WCDO Radio News

State Police have released additional information about the
fatal snowmobile accident on Chipmunk Hollow Road in the town of Walton Friday
Evening.  46-year-old Jeffrey Benson of
Walton succumbed to hypothermia/cardiac arrest after he and his sled went through
ice.   Benson and a friend were riding on
snowmobiles across a pond when the friend observed Benson and his snowmobile
break through the ice and went back to assist Benson unsuccessfully.  The unidentified friend rode to the nearest
residence to call 911.   Benson was
located up to his neck in water and was pulled out of the pond the Walton Fire
Department and EMS, Benson was deceased.
No foul play was observed.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched Monday
Morning to a 1 car property damage auto accident in the McDonald’s parking lot
in Delhi.   19 year-old Andrew Lyon of
East Meredith collided with a protective pylon located near the restaurant’s
drive-thru, he was charged with Aggravated DWI, with a Blood Alcohol Content
more than 3 times the legal limit.  Lyon
was also issued numerous tickets for other infractions; he was arraigned in the
Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility
on lieu of $1,000 Cash Bail pending action in Town of Delhi Court at a later
date.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services'
Office of Counter Terrorism conducted more than 1,000 counter terrorism
exercises throughout the state for the 2nd consecutive year. During these
exercises, state and local counter terrorism experts work in tandem to assess
the ability of businesses to recognize and report suspicious activity; so far
the Department of Homeland Security has conducted more than 3,500 exercises.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested William Hatton
of Oxford on a bench warrant issued by the Town of Norwich Court for the felony
of Grand Larceny.   Hatton was located
inside of a garage in Smithville at the residence and refused to come outside,
he was located hiding in a crawl space in the roof of the building & was
taken into custody, & was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was
remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $2,000 cash bail.

Chenango County Sheriff’s
Department arrested 22 year old Andrew Palmer of Norwich on a warrant issued by
the Chenango County Court for violating his terms of Probation for a prior
charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; Palmer was remanded to
the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail.

Governor Cuomo announced that opioid overdose deaths among
New York State residents, outside New York City, declined 15.9 percent in 2018
compared to 2017, the first decrease in 10 years. Over 1,900 people died from
opioid overdoses last year.  The progress
is the direct result of recommendations from the New York State Heroin and
Opioid Task Force, which Governor Cuomo convened in 2016 & reconvened
earlier this year.  The full report is
available at health.ny.gov.

Plans are underway to have the State Police in charge of
State Park Police, due to the soaring attendance at state parks.  Governor Cuomo stated that the change will
make it easier to deploy state resources to parks visited by 74 million people
a year; executive staff members will oversee the transition over the next 6
months.

The Chenango County Health Department will hold their last
Rabies vaccination clinic tomorrow in Norwich.
The clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets will be held from 9:30 to 11:00
AM at the Norwich Fire Station, More information is available at 337-1673.

Destination Oneonta will hold
their 3rd Annual Day of Holiday Fun Saturday & Sunday.  Saturday celebrations include the Home for
the Holidays Parade at 4:00 PM, followed by the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
at 5:30pm on Main Street in Muller Plaza; Santa will meet with children at
Santa's Cottage.  On Sunday, there will
be a Gingerbread Contest, the Festival of Trees & Holiday Cookie Swap, at
the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 22 year old John
Morton of Fayetteville, for the theft of a motor vehicle from the Village of
Cooperstown on December 1st.  Police were
called to Stewart's following the complaint by a patron that when she returned
to her car from inside the store, her vehicle was gone; she did leave the car
unlocked with it running.   State Police
located the vehicle on State Route 28 in Richfield Springs, Morton was charged
with 3rd degree Grand Larceny, & 2 counts of Petty Larceny, he was
arraigned & remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2000 cash bail or $4,000
bond pending future court action.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is holding a number of
Holiday activities tomorrow, Chamber Spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 12-6-19)

Also, the Toys for Tots caravan of Tractor Trailers will
arrive at General Clinton Park at about 1:20 PM Saturday.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next
networking breakfast this morning from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Feather &
Stone Restaurant at 38 West Street in Walton.
The featured speaker is State Senator Jen Metzger.

The Friends of Afton Parade Committee will hold the annual
Afton Christmas Parade Saturday.  The
Parade line-up will be at Corporate Park on Route 7 at 4:00 pm, the parade
starts at 5:00pm & Santa will be in the NBT Bank after the parade. Food and
hot beverages provided by the Chamber of Commerce and VFW, located inside the
VFW. Community bonfire located in the First Baptist Church Parking lot after
the parade. More information is available at 208-5005, or the "Friends of
Afton" Facebook page.

Governor
Cuomo today announced that New York State is partnering with the National
Supermarket Association and the Community Service Society of New York to help
feed thousands of people this Thanksgiving.
The Governor Said that Supermarkets across the state will deliver meals
to feed more than 35,000 people statewide.

State
Police will be offering an examination for Communication Specialist positions
across the state.  Communications
Specialists are responsible for all radio communications within a Troop’s
jurisdiction.   To apply and to receive
more information on the test and position; visit troopers.ny.gov/Employment.  Applications must be postmarked by November
26th.

The
State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Fire
Prevention and Control today urged New Yorkers to stay alert and focused while
cooking this season as more home cooking fires occur during the Thanksgiving
and Christmas holidays than at any other time of the year. Thanksgiving is the
one day which leads all others, in the most cooking related fires, causing an
average of 173,000 structure fires annually, resulting in an average of 550
deaths, 5,000 injuries and $1.2 billion in property damage.   Cooking fire safety tips are available at
dhses.ny.gov.

Spotted
lantern flies are causing problems in nearby states including Pennsylvania, the
New York DEC reported that it puts New York counties at risk.  Spotted lantern flies have bee transported to
the northeast in shipments that have come into the state, the insect feeds off
of dozens of different trees and crops crucial to the New York agricultural
economy.  DEC Officials reported that no
live Spotted lanternflies have been located in the state yet, but they are
concerned for next spring when their eggs hatch.  Anyone who thinks they have found a spotted
lantern fly or its egg mass can contact the DEC by emailing
spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov.

The
Delaware County Sheriff’s department announced that during the months of
October and November 2019, 28 members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
Correctional Division participated in a varied form of “No-Shave
October/November”.  Officers raised
$1,105, which was divided evenly between the Delaware County Veterans Service
Agency and Delaware Opportunities-Safe Against Violence program.

Animal
Adventure Park announced today that Azizi, The last offspring of April the
Giraffe is heading to the East Texas Zoo & Gator Park in Grand Saline,
Texas, by next spring.  More than 300,000
people watched Azizi’s birth live on YouTube last March.  Officials said that April is now retired from
the park’s breeding program.

David
Dart has been denied parole again; he was convicted for the 1989 murder of
Gillian Gibbons in the Oneonta municipal parking lot.   Dart was sentenced to 25 years to life in
1991 for the Gibbons murder.  Dart has
had multiple parole hearings since first becoming eligible in 2014.

Governor
Cuomo today announced New York State Grown & Certified Christmas trees and
wreaths will be on display in the State's regional Welcome Centers and Taste NY
stores, promoting New York's agricultural and tourism industries.  New York's Christmas tree industry sells
nearly 300,000 trees from more than 750 tree farms located across the State.

NY
State of Health announced its partnership with food pantries for the third
holiday season to educate consumers about enrolling in affordable health
insurance. Food pantries across New York will have certified enrollment
assistors on-site throughout November and December to answer questions about
health coverage options and how to enroll in a health plan. This year, the
Marketplace is also offering eligible New Yorkers the option to receive
information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the
enrollment process.

Toys
For Tots & Norfolk Southern Railroad were unable to work out an agreement to
run its annual train through the southern Tier this year.  Last year, the train ran an abbreviated route
from Binghamton to Delanson, delivering about 18,000 toys to area organizations
for distribution.

The
Deposit Village Board voted to abolish their police department and court this
week, a decision that may be overturned as there is 30 days for the public to
petition.  If the village Board decision
remains in effect, it would take effect on March 1, 2020.

