WCDO Radio News

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police CNET and SORT Team executed a “no knock” search warrant at 24 North Washington Avenue in the Village of Oxford, following a lengthy investigation. 40 year old Joshua Figary is accused of distributing crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and marihuana, during the execution of a search warrant, police seized several loaded handguns, $1200 cash & crystal methamphetamine packaged for resale. Figary was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, he faces arraignment shortly.

Fire Investigators are trying to determine what started a fire in a trailer at the Sidney Unadilla Trailer Park on State Route 7 Thursday afternoon. The fire was called in at about 1:00 PM Thursday, the 1st trailer was fully involved when fire fighters arrived, 3 occupants escaped without injury, a neighboring trailer suffered some minor damage. Fire fighters from Unadilla, Sidney, Otego & Wells Bridge responded, no injuries were reported.

The State DEC announced that they are considering enacting quarantine on movement into the state of landscaping debris and similar items, in order to avoid an infestation with the destructive Spotted Lanternfly. The insect is known to attach itself to yard waste, wooden crates, fruit, produce and even lawn tractors, tarps & grills. Deliveries from the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware & Virginia may be affected. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers, running today and through Wednesday, June 13th. Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement to blend in with traffic. During the August 2017 Speed Week campaign, State Police issued more than 19,000 traffic tickets including more than 7,900 for speeding, and over 580 for distracted driving. Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State.

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney announced his bid for the state attorney general's position. Maloney is the 4th Democrat to enter the race, after Letitia James, Leecia Eve; & Zephyr Teachout, the nominee will be determined in the September primary. The only Republican candidate for state attorney general is Keith Wofford of New York City.

THE NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR BASEBALL, SOFTBALL & TRACK AND FIELD ARE THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY. SEVERAL LOCAL ATHLETES AND TEAMS WILL BE PARTICIPATING. THE DEPOSIT-HANCOCK BASEBALL TEAM WILL PLAY IN THE CLASS-D SEMIFINALS ON FRIDAY AT 5 PM IN BINGHAMTON WHILE THE DEPOSIT SOFTBALL TEAM WILL PLAY IN THE CLASS-D SEMIFINALS ON SATURDAY IN GLENS FALLS AT 1:30 PM. DEPOSIT SOFTBALL IS LOOKING FOR THEIR 4-STRAIGHT STATE TITLE WHICH WOULD TIE THE STATE RECORD FOR CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS. 11 LOCAL TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES WILL HEAD TO SYRACUSE TO COMPETE FOR A STATE TITLE BEGINNING ON FRIDAY. ATHLETES FROM SIDNEY, UNATEGO, DELAWARE ACADEMY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DOWNSVILLE, WORCESTER, ONEONTA & COOPERSTOWN WILL BE AT THE TRACK AND FIELD STATE MEET. TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THESE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND YOU CAN FOLLOW WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL ON TWITTER OR GO TO WCDO SPORTS DOT COM

3 men were arrested after State Police CNET and Troopers conducted a vehicle and traffic stop in Johnson City. A search revealed a hidden compartment containing Fentanyl, Oxycodone, suboxone, powdered heroin, a digital scale, packaging material, marihuana and $5,945 in cash. Police arrested 27 year old Coren Walker of the Bronx, 40 year old Scott Layton of Johnson City, & 24 year old Giovanni Foster of Johnson City, on a variety of drug charges, All 3 were arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s arrested 47 year old Shawn Maynard of Randolph, at the Champaign County Jail in Illinois. This arrest followed an investigation of a January 2015 accident on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester where a woman suffered serious injuries. Maynard was returned to Delaware County, he was arraigned for Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Drugs and Alcohol, Vehicular Assault & 2nd degree Assault, and he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail pending further court proceedings.

