WCDO Radio News

Former New York Republican State Senate leader Dean Skelos
reports to prison today to begin serving his 4+ year prison term for
corruption.  Skelos reports today to a
federal prison at Otisville, New York,
His son, Adam, reports to the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, to
begin serving his four-year sentence. Dean Skelos and his son were both
convicted in July on charges of extortion, wire fraud and bribery, with the
elder Skelos using his political influence to get his son high paying no-show
jobs.

Governor Cuomo today announced up to $10 million in capital
funding is available to expand addiction treatment services.   The funding is being administered by the New
York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and will be
distributed through a Request for Applications process.   Selected applicants must develop and support
a minimum of 16 beds up to a maximum of 40 beds. Funding is only available for
new beds, not conversions of currently operating programs. The Request For
Applications can be viewed at oasas.ny.gov. Responses are due by February 19.

Several upstate cites are
teaming up for a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, for misleading
health care providers about the addictive dangers of opioid medications they
manufactured.  so far, the cities of
Albany, Schenectady, Troy & Plattsburgh are on the lawsuit against several
top manufacturers of prescription opioid medications, more are expected to join
the suit, as the opioid crisis has continued to grow across New York State.

Bainbridge Fire fighters responded to 1025 Searles Hill Road
Monday afternoon for a structure fire at a Barn that had been converted into
Apartments.  Fire Fighters from Afton,
Coventry, Sidney & Masonville responded, no injuries were reported, but 1
dog died in the fire.  The cause of the fire
was a malfunction with the propane system, according to Bainbridge Fire Chief
Fred Bell.

The Unadilla Town Board will hold their next regular meeting
today.  The Meeting will be held at the
Town hall on State Route 7 beginning at 7:00 PM.

During National School Bus Safety Week, the State DMV and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee are reminding motorists to stop and wait whenever they encounter a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and “stop” sign extended. Drivers who pass a stopped school bus illegally could be ticketed and face fines and other penalties. Motorists should also watch for students as they walk or bike to school and always follow the posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of passing a stopped school bus face a fine of $250 to $400, five points on their driver license, and up to 30 days jail time for a first violation. Three violations in three years can result in a maximum fine of $1,000, five points, a six-month license revocation, registration revocation, and up to six months jail time.

The State DOT is looking to hire about 470 permanent and seasonal employees shortly. Officials announced today that applications are now available; they usually begin hiring in September of each year, with the goal of having them ready to plow snow when winter begins. Candidates must Be at least 18 years old, Pass a physical and drug test, Have a valid, clean Class A or B commercial driver license & Be certified to operate DOT heavy dump trucks within 2 weeks after the start of DOT employment. Information & applications are available at dot.ny.gov/jobs.

Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was sentenced on Wednesday to four years and three months in prison on federal corruption charges, including soliciting bribes and defrauding the public. Prosecutors accused the elder Skelos of using his position to pressure three companies to provide his son with consulting work, a “no-show” job and a $20,000 payment.

The State Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction issued a new report describing steps currently being taken to address the state's opioid crisis. The report includes 11 recommendations, Including Increasing resources to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals trained to treat substance use disorder; Upgrade the I-STOP Program to improve interstate monitoring of potential over-prescribing of opioids, Reduce the cost of naloxone to treat overdoses, & Explore the further limitation of initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 3 days from the current 7days, with certain medical exceptions; more information is available at nysenate.gov/committees/heroin-task-force. Local State Senator Fred Akshar serves on the Task Force.

State Police arrested 27 year old Dillion Beadle of Norwich for Driving While Intoxicated after he was involved in a two car crash. Troopers were dispatched to a crash on State Highway 12 in Norwich. No serious injuries were reported. Beadle was turned over to a sober third party and is scheduled to appear in the town of Norwich Court on August 2nd.

The New York State Departments of Health and Agriculture & Markets cautioned New York residents, visitors and farmers about the continued importance of taking measures to protect against ticks, as a new tick species, the "longhorned tick," was recently discovered in Westchester County. The State Department of Health reported that the longhorned tick has transmitted disease to humans in other parts of the world, and may pose a threat to livestock. The Department of Agriculture and Markets encourages livestock owners and veterinarians to also be vigilant for unusually heavy tick infestations, if longhorned ticks are suspected, farmers should consult with their veterinarians and contact the Department at 518-457-3502.

Former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos on Tuesday was found guilty of fraud and corruption in a retrial stemming from his efforts to help his son receive a no-show job. His son, Adam Skelos, was also found guilty of eight charges as well. It was the second time Dean and Adam Skelos were found guilty of the charges in a federal courthouse. The faced a retrial this year after their 2016 convictions were tossed following the Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of the definition of theft of honest services.

State Police arrested 2 people after a traffic stop on State Route 12 in Chenango. 31 year old Derrick Jenks of Greene was arrested for 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 27 year old Leigha Nault of Greene was arrested for 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, & Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Possession of a Controlled Substance Outside of Original Container. Nault was operating a vehicle on State Route 12 which was not insured. After an investigation, troopers located marijuana, heroin, LSD, and several different types of illegal fireworks. Nault and Jenks were released on appearance tickets in the town of Chenango Court on July 24th.

On Friday evening, July 6, 2018, members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, State Police, including K-9 units, and the Village of Walton Police Department conducted an Enhanced Traffic Safety Enforcement Campaign in the Village of Walton and surrounding area towns. This campaign resulted in a total of 57 traffic summonses being issued. The collaborative detail resulted in the following arrests: 4 Arrests for Driving While Intoxicated; 2 Arrests for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated; 1 Arrest for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle; 4 Arrests for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana; 1 Arrest for Reckless Driving & 1Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer.

