WCDO Radio News

The State DOT announced that the State Route 7 southbound on-ramp to I-81 northbound would be detoured on Wednesday. The DOT will detour State Route 7 southbound on-ramp traffic to Interstate 81 northbound within the same interchange. Motorists will follow the signs to Route 7 northbound to the I-81 northbound on-ramp. This ramp was scheduled for detour during the first stage of Phase 2 of the Prospect Mountain Project in the spring of 2016. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council would be held Tuesday at 3:30 PM at the common Council Chambers at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the ambulance contract with the town of Oneonta. A previously announced Common Council Meeting for Wednesday has been canceled.

State DOT announced the opening of 2 bridges carrying Route 28 over the West Branch of the Delaware River in the village of Delhi. A $1.5 million project to rehabilitate the bridges is now substantially complete, it included repairing the concrete bridge deck, paving and repainting the bridges, Sidewalk and pedestrian railings also were repaired as part of the project. The bridges are located in succession and cross 2 legs of the River, they were built in 1940.

Governor Cuomo today announced that 6 Farm to School programs have been awarded funding to help increase the use of healthy, locally grown foods on school menus. In the Southern Tier, the Broome-Delaware-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services: Southern Tier Farm to School Project receives $74,970, to employ a Farm to School Coordinator and a Farm to School Consultant to train food staff, purchase specialized equipment to transport specialty crops and to recruit farms, food hubs and processers within a 6-county region.

Governor Cuomo today directed State Department of Public Service CEO Audrey Zibelman to immediately begin a full investigation of the operations and safety protocols at Indian Point Nuclear Facility. The Governor’s action comes after the unexpected shutdown of Indian Point Unit 3 – which marks the 13th unplanned shutdown at the facility since June of 2012.

Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Drive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.

The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.

A state judge has banned DraftKings and FanDuel from doing business in New York State today. The order was issued today by state Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, after Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the 2 companies are violating state gambling laws dating back to the 1890's. The companies unsuccessfully argued that their games are based on skill, Judge Mendez did not agree.

Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the Regional Economic Development awards and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Award winners this morning, at an Albany Ceremony:

(Cuomo 12-10-15)

State Senator John Bonacic was pleased that Delaware county, which is part of the Southern Tier Regional Council, came up big today:

(Bonacic 12-10-15)

Locally, the Southern Tier & Central New York Regional Councils won the 500 Million Dollar Upstate Revitalization Initiative Awards, & the Mohawk Valley won the largest Regional Economic Development Award at 100.3 million dollars.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Derive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.

area performer & music teacher Dana LaCroix has been volunteering with the Garden Groove Project in Binghamton where urban children learning about gardening and growing food. LaCroix decided to get her music students involved in a project to raise money for the Garden Groove Project, she told WCDO news ABOUT IT:

(Dana LaCroix 12-8-15)

LaCroix also said that the The Garden Groove Kids will perform at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party, at 70 River Street, Oneonta this Saturday, December 12th, at 1:00 pm. The event is organized by First Night Oneonta, where download cards will be on sale to help raise funds for this project. more information is available at GardenGroove.org.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the Employee Training Incentive Program, that will incentivize employers to provide skills training for their employees that upgrades, retrains or improves the productivity of their workforce, by providing tax credits to help offset the cost of training. Tax credits will be awarded for costs associated with eligible training programs for current and new employees or for internship programs for current students, recent graduates, and recent members of the armed forces, and are issued after training is completed. The Application can be accessed at apps.cio.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced the designation of 11 new Brownfield Opportunity Areas in communities across New York State. The program helps participants develop revitalization strategies focused on returning dormant and blighted areas into productive communities of economic growth and development. Projects in these areas will be given priority status for grants and the project developers may access additional Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credit incentives. in the Southern Tier, the Endicott Johnson Industrial Spine in Binghamton & Johnson City, with 17 potential brownfield sites near UHS Memeorial Hospital & near the desiognated area of the future Binghamton University School of Pharmacy, gets a $155,000 grant. The Brandywine Corridor in Binghamton contains a 100-acre area with 18 brownfield sites, a $1 75,500 BOA Program grant will go toward that project

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's Autumn Glory exhibit opens tomorrow. the Museum will celebrate the Royals' 2015 World Series title & Artifacts donated by the Royals will be featured in the exhibit. Among the items will be a Jersey worn by Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer in Game 5, a Glove used by Royals catcher and World Series Most Valuable Player Salvador Perez, Spikes worn throughout the Series by Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain , Road cap worn by Royals closer Wade Davis, a Bat used by Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas, & a Bat used by Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar.