State Police CNET officers & Oneonta Police Department executed a search warrant at 5357 State Route 7 in Oneonta's East End. Police arrested 35 year old Benjamin Bockus of Oneonta for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance, plus Criminal Possession of Marihuana, Criminal Nuisance and 2 counts of Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia. Police seized approximately 48 grams of cocaine, approximately 300 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, concentrated cannabis, 2.5 pounds of marihuana, 3 digital scales, cellular phones, drug packaging material and $7,985.00 in cash. Bockus was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

State Police at Troop C have released the results of their crackdown on impaired drivers over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 11 impaired driving arrests were reported by Troop C, while statewide, there were 217 impaired driving arrests in New York State on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced that William Streck will return to the organization to assume the role of President and CEO, following the decision by current CEO Vance Brown to step down effective April 20th, , to pursue opportunities outside of Bassett. Streck served as Bassett’s President & CEO from 1984 to 2014, he then joined the Healthcare Association of New York State as Chief Medical and Health Systems Innovation Officer. Streck will also be tasked with developing a long-term leadership strategy for Bassett Healthcare Network. Last fall, William LeCates, was appointed acting president of Bassett Medical Center and will be president of Bassett Medical Center when the network CEO transition is completed.

State Police arrested 25 year old Chad Darwesh of Schenectady for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Controlled Substances in Non-Original Container and several traffic infractions. Troopers observed Darwesh speeding on Interstate 88 in Otego, A passenger 30 year old Michael Horton of Schenectady, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Darwesh was arraigned in the town of Otego Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

41 year old Louisa Garcia of Oxford pleaded guilty to making a false claim against the United States for assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Garcia admitted that she prepared 110 false tax returns between 2011 and 2014, resulting in an intended loss to the United States of $848,196. Garcia faces up to 8 years in prison, post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years, and a maximum $250,000 fine, when she is sentenced on July 17th.

The New York State Fair Officials announced today that Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members "Blondie" will take the stage on the fair's opening day on the Chevy Court. Opening day for the Great New York State Fair is Wednesday August 22nd at 8:00 pm.

The Delaware Academy Girls Basketball Team will celebrate their State Championship on Wednesday, with a parade down Main Street in downtown Delhi at 5:30 PM. The parade will line up at 5:00 PM at Clinton Street & will end up by the Social Services Building on Main Street, more information is available at delhischools.org.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig will deliver the annual State of The City Address tonight at 7:00 PM, during the Oneonta Common Council meeting. Prior to the annual address at 6:15, Mayor Herzig will present the annual Trailblazer Awards in the City Hall Lobby.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that a $5,000 reward was issued for information leading to the arrest of 20 year old Valentino Mondolfi, who is a witness in the ongoing Broome County Court murder trial of Jabari Ashe. Mondolfi is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information is asked to call Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

State Police arrested 21 year old Johnathan Ruland of Lancaster, Pennsylvania for DWI, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Ruland was stopped at a checkpoint on State Highway 7, in the town of Unadilla, troopers accused Ruland of possessing marijuana and cocaine & he was wanted on a warrant with the Village of Sidney Police. Ruland was arraigned in the town of Unadilla and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,500 bail. He is scheduled to reappear in the town of Unadilla on April 9th.

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.

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.

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.

A review of the Oneonta Police Department’s actions, following the recent death of a man in custody has been completed by the Oneonta Police Department & the Otsego County District attorney's office. Oneonta Police had a search warrant for a city residence & to perform a strip search of 52-year-old Kenneth Faulkner of New Rochelle, following a lengthy drug investigation. Faulkner resisted the efforts of 4 officers; he swallowed a packet of cocaine, which led to his death several hours after the struggle on November 2nd. The results of the department’s report have been submitted to state officials.

The Bainbridge Guilford Girls Volleyball Team plays in the State Class D Semi-Finals tomorrow in Glens Falls. Bobcats Head Coach Tami Selfridge told WCDO that the school and the community have rallied around this team:

(Tami Selfridge 11-17-17)

The Lady Bobcats begin Pool Play at 3:00 PM Saturday & if they advance they will play for the State Title Sunday at 2:00 PM. WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull will have live updates on Twitter or at WCDOSPORTS.COM from each BG game.

State Senator Fred Akshar and Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch have released answers to the many questions posed by the community regarding the planned repurposing of the former Broome Developmental Center to bring new Addiction Treatment Services to the community. The document compiles questions raised at the October 26th Town Hall Meeting, with answers from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, the Broome County Department of Social Service and the Broome County Health Department. The document can be found at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov; nyassembly.gov/Donna Lupardo or nyassembly.gov/Clifford Crouch.

