WCDO Radio News

State Police responded on Saturday at approximately 11:05 AM, to the report of a 2 vehicle accident on State Route 7 in Otego. Police stated that a Chevrolet Trail Blazer driven by 42 year old David VanBuren of Otego, while leaving a driveway, entered into the roadway and fails to yield the right of way to a Kia driven by 61 year old Lewis Keyser of Otego. Keyser was flown to Albany Medical Center by LifeNet for emergency surgery for injuries sustained in the accident, the investigation is continuing.

Members of the Assembly Minority Conference announced legislation that would suspend state sales tax on a wide range of goods and services in order to provide New Yorkers with financial relief necessary to manage skyrocketing prices. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay explains:

(Assemblyman Will Barclay 1-25-22)

The “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan” calls for eliminating sales tax charges for 2 years. The State Senate Minority Republican Conference also unveiled the ‘End the Exodus’ economic plan to deal with inflation spikes and the ongoing exodus of New Yorkers leaving the state for other affordability locations with perceived better economic opportunity than in New York State.

The results of the 78th Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame election will be revealed at 6:00 PM tonight live from the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery in Cooperstown. The event will be carried by the MLB Network, as Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch delivers the results. The Ballot features 30 players, including 13 new candidates and 17 returnees. Those announced tonight will join Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Miñoso, Buck O’Neil and Tony Oliva at the inductions in Cooperstown in July.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 1-25-22

The Associated Press is reporting this morning that Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has died while serving a prison sentence in a corruption case. Silver died Monday, he was 77, and he had been sentenced to more than six years in prison for using his clout in state government to benefit real estate developers. The conviction ended a four-decade career in the Assembly.

A New York state judge has ruled that the state's mask mandate can’t be enforced. The mandate was re-instituted by the governor over concerns about a winter surge of coronavirus cases. The state health department has said the mandate would be in place until Feb 1. A State Supreme Court Judge ruled that the state Department of Health didn’t have the legal authority to implement the mandate. Governor Hochul says her administration disagrees with the ruling and is “pursuing every option to reverse this immediately." School District can still enforce Mask Mandates for students.

State Police will be hosting a car seat check event at the Deposit Fire Station today from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Appointments are preferred but drive-ups are welcome, call (607)561-7605 or email at shannon.hartz@troopers.ny.gov.

The New York State Cannabis Control Board will hold a public meeting of the Board at 1:00 pm. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 via real-time live streaming. The public is able to observe this meeting from a mobile device or computer on our live webcast at players.brightcove.net.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 40 year old Jeremiah Clark of Roxbury for possessing stolen property and falsifying business records. On November 7th, Deputies investigated a report of stolen scrap steel and copper from a building in the Town of Stamford, which were sold to Otsego Auto Crusher’s in Davenport. On January 14th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division assisted State Police with the execution of a search warrant on a residence in the Town of Roxbury, they charged Clark with Falsifying Business Records and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, he was arraigned at the Town of Roxbury Court and was released on his own recognizance. Clark is scheduled to appear at the Town of Roxbury Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-7-21

The State Health Department continues to see a decline in COVID cases across the state.  On Thursday, there were just under 195,000 tests administered, with 2370 positive, for a 1.2% positivity rate.  Hospitalization declined again to 2264, ICU patients’ decreases to 571, the number on ventilators declined to 354, there were 25 COVID deaths Thursday.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced that starting May 24th, Cold In-Place Recycling will begin on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling Director of Public Works Shawn Fry at 337-1710.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-7-21

The Associated Press reported that former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is being returned to federal prison after federal authorities denied him home confinement.  Silver was released Tuesday from a federal prison on furlough while he awaited potential placement to home confinement, Silver had been in prison since August, where he was serving more than six-year sentence at a prison in Otisville.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday May 12, at 97 Main Street Delhi,  from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  This vaccination clinic is open to all New York state residents or people who work in the State over the age of 18. Registration is mandatory at apps2.health.ny.gov.  For more information or assistance getting registered call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.  Public Health reported 2 new cases out of 790 tests Thursday, with 4 hospitalized, 44 active cases & 83 quarantined.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists of a milling and paving project on a portion of State Route 10/ Main Street beginning Monday, May 10th, in the Village of Delhi. Flaggers will be controlling alternating, one-way traffic on Route 10 from Sherwood Road to Meredith Street for approximately 5 days, weather permitting. Alternate side of the street parking will be established within the scope of the project during that time frame.

