WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-21-26

Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced the successful use of Thermal Imaging Drone Aids in Locating Missing Person Sunday night. Deputies responded to a call of a missing vulnerable adult in the Town of Edmeston, Deputies quickly initiated a coordinated search & they deployed a Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aerial System equipped with thermal imaging technology, Using the drone’s advanced capabilities, deputies successfully located the individual in a field. The K-9 team and responding deputies found the missing person, who was suffering from hypothermia and complaining of hip pain. The victim was taken to Bassett Medical Center for further evaluation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 30 year old Johnathon Brezinsky of Sidney for Promoting prison contraband at the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Investigators were notified by Correctional Facility Staff that an Inmate was found to be in possession of dangerous contraband within the Facility, Brezinsky was arrested, arraigned and was remanded back to the custody of the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 dollars cash bail, $20,000 dollars partially secured bond, and he faces court action shortly.

State Police arrested 39 year old Joshua Skobern of Johnson City after an investigation into an arson at self-service car wash in Endicott. Skobern was charged with Criminal Mischief, 5th degree Arson after Troopers responded to Enviro Auto Wash on Watson Boulevard for damage that occurred on April 12, to a car wash payment kiosk. An investigation determined that Skobern punched the payment kiosk then struck it with a spray wand and then used a lighter to burn the face-plate, causing damage. Troopers located Skobern at his residence. He was taken into custody and was processed and was issued appearance tickets to the Union Town Court on April 28.

Delaware Opportunities is contracted to run the County Senior meals program at 6 locations, plus with deliveries, funded through state and federal subsidies, during contract negotiations with the County, officials determined that the program is not sustainable at the current costs, on Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors Office for the Aging oversight committee moved to provide for a pro-rated contract with Delaware Opportunities to expire on December 31, then in 2027 the Senior Meals program would be administered through the county rather than a 3rd party. If Delaware Opportunities ceases operation immediately, Delaware County would continue the service without interruption as a County-run program, through the Office for the Aging, with no change to site or staff.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Norwich Family YMCA, will host a free educational program tonight focused on helping baseball and softball players stay strong, and injury-free throughout the season. UHS Spokesperson Melissa Stagnaro explains:

(Melissa Stagnaro 4-21-26)

The "Pitch Smart, Play Hard” program is tonight at 6:00 PM on Court 1 at the Norwich Family YMCA, 68 North Broad Street in Norwich. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (607) 337-4510

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-21-26

Norwich Police executed a search warrant Friday on East Main Street & Arrested 52 year old Delf King, following a Chenango County Court indictment. King was charged with 3 counts of Burglary, Attempted Robbery, and 2nd & 3rd degree Assault. King was arraigned on the charges & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $40,000 bail, pending future court action.

The online auction for the Grand Union Plaza at 54 East Main Street in Norwich, began Monday, with a starting bid of $500,000. Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey told WCDO News that they are talking to grocery industry people & federal & state lawmakers to try to get interest in the site:

(Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey 4-21-26)

The grocery store at that location closed with little advance warning recently, leaving downtown Norwich without easy access to groceries, and adding to the unemployment rate in the region when all of the workers were let go.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that 10 projects and individuals have been recognized with 2026 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. Locally, the MARK Project of Arkville, will receive the Joan K. Davidson Award, They have spent over 40 years advancing community revitalization in the central Catskills through collaborative, locally driven initiatives and becoming a model for community-based revitalization, uniting local leaders, residents, and funding partners, through initiatives in affordable housing, economic development, local MARK PROJECTfood systems, tourism, farming, civic planning, and downtown revitalization.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced their 2026 Annual Award Winners, the Business of the Year is Unalam, the Eugene A. Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen is Jamie Reynolds, the Leadership Otsego Alumni is Allen Ruffles & the Volunteer of the Year is Adam Stoutenberg, they will be honored at the Chambers annual Dinner on May 14th.

More American Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled today locally, as supplies are still very low, 1 will be in Oneonta from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Quality Inn, State Highway 23, another in Delhi from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Delhi United Ministry, and another in Sidney from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Elks Lodge, 104 River St, to donate blood use the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-25-26

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Robert DeMuth of Oxford following an investigation into a stolen trailer and 3 snowmobiles from Norwich on February 6th. The Sheriff’s Office received a tip, they located 2 of the stolen snowmobiles in Norwich & the stolen trailer in Oxford. DeMuth was arrested Tuesday for Criminal Mischief following a domestic dispute, he was questioned & subsequently charged with Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Conspiracy, & Burglary for the February case plus the Thefts reported in Greene in November 2024. DeMuth was released on his own recognizance & is scheduled to appear in the Town of Greene Court and the Town of Norwich Court at later dates, more charges are anticipated & the investigation is continuing.

The State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities will be holding walk in interviews for those interested in positions with the Department, on March 6th at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, spokesman Joe Ramsey explains:

(Joe Ramsey 2-25-26)

More information is available by calling 607-240-4786 or by email Broome.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov.