The American Red Cross is now facing an emergency blood shortage following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations; with hundreds fewer blood drives than a typical week and a resulting decline in donations. All eligible donors are urgently needed to give now to help replenish the blood supply. Locally, blood drives are being held today in from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the SFCU main branch in Sidney; in Gilbertsville, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, at the Christ Episcopal Church, In Delhi Wednesday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the State University of New York Delhi O’Connor Center for Community Engagement, at 2 Main Street & Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 41861 State Highway 10

The trial of Dean & Adam Skelos continued Friday, with former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos taking the stand. Dean Skelos was convicted in his first trial for exchanging political favors in order to get his son Adam High Paying No-Show Jobs, a new trial was ordered after the US Supreme Court changed the definition of Corruption, leading to new trials for Skelos & Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York's maple industry hit a 74-year record in 2018 with the production of 806,000 gallons of maple syrup. The maple industry in New York has grown by nearly 50 percent in the last five years and continues to maintain the state's standing as the second leading producer of fresh maple syrup in the nation. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York's maple production constituted about 19 percent of the national total. New York producers also benefited from a long season in 2018 which lasted 52 days, compared to 43 days in 2017

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Otsego County today at Opportunities for Otsego in Oneonta at 2:00 PM. Senator Seward will announce special state grants he secured to help fund local domestic violence prevention programs. Representatives from Opportunities for Otsego, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties, Delaware Opportunities, and Liberty Resources of Chenango County will join Senator Seward for the announcement. Senator Seward will also detail several legislative accomplishments from the past year to combat domestic violence and sexual harassment.

The State Legislature plans to wrap up the 2018 session today in Albany. Final votes are expected to be on bills to expand school zone speed cameras, overhaul the teacher evaluation system & school security; lawmakers are not expected to act on legalizing recreational marijuana.

Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam returned to a Manhattan Federal Court room Tuesday, they will be retried on corruption charges, after their previous convictions were tossed on appeal. Both were convicted in 2015< dean Skelos was accused of using his political influence to get his son Adam a series of “No Show” jobs with salaries totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. The 2015 convictions were tossed after the US Supreme Court changed the definition of public corruption, which allowed for retrial for Skelos & former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

There will be no changes to the state's educational system for teacher certification. A New York court has thrown out rules that would have let some charter schools certify their own teachers. Acting State Supreme Court Justice Debra Young has ruled that only the state education commissioner and Board of Regents can set teacher qualification standards in New York State.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2018. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% in April to 4.5% in May 2018. Locally, Chenango County had 4.3% unemployment, Delaware County had 4.5% & Otsego County had an even 4% unemployment in May.

State Senator Fred Akshar of the Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, announced funding for 17 County jails throughout New York State in order to fund substance use disorder treatment and transition services. The Task Force advocated for, and secured, $3.75 million in the 2018-19 state budget to help implement, support, and expand these services. Locally, the Broome County Jail will get $400,000 in funding for this program.

Delaware County Public Health and Delaware Opportunities will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at Delaware Opportunities on State Route 10 in Hamden, on Wednesday June 27th 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; Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. More information is available at 832-5200.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will join the Chenango County Democratic Committee for a fall fundraiser in Norwich. Attendees will also hear from former Congressman Michael Arcuri and local Democratic candidates. The event will be held today from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street in Norwich.

The corruption case against former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam has been overturned by a U.S. Appeals Court today. Skelos was sentenced last year to 5 years in prison on federal corruption charges, but the court overturned the conviction after a Supreme Court decision narrowed the legal definition of corruption. The U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District announced that they plan on a retrial of both Dean and Adam Skelos as soon as possible.

43-year-old Andrew Hathaway of Oneonta was charged with resisting arrest following a foot pursuit with Oneonta City Police. Hathaway was wanted on an outstanding warrant, When police responded; Hathaway climbed out of a window and ran. Police caught up with Hathaway, but he resisted arrest and was subdued by the use of a Taser Hathaway was additionally charged with petty larceny on the warrant and was turned over to state police on unrelated charges.

State DEC is reminding hunters to apply for deer management permits this week, ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline. Sporting licenses and permits for the 2017-18 license year have been available since August 1, and can be obtained at any one of DEC’s 1,300 license issuing outlets, by phone at 866-933-2257, or online dec.ny.gov.

State DOT reported that I-88 eastbound between exits 10 & 12 was closed due to a bus fire, which was reported just before 6:00 AM this morning. The section of the highway remained closed for several hours while crews worked at the scene. I-88 was back open to traffic by 12:15 this afternoon. The investigation into the cause of the bus fire is continuing.

Former Republican State Senate leader Dean Skelos is asking for a new trial, after former Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was granted a new trial. Both men were convicted of using their powerful political positions for personal gain. Skelos was convicted on charges of extortion, Bribery & Conspiracy in 2015, for using his position as leader of the State Senate, to get his son a no show job for a 6 figure salary, A US Supreme Court ruling recently reversed Silver's conviction, by weakening the definition for corruption by public servants.

State DEC Officials announced that a 2nd alligator spotted in Whitney Point has been captured. The DEC wildlife staff were able to mobilize and capture the alligator at around 2:45 yesterday afternoon. The Alligator is being transported to Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville.

Former State Senate leader Dean Skelos was sentenced to 5 years in prison on corruption charges today, his son, Adam received a 6 1/2 year sentence in a Manhattan federal courtroom today. Skelos used his position in state government to pressure businesses to provide his son with $300,000 no-show job in exchange for political favors.

With Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos following former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to jail, Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that there needs to be term limits on leadership oisitions, to try to stop this constant abuse of power:

(Crouch 5-12-16)

Other former Senate leaders that faced prison time in recent years included Joe Bruno, Pedro Espada Jr, & Hiram Monseratte.

State Senator Jim Seward will have a challenge from Democrat Audrey Dunning, who announced her candidacy for the 51st state senate District seat this week. Dunning is an attorney from Ilion, announced her candidacy Tuesday, Seward has served since the 80's in the State Senate, many times running unopposed in the November elections.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Bo Angell of Harpursville, & 37 year old Roy Bolster of Windsor, for 3rd degree Burglary, after troopers checked a vacant property on Fox Farm Road in the Town of Windsor & finding both men stealing scrap metal from a trailer. Angell and Bolster were remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today called for changes to the state’s fiscal practices, including limiting discretionary lump sum spending, restricting “backdoor spending” by public authorities and imposing a constitutional limit on state debt, among other reforms, to bring increased transparency and accountability to state finances. DiNapoli released his recommendations in a report, “Unfinished Business: Fiscal Reform in New York.” The report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us/reports.