The state continues to see favorable statistics regarding COVID 19, as Tuesday's statewide testing showed a positivity rate of 1.49%, the lowest numbers since last October.  The number of decreased by more than 100 to 2658, the number in ICU Beds went down by 15 to 610, and the number of Patients on Ventilators went down slightly to 379.  There were 31 deaths attributed to the COVID virus Tuesday in New York State.

State Police found a missing toddler who was allegedly abducted in Minnesota after spotting the suspect’s vehicle on the Thruway Tuesday.   27-year-old Amina Mohamed of Minneapolis, is accused of kidnapping her little sister, 2-year-old Nasteha Mohamed, State police received a ‘be on the lookout’ notification for a gold Chevrolet Equinox, they were stopped near in the town of Elbridge, the child appeared to be in good health & will be in the care of Onondaga County Child Protective Services until she can be safely returned to her mother.   Amina Mohamed was taken into custody, the investigation is ongoing.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been released from a federal prison on furlough, while he awaits potential placement to home confinement.  Silver was serving his more than 6-year sentence at a federal prison in Otisville; he began serving his sentence in August on corruption charges.

State Police responded to a report of a tractor trailer rollover north of the Pennsylvania state line on I-81 at about 11:45 AM Wednesday.  A trooper responded & discovered that the tractor trailer struck the guide rail, continued off the roadway and overturned.  The driver was a 57-year-old male from Quebec who declined hospital treatment, the investigation is ongoing.

State Troopers were dispatched by Broome County 911 to a one-car crash near the intersection of Fox Farm and Reagan Roads in the town of Windsor Wednesday morning.  Troopers discovered that the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a utility pole, the driver was still in the vehicle and unresponsive.  The unidentified driver was pronounced deceased at the scene and an autopsy was ordered.

Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver started his prison sentence Wednesday at a federal prison in Otisville, where he will serve 6 1/2 years following a corruption conviction.  Silver left the Assembly in 2015, was convicted a short time later & various appeals & a retrial kept him out of prison.    Silver was convicted twice for administering political favors, as a new inmate, Silver will be tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine for 14 days.

The State Health Department announced another 791 positive COVID 19 cases on Wednesday statewide after over 83,000 tests were administered.  490 were hospitalized for the virus, 4 deaths were reported, bringing the state death toll to 25,309.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a New York City man Tuesday following a property damage accident on County Highway 26 in the Town of Colchester.  23-year-old Evian Camacho of New York City had a suspended driver’s license, for failure to answer summonses in both Bronx and New York counties and for failure to pay a State DMV driver responsibility assessment.    Camacho was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and moving from a lane unsafely.  Camacho was released and directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date.

A variety of severe weather warnings have been issued throughout the region this afternoon, as severe weather pounded the region.  Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 8-27-20)

A Tornado watch remains in effect through 7:00 PM throughout the WCDO Listening area .

Otsego County Department of Health is investigating 9 cases of coronavirus reported Wednesday, 5 of the cases are SUNY Oneonta students. The other 4 cases have been associated with a gathering of high school students. All cases are have been investigated and contacts are being notified.  Currently, Otsego County now reports 128 total confirmed cases, with 15 active cases, 1 person is hospitalized.  The Otsego County Health Department is holding another free COVID 19 testing this morning from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON at the former "Greenies" site on state route 7 in Otego, This testing site is for Otsego County residents only who preregister by calling 547-4279.

New York state’s farms generated $4.8 billion in revenue in 2017, with 15 agricultural products ranked in the top 5 nationwide, according to a report released today by
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York has more than 35,000 farms covering 7.3 million acres, nearly one quarter of the state’s land area. Milk is by far the state’s
largest agricultural commodity, with $2.7 billion in sales in 2017, New York vineyards covered 35,000 acres in 2017, producing 187,000 tons of grapes, surpassed only by
California and Washington. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us/reports.

