WCDO Radio News

The Scoville-Meno Family of Dealerships announced the distribution of $10,000 to local charitable agencies. Scoville-Meno Auto Plaza in Owego presented a $2500 check to Tioga Rural Ministry; Scoville-Meno Chevrolet-GMC in Bainbridge presented a $2500 check to Catholic Charities of Chenango County; Scoville-Meno Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-Jeep in Sidney and Scoville-Meno Honda in Oneonta each presented $2500 checks to Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties.

NY State of Health, announced the Marketplace is now open for individuals looking to renew their health plan coverage for 2017. Current enrollees can update their account information, if needed, and enroll in a plan for coverage starting January 1st. New Yorkers must enroll by December 15th for coverage beginning January 1, 2017. More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/individual.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network marked the American Cancer Society's 41st annual Great American Smokeout today by calling on State leaders to protect the health of residents by allocating $52 million to support the New York State Tobacco Control Program. This program supports those trying to quit smoking and provides non-smokers support so they never start. more than 480,000 deaths each year caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Public Service Commission today endorsed Entergy Corporation's proposal to sell FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego County to Exelon Corp. for $110 million. The state has authorized up to $7.6 billion in ratepayer subsidies to keep FitzPatrick and two other nuclear plants operational. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo says nuclear power is preferable to coal or natural gas as New York transitions to renewable energy. Federal regulators also must also approve the transfer.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 45-year-old Charles Locke of Oneonta Saturday for Aggravated DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and several other traffic violations. The arrest came from a traffic stop on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin, where a vehicle Locke was operating had been stopped for vehicle and traffic violations. Further investigation revealed that Locke was found to be operating in an intoxicated state while having a passenger that was less than 16 years old. Locke was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility.

State police arrested 38-year-old Jillenia Murphy of Sidney for felony assault and arrested her husband 54-year-old Joseph Murphy of Sidney for 3rd degree assault. Troopers responded to the report of a dispute at a home on Oak Hill Spur Road in the Town of Afton, they accuse Jillenia Murphy of striking her husband with a curtain rod. The Murphy’s were arraigned in the Town of Afton court and were remanded to the Chenango County jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond; their next court dates are pending.

State Senator Jim Seward announced a special state grant of $20,000 to support the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, Which offers a wide range of classes to adults from Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. The grant funds will support scholarships for individuals who are unable to afford the CCAL membership fee; a portion of the funds will be used for needed office equipment and to establish new classes

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 24-year-old Eric White of Franklin  Saturday for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree. The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on State Highway 357, when White was found to be operating while his driving privileges had been suspended. White was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $3000 bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced a contract for the installation of 300 electric vehicle-charging stations at public locations across New York. The plan calls for New York achieve its goal for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 1990 levels and ensuring 50 percent of electricity consumed comes from renewable energy sources by 2030.

The state ethics committee has issued proposed regulations for state lobbyists. The Joint Commission of Public Ethics will seek public comments & will hold hearings on the proposal before a final draft is ready. The Commission states that more than 240 million dollars was spent on lobbying last year in trying to influence lawmakers, proposed changes include lowering the filing threshold from = for total lobbying expenditures from $50,000 to $15,000, and reducing the minimum contribution amount that requires disclosure from $5,000 to $2,500.

A non-partisan New York organization that advocates for transparency in government says it will begin posting the spending records of local municipalities online. Reclaim New York officials say the information comes from hundreds of requests for records under the state's Freedom of Information Law. The database will include county, city, town, school district, and village expenditure records. The information will allow taxpayers to see how their money is being spent.

