WCDO Radio News

A memorial ceremony will be held tonight in Norwich for Norwich High School Class of 2016 Graduate Savannah Williams, who died in a 2-vehicle crash in Geneseo Tuesday. Kaitlyn Jackson was a friend of Williams and was also class president, she told WCDO News that tonight’s Memorial would begin at 6:00 PM at the Norwich High School Track:

(Kaitlyn Jackson 12-22-16)

Jackson said that the event would then move over the Chenango County Fair grounds. Police in Geneseo said that Williams was a current SUNY Geneseo student, she drove her car into the path of the tractor-trailer, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

State Police arrested 45-year-old Joseph Leonard of Delhi for Assault & Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute at a home in the Town of Delhi. Leonard allegedly punched and choked a victim, which caused injuries. Leonard was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was released, an order of protection was issued.

Governor Cuomo announced that underage drinking sweeps conducted by DMV investigators this year resulted in the seizure of 862 fraudulent licenses and the arrest of 818 individuals for underage drinking, both single year records. Through the year-round Operation Prevent initiative, DMV investigators work with state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct underage drinking and fake ID sweeps at bars, restaurants and concert venues across New York. The previous record of 751 seized ID documents and 758 arrests was set in 2015.

The Chenango Industrial Development Agency announced Frontier Railroad Services, completed construction on the Utica mainline project this month, which means that the rail line between Binghamton and Utica is largely restored and close to a return to service. IDA President Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig 12-22-16)

Frontier Railroad Service’s work included bridge re-decking, washout repairs, culvert replacements, and a large number of tie replacements.

Governor Cuomo today announced the success of the state's 10th regional sustainability conference, which brought together over 400 community development experts, local elected officials and business leaders to share successful economic growth strategies in the Southern Tier. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul hosted the conference at Binghamton University, where she highlighted a handbook that serves as a resource for State grants information..

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 42 year old Daniel White of Delhi Wednesday on charges of DWI, driving with a BAC of .08% or greater, speed not reasonable and imprudent, failure to stop for a stop sign, and for making an unsafe lane change following an investigation of a 1 car accident at Brick House Hill Road and County Highway 12 in Davenport. White allegedly failed to stop for a stop sign due to excessive speed, he left the roadway and struck a utility pole. White was released on tickets returnable to Davenport Town Court at a later date.

2 people have been arrested after State Police discovered a meth lab on State Route 206 in the Town of Triangle Tuesday. Police arrested 37 year old Thomas Parker of Berkshire and 35 year old Stephanie Keller of Whitney Point, Police seized methamphetamine oil, marijuana plants, 1 active & 2 spent one-pot methamphetamine labs, hazardous materials & $1,970 in cash, Both have been charged with criminal possession of controlled substance and unlawful manufacturing of meth, They were arraigned in the Town of Triangle Court and taken to the Broome County Jail without bail.

State Police arrested 52-year-old Richard Fidurski of Binghamton for Promoting a Sexual Performance of a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, after an investigation by the members of the New York State Police Computer Crime Unit. Fidurski was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

State Police responded Wednesday to a 2 vehicle fatal collision involving a tractor-trailer and a car, on I-81 in the Town of Virgil. 59-year-old Roger Brooks of Virginia was driving a tractor-trailer; he struck a Toyota Corolla that was stopped in the driving lane, with the lights off, the tractor-trailer overturned off the shoulder of the roadway. The Toyota was driven by 40-year-old Rashida Brown, of Freeport, Long Island; Police said that she ran out of gas. Brown was transported to Cortland Regional Medical Center where she died from her injuries, No tickets have been issued. The investigation is continuing.

Police in Geneseo identified the victim a fatal crash Tuesday between a car and a tractor-trailer, as 18-year-old Savannah Williams of Norwich. Police said that Williams was a SUNY Geneseo student, she pulled off of Court Street, into the path of the tractor-trailer that was traveling on State Route 63. The tractor struck Williams' car, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured,

The Sidney Central School District named Kerrie Johnston as the new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Special Programs. The Board of Education approved the appointment at its December 20 meeting. Johnston will supervise curriculum and instruction, school improvement, principals, special programs, and special education, starting in February.

New York's 29 members of the Electoral College have cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton today, who won the state's popular vote, despite losing the presidential race to Republican Donald Trump in the expected final Electoral College tabulations, which will be completed today. The electors gathered today in the state Capitol's Senate chambers.

State police arrested 19 year old Christopher Tuckett of Floral Park, Long Island on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Reckless Driving and other traffic violations, after a trooper observed a vehicle speeding at 106 miles per hour, in a 65 miles an hour zone on I-88 in the Town of Otego Sunday. Tuckett was found to be illegally possessing prescription pills, he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Otego Court on Thursday.

SUNY Delhi University Police reported that 21 year old Steven Sutliff was found in good health Friday afternoon by Oneonta City Police at the Huntington Library. Sutliff was reported missing on Tuesday after he left Delhi on December 10th for Oneonta and told roommates he would return Monday December 12th.

The Word of Life church pastor Tiffanie Irwin of New Hartford was sentenced to 12 years in prison. in connection with the beating of 2 boys during a church “counseling session” last year. 9 defendants who belonged to the Word of Life Church parish in Oneida County were charged for the beatings that killed 19-year-old Lucas Leonard and severely injured 17-year-old Christopher Leonard.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 33 year old Candis Gier, of Walton on 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 2 counts of petty larceny, after an investigation into a report of a theft of prescription pills from a Walton residence. Gier was released on appearance tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

The Village of Sidney continues to pursue several economic development projects in order to keep residents from leaving after 2 floods in the last 10 years. Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 12-19-16)

Matviak said that the time is now for the once in a lifetime opportunity to keep Sidney moving forward, without expense to the taxpayers.