36 year old Samantha Green of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court to serve up to 6 years in State Prison following her conviction for 3rd degree Burglary. On May 1, 2025, in Binghamton, City Police Officers responded to a report of a burglary at 100 Chenango Street, officers reviewed surveillance footage from the location and recognized the Defendant as Green, footage showed her leaving a short time later with bags & a suitcase. Green stole numerous items including an IPAD from the victim, who is both blind and deaf, and used it as the only means of communication.

State Police responded to multiple accidents due to the weather again this morning, this morning at about 3:15 am., Troopers were dispatched to I-81 in the town of Cortlandville, the investigation revealed that a Greyhound bus was traveling northbound on I-81, it was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Cheikh Mohamed Lem Abedouty of Virginia, the bus slowed following the initial collision, it was subsequently rear-ended by a car operated by Tyreck Hunte of Endicott, who did not initially stop but later reported the crash to Troopers. Abedouty was transported to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Hunte was not injured, The operator of the bus, Kimberly Poole of Philadelphia, did not report any injuries. None of the 43 passengers on board reported injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-25-26

On February 19th State Troopers, members of the Oneonta Police Department and Firefighters responded to Chestnut Street for a report of a vehicle blocking the roadway with 2 people who were described as “unresponsive”, the vehicle had been moved into a parking lot and both occupants of the vehicle were awake and displayed characteristics associated with impairment. The Trooper also observed illegal drugs and paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The operator, 19 year old Joslynn Clark of Norwich, was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drugs and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, The passenger, an 18-year-old male was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Both were issued appearance tickets to the Oneonta Town Court on April 7.

The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced today that 6 local governments will receive grant funds to support community historic preservation projects. Locally, the Village of Cooperstown, will receive $40,000 in Grants, they will partner with the Landmark Society of Western New York to host the 2026 Statewide Preservation Conference at the Otesaga Hotel & Resort.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-24-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Brenda Manwarren of Oxford for Torturing or injuring animals & Failure to provide sustenance. Manwarren was accused of failing to provide food and water for a dog over the span of 3-5 days, she was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Oxford Court and released.

Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that Phillip Alvarez of Endicott pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. As part of his plea agreement, Alvarez will be sentenced to 10 years in state prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision for the drug charge, he will also receive a 7-year prison sentence followed by five years of post-release supervision for the weapons charge. On July 24th 2024, a search warrant executed by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, they seized Cash, ammunition, weapons, cocaine and digital scales. Alvarez will also forfeit $5,566.00 in drug proceeds.

The Afton Sertoma GOOFY GOLF fundraiser will be held this Saturday at the Afton Central School, Spokesperson Helen Kittle explains:

(Helen Kittle 3-24-25)

The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday to raise money for the Afton Sertoma & the programs they support.

Applications are now open for The Nate Lull Scholarship, close to 18-thousand dollars will be handed out to local high school seniors in the WCDO coverage area, Lull said that the deadline to is less than 2 months away:

(Nate Lull 3-24-25)

All of the information, including the eligibility requirements can be found at NateLull.com and click on the scholarship tab.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-24-25

The Norwich Police Department has arrested 20 year old Wyatt Gould of Plymouth following a Grand Jury indictment. Gould was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, Vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, driving while impaired by drugs, reckless driving and other charges, Gould is accused of operated an SUV on January 1st on Cortland Street, while under the influence of drugs, he went onto the sidewalk & fatally struck 68 year old James Wright of Norwich, who was out for a morning walk, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office detectives charged 20-year-old Jordan Wilson with 2nd degree Rape & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation into statutory rape in the Town of Colesville. Wilson was taken into custody, arraigned, and released, Detectives executed additional search warrants & discovered video recordings of Wilson engaging in sexual acts with the minor victim. Wilson was arrested again and charged with 3 counts each of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, and Possession an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, Wilson is in custody at the Broome County Jail.

Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task executed a search warrant Thursday in the Town of Fenton, where they recovered methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis, Digital scales, Packaging material and $2,508 in US Currency. 53 year old Fred Montgomery of the Town of Fenton, was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance plus 2 Counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Montgomery was arraigned and remains in custody at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility

State DEC announced the April 1 start of the spring trout fishing season, the DEC's extensive spring stocking includes nearly 1.9 million trout in waters statewide, Anglers can also use smart phones to find trout fishing opportunities around the state by accessing the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app, for more information, go to dec.ny.gov.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced recommendations by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation to add 20 properties and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The nominations include the Walter Coulter Homestead Farm, in the town of Bovina, 4 generations of the Coulter family operated and developed the farm until it was sold out of the family in 1948.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-15-24

Area Fire Department & Emergency Squads will be conducting open houses next month, in an effort to get more people involved in their local fire department, following years of dwindling numbers, Bainbridge Emergency Squad member Roger Barnhart comments:

(Roger Barnhart 3-15-24)

Barnhart said that so far, the Afton Fire Department will hold their open house on April 13th, which is the same day as the state wide "Recruit New York" Initiative, the Bainbridge & Unadilla Departments planning to hold theirs on April 27th,

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested a current Delaware County Inmate. Last Friday, Investigators of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office received information that 48-year-old Deanna Besser of Brooklyn was a fugitive from the State of Pennsylvania, with outstanding warrants for failure to appear on a total of 16 separate charges not related to the Delaware County charges. At the conclusion of their investigation, Sheriff’s Investigators arrested Besser on a Fugitive from Justice complaint. Besser was later arraigned at the Delaware County CAP court and was remanded back to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending extradition back to the State of Pennsylvania.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced recommendations by the State Board for Historic Preservation to add 15 properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Locally the house at 120 Balcom Road, in Mount Vision built in 1810 was nominated, along with The Methodist Episcopal Church and the Free Church were both built in 1857 directly across the road from each other in North Harpersfield.

On Monday at 12:00pm, Congressman Marc Molinaro will host an education round-table with school faculty, parents, and teachers at Chenango Valley High School, regarding a loss of state funding.

A.M. NEWS Friday 3-15-24

State DEC reminds residents that the annual statewide burn ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins tomorrow and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to help prevent wildland fires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

The Coventry Fire Department's EMS unit is holding classes as they try to get more people involved, Spokesman Kyle Button told WCDO News that they have classes on Sunday for those interested in the basics of life saving techniques:

(Kyle Button 3-15-24)

Button said that the session will be held at the Coventry Fire Department on State Route 206, more information is available at coventryems.org or by calling 607-656-4060.

An American Red Cross Blood drive is being held in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM today at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23. Appointments can be made with the RedCrossBlood.org, the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Our Krazy 8 Redemption LLC of South New Berlin will be helping with the “March Madness” fundraiser for the Delaware Valley Humane Society this Saturday in Sidney, Humane Society Director Erin Insinga comments:

(Erin Insinga 3-13-24)

The fundraiser will run through the end of March, more information is available on the Delaware Valley Humane Society or Our Krazy 8 Redemption center Facebook pages.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of
7 people on a variety of drug charges Thursday afternoon after the execution of
a search warrant at 37 Union Street in Sidney.
Deputies & Investigators dismantled a large scale Methamphetamine trafficking
operation, they arrested William McLean, Nikita Kingsbury, Trevor Light and an
unidentified 17 year male from Sidney, plus Jeffrey Robinson of Norwich, and Kevin
Mosher & Gina Overbey, who had no known address.  Sheriff Dumond comments:

(Sheriff Craig Dumond 9-6-19)

Sheriff Dumond said that the arrests followed a month long investigation;
all were charged with 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance
they were arraigned in Delhi Court & were remanded to the Delaware County
Jail without bail pending future court action, additional charges are anticipated
& the investigation is ongoing.
Sidney Village Police assisted at the scene.

State Police are investigating a crash in the town of
Franklin that left 2 teenagers in serious condition.  Troopers were dispatched Thursday afternoon at
about 4:30 PM to Walley Road in the town of Franklin; they located a Chevy
pick-up truck with a 17-year-old male driver and 14-year-old male passenger
crashed into a tree.  The investigation
revealed that speed was a contributing factor when the unidentified 17-year-old
lost control of the vehicle around a curve on Wally Road, spun off the roadway
and into a tree.  Both occupants were
transported by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center.   The accident remains under
investigation.

State police are investigating a sewage spill that Thursday
afternoon at about 2:30 PM on County Route 10 near Elk Creek Road in the town
of Meredith.  The unidentified Driver of
the septic tanker was taken to Fox Hospital for evaluation, the driver rolled
the septic tanker, which spilled about 2,000 gallons of sewage, & struck a utility
Pole, temporarily knocking out phone & electric service in the east Meredith
area.  The septic tanker belonged to JB’s
Line Cleaning and Plumbing Service, the cause of the accident is under
investigation.

State Police responded to an early morning crash at
approximately 4:40 AM today on State Highway 12 near Phetteplace Road in the
town of Norwich.  The investigation
revealed that a 42-year-old male from Chittenango operating a delivery truck crossed
over the yellow lines & struck a tractor trailer head-on, the tractor trailer
burst into flames on contact.  The driver
of the tractor trailer was a 45-year-old male from Lisle.  Troopers reported that the delivery van driver
was transported to Wilson Memorial and later moved to Upstate Medical in
Syracuse, sustaining non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the tractor
trailer was not injured.   State route 12
was closed for about 7 hours for the investigation & clean up; the roadway
was re-opened shortly before noon.  More
information will be released as it is made available. The accident remains
under investigation.