State Police at Sidney arrested 41-year-old Danielle Pettit of Bainbridge, for criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of criminal mischief on Kelly Road in the Town of Bainbridge. An investigation determined that Pettit had damaged the windows of a parked car and then left the scene. The windows had a value of more than $250. After being located, Pettit was arraigned in the adjoining Town of Afton court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date in the Town of Bainbridge Thursday.

New York reports honey production statewide increased 9% last year with more than 3.6 million pounds produced. New York remains the top producer in the Northeast and for the first time in a decade among the top 10 states nationally. New York Beekeepers earned almost $10.6 million last year, up $1.2 million.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division arrested 49 year old Matthew Ahearn of Harpursville, for failing to register with the State Sex Offender Registry. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division received a tip that Ahearn had moved to Harpursville and failed to report his address change within the proper time period; he was arraigned and was sent to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility on $500 cash or $1000 property bail

State Lawmakers will forward bills this session, but many are skeptical on seeing the passage of any real ethics reforms, even after several arrests & convictions of many of their own over the last 20 years. Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that penalties need to be more serious:

(Lopez 5-11-16)

Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos is the next former lawmakers to be sentenced for corruption in a Federal court room shortly.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 66 Year old Earl Higgins of Unadilla, for 3rd degree menacing. Sidney Police Department received a 911 call Tuesday morning, reporting a man with a gun at the Sidney Primary Care Office at 39 Pearl Street West in the village. Sidney Police & State Police responded, the Offices was evacuated and locked down, Higgins is acused of making comments to staff about having a gun, that caused staff to feel threatened. No gun was located and Higgins was arrested, he was arraigned at the Sidney Village Court and posted $500 cash bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced the final report and recommendations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Working Group, which is a group of alcoholic beverage industry experts who assembled to review ways to modernize and simplify New York's 80-year old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The changes will support continued growth in the craft beverage and agriculture industries which are key elements of "Southern Tier Soaring," blueprint to generate economic growth locally. The Working Group agreed to recommendations to reorganize the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, Consolidate the number of Licenses currently used to authorize the sale of alcohol, Modernize the state's Blue Laws& provide support to the growing number of Craft Manufacturers. the report can be accessed at governor.ny.gov.

The new state budget contains a total of $44.46 Million dollars in funds for highway & bridge repairs in the 51 state Senate District covered by State Senator Jim Seward. Delaware & Chenango counties will each have over 2.6 million dollars earmarked for projects, Otsego County will get more than 3.7 million dollars in funding.

U.S. Senator & Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz of Texas is expected to make a campaign stop in Binghamton this Friday. No location or time has been announed as of yet, Cruz will also stop in Syracuse, Buffalo & Rochester during his swing through upstate, prior to the New York Primary on April 19th. Republicans Donald Trump was in Rome Tuesday afternoon, & John Kasich will appear in Watertown on Friday.

State Police arrested 30 year old Nicole Archer of Binghamton for 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, after an investigation which determined that Archer had used illegal narcotics in front of her two children while at home in Kirkwood. Archer was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Kirkwood court on April 19th,  were advised and the children stayed with a family relative.

The sentencing of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has been re-scheduled for exactly the same time as that of ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Men were convicted in federal court of abusing their power for personal gain, they will be sentenced at 10:00 AM on April 13th in Manhattan federal court, and Skelos will be sentenced with his son, Adam.

State Senator Fred Akshar announced that the next meeting of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction is at the Chenango Valley High School Auditorium, today at 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Senator Akshar told WCDO about this meeting:

(Akshar 4-13-16)

Oral testimony is limited to the panel, but members of the public are asked to please provide their written comments on the heroin & opioid issue in person at the public meeting or online at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov

Governor Cuomo today announced that beginning March 27, all prescriptions written in New York State must be transmitted electronically from the prescriber directly to the pharmacy. Prescriptions will no longer be handwritten or called in to the pharmacy, except in limited situations such as during disasters, technological or electrical failures, and other exceptional circumstances. More than 60,000 prescribers are already e-prescribing and prescribers continue to register their certified software with the New York State Department of Health. Governor Cuomo signed legislation in March 2015 granting a one-year extension for these prescribers to comply with the I-Stop law.

State lawmakers have been chosen to work on Conference Committees to negotiate the differences in the budgets from both houses of the legislature, Local Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that after former leaders Silver & Skelos were convicted of corruption, that lawmakers would tighten up ethics governing their own behaviors, but they've proposed very little:

(Lopez 3-17-16)

Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos & Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will be sentenced next month; the state budget is due April 1st.

State Police are investigating an incident Wednesday afternoon where a Bullet hit a Harpursville school district bus. There were no injuries, the bus was on Colesville Road around 5:30 p.m., and anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 561-7400.

The State Assembly passed legislation to exempt tampons and other feminine hygiene products from state sales taxes. Assembly member Linda Rosenthal of Manhattan sponsored the bill, citing that the state exempts other medical necessities like bandages, & over the counter medicines, and even condoms. There are more than 10 million women of child-bearing age in New York, each paying 4 percent state sales tax on their monthly purchase of tampons. Companion legislation has been introduced in the state Senate.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Gregory Flanagan of Oneonta for felony DWI and several other traffic tickets Saturday. Flanagan was observed moving from his lane unsafely as he was driving on State Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that he was driving while intoxicated. This arrest was a felony because Flanagan has a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. He refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. Flanagan was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Oneonta is on April 7, 2016.

The sentencing of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has been re-scheduled for exactly the same time as that of ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Men were convicted in federal court of abusing their power for personal gain, they will be sentenced at 10:00 AM on April 13th in Manhattan federal court, and Skelos will be sentenced with his son, Adam.