The Electoral College for the State of New York will convene in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol in Albany on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 12:00 pm. Electors will officially cast their ballots for President and Vice President of the United States.

Fire broke out a a trailer at lot 22 at 124 Oneida Street in Oneonta Sunday. fire fighters from Otego, West Oneonta & Oneonta responded, all occupants of the Wayman family escaped without injury. A space heater is believed to be the cause of the fire.

It appears less likely that a Special Session of the Legislature will be called before the end of the year, as Governor Cuomo & Senate leaders have differing agendas as the year closes. Governor Cuomo said that he wants to appropriate up to one billion more dollars to help the homeless, and expand of the state’s hate crimes law, lawmakers wants a pay raise for the first time in 17 years, & neither side is budging. Lawmakers will wind up back in Albany for a brand new session in January.

Attorney General Schneiderman urged all New Yorkers to take immediate steps to protect their personal information online, in the wake of Yahoo's recent disclosure that a third party had breached its servers and accessed the personal data of over 1 billion users. The data compromised includes email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords (using MD5) and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers. The investigation indicates that the stolen information did not include passwords in clear text, payment card data, or bank account information. The Attorney General urges anyone with a Yahoo account to change their passwords and security questions -- not only with Yahoo accounts, but for any other accounts which you use the same or similar information.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reminded New Yorkers that contributions to a New York State 529 College Savings Program account are tax deductible. Contributions made by December 31st can provide up to $10,000 in state tax deductions on 2016 income tax filings. New Yorkers can open an account and if they already have one can contribute and deduct up to $5,000 from their New York State taxable income. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $10,000 each year.

A Sidney native has entered into the world of publishing, when he published his first science fiction novel earlier this month through Amazon.com. Scott Scavo told WCDO News is a 1995 Sidney High School Graduate who started his story as bedtime stories for his children, and wound up with so much material it became a book:

(Scott Scavo 12-16-16)

Scavo is the son of retired Sidney Principal Gary Scavo, who was recently inducted into the Sidney Alumni Association hall of fame as a coach; Scott Scavo resides in Connecticut where he works as a hedge fund manager. His second book is about 80% complete & he hopes to publish that soon.

Delhi University police announced that they are searching for 21 year old Steven Sutliff, who told his roommates on Saturday afternoon that he was heading to Oneonta, and would return on Monday. Sutliff was reported missing on Tuesday evening. Sutliff is described as a 5'9" white male, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on Sutliff's whereabouts are asked to contact SUNY Delhi University Police at 607-746-4700, or New York State Police at 607-561-7400.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State will participate in the national “Drive Sober or get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign to crackdown on impaired driving this holiday season. Drivers can expect sobriety checkpoints and an increased number of Troopers patrolling New York roadways, starting today through Sunday, January 1st, 2017.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 46 year old Chanin Ives on an Arrest Warrant issued out of the Town of Guilford. Ives was arrested on an Arrest Warrant for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment, Ives was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail.

The Chenango Arts council presents a Christmas show with an Irish flavor Saturday night at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich, spokesperson Alecia O'Neill comments:

(Alecia O'Neill 12-16-16)

More information about this or other shows can be found at 336-arts or chenangoarts.org.

The Sidney American Legion is having its 21st annual children's Christmas party on Saturday, from 12:00 NOON to 1:30 P.M. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 12-16-16)

The Sidney American legion is located at 22 Union Street; more information is available at 237-4762.

In November 2016, the State’s private sector job count increased by 4,800, or 0.1%, to 7,950,000, according to preliminary figures by the State Department of Labor. In November, New York’s statewide unemployment rate decreased from 5.2% to 5.1%.

Binghamton Police are investigating the death of Binghamton university student Stefani Lineva of Queens, who was found around 2:00 AM Saturday lying on State Route 434 South Washington Avenue and the Pennsylvania Avenue ramps. Lineva was taken to Wilson Hospital where she was pronounced dead from injuries consistent with getting hit by a vehicle. No eyewitnesses have come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call Binghamton Police at 772-7080, calls will remain confidential. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle that hit Lineva Saturday.

There will be plenty of Holiday activity in Bainbridge Saturday with a parade, and an appearance by Santa. Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-5-16)

Those interested in participating in the Bainbridge parade can begin lining up on Pruyn Street at about 4:00 PM Saturday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47-year-old Joel Ortega of Walton Friday night on 1 count of felony DWI, following a reported 1 car MVA with entrapment on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi. Ortega is additionally charged with moving from lane unsafely and operating a motor vehicle out of ignition interlock restrictions, he was released & will return to Delhi Town Court at a later date. The investigation is continuing & more charges may be filed.

Chenango County Area residents can help the Chenango County Law Enforcement Association to provide Christmas gifts for children with this year’s "Shop with a Sheriff" program. This year the Association would like to make it even better and available to more kids, last year, 20 kids from schools within Chenango County were given $100 for themselves, $50 for their family and a Deputy to shop with. This year they would like to help 30 kids. This year's event will be conducted on December 10th, Donations may be sent to Sergeant Joshua Gould or Detective Gary Miller at Chenango County Law Enforcement Association at 279 County Road 46, Norwich, NY 13815.

The Afton Central School has teamed up with NBT Bank to add financial education to its curriculum. The school is bringing NBT Bank's Strive® financial literacy programs to students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. NBT Bank Customer Service Representative Jennifer Cower will visit students Friday, Students who participate in this program will be able to identify money-saving choices and explain how spending choices can impact the environment. This specific session will enhance their mathematics and science lessons.