Today approximately 100 Delegates from across 10 counties met in Binghamton to formally nominate the Republican candidate for State Supreme Court in the 6th
Judicial District, they unanimously selected Chenango County District Attorney Joe McBride to run as the Party's candidate in this November's election. The vacancy in
this office was created by the recent retirement of Judge Kevin Dowd.

Sidney High School Senior J.P. Dewey has been selected to perform with the NYSSMA Conference All-State Jazz Ensemble in Rochester this fall. Dewey will be playing
piano in the 18-piece ensemble, and will also attend the music conference from November 29-December 2, he will also be eligible to perform with the ensemble in March
as part of NYSSMA Day festivities in Albany.

A judge has denied a motion by ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver regarding his bail request, pending the appeal of his corruption conviction and seven-year prison term. U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni has denied Silver's request Monday, she stated that the substance of Silver's appeal lacks merit, and the sole purpose of the request was to stall Silver starting his prison term on October 5th. Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison after his first conviction in 2015, that conviction was overturned after the U.S. Supreme Court redefined the boundaries of public corruption, then a 2nd jury convicted him
earlier this year, for taking $5 million illegally by using his political power for personal gain.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is reminding New Yorkers that they may have unclaimed funds. Statewide, there are more than 39 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $15.5 billion. In 2017 the Office of Unclaimed Funds returned a record $460 million in lost money, to see if there are any funds in your name visit osc.state.ny.us.

Food stamp recipients will be able to use their benefits at farmers' markets across New York State under an agreement the state and the Farmers Market Federation have made with a mobile application vendor. Governor Cuomo wrote to federal officials earlier this month urging them to renew a policy that allowed food stamp recipients to use their benefits at local farmers' markets, after the federal government notified the state that food stamp benefits could no longer be used at farmers' markets because of a technology change.

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver sentenced to 7 years in prison & 3 years post release supervision Friday in a Manhattan federal court for accepting $4 million in illegal payments. Silver was convicted for 7 felonies from schemes where Silver used his political power to gain personal wealth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delaware County Public Health and Delaware Opportunities will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at Delaware Opportunities on State Route 10 in Hamden, on Wednesday June 27th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Parents and caregivers can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat technicians; Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. More information is available at 832-5200.

Former Gubernatorial & Congressional Candidate Zephyr Teachout announced THAT SHE MAY run for State Attorney General this year, to replace Eric Schneiderman, who resigned 1 week ago, follow accusations by 4 women that Schneiderman physically assaulted them. Teachout is currently an Associate Professor of Law at Fordham University, she said that she will form an exploratory committee to consider running for Attorney General, She will make a final decision in the next few weeks.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is starting up a process to name an Attorney general through the end of this year, Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch explains:

(Cliff Crouch 5-145-18)

Crouch said that it was unclear whether or not State Senate Republicans would agree to participate in the proposed process.

The National Rifle Association filed a lawsuit Friday against Governor Cuomo & the State Department of Financial Services, the NRA Accuses accusing them of coercing banks and insurance companies to withhold services to the gun lobbying group. The lawsuit asks the court to award unspecified monetary damages to the NRA and stop the state from prohibiting the insurance companies from doing business with the gun lobby group. Cuomo said the NRA's lawsuit is a desperate attempt to advance its agenda to sell more guns.

The State DOT will host an open house public information meeting on Wednesday May 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Colesville Town Hall on Welton Street in Harpursville regarding the Dilly Road culvert replacement project. The proposed work zone traffic control will require an approximate 2 week closure of Dilly Road at the intersection of State Route 7. Traffic will use a three-mile, six-minute detour. Dilly Road accommodates an average of 60 vehicles daily. The project is in the preliminary design phase. Construction is currently scheduled for the 2019 construction season.

School Budget Votes and Board of Education Seats will be decided across the state tomorrow. The majority of school tax levy increases are at or below the state spending cap, according to the New York State School Board Association, more than half of the Board of Education seat races have only 1 candidate running.

