WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS Friday 7-30-21

State Police and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols to target speeding from tomorrow through August 8th.  Statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's reported that unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 314 fatal crashes in 2020, compared to 230 fatal crashes in 2019, which was a 36% increase. The 314 fatal crashes last year resulted in 365 deaths including drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  The enforcement campaign is supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, during last year's Speed Awareness Week; law enforcement throughout the state issued 21,428 tickets for speeding and 30,273 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, such as impaired and distracted driving.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State will administer nearly $1.1 billion in federal funding directly to child care providers to help stabilize the industry and enable more parents to return to the workplace fulltime. The funding is available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act; funding applications will open Wednesday, August 4.  Today's announcement gives child care providers time to prepare and gather relevant materials needed for their application.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond was presented with a Certificate of Accreditation for the Sheriff’s Corrections Division at a meeting of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors in Delhi on Wednesday.  The Accreditation of the Corrections Division of the Sheriff’s Office finalizes the full and complete accreditation throughout all Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office; the most current accreditation stated that the corrections facility met or exceeded all 166 components for accreditation.

State Senator Peter Oberacker today announced legislation he sponsored designating baseball as New York's official state sport has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.    This bill was proposed by a Cooperstown Elementary School 4th grade class; Cooperstown is the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and is believed to be the birthplace of the sport.  New York State has previously designated an official gemstone, fossil, shell, bush, salt water fish and reptile.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation designating a portion of State Route 13 in Madison County as the "Assemblyman William 'Bill' Magee Memorial Highway."  Magee served in the state Assembly from 1990 until 2018, much of that tenure, he served as the Chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he passed away on December 24, 2020, he was 81.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-30-21

This week Delaware County Public Health reported 21 new cases of COVID 19; previously there have been a total of 8 breakthrough infections since June 1st.  Delaware County has 26 active cases, 2 Hospitalized & 36 quarantined, officials said that they have not received information from the state Department of Health that the Delta Variant is present in Delaware County, which is classified by the CDC as more likely to spread, cause reinfection or cause severe illness, as well as reduce vaccine effectiveness.  Currently only 47% of Delaware County residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue to wear a mask until they are fully vaccinated.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-28-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing in Albany today; he discussed the priorities for those getting the vaccine over the next 2 weeks:

(Cuomo 12-28-20)

So far, 140,000 have been vaccinated in the state, another 259,000 are coming this week from both Pfizer & Moderna, 28,600 are coming to the Southern Tier Counties.

The State had an uptick in the positivity rate of COVID 19 tests Sunday, at 8.3%, which was significantly higher than the 7 day average of over  5%.  Over 124,000 were tested Sunday, with over 10,300 testing positive.  The number of Hospitalizations, ICU Patient’s and patients on Ventilators continues to climb and there were 114 deaths Sunday attributed to the virus.

The state Legislature is expected to pass an emergency bill in a special session this week that would extend an eviction moratorium and strengthen a variety of laws for renters and homeowners due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Legislative leaders will pass the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act to keep people in their homes and help small landlords through May 1st 2021, Governor Cuomo said today that he will sign the bill into law.

Former state Assemblyman Bill Magee died on Christmas Eve, at a nursing home in Morrisville, he was 81.  Magee served from 1990 to 2018 in the State Assembly, representing a district that included Madison, Otsego and Oneida counties. He recently had the COVID virus, though an official cause of death has not been released.

New York State Health Department reported a 5.8% positivity Rate for COVID Saturday, with over 130,000 tested & 7623 positives. Hospitalizations, ICU patients & Patients on Ventilators all continue to increase, there were 115 Deaths Saturday.

Governor Cuomo announced that individuals travelling from 3 additional states will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to New York State.  The states of Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma have met the Metrics to Qualify for the Travel Advisory.  The State Health department announced that 588 people tested positive statewide for the Coronavirus that was about 1% of those tested Monday.  There were 10 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Monday, the total Number of cases since March is up to 398,237.

New York is continuing a study of specific air conditioning filter requirements to potentially prevent the airborne spread of the Coronavirus. Governor Cuomo comments:

(Cuomo 7-7-20)

The State will make industry recommendations on the use of air filtration technology to potentially eliminate the spread of COVID-19 through air conditioning systems, as research emerges that Coronavirus spread is linked more to airborne transmission than to surface area transmissions.

Dan Butterman of Oneonta has emerged as the winner of the Democratic Primary over Corey Mosher of Hamilton, to run for the 121st Assembly District.  Butterman will run against Republican Incumbent John Salka of Brookfield, who defeated longtime democratic assemblyman Bill Magee in 2018.

Otsego County reported 3 more cases of the Coronavirus Monday, bringing their total number of positive cases to 80.  Currently, there are 23 people quarantined, no one is hospitalized, 72 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 31 individuals are being monitored after travel from a state with high incidence of infection

State Police Responded to an apparent Murder Suicide in the town of Stamford Tuesday, after 57 year old Christopher German of South Kortright failed to show up for work in Cooperstown. Troop C BCI Captain Scott Heggelke Explains:

(Capt Scott Heggelke 11-7-18)

Captain Heggelke said that the incident occurred after 9:00 PM Monday; The Delaware County Coroner's Office ordered the bodies removed for autopsies, which were being performed at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton this afternoon, the official cause and approximate time of death is expected to be in the final Autopsy report, which may be released later today.

State Police arrested 25 year old Taylor Nelson of Afton for 2 counts of Criminal LOUDESPossession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drugs, & Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Troopers were dispatched to the Sunoco on County Route 39 in the town of Bainbridge to check the welfare of a male slumped behind the wheel of his vehicle. Troopers determined that Nelson was impaired and was in possession of a counterfeit $100 bill, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and items used to measure drug quantity. Nelson was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on no bail.

State Police arrested 51 year old Marianne Stanislawski of Chenango for Grand Larceny, for allegedly taking advantage of a 75-year-old man who suffers from Alzheimer’s. An investigation revealed that Stanislawski knew the victim for several years; she would visit him weekly at his residence and help him run errands. The investigation further revealed that Stanislawski was making cash withdrawals that the victim did not approve of. Stanislawski was arrested and arraigned in the town of Oxford Court and released on her own recognizance and is to appear in court at a later date. An order of protection was issued by the judge protecting the victim.

Long Time State Assemblyman Cliff Crouch easily won the 122nd Assembly District on Election Day; he told WCDO News that he was thankful for that level of Support:

(Cliff Crouch 11-7-18)

Crouch defeated Conservative Nicholas Libous in Tuesday’s election; there was no Democratic candidate in the race. Crouch has served in the State Assembly since 1995.

