WCDO Radio News

State wildlife managers tallying results of the 2013 big game season said hunters killed slightly more deer than last year, but not enough to meet population reduction goals in targeted areas. The state DEC said the number of deer killed is about 1 percent higher than last year. The DEC tried to increase the number of antlerless deer killed to reduce deer populations in many areas.

Today is the latest deadline to sign up for the Federal Affordable Care act through the state’s health exchange, for coverage starting January 1st.  About 135,000 people have enrolled and 363,000 have completed applications. The last day for enrollment in coverage for next year is March 31st.  More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Schools and villages May face additional cuts to their budgets next year, as the property-tax cap will be 1.6%.   The tax cap is calculated every year based on rate-of-inflation projections from the state Budget Division. The cap is either 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the locations of 116 winter farmers’ markets – the total at an all-time high in New York State – can now be found on the state’s open data website at Open.ny.gov (https://data.ny.gov/). This comprehensive data transparency website will help provide New Yorkers with a user-friendly way to search for farmers’ markets near their homes this winter season.

Many questions will have to be answered next year, following a proposal to close facilities that cater to mental health issues, in Binghamton, Elmira & the north country.  State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton comments:

(Libous 12-18-13)

Libous said that if necessary, he has legislation, co-sponsored by Cliff Crouch in the Assembly, to call for a freeze on the closing of mental health facilities until 2015, if these questions can not be adequately answered.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that state payments to vendors, municipalities, school districts and others are now available at openbooknewyork.com.  The website is updated daily to include approximately 10,000 new payments the Comptroller’s office processes each business day.  Nearly 50,000 state contracts and amendments can also be searched, along with major spending areas for state agencies. DiNapoli said that additional updates are expected this spring.

Governor Cuomo is supporting the minority position of his own tax commission for providing a property tax credit to renters, with most of the breaks earmarked for New York City tenants. Cuomo's commission supported his goal of reducing property taxes upstate and in the New York City suburbs, where residents pay some of the nation's highest taxes. Cuomo said that he would also push for a future tax credit for renters statewide.

Norse Energy filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court in Albany late Tuesday, the court papers challenge whether referring the review to the state Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah was permissible under state law, or was it a politically motivated delay.  The lawsuit seeks to force the DEC into finalizing its 5 ½ year review on the High-volume Hydraulic fracturing process to extract natural gas.

The New York Power Authority board of trustees approved the authority's 2014 budget that continues to invest in its 16 power plants and transmission facilities, and in its energy efficiency projects at local and state government facilities statewide.  The 2014 operating plan includes a budget of 379.3 million and an energy services budget of 222.3 million.  For more information go to nypa.gov.

State police are continuing with the investigation into the death of 52 year old Charles Bruce of Long Island, who was fatally shot in the chest while hunting in Westford Saturday.  Bruce was hunting with friends Saturday, when he was shot by an unidentified person hunting from a tree, Bruce died at the scene, the case is being investigated by state Police, the state DEC and the Otsego county District attorney’s office.

State police arrested 33-year-old Bridgitt Eggleston of Bainbridge following the reported theft of as vehicle.  Eggleston was charged with 4 counts of 3rd degree grand larceny and 3 counts of 2nd degree grand larceny, following the investigation, she faces court action shortly.

State Senator Tom Libous is seeking a meeting with key state officials in an effort to keep Broome Developmental and other key facilities open.  Libous forwarded legislation call for a freeze until 2015 for the closure of mental health facilities, so that alternative plans can be forwarded & discussed.  Libous told WCDO News what prompted the talk of these closures:

(Libous 11-21-13)

Libous said that he is looking forward to meeting with key officials as early as next week regarding the issue, he has registered his concerns with Governor Cuomo, who he said is sympathetic to his position.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 31-year-old Vann Ross Shipley of Bainbridge as a fugitive from the State of South Carolina.  Shipley was wanted on a warrant issued by Horry County Family Court for failure to pay child support; he was arraigned in Chenango County Court & was remanded to the Chenango County jail without bail pending extradition back to South Carolina.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced the death of Trooper Ross Riley, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a fall at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County.  Riley was a member of the Special Operations Response Team, he fell from a ledge approximately 30 feet into a creek, and He was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

State Police are investigating a hunting fatality Saturday in the Town of Westford.  52-year-old Charles Bruce of Franklin Square, was shot in the chest and died at the scene Saturday morning, near Steve Braun Road.  State police, along with the Otsego County District Attorney's Office and the State DEC are investigating.

Human remains found in a wooded area in the town of Chenango have been identified as 54-year-old Paul Terwilliger, who was a sex abuse suspect who disappeared after posting bail.   Hunters found Terwilliger’s decomposed remains Saturday morning; his body was identified by dental records.  Terwilliger was charged last April with 1st degree sexual conduct against a child. He was jailed after his arrest but was later released on bail, he was reported missing in May, a suicide note was found during the course of the missing person investigation.

State Police & the Otsego County and State Fire Investigation Teams, are investigating a fatal structure fire Saturday morning at 40 Walnut Street in Richfield Springs. The deceased was identified as 59-year-old Mary Weingates.  The fire was reported at approximately 7:00 AM Saturday with 4 Departments responding, the manner and cause of death are pending and the investigation is continuing.

State police at Oneonta arrested 23-year-old Annamarie Davoulas of Oneonta for 2nd degree criminal contempt.  The arrest resulted after a vehicle stop for speeding on I-88 in Oneonta; police then discovered that Davoulas had an order of protection issued against her by the front seat passenger.  Davoulas faces action in Oneonta town court on November 19th.

State police at Sidney arrested 34-year-old Bobbie Davies of Butternuts on 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and 2 counts of 2nd degree harassment.   The arrest occurred after an incident on Taylor Road in Butternuts, the investigation determined that Davies had kicked and stepped on 2 children during a dispute.  She was arraigned at the Otego town court and remanded to the Otsego jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail.  An order of protection was issued for the victims.

State police arrested 37 year old Jason Knapp of Franklin for felony aggravated DWI with a child, endangering the welfare of a child, and leaving the scene of an accident after state police investigated a one car accident on State Highway 7 in Otego in which the driver fled the scene with a child.  An investigation determined Knapp was driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .14% and had his child in the car with him when he had the accident.  Knapp was issued tickets for Otego town court November 14th.