The Sidney Central School District announced a change in how
school tax bills are collected. Officials said that NBT Bank will no longer be
collecting Sidney school taxes, mailed checks should go to the Sidney Central
School District, Attention Tax Collector, 95 West Main Street Sidney
13838.  Walk-in hours are available at
the Sidney Central School District & a drop box available, more information
is available at 561-7700.

Governor Cuomo today announced
that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended adding
14 properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. In the
Southern Tier, the First Presbyterian Church of Deposit, Built in 1880, has
been recommended by the Governor.

Chenango County Officials announced that State Route 12
between Halfway House Road in the town of Norwich & State Route 220 is
closed, due to a 2 vehicle head on crash between a Van & A Tractor
Trailer.   The road will be closed for
several hours for the cleanup & investigation; motorists are advised to use
Chenango County Route 32 as a detour.

The Delaware County Democratic Committee announced that
Congressman Antonio Delgado, State Senator Jen Metzger and local candidates
will attend their Annual Community Barbecue on Sunday, September 8th from 2:00
to 5:00 PM at the Hamden Town Pavilion.
Tickets can be purchased at dcnydems.org.

The 25th annual Colorscape Chenango is this weekend in
Downtown Norwich, spokesperson Celeste Friend explains:

(Celeste Friend 9-6-19)

The entire list of activities is listed at colorscape.org.

The House of Consignment will hold their annual Tampon Drive
Saturday, with free admission to the Unadilla Drive In with a Tampon donation,
House of Consignment owner & drive organizer Kirsty Roefs explains:

(Kirsty Roefs 9-5-19)

This year is the 5th Tampon drive helping out women in need.

The Final concert of the Afton Sunday Summer Concert will be
held this Sunday.  The show will feature
the Afton Community Theater performing selections from their next production
"Matilda" at 6:00 PM at Foster Park, the show is free & Open to
the public.

22 year old Richard Garreau of Sherburne has been arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, for allegedly stealing 5 guns and several other items from a Laurens residence. Garreau was allowed to live with and was given a job by the victim, who discovered that the items were gone once Garreau moved out. Garreau was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond pending court action.

The Amphenol Corporation announced that the Vintage Manufacturing Facility buildings located at 40-60 Delaware Avenue in Sidney will be removed in preparation for future use. Amphenol spokesman Joe Bianchi stated that the plating operations at the west end of the site will continue to be in operation, the rest of the manufacturing and support operations were moved to Amphenol's new facility at 191 Delaware Avenue in 2014. The buildings in question were damaged in the flooding of 2006 and 2011 & no future use for those buildings could be identified. The building removal project will begin in June & should be finished in October of this year, under the guidance of the Village of Sidney, the state Department of Health & the state DEC. Potential future uses of the site are currently being considered.

School Budgets & Bus Propositions were passed by voters by large margins Tuesday across the Southern Tier. Area school district kept their increases close to the state cap, Only Stamford in Delaware County failed to get their budget passed, and a decision by their School Board will be made shortly.

The City of Norwich Fire Department announced that the Celebration scheduled for today for the retirement of Chief Tracy Chawgo has been postponed. According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Chawgo's son Bradley died Monday night in a motorcycle crash in the town of Cambria, he was a graduate of Norwich City School District in 2013, and had recently left the Norwich area. Deputies reported that Bradley Chawgo was struck by an SUV driven by 19 year old Ajjada Amos of Niagara Falls, who may have fallen asleep at the wheel, crossed the center line and struck his motorcycle head on.

Interim State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced that she won't seek election to the attorney general's positon. Underwood was appointed to the position after Eric Schneiderman resigned following accusations that he was physically violent to 4 women, Underwood had been serving as the solicitor general for the last 11 years, she was appointed by then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

Dairy farmers may be able to get money back from the revised Margin Protection Program this month, but they have to sign up before June 1st in order to benefit. Farm Service Agency representatives in each county office across New York State are available to meet with dairy farmers to discuss the program and its anticipated returns for each particular farmer and help farmers sign up if they are not already enrolled. FSA representatives are available in Delaware County at 865-4005 and in Otsego County at 547-8131.

The 4th annual Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Association Golf Tournament will be held on June 3rd at the Sidney Golf & Country Club, as a fundraiser for future work at the Sidney at River Street near State Route 8. Spokesman Tom Ruff explains:

(Tom Ruff 5-16-18)

More information is available at 518-256-7899 or at Sidney veterans memorial park.org.

Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency in nearby Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan Counties as they continue to recover from several severe thunderstorms yesterday. The Governor has deployed 125 members of the New York National Guard to assist communities with recovery efforts, plus thousands of state and local personnel are working to clear debris & re-open roads. A travel advisory was also put into effect for those counties, NYSEG reported over 10,000 were still without power from the storms earlier this afternoon.