The city of Oneonta clerk's office announced that due to a lack of agenda items, the December 26th meeting for the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals has been cancelled.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded Saturday to Big Hollow Road & Cheese Factory Road in the Town of Sanford for a reported body lying in a drainage culvert. A passerby called in the report, officers determined that the victim was deceased; he was identified as 55 year old Christian Savu of Sanford. The incident is still under investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact 778-1911.

Delaware Academy was placed on lockdown for about an hour Friday afternoon, after the Delhi Village Police were made aware of a post made on social media threatening violence against the school. Delhi Police arrested 18 year old Ben Lane of Delhi and 21 year old David Piskacek of Fleischmanns, they were charged with making a terroristic threat, they were arraigned in Delhi Town Court, and Lane was sent to Delaware County jail on $500 cash bail and Piskacek was jailed on $1,500 cash bail.

State Police arrested Endicott firefighters Jason Stokes for 2nd degree arson, for allegedly setting fire to his house at 410 East Main Street in Endicott in August. Stokes was remanded to the Broome County Jail pending arraignment in Broome County Court.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Binghamton man Friday for an active arrest warrant for a Sex offender that failed to report a change of address. 24 year old Lee Mead is accused of moving to Broome county in October & failed to register as a sex offender with authorities, he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich court and released, he will appear in the Town of Sherburne court at a later date.

THE TRI-TOWN REGIONAL HOSPITAL WILL BE CONDUCTING A BLOOD DRIVE today from 2:30 to 6:30 PM. THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS EXPERIENCING A BLOOD SHORTAGE AND HAS ISSUED AN EMERGENCY REQUEST FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES. THE BLOOD DRIVE WILL BE IN CONFERENCE ROOM 112 AT THE HOSPITAL ON MONDAY DECEMBER 5TH FROM 2:30 TO 6:30 PM. APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE BY VISITING RED CROSS BLOOD DOT ORG

Governor Cuomo announced plans to create a new hate-crimes unit in the state police and legal assistance for immigrants targeted for deportation or discrimination. Cuomo said Sunday that the legal assistance will take the form of a public-private legal defense fund run by the New York State Office for New Americans, The state police’s new hate-crimes unit has responded to numerous racial incidents since Election day with nazi literature & Swastikas found on Long Island, at a Brooklyn park, and in Wellsville & Livingston upstate

Delaware County deputies along with Downsville Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a missing hunter in the Campbell Brook area in the Town of Colchester Sunday. Deputies and Fire personnel located the vehicle of the missing hunter on Morton Brook Road; Services were summoned from the Environmental Conservation Police, Forest Rangers, Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department and the Colchester Police Department. Following a lengthy search, 24-year-old Steve Quinn of Ocean Side, New York was located, in good health; he was treated by members of Downsville EMS and was released.

Governor Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will not be permitted from 6:00 AM Wednesday, through 6:00 AM Monday, in order to accommodate motorists during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. AAA predicts that nearly 49 million people will travel more than 50 miles from home from Wednesday through Sunday, and more than 89% of those travelers will be driving. That number is up an estimated two percent over last year and is the highest number of expected Thanksgiving travelers since 2007.

NYSEG reported scattered power outages across the state today, due to heavy wet snow knocking down tree limbs & power lines. Nyseg crews have been working to restore power as quickly as possible.

The national weather service is reporting that today's snow event is being caused by lake effect snow. The effect from Lake Ontario today is stretching an unprecedented 450 miles.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a statement on the $25 million settlement agreement reached in Trump University fraud case. Schneiderman stated that his office first sued Donald Trump in 2013 for swindling thousands of Americans out of millions of dollars through a scheme known as Trump University. Trump agreed to a $25 million settlement agreement for over 6,000 victims of the fraudulent Trump University.

Students from the Delaware Academy in Delhi auditioned last week by video for a chance to sing the National Anthem at Citi Field before a New York Mets Baseball game next year. ON Friday, Officials from the Mets notified school officials that their students would be singing at Citi Field on June 18th.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to an Armed Robbery Friday at the Speedway Gas Station, in the Town of Norwich. The suspect displayed what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money from the store employee. The Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Jeremy Farnsworth of Norwich for 2nd degree Robbery police recovered the stolen cash and the weapon used in the robbery. Farnsworth was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail. He is to reappear in court on November 22. The State Police and City of Norwich Police Department assisted with the investigation.

More American red cross blood drives will be held in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at Hartwick College, & Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Country Club Auto Group, 55 Oneida Street appointments are requested with the red cross App, at recrossblood.org or 1-800 red cross.

The Oxford and McDonough Communities are invited to the 32nd annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner, served from 12-noon to 1 p.m., on Thursday, at St. Joseph's Church at 3 Scott Street. For reservations and deliveries to shut-ins call today at 843-9635, 843-9329 or 843-9747. To volunteer in serving and in the kitchen, call 843-6249. Free will donations will be accepted at the NBT Bank in Oxford.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State has adopted regulations that will improve air quality by limiting emissions from existing diesel generators and natural gas-fired engines. The new regulations target nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from existing equipment and actually go beyond the new standards recently established by the federal government, which only apply, to new equipment. Details are available at dec.ny.gov.

On Friday night, October 28, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, Delhi Village Police, S.U.N.Y. Delhi University Police and Delaware County Probation Department conducted an Enhanced Traffic Safety Enforcement Campaign in the Delhi area. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 4 drivers impaired by the use of drugs and or alcohol; 3 of whom were also charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Additionally, 2 Walton residents were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance that led to the discovery and seizure of heroin. 54 summonses were issued during the detail.

