WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

The Village of Sidney Police Department responded yesterday afternoon at about 2:50 PM, to the report of a unconscious female lying in the middle of Sunset Avenue. Police were advised that the female had been struck by a vehicle, 14 year old Anielle McEwan-Lomnicki was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City & was transferred to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where she remains in stable but critical condition with bleeding & pressure on the brain, an upper spine fracture & fractured ribs according to family, The driver, 31 year old Courtni Baker of Sidney left the scene and returned a short time later, she was charged with Aggravated DWI, with a BAC of .18 or higher, plus DWI, Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, Reckless Driving, Vehicular Assault & Escape for allegedly attempting to leave the Police Station, along with several other lesser charges. Baker was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court where she was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing which could result in more charges being filed.

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 3 people died and another was hospitalized after they were hit by a car in Newark Valley Wednesday afternoon. According to the Sheriff’s Office, an 18-year-old man was driving south on State Route 38 around 11:20 am Wednesday and hit 4 pedestrians walking on the shoulder. 66 year old John Stephens, 25 year old Kurtis Acker & 52 year old Doreen Wood were killed, a 27-year-old woman was flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse in critical condition. All 4 pedestrians were from Newark Valley.

The Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 37 year old Ronald Bodden of Binghamton pleaded guilty to promoting prison contraband in Broome County Court. Bodden admitted that he possessed methamphetamines while in the County Jail on an unrelated charge, he will serve 2 to 4 years in prison on the new charges starting on March 23rd.

Commerce Chenango announced that their annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will beheld on March 2nd at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Key Note Speaker will be Ken Entenmann of NBT Bank, more information is available at commercechenango.com

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

19 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin was sentenced to life in prison without parole yesterday, for the mass shooting of 10 people in May of 2022 at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo. Gendron pleaded guilty in November to 15 charges, including murder, attempted murder & Domestic Terrorism motivated by Hate in a state court room, today Gendron faces Federal Court action, if convicted on the federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

State Police arrested 44 year old Rodney Oakley of Plymouth, for Scheming to Defraud, 5 counts of 4th degree Grand Larceny & 8 counts of Petty Larceny. State Police received a report last November that Oakley, who was the town Highway Department Superintendent, was allegedly using town money for his own personal use, it was determined that since December 2020 Oakley allegedly had been using town funds to purchase various car parts, tools and materials for his own personal use, he was issued an appearance for the town of Plymouth Court on February 22nd.

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, is asking for those who attended the original Woodstock Music & Arts festival at that site in 1969, to come forward & share their story. The Center is conducting its "Oral Histories Project" to document the memories of fans who attended the event. Curators from The Museum will be traveling around the country to interview those who attended. The Oral Histories Project began in 2020; over 18,00 stories have been documented. The museum is hoping to get about 4,500 more, More information can be found at Bethelwoodscenter.org.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-10-22

Over 1,300 of cases of Monkeypox have been reported in New York State so far, about 25% of the nationwide total, the Majority of State cases are downstate. There are 2 vaccines which were developed for smallpox that have been proven to help with Monkey pox, which requires 2 doses, 4 weeks apart, to prevent the disease within a certain timeframe. The State has recevied well over 100,000 vaccines, appointments should be scheduled through your County health department.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $10 million will be made available to assist in creating and operating threat assessment management teams, to combat domestic terrorism, that will be made up from law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, & school officials from around the state. The Executive order was issued in response to the Mass Shooting at a Buffalo Supermarket, where Payton Gendron of Conklin is accused of targeting the neighborhood because of a high percentage of black residents.

2 people have been reported deceased following a head on crash on the Vestal Parkway Monday night near Binghamton University. 1 person was pronounced dead at the scene and the 2nd passed away Tuesday at an area hospital, the investigation is ongoing, the names of the deceased have not been released.

The State officials are warning New Yorkers to kill the invasive spotted lanternfly, which were located on Staten Island 2 summers ago, they have migrated throughout New York City, Long Island and into the Hudson Valley. The Spotted Lanternfly feeds on 70 species of plants, including several important New York crops that are important to the state's agricultural economy. Anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly is asked to fill out a survey so the Department of Agriculture at survey123.arcgis.com.

The American Red Cross continues schedule blood drives as blood supplies remain critically low in the summer months. Currently, about 62% of the U.S. population are eligible to give blood, but only about 3% donates, Spokesperson Meg Rossman comments:

(Meg Rossman 8-10-22)

Several blood drives are scheduled locally in this month, all who donate in August will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, everyone will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Donors can schedule an appointment with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-10-22

State Police arrested 46 year old Justin Valk of Davenport, for 2nd degree Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide. Troopers responded August 1st to a residence on Pine Cliff Circle in the town of Davenport for a medical event involving 47 year old Stephanie Valk of Davenport, she was transported to a local hospital, and died on August 3rd. Police accused Justin Valk of being awarde that Stephanie Valk was suffering from a medical event, inflicted additional physical harm, and failed to call for medical assistance, he was arrested and arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $30,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond. Anyone with information in this case, is asked to call State Police at 607-561-7400.