There are over 24,000 pending VA claims in the state and US Senator Charles Schumer wants to reduce those numbers.  Schumer said the DepartmeJason Knappnt of Defense and Veterans Affairs Administration health records systems don’t talk to one another and that is one reason for the slow processing of health claims.  Schumer is calling on the two federal agencies to create interoperable, electronic health records for service members to address the delays in processing vets’ disability and other benefits

The State DEC is enhancing its web site. The DEC will make information available online for nearly 2,000 remedial sites. Sites to be added include: properties being investigated to determine if they may have been contaminated with hazardous waste at levels that could present a threat to public health or the environment; sites that have been, or are regulated, because they either generated, treated, stored, or disposed of hazardous waste; and Brownfield sites where an application to participate in a Brownfield program was submitted but either withdrawn or did not proceed.  For more information go to dec.ny.gov

A new study estimates 779,000 New Yorkers are eligible for tax credits that would reduce premium payments for insurance coverage they can buy through the state’s new insurance exchange. The Kaiser Family Foundation analysis shows 17 million people, now uninsured or who buy insurance individually, will be eligible for credits when coverage starts in 2014. New York has about 2.7 million uninsured residents. Go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is receiving items used in the World Series, which ended last night with the Boston Red Sox 3rd world championship since 2004.  Officials at the Hall will receive a Bat used by David Ortiz, Spikes worn by closer Koji Uehara, a   Jacket worn by Manager John Farrell, a Catcher’s helmet and mask worn by David Ross, a Glove used by shortstop Stephen Drew, batting gloves used by Xander Bogaerts & a bat used by Jonny Gomes.  The Museum will open the exhibit dedicated to the 2013 Red Sox in early December in Cooperstown.

A new study on prison health care costs shows New York 13th among states in spending for inmate care. The study by The Pew Charitable Trust and MacArthur Foundation shows New York spending rose 33% to nearly $5,900 for a prisoner's medical care in 2008. The report says inmates have higher incidence of mental illness and chronic and infectious diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis C than the general population that are costly to treat. New York was among the few states getting Medicaid reimbursements, getting $4.5 million through 2012

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Office found more than 25% of the real estate is exempt from all local taxes, totaling $680 billion. The study found some municipalities had less than 10% tax exempt, while others had more than 60%, 41% is government-owned property, 28% individual homeowners with special exemptions and14% for non-profits. Industrial and commercial properties account for 9 percent, and agriculture and public housing another 8 percent of tax-exempt property.

The state smoking ban was toughened when a new law made it illegal to smoke on the grounds of hospitals and nursing homes. The new law will makes it illegal to smoke within 15 feet of a building’s entrance or exit and 15 feet from the start or exit of the property of the facility.  The state Clean Indoor Act prohibited smoking indoors in almost all workplaces went into effect in 2003.

The state DEC is conducting a statewide deer hunter survey in an effort to provide improved deer hunting experiences.  All who receive the survey are encouraged to take the time to complete and return it as soon as possible.  The survey is being conducted for DEC by Cornell University in Ithaca.  More information is available at dec.ny.gov

State police say New York cialis canadian drugs (http://www.lowtclinics.com/cialis-canadian-drugs) ammunition sellers will have to register with the state by January 15th.   The law enacted this year banned large-capacity magazines, required federal background checks for private gun sales and banned selling some popular semi-automatic rifles while requiring current owners to register them by next April 15th. Once the database is established, dealers will have to record transactions and report them, complete with dates, names, ages, occupations and residences of buyers and sellers.

The state DEC is issuing a new round of deer permits, sending about 35,000 deer management permits to hunters who didn’t get them during the initial application period earlier this fall. The permits allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer and are issued for specific wildlife management units to control deer populations. This year, DEC received fewer permit applications than projected in many areas.  For more information go to dec.ny.gov

Some standardized tests in New York public schools will be eliminated, according to state Education Commissioner John King. The move comes after years of criticism from teachers and parents. The first target will be an eighth-grade math test, which comes at the same time as a federally required standardized test in math. The Board of Regents is considering eliminating other tests as well in other grades. Grants will be provided to help schools reduce local standardized tests. King said the Board of Regents discussed the changes in a meeting last week.

Governor Cuomo has signed a law to double unannounced inspections of state-licensed facilities for disabled New Yorkers to a minimum of two annually. The measure applies to group homes and facilities licensed or operated by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. The law previously required at least two annual visits including one without prior notice. The agency recorded over 10,000 abuse allegations last year at its sites and those run by nonprofit contractors.

State Senator Jim Seward announced plans for his 2ND economic development summit in Otsego County.  Seward is sponsoring the summit in conjunction with the Otsego County Development Corporation, the County industrial Development Agency, the Otsego County Chamber, and Citizens’ Voices. The summit is scheduled for November 14th at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.

Governor Cuomo announced the availability of $1 million in state funding to assist law enforcement agencies in Upstate New York with their efforts to reduce, solve and prevent crime.  Operation IMPACT grants are available to law enforcement agencies in 40 Upstate counties that are not otherwise covered by the program, which provides funding in 17 counties that account for 80% of upstate crime.  Agencies can cialis for sale (http://www.nationalmalemedicalclinics.com/cialis-for-sale/) apply for up to $50,000 for funding patrols; warrant sweeps, investigations and overtime. Applications for funding must be submitted by November 26th, they will be awarded in early 2014.

State officials are giving the public another month to weigh in on a proposal to allow new liquefied natural gas facilities in the state for the first time in 40 years. The comment period on the proposed regulations is extended until December 4th, Groups opposed to hydraulic fracturing claim that the new facilities would increase pressure to lift the state’s 5-year-old ban on fracking. Proponents say new liquefied natural gas facilities would allow truck fleets using the fuel to pass through New York. The proposal is available at dec.ny.gov.

Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy has withdrawn his name from consideration for a position with the Rochester Business Alliance and has committed to staying on as lieutenant governor through 2014. Duffy interviewed for the job on October 5th, state republican chairman Ed Cox is asking for the Moreland Commission to investigate any possible wrongdoing by Duffy, in not notifying Governor Cuomo of his interview.

4 State University of New York campuses will get more locally grown vegetables under a pilot project called Farm to College. The project is supported by a $99,000 federal agriculture grant to American Farmland Trust. The 4 SUNY campuses are the University of Albany, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego and SUNY Oneonta.  The grant will help New York farmers get more local produce into the state’s colleges.

State Police in Binghamton arrested 21-year-old Andrew Pello of Windsor for 3rd degree criminal mischief and 3rd degree criminal trespass following an investigation in which Pello allegedly damaged numerous athletic fields at the Windsor High School by driving a vehicle on the fields and damaging the grass and a pole.  Pello was arraigned in Town of Windsor court and released pending a future court appearance.

