WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-2-25

Governor Hochul is reminding New York parents to visit ny.gov/phonefree to review the distraction-free learning policy for their child’s school district or charter school, as they must implement bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices. The ny.gov/phonefree webpage enables parents and students to look up the distraction-free policies published by approximately 1,080 school districts around the state

On Saturday, September 6th, from 11 am. to 3 pm., the New York State Police will be hosting a “Service Day” open house event at the State Police Academy on the Harriman State Office Campus at 1220 Washington Avenue in Albany. The event is free & is open to the public, there will be live demonstrations, including our K9 Unit, Aviation Unit, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drone) unit, Underwater Recovery Team and more. There will also be free child safety seat installations, fun family activities and food trucks.

The Tri-County Chapter of the New York State Women's Inc.'s annual AMBA blood Screening clinic will be held this Saturday at the Sidney Elks'; Lodge of River Street from 6:00 to 10:00 AM. Participants must have a prescription from their Doctor, appointments must be made at 1-800-234-8888.

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Detail Friday in Delaware County. 12 area business in Sidney, Masonville, Walton, Delhi, & Franklin were in compliance, 1 business was not in compliance, as an employee of Carroll and Carvers Wine and Spirits in Sidney was issued an appearance ticket for the violation for Prohibited Sale of Alcohol to a Person Under 21. During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-2-25

19 year old Jayden Aviles of Maryland, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court & pleaded guilty to 1 count of Criminally Negligent Homicide, On September 29, 2024, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched for a 1 car MVA into a house on State Route 23 in the Town of Davenport, they determined that Aviles was the driver of the vehicle and appeared to be impaired by drugs, his vehicle had hit 2 individuals in the house, with one suffering injuries and the other passing as a result of the crash. Sentencing will be held on November 18th.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office concluded the death investigation in the Town of Conklin that has been ruled a murder-suicide stemming from an ongoing family dispute. On Friday, August 22nd, 65 year old Michael Shuta of Conklin was found deceased in Montrose, Pennsylvania, Shuta’s death was ruled a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Police in Pennsylvania and New York believe that Shuta shot his nephew, 41 year old Matthew Slavetskas of Conklin, who was found dead by Officers at his Brady Hill Road residence. Detectives reported that both pistols used in the murder and the suicide were registered to Shuta.

The Chenango County Historical Society won a Technical Assistance grant, which will go for a Specialized Conservation Study for the roof of their building, the former Ward School No. 2, on Rexford Street in Norwich, Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 8-29-25)

The Preservation League of New York State and the State Council on the Arts selected 31 applicants in 20 counties to receive support totaling $347,500. Chenango County Historical Society will be working with Delta Engineers, Architects, & Surveyors to finalize roof replacement plans shortly.

State Police in Saratoga and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting at the State Police location on state Route 9 in Malta at about 1:40 PM Wednesday. An unidentified individual started firing a rifle at the barracks, troopers responded & the suspect is deceased. Two troopers suffered minor injuries. The investigation is continuing.

State Police announced that an injured bald eagle that was hit on February 27th by a vehicle in Oxford, has been returned to the wild. State Troopers & the DEC responded to the scene, the eagle was taken to the Janet Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell, the eagles was bruised but did not have broken bones. The eagle was sent to the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center and after the completed rehabilitation, the eagle was released back into wild after 6 weeks. Video of the release is available on the State Police Facebook page.

Agri-Mark Incorporated of Vermont has recalled 189 cases of Cabot Creamery 8-ounce premium butter, Consumers should not eat or use the recalled butter, which has an expiration date of September 9th. Agri-Mark officials said that they have recovered 99.5% of the potentially contaminated lot before it was sold to consumers, it was found to contain Coliform bacteria, Cabot products are sold in several states, including in New York.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-10-25

Broome County Sheriff’s Office & Binghamton Police conducted targeted enforcement last Friday as part of the State Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, they performed a total of 19 vehicle stops, among those arrested, 18 year old Isaac Decker of Chenango for speeding, DWI, Reckless Endangerment & several other charges after Decker caused a a 2-car motor vehicle accident at the Court Street roundabout. The Detail also arrested 42 year old Jesten Hyde of Conklin for a variety of drug charges, Hyde was found to possess 23 grams of methamphetamine. The initiative also resulted in drug charges against 38 year old Christopher Pierre of Endicott, for possessing cocaine, methamphetamine and a schedule 2 controlled substance.