Governor Cuomo announced a Lyme and tick-borne disease control plan on public lands, increase public awareness and create a working group to participate in a Lyme disease summit this summer. The Governor has directed the Department of Health, DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to collaborate in order to target priority counties and public lands with the highest risk of tick exposure and Lyme disease. More information about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is available at health.ny.gov.

State DOT Officials announced that work has begun to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 28 and State Route 357 in the Town of Franklin. The $1.3 million project will convert the current intersection into a circular intersection without traffic signals. Approximately 4,000 vehicles travel through this intersection daily. Roundabouts see a decrease in the severity of crashes, which typically occur at a slower speed.

The State Police CNET Team, State troopers, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and State DEC executed a search warrant at 163 Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Afton, following an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine. 36-year-old Matthew Mazepa, & 21-year-old Taylor Quackenbush of Afton were arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers seized crystal methamphetamine, marihuana, Digital scales, drug packaging material cash & cell phones. Mazepa was arraigned in Afton Town Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail. Quackenbush was issued Appearance Tickets for Afton Town Court and released.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2017. Locally, Chenango County's rate was at 4.7%, Delaware County at 4.8% & Otsego County at 4.3%. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.8% in October 2017.

Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a $1.7 million project to replace the State Route 28 bridge over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the town of Milford. The bridge opened to traffic today, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The new bridge is a two-span structure supported by steel and concrete beams. It has 12-foot travel lanes and eight-foot shoulders in each direction. Approximately 5,200 vehicles use the Route 28 bridge each day.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a one-car roll over with property damage on Case Hill Road in Treadwell on November 6th. Deputies determined that William Rathbun’s vehicle left the roadway, entered into a ditch & rolled over and stuck a utility pole, which caused a minor power outage. Rathbun was ticketed for failure to keep right, speed unreasonable and prudent, & possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Rathbun will appear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

The Afton Central School District Board of Education has invited 2 candidates to interview for the Superintendent position. A forum for each candidate will be held next week, with the forum with Daniel Erickson; who is the middle school principal in Johnson City, will be November 28th, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium. Timothy McNamara is the principal in the Downsville Central School District; his public forum will be on November 30th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium.

The State DMV, the DEC and the State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation are reminding New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually, it can be performed online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Last year, 106,867 snowmobiles were registered in New York.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening starting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall. The Oneonta clerk's office announced that City Hall would be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on both Thursday & Friday this week.

The Village of Bainbridge announced that there would be 2 public hearings in addition to the regular monthly Board meeting. The hearings are for the new Spectrum contract and the resolution for the Restore NY grant application. All residents are encouraged to attend this evening at 6:30 PM at 33 West Main Street.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to read the fine print on gift cards this holiday season for details about fees and expiration dates. DiNapoli said New Yorkers should use their gift cards within a year of purchase to avoid inactivity fees and register cards with the retailers that offer it so the owner can be identified. Money from unused gift cards issued by New York businesses is turned over to the State Comptroller’s office as abandoned property after five years of dormancy.

CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free Interviewing Workshop Today, at 11:00 am at the CDO Workforce Center, at the Sidney Civic Center. Participants can learn about the interview process; clarifying Interview questions; knowing your resume; selling yourself; anticipate questions and answering difficult questions. Reservations are requested at 832-5776, walk-ins are also welcome to attend.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that the annual Jolly Holly Days parade would be held on Friday December 1st in Downtown Sidney. Interested participants are asked to contact the Sidney Chamber Office at 561-2642.

Governor Cuomo announced an open solicitation for farmers, businesses and research institutions interested in growing and processing industrial hemp as part of the State's Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. There are now more than 20 partners in the State's pilot program licensed to grow industrial hemp on approximately 2,000 acres in New York State compared to 30 acres planted in 2016. New York producers, businesses and universities interested in participating in the Program can apply at agriculture.ny.gov. The open solicitation ends on November 22, 2017.

Commerce Chenango & Chenango County Historical Society will host 2 workshops next Tuesday. The Preservation League of New York State and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will present a series of free workshops to help people take advantage of New York's Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The Commercial Program will run from 3:00 to 5:00 PM & the Homeowner Program will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Commerce Chenango offices at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich. The workshops are free and open to the public, to make a reservation, visit the League's website at preservenys.org or call 518-462-5658 extension 1

The State DOT has implemented Flashing Yellow Turn signals at various location around the state, including at several intersection in the southern tier. The Flashing Yellow Turn Signal means that traffic must yield to oncoming traffic, and can only turn when there is a safe gap in traffic. Traffic signals featuring a flashing yellow arrow phase will be installed at more locations as intersection improvements are made. More information is available at dot.ny.gov.

