WCDO Radio News

State Police are currently investigating a complaint on Wednesday ion the town of Franklin where 2 males posed as utility company workers while another person burglarized the home. 2 men wearing walkie talkies approached an elderly couple in front of their residence and distracted them, while the 3rd person entered their home and taken a large amount of cash, jewelry and coins. The suspects were in a white SUV with out of state plates. 1 man is described as Hispanic, clean shaven, approximately 50 years-old, approximately 5’3, 175 pounds, wearing a dark blue sweatshirt with matching sweatpants and a beanie hat. The 2nd man is described as 5’ 3”, a little older with facial hair and blue eyes, wearing blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a baseball cap, anyone with information should contact State Police at 432-3211 or 561-7400.

State Police arrested 38 year old Anthony Forte of Otego for Felony Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. Troopers were dispatched to Taco Bell in the town of Oneonta for a suspected drunk driver. Forte had a BAC of .16%, twice the legal limit, he was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court & his next court appearance is November 13th.

Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood will return to her previous position as the state Solicitor General shortly. Underwood was appointed as acting Attorney General in May following the resignation of Eric Schniederman, following multiple sexual abuse allegations. Underwood will return to her old job following the swearing in of new Attorney general Letitia James in January.

The Nassau County District Attorney will not attempt to prosecute former State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on charges of physical or sexual abuse. The DA's office announced that there were legal impediments, including statutes of limitations that prohibited their office from going forward with a prosecution of Schneiderman, who resigned in May after allegations by several women that Schneiderman abused them. Nassau county district attorney Madeline Singas had been appointed by Governor Cuomo to oversee the allegations against Schniederman, based on her expertise on prosecuting sex crimes.

State Police arrested 19 year old Shannon Taylor of Lisle for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. A trooper on patrol observed the vehicle Taylor was operating fail to stop at a stop sign on South Canal Street in the village of Greene, a traffic stop was initiated and Taylor was released to a sober third party and is ordered to appear in the village of Greene Court today.

State Police are investigating the suspicious deaths of 24 year old Dustin McMahon & 31 year old Christina Arvidson of Richmondville, in the town of Summit, Schoharie County. State Police were called to the scene on Rossman Valley Road on Tuesday. A preliminary investigation revealed the individuals died overnight Monday.

The State Office of General Services announced that a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction has been scheduled at the DOT facility at 241 Colesville Road in Binghamton today. More information on specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov, or (518) 457-6335.

Commerce Chenango & The Raymond Corporation of Greene have teamed up for their 4th Annual College & Community Job Fair at Morrisville State College Norwich Campus today. Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango comments:

(Steve Craig 11-8-18)

The event runs until 3:00 PM today.

State Police arrested 58 year old Debra Mills of Sidney, for Felony Forgery & Petty Larceny, for allegedly stealing checks from a woman she took care of, forging the checks then cashing them. Mills was arraigned in the town of Sidney Court where she was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to reappear appear in court Thursday.

The State Legislature approved of Barbara Underwood remaining as interim attorney general in the aftermath of Eric Schneiderman's resignation. Underwood will stay on as the Attorney General until the end of the year; she will not seek election for the office in November.

State DEC officials are warning New York Motorists to be on the lookout for turtles in the road. Thousands of turtles are killed each year in New York by vehicles; Turtles migrate to nesting areas in May and June, and are more likely to cross roads near rivers and marshy areas. State environmental officials remind drivers that they should only stop and move turtles when conditions are safe.

The Arc Otsego is accepting artwork submissions for its 14th Annual Voice event, which will be held July 27th through August 10th in the Fine Arts Building at SUNY Oneonta. The opening reception will be held on July 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, anyone living in New York State who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual and/or other developmental disability may submit artwork for consideration. The artwork submission form is available at www.arcotsego.org. The deadline for submissions is June 10th.

The Induction Ceremony for this year's General Clinton Hall of Fame will be taking place this SaturdayHall Of Fame Committee member Greg Davie explains:

(Greg Davie 5-23-18)

The ceremony will start with a meet and greet 5:30 PM, at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for April. The number of private sector jobs in the State was 8,155,700 while the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6% in April. Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate was 5.6%, Delaware County was 6% & Otsego County was at 5.1%

The State DOT will host an open house public information meeting this evening 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.

The Amphenol Corporation announced that the Vintage Manufacturing Facility buildings located at 40-60 Delaware Avenue in Sidney will be removed in preparation for future use. Amphenol spokesman Joe Bianchi stated that the plating operations at the west end of the site will continue to be in operation, the rest of the manufacturing and support operations were moved to Amphenol's new facility at 191 Delaware Avenue in 2014. The buildings in question were damaged in the flooding of 2006 and 2011 & no future use for those buildings could be identified. The building removal project will begin in June & should be finished in October of this year, under the guidance of the Village of Sidney, the state Department of Health & the state DEC. Potential future uses of the site are currently being considered.

School Budgets & Bus Propositions were passed by voters by large margins Tuesday across the Southern Tier. Area school district kept their increases close to the state cap, Only Stamford in Delaware County failed to get their budget passed, and a decision by their School Board will be made shortly.

Interim State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced that she won't seek election to the attorney general's positon. Underwood was appointed to the position after Eric Schneiderman resigned following accusations that he was physically violent to 4 women, Underwood had been serving as the solicitor general for the last 11 years, she was appointed by then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

Dairy farmers may be able to get money back from the revised Margin Protection Program this month, but they have to sign up before June 1st in order to benefit. Farm Service Agency representatives in each county office across New York State are available to meet with dairy farmers to discuss the program and its anticipated returns for each particular farmer and help farmers sign up if they are not already enrolled. FSA representatives are available in Delaware County at 865-4005 and in Otsego County at 547-8131.

The 4th annual Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Association Golf Tournament will be held on June 3rd at the Sidney Golf & Country Club, as a fundraiser for future work at the Sidney at River Street near State Route 8. Spokesman Tom Ruff explains:

(Tom Ruff 5-16-18)

More information is available at 518-256-7899 or at Sidney veterans memorial park.org.

Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency in nearby Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan Counties as they continue to recover from several severe thunderstorms yesterday. The Governor has deployed 125 members of the New York National Guard to assist communities with recovery efforts, plus thousands of state and local personnel are working to clear debris & re-open roads. A travel advisory was also put into effect for those counties, NYSEG reported over 10,000 were still without power from the storms earlier this afternoon.