New York trails other states, in modernizing its 911 systems to handle greater cell phone use, in part because lawmakers use money intended for that purpose to plug holes in the state budget. An upgraded 911 system would make it easier to pinpoint the location of cell phone callers or accept 911 text messages. Like many states, New York imposes a surcharge on cell phone bills to support local 911 systems. New York officials dispute claims they aren't doing enough for 911. They say since 2010 the state has awarded more than $48 million to support 911 upgrades

State police announced an arrest today in connection with the September 24th shooting on Carl Street in the Town of Union that injured 1 male subject, who was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. Initially, 4 subjects were taken into custody & were released. Today state Police arrested 35-year-old Paul Warner of Endicott for Attempted Murder. Warner was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo inspected the Indian Point Nuclear Facility by boat and provided an update on the State’s response to an oil spill reported at the facility. On Friday, the State DEC responded after being notified by Entergy that an unspecified amount of oil leaked from a heat exchanger into a cooling water discharge canal inside the facility. Entergy's clean up contractors Miller Environmental deployed absorbent booms to collect the petroleum sheen in the discharge canal and to prevent the spill from reaching the Hudson River. Most of the 600 gallons of petroleum that leaked is contained within the plant and only a small portion reached the discharge canal. Since 2011 there have been over 40 spills and unexpected shutdown events at the Indian Point Nuclear Reactor In Buchanon.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Anthony Hebbard of Treadwell for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .25%. Troopers responded to a 2-car crash on County Route 14 in the Town of Franklin. An investigation determined that Hebbard was driving while highly intoxicated when he crashed into a car that was driving just ahead of him, and caused that car to drive into a ditch. Hebbard was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court on October 13, 2016.

State Police announced that Tierra Scott was back in custody after she escaped police custody & stole a Trooper’s vehicle. State Police reported that a Trooper was delivering Scott to the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office when she removed her restraints. The Trooper left the vehicle to take her into the office when she climbed into the driver’s seat and locked the doors, & drove off, dragging the Trooper for a short distance. The unidentified Trooper suffered minor injuries; the patrol car was found on Wetsel Hollow Road in the town of Schoharie. State Police had Scott back in custody Sunday evening.

State Police arrested 37 year old John Schreiber of Otego for aggravated family offense, endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful imprisonment, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and driving while intoxicated, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute in the Town of Otego. Schreiber allegedly choked the victim & would not let her and her 3 children leave or call for help, he left & then returned & was arrested by troopers. Schreiber was arraigned in the Town of Laurens court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 property bond, pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo announced the grand opening of a new $3.6 million Fairview Recovery Services women's facility in Binghamton. The new facility will offer treatment and accommodations for women, specifically offering mothers the opportunity to have their children stay with them during treatment for drug & alcohol issues, it is located at 8 Clapham Street in Binghamton, & features 16 beds for adult women and two beds for women with children. The facility will focus on serving women from Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties.

Governor Cuomo today directed state agencies to take immediate steps to lower electricity usage, due to the persistent high temperatures and humidity today and through the weekend. All state agencies have been directed to immediately lower energy usage by turning off lights, raising air conditioning temperatures, closing window shades, and powering down unused computers, printers and other electrical devices; other regions.

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 Binghamton Senators announced that the club will host its annual Open House at the Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena this Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Fans can get guided tours around the arena, through the locker room, video room, and skybox suites, participate in free activities to win various B-Sens prizes. The B-Sens will also host their annual equipment and merchandise sale throughout the day. The Binghamton Senators Home Opener will be on Saturday, October 15th. more information on tickets is available at binghamtonsenators.com or 607-722-SENS.

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.

I-88 Speedway in Afton will give kids and adults a chance to see what it's like to ride in a race car or race truck, with a special event at the Afton facility today. I-88 Spokesperson Denise Page comments:

(Denise Page 8-12-16)

Page said that it is strongly encouraged that those who want to participate in the "Kiddie Ride Night" by 5:30 PM today.

The City of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be working on Chip Sealing of area streets this week between the hours of 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM. Area Motorists are reminded to remove their vehicles from the affected streets or facing being towed and facing towing fees. A list of streets is available by calling the DPW at 432-2100.

According to a new study, New York State is among the worst places to have a baby. "Wallet Hub" compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions: Delivery budget, health care and baby-friendliness, their research had New York State ranked 48th out of 51. The Top States to have a baby were Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Minnesota & New Hampshire. New York also ranked near the bottom in annual infant-care costs & child-care centers per capita. The states that ranked worse than New York were Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi.

