WCDO Radio News

Vestal Police cancelled the missing vulnerable adult alert for 87 year old Charles McGlynn of Vestal late last night. Police said that McGlynn was found safe, & further details have not yet been released.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office has an active Arrest Warrant for 42 year old Jason Barrows, who is known to frequent the Oxford and McDonough areas. Barrows has an active arrest warrant for 2nd degree Burglary, anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 334-2000 extension 1.

State DOT announced the opening of 2 lanes of traffic on the newly constructed section of Interstate 81 northbound and State Route 17 westbound between I-81 Exit 3 & Chenango Street in the city of Binghamton. This marks the end of the temporary, two-lanes-in-each-direction traffic pattern on I-81 southbound/Route 17 eastbound. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2020. Work in 2019 will include the construction of Front Street northbound lanes and a multi-use path.

The State DEC reported that hunters reported taking 14% more deer in the Northern Zone and 11% more in the Southern Zone, than they did last year. Preliminary figures show hunters killed nearly 109,000 deer this fall statewide, compared to just under 98,000 last year and 86,000 in 2016. Bear hunters reported taking 1,066 bears, the 2nd straight decrease since 2016.

The State Labor department released the report of local unemployment rates for November. The state rate was 3.9%, Locally, Chenango County had 3.5%, Delaware County had 3.7% & Otsego County had 3.4% unemployment in November.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32 year old Terence Ito of Walton for Criminal Contempt; he is accused of violating an order of protection that had been put in place by the Delaware County Family Court. He was arraigned in the Delhi Town Court where he was released on his own recognizance; he will reappear at a later date in the Franklin Town Court.

State Senator Jim Seward will be sworn into office on January 1st at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Seward will be sworn into office for his 17th senate term. Otsego County Judge John Lambert and Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin will also be sworn in for new terms. Otsego County Board of Representatives Chairman David Bliss will serve as master of ceremonies. Otsego County Judge Brian Burns will administer the oath of office.

Delaware Valley Humane Society will see some added revenue next month, following a pledge by a Sidney business, Erin Insinga of the Humane Society explains:

(Erin Johnson 12-28-18)

Additional information about the fundraiser, pet adoptions or items that can be donated to the shelter can be obtained by calling 563-7780.

The 2018 Greater Binghamton Project Homecoming Job & Career fair will be held today at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Representatives from 65 area employers will be on hand, the fair will run from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, it is sponsored by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

State Police & Local Law Enforcement Agencies are participating in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign again this year, during the Christmas & New Year’s Holiday season. Checkpoints will be established all over the state, last year, police issued over 40,000 tickets from DWI, Speeding, Distracted driving & failing to obey the "Move Over Law", among other infractions

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Wednesday to an accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Middletown. 46 year old Luke Dougherty of Bovina hit an icy patch on the roadway and lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the southbound lane and struck an on-coming Delaware County Public Health vehicle driven by 50 year old Melissa Thomas of Masonville. The Dougherty vehicle then continued off the roadway where it struck and damaged an unoccupied, parked vehicle and other equipment parked in a driveway. Dougherty and Thomas were transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi; Dougherty was ticketed for failure to keep right and will appear in the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

The New York State Appellate Court denied the appeal of John Guzy of Bainbridge, for the road rage murder of 26 year old Derek Prindle of Afton, in a 2014 road rage incident on State Route 7 between Sidney & Bainbridge. Guzy was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison, which has been upheld by Thursday’s court decision.

Governor Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended during peak holiday travel times over the next two weekends. All road construction work behind temporary lane closures stopped earlier this morning & will remain in effect until 6:00 AM Wednesday Morning. Construction will also be suspended from 6:00 AM Saturday, December 29th through 6:00 AM Wednesday, January 2nd. Some work may continue behind concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

State DOT Officials announced the completion of the project to pave and repair a portion of State Route 10 in the town of Walton. The 1-mile project which stretched from a parking area outside the village of Walton and proceeds east, Construction addressed a 2,000-foot-long curve by increasing the road elevation on the outside of the curve, which reduces the chance of vehicles drifting over the center line and causing crashes & the slope near the parking area was flattened, creating better sight distance for cars pulling out of the lot.

State Senator Fred Akshar released the results of a recent online survey posted gauging constituents on legislation that would require anyone applying for or renewing a pistol permit license to consent to having their social media accounts and search engine history of the past 1-3 years reviewed and investigated by police as part of the mandatory background check. Within the 52nd Senate District, 79% of respondents opposed the proposal, 21% supported it; Outside of the 52nd Senate District, New York respondents opposed the measure 97% to 3%. Akshar plans on introducing or cosponsoring several bills to help address gun violence and mental health issues that are connected to the recent mass shooting tragedies.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that he has been appointed by State Senate Republican Leader John Flanagan to serve as the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate Finance Committee is the second most influential panel in the senate – tasked with conducting public hearings on the governor's budget proposal and guiding development of the final plan. In addition, the finance committee is responsible for reviewing nominations sent by the governor for appointments, and moving the nominations to the full senate.