The results are in from the State Board of Elections in the U.S. Senate seat, Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand by a 2 to 1 margin over Republican Chele Farley, in local Congressional races, in the 19th District, Democrat Antonio Delgado defeats incumbent John Faso by about 3%. In the 22nd District: Democrat Anthony Brindisi defeats incumbent Claudia Tenney. In State Office races, Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo defeated all challengers to win a 3rd term as Governor, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli easily defeats all challengers for another term., and the new Attorney General will be Democrat Letitia James. In the race for the 6th District State Supreme Court seat, Republican Joe McBride wins. In area State Senate races, in the 42nd district, Democrat Jennifer Metzger wins over Republican Ann Rabbitt for the seat previously held by the retiring John Bonacic, in the 51st district, Republican Incumbent Jim Seward wins re-election for a 17th term, in the 52nd district , Incumbent Republican Fred Akshar was unopposed. In local State Assembly Races, in the 121 District: Republican John Salka defeats longtime incumbent Bill Magee, in the 122 District: Incumbent Cliff Crouch easily defeats Conservative Nicholas Libous, in the 123rd District: Democratic incumbent Donna Lupardo was unopposed & in the 102nd District: Democrat Aidan O’Conner wins by a slim margin over incumbent Republican Christopher Tague. Rich Devlin is re-elected as Otsego County Sheriff & David Harder is re-elected as Broome County Sheriff.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will partner with the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs today to offer all military veterans free admission to the home of baseball in Cooperstown. More information is available at baseballhall.org or 888-HALL-OF-FAME or 547-7200.

Governor Cuomo today announced the state is dedicating $3 million for state-of-the-art studies to reduce flooding and ice jams and improve ecology on 48 priority flood-prone streams throughout New York State. The DEC and Office of General Services will implement the studies as part of the Resilient NY program, which will consist of flood studies to identify the causes of flooding within each watershed and develop, evaluate, and recommend effective and ecologically sustainable flood and ice-jam hazard mitigation projects.

State Police arrested 32 year old Jessica Klinegardner of Tompkins for Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information, after a complaint by the victim that she noticed suspicious charges on her deceased mother’s credit card. An investigation revealed that Klinegardner was working as a home health aide for the deceased victim; she was issued an appearance ticket to appear in the town of Tompkins Court on December 6th.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with a host of important races to be decided.
For FEDERAL Positions, in the U.S. SENATE, Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand faces Republican challenger Chele Farley. In area House of Representative Races; in the 19th District: Incumbent Republican John Faso faces challenges from Democrat Antonio Delgado, Green Candidate Steven Greenfield, & Independent Dianne Neal; in the 22nd District: Republican Incumbent Claudia Tenney vs Democrat Anthony Brindisi.
- - - - - - - - - -
In key races on the County Level, for Otsego County Sheriff; Incumbent Rich Devlin faces Robert Fernandez, in the Broome County Sheriff's race: Incumbent David Harder Vs Matt Ryan. . In the race for the 6th District of the State Supreme Court: Republican Joe McBride faces Democrat Elizabeth Burns.
- - - - - - - - -
For State Offices, for Governor: 2 term Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo faces challenges from Republican Marcus Molinaro, Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins, Libertarian Larry Sharpe, & Independent Stephanie Miner; in the race for Comptroller: Incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli, faces Republican Jonathan Trichter & Green Candidate Mark Dunlea, for Attorney General; Democrat Letitia James, Republican Keith Wofford, Green Candidate Michael Sussman, Libertarian Christopher Garvey are running In local State Senate races, in the 42nd District, Democrat Jennifer Metzger faces Republican Ann Rabbitt, in the 51st District; Republican Incumbent Jim Seward faces Democrat Joyce St. George. In the 52nd District, Incumbent Republican Fred Akshar is unopposed. In local State Assembly races, in the 121 District: Incumbent Bill Magee faces Republican John Salka, in the 122 District Incumbent Cliff Crouch faces a challenge from Conservative Nicholas Libous, there is no Democratic candidate. In the 123rd District: Democratic incumbent Donna Lupardo is unopposed, in the 102 District: Incumbent Republican Christopher Tague faces Democrat Aidan O’Conner

The Otsego County Sheriff's Department responded Friday to the report of a bear getting hit by a car on State Route 28 in the town of Milford. The unidentified Driver was not injured, the vehicle was towed from the scene and the bear was killed in the collision, which was reported at about 7:20 AM Friday Morning.

State Police executed a residential search warrant at a home in the town of Delancey; they arrested 20 year old David Dotey on 3 felony counts of Promoting Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child and Computer Trespass. Dotey is accused of uploading and distributing sexual performance by prepubescent children, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond. The case is still under investigation, additional charges are possible.

A woman, who suffered cardiac arrest Friday, is expected to survive after the quick actions of State Troopers and a citizen. A trooper was dispatched to a report of a 70-year-old woman who had collapsed in the lobby of the Richfield Springs Post Office, She was unresponsive when the trooper arrived and a citizen was already performing CPR. Another trooper arrived & administered the Automated External Defibrillator, EMS arrived, and they took the woman to Basset Hospital in Cooperstown. The unidentified woman regained consciousness at the hospital and is expected to recover.

Hartwick College officials revealed today that 1 of their graduates was a victim of the Schoharie crash that killed 20 on Saturday. Officials said that class of 2015 graduate
Savannah Bursese was killed Saturday in the Schoharie Limousine crash; she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Political Science and Business Administration.
State Police & The NTSB are still investigating the circumstances that led up to the crash.

One debate has been scheduled in the 121st Assembly District between incumbent Democrat Bill Magee & Republican Challenger John Salka. The debate has been
scheduled for October 18th in Cazenovia, an Oneonta debate was recently postponed by Magee due to personal issues.

3 New York State agencies; the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the Office of Mental Health and the Department of Financial Services, announced a
new program to help ensure all New Yorkers are able to access their insurance coverage for substance use disorders and mental health services. The Community
Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project will educate individuals, families, and health care providers on their legal rights to coverage, help them to
access treatment and services and will investigate and resolve complaints regarding denial of health insurance coverage. more information is available at 888-614-5400.

Chenango County Public Works will close County Road 5, between County Road 2 in the Town of German and State Highway 220 in the Town of McDonough today. Local traffic will be allowed to and from their homes. The traveling public must follow the designated detour from County Road 5 south along County Road 2, then north along State Highway 220 to County Road 5. More information is available at 337-1710.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to New York to supplement state, and eligible tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding on August 13th to August 15th. Federal funding is available to state, and eligible tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in 7 area counties, including Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties.

The Sidney Central School District conducted a Lockdown Drill Yesterday; Sidney Superintendent Bill Christensen explains how the drills work:

(Bill Christensen 10-2-18)

The Lockdown drills are now performed several times a year in each district, following the uptick in school shootings over the last decade nationwide.

275 educators from across the state have been selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program. The new Master Teachers bring the total up to 980 state wide, the Master Teachers in the Southern Tier can be found at suny.edu/masterteacher/cohort/southern-tier.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation passed by the Legislature this year, to allow pets to board any public transportation service in the event of a state of emergency and evacuation. The legislation expands existing law; it was changed after issues during Superstorm Sandy, where many pet owners refused to evacuate because they could not take their companion animals with them, which jeopardized the lives of the residents, their pets & emergency personnel attempting to evacuate them.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32 year old Matthew Hubbard of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and other Vehicle and Traffic law violations. The arrest occurred during the course of an investigation into a disabled vehicle on State Highway 206 in the Village of Walton. Hubbard was released on traffic tickets, and is scheduled to appear at the Village of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The League of Women Voters announced that a debate scheduled for tonight in Oneonta has been postponed. Incumbent Democratic Assemblyman Bill Magee was due to debate Republican challenger John Salka tonight at the Oneonta High School, Magee told the league he had person matters to deal with.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York National Guard is preparing to send 10 soldiers and two UH-60 Blackhawk Medivac Helicopters with 30 days of medical supplies to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to assist with response and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence. 50 additional Airmen have also been deployed from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard. The state's incident management team is also ready to assist with response and recovery efforts including command and control, planning, logistics and administration activities, operational coordination, obtaining situational information and reporting, incident action planning, GIS mapping, and logistical support for ongoing response operations. 100 additional National Guard Members are on standby.