Immigrants in New York State comprise 22%, or 4.4 million, of the state’s population, which is 2nd only to California, & well above the national average of 13%, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. More than 92 percent of all New York’s immigrants reside in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, according to the report. For those immigrating to New York State from 2010 to 2015, nearly 75 percent of the 631,000 immigrants settled in New York City.

Grant funding will support a partnership between the state Department of Health & Cornell University that will evaluate the effectiveness of a curriculum that promotes healthy relationships and gender roles to adolescent males aged 12-14. The evaluation will assess the curriculum’s impact on participants’ perceptions of gender norms, social norms around violence. The goal is ultimately to reduce youths’ risk for future acts of sexual violence. The CDC grants enhances the states Enough is Enough initiative.

22 Congressional District independent candidates Martin Babinec is facing criticism from 3 Republican State Senators, for using their likeness on campaign flyers, without previous knowledge. In a joint statement Senators Fred Akshar, Joseph Griffo and Jim Seward claim the Upstate Jobs party candidate links Babinec to the senators through the Reform party, not the Republican or Upstate Jobs line, they claim that they disavow the misleading mailer, and none of the Senators are campaigning with or endorsing Babinec, or the other candidates in that race & they was focused on their own re-election campaigns for the State Senate.

A free Narcan Training session for interested area residents will be held in Sidney today, sponsored by the Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse, at Tri Town Regional Hospital tonight. Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 11-2-16)

The training will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, for those who pre-registered, but walk ins will be welcome.

Another Red Cross Blood drive is being held in Harpursville today. The drive will run from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Belden Hill Golf Course on State Route 7, appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The next meeting of the city & town of Oneonta fire district task force will be held this morning. The meeting will begin at 11:00 AM at the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall.

Governor Cuomo announced that flags on state government buildings would be flown at half-staff on Sunday, September 11. The Flags will be flown in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks.

State Police at Norwich arrested 20-year-old Jacob Burrell, 18-year-old Melissa Land, & 18-year-old Kayla VanPelt, 18, all of New Berlin, for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers were advised of a burglary at a home on Hemlock Hill Drive in the Town of Columbus in July. Burrell is accused of damaging a window to gain entry; all 3 allegedly entered & stole liquor. Burrell, Land and VanPelt were arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and were released; they face court action in the Town of Columbus shortly.

State Police arrested 50-year-old Michael Silver of Franklin for criminal mischief, after Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on State Route 357 in the Town of Franklin. Silver is accused of smashing the victim's front windshield of her vehicle with a baseball bat, as she was driving away, following a dispute. Silver was arraigned in the Town of Franklin court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

Cal Harris will appear In Oneonta Town Court on October13th, to answer to charges for allegedly stalking a State Police Investigator who testified in Harris's most recent Murder trial in Schoharie County Court earlier this year. Harris was sentenced in Owego earlier this week in a separate case, for harassing an unidentified student at a SUNY Broome Satellite class in Tioga County in 2015. Harris was freed following his 4th trial earlier this year, after being accused & convicted twice of killing his estranged Wife Michelle in 2001, 2 convictions were overturned on appeal, the 3rd murder trial ended with a hung jury, his last trial ended with his being released of murder charges.

The dedication of Miller Park in Oneonta will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. The park is located at the intersection of the Lettis Highway & Main Street in Oneonta, to honor the former Mayor of Oneonta & Hartwick college president Dick Miller, who took his own life in October of 2014.

A free Breakfast will be offered to all first responders Sunday morning, at the Sidney American legion post on Union Street. All active & retired Police officers, Firefighters, Emergency Squad members can eat for free; breakfast will be $6.50 per person for the public.

The Family of former State Assembly Minority Leader Clarence "Rapp" Rappleyea has announced calling hours & funeral services. Rappleyea died on September 4th at the age of 82, Friends are invited to call at the NorthEast Classic car Museum from 4:00 p.m. -8:00 PM today. A Celebration of Life for Rapp will be held at the Car Museum at 11:00 AM Saturday. Private burial services will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich. Another Celebration of Rapp's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday at the Terrace Gallery, at the New York State Museum in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The family is requesting donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, or the Roger Follett Foundation, Inc., 35 West Main Street, Norwich, 13815.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood & Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood drive is being held today in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center at 2 Main Street, another blood drive is being held in Oxford from Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the American Legion on South Washington Street. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. This free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Be sure to bring your child/children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well. More information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

The Free 22nd Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held in downtown Norwich Saturday & Sunday. Performances will featured on the NBT Main Stage in Norwich’s East Park, on the Art Zone Stage in the Guernsey Library Park & Peggy’s Stage in Norwich’s West Park.

Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event today & tomorrow. Residents can participate at the UNADILLA SITE today from 8:00-11:00 am & the COOPERSTOWN SITE on Saturday from 8:00AM to 1:00 pm. Small Businesses that pre-registered will participate today from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM at the Meadows Office Complex County next to the Otsego County Public Safety Building. More information is available at the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

1 man was dead, another 1 was wounded & the shooter was taken into custody, after Binghamton Police responded to the report of a shooting at 1 Mozart Street in the city yesterday at about 11:30 AM. Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski said that officers found 1 victim dead and another man shot in the arm, they recovered a long gun believed to have been used in the shooting, he said. The surviving victim might lose his arm. Chief Zikuski said 2 people who know the deceased victim parked a vehicle in front of the Mozart Street residence, knocked on the door, and the gun was fired. The investigation is ongoing.

2 teenagers are accused of shooting an 11 year old in Johnson City Tuesday night. Police reported that the 17 and 16-year-old boys are charged with felony assault, the 16 year old was also charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. The 11 year old victim was treated at Upstate University Medical Center in Syracuse and later released, the injuries were not life threatening.

