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.