Governor Cuomo defeated Cynthia Nixon easily for the Democratic Party Primary for Governor, also winning statewide Primary Elections were Kathy Hochul for Lieutenant Governor, & Letitia James for Attorney General. Local State Assembly incumbents Cliff Crouch & Bill Magee won their Primary challenges by large margins. Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. won his Primary election for the Republican nomination over challenger Robert Fernandez.

The State DOT has notified the City of Oneonta staff that a consultant contracted by DOT will perform a “peak-hour turn-movement study” at the Main Street intersection with the James F. Lettis Highway, beginning next Wednesday, and continuing around the clock for several days. The study’s duration will depend upon weather conditions. Video cameras, which will be mounted on 20-foot-tall poles, will be installed at the intersection on Tuesday; NYSDOT officials emphasized that cameras will record only movements of metal objects, and are not capable of identifying pedestrians, motorists, specific vehicles, or license plates.

Tomorrow is Primary Day in New York State, as voters in Political parties decide on their candidate to represent that party on election day in November. Among the key Primary races for Democrats, candidates will be chosen for Governor between incumbent Andrew Cuomo & Cynthia Nixon; there are 4 candidates running for Attorney General & in the 121st Assembly District, Democrats will chose between Dan Buttermann & incumbent Bill Magee. Republicans locally will be deciding their candidate in the 122 Assembly District between incumbent Cliff Crouch & Nicholas Libous & in the Otsego County Sheriff's race Republican voters will decide between incumbent Richard Devlin Jr. & Robert Fernandez.

Nearly a year after Hurricane Maria plowed through Puerto Rico, public health conditions are still poor and access to basic health care is limited. Maria was a Category 4 hurricane, a Hospital was destroyed, and chronically ill patients are still struggling to get the care they need. Waterborne and infectious diseases continue to rise, and the mental health crisis Puerto Rico faced before Maria has worsened. 4 representatives will be going to Puerto Rico later this month to assist, according to Nurse Anna Buell:

(Anna Buell 9-12-18)

The Bassett staff will include Buell, Dr. Celeste Johns, chief of Psychiatry; Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal-Heed), a pediatrician, and registered nurse Rachel Gaston along with 8 other volunteers from New York State.

The Public Service Commission has given Spectrum another 30 day extension for filing their 60 day exit plan. The Commission took away its approval of the merger between Charter and Time Warner Cable in July, after they failed to adhere to the rules stipulated by the state upon the original approval of the merger.

Governor Cuomo and all 31 members of the Senate Democratic Conference called on Senate Republicans to return to Albany to vote to codify Roe vs. Wade into State law. Senate Democrats pledged to provide 31 votes and only need one Republican to vote to codify Roe v. Wade into State law. Governor Cuomo said that the 50-year old abortion law could be overturned by the Supreme Court, following the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Cuomo said that only 1 Republican vote in the State Senate will ensure that no matter what happens at the federal level, the protections offered by Roe v. Wade would still be secure in New York.

State Senator Jim Seward and Assemblyman Bill Magee will be in Chenango County, TODAY at Gilligan's Ice Cream in Sherburne. Seward and Magee will mark the signing of a new state law allowing for the sale of ice cream made with beer and hard cider.

State Police arrested 24 year old James Joyce of Colesville for Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle & Reckless Endangerment, plus more than a dozen traffic tickets after he attempted to elude troopers while on an ATV. A trooper on State Route 7 in Unadilla observed Joyce on an ATV as he passed an ambulance with its emergency lights activated and over a double solid yellow line. Joyce fled from the trooper, nearly striking a pedestrian. The pursuit was terminated In Bainbridge when Joyce drove onto railroad tracks & he tipped over. Joyce was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond, pending court action on July 24, 2018.

State Police arrested 33 year old Ashlie Keesler of Downsville for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with Child Under 15 or Under as Passenger, & Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test. A trooper on patrol observed Keesler and two children walking on State Highway 30 in Colchester, an investigation revealed that Keesler had been involved in an accident and her vehicle went over an embankment. Keesler and the children were transported to Delaware Valley Hospital. Keesler was arrested and released on appearance tickets returnable to the Colchester Town Court on August 7th.

The New York State Health Department reminds New Yorkers to get a flu shot as soon as possible, after 2 record setting weeks for confirmed influenza cases. All people 6 months and older are recommended to receive an influenza vaccination each year. Certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications from seasonal influenza. These include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Individuals who lack health insurance should contact their county health department to inquire about flu vaccine clinics.

Otsego County Democrat Dan Butterman has announced that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination in the 121st district, now occupied by long time Democratic Incumbent Bill Magee. Republican John Salka has already announced that he will run for the seat for the 3rd time this year, the 78 year old Magee has not announced if he will seek a 1`5th term in the Assembly.

Governor Cuomo issued a proclamation setting an April 24 special election date for 9 vacant Assembly seats and 2 vacant Senate seats. 1 of the vacancies exists locally in the State Assembly from the 102nd Assembly District caused by the resignation of Pete Lopez.

Governor Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment will be advanced to add 11 fentanyl analogs to the state controlled substances schedule and provide the State Health Commissioner the authority to add any new drugs that have been added to the federal schedule, to the state controlled substances schedule. Fentanyl analogs have been increasingly found pressed into pill form to resemble name-brand prescription opioids, and in heroin and cocaine being sold in New York State. There is currently a loophole in state law that has left 11 dangerous fentanyl analogs off the state's controlled substances schedule.

Police in Troy have released the names of the 4 victims in a quadruple homicide in a basement apartment. Police reported that the bodies of 5-year-old Shanise Myers, 11-year-old Jeremiah Myers, their mother 36 year old Shanta Myers and 22 year old Brandi Mells were found dead Tuesday afternoon, Police are trying to determine when the murders occurred and who committed the murders. Troy Police are receiving assistance from the State Police.

As a response to the federal tax bill limiting the deduction for state and local taxes, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order allowing New Yorkers to pay their 2018 property taxes in 2017. There has been some confusion locally about who needs to take advantage of this offer, Sidney Town Clerk Lisa French explains:

(Lisa French 12-28-17)

French said that residents should consult their local City, Town or County Tax department or their tax preparer or tax attorney regarding the details, those particicpating need to make their Payments by December 31st.

New York Farm Bureau has released its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 172 New York State Legislators to this year’s list. The “Circle of Friends” honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau has either supported this year. Local “Circle of Friends” recipients for 2017 are State senator’s Fred Akshar, John Bonacic, Jim Seward & Assembly Members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.

The Broome County Legislature approved the proposal to accept $3 million dollars in state money to help turn the former Broome Developmental Center into an Opioid Crisis center operated by a Syracuse Healthcare group. The center could be open as soon as next month, and could treat up to 3200 patients suffering from Opioid Addictions.