The
State DEC are reminding Hunters are prohibited from bringing whole carcasses of
deer, elk, moose or caribou into the state under new regulations to stop the
spread of chronic wasting disease.  Chronic
wasting disease hasn’t spread to New York yet this year, and regulatory changes
that took effect this week are aimed at keeping the disease out.    Hunters
can bring only certain parts of deer and related species into the state, including
deboned meat, cleaned skull caps, antlers with no flesh, hides, cleaned jaw and
finished taxidermy products.  DEC officers
will be monitoring roadways along state borders and will confiscate and destroy
illegally imported carcasses.

25-year-old
Mark King of Oneonta pleaded guilty to violating the federal Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Act.in federal court, after failing to register
with authorities of his address change to Oneonta.  King was convicted of attempted sexual abuse
of a minor in Alaska, he was ordered to register as a sex offender, and he
moved several months ago to New York State & failed to register his change
of address.  King has pleaded faces up to
10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines & 5 years to life of post-release
supervision, he will be sentenced in March.

New
York Central Mutual Insurance broke ground on a 35,500-square-foot building at
its headquarters in Edmeston Today.
Company officials announced that the new building will offer additional
conference rooms, work stations and offices, as well as a 600-seat auditorium
for events and town hall meetings.

The
Afton Girl Scouts & Cobra Industries are teaming up again this year, to get
donations for Military Care Packages to be sent to troops overseas for the
holidays, Scout Leader Lora VanDerheide explains what donations they are
looking for:

(Lora
Vanderheide 11-14-19)

The
Donations will be collected through December 24th at Cobra Industries, Snake
Bite Liquors, NBT in Afton or 88-BC lumber in Nineveh, more information is
available at 639-2880.

SUNY
Oneonta officials announced that the annual OH-Fest concert will not be held in
Neahwa Park in 2020.  The OH-Fest concert
will take place on April 18 at SUNY Oneonta’s Alumni Field House, instead of
Neahwa Park.

Acco
Brands of Sidney presented a $1,000 donation to the Sidney Veterans Park today for
maintenance & future expansion, Park Vice President Tom Ruff comments:

(Tom
Ruff 11-11-19)

Acco
plant Manager Dan Fenton presented the check to the Park at today's ceremony:

(Dan
Fenton 11-11-19)

The
donation is made on behalf of all 30 Veterans that are currently working at the
Acco's Sidney facility.

Several
area fire departments responded today to a structure fire at the East Branch
Harvard Methodist Church at 120 Fish Road in East Branch.  Fire companies from all over Delaware County
responded to the WCDO News will have further details as they become available.

Governor
Cuomo announced that application fees for the State University of New York and
City University of New York systems will be waived for veterans and their
spouses.  The SUNY and CUNY systems
require applicants to pay a fee ranging from $50 to $65.  The Board of Trustees for both CUNY and SUNY
will include resolutions to implement the change at their next board meetings.

O’Connor
Hospital has granted $1,600 through its Complete Streets Committee to the
Catskill Recreation Center for their work on walkable communities. The grant
will help fund a ½ mile trail on the Center’s property in Arkville that will be
connected to a larger network of trails to help establish the hamlet as a
recreational hub.  Trail development will
begin this month.

Governor
Cuomo today announced that New York residents and non-residents can fish for
free without a fishing license today, on Veterans Day.    Legislation signed by the Governor in 2015
allowed an increase in the number of authorized statewide Free Fishing Days.
Every year since, Veterans Day has been designated as a Free Fishing Day.

Free
5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are now available to non-profit
agencies and county residents of Otsego County  on a first come first serve basis. The paint
was collected as part of the recent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day,
it was re-mixed and packaged for distribution by  Golden Artist Colors of New Berlin.  More information is available by calling the
Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

State
Police issued a total of 1,048 tickets statewide during Operation Hardhat.   State Police conducted 28 separate details
at DOT operated work zones, starting in August through early November.  493 were issued for speeding, 92 for cell
phone use and 72 violations of New York's Move Over law.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced their
"Community Heroes Awards”, presented to Chamber members who have changed
their communities for the better.  The
2019 Delaware County Heroes are George Bergleitner, of Delaware County Real
Estate of Stamford,   Eric Wedemeyer,
founding broker of Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties, & Patty Wood of
the Walton Town Council.  A reception
will be held on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 - 7 p.m., at the Delaware County
Historical Association at 46549 State Highway 10, Delhi, more information is
available at delawarecounty.org or at 746-2281.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the
acquisition and implementation of a new K9 Deputy and K9 Handler to the
Sheriff’s Department.  K9 “Eli”, is a
2-year-old German Shepherd from Hungary who was acquired from Shallow Creek
Kennels in Pennsylvania.  Deputy Kyle
Karcher of Hancock was selected to be K9 Eli’s handler; they will be trained in
narcotics detection, search and rescue, tracking and handler protection.

12 organizations in the region received grants totaling $111,500 from the Community Foundation for South Central New York’s Community Fund and by the Young professional Advisory Committee. The Community Fund awarded funds to the  Unadilla Valley Central School District, the Windsor Central School District, the Deposit Foundation & the SUNY Delhi Research Foundation, the Young Professional Advisory Committee awarded funds to the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park & Commerce Chenango.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
Services announced a name change today; the new name is the Office of Addiction
Services and Supports, to replace of the stigmatizing language in the system of
addiction care in the State.  The new
name also coincides with the launch of a new website at oasas.ny.gov.

Starting this Friday, November 1st The Otsego County
Planning Department & Solid Waste, Televisions, monitors, and commercial
grade electronics will be charged at $12 per unit at the Oneonta Transfer
Station.  All other electronics will
remain free.  Officials said that the
change is to help cover rising recycling costs related to electronics, more information
is available at 547-4256.

The New Berlin Art Forum presents the Navy band Commodores
for a free concert Wednesday night at the Unadilla Valley Central School
Auditorium.  Forum Spokesperson Margaret
Murray said that the show is free but tickets are required for this Jazz
Concert:

(Margaret Murray 10-29-19)

Murray said that she will take
ticket reservations through 3:00 PM Wednesday 263-2115, Tickets are also
available at The New Berlin Library & the New Berlin Service Pharmacy.

47-year-old Andrew Menke has died following a Saturday
Afternoon Fire in his 3rd Floor Apartment above the Little Venice Restaurant in
Binghamton over the weekend.  Menke was
discovered in the hallway at 111 Chenango Street, he was taken to Wilson
Medical Center, and He was moved to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.  Fire damage was confined to the third-floor
apartment where the blaze originated. The restaurant sustained some water
damage, but was able to re-open Sunday.
The investigation is continuing.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will have a
solar power information session this evening at 6:00 PM.  The event will be held at the Hamden Office
on State Highway 10, more information is available at 865-6531.

Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies
responded to a 4 vehicle accident in Walton Monday.  19 year old Nathan Plante of Margaretville
was driving on State Route 10 when he veered into opposing lane to avoid
hitting vehicles that had stopped in front of him for construction.   Plante first hit a vehicle in the opposing
lane driven by 76-year-old James Zimmerman of South Carolina, then he hit a
vehicle stopped in his lane driven by 37-year-old Jarred Robinson of Walton,
Robinson's vehicle then hit a vehicle driven by 59-year-old Robin Wagner of
Tonawanda.   Robinson’s passenger Scott
Fitch was airlifted to Wilson Hospital for a spinal injury.  Robinson was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital
for a leg injury and Plante was also taken to Delaware Valley Hospital for
possible internal injuries.  Plante was
issued traffic summonses for “speed not reasonable and prudent” and failure to
keep right, he’ll appear in the town of Walton Court at a later date.

Commerce Chenango will hold their
annual Community Job Fair on November 13th at the Morrisville State College
Norwich Campus from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Commerce Chenango is currently seeking exhibitors for the annual Job
Fair. Last year over 20 businesses were on hand to meet community members
seeking job opportunities.  Space is
limited, registration is available at files.constantcontact.com

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
announced that 2 individuals were ticketed for passing stopped Sidney school
buses last month.  30 year old Jasmine
Gonzales of Sidney was ticketed for a September 19th incident, and 22 year old
Lacey Speidell, of Unadilla, was ticketed for a September 24th incident.  Sheriff Craig DuMond stated that both
incidents were reported by the school’s transportation director to the school
resource officer, who serves with the sheriff’s office, after cameras on the
buses captured images of the passing vehicles and license plates.