28 year old Keisha Wright of Hancock appeared in Delaware County Court Tuesday & was sentenced to 1 year in jail for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. In October of 2023, a State Trooper located a stolen credit card in a store in Deposit they were able to identify Wright as the individual that dropped the card. The credit card was not used, & the owner had canceled it. Wright admitted in court that she possessed the stolen credit card & intended to use it. She was due to be sentenced to a 9 month prison term, but she failed to appear for sentencing, she was located, arrested & was returned Delaware County Court where Judge Hubbard imposed imposed an enhanced sentence

An Oneida County Grand Jury met Wednesday regarding the death of Midstate Correctional inmate Messiah Nantwi, who died March 1st. 15 staff members at both Midstate and Marcy Correctional are on leave or suspended in connection with the case. The Grand Jury will determine if there is evidence to indict them.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-18-23

The heavy rain has slowed down & is changing over to snow showers in some location this afternoon, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News that there could be some isolated minor flooding:

(Rich Townsend 12-18-23)

Delaware County DPW Commissioner Jim Thomas reported some roads were flooded earlier today, including State Route 357, which was closed between County Route 14 and State Route 28 in Franklin, also Flooding on State Route 10 slowed traffic between Peaks Brook Road in Delhi and County Route 16, 1 lane traffic was being directed by DOT flaggers, County Route 18 above Delhi & County Route 9 were also closed earlier this afternoon. The Otsego County Sheriff's office announced road closures at Piermott Lane and Wileytown Road in the Town of Hartwick, County Highway 48 between Chamberlain Hill and Downey Road Spur in Otego, County Highway 4 between Mill Street and Hilton Street in the Town of Butternuts, County Highway 29 in the town of Springfield & Miller Road in the Town of Pittsfield. Updated road information will posted at 511ny.org.

The number of full-time local government workers employed outside of New York City shrank 7.9% from 2007 through 2022, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York’s decline in local government employment is in contrast to the nation, which saw a 2% increase in the number of full-time employees over this 15-year period. Local government workforce levels were most impacted by two key events during this time – the Great Recession of 2007-09 and the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts were the largest local government employer in 2022, Counties were second, followed by cities and villages and towns.

Congressman Marc Molinaro will host a 'Coffee With Your Congressman' meeting today, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at the Park Diner & Restaurant at 119 Conklin Ave, Binghamton. This event will be open to the public and give constituents an opportunity to connect with Molinaro, ask questions, or share feedback.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will return this year to honor fallen State Trooper Christopher Skinner, who served for 13 years & was killed in a hit and run in 2014 while conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 81 in the Town of Chenango. This Year's Blood Drive will be held on December 26 at Five Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood, from 12 to 6 pm, appointment are available at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1(800) Red Cross or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-16-22

The CDC reports that COVID-19 sub-variants continuing to spread, with all but 1 county in New York State designated as medium or high-risk. The State Health Department recommends that people wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. 45 counties in New York are now designated as high-risk, up from 36 counties just a week ago, another 16 counties have been designated as medium-risk and only The Bronx remains at low-risk levels. The majority of the Northeast states are deemed medium or high-risk for COVID spread of the latest sub variants.

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced that the State Supreme Appellate Division Third Department upheld the conviction of Michael Gincerowksi Jr. for vehicular manslaughter & DWI. Gincerowksi was convicted 3 years ago for the striking and killing 16-year-old Constance Mazzarese while she was riding her bicycle along State Route 369 in the Town of Fenton, the court ruled that the original conviction & sentence in Broome County Court was the proper verdict & Punishment.

