WCDO Radio News

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

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

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

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans to certain small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations across New York, following the excessive rain on April 1st this year. The disaster declaration includes Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties; eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities qualify for the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. More information is also available at 800-659-2955, by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications are also available at sba.gov/disaster. Loan Applications must be completed and submitted to the SBA by August 13, 2018.

The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced that the documentary “Reversing the Stigma” is now available to view on YouTube. “Reversing the Stigma” highlights the work being done in New York State to combat addiction and reminds viewers that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable. The film profiles multiple people in various stages of recovery, who share their stories and experiences. The state Office advises residents to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction, more information is also available at the State's Talk2Prevent website.

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

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

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

State Police arrested 37-year-old Charlotte Heath of Guilford for Menacing & Harassment. Troopers responded to a report of a dispute on Phillips Odell Road, in the Town of Guilford, where Heath allegedly threatened her husband while trying to strike him with an unspecified item. She was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond. An order of protection was issued; Heath faces court action on November 14th.

State Police, State Liquor Authority and Endicott Police Department conducted an Underage Drinker Identification Enforcement check Friday. They targeted 29 Broome County area convenience stores that sold alcoholic beverages, only 1 sold alcohol to an underage operative, at Kelly's Gulf on State route 26 in the Town of Maine. 21-year-old store clerk Zonia Altamirano of Apalachin was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor; She was given an appearance ticket for Town of Maine Court on November 28th.

Plans have moved along nicely & the Hotel accommodations at Tioga Downs recently opened, as part of their overall expansion. Spokesman Jim Weed Explains:

(Jim Weed 11-8-17)

Tioga Downs was one of only a few upstate venues allowed to expand with a casino after state laws allowed for more casino gambling in upstate counties.

NY State of Health enrollments are underway for those looking to purchase Health Insurance for 2018. The Chenango Health Network is assisting residents in area counties by meeting with a Navigator face to face, according to spokesperson Chris McAvoy-Paul:

(Chris McAvoy-Paul 11-8-17)

Assistance will be offered by the Chenango Health Network, through the end of the New York State Enrollment period, which ends January 31st 2018.

The elections results are in for many of the key races in the Tri-County Area: Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford is re-elected, for the 2 Sidney Council seats, the winners are Pete Cordes & Frank Selleck. Walton Supervisor Charles Gregory is re-elected, the Franklin Town Council winners were David Grant & Garret Sitts, Oneonta mayor Gary Herzig is re-elected, Oneonta Town Supervisor Robert Wood is re-elected, Oneonta town council Winners were Patricia Jacob & Randy Mowers, Butternuts town board Winners were Paul Irwin & Scot Lueck, for the Norwich City Council 4th Ward: Linda Kays Biviano wins, Norwich Town Council seats go to Stanley Foulds & Debra Cubbedge, the Otselic Supervisor is Marjorie Davis & Oxford Supervisor, incumbent Lawrence Wilcox wins. The proposition for all state voters: the Constitutional Convention was defeated, Cutting Public Pensions for convicted officials was approved, and allowing expansion of roads & bike paths in the Catskills & Adirondacks is too close to call. Candidates who won their races for seats on the Otsego County Board of Representatives include Ed Frazier, Michele Farwell, Kathleen Clark, Andrew Stammel, Margaret Kennedy, Peter Oberacker, David Bliss, Andrew Marietta, Keith McCarty, Adrienne Martini, Danny Lapin & Lizabeth Shannon.

Governor Cuomo announced that applications for home heating assistance would be accepted beginning Monday, November 13 throughout New York State. The Home Energy Assistance Program is making $327 million in federal funding available to eligible older New Yorkers and low- and moderate-income New Yorkers to help cover heating costs. Households that are eligible can receive assistance of up to $726, depending on income, household size, and how the home is heated. Applications are accepted at local departments of social services, anyone living outside of New York City can apply for a regular Home Energy Assistance benefit online at myBenefits.ny.gov. Last year, nearly 1.5 million households received assistance through HEAP.