Over the past 10 years, state aid to school districts has increased $6 billion to $23.3 billion in 2015-16, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Over the past decade, school aid has averaged 23.6 percent of state-funded expenditures. The Division of the Budget projects this share to increase to 25.6 percent over the next three years. This year's Executive Budget proposes a total school funding increase of $991 million, including $266 million in Foundation Aid and the elimination of the GEA entirely for 200 mostly high need districts and reducing it by at least 30 percent for the remaining districts. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

The State Senate has wrapped up their Budget proposal in Albany, Local State Senator Jim Seward responds:

(Seward 3-15-16)

The State Assembly was also wrapping up their version of the Annual Budget Proposal on Monday, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that he felt there was not enough money earmarked in that plan to fight the heroin epidemic:

(Crouch 3-15-16)

The Senate Budget & Assembly Budget will next be negotiated in Conference committees, a budget is expected to be completed by the April 1st Deadline.

New York State of Health is encouraging uninsured New Yorkers to enroll in a plan by January 31st. More than 2.7 million people are enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health, including 1.9 million enrolled in Medicaid, and 827,000 enrolled in non-Medicaid coverage. Consumers who do not enroll in a QHP by January 31 will be unable to enroll in a QHP for the remainder of 2016 unless they have a qualifying “life event” such as marriage, losing employer coverage or, under a new law that takes effect this year, they become pregnant. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan, which is new in 2016 for lower income New Yorkers, is open all year.

Former gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout has announced her candidacy in the 19 congressional district. Teachout recently moved to Duchess County & is seeking to replace Republican Chris Gibson, who announced he would not seek another term in Congress. Republicans Andrew Heaney & John Faso have also announced their intentions to seek the congressional seat; assemblyman Pete Lopez recently withdrew from the race due to family health issues & will seek re-election in the state assembly.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Anthony Torres of Oneonta for 3rd degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Troopers responded to a 911 report of a dispute at a home on County Highway 11 in the Town of Laurens. An investigation determined that during a physical argument with his girlfriend Torres pushed her down and choked her. Torres was arraigned at the Town of Laurens court and was released without bail required. His next court date is pending.

The CASH Coalition of Otsego and Delaware Counties has announced that residents who meet income eligibility requirements will be able to prepare and file their state and federal income taxes for free. MyFreeTaxes is a service available to individuals and families who made under $62,000 in the 2015 tax year. The program is available for use on any home computer or public computers that are available for use beginning January 31st at CDO Workforce Offices in Oneonta, Delhi & Sidney, The Sidney Federal Credit Union Delhi Branch on Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, & at the Huntington Memorial Library at 62 Chestnut Street in Oneonta. Appointments are required at 432-0061.

Lawyers for former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam filed a motion in federal court requesting to have their convictions tossed out and a new trial granted. Both were convicted of bribery, extortion and conspiracy charges back on December 11th, Dean Skelos was found to have used his political influence to arrange payments and jobs for his son. They are scheduled to be sentenced on March 3rd.

The Assembly Republican Conference released a report on heroin abuse, called the Heroin Elimination & Prevention Plan, following 7 forums across the state. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 1-26-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez Comments:

(Lopez 1-26-15)

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin deaths have quadrupled in the decade between 2002 and 2013, and according to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, New York accounts for about 20% of federal drug seizures every year.

The GO-EDC committee of Oneonta will hold their next meeting today, at 4:00 PM in the conference room of the Hampton Inn off of River Street. The meeting will include a review of their mission statement & the guest speaker will be Sean Jordan, the Executive Director of MVEDD.

At 12:00 PM, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will outline Governor Cuomo's 2016 State of the State Agenda During Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Binghamton University, Old Union Hall at 400 Vestal Parkway East in Vestal.

Federal prosecutor Preet Bharara reported that his investigation has found insufficient evidence of any federal crime in Governor Cuomo's closing of New York's Moreland Commission. Cuomo appointed the commission in 2013 to investigate public corruption by state officials, Cuomo closed down the commission following an agreement with lawmakers to enact ethics reforms. Bharara took over the commission's files and recently convicted Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver & Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos, but after "a thorough investigation”, his office has concluded there's currently "insufficient evidence to prove a federal crime."

Area State Assemblyman Pete Lopez announced today that he will be suspending his bid to replace Congressman Chris Gibson in New York’s 19th Congressional District and is now officially seeking re-election in the 102nd Assembly District. Lopez announced that his father was recently diagnosed with cancer, & he is the eldest of 4 children, is the only sibling living in close proximity to his parents, & that he and his wife Bridget are their main caregivers. Lopez announced that he carries the additional responsibility of serving as a health proxy for his father & will need to stay closer to home.

Governor Cuomo unveiled the 11th proposal of his 2016 agenda; a $200 million competition to revitalize Upstate airports. The proposal is designed to enhance airports throughout Upstate New York, and promote new opportunities for regional economic development and partnership between the public and private sectors.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to expedite the freedom of information law appeals process. The order fast-tracks FOIL appeals by requiring that all state agencies file notice of an appeal, settle the record on appeal, and file a brief within 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances outside agency control. The Governor will introduce legislation in the upcoming session that encompasses the order, while also correcting the serious flaws of 2 Assembly Bills.

State Police arrested 48-year-old George Velten of Guilford for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after Velten was stopped during a road check on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Velten’s license showed that he had 12 suspensions on 10 different dates, he was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.

90% of New Yorkers say they are somewhat concerned, 60 % say they are very concerned, that another terrorist attack will happen in New York in the near future, according to a new Sienna College poll released today. 63% said they have not changed their lifestyle out of fear of a terrorist attack. By a 52-39 percent margin, voters oppose allowing Syrian refugees to come to the United States at this time. 90% also believe that corruption in Albany is still a serious problem, and by a 3-to-1 margin, voters say new laws are needed to prevent further corruption in state government. 2/3rds also agree with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that daily fantasy sports games are gambling and illegal in New York.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Nobel of Meridale for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus several traffic summons related to the accident. Nobel was arranged in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. Noble is to re-appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 25-year-old Dustin Phillips of Binghamton for criminal possession of a weapon, after troopers responded to assist an Environmental Conservation Officer who was out with three men shooting on state lands in the Town of Kirkwood. An investigation determined that Phillips and two other men where shooting shotguns at targets, Phillips is on parole and also is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms; he faces court action on Tuesday.

Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were found guilty Friday of 8 counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his power as Senate Majority Leader to get no show jobs to his son Adam. The conviction means that Skelos has been removed from the Senate seat that he held onto after resigning as Senate Leader in May.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Cuomo announced a push to prevent known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns in New York State. Schumer commented at a Press Conference this weekend:

(Schumer 12-14-15)

Schumer said that the request became necessary after legislation in the US Senate did not pass, that would have closed the "Terror Loophole".

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul toured the flood-damaged areas of the village of Sidney today with village officials, regarding the plans for the River street area residents and the area itself. Hochul commented about the tour to WCDO News:

(Kathy Hochul 12-2-15)

Mayor Andy Matviak said that it is important for high-level state officials to see where they are at with their plans and maybe get the process moving along at a quicker pace:

(Andy Matviak 12-2-15)

Matviak said that they are still working with FEMA, and they have also spoke individually with most of the homeowners in the River Street area about buy-outs, elevations and the possible development in the Plankenhorn Road area.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visited Norwich this afternoon following the tour of Sidney; she met with Business Leaders at Commerce Chenango, toured the Business district, convened a Women’s Roundtable at the Artist's Pallet, & toured the Northeast Classic Car Museum.

Governor Cuomo today announced that during the past year, 43 new farm breweries have opened their doors in New York State, bringing the state's total number of operational farm breweries to 106. Additionally, the Governor's Farm Brewery law, which created a new license for craft brewers that use New York grown ingredients and included an exemption on brand label registration fees for small brewers, has saved brewers nearly $1 million to date. Aside from the 106 farm breweries, New York is now home to 133 micro-breweries, up from just 40 in 2011, and 39 restaurant breweries, up from 10 in 2011. Additionally, eight farm breweries have opened off-site branch stores, a practice which was also authorized under the Governor's law.

Governor Cuomo announced a 60% decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities since Governor Mario Cuomo raised New York State's drinking age to 21 exactly 30 years ago. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries; school, social, legal, and physical problems; abuse of other drugs; and death from alcohol poisoning.

The Trial of Former State Senate Majority leader Dean Skelos continues in a Manhattan Federal Courtroom. Skelos is accused of using his political influence to get his son Adam No-Show jobs with politically connected firms in exchange for political favors. Skelos's trial follows the recent conviction of former deputy Majority leader Tom Libous of Binghamton and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on similar corruption charges.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visits Sidney & Norwich today. Hochul will meet with Local Officials and will Tour Sidney Green Plains site, in Norwich, Hochul will convene a Roundtable with Business Leaders at Commerce Chenango this afternoon, she will then tour downtown Norwich, convene a Women’s Roundtable to Discuss Governor Cuomo’s Initiatives at the Artists Pallet, & she will tour the Northeast Classic Car Museum.

Oneonta Police & State Police arrested 27-year-old Jason Cousins from Unadilla for Burglary, Attempted Robbery, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Assault, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Menacing, following a home invasion in Oneonta. Cousins is accused of displaying a stolen handgun, taking property & striking & injuring 1 of the victims. Cousins fled the scene and was apprehended and taken into custody, the investigation is continuing.

State police announced that they would host a community-policing meeting on Wednesday December 2nd at the Stamford Fire Department from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Police will discuss law enforcement operations, & the mission priorities of the state police, the school liaison program, traffic safety plus community & police interaction. There will be a question & answer period.

Otsego County will hold a free rabies clinic today at the Susquehanna animal shelter on State Route 28 in Cooperstown, for dogs, cats & ferrets. The clinic will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was convicted on Monday as a federal jury in Manhattan found Silver guilty of all 7 counts he faced for fraud, extortion and money laundering. The conviction comes as Silver's counterpart in the Senate, former Majority Leader Dean Skelos, faces his own corruption trial in the same federal court. Both men resigned their leadership posts but continued to work as lawmakers; Silver automatically loses his seat as a result of his conviction.

In recognition of World AIDS Day, Governor Andrew Cuomo today made a series of announcements regarding the next phase of New York State’s Plan to End the AIDS Epidemic in the State. The Governor is committing $200 million in new funding toward HIV/AIDS efforts, in addition to the $2.5 billion in public funding that the state currently directs toward addressing the disease. He is also calling on the federal government to increase its contribution nationwide for housing assistance for people living with HIV and AIDS.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office approved 215 contracts valued at $109 million and approved 1.7 million payments worth $5.8 billion in October. His office also rejected 45 contracts and related transactions valued at $31 million and more than 6,900 payments valued at $3.6 million due to fraud, waste or other improprieties. DiNapoli’s office has approved approximately 16,200 contracts valued at $142 billion and approved 25.5 million payments worth $107 billion. His office has also rejected 1,660 contracts and related transactions valued at $4.4 billion and 33,100 payments valued at $127.5 million through October.

Firefighters from Masonville, Sidney, Trout Creek have been called to a fire at Pine Hill Road & State Route 8 in Masonville. WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

The A.O. Fox Hospital Board of Directors and the Bassett Healthcare Network announced the selection of Jeff Joyner to succeed John Remillard as President of A.O. Fox Hospital effective January 1st, 2016. Joyner was previously System Vice President for Operations at St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, Paterson, New Jersey; he also won election to the Maine State Legislature. He was elected and served two, two-year terms in the State House of Representatives from 1993 to 1997.

State Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney will again challenge incumbent Congressman Richard Hanna in a Republican primary in 2016, in the 22nd Congressional District. Tenney announced her decision to make another attempt at unseating Hanna, at a Broome County Press Conference, she lost the primary in 2014, Hanna went on to win re-election to a 3rd term, there was no Democratic opponent in the November 2014 election.