An Otsego County jury convicted 50-year-old Jeffrey Feldman of Worcester of 8 counts of Criminal Sexual Acts against a child plus 4 counts of Rape, plus other related charges. Feldman faces sentencing in Otsego county court on November 4th.

Governor Cuomo today announced the second round of funding is available through the state’s Farm to School Program, which helps school districts establish stronger relationships with local growers and producers and increase their use of homegrown specialty crops. $500,000 in grants is available for projects that help schools buy and serve healthy, locally grown foods on school menus. Last year, 6 Farm to School programs were awarded, benefitting 45 school districts from Western New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, North Country, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier. The funding helped the districts employ local or regional Farm to School coordinators, purchase supplies and equipment needed to increase the capacity of the school kitchen and food service staff to prepare and serve locally produced specialty crops, and to make capital improvements to better transport and/or store those crops. A list of awarded projects from 2015 may be found here.

The Coventry Town Board announced that they would hold a special meeting tonight. The meeting was called to open sealed bids for the Coventry Hall Roof Project, the meeting begins at 6:00 PM at the town hall.

The Oneonta City Department of Public Service announced that they would continue with flushing water mains on the low service today through Friday. Flushing will affect residents & businesses in the area around Fox Hospital, during flushing, water pressure may be decreased & water may change in color. More information is available at 432-2100.

Delaware County clean sweep phone registration started today, for the event later this month. Delaware County DPW Spokesperson Sue McIntyre explains:

(Sue McIntyre 9-1-16)

Online registration is still available at clean sweep delaware.event brite.com. Farms & businesses will participate on Friday September 23rd, residents on Saturday September 24th.

State Police at Deposit arrested 21-Year-old Scott Primavera of Guilford, Connecticut for felony criminal possession of marihuana, after a traffic stop for speeding on State route 17 in the Town of Hancock. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 16 ounces of marihuana. Primavera was arraigned in the Town of Hancock jail and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond.

Following the investigation into a disabled vehicle on August 13th, in the village of Delhi. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Robert Avery of Utica On 1 count of Criminal Possession of Stolen property. Avery is accused of being in possession of a vehicle that was reported stolen in Utica August 7th, he was arraigned in Village of Delhi Court and sent to Delaware County Jail on $3000 cash or $6000 property bond bail.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20 year Justin Mattice of Delhi early this morning on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, aggravated driving with a blood alcohol content of .18% or greater, felony DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance following a civilian report of a possible domestic dispute in progress on Warner Hill Road in the Town of Meredith. Mattice was arraigned at Kortright Town Court; he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,000 bail.

Friday will be the fundraising Golf Tournament to benefit the Chenango Toys for Tots Program, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 8-11-16)

The tournament will be held at Canasawacta country club in Norwich beginning at 9:00 AM.

State Police at Sidney arrested 22-year-old Christopher Brissette of Unadilla for felony of criminal possession of stolen property. The arrest occurred after a report of the theft of power tools in July from a residential garage in the Town of Unadilla. Brissette is accused of possessing a wood splitter valued at about $2,000 in the Town of Columbus. He was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Columbus court on August 16th.

Governor Cuomo has signed legislation designed to help incapacitated people at the end of their lives. “Peter Falk’s Law,” requires all people entitled to notice of a person’s death, funeral and burial arrangements to be identified in court orders appointing a guardian to oversee the person’s care. In some circumstances under the current law, legally-appointed guardians have failed to notify family members or close friends of the person when they become sick, are admitted to the hospital, or pass away, the new law will help ensure legal guardians will no longer be able to improperly isolate an incapacitated person at the end of their lives. The famous actor's daughter had alleged the actor’s second wife obtained conservatorship of him and blocked all contact with other family members at the end of his life.

20-year-old Kobe Hanns of Conklin was sentenced to eight months in jail in Broome County Court Wednesday. State police say Hanns fatally shot & killed his sister’s dog for urinating inside the family house. Hanns was found guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal mischief after a trial in June.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 21-year-old Akil Wright of Laurens for the felony criminal mischief and 21-year-old Shaquilla Parker of Laurens for menacing, after troopers responded to a dispute at an apartment on Main Street in Laurens. An investigation determined that after a physical dispute with her boyfriend Parker threatened him with a knife. Also, he damaged over $250 of their property. Wright and Parker were arraigned at the Town of Laurens court and were release without bail required. Their next court dates are pending.

I-88 Speedway in Afton will give kids and adults a chance to see what it's like to ride in a race car or race truck, with a special event at the Afton facility Friday. I-88 Spokesperson Denise Page comments:

(Denise Page 8-11-16)

Page said that it is strongly encouraged that those who want to participate in the "Kiddie Ride Night" by 5:30 PM.

A fundraiser will be held this Sunday in Sidney for the family of 31-year-old Shayne Charles, who was fatally injured in an explosion & house fire in Masonville July 13th. The fundraiser will be at the Moose Lodge in Sidney from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM to help pay for medical and funeral expenses and establish a trust fund for Charles daughter. Charles was severely burned when he tried to ignite a propane hot water heater at his mother’s house on State route 206, he was transported to the burn unit at Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, he died there 10 days later. . Donations may be sent to Shayne Charles Benefit, P.O. Box 123, Masonville, New York 13804. Checks should be payable to “Shayne Charles Benefit”

Hundreds attended the dedication ceremony Saturday morning for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park. Association member & Retired Army member Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-31-16)

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended the ceremony & spoke to the crowd:

(Crouch 5-31-16)

Congressman Chris Gibson told WCDO News he was proud of the finished park, as both the congressional representative for the area, and as a retired Army Veteran.