Former state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was found guilty on all counts Friday in his corruption retrial. Silver was found guilty for mail fraud, wire fraud and extortion, for using his position to receive nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks. An appeals court tossed out Silver's original conviction, citing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that changed the legal definition for corruption. Silver faces sentencing in July.

The 2nd trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver gets underway today in New York City. Silver was convicted of using his political influence for political favors; the conviction was tossed last summer, when appellate judges in the 2nd Circuit ruled that the definition of “official acts” had been changed by a previous Supreme Court decision in the public corruption case of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report on the recently enacted state budget. DiNapoli’s report finds the enacted budget increases General Support for Public Schools by 3.4% and provides an additional $50 million in competitive grants for prekindergarten, after-school and other programs. The Budget holds flat most direct aid to local governments; it is funded at $715 million, the same level for the last 6 years. The budget also maintains the appropriation for the Environmental Protection Fund at $300 million.

The FoxNow Convenient Care Clinic at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta will be closing tomorrow, Fox Hospital Marketing Director Gabrielle Argo Explains:

(Gabrielle Argo 4-30-18)

The Convenient Care Clinic off of River Street in Oneonta is open 7 days a week, more information about their services is available at bassett.org or at 1-800-bassett.

Governor Cuomo announced nearly $2.2 million will be awarded to 34 farms across the state through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, to help farms reduce their operational impact on the environment and better prepare for and recover after extreme weather events. In the Southern Tier; Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $77,255 to work with 6 farms to implement cover crops, which are planted to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and to increase soil organic matter to improve resiliency during periods of flood and drought.

State Senator John Bonacic announced Friday that he will not be running for another term. Bonacic has served in the state Senate for 20 years & has served in elected office for more than 4 decades. Bonacic’s 42nd District includes the Masonville, Delhi, Hamden, Walton, Tompkins and Colchester.

State Senator John DeFrancisco said Friday he will not seek re-election and plans to end his 40-year career in politics when his term expires at the end of the year. DeFrancisco had considered a run for Governor but he announced Friday that he will retire from the Senate & from politics.

State Police & the State Liquor Authority conducted an Underage Drinking Enforcement Detail in Broome County; for businesses that sell alcoholic beverages in Broome County. 9 establishments were checked, 4 sold alcohol to an underage operative. Police charged 49 year old Meredith Bahr of Candor, 22 year old Sarah Kamide of Vestal, 33 year old Maria Bales of Vestal, & 25 year old Victoria Harting of Windsor, All 4 were issued tickets to appear in court at a later date.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against Insys Therapeutics; he alleged that Insys marketed the fentynal-based drug for much wider use, than how it was approved by the FDA. The suit also claims that Insys downplayed addiction risks and bribed doctors to prescribe their brand, known as Subsys.

Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's retrial will continue on April 16th, following his failed appeal to the Supreme Court. Silver’s previous conviction for corruption was reversed by an appeals court, where he was sentenced to a 12-year prison sentence. Silver is currently free on bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced he has signed an Executive Order to further protect New Yorkers' civil rights by banning all state agencies and authorities from doing business with companies that promote or tolerate discrimination. The Governor also announced he will be advancing legislation that will ban the use of a "Gay Panic" defense to protect against revictimizing New Yorkers. The Governor made the announcements at the 17th Annual Human Rights Gala in New York City.

State Lawmakers will start looking over the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal, in what is expected to be a challenging year, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 1-17-18)

State Senator Jim Seward also commented:

(Jim Seward 1-17-18)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget finished in time for the start of the state's fiscal year.

State Police arrested 50-year-old Robert Stilson of Unadilla for Driving a Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and other traffic violations. The arrest followed a traffic stop by a Trooper for a loud exhaust on State Route 8, in the town of Guilford; the trooper determined that Stilson was driving impaired. A search of the vehicle recovered marihuana and concentrated cannabis; Stilson was issued tickets returnable to the town of Guilford Court on February 6th.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s bid to block his retrial on corruption charges, April 16th is the start date for Silver’s new trial in Manhattan federal court. Silver was convicted on charges that he took payoffs disguised as legal fees in return for using his political power to benefit political supporters, the conviction was overturned last year by the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals because of flawed jury instructions. Silver was found guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in jail; he never entered jail as the case was on appeal.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Paige Shaul of Oneonta on charges of 3rd degree Grand Larceny & filing a false instrument with intent to defraud, in connection with an incident on January 8th. Shaul faces court action at a later date.