State Police CNET & Binghamton Police executed a federal arrest warrant on Troy Clark of Whitney Point, as part of a federal indictment charging Clark with manufacturing Methamphetamines. Police discovered a meth lab with 30 “one pot” vessels, various methamphetamine laboratory components, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun & a Small amount of marihuana. Police arrested Orion Tanzini of Kirkwood, Brittany Clark of Whitney Point, Jamie Wilson of Whitney Point, Brian Mirra of Chenango Forks, along with Clark. A search warrant was also executed for Charles McNeilly, of Whitney Point, where police again seized meth making materials & arrested Thomas Cole of Whitney Point, Ashley VanOstrand of Whitney Point, along with McNeilly. All face court action shortly, the investigations are continuing and additional charges are pending.

New York’s statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.8% in October, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. Private educational and health services added the most jobs (+51,900) of any major industry sector over the past year. Manufacturing lost the most jobs (-17,100) of any major industry sector in New York State, other losses were concentrated in durable goods (-12,800), especially fabricated metal products (-3,200).

State Police arrested 37-year-old Kimberly Diffendorf of Kirkwood for felony DWI; she was observed driving erratically on State Route 11 in the Town of Kirkwood. The DWI arrest was a felony as Diffendorf has a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years; She was issued tickets returnable to the town of Kirkwood court on October 18th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and Investigators arrested a Trout Creek man following the seizure of a number of marijuana plants from his property. 50-year-old Mark Suter of Sidney Center was charged with Unlawful Cultivation of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana following an annual domestic marijuana eradication program overflight conducted in conjunction with members of the State Police CNET Team and State Police Aviation Unit. Suter was issued appearance tickets and directed to appear in the Town of Tompkins Court on a later date to answer the charges.

State Troopers arrested 36-year-old Jennifer Hopkins of Oneonta, 29-year-old Summer Eldred of Davenport & 23-year-old Brett Kachel of Oneonta for Petty Larceny. The arrests followed a shoplifting complaint from the Oneonta Wal-Mart accusing the 3 suspects for acting together to steal items worth $740; they were issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta court on October 18th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a 3-car accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden on October 5th, near the intersection of County Highway 16. Deputies reported that a vehicle driven by 75 year old Maryann Stanczyk of Downsville and another vehicle driven by 49 year old Frank Levan of Hamden; were stopped in the southbound lane of State Highway 10 as they waited for a tractor trailer to make a left turn into a parking lot when Levan’s vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by 38 year old Julie Murphy of Downsville. Levan’s vehicle was pushed into the rear of the Stanczyk vehicle. Deputies charged Murphy with following too closely, she will appear in Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

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.

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.

State Police CNET members conducted a vehicle stop on McKinley Avenue in Endicott, & located an active one-pot methamphetamine lab with associated reagents and precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine in the vehicle. Police arrested 40-year-old Heather Callahan of Endicott, 53-year-old David Decker, of Vestal, 49 year old Christopher Decker, of Binghamton, & 22-year-old David Decker of Endicott, on a variety of drug charges. Police seized an active one pot methamphetamine lab, methamphetamine oil, & various other items used to manufacture methamphetamine, plus lab equipment, Marihuana smoking devices, Heroin, & Methamphetamine. All 4 were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 27-year-old Ryder Terpak of Unadilla Wednesday. Terpak was arrested on a Warrant issued by the State Division of Parole. Corrections Officials reported that Terpak was sentenced to 5½ years imprisonment in 2013 for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance; he was released from the Department of Corrections Willard Drug Treatment Campus in May 2014 subject to Parole Supervision. Terpak was remanded to the Delaware County jail pending completion of a parole hearing at a later date.

A lawsuit between the Binghamton Mets owners and Main Street Baseball of Florida has been settled, but no details of the settlement have been announced. Main Street Baseball contended that Binghamton Mets ownership reneged on a deal last year that would have moved the team to Wilmington Delaware; B-Mets Owner Michael Urda contended that his key stipulation to selling the team was that they could not be moved out of Binghamton.

