WCDO Radio News

State troopers of Sidney, Oneonta and Richfield Springs conducted an Underage Drinker Initiative detail, checking 8 convenient stores in Otsego County, the City of Oneonta, and in the towns of Oneonta, Otsego, Hartwick and Otego.  All 8 stores were in full compliance with all State laws, they were Hess Express, Main Street in the City of Oneonta, all Mirabito Quickways, in the Towns of Hartwick, Oneonta & West Oneonta, the Pit Stop in Cooperstown, Taylor’s Mini Mart in the Town of Laurens, & Sunoco in the Town of Otego.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old Amber Armstrong of Walton for 2nd degree Harassment & on an arrest warrant from the Walton Village Court for 2nd degree Coercion.  The charges stem from an incident with a male acquaintance in the Town of Walton.  Armstrong will appear in Walton Town Court at a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed an audit of the Village of Deposit.  The audit found that the village board did not effectively oversee and monitor their financial operations. The board did not have accurate information for their financial decisions and did not adopt reasonable budgets for the general, water and sewer funds. The report also said that the board cannot be sure that only authorized disbursements were made, that all moneys received were properly deposited, or that all transactions were properly recorded and reported.

New York State’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.7% to 7.4% in November, the  lowest level since January 2009, according to the preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. the state’s economy added 4,300 private sector jobs, to a record high of almost 7.5 million.

Governor Cuomo signed a law to increase state oversight of special education programs for preschoolers with disabilities. The law authorizes the state comptroller to audit all of the independently run programs at least once in the next 5 years. It establishes new reporting requirements for committees that place children in programs and for providers. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says fraud in the $1.3 billion program has cost taxpayers millions of dollars while depriving children of needed help.

It took just a fraction of New York voters to approve private casinos in the state. About 14.3 percent of the state’s 11 million registered voters cast a ballot in favor of the Nov. 5 casino referendum, according to the state Board of Elections. Nearly 1.19 million New Yorkers voted against it, or about 10.8 percent of the total electorate. More than 512,000 ballots left the casino section blank or void. The casino referendum, which allows the state to permit up to seven private casinos, was the first of six proposals on the back of all the ballots and received the most total votes

The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a Babysitters Training Class for youth ages 11 to 15 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM this  Saturday, at the Red Cross office at 620 East Main Street in Endicott. The cost of the class is $75, which includes a certificate from the American Red Cross, handbook and CD ROM.  Space is limited and advanced registration is required at 1-800-733-2767, or at redcross.org (http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class).

State police reported that 21-year-old Megan Dunleavy of Connecticut fell from a 5-story roof at the former Kutcher’s resort in Sullivan county Thursday, while working for an event to reform marijuana laws.  Dunleavy was a senior at Hartwick College in Oneonta, foul play was not suspected.   State police reported that Dunleavy had been staying at Kutcher’s while working for concert promoter Damn Sam Productions and was assisting in the organization of the New York Harvest Festival and Freedom Fair that had been scheduled this past weekend.

The Sidney Republican Committee will hold a meet the candidates’ event this evening in Sidney.  Supervisor candidate Gene Pigford and Town Council candidates John Woodyshek & Jodi Proffitt will meet with interested Sidney town residents at the Sidney library from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.

Broome County Sheriff's deputies arrested 38 year old Donnette Russell of Bainbridge Monday on charges of DWI, reckless endangerment, aggravated DWI, criminal mischief & leaving the scene of a personal injury incident.  Deputies responded to the report of an intoxicated driver in a driveway in the town of Chenango, when they arrived, the driver struck trees, a garage, a parked car and the caller, who was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.  Deputies later spotted Russell on Upper Front Street, she was apprehended and is accused of having a BAC of .30, and she was taken to the Broome County Jail without bail pending court action.

38 year old Michael Degnan of Port Crane has been indicted on additional charges.  Degnan was arrested for allegedly raping a 14 year old earlier this year; the new charges include 1st-degree rape, 2nd degree rape, 4 counts of criminal sex acts and endangering the welfare of a child.  Degnan remains in the Broome County Jail.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council & Oneonta River Corporation, will host 2 commerce building programs that could have an impact in the Oneonta Area.   Dr. Carlena Ficano of the Hartwick College economics department will present a report on the profitability of local commercial hops production today at Foothills at 4:30 PM.  The 2nd presentation will be on Tuesday, October 1st, where Heath Markus Green of Cornell University will give a presentation on revitalizing part of the old D&H Rail-yards in Oneonta.  Green’s presentation will be held at Foothills Performing Arts center at 4:30 PM.

Area homeowners have until the end of this year to renew their eligibility for the STAR school tax exemption program.  State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli estimated 13 million dollars in fraud and abuse in the Basic STAR program; the state legislature then mandated that all Basic STAR recipients re-enroll this year to receive the benefit next year. The change does not affect Enhanced STAR program for senior citizens who own homes.

Last Christmas, the River Club in Afton served up free meals for underprivileged residents of the area,  this year, they are holding a fundraising golf tournament this Saturday, to raise money to also give gifts as part of the free Christmas meal this year.  River Club owner Jack Flannery explains:

(Jack Flannery 9-4-13)

Those who are interested in participating in the golf tournament, or the dinner this Saturday, can call Jack Flannery at 343-3195 or the River Club at 639-3060.