Another lawsuit is being filed to throw out the new redistricting maps that set the boundaries of State Assembly districts. The lawsuit has been filed by a bipartisan group of political activists that contends that the maps drawn by the legislature, it asks for a judge to throw out the Assembly Maps and move all of New York’s primary elections to the same day. Currently, the Assembly & Gubernatorial Primaries are scheduled for June, while the State Senate & Congressional primaries have been moved to August.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-16-22

18 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin has been charged with 1st degree murder, for the mass shooting Saturday at a Buffalo Tops Supermarket, 10 people were killed, 3 injured, Buffalo Police believe that Gendron drove to Buffalo specifically to shoot & kill black people in the supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood, Gendron allegedly posted a white supremacist manifesto online, he had previously received a mental health evaluation after making threats of violence in 2021 at Susquehanna Valley High School. Gendron is being held without bail pending court action on Thursday, more charges are expected as the investigation continues, the FBI is investigating.

State Police at Deposit arrested 21 year old Marcos Parker of Binghamton for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop on State Route 17E in the town of Deposit after observing a vehicle speeding. The trooper observed that the letters on the license plate were not raised, like they’re supposed to be. An investigation revealed that Parker had a fake license plate made, he was arrested and his vehicle was towed, he is scheduled to appear in the Deposit Town Court on June 13th.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-24-22

The State Department of Labor reported that the number of private sector jobs in the Sate increased over the month by 39,800, or 0.5%, to 7,888,300 in February. The State's unemployment rate decreased from 5.3% to 4.9% in February.

This Week is National Poison Prevention Week, the State Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of prevention measures to reduce the risk of poisoning. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Annual Report on Pediatric Poisoning Fatalities and Injuries pediatric poisonings involving children under 5 years of age resulted in 43 fatalities in 2020, a 26 percent increase from 2019. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at dos.ny.gov, more information about household poisons is available by calling 800-697-1220.

227 new Troopers were honored for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 210th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy during graduation exercises at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. Over 50 of the new troopers will be assigned to Troop C in Sidney.

State Trooper T.J. Conklin responded to a welfare check of an elderly man at the Whitney Point Rest Area off I-81. Trooper Conklin learned the man’s family accidentally left him behind at the rest stop after he stepped out to stretch his legs. State police say the man had no phone, Trooper Conklin located a family member out of state who was able to connect with the family members in the car. The man’s family realized he wasn’t sleeping in the back seat where he left his jacket over some baggage, They had already traveled 3 hours away, so Trooper Conklin drove the man to Roscoe where they all had dinner together at a local diner.

Broome County Family Court Judge Rick Miller has officially been removed from office, following a lengthy investigation for sexual harassment allegations brought on by employees. Miller also failed to accurately report outside income, the state Commission on Judicial Conduct ruled 7 to 2 that he should be removed from office, Miller appealed and the case went to the State Court of Appeals. Miller has been removed as Family Court Judge, he is also barred from being a judge, but he can retain his law license.

State Trooper Timothy Conklin of Troop C has been named as a finalist for the 2019 "Trooper of the Year" by the International Association of Chiefs of Police's Division of State and Provincial Police. Trooper Conklin was honored for his actions at a January, 2019 traffic stop that turned into a shootout in Kirkwood. Trooper Conklin was one of four nominees recognized for their heroic actions. He is representing the North Atlantic region.

Governor Cuomo announced that over 136,000 COVID 19 tests were conducted Thursday across the state, there were 1707 positives, 918 are hospitalized, 200 are in ICU beds, 97 are on Ventilators, & 10 died from the virus, the state's death toll is 25,628. Over 481,000 have tested positive for the virus since March.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 numbers today, they report that they are up to 291 cases, with 26 Active Cases, no one is hospitalized, and there are 205 Active Quarantines. Since March there have been 7 deaths 246 Total Recoveries & 32,599 tests have been conducted.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-16-20

The State Department of Labor announced that the State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 12.5% to 9.7% in September. The number of unemployed New York State residents decreased by 302,000, while labor force levels decreased by 362,900.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of an unidentified 47 year old Endicott man who was struck by a train in the Town of Union. The incident occurred at 11:45 AM Thursday near the Hooper Road overpass in Endwell. Police do not suspect foul play, the investigation is continuing.