Chobani will host the World Refugee Forum Today online. Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya stated that they have successfully brought many refugees to work in their plants, Speakers will include Ulukaya, Congressmen Michael McCaul of Texas & Jason Crow of Colorado; among others, The virtual event will be held at 1:00 PM, it is free and open to the public. To register go to chobanirefugeeforum.com.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-13-22

The Delhi Police Department responded to the report of a potential Active shooter incident at the Delaware County Courthouse, at about 10:30 this morning, which led to a lock-down & evacuations of downtown businesses and the Delaware Academy, according to Delhi Police Chief Mike Mills:

(Delhi Police Chief Mike Mills 7-13-22)

Chief Mills said that his department received assistance from State Police, Delaware County Sheriff's Office & SUNY Delhi University Police, he also said that there was no panicking among those who had to clear out the area downtown, The village was re-opened as normal by early this afternoon.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 988 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code contacting 988 will be connected to one of New York's 988 crisis centers. In 2020, NYS received 142,827 calls, a 13 percent increase in just one year.

The Tops supermarket store in Buffalo, which was the site of a mass shooting that killed 10 people on May 14th, will reopen to the public this Friday. The store has been closed & underwent extensive renovations since the shooting, 18 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin is being held on 10 counts of 1st-degree murder, 2nd-degree murder as a hate crime and 3 counts of attempted murder as a hate crime, he is being held without bail pending future court action.

Tioga Downs Casino Resort President and CEO Jeff Gural has been nominated by President Joe Biden to join his administration, as the chair of the Public Buildings Reform Board. The Board is an independent agency used to identify opportunities for the Federal government to significantly reduce its inventory of civilian real property, which would cut costs. Gural is expected to accept the nomination.

39 year-old Isaac Anzaroot of Brooklyn was arrested today by the Binghamton Police Warrant Division. Anzaroot is the owner of numerous properties in the city, he was wanted on 12 bench warrants and 2 arrest warrants related to housing code violations & for failing to appear in court to answer those violations. The Binghamton Code Department condemned the First National Bank building at 95 Court due to fire alarm system issues, which forced many of Anzaroot's tenants to locate elsewhere.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-13-22

The State DOT will be installing a new water main on State Route 7; Main Street in Otego, starting today, to facilitate a pavement, sidewalk and drainage project. Work will result in a short interruption of water service to village residents beginning at 10:00 AM, for about 3 hours.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office issued a follow up report on a 2019 audit of the Hancock Fire Department. The audit included recommendations for rental payments, disbursements made by the Treasurer and collections from the clothing organization, ambulance corporation and fundraising activities. Auditors revisited the department this year, the department has had 1 of 10 recommendations implemented, 3 were partially implemented and 6 were not implemented.

Commerce Chenango & the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a 5:05 Business After Hours event at Forged Brewery in at 1732 state Route 41 in Coventry today. Registration is available at the Commerce Chenango website events page.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-20-22

State Police arrested 25 year old Mason Kneedler of Cortlandville was arrested for 5 counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. Kneedler is accused of possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. An investigation was initiated after a cyber tip was received by the New York State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Kneedler was issued appearance tickets to the Cortlandville Town Court on July 11th . .

Willow Run Foods and Chobani will be co-hosting a Recruitment Event this Thursday in Norwich. The event will run from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Norwich CDO Workforce office at 1 O'Hara Drive in Norwich.

The New York Mets announced that star Pitcher Max Scherzer will make a rehab appearance with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Tuesday night. Scherzer will be reunited with his Mets catcher James McCann, who is also currently rehabbing with Binghamton, they are scheduled to play Reading at 6:35, tickets are available at the Mirabito Stadium Box Office or online at milb.com/binghamton/tickets.

New York celebrated Juneteenth today, when the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The law will make it easier to sue over discriminatory voting policies and require areas with a history of civil right violations to get approval before changing election rules.

The Associated Press reported today that New York’s new law barring sales of bullet-resistant vests to most civilians doesn’t cover the type of armor worn by Payton Gendron of Conklin, when he killed 10 people at a Buffalo supermarket, May 14th. Gendron wore a steel-plated vest, which stopped a bullet fired at him by a security guard in the supermarket. New York’s law restricts sales of soft bullet-resistant vests to people who work in law enforcement and the military, plus people in certain other professions that require protective gear, that list has not been finalized.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-20-22

Oneonta Police arrested 31-year-old Terry DeCutler of Sidney and 34-year-old Nicholas DeCutler of Unadilla,, for 2nd degree murder, for the May 30th murder of Kaleb O'Neill in the alley near 6 Dietz Street. They were arraigned in City of Oneonta Court and were remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff pending court action on Wednesday. The investigation is continuing, Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Oneonta Police Department Detectives Division at (607) 432-1111.

State Troopers were dispatched Friday to a report of a drowning at Highland Park in the town of Union. When troopers arrived, a 12-year-old boy had already been pulled out of the pool by lifeguards and CPR was being performed. The 12-year-old was not breathing and had no pulse. Troopers, EMT & members if the Endwell Fire Department eventually had the 12-year-old breathing and did have a pulse when he was transported to Wilson Hospital, & he was later airlifted to Upstate University Hospital where he is still listed in critical condition.

Governor Hochul announced that $567 million is now available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills. This one-time, low-income utility bill credit will be applied to affected customers' bills by the utilities, & requires no action by customers enrolled in the EAP program, The credit is expected to be applied to customers' accounts by Aug. 1st. .

The
Shell of the new Bainbridge Community Center on Prospect Street is up & the
work is continuing, Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President John Payne
explains:

(John
Payne 1-16-20

Payne
said that the project is coming together through volunteers working on the
structure, and donations from area businesses, he said that the project should
be ready this summer.