Bassett Healthcare Network is currently holding their annual "Coats for Kids" event; new or gently used children's coats can be dropped off at Bassett Healthcare Network locations or at any First Choice Cleaners before November 20th. Coats will be cleaned by First Choice Cleaners and 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

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 17 year old Dylan Osonitch of Queens for unlicensed operator, operating with an expired registration sticker displayed, failure to keep right, and driving while ability impaired by drugs, following a traffic stop in the Town of Colchester. Osonitch was later released on tickets returnable to Colchester Town Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced completion of a $2.3 million project to renew 9.2 lane miles of concrete pavement repair along Interstate 88 between the I-88/Interstate 81 interchange and exit 3 in the towns of Dickinson and Fenton. Interstate-88 serves about 25,600 vehicles use this stretch of highway every day.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds Sidney Center voters that that the polling site from District 1 & 3 this year, has been changed. Voters in those voting districts will go to the new Sidney Center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office's Election Day Hotline, which will help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters at the polls during the general election on Tuesday, November 7. The Attorney General urges voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls to call the office's hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday. Attorneys and staff in the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau will staff the hotline.

Governor Cuomo and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer today held a conference call to discuss the devastating Republican tax plan and state and local deductibility.

(Senator Schumer 11-6-17)

Schumer & Cuomo are calling all members of the New York Congressional delegation to oppose the Trump New York Tax increase plan. New York pays 48 billion dollars to the federal government than they receive in return each year.

Governor Cuomo today announced a statewide effort to prepare for the upcoming winter season, which includes the addition of more than 100 snow fighting vehicles to help clear roadways and highways. The DOT has acquired 44 new Two-Stage Plows that clear snow and ice from the roads more efficiently, with a 2nd plow located directly behind the main plow blade, removing more snow at a time, and allow for reduced road salt usage. Motorists are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511, or visiting www.511ny.org before traveling.

Otsego County Farmers will have 2 opportunities to drop off used agricultural film plastic for recycling under a special program offered by the County Solid Waste Department, the County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Collection dates are this Saturday, November 11, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, November 16 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. Registration & more information is available at 282-4087, or occainfo.org/recycling-agricultural-plastics.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Gary Goslee of New Milford, Connecticut, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a traffic stop for speeding on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Goslee was arraigned & was later released on $500 cash bail, and scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date for further court proceedings.

36 year old Jennifer Grenchus of Vestal pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in Broome County Court on Friday. Grenchus was impaired by drugs on April 24th, when police responded to the parking lot of Tom's Cards and Gifts at 184 Main Street in Binghamton where they found that Grenchus hit 47 year old Ronald Richardson of Binghamton along Main Street and dragged his body underneath for several yards, before she turned into Tom's parking lot, Richardson died at the scene. Grenchus will be sentenced February 6.

State Police arrested 35 year old Bobby Goss Jr. of Stamford, for Criminal Mischief after troopers responded to the report of a dispute in the parking lot at the Deer Path Restaurant on State Route 8, in the Town of Columbus. Goss is accused of purposely driving his pickup truck into a woman’s SUV, following an argument inside, he also caused damage to a 3rd vehicle parked next to the woman’s vehicle. Goss was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and was released on his own recognize. His next court date in the Town of Columbus is pending.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Johnny Moxham of Delhi for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Moxham is accused of possessing heroin while driving without a license as well as operating a vehicle with a loud exhaust & an unsafe tire. Moxham was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.

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.

State Police arrested 39-year-old Bradley Branagan of South Otselic for Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .16%, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident and other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a 1- vehicle accident with injuries on County Road 42, in the Town of Pharsalia, where Branagan crashed into a ditch and the left the scene without reporting it. He was located at his home and refused medical attention for his minor injuries. Branagan was issued tickets to appear in the Town of Pharsalia Court on November 9th.

ACHIEVE Broome-Chenango-Tioga will welcome the public to visit their Chenango Day Habilitation facility at 214 County Route 44, Norwich today. Refreshments will be provided by Canasawacta Country Club and an introduction to ACHIEVE will be held, the event will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm.

Governor Cuomo today announced the state has completed work on 80 bridges in its 542 million Empire Bridge program. The program is administered by the State DOT and includes replacing 100 aging & vulnerable structures across the state to make them more resilient against extreme weather. In Delaware County, completed bridges include the Route 97 bridge over the Pea Brook in Hancock, the Route 10 bridge over Platner Brook in Delhi, & the route 26 Bridge over the Tioughnioga River in Whitney Point.