State Police & Local Law Enforcement Agencies are participating in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign again this year, during the Christmas & New Year’s Holiday season. Checkpoints will be established all over the state, last year, police issued over 40,000 tickets from DWI, Speeding, Distracted driving & failing to obey the "Move Over Law", among other infractions

The 27th Annual Sidney Alumni Basketball Association “Alumni Night’ will be held tonight at the Sidney High School gym. Proceeds to the event go to fund the Association’s Scholarship each June for a graduating Sidney basketball player. Older players are invited to play in the 6:00 pm opener, the “young guns” game will follow at about 7:15. More information is available at 643-5728, or at the Sidney Alumni Basketball Facebook page.

THE BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM WON THEIR 2ND STRAIGHT New York STATE CLASS-D CHAMPIONSHIP ON SUNDAY IN GLENS FALLS. THEY DEFEATED PANAMA FROM WESTERN NEW YORK AGAIN THIS YEAR. ABIGAIL SELFRIDGE WAS NAMED THE CLASS-D MVP FOR THE 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR WHILE ERICA SELFRIDGE AND ZAMIRA CALDWELL MADE THE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM. BOBCATS COACH TAMI SELFRIDGE SAID ABIGAIL REALLY STEPPED UP IN KEY MOMENTS TO HELP THE TEAM CAPTURE THE CROWN

(TAMI SELFRIDGE 11-19-18)

TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH COACH SELFRIDGE AND TO SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE TEAM'S CELEBRATION AND PARADE IN BAINBRIDGE YOU CAN VISIT WCDO SPORTS DOT COM OR FOLLOW WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL ON TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to read the fine print on gift cards this holiday season for details about fees and expiration dates. DiNapoli said New Yorkers should use their gift cards within a year of purchase to avoid inactivity fees and register cards with the retailers. By registering their cards, owners can be identified which improves the opportunity of finding and claiming unused card balances that may be reported as unclaimed funds. Money from unused gift cards issued by New York businesses is turned over to the State Comptroller’s office as abandoned property after five years of dormancy. State residents can find out if the state owes them money, can find out at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo today announced $27.1 million to fund rail and port improvement projects across New York State. The grants, from the Governor's Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program, will support projects that strengthen infrastructure and economic development vital to the movement of goods throughout the state. In the Southern Tier $1.9 will be used by Central New York Railroad Corporation, B & H Rail Corporation & Catskill Revitalization Corporation.

THE BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAPTURED THE 2018 NEW YORK STATE CLASS-D CHAMPIONSHIP ON SUNDAY IN GLENS FALLS. IT IS THE 2ND STRAIGHT STATE TITLE FOR THE BOBCATS. WCDO CAUGHT UP WITH B-G HEAD COACH TAMI SELFRIDGE AFTER THE TEAM RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL AND GOT A BIG WELCOME HOME PARADE TO CELEBRATE:

(TAMI SELFRIDGE 11-19-18)

B-G'S ZAMIRA CALDWELL AND ERICA SELFRIDGE WERE BOTH NAMED TO THE CLASS-D ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM WHILE ABIGAIL SELFRIDGE WAS NAMED THE CLASS-D MVP FOR THE 2ND STRAIGHT SEASON. TO HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH COACH SELFRIDGE YOU CAN VISIT WCDO SPORTS DOT COM

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 Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “Commitment to Community” Dinner Saturday night. The event will be held at the Sundown Golf & Country Club starting @ 6:00 pm. This year's guest speakers will include State Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch.

Author Gray Basnight of Bethel New York has published his 3rd book, “Flight Of The Fox” a mystery thriller that takes place in Upstate New York, & is tied in to the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Arts festival in Bethel in 1969. Basnight told WCDO about his novel:

(Gray Basnight 10-22-18)

Basnight will appear at the Huntington Memorial Library on Chestnut Street in Oneonta this Saturday starting at 11:30 AM for a book signing. The book is Published by Down & Out Books.

THE SECTION 4 BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY IN ONEONTA AND NORWICH HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO TO THE WEATHER. THE GAMES HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON. FOR A FULL UPDATE ON GAME TIMES & LOCATIONS PLEASE VISIT WCDO SPORTS DOT COM AND SEE NATE LULL'S TWITTER FEED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE

During National School Bus Safety Week, the State DMV and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee are reminding motorists to stop and wait whenever they encounter a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and “stop” sign extended. Drivers who pass a stopped school bus illegally could be ticketed and face fines and other penalties. Motorists should also watch for students as they walk or bike to school and always follow the posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of passing a stopped school bus face a fine of $250 to $400, five points on their driver license, and up to 30 days jail time for a first violation. Three violations in three years can result in a maximum fine of $1,000, five points, a six-month license revocation, registration revocation, and up to six months jail time.

The State DOT is looking to hire about 470 permanent and seasonal employees shortly. Officials announced today that applications are now available; they usually begin hiring in September of each year, with the goal of having them ready to plow snow when winter begins. Candidates must Be at least 18 years old, Pass a physical and drug test, Have a valid, clean Class A or B commercial driver license & Be certified to operate DOT heavy dump trucks within 2 weeks after the start of DOT employment. Information & applications are available at dot.ny.gov/jobs.

Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was sentenced on Wednesday to four years and three months in prison on federal corruption charges, including soliciting bribes and defrauding the public. Prosecutors accused the elder Skelos of using his position to pressure three companies to provide his son with consulting work, a “no-show” job and a $20,000 payment.