Governor Cuomo today announced 61 New York State businesses, community colleges and community-based organizations will receive $3.4 million as part of the state's Workforce Development Initiative.  Grant funds are provided by the Department of Labor, NYSERDA and The State University of New York.  Among the businesses participating in the Southern Tier are BAE Systems & Dick's Sporting Goods Distribution Center.

Broadway
in Binghamton announced the musical "A Bronx Tale" based on the Book
& Movie by Chazz Palminteri, will come to the FORUM THEATRE in Binghamton
on February 4th & 5th at 7:30 PM.
Tickets are on sale now at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster
1-800-745-3000 or online at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.  More information is available at 772-1391.

Chenango
County Sheriff’s Department responded early Wednesday morning to a 3 vehicle
crash on State Route 12 in Oxford.
Deputies reported A Tractor Trailer operated by Jereme Lehmer of Oxford
attempted to make a turn on a side road, A 2012 Ford operated by Kathryn Frear
of Greene was following the tractor trailer & began to slow for the turning
tractor trailer, she was rear-ended by a box truck operated by Kenneth Price of
Buffalo, which forced the Frear vehicle into the back of the Lehmer tractor
trailer. Frear was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is still under
investigation and more information will be released at a later date.

The
Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced that they will host a Labor &
Employment Law Update this morning from 8:00 to 10:30 AM. The meeting will be
held at Northern Eagle Beverages at 41 Browne Street in Oneonta by law offices
Hinman, Howard and Kattell.

Sidney village police arrested 26-year-old Ashley Bailey of Sidney on a sealed indictment warrant, for criminal sale of a controlled substance. Bailey is accused of selling heroin in Sidney; she was remanded to the Delaware County jail without bail pending future court action.

Both houses of the New York State Legislature have approved a bill that would expand eligibility for medical marijuana to include people undergoing treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. The bill is waiting for Governor Cuomo's signature.

Sidney village police arrested 40-year-old Steven Spencer of Bainbridge for criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material & unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrested followed a traffic stop on Main Street in Sidney last week, where Spencer was a passenger in the stopped vehicle with meth manufacturing materials. Spencer was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $1500 cash bail pending future court action.

Syracuse University is getting $4 million in federal money to help recruit minority students interested in science and math. U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the National Science Foundation funding on Monday. It will be used to attract and retain students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math -

Tri-Town Youth Club will be starting our Summer Program on Wednesday, July 19th at 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at our new location at the Sidney United Methodist Church located on 12 Liberty Avenue, Sidney. New Club Director Vincent Spruill is relocating from Cobbleskill to take the position with the Sidney based club. Many programs will be offered, the Summer Program is FREE to all youth, ages 5 to 14 years old!

Another phone scam targeting NYSEG customers is circulating in the tri county area currently. The scammer will claim that NYSEG will shut off electricity if an exorbitant amount of money is not paid quickly. Area police agencies suggest that if you get such a call, hang up immediately, and call NYSEG at 800-572-1111 to verfy that your account is current and that the call was fraudulent.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested several individuals on active warrants & Drug charges. Deputies responded to 731 New Virginia Rd in the Town of Oxford to locate Adam Daring and Kristine Tiffany of Norwich, who were wanted by the City of Norwich Police Department for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Daring was located, attempting to use Methamphetamine. Tiffany was located and taken into custody; the two were later turned over to the Norwich Police Department. The Sheriff’s Office also arrested 29 year old Justin Cook from Mt. Upton, he allegedly used a false name and date of birth, he was wanted on an active bench warrant out of Sidney Court, and was turned over to the Sidney Police Department. Heather Prince of Oxford was taken into custody for an active warrant issued by the Oxford Police Department.

State lawmakers in the Senate & Assembly failed to agree on additional help against the heroin crisis in the state, in the last days of the 2017 session. There was about $200,000 million dollars for various programs in the state budget, a senate Task Force on heroin & Opioid addiction will meet soon in Buffalo to gather more information on the financial strain the crisis is putting on local governments, hospitals, emergency personnel & local communities. 2200 New Yorkers died from opioid overdoses in 2015.

State Police responded to a report of a two-car accident on State Route 20, in the Town of Richfield Monday. 47-year-old Jeanette Gilbeau of Pennsylvania drifted into the opposing lane and struck an SUV driven by 37 year old John Temlin of Roseboom. The Otsego County Coroner pronounced Gilbeau dead at the scene. Temlin was transported to Bassett Medical Center where he was being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing.

Oneonta Police responded Saturday to 12 Hazel Street to the report of a disturbance, Responding officers observed a man standing in the street above an older male on the ground, using his hands to defend himself. Officers said that the victim found the suspect in his home, he was chased outside, and the suspect hit him to the ground. Police charged 22-year-old Diego Bravo of Staten Island, for 2nd degree Burglary, menacing, & Harassment. Bravo was arraigned & was remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff on $25,000 cash bail/$50,000 bond, pending arraignment Wednesday

State Police arrested 26-year-old Roger Hall of Port Crane, for 2nd degree Assault, after a fight at the Beer Thirty bar in Kirkwood. Hall allegedly struck another man in the face with a pint glass, causing several lacerations to the victim’s face. Hall was arraigned at the Town of Kirkwood Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set at this time. His next court date is pending.

