jail, after he pleaded guilty in federal court to having 2 young females engaging in prostitution in Broome County. Dennis must also register as a sex offender.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday is the last day to register in person at the Board of Elections for the September 13th Primary Election. Democrats will vote for a State Senate candidate in the 42nd District in Colchester, Delhi, Hamden, Masonville, Tompkins and Walton, Republicans will vote for a candidate in the 101st Assembly District in Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden, & Meredith, the REFORM PARTY primary voters will also decide on a candidate for the 101st Assembly District in Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden, & Meredith Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us/departments or at 832-5321 or at the main office in Delhi.

The City of Oneonta Civil Service commission will hold their next meeting this afternoon. The meeting will be held in the common council chambers at city hall beginning at 4:30 PM.

The City of Oneonta announced that due to utility work at the Housing Visions Project at Columbia & west Street, traffic would be detoured today, Monday & Tuesday; Detour signs will be set up to direct traffic away from the scheduled work.

The Bainbridge town board will hold a special finance meeting today at 4:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Bainbridge Town Hall & will be open to the public.

New York State Electric & Gas are making headway in returning power to those who were affected by these weekends’ storms. In Chenango County NYSEG reported that power outages affected just under 700 this afternoon, the majority of affected customers were in New Berlin, Norwich & North Norwich. Otsego County had about 1000 customers without power, scattered through the middle & northern townships. Delaware County had all power restored this afternoon.

Governor Cuomo today announced $13.7 million in grants to support eight critical municipal water infrastructure projects across the Southern Tier. These grants are part of the second round of NYS Water Grants funded through the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. Locally the villages of Sidney, Delhi & Stamford, &the town of Guilford will receive grants for their drinking water improvement projects.

The Delaware County Fair opens today at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair Spokesman John Jackson told WCDO News that the new "Hay Hauling" event looks like it would become a staple at the fair:

(John Jackson 8-15-16)

The hay-hauling event will be held Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Delaware county fair.

State Senator Jim Seward joined in the dedication Saturday of the historic Andes Train Depot and announced a $75,000 state grant he secured to help with restoration costs. The capital funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Program has been used to help fund the restoration of the Delaware and Northern Railroad Depot building, it is now the starting point of the Andes Rail Trail.

NYSEG is reporting that hundreds are still without power this morning following the damaging weekend storms. Chenango County had over 1100 without power late this morning, mainly in Norwich, New Berlin & Preston. In Otsego County, over 1300 were without power, scattered mainly in the middle & northern sections, Delaware County had a little over 100 without power, mostly around Andes and Downsville. NYSEG opened a distribution center at the Norwich Fire Department and is handing out free bottled water.

The New York State Health Department today announced that the more than 2.8 million people signed up for health insurance through the end of the 2016 open enrollment period on January 31, 2016. The data show that enrollment in the Marketplace increased by 33 percent, or nearly 700,000 enrollees from the previous enrollment period; 92 percent of those enrolled through the Marketplace report that they did not have health insurance at the time they applied.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Delaware County Fair on Friday August 19 to educate the public on how to vote on the machines. It will be at the Republican Booth from 11am to 3pm and at the Democratic Booth from 3pm to 7pm. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that OGS is hosting a free training seminar meant to familiarize local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations with the use of new state contracts. The all-day training is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at the Binghamton State Office Building. During the event, purchasing officials will receive a general overview on how to use new OGS contracts. To register for the training or learn more about upcoming training opportunities visit www.nyspro.ogs.ny.gov/roadshow.

The Delaware county board of elections announced that they have sent out their annual yellow mail check cards. Officials said that the cards are returned to the Board, if there is a change of address, & they are not forwarded. Delaware County residents who do not receive the annual cards may be inactive as voters & will need to contact the Board at 832-5321

The 5th annual Mount Upton Community Days will be held Saturday, with town wide garage sales, a chicken barbecue at the Methodist church, and a variety of events in Mount Upton Park on State route 8.more information is available at 316-9601.

Governor Cuomo today announced 30 Smart Schools Investment Plans totaling $39 million have been approved as part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act. The Act supports investments in education technology that will equip students with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the global economy. Locally, the Oxford Academy will receive about $1 Million Dollars for High Tech Security & School connectivity project.

The State DEC seized more than 1,100 pounds of undersized lobsters from Price Chopper in 3 different inspections over the last 4 months. The case was sparked in March when short lobsters were found at 2 Price Chopper stores in Binghamton. The distribution center for Price Chopper in Schenectady, & a routine inspection Tuesday, determined that 820 lobsters, or 15% of the inventory, were under the legal size limit. Price Chopper faces fines of up to $100 for every shellfish involved.