The Delaware County Board of elections will be open extra hours again this Saturday in Delhi. The office will be open for Absentee Ballot voting from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The General Election voting day will be Tuesday Novermber 7th.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of a motorcycle & pickup truck crash Saturday afternoon on State Route 80 in the Town of Edmeston. 47 year old Sean Dill of Garratsville was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a pickup truck driven by 25 year old Matthew Anderson of Elmsford. Anderson allegedly made a left hand turn onto County Route 49, into the path of Dill’s motorcycle. Dill took evasive action, causing him to be ejected and be struck by the vehicle. Elmsford was issues a traffic ticket for failure to yield the right of way while making a left hand turn. The investigation is continuing.

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.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 43 year old Jason Wright of Oneonta, for Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Public Lewdness. Troopers responded to a report of a naked man exposing himself from an apartment on Chestnut Street, Wright is accused of exposing himself in a lewd manner while standing near a window, he was also found to unlawfully possess a handgun inside the apartment. Wright was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

State Police arrested 28 year old Jonathan Holt of Brooksville, Maine for Criminal Possession of Marihuana and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers conducted a traffic stop of a 2005 Honda CRV, which was observed speeding on I-88 in the Town of Milford. The vehicle was searched after troopers detected the odor of Marijuana, with a passenger, Holt allegedly possessing over one pound of marihuana, plus hashish and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Holt was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

Foothills Performing Arts Center will hold their biggest Fundraiser of they year Sunday, which will include Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, Foothills spokesman Bill Youngs explains:

(Bill Youngs 10-11-17)

Tickets for the Taste of New York event and the Gilbert Gottfried show are available at 431-2080 or foothillspac.org.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will honor their annual winners of the Citizen of the Year & Business of the Year Awards. This year’s Citizen of the Year is June White, who has been involved in many area events in Bainbridge:

(June White 9-27-17)

The Business of the Year is Snips & Snails Consignment shop, owned by Lori McGraw:

(Lori McGraw 10-27-17)

The annual dinner & awards ceremony will be held at the Sundown Golf & county Club in Guilford Saturday night at 6:00 PM.

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

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir performance tonight is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

The 19th Annual Norwich Pumpkin Festival gets underway today & Saturday in Norwich. The pumpkin weigh in contest is being held this afternoon until 7:00 tonight; there will be a variety of tournaments, entertainment by musicians, magicians, dance groups and more with Saturday’s event ending with fireworks.

Broadway in Binghamton presents "A Gentleman's Guide To Murder" for 2 performances this Sunday at 3:00PM & 7:30PM at the Broome County Forum in Binghamton. Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 10-27-17)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

The National Drug Take-Back Day will be tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Residents can dispose of old and unused medicines, in their original containers at various locations, including the Sidney Police Department, Norwich City Police Department, Oneonta City Police, The Bainbridge Town Hall, and at the Otsego, Chenango & Broome County Sheriff's Departments.

The Sidney Town Board & Supervisor Gene Pigford announced that they would hold a ribbon cutting & public tours of the town’s new Municipal Building at 44 Grand Street, this Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The building formerly housed the offices of the Mirabito Fuel Group & Mang Insurance.

The Chenango Arts Council and Friends of Rogers are teaming up for “Bat Appreciation!” during the 19th annual Pumpkin Fest in Norwich. Beginning at 6:00 tonight, the interactive presentation will take place in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries, where it will be on display through November 3rd. The interactive presentation is offered free of charge, donations are welcome to support future programs by the Chenango Arts Council.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds voters that absentee ballot applications can be picked up at their office in Delhi, or downloaded from their website. The Board of Elections will also be opened on this Saturday & Saturday November 4th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon for absentee voting. Also, the board reminds Sidney Center voters that the polling site from District 1 & 3 Voters has been changed to the new Sidney center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

State Police Superintendent George Beach has promoted Captain William McEvoy to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C in Sidney. Major McEvoy started his career in 1984 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C; in 1989 McEvoy was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City. In 1991, he returned to Troop C, where he spent the majority of his years with the State Police, his most recent assignment was BCI Captain.

