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.

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.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office has reached separate $6 million settlements with DraftKings and FanDuel, resolving lawsuits alleging false and deceptive advertising practices by the companies. The agreements also require sweeping reforms to the companies' marketing, including clear disclosure of terms and conditions for marketing promotions, expected winnings, and expected performance in the online contests, as well as resources for players at risk for compulsive gaming disorders, including addiction. the companies will be required to maintain a webpage that provides information about the rate of success of users in its contests, including the percentage of winnings captured by the top 1%, 5% and 10% of players.

The State Financial Services Department & the Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl today announced the arrest of 34-year-old Lawrence Woodards of Cooperstown, and 34-year-old Kevin Williamson of New York City, for allegedly stealing approximately $25,000 in tax proceeds from the Otsego County Treasurer's Office. Woodards is accused of stealing approximately $14,000 while employed as an account clerk typist in the Treasurer's Office. Williamson is accused of depositing the checks into his bank account and then mailing approximately half of the money back to Woodards. Bother were charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny. They were arraigned in Town of Otsego Court and were both released on their own recognizance pending a November 16th hearing.

A Binghamton man who pleaded guilty to stabbing a man over an argument about chicken nuggets was sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday. After being released from prison, Weaver also will be supervised for an additional five years. Weaver also will have to pay $75 in fees. Lamont Weaver pleaded guilty Sept. 7 in Broome County Court to a felony count of second-degree assault in connection with the May 28 stabbing of a 39-year-old man at a residence on Crandall Street in Binghamton.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 27 year old Kenneth Oefelein of Coventry on 2 counts of Criminal Mischief. Oefelein allegedly damaged property of the victim and did not allow her to call 911, during a domestic dispute on October 19th. Oefelein was arraigned in the Town of Coventry court and is being held on $5000 cash bail. Oefelein is to reappear in the Town of Coventry court at a later date.

STOMP returns to Binghamton for two performances tonight & tomorrow night at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. Tickets are still available at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster 800-745-3000, more information is available at BroadwayinBinghamton.com

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.

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 American Red Cross, Broome County Executive Debra Preston and City of Binghamton Mayor Richard David are supporting 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who responded following the tragic events of Sept.11. A special Red Cross blood drive sponsored by Preston and David will be held on Thursday, September 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Binghamton, 2-8 Hawley Street. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Each year tens of millions of Americans and people around the world observe the anniversary of 9/11 by performing good deeds that help people and communities in need.

Governor Cuomo today announced $74.6 million in state and federal funding for New York's 59 county-based area agencies on aging to support programs that improve older individuals' access to nutritional and disease prevention services. This year's commitment will generate an additional $98.3 million in funding from municipalities, plus an additional $11.5 million in direct voluntary contributions from program participants. Southern Tier programs will receive more than $3.2 Million dollars.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28 year old Nicolas Martinez of Oneonta for the 3rd degree Assault & criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, after troopers investigated a domestic dispute report from a home on Deer Haven Road in the Town of Oneonta. Martinez allegedly struck and choked the victim, causing injury; he was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $200 cash bail or $400 property bond.

The Tioga County District Attorney's office confirmed that Cal Harris has been found guilty of 2nd degree Harassment. Harris was convicted for harassing a Suny Broome student on March 5th 2015 at a satellite class. Harris's sentencing will take place September 7th.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced the arrest & arraignment for 2nd degree manslaughter charges against Jennifer and Charles Burks of Endicott for allegedly recklessly causing the death of their 5-year-old son through an opioid overdose. The case is scheduled to go to a grand jury next week.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will be moving into their new offices at 85 Main Street in Sidney on September 1st. Chamber Vice President Teri Schunk said that ceremonies & an open house would be schedule in September:

(Teri Schunk 8-12-16)

The Chamber will be moving out of their Sidney Civic Center office due to the recently announced sale of the structure, the move will allow the chamber better visibility in the downtown business district.

