WCDO Radio News

Many questions will have to be answered next year, following a proposal to close facilities that cater to mental health issues, in Binghamton, Elmira & the north country.  State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton comments:

(Libous 12-18-13)

Libous said that if necessary, he has legislation, co-sponsored by Cliff Crouch in the Assembly, to call for a freeze on the closing of mental health facilities until 2015, if these questions can not be adequately answered.

Voters in the Deposit school district voted on 3 propositions for a 2.7 Million dollar Capital Project.  The project calls for a new security booth at the elementary school, a new track and football field, baseball and hockey facilities, and renovations to an art room at the middle and high school.  All 3 propositions were approved by an almost 2 to 1 margin for the project itself, for land acquisition and for the establishment of a capital reserve fund.

Norse Energy filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court in Albany late Tuesday, the court papers challenge whether referring the review to the state Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah was permissible under state law, or was it a politically motivated delay.  The lawsuit seeks to force the DEC into finalizing its 5 ½ year review on the High-volume Hydraulic fracturing process to extract natural gas.

Details have been released regarding the projects that are getting funded through the Regional Council awards announced last week by Governor Cuomo.  In Delaware County,  $1,3 million dollars will go for the Town of Margaretville to construct of a new hotel at the site of the already existing Margaretville Motel.  Also, $850,000 will go for the County IDA to acquire and renovate a former water bottling plant for the purpose of developing a manufacturing facility to attract new private sector investment and job creation.

The New York Power Authority board of trustees approved the authority's 2014 budget that continues to invest in its 16 power plants and transmission facilities, and in its energy efficiency projects at local and state government facilities statewide.  The 2014 operating plan includes a budget of 379.3 million and an energy services budget of 222.3 million.  For more information go to nypa.gov.

Delaware County officials announced that it had received a grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal in support of its efforts to attract Data Control Group LLC to Hancock.   Data Control Group plans to make a $2.8 million investment in Hancock to renovate and equip a portion of the long vacant Becton Dickinson manufacturing building for the development of a call center and back office operation.  This project is projected to result in the creation of 400 new full-time jobs over the next two years. More information is available at the County’s Economic Development website atwww.dcecodev.com (http://www.dcecodev.com/) or by phoning 746-8595

Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted in favor recently of constructing a new recycling center, to take advantage of the growing markets for recycled materials.  County Solid waste management coordinator Sue McIntyre told WCDO News of the timeline for this project:

(Sue McIntyre 11-22-13)

McIntyre said that the county residents would recycle plastics #1 through #7 once the facility is open, and items will be separated at the Hamden facility.

2 Republicans have announced plans to enter a 2014 primary against Republican Rep. Richard Hanna in the 22nd Congressional District. Michael Vasquez of Binghamton is a licensed auto and home insurance agent. The other Republican challenger is Michael Kicinski of Earlville, an electronics engineer who unsuccessfully ran against Hanna in a 2012 Republican primary.

Binghamton wil receive $53,000 from FEMA to cover costs associated with flood recovery projects following Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.  Binghamton applied for FEMA aid to offset costs for 70 flood recovery projects, with 4 getting rejected.  Since the 2011 flood, the city has recouped more than $2 million from FEMA to repair over 66 sites throughout Binghamton.

Saint Agnes & Saint John’s Ladies of Mary will hold their  “HOLIDAY BAZAAR & BAKE SALE” at the Saint Agnes church in Afton tomorrow from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.  The church is located across from the Afton Fire station.

The ACCO Brands Sidney facility honored its 53 military veterans this month; with a barbecue chicken lunch and a special gift for the employee veterans; a multi-media presentation highlighting the veterans; a large banner at the site, & fundraisers to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Fundraisers include a 50/50 raffle, buckets for collecting change and barbecue chicken sales.  ACCO is now manufacturing a line of products in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project® with a portion of the proceeds going to the organization through the end of 2014, with a minimum of $125,000 pledged, with the total donation expected to exceed that amount.  More information is available at woundedwarriorproject.org & at accobrands.com.

Commerce Chenango will honor area businesses at the Chamber's Annual Salute to Small Business Dinner at Gabriella's Manor in Greene. Award winners are: CZ-USA; The Voss Group, and FoJo Beans.  The evening’s festivities will begin at 5:30 PM.

