WCDO Radio News

Sidney Special education Teacher Tauna LaBare has initiated a fundraising campaign to purchase red and white striped socks with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald house where student Francisco LaBoy and his mother have stayed. LaBoy is a 6th grade student who was diagnosed, as a 3 year old, with a tumor. A special assembly will be held tomorrow and Sidney students & staff will wear their socks to school, LaBare comments:

(Tauna LaBare 11-24-14)

Socks can be purchased by the public on the Sidney school website, more information about Ronald McDonald house is available at rmhcrochester.org.

Following the initial success of the Warrant Wednesday on the State Police Facebook page, State Police are now expanding the way the public can submit tips on featured wanted individuals. State Police have made 24 arrests from program already; now, an email address will be added to the Warrant Wednesday posters. Anyone with information about an individual can email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov. State Police ask that you “Like” the Division’s page; Postings are also shared on the State Police Twitter page at @nyspolice

In New York State, more than 80% of women breast-feed their newborn children. That number drops to less than 60% after 6 months. The state health department, along with the Southern Tier Breast Feeding Coalition, unveiled a new health initiative to promote breast-feeding, and warn mothers about the negatives of using baby formula as a substitute. formula is associated with more ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, more hospitalizations and a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome." More information is available at heath.ny.gov

State Department of Transportation crews are preparing to tackle the looming winter weather. Transportation crews are warning drivers of additional hazards while traveling the roads, such as the freezing-over of bridges. DOT officials said the universal rule for driving in winter weather is simple: slow down. If an accident does occur, drivers are reminded to stay in their vehicles and wait for help to arrive.

A phone scam that originated in Los Angeles is now targeting people across the country. The callers often spoof the Sheriff's Department number, telling victims they have a warrant in the system or missed jury service and must pay $150 to $25,000 to remedy the situation. They're told to purchase a Green Dot pre-paid card for payment. People can't recover the money once it's spent. Call recipients should inform local authorities if they receive such a call.

Governor Cuomo unveiled plans for a new state weather system, to be monitored by the University of Albany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, in coordination with the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. More than 100 unmanned sensors will communicate real-time weather data through the Internet to the research center. No timetable for the system has been announced, but $15 million was approved in the state budget.

The remaining Broadway Theatre League remaining shows are on sale, Shows include Flashdance The Musical on Sunday, March 1st, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy on Sunday, March 29th, Anything Goes on Sunday, April 26th and MAMMA MIA May 19th through the 21st. Tickets are on sale at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com more information on the Broadway Theatre League and upcoming shows, check out our website at: BroadwayinBinghamton.com

24-year-old Joshua Theisen, of Suffolk County was pronounced deceased following an ATV crash into a drainage ditch on Jones Road in the town of New Lisbon. Otsego County Sheriff's Office reported that Theisen was not wearing a helmet and was ejected off the ATV, which landed on top of him, suffered a severe head injury & died on Tuesday as a result of his injuries.

New York State’s private sector job count grew by 4,500, or 0.1 percent, in September 2014, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. This latest monthly employment gain raised New York State’s overall private sector job count to more than 7.6 million, which is an all-time high. The statewide unemployment rate declined from 6.4% to 6.2% in September 2014, its lowest level since October 2008.

Governor Cuomo said $10 million in grants were awarded to localities across the State to support emergency response operations. Administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the grants support municipalities that operate 9-1-1 response and emergency service dispatch operations. Chenango County will receive just under $175,000, Delaware $117,000 and Otsego $161,000

New York will receive $343 million in heating and home energy assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand joined a bipartisan group of 46 Senators, in urging HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, to release Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding as quickly as possible, to ensure more families can access resources they need to heat their homes this winter. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months

On Election Day in November, voters will find a proposition that could save taxpayers $53 million a year. It’s called Proposition 2 – the state’s attempt to go completely digital. In a two-year legislative session, 17,000 proposals are printed for the states 213 lawmakers. The state's printing costs for a single year is about $13 million. In addition, the state pays another $40 million just to haul it all away, which costs taxpayers a total of $53 million annually. If the proposal is approved, every bill would be a digital file only

