WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-2-26

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a scam currently circulating, as Several county residents have reported receiving phone calls claiming they have an active warrant for their arrest and are instructed to pay a sum of money to have the matter “cleared up.” This is a scam, as the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will never contact individuals by phone to demand payment.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced an extension of 5 more years to the naming rights agreement with Mirabito. The new agreement also continues in with Visions Federal Credit Union, who is the title sponsor of the Starting Gate Box Office at Mirabito Stadium, Rumble Ponies GM Richard Tylicki explains:

(Richard Tylicki 2-2-26)

The new Agreement between Mirabito Energy Products and Visions Federal Credit Union runs through the duration of the Major League Baseball's Professional Development agreement with the New York Mets through 2030. Also today, tickets went on sale for Rumble Ponies games at Mirabito Stadium, more information is available at bingrp.com.

Local Film-makers Joe Stillman & Jeri Wachter will be showing 5 of their Documentaries on uniquely American Stories on Friday & Saturday at Foothills in Oneonta, Joe Stillman told WCDO News about the films:

(Joe Stillman 2-2-26)

The films include the Jimmy Massey Story, about a former Marine speaking out on abuses during the Iraq War, another about former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark, another about poverty in Agriculture, another about COVID 19's effect on Americans & the 5th about 500 years of history being rediscovered in South Texas. Jeri Wachter said that both of them will be there both Friday & Saturday at Foothills, Veterans can attend free and how tickets can be purchased:

(Jeri Wachter 2-2-26)

More information is available at important films media.com. the films will be run from 2:00 PM through 10:00 PM both days.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Empire AI campus partnerships between SUNY’s university centers, university colleges, technology colleges, and community colleges to advance artificial intelligence research and education for the public good. The State University of New York at Albany is partnering with SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, and Hudson Valley Community College on 1 project, and The State University of New York at Binghamton is partnering with SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, Broome Community College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College om\n another project.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-2-26

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30-year-old Daniel Roe of Davenport, who is accused of subjecting a juvenile to sexual contact in May 2024. Roe was also alleged to have subjected another juvenile to inappropriate sexual conversations during the same time frame. Investigators arrested Roe on 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 1 count of Forcible Touching, 1 count of Sexual Abuse, Roe was arraigned & Orders of Protection were issued for the victims. Roe was later released on his own recognizance and was directed to appear at the Town of Davenport Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Shane Tweedie of Walton following an investigation into a stolen vehicle complaint reported in the Town of Bovina and was later located in the Village of Walton. Tweedie was located by deputies in the Village of Walton and he was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Grand Larceny, Burglary, Criminal Contempt & Criminal Trespass, Tweedie was transported to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment Court.

City of Oneonta announced that crews will be installing new Rapid Flashing Beacons at crosswalks at the new roundabout project. Motorists should expect temporary lane closures at various times over the next two weeks, at Main Street East, Lettis Highway South, Main Street West through the roundabout and at Pine Street.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 19 year old Dayton Carney of Pittsfield, for Assault & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation into an assault complaint in the Town of Milford. Carney was arrested and processed & was turned over to Corrections Staff to await arraignment, he will appear in the Milford Town Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-17-17

"The Wall The Heals" will be set up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta over the Memorial Day Weekend, local organizer for the event; Gene Schmidt said that there is still a need for a few more volunteers, as preparations are already underway:

(Gene Schmidt 5-17-17)

Schmidt said that the Wall would be brought through area towns on May 25th, along State Route 7 from Harpursville to Oneonta; the wall will be in Neahwa Park through the late afternoon hours of Memorial Day.

The City of Oneonta has hired George Korthauer as the new City Manager. Korthauer served as a city manager in Michigan, he beat out about 90 applicants for the Oneonta City Manager's position.

Governor Cuomo today ordered a comprehensive review of compliance under the 2015 "Enough Is Enough" law at all higher-education institutions across the state. The statewide inspection will ensure that all colleges and universities are fulfilling their obligations under the law to protect students from sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, and are taking every measure to properly investigate allegations of sexual assault on campus.   The Governor has directed the review be completed for all schools by the beginning of the fall semester.