The next area American Red Cross Blood Drive (http://www.buckaroo.com/Pages/Redirect.aspx?PageID=GUOwxPjImKK+1k2d0tp486WprdWXa+EQcTN0v/Xdj1MmV1WKkOQDOA==&ContactID=G3cdwmL+yVpeOM1l/mpuqTPt9ZbaksIr+Y8xUBzlfjAz1ixjOD8viw==&Source=5) will be held this afternoon in Sidney.  The drive begins at 1:00 PM at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney.

The Amphenol building project Sidney is rapidly progressing at the new site next to K-Mart on Delaware avenue.  Project Manager Tom Czernicki comments:

(Tom Czernicki 11-15-13)

Czernicki said that office staff is scheduled to move into the new facility in April of next year, manufacturing will be moved over in increments, with the final pieces moved by December of 2014.

Governor Cuomo was presented with the final report of the New York State Tax Reform and Fairness Commission, which, outlines options to modernize the current tax system.   The report suggests modernizing the sales tax while funding low- and middle-income tax relief, modifies the estate tax, reforms the state’s corporate and bank franchise taxes & reviews best practices to make the system more equitable for local governments, businesses and homeowners.   Governor Cuomo will consider the Tax Relief Commission’s recommendations for including in the next state budget.

The 315 area code in central and northern New York will not be split up any time soon. The state Public Service Commission is postponing the proceedings to determine how to create an additional area code in the 315 region, which includes all or part of 18 northern and central New York counties. Officials thought the 315 area code would run out of numbers in the first quarter of 2015, but now they project that won’t happen until the third quarter of 2016. Regulators say they should be able to re-start the proceeding quickly should the need arise.

Upstate New York homeowners would avoid increases in their flood insurance premiums under legislation introduced in Congress, according to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. Under the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, premium increases in National Flood Insurance Program policies would be delayed until the FEMA completes an affordability study.  The legislation would apply retroactively to homeowners who recently purchased a home in a flood zone. The rate hikes for those homeowners took effect October 1st. Many homeowners in New York and New Jersey are facing higher online canadian pharmacy (http://www.jessicashops.com/canadian-pharmacy-cipro/) flood insurance rates as a result of Super storm Sandy and tropical storms Lee.

The state Senate held a hearing yesterday in Albany to delve into issues raised about new testing standards for students and teachers. The hearing came as state Education Commissioner John King continues to be criticized for overseeing the “Common Core” initiative, which requires additional tests for students that are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of teachers. Several hundred teachers were also in Albany this week to receive  training about the new standards, which was implemented last school year

Governor Cuomo signed 3 Consumer Protection bills this week.  The first bill would protect consumers from liability for unauthorized use of unsolicited convenience checks, which are mailed by credit card companies to account holders & are easy targets for unauthorized users looking to commit fraud. The second bill will require that offers by mail for the sale of monuments or memorials be clearly marked “SOLICITATION” in large boldface type at the top of any mailing unless the recipient has requested the solicitation. The third bill will ensure motorcycle owners are informed of the laws regarding unidentifiable motor vehicle parts at the time they register their motorcycles.

Chenango Street in Binghamton reopened this morning near the Department of Transportation’s Prospect Mountain construction project. The street had been closed to accommodate work on the project, which is reconfiguring the area where I- 81 and Route 17 come together.

The Platinum Street Ballers will be back in Sidney this year, as part of an annual fundraiser for the Sidney Boys & Girl’s club on Saturday November 9th at the Sidney High School Gym.  Club Director Trish Tyrell comments:

(Trish Tyrell 11-1-13)

Tickets are available at the Boys & Girls club in the Civic Center, the Sidney Great American, VEP, Sidney Flowers & Gifts, & Hometown Pizza in Franklin, the money raised will help the Boys & Girls club continue to operate their programs for area youth.

Operation Gratitude is sending candy & other items to service men & women overseas, Kim MacRabie cialis in canada (http://philadelphiaphitnesspharmacy.com/2013/11/cialis-in-canada/) of Masonville has decided to help get the project running in the tri-county region, after her children decided that they wanted to donate their Halloween Candy this year:

(Kim MacRabie 11-1-13)

MacRabie is placing the collection Box at the Sidney Great American starting today, more information is available at 607-231-3888.

The Greater Binghamton Airport and NYSERDA today announced that the airport is moving forward with an energy-saving improvement process on the strength of $350,000 award by NYSERDA through Governor Cuomo's Regional Council Initiative. Binghamton is the first airport in the country to use a geothermal  system to heat an aircraft-parking ramp, which is expected to result in the avoidance of 103 tons of greenhouse  gas emissions annually.  The project is expected to be completed in March 2014.  more information on the regional councils is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

State Senator Jim Seward announced plans for his 2ND economic development summit in Otsego County.  Seward is sponsoring the summit in conjunction with the Otsego County Development Corporation, the County industrial Development Agency, the Otsego County Chamber, and Citizens’ Voices. The summit is scheduled for November 14th at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.

