WCDO Radio News

P.m. news Friday 12-19
New Yorkers oppose giving the state Legislature its first raise since 1999, and they remained split over whether the state should have moved forward with hydraulic fracturing, according to a Siena College poll. Voters oppose a legislative pay raise, 63 to 28%. Despite voters being evenly split upstate, the state's tough gun-control law called the SAFE Act was supported, 58 to 33% statewide. Voters were also evenly divided on the Dream Act that would provide tuition assistance to illegal immigrants, with 44% supporting it and 48% opposing it. Governor Cuomo had a 58% to 37% favorability rating, up slightly from October.

Action has been taken against several retailers after an investigation revealed many were selling toy guns that appear to be real. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office sent cease and desist letters to stop the online sales and shipments of toy guns that do not have required distinguishing designs. State law prohibits the sale of imitation guns in realistic colors, unless it has a one-inch wide orange stripe running down both sides of the barrel. Some toy guns could be mistaken for real weapons by both law enforcement and the general public. Since 1997, at least four people have died when law enforcement mistook toy guns for the real thing.

The state DEC is reminding New Yorkers that as of January 1st, old electronic equipment must be recycled, not thrown in the trash. That includes computers, cell phones, televisions, stereos and other devices that plug in or run on batteries. On DEC's electronics recycling web page, consumers will find the brand of equipment they wish to recycle, as well as a link to the manufacturer's recycling program web page and a toll-free number for information about recycling. Go to dec.ny.gov

Governor Cuomo signed legislation opening the door for growing and researching industrial hemp in New York. The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, creates an agriculture pilot program to study ways to cultivate and manufacture products with the multi-use crop. It passed both houses of the State Legislature in the spring. Colleges and universities, including Cornell, Binghamton University, may take part in New York's research program.

Governor Cuomo received a status report outlining progress by State agencies to protect New Yorkers from the potential risks with the transport of crude oil. 66 actions have been implemented to strengthen standards, regulations and procedures to make the transport of crude oil by rail and water in New York safer, and to improve spill preparedness and response. The rule changes followed explosions of crude oil on trains in North Dakota that were scheduled to be shipped across the State.

New York State has identified 278 licensed gun owners who could lose their weapons because they are considered mentally unstable. At least eight of them are Central New Yorkers, half of whom have had their guns and permits taken away by authorities. Psychiatrists and other health professionals reported these individuals to the state because they appeared to be at risk of harming themselves or others. Under a provision of the SAFE Act, mental health providers have reported over 38,000 at-risk patients, 737 of them from Central New York

State Senator Tom Libous announced his “Crash Zone Safety Act” in Afton, to help keep emergency responders safer while they’re saving lives on the highway.

(Libous 10-22-14)

The new bill would establish a specific 500-foot emergency speed zone for the crash site and beef up penalties for violators. The law also creates an education program so new and experienced drivers are more aware of roadside hazards and how to keep emergency workers safe.

State Police from Oneonta arrested 18 year old Brian Colon of the Bronx and 18 year old Nicole Nunez of Manhattan for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. The arrests occurred after an off duty Trooper called and reported that he had possibly received counterfeit ten dollar bills from a man during a sale on Craigslist. The investigation determined that the off duty Trooper was selling four tire rims on Craigslist and agreed to meet Colon in Oneonta to complete the transaction, Police accuse Colon of paying the Trooper with 70 counterfeit ten dollar bills, and that Nunez had also knowingly possessed several counterfeit ten dollar bills. Colon and Nunez were both arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of a $750 cash bail.

A newly created database of New Yorkers deemed too mentally unstable to carry firearms has grown to 34,500 names. The database is the result of the Safe Act. Gun control supporters argue a wide net is appropriate, given the potentially dire consequences. Under the law, the reports prepared by doctors, psychologists, nurses and social workers are first sent to county officials. If they agree with the assessments, the officials then input the names into the state database. The information is retained for five years. If the authorities find a person in the database has a gun permit they are required to revoke the license and seize any guns. The people in the database are barred from obtaining a permit until their names are purged

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state Education Department Commissioner John King said a survey would be sent to each school district, seeking information on actions they have taken, to implement provisions of the Dignity for all Students Act. The Act is state's 1st anti-bullying legislation, the results of the survey will be used to identify steps that schools have taken, and model policies and practices now being implemented by districts, to help ensure students are provided safe school environments.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli proposed legislation to help ensure that contractors doing business with state agencies are held to high ethical standards while performing important governmental services. The Comptroller’s proposal would establish clear nondisclosure standards for contractors in order to protect the public interest, and subject many state contractors to ethics provisions similar to those of state employees. The legislation can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

Gun control advocates are urging New York lawmakers to require firearm owners to securely store their weapons. New Yorkers Against Gun Violence called on lawmakers to pass legislation mandating guns be stored in a safe or equipped with a gunlock. Another proposal would require all semi-automatic handguns, sold in the state, to be equipped with a device that stamps a unique code into a shell casing each time the gun is fired, making it easier for authorities to track guns used in shootings. Lawmakers passed the SAFE act, which bans the sale of many semi-automatic weapons and requires registration.