Empire State Development failed to meet more than half of the reporting requirements for tax credit and job creation programs, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors found 27 of 57 of general outcome reports, or 47 percent, were not finished, 17 programs requiring independently prepared evaluations were not evaluated; and 93 of 152 program-specific reports, or 61 percent, were not completed. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us/audits.

State Senate Democrats want to add an Equal Rights amendment to the state constitution.   The proposal would add language prohibiting discrimination based on gender, disability, sexual orientation or identity, the 1938 bill only prohibited discrimination based on race, color, creed or religion. Voters would decide whether to approve the amendment if lawmakers agree to put it on the November ballot.

All area school districts had successful budget votes yesterday, many by a wide margin. Locally, the Franklin School district required a Super Majority Voter Approval; their tax levy increase was slightly above the state cap.

4 people were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a ‘no knock’ warrant on North Broad Street in Norwich Tuesday. Arrested were 19-year-old Chase Webb of Norwich, 37-year-old Steven Peterson of New York City, 30-year-old Sebastian Catanzaro of Norwich and 28-year-old Christina Banks of Norwich. Webb is accused of selling heroin; Peterson is accused of possessing cocaine and crack with the intent to sell. Catanzaro and Banks are accused of maintaining a place for drug sales. All 4 were arraigned; Webb was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending future court action.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual Awards Gala at the Castle on the Delaware, in Walton today from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. The Village of Sidney is recieving recognition as the Business Advocate of the Year, according to Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci:

(Ray Pucci 5-17-17)

Other award recipients are: Businesses of the Year - Friesland-Campina DOMO, Saputo Dairy Foods; the new Business of the Year is Union Grove Distillery; Tourism Award goes to Wayside Cidery and Tap Room.

The Delaware National Bank of Delhi opened their new Sidney Loan office location on May 8th, at 276 State Highway 7, this morning they celebrated with a Grand Opening & ribbon Cutting this morning, spokesperson Dee Hillis explains:

(Dee Hillis 5-17-17)

The Delaware National Bank of Delhi is the 26th oldest bank in the Country, and the 3rd oldest bank in the State of New York.

State health officials have published a guide to help New Yorkers to avoid Lyme disease this summer. The state department of health has published a complete guideline on their website, complete with what to do if you are bit by a tick, which are the most common ticks to spread Lyme disease, include pictures of those ticks. The Guideline is available at health.ny.gov
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State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information session about its associate and bachelor's degree programs at 44 HAWLEY STREET, BINGHAMTON today. The session will begin at 4:30 PM; more information is available at 721-8651.

Governor Cuomo announced that flags on state government buildings would be flown at half-staff on Sunday, September 11. The Flags will be flown in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks.

State Police at Norwich arrested 20-year-old Jacob Burrell, 18-year-old Melissa Land, & 18-year-old Kayla VanPelt, 18, all of New Berlin, for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers were advised of a burglary at a home on Hemlock Hill Drive in the Town of Columbus in July. Burrell is accused of damaging a window to gain entry; all 3 allegedly entered & stole liquor. Burrell, Land and VanPelt were arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and were released; they face court action in the Town of Columbus shortly.

State Police arrested 50-year-old Michael Silver of Franklin for criminal mischief, after Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on State Route 357 in the Town of Franklin. Silver is accused of smashing the victim's front windshield of her vehicle with a baseball bat, as she was driving away, following a dispute. Silver was arraigned in the Town of Franklin court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

Cal Harris will appear In Oneonta Town Court on October13th, to answer to charges for allegedly stalking a State Police Investigator who testified in Harris's most recent Murder trial in Schoharie County Court earlier this year. Harris was sentenced in Owego earlier this week in a separate case, for harassing an unidentified student at a SUNY Broome Satellite class in Tioga County in 2015. Harris was freed following his 4th trial earlier this year, after being accused & convicted twice of killing his estranged Wife Michelle in 2001, 2 convictions were overturned on appeal, the 3rd murder trial ended with a hung jury, his last trial ended with his being released of murder charges.

The dedication of Miller Park in Oneonta will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. The park is located at the intersection of the Lettis Highway & Main Street in Oneonta, to honor the former Mayor of Oneonta & Hartwick college president Dick Miller, who took his own life in October of 2014.