4 State University of New York campuses will get more locally grown vegetables under a pilot project called Farm to College. The project is supported by a $99,000 federal agriculture grant to American Farmland Trust. The 4 SUNY campuses are the University of Albany, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego and SUNY Oneonta.  The grant will help New York farmers get more local produce into the state’s colleges.

State Police arrested 42-Year Old Thomas Ottoson of New Berlin Monday for 2nd degree Harassment.  The arrest resulted from a dispute on County Road 29 in New Berlin, Ottoson was arraigned in Norwich town court and released on his own recognizance, he is scheduled to appear in the New Berlin town court on November 13th.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, for projects conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers.  The Act is made up of grant and loan programs, project authorizations and to mitigate flooding risks, improve drinking water, support water transportation, and protect wildlife.   Area Congressman Chris Gibson voted in support of the bill, siting reforms to dam safety programs as a key reason for support.  Projects in Gibson’s 19th district will study the effects of Superstorm Sandy; address Levee Safety, Flood Control & Dam Safety.

Motorists are advised that State Route 17 westbound will be reduced to one lane between the Interstate 81 interchange and Glenwood Avenue Thursday night, October 24, beginning at 6 p.m. Crews will be erecting steel girders for the new State Route 17 westbound bridge over the Prospect Connector road.  Work will be performed 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday night, October 24 to Friday morning, October 25 and; Friday night 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday morning, October 26, weather permitting.  Motorists will encounter a right lane closure in the work zone.

More than two-thirds of New Yorkers believe the real-estate market improved for both buyers and sellers in the last year, according to a Siena College poll. The survey asked respondents for their feelings on both the current and future buying and selling markets in New York and uses a statistical analysis to award a score from -100 to 100. The state’s overall real-estate sentiment was a 17.7, a number that Siena said reflects citizens feel more optimistic about the housing market.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency completed a building renovation project to attract a new business into the Industrial Park in Sidney. Cobalt Packaging is located in the building located at 8 Winkler Road in Sidney. The site was purchased by the Delaware County IDA in 2010, following renovations; the building now provides space for Cobalt’s packaging and fulfillment operations, and warehouse space for Huff Ice Cream.

Oneonta city police arrested 53-year-old Rebecca Gartung of Oneonta on a charge of felony 2nd degree assault. Gartung is accused of getting into an altercation Wednesday morning with an unidentified 43 year old woman near Muller Plaza, and swinging a bag of bottle at her, one broken bottle resulted in a leg contusion, the woman was treated at Fox hospital.

Governor Cuomo congratulated 7 New York breweries that won medals at the Great American Beer Festival, which took place in Denver, Colorado earlier this month.   This year's Bronze Medal in the Belgian Style Abbey Ale Category were Brewery  Ommegang of Cooperstown.  21 New York State breweries took part in this year's Great American Beer Festival,   more information about New York craft beers, is available at taste.ny.gov..

It's been almost 20 years since Bresee's in Oneonta closed. Developers said at the building's ribbon cutting yesterday that the new space will feature 12 new apartments ranging from 650 to more than 2,000 square feet. The upper floor apartments will also feature rooftop decks. The more than $6 million project received $2.2 million in funding from the state's Restore New York grant program. New retail space has already begun opening up and residents will be able to move into the apartments in March

Visitors to New York State's parks are now able to smoke on the grounds. The reversal of the no smoking ban in parks comes after a ruling by the State Supreme Court. In February, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation banned smoking in those areas. However, the group "New York City Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment," filed a lawsuit against the state park saying the agency overstepped its boundaries by imposing the ban.

Motorists are advised that Work on several Binghamton City streets will be performed between 6:00 AM  and 6:00 PM daily through this Friday, as part of the Prospect Mountain project along route 17 and I-81.   Crews will be removing the existing substructures of the Interstate 81 Southbound State Route 17 eastbound Bridge over Chenango Street.  Front Street will also have periodic, alternating lane closures,  Flag personnel will guide single lane traffic through the work zone.

