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.

Governor Cuomo has a large lead against his challengers, according to the latest Quinnipiac Poll. Cuomo topped Democratic challenger Cynthia Nixon by 59 to 23% among registered Democratics, against Republican candidate Marc Molinaro, Cuomo had a 43 to 23% lead.

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.

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.

Republican Bob Bishop of Hamden drops out of 19th congressional district race. Delaware County Republican Bob Bishop has dropped his bid to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional District.  Remaining candidates include Republican John Faso & Andrew Heaney & Democrats Zephyr Teachout & Will Yandik.

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.

Republican Presidential candidate John Kasich announced that he will be coming to Utica on Friday, April 15. Kasich's campaign confirms he will make a campaign stops in watertown Friday mornign at 10:00 AM, and then at Mohawk Valley Community College's in Utica at 2:00. Kasich is third among the 3 Republican candidates in the number of delegates, he & Donald Trump & Ted cruz, plus Democrats Hillary Clinton & Bernie Sanders are making the rounds prior to the New york STtye Primaries on April 19th.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos of Long Island is being investigated by federal authorities for his outside income. Skelos reported income from a Long Island Law Firm of $150,000 to $250,000 dollars; he also listed a large investment with a Pharmaceutical company. His Assembly counterpart Sheldon Silver was arrested last week on corruption charges following a federal investigation.

Governor Cuomo announced that the average wait time at state-run DMV offices was reduced to 30 minutes, down from an 72 minutes only 2 years ago. State officials said the “dramatic reduction” was achieved through a two-year process that included a new reservation system, expanded office hours, New technology at call centers, Greeters who direct new customers to where they need to go & a redesigned DMV website.

State Police from Sidney arrested 22 year old Jacob Richie of Unadilla for Identity Theft, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Petty Larceny. The arrest followed the report of a missing debit card from a residence on PlankenHorn Road in Sidney, Richie was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Sidney Court on February 12th.

Governor Cuomo announced $13.6 million in Community Renewal Funds for 44 projects in regions around the State, following yesterday's Regional Economic Development event. Winning entries came from the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the North Country. Locally, The Mohawk Valley Council will fund 21 projects, including: 7 in Otsego County, The Southern Tier Council will have funding for 9 projects, including Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi & The Town of Delhi to assist in the companies' expansion, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Microenterpise Program funds for Delaware County to assist in establishment of 15 agricultural microenterprises and create 22 jobs;

Governor Cuomo highlighted results from the first-ever Farm to Table Upstate-Downstate Agriculture Summit, which was held yesterday in New York City, to explore ways of increasing access to fresh food for underserved populations and growing New York City markets’ access to upstate agricultural producers. A number of proposals will be studied in order to get more upstate produce to the downstate markets, agriculture is still the #1 industry in New York State.

Republicans in the state Senate claim that the new federal immigration order could cost New York as much as $2 billion in Medicaid costs. In a letter, Republican Leader Dean Skelos estimated as many as 300,000 immigrants could enroll in Medicaid under the federal policies ordered last month by President Obama. The state has yet to weigh in on what the cost of the new immigration rules will have on New York, which has a large immigrant population. The state Department of Health said it is reviewing the president's order. Gov. Cuomo will release his state budget proposal next month.

Governor Cuomo launched a statewide toy, coat and school supplies holiday giving drive to benefit families in need throughout New York. The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to bring the toys, coats and school supplies, which will be distributed to families in need. The drop-off locations will collect donations through December 19.The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State office building at 44 Hawley Street

Governor Cuomo called for reviews and reforms within New York's criminal justice system, in the wake of a Staten Island grand jury's decision, not to indict a police officer in the death of Eric Garner. Cuomo pledged to put the criminal justice review at the top of his agenda for the next legislative session. Ideas could include changes to the state's grand jury process. The governor also called for better training and more transparency in police departments.

State Police are investigating an armed robbery Saturday night outside the Citizens Bank on River Road in the town of Chenango. 3 victims employed at the Red & White grocery store & Guiseppe’s pizza, were robbed at knifepoint when they attempted to make a night bank drop off. The suspect was described as a male who is 6 ft - 6 ft 2 inches tall and 200 lbs to 225 pounds, wearing all black clothing and a black mask. The assailant stole an undisclosed amount of cash & fled on foot, anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 775-1241.

State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton will remain the #2 Republican in the Senate leadership despite lingering cancer issues & legal problems. Libous told WCDO News that the state is moving in the right direction and he enjoys being a part of it:

(Libous 11-18-14)

Libous still faces a charge of lying to the FBI in a case involving his son receiving a job at a politically connected law firm, he also continues to undergo cancer treatments, which he tries to schedule around his hectic schedule.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Benjamin Ryan of Oxford for Felony DWI, & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The arrest resulted from a vehicle stop for failing to stop at a stop sign on State Route 7 in Unadilla, the investigation determined that Ryan was driving while intoxicated, a check of his criminal history showed that he had a prior conviction for DWI and a prior felony conviction. During an inventory of the vehicle, Ryan was accused of unlawfully possessing a bolt-action rifle. Ryan was arraigned at the Town of Unadilla Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

After New York voters approved 4 upstate casinos last November, 4 Atlantic City casinos have closed and new casinos opened or were approved in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. State regulators may award only 3 licenses instead of the 4 authorized in the 2013 referendum. The state board reviewing casino pitches is expected to make its decisions later this month, with 16 proposals vying for licenses to be split among the Capital Region, the Finger Lakes/Southern Tier region and the Catskills.

Republican State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos supports giving New York lawmakers their first pay hike in 14 years, which may lead to the Legislature coming back to Albany before January to approve it. Senate Republicans met behind closed doors at the state Capitol, where they re-elected Skelos to another two-year term as their leader. Governor Cuomo hasn’t discussed a pay increase for lawmakers, he would have to call a special session of the Legislature before January for the pay increase to be voted on.