(Gibson 5-31-16)

Others who spoke at the ceremony Saturday, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, US Air Force Brigadier General James McIntyre, & Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is a Sidney High School Graduate originally from Masonville.

Governor Cuomo visited the State Correction Officer Monday, who was injured by an exploding package left by his mailbox Sunday morning in Oneida County. The 52-year-old officer is in critical condition, & the FBI is investigating to see if the explosion was related to the victim's job in the prison system & they are investigating the level of sophistication of the explosive.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require lane closures in Binghamton, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Traffic will be reduced to 1 lane for concrete median barrier work at State Route 17 eastbound between Exit 70 Johnson City and Exit 72 Binghamton & State Route 17 westbound between Exit 72 Prospect Street and Exit 71 Airport Road.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Co-Chair Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez will convene another Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force Session in Southern Tier today. The session will be held at Binghamton University in the Innovative Technologies Complex in Vestal, at 4:40 PM.

THE 54TH GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
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CANADIANS Guilame BLAIS AND MATTHEW PELLERIN FROM QUEBEC WON THIS YEAR’S TWO-PERSON PRO RACE. THEY BEAT 2ND PLACE FINISHERS, MATT RUDNITSKY FROM GILBERTSVILLE AND HIS PARTNER, 7 TIME REGATTA WINNER, STEVE LAJOIE BY JUST 68 SECONDS. PELLERIN TOLD WCDO IT FELT GOOD TO WIN THIS YEAR’S CLINTON REGATTA…

(REGATTA 2016-MATTHEW PELLERIN)

IN THE STILL “NEW” 4 PERSON CLASS, A LOCAL TEAM TOOK TOP HONORS. JEFF SHULTIS FROM OTEGO, ALLEN NICHOLS FROM LAURENS, LARRY HARRISON AND BOB WISSY FROM ONEONTA. HARRISON TALKED ABOUT THEIR TEAM….

(REGATTA 2016-LARRY HARRISON)

AFTER A 12-YEAR LAYOFF FROM RACING THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA, 36 TIME FINISHER BOB ZAVERAL TOOK TO THE WATER WITH HIS 23 YEAR OLD SON, RYAN FOR HIS VERY FIRST GENERAL CLINTON 70 MILE CANOE RACE. THEY WON THE MENS UNDER 50 YEARS OF AGE DIVISION. RYAN SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT THE RACE….

(REGATTA 2016-RYAN ZAVERAL)

WCDO’S SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL AND HIS PARTNER, BRETT SHERWOOD OF MORRIS TOOK TOP HONORS IN THE MENS RECREATION CLASS. IT WAS THE FIRST REGATTA VICTORY FOR BOTH PADDLERS. NATE SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS….

(REGATTA 2016-NATE LULL)

RACERS FROM 27 STATES AND 5 CANDIAN PROVINCES COMPETED DURING THE 4-DAY REGATTA

IN THE 70 MILE ONE MAN PRO RACE ON MONDAY, MICHIGAN’S NICK WALTON TOOK TOP HONORS FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 5 YEARS. WALTON SPOKE WITH WCDO’S CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE….

(REGATTA 2016-NICK WALTON)

IN THE STOCK ALUMINUM 70-MILE RACE, Brothers BILL AND BRIAN WALLEY FROM WALTON CAME IN FIRST WITH A TIME OF 9 HOURS 36 MINUTES AND 53 SECONDS. THIS WAS THEIR 3RD STRAIGHT VICTORY. CRAIG SPOKE WITH THE WALLEY BROTHERS AT THE FINISH LINE….

(REGATTA 2016-WALLEY BROTHERS)

THIS YEAR’S REGATTA FEATURED PADDLERS FROM 27 STATES AND 5 CANADIAN PROVINCES. NEARLY A THOUSAND PADDDLERS COMPETED OVER THE 4 DAY REGATTA.

Approximately 1000 paddlers participated in the 54th General Clinton Canoe Regatta this Memorial Day weekend
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Long time Paddler Joe Shaw of Massachusetts won the 70-mile kayak endurance race & Spoke to WCDO's Craig Stevens about the race:

(Regatta 2016-Joe Shaw)

Craig also spoke with Bryan & Rob Birdsall of Unadilla, the brothers took top honors in the Men’s NYMCRA Stock Endurance race:

(Regatta 2016-Birdsalls)

The 2016 General Clinton Canoe Regatta Pro race was won by Canadians Mathew Pellerin & Guillaume Blaise for the 2nd time in 3 years, WCDO’s Craig Stevens spoke with the winners after the race:

(Regatta 2016 Pro winners)

The Pair beat 2nd place finishers Matt Rudnitsky of Gilbertsville and 7-time Regatta Winner Steve Lajoie by 68 seconds. Local Paddlers Trevor Lefever & Ben Schlimmer of Oneonta took 3rd in the pro race.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Paddlers from 27 States & 5 Canadian Provinces participated in this year’s regatta.

A new Siena Poll out Today shows that 60% of New Yorkers believe Governor Cuomo is an ethical public official. Cuomo’s top aide Joe Percoco and lobbyist Todd Howe are both under investigation currently with possible corruption involving the Governor’s Buffalo Billion Development plan. The poll also found that more than half of voters have the most trust in Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The Siena Poll surveyed 825 registered New York voters, and had a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points.

The Vestal Police Department has identified the victim of a fatal crash early Friday morning. 56-year-old Paul Rymer of Owego was killed in a crash at about 4:00 AM on Route 17 in Vestal. Vestal Police & State Police reported that a tractor-trailer driven by 54-year-old Jacek Swiston of Vestal, attempted to make a U-turn through the median from the westbound lanes, when he pulled into the path Rymer’s pickup truck, which struck the trailer. Rymer was killed instantly. The investigation is continuing by the Broome County District Attorney’s office.