Governor Cuomo announced households that need help paying their heating bills this winter can begin applying for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program on Monday, November 16th. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 this winter depending upon income, household size and heating source. Last winter, 1.48 million households received benefits through the program, in the Southern Tier; over 56,000 households received assistance last year. More information is available at myBenefits.ny.gov.

Republican Businessman Andrew Heaney of Mill brook announced his candidacy for the 19th Congressional District. Heaney has not held an elected office, He seeks to replace Chris Gibson, who announced that he will not seek another term in Congress at the conclusion of his current term, John Faso & Pete Lopez have already announced their intentions to seek the 19th district congressional seat.

State Police arrested 25 year old Jon Speller of Oneonta, for criminal trespass, after troopers responded to a complaint from a woman sleeping at the Budget Inn on State Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta, who complained that she woke up to Speller crawling through her outside window and entering her room without permission. Troopers located him sleeping in another room when he was arrested. Speller was arraigned at the Town of Oneonta Court and released on his own recognizance. His next court date in the Town of Oneonta is on December 10th.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain project will be performed and will require lane closures in the City of Binghamton and the Town of Dickinson, all this week from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Concrete pavement work will be performed on I-81 Northbound between Exit 4 Binghamton and Exit 5 Front Street, the highway will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

The results are in for key races from yesterday’s elections: in the 52nd State Senate race, Republican Fred Akshar defeats Democrat Barbara Fiala. For Delaware County Family Court Judge, Gary Rosa defeats Porter Kirkwood. In the Chenango County District Attorney’s race, Joseph McBride wins reelection over Zachary Wentworth. For Town of Franklin Supervisor Jeffery Taggart is re-elected, in the Town of Harpersfield Supervisor, Jim Eisel is re-elected, in the Town of Guilford the Supervisor will be George Seneck, in the Town of Oxford, Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox is re-elected, & for the Sidney Town Board, the 2 seats will go to Republicans Eric Wilson & Jeannette Hinckley over Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch stated today that the Kraft manufacturing plant in Walton under review for closure needs to stay open. Crouch said that there are 150 local jobs as well as a methane digester project being pursued by the Village of Walton at stake. The methane digester project is being pursued through the Regional economic Development Council as a cost-saving measure for Kraft & as well as the Walton school district, to save on heating costs paid by area taxpayers. Crouch joins Governor Cuomo & U.S. Senator Schumer in trying to get Kraft Heinz from closing the Walton plant, and 2 others in the state, following a merger of the 2 food industry giants.

New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 158 State Legislators to their annual list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker’s support of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau, based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance. The “Circle of Friends” local recipients for 2015 are State Senators John Bonacic & Jim Seward & Assembly members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.

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.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that he is sponsoring a pair of free senior scam prevention forums in Oneonta and Cooperstown on Friday. Senator Seward is partnering with the State Department of State to notify senior citizens, caregivers, and others about the alarming trend of senior targeted scams. The forums will take place today from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Elm Park Church, 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta & from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Village Offices, 22 Main Street in Cooperstown. The forums are free and open to the public.

Delaware County Public Health sent two specimens to State Rabies Laboratory and both tested positive for rabies this week. A raccoon in the Town of Sidney tested positive for rabies, no human exposures were reported. In the Town of Hamden a skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk reportedly attacked a young unvaccinated calf; the calf was euthanized soon after the incident. Two people from Hamden are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, after being exposed the rabies virus. 3 animals have tested positive for rabies in Delaware County this year. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 832-5200. more information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Governor Cuomo today announced $1 million in funding is available to assist new farmers begin their careers. the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs. Funds may provide a minimum of $15,000 and maximum of $50,000 for up to 50 percent of project costs with the remaining 50 percent being matched by the recipient. The application and guidelines for the Fund are available online at regionalcouncils.ny.gov; the deadline for submission is January 22, 2016.

Area Republican Congressman Richard Hanna made national headlines today, as he joined Kevin McCarthy in suggesting that an investigation into the Benghazi incident may have been an effort to damage Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. In a radio interview in Utica yesterday, Hanna implied that McCarthy was forced to withdraw his bid for House Speaker, by his Republican peers because of his statements regarding the political damage that they tried to inflict on Hillary Clinton & her presidential bid.