State DOT Officials said that the section of State Route 17/I-86 between Nichols & Lounsberry would remain closed to traffic through Labor Day. Flash flooding eroded the land under a bridge that allows the highway to crosses a creek, detours will remain in effect for at least the next 6 weeks, motorists in that area are reminded to leave earlier & expect delays through Tioga County.

New York State’s Medicaid system could have saved up to $13.6 million it spent on patients with severe kidney disease whose expenses could have been covered by the federal Medicare program, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors also identified 15 Medicaid providers who were charged with or found guilty of crimes that violated the laws or regulations of a health care program. Auditors also identified three providers who were involved in civil settlements that involved health care-related matters. DOH terminated 15 of them from the Medicaid program.

The state Labor Department released unemployment rates for the month of June. Locally Chenango County had 4.8% unemployment, Delaware County had 5.3% and Otsego County had an even 5%. The statewide rate was at 4.5% in June.

Governor Cuomo signed a bill that authorizing the Otsego County Correctional Facility to be used as a pre-arraignment holding area for any court in Otsego County. The bill was Sponsored by State Senator Jim Seward & Assemblyman Bill Magee, the new law will take effect immediately.

The state DOT Announced that sections of state highways 8 & 51 that were damaged by storms & flash Floods, are improved since yesterday. DOT Region 9 Spokesman Dave Hamburg told WCDO News today that Route 8 was opened late yesterday afternoon to alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals. The Route 51 Bridge at County Route 3 between Mt. Upton and Morris was opened to traffic this morning. Both areas are safe for travel and work at both locations continues.

Governor Cuomo announced that the New NY Broadband Program has made progress toward achieving its goal of broadband for all. On the heels of its merger with Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications has outlined its four-year rollout plan to service 145,000 currently unserved households in upstate New York.

(Cuomo 8-3-16)
Additionally, Charter will make available internet speeds of 100 megabits per second for more than 2 million upstate homes and businesses by early 2017, The Governor also unveiled the Program’s Round I awards, which will connect 34,000 homes to high-speed internet for the first time, giving 97% of New Yorkers broadband access.

State Police at Sidney arrested 62-year-old James Jordan of Otego for menacing & criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a report of a fight at a home on State Route 7 in the Town of Otego. Jordan was in a physical dispute with another man while in his garage, when he allegedly grabbed an axe and threatened the other man with it, & for smashing the taillight on the man’s Volkswagen Jetta. Jordan left the scene but was located nearby and arrested, he was arraigned in Town of Otego court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Otego is on August 25th.

State Senator Jim Seward & Assemblyman Bill Magee announced a $1 million grant, with half coming from each legislative house, to help fund the 12-tower Otsego County emergency communication system. The System is expected to be completed later this fall.

The State Public Service Commission adopted a 3-year electric and gas rate plans for NYSEG & Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation. Effective July 1 of this year through April 30, 2019, typical residential electric customers in NYSEG’s service territory will see a monthly delivery charge increase of approximately $2.20 in the first year with increases of $1.76 and $1.79, respectively, in the second and third years. Under the company’s proposal, in rate year one, typical residential customers would have experienced an increase in delivery charges of $8.79 per month. Typical residential gas customers in NYSEG’s service territory will see a monthly delivery charge increase of approximately $1.35, $4.01, and $4.21 in rate year one, two and three, respectively.

The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.7% in May 2016. This represented the state’s lowest unemployment rate since August 2007. New York’s unemployment rate was equal to the U.S. rate in May 2016. In addition, the number of unemployed New Yorkers also decreased over the month – falling from 476,600 in April to 461,800 in May 2016, reaching its lowest level since October 2007. New York State's private sector job count declined by 19,600, or 0.2%, in May 2016. About half of the state's private sector job losses in May were temporary, due to a strike in the telecommunications industry. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, New York State’s economy has added 794,700 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 56 of the past 65 months.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of coordinated sweeps during the summer concert season and at other underage hotspots as part of ongoing efforts to deter underage drinking and prevent the use of fake IDs. The enforcement sweeps will occur unannounced at various concert venues and will be carried out by the DMV, the State Liquor Authority, State Park Police, State Police, and local law enforcement agencies. Patrons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

The State Lawmakers are wrapping up their work for the 2016 session, this year's Budget contains highway funding going to individual municipalities this year through "Pave NY", for them to take care of various road repairs after the winter months. Area Assemblyman Bill Magee explains:

(Magee 6-16-16)

Magee said that there was also extra money sent to area school district and agricultural programs in the final version of the budget passed on April 1st.

The Town Of Unadilla Board meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, will be held tonight. the monthly Town Board Meeting has been rescheduled for Tongiht at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall, on State Route 7.

State Police arrested 27 year old Grant Woodruff of Binghamton, for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance & other traffic violations, after a trooper arrived at a car & bus collision at about 8:30 AM on Chenango Bridge Road in the Town of Chenango. Troopers accused Woodruff of driving while impaired by drugs when he crashed into the rear of a stopped Broome County Transit bus. Woodruff was arraigned in the Town of Chenango court and was remanded to the Broome County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $3,000 property bond pending court action in Town of Chenango on June 28th.

State Police at Sidney are currently investigating a burglary that was reported on June 5th, at the Frog Pond Farms located at 2001 State Route 7, in the Town of Bainbridge. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the New York State Police at 561-7434.

State Police arrested 22 year old Zachary Ruffles of Burlington Flats, for criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, after troopers responded to dispute complaint in the Town of Burlington. Ruffles is accused of shoving the vicitm, & damagin g clothing and a cell phone, in fornt of a child. Ruffles was arraigned in Town of Hartwick court and was released on his own recognizance, he faces court action on June 13th, an order of protection was issued.

The State Legislative session for 2016 is winding down, area assemblyman Bill Magee comments on the past 6 months work in Albany:

(Magee 6-8-16)

A flurry of bills is expected to be passed in Albany in the last days, the Assembly once again passed the Dream Act for tuitions for the children of illegal aliens, and it once again faces little chance of passing in the Senate.

Projects supported by New York’s Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) produced nearly 36,000 additional jobs in 2014, an increase of 18 percent from the prior year, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This is DiNapoli's ninth annual report examining the performance of the state's IDAs and how these entities work to attract, retain and expand businesses within their communities. DiNapoli’s report shows the state’s 109 active IDAs provided $1.1 billion in total tax exemptions in 2014. These exemptions were partially offset by $483 million in payments-in-lieu of taxes, leaving the total net exemptions for the year at $632 million – a decrease of $28.5 million, or 4.3 percent, from 2013.

Governor Cuomo announced $16.3 million to fund rail and port improvement projects across New York State. The grants from the Governor's Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program will support projects that strengthen infrastructure vital to the movement of goods throughout the state, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments. In the Southern Tier, the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway will receive $1.4 million for construction of a state of the art Rail Terminal in Binghamton.