33-Year-Old Tory Brown of Columbus was arrested by Chenango County sheriff’s Deputies for unlawful possession of marihuana, criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated unlicensed operation. Brown was charged following a traffic stop in the Village of New Berlin for operating a motor vehicle while having his driving privileges suspended, marijuana and a weapon were located in the vehicle. Brown was arraigned in the Town of New Berlin Court and was remanded to Chenango County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.

The State Education Department should improve its process to investigate serious complaints against nurses and more actively monitor professional misconduct, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The investigations of “priority 1” complaints against nurses, which includes offenses such as sexual misconduct, practicing under the influence of alcohol or physical abuse, are supposed to be completed within 42 days. Auditors found that on average it took 228 days to complete such investigations, SED officials acknowledged the risks noted by DiNapoli’s auditors and cited steps to address them. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us//audits.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 46-year-old Kristin Slater of Sherburne for aggravated driving while intoxicated, following an accident in a parking lot of a local business in the Village of Sherburne. Slater is accused of striking 2-parked cars in the parking lot; her BAC was more than three times the legal limit. Slater was arrested and processed without indent and later released on tickets for a return date in the Village of Sherburne Court in October.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday October 13th, is the last day to postmark a registration form to vote in the November 7th General Election. Also, October 13th is the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2018. In Delaware County this year, Offices up for Election include Supreme Court Justice, County Sheriff, County Clerk, County Treasurer and many town offices. Officials also stated that the Sidney Center poll site change: Districts 1 & 3 voters will vote at the New Sidney Center Fire Department Building. Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded at co.delaware.ny.us/departments/elec/elec.htm or by calling 832-5321

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Stephen Duvall for criminal possession of stolen property, following the report of a stolen golf cart was being operated in the Village of New Berlin. When Deputies responded a local resident had stopped Duvall & the golf cart by blocking him in with his personal vehicle, the cart had been reported stolen in Otsego County. Duvall was arrested and was turned over to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation; he faces court action in New Berlin Court on October 16th.

On Saturday October 14th Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, from 9AM-12PM. The free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats, which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard, may be replaced. more information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the "Opioid Crisis Enters the Workplace" presentation today in Oneonta. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center starting at 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM. Local experts in the field of Drug Addiction, as well as Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig & State Senator Jim Seward will speak at this event.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the appointment of Pete Lopez to become Regional Administrator for Region 2. Lopez will oversee environmental protection efforts in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lopez has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2007.

This Sunday will be the 24th Annual Pit Run in Neawah Park in Oneonta. The race is held each year in memory of State Police Investigator Ricky Parisian, who was killed in the Line of Duty attempting to stop an armed Robbery in Oneonta. The Pit Run begins on the Main Street Bridge between Market and River Streets, passes through the SUNY Oneonta campus and ends at Neahwa Park. The Pit Run also offers a 5K race, a 2-mile stroll, and kids' fun runs. Additional race information can be found at http://pitrun.org.

The House of Consignment in Unadilla will host their 2nd annual Tampon Drive on Saturday, Owner Kirsty Roefs explains:

(Kirsty Roefs 9-29-17)

Roefs said that last year, they donated 6000 Tampons & feminine Hygiene products from their event.

The 22nd Annual Grand Finale Cruise In will be held at the Sidney Municipal Airport this Sunday, in conjunction with the Fagan Flyers fly in breakfast. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with trophies to be given out in a number of categories, vehicles must be on the field by 1:00 to be eligible to win a trophy.

Oneonta Police served a search warrant Tuesday at 5 Myrtle Avenue, following an investigation of the sale and possession of Marijuana & the violation of an active order of protection. Arrested were 30-year-old Jason Harageones of Unadilla for Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a controlled substance & Criminal possession of marijuana. Hargeones is also accused of causing damage to a surveillance camera, which led to an additional Criminal Mischief charge. Police also arrested 28-year-old Danielle Stoesser of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a controlled substance & Criminal Possession of marihuana; she is also accused of engaging in a physical confrontation with the officers processing her arrest and was charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration. Harageones was arraigned & remanded to the Otsego County jail without bail; Stoesser was issued an appearance ticket and released to appear at a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System has designated 27 municipalities across the state as fiscally stressed. The list, which includes 8 counties, 8 cities and 11 towns, which is the fewest number of municipalities listed in stress since DiNapoli implemented his system in 2013. Based on their 2016 financial reports, the counties of Broome and Monroe, and the cities of Albany and Watervliet have received the highest designation of “significant fiscal stress.” 13 communities have been listed in the second-highest category of “moderate fiscal stress.” Locally, it includes the town of Cherry Valley. An additional 10 municipalities have been listed as “susceptible to fiscal stress.” Locally this includes the town of Oxford.

