WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that combats the proliferation of clothing collection bins provided by fake charities by imposing stricter regulations on the placement, maintenance and transparency of collection bins across the state. The legislation prohibits placement of collection bins on public property and imposes maintenance requirements of such bins. The law also strengthens operator transparency by imposing disclosure requirements, including indication as a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. Additionally, disclosure is required if the bin is operated by a for-profit business in conjunction with a nonprofit organization. Bin owners are subject to fines for violations of the bill's disclosure and maintenance requirements.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 55-year-old Kathryn Southerton from Delhi for Petty Larceny and Resisting Arrest. Southerton is accused of refusing to pay her bill at the Delaware Valley Humane Society and then fled on foot with her dog. Deputies located her and her dog in an adjacent field, she attempted to flee deputies by going into the river and then refused to cooperate with deputies when they attempted to place her is custody. She was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail. She is scheduled to re-appear in the Town of Delhi court of December 22.

State Police arrested 27-Year-old Michael Tenace of Oneonta for criminal contempt, after troopers were advised that Tenace allegedly showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment, which violated a prior court order of protection. Tenace was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond.

Governor Cuomo today announced that 16 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State as a result of START-UP NY program that establishes tax-free areas associated with colleges and universities across the state. The Governor announced that efforts at SUNY Binghamton University will result in 21 new jobs, as SensAttire, they will locate to the incubator at the Engineering and Science building in Vestal. The company will not only create 21 new jobs but they will also invest over $3,00,000.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties continues to perform free screenings for women & men who are uninsured or under-insured. There are no income requirements; those interested in free health screenings can call 1-888-345-0225 for an appointment or more information.

State Senator Jim Seward announced a $70,000 legislative grant to support improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport. Senator Seward announced the grant during a ribbon cutting for the first-phase of renovation work performed at the airport terminal by students at the Oneonta Job Corp Academy. New upgrades at the airport include: a new conference area; ADA compliant bathroom facilities; and exterior painting. The grant will fund additional interior improvements such as: security and fire alarm systems; entry gate detection loops; computers; and conference room area displays. Otsego Now will also be studying additional improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport after receiving a $50,000 grant through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

State Senator Fred Akshar & Rebuild New York Now are urging Governor Cuomo to fund upstate infrastructure projects at the same rate as downstate projects:

(Fred Akshar 12-16-15)

Akshar said that about 6,000 bridges and 60% of upstate roadways are in need of repair.

Governor Cuomo announced the release of program criteria for the $25 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program. The eligibility requirements are now available online at agriculture.ny.gov. The program will provide funding for projects designed to help farms and agribusinesses expand and grow their operations, as well as increase environmental enhancements in Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties locally. Applications will be available beginning January 19th. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000.

State Police arrested 38 year old Nathan Mower of Harpursville, for criminal possession of stolen property, and arrested 43 year old Kristina Shuldt of Windsor for criminal possession of stolen property, after investigating a theft of a safe and over $50,000 cash from a home in the Town of Windsor on August 3rd. Mower and Shuldt were arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

State Police arrested 18 year old Nathaniel Shaffer-Groover of Kirkwood, 17 year old Joshua Goetz of Windsor, NY and 16 year old Conor Collins of Kirkwood for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Dunbar Road in the Town of Windsor, after a caretaker saw teenagers stealing from it and fleeing in a red pickup truck. The 3 teens are accused of stealing a TV, binoculars and bullets; they were arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

Assemblyman Pete Lopez of Schoharie formally announced his bid to seek the Republican & Conservative nomination for the 19th Congressional District being vacated by House of Representatives Member, Chris Gibson of Kinderhook. Assemblyman Lopez travels extensively around his Assembly district each year, he has served in the State Assembly since 2007.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today in Sidney. The screenings will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Sidney, 37 Pleasant Street in Sidney, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The American Red Cross is continuing with blood drives in Oneonta & Oxford today. A blood drive will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Saint James Church at 305 Main Street in Oneonta, and the Oxford Blood drive will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the New York State Veterans Home in oxford

Former State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton was sentenced in Federal Court today to 6 months of home confinement, a $50,000 fine and two years of probation. Libous was convicted in July for Providing a False Statement to the FBI during an investigation of his son Matthew. Libous's attorney pleaded for leniency as Libous's cancer has worsened & was told by his cancer doctors that he has maybe a year to live.