Chenango Street in Binghamton will be closed through 7 a.m. Saturday between Moffatt Avenue and Sturges Street, according to the state Department of Transportation. Crews are removing the remaining portion of the I- 81 southbound/Route 17 eastbound bridge over Chenango Street.. During that time period, Chenango Street will be closed to both motorists and pedestrians. A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the road closure. The work is part of the DOT’s Prospect Mountain project, which is reconfiguring the area where the 2 highways come together.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, their K-9 unit and State Troopers, arrested 3 area residents on Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrants issued by the Delaware County Court following a home invasion robbery investigation.  Arrested were 32-year-old Leon Grizzard of South Kortright, 27-year-old Amanda Gahan of Walton and 27 year old Andrew Dougherty for 1st degree Robbery, 1st degree Burglary, Petty Larceny and Criminal Mischief, in connection with a home invasion robbery in the Town of Tompkins in June 2012.  The 3 are accused of robbing the residents at gunpoint & taking cash and drugs.   Grizzard and Gahan were arrested in Hobart, where a search led to the seizure of heroin, hypodermic instruments and marihuana. Following the search, Deputies arrested Leon Grizzard and Jeremy Key of Hobart for Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  Grizzard, Dougherty and Gahan were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending further court proceedings. Key was issued an Appearance Ticket for the Town of Stamford Court.

The New York State DEC has extended the deadline to apply for $45 million in grants for Water Quality Improvement Projects through December 13. The program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program for projects that improve water quality, reduce polluted runoff and restore habitat in New York’s bodies of water. Recipients can be reimbursed 75 percent to 85 percent of the project costs. For more information go to dec.ny.gov.

The East Branch Rest Area of State Route 17 will be the new home for a Visitor’s Information Kiosk, to provide travelers with information about Delaware County’s natural resources, and recreational outdoor activities. The kiosk will consist of 4 panels covered with fabricated interpretive signs and 2 panels have signboards, with locking Plexiglas doors. Brochures supplied by the Delaware County Chamber will be included, it will be maintained by the Hancock Chamber of Commerce. Funding for this project was made possible through a marketing grant from the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency.

Novelty lighters at checkout counters that look like guns, cars, toys, tiny fire extinguishers and even SpongeBob SquarePants are being outlawed in New York. Governor Cuomo signed a bill to ban the sale of the items. The lighters range from small toy-like bodies with whistles and buzzers to larger M-16 military rifle replicas. Others are lighters that are part of wristwatches or play music or flash lights. The governor said the goal is to keep the lighters away from children and preventing a fire hazard.

The Siena Research Institute released a showing that 46% of new Yorkers are in favor & 46% oppose of a state amendment to allow non-Indian, Las Vegas style casinos in New York. 55% would approve the amendment with wording that reads, "allow the Legislature to authorize up to 7 casinos in New York for the legislated purposes of promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes through revenues generated." The poll also revealed a decline in Governor Cuomo's favorability rating to 50%, down 2 points from August.

The town of Unadilla highway department will conclude their culvert replacement project on Rod & Gun Club road today.  The road will be closed until 3:00 PM Today; the crews have replaced 10 culverts this week.

Otsego County and the City of Oneonta have been awarded $75,744 from the New York State Archives, for a Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund Geographic Information Systems project. The shared services project will be improving data records retention, increase quality assurance of data; it calls for the conversion of 688 Mylar tax maps into a digital format, and the development of a data repository between the County and the City to streamline data & eliminate redundancies.

Governor Cuomo announced a $6.7 million federal College Access Challenge Grant has been awarded to the State to increase college enrollment and completion among low-income students across the State. The Higher Education Services Corporation will continue to distribute much of the grant funds through a competitive statewide process to schools, nonprofit agencies, and community-based organizations that work directly with at-risk populations and populations that are traditionally underserved. more Information is available at HESC.ny.gov.

The state Board of Regents approved a proposal that limits how many students will receive added help as many students failed a new set of standardized tests earlier this year. State officials believe that the test results were down because of new assessment standards, the new plan will allow schools to base the need for remedial services on the percentile ranking between the 2012 and 2013 results, rather than overall score.

The town of Unadilla highway department has announced that Sheep Pen Road will be closed through 3:00 PM today.  Crews are completing a culvert replacement project, and the roads will be re-opened to accommodate school bus routes.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division executed a no knock search warrant at 118 Meadow Lane in the Town of New Berlin. During the search, crack cocaine was seized along with cash, packaging material, and paraphernalia.  Jessica and Alan Crisell were both charged with the Class E Felony of Criminal Nuisance, for maintaining premises for the unlawful sale of controlled substances. Jessica Crisell was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument.  Dequay Shoulders of Syracuse, was charged Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail, pending action in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

The State DOT announced that, crews will be conducting precision rock excavation operations at the Prospect Street Connector today & tomorrow between 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM. State Police will administer rolling slow-downs throughout the project, with area exit & entrance ramps closed for 15 minutes intervals. Flag personnel will also control traffic local side streets.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 29-year-old Zachary Simeon of Albany for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  The arrest resulted from a vehicle and traffic law stop for speeding on Interstate 88 in Otego; Simeon was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Otego Court on September 19th.