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

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

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

The state appeals court on Thursday overturned the former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's 2015 corruption conviction for pocketing $4 million in kickbacks from a cancer researcher and real estate developers. Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison last year, he appealed after the Supreme Court narrowed the definition of "official act" for the purposes of proving corruption cases. Silver was convicted on 2 counts each of mail fraud, wire fraud, extortion and 1 count of monetary transactions involving crime proceeds.

13 people were rescued from a ravine after floodwaters trapped hikers, swimmers and picnickers along the Canajoharie Creek last night. Rescuers from State Police, local Fire Agencies, responded, and there were no injuries reported. Rescuers had to use various equipment and ropes to pull some of the people up a 120-foot-high cliff in the gorge; the operation took about 8 hours to complete.

State Police are looking for 16-year-old Khailee Stoughton of Laurens; she was last seen leaving her home on June 19th. She is described as a Black Female; 5' 4" tall and medium build. She has long brown hair and brown eyes. She has been traveling between Albany and the Laurens/Morris/Oneonta areas, anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 432-3211.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation and announced new actions to support the emerging industrial hemp industry and boost the agricultural economy in New York State. This legislation solidifies the status of industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity under New York Agriculture and Markets Law and creates an industrial hemp-working group to advise the State on research and policies concerning the crop. The Governor announced up to $10 million in grant funding would be available through 2 initiatives to advance industrial hemp research and economic development opportunities.

The State Legislature has between 5 to 7 more sessions before the official end of the 2017 session, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch would like to see Ethics Reforms get passed this year:

(Cliff Crouch 6-12-17)

Crouch said that entrenched Assembly & Senate leadership since he starting serving in Albany in 1995, have wound up facing various corruption charges, rather than simply returning to the private sector. Former State Senate leaders Joe Bruno, Dean Skelos, Pedro Espada & Hiram Monseratte & Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have all faces charges & court dates after their runs at the top in Albany.

Applications are now being accepted for the operation of custom craft beverage production centers to provide space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine, or cider for home consumption. The State Liquor Authority will provide new licenses to facilitate the production, to both current craft manufacturers looking to expand or businesses seeking to open a stand-alone custom homemade craft beverage production center. Governor Cuomo signed legislation last year, creating the new license authorizing the creation of custom craft production centers where craft beverage amateur brewers and cider makers can utilize the expertise, space and equipment of existing facilities to produce craft beverages for personal consumption. More information is available at sla.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that over $3.1 million dollars in wages and interest during the first quarter, has been returned to 1,367 workers by the State Department of Labor. In addition, more than $125,500 in civil penalties have been assessed against employers in violation of prevailing wage law and 14 individuals or business entities have been debarred since the beginning of the year. Locally, 76 Southern Tier area workers were awarded over $168,000 in back wages through this effort.

State Police responded Friday to a report of a 1-vehicle rollover fatal accident on State Highway 17 in the Town of Sanford. The investigation revealed that the operator of an Econoline van fell asleep at the wheel, the vehicle drifted off the road and overturned multiple times before coming to rest. 5 of the 7 occupants were transported to Wilson and Lourdes Hospitals to be evaluated for non-life threatening injuries, however, 1 Passenger; 70 year old Dennis Pitts of Rochester, was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital, he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is continuing.

Norwich Police unveiled 20 new officer body cameras to increase transparency and accountability while improving relationships between law enforcement and the community. Officers began utilizing the body cameras on patrol and in the field earlier this year. The cameras are always on and rolling footage, the officer maintains control over when the camera starts to record and save footage. Funding for the equipment was secured through a $50,000 Public Protection Grant by State Senator Fred Akshar in the State Budget.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will make several stops in Cooperstown today. Hochul Discusses New York State Agriculture at North East Association of State Departments of Agriculture Conference at the Otesaga Hotel celebrates the 78th Birthday of Baseball Hall of Fame & visits the Fenimore Art Museum this afternoon.

