WCDO Radio News

The Binghamton's Job and Internship Fair will be held today at Binghamton University. The Fair will take place in the BU Events Center, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM.

Governor Cuomo issued a consumer alert advising New Yorkers to exercise caution when making used car purchases from private sellers over the internet following an increase in the number of complaints about online used car scams received by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles investigators. Each year, these state investigators, working with other federal, state and local officials, recover as much as $1.5 million in stolen vehicles and parts purchased online.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Joshua Whaley of Pitcher on an active arrest warrant for 3rd degree Burglary, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing plus several other charges. Whaley was arrested & was found to possess methamphetamine & an illegal weapon; he was additional charged with Criminal Possession of a Control Substance and Criminal Possession of an Illegal Weapon. Whaley was arraigned & and is being held in the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5000 cash bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 44-year-old Patrick Burton of Binghamton for aggravated cruelty to animals. Troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of animal abuse in Conklin. Burton is accused of beating his girlfriend’s dog; Burton was arraigned in the Town of Conklin Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond.

Oneonta officials announced that more tests are being conducted next week on their water distribution system. Hydrant flow test & pipe condition tests will be conducted on Monday at numerous locations around the city, they will continue again on Friday the 25th. More information is available at 432-2100.

New York State's education commissioner Mary Ellen Elia stated that next spring’s Common Core tests would be shorter. Elia spoke to the Board of Regents Wednesday in Albany, she said that some of the writing and reading passages will be removed and the math assessments will lose some multiple-choice questions. The controversial tests are given statewide to 3rd to 8th grade students each spring to measure student and teacher performance. Elia said that teachers would have a greater role in developing the tests when the state begins working with new vendor Questar for the 2017 school year.

The Chenango county historical society will unveil an agricultural education center in Norwich later this month, with the centerpiece being an 1800’s Oxford barn. Society Board of Directors President Joyce Zummo explains:

(Joyce Zummo 9-17-15)

The grand opening & ribbon cutting will be on September 26th from 11:00 to 4:00 PM at 45 Rexford Street in Norwich.

The annual Unadilla carnival of Sales event will be held tomorrow all over the village. Unadilla chamber Festival organizer Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 7-10-15)

A Chinese Auction will be held to benefit local efforts to bring service dogs to veterans in need of help. A Unadilla area couple that has a service dog is looking to raise money to assist other vets; Joshua Palmer currently has a service dog “Hampton” his wife Kristina Palmer told WCDO News about their plans:

(Kristina Palmer 7-10-15)

The Chinese Auction drawing will begin at 4:00 PM behind the Unadilla library tomorrow.

The results of the Otsego County Conservation Association's "What's In Our Water?" program are in and, the overall quality of Otsego County's drinking water is very good, with a strong baseline of the water chemistry by which future contamination can be detected. The full will be unveiled and made available to the public at the Otsego Lakes Festival tomorrow at Lakefront Park in Cooperstown.

State Police have charged 22-year-old Ryan Webster of Morris with DWI, after a crash late Wednesday night on state route 20 in Edmeston. Webster was airlifted by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center with fractures and internal injuries, after his motorcycle went off the roadway, hit a fence and a tree, he was also ejected.

About 400 teams and thousands of spectators are expected to hit the streets of Downtown Norwich this weekend for the 20th annual Gus Macker 3 on 3-basketball tournament. The annual event is organized through the Norwich YMCA; full details are available at macker.com/local/norwich-ny.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 Town of Norwich residents for Neglect of an Impounded Animal. Charged were 53-year-old Keith Robinson and 64 year old Mary Randall, they are accused of keeping 4 dogs in crates for extreme lengths of time without cleaning the crates or having proper ventilation. Both will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The city of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be flushing hydrants starting Monday. The flushing will occur over a 3 to 4 day period, including the neighborhoods around West Street in the vicinity of both the State University & Hartwick College. Residents may experience low water pressure of discolored water temporarily; more information is available at 432-2100

Governor Cuomo signed the “Enough is Enough” Legislation Tuesday in New York City, to Combat Sexual Assault on private College Campuses:

(Cuomo 7-8-15)

The bill is based on action already taken in the State University System. The law is expected to become a national model on the issue of sexual assaults on college campuses.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office is actively looking for a 16-year-old run away. Deputies responded to the Children's Home of Wyoming Conference in the Town of Fenton, where Mia Rosado took a bus to the Elmira, area - but could still be in the Broome County area. Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff's Office at 778-1911. Mia is 16 years old; light skinned Hispanic, brown hair & eyes, 5'5'' tall, 130 lbs. Mia was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt.