About 30 people have been arrested in an investigation into prostitution at the New York State Fair. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office, & various Police agencies arrested 1 person for sex trafficking, 18 for prostitution & 9 for promoting prostitution. The investigation was a joint operation involving 25 officers from the State Police, Homeland Security, FBI, & local Police departments.

The Trial of Former New York state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam began Monday, Skelos is accused of pressuring companies doing business with the state to give his son no-show jobs and commissions. Jury selection began in federal court in Manhattan and is expected to continue on today. Skelos still retains his Long Island Senate seat; he was forced to resign as State Senate Majority leader earlier this year.

Tomorrow is Election day, with quite a few interesting races in an "Off Year” In the State Senate race in the 52nd district; Republican Fred Akshar & Democrat Barbara Fiala are running to fill the seat left vacated by the conviction of long time Senator Tom Libous.
Delaware County will have a Family Court Judge for the first time; the candidates are Democrat Gary Rosa & Republican Porter Kirkwood. In Chenango County, for District Attorney, incumbent Joseph McBride faces Zachary Wentworth. Several Town Races will be decided by voters Tuesday, in the Town of Sidney; Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley, Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath are running for 2 seats on town board
In the Town of Franklin, for town Supervisor, incumbent Jeffery Taggart faces Epifanio Bevilacqua & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the town board: Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard and Donald Smith. In the Town of Harpersfield for Town Supervisor, incumbent Jim Eisel faces a challenge from Edward Pick Jr. Eisel is chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; a Pick Victory would mean a change at the top of Delaware County Government. In the race for Town of Guilford Supervisor, George Seneck faces Jeffrey MacCormack & for Town of Oxford Supervisor Frederick Lanfear faces Lawrence Wilcox.

Governor Cuomo announced the results of Child Passenger Safety Week seat check events, during which 88% of the 931 seats inspected were found to be improperly installed, 112 had been installed correctly. Child safety seat checks are coordinated by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in cooperation with state and local law enforcement and community safety partners year round, either by appointment or at events conducted throughout the year. Future scheduled events can be found at safeny.ny.gov.

The Trial of former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver begins today in a Manhattan federal courtroom. Silver is accused of taking $4 million in bribes and kickbacks disguised as legal fees from 2 separate law firms, while serving as Assembly Speaker. . Questioning of potential jurors is scheduled to begin on Monday. The Trial of Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos will start later this month.

Local leaders will hold a New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program in Sidney Today at 6:00PM at the Sidney High School Auditorium. The program provides citizens with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters. Each family that attends will receive a NYS Disaster Preparedness Backpack containing numerous essential items. This event is open to those who pre-registered; more information is available at 721-8751.

The New York City DEP announced operations at the Cannonsville Reservoir have returned to normal. On Monday, the DEP stated it had resumed downstream releases under the Flexible Management Program on August 5th. It is no longer diverting drinking water from the reservoir and is relying on the Pepaction and Neversink reservoirs to balance storage. A preliminary investigation indicated that drilling in the reservoir had released ground water under natural pressure and caused an upward flow of water and sediment into the West Branch Delaware River.

Both the leader of the State Senate and Speaker of the Assembly have been charged with crimes, but even if they are convicted of federal corruption charges, both Dean Skelos and Sheldon Silver will still be eligible to receive their state pensions. This past spring, both the Senate and the Assembly passed bills that would revoke pension for elected officials convicted of a felony but they could not agree on the wording at this time. The Assembly wanted only elected officials to lose their pensions but the Senate wanted all state employees who were convicted of a felony to lose their pensions.

The results are in for the 2015 Common Core tests. The state Department of Education released the numbers for the math and English language arts tests that were given to students in grades three through eight. Scores for math went up slightly since 2013. The percentage of students who scored at the proficient level was 38 percent. That's a 7 point increase over 2 years. While the scores do not count towards the students' grades, they are factored into teacher evaluations.

A trial date of November 16th has been set for former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos & his son Adam, in a Manhattan federal courtroom. Skelos is accused of using his political influence to get his son a no-show job with a malpractice insurance company; he was previously accused of threatening an environmental technology company if his son was not hired as a consultant. Dean Skelos stepped down as head of the State Senate after his initial arrest in May, his deputy Senate leader Tom Libous was convicted of lying to the FBI about using his political influence get his son a job with a White Plains law firm.

Improvements to the state Department of Environmental Conservation's sporting license-issuance and game harvest reporting system are in place in time for this year's hunting season. The DEC also changed the Deer Management Assistance Program to streamline the program and expand opportunities for landowners needing deer management assistance. The 2015-16 hunting and trapping licenses go on sale on August 10 and are valid beginning September 1, 2015. Licenses and permits can be purchased at dec.ny.gov/permits, through the online License center at licensecenter.ny.gov or by calling 1 (866) 933-2257

The State DOT today announced that the right lane on I-81 northbound near the Exit 5 interchange at Front Street is closed to through-traffic until Monday morning at 11:00 AM, to accommodate the shuttle busses being used for the annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally. I-81 northbound through-traffic will be shifted to the left and center lanes near Exit 5, the right lane will be used as a dedicated shuttle bus acceleration lane to enter and exit the highway, Motorists are advised to use extreme caution during Spiedie Fest, & they should be aware of slow moving traffic, & high traffic volume.

Former New York state Senate leader Dean Skelos & His son Adam have pleaded not guilty at arraignment today in Manhattan, to the latest charges against them in a federal corruption case. Skelos was arrested earlier this year and was forced to leave his leadership position, he still retains a seat in the State Senate, he is accused of using his political power to get his son a no show job at an insurance company.

State Police arrested 33-Year-old Jacob Perez of Brooklyn for Criminal Trespass & Harassment, after troopers had responded to a trespass complaint on July 13th at a home on Meadow Crest, in the Town of Unadilla. The investigation determined that Perez had walked into the home of a known woman without permission and began arguing with her. After a brief struggle with a man, who told him to leave, Perez fled the house and then drove away. He was located and arrested with a warrant. Perez was arraigned at the Town of Unadilla Court and released.