State Police & the Village of Hancock Police Department are investigating an armed robbery, which occurred Tuesday at approximately 10:00 PM. A male suspect entered the Mirabito Gas Station at 450 West Main Street, in Hancock, displaying what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money. The male suspect was wearing a mask, left on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’ 6”, medium build, with short dark colored hair and facial hair, wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and a knit hat with a brim. Anyone with information should call State Police at 775-1241.

State Police CNET Team executed a search warrant at 9 Rutherford Street in the City of Binghamton, where they Seized 107 bags of heroin, 3 grams of loose heroin, oxycontin pills, marihuana, scales, packaging materials, a stolen loaded .22 caliber pistol, a stun gun and 2 sets of body armor. State Police arrested 20 year old Christopher Frederick of Binghamton, for various drug & weapons charges, also arrested was 19 year old Denise Shuler of Binghamton, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, both were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State has been awarded $8.1 million in federal funds to combat the heroin epidemic. The funding will look to Reduce prescription drug misuse and abuse in the 12- to 25-year-olds, reduce heroin use and heroin/prescription opioid overdose deaths among the 12- to 25-year-olds, Increase public awareness through statewide and community media campaigns, & to Increase the number of anti-overdose medication Narcan trainings offered to parents, family members, and anyone living with a heroin/prescription opioid addict.

On Thursday, the State Police CNET team ended a 2 month investigation into the sale and possession of heroin and methamphetamine, with the arrests of 44 year old Terry McNerney of Kirkwood, who was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Criminal Using Drug Paraphernalia. Also arrested was 22-year-old Trent Kennerup of Windsor, who was charged with Loitering. Both were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County jail. Police seized heroin & materials used to manufacture Methamphetamines.

State Police & the Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 year old Joseph Rose of Endicott for 2 counts of 2nd degree Robbery, following the investigation into armed robberies at Manley’s Gas Station & Lupo’s Restaurant, both in Endwell. Rose was arraigned in the Town of Union Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set at this time.

The State Senate has passed a series of bills designed to protect the public from sex offenders. State senator Jim Seward contributed a bill to that package:

(Seward 2-27-15)

The package of bills will head to the State Assembly for consideration.

State Assembly Minority Republicans are calling on Governor Cuomo to release state aid figures to school district, so that they can get their budget numbers together in a timely fashion. Area assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 2-27-15)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez also commented:

(Lopez 2-27-15)

Governor Cuomo has said that he is willing to let the budget get enacted passed the April 1st deadline in favor of getting an ethics reform package passed first, following the recent arrest of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

The state Assembly passed The DREAM Act bill Thursday to financial aid to immigrants living in the country illegally. New State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie of the Bronx said that the DREAM Act is one of his top legislative priorities:

(Carl Heastie 2-27-15)

This is the 3rd consecutive year the Assembly passed the DREAM Act, it has failed to gather enough support in the State senate for it to advance to the governor’s desk, governor Cuomo has already allocated funding in his executive budget proposal for the DREAM Act this session.

Governor Cuomo opened up the New York State Fair in Syracuse this morning, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Cuomo is currently running for a 2nd term as governor, his republican challenger Rob Astorino also made the rounds at the State Fair today, he is trailing Cuomo in the most recent polls by a 2 to 1 margin.  Green Party Candidate Howe Hawkins held a press conference at the main entrance to the fair at 12:00 Noon.

The 3rd murder trial of Owego Businessman Calvin Harris has been rescheduled to begin in October, instead of the original September 15th date, in Schoharie county court.  The move was made following arguments by Harris’s defense team during pre-trial proceedings.  Harris was first convicted in 2007 for the September 11th 2001 murder his estranged wife Michelle, that conviction was set aside when an eyewitness came forward claiming to have seen Michelle Harris after the original murder date.  Harris was convicted at his 2nd trial in 2009, which was also overturned, Michelle Harris’s body, and the murder weapon have never been found.