State DOT Officials announced that work has begun to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 28 and State Route 357 in the Town of Franklin. The $1.3 million project will convert the current intersection into a circular intersection without traffic signals. Approximately 4,000 vehicles travel through this intersection daily. Roundabouts see a decrease in the severity of crashes, which typically occur at a slower speed.

Serge Corbin announced today that he will do the 70 Mile Pro Race with Guillaume Blaise at this year's General Clinton Canoe Regatta, he told WCDO that he agreed at first to help Blaise train for the event, & then Blasie talked him into doing it again:

(Serge Corbin 5-14-18)

Corbin has won 28 times out of 29 entries, with 8 different partners, he last particpated at the 50th Regatta in 2012.

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 Broome County Veterans for Peace exchanged grocery certificates as well as $50 for long guns and $100 for handguns and assault weapons Saturday. The event was held at the American Civic Association, where a mass shooting occurred, where Jiverly Wong shot & killed 13 people in 2009.

The Investigation is continuing of Former State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who resigned Monday after allegations of physical violence against 4 women. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that this was another case that points up the need for ethics reforms for state elected officials:

(Cliff Crouch 5-11-18)

Schneiderman was replaced by Barbara Underwood on an interim basis, the case if being investigated by Nassau County DA Madeline Singas.

Last year, billions of gallons of untreated sewage and storm water impacted more than 200 waterways in New York due to antiquated and overwhelmed sewer systems, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report details the problems with combined sewer overflows, which commingle the water from rain and snow melt with the wastewater in combined sewer systems. There are 46 communities in New York responsible for 807 outfalls where excess untreated or partially treated wastewater is discharged from pipes directly to rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal waters when their systems are overwhelmed. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to State route 10 near Beers Brook Road in the Town of Walton to assist the Walton Fire Department following a grass fire. The Investigation determined that the fire was caused by a projectile firework; Deputies arrested 26 year old Brett McLaughlin of Hancock, with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks, and for violating the State’s Burn Ban. DEC Law prohibits open burning between March 16th to May 14th. McLaughlin was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Walton Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported theft of a road sign in the Town of Delhi that led to the recovery of numerous highway signs & Coldwell Banker/Timberland Properties real estate signs. Deputies reported that they recovered more than 30 signs and charged 18 year old Russell Storey of Andes, 18 year old Dylan Reed of Margaretville, NY, and an unidentified 17 year old Roxbury male with Grand Larceny & Criminal Mischief & they also charged 20 year old Darian Scudder of Halcottsville with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. All 4 suspects were issued appearance tickets for Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

The New York State Fair is offering Lifetime Passes, starting next week. Fair officials announced that on Monday at 6:00 AM, 200 Lifetime Passes will be made available on the fair's online store, at nysfair.ny.gov for $200 each. The passes are metal medallions and allow free admission to the owner for any day of the fair. The owner's name will be engraved on the back of the medallion. Along with the medallion, the owner must show valid photo identification to get free admission to the fair. The medallion can be picked up at the fair's administration building starting on August 1. The 2018 New York State Fair runs from August 22 to September 3.

Governor Cuomo has named Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas as the special prosecutor to investigate allegations that former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman physically abused 4 women. Schneiderman resigned on Monday following the publishing of an article in "The New Yorker" where the women accused Schneiderman of striking them.

The Jericho Arts Council will hold their Annual Meeting Today, at 6:00 pm in the gallery of the Town Hall Theater in Bainbridge. The Council board will elect new officers, discuss new initiatives and answer any questions.

State Police were dispatched to 741 Hawleyton Road in the town of Binghamton for a report of a fatal accident involving construction equipment operated on private property. The deceased was identified as 56 year-old Anthony Gawlinski, he was removed to Wilson Hospital for an autopsy, The Investigation is continuing

State DOT announced the start of work on the $1.9 million replacement of the State Route 7 Bridge over Kelsey Brook in the Village of Afton. The bridge will be strengthened and elevated two feet to better protect it against flooding. The new bridge will have a larger opening for the waterway below, making it less susceptible to flooding. Construction will be completed in two stages; the first stage calls for traffic to be controlled by temporary signals when a lane of the roadway is closed. The winter traffic pattern is scheduled for November 1, 2018, to April 15, 2019. The second stage of construction calls for temporary traffic signals when the roadway is reduced to a single travel lane through October 31, 2019.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of legislation to preserve voter choice in Otsego County. Seward's bill was developed following a minor administrative oversight where Otsego County Board District 10 Representative Dan Wilber inadvertently overlooked the requirement to sign his oath of office within 30 days of his swearing-in triggering an automatic vacancy. While he has been legally reappointed to the position by the county board, his office will be open for election again this November to fill the final year of the term. The new bill, if signed in to law, would allow Wilber to complete the two-year term he was elected to serve. The bill has been forwarded to the state assembly.

Friday Night Activities have greatly increased at the General Clinton Canoe regatta over the last few years; Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains this year’s Friday lineup:

(John Harmon 5-9-18)

There will be free parking & free admission to General Clinton Park in Bainbridge on Friday Night May 25th.

Governor Cuomo proposed an additional $125 billion investment in infrastructure over the next 5 years, for the next phase of an infrastructure program to build a new New York and create middle class jobs. The new investment will include state and federal funding and leverage additional private sector capital, to rebuild the state's infrastructure, with investments in roads and bridges, mass transit, affordable housing, state colleges and universities, clean water infrastructure, health care infrastructure, State Parks and various other projects.

Barbara Underwood was sworn in yesterday as Interim State Attorney General, replacing Eric Schneiderman who resigned following a "New Yorker" Article that quoted women The he was involved with, involving acts of physical violence.

State Police investigated another school threat incident at the Charlotte Valley School Distinct on May 3rd. Troopers charged an unidentified 9 year old with making a terroristic threat, classes at the district resumed the following day, there was no actual threat to the safety of students & staff.

The New York State Department of Health is warning of a potential measles outbreak at several locations. The department reported that an international traveler from Europe who has been confirmed to have measles visited multiple places in Elmira, Dansville, & Niagara Falls, potentially exposing others to measles on April 30, May 1, and May 2. The health department Officials said anyone with symptoms like muscle pain, fever, or fatigue should see a doctor immediately.

State Police arrested 36 year old Luke Remillard of Otselic for criminal mischief, for allegedly intentionally smashing his car at a residence in April. Remillard was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending court action on May 14th.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has resigned, following a report on allegations of assault by multiple women in The New Yorker. The Manhattan District Attorney's office said they had opened an investigation into the allegations of Schneiderman being physically violent to women; Governor Cuomo called for his resignation Monday. Schneiderman's interim replacement is Barbara Underwood.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arrested 61 year old Robert Wenzel of Delhi for DWI, failure to maintain lane, after a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi. Wenzel was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear at a later date.