State Police arrested 25 year old Emily Ives of
Morris for DWI, with a B.A.C of .14%.
Troopers were advised of lookout for a vehicle with out of state license
plates driving erratically on Otsego County Road 48 in the town of Otego.  Troopers located Ives in a running vehicle in
the town of Oneonta, she attempted to leave the scene unsuccessfully, and she
was issued appearance tickets & was turned over to a sober third party.

State Police at Norwich arrested 51 year old Eden
Nelson of Greene for DWI following a report of an accident in the town of
Greene, with 1 vehicle struck in a guiderail and the operator fleeing the
scene.   Nelson was located, arrested
& she was processed then released on appearance tickets to the town of
Greene court on January 9th.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently
looking for Eric Marks of Conklin on an outstanding warrant.  Marks is a White Male, 6’ 4”, 220 Pounds,
with Brown Eyes & Hair, anyone with information on the location of Marks is
asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at
gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by calling the 778-1196.

The Delaware County
Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance with 2 forced entry
burglaries on December 9th at the Mirabito Convenience Store and Subway at 494
West Main St. and the Hancock Post Office.
Authorities asks that anyone with information regarding these burglaries
to contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Office Investigators at
(607)-832-5629.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 37 year old Hector
Reiter of Otego for the felony Aggravated DWI, and Aggravated Unlicensed
Operator, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop on Lower Main Street in the
city of Oneonta after he observed Reiter operating a vehicle in an unsafe
manner.   Reiter's B.A.C was .21%, he was
processed then transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.

State Police at Sidney arrested 57 year old Thomas Brainerd of Unadilla forAggravated DWI with a reportable B.A.C of .26%.  Troopers were dispatched to a report of a two-car crash on State Highway 7 in the town of Unadilla.  An investigation revealed that Brainerd failed to yield to another vehicle while leaving a driveway, while intoxicated.  A passenger of the other vehicle was taken to AO Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus,  Brainerd was processed and released on appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on December 16th.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell held a press
conference earlier today, regarding the investigation of the shooting involving
Trooper Timothy Conklin & Nicholas Philhower on January 28th, when Conklin
attempted to apprehend Philhower in the town of Kirkwood:

(Steve Cornwell 2-18-19)

Cornwell state that Trooper Conklin responded to the report
of a stolen Nissan that Philhower took from his mother without permission, and
she reported the car stolen.   Philhower
was pronounced dead at the scene, Trooper Conklin was treated for an arm wound,
he will return to duty this week, and Trooper Conklin’s actions have been ruled
as justified.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office conducted an audit
of the Bainbridge Fire Department.  The
audit stated that the board established adequate controls to help safeguard
assets, and the legally required procurement policy, investment policy and code
of ethics were in place. The treasurer's financial records and reports
accurately and properly accounted for all financial activities. Although the
board did not perform a formal annual audit of the treasurer's records, it
reviewed reports each month and performed a thorough audit of claims before
they were paid to ensure they were supported and funds were used for legitimate
expenditures.

Governor Cuomo announced plans to close up to 3 correctional
facilities following record reductions in the State's incarcerated population
and reported crime.  The Department of
Corrections and Community Supervision will select the prisons, transition staff
and incarcerated individuals, and cease facility operations by no later than
September 1st.   Since 2011, the prison
population has declined by nearly 10,000 or 16.7% from 56,419 to 46,973 people,
currently.

Governor Cuomo announced that
all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients will receive next
month's benefits no later than March 7 - approximately one week earlier than
scheduled. The early release is intended to ease the burden on recipients that
have been forced to stretch February's benefits for more than six weeks because
of the recent unprecedented shutdown of the federal government.  Nearly 20,000 New Yorkers were furloughed
during the federal shutdown and many more were working without pay for 35 days,
leaving countless New Yorkers with no choice but to seek emergency food assistance
for the first time.