State Police arrested 42-Year Old Thomas Ottoson of New Berlin Monday for 2nd degree Harassment.  The arrest resulted from a dispute on County Road 29 in New Berlin, Ottoson was arraigned in Norwich town court and released on his own recognizance, he is scheduled to appear in the New Berlin town court on November 13th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, their K-9 unit and State Troopers, arrested 3 area residents on Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrants issued by the Delaware County Court following a home invasion robbery investigation.  Arrested were 32-year-old Leon Grizzard of South Kortright, 27-year-old Amanda Gahan of Walton and 27 year old Andrew Dougherty for 1st degree Robbery, 1st degree Burglary, Petty Larceny and Criminal Mischief, in connection with a home invasion robbery in the Town of Tompkins in June 2012.  The 3 are accused of robbing the residents at gunpoint & taking cash and drugs.   Grizzard and Gahan were arrested in Hobart, where a search led to the seizure of heroin, hypodermic instruments and marihuana. Following the search, Deputies arrested Leon Grizzard and Jeremy Key of Hobart for Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  Grizzard, Dougherty and Gahan were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending further court proceedings. Key was issued an Appearance Ticket for the Town of Stamford Court.

State troopers arrested 29-year-old Steven Fish of Kirkwood as a wanted person on an arrest warrant, as well as criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marihuana.   Fish was located by troopers in Kirkwood, while being searched Fish was found to possess methamphetamines and marihuana.  Fish was arraigned in the Kirkwood town court and remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail.

New York was ranked as having the worst business climate in the country. The Tax Foundation said New York has annually been at or near the bottom of the group’s ranking. The group based its findings on a number of taxes: corporate taxes, property taxes, income taxes and unemployment insurance costs. The report found New York ranked 25th in the nation in corporate taxes and 49th in income taxes. The state ranked 38th in sales tax and 45th in property taxes.

The New York State DEC has extended the deadline to apply for $45 million in grants for Water Quality Improvement Projects through December 13. The program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program for projects that improve water quality, reduce polluted runoff and restore habitat in New York’s bodies of water. Recipients can be reimbursed 75 percent to 85 percent of the project costs. For more information go to dec.ny.gov.

New York joined six other states in suing the federal EPA for violating the Clean Air Act, by failing to limit air pollution emissions from residential wood-heaters.  State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the lawsuit claims the existing 25 year-old EPA emission limits are outdated, not being enforced and leave out many types of residential wood-heaters. The state DEC regulates outdoor wood-heaters and in 2010 ordered that all new outdoor wood-heaters cut emissions by 90 percent.

Governor Cuomo aims to reduce distracted driving by unveiling special "Texting Zones" along the New York State Thruway and State Highways.  The new zones will give motorists a pull-off area to park and use their mobile devices, in many cases, Existing rest stops and parking areas will serve as Texting Zones, and signage will be placed along the highway to inform drivers where the Zones are located.  New Texting locally will be located on I-81 in Whitney Point, New York route 17 at East Branch & Roscoe, & I-88 at Unadilla & East Worcester

State Police at Norwich arrested 24-year-old Patrice Ray of Plymouth for DWI and other vehicle and traffic law violations following an accident investigation in which Ray struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle on State Route 12 in Oxford.  She will appear in town of Oxford court September 30th

The state DEC has a new online registration system for hunter and trapper education programs that are required before getting a license. The agency says the new system will make it easier for people to find a nearby course and sign up. The classes are free and taught by volunteers.  Information on hunting and trapping education classes can be found on the DEC website at dec.ny.gov

September of Prostate Cancer awareness month, statistics show that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.  State Senator Tom Libous has been battling the disease for a couple of years, he said that his experience with cancer led to the partnership with Lourdes and UHS to create I Turned Pro, a Proactive program on Prostate Cancer. Details are available at ITurnedPro.com

FEMA has approved Otsego County’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan 5-year update.  The next step in the process is the adoption by resolution of the plan by all 35 municipalities and the Otsego County Government for it to be officially in-place.  County officials said that having a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation plan allows the County, municipalities, and identified stakeholders to be eligible for annual, and disaster declaration funding rounds. More information is available at the County Planning Department website available located at otsegocounty.com (http://www.otsegocounty.com/depts/pln/).

State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the U.S Secret Service arrested 67 year old Paul Mangum of Dryden for 1st degree Sexual Abuse 1st, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, in connection with an investigation involving the manufacturing of child pornography.  Mangum was arraigned and was remanded to Tompkins County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or $250,000 secured bond.

Otsego County held the annual Hazardous Waste Collection Day this past weekend in Unadilla & at the Meadows Complex in Cooperstown.  457 households took advantage of the program, with DEC officers supervising the collection of an estimated 300 pounds of unwanted pharmaceuticals to be incinerated.  Approximately 50 automotive batteries were collected by Interstate Battery, Suburban Energy Services collected 92 propane cylinders & Volunteers diverted 270 gallons of latex paint from the waste stream, to be re-mixed by Golden Artist Colors for re-distribution to not-for-profit agencies.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a 2-car accident at Falls Mills Road and State route 10 in the Town of Delhi.  A vehicle operated by 29-year-old Terina Touw of Roscoe was stopped at the intersection, waiting to make a left turn onto State 10 when a vehicle operated by 51-year-old Joanne Carey of Arkville rear-ended Touw’s Vehicle.  Carey was issued a traffic ticket for inadequate brakes and following to close, no injuries were reported.

The state DEC is asking for the public’s help, in tracking the spread of a deadly viral disease in the deer population that is spread by tiny biting flies called midges.  The agency is asking people to report sightings of sick or dead deer to help identify outbreaks, the virus leads to the symptoms in deer of fever, bruises in the mouth and nose, and swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips, they may appear to be lame or dehydrated.  A 2011 outbreak killed about 100 deer in the Catskill region.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Sears, Roebuck and Co. over a deceptive refund policy that the retailer applied to consumers who participated in its “Come Back Cash” promotion. Consumers who purchased merchandise above a “qualifying threshold” amount were given a $10 or $20 promotional award card. However, if the consumer later returned some of the merchandise, Sears reduced the refund by a pro-rated amount of the value of the award card.  The company has agreed to pay $150,000 in fines, Sears operates 45 stores in New York State.