Governor Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to protect themselves from identity theft and beware of scams on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and throughout the entire holiday shopping season. Cuomo said that Criminals would take advantage of the holiday shopping season to scam consumers and steal their money and identity. He urges New Yorkers to never give out any personal financial information to phone callers or through email to unknown entities. For more information or to file a complaint against a business, visit the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection website at http://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/ or by contacting the Division’s hotline at (800) 697-1220. The Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The State Comptrollers office has completed their 3rd audit since 2000 of the Town of Sidney; the town supervisor does not review bank statements or canceled check images to verify that only those disbursements approved by the board are made, & that the board did not perform annual audits of the supervisor’s records. The Audit found no improper disbursements or unreasonable payroll payments, but the opportunity exists for inappropriate disbursements without oversight. The audit also questioned the Town paying 2 vendors for disbursements being paid over $16,000 a year. The Comptroller’s report stated that the Sidney Town Supervisor should Continue to review bank reconciliations and canceled check images, Approve payroll before checks are electronically signed and Maintain control over his signature & Perform a cost benefit analysis to determine if the bookkeeper Should be performing disbursements duties currently performed by the two vendors. The Board should perform the required annual audit of the
Supervisor’s records.

The New York State Department of Labor released today preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2015. Between September and October 2015, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.1% to 4.8%, its lowest level since November 2007. Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate was 4.6%, Delaware County was at 4.7% and Otsego County registered 4.3% unemployment for October.

The state DEC Announced that $2,000,000 in grants are available to organizations for projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in New York State's waterways, The grants are the latest action in the state's comprehensive efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and aim to foster outreach to users of water bodies, install decontamination stations and provide steward training programs in high priority areas. Applications & more information are available at dec.ny.gov.

Chenango County will be held next week, sponsored by Opportunities for Chenango. OFC Spokesperson Donna Wood-Craig told WCDO News about the panelists for the discussion:

(Donna Wood-Craig 11-24-15)

The community talk will be held at the Guernsey Library on December 1st at 6:30 and is open to all interested parties.

A Research Study involving rural women is being conducted by Bassett Research Institute & Cornell University is seeking area women to participate. Spokesperson Elaine Anderson comments:

(Elaine Anderson 11-16-15)

Those who would like more information or who would like to participate can call Elaine at 282-0503 or email her at Elaine@Strong Hearts New York.org.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 19-year-old Keegan McCumber of Guilford in the Town of Franklin Saturday, when a vehicle had passed them on State Highway 357 with a loud exhaust. When Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle McCumber failed to comply, after a short pursuit, he was stopped in a driveway on Main Street in Franklin. , McCumber was arrested for Aggravated DWI, loud exhaust, driving left of payment markings, failure to use turn signal and failure to comply, he will appear in Town of Franklin Court at a later date

A Town of Bainbridge resident was arrested on an active arrest warrant by the Chenango County Sheriffs department. 26-year-old Richard Margarum was wanted on a charge of Criminal Possession of Stolen property, he was arrested at a Town of Afton residence, upon arrest, he was found that he was in possession of a controlled substance. Margarum was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. Margarum was also issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriffs department arrested 32-year-old Rhiannon Browne of Norwich for Welfare Fraud & Offering a False Instrument for filing. Browne was issued appearance tickets and released. It is alleged that alleged that Browne failed to report a change in her household composition, which resulted in her receiving more than $63,000 in assistance she was not entitled to from 2008 through 2014.

Governor Cuomo today announced that GEICO is the first insurance company in New York State to complete the certification process through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to allow customers to begin using electronic identification cards on their smart phones and other electronic devices. At the Governor’s direction, DMV amended its regulations in April 2015 to allow insurance companies to issue e-cards to their customers. This new feature will be available to New York customers on the GEICO app starting tomorrow.

NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric will mark a milestone this month as the 50,000th refrigerator or freezer is picked up through the companies’ recycling program that began in 2011. The recycling program pays customers $50 for an energy-wasting refrigerator or freezer still in working condition. Customers can also save up to $150 a year in electricity costs by removing energy-wasting units from their homes. Customers can call 1-877-691-0021 toll-free to schedule a free pick-up of an old, working, energy-inefficient refrigerator or freezer picked at their home. They can also schedule a pick-up online at www.nyseg.com.