Voters in the 102nd State Assembly District will have a special election Tuesday, to replace Pete Lopez, who accepted a position at the Federal EPA Last year. Candidates include Republican Christopher Tague, Democrat Aidan O'Connor Jr., and independent candidate Wesley Laraway. Polling places across the district will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the Broome County Sheriff's Office announced the seizure of 11 animals following a complaint of suspected animal neglect in the Town of Sanford & the execution of a search warrant, numerous cats, sheep, dogs, and foxes were removed from the property. 39 year old John Elmer was charged with failure to provide proper sustenance, failure to provide proper food, drink and wholesome air to an impounded animal; he was released on an appearance ticket in the Town of Sanford Court at a later date.

THE UPPER SUSQUEHANNA PEDDLERS & PADDLERS CLUB HOSTED THEIR SPRING CANOE RACE SATURDAY, FROM THE ROUTE 205 BRIDGE IN ONEONTA TO THE FISHING ACCESS IN OTEGO. IT’S THE 1st LOCAL RACE OF THE SEASON AS PADDLERS PREPARE FOR THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA. SEVERAL LOCAL PADDLERS HAD GREAT SHOWINGS, TREVOR LEFEVER AND BEN SCHLIMMER WON THE C-2 PRO CLASS WITH RYAN ZAVERAL AND SHANE MCDOWELL TAKING 2ND PLACE. TODD LEFEVER AND ROB BIRDSALL WON THE C-2 MEN'S STOCK UNDER 50 CLASS, JEFF PEDERSEN AND JOHN YOUNG CAPTURED THE C-2 MEN'S OVER 50 DIVISION CROWN, MIKE PACKARD TOOK 2ND PLACE IN THE C-1 UNDER 50 MEN'S DIVISION. MIRANDA ROBINSON AND HOLLY CROUCH WON THE C-2 STOCK WOMEN'S UNDER 50 CLASS. FULL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT NYMCRA.ORG.

State Police arrested 37 year old Christopher Ramey of Port Crane for Assault, Criminal Mischief and Reckless Endangerment after Troopers responded to a report of a victim who was struck by a vehicle. Ramey allegedly spun his tires while backing out of a driveway, struck 3 mailboxes & drove at a person, who jumped out of the way, but struck another person. The victim was later transported to Wilson Hospital, Ramey fled but was located in Port Crane, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $250,000 cash bail, pending court action Tuesday.

Binghamton University Police and New York State Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Joao (Joe-a) Souza Sunday night at Windham Hall & the suspect was still at large early this afternoon. All Classes were cancelled today & Police said that the suspect was a light skinned male that fled on foot; he was wearing dark pants & a dark Hoodie.

Several state police vehicles were damaged, and a 16 year old from Otego is facing numerous charges, following a chase from Otego, through Harpursville & back towards Bainbridge on Sunday. Troopers responded to a domestic dispute in Otego Late Sunday Morning, the situation escalated when the unidentified Teen took a minivan and led police on a chase through several towns locally. The teen was charged with Grand larceny, criminal mischief, menacing, reckless endangerment, plus several traffic violations in local courts.

29 year old Corey Robinson has been brought back to Broome County to face murder charges, for the April 1st killing of Ericka Smith of Binghamton, at 92 Crocker Avenue in Johnson City. Robinson was located in Marietta Georgia & was returned to Broome County Friday, the murder weapon has been retrieved by State Police Divers from the Susquehanna River. Robinson is being held in the Broome County jail pending court action.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 2 car head collision on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Saturday morning at about 6:00 AM. The investigation revealed that a Volkswagen operated by 24 year old Tyler Cox of Binghamton collided with a Volvo operated by 70 year old Sante Moesle of Mt. Tremper. Volvo passengers included 60 year old Debra Abreu-Moesle and 19 year old John Abreu, all passengers involved were taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for treatment, and Sante Moesle was later transported to Upstate Medical Center for internal injuries. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it's extending the hours of its Income Tax Call Center to assist taxpayers through the April 17 filing deadline. Today & Tomorrow, the call center will remain open until 7:30 p.m. to answer last-minute filing questions, at at 518-457-5181 or online at tax.ny.gov.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a lawsuit against Charter Communications and Spectrum, formerly known as Time Warner Cable, alleging they deliberately promised Internet speeds they could not deliver. The complaint alleges that since January 2012 Spectrum-TWC’s marketing promised subscribers who signed up for its Internet service that they would get a "fast, reliable connection" to the Internet from anywhere in their home, after a 16-month investigation – the Attorney General’s Office found Spectrum-Time Warner subscribers were getting 70 to 80% slower than promised.

Governor Cuomo announced the submission of 259 vetoes from the state Budget. The vetoes include 149 appropriations pertaining to state agency operations and 61 other appropriations for which adequate funding is already provided in the budget. 26 appropriations pertain to federal grants that have expired, 10 were more than 7 years old and have had no disbursements over that time.

State Police are currently looking for 15 year old Robert Pegos from Binghamton; he was last seen leaving his place of residence on April 13th, wearing a black leather jacket, black jeans, grey sneakers, a Nightmare before Christmas hat, a black backpack and bracelets. Pegos could be hiding with friends, he does not have a cell phone and his social media account is locked. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police at 775-1241.

Governor Cuomo announced the nation's largest state investment in computer science, as the new state Budget includes a $6 million annual investment in professional development for teachers, paired with the creation of new academic standards for computer science. The program is designed to ensure that every elementary, middle, and high school across the state provides computer science education by 2025.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced criminal convictions and a civil resolution against Broome County trash collection firms, Bert Adams Disposal and Taylor Garbage Service. The 2 companies conspired to rig bids, allocate customers, and fix prices for trash and recycling services, which forced residents and businesses to pay artificially inflated prices for essential services, they also colluded on bidding for municipal contracts. As part of Bert Adams Disposal’s guilty plea, it will be required to pay $850,000 in criminal penalties. Taylor Garbage Service, Inc. will pay $500,000 in civil penalties, and Robert Taylor, the company’s president and co-owner, will also pay a $50,000 penalty to New York State.