Following multiple raids and arrest warrants associated with Operation Hailstorm, State Police, C-NET, & multiple law enforcement agencies arrested 11 people yesterday, for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Money Laundering. Police arrested Charles Green Jr. of Binghamton & Rachel Millard of Endicott; they were arraigned in Binghamton Federal Court and remanded to jail. Also arrested was Alonso Harris of Youngstown, Arizona, by the DEA in Arizona. Several other Southern Tier area defendants were charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, all were arraigned in Binghamton Federal Court and remanded to jail.

Governor Cuomo announced that the members of the U.S. Climate Alliance, which is a coalition of 15 states and Puerto Rico, that are committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are on track to meet and possibly exceed their portion of U.S. commitment under the Paris Agreement that the Trump Administration recently backed out of:

(CUOMO 9-21-17)

The co-chairs of the U.S. Climate Alliance are Governor Cuomo, Governor Jerry Brown of California, and Governor Jay Inslee of Washington, along with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Oneonta History Center today. Seward will announce a special state grant to help with the renovation and restoration of the Oneonta History Center, at 4:00 PM, at 183 Main Street Oneonta.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will join the Chenango County Democratic Committee for a fall fundraiser in Norwich. Attendees will also include former Congressman Michael Arcuri and local Democratic candidates. Tickets can be picked up at McNeil Jewelers in Norwich at 25 South Broad Street, the event will be held on Tuesday, September 26th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street in Norwich.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today in the Guilford Cafeteria. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a deceased male at 221 Charles Kelly Road in the Town of Oxford. The victim was identified as 58-year-old David Green, who resided at that address   The autopsy on Green determined that the cause of death was a homicide, he apparently was murdered at the Oxford location between Friday September 23rd in the evening and Saturday September 24th. Investigators are currently following numerous leads but are asking anyone with any information to contact them at 334-2000, option 1 or 607 337 1935.   The investigation is continuing.

State Police arrested 56-year-old Blair Williams of Toronto, Ontario Canada for forcible touching and unlawfully dealing with a child, in the village of Hancock. Williams is accused of forcibly touching a child less than 17 years old and also for giving the child alcoholic beverages.   Williams was arraigned in the Village of Hancock court and was remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond, pending court action at a later date.

A Time Warner Cable/ Siena College poll released Tuesday shows Republican John Faso holding a 1% lead over Democrat Zephyr Teachout in the race for the 19th Congressional District. Faso had 43% and Teachout was at 42% for the congressional seat currently held by Republican Chris Gibson, who declined to seek re-election for another 2-year term.   The poll surveyed 678 likely voters; it has a margin of error of 3.8%.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the Department of Financial Services has proposed a regulation that mandates banks and mortgage services report vacant and abandoned properties in accordance with the new law. The proposal comes on the heels of a law signed by the Governor in June that curbs the threat posed to communities by "zombie properties" by expediting foreclosure proceedings, improving the efficiency and integrity of the mandatory settlement conferences, and obligating banks and mortgage servicers to secure, protect and maintain vacant and abandoned properties before and during foreclosure proceedings. The new law goes into effect on December 20, 2016.

The Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship is launching 2 new workshop series for farm and food entrepreneurs. Both series are three sessions in length and will be held at CADE's office at 5 Elm Street in Oneonta. Dairy Workshops will begin on Monday, October 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 PM and the 1st session of the Farm & Food Business Workshops will be held on Tuesday October 4th. Registration is required at cadefarms.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended the addition of 22 properties, to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Locally, the Common School 32 in Trout Creek, built between 1860 and 1880, & the Jewell Family Homestead, Guilford Built IN 1824 were recommended.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Oneonta today for the Otsego County Treatment Court. Senator Seward is a member of the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, he will address treatment court participants and family members. Otsego County Judge Brian Burns presides over the program which assists alcohol and drug addicted defendants in breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal activity. Seward will begin at 2:00 PM at the Public Safety Building in the Oneonta City Courtroom at 81 Main Street; Oneonta.

7 People were arrested on a variety of drug charges, following a raid by State Police & the Broome County CNET team at 122 Pierce Avenue in Endwell. Police accuse the 7 of participating in a drug ring from that location; police seized over 2700 bags of heroin, all 7 were arraigned in Johnson City Court this afternoon & were sent to the Broome County jail pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended the addition of 27 properties, resources and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The nominations reflect the remarkable breadth of New York’s history, ranging from the nationally significant home of the 1904 Democratic candidate for president to the birthplace of the first African American collegiate fraternity, and the summer cottage of the businessman who brought Jell-O to the market. In Delaware County, The Second Walton Armory, Home of the 33rd Separate Company of the 17th Battalion of Walton has been included, the armory was constructed between 1895 and 1897 in a fortress-like style intended to inspire pride and patriotism amongst law-abiding citizens and fear and awe amongst the so-called “dangerous lower classes.”