The DCMO BOCES Board selected Perry Dewey as the new District Superintendent, to lead 16 component school districts in Delaware, Chenango, Madison and Otsego Counties. The decision is the result of review and interview sessions conducted over a seven-month period. Dewey will be leaving his position as Superintendent of Madison Central School, where he has served for over 4 years.

Norfolk Southern Railroad officials as well as Sidney Village DPW, expect the Main street railroad crossing in Sidney to be open later tonight. This after noon, the last coat of asphalt is being put down.

The State DEC announced that sporting licenses and Deer Management Permits for the 2016-17 season would be available for purchase beginning August 1. Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC’s license-issuing agents, in person, by telephone, or online. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1st. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that $65,000 in grant funds he secured will go to local domestic violence programs. The funding was set aside in the 2016-2017 state budget, with $15,000 going to Opportunities for Otsego & $5,000 for Delaware Opportunities.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Arts & Music Festival will be held on MAIN STREET tomorrow. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(Steph Taylor 7-29-16)

WCDO will be broadcasting live during the Car Cruise in Portion of the event, Taylor said that the next Chamber event will be their annual Golf Tournament on August 4th.

The Sidney Rotary announced that another Heroin & Opioid Forum would be held Wednesday evening in the Sidney High School Library. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen told WCDO News about one of the guest speakers, Sergeant John Capellini:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 6-28-16)

The Doors will open at 6:00 & the presentations start 6:15. Keckeisen said that they would Establish Work Groups, & set Priorities with the goal of creating a Sidney Tri-Town Area Coalition to fight the ongoing Heroin & Opioid crisis.

As part of the "Get Screened, No Excuses" campaign, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to increase access to breast cancer screenings and build on the series of breast cancer initiatives outlined in the 2016 State of the State address. The new initiatives include mobile mammography vans, patient navigators, a public awareness campaign, community-based peer education programs, and investments through the state-backed venture capital fund to support promising cancer-related technologies. The Governor also announced the launch of a new "Text Line" to help women find mammogram locations. New Yorkers can text "Get Screened" to 81336 and after submitting their zip code; they will receive information about screening locations with extended hours near home.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of $235,613 in public library construction grant funds. Locally, the Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick will receive $25,035 to Replace old windows and add insulation, the Unadilla Public Library will receive $35,475 to Replace inefficient windows and light fixtures and interior renovations, the Village Library of Cooperstown will receive $23,327 for Interior renovations & the Worcester Free Library will get $23,606 for insulation.

The 1st phase of the $50 Million Dollar restoration if the New York State fairgrounds are nearly complete, with the final touches being applied in the final months before the annual state fair. The 1-mile track & the grandstand are gone, in their place is an expanded midway, and a bigger RV park with 315 more spaces, 2/3rds are already booked for this year's fair, which begins on August 25th.

New York’s highways & bridges are among the worst in the nation, according to a new report by “TRIP”, which is a national transportation organization. 5% of the states interstate bridges are structurally deficient, 4th worst in the nation, 17% 0of the pavement on the New York interstate system is in poor to mediocre condition, which is 10th worst in the nation. President Obama signed into law a 5 year 305 billion dollar highway improvement plan last year, which will boost highway funding by 15% and transit funding by 15% by the year 2020.

Governor Cuomo announced a new consumer hotline to accept reports of “ZOMBIE PROPERTIES” across the state. New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Call (800) 342-3736 to Report Properties in Their Neighborhoods, following last week's signing of legislation to get Zombie properties rehabilitated or renovated, sold and back onto the tax rolls in a more timely fashion.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced New York State's participation in partial settlements with Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche affiliates arising from Volkswagen's violations of emissions standards and state consumer protection laws. As part of the settlements, all owners of 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine VW and Audi diesel cars in New York will be entitled to be paid full, pre-scandal fair market value for their vehicle, in addition to a cash payment of at least $5,100, car owners may also choose to keep their vehicle and wait to see if VW and Audi develop acceptable emissions fixes; car owners who exercise this option will also receive a cash payment of at least $5,100. The settlements will also direct to New York over $115 million for environmental projects to improve New York's air quality, as well as over $30 million in additional monetary recoveries for the state's general fund.

Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl announced that 50 year old Casey Callahan was arrested Monday on a sealed indictment warrant for 2nd degree Murder for the killing his wife Elizabeth on January 19th, 2000, by allegedly running her over with a tractor trailer in a parking lot in Athens Township Pennsylvania. Muehl stated that the murder was planned out when Callahan & his wife lived at Goodyear Lake; Callahan is s currently serving a 12-½ year sentence for a criminal sexual act conviction from 3 years ago. Callahan was arraigned and was returned to the Attica Correctional Facility. Callahan faces 25 years to life in prison.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Joseph Little of Sidney Aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .20%, and other traffic violations. Little was observed failing to use a designated lane on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla, he was arraigned in the Town of Unadilla court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond pending future court action.

Binghamton Police arrested Shaun Pauling-Payne of Binghamton, for vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and several other charges, after he crashed into a motorcycle driven by 37-year-old William Nash Jr. Nash was taken to an area hospital, but died as a result of his injuries. Pauling-Payne had a BAC of .22; He was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and taken to the Broome County Jail. The investigation is continuing.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county registered voters affiliated with the republican or democratic parties, that Primary Elections are today, from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Both Democrats & Republicans are holding a Primary for the 19th Congressional District. All Tompkins voters will now vote at the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge St., Trout Creek. More information is available at 832-5321. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminds voters that a hotline has been set up for those experiencing trouble in the polling place, the number is 800-771-7755.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Zachariah Burns & 24 year old Brandon Burns of Bainbridge, for 2nd degree burglary, following a March 29th report of a burglary to a home on County Road 26, in the Town of Afton. The Burns Brothers are accused of entering the home without permission and stealing guitars and a game system. Brandon Burns had been arrested on May 3rd & he was arraigned in the town of Afton court, he had been remanded to the Chenango County jail on bail, Zachariah Burns was arrested Wednesday & was arraigned in the Town of Afton court, he also was remanded to the Chenango County jail on bail. They face court action shortly.

3 area teenagers have been arrested by the Oneonta Police in connection with a burglary & theft at an Oneonta Business. 2 Sidney Teens & 1 from Oneonta, who are all 13 years old, were charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Petty Larceny & criminal mischief, their cases will be heard in Otsego county Family Court.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new I Love NY advertising campaign to promote travel throughout the State’s 11 vacation regions. the campaign includes TV ads that are being aired in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, western Massachusetts, the eastern and central portions of both Pennsylvania and Ohio and in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa in Canada. The ads will run through the summer until August 7.

The next Otsego county free rabies clinic will be held tonight in Unadilla. The clinic will be held In Clifton Park from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that the 2016 Inductees Exhibit is now open at the Hall of Fame and will remain on display through May of 2017. The exhibit is located on the first floor of the Museum as visitors approach the Plaque Gallery, artifacts include a Mariners home jersey worn by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1999 when he won his fourth straight American League home run title, a bat used by Mike Piazza in the 1996 All-Star Game when he won the game’s MVP Award, Piazza’s Mets batting helmet from the 2000 World Series & A catcher’s mitt Piazza used during the 1993 season when he was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year

Officials from the Delaware County Fair announced that they would be featured tonight at 9:00 pm on The Cooking Channel. The name of the show featuring the Delaware County Fair is "Carnival Eats"

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 39 year old Arlo Biviano of Norwich for DWI Wednesday, following the report of a one car roll over accident on County Road 29 near the intersection of Tiffany Road in the Town of North Norwich with possible entrapment. Biviano's vehicle left the roadway and overturned over an embankment before striking a light pole. Both occupants escaped the crash with minor injuries. Biviano was processed and released on appearance tickets for later court action in the Town of North Norwich Court.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday June 3rd is the last day to register for the June 28th Federal Primary Election. Primaries will be held for Democrats & Republicans in the 19th Congressional District race. Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us/departments, by calling 832-5321 or at the County office in Delhi.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, June 2, 2016, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM with a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct.

State Trooper Donald Atkinson, of Troop C was named 2015 Trooper of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Division of State and Provincial Police.  Trooper Atkinson jumped into fast moving water at the Whitney Point Dam last summer, he put his life at risk, & saved the life of a 14-year-old girl near the large intake tunnels. Trooper Atkinson has been a member of the State Police since 2001.

There will be a Democratic and a Republican Presidential Primary Election in New York State on Tuesday, April 19th. Polls will be open from Noon to 9 PM.   The Delaware County board of elections reported that the Town of Tompkins Poll Site has changed to the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge Street in Trout Creek. April 12th is the last day an absentee ballot application may be mailed to the Board of Elections. April 18th 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. April 19th is the last day for a ballot to be delivered by agent to the Board of Elections.   Sample ballots for Delaware county voters can be accessed at co.delaware.ny.us.