A free Breakfast will be offered to all first responders Sunday morning, at the Sidney American legion post on Union Street. All active & retired Police officers, Firefighters, Emergency Squad members can eat for free; breakfast will be $6.50 per person for the public.

The Family of former State Assembly Minority Leader Clarence "Rapp" Rappleyea has announced calling hours & funeral services. Rappleyea died on September 4th at the age of 82, Friends are invited to call at the NorthEast Classic car Museum from 4:00 p.m. -8:00 PM today. A Celebration of Life for Rapp will be held at the Car Museum at 11:00 AM Saturday. Private burial services will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich. Another Celebration of Rapp's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday at the Terrace Gallery, at the New York State Museum in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The family is requesting donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, or the Roger Follett Foundation, Inc., 35 West Main Street, Norwich, 13815.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood & Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood drive is being held today in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center at 2 Main Street, another blood drive is being held in Oxford from Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the American Legion on South Washington Street. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. This free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Be sure to bring your child/children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well. More information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event today & tomorrow. Residents can participate at the UNADILLA SITE today from 8:00-11:00 am & the COOPERSTOWN SITE on Saturday from 8:00AM to 1:00 pm. Small Businesses that pre-registered will participate today from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM at the Meadows Office Complex County next to the Otsego County Public Safety Building. More information is available at the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

Oneonta Police responded to a report of a residential burglary in progress on Elm Street. officers were met outside by the homeowners who reported that the suspect was still inside the residence, officers discovered a man exiting the house through a first floor window, the suspect resisted arrested & was identified as 21 year old Paul Dorego Jr, of Sag Harbor. The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Dorego had entered the residence through the back door after breaking two windows. Dorego was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief & Resisting arrest, he faces court action shortly.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the Unemployment Insurance reforms in 2013 have resulted in additional savings for New York State employers in terms of their State Unemployment Insurance contributions. Employers have already saved an estimated $200 million through the early repayment of federal debt with each saving, on average, an estimated total of $1,200 or $84 per employee. As a result, the Unemployment Insurance contribution rate schedules have been adjusted downward, reducing costs and saving employers up to an additional $42.80 per employee.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Patrick Hill of Whitney Point on 3 counts of sexual abuse and 1 count of endangering the welfare of a child. Hill is accused of having sexual contact with a victim less than 14 years old several times in the Town of Nanticoke; Hill was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Nanticoke court on February 25th.

35-year-old Anthony Thompson of Binghamton faces an animal cruelty charge for allegedly neglecting 7 dogs on a property in Chenango County. 7 pit bulls were saved from the property in North Norwich; all of the dogs are now in the state's custody & are being treated at an animal clinic in Norwich. Thompson is currently in custody & faces court action shortly.

The Federal Olmstead act may be proving to be counter productive to the developmentally disabled, that have been moved from Broome Developmental into group homes. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 2-9-16)

Crouch said that he expects to be involved in a Task Force that will hold hearings around the state, where similar situations have occurred, and concerns have been registered to lawmakers.

State Police arrested 60-year-old Sandra Simmons of Port Crane for the felony of aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .23% plus other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a Broome county 911 report of an erratic driver in Johnson City. Simmons was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time. Her next court date in the Village of Johnson City is pending.

About 30 people volunteered at the Sidney Great American food store for the Salvation Army from Black Friday to Christmas Eve last year. Marie Cole of the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster team told WCDO how much money was raised:

(Marie Cole 2-9-16)

More information about the Salvation Army and their local efforts can be obtained by calling 563-2976.

The Binghamton Mets announced the return of manager Pedro Lopez, pitching coach Glenn Abbott and hitting coach Luis Natera for the 2016 season. Lopez is the all-time winningest manager in Binghamton Mets history; Lopez led the B-Mets to a 2014 Eastern League Championship.

Annual local sales tax collections declined in 30 of the 57 counties outside of New York City last year, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Total collections across the state grew by 3.6% in 2015, but the increase was nearly exclusively driven by New York City. Elsewhere, growth in local sales tax collections was a mere 0.7%. 10 counties experienced a decline of more than 3%, including Delaware County.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information sessions about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at the State Office Building, Room 505, at 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton Today at 4:30 PM. More information is available at 721-8651.