The state labor department announced the Unemployment Insurance Early Repayment program for those who have collected overpayments of unemployment benefits they were not entitled, and wish to avoid additional penalties.  Effective on  October 1st ,  Claimants who knowingly collected overpaid benefits will not only have to pay the overpayment back and be assessed forfeit days against future UI claims, but also be charged a 15% monetary penalty on the overpayment or $100, whichever is higher. More details are available at labor.ny.gov

Delaware County Deputies investigated a one-car personal injury accident Saturday on County Highway 26 in the Town of Hamden.  19-year-old Daniel Monsen of Merrick, Long Island lost control of his vehicle, striking an embankment and rolling over.  Monsen was transported to O’Connor hospital in Delhi,  with lacerations to his hand,  no tickets have been issued.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council &  Oneonta River Corporation, will host 2 presentations that could lead to a positive economic impact in the Oneonta Area.   Dr. Carlena Ficano who is a  Hartwick College professor of economics, will present a report on the profitability of local commercial hops production, on Wednesday, September 25th at Foothills at 4:30 PM.  The 2nd presentation will be on Tuesday, October 1st, where Heath Markus Green of Cornell University will head-up a presentation on revitalizing part of the old D&H Rail-yards in Oneonta.  Green’s presentation will be held at Foothills Performing Arts center at 4:30 PM.

Hartwick College hosted U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for a press conference earlier this afternoon. Gillibrand discussed her proposal to increase access to rural broadband by creating a new grant component to the current Broadband Loan Program, for private sector providers and state and local government,s to acquire funding and resources to deliver high-speed Internet to businesses and families to 1.1 million rural New Yorkers who do not have broadband internet access.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31 year old Kyle Angle of Sherburne Following an investigation of a Domestic Dispute. Angle was charged with for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Blood Circulation, Three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Possession of a weapon. Angle was found to be choking a female victim while three young children were nearby. Angle was also found to be in Possession of a hand gun without holding a pistol permit. Angle was arraigned in Town of Sherburne Court and will re-appear at later court date.

Oneonta police arrested 23 year old Gable Bugel of Oneonta on a charge of third-degree arson. Bugel is accused of setting fire to a car that was parked in a lot off Roundhouse Road on May 13. The vehicle was destroyed. Last year, Bugel was charged with attempted arson in connection with an incident behind Community Bank on Main Street. In a separate case, 28 year old Therese Sandborn of Oneonta was charged with second-degree attempted arson for allegedly attempting to set her apartment on Luther Street on fire. Sandborn was arraigned in city court and set to Otsego County jail.

State and local government pension rates will drop slightly beginning in April, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Public employers at the state and local level will pay an average of 20.1 percent of their payroll into the pension fund during the 2014-15 fiscal year, a drop of 0.8 points from the current year. The drop in rates came as a surprise, as local governments had been bracing for another increase as contribution rates continued to recover from the economic recession. But DiNapoli's office is changing the way it separates and values its equities and non-equities based on a recommendation from an actuary, allowing for the slight decrease.

Congressman Richard Hanna announced that Tri-Cities Airport in Binghamton was selected to receive $137,000 in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation to make upgrades. The grant will refurbish the runway to maintain structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. This grant will provide funding for the design phase of the project. Hanna is a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Thirty schools will be eligible for up to $500,000 in state grants through a new community-schools program launched by Gov. Cuomo. The governor outlined the plan in his State of the State address in January as a way to help struggling communities with additional services. Schools have until Sept. 18 to apply for the money. The $500,000 would be paid out over three years. The state Education Department has the application and program details. Go to NYSED.GOV.

Otsego County has a new emergency notification system in place. The county partnered with Hyper Reach to deliver mass notifications to residents and visitors to the county. It sends thousands of calls or messages simultaneously. It's automatically linked to all landline telephones.If you want to get messages delivered to your cell phone, you have to go to the county's web site at OtsegoCounty.com and sign up.

A total of 11,121 housing sales closed in New York in July, a 16.4 percent jump from the same month the previous year. From January through July, 56,522 sales have been reported across the state, a 9.2 percent increase from the same period in 2012, according t the New York State Association of Realtors. The report noted the highest number of July closed sales since 2007 and the highest number of July pending sales since 2005.

A repaving project on State Highway 12 from Oxford to Norwich will begin tomorrow. Contractors will pave nine miles of State Highway 12 from Millbrook Road (south of Oxford) to Norwich. The work will be done from 6 am to 6 pm through September 13th. There will be alternating lane closures so expect delays. Travelers are encouraged to use County Road 32 as an alternate route.

Stamford Mayor, 65 year old Michael Jacobs, died unexpectedly Saturday when he collapsed at the annual Delaware County Republican pig roast at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton. Jacobs, a lawyer with Jacobs and Jacobs in Walton, had started his third term in March. He died of a heart attack at Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton. Village Trustrees are meeting this afternoon in Stamford to appoint and acting mayor.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a wanted man along with a Town of Coventry man for weapons, drugs, and burglary charges. 29 year old Eric Nelson of Afton and 29 year old Rory Tanner from Coventry allegedly stole an AR 15 rifle along with a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun from a residence on Tracy Rd in the Town of Bainbridge. The two then sold the AR 15 which was later recovered by police. Nelson then sold the 12 gauge shotgun to an undercover police officer in the Town of Coventry. At the scene officers located hypodermic needles and heroin residue. Nelson was also arrested on an arrest warrant for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Nelson was arraigned in Town of Bainbridge Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $3,000 bail. Tanner was arraigned in Town of Coventry Court and sent to the Chenango County jail on $5,000 bail.

A small earthquake has shaken homes in the Adirondacks region near Lake George. US Geological Survey monitors say the magnitude 2.7 quake happened near the Warren County town of Warrensburg at about 9:30 a.m. yesterday. Local emergency centers got calls reporting shaking and a rumbling sound, but no damage.

This year's freshman class at the State University at Oneonta arrived this past weekend. The class will have about 1,100 students out of an applicant pool of over 12,000. The high school average for an average student from this class is over 91%. The average combined SAT score is over 1130. This year's freshman class includes 28 students from Otsego County, 10 from Chenango County and 8 from Delaware County. The freshman class at Hartwick College in Oneonta will arrive August 29th.