Funeral arrangements for former State Senator Tom Libous have been scheduled for this Saturday. Libous died Tuesday following a lengthy battle with Cancer, at the age of 63. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Holy Family at 10 a.m. Saturday. The family will receive friends and relatives at the church from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at 3600 Phyllis Street in Endwell.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 34 Year old Jodi Babcock of Unadilla, on a Sealed Indictment Warrant charging her with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Babcock was arrested at the Chenango County Correctional Facility where she is being held on another drug charge. Babcock is accused of selling heroin in the Village of Sidney on two occasions; she was remanded back to the Chenango County Correction Facility on $30,000 cash bail and $60,000 bond. The Sidney Police Department was assisted by the New York State Police.

State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit arrested 25-year-old Matthew Kimball of Utica; on 1 count of Sexual Abuse, following an investigation of an incident that occurred on March 11, 2016, at Motel 6, on Upper Front St., Town of Chenango. Kimball was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and released on his own recognizance pending further court action. The suspect and victim are students who are currently enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College; anyone with information on the case can call state police at (315) 366-6106.

The Mohawk Valley & Central New York Regional Economic Development Councils award winning projects are sparking economic activity in the 2 regions, Assemblyman Bill Magee's district overlaps into bight of those councils, and he described the projects already underway:

(Magee 5-5-16)

The Cuomo administration will once again award regional economic development awards later this year to keep promoting economic development projects forwarded by local leaders in each region.

State Police arrested 36-year-old Cristal Cartelli & 38 year old Curtis Webb of Sidney on a variety of charges including drug possession. The arrests occurred after Cartelli failed to stop at a stop sign on State Route 206 in Bainbridge, Troopers recovered heroin & marijuana during a search & they found that Cartelli was wanted on a warrant in Vestal & Webb was wanted on a warrant in Sidney. Cartelli & Webb were arraigned & were both remanded to the Chenango County jail on bail, pending court action on April 26th.

State Police at Sidney arrested 35 year old Melissa Bateman of Unadilla for the felony aggravated DWI with a child less than 16 years old, plus criminal possession of a controlled substance and other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a 1-car accident on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla, Bateman is accused of driving while impaired by drugs when she drove off the roadway and struck a guide rail, one of her passengers was a 14-year-old girl. Bateman was found to unlawfully possess 7 prescription pills. Bateman was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Unadilla court on April 11th.

State lawmakers are wrapping up negotiations on the state budget plan, which is due on Friday. Assemblyman Bill Magee thinks that a good amount of the agricultural budget cuts will be restored:

(Magee 3-29-16)

Magee chairs the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he said that the Governor usually makes cuts in his original executive budget in January & most if not all of the cuts are restored each year.

Governor Cuomo announced New York State is providing 235 police departments and sheriffs’ offices with state-of-the-art radar units, investing more than $343,000 to replace old or obsolete devices. This is the first time in nearly 2 decades that the state has provided this funding, which will allow agencies to more effectively target reckless drivers. The need for new technology was identified by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services Highway Safety Technology Unit, which annually performs preventative maintenance and repairs on about 5,500 radar devices, many were too costly to repair, others lacked an ‘instant on’ feature and some were too large for newer-model police cruisers.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Christopher Purdy of Oneonta for DWI and other traffic tickets. State Police observed Purdy speeding at 80 miles per hour on I-88, Purdy refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. He was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was released after posting $400 bail. Purdy’s next court date in the Town of Milford is on April 5th.

Governor Cuomo announced that he is deploying the Department of Financial Services' Mobile Command Center to help eligible New Yorkers prepare and file their taxes for free. The unit will be making stops at locations throughout Upstate New York from April 4 through April 9, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Locally, the event will be held on Wednesday, April 6th in Oneonta at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order banning all non-essential state travel to North Carolina. The ban follows North Carolina’s enactment of a law which bars transgender individuals from using restrooms appropriate for their gender identities, excludes sexual orientation and gender identity from state anti-discrimination protections, and prohibits municipalities from extending those protections to LGBT citizens.

Village elections were held Tuesday across New York State. In the village of Unadilla, Paul Baldwin wins 1 trustee seat, the second seat, results were tied between Jeff Jones & Christopher Winkler, The Otsego County Board of elections will try to determine how to pick a winner for that seat. In the Bainbridge Mayor's Race, Philip Wade defeated Steven Eisenberg, 99-82, Wade told WCDO News about his plans:

(Phillip Wade 3-16-16)

Bainbridge trustee seats will be filled by outgoing Mayor Chick Darling, as well as Erik Barnard & Timothy Mayes. In Morris, write in candidate Rush French wins a trustee seat. In Gilbertsville, Douglas Tobey was on the ballot for 1 of the 2 trustee seats; Write-in Christina Strain won the other seat with 2 write-in votes.

Both Houses of the State Legislature have forwarded their budget proposals for eventual negotiations by conference committees, Assemblyman Bill Magee chairs the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he said that some but not all of the Agriculture cuts from the Governor have been restored in the Assembly Budget:

(Magee 3-16-16)

Magee said that he fully expects the budget to be passed by the April 1st deadline again this year.

Delhi police arrested 55 year old Ernest Orts of Herkimer & 53 year old Ralph Reid of Florida were charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records, following an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the state Attorney General's Office. Orts and Reid are accused of making false entries and adjustments to account ledgers between 2006 and 2012 while operating the Countryside Care Center in Delhi. The pair were arraigned at the Delhi Town Court and released on their own recognizance.

State Police & the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 4 Andes residents for the felony burglary. The arrests resulted from the investigation into 12 reported burglaries at seasonal residences throughout Delaware County over the course of several months. Police recovered over 100 pieces of stolen property, arrested were 39 year old Robert Weaver, 28 year old James Stratton, 26 year old Brett Trombley and 20 year old Korey Bush. All 4 were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 bond.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Police executed a search warrant at the East Hubbell Hill Road, Town of Middletown, at the residence of 24-year-old Lucas Labumbard and 20 year old Anna Bubko. The search led to the seizure of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone tablets and more than $1400 in cash. The pair are accused of forcibly entering Miller’s Drug Store in Margaretville, between the night of February 1st and the morning of February 2nd and stealing prescription narcotics Labumbard and Bubko were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Burglary, Both were arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and were remanded them to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The DEC reminds New Yorkers that with warming temperatures and dry conditions, residential brush burning in towns with less than 20,000 residents is prohibited Today through May 14. With the lack of snow cover over much of the state and unseasonably warm temperatures forecasted, experts believe conditions for wild fires will be heightened in the coming weeks. DEC posts a fire danger rating forecast map on a daily basis on its website at dec.ny.gov.

State Police arrested 21-year-old William Holden of Bainbridge for felony criminal contempt and 3rd degree Assault. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of a dispute that happened in a vehicle on State Route 206 in the Town of Bainbridge, where Holden allegedly struck the victim in the face causing an injury. Holden violated a court order of protection; he was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

Governor Cuomo today directed the State Department of Health to expand free Zika virus testing to all pregnant women who, during their pregnancy, had unprotected sex with a partner who traveled to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission. This expansion comes as the Department is investigating 1 case of possible sexual transmission of the Zika virus, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published reports of increasing numbers of confirmed and probable sexual transmission of Zika virus, including several involving pregnant women. To date The State Lab at the Wadsworth Center in Albany has conducted tests on samples from more than 1,400 patients and 40 have been found to be positive, those infected patients have been returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is ongoing.