New State Assembly Democratic Speaker Carl Heastie is making the rounds upstate today. Heastie made an appearance in downtown Binghamton this afternoon with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, his visit comes a day after new State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan appeared in Cooperstown, both parties are looking to win the 52nd State Senate district following the conviction of Republican Tom Libous, who held that seat since 1988.

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston announced that she would not run for the 52nd state senate seat. Preston released a statement saying that she was flattered that her name was considered by area Republicans, but she has decided to stay in her current position.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos & his son Adam are facing new charges in a federal corruption case. A rewritten indictment Tuesday adds more conspiracy and extortion charges against Dean Skelos for allegedly having at least $300,000 illegally steered to Adam, the new indictment also accuses Adam Skelos of obtaining a no-show job through his father's influence, Dean Skelos stepped down from his leadership role earlier this year after his arrest, but he still holds a seat in the Senate.

State Police in Sidney arrested 49-year-old Donald Mercer of Columbus for 3rd degree Rape, 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Act & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Mercer is accused of having sexual contact with a girl less than 17 years old; he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

State Police arrested 34-year-old Michael Swatling of Oneonta for Aggravated DWI & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following a vehicle stop for using an electronic device while driving on State Route 28 in the Town of Milford. Swatling is accused of was driving while intoxicated with an 11 year old girl as a passenger, the DWI charged is a felony due to a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. Swatling was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $3,00 bond pending court action on August 11th.

A new Quinnipiac University poll has Governor Cuomo's approval rating to 44%, with 42% disapproval. A poll in March had the governor at 50% approval & 39% disapproval. 45% of those polled think all state lawmakers should be voted out of office.

Top level new York state leaders have been frequently arrested for a variety of crimes over the last several years, the most recent being Sheldon Silver & Dean Skelos resigning from leadership posts in the state legislature. Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that lawmakers have been getting ethics training over the last few years.

(Crouch 6-3-15)

Crouch said that he believes that new leaders Carl Heastie & John Flanagan will do a fine job & will be scrutinized intensely. Crouch said that the spate of arrests of top-level state leaders since he’s been in Albany shows the need for term limits in all leadership positions, including in committee chairmanships..

State Police arrested 66-year-old Christine Welborn of Norwich, for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. of .19%. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop for failing to keep right on State Route 206 in the Town of Bainbridge. Welborn was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on June 11th.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos & His son Adam have pleaded not guilty in a federal court for corruption charges. A federal indictment accuses Skelos & his son of conspiracy and extortion, they were arraigned Monday in a federal court room in Manhattan, Adam Skelos is accused of having a no-show job with a business that lobbied Dean Skelos on legislative matters, with the younger Skelos receiving about $300,000. Dean skeos resigned as leader of the state senate, but is still holding on to his senate seat representing his Long Island district.

The state DEC Announced that local governments and non-profit organizations in the Catskill region received $400,000 in Catskill Smart Growth Implementation grants. The grants will support projects in Catskill communities, in Delaware county, the Catskill Watershed Corporation will get $50,000 for the Catskill Park Wayfinding Sign Project, the Village of Fleischmanns will get over $45,000 for their Gateway Enhancement Project, the Town of Andes will get over $45,000 for the Ballantine Park Improvements Project.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has extended the ban on residential brush burning until May 21 due to continued dry conditions across the state. the burn ban also prohibits outdoor fires, such as campfires and recreational fires, and open fires used for cooking. This year, 110 fires have already burned nearly 3,600 acres.

19-year-old Joseph Mueller of Delhi suffered severe burns last night, hen his vehicle went into a propane tank outside the Delhi American Legion hall. The tank exploded, and firefighters from several area companies responded Mueller was taken to the burn unit at Upstate Medical Hospital in Syracuse. The crash happened at about 8:30 last night, about 30 people successfully evacuated the Legion hall, the Hall & a pavilion had minor damage, 3 store units were destroyed.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 43-year-old James Henderson of Franklin for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Mischief and Harassment. Troopers responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a dispute at a residence on Rod & Gun Club Road in the Town of Franklin. An investigation determined that during a physical dispute with his girlfriend he grabbed her by the neck, kept her from using the telephone to call police and would not let her leave. Henderson was arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond pending a court date for the Town of Franklin is on May 28th.

Dean Skelos resigned as State Senator Majority leader & State senator John Flanagan of Long Island was elected as the new Senate Majority leader, over Syracuse area State Senator John DeFrancisco, by the senate republican caucus. Area state Senator John Bonacic described how the causes went:

(Bonacic 5-14-15)

Skelos & his son face a number of charges of corruption following a federal investigation that also brought down former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver earlier this year. Both Skelos & Silver refused to resign from their seats in the respective houses.

Otsego County has received a federal grant through the New York State Homes & Community Renewal to replace dilapidated owner-occupied mobile homes with new, energy-efficient manufactured homes. General eligibility is based on gross household income at or below 80% of the area median, ownership in the name of the applicant of the property where the existing mobile home is located, and poor condition of the home. Mobile homes on rented lots or in parks are not eligible. Interested families are asked to call Otsego Rural Housing Assistance at 286-7244.

Chenango County Fire officials reported a Barn fire at around 1:00 PM this afternoon. The barn was located at 2065 state route 12 in the town of Greene; firefighters from Coventry and Brisben have also been called in. WCDO will have more details as they become available.

In 1984, New York State became the 1st State to pass legislation requiring drivers and front-seat passengers to use seat belts. State officials reported that thousands of lives a year have been saved by seat belts, including 467 in 2012 and 446 in 2013. Tomorrow, representatives from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee will be hosting an event regarding the latest "Click it or Ticket - Border to Border” enforcement mobilization, to enforce seat belt laws in the Southern Tier of New York & the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania. The event will be held at 11:00 AM at Broome Gateway Rest Area on Interstate 81 in Kirkwood.