The State Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction issued a new report describing steps currently being taken to address the state's opioid crisis. The report includes 11 recommendations, Including Increasing resources to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals trained to treat substance use disorder; Upgrade the I-STOP Program to improve interstate monitoring of potential over-prescribing of opioids, Reduce the cost of naloxone to treat overdoses, & Explore the further limitation of initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 3 days from the current 7days, with certain medical exceptions; more information is available at nysenate.gov/committees/heroin-task-force. Local State Senator Fred Akshar serves on the Task Force.

The State Department of Transportation reminds motorists to obey the "Move Over Law". DOT Officials remind motorists that they should slow down & move over for vehicles with flashing red, white or amber lights, such as DOT vehicles, tow trucks, ambulances, fire trucks, & police vehicles.

The State Health Department announced 5 suspected cases of the Acute Flaccid Myelitis virus in New York. So far, 4 of the cases were reported just outside of New York City and a 5th case in Buffalo, Health officials confirmed 39 cases of EV-D68 in children across the state, which is a virus that is linked to Acute Flaccid Myelitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that they are investigating 155 suspected cases of AFM nationwide.

The State Labor Department announced local unemployment rates today. Statewide, the rate was at 4.1% for September, in Chenango County, unemployment was 3.6%, in Delaware County, 3.9% and in Otsego County, 3.5%.

State Police arrested 45 year old James Mumbulo of Edmeston for 27 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals, after State Police were dispatched to check the welfare of several animals at a rented dairy farm on County Route 20 in Edmeston. Troopers located 27 deceased cow carcasses and several inches of manure, there was no food or water in the barn. After consulting with a veterinarian and the District Attorney’s office, Mumbulo was arrested. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Edmeston Court on November 19th.

State Police arrested 2 people after a traffic stop on State Highway 28 in the town of Otsego. The driver, 20 year old Victoria Sawyer of Worcester, NY was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, The passenger, 32 year old Brandon Brinson of Wilmington, North Carolina was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance in a Non-Original Container. Sawyer and Brinson were arraigned in the town of Otsego Court and released on their own recognizance and will reappear at a future court date.

State Police arrested 36 year old Jennifer Warner of Port Crane for Grand Larceny, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Petty Larceny. Troopers were dispatched on July 22nd to the Cracker Barrel in Dickinson for the report of an employee’s vehicle stolen. The vehicle was located in a nearby parking lot; a wallet containing money and credit cards was reported missing. Warner is accused of walking into the restaurant and taking the victim’s keys. Warner was arrested and arraigned in the town of Dickinson Court & she was remanded to the Broome County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 44 year old Lynn Shearer of Windsor for Aggravated DWI with a reportable B.A.C of .19%. Troopers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle in a ditch on Morgan Road in Binghamton. Troopers located Shearer; she was arrested & was released on appearance tickets for town of Binghamton Court on October 29th.

State Senator Fred Akshar will host a "Face Time With Fred" town hall meeting in Greene this evening from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the Genegantslet Golf Club in Greene. Community members are invited to attend to discuss state and local issues.

State Police responded to a fatal accident Saturday at approximately 8:20 p.m. on State Route 23 in the town of Oneonta. 45-year-old Katy Doughty of Walton was crossing State Route 23 near State Highway 28 when she was struck by a vehicle, the section of road is not lit and she was not crossing at a crosswalk. 2 people provided CPR, Oneonta EMS and Fire attempted to provide lifesaving measures but were unable to, Doughty was pronounced dead at the scene, she was transported to Lourdes Hospital for an autopsy. The accident remains under investigation, no tickets have been issued.

State Police arrested 20 year old Andrew Keil of Oneonta for Falsely Reporting an Incident and Making a Punishable False Written Statement. Troopers were dispatched to a report of a burglary at Keil’s residence, he reported that approximately $1,360 was taken, Investigators were able to determine that Keil lied to troopers and signed a statement about the incident and he was arrested. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Oneonta Court on Tuesday.

State Police arrested 21 year old Alicia Randall of Edmeston for DWI, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer and Reckless Driving. A trooper on patrol on County Road 20 in Edmeston observed the vehicle Randall was operating to be traveling at a high rate of speed. When the trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, Randall passed another vehicle in a no passing zone then turned onto High Street before stopping, she was arrested and released an appearance tickets returnable to the town of Edmeston Court on October 29th.

The State DOT announced that work will be performed on the State Route 41 Bridge over Fly Creek in the town of Sanford, starting today. The work will require the closure of the bridge with temporary signed detours. Work will be performed weather permitting.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department and State DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester. 3 Inspections were conducted; Deputies issued 17 summonses for various safety violations including unsafe tires, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered vehicle, loose cargo, spreading debris on the highway, & inadequate brakes. 2 of the vehicles were taken out of service, 1 driver was arrested for a displaying a forged commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate and issued multiple summons returnable to the Town of Colchester Court.

The Regional Economic Development Council awards will include $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair held 50 years ago. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 50th anniversary event for next year, which is planned as a 3-day festival like the original event.

Governor Cuomo announced that the driver of the limousine involved in Saturday's in Schoharie, did not have the appropriate license to be driving the vehicle. Cuomo also announced today that the vehicle in question was inspected last month & failed the inspection. State attorneys are seeking a cease and desist order to stop Prestige Limo from operating until the investigation into the accident has been completed. 18 people in the vehicle, including the driver were killed; also 2 bystanders were killed in a convenience store parking lot when they were struck by a vehicle that had been struck by the limo. The investigation is continuing.