A New York State Budget Presentation will be presented Today at 12:00 Noon, at The Northeast Classic Car Museum, in Norwich. State Commissioner RoAnn Destito of the State Office of General Services will make the presentation.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State Department of Health has issued a health advisory to hospitals, emergency departments and urgent care centers following severe and life-threatening bleeding cases in Illinois, Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri, due to the consumption of synthetic marijuana believed to be contaminated with rat poison. To date, no cases have been reported in New York State. Synthetic marijuana is sold with street names such as K2, Spice and AK-47, which consists of plant material coated by chemicals, which are supposed to mimic the effects of naturally grown marijuana.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce & the Otsego-Delaware Job Service Employer committee is co-hosting a free “Opioid Crisis in the Workplace” discussion, with featured speaker, attorney Theresa Levine of Coughlin & Gerhart. The event will be held from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Otsego Chamber offices at 189 Main Street in Oneonta.

The Otsego County Planning Department & New York Department of State are hosting a land use training work at the Milford Central School Auditorium, today from 5:00 to 8:15PM. 2 sessions will be offered covering planning, zoning, and General Municipal Law. The sessions offered in this workshop can qualify to meet the state requirement for members of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. To register, call the Planning Department at 547-4225 or otsegocountyworkshop.eventbrite.com.

State Police responded to a report of an assault Friday in the Town of Lisle, where the victim suffered a serious injury. Troopers said that the alleged assailant is 26 year old Thomas Sessions of the Whitney Point. Sessions is described to as 6 feet tall, approximately 240 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes; he was left the scene in a white pick-up truck with oversized tires and a loud muffler. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Thomas Sessions is requested to contact the State Police at 775-1241, email at Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov or by the State Police Facebook site.

State Police stopped a woman who disrupted a press conference at a State Police Substation at the Capitol in Albany yesterday with Governor Cuomo. The woman shouted obscenities & threw papers at the Governor; she was whisked away by troopers, while the Governor finished talking with reporters. The name of the woman was not released & no charges are being filed.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today a report today regarding Data Breaches in New York State in 2017. Companies reported 1,583 data breaches to Attorney General’s office, exposing the personal records of 9.2 million New Yorkers; quadruple the number of New Yorkers impacted in 2016. The Attorney General's Office suggests that consumers create Strong Passwords for Online Accounts and Update them frequently & to Change user names and passwords immediately on affected accounts. For breaches involving credit card numbers, social security numbers, Identity Theft Reports can be filed by calling the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338

State Senator Jim Seward is calling on the state to investigate the impact Lyme and tick-borne diseases may have on mental health. The State Senate unanimously passed legislation that would require the state to study the link between infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens and mental illnesses. The bill has been sent to the assembly for consideration.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that trout fishing season opens Sunday. The sport fishing industry brought in an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity, the DEC will stock 2.26 million catchable-size trout in 315 lakes and ponds and roughly 2,845 miles of streams across the state. Anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current State fishing license, more information is available at dec.ny.gov/permits.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted down a resolution to purchase the McFarland farm land property in Delhi for the Department of Public Works facility. The board is expected to look into another option for a DPW facility in Hamden.

State Police arrested 27 year old Charles Walsh of Sidney, for Criminal Trespass, Harassment and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers were dispatched to a residence in Deposit for a physical dispute Monday; Walsh fled the scene, but was apprehended by State Police Tuesday in Sidney. Walsh was arraigned in the village of Deposit and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to the village of Deposit Court on April 10th.

State Police arrested 55 year old Robert George of Sidney for Driving While Intoxicated, on State Highway 7 in the town of Bainbridge and observed traffic violations. George was released on tickets returnable to the town of Bainbridge on April 10th.

Governor Cuomo today declared a state of emergency for the counties in the Catskill regions, New York City & Long Island ahead of the coastal storm, which is bringing another round of heavy, wet snow through this evening. 300 New York National Guard service members have been activated and will be deployed to areas impacted by the storm, and a travel ban on tractor trailers on certain roads has been instituted due to the hazardous winter weather conditions, which restricts tractor trailers, short and & long tandems trailers, from entering several Interstate Highways.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the guilty plea and conviction of Robert Niederriter of Kirkwood, and his business, Buffalo Head Bar & Grill, for failing to file numerous sales tax returns and remit over $59,000 in sales tax that was collected at the business. Niederriter paid $59,789 to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for the unpaid sales tax and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge.

State Police arrested 35 Year old Christopher Lindow of Binghamton for Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C of .29% and several traffic infractions. A passing motorist had contacted Chenango County 911 reporting that a vehicle was parked in the middle of the driving lane on State Route 26, in the town of Bainbridge. Lindow was arrested & was released on appearance tickets for town of Bainbridge Court on April 5th.

State Police arrested 49 year old Dwayne Lockwood of Guilford for DWI. Troopers were originally called to a dispute at a residence in the town of Butternuts but learned that Lockwood left the residence prior to their arrival. Lockwood was located by Troopers at a business nearby, he was arraigned in the town of Guilford Court, he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond pending an April 10th court date.

State Police arrested 19 year old Sarah Smith of Oneonta for Petty Larceny, for allegedly stealing state lottery tickets while employed at Leatherstocking Market and Fuels on County Highway 11 in the town of Davenport. Smith was arrested and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Davenport Court on March 27th.

State Police at Sidney arrested 20 year old Brandon Swislosky of Unadilla for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Swislosky was stopped at a checkpoint on State Highway 7, in the town of Unadilla, Troopers determined that Swislosky was driving while impaired by drugs; he was released and was issued appearance tickets for town of Unadilla Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State Emergency Operations Center was activated, all New Yorkers can obtain emergency information through NY-ALERT, the State's free, all-hazards, web-based alert and notification system. Residents can subscribe online at nyalert.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-888-697-6972.

The Storm is knocking out power all over the state this Afternoon. NYSEG reported that over 5700 customers were without power in Delaware County, over 520 were without power in the City of Oneonta, over 340 lost power in the Windsor area, crews are working as quickly as possible to restore power during the storm.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the guilty plea and admission of former State Senator George Maziarz, who pleaded guilty to Offering of a False Instrument for Filing, related to a pass-through scheme in which he used money from his campaign committee to funnel secret campaign payments to a former Senate staffer, Glen Aronow, who had left government service following charges of sexual harassment. The plea was entered today in Albany County Court.

Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra ended his Republican bid for Governor of New York on Thursday. Giambra may continue his efforts on the Reform Party line. Giambra’s decision leaves Syracuse area State Senator John DeFrancisco as the sole prominent Republican left in the race to challenge incumbent Andrew Cuomo.