State Police responded Friday night to a pedestrian that was
struck by a vehicle on State Route 23 near the entrance to Wal-Mart in the town
of Oneonta.   The pedestrian disregarded
the crosswalk sign and crossed in front of the vehicle's path on State Route
23, the pedestrian has been identified as 62-year-old Steven Grant of Oneonta,
and He was airlifted by Life Net to Wilson Memorial Hospital with serious
injuries.  The driver of the vehicle, a
31-year-old male has been cooperative with troopers.  At this time, no tickets have been
issued.  The investigation is continuing.

On January 20th troopers were dispatched to a possible
overdose in a vehicle parked in Dollar General on North Road in the town of
Windsor.  Troopers observed both
occupants passed out, they were assessed by paramedics & were charged with
a variety of drug & other charges.  Arrested
were 24 year old Caitlynn Rhodes of Colesville, & 24 year old Tieler
Kennerup of Windsor, they were arraigned at Broome County Central Arraignment
and Processing.  Kennerup was released on
his own recognizance and Rhodes was remanded to the Broome County Jail without
bail.

At approximately 7:35 p.m. on
Tuesday evening, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and Emergency Crews
responded to a tractor trailer roll-over accident, with entrapment, on State
Highway 10 in Town of Hamden.   The tractor
trailer had struck and severed a utility pole, bringing power lines down on the
overturned truck. The driver of the truck, 77 year old James Updyke of Homer
was pronounced dead at the scene.  The
highway was closed down for several hours for the investigation & clean up;
it was re-opened for traffic Wednesday morning.
Investigators determined that Updyke failed to negotiate a curve in the
roadway, crossed the roadway and ran off the southbound shoulder where the
truck struck a utility pole and tree and overturned.  The cause of the accident remains pending
upon the completion of an autopsy.

Governor Cuomo has directed the
State Police & The State Education Department to launch an investigation
into the allegations that 12-year-old girls were strip searched for drugs at
the Binghamton middle school recently.
Cuomo said that the girls were strip searched as they were perceived as
“'hyper and giddy” and it raises concerns of racial and gender bias.

Delaware County Corrections
Sergeant Alan Weaver of Andes was named “Corrections Officer of the Year” by
the New York State Sheriff’s Association winter conference held in Albany, last
week.  Corrections Officer of the Year is
an award that is bestowed on a Sheriff’s Correction Officer who has
demonstrated an exceptional degree of dedication and commitment to the duties
of the Sheriff’s Office in operating County Jails.

State Police received a report Monday that 30 year old
Nicholas Philhower had taken his mother’s vehicle without permission and she
requested he be located and arrested.
Trooper Timothy Conklin observed the suspect vehicle on State Route 17
in the Town of Kirkwood,  Philhower took
evasive action, traveling through the median and then onto State Route 17 east
bound, coming to a stop shortly thereafter.
Philhower was armed with a military style semi-automatic rifle,
immediately opened fire on Trooper Conklin through the rear window of the
vehicle.  Trooper Conklin returned fire
through the windshield of his troop car as Philhower exited his vehicle and
continued to advance and fire upon the trooper.
Trooper Conklin was able to reload, exit the troop car and continue to
exchange fire.   Philhower was struck
several times and died at the scene.
Trooper Conklin sustained a minor shrapnel injury to his upper right arm
and was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where he was treated and
released.  An autopsy on Philhower will
be performed today at Lourdes Hospital.
The investigation is on-going.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $30 million in Upstate
Revitalization Initiative funding has been awarded to Binghamton University to
complete its Health Sciences Campus in Johnson City. This latest investment
will finalize the nursing school building that will be housed in an historic,
former Endicott Johnson shoe box factory, and co-located with the University’s
new School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

State Police arrested 43-year-old Stacey Juhl of Portlandville for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & other traffic violations. A trooper observed a vehicle with a loud exhaust, as it weaving across road markings on State Route 28 in the town of Milford. Juhl is accused of driving while impaired by drugs, she was found to unlawfully possess an oxycodone pill. Juhl was transported to Fox Hospital where she consented to a test of her blood for drugs. The lab results are still pending. Juhl was issued tickets that are returnable to the Milford town Court on February 27, 2018.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency announced that a $50,000 low interest loan has been granted to the owners of the O'Neill's Shire Pub in Delhi, to assist in the restoration. The tavern suffered damage in a fire last June that was attributed to the spontaneous combustion of cleaning towels in the kitchen. The restoration is also being helped by an $85,000 grant from the State Office of Community Renewal. The tavern employs over 20 people.