Former New York Governor George Pataki told supporters on Tuesday that he is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. The former governor never made it onto a main debate stage and has had trouble raising funds. Pataki flirted with presidential runs in 2008 and 2012 but did not enter the race..

In memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner, The State Police are inviting the public to join them by giving blood at the 2nd annual Trooper Skinner Memorial American Red Cross blood drive today. Trooper Skinner was killed in the line of duty, while conducting a routine traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Chenango. The public can Donate Blood in Memory of Trooper Skinner from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at the State Police Barracks at 84 Crescent Drive in Kirkwood today.

Governor Cuomo announced that the minimum wage increase for State Workers would take effect beginning tomorrow. The increase will be implemented on the same phased-in schedule currently underway for fast food workers, all State workers will receive an hourly wage of at least $9.75 per hour for employees outside of New York City.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Governor Cuomo announced that New York State would begin accepting applications for the new 'Get On Your Feet' Loan Forgiveness Program on December 31st. the program offers up to 24 months of federal student loan debt relief to recent college graduates living in the State. To qualify, applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from a college or university located in New York State in or after December 2014, have an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000, and be enrolled in the federal Income Based Repayment plan or Pay as You Earn plan. more than 2,500 graduates from the class of 2015 have registered to apply for the program through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Governor Cuomo announced that Taste New York has achieved the goal of tripling gross sales of participating vendors in 2015, to over 4.5 Million dollars. Additionally, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets partnered with Empire State Development to provide New Yorkers and visitors worldwide instant access to a list of all the Taste NY agri-tourism destinations through the I LOVE NY mobile app, bringing greater exposure to New York’s food and beverage businesses across the state. The Department also worked with Food Export USA and Empire State Development this year to ensure Taste NY products were included in the Governor Cuomo's trade missions to Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity has been settling into their new office space located in the Klee House in Guilford. Officials remind residents that they can donate bottles and cans in the Habitat Bottle Shed at the Rte 12 Redemption Center in Norwich. Officials are also looking for more volunteers, interested parties can call 334-7492; more information is available at habitat.chenango.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced $10 million in Public Safety Answering Points operations grants have been awarded to municipalities across New York State. The funding through State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will support 57 counties and the City of New York in improving 9-1-1 response and emergency dispatching. Locally, Broome County receives $209,000, Chenango County gets over $170,000, Delaware county received over $154,000 and Otsego County will get over $157,000.

Syracuse Police have arrested 2 brothers from Binghamton for allegedly beating 2 men who were intervening on behalf of a homeless person being harassed Christmas Night. 18-year-old Nouman Khan and 20-year-old Hamza Khan, both of Binghamton, were charged with assault late Tuesday night after turning themselves in to police. Police reported that the victims intervened when a group of five men harassed a homeless man, 1 of the victims suffered a skull fracture. The Khan brothers were released on appearance tickets and ordered to appear in Syracuse City Court on January 20.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to expedite access to medicinal marijuana for New Yorkers suffering from serious health conditions. Cuomo also announced that he has ordered state health officials to review whether a new, broader medical marijuana program due to begin in January has enough production and dispensing sites to adequately serve the state. 20 sites are scheduled to open early next year. The governor said that the drug would be dispensed to eligible patients as soon as practicable, he also said that the state will abide by standards from the U.S. Justice Department to ensure that New York’s program does not trigger enforcement actions by the federal government.

The Delaware county recycling facility has been in operation fro a full year, accepting a lot more plastic & other items for recycling, according to Delaware County Solid waste Coordinator director Sue McIntyre:

(Sue McIntyre 11-12-15)

McIntyre said that the revenue generated from the #3 to 7 Plastics is marginal, but she said that there is a market for all of the items coming in to the recycling facility, and an added bonus of NOT having those items winding up in the landfill or the comporting facility.

HARTWICK COLLEGE HAS SUSPENDED ITS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND 5 UNIDENTIFIED PLAYERS AFTER AN INCIDENT IN A GAME AGAINST ST. JOHN FISHER. WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL HAS MORE….