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.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll announced that the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for federal fiscal years 2017 through 2020 is available for public review and comment. The list has all projects in New York that will receive federal funding. The draft of the STIP document will be available for public review and comment through August 26th, at dot.ny.gov.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WILL HOLD A Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today in Sidney. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Station, on River Street. more information is available at 832-5200, or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Property tax levy growth for local governments will be capped at 0.68 percent for 2017, decreasing slightly from 2016, when it was 0.73 percent, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with some exceptions, including a provision that allows municipalities to override the tax cap. The 2017 fiscal year is the fourth year in a row that local governments have had their levy growth capped at less than 2 percent and the second year in a row that it has been capped at less than 1 percent.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 45-year-old Christopher Wormuth of Hancock on charges of felony grand larceny, & petty larceny. Deputies allege the defendant logged two separate properties in the Town of Hancock and in the course of doing so unlawfully removed greater than $1000 dollars in logs and firewood from those properties. Wormuth is scheduled to appear at Hancock Town Court at a later date.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings, without charge to women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or who are underinsured with a high deductible. Screenings include pap with pelvic exams; clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits, appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 26-year-old Jesse Stefanelli of Bovina Center for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. He was also issued tickets for unlicensed operation, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely, after a 1-car accident on County Highway 18 in the Town of Stamford. He was arraigned in the Town of Stamford Court and sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1500 cash bail. He is to return to the Town of Stamford Court at a later date.

The American Red Cross announced an upcoming Blood Drive at Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney. The Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, July 27th between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Tri-Town Regional Hospital Conference Room. Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-RedCross. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

The Greater Chenango Cares IRT Event continues at the Norwich High School, it started Friday & runs through July 24th. Chenango County United Way was able to get over 500 volunteers together to assist the military effort in providing the much needed dental, medical, eye care & Veterinary services for the region, according to spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco:

(Elizabeth Monaco 7-18-16)

Col Erik Kirchen said that Medical personnel are not training for those fields, they are already fully accredited in their fields, they are training as part of their military commitments in case they are deployed because of their areas of expertise:

(Col Kirchen 7-18-16)

The event serviced 495 patients in the first 2/12 days, about 170 personnel are providing the services, and appointments are requested for dental or vision appointments at 337-4320. There is no cost for the services; there are no income, insurance or residency requirements. A similar IRT Event is also occurring through the 24th in neighboring Cortland County.

3 people were killed in a plane crashed in Esperance in Schoharie County Saturday evening. The FAA reported that the single-engine Piper PA-28 crashed about 6:45 p.m. Saturday in a heavily wooded area and was destroyed by fire. 1 person survived the crash & was taken to a burn unit. The plane was taking off from a small airport in the town of Esperance when it crashed about 1,000 feet from the facility. The investigation is continuing.

Local Police Agencies conducted an enhanced traffic safety enforcement campaign in the tri town area last Thursday. A total of 30 traffic summonses were issued for a variety of vehicle & traffic violations, there were also 7 arrests made for a variety o of charges including criminal l possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear in court. The police agencies involved in the campaign were the Sidney Police Department, Delaware county Sheriff's office, state Police & The Delaware County Probation department. Delaware county Undersherff Craig Dumond told WCDO News that these combined efforts make communities & highways a safer place to live, work & travel.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 45-year-old Christina Kruger of Masonville Thursday for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of marijuana and operating with an expired inspection certificate following a traffic stop on County Highway 23 in the Town of Sidney. Kruger was later arraigned & was released on her own recognizance, & will face action in Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The 3rd annual "Delaware County Senior Fun Day" to be held at Delaware County 4H-Camp Shankitunk, in Delhi, on Wednesday, August 24th from 9:30am to 3:00pm. The event will again feature music, a variety of picnic foods & beverages. The event is open to seniors age 60 and over. Reservations are required as space is limited and need to be made by August 15th, at the Office for the Aging at 832-5750.