Governor Cuomo announced that the state would make $2.2 million available to local governments for public charging stations for electric vehicles. Cities and towns will have to apply for the funding, which will be given out in the form of a rebate, Local governments can also use the money to purchase or lease electric or hydrogen vehicles for their municipal fleet.

The Delaware County Board of Elections released a statement today, regarding the proposition for a Constitutional Convention on the November Ballot. False information has gone viral over social media, with the implication that if you do not vote on the proposition it will be counted as a yes, which is not true. Officials with the Board of Elections stated that failing to vote on this measure does not default to a vote in favor of holding a Constitutional Convention, according to state election law 9–112. Propositions will be on the back of the ballot again this year, & there will be signs posted at polling sites and inspectors are obliged to tell the voter to turn the ballot over.

Commerce Chenango announced that the Leadership Chenango Kick Off Dinner & Tecklenburg Award Presentation would be held on Thursday, October 5th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The new class will be introduced at the Leadership Chenango Kick-off dinner, which will feature keynote speaker Charlie Andrews of Alvogen and the presentation of the Tecklenburg award to Martin Dietrich, Chairman of NBT Bancorp.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced their annual winners of the Citizen of the year & Business of the year Awards. This year's Citizen of the year is June White, who has been involved in many area organizations & events in Bainbridge:

(June White 9-27-17)

Also picked for Business of the Year is Snips & Snails Consignment shop, owned by Lori McGraw. The annual dinner & awards ceremony will be held at the Sundown Golf & county Club in Guilford on Saturday October 28th at 6:00 PM.

New York State has a record 15 Billion Dollars in unclaimed funds, according to the State Comptroller's office. Money typically comes from old or forgotten savings accounts, business transactions, gift cards or property sales, more information is available at osc.state.ny.us/ouf.

Governor Cuomo signed a bill that cracks down on unauthorized invasion of privacy by using video surveillance in a neighbor's backyard. The bill will give New Yorkers a legal recourse to sue a neighbor who records activities in their backyard with the intent to harass, threaten or annoy them. Unlawful surveillance laws were adopted in New York in 2003, but privacy only applied to bathrooms & dressing rooms.

Otsego County Sheriff's deputies arrested 21-year-old Tristen Caballer of Worcester on a warrant after a motor vehicle pursuit in East Worcester. Caballer was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, aggravated harassment, and multiple vehicle and traffic violations, he was located by a deputy in East Worcester, a pursuit followed to a trailer park in Worcester, where Caballer abandoned his vehicle, fled on foot & was tracked by Police Dogs to a nearby residence, he faces court action shortly.

Commerce Chenango announced that a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party would be combined with their monthly Business After Hours event, at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, in Sherburne from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on August 21st. Those interested in attending need to RSVP by the end of the day tomorrow by email or 334-1400.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds area voters wishing to vote in the September 12th Party Primary, that tomorrow is the last day to register in person at the Board of Elections in Delhi or postmark a registration form for the Primary Election. Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us or by calling 832-5321.

The Oneonta City Clerk’s office will be closed today & tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Officials said that the office will be closed for training, more information is available at 432-6450.

The Arc Otsego will host a career fair on September 13th from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. The fair will be held 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 Sidney Village government has sent out a letter describing the ongoing process for renovating or rebuilding Sidney with the money that has been awarded to the village following the devastating floods of 2006 & 2011. Village Grants Administrator John Redente explains:

(John Redente 8-11-17)

Monday's Zoning meeting will be open to the public.