State Police are
searching John Clark of Oneonta for failing to appear in Town of Oneonta Court
earlier this year.   Clark was taken into
custody last May after troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at the
Lantern Hill Trailer Park, where he is accused of punching a victim in the
face.   Anyone who has information on
Clark’s whereabouts should call State Police at 432-3211.

The Otsego County District Attorney's
office announced the names of the Juveniles allegedly involved in the murder of
53 year old Kenneth Robinson of Worcester last week.  15 year old Dylan Robinson, the victim’s son,
has been charged with 2nd degree Murder & Robbery, along with 16 year old
Alexander Borgreen & 15 year old Anais Soto, all of Oneonta.  16 year old Alexis Lotterman of Walton was
charged with Robbery.  32 year old
Nicolas Meridy was charged with murder & Robbery in connection with the
Robinson Murder, he faces action in Worcester town court today.

NYSEG continues to monitor storms
across the state associated with a nor’easter expected to impact their service areas
today.  High winds and heavy rain may
cause service disruptions for customers. Storm readiness teams are ready for
storm duty and have additional contract line and tree crews ready to help
restore service in the areas predicted to experience the most significant
impact.  Electrical outages can be
reported to NYSEG at 800-572-1131.

Governor Cuomo today announced he
signed legislation to close New York's double jeopardy legal loophole that
protects individuals who are pardoned by a President from being prosecuted at
the state level for the same offense. This reform gives New York prosecutors
discretion to pursue prosecution of criminal acts where they have jurisdiction.  The statutory change takes effect
immediately.

The New York State Office for the
Aging reminds older New Yorkers that this year’s Medicare open enrollment
period runs now through December 7th.
Medicare health and prescription drug plans can make changes each year
to costs, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks.
More information is available at aging.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Health Department
will hold their next free Rabies vaccination clinic today in Oxford.  The clinic will be held at the Oxford Fire
Station from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, for dogs, Cats & domesticated Ferrets, more
information is available at 337-1673.

State Police responded to Betty Beavers Gas Mart on County
Road 48 in the town of Otego early this morning for a report of a vehicle that
crashed into a concrete wall.   Troopers
reported that an unidentified 27-year-old woman from Unadilla was operating a
2015 Kia at a high rate of speed on State Highway 991J, she traveled through
the intersection of County Road 48, through the parking lot of Betty Beavers
Gas Mart and into the wall.  Troopers
pulled the woman out of the vehicle and life saving measures were performed by
Otego EMS personnel but were unsuccessful.
The body was transported to Lourdes Hospital for an autopsy & the
investigation is continuing.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli spoke to a meeting of the
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at the Sidney Golf & Country Club this
morning, DiNapoli told WCDO News about the opportunities available for County
Businesses:

(Tom DiNapoli 10-4-19)

Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci said that he was
happy to get the Comptroller to attend this morning’s Chamber Breakfast:

(Ray Pucci 10-4-19)

State Comptroller DiNapoli has served in the post since
2007; he is the state's chief fiscal officer who ensures that state and local
governments use taxpayer money effectively and efficiently.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the
public’s assistance in locating 48 year old Roxanne Shipman-Hull of the town of
Hartwick.  She is described as white,
with brown hair, Brown eyes, about 5’6” 115 pounds, she was last seen Sunday
September 29th leaving her residence, telling her boyfriend that she was
leaving & had no future plans.
Deputies said that she has a history of leaving, and a history of self-harm,
she was driving a 2011 Gray colored Honda CRV with license plate number
HZN-9505, she may also be with her brown colored female Labrador
retriever.  Anyone with information is
asked to contact the sheriff’s department at 547-1697.

The Annual Grand Finale Cruise In will be held in the Sidney
Industrial Park this Sunday.  The event
is open to many types of antique vehicles,
trophies will be handed out in a variety of categories, the cruise in
will run from 9:00 to 3:00 Sunday.

The 26th Annual “PIT RUN” will be held on Sunday in Oneonta
with 5K & 10 K races.  A variety of
children’s’ activities are also scheduled. More information is available at
PITRUN.ORG. All runners may pick up their race packets and bib numbers on race
day, Sunday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the Registration Tent in
Neahwa Park, Oneonta.

Commerce Chenango is celebrating Manufacturing Week, they
have named an Oxford Business as the Manufacturer of the day today, Kerri Green
of Commerce Chenango explains:

(Kerri Green 10-4-19)

Manufacturing makes up about 26% of the County's non-farm
jobs, well above the state average of only 4.6%.

The Ross Park Zoo Invites area children to “Howloween at the Zoo” October 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th. Admission is $6 for members and $10 for non-members, tickets available at the door. Children 2 and under are free. Hours are 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, gates close at 4:00 pm. For more information and a list of special activities, visit rossparkzoo.com or call 724-5461.

DTC will be holding their next "Meet & Greet"
at the Trout Creek firehouse tomorrow, for town of Tompkins residents.  Valerie Nichols of DTC Explains:

(Valerie Nichols 9-20-19)

The Meet & Greet will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM,
Nichols estimates that DTC Will be donating $5,000 to the trout Creek Fire
Department.

The Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff's
Office and State Police conducted a vehicle and traffic law detail Thursday
from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. The goal of the detail was to take drunk and drugged
drivers off the road as well as enforce vehicle and traffic laws, 15 traffic
tickets were issued which included 2 arrests for aggravated unlicensed
operation.

The Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women Inc. is
sponsoring an AMBA scholarship fundraiser Saturday in Sidney.  The Amba Clinic will be held from 6:00 AM to
9:30 AM at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street; those looking to have their
blood drawn for a variety of tests can call 800-234-8888 for an appointment.

The Afton United Methodist
Church Fall Craft & Vendor Show will be held Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00
PM, at 34 Spring Street in Afton. Proceeds from vendor’s fees will benefit the
United Methodist Church

The Otsego County Planning Department has announced their
22nd Annual Household Hazardous Waste Days.
The 1st collection day will be Today at the Unadilla Town Barn from 8:00
AM to 11:00 AM; the 2nd day will be at the Cooperstown Meadows Office Complex
tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  There
will be a small fee for businesses wishing to participate; more information is
available at 547-4225.

The Otsego County Democrats will hold their Annual Dinner
& Silent Auction on Saturday evening.
The Keynote Speaker will be state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  The event will start at 5:00 PM at the Hunt
Union Ballroom at the State University Campus in Oneonta.

The 3rd Annual Uncle Bear Memorial Truck Show will be held
this tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Spokesperson Julie Fuller explains:

(Julie Fuller 9-20-19)

Fuller said that all proceeds go to The American Cancer
Society; more information is available at UncleBearMemorial.com.

Leadership Delaware classes will begin in October through
the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News that they are taking a
different approach than the state model for successful economic development:

(Ray Pucci 9-19-19)

Additional information about the course & the topics
discussed in each session, can be located at
http://delawarecounty.org/about/leadership-delaware,

The number of private sector jobs in New York State grew by
8,900, to 8,280,700 in August according to preliminary figures released today
by the State Department of Labor.  The
State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0% for the fourth
consecutive month.   Upstate Counties saw
the unemployment rate go up .1% to 3.8% in August.

The United Way of Delaware & Otsego counties will hold
their "Community Matters Mixer" at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney
today.  The event will be held from 5:30
to 7:30 PM in the Sidney Industrial Park on Winkler Road, more information is
available at 432-8006.

State Police at Troop C responded to a report of a child
struck by a vehicle on Anderson Hill Road in the town of Candor.   The investigation revealed two children were
playing and took keys to a Dodge Caravan.
One child started the vehicle and shifted it into gear when a second
child fell out of the car and was struck by the vehicle.  The child was transported to Upstate Medical
Center in Syracuse by Guthrie Life Flight.
The child is listed in serious but stable condition.   The investigation continues into the
incident.

The 3rd Annual Uncle Bear Memorial Truck Show will be held
this Saturday at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Spokesperson Julie Fuller explains:

(Julie Fuller 9-17-19)

Fuller said that all proceeds go to The American Cancer
Society; more information is available at UncleBearMemorial.com.