Eric Schwartz, a former White House (/l) and UN adviser and public policy expert, will give a presentation Sept. 30 at Binghamton University. The free presentation is open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. in the Anderson Center. Schwartz, who earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at BU in 1979, has served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration and UN Deputy Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery.

Governor Cuomo is reminding small business owners that the early registration deadline for the state’s annual MWBE forum is September 15th.  The forum will be held October 3rd & 4th at the empire State Convention center in Albany, it’s the largest statewide event for minority & women owned businesses.  Attendees will learn about the state procurement process, attend informational sessions and connect with decision makers from the public & private sectors, more information is available at governor.ny.gov.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28-year-old Timmie Clarkson of Oneonta for 2nd degree Strangulation, Aggravated Harassment, & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  The arrest resulted from an investigation of a dispute on Elmwood Avenue in Oneonta, where Clarkson is accused of choking the victim until she lost consciousness and after he left the residence, he continued to call the victim and threaten her.  Clarkson was arrested, he was found to be in possession of narcotics. Clarkson was arraigned at the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.

State DEC deputy commissioner Anne Reynolds testified that the agency continues to review comments they received on the 2011 draft review on Hydraulic Fracturing.  Reynolds testified on behalf of the DEC at a hearing held by a legislative committee Friday, she said that there is no set schedule for a final decision on hydrofracking.  The DEC review of fracking first started more than 5 years ago.

Governor Cuomo announced a new program under Charge NY to accelerate the market adoption of electric vehicles and to make EV infrastructure easier to use and more economically viable in New York.  The Electric Vehicle-Enabling Technology Demonstration Program offers $2 million to fund research and demonstration projects for electric vehicles. The program aims to create a statewide network of up to 3,000 charging stations over the next 5 years.  Proposals for the Program are due October 22.   More information is available at nyserda.ny.gov (http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/PON2755).

Sidney Center's 4th Annual Tractor Parade will be Saturday, September 21st, with the parade line-up at 10:00 AM and the parade beginning at Noon. There will be activities for the kids & the Sidney center Fireman's BBQ.   Last year over 80 vehicles participated, this year organizers expect the numbers to top 100 vehicles traveling in from other states.  The Sidney Center Improvement Group sponsors the event.

Delaware county department of public works will be performing work on county route 14 from state route 357 for 2.6 miles to the hamlet of Treadwell, starting this morning.  Motorists are advised to expect delays or seek alternate route during the project, which is expected to be completed this Friday.

The State DEC will be holding Environmental Conservation Police Officer and Forest Ranger exams on November 16th.  Those interested in taking the exam have until October 2 to apply for the exam.  Those who want to apply for both positions, and meet the required qualifications, must submit separate applications and will be required to take both examinations. Information and application procedures can be found at: cs.ny.gov (http://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc/).

New York’s top court will hear arguments in two cases that challenge whether towns, cities and villages can ban natural-gas drilling within their borders. The state Court of Appeals agreed to take on cases against the towns of Dryden, Tompkins County, and Middlefield, Otsego County, despite unanimous rulings upholding those towns’ drilling ban by a mid-level appeals court. Both Dryden and Middlefield had passed zoning laws that officially prohibited gas drilling and hydraulic fracturintg. Attorney Scott Kurkoski argued that the state’s Environmental Conservation Law gives all regulatory authority to the state when it comes to oil-and-gas mining.

Gov. Cuomo visited three upstate counties today to provide local officials and residents an update on the state’s efforts to help them recover from severe flooding earlier this summer. Cuomo made stops in Herkimer and Madison counties. The governor provided details on the state’s flood recovery program. A dozen upstate counties suffered damage from severe flooding June 28 through July 4. Herkimer and Madison counties were among the hardest hit areas.

New York voters could decide next year whether the state should borrow $5 billion to cover some of its infrastructure needs. A bill introduced this month would ask voters to allow the state to issue $5 billion in bonds to pay for repairs to aging municipal sewer and drinking water systems to boosting the number of community gardens to initiatives that improve air quality. The proposal calls for the funds to be split up three ways: $2 billion for improving the state's clean water resources, $2 billion for sewage infrastructure repair and $1 billion for programs improving air quality or preventing urban pollution.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing Act. Doctors must now check a patient’s narcotic prescription history before issuing or refilling a prescription. The measure was passed by the state Legislature in 2012. Under the law, a real-time database was set up to track every narcotic prescription filled in the state. Schneiderman said the growing problem of prescription drug abuse was aided by a patient’s ability to go “doctor-shopping” and get several prescriptions filled at a time. The law, he said, will end the ability to do that in the state.

With medical expenses among the nation’s highest, New York has begun cutting Medicaid costs by replacing pay-as-you go services with managed care for prescription drugs. The goal is pushing treatment into lower-cost primary care and prevention. The state will also extend that approach to other medical services. Nearly half the $53.5 billion Medicaid budget for 5.3 million low-income New Yorkers goes for fewer than 700,000 chronically ill, elderly patients. The Kaiser Foundation says the state’s annual health care spending averaged $8,341 per person in 2009, fifth highest among states. For more information go to health.ny.gov.

A Rochester man has admitted stealing more than $100,000 in valuables while working as a U.S. Postal Service mail handler. 34 year old Jeremy Lieberman worked in the Rochester Logistics and Distribution Center, where he stole $128,000 in diamonds, coins, gold, jewelry and other items between January and May. He pleaded guilty to theft while working as a postal employee. Lieberman faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing is set for Dec. 4.

Binghamton University’s Research Foundation has received a $1.1 million grant, from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, to support the New York State Trade Adjustment Assistance Center. The centers support a range of technical, planning and business recovery projects to help companies and the communities that depend on them adapt to international competition and diversify their economies. Funds will help companies make improvements in manufacturing, engineering, marketing, quality control, information technology and market development.

New York Secretary of State Cesar Peralis will tour the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown tomorrow afternoon at 2pm, according to Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson.
(Idelson -1)
The visit will highlight the importance of the Hall as a tourist destination and will celebrate the cultural diversity of the sport with a special tour of the "Viva La Baseball" exhibit, honoring the Latino contributions of the game.

Lt. Governor Bob Duffy is expected to be Governor Cuomo's running mate again when Cumo runs for re-election next year. Sources say Duffy is fully committed to the ticket. An announcement on a final decision is expected by the end of the year.