A series of workshops will be offered to help area business owners and organization leaders with New York’s Consolidated Funding Application process. The workshops are sponsored by the MARK Project and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, they will be held at the Poppy’s in Downsville on June 7th, Delaware County e-Center in Delhi on June 8th, the Erpf Center in Arkville on June 9th, and at Hancock Town Hall on June 13th, all sessions will begin at 3:00 pm. More information is available at 746-2281.

Oneonta Police, State Police BCI, State University Police at Oneonta and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department with K9 Ozzie, served a search warrant at 9-11 Elm Street in Oneonta Thursday. Police seized marijuana, prescription medication and $4,000 cash, they arrested 21 year old Glen Carey, from Malverne, 21 year old Gregory Garcia of Franklin Square, 21 year old Nicholas Monaco of Nyack for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. the 3 are accused of possessing Xanax Pills, Marijuana, counterfeit $50 bills, they were being held pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

Former President Bill Clinton will speak at Binghamton University on Saturday night at a rally for his wife Hillary Clinton. The event will begin Saturday at 7:15 PM at the West Gym on the BU campus. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. those interested in attending must RSVP at hillaryclinton.com/events.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held over the Memorial Day Weekend in May again this year, with paddlers coming from all over the participate. Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO News that there are a few new features this year:

(John Harmon 4-15-16)

Harmon said there will be plenty of action at General Clinton Park over all 4 days of the weekend, including the Midway, the Dundee Ales & Lagers music festival on Sunday & the 70 mile endurance races on Monday from Cooperstown to Bainbridge.

Tonight is Opening night for the Out Of The Woodwork Players Ambitious production of "Funny Little Thing Called Love" Local Theater veteran Rich Cooley told WCDO News about the project:

(Rich Cooley 4-15-16)

Tickets are still available at Cooley Jewelers at 77 Main street in Sidney today, or at the door prior to each performance at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, performances will be tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM & Sunday Afternoon at 2:00 PM. More information is available at 563-1311.

The Unadilla Chamber will have their Annual Dinner on Sunday, at the Unadilla United Methodist Church. the Annual Dinner social hour begins at 4:30 pm and dinner at 5:00 PM. The chamber will honor Wakeman Construction as The Business of the Year and Commitment to Community award will go to the Unadilla Food Pantry.

Chenango River Theatre will host its 9th Annual Big Cash Raffle from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Saturday, at the Genegantslet Golf Club. $9,550 in cash prizes will be awarded to the 7 lucky ticket holders with winning numbers – only 250 tickets will be sold. The Big Cash winner will take home $7,500 stuffed in a big jar. More information is available at chenangorivertheatre.org, or at 656-8778.

The Delaware County Home and Garden Show will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the American Legion Hall in Delhi. This annual event is hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and sponsors include Curtis Lumber, NBT-Mang Insurance, and Delaware County Economic Development. Exhibitor space is $100 for Chamber members and $150 for not-yet members. Contact the Chamber at 607-746-2281 or email RPucci@DelawareCounty.org for registration information.

The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course, will take place on Friday, May 13, 2016, according to the Big Wheels tournament committee. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens. The entry fee this year will be $60, which will be all inclusive, covering greens fees for 18 holes of golf, cart use, guaranteed prizes and a post tournament dinner. Applications for the tournament can be obtained by contacting the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 832-5750.

State Senator Jim Seward disclosed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. Seward successfully underwent surgery on Wednesday at Albany Medical Center, the cancer was found in its earliest stages, is completely curable, and a complete recovery in anticipated. Seward will miss some senate activities, but is expected to be back up to full speed in a matter of weeks; his staff will keep full office hours & assist constituents as needed.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a lawsuit against CDPHP, for unlawfully restricting coverage of treatment for chronic Hepatitis C infection, The lawsuit alleges that CDPHP denied coverage for such treatment unless the member demonstrated advanced symptoms of the disease, such as moderate to severe liver scarring.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing competitive mixed martial arts in New York State. the Ultimate Fighting Championship announced that it will host a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12th. The UFC will be adding another live event in Upstate New York before the end of the year.

I-88 Speedway in Afton opens their racing season tonight. Track Spokesman Jamie Page said that there are many new features this year:

(Jamie Paige 4-15-16)

The racing season will run until the first week in October at I-88 Speedway at the Afton Fairgrounds.

The Binghamton Senators host the Hershey Bears tonight at 7:05 for the final home game of the 2015-16 season. Friday will be Fan Appreciation Night at the B-Sens with the first 3,000 fans through the door receiving a new team poster. Prizes and seat giveaways will go on throughout the game; Fans can purchase tickets at the B-Sens Executive Office, at the Arena Box Office, or by Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.

Work is beginning on restoring miles of track bed for the Utica Mainline railroad in Chenango County, which was heavily damaged in the 2006 floods. Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango & The Chenango IDA told WCDO News where the money is coming from to pay for the project:

(Steve Craig 4-7-16)

Craig said that they expect to see freight trains coming through Chenango County again in the spring or summer of 2017.

Governor Cuomo announced $20 million to support Binghamton University in its leading role as home to new NextFlex Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute. The state’s $20 million commitment, from the Southern Tier’s $500 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative, will support the retrofitting of space in the former IBM facility in Endicott, it is expected to create up to 200 academic and private sector jobs, & up to 1,000 new jobs over the five years of the Flex Tech Alliance Program.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office stopped $25 million in questionable or fraudulent personal income tax refunds from being paid so far in 2016. DiNapoli’s office paid out 4.5 million state refunds totaling $4.2 billion. Another 152,000 refunds totaling $134 million are expected to be paid in the coming days. The average state tax refund from the state is $840.