Governor Cuomo announced households that need help paying their heating bills this winter can begin applying for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program today. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 this winter depending upon income, household size and heating source. Last winter in the Southern Tier; over 56,000 households received assistance. More information is available at myBenefits.ny.gov.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB. Blood drives today will be in Sidney from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital & in Unadilla from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at St. Matthews Church, at 254 Main Street. To make an appointment to donate blood, people can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call1-800-RED CROSS.

Sidney Village officials still need to talk to a good percentage of property owners in the flood prone River Street area about their options for their homes, as part of the plan to get people out of harms way before future flooding strikes. Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 10-28-15)

Matviak said that FEMA recently stepped up and made money available for those who wish to Elevate their homes in much of the affected area, making that a more realistic option than before. Those who want to schedule meeting with village officials can set up appointments at 561-2320.

State Police & New Hartford Police executed a search warrant at the Word of Life Christian Church in Chadwicks this morning. Bruce and Deborah Leonard face manslaughter charges in the beating death of their son, 19-year-old Lucas Leonard in the church earlier this month. 4 other church members face assault charges in the beating of the couple's other son, 17-year-old Christopher Leonard.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Port Dickinson for running a stop sign. 37 year old Neil Wesley of Port Dickinson was charged with DWI, Operating with a BAC over .08% BAC, Refusing to submit to a Pre Screen Breath Device, Passing a Stop Sign, and driving an Uninspected Motor Vehicle. He was released to appear at a later date in the Town of Dickinson Court.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office & State Police arrested 21 year old Devyn Clum of Bloomville for 2nd & 3rd degree Arson, for intentionally setting fires in Bloomville on Halloween night, 2012, & for 2nd degree Burglary & Petty Larceny, for allegedly breaking into a seasonal residence in Bloomville this summer & stealing power tools. Clum was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $75,000 cash bail pending future court action

The City of Oneonta, Cleinman Performance Partners & Asbury Gardens announced plans to build a memorial park to Oneonta's late Mayor Dick Miller. Plans call for a memorial at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main Street & the Lettis Highway. Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig comments:

(Gary Herzig 10-28-15)

Herzig said that the project should be completed at the end of spring; the plot of land is next to a Victorian House currently occupied by the Benson Insurance agency.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. Today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Walton Family Planning, 130 North Street, Walton appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

On Tuesday afternoon at about 2:10 pm, State Police responded to a reported armed robbery at the Runway Food Mart, Gulf Gas Station, on Martin Hill Road in the town of Colesville. State Police are currently seeking one suspect, a white male, small build, wearing a blue sweatshirt and jeans. A handgun and knife were displayed and the suspect was last seen exiting the gas station on foot in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 775-1241.

On Tuesday morning, a Delaware County Correctional Facility inmate was arrested and charged with assaulting another inmate at the County Jail last week. Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged 19 year old Michael Fairbairn of Sidney, for 2nd degree Assault, for allegedly punching another inmate in the face several times, causing injuries requiring medical treatment. Fairbairn, who was being held on a burglary charge pending in Delaware County Court at the time of the assault, he was arraigned and was returned to the Delaware County Jail on the previous County Court order, on $10,000 cash bail.

Sidney republicans & Democrats co-hosted a candidate’s forum at the Sidney Library Smart Community Room Last night. The main part of the forum was the chance for voters to hear from County Family Court Judge candidates Gary Rosa & Porter Kirkwood. Rosa told WCDO News why he felt he should be the first Delaware County Family Court Judge:

(Gary Rosa 10-21-15)

County Attorney Porter Kirkwood told WCDO News why he felt he should be the first county court judge:

(Porter Kirkwood 10-21-15)

4 candidates are running for 2 seats on the Sidney town board, they are incumbent Bill Heath, Former town Council man Eric Wilson as well as Loddie Marsh & Jeannette Hinckley, who each gave introductory comments at the Sidney Library Forum last night.

Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties will celebrate the grand opening of a new office at 19 Union Street, Sidney with an open house today from 4:30-7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The open house. located in the Community Bank Building. The event will include office tours, refreshments and live music.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The Bassett Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Walton, 130 North Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Town of Sidney Zoning board of appeals will conduct a public hearing on today at 7:00 pm at the Sidney Civic Center Room 204. The main Issue will be to determine if the Code Official's finding of "Pre-existing non-conforming use” is proper, in regards to further developing the KOA campground at 242 Union Church Road in Franklin. Interested parties may attend and will be heard if desired.