Farmers in Otsego & Schoharie Counties will participate in Family Farm day this Saturday. Participants will be able to visit working farms; talk to the farmers about their operations, & sample farm fresh produce. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at participating farms, a list of farms participating in the program is available at familyfarmday.org.

State Police arrested 53-year-old Kenneth Hines of Brooklyn for aggravated unlicensed operation and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Hines speeding at 92 mph, when the posted speed limit is 65 mph, on Interstate 81 southbound in the Town of Barker. An investigation determined his New York driving record showed him having 57 suspensions and revocations on 20 separate dates. Hines was arraigned in the adjoining Town of Fenton court and was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time. His next court date in the Town of Barker court is pending.

Sidney Village Police arrested a local couple on drug & weapons charges. Police arrested 41-year-old Elizabeth Roettger (Rote-te-ger) for criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and controlled substance not in its original container, and 42-year-old Christopher Roettger for criminal possession of a weapon unlawful possession of marijuana. Both were arraigned in Sidney Village court & were remanded to the Delaware County jail on $5,000 Cash Bail & $10,000 bond.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the names of the persons involved in the fatal accident on East Maine Road on May 8th. 32-year-old Thomas Steyer of Binghamton was operating a Cadillac Escalade on East Maine Road; he collided with a Toyota Camry operated by 17-year-old Jontay Card of Binghamton, causing significant damage and multiple injuries. The front seat passenger in the Toyota, 17-year-old Dashaen Pabon of Endicott suffered a serious head injury and was transported to Wilson Hospital. The rear seat passenger, 4-year-old Samrya Oakley, of Johnson City suffered traumatic injuries and died at the scene. Both Steyer & Card were transported to Wilson Hospital for head injuries, Steyer was treated and released. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

State Police arrested 43-year-old Donald Card of Endwell for robbery, intimidating a witness & unlawful possession of marihuana. Troopers responded to a report of a robbery at home on Delaware Avenue in the Town of Union, last Thursday night, where Card had allegedly forcibly took a wallet with money and valuables from a victim in a wheelchair and fled the scene. Troopers responded to the same location early Friday Morning as Card had returned and was threatening the victim, broke a window & fled the scene. Card was arrested at his home, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time.

The Sidney Central School District will be holding its Budget Hearing Tuesday night at 7:00 pm in the high school library. Dr. Christensen will be presenting the 2016-17 school budget. The public is invited to attend.

The Otsego County District Attorney's Office reported the arrest of 45-year-old Kevin Blush of Milford for 2nd degree rape & child endangerment. Blush is accused of performing sexual acts with a female under the age of 15; he was arraigned in the Town of Hartwick and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $5,000 bail. He faces court action on May 11th. A temporary order of protection was issued for the victim.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminded voters today that his office has created a Hotline to help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues and barriers encountered by voters at the polls for the primary today. 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 through 9:00 PM tonight. Locally, polls close at 9:00 PM.

Local businesses and individuals will be recognized by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for their achievements and contributions to life in Delaware County. Awards will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Award Gala on Friday, May 6, at Centennial Lounge at SUNY Delhi. Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi has been selected as the Chamber's Business of the Year. This year's New Business of the Year Award will go to Gravity Ciders of Sidney and their popular line of Awestruck Ciders. The Chamber will also recognize Dr. Candace Vancko, who is retiring as president of SUNY Delhi. Congressman Chris Gibson will be the featured speaker at the event, Tickets are $30 and reservations may be made by calling the Chamber at 746-2281.

The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.8% in March. Locally, unemployment was at 5.7% in Chenango County, 6% in Delaware County & 5.1% in Otsego County, according to statistics released today by the State Department of Labor.