State DOT officials today announced the scheduled reopening of the Interstate 81 southbound ramp to State Route 17 westbound, a major milestone in the $135 million project to reconstruct the Prospect Mountain Interchange of State Route 17 and I-81 in the city of Binghamton and town of Dickinson, Broome County. The I-81 southbound ramp to Route 17 had been closed since December 2014. An estimated $164 million project to reconfigure Interchange 4 will begin next spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

The State DEC today urged outdoor adventurers to suspend exploration of caves and mine sites that serve as homes for bat hibernations. Human disturbances are harmful to the state’s bat population since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed more than 90% of hibernating bats in New York. Officials warned that if you encounter hibernating bats while underground, leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible. 2 species of bats are currently protected under federal and state endangered species law, including the northern long-eared bat, which was prevalent in New York, but the current population for this formerly common bat is approximately 1% of its previous size.

On Saturday night, October 10th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Erick Daly of Queens with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, following traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Troopers initially stopped Daly for driving 83 mph in a 55mph zone, Deputies found Daly to be in possession of marijuana and an electronic stun gun. Daly was arraigned in the Hancock Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail.

10 men were arrested Wednesday on federal charges of conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids and engage in international money laundering in Broome County. The defendants were arrested Wednesday morning in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and Delaware. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s office, 4 of the 10 arrested were picked up in Broome County Wednesday, they have been identified as 37 year old Richard Progovitz of Port Crane, 32 year old Derek Strassle of Endicott, 31 year old Paul Boylan of Endicott, & 33 year old Jeremiah O’Brien, of Binghamton.

Governor Cuomo today announced the release of a Request for Information to help finalize guidelines for the New NY Broadband Program, which has undertaken the ambitious goal of substantially expanding high-speed broadband service in New York State by the end of 2018. Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo made the Nation's largest and most aggressive state investment in broadband with the commitment of $500 million in capital for the Program. The New NY Broadband Program is designed to correct this problem by ensuring that every New Yorker has access to high-speed Internet by 2018.

Governor Cuomo today launched a statewide effort to recruit Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to volunteer and assist immigrants who want to become American citizens. Veterans would teach newcomers English and help them prepare for the U.S. civics portion of the naturalization exam. The Division of Veterans Affairs will use the more than 80 Veterans Affairs offices throughout the State to serve as Veteran Volunteer Recruitment Centers to help veterans who are looking for opportunities to continue serving the public.

The State DOT announced that traffic will be stopped today around the Prospect Mountain Construction project, as 2 bridges over the Chenango River will be brought down with controlled blasts. Officials stated that Beginning at about 10:15 AM, State Police will have the traffic in the area slowed down or stopped for about 15 minutes on I-81 south at exit 6. I-81 North at exit 2, State Route 17 East at exit 71 & I-88 west at exit 2. The on-ramp to I-81S at exit 5 for Front Street & SUNY Broome & State Route 7 on-ramp to I-81 North, & Route 17 West will be closed.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Robert Stutzer of Delhi, following a complaint from a Hobart business owner who had reported checks had been stolen from the business and subsequently forged and cashed. Deputies charged Stutzer with 3rd degree Burglary, Forgery, and 2 counts of Petty Larceny. Stutzer was being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility on a Parole Violation, he will appear in the Town of Stamford Court at a later date.

The State DOT announced that traffic will be stopped tomorrow around the Prospect Mountain Construction project, as 2 bridges over the Chenango River will be brought down with controlled blasts. Officials stated that Beginning at about 10:15 AM, State Police will have the traffic in the area slowed down or stopped for about 15 minutes on I-81 south at exit 6. I-81 North at exit 2, State Route 17 East at exit 71 & I-88 west at exit 2. The on-ramp to I-81S at exit 5 for Front Street & SUNY Broome & State Route 7 on-ramp to I-81 North, & Route 17 West will be closed.

State Troopers arrested 20-year-old Christopher Nunez of Holbrook for reckless driving, unlawful fleeing a police officer and numerous other vehicle and traffic law violations, following a high-speed chase on I-81. Nunez is accused of traveling at over 100 mph on a motorcycle and then failing to stop, Nunez was later found driving his motorcycle in the City of Binghamton. Nunez was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond pending court action on September 29th.

The 13th Annual Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Ceremony will be held this coming Friday night as well as Saturday. Spokesman Greg Davie comments:

(Greg Davie 9-22-15)

This year's inductees will be Liz Wagner from the class of 93. Steve Fessenden from the class of 76, Rick Cole from the class of 67, Tony Ferrera from the class of 88, and the Legacy Team will be the 2005 Football team, which won the New York State Class C Championship.