Tonight at 6:30 pm there will be a free training on Heroin & Opioid Overdose Prevention at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street. The training will be provided by the Southern Tier Aids Program, it will include how to learn the signs and symptoms of heroin and opioid overdose, how to use NARCAN to respond to an overdose situation & participants can receive a Free NARCAN kit. The event is open to the community. Registration is requested at 829-3000.

The Oneonta Police Department announced the arrest of 2 people on drug charges after they served a search warrant at 195 Main Street Wednesday morning. Arrested were 34-year-old Nelson Canales of Oneonta & 31 year old Jamie Osborne of Oneonta, for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Canales was also charged with 2nd menacing. The Oneonta Police uncovered crack cocaine, prescription narcotics & 2 replica firearms. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department assisted Oneonta Police with the investigation.

State Police arrested 26 year old Christopher Kuiper of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawfully fleeing police in a vehicle, reckless driving and several other charges, after a trooper observed a Nissan making an illegal U-turn on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson. Kuiper allegedly failed to stop for pursuing troopers, he is accused of driving at speeds up to 90 miles an hour through the Prospect mountain work zone to State Route 17, he braked hard and his vehicle was struck by state police vehicle. Kuiper exited the vehicle was arrested without incident. Kuiper was found to unlawfully possess Percocet and marihuana; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail on $1,000 cash bail. Police stated that the pursuit lasted 4 minutes and covered 9 miles.

Governor Cuomo announced that over $32 million in federal highway safety grants have been awarded to 541 highway safety programs throughout New York State to improve overall highway safety and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries due to crashes. Locally, funding will go to the Binghamton police department, Broome County Sheriffs department, Deposit Police, Sidney village police, Delaware county sheriffs department, Oneonta city police and the Otsego county sheriff's department. The funding was awarded to New York State by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Chenango Arts Council announced a 20% increase in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2016 Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Grant Program. $129,280 is available to non-profit organizations and artists who partner with an eligible non-profit for cultural initiatives in 2016. Funding is available for grants up to $5,000 each to support Community Arts and Arts Education grants in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties. The deadline for 2016 grant application is Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Opportunities are for projects through December 31, 2016. More information is available at Chenangoarts.org or 336-ARTS.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older that are uninsured Friday. The Bassett mobile Screening Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street in Oneonta. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Friday through Sunday, Hartwick College in Oneonta will celebrate True Blue Weekend 2015. The weekend opens Friday with the Hartwick Golf Classic at the Oneonta Country Club, the True Blue Kickoff Party; a Men's Soccer game on Elmore Field, Saturday includes the Golden Jubilee breakfast, and feature a series of tours and alumni presentations. A Pep Rally Parade and Varsity Football game, Sunday will feature the College's annual memorial gathering in the Shineman Chapel House, as well as a Legacy Family breakfast, more information on and the full schedule are available at HartwickAlumni.org/TrueBlue or 431-4064.

The Catholic Charities annual Bands Brew & Barbecue event will be held tomorrow in Norwich. Organizer Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith 9-18-15)

The event will be held at the Chenango county fairgrounds beginning at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at the Norwich YMCA, Hummel’s, Garf’s Deli, Commerce Chenango & M&T Bank in Norwich, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Com.

The Unadilla Rotary Club is presenting the 6th annual Unadilla Autumn Fest on Saturday, Unadilla Rotary Spokesperson Zoë Vandermuelen explains:

(Zoë Vandermuelen 9-18-15)

The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Unadilla Community Field, more information is available at unadillarotary.org or the Unadilla Rotary Facebook Page.

The annual Sidney Center Tractor parade is this Saturday, Sidney Center Improvement Group spokesperson Terry Rendo explains:

(Terry Rendo 9-18-15)

Last year over 100 vehicles participated and several hundred people came into the hamlet for the event.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older that are uninsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer 2 more “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” workshops! Today from 6:00 to 8:30pm, a workshop, with the theme “Americana” is scheduled, on Friday, October 2nd; another Wine & Design workshop is also scheduled from 6:00 to 8:30pm, with the theme “Spooktacular Full Moon”. The classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council art classroom at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

Aerial surveillance by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, State Police Aviation Division and CNET, led to the arrest of a Walton man and seizures of marihuana in the Towns of Walton and Harpersfield. 53-year-old William Picinich was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlicensed Growing of Cannabis and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Picinich will appear in the Town of Walton Court on September 23rd.