Revitalizing upstate New York’s economy will be the focus of The Business Council of New York State’s 2013 Annual Meeting September 25-27 at The Sagamore Resort on Lake George. The Annual Meeting provides three days of information and entertainment, creating a forum focusing on improving the state's business climate and economy. This year’s agenda focuses on the economy, education, politics, and healthcare. For more information, call 1.800.358.1202

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

The 2013 Hazardous Waste Collection Days for Otsego County households will be Friday September 13th. at the Unadilla Town Highway Building. The second collection will be at the Meadows Office Building in Cooperstown on Saturday September 14th. You must pre-register August 27th through Spetember 10th. You can register online at OtsegoCounty.com/solidwaste, or by calling 547-4228.

Governor Cuomo launched the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program to help communities hit hard Superstorm Sandy, Tropical Storm Lee & Hurricane Irene, to create and implement strategies for rebuilding and strengthening their communities against future extreme weather. Yesterday the governor announced that the state would put up 16 million dollars in flood relief for those affected in late June & early July after FEMA announced that they would not be assisting:

(Cuomo 7-18-13)

The Governor also announced that the State would award $250 million of the State’s FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the New York Rising Communities to implement eligible projects for infrastructure or building improvements to protect communities from future extreme natural disasters.

State police at Oneonta arrested 44-year-old Sarah Helmes and 45-year-old David Helmes of Stuyvesant on felony drug charges Sunday in the town of Hartwick.  Both were charged with criminal possession of cocaine, Sarah Helmes also was charged with drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, both face court action shortly.

The Broome County Health Department has confirmed two cases of E Coli, linked to people who went swimming at Cole Park in the Town of Colesville back on June 23rd.  Health department officials said that the 2 people affected are recovering, they also reported that the water at Cole Park is being monitored & is safe currently.  E Coli can be caused by cow manure affected vegetables, under cooked meat, or from run off after excessive rainfall in rural areas.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested Scott Titus of Binghamton, for allegedly possessing Hydrocodone with intent to sell, while accompanied by his 3-year-old son.  Titus was held overnight in the Binghamton City jail pending action in city curt today.

The Broome County Sheriff’s department arrested 17-year-old Katlynn Carangelo of Vestal, for allegedly taking funds that were donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in retail established that she had been working at.   Carangelo was charged with 3 counts of Petty Larceny, she was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Union Court at a later date.

Hospice of Chenango County is offering a yearlong Caregiver School for those taking care of a chronically ill patient. Caregiver School will take place the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Hospice office at 21Hayes Street in Norwich.  The next session will be on August 10th. More information is available at 334-3556.

PM NEWS 7-9-13

The annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tournament will be held this weekend in Norwich. The event features over 400 teams from ages 7 to 50 plus and brings thousands of spectators to the area. Organizer Tom Revoir said they are still in need of Gus Buster volunteers....
(Revoir)
Revoir added that Court Monitors for the adult courts are especially needed. If you are particpating in the Macker, there have been some minor bracket changes and you are asked to go to Macker dot com to see if your team is affected.

New York State’s Medicaid program overpaid providers 11.4 million dollars according to state Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli. Dinapoli said it is largely due to overstated amounts by providers and incorrect rate changes. Dinapoli blames weak controls and poor supervision of the program. Only 3.8 million of medicaid overpayments have been recovered.

An Oneonta man, wanted on a parole violation, was arrested on felony burglary and other charges. The burglary report came from a Spruce Street resident and police are investigating recent burglary attempts on Elm Street to see if the incidents are connected. 26 year old Tim Button was arrested Sunday. Button was charged with second-degree burglary. Button also was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and pety larceny, and was sent to Otsego County jail on $10,000 bail.

State Troopers arrested 19 year old Mike Foley of Port Crane, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Unlawful Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21, following a traffic stop on State Route 7 in the Town of Colesville. Foley was issued an appearance ticket for town of Colesville court at a later date.

State police arrested 75 year old Peter Pizzillo of Margaretville for 3rd degree assault following a complaint in the village of Margaretville. Pizzillo was arraigned in town of Roxbury court and sent to the Delaware County Jail on $250.00 bail.

Hartwick College in Oneonta is featured in the 2014 edition of The Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of the country’s best and most interesting colleges. The guide includes about 300 colleges and universities from among more than 7,000 higher education institutions across the country. The schools were chosen based on areas such as academics, social life, financial aid, campus setting and extracurricular activities.

An underage drinker initiative detail from the State Police checked retail convenient stores in Otsego County in Worcester, Milford, Hartwick, Cooperstown and Richfield Springs. Arrests were made at the Pit Stop in the town of Hartwick and at Stewart's Shop in Richfield Springs. Police charged 31 year old Ajay Ghiaar of Cooperstown and 21 year old Victoria Oldick of Fort Plain for unlawfully selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21.

The Delaware County Office for the Aging has announced that Farmers Market coupons for senior citizens 60 years and older are now available. Eligible Delaware County seniors can receive twenty dollars worth of free New York State grown produce. Produce coupons can be picked up at the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 6 Court Street in Delhi weekdays from 8am to 4pm. For information, call 746-6333 or go to …ofa@co.delaware.ny.us

State Police arrested 28-year-old Scott Frost and 22 year old Arianna Michalski of Binghamton for 1st degree Robbery in connection with the armed robbery at the Afton Xtra-Mart last Wednesday morning.  The 2 were apprehended at the Super 8 Motel in Kirkwood along with 25-year-old Shane Jasak and 23 year old Emily  Shaver, who were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument.   Jasak and Shaver were arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 bail.  Frost and Michalski were arraigned in the Afton Village Court, Frost was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail and Michalski was remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.  The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 43-year-old Ronald Conrow of Delhi for Unlawful Imprisonment, following the report of a domestic incident in the Town of Delhi.  Conrow was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Delhi Town Court tomorrow.

The New York State Board for Historic Preservation recommended the addition of 17 properties, to the National Registers of Historic Places.  The STATE REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS included the Sidney Historic District, which encompasses archeological sites where prehistoric peoples congregated on the Susquehanna River at the confluence with the Unadilla River and also the buildings reflecting Sidney’s development from an agricultural center to the arrival of two railroad lines in the 1860s and 1870s.  Also chosen was the Hartwick Historic District, & the Old Hartwick Village Cemetery in Otsego County.