Former Norwich Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
George Carnrike Jr faces several charges for allegedly dumping waste &
chemicals illegally while working for the city of Norwich.  Carnrike faces court action in Norwich city
court today; he previously faced similar charges from the State DEC, and
resigned from his position last year.

22nd District Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced the
recipients of Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters grants
totaling 1.1 million Dollars.  Locally,
the McDonough Fire Department, receives $40,510.

The State Dot will hold a public information meeting Today,
beginning at 5:30 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall.  The session will provide details about plans
to improve the pavement condition on State Route 206 from Case Road in the town
of Bainbridge to the bridge over the Susquehanna River in the village of
Bainbridge.   The meeting will begin with
a formal presentation at 6 p.m. followed by a question and answer session.  The project is scheduled to begin in 2020
& take 1 ½ seasons to complete.

Tourism-related dollars spent in Delaware County in 2018
have grown to nearly $117 million, according to a report issued by Tourism
Economics for New York State.  Traveler
spending increased 6% across of all New York, The strongest growth occurred in
the Catskills with an 11.3% increase.
Tourism accounted for over 1,100 jobs in Delaware County resulting in
$40 million in labor income recirculating through the local economy.  Tourism generated more than $7 million in
local taxes and over $6 million in state taxes. More information is Available
at delawarecounty.org.

The Annual Bainbridge Glow Run will be held Saturday at
General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  The
event began in 2015 after Heather Bucalos of Sidney finished her treatment for
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and decided to hold fundraisers for area cancer
patients.  This year, Heather has
suffered a relapse & her friends are teaming up to raise funds for her with
the Glow Run Fundraiser, one of those friends is Christine Oliver, who talked to
WCDO’s Rob Ray:

(WCDO Christine Oliver 9-13-19)

More information is available at www.bainbridgeglowrun.com.   Heather’s treatment is expected to take
about 6 months to complete.

The Unadilla Fire Department
will hold a Cornhole tournament & vendor fair Tomorrow at the Unadilla Fire
House.  Vendors will be at Unadilla
firehouse from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department responded to the Town
of Otselic for a reported stabbing Wednesday, where a male victim was stabbed
multiple times by a coworker at a cell phone tower.   The victim was airlifted to SUNY Upstate
Hospital; he was listed in serious, but stable condition.  Deputies arrested 49 year old Howard Williams
from the Bronx; for 2nd degree Assault he was taken into custody in the Town of
McGraw by State Police and Cortland County Sheriff’s Office.  Williams was arraigned in the Town of Smyrna
Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $10,000 cash
bail.

The 5th Annual Sidney Health Fair will be held at Keith
Clark Park on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  AO Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus Spokesperson
Gabby Argo told WCDO News about the event:

(WCDO Gabby Argo 8-20-19)

More information about the event is available at 431-5009.

25 year old Cody Franciscovich has been indicted in Tioga
County Court on 2 counts of 2nd-degree murder in connection with the killing of
his 8-month-old baby Ruby, who was found on June 9th by State Police in a pond
behind St. Patrick's Cemetery in the Town of Tioga.  Franciscovich was originally charged with
1st-degree murder charge, that charge was downgraded in the indictment.   Franciscovich remains held in the Tioga
County jail without bail.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 29 year old
Samantha Smith & 38 year old Vincent Guglielmo of Plymouth, following an
investigation into the assault of a 4 year old girl & a 5 year old
Boy.  Smith & Guglielmo were charged
with 2nd & 3rd degree Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child &
Unlawful Imprisonment,  both were
remanded to the Chenango County Jail on large cash bail pending future court
action, the investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo signed 6 Bills
yesterday to help ensure first responders and public sector officers and employees
who developed a qualifying health condition as a result of their response to
9/11 rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites receive
the pension and health benefits they deserve.
The Governor posthumously awarded the Public Service Medal to Det. Luis
Alvarez, an NYPD Detective and 9/11 First Responder who fought to make the 9/11
Victim Compensation Fund permanent.

The Otsego County Democrats will hold their Annual Dinner
& Silent Auction on Saturday September 21st.  The Keynote Speaker will be state Comptroller
Tom DiNapoli.  The event will start at
5:00 PM at the Hunt Union Ballroom at the State University Campus in Oneonta.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host a Mural
Dedication & Chamber Open House on Monday, September 23rd @ 5:00 pm, at the
mural on the Tepco Building at Front Street & State Route 206, followed by
the Chamber Open House at the Wilsey Building.
The artists will be recognized and the mural will be dedicated, Chamber
President John Payne will host the event.

The Music & Merchants event will be held this Saturday
at General Clinton Park, with several musical acts & many vendors,
organizer Melissa Matthews explains:

(Melissa Matthews 9-13-19)

Sponsors are still being accepted at 242-8473, or right up
to the start of the event at 11:00 Saturday at General Clinton Park.

Tomorrow is the last day to register online for this
Saturday's Bainbridge Glow Run at General Clinton Park, benefitting the
charitable event's founder Heather Bucalos of Sidney, who is facing cancer
treatments for the 2nd time in 5 years.
Bucalos comments:

(Heather Bucalos 9-11-19)

The event starts at 5:00 PM Saturday at General Clinton Park;
Bucalos started the event in 2015 as she was wrapping up her own Chemotherapy.

The Chenango Arts Council
announced that their Fall Workshops begin on Saturday September 14th through
October 19, where Rod Sutton will teach Photography to students of all levels
of experience.  An Advanced Drawing
workshop will also be held from September 23 until October 14, the workshops
are made possible in part by the State Council on the Arts.  More information is available at 336-ARTS or
chenangoart.org.

The American Red Cross will hold blood drives today,
September 11th, which is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and
Remembrance.  In The Southern Tier, a
blood drive will be held from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Binghamton University, in
Chenango County, in New Berlin from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM At Golden Artist
Colors, at 188 Bell Road.

Governor Cuomo announced the Department of Financial
Services is taking action against the opioid manufacturers, distributors and
pharmacy benefit managers to secure $2 billion for New York consumers who have
shouldered the cost of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the form of higher
insurance premiums.

(Cuomo 9-11-19)

Governor Cuomo said that the Department of Financial Services
Will Hold Hearings across the State to Shed Light on Issue

The Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce will hold their next 1st Friday Eat & Meet business breakfast
tomorrow at Kirkside Park Pavilion in Roxbury, starting at 8:30 a.m.  The featured speaker is Congressman Antonio
Delgado of the 19th Congressional District, who is a member of the House
Agriculture, Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees;
and will speak about accomplishments and initiatives, as well as answer
questions.  More information visit
delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten
Gillibrand reported that they were told by the Defense Department that $160
million in funding allocated for an engineering center and supporting
structures at West Point would be repurposed for the Border Wall between Texas
& Mexico.   Gillibrand stated aid
that Trump is taking money from West Point and 126 other military installation
projects across the country in order to work around Congress and build the southern
border wall.

The Otsego County Planning Department
has announced their 22nd Annual Household Hazardous Waste Days.  The 1st collection day will be at the
Unadilla Town Barn on Friday September 20th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the 2nd
day will be at the Cooperstown Meadows Office Complex on Saturday September
21st from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  There will
be a small fee for businesses wishing to participate; they must register by the
end of the business day tomorrow.  More information
is available at 547-4225.

The State Department of Health today
announced new findings of its ongoing investigation into the vaping-associated lung
illnesses that have been reported across the state, including an updated case
count and information regarding the testing being conducted at the Department’s
Wadsworth Center Laboratory.  the
Department has received 34 reports from physicians of severe pulmonary illness
among patients ranging from 15 to 46 years of age who were using at least 1
cannabis-containing vape product before they became ill, Laboratory test
results showed very high levels of vitamin E acetate in nearly all
cannabis-containing samples analyzed by the Wadsworth Center as part of this
investigation. At least one vitamin E acetate containing vape product has been
linked to each patient. The Wadsworth Center is testing both cannabis and
nicotine-containing vape products as part of this investigation.