State Police reported that 16-year-old Delany Ramos of was found safe in Rochester late Tuesday Night. Ramos was reported missing from the Oneonta Job Corps early Tuesday Morning; she was discovered safe in Rochester.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie of the Bronx has been re-elected to serve as the Speaker next year. Heastie was chosen to become Speaker of the Assembly after long time Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested & convicted on corruption charges.

A "Gofundme" page has been set up for the family of 15 year old Edward McKinley of Unadilla, who was killed after being hit by an SUV on State Route 7 in Unadilla Monday afternoon. Money is being raised to pay for medical & funeral expenses; donations can be made to gofundme.com/in-memory-of-eddie.

New York State ranked first nationwide in nonprofit jobs and organizations, with nearly 1.3 million employees and more than 31,000 organizations in 2012, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The jobs comprised more than 18 percent of all private sector employment in the state. Nonprofit groups in New York showed employment growth of 5.6 percent from 2007 to 2012. In 2012, when nonprofits paid over $532 billion in wages nationwide, New York nonprofits ranked first in the country, paying nearly $62 billion in total wages.

Binghamton City Officials announced that a 10-car pile up on State Route 17 Eastbound yesterday led to 10 people being injured, all were taken to area hospitals; none of the injuries are considered life threatening. City Officials reported that the accident occurred at about 4:20 Thursday afternoon, Binghamton Police department reports suggested that a tractor-trailer speeding through the Eastbound section near the Front Street exit had defective brakes. No tickets have been issued, The investigation is continuing.

Fire Investigators have determined the fire that destroyed the Cooperstown Motel on Tuesday, August 9th was arson. Investigations by the state Office of Fire Prevention & Control, county Office Of Emergency Services, state Department of Financial Services and the Cooperstown Police Department determined that the fire began on the second floor of the abandoned motel. No further details are available at this time. Anyone with information about the person(s) responsible for starting the fire is asked to call the Cooperstown Police Department, at 547- 2500. All calls are confidential.

Disgraced & convicted former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will not be heading to Federal Jail august 31st, after a judge ruled that he can remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction of corruption charges. Federal Judge Valerie Caproni, granted Silver’s request for bail, even though she presided over Silver's original trial, and stated that she believes that Silver is guilty of using his political power to increase his net worth, even as the definition for his crimes has changed in a recent US Supreme court ruling.

State & Federal money is being designated to get broadband service to rural areas of upstate New York. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that he likens this situation to when electricity was slow to make it into rural areas 120 years ago:

(Lopez 8-26-16)

Lopez said that the state has kicked up their contribution in recent years to about 500 million dollars annually to get rural broadband to residents, up from only a 5 million dollar commitment annually in 2008.

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

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

(Crouch 5-12-16)

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

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

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

Governor Cuomo today announced that The State has revised its Domestic Incident Report, which will allow law enforcement to collect more detailed information to enhance investigations, improve officer safety and connect domestic violence victims with support services. Police officers are required by law to complete the report whenever they respond to a domestic incident call, on average, officers statewide complete an estimated 400,000 Domestic Incident Reports every year.

with the parade of top level State Leaders heading for jail, Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that his fellow lawmakers talk a big game about ethics reforms, but nothing has been done:

(Lopez 5-4-16)

Other top lawmakers beside Silver & Skelos that have been charged with corruption related crimes include former State Senate Leaders Joe Bruno, Pedro Espada & Hiram Monserratte, & former Governor Elito Spitzer resigned due to a prostitution scandal, and a top level aide to Governor Cuomo is being investigated.

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison, in a Manhattan federal courtroom Tuesday. Silver was convicted last year on corruption charges for collecting about 5 million dollars in kickbacks during his 21 years as Assembly Speaker.

Former state Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton died Tuesday, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Libous was 63. Funeral services will be announced shortly.