State Police are continuing to investigate a November 1980 homicide case in Broome County 30-year-old Barry Marquart of Binghamton was reported missing after they were contacted by Marquart's father, who stated that his son had been missing & he had received a call from Barry’s roommate. On November 9, 1980 Marquart’s car was found parked at the Exit 5 rest area on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson, Troopers found Marquart’s body in the Chenango River, his wallet was located in Otsiningo Park, south of the rest area. The autopsy ruled the death as a drowning and determined the victim received injuries from blows to his head and face. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Investigator Matthew Hicks at the State Police Major Crimes Unit at 561-7400.

Following a month-long review, the New York State Police Search Committee unanimously recommended Lieutenant Colonel George Beach to serve as superintendent of the State Police. Beach has more than 30 years of expertise in crisis response, operational planning, emergency management and public policy; he will replace Joseph D’Amico who has served as superintendent of the New York State Police since 2011.

Members of the Assembly's Minority Conference called for changes to the way the books are kept, to create more transparency, accountability and oversight in how tax dollars are spent--especially in terms of New York's Economic Development, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch responds:

(Crouch 6-7-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez also responded:

(Lopez 6-7-16)

The Assembly Minority Conference Legislation sets up an independent advisory committee, streamlines economic development tax credits and other programs to make it fairer for all businesses to compete for state contracts and prohibit campaign contributions from appointees to their appointing authority.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Patrick Davenport of Oxford on an active Bench Warrant from the Norwich Police Department. Davenport was wanted for failure to appear on the charges of Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and 3rd degree Burglary. Davenport was turned over to the custody of Norwich Police Department for processing.

Governor Cuomo today announced special education providers would receive a 4% increase in reimbursement rates. Schools benefiting from this increase serve approximately 13,500 students across the state with emotional or physical disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, substance abuse, or involvement with the juvenile justice, social service or child welfare system. Action was taken to continue the reforms approved 2 years ago to help stabilize and streamline the rate-setting process for school-age providers.

Fox Hospital’s executive leadership team and the board of directors announced that Dr. Reginald Knight has been selected as the new Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Knight will begin his appointment at Fox on July 5th; He will be based at Fox three days of the week, splitting time between Bassett Medical Center and Fox. For the last 7 years, Dr. Knight has been an attending orthopedic surgeon for Bassett Medical Center. He also serves as director of Bassett’s spine care institute as well as president of the medical staff.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings, to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or are underinsured. Screenings include pap with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits. Those who Sign up now will receive a 25% discount card to Sweet Frog, those who get the screenings done by June 30th will have their name entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart and Mirabito's. Appointments can be made toll-free 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Public Health will host a rabies clinic today in Walton, for dogs, cats, and ferrets on: 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Walton Highway Garage on state route 10.

Republican Bob Bishop of Hamden drops out of 19th congressional district race. Delaware County Republican Bob Bishop has dropped his bid to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional District.  Remaining candidates include Republican John Faso & Andrew Heaney & Democrats Zephyr Teachout & Will Yandik.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today called for changes to the state’s fiscal practices, including limiting discretionary lump sum spending, restricting “backdoor spending” by public authorities and imposing a constitutional limit on state debt, among other reforms, to bring increased transparency and accountability to state finances. DiNapoli released his recommendations in a report, “Unfinished Business: Fiscal Reform in New York.” The report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us/reports.

State Police at Sidney arrested 41-year-old Danielle Pettit of Bainbridge, for criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of criminal mischief on Kelly Road in the Town of Bainbridge. An investigation determined that Pettit had damaged the windows of a parked car and then left the scene. The windows had a value of more than $250. After being located, Pettit was arraigned in the adjoining Town of Afton court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date in the Town of Bainbridge Thursday.