The Unadilla Valley Central School District saved more than $300,000 in special education costs over a two-year period, according to an audit issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. After the DCMO BOCES discontinued 2 special education service classes housed in Unadilla Valley schools, the district began operating these classes to provide special education services using district staff, the district implemented a third special education class, started accepting students from outside the district, and expanded its special education programs to include related services such as occupational and speech therapies. The audit can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

The Otsego County Conservation Association will hold its annual “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Garage Sale on Saturday, April 30 from 9 AM to 3:00 PM and Sunday, May 1 from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market building at 101 Main Street (in Pioneer Alley), Cooperstown. The official collection dates for the OCCA garage sale will be April 25-28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. more information is available at 547-4488.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced a new, multi-year program to train counseling professionals to better enable them to deliver treatment for those with gambling addictions. Many individuals seek private practitioners for help to address problem gambling and this new training program ensures that private practitioners are knowledgeable about problem gambling and will increase access to treatment and support services. New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling, can find help and hope by calling the State’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY .

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined the Federal Trade Commission, the other 49 states, and the District of Columbia in announcing the successful conclusion of the largest multistate charity fraud action to date. 2 nationwide sham cancer charities are being dissolved and their president is banned from profiting from any charity fundraising in the future. Cancer Fund of America and Cancer Support Services and their leader, James Reynolds, claimed to help cancer patients, but instead, the majority of donations benefited the operators, their families and friends, and employee fundraisers. The complaint was filed in May 2015, targeting 4 sham charities run by Reynolds, which bilked more than $187 million from donors, including nearly $3 million in New York State.

New York State’s unemployment rate dropped 1/10th to 4.8% in February. Locally, Chenango County's rate was 5.8%, Delaware County at 6.5% and Otsego County at 5.6%.

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,

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.

State Police arrested 21-year-old William Holden of Bainbridge for felony criminal contempt and 3rd degree Assault. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of a dispute that happened in a vehicle on State Route 206 in the Town of Bainbridge, where Holden allegedly struck the victim in the face causing an injury. Holden violated a court order of protection; he was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a consumer alert today for National Consumer Protection Week, reminding New Yorkers to protect themselves against recurring government “imposter” phone scams. These scams often target seniors, students, and first-generation Americans. Recent scams include callers posing as a representative from the Attorney General’s office, the IRS, or as officers of the court regarding alleged missed Jury Duty & the threat of arrest or other penalties. Schneiderman said that New Yorkers should also report instances of fraud to ag.ny.gov or 1-800-771-7755.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department announced that there will be a fundraiser this Sunday in Walton, to support their K9 Unit, which has been an integral part of the County's crackdown on Drug dealers in the County. The fundraise will be held on Sunday at Danny's Restaurant at 14 Gardiner Place in Walton from 12:00 noon until 7:00 PM, donations can be made by check to Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills, with "K9 Drug Fund" in the memo box. More information about the fundraiser can be directed to Danny's restaurant at 865-8496.

The "YES LEADS" program will hold a joint Heroin Awareness Night between Afton and Bainbridge-Guilford High Schools at the BG District today. The program will feature State Senator Fred Akshar, State Police, Chenango County Sheriff, Chenango County District Attorney, Chenango County Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Southern Tier AIDS Program & Recovering Addicts, The event is today starting with a free pizza dinner at 5:30, & the program begins at 6:00 PM.

The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will offer the Leadership Otsego program, which is accepting applications for the class of 2016. Leadership Otsego is a program that kicks off in April and engages emerging and existing leaders in a 6-month program that sharpens leadership skills. An informational session will be held today at 6:00 PM at Roots Brewing Company on Main Street, Oneonta. More information is available at 432-4500

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of shots fired in the area of 117 Glenwood Road in the Town of Dickinson near the Binghamton City Line early Thursday Monring. 2 people were in a vehicle heading south on Glenwood Road when a suspect fired 5 or 6 shots at their vehicle, the driver attempted to leave quickly but struck several parked vehicles and came to rest in the middle of the roadway. No injuries were received. Troopers from the Special Operations Response Team have not located the shooter, the road is re-opened to traffic. State Police were assisted by the Binghamton Police Department and Broome County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation is ongoing.