The Otsego county sheriff’s department arrested 3 county men for allegedly having a house set on fire in order to collect insurance money.  Charged in connection with the may 1st arson fire on county highway 11 in Hartwick, were 63 year old Claud Folds, 20 year old James Folds of Hartwick and 48 year old Adelbert Cleavelend of Cooperstown, for Arson, Conspiracy and insurance fraud, they were arraigned and were sent to jail on bail and later released on recognizance, pending later court appearances.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has secured $45 million in federal dollars available to local governments to fund state homeland security and terrorism prevention programs. Local governments will need to apply for this funding by June 24th to the DHSES Grants Inbox at grants@dhses.ny.gov (http://us.mc1639.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=grants@dhses.ny.gov). Funding is contingent upon the State receiving its official grant award from FEMA which is expected September 1st.

The state senate has approved of a package of bills to amend of eliminate over 1000 state regulations and mandates currently on the books.  State Senator Jim Seward sponsored the bill:

(Seward 6-11-13)

The state senate will also conduct industry specific public hearings across the state with business owners and local elected officials to gather their chief complaints about specific regulations.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 45-year-old Mary Armstrong of Greene for Driving While Intoxicated in the Town of Smithville.  Deputies reported that Armstrong fled from police in her vehicle; she was eventually apprehended and was charged with DWI & several traffic infractions for fleeing during traffic stop.  Armstrong is scheduled to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date.

A vehicle reported stolen in Delaware County recently has been located, after a Binghamton woman was found driving it in the town of Chenango in Broome County.  33-year-old Maryann Zupo was stopped early Wednesday morning by deputies, she attempted to flee on foot & was apprehended.  Zupo was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle; and unlicensed operation of a vehicle, She was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Thomas Mills announced today that his office has launched a smartphone app that allows the office to communicate much more effectively with the community.  The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office app is a free download and is available for both iPhone and Android smart devices.  Users simply search “MobilePatrol” and after downloading, select the sheriff’s office.  Information will include Amber Alerts, photos of missing persons, news about escapees and manhunts, weather warnings and other local emergencies.

Ganesh Ramsaran pleaded “Not Guilty” to a grand jury indictment for 2nd degree murder this morning in Chenango county court in Norwich.   Bail was increased to $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond, Ramsaran was returned to the Chenango County Jail following this morning’s court action.  Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer last December, her body was found in a wooded area in February in Pharsalia.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, acting on a complaint from security officers at Covidien Healthcare in Hobart, arrested a former Covidien employee for the theft and possession of Hydrocodone tablets from that manufacturer.  26-year-old Wayne Morse of Hobart was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Petty Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Morse was issued Appearance Tickets in the Town of Stamford Court on June 11th.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 19-year-old Renee Towndrow for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  The Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division and City of Norwich Police arrested Towndrow following a traffic stop in the City of Norwich; she was found to be in possession of a Narcotic. Towndrow is scheduled to appear in the City of Norwich Court at a later date.

State DOT Officials report that Motorists are advised that Chenango Street between Moffatt Avenue and Sturges Street will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic controlled by flag personnel starting today, through Friday afternoon.   Construction crews will be working to remove the bridge over Chenango Street; Drainage work will also be performed.  Also, bridge steel will be placed on the new bridge over I-81 southbound beginning at 6:00 tonight until 6 AM, each night through Friday morning, May 31.  I-81 southbound will be reduced to one travel lane.

Last week’s fire at the Cooperstown All Star Village baseball camp in Oneonta is considered suspicious, fire damaged 4 separate buildings at the site early Friday morning.  Employees have been cleaning up the sites in preparation for the camp opening on June 8th; about 5,000 are expected to participate in programs at the camp this summer.

The Otsego County Planning Department has teamed up several organizations to bring energy efficiency information to homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits. A workshop is scheduled for tonight from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the town of Hartwick Community Center, 450 County Road 11, Spokesperson Solvei Blue explains:

(Solvei Blue 5-28-13)

Since the workshop series began, over 20 Otsego County residents have applied for or been approved for a free home energy assessment through NYSERDA’s Home Performance with Energy Star® program. The next workshop will take place in Worcester, on June 20th, at the Worcester Historical Society, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 56 year George Pliauplis of Walton on A County Court Arrest Warrant for failing to appear as scheduled on May 14th.  He was arraigned before Judge Becker and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he will be held until further court proceedings.

The 51st general Clinton canoe regatta was held this past weekend, with the 70-mile endurance races on Memorial Day.  The high river made for faster times for all paddlers, Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, was excited to get his 20-th finish with his 15 year old son Buddy.

(Duke Fisher News 2013)

It was Buddy’s first 70-mile race, and he told WCDO why he chose this year to do it:

(Buddy Fisher News 2013)

The 2nd class of the Canoe Regatta Hall Of Fame was inducted on Saturday, including Ken “Doc” Benson, who was a 40-year regatta volunteer & Coordinator.  His Daughter Tracy Smith reacted to the honor:

(Tracy Smith News 2013)

Over 1200 paddlers from 22 US states & Canada participated in the 4-day regatta.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Pro canoeists Andy Triebold of Michigan and Steve Lajoie from Quebec won their 5th consecutive pro 70-mile race at the general Clinton Canoe Regatta yesterday.  Lajoie said why he thinks they are so successful:

(Steve LajOIE News 2013)

Both paddlers told WCDO’s Craig Stevens that they planned to race with each other in the future:

(Triebold-Lajoie News 2013)

The pair finished the race in 6:36:55, just 19 seconds slower than the all time record set by Serge Corbin & Bruce Barton in 1990.