“SeptemBeard” is a program where teams of men at various organizations around the country are growing beards this month to promote Prostate Cancer awareness.  Jeff Newman and the Men at Chambers & O’Hara Car & Truck center on Route 7 in Sidney said that donations are being collected 2 ways:

(Jeff Newman 9-11-13)

Newman said that research shows that Prostate Cancer can affect 1 in 7 men in their lifetime; he said collections would still be accepted into early October.

The town of Unadilla Highway department announced that Sheep Pen road is closed today until 3:00 PM.  Crews are replacing a culvert; the project is expected to be completed by 3:00 this afternoon.

Delaware county department of public works will be performing work on county route 14 from state route 357 for 2.6 miles to the hamlet of Treadwell, starting this morning.  Motorists are advised to expect delays or seek alternate route during the project, which is expected to be completed this Friday.

Delaware County officials are continuing to acquire funding for new towers, buildings & radio equipment to upgrade the 911 emergency system.  Delaware county Emergency services coordinator Richard Bell explains:

(Richard Bell 9-6-13)

Bell said that the project should be completed by late 2015 or early 2016. cheap cialis canada (http://www.frontlinesms.com/2015/04/07/cheap-cialis-canada/)

Whether its flooding, tornadoes or a fire, a disaster or emergency can hit at any time. September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergency responders remind people to have a plan. Know where you are going to go and how to meet up with family members. People should also have a disaster kit with items such as food and a can opener, clothing, medications and hygiene items. You should have enough to last 72 hours, since often times, emergency responders need time to set up supplies and resources. The Red Cross has organized an Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 21st at Binghamton University from 11 to 4

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced several stream improvement projects. Work includes Fly Creek at Fleischmanns – Middletown in Delaware County, receiving $1.3 million to stabilize eroded streambanks and damaged retaining walls. Another project will be started at Dry Brook at the Arkville Trailer Park – $400,000 to stabilize areas of erosion, and the stream bank and flood plain will be reconstructed to their approximate pre-flood locations.

Proposed tax incentives to encourage revitalization of house in Oneonta will be reviewed tonight at 6 in common council chambers at city hall in Oneonta. The city community imporovement committee will present motions on home rule pertaining to the program at the council's regulary scheduled meeting which will start at 7pm. The public is welcome.

In an effort to promote economic growth, community leaders in Delaware County are proposing a new project at SUNY Delhi to create more business opportunities by recycling waste water. The project would take waste water from the Delhi Waste Water Treatment facility and recycle it through an irrigation system on campus golf course. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined campus and community leaders earlier this week in support of the project. Leaders hope Gillibrand will go to bat for them, as about half of the funding for the $2 million plan is still needed and the project is eligible for federal grants. Construction is anticipated to begin next spring.

Governor Cuomo announced that most DOT construction projects in New York state wil be suspended over the Labor Day weekend. The Governor's "Drivers First" inititatve prioritizes the convenience of motorists and ensures that disruptions are as minimal as possible to motorists. For real time travel information, call 511 or go to 511ny.org

A repaving project on State Highway 12 from Oxford to Norwich will begin today. Contractors will pave nine miles of State Highway 12 from Millbrook Road (south of Oxford) to Norwich. The work will be done from 6 am to 6 pm through September 13th. There will be alternating lane closures so expect delays. Travelers are encouraged to use County Road 32 as an alternate route.

Congressman Richard Hanna announced that Tri-Cities Airport in Binghamton was selected to receive $137,000 in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation to make upgrades. The grant will refurbish the runway to maintain structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. This grant will provide funding for the design phase of the project. Hanna is a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

A repaving project on State Highway 12 from Oxford to Norwich will begin tomorrow. Contractors will pave nine miles of State Highway 12 from Millbrook Road (south of Oxford) to Norwich. The work will be done from 6 am to 6 pm through September 13th. There will be alternating lane closures so expect delays. Travelers are encouraged to use County Road 32 as an alternate route.