Lawmakers will be looking to restore cuts to the state budget by the Governor for Agricultural programs, Local Assemblyman & Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairman Bill Magee comments:

(Magee 3-9-16)

Magee said that both houses will send their proposed budgets out fro printing on Friday, conference committees should get started negotiating next week & the budget should be completed by the April 1st deadline again this year.

The New York State Senate today passed a resolution honoring Mike Piazza for his impending induction into the National Baseball Hall of fame this summer. Piazza will be inducted with a New York Mets cap on his plaque, for his 7 1/2 years as a member of the team, which won the National League championship in 2000. Piazza spent part of Tuesday at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum at Cooperstown before visiting the state Capital today. A copy of the resolution can be found at nysenate.gov/legislation/resolutions.

The "YES LEADS" program will hold a joint Heroin Awareness Night between Afton and Bainbridge-Guilford High Schools at the BG District today. The program will feature State Senator Fred Akshar, State Police, Chenango County Sheriff, Chenango County District Attorney, Chenango County Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Southern Tier AIDS Program & Recovering Addicts, The event is today starting with a free pizza dinner at 5:30, & the program begins at 6:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced that $2.4 million has been distributed to 100 organizations that provide employment services to individuals with disabilities via the New York State Employment Services System. This funding is part of the Governor’s Employment First Initiative to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, decrease the poverty rate of those with disabilities; and encourage businesses to establish formal policies to hire people with disabilities.

State Senator Jim Seward, & Assemblyman Bill Magee attended the ceremony today at Hartwick College, as they celebrated the Opening of the Hartwick College’s Center for Craft Food & Beverage. State Senator Jim Seward give WCDO News his impressions after touring the laboratory set up:

(Seward 1-22-16)

Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich said that the idea stemmed from a Hartwick student working as an intern at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown 3 years ago, it snowballed into the $250,000 legislative grant that led to the establishment of the Center:

(Drugovich 1-22-16)

Assemblyman Magee noted that New York state has experienced a renaissance in craft brewing thanks to new state laws that he helped author, that now allows for micro breweries, farm Breweries & Cideries to open across the state.

Governor Cuomo announced the New York State Public Service Commission's approval of a 10-year, $5 billion Clean Energy Fund to accelerate the growth of New York's clean energy economy, address climate change, strengthen resiliency in the face of extreme weather and lower energy bills for New Yorkers starting this year. Additionally, the fund will attract and leverage third-party capital to support the Governor's aggressive Clean Energy Standard, one of the nation's most ambitious goals to meet 50 percent of our electricity needs with renewable resources by 2030.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Walton man Thursday following their investigation of an accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi. 61-year-old Darren Pilch of Walton is accused of driving at an excessive speed when he lost control of his vehicle, which left the roadway and over turned. Pilch was transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, the investigation revealed that Pilch was intoxicated at the time of the accident and had been convicted in February 2015 of Driving with .08% or more Blood Alcohol Concentration. Deputies charged Pilch with 1 count of felony DWI, reckless driving, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent and unlawful possession of marihuana. Pilch was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond pending a future court appearance.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton Outlines Governor Cuomo's 2016 State of the State Agenda in Norwich this morning. The presentation begins at 11:00 AM at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich.

On Saturday, a multi-agency active shooter drill will be conducted at the Unatego High School on State Route 7 in the Town of Otego. The drill will start at 8:30 AM and run Until 4:00 PM, It will be conducted by members of the State Police, Wells Bridge, Franklin, Otego, & Unadilla Fire Departments, Cooperstown Medical Transport, Life Net, Otsego County 911, Otsego County Emergency Management, & the Oneonta & Sidney EMS squads.

State Police at Binghamton responded to a 3 vehicle accident with a fatality on Interstate 81 northbound; near exit 2, in the Town of Kirkwood Thursday 37 year old Clever Agudo of Flushing was driving a tractor trailer when he struck the rear end of a Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 27 year old Kyle Shaffer of Endicott. Shaffer’s car struck the rear of a conversion van being driven by Theresa Mandigo, of Fort Edward, and then went off the shoulder of the roadway. Shaffer was pronounced deceased at the scene, no other injuries were reported, the investigation is continuing.

GOVERNOR CUOMO announced the confirmation of JANET DIFIORE as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and head of New York’s judicial branch. Judge DiFiore becomes the 2nd woman to lead the state’s highest court.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at Hartwick College in Oneonta, where he will be joined by Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich, Assemblyman Bill Magee, local officials, and representatives of craft food and beverage companies to officially open the Hartwick College Center for Craft Food and Beverage. Senator Seward will also announce special legislative funding to support the center. at 1:30 p.m.; at the Hartwick College Johnstone Science Center & Center for Craft Food and Beverage.

State Lawmakers are reacting to the Governor's State of the State address & Executive Budget proposal. State Senator Jim Seward comments:

(Seward 1-14-16)

Assemblyman Bill Magee also commented:

(Magee 1-14-16)

Magee will once again Chair the Assembly Agriculture Committee. Lawmakers will begin working on the Budget plan and other aspects of the Governor's agenda. They have until April 1st to get the budget passed.

The State Department of Health today announced an agreement with CVS/pharmacy that will help prevent opioid overdose deaths in New York State. This agreement is already in effect, it authorizes 479 CVS pharmacy locations across the State to provide naloxone to their customers without a prescription. Pharmacists are currently receiving training and ordering naloxone for their stores. Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses, When administered either through injection or by nasal spray, naloxone temporarily blocks the effects of opioids, allowing a stricken individual to regain consciousness and resume normal breathing.

Governor Cuomo reminds out-of-state snowmobile enthusiasts that Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend will be a free snowmobiling weekend in New York State. From Saturday January 16 to Monday the 18th, state registration requirements, including DMV fees, will be waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobilers. Outside of this limited time event for out-of-state snowmobilers, every sled must have a valid New York registration. More details are available through the state DMV.

Local lawmakers are weighing in on the Governor's State of the State address & Budget Presentation. First, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch:

(Crouch 1-14-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez Comments:

(Lopez 1-14-16)

Both houses of the Legislature will now get to work on getting the budget passed by April 1st, as well as getting agreements on the rest of the Governor’s agenda.

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.

Governor Cuomo announced the beginning of a new, statewide cooperative effort to crack down on illegal credit/debit card skimmers at gas pumps across New York, seeking to end criminals’ ability to empty the bank accounts of their victims. With card data theft incidents on the rise across the country, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Weights and Measures Bureau is conducting New York’s first-ever training and sweep of gas station dispensers across the state to proactively protect consumers and gas station owners. Agriculture and Markets staffers will train county weights and measures officials to spot skimming devices in their communities.

The Next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours is today, with M&T Bank at their 118 State Hwy 320, Norwich branch, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. More information is available at 334-1402.

Governor Cuomo announced that during the first 10 months of 2015, New York State recouped and returned $25.1 million to approximately 22,600 workers who originally were not paid the proper minimum wage, overtime pay or fringe benefits. This amount puts the state on pace to exceed the record $30.2 million disbursed to 27,000 workers in 2014. The State Department of Labor announced that more than 80% of all investigations are now completed within 6 months, in the Southern Tier region, $209,000 was returned to 293 workers.