State Police arrested 37-year-old Jeremy Lester of Endicott for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device plus several other traffic tickets. The arrest occurred after the suspect was observed moving from his lane unsafely while driving on State route 7 in the Town of Unadilla & without a court-ordered interlock device from a prior conviction. Lester refused to be tested for drugs, he was arraigned in the Town of Unadilla court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond pending court action on August 12th.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58 year old Mark Babcock of Otselic for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, following a sealed indictment by a Chenango County Grand Jury last week, following an investigation for the sale of a narcotics from Babcock’s residence, on County Road 16 in the Town of Otselic. Babcock is currently in custody and awaiting arraignment in the Chenango County Court.

Catholic Charities announced that they would be taking applications for their back to school backpack program. Applications can be picked up Tuesdays or Fridays in room 302 of the Sidney Civic Center through August 15th; more information is available at 604-4071.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of two sheep tied to trees, without water, in the Town of Hamden. Deputies identified their owner as 37 year old Lee McDonald of Walton, who was charged with 2 counts of Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance to animals under the New York State Agriculture and Market. McDonald was issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Hamden Court on August 15th. McDonald was also arrested on 2 outstanding Bench Warrants issued by the City of Oneonta Court for Failure to pay a fine. He was turned over to Oneonta Police to be arraigned on those warrants.

The Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship will be hosting a Pasture Walk at Slope Farms in Meredith today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Pasture Walk will focus on their use of low-cost fencing technologies, daily rotations, and decision making processes that keep their pastures producing high-energy forages throughout the growing season. Slope Farms is located on Catskill Turnpike between State Highway 28 and County Highway 14.

Police in Broome County arrested 3 people on drug charges. Arrested were 28 year old Jessica Titus, 17 year old Maria Champion-Cruz & 35 year old Richard Madison on a variety of drug charges & conspiracy, for allegedly bring illegal drugs to Broome County from New York City by bus, with intent to sell in the Binghamton area. The arrests were made following an investigation by the Broome County Special Task Force & Binghamton Police, they confiscated 130 grams of unpackaged, pure heroin and about 52 grams of powder cocaine, all 3 are being held at the Broome County Jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended the addition of 22 properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The nominations include 1 Delaware County property: the 1st Congregational Church in Walton, which was built in 1840 & is significant for its distinctive example of mid-19th century Neoclassical church architecture.

State Police, the State Liquor Authority and the State University at Delhi conducted an Underage Drinker Initiative detail on Saint Patrick’s Day.   3 college students were used as operatives at bar checks in Stamford & Oneonta.  John’s Tavern in Stamford, the Sip N’ Sail Tavern in Oneonta, & the Red Jug Tavern in Oneonta all passed, however State police arrested 23 year old Chelsea Jordan of Cobleskill with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child & Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Person Under 21, for serving alcohol to a minor at Legend’s in Oneonta.  Jordan was issued for the City of Oneonta Court. Additional State Liquor Authority charges are pending against Legend’s.

State Senators Jim Seward & John Bonacic have been selected to serve on a new drug task force, to deal with the growing epidemic of Heroin.  Federal statistics show that more than twice the amount of people admitted to heroin use from 2007 to 2012, The Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction will organize meetings across the state shortly.

New York is launching a program to expand access to short-term bridge loans to minority and women-owned business enterprises.  Governor Cuomo said participating lenders are committing at least $20 million to the launch of the “Bridge to Success” program, where loans will be less than $200,000 with terms fewer than 2 years. The money will allow qualified businesses to hire staff, buy material and purchase equipment.  More information is available at governor.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced support from more than 225 elected officials for his plan to cut property taxes, as property taxes are one of the single greatest financial burdens for New Yorkers. The Governor’s plan would freeze property taxes for 2 years, in communities where the local government also takes steps to consolidate and share services, and would provide relief based on an individual homeowner’s ability to pay.

If you’re a cigarette smoker in New York, odds are that your purchase was illegally smuggled in from another state to avoid paying taxes. A new study (http://taxfoundation.org/article/cigarette-taxes-and-cigarette-smuggling-state) by the Tax Foundation said 56.9% l of cigarettes sold in New York were illegally imported, which is directly related to the state’s $4.35 per pack tax, which is the highest cigarette tax in the nation. Cigarette taxes are even higher in New York City (http://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/cig/cigidx.htm), $5.85 per pack.