Tioga Downs Owner Jeff Gural is now the only one left with a proposal before the state gaming commission for a casino in the Southern Tier. Gural said that his plan calls for a 125 million dollar expansion, and should add about 500 jobs; a previous group out of Albany has dropped their proposal for a Broome County facility.

Binghamton Mayor Rich David announced that the City of Binghamton has reinstated Police Chief Joseph Zikuski. Mayor David stated that they reviewed an independent review of accusations against Chief Zikuski by the law firm of Coughlin & Gerhart. Mayor David said that the there were no complaints or evidence of harassment or discrimination by Zikuski, who was on a 60-day unpaid suspension that ended today.

Greater Chenango Cares is a partnership with the Department of Defense to provide an opportunity for residents of Chenango County & neighboring counties to participate in a no-cost military training program July 13th. through the 22nd, for Medical, Dental, & Eye care, plus veterinary services. the Chenango United way is assisting with lining up local volunteers from many different functions during the event, Spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco explains:

(Elizabeth Monaco 7-8-15)

Monaco said that volunteer opportunities and sign ups are available on-line at volunteer.chenangouw.org. Appointments are needed for veterinary services are available at 334-9724 ext. 3, dental appointments can be made at 337-1643, more information is available at the Greater Chenango Cares Facebook page.

State Police are continuing the search for escaped Clinton Correctional Facility inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt. To date, state, federal and local law enforcement officers have cleared more than 160 unoccupied buildings and seasonal homes, and have searched 585 miles of railroad beds and trails. Today’s search involves all available assets, including aviation and K9 units. As of Thursday, more than 1,500 leads have been generated. Law enforcement is reminding the public to remain vigilant, and call any information to 911, or 1-800-GIVETIP.

New York State of Health announced a new "Get Covered Grad" collaboration with the State University System to help recent graduates learn about the Special Enrollment Period they may qualify for. This initiative is extended to 64 SUNY campuses and more than 100 other New York private colleges across the State with a reach of more than one million students. More Information about Special Enrollment Periods is available at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/SpecialEnrollmentPeriods.

Hartwick College announced layoffs and the elimination of vacant positions, due to a projected 1.6 Million dollar budget shortfall at the private university. 18 non-faculty employees were notified this week of their status, 5 vacant positions were permanently eliminated, and 5 employees will have positions reduced

This week was scheduled to be the last week of this year's legislative session in Albany, with many items left off the table, or put on the docket at the last minute. Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that this is not an effective way to do the state's business

(Lopez 6-19-15)

Items that were discussed in the last few days included New York City rent issues, a speed up of the timeline for the Medical Marijuana legislation, Lawmakers may still be called back by the Governor later this year to deal with legislation.

The Annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball tournament will be held next month on the streets of downtown Norwich. Tournament Organizer Tom Revoir told WCDO News that they are in need of referees & volunteers:

(Tom Revoir 6-19-15)

The number to call to volunteer again is 336-9622, extension 29. The Gus Macker Tournament will be held on July 11th & 12th.

The Community Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York is now accepting grant proposals, for amounts up to $15,000, from qualified not-for-profit organizations, municipalities or school districts in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties. The Grant Application and complete guidelines can be found in the “Forms & Guidelines” section at donorswhocare.org; the Deadline for submission is Tuesday, September 8th. More information is available at 772-6773.

A new Quinnipiac University poll has Governor Cuomo's approval rating to 44%, with 42% disapproval. A poll in March had the governor at 50% approval & 39% disapproval. 45% of those polled think all state lawmakers should be voted out of office.

Top level new York state leaders have been frequently arrested for a variety of crimes over the last several years, the most recent being Sheldon Silver & Dean Skelos resigning from leadership posts in the state legislature. Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that lawmakers have been getting ethics training over the last few years.

(Crouch 6-3-15)

Crouch said that he believes that new leaders Carl Heastie & John Flanagan will do a fine job & will be scrutinized intensely. Crouch said that the spate of arrests of top-level state leaders since he’s been in Albany shows the need for term limits in all leadership positions, including in committee chairmanships..

Governor Cuomo renewed his push for lawmakers to extend a cap on local property taxes. The governor announced that they would launch an online media campaign to support the cap that was enacted in 2011. Republicans in both houses want the cap made permanent, while Cuomo seeks only a 5-year extension of the existing law. The cap generally restricts local governments from increasing tax levies by more than 2 percent or the rate of inflation and can only be overridden by voters.

Constitution Pipeline Company announced the recipients of the 6th cycle of their Community Grant program, awarding 25 grants totaling more than $200,000 to benefit local communities within the counties traversed by the proposed pipeline project. Current grants were awarded to the Town of Afton, The Village of Bainbridge, The Bainbridge Historical Society, the Chenango County Blues Association, the Franklin Fire Department, the Delaware County Fire Fighters Association, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office & the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County.