State Police arrested 42 year old Nicole Proper of Middletown, for 2nd degree Assault, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Proper was arrested after an argument with a victim, where Proper allegedly slashed the victim on the chest with a kitchen knife during the argument. The victim suffered superficial wounds, a child in the home called 911. Proper was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending action in Middletown Court on March 6th.

State Police executed a search warrant at 627 Prentice Gorge Road in the Town of Unadilla, following a 2-month narcotics investigation. Police arrested 35 year old Darryl Lloyd, 27 year old Justin Lloyd & and 27 year old Nicole Ruiz of Unadilla. Police seized cocaine, concentrated cannabis, 15 pounds of processed marijuana, digital scales, drug packaging material, cell phones, approximately $8000 cash & $2000 in Western Union checks. All 3 were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of Marihuana & Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, they were arraigned in the Town of Otego Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

SUNY Broome announced today that they would be holding their 2018 Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Job Fair this spring. The event will be held at the SUNY Broome Ice Center on April 26th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM & is co-sponsored by the State Department of Labor

Governor Cuomo today announced the extension of an emergency executive order which allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18. Last week, 18,258 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the New York State Department of Health, again the highest weekly number since reporting began in 2004, & it was the 5th straight week that the record was broken. The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the second consecutive week, with 2,160 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman led a coalition of 23 Attorneys General in filing a petition today to formally commence their lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission's illegal rollback of net neutrality. Schneiderman stated that Repealing net neutrality will allow Internet service providers to put corporate profits over consumers by controlling what we see, do, and say online.

The State High School Wrestling Tournament started today in Albany, with 14 local wrestlers participating. BG Senior Ben Bivar is competing in the 138-pound category; he has 2 other teammates Shane Hoover & Mike Wilmot that will be representing the region. Bivar told WCDO that it would be very special if he or his teammates could bring a championship to their school:

(Bivar)

Bivar won his first match earlier today, other schools participating include Walton, Delhi, Oneonta, Norwich & Oxford Academy, follow WCDO sport director Nate Lull on Twitter for updates today & tomorrow.

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.

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have launched a coalition to sue the federal government to challenge the Trump tax bill that eliminates full state and local tax deductibility. Governor Cuomo also is looking into 2 other options to combat the Trump Tax plan, the second prong of the effort is to launch a repeal-and-replace strategy, and the third prong is to explore the feasibility of a major shift in the structure of State tax policy.

State Police arrested 46-Year-old Kendall Jackson of Kirkwood, for Assault and Criminal Mischief. Troopers responded to the report of an altercation at a trailer park in the town of Windsor, where Jackson saw a group of people outside his relative’s trailer, and went outside to & unsuccessfully told them to leave, an altercation ensued, with Jackson allegedly throwing bricks, injuring 2 people. Jackson was issued tickets returnable to the town of Windsor Court on January 31, 2018.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its abrupt cutoff of more than $1 billion in federal funding for New York's Essential Plan, which provides critical health care to over 700,000 low-income New Yorkers. The lawsuit details how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services without adequate justification and in disregard of law; withheld legally-required funding owed to New York and Minnesota to operate their program New York and Minnesota are the only states that operate simialr low income insurance plans for residents.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder announced that an inmate who died in the County jail on January 25th, died if natural causes. 70 year old Erford Ellis was arrested by State Police for menacing and harassment, he was being held while waiting for court action.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to combat the flu epidemic, it allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18 - increasing access and convenience for those seeking the flu vaccination as the number of reported cases across the state continues to rise. Over the past week, 7,779 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the state and 1,759 New Yorkers have been hospitalized, the highest weekly numbers in both categories since reporting began, and surpassing last week's previous high of 1,606 hospitalizations.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will once again hold the Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally in General Clinton Park later this month. Event organizer Phil Canonaco comments:

(Phil Canonaco 1-26-18)

The Sleigh rally will be held weather there is snow or not tomorrow from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, donations will be accepted on behalf of the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

The Jericho Arts Council will hold a Bluegrass concert Saturday night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. The featured performers are "Matthews family Traditions" the show starts at 7:00 PM; tickets can be purchased prior to show time, or can be reserved at 288-3882.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo's office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA's office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 13 states; they are calling on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to reject deep cuts in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and anti-environmental riders in federal budget bills. The coalition charges that the EPA cuts and riders currently proposed by both houses will lead to more pollution, and an increase in damage to public health." The coalition is urging Congress to pass a final budget that fully funds EPA and omits any anti-environmental riders.

Governor Cuomo called for reforms that mandate transparency in political advertising, require online platforms to maintain an archive of political ads, and protect our State elections from outside influence. The proposal will also calls for the streamlining of voter registration services, remove unnecessary barriers that prevent participation in elections and increase accuracy in the voting process. Governor Cuomo will discuss the Strategy to the legislature during his State of The State Address next month.

Governor Cuomo is encouraging State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to begin planning to divest the state retirement fund from fossil fuels companies. DiNapoli said that the State's $200 billion Common Fund has been adding more investments into alternative fuel companies, but has not yet divested any funds from existing fossil fuel companies.

The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced that the documentary “Reversing the Stigma” is now available to view on YouTube. “Reversing the Stigma” highlights the work being done in New York State to combat addiction and reminds viewers that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable. The film profiles multiple people in various stages of recovery, who share their stories and experiences. The state Office advises residents to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction, more information is also available at the State's Talk2Prevent website.

State Police responded to a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield. 56 year old Joseph Moore of Stamford failed to keep right and collided head on with a dump truck. Moore's vehicle came to rest in a ditch, the dump truck tipped over onto the passenger side. Moore sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bassett Hospital, front seat passenger, 80 year old Joseph Moore Jr., of Stamford was also taken to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, backseat passenger 76 year old Erna Moore of Stamford, sustain serious injuries to her legs and body, she was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the dump truck 33 year old Roland Birdsall of Stamford, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bassett. The investigation by State Police is ongoing.

State Senator Jim Seward announced state grants of $50,000 each for Charlotte Valley, Franklin & Unatego School Districts. Franklin and Unatego will use the grants to assist with general education and classroom needs. Charlotte Valley will use the funds to help with costs associated with a parking lot improvement project to correct drainage problems and enhance safety.

New York State hunters have been more successful in 2017 than last year through the first several weeks of big game seasons, according to the state DEC. Through the 3rd weekend hunters reported 69,550 deer, compared to 61,184 through the same period in 2016. Hunters have reported taking 814 bears so far in the Southern Zone, compared to 775 last year. A final tally of the seasons’ deer and bear harvests will be compiled and released early in 2018.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released an updated Brochure "Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Know Your Rights"; to inform New Yorkers sexual harassment laws. The guidance provides victims of sexual harassment with information on the appropriate agencies to consult should they seek to file a complaint or take legal action, along with help lines for further support. The brochure is available at ag.ny.gov.