38 year old Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin was indicted Thursday by a Chenango County grand jury for 2nd degree murder, for the death of his wife Jennifer last December.  Ramsaran will be arraigned Tuesday; he was arrested Friday & was released on $300,000 bond Wednesday from the Chenango County Jail.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators arrested and extradited a local fugitive from the State of Texas on an Arrest Warrant issued by Delaware County Court.  Former Delhi area resident Richard Robinson of Gastonia, North Carolina, was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators in Groveton, Texas and was returned to the Delaware County Correctional Facility Wednesday and is being held pending further court proceedings.  Robinson is accused of failing to appear before the Delaware County Court last December, relating to a pending felony DWI prosecution.

Tomorrow, Hartwick College will celebrate the 82nd Commencement exercises, at 11:30 AM on Elmore Field to recognize graduates' achievements.  The Class of 2013 will convene at 5:00 today for this year's Baccalaureate ceremony at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 36-year-old Anthony Carroll of Madison for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Failure to Dim Headlights. Carroll faces action in town of Sherburne court at a later date.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will hold their first “Bike Nite” tonight at the beginning of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.  Regatta Chairman John Harmon comments:

(John Harmon Bike Nite)

Admission for Bike Nite is free, and parking tonight is also free, compliments of SFCU.

State Police investigated a fatal motorcycle accident on Ouaquaga Road in the Town of Colesville. 43 year old Shawn Farr of Colesville was operating a 1996 Honda motorcycle in foggy conditions and failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway, the motorcycle went off the road & struck two trees,  Farr was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is continuing.

The Otsego County Planning Department, & several other county agencies have teamed up to sponsor a workshop tomorrow at the Hanford Mills Museum, in East Meredith, called “Energy Wise Otsego,” to help homeowners & Small Business owners save dollars with free energy assessments.    Outreach Coordinator at Public Policy and Education Fund of NY Solvei Blue comments:

(Solvei Blue 5-10-13)

Blue said that another workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28th from 7:00 pm till 8:30PM at the Hartwick Town Hall, more information is available at 723-0110, online registrations are requested at energywiseotsego.eventbridge.com.

Congressman CHRIS Gibson will visit Otsego County today.  Gibson will Visit Apple Converting in Oneonta at 8:30 AM, he will tour the facility with state senator Jim Seward.  At around 2:15 this afternoon, the congressman will New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railway Corporation in Cooperstown, he will tour the facility and learn more about their operation.

Motorists are advised that State Route 17 westbound between exit 72 and exit 71 will reduced to one lane today between 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM.  Crews will be removing sheet piles in the vicinity of the future Prospect Street Connector, weather permitting.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42-year-old Gary Cameron of Norwich for 2nd degree Burglary.   Cameron allegedly forcibly entered a Town of Norwich residence and stole a television he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail. Cameron is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court on a later date.

The Otsego County Planning Department, & several other county agencies have teamed up to sponsor a workshop series called “Energy Wise Otsego,” to help people save energy dollars with free assessments and suggestions for home improvement projects.  Outreach Coordinator at Public Policy and Education Fund of NY Solvei Blue comments:

(Solvei Blue 5-8-13)

The workshop series continues this Saturday from 10:30 am until 12:00 Noon, at the Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith, another one is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28th from 7:00 pm till 8:30PM at the Hartwick Town Hall.  More information is available at 723-0110.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30-year-old Mandie Willis of Cortland on a charge of 3rd degree Forgery.  Willis allegedly forged a document while she was incarcerated in the Chenango County Jail, she was arraigned & was remanded back to the Jail on bail, She is to reappear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The Otsego county department of health will hold a child safety seat check today from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the offices of AAA at 195 Oneida Street in Oneonta.  Certified child safety seat technicians will be on hand, they request that parents bring a copy of the manual of their child safety seats to the event.  More information is available at 547-4230.

Promote Oxford Now will hold their next meeting this evening at 7:00 PM at 6 On The Square, in downtown Oxford. PON is a nonprofit organization, mostly made up of local business people that seeks to promote the Oxford business community, to recognize and maintain Oxford's historic nature and to respect its hometown character and culture.  More information about Promote Oxford Now is available at PON.oxfordny.com or at (http://pon.oxfordny.com/) 843-2121.

State lawmakers are considering a series of bills designed to protect pets and livestock.  Assemblyman Bill Magee comments:

(Magee 5-8-13)

Magee chairs the Assembly agriculture committee which oversees animal related issues.

The Appellate Division, Third Department has rejected an appeal from Anthony Pacherille Jr. of Cooperstown, of the 11-year prison term in Otsego county court for a 2010 shooting in Cooperstown.  The ruling stated that there was no bias against Pacherille by Otsego county judge Brian Burns in his sentencing of Pacherille, for the racially motivated shooting of Wesley Lippitt.  Pacherille pleading guilty to 2nd degree attempted murder for that shooting.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant Tuesday; they arrested 5 people on a variety of drug & grand larceny charges.  Arrested were Joseph Fuzi, Pamela Sarday, Matthew Ford, Matthew Bowman and Megan Walsh, police seized crack-cocaine, digital scales, hypodermic needles and a dagger.  Bowman and Walsh were released on an appearance ticket for Binghamton Court, Fuzi and Sarday were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County jail, Ford was arraigned in City of Binghamton Court and released, all face court action at a later date.

State Troopers arrested 35-year-old Gregory Thomas of Mount Morris, for Felony Aggravated DWI. Troopers accuse Thomas of driving while intoxicated with a child less then 16 years of age in the vehicle, the arrest followed an investigation into an accident on State Route 23 in the Town of Davenport.  Thomas was issued tickets and is scheduled to reappear before the Town of Davenport Court on May 28th.