The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Fire Prevention and Control held their 21st annual ceremony Monday morning in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. 28 names were added today, many of the names added in recent years were from New York City Fire Department who died from illnesses associated with working at the World Trade Center after the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks.

State Police and the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 30 and S30A in the town of Schoharie. A Ford Excursion limousine was traveling in a southwestern direction on State Route 30 and failed to stop at the intersection with State Route 30A. The limousine traveled across the intersection into a parking lot and struck a 2015 Toyota Highlander which was unoccupied and parked; the Highlander then struck and killed 2 pedestrians. 20 victims were killed, all 18 in the limousine, including the driver, and the two pedestrians. The investigation is ongoing.

State DOT announced the completion of a $2.7 million pavement resurfacing project on Interstate 88 in the town and city of Oneonta. The 3.9-mile improvement project between Exit 13 and 16 included the milling & repaving, the shoulders were also given a surface treatment and all pavement markings were replaced. Curb ramps at the ends of the Exit 14 and Exit 15 off ramps were improved to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fire Prevention Week is this week & the Firemen's Association of the State of New York is urging New Yorkers to ensure their smoke alarms are in proper working order, they specifically encourage New Yorkers to install smoke alarms equipped with sealed-in, non-removable batteries that last for 10 years. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. Firefighters frequently encounter smoke alarms with missing or dead batteries.

State Police at Deposit are investigating a fatal industrial accident the Courier Printing Corporation on Laurel Bank Avenue in Deposit today. The incident occurred at the loading dock. At this time, the name of the deceased is not being released. The investigation continues.

State Police at Norwich arrested 36 year old Michael Brown of Pitcher for 3rd degree Assault, Menacing & Harassment, after Troopers responded to a physical dispute where Brown is accused of threatening 3 women with a pocket knife. Brown sustained lacerations and was treated at Chenango Memorial Hospital, he was taken into custody and arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond and is to appear in the town of Pitcher Court on October 16th, an order of protection was issued to all 3 women.

state Police at Oneonta arrested 46 year old Tracy Neves of Otego for DWI & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Troopers initiated a traffic stop following the report of a driver acting suspiciously in the town of Oneonta, Neves was intoxicated and in possession of hydrocodone pills, he was arrested and arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court, he was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on October 18th.

State Police arrested 37 year old Kelly French of Binghamton for DWI, after a trooper was dispatched to a vehicle on Interstate 88 driving the wrong way. French was located on the side of I-88 in Afton after she ran out of gas; she was issued appearance tickets for town of Afton Court on October 22nd.

Sheriff’s Deputies and NYS DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden. 6 inspections were conducted, Deputies issued 15 summonses for various safety violations including defective brakes, unsafe tires, fuel leaks, uncovered load, inoperable lamps, steering gearbox loose from frame, insufficient warning devices, frame cracked, major oil leaks and a flat tire. 3 of the commercial vehicles were taken out of service.

State Police arrested 25 Year old John Corgan of New Berlin for DWI, after Troopers were dispatched to a 1 car accident on State Highway 8 in New Berlin. Corgan drove off the road into a field and then struck a building, He released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of New Berlin Court on October 17th.

The State DOT announced that a long-term winter traffic pattern on State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook in Afton will go into effect during this week. Traffic will be shifted from the westbound lane to the new portion of the bridge on the eastbound side over Kelsey Brook. Temporary traffic signals will control traffic.

The State DOT announced Friday that an agreement was reached with federal officials Friday, regarding the ongoing controversy over the "I Love New York" signs on State Highways. New York State will not lose $14 million in highway funding, but the signs must be removed under the threat that the federal funding could still be pulled.

State Police have arrested a 67-year-old Douglas Slater following a stabbing in the town of Conklin Sunday night. State Police responded to 663 Conklin Road to the report of a vicitm with a stab wound, and the fleeing of the suspect by car. Slater was spotted in a vehicle by Binghamton Police, he was charged with 1st Degree Assault & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail, the victim was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City where he underwent surgery.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Eduardo Torres Jr. of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden. Deputies allege that Torres's vehicle was stopped on a dangerous turn on State Highway 10, impeding traffic, and that he had his license suspended. Torres is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Hamden Court at a later date.

Attorney General Barbara Underwood today announced an agreement with Uber to settle allegations it intentionally concealed a 2016 data breach in violation of state law. The settlement requires Uber to adopt a data breach notification and data security practices and a corporate integrity program for employees to report unethical behavior, and hire an independent third party to assess its data security practices. It also requires Uber to pay a record penalty of $148 million. The agreement followed a 2016 breach where hackers informed Uber that they had downloaded the personal information of 25 million riders and 7.7 million driver in the U.S., Uber ultimately paid the hackers $100,000 to conceal the breach.

With the award of the multi-million dollar Downtown Revitalization Improvement Grant, the City of Oneonta and SUNY Oneonta are collaborating to bring Artspace to Oneonta to conduct a feasibility study to regarding a possible implementation of a self-sustaining arts development project. Artspace is a nonprofit real estate developer specializing in creating, owning and operating affordable spaces for artists and creative businesses, a visit is scheduled for October 23-25, 2018, it will include site visits of potential project locations, meetings with stakeholders and local artists, and a meeting open to the public. More information is available at artspace.org.