State Police announced that an Otsego County teen reported missing since July 28th, has been found. 16 year old Alyssa Jones was located Thursday in Oneonta. Jones was reported missing after she attended a Laurens Music festival July 28th & did not return home, the investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $60.7 million in grants, in addition to interest-free and low-cost loans, have been approved by the State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board to support drinking water and wastewater projects across the state. The Town of Roxbury will get a $1 million low-interest loan for source, pumping, distribution, storage and treatment improvements, which includes new and upgraded controls, electrical systems, backup power and chemical feed systems; replacement of old valves, hydrants, undersized water mains and a new storage tank mixing system and rehabilitation of the storage tank.

The Delaware County Historical Association in Delhi is looking for individuals to be extras in a movie the museum is filming Saturday at 2:00 PM, at the Fitches Bridge Church on Route 10 in Delhi. Anyone interested is asked to call the museum at 746-3849.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds area voters wishing to vote in the September 12th Party Primary, that Friday, August 18th, is the last day to register in person at the Board of Elections or postmark a registration form for the Primary Election. Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us or call 832-5321.

A benefit Dinner Dance will be held Saturday, to benefit the ongoing renovation efforts at the Major's Inn of Gilbertsville. The Dinner Dance will be held at the Major's Inn Saturday night starting at 6:00 PM, more information is available at 371-4030.

The 5th Annual Joelyn Sines 5K Walk/Run will be held Saturday morning in Afton. The event will start at 9:00 AM; pre-registration is requested at townofafton.com or Nancyann05@yahoo.com. Money raised will benefit the Joelyn Sines nursing Scholarship, and the Afton Community Outreach program.

August Art Camps through the Oneonta YMCA begin on Tuesday at Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. There will be a different focus each week, for the 3 weeks of the programs for area children for those who have completed Kindergarten to those about to enter the 5th grade in the fall. More Information is available at 432-0010 or at oneontaymca.org.

Norwich Police have arrested 2 people following an investigation of heroin sales. On Thursday, Norwich police arrested 34 year old Bryan Petry of Norwich for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Nuisance, and 34 year old Tiffany Walsh of Norwich for Criminal Nuisance. Both were arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail, Petry's bail is set at $10,000. Walsh's bail is set at $5,000. They are scheduled to reappear in the Norwich City Court shortly.

Chenango County Sherriff’s Department arrested 35 year old Misty Mojica of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after a traffic stop on State Route 12 in the Town of Norwich. Mojica is accused of possessing a controlled substance & items related to manufacturing methamphetamine were located within the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected. Mojica faces action in Town of Norwich court at a later date.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 17 year old Jason Terkowski of Harpursville and 17 year old Kyle Grose of Harpursville for 2nd degree Burglary. Both are accused of unlawfully entering a residence in the Town of Colesville last month and stealing property, which has been recovered. Terkowski and Grose were arraigned in the Town of Colesville Court and released on their own recognizance to appear in court on a later date.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced playoff tickets are on sale now. Fans can buy tickets at the NYSEG Stadium box office, online at bingrp.com, or by calling 722-FUNN.

Governor Cuomo announced executive actions designed to expand voter registration opportunities for New Yorkers. Executive Order #169, which directs every state agency to make voter registration forms available and to offer assistance in filling them out. The Governor also established the State Agency Voter Registration Task Force, to oversee administration of the state agency voter registration program in consultation with the State Board of Elections.

State DOT officials announced that that Interstate 86/ State Route 17 is closed between Nichols & Lounsberry to allow personnel to evaluate damage caused by Sunday night's storms & flooding. Also, Broome County emergency Services announced that The Town of Vestal is under a State of emergency due to flooding in several locations. Motorists that need to be in Broome County are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops, up to date travel conditions & road closures are available by calling 511 or at 511NY.org.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & a coalition of 11 state Attorneys General, today filed a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency for illegally delaying a rule meant to protect communities, workers, and first responders from dangerous chemical accidents. The Accidental Release Prevention Requirements or the "Chemical Accident Safety Rule" makes improvements to Congressionally-mandated protections against explosions, fires, poisonous gas releases, and other accidents at more than 12,000 facilities across the country, including over 200 in New York, that store and use toxic chemicals. In the suit filed today, the coalition is challenging the 20-month delay of the Chemical Accident Safety Rule's effective date.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation to include animal fighting as a designated offense for an eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant. Animal fighting often requires multiple individuals acting in concert, using telephones and web-based communications devices. Currently, the investigation of animal fighting activities does not qualify law enforcement to receive a warrant to conduct electronic surveillance. The legislation now authorizes the issuance of eavesdropping and video surveillance warrants for the investigation of animal fighting crimes.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties Mobile Screening Coach & Bassett Healthcare will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older who are uninsured or underinsured, at the Delaware County Fair in Walton, outside the gates on Saturday, August 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Appointments can be made toll-free 1 -888-345-0225.