The 2018 State of the State Address will be held on Wednesday, January 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Seating is limited and tickets are non-transferable. In the event that the number of requests exceeds available seating, attendees will be selected by lottery. Guests will be notified of their selection via email on Monday, January 1. Registration will close on Friday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m. Request to attend are available at governor.ny.gov.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 15 state Attorneys General, they filed a lawsuit against the EPA and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for failing to meet the Clean Air Act's statutory deadline for designating areas of the country impacted by unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone pollution. The lawsuit, was filed jointly by the Attorneys General of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington DC & 10 other states Tuesday.

State police have cancelled an adult Amber Alert, as the elderly missing person has been located. 92 year old Beverly Cleveland was in good health at a motel in Owego& & she has been turned over to family members. Cleveland was reported missing over the weekend from the Town of Caroline in Tompkins County, she reportedly became disoriented while driving to her home in Trumansburg.

Tomorrow is "Giving Tuesday" & state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman suggested several websites that provide information to evaluate the charities' general performance, they are: charitynavigator.org; charitywatch.org; bbb.org or guidestar.org. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a scam is taking place, please email the Attorney General's Charities Bureau at charities.complaints@ag.ny.gov or call 212-416-8401.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $20 million dollars will be awarded statewide to replace residential drinking water lead service lines as part of New York's Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program awards locally include the City of Binghamton, which will receive $663,000.

Governor Cuomo announced a new public awareness campaign on the fentanyl crisis, which consists of ads about the dangers of fentanyl, providing safety tips on prevention, and offering guidance on how to safely respond to a fentanyl overdose. The campaign will include banners on social media, Advertisements on all forms of mass transit, and ads in shopping area and laundromats in communities throughout the state. Each advertisement will direct people to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov or call the state's HOPEline number for help, at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

State Police arrested 35 year old Justin Mancini of Endicott, for 3 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, he was taken into custody & during the investigation, Police received information that Mancini had placed a Craigslist ad to babysit children. State Police are requesting that anyone who used Mancini for childcare, answered his ad, or has any information that Mancini was hired to babysit, contact the BCI at 754-3854.

State Senator Fred Akshar will be visiting classrooms in 3 more schools Today as part of his new district-wide "Akshar All-Star" student recognition program. Akshar will visit the Tioga Central High School in Barton, The Vestal Middle School Library & at 2:00pm, the Oxford High School

The Bassett Mobile Screening Coach is coming to Sidney today. The screenings will be offered from 9a-2:30p at the Great American in Sidney and on Tuesday, December 5th from 9a-3p at the Bassett Healthcare Clinic in Walton. More information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

Today is “The Great American Smoke Out”, a day when smokers try to quit together for at least one day, in the hope of quitting permanently. More than 2.2 million New York adults still smoke and more than 26,000 die as a result each year, the State Smokers' Quitline is still available as a free resource for all New Yorkers seeking help. Quit Coaches can be reached at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) to provide personalized coaching and support, and additional resources are available online at www.nysmokefree.com.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced today the sentencing in Broome County Court of Kenneth Cohn, Sharon Cohn, the owners of Yellow Medi-Van and Taxi, Inc., for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Medicaid funds and knowingly operating transportation services without Worker's Compensation insurance. The Cohns forfeited and released $455,604 currently being withheld by the State Department of Health, to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The Cohns also agreed to pay $50,000 each in restitution, Kenneth Cohn was sentenced to 5 years' probation, and Sharon Cohn was sentenced to 1-year conditional discharge.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office's Election Day Hotline, which will help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters at the polls during the general election on Tuesday, November 7. The Attorney General urges voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls to call the office's hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday. Attorneys and staff in the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau will staff the hotline.

Governor Cuomo and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer today held a conference call to discuss the devastating Republican tax plan and state and local deductibility.

(Senator Schumer 11-6-17)

Schumer & Cuomo are calling all members of the New York Congressional delegation to oppose the Trump New York Tax increase plan. New York pays 48 billion dollars to the federal government than they receive in return each year.

Governor Cuomo today announced a statewide effort to prepare for the upcoming winter season, which includes the addition of more than 100 snow fighting vehicles to help clear roadways and highways. The DOT has acquired 44 new Two-Stage Plows that clear snow and ice from the roads more efficiently, with a 2nd plow located directly behind the main plow blade, removing more snow at a time, and allow for reduced road salt usage. Motorists are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511, or visiting www.511ny.org before traveling.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Gary Goslee of New Milford, Connecticut, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a traffic stop for speeding on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Goslee was arraigned & was later released on $500 cash bail, and scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date for further court proceedings.

State Police arrested 35 year old Bobby Goss Jr. of Stamford, for Criminal Mischief after troopers responded to the report of a dispute in the parking lot at the Deer Path Restaurant on State Route 8, in the Town of Columbus. Goss is accused of purposely driving his pickup truck into a woman’s SUV, following an argument inside, he also caused damage to a 3rd vehicle parked next to the woman’s vehicle. Goss was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and was released on his own recognize. His next court date in the Town of Columbus is pending.

Governor Cuomo announced a new statewide initiative to examine cancer patterns and the potential causes of cancer in 4 regions across the state that have a higher incidence of certain cancers. The Department of Health will be reviewing cancer data, potential demographic and occupational factors, and will consult with the DEC on environmental factors contributing to the cancer clusters.

New York State today filed a notice of intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for violating the federal Clean Air Act by failing to curb ground-level ozone pollution that blows into New York from upwind states. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that at least 1 in 3 New Yorkers breathe air with unhealthy levels of smog pollution. The EPA's own studies demonstrate that pollution from states upwind of New York contributes substantially to the state's dangerous smog problem.

New York residents stand to lose more than $72 billion in reported deductions for income and property taxes if proposals to change the federal tax code are implemented, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Among the deductions the administration has targeted are those for state and local taxes, New Yorkers reported more than $72 billion in such federal deductions in 2015, including $51.7 billion for income taxes and $20.9 billion for property taxes.

The New York State Parks Department has updated their maps for this weekend, regarding the Fall Foliage season. The full map can be found at iloveny.com.

State Police arrested 34 year old Michael Graziano of Oneonta, for Grand Larceny and Falsifying Business Records, after troopers were advised of a theft by an employee that had occurred at Springbrook in the Town of Milford. Graziano allegedly falsified business records to steal over $7,000 in pay; he was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and was release on his own recognizance. His next court date is on December 12th.