Hartwick College announced that they will host an Open House program on Saturday geared toward current high school juniors who are interested in becoming part of Hartwick's Class of 2018.  The Open House will provide opportunities to learn more about Hartwick's campus, academic (http://www.hartwick.edu/academics) and extracurricular offerings, to meet with Hartwick staff, tour the campus and learn about the 3 year degree program instituted a couple of years ago.  Those who wish to sign up can do so at hartwick.edu

The Chenango Arts Council will hold their annual 5K fundraising run, “The Allegro Run for the Arts” Saturday.  The race begins at the Council of the Arts, 27 West Main Street, Norwich at 9:00 AM, Race day registrations will be accepted from 8 until 8:45 a.m.  Entry fees race are $15 up until race day and $20 the day of the race. Students will pay $10 both pre registration and day of the race.  Registration forms are available for download at the Council’s website at www.chenangoarts.org (http://www.chenangoarts.org/).

State Troopers arrested 37-year-old George Burts of Binghamton, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal Impersonation, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Operating Without a License and Falsifying Business Records. The arrest followed a traffic stop in Kirkwood, Burts was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The Woodsmen's Festival at Hanford Mills Museum will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 pm.  The Museum staff will give tours and demonstrations, Hanford Mills Museum is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, at the intersection of Delaware County Routes 10 & 12, more information is available at www.hanfordmills.org OR by calling 278-5744.

Good seats are still available for both performances Sunday of the musical “CATCH ME IF YOU CAN” Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment comments:

(Tina Niles 5-3-13)

Tickets are still available at the Arena Box Office and BroadwayBinghamton.com for the 3:30 & 7:70 shows at the Forum Theatre in downtown Binghamton.

State Troopers arrested 24-year-old Nathaniel Bracci, 18-year-old Sarah Gangell and 23-year-old Brayan Thompson of Delhi for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. The arrests resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 10 in Stamford,  Bracci and Thompson were issued Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to reappear before the Town of Stamford Court on May 14th,  Gangell was arraigned in the Town of Stamford Court and remanded to Delaware County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5000 bond pending court action.

The state Appellate Division ruled unanimously in favor of the town of Dryden in Tompkins County, and the town of Middlefield in Otsego County today, for passing zoning laws that prohibit natural gas drilling. Norse Energy & Middlefield landowner Jennifer Huntington brought the lawsuits against the 2 towns in recent years for banning gas drilling after they already had signed leases to drill for natural gas, today’s ruling upholds rulings from lower courts.  Appeals to  today’s decision to the state Court of Appeals are anticipated.

State Troopers arrested 29-year-old Lauren Lauko of Deposit for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock,  Lauko was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Hancock Court on May 6th.

The Bainbridge Guilford central school is accepting applications for their pre-k program.  Children must be 4 year old as of December 1st 2013 and cannot be 5 years old before that date, applications must be received this afternoon in the Guilford elementary school office.  More information is available at 895-6700.

The Otsego County Planning Department, the Otsego County Conservation Association, Opportunities for Otsego Energy Services, and Sustainable Otsego have teamed up to sponsor a workshop series called “Energy Wise Otsego,” to help Otsego County homeowners learn how to save money, and increase the comfort and value of their homes. The workshop series will continue with two events in May, The 1st will be on Saturday, May 11th from 10:30 am till 12:00 Noon, at the Hanford Mills Museum, on   County Highway 12 in East Meredith, the next one will be on Tuesday, May 28th from 7:00 pm till 8:30PM at the Hartwick Town Hall, more information is available at 723-0110 online registration are requested at energywiseotsego.eventbridge.com.

The Otsego county department of health will hold a child safety seat check on May 8th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the offices of AAA at 195 Oneida Street in Oneonta.  Certified child safety seat technicians will be on hand, they request that parents bring a copy of the manual of their child safety seats to the event.  More information is available at 547-4230.

The Sidney Chamber of commerce announced that the deadline to pre-register for this year’s Ed Wessells Canoe regatta is tomorrow May 3rd.  This year’s race will be held on Saturday, May 11th. Race registration forms are available on the Chamber website at sidneychamber.orgor from the office on River Street.

The Evangelical churches of Sidney are participating in the national day or prayer today at 7:00 PM.  The event will be held in room 202 of the Sidney civic center.

State Police in Oneonta responded to a reported home invasion robbery at 1829 Stone Fort Road in the Town of Kortright, Thursday. Investigators discovered that a masked male subject forced his way into the residence at around 2:00 AM and assaulted the 81 year old sleeping occupants by striking them with a long gun before leaving on foot, with an undetermined amount of cash. State Police are requesting anyone with information to contact the Oneonta BCI unit at 432-3211.

Downtown Oneonta will be packed Saturday for The 8th annual OH-Fest. The festival is co-sponsored by Hartwick College & the State University of Oneonta; Main Street will be closed from 10:00 AM To 6:00 PM, between Chestnut Street and Ford Avenue, with a carnival scheduled between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. 4 bands will perform in a free concert in Neahwa Park between 6:00 and 10:00 PM.

State Troopers from Sidney arrested 27 year old Gene Casey of Vernon, Vermont and 27 year old Amanda Grondin of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of Marihuana. Casey was additionally charged with Speeding and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrests resulted from a traffic stop on I-88 in the Town of Bainbridge. Both subjects were issued Appearance Tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on April 29th.

The Otsego county conservation association will hold their annual “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” garage sale on Saturday and Sunday. The event will be held at the farmers market building on Main Street in Cooperstown, the money raised will be used for conservation society programs throughout the year.

It’s “Recruit New York “ weekend, as volunteer fire departments look to increase their ranks. Locally, the Unadilla fire departmten will hold an open house from 11:00 to 2:00 at the fire house on Clifton street, the Borden Hose Fire Company of Rockdale & Mount Upton will hold an open house Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; The Afton fire department will also be holding an open house at their station that will run from 9:00 to 3:00 on Saturday. Detaisl about other open houses can be found at recruitny.org.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested three defendants from Greene for Petty Larceny. Deputies responded to the Norwich Wal-Mart after an employee filed a complaint, charged were 41 year old Joanne Cutler, 18 year old Elizabeth Cutler & 20 year old Anthony Ruquet of Greene, All 3 were processed and released on appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Sidney village officials announced that crews would pick up brush, leaves; grass clippings weed stalks and hedge trimmings starting Monday morning. Those items must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM for pickup.