(Nate Lull 11-12-15)

(text: HARTWICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MARK CARR AND 5 OF HIS PLAYERS ARE BEING PUNISHED AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF A 41-34 LOSS LAST WEEKEND. HARTWICK OFFICIALS DEEMED THAT ACTIONS BY THE TEAM IN THE CLOSING MOMENTS OF THE GAME WERE CONSIDERED TO BE UNSPORTSMANLIKE. ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE WAS LEADING THE GAME AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK BY TAKING A KNEE BUT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HARTWICK PLAYERS MADE HITS ON PLAYERS THAT WERE CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY. THE 2ND HIT ENDED WITH BOTH BENCHES CLEARING ONTO THE FIELD. THE TEAMS WERE QUICKLY SEPARATED. THE EMPIRE 8 LEAGUE SAID THEY SUPPORT THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION. A LARGE GROUP OF HARTWICK ATHLETICS SUPPORTERS PROTESTED THE SCHOOL’S DECISION AND IS HOPING THAT THEIR EFFORTS WILL CHANGE THE MIND OF HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION GOING FORWARD. FOR NOW- THE SUSPENSION WILL HOLD FOR THE HAWKS FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR THIS WEEKEND AGAINST UTICA COLLEGE. FOR WCDO SPORTS I’M NATE LULL)

State Police received a report from a resident in Roxbury, that an X-Acto knife type razor blade was found inside a sealed bag of Sour Skittles which had been obtained while Trick or Treating. The candy was not opened until opened on November 9th; it has been traced back to the purchase point of the CVS Pharmacy in Margaretville. The investigation has not been able to identify the source of the razor blade and parents all over the region are recommended to thoroughly check all candy prior to consumption.

State Police have recently received several reports of telephone callers claiming to be from the IRS that aggressively demand the resident pay money to clear up an outstanding tax debt, or face criminal charges. The public is being advised that the IRS does not make phone calls in this manner, and anyone receiving a telephone call of this nature should check with the local IRS office.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's Spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration.

The first Baptist Church in Sidney will hold their services this Sunday at the Circle Drive Alliance church from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, due to a heating problem. After the church services, members of the church will return to the Baptist Church for packing the "Operation Child" boxes as originally scheduled.

New York outlawed daily fantasy sports websites and FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles said that they're hoping to work around the decision by New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that declared daily fantasy sports sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings are illegal gambling operations. Eccles said that their attorney claims that there is a 5-day period allotted in the cease-and-desist letter in which they'll be working to figure out their options. About 10% of the 2 companies business has been from New York.

The New York State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction will be held today in Binghamton, however the previously scheduled auction in Unadilla was cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov. Today’s auction will begin at 9:30 AM at the DOT at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood today. 2 blood drives will be held in Delaware County today, one in Sidney from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street & in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Those looking to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. All blood types are needed.

Governor Cuomo announced that 11 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State under the START-UP NY program. The businesses will invest nearly $30 million, creating 158 new jobs over the next 5 years in tax-free areas sponsored by State university schools. Morrisville State College will have 54 new jobs that will be created by Empire Farmstead Brewery at a microbrewery where beer will be manufactured for regional and international distribution. Also at Morrisville, K16 Corporation is a new technology device and software development firm focused on developing technology based solutions in teaching methods. K16 will be locating to on-campus space in Morrisville and create two net new jobs while investing $10,000.

State lawmakers are working toward getting a state budget together by the April 1st deadline, in spite of the governor’s acknowledgment that a budget might be late if ethics reforms are not passed. Area assemblyman bill Magee comments:

(Bill Magee 3-4-15)

Magee also said that Governor Cuomo proposed cuts to some agricultural programs, that they hope to have restored in the final budget plan.

The Kennedy performing arts center dancers of Sidney will be performing a routine at Madison square garden this weekend at a New York knicks basketball game. Nikki Reed of the Kennedy performing arts center explains:

(Nikki Reed 3-4-15)

Reed said that a recent fundraiser raised about $800 in order to pay to get the dancers to New York City to perform their routing in front of the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that since January 2011, his office has helped over 17,000 people successfully resolve their consumer complaints, totaling over $13.5 million in refunds and other relief for over 12,000 of those consumers. The largest number of complaints deals with the Automobile industry, followed by Credit and Identity Theft issues, the Service Industries, Utilities and Landlord/Tenant complaints. The Attorney General's Consumer Helpline for those who beleive they may have been victimized is 1-800-771-7755.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information sessions about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at its Binghamton location today. The session will be in the State Office Building, Room 505 at 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton today at 4:30 PM. More information is available at 721-8651.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office 18 year old Dylan Whitman of Greene for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, for allegedly stealing property exceeding $3,000 from a Town of Smithville residence. Whitman was arraigned at the Town of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. Whitman is to appear in the Town of Smithville Court at a later date.

The Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting today at 7:00 PM in the Susquehanna Room of the Jack Bolster Community Center in Afton. John Graham from the Dispute Resolution Center of Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties will be speaking about the process and benefits of mediation in resolving business and personal disputes.

Broadway in Binghamton announced that tickets are on sale today for “JEKYLL & HYDE” at the Forum Theater on Sunday, October 12th at 3:00 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale today at the Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. More information is available at 778-6626 or BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Otsego County Sheriff, The state DEA, the Otsego County DA's office, & Oneonta Police arrested 22-year-old Nicholas Michael Torres of Mohegan Lake, following a 4-year investigation into heroin and oxycodone powder trafficking in and around Otsego County.  Torres allegedly distributed narcotics that were stolen from Covidien Pharmaceuticals in Hobart plant, he was taken into custody in Carmel, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 bail returnable in the Town of Oneonta Court on August 21st

State Troopers arrested 19-year-old Victoria Niedbalec of Laurens for 3rd degree Assault. The arrest was the result of a dispute that occurred at a residence in Laurens, Niedbalec was arraigned in the Town of Laurens Court and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $250 cash bail. An order of protection was issued by the town court against the suspect.

The Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 25-year-old Christopher Bonno of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Bonno is accused of being in possession of a DeWALT Jig Saw, which was reported stolen on an earlier date from a parked vehicle in the Village of New Berlin. Bonno faces court action at a later date.

While voters in the Southern Tier support casino development, the majority of residents would not frequent a new gambling parlor once it's up and running, according to a Time Warner Cable News/Siena College poll. Southern Tier voters support casino development, 45 to 36%, 57% of the same voters said they would not likely frequent their region's casino. The Gaming Commission said the casino applicants would make presentations in front of the Gaming Facility Location Board on Sept. 8th and 9th in Albany. Public hearings are scheduled for Sept. 22 to 24th.

The state Education Department has produced a preliminary parents bill of rights on the use and security of student data. Lawmakers in April required the bill of rights, the appointment of a chief privacy officer and other changes to protect student data, after there was a statewide backlash against the Education Department's plans, to share identifiable student data with inBloom. The law forced New York to pull out of the inBloom project, which closed shortly thereafter.

Empire State Development has approved SUNY Broome Community College's plan for the START-UP NY economic development initiative, which establishes tax-free business areas around college campuses. The college plans to offer information sessions about the initiative, more information is available at 778-5012.

SUNY Oneonta has made Forbes magazine's ranking of America's Top Colleges. The State University College at Oneonta was ranked 167th in the Northeast and 520th overall on the annual list. Factors taken into consideration were student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt, graduation rate and academic success.

Up to $300 million has been made available through the State's NY Rising Housing Recovery Program, to support home elevations for 6,575 homeowners. Individuals eligible for funding experienced damage to their homes as a result of Super storm Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The Optional Home Elevation and Mitigation Initiative is being offered, in addition to other housing recovery assistance that has been made available through NY Rising. More information is available at stormrecovery.ny.gov.

Aaron Powell of Binghamton will face murder charges in Broome County Court starting May 19th. Powell is accused of murdering his estranged wife Christina and 24-year-old Mario Masciarelli in the family home in Binghamton on March 22nd of 2013. Powell was apprehended 4 days later in Pennsylvania after he turned himself in, he has been held in the Broome County jail pending the start of his trial.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information session today about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs. The session will be held at the Binghamton location at the State Office Building, Room 505, 44 Hawley Street, at 4:30 PM.   More information is available at 721-8651.