A Panel Discussion regarding Climate Change & the public perception will be held Friday in the Science Building at the State University Campus in Oneonta. Matt Beitscher will be leading Friday's Panel Discussion:

(Matt Beitscher 4-18-17)

The discussion will run from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday, Questions may be submitted, or more information may be obtained at metclass392@gmail.com.

2005 Sidney Graduate Darren McElligott won a New York State Boxing Golden Gloves Championship last weekend at a tournament in Buffalo. McElligott is the 1st Champion to come from Sidney in over 40 years; previous local champions won regional championships, but not the State one. McElligott competed in the Light Heavyweight division at 178 pounds.

State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident Sunday on State Route 23, in the Town of Roxbury. 53-year-old Yamir Betancourt of Oneonta was operating a motorcycle with his wife, 50-year-old Elizabeth Betancourt riding as a passenger. Betancourt drifted over the center yellow line, overcorrected and lost control of the motorcycle. Elizabeth Betancourt was ejected and fell into the path of a westbound 1995 Honda Pilot driven by 38 year old Isaac Abramchayev of Fresh Meadow. Mrs. Betancourt was declared dead at the scene, Mr. Betancourt was treated at the scene for abrasions, Abramchayev was not injured.

Former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston was arrested Monday by State Police on 3 counts of official misconduct. Preston is accused of unlawfully using a Town of Conklin credit card, for her own use while serving as supervisor; Preston is scheduled to be arraigned April 25th in Conklin.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded all taxpayers that the deadline to file and pay is midnight tonight. State Tax department officials remind New Yorkers that they have from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM to use the Tax Assistance phone Number at 518-457-5181.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting this morning at Green's Long River Inn, on State Route 357, at 8:15 am. All members and directors are urged to attend. All Chamber members are reminded the Annual Dinner will be on Sunday, at the Unadilla Methodist Church.

Hundreds attended the dedication ceremony Saturday morning for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park. Association member & Retired Army member Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-31-16)

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended the ceremony & spoke to the crowd:

(Crouch 5-31-16)

Congressman Chris Gibson told WCDO News he was proud of the finished park, as both the congressional representative for the area, and as a retired Army Veteran.

(Gibson 5-31-16)

Others who spoke at the ceremony Saturday, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, US Air Force Brigadier General James McIntyre, & Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is a Sidney High School Graduate originally from Masonville.

Governor Cuomo visited the State Correction Officer Monday, who was injured by an exploding package left by his mailbox Sunday morning in Oneida County. The 52-year-old officer is in critical condition, & the FBI is investigating to see if the explosion was related to the victim's job in the prison system & they are investigating the level of sophistication of the explosive.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Co-Chair Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez will convene another Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force Session in Southern Tier today. The session will be held at Binghamton University in the Innovative Technologies Complex in Vestal, at 4:40 PM.

THE 54TH GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CANADIANS Guilame BLAIS AND MATTHEW PELLERIN FROM QUEBEC WON THIS YEAR’S TWO-PERSON PRO RACE. THEY BEAT 2ND PLACE FINISHERS, MATT RUDNITSKY FROM GILBERTSVILLE AND HIS PARTNER, 7 TIME REGATTA WINNER, STEVE LAJOIE BY JUST 68 SECONDS. PELLERIN TOLD WCDO IT FELT GOOD TO WIN THIS YEAR’S CLINTON REGATTA…

(REGATTA 2016-MATTHEW PELLERIN)

IN THE STILL “NEW” 4 PERSON CLASS, A LOCAL TEAM TOOK TOP HONORS. JEFF SHULTIS FROM OTEGO, ALLEN NICHOLS FROM LAURENS, LARRY HARRISON AND BOB WISSY FROM ONEONTA. HARRISON TALKED ABOUT THEIR TEAM….

(REGATTA 2016-LARRY HARRISON)

AFTER A 12-YEAR LAYOFF FROM RACING THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA, 36 TIME FINISHER BOB ZAVERAL TOOK TO THE WATER WITH HIS 23 YEAR OLD SON, RYAN FOR HIS VERY FIRST GENERAL CLINTON 70 MILE CANOE RACE. THEY WON THE MENS UNDER 50 YEARS OF AGE DIVISION. RYAN SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT THE RACE….

(REGATTA 2016-RYAN ZAVERAL)

WCDO’S SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL AND HIS PARTNER, BRETT SHERWOOD OF MORRIS TOOK TOP HONORS IN THE MENS RECREATION CLASS. IT WAS THE FIRST REGATTA VICTORY FOR BOTH PADDLERS. NATE SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS….

(REGATTA 2016-NATE LULL)

RACERS FROM 27 STATES AND 5 CANDIAN PROVINCES COMPETED DURING THE 4-DAY REGATTA

IN THE 70 MILE ONE MAN PRO RACE ON MONDAY, MICHIGAN’S NICK WALTON TOOK TOP HONORS FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 5 YEARS. WALTON SPOKE WITH WCDO’S CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE….

(REGATTA 2016-NICK WALTON)

IN THE STOCK ALUMINUM 70-MILE RACE, Brothers BILL AND BRIAN WALLEY FROM WALTON CAME IN FIRST WITH A TIME OF 9 HOURS 36 MINUTES AND 53 SECONDS. THIS WAS THEIR 3RD STRAIGHT VICTORY. CRAIG SPOKE WITH THE WALLEY BROTHERS AT THE FINISH LINE….