The State Department of Transportation will hold a public open house meeting today at Afton Central School, from 5:30-7:00 pm to discuss 2 bridge replacements. The projects will replace the bridge carrying Route 41 over Cornell Creek in the town of Afton as well as the bridge carrying Route 41 over Wilkins Brook in the town of Coventry. The bridges will likely be replaced during separate construction seasons in 2020 and 2021. More information about the project is available at 721-8167.

Governor Cuomo announced the strategic deployment of assets throughout the state as heavy rain and flash flooding are forecast for areas of the Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and Mid-Hudson Valley. Remnants of Tropical Depression Florence are hitting the state today; the DOT is setting up staging areas in Binghamton, & Oneonta locally in anticipation of the need for storm response, with a variety of heavy equipment ready to go if needed.

The State Department of Transportation will hold a public open house meeting on Wednesday, September 26 at Afton Central School, from 5:30-7:00 pm to discuss 2 bridge replacements on State Route 41 in the towns of Afton and Coventry. The project will replace the bridge carrying Route 41 over Cornell Creek in the town of Afton as well as the bridge carrying Route 41 over Wilkins Brook in the town of Coventry. Both bridges, which were built in the 1930s, are inspected regularly and safe for continued travel. The bridges will likely be replaced during separate construction seasons in 2020 and 2021. More information about the project is available at 721-8167.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York National Guard is preparing to send 10 soldiers and two UH-60 Blackhawk Medivac Helicopters with 30 days of medical supplies to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to assist with response and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence. 50 additional Airmen have also been deployed from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard. The state's incident management team is also ready to assist with response and recovery efforts including command and control, planning, logistics and administration activities, operational coordination, obtaining situational information and reporting, incident action planning, GIS mapping, and logistical support for ongoing response operations. 100 additional National Guard Members are on standby.

Governor Cuomo defeated Cynthia Nixon easily for the Democratic Party Primary for Governor, also winning statewide Primary Elections were Kathy Hochul for Lieutenant Governor, & Letitia James for Attorney General. Local State Assembly incumbents Cliff Crouch & Bill Magee won their Primary challenges by large margins. Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. won his Primary election for the Republican nomination over challenger Robert Fernandez.

The State DOT has notified the City of Oneonta staff that a consultant contracted by DOT will perform a “peak-hour turn-movement study” at the Main Street intersection with the James F. Lettis Highway, beginning next Wednesday, and continuing around the clock for several days. The study’s duration will depend upon weather conditions. Video cameras, which will be mounted on 20-foot-tall poles, will be installed at the intersection on Tuesday; NYSDOT officials emphasized that cameras will record only movements of metal objects, and are not capable of identifying pedestrians, motorists, specific vehicles, or license plates.

State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced a clergy abuse hotline and online complaint form where victims and anyone with information can provide that information, as part of the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse of children within the New York dioceses of the Catholic Church. The hotline is 1-800-771-7755, online complaints are located at ag.ny.gov/ClergyAbuse.

Governor Cuomo today announced the ratification of a 6-year labor agreement between the state and United University Professions, the nation's largest higher education union, representing more than 35,000 SUNY employees. The agreement won the approval of nearly 98 percent of union members, the agreement includes a 2% wage increases each year through 2021-2022 fiscal year, it's the first labor union agreement with the state that includes Paid Family Leave benefits since the policy took effect on January 1st.

Governor Cuomo today announced the distribution of $25.2 million dollars in federal funding through the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant, which will expand critical initiatives to combat the opioid crisis. In the second year New York State has been awarded this grant, nineteen additional counties have been selected to receive funding. Funding will be distributed to programs that offer prevention, treatment, and recovery services in high-need areas across the state to increase access to treatment, and reduce unmet need and overdose-related deaths. in the Southern Tier, the Addiction Center of Broome County will get $1,145,674

Governor Cuomo announced New York will utilize the $127.7 million received from the 2016 Volkswagen settlement to increase the number of electric vehicles and other clean vehicles in the state. Covered vehicles include new buses, trucks, locomotives, ferries, tug boats, and cargo handling equipment, as well as the availability of electric vehicle charging equipment statewide. The state DEC, DOT, NYSERDA and others developed Clean Transportation NY, which is a plan to invest settlement resources to build on clean energy and fighting climate change.

State Police arrested 34 year old Zachary Hearn of Mooresville, North Carolina for Aggravated DWI with a Child 15 or Under As Passenger. Hearn was arrested after he was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint on State Highway 12 in Norwich. A 23-month old child was also in the vehicle. Hearn's B.A.C was .19%, he was arraigned in the town of Norwich Court and released on his own recognizance. He was ordered to reappear on September 20th..

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, Walton Village Police, New York State Police, & several local Emergency Squads responded Thursday to a head-on collision, with 5 victims and 1 entrapment, on County Highway 21 near the intersection of Russell Road in the Town of Walton. The Investigation by Sheriff's Deputies determined that 42 year old Jeremy Shaw of Walton was driving a pickup truck when he crossed over the center line and struck a SUV head on driven by 43 year old Michael Franzese of Pearl River. Franzese was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton with head and facial injuries and was later transferred to UHS Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, 41 year old Diane Franzese, 12 year old Anthony Franzese and 10 year old Angelina Franzese were also transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, they suffered various injuries and were treated and released. Jeremy Shaw sustained injuries to his head and lower extremities, as well as possible internal injuries, and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The cause of this accident remains under investigation.