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.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center. The Board will consider rezoning two parcels located at 139 West Main Street and 995 Circle Drive, from R-1 to R-3. A public hearing on the proposed rezoning will be scheduled at a later date.

Those entering livestock to the Delaware County Fair this year are asked to attend a meeting tonight with Dr. Bruno of the New York Veterinarian's office, Fair Spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 7-24-17)

The meeting starts at 7:00 PM tonight at the Fairgrounds in Walton.

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.

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

(Cuomo 3-21-17)

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

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

(Crouch 3-21-17)

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

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

(Lorraine Keckesien 3-21-17)

More information is available at 561-7707.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oneonta Police responded Wednesday to a vehicle fire on Burnside Avenue in the City of Oneonta. Police said that a 2009 Subaru Forester was fully engulfed, The Oneonta Fire Department extinguished the blaze & officers conducted a neighborhood canvass. 31-year-old Jonathan Delgado, of Oneonta, was charged with 3rd degree Arson & Criminal Mischief. Delgado was arraigned in Oneonta City Court & was remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff Department. The investigation is continuing

Plans are in the works to transport the mobile Veterans wall to be displayed in Oneonta over the Memorial Day weekend, spokesman Gene Schmidt explains:

(Gene Schmidt 2-23-17)

Schmidt said that they need over 150 to 200 volunteers to man the facility, those wishing to volunteer can sign up at 607-610-4030, or FriendsofOneonta.com

The inaugural season of the Binghamton Rumble ponies will begin in April, with many upgrades at NYSEG Stadium, according to team spokesman Ed Saunders:

(Ed Saunders 2-23-17)

Details & tickets are available at 722- FUNN, BingRP.com. or at the stadium box office.

U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will promote a bill to protect seniors form financial scams, by changing the way senior financial abuse if reported, and to establish a national hotline for seniors. Gillibrand said that she wants to have those services provided to fight the financial exploitation of seniors, who have been especially targeted by scammers in recent years.

Many members of the Congress & Senate have cancelled “Town Hall Meetings” in their home district while they are off this week. Freshman Congress members John Faso of the 19th District, and Claudia Tenney of the 22nd district have not scheduled town hall meetings this week, Tenney’s Washington office announced that they have received threats, they announced that Tenney was looking to set up a telephone conference call town hall meeting in the coming months.

Fire departments in & around Chenango county were kept busy Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters responded to a house fire at 266 Kilroy Road in Oxford, a stove fire at 11 South Main Street in Bainbridge, and another house fire at 389 County Road 27 in Coventry, all toned out within a 30 minute time frame. Chenango County EMS stated that firefighters from Coventry, Afton, Greene, Sidney, Bainbridge, Masonville, Oxford, Guilford, Norwich, Brisben, Preston and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire responded to all calls, no injuries were reported.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman responded to a congressional inquiry, making clear that there was not one single substantiated claim of voter fraud in New York last year. Schneiderman wrote that the state’s voting system actually has restrictive laws, rules and procedures, as well as administrative errors, that both legally and illegally keep many New Yorkers from voting. Schneiderman also recently filed suit against the New York City Board of Elections for widespread violations that illegally purged over 200,000 New Yorkers from the voter rolls.

Governor Cuomo is calling for cuts in state funding for $25 million from 39 public health programs that fight cancer, diabetes and other conditions. Cuomo's administration said it will be up to state health officials to decide where to make the reductions, which are intended to make public health spending more efficient. Cuomo’s $152 billion budget proposal actually increases health care spending overall.