State lawmakers are weighing in on the new state budget passed last week. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 4-4-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the process for passing the budget was not transparent:

(Pete Lopez 4-4-16)

The 11th hour budget kept the spending increase to under the 2% state cap, and includes record setting amounts of state aid.

The Binghamton Senators & the Binghamton Mets announced that they will offer a “Downtown Doubleheader” ticket package for their game on Saturday, April 9th, that will include a ticket to both team’s games and a specialty dual logo t-shirt. The B-Mets will host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. at NYSEG Stadium before the B-Sens host the Albany Devils at 7:05 p.m. in the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena.   The Binghamton Mets players will be at the B-Sens game Saturday night to sign autographs on the concourse and interact with fans. The ticket package is only $23 prior to the games, and can be purchased online through the B-Sens website, or by calling the B-Sens offices at 722-7367.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene of a 1-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 30, in the Town of Hancock. 65-year-old James Stracka of Peckville, Pennsylvania, lost control of his vehicle, traveled off the roadway and struck a rock wall, allegedly while intoxicated. Stracka was arrested for DWI & moving from lane unsafely, he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

The Afton School District Board of Education has cancelled their meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM tonight.   Afton Superintendent Betty Briggs told WCDO that the Board meeting would be rescheduled shortly.

State Police & Otsego County emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon near Schenevus on Interstate 88, which was believed to be caused by white-out conditions. The wreck took place at about 1:45 p.m. on the westbound stretch of the highway between Exits 18 and 19 in the town of Maryland. Police said that there were no fatalities but 8 people were injured & were taken to Bassett Hospital for non-life threatening injures. Police said that the crash included a Trailways Bus, 3 tractor-trailers and 8 passenger vehicles. The section of I-88 was closed until late last night for accident reconstruction investigators & clean up.

State Police are investigating a 2 vehicle collision involving a marked New York State Police patrol vehicle that occurred Friday afternoon on State Route 17 in the Town of Kirkwood. Broome County 911 received a report of a vehicle travelling west bound in the east bound lane between exits 77 and 76, that caller then reported the head on collision with the State Police SUV. The unidentified Trooper took evasive action but was struck by the oncoming vehicle. The Operator of the pick-up was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The investigation is continuing. The names of the deceased & the injured Trooper have not being released.

NYSEG reported that thousands were without power due to high winds late Saturday night into Sunday afternoon. about 2000 were without power in Broome & Chenango Counties this morning, This afternoon, about 100 customers were without power in Delaware & Otsego Counties. NYSEG Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

Village elections were held Tuesday across New York State. In the village of Unadilla, Paul Baldwin wins 1 trustee seat, the second seat, results were tied between Jeff Jones & Christopher Winkler, The Otsego County Board of elections will try to determine how to pick a winner for that seat. In the Bainbridge Mayor's Race, Philip Wade defeated Steven Eisenberg, 99-82, Wade told WCDO News about his plans:

(Phillip Wade 3-16-16)

Bainbridge trustee seats will be filled by outgoing Mayor Chick Darling, as well as Erik Barnard & Timothy Mayes. In Morris, write in candidate Rush French wins a trustee seat. In Gilbertsville, Douglas Tobey was on the ballot for 1 of the 2 trustee seats; Write-in Christina Strain won the other seat with 2 write-in votes.

Democratic Congressional candidate Will Yandik will meet with Delaware County Residents On Sunday, at 1:30 pm in Sidney. Yandik is running for the 19th Congressional District, he will meet with residents at the Sidney Memorial Library; he is seeking to replace Chris Gibson, who declined to seek re-election for another term,

Both Houses of the State Legislature have forwarded their budget proposals for eventual negotiations by conference committees, Assemblyman Bill Magee chairs the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he said that some but not all of the Agriculture cuts from the Governor have been restored in the Assembly Budget:

(Magee 3-16-16)

Magee said that he fully expects the budget to be passed by the April 1st deadline again this year.

Delhi police arrested 55 year old Ernest Orts of Herkimer & 53 year old Ralph Reid of Florida were charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records, following an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the state Attorney General's Office. Orts and Reid are accused of making false entries and adjustments to account ledgers between 2006 and 2012 while operating the Countryside Care Center in Delhi. The pair were arraigned at the Delhi Town Court and released on their own recognizance.