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.

State Police arrested 26-year-old Scott Losee of Sherburne for 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief and unlawful imprisonment, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute that occurred on November 2 in Sherburne. Losee allegedly assaulted his girlfriend causing an injury to her face. He also smashed her cell phone and kept her from leaving the home. Losee was arraigned in the Town of Sherburne court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Sherburne is on November 18, 2015. The court issued an order of protection against Losee.

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.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Worcester Thursday at the I-88 rest stop. Officials from the State DOT will join Seward and other local leaders to officially reopen the fully rehabilitated I-88 rest stop closed in 2010 due to budget constraints. Officials will also provide an update on work to reopen the I-88 rest stop in Wells Bridge.

The New York State Office of General Services today announced that the surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions scheduled for Friday, November 12 in Unadilla was cancelled and will not be rescheduled. A listing of other New York State auctions to be held throughout the state can be found at nysstore.com. Specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that State Police, local and municipal law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk driving and underage drinking this Halloween weekend. The special traffic enforcement detail will begin today and continue through Sunday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2009 to 2013, 43% of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes across the U.S. on Halloween night were in crashes involving a drunk driver. Motorists can expect to see a number of sobriety checkpoints and additional patrols. Troopers will also conduct a special enforcement detail to crack down on the sale of alcohol to minors.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Oneonta today at the City Public Safety Building in Oneonta, along with Assemblyman Bill Magee, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, and Oneonta Fire Chief Patrick Pidgeon to inspect the fire department’s recently delivered ladder truck. Both Seward and Magee secured a total of $500,000 in state funds to assist in the purchase of the new truck.

The Firemen's Association of the State of New York is urging residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as daylight saving time approaches. Officials with the Association stated that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be cleaned to remove any debris that could prevent them from working properly. Older alarms that have removable batteries should receive a new pair. More information is available at fasny.com.

On Sunday, the Chenango County American Legion will host a joint visitation by the Legion's State Commander James Yermas, & State Auxiliary President Jan Mahoney among others. the leaders will visit Oxford's Fort Hill Post 376, the Veterans' Home at Oxford, the Chenango County Sheriff's Department in Norwich, followed by a reception & dinner at the Lieutenant Warren Eaton, DSC Post 189, at 29 Sheldon Street, Norwich.

Governor Cuomo commemorated the three-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and released a report detailing the continued progress made by New York State. It underscores the advancements made in rebuilding homes, businesses, and large-scale infrastructure projects in communities and neighborhoods, as spearheaded by the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery. More information can be found at stormrecovery.ny.gov.

26-year-old Timothy Green of New Berlin has been charged with forgery and Grand Larceny following an investigation by the State office of the Inspector General. Green was a substitute worker for the New York State Office for the People with Developmental Disabilities in Norwich, he is accused of submitting fraudulent time sheets for work that he did not do, which resulted in over $39,000 in payments. Green was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 property bond.

State Police at Sidney arrested 36 year old Brandi Brown of New Berlin for the felony DWI with a BAC result of .16% which is twice the legal limit. This arrest occurred after traffic stop for failing to keep right on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. Brown was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and was released without bail required. Her next court date in the Town of Guilford is November 12, 2015.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a brochure offering tips to New Yorkers buying health insurance coverage for next year, entitled “Shopping For Health Insurance Coverage” Which is being released in advance of the New York State of Health Marketplace’s open enrollment period starting on Sunday. Schneiderman encourages consumers to take advantage of this open enrollment period to evaluate how their current health plan, whether it will change, or to consider what other options are available. Open enrollment through New York State of Health begins on November 1 through December 15th, for coverage effective January 1st.

State Police arrested 58 year old Arthur Veprovsky last night, following a stand off at Lower Third Brook Road in Walton. Police responded to the report of a domestic dispute that led to a lengthy stand off. After several hours, Veprovsky was taken into custody and was processed late last night; more details are expected to be released shortly.

Governor Cuomo and state leaders attended the 3rd Beer Wine & Cider Summit today in Albany, the governor said that changes in antiquated laws could help get upstate product into the New York City Bars, restaurants & Hotels:

(Cuomo 10-7-15)

The growth of the industry in the last three years has been dramatic, even with the impediments into the New York City market. Locally the growing of hops and the growth of microbreweries has assisted in growing the local economy. Among those participating in the summit today were local lawmakers, Senator John Bonacic and Assemblyman Bill Magee.

The sentencing of former State Senator Tom Libous has been postponed until after Libous completes another round of Chemo Therapy. U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti today scheduled Libous’s sentencing back to November 24th, from October 30th, Libous was found guilty of lying to the FBI regarding using his political influence to get his son Matthew into a politically connected White Plains Law Firm, he faces up to 5 years in prison. Matthew Libous is serving a 6-month sentence for tax fraud.

The New York State Police will conduct graduation exercises for its 2015 Canine Handler Basic School at the State Police Academy in Albany Thursday afternoon. The 12 graduates include members from the New York State Police, Schenectady Police Department and Warren County Sheriff’s Office. State police officials stated that
Trooper Darrell Dening, & Canine Kin & Trooper Timothy Kressly & Canine Bryant will be assigned to Troop C.

State Police arrested 56-year-old George Miner of Port Crane, for Sexual Abuse & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. State Troopers received a report of child abuse from the Broome County Child Protective Services, Miner is accused of subjecting a girl less than 14 years old to sexual contact, he will answer to the charges in Town of Fenton Court on May 28th.

The state Assembly passed a bill this week to try to get young adults into continuing the state's farming tradition, local Assemblyman Bill Magee Chairs the Assembly Agriculture committee:

(Magee 5-19-15)

Magee said that he also expects mandate relief & teacher evaluations legislation to be dealt with in the finale month of the legislative session in Albany.

The Attorney General offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, have filed a lawsuit against 4 phony cancer charities. The lawsuit alleges that the Cancer Fund of America, Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services, and The Breast Cancer Society scammed more than $187 million from unsuspecting donors, including $3 million from New Yorkers since 2008. The Children’s Cancer Fund of America and The Breast Cancer Society have entered into settlements, Litigation is proceeding against the remaining defendants. The proposed settlement include judgments of $137 million and require that 2 of the charities be prohibited from working as not-for-profits.

Governor Cuomo announced new initiatives to streamline regulatory burdens placed on the state’s farmers. The Strategic Interagency Task Force on Lessening Obstacles to Agriculture suggested an Easier Pesticide Registration Process, Faster Recertification Process for Pesticide Applicators & Simplifying Categories for Pesticide Applicators. The changes are expected to be placed into effect in the coming weeks.

The State DEC is now accepting public comments through June 29 on 3 regulatory proposals for hunting and trapping of wild turkey, deer and fisher. The changes cover fall turkey hunting seasons in most areas of the state; modifications of antlerless deer hunting seasons in portions of the state, changes to the Deer Management Assistance Program procedures statewide & reduction of the current fisher trapping seasons in northern New York. regulation changes could be in effect this fall Pending review of the public comments, More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

State Senator Jim Seward announced today that legislation known as "The Domestic Violence Protection Act - Brittany's Law" received senate approval for a 5th time. The legislation would establish a statewide violent felony offender registry, which would require offenders to register with the State Department of Criminal Justice Services upon release from prison. Seward said that the bill has never advanced out of committee to the floor of the assembly for consideration.