Governor Cuomo today announced a 30-day budget amendment will be advanced to prohibit the so-called gay and trans panic defenses from being used in New York State to blame LGBTQ people for the violence committed against them. The current gay and trans panic defenses allow those responsible for violent crimes against LGBTQ people to receive a lesser sentence, and in some cases, even avoid being convicted, by placing the blame on a victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Scott Ward of Binghamton for 3rd degree Assault, following the report of a bar fight January 20th in Conklin. Ward is accused of pushing & kicking a man, resulting in lacerations to his face & chipping a tooth. The victim was treated at Lourdes Hospital then released, ward faces court action in Conklin Town Court on February 26th.

New York's system of state parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails welcomed 71.5 million estimated visitors in 2017, which represents an overall increase of 23% or 13.6 million visitors since 2011. State Parks saw an increase from 70.6 million to 71.5 million in 2017, since the inception of the New York Parks 2020 program, more than 700 improvement projects have been completed or are underway.

State Police advised that Christian Rojas-Martinez, age 22, of Bronx, NY was found deceased earlier today inside a body of water that was inside the area being search.  An investigation as determined that since January 19, Christian was staying at a home and was camping with six other men at 521 Old Ferris Farm Road, in the town of Roxbury.  On the evening of January 20, he wandered away from the location and did not return.  He was reported missing by his companions on January 21, at about 12:45 a.m.  The investigation is ongoing.      State Police were assisted in the search by two NYSP K-9s, NYSP Aviation, NYS DEC, NYS Forest Rangers, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Town of Roxbury Constable, and fire department and EMS personnel from Roxbury, Grand Gorge, and Hobart.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred at about 4:50 am that claimed the lives of 3 people.  Killed in the fire were 33 year old Debbie L Pfeiffer, 1 year old Benjamin Pfeiffer and 10 year old Amber Morrow.  The cause of the fire is still being investigated and autopsies will conducted on the victims on 01/23/18 at Lourdes Hospital.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Chenango County Bureau of Fire, Plymouth Fie Department, North Norwich Fire Department, City of Norwich Fire Department, Smyrna Fire Department, Sherburne Fire Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.  Further details will be released when they become available.

Jury selection began today in the corruption trial of Joseph Percoco, who was a top aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Percoco is charged with taking $300,000 worth of bribes from 2 companies working with the state. Prosecutors say he used his relationship with Cuomo to win those companies favorable treatment.

Governor Cuomo may be softening his stance against recreational marijuana against the state's increasing economic problems, which have been made more difficult by the new Federal Tax plans:

(Cuomo 1-22-18)

The Governor made those remarks during his budget presentation earlier this month, as a way to raise revenue for the state.

State Police arrested 59 year old Anthony Middletown of Cobourg, Ontario for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and other traffic violations, after a trooper saw Middletown using a cellphone while he was driving in the town of Conklin. Middletown had his li9cense suspended 12 times in New York on 11 different dates, he was arraigned in the town of Conklin Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

Governor Cuomo announced the 38th annual Empire State Winter Games will kick off on Thursday, February 1 and will run until Sunday, February 4 in Lake Placid. More than 2,500 participants will compete in 17 different sports during the 3-day festival. The Games will kick off with an inaugural Torch Relay departing from New York City.

Local state lawmakers reacted to Governor Cuomo's State of The State Address, which was delivered to a joint session in Albany Wednesday afternoon. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 1-4-18)

State Senator Jim Seward also commented:

(Seward 1-4-18)

The state budget will be due April 1st, current estimates predict a 4 to 6 billion dollar deficit built into that plan before is it even enacted.

The Sidney Historical Association & the Sidney Memorial Public Library will co-sponsor a presentation on the restoration of the Andrew Mann Inn on State Route 7 in Sidney. Current Owner Kurt Reigel will discuss the buildings history & his current restoration efforts, on January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Library's Smart Community Room.