The New York State Police are continuing their efforts to find qualified candidates eligible to take the upcoming State Trooper Exam in October. Qualifications and salary information can be found at the New York State Police recruitment website at NYTROOPER.com. The deadline for registration for the upcoming exami is September 8.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging Gov. Cuomo to sign legislation to provide more oversight of the state’s private special-education providers. In June, the state Legislature passed a bill to authorize the state comptroller to audit special education programs for preschoolers with disabilities every five years. DiNapoli’s office has conducted 15 audits since 2007 of preschool special-education providers, finding cases of fraud and misuse of public money. Eight of the providers have been referred to prosecutors for potential criminal charges. The state Education Department said it didn’t have a team of auditors to check how the public money is being spent on the programs.

Better communication and transparency are among the fixes New York state has demanded from its utilities in response to recent severe storms. Gov Cuomo detailed recent actions by the state Public Service Commission, directing utilities to have better emergency plans in place, communicate more effectively with customers and work better with each other. The actions stem from recommendations made by the Moreland Commission to investigate the electric utilities’ management, preparation and response to Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The PSC requiring NYSEG and five other companies to address these issues in revised emergency response plans by Dec. 15.

Governor Cumo signed a bill that allows the state to suspend people's drivers license if they owe $10,000 or more in state income taxes. New Yorkers who are unable to pay their back taxes in full can make a payment arrangement with the state. Drivers can apply for a restricted license if they need one to get to work. For more information, call the tax department at (518) 862-6000.

The State Health department announced revisions to the New York City water system's 2007 filtration avoidance determination have been drafted and will be released for public review and comment. Among the components are watershed protection programs in response to the devastation caused by hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee in 2011. They include provisions for New York City to fund a local flood hazard mitigation program. It also includes an increased number of stream restoration projects.

President Barack Obama is expected to make a trip to the upstate region on August 22nd & 23rd on a bus tour through New York and Pennsylvania. The trip may include visits to Binghamton, Syracuse and Buffalo, & Scranton.  President Obama has visited the Albany area 3 times since he was elected, a visit to Binghamton would be the first presidential visit there since Bill Clinton visited in 2000.

State Police arrested 47-year-old Thomas McAvoy of Endicott for Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle and Unlawfully Possession of Marihuana.  The arrest resulted from a police pursuit on State Route 17, where A Trooper observed a Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling 81 miles an hour, during the pursuit; McAvoy is accused of traveling at 115 miles an hour.  McAvoy was stopped, and police confiscated marijuana, he was issued appearance tickets and traffic tickets for the Town of Union Court on August 20th. .

The push is on from State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton, to save the Binghamton Psychiatric center and the Broome Developmental Center.  Libous told WCDO News that people can sign the petitions to keep both facilities open, at his website:

(Libous 8-13-13)

Libous said that the closures of both facilities would result in the loss of over 1000 jobs to the area economy.  The petitions are available at TomLibous.com

Governor Cuomo debated the pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing to reporters Monday in Albany.  Cuomo said that the state health department is still studying potential health effects, and that the state’s decision will be based in scientific information, not emotion.  The state moratorium against gas drilling has been in affect for almost 5 years, Hydrofracking had been in practice in the western counties of the state since 1979.

Licenses for the upcoming hunting, fishing and trapping seasons are now on sale at sporting outlets across New York.  Licenses can be purchased at one of the DEC license sales outlets statewide as well as through the DEC website, dec.ny.gov.  The 2013-2014 sporting licenses are valid beginning October 1st. The DEC will issue about 18% more deer management permits which will allow for the hunting of antlerless deer.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 24-year-old Bryan Eichhorn of Laurens for Driving While Intoxicated Sunday.   The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on Main Street in Oneonta. Eichhorn was issued tickets for Oneonta Court on August 28th.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming September
primary elections is August 16th.  Governor Cuomo announced that so far, more than 200,000 New Yorkers have used the state's new online MyDMV, and automated systems to register, or update, their voter registration since its launch last year.  Those who wish to vote in the September primaries can log on and register at dmv.ny.gov.

Chesapeake Energy has given up a two-year legal fight to retain thousands of acres of natural gas drilling leases in New York State.  The move follows a conflict with landowners in Broome & Tioga Counties, who had leased acreage to Chesapeake over the past decade, the landowners battled Chesapeake to prevent them from extending the old leases under their original terms that were more favorable to Chesapeake then later ones negotiated with various landowners coalitions.  The move now allows those landowners to negotiate with a new driller to operate after New York’s gas drilling moratorium expires.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $45 million in grants are available for Water Quality Improvement Projects by municipalities, soil and water conservation districts and non-profit organizations. Recipients can be reimbursed 75 to 85% of the project costs, depending on the type of project. Application deadline is November 8th more information is available on the state DEC website.

PM NEWS 7-11-13

Endicott Interconnect Technologies Inc. filed for federal bankruptcy protection Wednesday, saying it's 70 million dollars in debt left the 11 year old electronic packaging supplier with no other option. In a one page letter distributed to employees on Wednesday, EI's new Chief Restructuring officer David Van Rossum said the company had adequate cash on hand for daily operations on a go forward basis. The letter also stated that James Matthews Jr., who was named as the company's interim CEO in April following the retirement of former chief executive James McNamara Jr., has stepped down as the head of the company.

US Senator Charles Schumer is calling for more stream and river guages for New York State. Schumer is urging passage of the Obama Administrations 2014 budget, which includes 36.2 million dollars for the gauge program, an increase of 7.3 million dollars. The budget also includes 63 million dollars for the USGS Cooperative Water Program, an increase of 400 thousand dollars. Schumer would like see up to 300 new stream guages installed nationwide, with New York State being given particular focus. Schumer said that if approved, the funding would go into effect October 1st. You can view the river guages for our local area online 24 hours a day at our website, at WCDO Radio dot com.

Vestal police charged 36 year old Dale Paulhamus of Newark Valley with 3rd degree larceny after an investigation in misappropriation of car parts and money while he was the parts manager of Matthews Auto Group in Vestal and Norwich. During 2011 and 2012, Paulhamus is accused of ordering parts and creating fictitious purchase orders that were charged to the Matthews Auto Group. Paulhamus either used the parts or sold them for cash according to police.

More than $1.1 billion in unclaimed life insurance benefits have been recovered nationwide after an investigation by New York regulators. The state’s Department of Financial Services said many insurance companies are not using lists of recent deaths from the Social Security Administration to determine whether a policy holder had died. New York regulators will direct insurers to go to NYPolicyFinder.com, to help residents locate lost life insurance policies and annuity contracts.
During a visit to Ithaca yesterday, Gov. Cuomo shed more light on his conversations with FEMA representatives about getting money for flood victims in the Mohawk Valley. Cuomo continued to say that he was not optimistic about getting aid for homeowners. Cuomo said many of the people he visited in the flooded regions did not have insurance that covered their losses. He would have to call a special session of the state legislature to get funding for flood victims.