The Oneonta department of Engineering announced that work would start on Wednesday to replace the traffic signal at Center & Maple Street. Powerline constructors of Clinton were awarded the bid, they will install new traffic signal & pole, new pedestrian crossing signals and they will be replacing the handicapped sidewalk ramps & some sidewalk. The project will to 60 days to complete, traffic will be controlled by flaggers.

Otsego County's annual Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held today & tomorrow. The 1st event will be at the Unadilla Town Highway Building today & Waste from Otsego County small businesses is accepted and the 2nd event will be at the Meadows Office Building in Cooperstown on Saturday. No Pre-Registration is required, Saturday Participants are asked to arrive according to the first initial of your last name. More information is available at otsegocounty.com/depts/sw or by calling 547-4225.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency recently completed a renovation project at the Sidney Industrial Park to ensure the continued growth of Gravity Ciders. The company outgrew their Walton facility; they were looking for a new production and warehousing facility to keep up with the demand of their Awestruck Premium Hard Ciders. The IDA invested $32,000, to keep Gravity Ciders in Delaware County; more information is available at dcecodev.com or 832-5123.

On Saturday, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 44-year-old Edward Kaneg of Delhi, New York, with Grand Larceny, Burglary, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device, & several other charges, following a month long investigation of a burglary involving the theft of a vehicle from a garage in the Town of Delhi. Kaneg was already serving a sentence in the Delaware County Correctional Facility on an unrelated charge; he is scheduled to appear at Delhi Town Court today to answer the charges.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 51-year-old Tracy Wood of Walton for harassment & unlawful imprisonment, following an investigation into a Domestic Dispute on Loomis Brook Road in the Town of Walton. Wood was later arraigned in Walton Town Court and was released on his own recognizance, pending future court action.

Cobleskill Stone Products announced that State Route 205 is undergoing milling and paving from Brown Street to State Route 23 in Oneonta, today through September 10th. From September 14th through September 23rd, construction will continue from Silas Lane to Oneida Street. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes during the project period.

About a dozen groups rallied at General Clinton Park Sunday, to discuss how to get several southern tier towns to secede New York State & join Pennsylvania, or to split New York State into 2 states. Groups involved were pro gas drilling groups upset with the Governor's ban on Hydrofracking, and are Tea Party groups.

The B-G Central School District is seeking Community members interested in serving on a Capital Project Facility Committee. The next meeting will be held this evening at 6:30 PM in the District Conference Room. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.

The BG central school district is seeking community members interested in serving on a Capital Project facility Committee, to meet today at 5:30 PM ion the District conference room. The next meeting will be held on august 31st at 6:30 in the district conference room, interested participants can call 967-6321.

State Senator Jim Seward and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced legislation they sponsored, allowing Delaware County to enact a "bed tax" on hotel and motel room rentals, has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The bill follows a home rule request from the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; it allows Delaware County to impose a "bed tax" of up to 2% on hotel and motel room rentals. The estimated return of between $200,000 to $250,000 will be dedicated to promoting County's tourism. Governor Cuomo also signed into law a bill allowing Delaware County to maintain its local sales tax at 4%, which in 1% above the rate authorized in state law.

The Sidney Elks Lodge will host their annual Car Show behind the lodge on River Street in Sidney tomorrow. Car Show Organizer Mark Little comments:

(Mark Little 8-7-15)

Little said that there would be more classes & more trophies this year, including a Ralph Cuozzo Senior Memorial trophy in honor of the late local businessman and antique car collector.

The B-G central school district is seeking community members interested in serving on a Capital Project facility Committee, to meet on Monday August 17th at 5:30 PM in the District conference room. The following meeting will be held on august 31st at 6:30 in the district conference room, interested participants can call 967-6321.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Mark Pullyblank & William Clements were sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Binghamton for violating the Clean Water Act, both were sentenced to probation and fined a total of $12,000, they were working as project managers for Crane-Hogan Structural Systems, which was contracted to tear down the parking garage at the Binghamton Governmental Center in 2008 and 2009. The company discharged large quantities of concrete and concrete slurry into the Susquehanna River, the company was ordered to pay a fine of $500,000

Governor Andrew Cuomo's Girlfriend, TV Food Network star Sandra Lee, has been hospitalized for complications from her recent double mastectomy. Lee was rushed to the hospital Tuesday night the 49-year-old Lee had the surgery in May after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis through a routine Mammogram. Cuomo left a Billy Joel concert at Nassau Coliseum early to be with Lee when he learned of her hospitalization.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the new, redesigned NASCAR license plate series will be available to order at the Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International, taking place this weekend. Representatives from the State DMV will be on hand at the race to provide customer service, including to help visitors order the custom plates, renew their registrations, assist with address changes, schedule road and vision tests, and complete web transactions. Details are available at dmv.ny.gov.