State Senator Fred Akshar, & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting today, to discuss the ongoing repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School.

Governor Cuomo announced $7.5 million to construct, rehabilitate and improve the homes of 367 income-eligible families across New York. The funds are awarded through New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Affordable Home Ownership Development Program, administered by the Affordable Housing Corporation. In the Southern Tier, a $600,000 grant will go to Delaware Opportunities for the acquisition and rehabilitation of approximately 15 homes located on scattered sites in Delaware County. $290,000 grant to M-ARK Project, for the acquisition and rehabilitation of approximately 10 homes located in Delaware County.

State Police arrested 48-year-old Gina Criscitello of Harpursville, Friday for Felony DWI, with a B.A.C. result of .13%, plus Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & other traffic violations. A Trooper observed a vehicle failing to maintain its lane on State Route 7B in the Town of Fenton. Criscitello is accused of driving while intoxicated & with a suspended license, she was arraigned & remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced a series of measures aimed at increasing organ donation in New York State. The actions include signing an Executive Order that directs the State Health Department to work with all state agencies to provide the public with additional opportunities to become an organ donor through the new Donate Life Registry. Governor Cuomo also signed legislation making "Lauren's Law" permanent in New York State, and an updated, state-of-the-art Donate Life Registry launched to streamline the organ donor registration process.

State Police were dispatched Friday to a report of an accident on Quarry Access Road in the Town of Deposit. Troopers located an overturned dump truck in the middle of the access dirt road, 66-year-old William Barse of Sidney was hauling stone from the quarry when he drove off the road several times, struck trees, & overturned, he was ejected from his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police are continuing the investigation.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a new multistate lawsuit filed by 19 Attorneys General to defend the health care subsidies on which thousands of New Yorkers and millions of Americans rely.

(SCHNEIDERMAN 10-16-17)

The lawsuit argues that the federal government is required to make these payments under law, and failure to do so would be "contrary to the law" and "arbitrary and capricious" in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

The State DEC filed a formal challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision that DEC waived its jurisdiction under the federal Clean Water Act for the Millennium Pipeline Company’s proposed Valley Lateral project. The DEC demands that FERC refrain from authorizing Millennium to commence construction of the project while DEC’s appeal is heard.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released a statement today following EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s announcement that the Trump Administration will repeal the Clean Power Plan. Schneiderman said that the Trump Administration is putting energy industry special interests ahead of New Yorkers’ and all Americans’ safety, health, and the environment. In November 2015, a coalition of 25 states, cities and counties, led by New York Attorney General Schneiderman, intervened in defense of the Clean Power Plan against legal challenge in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce annnounced that former area Congressman Chris Gibson will be their special guest at their next 1st Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast on Friday, November 3rd from 8:30 to 10:00 am. The meeting will be held at the Delhi Nursing and Rehabiliation Center at 41861 State Highway 10 in Delhi, Gibson will discuss his recently published new book "Rally Point".

New York lawmakers convicted of abusing their power and sent off to prison may have their pensions removed, when voters will be asked in November whether to change the state constitution to authorize judges to strip pensions from corrupt politicians. 30 state lawmakers have left office since 2000 because of criminal charges or allegations of ethical misconduct. Voters will also be decide whether to call for a constitutional convention, where delegates would consider tweaking or rewriting the state Constitution.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has sent formal inquiries regarding data security to Credit Check companies Experian and TransUnion, following the Equifax breach that exposed the personal information of millions. The Attorney General's office asks the companies to detail the security measures that were in place before they learned of the Equifax breach; steps the companies have taken since learning of the breach, and how they will further assist consumers in protecting their personal information. Equifax announced a massive breach affecting 143 million Americans and over 8 million New Yorkers, Hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, driver's license numbers & Credit Card Numbers.

Many Job openings are available through the State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities throughout the Southern Tier. Dave Jenkins of the CSEA comments:

(Dave Jenkins 9-19-17)

A civil Service test will be given on Wednesday September 27 at 5:00 PM At the Otsego Regional Center at 28 Hill Street at the Oneonta Job Core Complex, more information is available at 240-4786.

Commerce Chenango announced a manufacturing Workforce Symposium on October 4th, which will be held at the Morrisville State College Norwich Campus from 8:00 to 11:30 AM. The program is aimed at Educators, Workforce Development Practitioners, Manufacturing Employers and Government Officials; it has been developed to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the regional economy and the future of manufacturing employment in the region. Registration or more information is available at 334-5532 or register@chenangony.org.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary unemployment rates for August. The State’s unemployment rate rose 1/10 of 1% in August, Locally Chenango County's unemployment rate was at 4.7%, Delaware County was at 5.3% & Otsego County had 4.7% in August.

State Police arrested 21-year-old Joshua Bertram of Chenango Forks, for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .19% and other traffic violations. Troopers responded to a report of a 1 vehicle accident with no injuries on County Road 32 in the Town of Greene, troopers observed Bertram passed out in the driver seat while his vehicle was in a ditch, he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Greene Court on September 21st.

State Police arrested 27-year-old Kenneth DeGroat Jr., of Windsor, for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Resting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after troopers responded to a motorcycle accident on Foley Road in Windsor, where the driver had been given a ride to a nearby gas station and left his motorcycle at the scene. DeGroat had been driving with a suspended license, and did not have a court ordered ignition interlock device, he also refused to submit to a breath test. DeGroat was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail set.

Governor Cuomo today announced that over $69 million in grants, interest-free, and low-cost loans has been approved by the State Environmental Facilities Corporation to support drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects. The Town of Colchester will receive $318,000 for the construction of a new water treatment building with a cartridge filtration system so that their source may be used as for drinking water. Other improvements include a new finished water tank level monitoring system, a back-up electrical generator, new chemical feed systems, and a new raw water tank.

Primary Elections are being held in some local towns today. Polls will be open from until 9:00 PM Tonight, with primary races locally in Delaware County in Andes, Walton & Hancock, in Chenango County has in Afton, North Norwich, Norwich, Plymouth, Sherburne & Smyrna & in Otsego County in the towns of Butternuts, Hartwick, Middlefield, Morris & Richfield. Anyone with an issue at their polling place can call the Attorney General’s office hotline toll free at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov through 9:00 PM.