State police officials said nearly 1,500 qualified applicants have already signed up to take the upcoming trooper exam. The application period ends September 8. Exam dates are October 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2013. The online application can be found at the State Police Recruitment website at nytrooper.com

State regulators have scheduled a series of hearings on a proposal to reduce the volume of carbon dioxide emissions allowed in a nine-state region. New York is part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which plans to cap emissions at 91 million tons each year starting in 2014, down about 45 percent from the current 165 million-ton cap. The proposal would also set a $2 per ton price on allowances power plants can trade. The DEC hearings will be in late August.

New poll results show former Gov. Eliot Spitzer leading in the race for New York City comptroller, but allegations of his involvement in a prostitution scandal continue to dog him. Two women's rights group leaders held a news conference this week to denounce his decision to run again for public office. Spitzer resigned in 2008 after being identified as a client of a pricey escort service that was under federal investigaion. Spitzer was never charged with any crime. Spitzer topped fellow Democratic hopeful Scott Stringer by 42 to 33 percent among registered Democrats, according to a Wall Street Journal poll.

State troopers arrested 22 year old George Holbert of Guilford for 4th degree criminal mischief and 2nd degree Harassment following a dispute on State Route 8, in the Town of Guilford. Holbert was arraigned in town of Guilford court and sent to the Chenango County jail on $2,000.00 bail.

State troopers arrested 36 year old Rob Lane of Endicott for 2nd degree criminal impersonation following a traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Triangle. Lane used a false name and did not have a valid driver’s license. Lane was issued an appearance ticket for town of Triangle court July 15.

AM NEWS 7-11-13

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that 54 million has been awarded to 20 recipients to finance large scale solar energy projects across New York State. The new projects will add 64 megawatts to the state’s solar capacity and will make New York the leader in solar energy generation. The closest sites to the Southern Tier are Cornell University in Ithaca and SUNY Cortland. For more information on this plan, visit ny-sun.ny.gov

New York officials plan to overhaul the state’s psychiatric services over the next four years by consolidating 24 inpatient hospitals statewide into 15 regional centers and establishing more than two dozen outpatient service hubs. The consolidation plan, released by the Office of Mental Health on Wednesday, also includes closing psychiatric hospitals in Elmira and Binghamton in 2014. The plan is expected to save $20 million the first year. The state spends about $6.6 billion, including federal funds, annually on mental health treatment.

A Binghamton man was charged with felony second-degree strangulation following a dispute on Willow Street with a family member, according to Johnson City police. 33 year old Kareem A. Davis is accused of threatening to kill a woman, and then grabbing her by the neck and choking her, causing her to pass out. Davis was arraigned in village court and sent to the Broome County jail.

Many activites for the entire family are happening in around our area. The Afton Fair and Agricultural Expo opens today at 9am at the Afton Fairgrounds with animal exhibits, floral judging, harness racing, a children's bicycle drawing and the K Bar F Rodeo at 7:30pm this evening. Admission is only $1 per person with children 5 and under free. The Fair continues through Sunday and the complete schedule can be found online at The Afton Fair Dot Com. Also, Unadilla will have their Free Summer Concert for this week, tonight from 6:30-8pm on the Community House Lawn. Montebank Brothers will provide the entertainment, and bring a dish to pass and your own table service, as there will be a community picnic starting at 5:30pm. For dessert The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold a strawberry social during the concert. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the firehouse on Clifton St. Plus, The Chenango County Blues Fest Summer series kicks off tonight in Norwich with New Riders of the Purple Sage taking the stage at 7pm in East Side Park. The series continues weekly on Thursday nights through August 1st. The complete schedule for the series can be found at chenangobluesfest.org.

The supply of types O positive and O negative blood at the American Red Cross is at very low levels. Eligible donors with type O blood are asked to donate blood today at a Blood Drive at Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich, at 3 Court Street, from 9:00 to 2:00 pm. Appointments can be made at 1-800-RedCross or redcrossblood.org.
Commerce Chenango will hold their next networking luncheon today at Lewis’s restaurant in Sherburne. Registration begins at 11:30, more information is available at 334-1402.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold the Re-Organizational Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:30 PM.

The incidence of confirmed rabies cases of raccoons in the tri county area continues. Pet owners are reminded that your pets must be vaccinated. Free rabies clinics are taking place next week at the Coventry Town Garage on Tuesday, July 16th from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Wednesday the 17th at the Morris Fire Department from 6 to 8pm and Thursday, July 18th at the New Berlin Fire Station from 7 to 8:30pm. The clinics are for dogs, cats and ferrets.
State regulators are looking for feedback on proposed changes to freshwater fishing rules. The DEC has identified potential changes based on discussions with anglers, biologists, and fisheries managers. Now the DEC is seeking additional angler feedback. Many changes under consideration would eliminate special regulations that didn’t achieve their intended purpose. Highlights include increasing year-round trout fishing opportunities at specific streams and establishing catch-and-release fishing at a few additional streams. To view the potential changes and provide input, go to dec.ny.gov

PM NEWS 7-10-13

State regulators are looking for feedback on proposed changes to freshwater fishing rules. The DEC has identified potential changes based on discussions with anglers, biologists, and fisheries managers. Now the DEC is seeking additional angler feedback. Many changes under consideration would eliminate special regulations that didn’t achieve their intended purpose.  Highlights include increasing year-round trout fishing opportunities at specific streams and establishing catch-and-release fishing at a few additional streams. To view the potential changes and provide input, go to dec.ny.gov

Grant funding was approved for the regional sustainability plan, developed by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council. Gov Cuomo recently announced $30 million in the first round of funding for the implementation of regional sustainability plans throughout the state, including the Southern Tier plan. The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, which serves eight counties including Chenango and Delaware, is one of 10 councils created by the governor to streamline economic development efforts statewide. The plan is available at cleanergreenersoutherntier.org

State Police will conduct a statewide "Buckle Up New York Summer Parks Initiative, July 13 – 28, and will focus on seatbelt use and child passenger safety violations at state parks throughout the state. Each year about 60 million people visit the parks throughout New York State; many of these guests include families with improperly restrained young children.