A worker for Canadian Pacific Railway came in contact with a power line and was electrocuted on Monday. 39 year old Thomas F. Tarchak of Simpson Pennsylvania was among a group of four workers inspecting a steel railroad bridge running over Route 235 in Harpursville when the inspection bucket he was in came into contact with the bridge and a NYSEG power line. The lift truck was still energized when emergency responders arrived at the scene. NYSEG had to cut power before the man's body could be recovered. Route 235 between Route 7 and Davey Road was shut down during the response to the accident.

A woman accused of threatening Walton schools through Facebook postings is working on a plea deal with prosecutors. 28-year-old Jennifer Morris of East Branch is facing four felony charges of falsely reporting an incident.The indictment said she circulated warnings in June that there would be an explosion at Walton schools. She also faces seven counts of aggravated harassment for communications sent to six adults. Morris was in Delaware County Court on Monday for a possible plea deal, but her defense attorney, Andrew Puritz, requested an adjournment. Her next appearance and possible plea has been rescheduled for Sept. 16, at 1 pm in Delaware County Court. Morris remains in the Delaware County Jail with bail set at $20,000.

On Friday, Dajhoun T. Perez, 17, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to assault in the second degree. Perez admitted that on June 12 he shot Daquan Smith, 21, of Binghamton, with a semi-automatic handgun. Perez was taken to the Broome County Jail. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. The court will have to decide whether to sentence him as a youthful offender or as an adult.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works shall close a section of County Road 33 today, between County Road 36(Norwich-Guilford Road) and County Road 34 (Springvale Road), in the Town of Norwich. This closure will be in place until the required culvert replacement work is completed. Local traffic shall be allowed access to their homes; however they will be required to travel away from the project for the closure period. Meanwhile, route 12 between Brisben and Greene has reopened after bridge work was completed ahead of schedule.

Pre-registration begins today through September 10th for Otsego county residents for the household hazardous waste collection day. Registrations are available online at otsegocounty.com/solidwaste or by calling 547-4228. The first collection site will be Friday September 13th at the Unadilla town highway building; the second will be at the meadows office building in Cooperstown on Saturday September 14th. Businesses may participate by bringing their hazardous materials to the Meadows on Friday September 13th, and fees may apply. More information is available at 547-4228.

A free Diabetes Information program will be held at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich on Thursday, September 26th in the basement conference room. The event is for diabetics and their families and begins at 5pm. There will be numerous speakers to discuss diabetic care, food preparation, diabetes & cardiovascular disease and nutrition. Vendors who specialize in products and services for diabetics will also be present. Space is limited and registration is requested by calling 337-4040 or on line at uhs dot net.

There will be a meeting tonight at 7pm to start planning for the 2014 Afton Fair. Some ideas being explored for the 125th edition of the fair include a community parade with bands, floats and fire departments, a semi-truck rodeo, trout fishing tank, a dunking tank, pony rides, petting zoo, a sheep show, a beef show, chain saw artist and a 5-K run. Members of the board are continuing to search for a midway for the fair and would appreciate any help with the search. The meeting will be held in the Afton Fair Water Building at 7pm tonight. All are invited to attend.

Delaware Avenue between K-mart and County Route 39 will be closed through Wednesday afternoon August 28th for a culvert installation. The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close a section of County Road 33 on tomorro on Tuesday, between County Road 36 (Norwich-Guilford Road) and County Road 34 (Springvale Road), in the Town of Norwich. This closure will be in place until the required culvert replacement work is completed. Local traffic shall be allowed access to their homes; however they will be required to travel away from the project for the closure period.

The Otsego County Conservation Association is seeking nominations for it's annual "Conservationist of the Year" award. The award is given to individuals, organizations or businesses that have made a positive difference in environmental protection, preservation or education in Otsego County. Nominations must be submitted by October 4th. To obtain a nomination form, call 547-4488 or email admin@occa info dot org.

Starting at 5 pm today, New York State DOT will be completely closing the Spring Brook Bridge on State Highway 12 between Brisben and Greene. It is expected to be closed through Wednesday, August 28th. During this time State Highway 12 will be completely shut down to all but local and emergency traffic, up to the bridge project. Travelers should use County Road 32 as an alternate means of travel around this area.

The Sidney village yard sale day will be held tomorrow throughout the village. The event will run from 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Also, Afton will have their "Hope for Afton" day on Saturday with Village wide yard sales, a 5k run, a car show at the former Briggs Lumber Yard, The Jazz Band Ball concert from 11a - 1pm at the pavilion next to the Afton Museum, and the Afton Free Library will have a book sale.