First responders who served after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks now have unlimited sick leave benefits. Governor Cuomo signed a bill Monday allowing any sick 9/11 first responder from anywhere in the state to take as many sick days as needed, they are eligible for sick leave at 100 percent of their regular salary dating back to the time of their diagnosis.

State Senator Jim Seward and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch called on Governor Cuomo to take action to support Village of Sidney residents waiting for completion of a flood buy-out program related to Hurricane Irene in 2011. Homeowners in Sidney have contacted both Senator Seward and Assemblyman Crouch to express concern over duplicative paperwork requirements and the long wait period in regard to a federally funded home buyout program that is being administered by New York State agencies. In the letter, Seward & Crouch requested that Cuomo appoint a task force or leader to coordinate the state's efforts, cut red tape, and bring it to a quick conclusion for Sidney Village homeowners.

State Police arrested 27 year old Jessica Cambier of Bainbridge for DWI and other traffic violations, after a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 205 in the town of Oneonta. Cambier was given tickets returnable to the town of Oneonta court on September 19th.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman warned New Yorkers to remain vigilant against possible hacking and phishing attempts by cyber-criminals following the Equifax data breach. Equifax is 1 of the nation's 3 major credit-reporting agencies; they experienced a massive breach affecting 143 million Americans and over 8 million New Yorkers. Hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver's license numbers. Approximately 209,000 individuals had their credit card numbers stolen. New Yorkers should be on the lookout for Phishing emails that claim to be from Equifax where you can check if your data was compromised; Phishing emails that claim there is a problem with a credit card, your credit record, or other personal financial information; Calls from scammers that claim they are from your bank or credit union or Fraudulent charges on any credit card.

The Broome County Sheriff’s office responded to the intersection of Old State Road and Bevier Street in the Town of Kirkwood for a motor vehicle accident. Deputies located the driver, 67-year-old Daniel Clune of Harpursville.  Clune was charged with driving while intoxicated as well as driving with a blood alcohol above .08%, he faces court action shortly.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminded voters that his office has created a hotline to help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues and barriers encountered by voters at the polls during the primary election on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The Attorney General urges voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls to call the office's hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday. The hotline will be staffed by attorneys and staff in the office's Civil Rights Bureau.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 39-year-old Chad Guthrie of Brewerton for DWI, after Guthrie was observed traveling at a high rate of speed on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton. Guthrie was arrested & was processed and released with an appearance ticket for a later date in the Town of Walton Court.

State Police arrested 47-year-old Leslie Brewer of Oxford for 3rd Degree Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Trespass. The arrest occurred after Troopers were advised of an incident that occurred outside a home in the Town of McDonough, Brewer allegedly threatened a man who was outside with his young child & struck another person in the face causing physical injury. Brewer was located by the Norwich Police; He was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 37-year-old Eric Carpenter of Plymouth for Harassment for allegedly subjecting 2 victims to physical contact during a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Plymouth. Carpenter was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on bail pending future court action.

New York State of Health announced that the Open Enrollment Period for 2018 Qualified Health Plan coverage will begin November 1st & end January 31st. More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or at 1-855-355-5777. .

Attorney General Schneiderman today announced that New York has joined with 31 other states in a settlement with technology company Lenovo to resolve allegations that the company violated state consumer protection laws by pre-installing software on laptop computers sold to New York consumers that made consumers' personal information vulnerable to hackers. New York will receive $154,544 from the settlement funds pending approval in New York State Supreme Court.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Barbara Vazquez of The Bronx for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Vazquez using a cell phone while driving on Interstate 81 in the town of Kirkwood, When he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, she refused to stop & continued for another 5 miles before stopping for Police. Vazquez is accused of driving without a license, possessing a cocaine & marihuana. Vazquez was arraigned in the town of Kirkwood court and was released without bail required. Her next court date is pending.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at the Unadilla Great American Food Store on Thursday, September 28th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments or More information is available at 1 -888-345-0225.

State Police arrested 56 year old Rhonda Koban of Norwich for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .19%, plus other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop when Koban failed to keep right on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich. Koban was arraigned in the town of Norwich court and was released without bail required.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & a coalition of 16 Attorneys General filed a lawsuit to protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals grantees. The lawsuit details how the Trump administration has violated the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution by discriminating against DREAMers of Mexican origin, who make up 78 percent of DACA recipients; violated Due Process rights; and harmed States' residents, institutions, and economies. A copy of teh lawsuit is available at ag.ny.gov.

The State Office of General Services announced that a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction will be held today at 9:30 AM at the State Police troop C headquarters. Information on specific items and terms of sale is available at ogs.ny.gov, or (518) 457-6335.

State Police arrested 73-year-old Csaba Fekete of Bainbridge, for 2 felony counts of Criminal Contempt in the 1st degree. Troopers were advised of 2 incidents where Fekete was allegedly sounding a loud alarm outside his home and then yelling at separate neighbors, which violated an order of protection. Fekete was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $20,000 cash bail. His next court date is pending.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 23-year-old Geraldo Rivera of Greene for 2nd degree Burglary. Deputies arrested Rivera following a report that he was found inside the victim’s residence by the victim. Rivera was arraigned in the Town of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The 25th anniversary Chenango Blues FEST continues Tomorrow, Organizer Eric Larsen told WCDO News about the full day lineup:

(Eric Larsen Saturday)

Tickets are $35 at the gate tomorrow at the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit upheld New York State's denial of a water quality certification for the proposed Constitution Pipeline. The Pipeline would include construction of 100 miles of new natural gas pipeline across Central New York, crossing more than 250 streams and more than 80 acres of wetlands. In 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline but conditioned that approval on certification from New York State, the State DEC denied the certification on the grounds that they failed to provide sufficient information that the project would meet the state’s standards.

The Sidney American Legion will be hosting a fundraiser tomorrow from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, to assist the Sidney Historical Association, as they are looking for a permanent building or space for their museum. More information is available at 237-4762

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that New York has agreed in principle to join a state-federal $465 million settlement with Mylan Inc. New York led a coalition of states in the investigation that resolved allegations that Mylan knowingly underpaid rebates owed to Medicaid for the drugs EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr.® that were dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the settlement, New York will receive $38.5 million.

State Police arrested 60-year-old Lawrence Jaeger of Edmeston for felony Grand Larceny, after troopers were advised of a theft of funds from the Burlington Flats Fish and Game Club, in the town of Hartwick. An investigation determined that, while acting as the club treasurer, Jaeger had stolen just over $50,000 from the club funds, from June 2010 up until May 2017. Jaeger was arraigned in the town of Hartwick court and was released without bail; his next court date is on September 13th.