New York reports honey production statewide increased 9% last year with more than 3.6 million pounds produced. New York remains the top producer in the Northeast and for the first time in a decade among the top 10 states nationally. New York Beekeepers earned almost $10.6 million last year, up $1.2 million.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or underinsured. There are no income guidelines. Screenings include pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits. Appointments or More information is available at Call toll-free 1-888-345-0225.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division arrested 49 year old Matthew Ahearn of Harpursville, for failing to register with the State Sex Offender Registry. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division received a tip that Ahearn had moved to Harpursville and failed to report his address change within the proper time period; he was arraigned and was sent to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility on $500 cash or $1000 property bail

It's not looking to promising for New York State to have a budget passed by tonight's deadline. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the whole budget process has been out of the public's eye & the rank & file Lawmakers again this year:

(Lopez 3-31-16)

Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO news this morning that he doesn't see a budget passed by midnight:

(Cliff Crouch 3-31-16)

Crouch said that 1of the key sticking points in this year's budget negotiation is the phased in minimum wage proposal, increases in revenue expected from New York City, he expressed disappointment in the closed process, and the lack of discussion about leadership term limits after many former legislative leaders faced charges & conviction for corruption.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul & State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey unveiled a $2.2 million project that will transform the popular beach area at Chenango Valley State Park Wednesday. The project will expand the sand beach area and create multiple swim areas that provide a range of appropriate depths for all ages. Water circulation and quality will be improved through hydro-engineered technology and aeration, which pushes and circulates water from the bottom of the swim area.

The 4th murder trial of Cal Harris begins today in Schoharie County Court. After 2 jury convictions in Tioga County court, 2 successful appeals, and a move to Schoharie County and a hung jury, Harris has requested that the Judge Richard Mott decide his fate after all the testimony is given. Harris is accused of killing his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

The New York State Court of Appeals has upheld smoking restrictions in state parks, unanimously rejecting arguments from a smokers' rights group that parks officials exceeded their authority and smoking limits should be left to state lawmakers. Judge Eugene Fahey writes that lawmakers gave responsibility to the parks department authority to provide for public health and welfare within the park system. The parks office oversees 179 parks and 35 historic and other sites, they said that the smoking restrictions apply to less than 5% of their 330,000 acres.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring two conferences on Epigenetics and Breastfeeding today with keynote speaker Larry Noble. The 1st conference is at the FoxCare Center from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, the 2nd at SUNY Delhi’s Okun Theatre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Otsego County Medical reserve corps will hold a meeting today for those looking to volunteer their expertise in the event of a disaster. Stefan Dunham heads up the corps:

(Stefan Dunham 3-31-16)

Dunham said that a meeting is today at 5:00 PM in Cooperstown at the Meadows Office Building, EMS Classroom b. More information is available at 547-6477 or dunhams@otsegocounty.com

This morning at 8:30 AM until 9:30, The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Eye Opener Continental breakfast at The Hampton Inn in Oneonta on behalf of Catholic Charities for Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The Dispute Resolution Center of Catholic Charities is currently recruiting potential candidates to become trained volunteer mediators for their program.

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.

Those who may have an idea for a business or a product, but don't know how to get started, are invited to "Pitch Night" at the Oxford high School Auditorium on March 24th at 7:00 PM. A Panel featuring members of Commerce Chenango & The southern Tier Startup Alliance will be on hand, according to organizer Steve Palmatier:

(Steve Palmatier 3-4-16)

Those wishing to present an idea should be prepared to give a 3 to 5 minute presentation; more information is available at 336-7727

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.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the guilty plea of 56 year old Donald McManus of Apalachin, to Attempted Grand Larceny.   The plea stems from allegations that Mr. McManus pocketed $8,200 worth of the proceeds from the sale of leftover copper used as part of the East Campus dorm construction at SUNY Binghamton.  McManus is expected to be sentenced to three years of probation, to pay restitution in the amount of $8,256.59, and to not work in a construction job or in any capacity for SUNY Binghamton.

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.

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.

Eclipse Winterguard will be holding a benefit Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner and Basket Raffle today at the Sidney American Legion, 22 Union Street, from 5 - 8 pm. The Fundraiser is for 4 year old Savannah who was injured in an accident on Feb 20th. Dinner is $10 per plate, all proceeds and donations will go to the family.