The State Senate passed legislation renaming a portion of State Route 357 in Delaware County in honor of United States Marine Corporal Nicholas Uzenski. The bill sponsored by Senator Jim Seward pays tribute to the Uzenski, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010 when his unit was ambushed during a reconnaissance mission. The bill designates the portion of Route 357 from the intersection with State Route 28 in the town Franklin to the Franklin-Sidney town line, The Town of Franklin requested the special highway designation. Companion legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Cliff Crouch has been introduced in the state assembly.

State Police arrested 27-year-old Kyle Johnson of New Berlin, for aggravated family offense, 3rd degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment & criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a dispute on County Route 18, in the Town of Morris. Johnson is accused of choking & punching his wife in front of their children; he also allegedly would not allow her to contact police or to leave the residence. Johnson was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond, pending court action on Wednesday.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Roger Elam of Davenport, for being a fugitive from justice from Alabama and DWI with a B.A.C. of 0.15%. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop where Elam was observed speeding and driving across hazard markings while on Main Street, in the Town of Oneonta. Elam was wanted in Alabama for felony of theft of property, he was arraigned in the City of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail. His next court date is pending.

Commerce Chenango will be holding their next "Business After Hours" event today, hosted by M&T Bank, at 118 State Highway 320 in Norwich. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Whitney Point schools will reopen Today; they were forced to close doors Monday after several school buses were vandalized at the Districts bus garage over the weekend. State police said that no arrests have been made & the investigation is continuing.

Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is scheduled to be sentenced today in a Manhattan Federal Courtroom. Silver was convicted late last year on Corruption charges where he collected about 5 million dollars in kickbacks while serving as the Assembly Speaker.

State Police are investigating an incident with an Afton school bus on Long Hill Road Monday. 1 of the district's buses slid off the road and got stuck in a ditch, a few students were treated for minor bumps and bruises by the school nurse, another bus brought the students to school.

The sentencing of disgraced ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been postponed until May 3rd in a Manhattan federal courtroom. Silver was found guilty by a federal jury in November on corruption charges, Last week, Silver’s defense lawyers asked Judge Valerie Caproni to move sentencing to May 3rd & to set a date to hear arguments related to revealing secret documents at Silver's sentencing.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch And the Assembly Task Force on the Developmentally Disabled will hold a meeting today at SUNY Broome Decker Health Sciences Center Room 201, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Crouch comments about the meeting:

(Crouch 4-14-16)

Crouch said that the state has been closing homes for the developmental disabled and putting them into smaller group home facilities, which may be detrimental to those who were previously cared for at Broome Developmental & other larger scale facilities with many more amenities, friends & staff available.

Governor Cuomo announced the submission of 210 vetoes, eliminating pages of unnecessary language from the 2016-17 Enacted Budget. The vetoes include 18 reappropriations for items that had previously been fully paid out. 132 appropriations already received adequate funding within State agency operations, and 15 were duplicative, 27 reappropriations have been vetoed previously and therefore cannot be reappropriated, & 14 appropriations were unconstitutional.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Akshar 4-13-16)

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

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced a new, multi-year program to train counseling professionals to better enable them to deliver treatment for those with gambling addictions. Many individuals seek private practitioners for help to address problem gambling and this new training program ensures that private practitioners are knowledgeable about problem gambling and will increase access to treatment and support services. New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling, can find help and hope by calling the State’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY .

Governor Cuomo today announced New York state parks, historic sites and campgrounds hosted another successful season, with 65.3 million estimated visits in 2015. Park attendance increased 5% from 2014 to 2015, it was boosted by a variety of factors, including national exposure for Letchworth and Watkins Glen State Parks, which were ranked first and third best state parks in the nation by USA Today; and favorable weather throughout the summer and late into the fall.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined the Federal Trade Commission, the other 49 states, and the District of Columbia in announcing the successful conclusion of the largest multistate charity fraud action to date. 2 nationwide sham cancer charities are being dissolved and their president is banned from profiting from any charity fundraising in the future. Cancer Fund of America and Cancer Support Services and their leader, James Reynolds, claimed to help cancer patients, but instead, the majority of donations benefited the operators, their families and friends, and employee fundraisers. The complaint was filed in May 2015, targeting 4 sham charities run by Reynolds, which bilked more than $187 million from donors, including nearly $3 million in New York State.