A.O. Fox Hospital has
been awarded $10,000 by the MultiPlan Rural Health Grant Program to help launch
a food “farmacy” based at its Tri-Town Campus in Sidney.  The prescription food location will open in
January 2020, & will provide emergency food, education, and navigation
services to patients and their families in need. A.O. Fox Hospital will partner
with local businesses & it will operate on an outpatient basis; visitors
will receive vouchers for food prescribed by their primary care providers.  In Delaware County, it is estimated that more
than 8,400 people suffer from hunger; more than 1,800 of those struggling are
children. In children, hunger can lead to growth impairment, poor academic
performance, behavioral issues, sickness, social disorders, and more.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies
arrested 19 year old Brianna Reynolds of Auburn for Aggravated Unlicensed
Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed operator and Speeding at 85 miles per
hour in a 55 mph zone.  Reynolds was
stopped by deputies on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock; she will appear
in Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies
arrested 28-Year-Old Robert Davis of Pennsylvania for Driving While
Intoxicated, Refusal to Take Breath Test & Parking on a Public
Highway.   Davis was located on State
Highway 206 in the Town of Masonville; he was arraigned & was remanded to
the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 Cash Bail, or $5,000 in
secure bonds.  Davis is scheduled to
appear in the Masonville Town Court at a later time.

Delaware County Sheriff's department announced that a
51-year-old Town of Sidney man reported missing on June 27th was located
deceased on Wednesday afternoon.  Human
remains were discovered by utility line employees working in a wooded area near
the intersection of Lawton Hill Road and Franklin Depot Road in the Town of
Sidney.   Deputies and Investigators
identified the remains as those of Byron Furman who had been reported missing
from his Lawton Hill Road residence.
Delaware County Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Ucci determined that Furman
died of natural causes.

State Police and the DOT are continuing "Operation
Hardhat," as they try to crack down on work zone violations and promote
safe driving through active work zones on state highways.  State Trooper are patrolling active work
zones on I-81 in Broome and Route 17 in Tioga County; on Wednesday troopers
issued 21 tickets in the I-81 work zone on Interstate 81 in Broome County, 16
were cell phone tickets, 2 for the Move Over Law, 2 for Moving From a Lane
Unsafely & 1 for a seat belt violation.

The Broome County Sherriff’s
Office is warning people about a new phone scam where people posing as law
enforcement.  Victims are receiving calls
from a caller claiming to be a deputy & that the victim missed a jury duty
assignment and needs to complete paperwork and pay a fine to avoid being
arrested.  The caller requests the victim
to meet in the parking lot of the Sherriff’s office and wait there to pay the
fine.  The Sherriff’s department does not
collect fines and official transactions are processed inside their office.  Anyone who has received this call should
report it to 778-1191, extension 1.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is dropping out of the
presidential race, after she failed to make the cut for the next Democratic
candidate’s debate next month in Houston. Gillibrand announced her decision on
Twitter also after low poll numbers and difficulty in raising funds.  Gillibrand was appointed to the Senate in
2009 to fill the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, after she had served this
region in the U.S House of Representatives.

The Bainbridge Old Time Band will have their final
performance of the free concerts in the park series this evening.  The concert will start at 7:00 PM at the
Bainbridge Village Green Park.

The Annual Bainbridge
Glow Run will be held on September 14th at General Clinton Park in
Bainbridge.  The event began in 2015
after Heather Bucalos of Sidney finished her treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
and decided to hold fundraisers for area cancer patients.  This year, Heather has suffered a relapse
& her friends are teaming up to raise funds for her with the Glow Run
Fundraiser, Bucalos talked to WCDO News this morning about the activities
scheduled for that day:

(Heather Bucalos
8-26-19)

More information is
available at www.bainbridgeglowrun.com.
Heather’s treatment is expected to begin again in the next few weeks.

The New York State DOT
is actively preparing for the arrival of winter weather by making applications
available for approximately 500 positions as permanent and seasonal maintenance
staff.  The DOT intends to hire about 38
in the Southern Tier and another 34 in the Central New York Counties, more
information is available on Twitter @NYSDOT or facebook.com/NYSDOT.

Oneonta Police responded Saturday to
a residence on Chestnut Street, for a report of a deceased person.   Officers discovered 20 year old Nicolas
Stagnitta from Patchogue, Long Island, who was a student at the State
University at Oneonta, the initial investigation and autopsy revealed that
Stagnitta took his own life; however, the investigation is continuing pending
results of toxicology testing.

The Hancock Fire
Department and EMT’s were dispatched Saturday to Jensen’s Ledges for a report
of a 10 year old boy who had fallen off the ledges.  The Hancock Fire Department  rope rescue team performed a high angle rope
rescue to extricate the boy within 1 hour and he was transported down the
mountain in a UTV & was transported by LifeNet to a pediatric trauma center
with life threatening injuries.

The Dormitory Authority has issued
approximately $482 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds on behalf of 54 school
districts across the state as part the School Districts Revenue Bond Financing
Program, for fire protection, security, and air quality systems upgrades;
renovations, Athletic field improvements; and technology updates.  Locally, the Norwich City School District
receives $7,430,000, Sidney Central School District gets $9,820,000 &
Unadilla Valley Central School District gets $6,890,000.

State Police at Troop C in Sidney announced that a 5-year-old and her dog, who were reported missing in the town of Franklin, were located safe & sound this afternoon at about 1:15 PM.  State Police Aviation was able to spot Destiny & her dog in a tall grassy area and direct troopers and emergency personnel to her location.  Police and several other agencies were dispatched this morning to the area of Grange Hall Road and State Route 28 in the town of Franklin.  State Police said that Destiny and her puppy were located several hundred yards from the area where they were reported missing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and members of the Delhi
Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to a 911 report of a serious
personal injury motorcycle accident on State Highway 10, near Betts Hill Road,
in the Town of Delhi.  The Investigation
revealed that 46 year-old Daniel Quackenbush of Delhi was traveling south on
State Highway 10 when he lost control of his motorcycle which ran off the
southbound road shoulder before striking an embankment and rolling over in the
ditch,  ejecting Quackenbush,  who sustained serious injuries.  Quackenbush was taken to O’Connor Hospital in
Delhi where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Deputies believe alcohol use contributed to the cause of the accident.

The State Comptroller’s office audited the City of Norwich
Emergency Medical Services Billing practices, they discovered that the EMS
Department did not bill for 614 incidents resulting in $417,600 of unbilled
medical services and inaccurately billed 9 incidents totaling $8,300; this
equates to approximately $200,000 in lost revenue at the current rate of
collection.  The EMS Department had 903
unserviceable incidents resulting in approximately $400,000 in unrecoverable
costs.  Norwich City officials disagreed
with some of the audit’s findings, but indicated they have initiated corrective
action.

Chenango United Way is looking for teams for their annual
Golf Tournament on September 27th at the Canasawacta Country Club in
Norwich.   More information is available
at 334-8815.

The Susquehanna Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will host a public celebration tomorrow at
5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown marking the groundbreaking of the future
site of its planned animal shelter and adjoining campus.  The reception is free and open to the public,
it will kick off at 12:00 noon with a groundbreaking ceremony and run until 2
p.m.

Old Franklin Day will be held Saturday, with the Greater
Franklin Chamber of Commerce coordinating activities and preparing a map of
events.  Scheduled activities include
lawn sales, a library book sale, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church pies, the Franklin
Train and Community Museum, music in the park, antique stores, numerous food
venues, Doodle Bugs. Old Franklin Day runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

State
Police arrested 64 year old Norman Fletcher of Bainbridge for Driving While
Ability Impaired by Drugs & Failure to Keep Right.  Troopers, who were leaving the Sidney
headquarters after training, observed Fletcher driving on State Route 7 in the
town of Unadilla failing to keep right, Fletcher was processed and was released
on appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on August 12th.

State
Police at Sidney arrested 36 year old Sabrina Hetrick of Guilford for DWI,
after Troopers responded to a 1-car accident on State Route 51 in the town of
Butternuts.  Hetrick was transported to
Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown of complaint of pain and was issued appearance
tickets to the town of Butternuts court on August 22nd.

State
Police and other police agencies joined forces on August 2nd in an effort to
get impaired drivers, unlicensed drivers and drugs off the roadways.  29 law enforcement members were involved in a
5-hour traffic saturation detail with troopers from Troops C, G and H, the
Delaware, Greene & Schoharie County Sheriff’s Departments, DEC Police, Park
Rangers, & the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  A total of 38 traffic summons were issued for
DWI, Leandra's Law, aggravated unlicensed operation, unregistered motor
vehicle, speeding, & 2 people were wanted on active warrants.