State Police & the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 4 Andes residents for the felony burglary. The arrests resulted from the investigation into 12 reported burglaries at seasonal residences throughout Delaware County over the course of several months. Police recovered over 100 pieces of stolen property, arrested were 39 year old Robert Weaver, 28 year old James Stratton, 26 year old Brett Trombley and 20 year old Korey Bush. All 4 were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 bond.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Police executed a search warrant at the East Hubbell Hill Road, Town of Middletown, at the residence of 24-year-old Lucas Labumbard and 20 year old Anna Bubko. The search led to the seizure of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone tablets and more than $1400 in cash. The pair are accused of forcibly entering Miller’s Drug Store in Margaretville, between the night of February 1st and the morning of February 2nd and stealing prescription narcotics Labumbard and Bubko were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Burglary, Both were arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and were remanded them to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The DEC reminds New Yorkers that with warming temperatures and dry conditions, residential brush burning in towns with less than 20,000 residents is prohibited Today through May 14. With the lack of snow cover over much of the state and unseasonably warm temperatures forecasted, experts believe conditions for wild fires will be heightened in the coming weeks. DEC posts a fire danger rating forecast map on a daily basis on its website at dec.ny.gov.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting this morning. The meeting will begin at 8:15 at green's Long River Inn.

State Police arrested 22-year-old Joel Ramos for unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle & other traffic violations and 19-year-old Joenrique Torres, both from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for tampering with physical evidence. The arrests occurred after a pursuit that started when a Chevy HHR failed to stop for speeding and continued southbound on State Route 12 in the Village of Oxford, with Ramos driving at speeds up to 105 miles per hour. Torres is accused of throwing drug paraphernalia out of the car. The pursuit ended after Broome County Sheriff Deputies deployed stop sticks at the Broome and Chenango county line on State Route 12. Ramos and Torres were arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and were remanded to the Chenango County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond pending court action in the Town of Oxford today. The investigation is continuing & additional charges are pending.

Firefighters in Walton, Delhi & Trout Creek responded to a fire at about 3:50 this morning on the 2nd floor of 22 Benton Avenue in Walton today. 66-year-old Phillip Kurt was found deceased on the 2nd floor by firefighters, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he filed a statewide candidate committee this morning at the New York State Board of Elections to explore running for Governor in 2018. The formation of this exploratory committee comes after a year of travel around New York State, attending events in 41 of New York's 62 counties in the last year. Gibson has set up a new website at gibsonforny.com.

Governor Cuomo today announced $35.3 million in grants for capital projects at higher education institutions across the state. This funding is from the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program, which provides matching grants to private colleges and universities for the construction, rehabilitation or repair of classrooms, laboratories and other facilities. The program requires grantees to match approximately three dollars for every dollar provided by New York State. Locally, Hartwick College will get $500,000 for Renovation of the Anderson Center for the Arts.

The Sidney Rotary Club will be hosting a heroin-substance abuse awareness night Wednesday night at the Sidney high school. Sidney Rotarian Lorraine Keckeisen is one of the events organizers:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-8-16)

Registration is requested at 561-7712 or chaynes@sidneycsd.org. In addition to the raffles & door prizes, those in attendance can hear about the increasing problem of heroin & Opioid addiction in the region from substance abuse experts, Law enforcement officials & one woman has battled substance abuse.

Governor Cuomo delivered remarks at Chief Judge Janet DiFiore's swearing-in ceremony at the New York State Court of Appeals in Albany. Chief Judge DiFiore was nominated by Governor Cuomo in December and confirmed by the Senate in January, she is the 2nd female chief judge of the State Highest Court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Christopher Kern of Walton New York, for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator, operating a motor vehicle with defective breaks, operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage inside. Deputies say this arrest was a result of a one-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Hamden, Kern was released on traffic tickets returnable to Hamden Town Court at a later date.

State Police updated details about the Otsego County 911 call Thursday Morning at Stericycle in Oneonta. 68-year-old John Murphy of Oneonta had attempted to walk between a tractor-trailer and a loading dock, unaware that the vehicle was backing up, and was fatally struck. Otsego County Coroner Terry Knapp ruled the cause of death was severe trauma. The investigation is continuing.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 35-year-old Qulon Cooper of Johnson City Saturday afternoon. Deputies found Cooper to be in possession marijuana, Hydrocodone pills and over 100 packets of heroin. Cooper was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and a window tint violation. Cooper was arraigned & was taken to the Broome County Jail without bail, pending county court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced a series of comprehensive regulations to prevent the practice of so-called lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender "conversion therapy,” Governor Cuomo commented at an event in new York City over the weekend:

(Cuomo 2-8-16)

Multi-agency regulations announced today, ban public and private health care insurers from covering the practice in New York State, and also prohibit various mental health facilities across the state from conducting the practice on minors.