Governor Cuomo announced that teams from FEMA have begun Joint Public Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessments in 8 counties impacted by severe flooding in early August. The assessments will determine if the total amount of damage costs meets the $28.29 million requirement for federal aid, if so, a disaster declaration will be granted and FEMA funding would be available to support infrastructure repair. Broome, Chenango, & Delaware Counties are included locally. The heavy rain storms and resulting flooding caused significant damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. state & local officials believe that the total costs meet the federal threshold for a disaster declaration.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & the State DOT Safety Unit conducted a commercial vehicle safety check point at the intersection of State Highway 357 and County Highway 14 in the Town of Franklin. 6 commercial vehicles were stopped and examined, 4 were found to have violations significant enough to necessitate that they be taken out of service until their mechanical issues were fixed or negligence corrected, 5 traffic tickets were issued.

Governor Cuomo announced that lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended until Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. New Yorkers are reminded that state and local law enforcement will be participating in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement through Labor Day, Motorists can expect to see law enforcement stopping and arresting impaired drivers in order to keep roads safe this holiday weekend.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 34 year old Rhett Mortland of Otego for Criminal Contempt, after a trooper was dispatched to a residence in Otego for a trespassing complaint. The trooper learned Mortland was issued an order of protection to stay away from the property the previous day; Mortland was arraigned in the town of Laurens Court. He was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $3,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that his office has initiated a partnership with the State DOT Motor Carrier Truck Inspectors to conduct commercial vehicle inspections in Delaware County. On Wednesday, August 22, Sheriff’s Deputies and NYS DOT Inspectors conducted inspections on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden, 6 commercial vehicle inspections were conducted, 6 tickets were issued 1of the commercial vehicles was taken out of service. on Friday, Deputies and NYS DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection detail on State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport; 6 inspections were conducted, 11 tickets were issued &
All 6 vehicles were taken out of service by NYS DOT Inspectors.

Chenango County 911 Center received a call of a shooting Friday in the Town of Lincklaen. A 23 year old male victim was shot in the arm and the suspect John Hart was still in the residence. Chenango County Sheriff's Office Deputies & State Troopers responded to the scene, they made attempts over an 8 hour period to contact Hart, who had barricaded himself inside. Hart was located in the residence deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Upstate Medical Hospital and is in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

The eastbound lanes of I-88 were closed earlier today between exits 17 and 18 in Otsego County, due to a multiple tractor trailer accident. State Police reported that 2
tractor trailers and a pickup truck pulling an empty livestock trailer crashed, the 1st tractor trailer was traveling eastbound in the left lane of I-88 when it hit the guide
wires, got caught up and then ended up in the right lane, the 2nd tractor trailer also got caught up in the guide wires that were stretched across the road, State Police
reported that the 2nd driver possibly tried to back up when the pickup truck rear-ended the 2nd tractor trailer. The pickup truck then got stuck under the back of the 2nd
tractor trailer, and the driver had to be extricated from the truck, suffering only minor injuries. the investigation is continuing.

The State DOT officials held a press conference at the Southern Tier Welcome Center in Broome County this morning to highlight the importance of driving safely in
construction work zones. 21 crashes caused by distracted driving in work zones have already been reported across the State during the current construction season,
there has also been an alarming increase in altercations initiated by motorists against DOT staff, Region 9 DOT Spokesman Dave Hamburg comments:

(Dave Hamburg 7-25-18)

Officials stated that State agencies are working together and redoubling their efforts against offenders while raising awareness of this public safety issue.

State Highway 12 north in Oxford, over Fly Meadows Creek, will close this morning through August 8th for bridge deck replacement. The bridge is located north of the Village of Oxford between County Road 4 and Turner Street, Traffic will be required to detour using County Road 32 (East River Road) between State Highway 220/County Road 35 and County Road 32B (Halfway House Road Bridge) for the extent of the closure.

State Police arrested 26 year old Luis Tirado Jr. of Staten Island, for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs and unlawful possession of Marihuana. Troopers were on a stationary checkpoint in the village of Deposit, when Tirado was stopped, He was arrested & was issued appearance tickets to the village of Deposit Court returnable on August 14th.

State Police responded to a fatal Motor Vehicle Accident on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock Sunday. A vehicle went off the highway & down an embankment; the responding trooper found the vehicle with the driver deceased inside. More information is expected to be released shortly.

33 year old Sean Martin of Binghamton was sentenced Monday in Chenango County Court to 90 days in jail & 5 years post-release Supervision, for driving drunk during a 1 vehicle crash that killed his brother. Martin pleaded guilty in April to vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated, in connection with the September 24th 2017 crash on State Highway 41 in the Town of Greene

State Police arrested 47 year old Audra Hart-Brendel of Afton for felony of Criminal Contempt; the arrest followed a complaint made on June 5 claiming Hart-Brendel continuously made contact with a victim that had an Order of Protection against her. Hart-Brendel was arraigned in the town of Windsor Court and was released in her own recognizance; she will appear in court again at a later date.