(REGATTA 2016-WALLEY BROTHERS)

THIS YEAR’S REGATTA FEATURED PADDLERS FROM 27 STATES AND 5 CANADIAN PROVINCES. NEARLY A THOUSAND PADDDLERS COMPETED OVER THE 4 DAY REGATTA.

Approximately 1000 paddlers participated in the 54th General Clinton Canoe Regatta this Memorial Day weekend
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Long time Paddler Joe Shaw of Massachusetts won the 70-mile kayak endurance race & Spoke to WCDO's Craig Stevens about the race:

(Regatta 2016-Joe Shaw)

Craig also spoke with Bryan & Rob Birdsall of Unadilla, the brothers took top honors in the Men’s NYMCRA Stock Endurance race:

(Regatta 2016-Birdsalls)

The 2016 General Clinton Canoe Regatta Pro race was won by Canadians Mathew Pellerin & Guillaume Blaise for the 2nd time in 3 years, WCDO’s Craig Stevens spoke with the winners after the race:

(Regatta 2016 Pro winners)

The Pair beat 2nd place finishers Matt Rudnitsky of Gilbertsville and 7-time Regatta Winner Steve Lajoie by 68 seconds. Local Paddlers Trevor Lefever & Ben Schlimmer of Oneonta took 3rd in the pro race.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Paddlers from 27 States & 5 Canadian Provinces participated in this year’s regatta.

1 of 2 men, who murdered 2 area convenience store clerks in the same week in September of 1982, has been denied bail. 66-year-old Thomas Marlowe will continue to serve 23 years to life in prison after being convicted for murder, robbery and perjury in connection with the killings of 22-year-old Christine Kamide of Binghamton and 19-year-old James Wilcox of Afton. 62-year-old Herman Neu was the gunman in those killing, he will not be eligible for parole until 2033.

A new Siena Poll out Today shows that 60% of New Yorkers believe Governor Cuomo is an ethical public official. Cuomo’s top aide Joe Percoco and lobbyist Todd Howe are both under investigation currently with possible corruption involving the Governor’s Buffalo Billion Development plan. The poll also found that more than half of voters have the most trust in Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The Siena Poll surveyed 825 registered New York voters, and had a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points.

The Vestal Police Department has identified the victim of a fatal crash early Friday morning. 56-year-old Paul Rymer of Owego was killed in a crash at about 4:00 AM on Route 17 in Vestal. Vestal Police & State Police reported that a tractor-trailer driven by 54-year-old Jacek Swiston of Vestal, attempted to make a U-turn through the median from the westbound lanes, when he pulled into the path Rymer’s pickup truck, which struck the trailer. Rymer was killed instantly. The investigation is continuing by the Broome County District Attorney’s office.

A series of workshops will be offered to help area business owners and organization leaders with New York’s Consolidated Funding Application process. The workshops are sponsored by the MARK Project and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, they will be held at the Poppy’s in Downsville on June 7th, Delaware County e-Center in Delhi on June 8th, the Erpf Center in Arkville on June 9th, and at Hancock Town Hall on June 13th, all sessions will begin at 3:00 pm. More information is available at 746-2281.

Constitution Pipeline Company has appealed the State DEC’s refusal to grant the company’s request for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification under the Clean Water Act. The appeal was filed with the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, they contend that the refusal is arbitrary and capricious and constitutes an impermissible challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which was issued in December 2014. The company also filed an action with the U.S. District Court seeking a declaration that the State of New York’s authority to exercise permitting jurisdiction over certain other environmental matters is preempted by federal law.

State Lawmakers are looking to pass a constitutional amendment to be able to strip convicted lawmakers like Sheldon Silver & Dean Skelos, of their pensions. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch explains:

(Crouch 5-17-16)

Crouch said that a constitutional amendment needs to pass the legislature 2 years in a row and be passed by voters in order to take effect.

The Village of Sidney announced that work would be performed on the Main Street Bridge on Tuesday May 24th from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. The bridge will be open for 1 lane traffic only during the work.

The Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street, is selling chicken on Sunday May 22nd in appreciation of all military veterans. All military veterans will eat for free. Chickens will be sold from 12:00 Noon until all are gone. This is in Sidney.

The Bainbridge Village Planning Board Meeting originally scheduled for yesterday, has been rescheduled for Monday May 23rd at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Bainbridge Village Clerk's office at 33 West Main Street & is open to the pubic.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a motor vehicle accident on West Kortright Church Road in the Town of Kortright, Monday at around 5:45 PM. Troopers determined that 58 year old Michael Berry of East Meredith, lost control of his pickup truck, he left the roadway, struck a culvert, & overturned. Berry was transported to Fox Hospital in Oneonta where he was pronounced deceased from internal injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State will award $1 million each to Bard College, University at Buffalo and SUNY Broome as part of the “Energy to Lead Competition, ” which challenged student-led coalitions to design and develop plans for clean energy projects. SUNY Broome’s “Geothermal Learning Laboratory” project shows how a geothermal system can harness the energy stored in the earth to heat and cool a campus, serve as a hands-on learning resource for students, and generate energy bill savings that can be reinvested in energy conservation measures. The project is expected to result in the avoidance of 135 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting tonight at Country Squire Realty, at 1639 State Route 7 beginning at 6:00 pm. On the agenda will be making final plans for the 40th Annual Carnival of Sales on Saturday, July 9th along with fireworks discussion and the Concert Series with entertainment on Thursday, July 7th.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall & is open to the public.