New York State is on alert for a virus that's killed millions of birds in the Pacific Northwest & Midwestern U.S. Experts believe it could land in the northeast, but steps are being taken to try to stop the new type of Avian Flu, which barely gives any warnings. The Risk foe Avian Influenza is increasing as all types of birds migrate through the region. Health departments are taking proactive steps before the first case has been reported.

A State Ethics Board that was created to address Albany's lingering corruption problem, squabbled over perceived Meddling by Governor Cuomo, with some members vowing to oppose any effort to hire a new executive director with any ties to Cuomo. Members of J-COPE have reportedly disagreed over the selection process to select a new executive director following the resignation of Letizia Tagliafierro. J-COPE is looking to appoint the 3rd executive director in the last 4 years, the agency oversees the enforcement of the state's ethics rules & financial disclosure requirements, the executive directors is picked by a vote of the commissions 14 members, 6 of which are picked by the governor & the other 8 picked by legislative leaders.

New York State will likely emerge as 1 of the states to reap big benefits from President Obama's plan to fight climate change with new emission limits on Coal Fire Plants. New York should be able to comply easily, as the state currently generate only 3.5% of its electricity from coal, at the same time, the state's economy will likely benefit from new jobs from the emerging renewable energy projects in both wind & solar power. New York’s energy plan is due by September of 2016; the public will have a change to comment on the plan before it is approved.

The B-G Central School District is seeking Community members interested in serving on a Capital Project Facility Committee. The next meeting will be held on August 31, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the District Conference Room. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.

The Oneonta department of public service announced that they would be reconstructing the sub base & pavement on Valleyview Street & 6th Street starting on Monday at 7:00 AM. Work will be performed between 7:00 AM & 6:00 PM on weekdays; the project is expected to be completed by September 1st. The department also announced that they will be replacing a portion of the water main & services & all of the pavement on 8th street starting on august 10th from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays, a completion date has not been determined. More information is available at 432-6465.

During yesterday's National baseball hall of Fame induction ceremonies, inductees John Smoltz & Randy Johnson wanted to include messages or importance into their induction acceptance speeches. Smoltz if the first member of the Hall of Fame that went through the "Tommy John" Surgery, that is now affecting about 40% of professional pitchers, affecting younger & younger pitchers, he warned parents of this growing amount of surgeries on y0oung arms:

(John Smoltz Message)

Randy Johnson acknowledged working with the USO & Wounded Warrior Project since retirement from baseball, and he had one special poignant message to deliver at the end of his speech:

(Randy Johnson Message)

Smoltz & Johnson were inducted along with Pedro Martinez and Craig Biggio into the Baseball Hall of Fame at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown yesterday.

This Year's Rock in the Park center at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge raised more than expected for the Chenango County SPCA. Rock In the Park Organizer Jason Hall comments:

(Jason Hall 7-27-15)

Hall said that they will likely raise money for the Chenango SPCA again next year; they have previously raised money for Toys for Tots.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 53-year-old Sonia Ramirez of the Bronx & Ottawa Illinois following a traffic stop in the Town of Hancock early Saturday morning. A Deputy stopped the Ramirez vehicle for speeding, an odor of marihuana emanated from the vehicle. Ramirez was charged with Speeding, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Throwing Refuse on the Highway. Searches led to the seizure of ½ ounce of cocaine, a quantity of marihuana, & 499 glassine envelopes containing heroin. Ramirez was arraigned & was ordered held on $75,000 cash bail or $150,000 bail bond pending a felony hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Deputies estimate the seized cocaine; heroin and marihuana destined for the streets of the Village of Sidney had a street value in excess of $10,000.

The City of Oneonta held a public hearing this afternoon on a moratorium for accepting applications for permits for the issuance of site plan reviews or variances fro billboards. The facilities-technology-operations-community improvement committee also held their regular meeting today, and the zoning & housing board of appeals will hold their next meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at City Hall.

Town Of Unadilla officials announced that the Butternut Road repaving project has been completed. Officials expected the project to last through Friday, but the road was open to traffic in both directions this morning.

A Meeting will be held tonight in Oneonta where Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff will conduct a scoping meeting for the Northeast Energy Direct Project, from the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company. All interested parties are invited to attend and present comments tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center beginning at 7:00 PM. The Tennessee Gas Pipeline project calls for a 2nd pipeline to come through the southern tier along the I-88 corridor; more information is available through FERC at 202-502-6088.