State troopers arrested 47 year old Rodney Harris of Meridale, as a fugitive from justice from New York City following a traffic stop in Delhi. Harris was turned over to NYPD.

State police arrested 39 year old Jeremy Guy of Vestal for DWI with a BAC of .16& following a traffic stop on East Main Street in the Town of Union. Guy was issued an appearance ticket for town of Endicott court July 31.

A 47 year old former Unadilla resident was sentenced to 12 and half years in prison, with 10 years post release supervision, after pleading guilty to first degree criminal sexual act. Casey Callahan had been arrested in January by state police.

Senator Charles Schumer wants to make voting for those in the military and overseas easier.  The goal is to improve the "MOVE Act." The bill would allow express delivery of voting ballots to service members and would require states to update the government on the availability of ballots before election days to avoid problems. Schumer hopes to pass the legislation as an amendment to the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act

Emergency crews & DEC officials have responded to a CSX Train derailment in The Mohawk valley this morning, where 2 dozen cars fell off the tracks, spilling loads on adjacent State Route 5 at around 8:00 this morning.  2 people were injured; State routes 5 & 10 will be closed for a couple of days for the clean up.  Amtrak announced that they would have to make schedules changes away from the affected line, more information is available at the Amtrak website or at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

State lawmakers voted to exempt retired police from restrictions from the New York SAFE ACT, on large-capacity magazines and guns classified as assault weapons.  The legislation passed Friday, the exemption would apply to officers who bought or were issued restricted weapons in the course of their duties and who retired in good standing.  The new law stipulates that the officers would still have to re-qualify for right after they retire and they are still required to register those guns.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State has awarded $13.1 million in grants under Operation IMPACT to 17 counties to fight gun violence and other violent crimes.  This funding allows municipalities to enhance police patrols and increase investigations to target high crimes areas. Operation IMPACT counties reported that crime was down 9% for the first quarter. Locally, the Binghamton Police Department will get $381,700 in grant money.

New York State yogurt processors were the top producers with 692 million pounds of yogurt in 2012, beating out California by more than 100 million pounds.  The increases production follows Governor Cuomo’s Yogurt Summit last year, where regulations will lifted on May 8th to help New York Dairy farms with 200 to 299 mature dairy cows.  The new regulations can be found on DEC's website at dec.ny.gov/regulations (http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/87499.html%5B1).

State Senator Jim Seward announced passage of legislation to create a new website: ResultsNY.gov.  Seward explains the purpose of the site:

(Seward 4-19-13)

Seward said that the proposed website is patterned after the federal Office of Management and Budget's ExpectMore.gov website. The bill will be sent to the assembly for consideration.

Delaware County District Attorney Investigators issued a criminal summons to 40-year-old Jessica VanAlstyne of Delhi for 1st degree Offering a False Instrument for Filing and 5th degree Welfare Fraud.  VanAlstyne is accused of offering a document to the Department of Social Services with false information, and that she received an overpayment of $412 in benefits as the direct result of failing to provide her entire income.  VanAlstyne was taken into custody turned over to the State Police on unrelated charges.

State Troopers in Oneonta arrested 31-year-old Kristen Lawrence of Hamilton for Driving While Intoxicated.  The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 23 in Morris; Lawrence was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Morris Court.

State Police at Sidney arrested 24 Blake Pifer  of Columbus  for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on I-88 in Sidney.  Pifer was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Sidney on January 12, 2012.

Governor Cuomo unveiled a new "utility scorecard" to hold utilities accountable for power restorations after a significant outage using a quantitative assessment of electric utility performance, as part of the State's efforts for more aggressive review and evaluation of utilities following Super storm Sandy. The proposed scorecard will be issued by the Public Service Commission for public review and comment to ensure the performance metrics are the most comprehensive and effective.  The scorecard follows last year’s response time by several utilities after the hurricane, which the governor took issue with.

Delaware County District Attorney Investigators and New York State Parole arrested John Tubbs Jr. of Walton on a warrant issued by New York State Division of Parole. Tubbs is a level 3-sex offender; he was turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending further action by Division of Parole.

The state DEC reminds New Yorkers that a statewide ban against burning brush takes effect this week, and lasts through mid-May.  All residential brush burning is prohibited during the state's historically high-fire-risk period through May 14th. Officials stated that open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State.

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting is confirming the identity of the body found on Tuesday February 26, 2013 on Center Road in the Town of Pharsalia.  The body had been identified by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office as Jennifer Ramsaran who was reported missing by her husband on December 11, 2012.  The Sheriff’s Office along with the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office is still investigating the cause of Jennifer’s death.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact them at 337-1924 or 607 337 1864.  All calls will be kept confidential.

The State DEC missed another deadline to finalize regulations governing natural gas development, & the Joint Landowners Coalition announced that they are moving ahead and seeking plaintiffs for its lawsuit against New York State.  Coalition Attorney Scott Kurkoski comments:

(Scott Kurkoski 2-28-13)

Kurkoski said that the coalition is seeking one plaintiff from 4 different categories of landowners in the Marcellus Shale region, more details are available at 584-5620.

After a week & a half vacation, state lawmakers got back to work today in Albany.  Lawmakers will spend much of their time this month working on the 142.6 billion dollar state budget, which is due by April first.  Other proposals from Governor Cuomo include a minimum wage hike to $8.75 an hour, mapping out where proposed casinos should be located,

The Joint Landowners Coalition continues to monitor the situation with the DEC & the state health department as the February 27th deadline approaches for the final draft regulations for hydrofracking.  Coalition Attorney Scott Kurkoski told WCDO News that DEC Commissioner Joe Martens was optimistic that gas drilling permits could be issued soon:

(Scott Kurkoski 2-14-13)

Kurkoski noted that the state of Ohio finished their process in 8 months, while New York State has already taken 4 ½ years to complete the process.

State troopers in Norwich arrested 27-year-old Heather McShane of Norwich for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .16%. The arrest resulted from a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 8 in New Berlin; McShane was issued tickets returnable to the Town of New Berlin Court on February 20th.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that former state Senator Shirley Huntley has pleaded guilty to Tampering with Physical Evidence, for falsifying evidence in an effort to obstruct the investigation into the theft of a grant she sponsored for a sham non-profit entity, the Parent Workshop.   Huntley & 1 other person pocketed approximately $29,950, from the scam; she faces 18-24 month prison sentence plus 5 years probation in exchange for her felony guilty plea.

The Unatego United Group will hold a rally on Thursday, February 28th at 7pm at the Otego Elementary School. The group is working on another letter writing campaign to lawmakers, regarding the state’s school aid formula.