The Let’s Make A Deal Live Stage Show Is Coming to the Floyd Maines Broome County Arena on November 2nd at 7:30 pm. The show is based on the long time TV show, Let’s Make A Deal Live, gives audience members a chance to make deals for big cash and prizes just like on TV. Let’s Make A Deal Live in Binghamton will be hosted by Mark Walberg, Reserved seats will go on sale Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or at 800 745 3000.

The New York State Police Academy held their Graduation exercises today for the 203rd class of State Troopers, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. State Police Superintendrnt Joseph D'Amico addressed the class:

(DAmico 9-3-15)

Nearly 200 new Troopers were honored for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 203rd session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Nathan Tuttle of Deposit for 3rd degree rape and criminal sexual act. The arrest occurred after an investigation determined Tuttle allegedly had sexual contact with a victim under the age of 17. Tuttle was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Tuttle was previously charged last week with 4 counts of Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child relative to an incident involving a different victim. Anyone with information involving Tuttle is asked to call the State Police at 775-1241.

The Broome County Specials Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 51-year-old Dennis Scrubbs of Endicott Wednesday. Scrubbs is accused of possessing 622 bags of heroin, plus Suboxone, cocaine, crack-cocaine, and marijuana, Investigators also confiscated about $4,000 in cash. Scrubbs was held pending court action.

A Broome County Court jury convicted Nigel Smith for the murder of Bretnie Owens in Binghamton in June of 2013. Smith was found guilty of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree robbery, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest. Smith is due to be sentenced on November 17th.

The State DEC announced that the Fall CleanSweepNY program will be held the week of September 28, CleanSweepNY provides an opportunity to ensure proper disposal of unwanted and obsolete pesticides and other chemicals, Pre-registration is required, with a registration deadline of September 18th. This Fall's effort is focused on Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, among others in the capital region, It is directed at agricultural and non-agricultural professional pesticide applicators, schools and businesses like golf courses, cemeteries and marinas. CleanSweepNY services are not available to homeowners. Pre-registration is required by September 18, at cleansweepny.org or 1-877-SWEEPNY.

Governor Cuomo and area leaders announced a Citizens Preparedness corps training program in Walton on Tuesday September 15th at 6:00 PM. The event will beheld at the Walton High School auditorium, all participants must pre-register at prepare.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 42 year old Tina Garcia of Walton for Falsely Reporting an Incident. Garcia is accused of falsely reporting the theft of a vehicle owned by Shane Bellows after that vehicle was involved in a hit and run property damage accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton on August 15. Garcia was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Hamden court on September 21st.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 74 year old Richard Wayman of Jefferson with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person, for allegedly endangering the welfare of a physically and mentally disabled resident of Robinson Terrance Nursing Home in Stamford while visiting another resident of that facility earlier this week. Wayman was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and released on his own recognize pending his appearance in the Harpersfield Town Court on September 14th.

On September 8th, Commerce Chenango will host a Pre-Primary Meet and Greet, At the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, Norwich at 5: 30 PM. Chamber members will be able to meet one-on-one with incumbent Mayor Joseph Maiurano, candidate-elect Christine Carnrike, incumbent District Attorney Joseph McBride and candidate-elect Zachary Wentworth. RSVP's are required by Friday to 334-1400 or info@chenangony.org

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department arrested former New York Ranger NHL player Dale Purinton in Laurens, in connection with an assault case in Oneida County. Purinton was apprehended in Laurens, where he was reportedly staying with family members, he was turned over to Oneida deputies after a warrant was issued charging him with 1st degree burglary.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, & Endicott Police located 15 year old Rebecca Shackelton, who had run away from a Broome County group home. Shackelton was located with a 16-year-old male acquaintance in Endicott Thursday, the 16-year-old male was found to have an active Family Court Warrant and both subjects were turned over to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detectives transported both subjects to Broome Family Court where the 16-year-old male was turned over to the custody of the court. Shackelton was transported to the Village of Bainbridge where she was returned to her legal guardian. Police said that Shackelton was not endangered or harmed during the timeframe and was willingly in the company of the 16 year old acquaintance.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Nathan Tuttle of Deposit on 4 counts of Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Tuttle is accused of having sexual contact with a 15 year old victim and sending the victim inappropriate pictures of himself. Tuttle was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond.

The Delaware county fair will have its biggest day on Saturday at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair spokesman John Jackson explains:

(John Jackson Saturday)

Jackson said that they are hoping to break attendance records this year, because of the large line up of activities, good weather and Saturday nights line up with 4 acts at the grandstand.