Governor Cuomo is calling on the state to outlaw discrimination against transgender people, claiming that gender identity should be included in the state’s civil rights law alongside race, religion, and disability.   Cuomo said that if he is re-elected, he would push to outlaw discrimination based on a person’s gender identity when it comes to housing, employment or public accommodations.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America. The settlement includes $800 million that will be allocated to New York State; Bank of America acknowledged it made serious Misrepresentations to the public from the packaging, marketing, sale and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities

The State Police CNET team, along with Endicott and Vestal Police arrested 32-year-old Greg Potter of Endicott, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and 2 counts of Criminally Using of Drug Paraphernalia.  Potter was arrested after police executed a search warrant.  Items seized included liquid and powder methamphetamines; liquid anabolic steroids, packaging materials and scales, as well as components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.  Potter was arraigned in Village of Endicott Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The State Police CNET Gun Investigation Unit, arrested 50 year old John Hamilton of Binghamton on 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Unlawfully Possessing or Selling Noxious Material and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis.  Hamilton was charged after police executed a search warrant at his residence. Police seized illegally possessed weapons, explosives and marihuana. Hamilton was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced a statewide initiative to combat the rise of heroin use, which includes the addition of 100 investigators to the State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team.  The State will make supplies of the heroin antidote “Naloxone” available to all first responder units in the State; Cuomo also announced a targeted awareness campaign that will take place on all on all public college and university campuses.

State Police from Oneonta arrested 19-year-old Matthew Hill Jr. of Oneonta for 3rd degree Assault.  Troopers responded to a report of a dispute at a residence on Orchard Street in Oneonta, where Hill is accused of injuring the victim.  Hill was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on June 17th.

This year’s state budget saw changes to the Estate Tax that was blamed with preventing family farms from being passed down form generation to generation.  New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton explains:

(Dean Norton 6-11-14)

Previous estate tax laws and inflationary increases in the value of land, often appraised farm land at millions dollars in value, making it almost impossible to the next generation to pay millions in estate taxes to keep the same operation going, resulting in the loss of farmland permanently.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher will head a national group of college leaders that will promote  the Common Core standards across the country. She said the tougher testing is needed to prepare students for college, but this year, State leaders made modifications to the program following widespread complaints from educators, parents and students. More than 200 college and university leaders from 33 states will form the “Higher Ed for Higher Standards.” (http://higheredforhigherstandards.org/) Promotion.

The state's top teachers union, which is suing New York over its property tax cap, is now saying the state's property tax freeze plan is also unconstitutional. NYSUT filed suit against the state in February of 2013 over the property tax cap. Now it said the freeze plan, which offers rebates to those in localities, which stay within the cap, is unfair to districts whose residents vote to exceed the cap since they won't get the rebate.  The Cuomo Administration responded to the request, to have the State Supreme Court consider both the state's tax cap, and property tax freeze in the same case; the tax cap has reigned in property tax increases to at or below the rate of inflation.

State Police announced the arrest of 3 people for allegedly operating a Meth Lab in Broome County.  Arrested were 25-year-old Caleb McNeilly, 33-year-old Brad Gates  and 27 year old Nathan Pixley, all from Castle creek, on a variety of drug charges, following a 3-week investigation by the state Police CNET team & Vestal Police.   Police confiscated 8 ounces of liquid methamphetamine; 2.5 grams of powder methamphetamine; a scale; a surveillance camera; cellphones; a 20-gauge shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle; as well as chemicals & items utilized in meth manufacturing.  All 3 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail.

Oneonta police, and the Otsego County Sheriffs department K9 unit executed a no-knock search warrant Thursday morning at 71 Elm Street in Oneonta, and arrested 2 women on charges of heroin possession.  25-year-old Stephanie Seagren, and 24 year old Jania Barnett, were charged with 3rd degree possession of a controlled substance.  Police seized 38 packets of heroin and $620 in cash. Both were arraigned in Oneonta city court and sent to the Otsego County jail

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has opened a campaign account with the State Board of Elections that allows him to raise money for this year's gubernatorial race. Astorino has not publicly declared his candidacy. But the new account allows him to accept much larger contributions as he considers challenging Governor Cuomo, a Democrat with $33 million in the bank. Astorino has said he will make a decision later this month about whether to run for governor.