State Police arrested 66-year-old Christine Welborn of Norwich, for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. of .19%. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop for failing to keep right on State Route 206 in the Town of Bainbridge. Welborn was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on June 11th.

Oneonta city police arrested 25 year old Michael Jason Jr. of Oneonta, for promoting a sexual performance by a child under the age of 17, & possession a sexual performance by a child. Jason was a student teacher at Afton Central School and a student at the State University College at Oneonta in June, his arrest was in conjunction with the New York State Police Computer Crime Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, police said, and was initiated by a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Jason was held Friday afternoon pending arraignment in Oneonta City Court.

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico announced the death of Trooper Donald Fredenburg, who was assigned to the State Police Academy for Basic School Training. Trooper Fredenburg collapsed Friday while participating in a daily physical training run with members of the 203rd Basic School. Trooper Fredenburg was administered a shock by a defibrillator; he was transported to Albany Medical Center where he died at approximately 7:30 am. Trooper Fredenburg was in his 2nd week of training at the New York State Police Academy, he resided in Utica.

State Police arrested 56 year old Gerald Northrup of Unadilla, for promoting a sexual performance by a child younger than 17. Northrup was arrested last Wednesday & was released on recognizance.

Governor Cuomo announced plans to help boost the agricultural economy in the Southern Tier with $30 million dollars for projects to help farms and agribusinesses grow throughout the area. $25 million would help farmers increase production on farms and improve profitability. Projects that are awarded may receive up to $100,000, which will go toward funding up to 75 percent of an eligible project, Applicants are responsible for the other 25 percent, and all projects should be completed within 1 year of the contract.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is hiring more than 1,000 new and returning lifeguards for the summer season at its swimming beaches and pools. Lifeguards must be at least 16 years old and meet certain eligibility criteria, more information is available at nysparks.com.

The Sidney central school district announced that registration for all Sidney students eligible to enter Kindergarten in September will be held this week, and week of March 23rd through the 27th. Parents must call 561-7728 to set up an appointment to register their child. More information is available at 561-7701 or 561-7728.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow at 9:30 in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. 12 jurors & 6 alternates are set for the trial, where Harris is once again charged for the murder of his wife Michelle, around September 11th 2001 in Tioga County. Harris had 2 previous convictions overturned on appeal, this third trial was moved to Schoharie County after Harris’s attorneys asked for & received a change of venue.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Was officially elected to the Speaker position Yesterday in Albany. He commented at a press conference after his election:

(Speaker Heastie 2-4-15)

Heastie replaces Sheldon Silver as Assembly Speaker; he is the first African American to hold that position.

The trial of State Senator Tom Libous is scheduled to begin July 13th. Libous was indicted last year for allegedly making a false statement to the FBI, when he was questioned about using his political influence to get his son Matthew a job at a Westchester County Law firm. Matthew Libous was found guilty last week on 3 counts of falsifying federal tax returns & he faces sentencing at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new record in 2014 for the amount of money returned to workers who originally were not paid the proper minimum wage, overtime pay or fringe benefits. In 2014, $30.2 million was disbursed to nearly 27,000 workers; the amount paid out was 35% higher than the year before. In the Southern Tier, 320 individuals received an average payout of $937.50Anyone with questions about minimum wage or other labor standards issues, or who would like to file a complaint, should call 888-469-7365.

Local sales tax collections in 2014 suffered the slowest annual growth since the end of the 2008-09 recession, according to a report issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections across the state grew by 3%, in 2013; the growth rate was 5.2%. DiNapoli’s report found that nearly 70% of the total growth in local sales tax collections last year took place in New York City. Regionally, the strongest 2014 sales tax growth was in the North Country, weaker increases were found in Central New York & in Long Island, where their slow growth was attributed to effects of “Superstorm Sandy”

Bainbridge officials reported that the Department of Public works will continue working on a water line problem on Crest Drive on Thursday. Crews will begin Thursday’s work at 7:00 AM; residents in the Crest Drive area may again have low water pressure or dirty water during the work period.

Bainbridge-Guilford senior Megan Ferrara signed her national letter of intent today, to play Division 1 Soccer for Binghamton University, at a press conference at BG high school today, in front of coaches, teachers, fellow students & family. Ferrara joins another local player at BU, Nicole Hailey of Franklin who already plays with the Bearcats; Ferrara told WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull that she is excited to play for BU in the fall:

(Megan Ferrara 2-4-15)

The Full interview with Ferrara with WCDO’s Nate Lull is available at WCDOSPORTS.com.