The Norwich theater company will have 3 performances of "The Music Man" this weekend, Company spokesman Rich Heim said that tickets are still available for the performances:

(Rich Heim 8-21-15)

Performances are tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Sherburne-Earlville high school.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street in Oneonta & at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

On Saturday Night, State Police, the Chenango Bridge Fire Department and Broome County Dive Team were called to investigate a missing swimmer at a quarry located at 1564 St Rte 12 in the town of Chenango. The swimmer was located by the State Police Scuba Team and identified as 20 year old Robert Burts of Binghamton, An autopsy is scheduled for today at Wilson Hospital. The investigation is continuing.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be replacing a broken water valve today at the intersection to Ravine parkway & Ravine Park North. Resident in that area will experience a temporary water outage, when service is restores, the water may be cloudy, and the water should clear up in a short time if the water is allowed to run. More information is available at 432-2100.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings today, to women 40 and older that are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

On Friday July 3rd, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Village of Hancock Police Department conducted a joint traffic safety check on State Highway 97 in the Village of Hancock that was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Police Traffic Services grant. 13 traffic tickets were issued, including 1 for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle & 2 tickets for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. On the same day Deputies participating in an Aggressive Driving Campaign issued 14 additional tickets for speeding and various other violations of vehicle & traffic law.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 41-year-old Michael Carey of Oneonta for 1 count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the town of Sidney,  Carey was found to have 11 active suspensions in effect. Carey was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Justice Court, posted bail and is scheduled to reappear on July 25th.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured in Delhi today. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Price Chopper Parking Lot in Delhi. Appointments are available by calling 1-888-345-0225.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-224-15

State Senator Jim Seward announced final legislative approval of a bill he sponsored establishing the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway. The bill adds portions of State Routes 28, 42, and 214 in Delaware and Ulster counties to the New York State Scenic Byways System.

Delaware County Public Health and Delaware Opportunities will be providing a Car Seat Safety Event at Delaware Opportunities Children’s Festival 35430 St. Highway 10 in Hamden, today from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Certified child safety technicians will teach how to correctly install and use child safety or booster seats. More information is available at 832-5200.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute's mobile screening coach, health screenings will be available in Oneonta today from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Southside Mall parking lot, Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, as the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today in Sidney. The Bassett screening coach will be set up at the Sidney Great American store parking lot from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Otsego County Health Department will host another free rabies clinic today. The clinic will be held at the Edmeston Town Barn from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, for dogs’ cats & domesticated ferrets. More information is available at 547-4230.

Retired SUNY Oneonta administrator & Foothills Performing Arts Center Board President and Executive Director Carol Blazina has died at the age of 70 after a recent illness. Blazina recently won the Eugene Bettiol Distinguished Citizen award from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, No funeral services are scheduled, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Esterline confirmed that they are closing Norwich Aero, and will layoff about 120 remaining employees. Norwich Aero will move its manufacturing facility to Mexico. Esterline officials announced last year that a restructuring was planned, earlier this year they announced that the Norwich facility would likely close.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie counties will bring the Bassett Mobile Screening Coach to Sidney later this month, to a variety of tests for those who are insured or underinsured. Spokesperson Stephanie Thorne said that the colorectal screening test is a take home kit:

(Stephanie Thorne 6-4-15)

Thorne said that the Bassett Mobile Screening coach will be in Sidney on Tuesday June 16th in the Sidney Great American parking lot from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, appointments & more information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

Governor Cuomo today announced $11 million in grants to build, improve and preserve affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. The 61 awards across the state's 10 regions were given to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to help support community priorities, keep people in their homes and expand local opportunities for affordable housing. The Southern Tier will receive $2.15 million dollars through this program.

A Town of Unadilla resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Deputies & State Police arrested 39 year old Jacob Conklin on an active Arrest Warrant during a routine traffic stop in the Town of Bainbridge, he is accused of stealing a 1997 Toyota from a driveway in Afton and scrapping it for cash at Gary’s U-Pull it in Binghamton. Conklin was arraigned in the Town of Afton court and is being held in the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail. Conklin is to reappear in the Town of Afton court on a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested an Afton man for 4th degree Grand Larceny. 45-year-old Russell Davis was charged following an investigation in which Davis allegedly stole a motor vehicle from a Town of Norwich woman and failed to pay her for the vehicle. Davis is to appear in the Town of Norwich court at a later date

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Walton Health Center, 130 North Street, Walton. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Police in Broome County arrested 36 year old David Scanlin of Binghamton on a variety of drug charges, after they executed a search warrant. Police seized 504 bags of heroin, methamphetamines and over $18,000 in cash. Scanlin is charged with 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal mischief, and violation of parole, he is being held pending arraignment in City of Binghamton court.