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WILL HOLD A PROGRAM ON 'FOOD RULES FOR VALUE-ADDED MEATS' TOMORROW FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM IN HAMDEN, FOR THOSE THAT NEED TO KNOW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PROCESSING AND SELLING VALUE-ADDED MEATS AND MEAT PRODUCTS IN NEW YORK. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AT 865-6531

The village of Unadilla planning board will meet tonight at 6pm at the Community House library on Main Street in Unadilla.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 50 year old Diana Theofilogiannakos of Sherburne, whose body was found at 6:45 Thursday Morning in the parking lot in Sherburne. The victim was taken to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton where an autopsy was conducted, where the death was ruled as not a homicide; the cause of death is still pending toxicology testing. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with any information to call 334-2000.

Governor Cuomo visited Binghamton yesterday & announced the selection of a site in Broome County for the School of Pharmacy at Binghamton University yesterday near Wilson Memorial Hospital. State Senator Tom Libous comments:

(Libous 9-26-14)

The new 70,000 square-foot facility will be built on Corliss Avenue in Johnson City, making it easy for students will be able to complete course requirements such as clinical rotations and job training.

Jerry Seinfeld is coming to Binghamton for 2 performances at the Broome County Forum on Friday, December 5th at 7:00 and 9:30 PM. Tickets go on sale at the Arena box office this morning at 10:00 AM.

At 11:00 AM tomorrow on the SUNY Broome campus, the New York National Guard and the State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are giving a free two-hour training session. Those who register will receive a backpack filled with supplies that can assist in the event of an emergency. Registration for the event is free but space is limited. For more details go to prepare.ny.gov.

The state Health Department announced that 14 cases of the Enterovirus were confirmed in western New York. The virus has landed a significant number of children at health centers and hospitals across the country. Enterovirus results in difficulties breathing and severe respiratory issues. There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and there is no anti-viral medication to treat the infection. Prevention methods include washing hands, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

State Troopers arrested 52-year-old Robert Slack of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania for Driving While Intoxicated, following a motor vehicle accident on State Route 205 in Oneonta. Slack refused to submit to a blood test. He was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on October 7th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies seized a quantity of drugs and arrested 35-year-old Francis Smith of Kingston today, after investigating illegally parked vehicles in Arkville. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, which violated the terms of his probation in Ulster County. Smith is accused of possessing a switchblade knife, & he may also face drug possession charges upon completion of a laboratory analysis of the seized drugs. Smith was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail.

Assemblyman Bill Magee nearly doubled his campaign coffers in the final days of his successful fight to hang onto his seat, according to the state Board of Elections. Magee raised $54,305 between August 25th and September 15th in his effort to defeat Sherrill City Commissioner Mike Hennessy in the democratic primary. Magee beat Hennessy 2,082 to 1,431; he will face Republican John Salka of Brookfield in the November election.

Home sales in New York fell 9.5% in August compared to the same period in 2013. Median sale prices stayed flat, while some areas of the state, including the Southern Tier, had an increase in homes on the market and fewer sales. Nearly 11,000 homes were sold in New York in August, the year-to-date sales total of 66,635 was a 4.4% drop compared to the same period in 2013. The median sale price so far this year was $225,000, unchanged from a year ago. Pending sales fell 1.5%.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state Education Department Commissioner John King said a survey would be sent to each school district, seeking information on actions they have taken, to implement provisions of the Dignity for all Students Act. The Act is state's 1st anti-bullying legislation, the results of the survey will be used to identify steps that schools have taken, and model policies and practices now being implemented by districts, to help ensure students are provided safe school environments.

The New York National Guard and the State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are giving a free two-hour training session At 11 AM Saturday on the SUNY Broome campus. Those who register will receive a backpack filled with supplies that can assist in the event of an emergency. Registration for the event is free but space is limited. For more details go to prepare.ny.gov

Students in the Milford Central School District were sent home early this afternoon. District Officials said that a water main Break necessitated the early dismissal; they hope to be back open regular hours tomorrow.

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the state health department ant the office of alcoholism & substance abuse services joined forces to train police officers from the Southern Tier and Capital Region in the use of Naloxone which reverses the effect of overdoses caused by heroin or other opioids, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. The state also is providing agencies that send their officers to the trainings with supplies of naloxone at no cost. Today’s session was held at SUNY Delhi, with more than 40 officers from 9 agencies getting the training.