Governor Cuomo announced that 10 projects have progressed to the next stage for federal action for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program proposals. 1 of the projects is the Sidney Green Plain Project, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 4-14-14)

Matviak said that 22 million dollars in federal funds would be used for the river street area plans, another 5 to 6 millions dollars will be used to purchase 73 damaged properties.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 42 year old Christopher Turner of Preston on 2 counts of 1st degree Assault, 1st Degree Burglary, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief & Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Turner is accused of unlawfully entering a residence and assaulting 2 residents, 1 of the victims had an active order of protection against Turner. Turner was found to have used a dangerous instrument during the assault. The unidentified victims were transported to local hospitals to be treated for their injuries; deputies said that there were 4 children in the residence during the incident, which also had active order of protections against Turner. Turner was arraigned in the Town of Preston Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $ 00,000 cash bail and is to reappear in court at a later date.

New York Gun Owners have until tomorrow to register their ‘assault rifles’ as part of the New York  SAFE Act.     those with a regulated firearm must register it with the state to keep it legal.  The State has a link from the governor’s homepage, to an interactive questionnaire to tell if a gun should be registered.  State Police remind gun owners that failure to register an assault weapon by the deadline is punishable by  forfeiture of the weapon, If it is “deemed to be unintentional,” a 30-day amnesty period will be extended to register it.

NYSEG is inspecting wooden transmission and distribution poles for decay and other damage, beginning in NYSEG’s Oneonta Division.   In addition to identifying poles in need of repair or replacement, NYSEG’s contractor will be treating some poles to increase their longevity. The preservatives used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and will be applied under the supervision of licensed applicators. Any poles infested with carpenter ants also may be treated with an approved insecticide.

An attempt to repeal the New York SAFE Act didn’t make it out of an Assembly Committee this week, as Republican Lawmakers & Gun Rights activists have been pushing for the repeal, since the law was passed last year.  The Safe Act was passed in January 2013 shortly after the Newtown Connecticut School Shooting; the Assembly Codes committee also rejected an attempt to change the Opt-Out provision in the law.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 43 Year old Gary Cameron of   Norwich on charges of –Criminal Contempt, Aggravated Harassment, & criminal Mischief.    Cameron was charged following a domestic dispute in Norwich, destroying the victim’s property, with a 6-year-old child present.  Cameron was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear in court at a later date.  He was arrested again for violating an order of protection issued by the court & was then remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash bail pending court action.

A few thousand protesters rallied against New York’s gun-control laws yesterday, at an Albany rally featuring an appearance from Donald Trump. The protesters filled the south end of Albany’s Empire State Plaza, as speakers berated Governor Cuomo and the state Legislature, for passing the New York Safe Act last year.  Trump was joined at the rally by Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rob Astorino and 2010 GOP nominee Carl Paladino, who is considering a run on a 3rd party line.  State police reported that the protest was peaceful and no arrests were made.

Delaware County Fair President Danny Hodges announced this year's grandstand lineup at a recent meeting in Walton.  Monday night will feature the Demo Derby, Tuesday’s highlight will be the Fireman's Parade, Wednesday will be the NYTPA modified truck and tractor Pulls, Friday will feature the 2nd installment of the Demolition Derby, and Country Music act Easton Corbin will headline, with "The Voice" winner, Danielle Bradbury opening.  Tickets for all of these events will go on sale in the early spring.  The 2014 Fair will be held on August 11-16.

Governor Cuomo’s state budget proposal includes an additional $3.2 million for personnel costs related to the SAFE Act.  State police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said the money will go toward hiring civilian employees to help with administrative duties related to the gun laws, including the processing of assault-weapon registrations and maintaining records. The budget also includes about $27.7 million for information technology costs, including the creation of a statewide database for background checks on ammunition purchases.