The
Community Foundation for South Central New York announced a new mini-grant
opportunity for qualified non-profit organizations in Broome, Tioga, Chenango,
Delaware and Otsego counties.   Proposals
may be submitted for projects that support, develop and/or expand the skill set
of young professionals in our region and/or increase their involvement in the
community.  The deadline for applications
is Friday, September 6th.  Details on
submission requirements can be found at donorswhocare.org.

A
new Siena College Poll of registered New York voters found that the majority of
New Yorkers say Governor Cuomo has made the state a better place since he took
office in 2011, the poll also found that his favorability and job performance
ratings currently match record lows.  New
York voters said Cuomo has improved the state by a 51 to 39% margin,  but his favorability ratings of 43% negative
and 50% positive matches his lowest ratings, his job performance rating of 34%
positive and 64% negative is his lowest ever.

The
State Department of Health announced that a proposal for a new Medicaid model
of care serving children throughout the state with complex health needs has
been approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The
new model will improve access to Medicaid services and expand Medicaid coverage
to home- and community-based care for more than 6,000 youth under age 21 who
are faced with an array of serious health issues and otherwise could be forced
to live in hospitals and other institutionalized settings.

State
Police arrested 40 year old Rachel Rose of Otego for Aggravated DWI, with a BAC
of .22%, plus Imprudent Speed and Moving from a Lane Unsafely.  A trooper was dispatched by Otsego County 911
to the area of Country Club Road in the town of Oneonta for a report of a vehicle
off the road.  The trooper located Rose
and her vehicle which was stuck in a drainage ditch.  Rose was processed and released on appearance
tickets returnable to the town of Oneonta court on August 6, 2019.

Delaware County Public Health will hold another Free Rabies
Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today at 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at
Walton Highway Garage on State Route 10.
More information is available at 832-5200, or
delawarecountypublichealth.com

Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing school
districts to install stop-arm cameras on school buses in order to catch drivers
who unlawfully pass a stopped school bus. In New York State, approximately 1.5
million students ride school buses to and from school every year, However,
Operation Safe Stop in April 2018 exposed that hundreds of people ignore this
law and over 850 people were ticketed in 1 day.

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 are $15, children under 12 are free.  Tickets can be purchased at the Democratic Committee
of Delaware County booth at the DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR August 12th to the 17th,
from town Democratic committee members, or at dcnydems.org.

The 11th Annual Susquehanna Balloon Festival at NEAHWA PARK
in Oneonta, will be held on Friday, August 30th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM
& Saturday, August 31st from 3:00 to 9:00 PM, with live music,
vendors, entertainment, bounce house, food & Hot Air Balloons.  More information is available by calling Destination
Oneonta at 432-2941.

The Chenango County Department
of Public Works closed County Road 17 between State Route 41 and Loomis Road in
the Town of Afton today for the replacement of a large culvert. The work is
expected to take 3 to 5 days, Drivers should seek alternate routes. Local
residents will be allowed to travel to and from their homes. More information
is available at 337-1710.

22nd District Congressman Anthony Brindisi will hold a rural
broadband town hall in Chenango County This afternoon.  The event will begin at 4:45 pm at
Sherburne-Earlville Middle School. This event is free and open to all members
of the community.

The New York State Office of Mental Health announced the
adoption of regulatory amendments that will allow for an expansion of the
state’s crisis response system while emphasizing person-centered recovery and
rehabilitation in the community.
Crisis Residential programs are available to all New Yorkers, including
children and adults, regardless of the ability to pay.  The goals of a crisis management system are
to: maintain people safely in the community, reduce unnecessary emergency room
visits and inpatient hospitalizations & coordinate information sharing
among clinicians, patients, & family members to reflect patient
preferences.

Police Agencies are warning the public about an ongoing
Social Security scam where the caller identifies himself as a police officer in
an attempt to gain person and financial information from the victim, the Police
Department’s name may also appear on your phone as the caller.   Police Departments will never request
financial information or Social Security numbers over the phone; they also do
not request any type of payment to be made over the phone by a credit card or a
gift card.

Registration is underway for this year's Bainbridge Glow Run
in September, this time it is on behalf of the fundraiser's founder Heather
Bucalos, who once again has been diagnosed with cancer, successfully beating it
a few years ago.  Bucalos told WCDO News
what she is facing this time:

(Heather Bucalos 8-5-19)

Registration for the event will close on September 12th, the
event will be held in General Clinton Park on September 14th, starting at 5:00
PM. Registration & More information is available at bainbridgeglowrun.com.

On July 29th, 2019 a City of
Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
23 year old Richard Gaffney was arrested after a Traffic Stop on State
Highway 12; he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich court and was
remanded to Chenango County Corrections in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000
bond.

Hancock Fire Department and the Delaware County Sheriff’s
Office were dispatched to a reported tractor-trailer fire on State Highway 17
near Hancock.  The Trailer contained
recycled plastic pallets; it sustained severe fire and heat damage.  Route 17 Westbound was shut down for about 1
hour while crews were extinguishing the fire.
The fire was deemed under control within a short period of time. The
cause of the fire was ruled accidental by the Hancock Fire Department.

27 year old Amanda Chandler of Oneonta has been located,
after she was reported missing on July 20th.
A State Trooper in Oneonta made contact with Chandler last Thursday and
stayed with her on the phone until a trooper in Binghamton was able to check on
her.  It was determined that she was in
good health and not in any danger.

Governor Cuomo announced $206 million in new State and
federal funding to enhance the safety and optimization of freight goods
movement across New York.  The funding is
in support of the 1,200 highway miles in the State, for infrastructure and
operational improvements,   In the
Southern Tier, $9.0 million will go for safety enhancements, shoulder widening
and horizontal curve flattening along Route 8 in the Towns of Norwich, New
Berlin, and Columbus

The Greater Afton Area Chamber
of Commerce Sunday Summer Concert Series continues in Afton Sunday Night.  Singer Songwriter Khalil Jade will perform at
Foster Park this Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Congressman Antonio Delgado held a Town Hall Meeting in
Sidney Last Night, he told WCDO News of the issues that have been coming up
from his constituents during these recent meetings across the 19th District:

(Congressman Delgado 8-2-19)

Congressman Delgado drew about 95 people to the Sidney Town
Hall last night at Awestruck Ciders in the Sidney Industrial Park.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation allowing victims of sexual
offenses, stalking and human trafficking to participate in the Department of
State's Address Confidentiality Program. Victims will be able to keep their
address hidden from their perpetrators by using a substitute address provided
by the Department of State.  Under the
previous law, only victims of domestic violence were eligible to participate in
the Address Confidentiality Program.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next
Monthly Friday Breakfast event this morning from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Delhi
Rehabilitation & Nursing Center 41861 State Highway 10 Delhi.  More information is available at
Delawarecounty.org

Governor Cuomo signed a measure to expand
anti-discrimination laws to apply to public school children Thursday.  Public school students had been exempted from
the law under a 2012 court decision. The new rules, approved by lawmakers
earlier this year, would allow the state's Division of Human Rights to
investigate allegations of bullying, harassment or other forms of
discrimination.  The anti-bias law is
intended to prevent discrimination based on factors such as race, religion,
national origin or sexual orientation.

Governor Cuomo today announced
that $10 million will be awarded to 18 municipalities statewide to continue the
state's initiative to replace residential drinking water lead service lines
through the State Department of Health's Lead Service Line Replacement Program.  The City of Norwich will get $528,750 in this
round of funding.

State Police at Norwich arrested 44 year old Ilia Ithier of
Norwich for DWI, after trooper responded to the report of a 1vehicle accident
at State Highway 12 and Warn Pond Road in the town of Oxford.   Ithier had a BAC of .15%,  Ithier was processed and released on
appearance tickets returnable to the town of Oxford court on July 29th.

There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive today from 1:00 to
6:00 PM at the West Oneonta Fire Department.
All Blood Types are needed, especially type O; appointments can be made
with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling
1-800-RED CROSS.