State Senator Republicans have elected Senator John Flanagan as the State Senate Majority Leader. Flanagan replaces Dean Skelos, who is facing federal corruption charges & was forced to step aside.

Governor Cuomo issued an update on this weekend’s transformer fire at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Westchester, as the DEC, State Police & US Coast Guard continuing working at the scene. The DEC and Coast Guard, continue to clean up oil spills, as they evaluate the environmental damage, the DEC anticipates having an estimate of the amount oil recovered from the Hudson River by the end of the week. Some oil burned during the transformer fire or dispersed before containment was in place in the river.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested and charged a Sidney Center man with being a Fugitive from Justice from the State of New Jersey on Monday. Deputies arrested 33 year old Dennis Lafferty Jr., on a Warrant and Bail Forfeiture issued by a New Jersey Superior Court in March 2014. Lafferty was originally charged in New Jersey with Theft, Lafferty, was already incarcerated in the Delaware County Jail on an unrelated charge, he is scheduled to be arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court This morning as a Fugitive from Justice.

State Police are currently looking for 2 teenaged sisters from Binghamton, who have been missing since April 27th, they were last seen at Susquehanna Valley School waiting to get on the school bus that afternoon. Ky-Lea Fortner is a 15 year old, white female, 5’ 6” tall and thin build, with medium red hair, blue eyes and a lip piercing, she was wearing a white shirt, army pants and gray boots. Shaeleen Fortner is a 13-year-old white female, who is about 5’ 2” and thin build, with short dark brown hair and brown eyes, she was last seen wearing a black tank top, black leggings and converse sneakers. Any one with information should contact the State Police at 775-1241.

State DEC Officials are reminding area residents that the Burn Ban remains in effect through May 16th. The dry conditions along with the recent heat have led to a series of brush & grass fires across the Catskills. The regulations regarding open burning are available at DEC.NY.Gov.

State Senate majority Leader Dean Skelos of Long Island is expected to step down as leader of the state senate today, following his arrest on federal corruption charges, along with his son Adam. Skelos is expected to hold on to his seat in the state senate, just like former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver did earlier this year, after he was brought up on federal corruption charges. State Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse claims to have enough support to take over; as Senate majority leader should Skelos step down.

State Department of Health is reminding New Yorkers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against rabies exposure from stray and wild animals, like bats, which may find their way into people’s homes. If a bat is found inside the home, do not try to remove it by opening doors or windows; they should attempt to catch it safely using Doha’s guidelines. Once caught, individuals should contact their local health department so that the bat can be tested for rabies at the Rabies Laboratory in Albany. The Department has complied a listing of statewide free rabies clinics at health.ny.gov.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a vehicle in the Delaware River, just off Harvard Road in the Town of Hancock. Troopers located a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a New Jersey registration, approximately 50 feet into the river and half submerged in the water. Troopers found a deceased occupant, identified as 37 year old Stephen Maikisch of Somerset, New Jersey. Troopers reported that Maikisch exited State Route 17 at Exit 90 at a high rate of speed, drove through a t-intersection at the end of the ramp, crossed Harvard Road striking a guide rail and several trees. The Jeep traveled about 200 feet from the road before it came to rest in the river. Police said that a toxicology screening would be conducted and the results are pending.

Governor Cuomo honored 27 fallen law enforcement officers from agencies across New York State, including officers who died last year in the line of duty. The names of the 27 officers honored today have been inscribed on the Police Officers' Memorial located on the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Among those added to the memorial were State Trooper Christopher Skinner of Troop C, who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on I-81 on May 29th, and Johnson City Police Officer David Smith, who was ambushed while responding to a disturbance call on March 31. The memorial's complete Roll of Honor is posted at criminaljustice.ny.gov.

State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos refused to step down from his leadership position yesterday, despite his arrest on charges of bribery & extortion following a federal investigation. Former Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver resigned his leadership position in January after being arrested for similar offenses, he did not resign from his state assembly seat and remains free on bail.

The State Assembly looks to wrap up the legislative session in the coming weeks; on the agenda is the annual call by the Governor & assembly leadership to raise the minimum wage, as well as the farm labor bill. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that temporary Migrant labor is hired for the harvesting season, and they should remain exempt from state labor laws do to the different environment for work on farms:

(Crouch 5-6-15)

Crouch has served on the Assembly Farm committee during his tenure and is also the only former farmer serving in the state Assembly.

State Senator Jim Seward honored Patricia Kennedy of Oneonta as the 2015 Senate "Woman of Distinction" from the 51st senate district at the 18th annual senate Women of Distinction ceremony at the Capitol. Kennedy serves as the CEO at Springbrook, which serves over 850 people with developmental disabilities, & employs more than 1,200 individuals.

State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam turned themselves into federal authorities today following a federal investigation. Dean Skelos has been arrested on a 6-count indictment charging him with extortion & conspiracy; he becomes the latest high-ranking New York Lawmaker facing charges, the most recent being his former assembly counterpart Sheldon Silver on federal corruption charges. Skelos has not yet given up his position as Senate leader. Deputy Senate Leader Tom Libous of Binghamton is currently recuperating from back surgery in Florida, he is also facing charges for allegedly lying to FBI Investigators regarding a position his son received at a Westchester law firm.

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of a fatal motor vehicle accident involving 2 race vehicles on the dirt track at the Broome Tioga Raceway in the Town of Lisle. The investigation determined that 38-year-old Michael Smith of Owego, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer when he lost control of his vehicle on a turn and rolled over coming to rest on the driver’s side. His vehicle was then struck by approaching racer 35 year old Mitchell Quail of Richfield, who was unable to avoid a collision. Smith suffered a head injury from the collision and was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital were he died. An autopsy is pending; Mitchell Quail was not injured in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

Hunters harvested approximately 238,670 deer during the 2014-15 hunting seasons, slightly less than the statewide take the previous year, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The estimated take included 130,068 antlerless deer and 108,604 adult bucks. Regionally, hunters in the Southern Zone took 206,106 deer.