A proposal to build a taxiway at the Oneonta municipal airport will be addressed by the Oneonta Common Council during a meeting tonight. Federal and state grants have been approved for construction of a partial parallel taxiway. The council also will consider a lease agreement with the Oneonta Little League for use of the Swart Wilcox “Richard Murphy” Field; funding steps for the Wilber Park bridge replacement project; business contracts and adopting a local law setting certain tax abatements for local housing. The meeting will be in Common Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 7:00 PM.

State Police have released details of the double homicide and subsequent Broome & Cortland Counties high speed chase that ended Sunday .  Police reponded to the reports of gunfire at  844 Pennsylvania Avenue in Palenville, troopers dsicvered Daniel Brennan of Schenectady &  Pammi Mroczek of Palenville dead from gunshot wounds inside.  Police began searching for Mroczek’s estranged husband & suspected killer 46 year old Robert Mroczek, who was found on I-81 in the town of Chenango.  Mroczek fled, with a high spped pursuit into the Town of Cortlandville in Cortland County. The pursuit  ended with the deployment of stop sticks causing Mroczek’s vehicle to travel off the east shoulder of the roadway. Mroczek was pronounced deceased at the scene from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.---------------------------------------------

Tioga County Republican Denver Jones is facing stiff oppositions in his bid to take on state senator Tom Libous in a Republican primary.  Libous' campaign challenged the 1,700 petition signatures Jones submitted, and the state Board of Elections tossed almost 800 signatures, leaving Jones about 30 shy of qualifying.  Jones filed suit in State Supreme Court to have his petitions restored, that was followed another 15 signatures being tossed by the court itself.

Governor Cuomo will lead a delegation of state officials and business leaders to Israel as a show of “solidarity” this week. This is Cuomo’s first international trip since taking office as governor in 2011, with plans to take a commercial flight to Tel Aviv tomorrow. The delegation will include Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos and Senate Independent Democratic Conference Chairman Jeff Klein. The trip comes amid a continuing conflict between Israel and Palestinians that has been waged for more than a month

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & 29 other state attorneys general sent a letter urging the FDA to strengthen its proposed regulation of electronic cigarettes, with the goal of protecting young people from the harms of nicotine. The attorney generals pressed the FDA to prohibit flavors in e-cigarettes, and to restrict advertising and marketing for e-cigarettes in the same manner as cigarettes. The FDA issued proposed regulations deeming e-cigarettes “tobacco products,” which puts them under the FDA’s regulatory jurisdiction.

State Police arrested 31 year old Dawn Otte, of Walton, for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated in violation of Leandra’s Law.  The arrest occurred after Troopers at the Delaware Valley Hospital observed an intoxicated woman walk in after driving herself.  An investigation determined that Otte had also dropped off a child, less than 16 years old, prior to arriving at the hospital intoxicated, she was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and then released without bail.

The 1st phase of the Kamikaze curve construction project at state route 17 & I-81 in Binghamton will b completed in about 18 months, motorists in that area will notice a change in traffic patterns & detours there, according to State DOT Spokesman Dave Hamburg:

(Dave Hamburg 6-12-14)

Hamburg said that the project is on time & on budget, with this first phase expected to be completed in December of 2015.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is still pushing for the legislature to pass the minimum wage and Dream Act bills, as lawmakers work toward adjournment.  The minimum wage proposal would raise the wage to $10.10 per hour; The Dream Act would extend financial aid to students who are in the country illegally. Both measures have support in the Assembly but face challenges in the Senate, where the Dream Act has already failed once. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos doesn't expect the Senate to consider any controversial legislation before the end of session on June 19th.

The state Senate passed a bill to require state colleges to inform law enforcement of a missing student or a violent felony within 24 hours.  The Senate passed the measure on Wednesday and the Assembly passed the updated College Safety Act in March. It's now awaiting the signature of Governor Cuomo. The Legislature initially passed the College Safety Act in 1999 after the disappearance of University at Albany student Suzanne Lyall, it requires colleges & universities to notify local law enforcement of any violent felony offense or missing person on campus, it didn't require the schools to actually report such incidents to outside authorities.

Governor Cuomo will soon decide whether yogurt will become New York’s official state snack. The Assembly approved a bill to make yogurt an official state snack Wednesday, by a vote of 85-1, following a 45-minute debate in the state Senate last month.  The bill was skewered by late-night TV hosts, including Jon Stewart and David Letterman, the bill heads to the governor’s desk; he is expected to sign it.

The Civil Service Employees Association members, who work for the state court system, have voted 2-to-1 in favor of a new contract covering 5,700 employees with annual 2 percent salary increases for three years. The contract runs retroactively from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2017. Raises are scheduled for October of this year, April 2015 and April 2016, with a $750 bonus March 31, 2017.

The New York State Senate passed a bill that would ban the sale of powdered alcohol, known as Palcohol. The FDA approved the substance in April, but the agency quickly reversed its decision, the New York bill would ban the product in the state even if it gets approval from the FDA.  Powdered alcohol has been banned in Alaska and legislation to ban it has been approved in South Carolina and Vermont.

State police responded to the report of an accident in the town of Deposit early Saturday morning.  52-year-old Gerald Kamp of Deposit drove his Mercedes Benz off of airport road & into a tree, at about 6:00 AM Saturday, when he failed to make a sharp left curve in the road.  Kamp was pronounced dead at the scene, the investigation is ongoing.

State Senate Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos announced today that State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton is stepping down as head of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee as he deals with ongoing health issues.  Libous will remain as the 2nd most powerful Republican in the state senate, he continues to battle cancer, which was first diagnosed in 2009.