The 8th Annual "Mount Upton Community Days" will
be held Saturday from 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM at the Mount Upton Park.  Scheduled activities include a chicken
barbecue, plus vendors, crafts, a Bounce House, ANIMAL ADVENTURE & TOWN
WIDE GARAGE SALES.

The 13th Coventry Blueberry Festival will be held on
Saturday.  Activities include a baking
contests, fireworks and area vendors, live music at the Coventry Town Hall on
State Route 235.  More information is
available at CoventryBlueberryFestival.com

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is continuing their
investigation into the disappearance of 51 year old Byron Furman of Sidney, who
was last seen at his Lawton Hill Road residence on Wednesday night, June
26th.   Furman was last known to be
wearing light tan shorts and a light gray t-shirt, he is 5’11”, 250 pounds with
gray hair and brown eyes, and he is believed to have walked from his residence
and may be in need of medication.  A
search of the Lawton Hill Road area conducted earlier this month by Delaware
County Sheriff's Deputies, State Forest Rangers and State Police failed to
reveal any information on Furman's whereabouts.
Anyone with information on Furman should contact the Delaware County
Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 832-5599.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation creating a temporary state
commission to study and investigate how to regulate artificial intelligence,
robotics and automation. The New York State Artificial Intelligence, Robotics
and Automation Commission will look at the latest uses and impacts of these
technologies.  The commission will
examine how artificial intelligence, robotics and automation affects employment
in New York State, how it can acquire and disclose personal information, &
how it may be used in unlawful or unsafe ways the commission will issue a final
report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislative
leaders.

35 year old Kelli Johnson of the town of Plymouth was
indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance & endangering
the welfare of a child.  Johnson was
arrested June 25 by the Chenango County Sheriff's Department she is accused of
possessing methamphetamines with intent to sell, in the presence of a child
under the age of 17.  Johnson faces
additional court action in Chenango County Court shortly.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced the re-opening of the
Market Street entrance to Neahwa Park today.
The city had closed that entrance Sunday & they had planned to
conduct a study to see if it was possible to close that entrance to vehicular
traffic & institute other improvements for pedestrians & bicycles.

New York led the nation in nonprofit employment with more
than 1.4 million jobs and total wages of just over $78 billion in 2017,
according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York’s nonprofit organizations
helped stabilize employment during and after the Great Recession of 2008,  Nonprofit entities added more than 175,000
jobs in New York from 2007-2017, a gain of 14%,
Wages at nonprofits have also grown at a faster pace statewide than the
private and the public sectors, the full Report Is Available at
osc.state.ny.us.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, State Police and Hobart
Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to a 911 report of an overturned
car discovered in a body of water on Gun House Hill Road in the Town of
Harpersfield Tuesday.  1st responders
righted the vehicle and extricated the driver, 56 year-old Dominick Leone of
Oneida.  Leone lost control of his
vehicle, struck a culvert and earth embankment before coming to rest on the
roof in a stream.  Leone was pronounced
dead, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, the
investigation is continuing.

The Chenango County Planning Department, working in
conjunction with Opportunities for Chenango, is slated for a $500,000 Community
Block Grant through the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal.
Money will be allocated to income-eligible homeowners in need of making vital
home improvements.  The plan would need
to be approved by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors before the money
could be made available to homeowners.

Efforts & fundraisers continued Saturday in Bainbridge
for Sidney resident Heather Bucalos, who is fighting cancer again.  Christine Oliver is one of the people who is
helping with the fundraisers for Heather:

(Christine Oliver 7-15-19)

KC Blass is also assisting with the fundraising efforts; she
has helped Heather with her fundraisers for others in recent years:

(KC Blass 7-15-19)

Heather told WCDO News about her cancer, and how her friends
are making it easier to cope with what is ahead:

(Heather Bucalos 7-15-19)

The Bainbridge Glow Run on Heather's behalf will be held at
General Clinton Park in Bainbridge on September 14th, more information is
available at bainbridgeglowrun.com.

State Police, the State Park Police and the Governor’s
Traffic Safety Committee are partnering to ensure that visitors to state parks
are buckling up for safety.  "Buckle
Up Nnew York in the Parks" is an enforcement and educational campaign to
ensure that visiting motorists and their passengers properly buckle-up their
seatbelts while travelling inside state parks, This year’s campaign will be
held through  August 12th.

State Police arrested 56 year old Kenneth Friedlander of
Oneonta for Assault & Harassment after Troopers were dispatched to Oneida
Street for a dispute.  2 people told
troopers they approached Friedlander, asking him to turn down his music, an
altercation ensued.  Friedlander was
arrested and arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and subsequently remanded
to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

The Binghamton Police Department and Binghamton Fire
Department responded this morning to reports of a strong chemical odor in the
West End of Binghamton.  Fire Department
officials reported that it was a combination of chlorine and antifreeze in a
garbage truck, workers noticed a burning smell & intense odors, prompting
the emergency response.  All 4 workers
were taken to the hospital as a precaution, the investigation is continuing.

Broome County Officials announced plans to upgrade the
Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena over the next several years.  The work include improvements to the
Concession and food service areas,  Sound
system upgrades, improvements to the Scoreboard, ribbon boards & exterior
marquee, plus Additional seating options with premium seating and party decks
& Parking solutions in the adjacent property.

Oneonta Police announced recently that they were seeking
candidates for the position of police officers.
So far, 75% of respondents have failed the physical agility tests, the
department is hosting a practice agility test on July 23rd at 6:00 PM at the
Tennis Courts in Neahwa, or in the Asa Allison building on Academy Street if it
rains.  The event is free & open to
the public, but RSVP's are requested at 432-0670 by Friday July 19th.

Heather Bucalos of Sidney is a cancer survivor who has
organized several fundraisers for area cancer patients in recent years, now her
friends are organizing an event on her behalf following a reoccurrence of her
cancer.  Tiffiney Harp is a lifelong
friend of Bucalos, she told WCDO news about their plans for a "Glow
Run" in September at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge:

(Tiffiney Harp 7-11-19)

More information is available at bainbridgeglowrun.com, also a go fund me page has been set up to assist with costs associated with Heather's treatment.

The NBT Bank Free Thursdays concert series will kick off
today with the Keeshea Pratt Band from Houston Texas.   The concerts will continue at 7:00 PM each
Thursday through August 29 in East Side Park in Norwich.

State Police will increase patrols, conduct sobriety
checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide through
Friday, to insure the safety of motorists over the 4th of July holiday.  Troop C Commanding Officer Major Brian
Shortall said that State Police will also rigorously enforce the "Move
Over Law"

(Major Shortall 7-3-19)

Troopers will also be looking for distracted motorists who
are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the
wheel.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s
assistance in trying to find 35 year old Gregory Collins, who was last seen on
June 28 in the town of Middlefield.
Collins was wearing a black baseball cap, grey jacket, black sweatpants
with black and white sneakers, anyone with information is asked to call the
Otsego County Sheriff’s Department at 547-4273.

The Annual 4th of July Festival in Oneonta will
be filled with a variety of activities tomorrow.  The Color Run will begin at 9:00 AM, the
parade will begin at 12:00 Noon along Main Street, There will be free admission
to the Oneonta Outlaws Baseball Game at 6:00 PM & the Fireworks display at
9:30 PM. The majority of the activities will be held in Neahwa Park.

Governor Cuomo announced that lane closures for road and
bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended from 6:00 am
July 4th to 6:00 Monday July 8 to accommodate travelers during the busy Independence
Day holiday.  Motorists should be aware
that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency
repairs.  Governor Cuomo is urging
motorists to follow the state's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow
down and safely move over for law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks,
ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are
stopped along the side of the road.

State Police arrested 55 year old Frank Kovacs of Laurens
for felony of Aggravated DWI with Child 15 or Under as Passenger.  Kovacs responded to State Police in Oneonta
to discuss another matter with troopers, he appeared to be intoxicated &
had 2 children, ages 9 and 11 in the vehicle with him.  Kovacs was arrested; the children were turned
over to a sober third party.  Kovacs was
arraigned in the town of Oneonta court where he was released on his own
recognizance.  He is scheduled to
reappear on July 25, 2019.

