WCDO Radio News

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer wants the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether utilities or power producers artificially inflated upstate New York electric rates in recent months.   Rates spiked the most this winter for National Grid customers by an average of 60 to 75%, and average rates rose10 to 15% for NYSEG.  Utilities blamed raises in the wholesale cost of electricity and said they have no control over those prices.  NYSEG suggested customers struggling with rising rates sign up for their budget-billing plan.

Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced that his department will be giving away bicycle helmets for their summer 2014 safety program:

(Sheriff Tom Mills 4-4-14)

Sheriff Mills said that his office has about 360 helmets to give away; he said that it is also recommended to replace old banged up helmets in order to insure the riders continued safety.

The Binghamton Senators announced that the annual Face Off Against Cancer presented by Lourdes Hospital would take place tomorrow at the Broome County Arena at 7:05p.m.    Fans attending the game are encouraged to visit the various cancer awareness displays and meet the 2014 American Cancer Society Relay for Life teams that will be present throughout the arena concourse.  During the 1st intermission, cancer survivors will participate in a Survivor’s Lap around the ice.  Tickets are available through the Arena Box Office and www.ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

THE BAINBRIDGE TOWN HALL THEATRE WILL PRESENT THE OUT OF THE WOODWORK PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF 'THE SOUND OF MUSIC' TONIGHT AND TOMORROW AT 8:00 PM AND SUNDAY AT 2:00 PM.  ADMISSION FOR ADULTS IS $8 AND CHILDREN $6. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 563-2582.

Delaware County Sheriff Thomas Mills announced that due to the current winter storm warning, a travel advisory has been issued for all of Delaware County until further notice.  All unnecessary travel should be avoided.

The Sidney Moose Club will be holding a benefit Saturday in honor of the late Bill Ray.  The event will be held at the Moose Lodge tomorrow from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.  Proceeds will go for Bill’s medical expenses and for the Bill Ray Little League Baseball Field in Sidney. more information is available at 435-1007.

The State Senate passed the “Public Assistance Integrity Act,” this week, which cracks down on welfare fraud and complies with federal mandates & insures that the state would receive crucial federal dollars.  State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton co-sponsored the bill, and discussed it on the floor of the senate:

(Libous 2-6-14)

Libous said that parts of the Public Assistance Integrity Act were already added to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget Proposal, indicating his intent to sign it should it reach his desk upon passage by the Assembly.

Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced his plans to run for a fifth term in office after his current term ends this November.  Mills said that the Sheriff’s Office was responsible for 53% of the  arrests made for felony drug crimes in Delaware County in 2013, as felony drug arrests had increased by 223% percent during the 2011-2012 time frame.  Mills will run as a Republican, so far, no one else has announced plans to run against the incumbent sheriff.