The City of Oneonta is applying for grant assistance through the State DOT Aviation Capital Grant Program for the purposes of replacing the airport’s existing aircraft fuel farm with two new 12,000 gallon tanks in a new location remote from the terminal building. The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is seeking public support for the project; more information for those wanting to assist can call the chamber at 267-4010.

Today is Primary day in New York State, Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced her office's Election Day Hotline, will be available today to help voters at the polls during the federal primary election. The Attorney General’s hotline is 800-771-7755; their email address is civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, both are available until 9:00 PM. Locally, there are 7 Democrats running for the 19th Congressional District, to take on incumbent Republican John Faso in November.

State Police arrested 53 year old John Nitz of Streamwood, Illinois for DWI, Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and several other traffic tickets. Troopers were dispatched to a 2-car motor vehicle accident in the town of Pittsfield, where a vehicle towing a camper struck a truck parked on Texas Hill Road and never stopped. Nitz was arrested and arraigned in the town of Morris Court; he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

43-year-old Belven Fajardo of Endwell has been convicted of Attempted Arson; after he attempted to set fire to a Johnson City building using "Molotov Cocktails". Fajardo was arrested after he allegedly intended to cause damage to the building, following an earlier domestic dispute. Fajardo is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13. He faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 25 years in state prison.

The State DEC reports that the number of Toxic Algae Blooms in the state has doubled in the last few weeks. the state recorded blooms in 19 bodies of water from central New York to downstate, only 10 were recorded on the Memorial Day weekend. The state is working on algae-reduction plans for a dozen lakes; some provide drinking water for neighboring communities.

THE DEPOSIT HANCOCK BASEBALL TEAM CAPPED OFF A GREAT SEASON WITH A 9-3 WIN OVER FORT PLAIN TO WIN THE CLASS-D STATE TITLE AT SUNY BINGHAMTON. IT’S THE FIRST STATE TITLE FOR THE COMBINED PROGRAM. THE DEPOSIT SOFTBALL TEAM LOST A HEARTBREAKING 4-3 CONTEST TO FORT ANN IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. THE JACKS HAD WON 3 STRAIGHT TITLES BUT JUST CAME UP SHORT THIS SEASON. ON THE TRACK THE BEST LOCAL FINISHER AT THE STATE MEET WAS DELHI SENIOR LOGAN BRUCE, SHE WON THE DIVISION 2 PENTATHLON COMPETITION TO BRING HOME HER 2ND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, she helped Delaware Academy WIN a TITLE IN BASKETBALL EARLIER THIS YEAR. FOR A FULL RECAP OF THE WEEKEND YOU CAN VISIT WCDO SPORTS DOT COM

State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers, running today and through Wednesday, June 13th. Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement to blend in with traffic. During the August 2017 Speed Week campaign, State Police issued more than 19,000 traffic tickets including more than 7,900 for speeding, and over 580 for distracted driving. Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State.

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney announced his bid for the state attorney general's position. Maloney is the 4th Democrat to enter the race, after Letitia James, Leecia Eve; & Zephyr Teachout, the nominee will be determined in the September primary. The only Republican candidate for state attorney general is Keith Wofford of New York City.

THE NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR BASEBALL, SOFTBALL & TRACK AND FIELD ARE THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY. SEVERAL LOCAL ATHLETES AND TEAMS WILL BE PARTICIPATING. THE DEPOSIT-HANCOCK BASEBALL TEAM WILL PLAY IN THE CLASS-D SEMIFINALS ON FRIDAY AT 5 PM IN BINGHAMTON WHILE THE DEPOSIT SOFTBALL TEAM WILL PLAY IN THE CLASS-D SEMIFINALS ON SATURDAY IN GLENS FALLS AT 1:30 PM. DEPOSIT SOFTBALL IS LOOKING FOR THEIR 4-STRAIGHT STATE TITLE WHICH WOULD TIE THE STATE RECORD FOR CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS. 11 LOCAL TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES WILL HEAD TO SYRACUSE TO COMPETE FOR A STATE TITLE BEGINNING ON FRIDAY. ATHLETES FROM SIDNEY, UNATEGO, DELAWARE ACADEMY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DOWNSVILLE, WORCESTER, ONEONTA & COOPERSTOWN WILL BE AT THE TRACK AND FIELD STATE MEET. TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THESE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND YOU CAN FOLLOW WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL ON TWITTER OR GO TO WCDO SPORTS DOT COM

3 men were arrested after State Police CNET and Troopers conducted a vehicle and traffic stop in Johnson City. A search revealed a hidden compartment containing Fentanyl, Oxycodone, suboxone, powdered heroin, a digital scale, packaging material, marihuana and $5,945 in cash. Police arrested 27 year old Coren Walker of the Bronx, 40 year old Scott Layton of Johnson City, & 24 year old Giovanni Foster of Johnson City, on a variety of drug charges, All 3 were arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s arrested 47 year old Shawn Maynard of Randolph, at the Champaign County Jail in Illinois. This arrest followed an investigation of a January 2015 accident on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester where a woman suffered serious injuries. Maynard was returned to Delaware County, he was arraigned for Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Drugs and Alcohol, Vehicular Assault & 2nd degree Assault, and he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail pending further court proceedings.