State Police arrested 46 year old Kerie Lake of Hillcrest
Saturday for Aggravated DWI, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident,
Moving From Lane Unsafely and Imprudent Speed.
Lake is accused of leaving the scene of an accident, she was found in
the city of Binghamton, her BAC was .20%.
She was released on appearance tickets to the town of Binghamton court
on July 11th. 70 year old Leo Lake of Binghamton responded to pick up Kerie
Lake, he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, with a reportable B.A.C.
of .15%.  He was released on appearance
tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 11th. .

State Police arrested 40 year old Jennifer Longwell of Afton
for Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper
Sustenance.   Troopers received a report
of malnourished and injured horses that were on being boarded on Longwell’s property
on County Route 17 in the town of Bainbridge.
The owner of the horses contacted state police in May after they took
their horses to a veterinarian and removed several other horses.  A trooper observed that several horses
appeared malnourished and had sores on their bodies.  After an investigation, Longwell was arrested
and subsequently released on appearance tickets to the town of Bainbridge court
on July 25, 2019.

State Police are looking for a man accused of damaging an
ATM on North Canal Street in the village of Oxford, on June 8th.   The suspect is described as a heavy set
white male wearing a gray sweatshirt, black and gray shorts, had a Dallas
Cowboys hat on backwards and has a tattoo on his left calf.  Anyone with information is asked to call the
State Police at 334-3296.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor
businesses from every corner of the county at its 2019 Annual Business Awards
ceremony on July 17 at 6:00 PM at Bird Song Farm on state Highway 10 in Delhi.
The Honorees include the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, as the 2019
Business of the Year, Stagecoach Run Art Festival, headquartered in Treadwell
and Franklin, and Table to Farm Tours of Roxbury, will receive the 2019 Tourism
Award.  Tickets are $50 per person or a
table of 8 for $350, more information or to purchase tickets, visit
delawarecounty.org.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced
that starting July 8th, Crews will begin bridge rehabilitation work on 2
structures on County Road 32, in the Town of Norwich.  The work on these projects will last into the
fall; they will maintain two way traffic at each bridge structure; however the
traffic pattern at each structure shall change as the projects progress.    The Contractor shall install concrete
barriers, signage and other channelizing devices to assist in guiding the
traveling public through these active work zones at these bridge
structures.    Questions and concerns can
be directed to Shawn Fry at 337-1710.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond is sending 18 children
to the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp at Keuka Lake in the
Finger Lakes Region for a week of wholesome summer fun.  The camp will accommodate over 900 boys and
girls between the ages of 9 and 12 from across New York State this summer. The
campers attend at no charge.  More
information is available at nysheriffsinstitute.org.

HeatSmart Southern Tier is
hosting an information session for local residents about clean heating and
cooling systems in Sidney.  HeatSmart
Southern Tier representatives will discuss how residents can take advantage of
tax incentives and new technologies to efficiently heat and cool their
homes.  The free event is scheduled for
Wednesday, July 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Awestruck Ciders in the Sidney
Industrial Park; Registration is available at tinyurl.com/HSSTAwestruck or at
the Heat Smart Southern Tier Facebook page.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate
a man that was reported missing from his Lawton Hill Road, Town of Sidney
residence on Thursday morning, June 27th.
Deputies are attempting to locate 50 year-old Byron Furman may be
traveling on foot and may be in need of medication.  Furman was last known to be wearing light tan
shorts and a light gray t-shirt.  He is
described as being approximately 5’11” tall, weighing approximately 250 pounds
and has gray hair and brown eyes.
Deputies are asking anyone that may have information to contact the
Delaware County Sheriff's Office at 832-5555.

State Police arrested 43 year old Arnold Carson of Oneonta,
for DWI, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and traffic tickets.  A trooper was dispatched to County Highway 48
in the town of Otego for a disabled vehicle.
The trooper located the vehicle and Carson who told them he had run out
of gas.  Troopers also observed that
Carson appeared to be intoxicated, with a BAC of .14%.  He was processed and later released on appearance
tickets to the town of Otego Court.

State Police arrested 27 year old Bryant Knapp of Sidney for
Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, after a trooper was dispatched to an
accident on State Route 7 in Unadilla.
An investigation revealed that Knapp made a wide right turn from Route 7
to Route 357 when he struck another vehicle head-on that was on State Route
357.  Two occupants of the other vehicle
were taken to Wilson Hospital, and a third was taken to Bassett for complaint
of pain.  Knapp had a reportable B.A.C of
.24%.  He was processed and arraigned in
the town of Unadilla court.

The State Department of Labor
today released preliminary local unemployment rates for May.   The Statewide Unemployment rate was an even
4% in May, Locally, Chenango County had 3.7% unemployment, Delaware County had
4% & Otsego County had 3.4%.

A Public Meeting on new Upper
Delaware River Policies will be held in Hancock on July 10th.  Representatives from the Delaware River Basin
Commission, State DEC, The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the DRBC
Subcommittee on Ecological Flows (SEF) will discuss new approaches to control
high water temperatures and reduce erratic water releases in the Upper Delaware
River tail waters.  The meeting on July
10th will begin at 10:30 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Friends of the Upper
Delaware River office at 158 East Front Street, Hancock,  RSVP’s are requested to info@fudr.org

The Sidney Community Band
Announced their 2019 Don Clayton Memorial Trailside Concert Series will be held
at the Pavillion at Keith Clark Park at 6:30 PM on wednesday nights, starting
July 10th with the Sidney Community Band.
Shows will be held each wednesday night through August 21st, All
concerts free and open to the public. More information is available at the
Sidney Community Band facebook page.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department executed a no knock
search warrant at 121 Ashcraft Road in the Town of Plymouth Tuesday. The search
warrant stemmed from an investigation involving the distribution of Crystal
Methamphetamine, Norwich Police assisted with the investigation and execution
of the search warrant.  The Narcotics
Division arrested 47 year old William Johnson and 35 year old Kelli Johnson for
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Use of Drug
Paraphernalia, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The Sheriff’s Office
recovered Crystal Methamphetamine, packaging material, digital scales, cash,
and several firearms. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor local
businesses at their annual awards ceremony at the Garden Party at Birdsong Farm
in Delhi today.  The ceremony will be
held at 5:30 PM at 38480 State Highway 10 in Delhi, The Delhi Rehabilitation
& Nursing Center will be honored as the Business of the Year.    More information is available at
delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281

Delaware County Public Health will be holding a free Car
Seat Safety Event at Delaware Opportunities State Highway 10 Hamden, from 10:00
AM to 1:00 PM.  Parents and caregivers
can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety
seat technicians    more information is
available at 832-5200.

The State DEC announced that statewide efforts to control
giant hogweed are making substantial headway in eradicating this dangerous
plant.   Giant hogweed can cause severe
skin and eye irritation, including painful burns and scarring when skin exposed
to its sap becomes more sensitive to UV radiation.  More information about giant hogweed is
available at DEC’s website.

Executives from the State Office of Victim Services &
the State Office of Children and Family Services  toured the new mobile Child Advocacy Center in
Delaware County Monday.   The Delaware
County mobile unit is 1 of 7 that will be delivered throughout the state this
summer and fall  & it is part of a
$4.45 million investment by the state to improve services for children who are
victims of physical or sexual abuse.  The
program is being funded through a partnership between the State Office of
Victim Services and the State Office of Children and Family Services.

State Primary Elections are being held today, with Polls
will be open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM.
Republican Primaries will be held in Delaware County for Sidney Town
Clerk between incumbent Lisa French & Sheila Paul, Primaries will also be
held for Hancock Superintendent of Highways & a Stamford Town Council. In
Chenango County, Republican Primary races include Norwich Mayor between
Christine Carnrike & Shawn Sastri, and North Norwich Town Supervisor
between Timothy Brown & Robert Wansor.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced
that County Road 32 will undergo Hot Mix Asphalt paving today Between State
Route 320 and State Route 12 in the towns of Norwich AND North Norwich.  The traveling public is asked to find
alternate routes if possible. More Information is available at 337-1710.

The Chenango Foundation & Leadership Chenango Advisory
Board presents the next Business After Hours today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at
Hoppie's Restaurant at 2 LaFayette Park in Oxford.