State Troopers initiated a pursuit of a suspect in Binghamton Tuesday afternoon. 36 year old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey was wanted on an active warrant, he led police on a pursuit through the city's Southside, on Conklin Avenue, he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole, troopers tried to take Giacalone into custody, but he backed his vehicle away from troopers into a parking lot. Troopers approached the vehicle, Giacalone accelerated forward, striking one of the troopers, who shot Giacalone in the face, he then attempted to flee again. Giacalone was eventually taken into custody & was brought to Wilson Hospital and transferred to another hospital in Pennsylvania for treatment of gunshot wound to the face. The injured trooper was taken to Wilson Hospital for leg and facial injuries and was treated and released. State Police are asking the public for any witnesses or information related to this incident at 775-1241.

Governor Cuomo delivered his state of the State address this afternoon to a joint session of the legislature in Albany, he asked lawmakers to cooperate, in a time of political divisiveness:

(Cuomo 1-3-18)

Both Houses of the legislature will get to work this week on the agenda, topping the list is dealing with a state budget that already has a 4 billion dollar deficit attached.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested 46-year-old William Shaver of Fish’s Eddy for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation after he was observed operating a tractor-trailer on State Highway 17 in an erratic manner. Shaver was found to have an active Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Hancock Court for resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless driving and failure to comply. Shaver was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court where he posted $1500 cash bail. Shaver is to reappear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

State Police became involved in a pursuit with a suspect wanted on a warrant of arrest in the City of Binghamton yesterday afternoon at about 5:00 PM. The pursuit reached the intersection of Conklin Avenue and Alfred Street, troopers were attempting to apprehend the suspect when he intentionally struck a trooper with his vehicle, the suspect sustained a gunshot wound, and fled the scene. He was apprehended a short distance away and was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital for treatment. The trooper was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Both the trooper and suspect are in stable condition. State Police officials said that additional information will be released as this investigation continues.

State Police responded Friday to a report of a 2 vehicle collision on State Route 28, in the town of Franklin. 31 year old James Crosby of Delhi drifted into the southbound lane of State Route 28 and struck a tractor trailer head on. 42 year old Jamie Dougherty of Oneonta was operating the Tractor-Trailer attempted to avoid being struck by Crosby, drifted off the road, striking a stone wall, and coming to rest in the woods. Doughtery was transported to Fox Hospital, Crosby was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is continuing.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that 7-year-old Connor Brown of Conklin has died. After he & his 8-year-old brother were playing outside and walked onto the ice.   Connor fell through the ice, his mother & brother tried to rescue him & also fell through the ice. Neighbors pulled the mother and brother to safety, but Connor had been swept under the ice by the current. The boy’s body was located just north of where he fell into the river by a Conklin fireman, he was transported to Wilson Hospital, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies are still investigating.

About 1000 New York state troopers and officers from other law enforcement agencies attended the funeral of Trooper Brian Falb in Plattsburgh this morning.   Trooper Falb served in the state police for 18 years starting in 1998 died March 13th from complications from illnesses contracted while responding to the September 11th 2001 Terrorist attacks in New York City.

Tomorrow is National Agriculture Day; with proclamations form all levels of Government noting the importance of the farming industry. Chenango Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-20-17)

Vickers noted that Agriculture is still the Number one industry locally, and for New York State.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it would extend the hours of its call center today, to assist small business taxpayers filing their sales tax returns before the midnight deadline tonight. Call center representatives will be available for an additional three hours, until 7:30 PM. The Tax Department expects 80,000 sales tax returns to be filed today & several thousand will likely be submitted within only a few hours of the midnight deadline. Taxpayers with questions can call 518-485-2889 for help in filing their returns. Officials said that many of the questions could be answered at tax.ny.gov.