State Troopers in Deposit arrested 19 year old Giovanni Zito of Deposit, as an Illegal Alien. The arrest was the result of an investigation into an unrelated matter, Zito was delivered to Immigration Naturalization Service Agents and remanded to their custody.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 30-year-old Jason Lamoree of the town of Colesville for cruelty to animals.  Deputies discovered 2 deceased dogs & 2 emaciated & dehydrated dogs on the property, Lamoree was released and ordered to appear in town court at a later date.

New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has called for an overhaul of state programs for restoring contaminated industrial and commercial sites, after the state spent nearly $1 billion to clean up 408 brown fields.  The report states that the state may incur another $3.3 billion in costs from tax credits over the next few years on Brownfield properties, He called for limiting or ending tax incentives while extending liability protections and streamlining regulations for developers.

DOT Officials are advising Motorists that construction work at Prospect Mountain will require the long term closure of the State Route 7 southbound ramp to I-81 northbound/State Route 17 westbound starting this afternoon.  Construction work will also require the long-term closure of the I-81 northbound ramp at exit 4S this afternoon.  Signed detours will be in place to guide motorists.

State Police arrested 23-year-old Randy Bullis Jr. of Hartwick for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 80 in Otsego, Bullis was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Otsego Court on June 3rd.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 45 year odl Morena Niboucha  of Hamden on a criminal summons for 2nd degree Harassment.  Niboucha is alleged to have committed the offense on April 5th, during a dispute over property in the Town of Hamden, she was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear May 6th, in the Town of Hamden Court to answer the charge.

The Morris Rotary Club is accepting donations for its annual Charity Auction, which will be held on Friday, May 17th in the Grange Building of the Otsego County Fairgrounds in Morris.  Event chairman Gary Johnson can be called at 263-5043 to arrange for pick-up.

This week is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week & in Chenango County there will be a number of events to educate the public on a variety of issues, spokesman Mike Middaugh explains Tuesday’s scheduled events:

(Michael Middaugh 4-22-13)

Those who are interested in the schedule of events in chenango county this week can log on at cc of cc.com or call 334-KIDS.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 29-year-old Jamell Shannon of Binghamton, 41 year old Charles Jones of new Hartford Connecticut and 30 year old Natasha Castillo of Binghamton on a variety of drug charges, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at 15 Williams Street, in Binghamton. Police confiscated crack cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale used to weigh narcotics plus various prescription pain killers.  Castillo was processed and released on an appearance ticket for City of Binghamton Court on a later date. Shannon and Jones are both being held at the Binghamton Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Binghamton Court.

Lawmakers wrapped up the state budget on time, and Governor Cuomo vetoed more spending out of the plan last week.  Area assemblyman Bill Magee said that the agriculture fared well in the budget:

(Bill Magee 4-16-13)

Magee represents the new 121st assembly district, which includes part of Otsego County, including the city of Oneonta; he chairs the assembly agriculture committee.

State troopers in Oneonta arrested 25 year old Eric Dorsey of Sidney for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th following a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Otego.  Dorsey was released with an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Otego Court on April 25th.

Hartwick College announced that they will host an Open House program on May 4th geared toward current high school juniors who are interested in becoming part of Hartwick's Class of 2018.  The Open House will be on May 4th, it will provide opportunities to learn more about Hartwick's campus, academic (http://www.hartwick.edu/academics) and extracurricular offerings, to meet with Hartwick staff, tour the campus and learn about the 3 year degree program instituted a couple of years ago.  Those who wish to sign up can do so at hartwick.edu

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/) has stopped $21.2 million in questionable personal income tax refunds. DiNapoli stated that his office found more than 6,300 improper filings this year, but has approved nearly four million refund requests.  Another 271,000 refunds are expected to be paid in the coming days.

State police in Norwich arrested 24-year-old Justin McLain of Smithville, for 4th degree Criminal Mischief. The arrest resulted from an investigation into a disturbance on Scribner Lane in Smithville; McLain was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Smithville Court on April 23rd.

Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver outlined the agreement on the 2013-14 Budget AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN Albany last night; the governor outlined some of the aspects of the plan

(Cuomo 3-21-13)

Senate Leader Dean Skelos agreed that the budget will work this year & into the next one:

(Dean Skelos 3-21-13)

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said that the $350 tax rebate for middle-income families would be a boost in 2014:

(Sheldon Silver 3-21-13)

Budget votes by lawmakers will begin on Saturday, with the potential to be the earliest state budget since 1976 and the first time New York has had three consecutive, on-time budgets since 1984.

Norwich police have arrested 4 people in connection with the sale of heroin.  Charged were 25-year-old Ashley Babcock of Norwich, 35-year-old Eneth Davenport of Norwich, 28-year-old Randy Buck of Sherburne, and 24-year-old Michael Marshall of vestal, for 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminally using drug paraphernalia.  Babcock and Davenport were also charged with 1st degree criminal nuisance and Marshall was charged with 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  All are being held in the Norwich City lockup pending arraignments scheduled for today in Norwich City Court.

34-year-old Francisco Torres of Oneonta has been indicted by an Otsego County grand jury and has been arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff’s department for allegedly failing to register as a sexual offender.  Torres was charged with 2 counts of failure to register as a sexual offender, for allegedly moving to Oneonta from state route 7 in Colliersville in December, and failing to notify authorities within 10 days of the move.  Torres may face additional charges for allegedly living in Albany, Hartwick & the town of Maryland without reporting those addresses, as required of level 2 sex offenders, he was arraigned and was released pending future court action.

Traffic detours have been set up following an accident that damaged a bridge on Otsego County Route 11C in the town of Hartwick.  Officials said that a tractor-trailer truck tried to fit through the bridge Wednesday, but the rig was too tall and caused damage to a steel beam.  The damage has led to traffic detours and changes to the Oneonta Public Transit routes between Oneonta and Cooperstown.  36-year-old Steven Marrero of Newark New Jersey was ticket with exceeding the clearance & for an equipment violation following the accident.