Lawmakers have been assigned to Budget Conference Committee work this week, as both houses of the legislature look to work out differences in spending plans. Area Assemblyman Bill Magee said that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in both houses are looking to get rid of the Gap Elimination Adjustments, that socked already economically challenged upstate school districts;

(Magee 3-16-15)

The State Senate Budget Plan passed last week calls for the wiping out of the last year of the Gap Elimination adjustment, which was implemented during the last year of the Paterson administration. The conference committees are made up of 5 members of each house who will work to develop a final spending plan before April 1st, the Committees can be viewed at nysenate.gov.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department arrested 43-year-old Brian Potter of Port Crane on a variety of drug related charges. Potter was wanted by the Binghamton Police Department for a felony drug warrant, he was located at the Kirkwood Motel with counterfeit cash, & drugs Saturday. Deputies accuse Potter of attempting to flee, they confiscated a shotgun, $14,000 in counterfeit bills, more than 60 grams of marijuana and a small amount of an undisclosed narcotic. Potter was arraigned for possession of a forged instrument, criminal possession of weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance & resisting arrest among other charges; he was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo has signed a bill that delays for 1 year, the mandated electronic filing of Prescriptions to pharmacies, which was originally scheduled to go into effect on March 27th. Mandatory electronic prescribing was part of the "I-STOP" program, to keep people from getting prescriptions from a number of doctor & bring them to a number of different pharmacies, a practice known as doctor shopping.

The state DEC is reminding area residents that all residential brush burning is prohibited in smaller communities starting today through May 14th. Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State. Debris burning accounts for about 36% of wildfires in the state. Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC or report online to the DEC's website.

The State Assembly Democratic Majority introduced their version of the state budget proposal in Albany Tuesday. New Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie comments:

(Heastie 3-11-15)

The Assembly budget is over 150 billion dollars, almost 8 billion dollars more than the Governor’s executive budget proposal released in January.

Governor Cuomo has cut money for Agriculture in his executive budget proposal, area Assemblyman Bill Magee wants to see that money restored:

Magee 3-11-15)

Magee serves as chairman of the Assembly Agriculture committee; agriculture is still New York State's top industry.

Governor Cuomo is calling on state lawmakers to change the age on penalties for juveniles who could be placed into adult prison situations, with the “Raise the Age” campaign. The Governor’s proposal includes raising the age of criminal responsibility to ensure that 16- and 17-year old youth who are convicted of non-violent offenses are not incarcerated with the adult prison population. More information can be found at www.ny.gov/RaiseTheAge.

The New York State Park Police are accepting applications for seasonal Park and Recreation Forest Ranger and Park and Recreation Public Safety Ranger positions, which provide public safety and security services within the state park system. Information on how to apply is available at nysparks.com; or at (518) 474-4029. Public Safety Rangers must complete 80 hours of prescribed training including 24 hours of Security Guard training and provide general security services in support of the State Park Police. The positions are seasonal in nature, generally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Governor Cuomo announced that 11 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State under the START-UP NY program. The businesses will invest nearly $30 million, creating 158 new jobs over the next 5 years in tax-free areas sponsored by State university schools. Morrisville State College will have 54 new jobs that will be created by Empire Farmstead Brewery at a microbrewery where beer will be manufactured for regional and international distribution. Also at Morrisville, K16 Corporation is a new technology device and software development firm focused on developing technology based solutions in teaching methods. K16 will be locating to on-campus space in Morrisville and create two net new jobs while investing $10,000.

State lawmakers are working toward getting a state budget together by the April 1st deadline, in spite of the governor’s acknowledgment that a budget might be late if ethics reforms are not passed. Area assemblyman bill Magee comments:

(Bill Magee 3-4-15)

Magee also said that Governor Cuomo proposed cuts to some agricultural programs, that they hope to have restored in the final budget plan.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that since January 2011, his office has helped over 17,000 people successfully resolve their consumer complaints, totaling over $13.5 million in refunds and other relief for over 12,000 of those consumers. The largest number of complaints deals with the Automobile industry, followed by Credit and Identity Theft issues, the Service Industries, Utilities and Landlord/Tenant complaints. The Attorney General's Consumer Helpline for those who beleive they may have been victimized is 1-800-771-7755.

Governor Andrew Cuomo's $500 million broadband expansion program will be discussed in the 2015 State of the State address in January. The expansion would create a "NY Broadband Fund" that would offer grants to any broadband company that offers to match public funding to expand and improve existing infrastructure. Officials reported that the guidelines for the beginning of the expansion will be released shortly after the State of the State address next month & projects should be underway by mid-summer.

State Police from Sidney arrested 21 year old Dillon Kemmerer of Port Crane for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and other vehicle and traffic law violations following a vehicle and traffic law stop when a Trooper observed he was driving a vehicle with a suspended registration while on State Route 41 in Afton. An investigation determined Kemmerer had several suspensions on his driver license and was driving without valid insurance. Also, after smelling marihuana, the Trooper found he unlawfully possessed a small amount inside the vehicle. Kemmerer was arraigned in town of Afton Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail

A controversial plant could fuel a new agriculture and manufacturing boom in New York according to supporters of a law that would ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp. A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo would permit hemp to be grown as part of an agriculture pilot program starting next year. It passed unanimously in the Assembly and Senate. It is now awaiting Governor Cuomo’s signature. Lupardo said the goal is to establish capacity & interest in producing hemp products on New York land, with New York labor, to generate money and taxes that stay in the state.

New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual "Circle of Friends," naming 125 State Legislators to their annual list of lawmakers who's voting record closely echoes the Farm Bureau's agenda. The "Circle of Friends" locally included State Senators John Bonacic, Jim Seward & Tom Libous, and Assembly Members Cliff Crouch, Bill Magee, Donna Lupardo & Pete Lopez.

A proposal to create a single-payer, government-financed health care system for all New Yorkers was the subject of a public hearing at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Richard Gottfried, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, has been pushing the proposal for more than 20 years. Under his "New York Health Act" bill, the state would get rid of private health insurance and replace it with a publicly funded system. The proposal is opposed by the insurance industry and business groups. Proponents of the single-payer approach said it would lower cost and improve access to care.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28-year-old Justin Cody of Oneonta for torturing, injuring and failure to feed animals after a Trooper responded to a report of animal cruelty at a residence at the Lantern Hill Trailer Park on State Route 23 in Oneonta. An investigation determined two kittens had died while under the care of Cody who then put the remains under his trailer. He was issued a ticket for town of Oneonta Court December 9th

The chairman of the state Thruway Authority resigned, saying he will return to focus on his business interests. Howard Milstein, the billionaire New York City developer, is leaving the board. The 570-mile highway faces financial problems and is building a $3.9 billion new Tappan Zee Bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties. Milstein's departure won't impact the agency's operations, and they are in the process of finding a replacement to fill the unpaid post. An analysis by a consultant to the Thruway Authority estimates the highway system's revenue will be $67 million short of its needs in 2015 under the current toll rates.