State Police arrested 43-year-old Donald Hart of Bainbridge, for criminal Contempt & Harassment.   Troopers were advised of a physical dispute in the Village of Greene, where Hart grabbed the victim by the arm, which violated a valid order of protection. Hart was arraigned in the Village of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $ 2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

Governor Cuomo today announced that registration is now open for the sixth annual “I Love My Park” Day on May 6th at state parks, historic sites and public lands across the state. The event is an effort to enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and raise awareness and visibility to the entire parks system and its needs. This year’s event includes partnerships with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Park Service, with volunteer events planned at several locations in the Adirondack and Catskill regions and at 5 national parks in New York State.

The State Attorney General Eric Schneidermann said that his office receives complaints from consumers about tax-related schemes, by scammers who are impersonating IRS officials and attempting to collect bogus tax debts, by phone calls or emails. The IRS and legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment or payment information over the phone. New Yorkers can report potential scams to the Attorney General's office at 1-800-771-7755. Scams or the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

The stalking case of Cal Harris of Spencer in town of Oneonta court has been postponed to November 10th. Harris was originally due in court today following his arrest on June 10th, for allegedly stalking state police investigator Terry Schultz in front of the Schultz home, after the Investigator testified in Harris’s most recent murder trial in Schoharie County Court. Harris is charged with 4th degree stalking,

Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary has been named a Special Prosecutor in the investigation of Broome County Executive Debbie Preston, is accused of using a Town of Conklin credit card for personal use, when she was the Conklin Town Supervisor. Broome County District Attorney Steven Cornwell recused himself from this investigation earlier this week, On Tuesday, Preston admitted that as Conklin Supervisor she bought personal items with a Town of Conklin credit card in 2011 but said she paid the balance on the card with her own money. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has been requested to perform a full audit of the town of Conklin’s book during Presto’s tenure.

The State Police Academy Graduation was held this morning in Albany, with more that 200 new Troopers added to the ranks. One of the new Troopers hails from Guilford, according to State Assemblyman Cliff crouch:

(Crouch 10-13-16)

Also, Trooper Arron Whitney of Endwell graduated today, he commented about his achievement:

(Trooper Whitney 10-13-16)

Trooper Whitney will be assigned to Troop C, This year's class is the 204th to graduate from the State Police Academy.

The state Department of Health overpaid managed care organizations nearly $19 million for the state fiscal year 2014-15, in part, because of a flaw in how it calculated premiums, according to an audit from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors warned that another $56.8 million was at risk of overpayment over the next three years due to the flaw. Additionally, DiNapoli’s auditors found the Department Of Health is missing out on millions in annual savings through reforms recommended by the state’s Medicaid Redesign Team. The department also failed to collect $38.6 million in actuarial costs, incurred since 2009, from managed care organizations. Officials agreed with DiNapoli's findings & have agreed to make corrections.

State Police arrested 32-year-old George Puckey of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Menacing, after troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a disturbance with a knife at a home on Pulaski Street in the Town of Dickinson. Puckey allegedly threatened his roommates while holding a box cutter; he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson court and was remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond. His next court date in the Town of Dickinson is pending.

Governor Cuomo announced a $10 million investment to support new and existing incubators that help early-stage and emerging clean energy companies across the state grow and succeed. Technologies developed by these growing clean energy companies will help New York meet the Clean Energy Standard and its commitment to 50% renewable sources by 2030. Through NYSERDA, funding is available to organizations that are interested in providing incubator services to early-stage clean energy companies, particularly in the Southern Tier. Up to $2 million will be available for each incubator.

State Police and the Broome County Sheriff’s Department arrested 36 year old Jamie Blewett of Norwich in connection with 2 bank robberies at 2 Peoples National Bank Branches in Broome County. Friday State Police responded to a bank robbery at the Peoples National Bank in Conklin, the suspect was described as a white female, wearing a dark brown wig, operating a silver minivan with New York Plates, heading to Binghamton. A Trooper spotted the vehicle a few minutes later in Binghamton, Blewett was taken into custody. Blewett’s description closely matched details of the bank robbery on May 1st at The Peoples National Bank in the Town of Chenango. Blewett was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The State DOT announced that construction work will be performed requiring lane closures at various locations within the Prospect Mountain construction project today through Friday between 9:00 AM to 3 PM. Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for work zone infractions. Up-to-date travel information is available at 511 or visit 511NY.org.