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 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.

State Police in Oneonta was notified that a skimming device was found inside the ATM at Community Bank, NA at 4987 State Route 23 in Oneonta. The device was found by a technician who was called to repair the ATM. the skimming device was placed inside the ATM Friday night by unknown older white male wearing glasses, shorts, a ball cap, and a hooded sweatshirt. The same suspect was involved in a similar skimming device incident in Scranton, PA in February. the ATM’s security features may have immediately disabled the ATM, but it is still unknown whether any cards may have been compromised. Anyone with information can contact State Police in Oneonta at 432-4844.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Marcus Molinaro named former Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian his running mate for lieutenant governor on Sunday; Killian is former two-time state Senate candidate, the state Republican Party Convention will begin Wednesday in New York City.

The State DOT will host an open house public information meeting on Wednesday from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Colesville Town Hall, regarding the Dilly Road culvert replacement project. NYSDOT representatives will be available, 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Office of General Services will collect worn and tattered flags at various locations statewide so that they can be properly retired, they will be disposed of as part of the Memorial Watchfire hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 103, on Sunday, May 27th, 2018 at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. More Information is available at cnyvva103.org/watchfire

The Norwich City School District will hold their annual School Budget meeting today. The meeting will be held in the Norwich City School District office at 6:30 tonight, all school budget votes state wide will be held on May 15th.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $20 million in new state funding is now available to support safety improvements, modernize operations and enhance the economic competitiveness of New York airports. The Aviation Capital Grant Program is open to public-use airports listed in the State Airport System Plan. The State DOT will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through June 29th. Program guidance and applications may be found at dot.ny.gov/aviationgrants.

Republican Annie Rabbitt announced her campaign for the 42nd State Senate District today, seeking to replace the retiring John Bonacic. Rabbitt has served as County Clerk of Orange County, also in the New York State Assembly, on the Warwick Town Board, Greenwood Lake Village Board and as President of the Greenwood Lake Chamber of Commerce.

About 10,000 NYSEG customers were without power Sunday evening following a storm system that passed through the upstate Counties over the weekend. About 85 were without power in Broome & Chenango Counties from that system as of Sunday night.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $15 million in grant funding is available to help New York livestock farms implement water quality protection projects. The funding is a part of the Governor's historic $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, which invests unprecedented resources for drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and other water quality protection across the state, including funds to ensure proper management and storage of nutrients on farms. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT agriculture.ny.gov.

Otsego County Sheriff's department & Emergency crews responded Tuesday morning at about 9:10, to a 2 vehicle crash on State Route 166. Deputies reported that 67 year old George Murray of Cooperstown crossed into the opposing lane into a vehicle driven by 49 year old Susan Edmonds of Cherry Valley. Both were transported to Bassett Medical Center, Murray was ticketed for Failure to keep Right.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to remove guns from domestic abusers and close a loophole in state law that will ensure domestic abusers are required to surrender all firearms, not just handguns. The Governor also announced he is advancing new legislation to extend the waiting period for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System from 3 days to 10 days.

State DOT Officials announced that work has resumed on the $3.2 million rehabilitation of the East Bosket Road Bridge over County Route 28 in Windsor and State Route 17 in Sanford. The project, scheduled for completion this fall, will replace the concrete bridge deck and install new steel railings along each side of the structure. The approaches to the bridge also will be repaved.

The Latest Siena College Poll released Today shows that Governor Cuomo still holds a commanding lead over actress Cynthia Nixon among registered Democratic voters by a 58 to 27% margin. The poll also has Cuomo with commanding leads over Republican candidates State Senator John DeFrancisco and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office audited the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the report suggests that they are doing well to ensure animal shelters are providing safe conditions and proper care for seized dogs, but officials could do more to make certain dogs are not inappropriately euthanized. DiNapoli's office visited 48 of the 294 shelters, Auditors found all of the shelters visited generally provided appropriate food, water and care, and tended to any injured animals.

The State DOT will hold a public meeting today to discuss plans to replace a culvert on State Route 7 over West Hill Road Creek in the town of Worcester. The open house meeting will be held at the Worcester High School cafeteria, beginning at 6:30 PM, A formal presentation will begin at 7:00 PM. The project proposes to replace the culvert, Construction is currently scheduled to begin in the spring of 2019 & take 3 to 4 weeks with an off-site detour in place.

The state budget sent some dollars to the upstate counties for worthy programs, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch explains:

(Crouch 4-17-18)

The State budget also included additional funds for area school districts, which will allow them ample time to put together budgets to put before voters in May.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested a Town of Verona resident for Criminal Mischief, Criminal Obstruction of breathing or blood flow, and Harassment. 21 year old Luvinda Cobey was charged after Deputies responded to a Town of Greene business for a domestic dispute, while both were traveling on State Highway 12, Cobey is alleged to have punched, choked and caused damage to victim’s property as victim pulled into a business to seek help. Cobey was arraigned in the Village of Greene Court and was released on recognizance, pending future court action.

Missing teenager Robert Pegos of Binghamton has been found, according to State Police. Pegos was found in Bangor, Maine in good health, he will be returned to his family shortly, 2 unidentified people have been charged with custodial interference in this case.