Oneonta City Court was sealed off and evacuated Monday morning after a suspicious powder substance arrived in an envelope.  Police, fire department,  New York court officers and postal inspectors all arrived on the scene, the substance was not hazardous and the court opened up a short time later.

Sidney Village Police arrested 19 year old Christopher Schoonmaker of Sidney on a variety of charges recently.  Schoonmaker was charged with 2nd degree rape, Reckless Endangerment, and multiple counts of Unlawfully dealing with child & Criminal Sale of Marihuana.  Schoonmaker was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail, he  faces court action February 13th.

Delaware County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors James Eisel has CLOSED Delaware County Government offices for today.  Offices will re-open Thursday February 6th at their regularly scheduled times.

New York plans to have its medical marijuana program functioning within a year, according to State health commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah, who testified at a legislative budget hearing.  Governor  Cuomo's plan would allow 20 hospitals to prescribe marijuana to chronically ill patients, on a limited basis.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information session about their associate and bachelor’s degree programs at the State Office Building 44 Hawley Street in  Binghamton today at 4:30 PM.  More information is available at 721-8651.

State police report that 21 year old Maisie Grant of Norwich was killed, when she drove her car into a tree Monday night.   Grant was driving on River Road in Unadilla, when she failed to negotiate a corner & crashed into a tree.  Grant was pronounced her dead at the scene.

Delaware county sheriff’s Deputies investigated a 1 car personal injury automobile accident on Turnpike RD in the Town of Meredith. 58 year old David Mokay of Delhi failed to negotiate a turn on Miller Hill Road, His vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Mokay had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported to the hospital. Mokay was issued tickets for unsafe speed and unsafe lane change, He will appear in Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

The Village of Sidney will hold a Special Board meeting at 6:00 PM in the 1st Floor Board room in the Civic Center. The meeting will be held during the scheduled Public Hearing for the Long Term Community Recover Plan. A copy of this plan can be reviewed at the Village Clerks office.

Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will hold their “EYE OPENER” BREAKFAST from 8:30 to 9:30AM this morning.   The Breakfast will be at Woodside Hall at 1 Main Street in Cooperstown.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information session about their Binghamton location at the State Office Building at 44 Hawley Street in Binghamton today 12:00 Noon.  More information is available at 721-8651.

PM NEWS 7-12-13

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher today announced the launch of Phase II of SUNY Works, the system’s cooperative education and internship initiative. Eighteen campuses across the state are now expanding their icooperative education opportunities. Campuses launching SUNY Works as part of Phase II include UAlbany, SUNY Buffalo State, SUNY Oneonta and  Broome community college. Campus faculty will work with local employers to develop college courses that integrate classroom instruction and on-the-job work experience. For more information go to sunyworks@suny.edu.

Eliot Spitzer has met the deadline to file thousands of petition signatures for his bid to revive his political career by running for New York City comptroller. Spitzer said over 27,000 signatures were submitted to the city Board of Elections just after 10:30 p.m. last night, ahead of a midnight deadline. It came just four days after the tarnished ex-governor launched his campaign.

Statewide tourist spending rose 6.2 percent to $57.3 billion in 2012. Every region in the state saw growth in 2012 from the previous year, with the most dramatic increases in New York City and Long Island. The Central New York region, which includes much the Southern Tier, saw a 5 percent increase in 2012, when it brought in $1.9 billion according to Empire State development.

Oneonta Troopers arrested 17 year old Rob Shackelton of Coliersville for petit larceny following a complaint from the Walmart in the Town of Oneonta. hackelton was issued an Appearance Ticket for Town of Oneonta Court July 16

US senator Kirsten Gillibrand made an appeal to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in support of a major disaster declaration for parts of the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier and North Country affected by storms and floods earlier this month. Gillibrand is requesting approval of the state’s request for the President to declare a major disaster, including FEMA assistance, for Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, and Otsego counties

Otsego county deputies arrested a Sidney man for selling heroin in Oneonta in July of 2012. 35 year old Ian Lee Borowski was charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was arraigned and sent to the Otsego county jail on $20,000 bail. He faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted due to a previous felony conviction

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will host another informational forum, Saturday, July 20, about the NY SAFE Act, at the Walton Central School. Crouch will be joined by Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills and Delaware County Clerk Sharon O’Dell.