State Police arrested 56-year-old Perry Webb & 52-year-old Charles Holmes of New Lisbon, for Petty Larceny and Criminal Trespass. The arrests resulted from a complaint of a missing silo loader from a farm in Morris, the investigation determined that both suspects allegedly took the silo loader from the property without permission, & scrapped it an a salvage yard in New Berlin, for $46. Webb and Holmes were issued tickets returnable to the Town of Morris Court on August 11th.

State agencies have begun adding gender identity to their data collection, as part of an effort Governor Cuomo said will help the state better meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender New Yorkers. A new report identifies 8 agencies, including the Department of Health, collecting or updating their data systems to gather those demographics.

Legislation has passed the State Assembly and Senate to update current Internet privacy laws to protect victims of “revenge porn” whose explicit photos are posted online without their consent. Current privacy laws protect people only if recorded images or video show intimate parts of their bodies, Hence the images might not meet criteria for prosecution, even if they are posted for the purpose of humiliation and are sexually explicit in nature. Under the new legislation, existing surveillance law would be updated to make non-consensual broadcast of individuals engaged in sexual contact a felony.

The Coventry Emergency Squad was awarded $143,000 in grant money, to purchase an updated ambulance to allow the squad to provide better, safer emergency care. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's assistance to firefighters grant program

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will increase the maximum fine from $200 to $1,000 for those who attempt to steal, harm, or transport a dog, cat or other pet that is not their own. The new maximum penalty will be applied against those that remove a collar or identification, entice, seize or harass a pet while it is being held, led or while properly muzzled, or transporting an animal for the purpose of killing or selling it. The American Kennel Club reports that there were more than 590 thefts of pets in 2013.

Officials with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta & The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that the historic LaFever Canoe, which had been stolen from the Regatta Museum at General Clinton Park, was located by a passerby, under the route 206 bridge in Bainbridge yesterday. Officials posted the loss of the canoe yesterday on social media, they said that the canoe will placed back on display at the Museum more securely. State Police are investigating.

The 4th annual "It's A Boobie & Butt Thing" cancer awareness golf invitational will be held on September 27th at the Afton Golf Club. Invitational Co-Director Lori Kemmerer said that they are looking for sponsors and donations currently:

(Lori Kemmerer 7-23-14)

Those who would like to sponsor or donate a raffle basket can call 624-4397; Money raised will help local cancer patients with travel expenses or insurance co-payments.

Funeral services for Johnson City Police officer David Smith will be held this morning in Johnson City.  The Funeral will start at 11:00 AM at Sarah Jane Johnson Church in Johnson City. Road closures along Main Street in Johnson City will be instituted; Representatives from Police agencies from all over will be attending.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 26-year-old Brad Church of Edmeston for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.  Church allegedly approached a vehicle that had been pulled over by a deputy, and obstructed traffic, and refused to comply with the deputy, and then resisted arrest.  Church was arraigned and was sent to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo announced that the DMV will begin issuing the first State emergency management red license plates for vehicles registered to State agencies, counties, cities, towns, and villages. Vehicles that get the red plates will get immediate access during a state emergency, the plates will have a white background and a red banner with the “EM” designation appearing in the upper left hand corner. More information is available through the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services at 518-242-5202.

Chenango County Sheriff department arrested 25-year-old Alexander Griffin and 37-year-old Laura Griffin of Bainbridge for 1 count each Animal Cruelty and Failure to provide a dog adequate shelter. The Griffins are alleged to have left a dog tied up outside for several hours in inclement weather without adequate food, shelter, and water as required by State law.  The dog also had a fractured leg that did not receive medical attention.  Both defendants were issued appearance tickets and released; they face court action in the Town of Bainbridge Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff department arrested 25-year-old Alexander Griffin and 37-year-old Laura Griffin of Bainbridge for 1 count each Animal Cruelty and Failure to provide a dog adequate shelter. The Griffins are alleged to have left a dog tied up outside for several hours in inclement weather without adequate food, shelter, and water as required by State law.  The dog also had a fractured leg that did not receive medical attention.  Both defendants were issued appearance tickets and released; they face court action in the Town of Bainbridge Court at a later date.