19th district Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he has joined with a bipartisan group to introduce H.R. 610, which would establish a federal Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee.  Under the legislation, the Advisory Committee would be tasked with enhancing communication among federal agencies, medical professionals, and patients/patient advocates and to ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public health policy decisions.

Price Chopper Supermarkets is issuing a voluntary recall on its Price Chopper Bakery Fresh bagels and muffins containing raisins. The products are being recalled due to the presence of naturally occurring foreign matter in the raisins that does not meet the Price Chopper standards. The affected products were produced and purchased between December 14th 2012 and February 8th 2013. Customers who have any of the affected product should return it to their local Price Chopper for a full refund.

The New York State Public Service Commission authorized the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to increase the maximum incentive amount from $400,000 currently available up to $1 million per installation for the on-site wind program to help boost program participation.  In 2010, the Commission established budgets and targets through 2015 for the Renewable Portfolio Standard program to encourage self-generation technologies,  Copies of the action are available at dps.ny.gov

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver proposed a state version of the Dream Act that would help make college more affordable for children of undocumented immigrants by allowing them to qualify for state financial aid programs:

(Silver 2-13-13)

The bill would also create a private, state-overseen scholarship fund, to be called the Dream Fund, to further assist children of parents who came to the U.S. illegally.  Silver’s proposal, projected to cost the state about $20 million per year, which may bring opposition from assembly members at a time of continued austerity.

State Troopers in Oneonta arrested 50-year-old Frederick Jenkins of New Berlin for Driving While Intoxicated Monday. The arrest resulted from a motor vehicle accident on County Highway 11 in Laurens,  Jenkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Laurens Court at a later date.

State DEC Commissioner Joe Martens Reported that his agency could approve shale gas permits before hydrofracking regulations are completed if a separate study determines the controversial drilling method will not threaten the public health.  Martens said that state Health Commissioner Nirav Shah indicated he needs a few more weeks to finish a health review  hydrofracking.  Dr. Shah’s statement means that the DEC would not get the final draft regulations in place by the February 27th deadline, which would then require a whole new round of public comments.  Hydrofracking was halted 4 ½ years ago in New York State, it was used in western counties of the state since 1979.

State Troopers arrested 19-year-old Ryan Vanfleet of Goshen for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and 18-year-old Devin  Clark of Warwick for Criminal Possession of Marihuana.  The arrests were the result of a traffic stop on State Route 17 in Windsor, Vanfleet and  Clark were issued Appearance Tickets returnable to the Town of Windsor Court on February 26th.

Oneonta city police arrested 18-year-old Christopher Delgado of the Bronx, for allegedly making a terrorist threat on Facebook against the State University of Oneonta.  Delgado is a student at Hartwick College, he was charged with making a terrorist threat, in which referenced Columbine killer Dylan Klebold.  Delgado was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and sent to Otsego County jail on $1,000 bail, pending future court action.

Commerce Chenango will host an appearance by State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrell Aubertine, who will deliver the Executive Budget presentation in Norwich this week.  The event will be held at the northeast classic car museum of Rexford Street in Norwich this Thursday at 11:00 AM.  RSVP is required at 721-8605.

Lawsuits from both sides of the hydrofracking issue are looming, as the DEC’s  February 27th regulations deadline approaches.  1 lawsuit has been filed by the National Resources Defense Council and Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, they claim that the town of Sanford is violating residents’ First Amendment rights to free speech, by refusing to hear any more public comments for and against gas drilling.  Meanwhile, Attorney Michael Joy represents Lenape Resources Incorporated, a natural gas company that has signed drilling leases in Otego, Unadilla and Butternuts, the suit claims that gas companies are entitled to receiving their expected revenue from leases, if they were signed before any drilling bans or moratoriums are passed, the Otego town board is expected to act on a 1-year moratorium at this week’s meeting.

State Troopers in Sidney arrested 44-year-old Melissa Thomsen  of South New Berlin for Driving While Intoxicated.  The arrest resulted from a motor vehicle accident on County Highway 3A in Unadilla,  Thomsen was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Unadilla Court on February 25th.

The New York State Park Police are accepting applications for seasonal Park and Recreation Forest Ranger and Park and Recreation Public Safety Ranger positions.  Public Safety Rangers must complete 80 hours of prescribed training including 24 hours of Security Guard training and provide general security services in support of the State Park Police. The positions are seasonal from Memorial Day through Labor Day.   Information on how to apply is available at nysparks.com.

2 storm systems are set to collide over our region, this afternoon and into Saturday.  Area Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 2-8-13)

To the east, states of emergency have been called for the New England , with some estimates calling for more than a foot & a half of snow along the New England coastal communities.

Governor Cuomo today announced that in anticipation of a major winter storm set to hit tomorrow and Saturday, the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated. State Police have a full complement of troopers and supervisors assigned to all shifts in preparation of a winter storm approaching the region. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and Traffic Incident Management team members will be used to supplement normal patrol coverage.   State Police are working with County Emergency Operations Centers across the state as needed and are prepared for the increases in service calls for evacuations and medical emergencies.

Over 150 local union laborers rallied in Binghamton yesterday in favor of lifting the 4-½ moratoriums on natural gas drilling.   State Senator Tom Libous, County Executive Debbie Preston, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch and union leaders asked Governor Cuomo and the DEC to make the decision before the  environmental review deadline on February 27th. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens told lawmakers that missing the deadline would create a new comment period and extend the review further.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has been awarded a $185.8 million federal grant to implement its State Health Benefit Exchange to make it easier for New Yorkers to obtain affordable health insurance coverage.  New York was 1 of 5 states to receive a Level 2 Exchange Establishment grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will help develop a marketplace for New Yorkers to get affordable health insurance.  Open enrollment in New York's Health Benefit Exchange will begin October 1st.

The 77,000 member Joint Landowners Coalition issued a statement regarding the potential for the DEC to miss the February 27th Deadline for the release of the regulations for Hydraulic Fracturing for natural gas.  Coalition CEO Dan Fitzsimmons told WCDO News that the idea of waiting for health studies before Hydrofracking starts is ill timed:

(Dan Fitzsimmons 2-5-13)

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens also was greeted by busloads of New Yorkers against Hydro-fracking, following his meeting with lawmakers in Albany Monday.  Martens said that he was not worried about missing the February 27th deadline, as he was waiting for a Health Department study on the possible effects from Gas Drilling by Hydrofracking.