About one third of the 17,487 bridges in New York are rated either "structurally deficient" or "functionally obsolete."  The state Department of Transportation said those bridges are safe, but need repairs or upgrades. For each bridge, the state provides the location, the feature it passes over, the year it was built, the owner, the date of last inspection and the condition ratings. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report that said the state should rework the pot of money dedicated to highway and bridge repairs so it pays for its intended purpose.

Governor Cuomo today announced the Formation of the Common Core Implementation Panel, which will undertake an immediate and comprehensive review of the rollout of the Common Core standards in New York State.  Assemblyman Cliff Crouch held a public meeting about the issue in Binghamton recently:

(Crouch 2-7-14)

The panel includes State legislators, parents, educators, and business and community leaders, they will deliver a set of recommendations before the end of the legislative session to improve the proposal’s implementation.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation that will make the killing of a police animal a felony. Specially trained police animals, are relied upon by law enforcement to keep New Yorkers safe, the new law will make the killing of a police dog or a police horse while it is performing its duties a class E felony. Previously, the crime was described as a Class “A” misdemeanor.  The new law takes effect this November 1st.

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State Police CNET team arrested 32 year old Brian Russell of Johnson City, 24 year old Jacob Parr of Johnson city and 32 year old Dane Ellis of Chenango Bridge, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Russell & Parr were stopped in Town of Chenango, a search of the vehicle lead to the discovery of a mobile meth laboratory, ELLIS was also stopped in another vehicle where police located components used to manufacture meth.   All 3 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

The Binghamton Zoo announced the birth of a male Red Panda, “Zhin-Li “, the first of its species to be born at the zoo. The cub was born on June 18th  & thriving. There are 175 red pandas located in zoos throughout the United States and Canada,  Zhin-Li may not be viewable for several months, as he is with his mother in a nesting box.

The state Department of Health improperly paid hospitals $7.8 million for lengthy acute care admissions because hospitals billed Medicaid for higher levels of care than was actually delivered to patients, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  94 claims cost the state $10.6 million, as they were improperly billed because the hospitals should have billed for the Alternative care that was actually provided. DiNapoli recommended that the Health Department Recover the $7.8 million in inappropriate payments, notify hospitals of the correct way to bill for Alternative Care; the audit is available @ osc.state.ny.us/audits.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced the death of Trooper Winston Martindale, who died Wednesday of complications from an injury he sustained in while responding to the crash of 2 airplanes in Waywanda 2 years ago. Trooper Martindale fell on a piece of equipment while clearing wreckage, causing internal bleeding to his abdomen, he continued to assist at the site for 6 hours after the injury.  Trooper Martindale was 40 years old, and was a 7-year veteran of the State Police.

State Senator Jim  Seward will be in Delaware County, tomorrow, to  take part in the 83rd Annual Delaware County Dairy Tour hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County.  Seward is a member of the senate agriculture committee, he will visit farms in the towns of Kortright, Stamford, and Harpersfield, more information is available at  ccedelaware.org.

State Police CNET Team and Vestal Police arrested 2 Johnson City residents for drug possession, following the execution of a search warrant Wednesday morning.  Charged were 34 year old Kevin Turner & 36 year old Kevin Andrews for 3rd degree Criminal Possession of Marihuana, Turner was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.  Police seized 12 ounces of marihuana, plus cocaine, scales, packaging material and over $1,300 in cash.           Both were arraigned in the Village of Johnson City Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. The investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo reported that $438 million in funding would be included in the 2013-14 Budget under the CHIPS program.  Funding will go to municipalities all over the state for various road and bridge repairs. Local counties will see a 15 to 20% increases in CHIPS money in the new state budget for the fiscal year that starts on April 1st.

The state assembly returns to Albany today, to vote on budget bills.  The state senate wrapped up their session before the Easter & Passover vacation period early Wednesday morning, the budget totals 143 billion dollars, the assembly will work to complete the budget votes prior to the deadline, on Monday.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 79-year-old Robert Huntley of Greene for 2nd degree Driving While Intoxicated.  Huntley was arrested following a traffic stop on State Highway 41 in the Town of Coventry; he was issued an appearance ticket and released to a sober third party.  Huntley will appear in the Town of Coventry Court a later date.