The Chenango County Sheriffs department arrested 47-year-old Leon Beckwith of New Berlin for 2nd degree Harassment & resisting arrest.  Beckwith was charged after acting aggressively with an investigating deputy, he was arraigned was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on cash bail, he will reappear in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

Sidney village police arrested 19-year-old Austin Demuth of Afton on 3 counts of grand larceny, 17 counts of petty larceny and 5 counts attempted petty larceny.  The arrests followed an investigation of larcenies from unlocked vehicles in the Bird Avenue and Circle Drive area on December 4th.  More arrests are expected, as similar crimes have been committed in Sidney center, Bainbridge, Greene & Cooperstown.  Demuth was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 bail pending court action on February 13th.  Police urge residents to lock up their homes & vehicles to prevent such crimes.

State Budget hearings are being conducted in Albany currently, this week; area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch questioned Department of Health Commissioner Nirav Shah on the staffing shortage at the Oxford Veterans home:

(Crouch Shah 2-4-14)

Dr. Shah also stated that there is no timetable for his department to finish up their study of possible health effects from Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas, the state has had a moratorium in place since 2008 on gas drilling.

The state’s new I-STOP program has cut “doctor shopping” by 75% according to state health department officials.  The I-STOP program started in August, where Doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are now required file prescriptions to pharmacies by the Internet, and to check the database before prescribing painkillers.  Pharmacists are responsible for recording related prescriptions; the law is designed to help practitioners review patient drug histories through the health department’s online registry.

Membership in the National Rifle Association has increased in New York since the state's New York SAFE Act went into effect 1 year ago.  . The number of people who enrolled nearly doubled last year, New York previously ranked 3rd in NRA membership behind Texas and California, New York now has the most NRA members.

NYSEG officials announced today that they are aware of fraudulent activities where customers are contacted by email, phone or in person and asked to pay current or past due charges, the payment ends up with scammers, and not NYSEG.  Officials said that NYSEG will not call customers for payment if an account is in good standing; customers are urged to contact the company and sign up for their “AutoPay” service. At NYSEG.com.  Customers, who believe they have been scammed, should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov and their local police.

On the 1-year anniversary of the passing of the New York safe act, gun control groups and Democratic Lawmakers said that the state should not stop at the law passed last year.  State legislators against Illegal Guns-NY said that they want legislation that additional safety of gun storage for those with children, requires all semi-automatic handguns that puts a code on each spent shell casing, called micro-stamping, and limit buyers to 1 handgun purchase a month.  Republicans that control the state senate are unlikely to support those proposals.

New York’s new restrictions on ammunition sales took effect today, requiring all sellers to register with state police and buyers to appear in person to get bullets. It’s part of the New York Safe Act law passed a year ago by Governor Cuomo & the legislature.  The law requires transactions to take place in person & it even includes Internet sales, which will require the face-to-face involvement of a New York-licensed seller. The law will also require retailers to record sales and do background checks on buyers as required now for gun sales once a state database is operating.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested a 14 Year old Oxford Youth for 1st degree Sexual Abuse & 1st degree Criminal Sexual Act 1st Degree.   The unidentified youth was charged for allegedly subjecting a child under the age of 11 to sexual contact. The youth was issued a juvenile appearance ticket and released to reappear at Chenango County Probation Department.

Bail has been set at $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond for 62 year old Barry Renert, in connection with a shooting at the 7th inning stretch store in Cooperstown on December 23rd.  Renert was returned to New York after waiving extradition in Virginia, He was arraigned for 2nd degree burglary.  Renert fled the area & was picked up at a Richmond Virginia bus station a couple of days after the incident; he faces court action on January 8th.

State Police in Oneonta investigated a two-car personal injury motor vehicle accident involving a State Police patrol vehicle on State Route 28 in the Town of Meredith.  2 troopers were seated in a marked patrol vehicle with all emergency lights activated, assisting a motorist that slid off the roadway, when their patrol vehicle was struck from behind.  45-year-old Baburao Samudrala of Delhi, lost control of her vehicle on the snow-covered roadway, hit the patrol car, but was not injured.   The 2 troopers were transported to FOX Hospital and treated for minor injuries, the investigation is continuing.

Gun-rights groups and the state vowed to continue their battle in federal court over New York’s gun-control law. The state’s Attorney General’s Office will appeal a portion of a federal judge’s ruling that tossed New York’s provision that limits a magazine to seven bullets as part of the SAFE Act. The state Rifle & Pistol Association filed its own notice of appeal. They plan to seek an appeals court ruling to overturn the entire law, claiming it is unconstitutional and impedes on citizens’ Second Amendment rights. Both sides anticipate the case may end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich is expanding hours for UHS Primary Care, after taking on new primary care providers. A Saturday morning convenience clinic is expected to open January 18th at 4 Newton Avenue in Norwich, with hours from 9:00 AM to Noon. The clinic will serve both pediatric and adult patients by appointment. UHS Primary Care practices will also expand office hours in some locations to allow earlier morning and later evening appointments.