The state’s new health exchange reports more than 1 million people have completed applications for insurance, while more than 717,000 have enrolled for specific coverage. The Department of Health said enrollment, for individual and family coverage since October, includes 343,000 New Yorkers, in the 16 commercial and nonprofit insurers in the exchange, and more than 374,000 in government-funded Medicaid. Open enrollments continue through next Monday for 2014 coverage at state-approved rates. Applicants with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty line are eligible for tax credits to help offset premium payments.  More information is available at health.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has -recommended the addition of 21 properties, resources and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.  The State Review Board recommended 1 local site, which is the Loomis Family Farm in Oxford.  The farm was settled in 1801 & includes an 1832 stone farmhouse, a large dairy barn, and other smaller farm buildings.  More information about the recommended sites in online at paththroughhistory.ny.gov.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Scott Frost and 22 year old Arianna Michalski of Binghamton for 1st degree Robbery in connection with the armed robbery at the Afton Xtra-Mart last Wednesday morning.  The 2 were apprehended at the Super 8 Motel in Kirkwood along with 25-year-old Shane Jasak and 23 year old Emily  Shaver, who were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument.   Jasak and Shaver were arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 bail.  Frost and Michalski were arraigned in the Afton Village Court, Frost was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail and Michalski was remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.  The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 43-year-old Ronald Conrow of Delhi for Unlawful Imprisonment, following the report of a domestic incident in the Town of Delhi.  Conrow was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Delhi Town Court tomorrow.

The New York State Board for Historic Preservation recommended the addition of 17 properties, to the National Registers of Historic Places.  The STATE REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS included the Sidney Historic District, which encompasses archeological sites where prehistoric peoples congregated on the Susquehanna River at the confluence with the Unadilla River and also the buildings reflecting Sidney’s development from an agricultural center to the arrival of two railroad lines in the 1860s and 1870s.  Also chosen was the Hartwick Historic District, & the Old Hartwick Village Cemetery in Otsego County.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 29th Annual Food & Fitness Conference will be held at the Foxcare Center Conference Room in Oneonta from 2:00 to 4:30 pm today.  A representative from the State Education Department will discuss changes to the School Breakfast Program.

The Delaware county sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29 year old Patrick Ladd and 30 year old Walter Lewis of Pennsylvania, after the two men allegedly sold 73 bags of Heroin to a confidential informant under the supervision of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. The drug deal and subsequent arrest took place in the parking lot of the Downsville Country Store Friday; Both men were charged with one count each of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Both men were arraigned at the
Town of Colchester Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000.00 cash bail each.

The State Health Department announced that influenza is widespread, with laboratory confirmed cases in 52 counties.  The State Health Department recommends that everyone six months of age or older receive a flu vaccination. Children under six months cannot get a flu vaccination. Flu season generally runs from October through May. Over the last four years, there have been a total of 34 pediatric flu deaths in New York State and an average of more than 4,400 flu-related hospitalizations a year.  Additional information is available at the State Health Department web page at health.ny.gov (http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/).

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old Randolph Staats of Unadilla earlier Saturday morning, for allegedly shooting his gun close to homes in an intoxicated state in the Town of Maine.  Deputies reported that Staats faces charges from both the Sheriff's Office and Environmental Conservation Officers, he is being held in the Broome County Jail on $2,000 bail on charges of Reckless Endangerment, Discharging a Firearm within 500 feet of a residence, Discharging a Firearm from the roadway.

Norse Energy (http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=NEC.OS) Corporation of Norway has filed for bankruptcy protection in US Bankruptcy court in Buffalo last week, as the state moratorium on natural gas drilling left the company unable to drill in 133,000 acres of in Central New York.  The company stated that they were unable to pay their bills as they waited for the State DEC to wrap up work on their gas drilling regulations, and begin drilling again after a 4-year wait.  The company has 32 million dollars in debt, and listed no assets.

The United Way of Delaware/Otsego Counties will be distributing the final donations made to the Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee at the Delaware County Board of Representatives meeting Wednesday in Delhi. The United Way collected $112,500 with 51% of this being designated to assist Delaware County needs.  Organizations that will be receiving funding are the Delaware County Department of Social Services, Watershed Agriculture Council & the fire departments in Sidney Center, Trout Creek, Masonville & Franklin.

State Police at Sidney arrested 24-Year-Old Ryan Olsen of Guilford, for Petty Larceny and 4th degree Criminal Mischief. The arrest resulted from an investigation into the theft of five hens and damage caused to a chicken coop on Crest Drive in Bainbridge; Olsen was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Bainbridge Court today.

Area municipalities will divide up $16,000 in grant money from the Preservation League of New York State.  Sidney will get the largest amount of $6,000 for placing downtown buildings on the state & national registry of historic buildings.  Other grants will go to New Lisbon, Garrattsville, Hartwick and Guilford.

State Troopers arrested 23-year-old Joshua Vannamee of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment and 2nd degree Criminal Contempt. The arrest resulted from an investigation regarding harassing phone calls; Vannamee was arraigned in the Town of Fenton Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $100 cash bail.

Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their annual Free Throw “Hoop Shoot” contest on Saturday, December 22nd, at the Boys & Girls Club of Sidney located in the Sidney Civic Center. Registration for the Elks “Hoop Shoot” will begin at 9:00am on the day of the event.  The free throw Contest is free and open to all Tri-Town area boys and girls age 8-13. Contestant eligibility and age groups will be determined by their age as of April 1st of 2013. More information is available by calling Steve Crawford at 563-2012.