The state learned that hundreds of faulty bolts were discovered within the reactor at the Indian Point Unit 2 Plant, the latest in a series of incidents that raise concerns about the management, maintenance and equipment standards at the plant. Governor Cuomo stated that there was no immediate danger to public health and safety, but the Governor said that he believes that the plant should NOT be re-licensed.

New York State’s unemployment rate dropped 1/10th to 4.8% in February. Locally, Chenango County's rate was 5.8%, Delaware County at 6.5% and Otsego County at 5.6%.

Former New York state Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver was disbarred Tuesday by the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court in Manhattan. Silver was convicted for abusing his power while serving as Speaker of the State Assembly from 1994 until last year. He faces sentencing in a couple of weeks.

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

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

(Lopez 3-17-16)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Seward 3-15-16)

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

(Crouch 3-15-16)

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

Governor Cuomo outlined his 2016 agenda & a 145 Billion dollar budget proposal this afternoon in Albany:

(Cuomo)

Among the topics covered by Governor Cuomo, building a better infrastructure, expanding breast cancer screenings, sheltering the homeless & holding lawmakers to a high standard. State lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget passed, their session runs until mid-June.

State Police at Norwich are currently investigating a burglary to a seasonal home on Wothe Freeman Road in the Town of Lincklaen. Trail camera footage from this area shows unknown white male suspects stealing property from December 17th through December 26th, 2015. The stolen property is valued at about $1,400. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police at 334-3296 or send an email to Investigator Ricky Bush at Ricky.Bush@troopers.ny.gov. All information will be kept confidential.

State Police arrested 22 year old Nathan Sellers of Deposit for 3rd degree Rape. Sellers is accused of having sexual contact with a minor under the age of 17, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail set, the investigation is continuing.

Assembly Republicans called for changes to the rules governing the Assembly Chamber. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 1-13-16)

Some of the changes include an end to the “three-men-in-a-room” budget negotiations, rules reforms to chamber operations, 8-year term limits for legislative leaders and committee chairs; require the return of campaign funds to donors or charity upon felony convictions; and prohibit the use of campaign funds on criminal defense fees;

Assemblyman Pete Lopez is calling on the Assembly Leadership to move into the Internet age to increase transparency in government:

(Lopez 1-13-16)

Lopez & the Assembly Minority are calling on a package of reforms to be passed, to rid the Assembly of the tight fisted controls formerly used by Disgraced former Speaker Sheldon Silver.

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

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

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

The state’s medical marijuana program will launch as scheduled tomorrow, but with only 8 of the 20 approved dispensaries, according to the state Department of Health. Some of the companies that have received the five licenses from the state to grow, manufacture and dispense have run into permitting issues with the dispensaries, which are located in Onondaga, Erie, Albany, Ulster and Westchester Counties, and in Manhattan. Additional dispensaries will be opened shortly. Medical marijuana will be available to patients with chronic diseases including cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis as well as severe forms of epilepsy.

State Police arrested 47 year old Frank Alfisi of Stamford, for aggravated driving while intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .20% and the felony of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. This arrest occurred after troopers observed an unoccupied vehicle with minor damage left in the road way on Main Street in Stamford, troopers determined Alfisi had been driving with a suspended license when he drove into a small street sign and then left the vehicle. He was arrested at the vehicle owner’s home in Stamford, he was arraigned and was released after his $1,500 cash bail was posted. His next court date is pending.

Assemblyman Pete Lopez & other Assembly colleagues announced efforts for the new "Spirit of '76" bill, to allow for a piece of legislation that has garnered the sponsorship of 76 members of the Assembly and 32 members in the Senate to bypass the applicable committee and move to the Floor for a debate and up or down vote. the Bill was forwarded in response to the power wielded by former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who was known to hold votes from coming to the floor in spite of large sponsorships.

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

(Kathy Hochul 12-2-15)

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

(Andy Matviak 12-2-15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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