Governor Cuomo today announced that Modern Marketing Concepts is significantly expanding its operations and workforce in Kirkwood. The company will create at least 592 new, full-time jobs over the next five years, while also retaining 310 existing jobs, they will invest approximately $17 million to acquire the 426,000 square foot industrial structure formerly used by Link, and redevelop it into Link Park. Construction is slated to begin later this month, and will be completed in early 2017. Additionally, Link Park will partner with Binghamton University, and other area academic institutions to connect young talent with businesses at the facility.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 63-year-old Stephen Scott of Schenevus, for Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .10%. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to an Otsego County 911 report of a car crash on Interstate 88, eastbound near mile marker 67, in the Town of Maryland. An investigation determined that Scott was driving while intoxicated when he drove into a guide rail with his 2012 Subaru Forester and caused damage to both. Scott was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Maryland on August 25, 2015.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance kicked off the back to school shopping season today by reminding New Yorkers that qualifying clothing and footwear purchases are exempt from New York sales tax year-round. State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone said that in addition, in New York City and the eight counties listed below, clothing and footwear items under $110 are exempt from local sales tax year-round, included in those 8 counties locally are Chenango County & Delaware County

The Chenango Arts Council announced their schedule of shows for their upcoming 40th season. Chenango Arts Council executive Director Dian Batson-Smith explains:

(Diane Batson Smith 8-4-15)

Tickets or information about memberships are available at 336-ARTS or at their website Chenango Arts.org.

The New York State Board of Regents today voted to appoint Mary Ellen Elia as the next Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York. Elia began her career in education in 1970 as a social studies teacher in Buffalo and taught for 19 years before moving on to administrative positions. Elia replaces John King as commissioner; she will start her new position on July 6.

The Amphenol Building Project in Sidney is progressing on schedule.  Amphenol Project Manager Tom Czernicki explains:

(Tom Czernicki 2-18-14)

Czernicki said that they were able to get a roof on the new structure before the winter hit, so this rough winter did not slow them down.  There are currently over 150 people working on the Amphenol project on Delaware Avenue.

The increased use of heroin continues to be a major problem locally and throughout the state, as emergency rooms continue to see increasing numbers of overdoses.  Dave Ramsey of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County told WCDO News that the I-stop Program has cut down on people “Doctor Shopping” for painkillers; the next option for addicts has become heroin:

(Dave Ramsey 2-18-14)

Ramsey said that those who have a heroin problem, or who has a loved one with that addiction, they can contact ADAC at 746-8300.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 59-year-old David Mokay of Meridale on 1 count of endangering the Welfare of a Child and 1 count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Circulation following a Domestic Incident.  Mokay was arraigned in Town of Meredith Court and was remanded to Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bail bond. Mokay is to reappear at Meredith Court on March 5th.

A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that 88% Of the 1,488 New York voters surveyed, support the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use, only 9% were opposed. The legalization of marijuana for recreational use was supported 57-39%. The poll was conducted between February 6th & February 10th, with a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points.

New York transportation officials are setting up public hearings to discuss options for high-speed passenger rail service between New York City and Niagara Falls has been the long time goal of industry leaders, elected officials and transit advocates.  The public meetings will be held between March 4th and 14th in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Utica & Poughkeepsie.

Governor Cuomo announced that all 112 New York Works accelerated bridge projects have been completed and open to motorists.  The opening of the Western Gateway Bridge in Schenectady County marks the final finished project, the program allotted $212 million to address bridge replacement or rehabilitation on 112 bridges,  $687 million was allocated for 9 projects that were delayed due to budget constraints. More than 2,000 miles of pavement were replaced in 2012 as part of the program.

Environmental, health and consumer advocacy groups are pushing back against plans by the Cuomo administration to restructure how pesticides are tracked. 38 groups protested a proposal that rolls back a requirement that commercial applicators report where pesticides are used. It would replace that with a new reporting requirement that collects pesticide data at the point of sale. Environmental Advocates say the changes impede the public’s right-to-know about the use of toxic chemicals. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said the intent is to make the data more usable and accessible.

State Troopers in Sidney arrested 52 year old Mark Meyers of Guilford, for fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, felony driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .15%, plus numerous  vehicle and traffic law charges.  The arrest followed a traffic stop on State Route 8 that concluded on High Bridge Road in Guilford. Meyers was arraigned in the town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango county jail on $8,000 bail.

The Sidney American Legion Post# 183 is sponsoring a tribute & fundraiser for the Sidney Fire Department, on Saturday September 28th, at 2:00 PM.  Legion spokesman Larry Halbert explains.

(Larry Halbert 9-19-13)

Halbert said that they are in need of auction items, which can be dropped off at the legion on Friday September 27th or Saturday morning September 28th.  Tickets can be purchased at Video Entertainment Plus, Trackside Dining or the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street; more information is available at 237-4762 or 563-8031.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Eleanor Black of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for 20 felonies.  Black was charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny, 7 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 6 counts of Falsifying Business Records, and 6 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing.  The charges followed a yearlong investigation of crimes in the Schoharie Valley Region.  Black was arraigned and will return to Town of Esperance Court at a later date.