State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols to crack down on drivers who violate the law this Fourth of July weekend. Last year, State Police issued more than 10,200 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested more than 180 people for DWI and responded to more than 650 accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities. During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.

The First Night Oneonta committee will hold this year’s Oneonta July 4th Celebration. Activities actually begin tonight with "First Friday" activities, followed by a full slate of events Saturday, according to organizer Carol Mandigo:

(Carol Mandigo 7-3-15)

There will be a variety of vendors and activities set up around Neahwa Park Saturday for the July 4th celebration.

Governor Cuomo directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management to enhance monitoring of celebrations and events on Saturday, July 4 in light of the recent terror warning issued by the FBI & the Department of Homeland Security. The Governor additionally urged New Yorkers to be alert and aware of any potential suspicious activity during the holiday weekend. Additional staff will operate the Emergency Operations Center and the New York State Watch Center, Reporting suspicious activity can be Performed By Citizens by calling the state Terrorism Tips Line at 1-866-SAFE-NYS.”

The Delaware County Department of Public Works announced that they will begin Oil & Stone operations in the northern towns of the county Monday. Work is scheduled on county routes 18, 5,6,1 & 2 in that order; work will then move south toe county routes 23, 35 & 44. The project is expected to last for 3 weeks motorists should reduce speed right after the completion of each road, and & to expect delays during the project.

State Senator Jim Seward today announced his opposition to plans to site a 2nd gas pipeline through portions of his district. Seward said that the proposal submitted by Tennessee Gas Pipeline should be rejected, as the area is already under FERC approval by the Constitution Pipeline, which is slated to will supply natural gas to Amphenol, the Village of Sidney, and other local interests. No such plan exists with the Tennessee Gas Pipeline proposal from Kinder Morgan. Seward also echoed a demand made by the Delaware County Board of Supervisors that, should the project be approved, a formal agreement be executed to ensure that all local costs attributable to pipeline construction, be paid for by Kinder Morgan.

Delaware County Fair officials announced that there will be the 2nd Delaware County Fair Queen crowned this year. Stacy Van Tyle is organizing the pageant:

(Stacy Van Tyle 6-30-15)

More information is available at 287-9228 or by email to Stacy_Dibble @ yahoo.com. The Delaware County fair will be August 17th through the 22nd.

The First Night Oneonta committee is putting together this year's Oneonta July 4th Celebration. Activities actually begin Friday July 3rd, according to organizer Carol Mandigo:

(Carol Mandigo 6-30-15)

Saturday's activities include a 5K-mud run, parade, car show, a free Oneonta Outlaws baseball game and fireworks at dark.

The city of Oneonta announced that construction to install a new storm sewer system on East Street, between Spruce and Cedar Street, beginning on Wednesday. New concrete curbs will also be installed on East Street between Spruce and Mary Street/Hickey Street. During the project, through traffic on East will be diverted to Maple Street during the work hours only. On street parking will be prohibited during working hours as well. In August, city crews will engage in “Hot-In Place” recycling of the asphalt pavement on East Street between Center & Cedar Street, followed by chip sealing weeks later. More information is available at 432-6465.

Starting Thursday, the State DOT will begin a several week project to replace a culvert on North Main Street in the Village of New Berlin. Work will be done daily between 6 am and 6 pm with full-time lane closure between Academy Street and West/Genesee Streets. Traffic will be maintained with an extension of the existing signals and one-way alternating traffic. The project is scheduled to last through July 31st.

Top level new York state leaders have been frequently arrested for a variety of crimes over the last several years, the most recent being Sheldon Silver & Dean Skelos resigning from leadership posts in the state legislature. Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that lawmakers have been getting ethics training over the last few years.

(Crouch 6-3-15)

Crouch said that he believes that new leaders Carl Heastie & John Flanagan will do a fine job & will be scrutinized intensely. Crouch said that the spate of arrests of top-level state leaders since he’s been in Albany shows the need for term limits in all leadership positions, including in committee chairmanships..

Constitution Pipeline Company announced the recipients of the 6th cycle of their Community Grant program, awarding 25 grants totaling more than $200,000 to benefit local communities within the counties traversed by the proposed pipeline project. Current grants were awarded to the Town of Afton, The Village of Bainbridge, The Bainbridge Historical Society, the Chenango County Blues Association, the Franklin Fire Department, the Delaware County Fire Fighters Association, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office & the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County.