Otsego county sheriff’s deputies arrested 32-year-old Raymond Travis & 65 year old Wilma Travis of Worcester in connection with filing a false report of a stolen vehicle.   Wilma Travis was charged with 3rd degree falsely reporting an incident, Raymond Travis was charged with 6th degree conspiracy and several violations of vehicle and traffic law, they face court action at a later date.

After 25 hours, the stand off in Herkimer with 64 year old Kurt Meyers of Mohawk ended this morning in a shoot out at the former Glory days Bar on North Main Street, State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico described how it ended:

(Superintendent Joseph D’Amico 3-14-13)

Governor Cuomo promised that state assistance would be available for Mohawk & Herkimer residents & businesses affected by the tragedy:

(Cuomo 3-14-13)

The deceased were identified as 68 year old Harry Montgomery of Mohawk, 57 year old Michael Rancier or Herkimer, who were at John’s Barbershop in Mohawk, killed at Gaffee’s Car Wash were Thomas Stefka, an employee, and Michael Renshaw a customer, who was a 20 year veteran of the state corrections department.  Injured at the barbershop was John Seymour, who owned the shop and Dan Haslauer a customer of Seymour’s, they were listed in critical condition this morning at area hospitals.

State Troopers of Oneonta arrested 42-year-old Christopher Russo of Colliersville for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment. The arrest resulted from an investigation into a dispute on State Route 23 in Oneonta, Russo was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court & faces additional court action at a later date.

State Troopers arrested 40-year-old Bryan Porth of Windsor for Felony Driving While Intoxicated, 1st degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and 3rd degree Criminal Mischief. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on Interstate 81 in Dickinson; Porth was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Area lawmakers have been named to the budget conference committees in Albany. State Senator Jim Seward has been named to the education and higher education budget conference committees, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch was appointed to represent the Assembly Minority Conference on the Agriculture/Environmental Conservation/Housing Joint Conference Committee.    The conference committees are made up of 5 members from each house; their open, public meetings can be viewed at nysenate.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 17-year-old youth of Hamden for 2 counts of Reckless Endangerment, 2 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Unlawfully Fleeing from a Police Officer.  Deputies reported that on Saturday, the unidentified youth was traveling at a high rate of speed on State Highway 206 through Downsville; he failed to comply with police and fled.  Deputies reported that there were 2 other youths in the vehicle, the driver’s 15-year-old brother and a 16-year-old female.  Police followed to private road, where the 3 youths abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, but were apprehended.  The driver was also charged with Failure to Keep Right, Speed not Reasonable and Prudent, Operating in Violation of Restrictions, Failure to Use Signal and Failure to Comply With a Lawful Order.  The youth was arraigned in Colchester Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail or $2000 bond.  He is scheduled to reappear at a later date.

18-year-old Christopher Delgado (http://media.wktv.com/images/Christopher+Delgado.jpg) of the Bronx appeared in Oneonta City Court on a charge of making a terrorist threat, in February while a student at Hartwick College.  Delgado was released from custody and returned with his family to the Bronx, he was ordered to stay away from the Hartwick College campus, any violation of that order would resulting in Delgado facing additional court action & possible incarceration.

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

Oneonta city police arrested 22-year-old Cesar Aponte-Villazan of Long Beach New York on a 2nd degree assault charge.  Aponte-Villazan attends SUNY Oneonta; he is accused of causing injuries to another person during a fight early Sunday morning,   Aponte-Villazan was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and was sent to jail on $5,000 bail, he was released on bail Monday.

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

“Rock Of Ages” is coming to the Broome County Forum in Binghamton Thursday evening.  The show will feature 2004 Chenango Forks High School Graduate Stephen Michael Kane in the ensemble cast, he told WCDO News about the show and being able to perform at home:

(Stephen Michael Kane)

Kane will also host the Devin Spears Scholarship Talent Showcase at the Endicott performing Arts Center Saturday at 8:00 PM, Kane was the first ever recipient of that scholarship, it will be his 2nd time hosting that event.

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

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

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

Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Christie, and Connecticut Governor Malloy released a joint statement regarding passage of the disaster relief package by the House of Representatives.  The governors were pleased that the House finally passed the remaining 51 billion dollars in aid to the 3 states, following last year’s devastating Hurricane Sandy.  Congress took 78 days to complete the aid package.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 41-year-old Stephen Amos of Otselic on an active Arrest Warrant.  Amos was wanted on a charge of Driving While Intoxicated, he was arraigned in the Town of Otselic Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail; he will reappear in court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriffs Office arrested 23-year-old Caleb Wearne of Afton on a charge of 2nd degree Criminal Contempt.  Wearne is accused of violating an order of protection by having contact with the protected party, he was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge court and was released on his own recognize, and will appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriffs Office arrested 23-year-old Nickole Hoyt of Norwich for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Hoyt is accused of possessing a stolen flat screen television set from the Norwich Wal-Mart; she was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

State troopers in Sidney arrested 23-year-old Brian Smith of Vestal, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, following a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Afton.  Smith was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Afton Court on January 28th.

The city of Oneonta will begin a water flow test at 9 p.m. today in front of the Clinton Plaza. Area residents may see changes to water pressure during the test period.

The regular meeting of the Oneonta planning commission will be held tonight at city hall.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the common council chambers, among the items on the agenda, a proposed apartment complex on Blodgett drive, and proposed additions at Stewart’s shoes on main street and Dewar hall at Hartwick College.

The Oneonta Farmers’ Market is currently accepting applications from new vendors selling farm products, hand-made crafts or other local specialty items. Prospective vendors must be located within 50 miles of Oneonta and carry liability insurance. The winter Oneonta Farmers' Market is open throughout the winter and early spring in the Main Street Garage Walkway every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.    More information is available at OneontaFarmersMarket.com or 437-0158.