Christopher Winkler of Unadilla has conceded the tied race for the Unadilla Village Board seat, to Jeff Jones. Both Jones & Winkler received the same number of votes for the seat in the March village election, leaving local officials looking for answers from county or state election law on how to handle the tie. The race could have been decided with another election, a drawing, or the concession of one of the candidates to the other.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a personal injury head-on collision Tuesday involving a tractor trailer and a car on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, just south of Peakes Brook Road. The tractor trailer driver, 30 year old Michael Thompson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania attempted to pull into a parking lot when he struck a car being driven by 56 year old Tammie Wycoff of Grand Gorge. Wycoff and her passenger were transported to O’Connor Hospital with minor injuries and were later released. Thompson was issued a traffic summons for moving from lane unsafely, he faces court action in Town of Delhi Court on April 25th.

The Greater Chenango Cares IRT event will again be occurring in Norwich this summer. The 10 day initiative that will offer no cost medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care for children and adults in our region. The event is being led this year by the Chenango United Way and its volunteers and is occurring because of a partnership between many local health and human service organizations, local government agencies and the Department of Defense. The event will run from Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 24 and will be held once again at the Norwich High School. Last July, 171 service personnel, both active and reserve service members, came to our community to provide medical, dental, vision and veterinary services as a training exercise and as a way to give back to local communities.

57 year old John Guzy of Bainbridge was found guilty of 15 of 17 counts including 2nd degree murder, attempted murder in Chenango County Court Wednesday, by Judge Frank Revoir.  Guzy was found guilty of shooting and killing 26-year-old Derek Prindle of Afton, in October 2014 on route 7 in Bainbridge.  Guzy also shot & wounded Prindle’s father during a confrontation following a road rage incident that ended in front of Peak Fitness.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 people for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamines in the town of Dickinson Wednesday morning. Deputies arrested Matthew Najarian and Jessica Palmatier. For operating a one pot meth operation at a gas station in Dickinson, the gas station had to be shut down for several hours to remove the hazardous meth making materials. Palmatier and Najarian were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Eric Hesse Delivers Regional Budget Briefing this morning in Oneonta. Hesse will deliver the presentation at the Foothills Performing Arts Center at 24 Market Street at 9:00 AM

SUNY Broome will host a Career Fair today, for those interested in pursuing a career with an area business. The event will be held at the college’s Ice center, from 10:00 until 2:00 PM.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today, the meeting will be held in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at 174 Murray Street in Binghamton. 27 year old Angel Feringa was arrested on a variety of drug charges for allegedly possessing powdered heroin, 22 bags of packaged heroin, crack cocaine and $550 cash from drug sales, she was also wanted on an arrest warrant for Grand Larceny out of the City of Binghamton Court. 48 year Stacey Taylor was wanted on a Probation Violation warrant and was also arrested. Feringa and Taylor face arraignment today in the City of Binghamton Court.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 4 Walton area residents in Binghamton Wednesday afternoon. Arrested were 28-year-old Daniel Jamieson, 26-year-old Melissa Brannock, 19-year-old Kyle Buckley and 36 year old Jaclyn Calabrese, police seized 150 bags of heroin, & other narcotics. They were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance among other lesser charges. Brannock, Calabrese and Jamieson were held for arraignment in Binghamton City Court; Buckley was released on a ticket to appear in court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced the first 2 major projects awarded under the $5 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement program. The Broome County Cornell Cooperative Extension was awarded $500,000 for a one-stop Agriculture Development Center and a Taste New York Market in Broome County, and $627,055 was awarded to Cornell University for the Stocker Cattle Initiative to further training and research in this industry for Southern Tier farmers.

State Police today announced that it issued more than 17,000 tickets during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement initiative. The campaign ran for a total of 143 hours, starting on Saturday, March 12th until Thursday, March 17th. State Troopers arrested 257 people for DWI and investigated 947 accidents, which resulted in 243 people being injured and four fatalities.

Chenango County Farm Bureau has scheduled a public informational meeting to be held at the Oxford High School from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm Saturday, regarding solar company land leases on farms. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-25-16)

Vickers said that the Farm Bureau would present an attorney, an Environmental Scientist and an Accountant to discuss potential hazards of leasing land to solar companies; RSVP's are requested at 334-6061

Repairs are underway on the Utica Main Line railroad tracks in Chenango County, Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango & The Chenango IDA Explains:

(Steve Craig 3-22-16)

The $5.8 million dollar project will repair tracks that were washed out between Binghamton & Norwich during the 2006 flooding, trains should be running by the summer of 2017.

In February, New York State's private sector job count increased by 18,700, according to preliminary figures released by the State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate decreased to 4.8% in February, slipping below the national rate of 4.9%.

Dr. Michael Laliberte, who was Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, was named SUNY Delhi president by the State University Board of Trustees Thursday. Laliberte will become Delhi’s 10th chief executive on July 21, succeeding Dr. Candace Vancko, who has served as SUNY Delhi president since August 1999.

Governor Cuomo has invited New Yorkers to an Open House at the Executive Mansion on Sunday, to celebrate Easter Sunday. Visitors and their families will be welcome to tour the Executive Mansion, meet the Governor, and participate in an inaugural Easter egg hunt to commemorate the new tradition.

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 City of Oneonta has announced that a public informational meeting will be held to discuss the proposed construction of the Neahwa park entrance improvement project. The meeting will be held on February 2nd in the city hall common council chambers on the 2nd floor of city hall. More information is available at 432-6465.

The town of Sidney zoning board of appeals will hold a meeting at the Sidney civic center today a 5 :00 PM. the meeting is open to the public.

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.