WCDO Radio News

State Police and local law enforcement will conduct special enforcement efforts designed to deter drinking and driving during St. Patrick's Day weekend. The traffic enforcement detail runs through Sunday, Drivers can expect sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and stings targeting underage drinking and illegal sales of alcohol to minors during the campaign. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. During the 2017 St. Patrick's Day weekend enforcement effort, Troopers made 229 arrests for DWI and issued nearly 15,000 tickets.

State Police arrested John Griffioen for Reckless Endangerment & Disorderly Conduct, after troopers discovered that Griffioen deliberately caused a traffic hazard by parking his vehicle in the middle of West Hill Road in the town of Worcester, which almost caused a school bus with 31 passengers to collide with his vehicle. He is accused of approaching the bus and shouting at the bus driver. Griffioen was released on appearance tickets and is due in the town of Worcester Court on March 20th.

State Police arrested 39 year old Jillenia Murphy of Afton for DWI, Obstructing Governmental Administration and several traffic infractions. Troopers were dispatched to Oak Hill Road in the town of Afton for a 1-car accident, they located Murphy and her vehicle stuck in the snow. Murphy refused to submit to a breath sample or allow troopers to take her fingerprints and was charged with obstructing governmental administration. Murphy was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail or $2,000 bond; she faces court action in the town of Afton Court & Town of Unadilla Court on March 26th.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is holding a St. Patrick's Day Parade along with other activities this Saturday, Chamber Spokesperson Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 3-16-18)

Those who would like to sign up to participate in the parade can do so today by calling 435-5620, others participating in the St. Patrick's Day festivities in Sidney include Main Street 88 Tavern, the Houndstooth Bakery & Boutique, Awestruck Ciders, Sidney Flowers & Gifts, Trackside Dining, & Ermetti's Community Lounge.