NYSEG reports a power outage this morning & this afternoon affecting 649 customers in Otsego County. Affected areas include the towns of Butternuts, Gilbertsville, Mount Upton & Unadilla, Students at the Gilbertsville Mount Upton School District were dismissed early due to the power outage, Crews hope to have the power restored as soon as possible.

The U.S. National Tour of ANNIE will play this Sunday at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton for 2 shows, at 3:00 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are still available for the 7:30 PM show, at the Arena Box Office, through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or order on-line at ticketmaster.com. More information is available at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Many Sidney Main Street businesses went "Blue" today, to increase awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging them to get screened for this preventable disease. Stephanie Thorne of the Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties comments:

(Stephanie Thorne 3-4-16)

Thorne said that More than half of deaths from colon cancer can be prevented with regular screening and it’s still the #2 cause of death among New Yorkers. More information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

The Sidney High School Drama Club will Perform "Grease" at 7:30 PM tonight, Saturday at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM. The performance will be held at the Sidney High School Auditorium, tickets can be purchased at the High School Main Office or at the door prior to each performance.

Democrat Zephyr Teachout announced that she is a candidate for the 19th Congressional District, as incumbent Chris Gibson will not seek re-election & is instead considering a run for Governor. Teachout commented to WCDO News about the campaign:

(Zephyr Teachout 3-4-16)

Teachout will be at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, on Sunday, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for a Town Hall meeting & a Fundraiser.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today issued a consumer alert following a recent uptick in local reports of telephone scammers posing as officials from the Internal Revenue Service. The scams target seniors, students, and first-generation Americans, the caller claims to be an IRS agent, police officer, or even a member of the Attorney General’s Office, they tell the victim that unless the debt is paid immediately, they will be arrested & they will insist on payment through a Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union Money-Gram. The IRS and Legitimate Government Agencies Never Demand Payment by Phone, the Attorney General's office also reminds residents to never give out personal information over the phone to unsolicited callers.

The Delaware County Sheriff's department arrested a number of people who were allegedly operating a meth lab in Walton. The investigation is ongoing & details are expected to be released shortly.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision & the State Department of Civil Service will be holding an exam for its latest correction officer recruitment effort. While the exam will be held on April 9th, the application deadline for this examination is February 24th. Those interested must be 21 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a resident of New York, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Those interested in applying for the position of correction officer trainee, one may apply online or download the examination information and applications at the Department of Civil Service website at cs.ny.gov/exams, more information can be found at doccs.ny.gov/.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Davenport man following their investigation of domestic incidents that occurred on the evening of January 19th and the morning of January 20th, but were not reported until later on January 20th. Deputies arrested and charged 39 year old Lewis Bassett of Davenport, with two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child,  Bassett was arraigned in the Stamford Town Court he was released on his own recognizance pending future court proceedings.

State Police arrested 32 year old Darilyn Cabrera of Rochester for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Troopers reported that Cabrera failed to move over as she drove past a trooper responding to a roadside issue on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock. Cabrera was found to have 25 suspensions on 15 different days& she was wanted on an active bench warrant for assault in Newburgh. Cabrera was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond pending future court action.

Delaware County Deputies arrested and charged 37 year old Julia Coan of Oneonta Sunday, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and felony Aggravated DWI with a Child. Coan was arrested following a one-car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith involving Coan who is accused of driving in an impaired condition with a child less than seventeen years old within her vehicle. Deputies were assisted in their investigation by a Sidney Village Police Department. Coan was issued tickets and released on her own recognizance to return to the Town of Meredith Court on February 3rd.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for December 2015. The State’s unemployment rate stayed at 4.8% in December, Locally, Chenango County had 5.1% unemployment, Delaware County had 5.5% and Otsego County 4.9% in December.

The Windsor Central School District will hold a Drug Awareness Night tonight at the Middle and High School. More information is available at 655-8250.