The Binghamton Mets Released their 2014 Schedule.  The B-Mets set a team record with 86 victories in 2013, sending them into the eastern league playoffs for the first time in 7 seasons.  The 23rd season at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton begins on April 3rd against the Akron Aeros. Ticket purchases, Schedules, statistics and other information is available at Bmets.com.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly will work together to ensure that funding will continue for newborns to be tested for over 40 fatal diseases. The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013 assures federal funding so newborns can receive a blood test for fatal diseases that, if caught early, can be diagnosed and treated early. If the bill is not reauthorized by Sept. 30 the federal funding for newborn screenings could end. Kelly’s son Hunter died in 2005 from a fatal genetic disease that, if caught early, can be treated.

The Emerald Ash Borer is spreading more quickly than expected, according to Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chenango County.  The Emerald Ash Borer will only affect Ash trees, which make up about 10 percent of trees in the region. Officials say the only way to protect the trees is to inject the tree with insecticide. Any trees without the insecticide will begin to weaken and die over the next decade. More information is available at emeraldashborer.info

Binghamton University hosted a workshop yesterday regarding funding for small businesses, hosted by the university's Small Business Development Center. Guest speakers talked about the availability of funding so businesses can expand their businesses and commercialize products. Representatives from NYSERDA also discussed energy conservation grants available for small  businesses.   more information is available at nyserda.ny.gov

The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a babysitters training class for youth ages 11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Red Cross office at 620 E. Main St, Endicott. To register visit redcross.org

Frequent fliers will be able to move through several key upstate airports quicker when the Transportation Security Administration begins offering expedited screening in Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo-Niagara, Rochester and Westchester County. Pre-approved passengers that are a part of the program get to use select screening lanes and do not have to remove shoes, belts and can keep laptops in their case. The TSA says 15 million Americans have taken advantage of the program since it launched nearly two years ago. To find out if you're eligible for the program, visit www.tsa.gov.

The Latest Siena Poll out yesterday said that consumer confidence in the state of New York and the rest of the country sank during the month of August, putting overall sentiment in the state was at it's lowest level since December of 2011.

Broome county is putting out a request for proposals from private management companies to take over the operation of the BC Transit Bus system. The system has been battered by service cuts and fare increases in the last few years, so the county is now looking at private management to save money. The bid request would likely go out sometime in the next two weeks. The county said it will look at bid options, and then make a decision whether or not to move forward. The county said it has no plans for a fare hike or major service cuts in its 2014 proposal.

Senator Charles Schumer announced a plan yesterday to make Cornell University a center for excellence in dairy safety. He says Cornell has the strongest dairy program in the state and deserves the opportunity to lead the nation in safety protocol. The plan would facilitate joint research ventures between the government and Cornell and would bring Cornell's research to the national stage more quickly, and to federal regulators who set the standards for dairy safety techniques and practices.

The Bainbridge-Guilford School Board will hold their next meeting on tonight at 6:30pm in the Guilford School cafeteria. The business portion of the meeting will begin at 7:30pm. The public is welcome.

President Barack Obama will visit Binghamton University today to talk about affordable higher education for the middle class. Yesterday, the President delivered remarks at the University at Buffalo, and Henninger High School in Syracuse. President Obama also made an unscheduled stop on Thursday in Seneca Falls at the Women's Rights National Historic park. Today, the President will participate in a town hall event at Binghamton University, and will deliver remarks at an event at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Several fire departments were called Thursday morning to a house fire at 111 Lewis St. in the town of Maine. When the Maine fire department arrived on scene, heavy smoke and fire was showing from every door and window of the home. No one was home at the time of the fire. Fire departments from Glen Aubrey, Endicott, Newark Valley, Union Center, West Corners and Whitney Point also responded to the scene.

Starting at 5 pm today, New York State DOT will be completely closing the Spring Brook Bridge on State Highway 12 between Brisben and Greene. It is expected to be closed through Wednesday, August 28th. During this time State Highway 12 will be completely shut down to all but local and emergency traffic, up to the bridge project. Travelers should use County Road 32 as an alternate means of travel around this area.

The Saint Bartholomew Italian Feast Day Celebration Will be held Friday August 23rd through Sunday the 25th Behind Msgr. Festa Parish Center in Norwich. The Celebration Starts Friday at 5:00 PM with a Car Cruise-In. Saturday will feature Free Entertainment with a DJ, plus the Eddie Caputo Run/Walk at 10:30am, followed by Face Painting, The Donna Frech Dancers, & on Sunday at 11:00am, the Free Will Offering Breakfast Brunch Under the Pavilion behind the Parish Center.

President Barack Obama will travel through New York and Pennsylvania today and tomorrow on a two-day bus tour to talk about affordable higher education for the middle class. Today the President will deliver remarks at the University at Buffalo, and Henninger High School in Syracuse. Tomorrow on Friday, the President will participate in a town hall event at Binghamton University, and will deliver remarks at an event at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $71 million is now available through New York State Homes & Community Renewal for shovel-ready projects to build affordable housing units across the state. Of the new $5 million allocated for Community Investment Fund awards, 60% percent will be allocated to projects in urban areas of New York State, and the remaining 40% will be allocated to projects in rural areas of the State. Governor Cuomo also announced that FEMA has approved New York’s request for an extension for ongoing Public Assistance outreach in counties affected by the late June/early July flooding this summer. FEMA initially granted the Governor’s request for Public Assistance eligibility for Allegany, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Franklin, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Otsego, and Warren counties on July 12th and later amended the list by adding Broome, Chautauqua, Clinton and Essex counties on July 26th. Public Assistance is for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

The City of Norwich will be closing Cole Drive today for paving. No traffic will be permitted on Cole Drive for the better part of the day. Also, Starting at 5 pm on Friday, New York State DOT will be completely closing the Spring Brook Bridge on State Highway 12 between Brisben and Greene. It is expected to be closed through Wednesday, August 28th. During this time State Highway 12 will be completely shut down to all but local and emergency traffic, up to the bridge project. Travelers should use County Road 32 as an alternate means of travel around this area.