The Chenango County sheriff’s department arrested 51 year old Donald Scott of Afton, Tuesday on an active Bench Warrant issued out of Broome County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Scott was located at his residence, he is accused of failing to appear in court to answer to a drug charge, and he was transferred over to the custody of Broome County Sheriff’s Office to be arraigned on the latest charge.

A Town of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriffs Department for criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. 21 year old Kimberly Wright was found to be in possession of heroin and 3 hypodermic instruments. During the investigation 25 year old Joshua Shurock was also arrested on an active arrest warrant from Vernon New York, for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Wright & Shurock were taken into custody & face court action at a later date

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. Today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning, Dietz Street in Oneonta. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Seventh Annual Bike to Work Day for Otsego County will be held today, with check-­in sites at more than 20 locations around Otsego County. The organizers of the event are the Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates, Otsego County Conservation Association, & the League of American Bicyclists. More information is available at 293-6654.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 27 year old Michael Pierce of Norwich following an investigation into the manufacturing and sale of methamphetamine in Chenango County. Pierce was located in the Lowes Parking Lot in the Town of Norwich; he possessed several items used to manufacture methamphetamine using the “one pot” method. Materials were also located in Pharsalia and Preston. Pierce was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Disposal of Methamphetamine Laboratory Material, and Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine. He was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail. Additional charges are pending.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Cooperstown Dreams Park on State route 28 during the Otsego County Relay For Life event, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

There will be a "Meet the Candidates" event on Sunday from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Sidney Memorial Public Library in the Smart Community Room for Sidney School district residents running for the Board of Education. The Sidney Teachers' association and the Sidney Area Youth Advocate program are co-sponsoring this event; more information is available at 563-2952 or 563-2456.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State’s fight against opioid addiction has been strengthened by new funding to provide naloxone kits to schools statewide and training for school personnel. Included as part of the 2015-16 New York State Budget, $272,000 in funding will be used to offer training for school nurses and other personnel from the state’s approximately 3,000 school districts. The training is expected to be similar to what is already in use for training first responders and community members.

The Otsego County Planning Department will host training classes tonight for Town Supervisors, Village and City Mayors, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Chairmen, Zoning Enforcement Officers of Otsego-Schoharie and Delaware Counties, at the Meadows complex in Cooperstown. Session 1 is from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm for a Zoning Board of Appeals Overview, Session 2 is from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm regarding Rural Planning

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach in Oneonta today. Spokesperson Stephanie Thorne comments:

(Stephanie Thorne 4-7-15)

The clinic will be at the Southside mall Parking Lot from 9:00 AM to 3:00 pm. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The next meeting of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta committee will be held tonight. The Regatta meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on Route 7 in Bainbridge.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings in partnership with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach, Spokesperson Stephanie Thorne comments:

(Stephanie Thorn 4-2-15)

The health screenings will be available today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, on Pearl Street in Sidney. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County sheriff’s deputies arrested Krista Hess of Stamford for resisting arrest, for intentionally preventing probation officers from arresting Jesse Papas. Deputies said that Hess's action allowed Papas to escape into the woods for several miles; he was tracked down in Schoharie County. Hess was released on an appearance ticket & will appear in Stamford court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriffs Department arrested Michael Mason of Green for Menacing and Harassment, following an investigation of a domestic dispute. Mason was arraigned and was released in his own recognizance pending future court action.

The New York state department of taxation & finance is extending their call center hours through April 15th. The call center will be open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Friday and 8:30- AM to 3:00PM on Saturdays; they can be reached at 518-457-5181.

Letchworth State Park was voted best state park in a USA Today poll. The Park is located in the Rochester area, and is known as the Grand Canyon of the east", and receives about 650,000 visitors each year. A new state of the art nature center will be constructed this spring.

Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced an agreement on the 2015-16 State Budget. The Budget agreement includes landmark education reforms and investment, an ethics package with the nation's strongest disclosure laws for legislators with outside income, and new investments in rebuilding and growing the state's economy, including $1.5 billion for the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and $500 million to make New York the first in the nation to have statewide broadband. Full details and language to be released later today.

A Stamford Probationer was arrested on a Probation Violation Warrant after being tracked for miles through the woods by Delaware County Deputies, K-9 “Ozzie”, Probation Officers and a New York State EnCon Officer. 25 year old Jesse Papas of Stamford fled from a window of his residence and ran into the woods, without footwear, as Probation Officers attempted to execute their warrant Friday morning. Papas was tracked by K-9 “Ozzie”, and was taken into custody, in the Schoharie County Town of Gilboa. Papas was transported to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta, Upon his release from Fox Hospital, Papas was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail, pending his next scheduled court appearance on April 14.

On Thursday afternoon Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a woman on drug charges as a result of their investigation of a 911 call reporting a female acting strangely. Deputies arrested and charged 28 year old Jennifer Day of Hobart with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Deputies located and seized a liquid substance from the residence, identified as PCP. Day was transported to an area hospital Tuesday evening for medical evaluation and treatment. Day was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1000 cash bail pending further court action.

22-year-old Dennis Cutter of Oneonta has been charged by Oneonta Police in connection with a series of thefts from cars around the city last week. Cutter was charged with 3rd & 4th degree grand larceny, plus criminal mischief and petty larceny. Cutter faces arraignment in City of Oneonta court shortly.

Town Supervisors, Village and City Mayors, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Chairmen, Zoning Enforcement Officers in Otsego, Schoharie and Delaware Counties are reminded to register soon for the Land Use Training Workshops for Local Government Officials on April 9th at the Meadows Complex in Cooperstown. The Otsego County Planning Department will host training classes on two separate evenings beginning in April. Both classes will be presented by representative of the New York State Department of State. These classes may meet the state training requirement for local government officials. Both workshops will be held at the Meadows Office Complex, County Highway 33W next to the County Public Safety building. The two workshops are described as follows: Session One is from 4:30 pm—6:30 pm for a Zoning Board of Appeals Overview, Session Two is from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm regarding Rural Planning. online registrations are accepted at otsegocounty.com or by calling 547-4225 during business hours.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced an agreement with Pennsylvania-based retail giant GNC to implement new standards in authenticating herbal supplements, ensuring their purity, and educating consumers about their chemical content. GNC will perform DNA barcoding on the “active” plant ingredients used in its products; implement testing for contamination with allergens and post prominent signage advising consumers of the processed, chemical nature of extracts. GNC will be required to implement these new procedures in all of its more than 6,000 stores nationwide.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund has committed an additional $30 million to Primary Venture Partners to invest in state-based companies, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today. The commitment will be made through the pension fund’s In-State Private Equity Investment Program; the pension fund has invested $786 million in 298 companies and has supported nearly 4,000 jobs across the state through this Program.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a one-car property damage accident Saturday on County Highway 14 in the Town of Franklin. 55 year old Timothy Lynch of Treadwell, is accused of operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated state, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right & will appear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that Maine and Maryland have joined the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Heroin Task Force that marshals the resources of top law-enforcement officers across Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, over half of law-enforcement agencies in these two regions reported “high heroin availability” in their jurisdictions in 2013. In New York State, heroin and synthetic opioid overdoses killed 2,051 New Yorkers in 2011, more than twice the number in 2004. Statewide there were almost 20,000 hospitalizations related to heroin in 2013.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, at 37 Dietz Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Southside Mall parking lot Oneonta. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

10 people have now been seated on the jury in Schoharie county Court for the 3rd murder trail of Cal Harris. Harris is facing murder charges again for the 2001 murder of his estranged wife Michelle, whose body was never found, Harris was found guilty twice before in Tioga county court, both convictions were overturned on appeal, the third trial was moved to Schoharie county.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today. The Bassett Screening Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning at 37 Pleasant Street, Sidney. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The Constitution Pipeline will be the topic of the 3rd DEC hearing this week, tonight at 6:00 pm at the SUNY Cobleskill Bouck Hall Theater. The pipeline would run form northeast Pennsylvania through the southern tier to Schoharie County to deliver natural gas into the northeast if approved.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined Facebook in announcing a new system to help find missing children by changing the way Amber Alerts are delivered. In partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Facebook’s new distribution system will send Amber Alerts to the news feed of Facebook users if they are in the targeted search area after a child has been abducted. according to Schneiderman, More than 180 Amber Alerts are sent out each year, the chances of finding a missing child increase when more people are on the lookout – especially in the first few hours,

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings in Delhi today to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Price Chopper Parking Lot in Delhi; appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.