The race has been set for the Office of Otsego County Treasurer this November. Representatives for Republican Edward Keator Jr., the Treasurer for the Village of Cooperstown, and acting County Treasurer Henry “Russ” Bachman, an independent running with support from the Democratic Party, said the two hopefuls have collected the needed number of signatures to be placed on the November ballot. County Treasurer Dan Crowell will also be on the ballot because he did not announce his plans to leave office at the end of the current year until after it was too late to have his name scrubbed from the ballot. Crowell is currently on active duty with the U.S. Army. Bachman will be listed as the candidate for the Otsego First party, while Keator, who stepped into the race after Crowell signaled he would not seek re-election, is running as the candidate for Common Cents. Meanwhile, three candidates will be seeking two Oneonta town justice seats. Dawn Oliver will run on the independent Citizens for Oneonta line and on the Democratic Party line. Also running will be Sean Farrell, a Republican who previously announced his candidacy, and incumbent Bruce Smith, a Republican who has served four terms. Two Oneonta town justices will be elected in November.

A new hiking trail along the Pepacton Reservoir is set to open next week just outside the village of Andes. The Shavertown trail is 5.2 miles long, with the trailhead located near the kayak/canoe storage area off of County Route 1, six miles south of Andes. The trail will officially open next Friday, August 30th.

Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the Department of Agriculture and Markets in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Conservation is launching the Dairy Acceleration Program (DAP) and making available $1 million in funding to help dairy farmers develop individualized business and environmental plans. To be eligible for DAP a dairy cattle farm must have complete financial records. Preference will be given to farms with under 300 cows. DAP funding will cover 80 percent of a project’s cost. Payments may include: up to $5,000 per farm to write a business plan or develop a combination of a business and facility growth plan; and up to $4,500 to update an existing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) or $6,000 to develop a new one. Other legislation recently approved by the governor supports farmers in their efforts to reduce their energy bills with the installation of clean energy projects such as solar and fuel cells. Specifically, legislation approved by Governor Cuomo increases from 25 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts the maximum electricity generation for the solar electric systems eligible for net metering without the need to move them to a commercial meter.

Gov. Cuomo will greet President Obama in Buffalo on Thursday as the president kicks off a two-day tour through New York and Pennsylvania to talk about jobs and the middle class. Cuomo will send Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy to the New York State Fair on Thursday, the first day of the fair. Cuomo said he will also visit the fair later during its 12-day run. Traditionally, the governor opens the fair on the first day, which is also known as "Governor's Day." Gov. Cuomo will avoid a potentially dicey political conflict by not joining President Obama to other parts of upstate New York roiled over the state's ban on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. Obama supports the technology. Parts of central New York and the Southern Tier are on the gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation, where energy companies want to drill. Obama's two-day bus tour will begin Thursday and hit the University at Buffalo, followed by stops in Syracuse, Binghamton and northeastern Pennsylvania. The governor has postponed a decision on whether to allow fracking in New York. Cuomo says he's waiting for a study by state health department.

New York state lost more personal income from people leaving the state in the 2000s than any other state. The Tax Foundation calculated that New York had a net loss of $45.6 billion in personal income from 2000 to 2010. The foundation tracks moves of people within and between states. States that gained the most income in the last decade are Florida, Arizona and Texas.

The state Senate Finance Committee have scheduled five statewide public hearings on how New York’s tax policies can be changed to reduce the burden on taxpayers and to help businesses create more jobs. Public hearings are scheduled for Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Mineola and New York City. The Business Council of New York State; National Federation of Independent Business; Unshackle Upstate; the State Economic Development Council; The Tax Foundation and New York Farm Bureau will participate.

A Chenango County man was arrested for selling cocaine in the town of Oneonta in January. 37 year Michael John Hunt of West Edmeston is charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. Hunt was arrested after an investigation by deputies with assistance from Oneonta Police. Hunt was arraigned in Otsego County Court and sent to Otsego jail on $20,000 bail.

The Village of Bainbridge Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing tonight at 6:30 in the Village Clerk’s Office, 33 West Main St., Bainbridge. The purpose of the public hearing will be to receive comments, concerning the submission of an application, to the State Office of Community Renewal, for funding under the federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program for 2013. The public is welcome.

Advocates of a bill to legalize sparklers in New York have released polling data that shows two thirds of voters surveyed support the measure. The poll was done by the United States Fireworks Safety Commission. The bill, which passed both the Senate and Assembly, and is in a holding pattern until it’s sent to Gov. Cuomo for review, would legalize the sale of sparklers near New Year’s and the Fourth of July in New York State.

Lyme disease is about 10 times more common than previously reported. The CDC said as many as 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. It's a bacteria transmitted through the bites of infected deer ticks. Symptoms include a fever, headache and fatigue and sometimes a rash that looks like a bull's-eye centered on the tick bite. Most people recover with antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection can cause arthritis and more severe problems. The majority of Lyme disease reports have come from the northeast, including New York. For more information go to cdc.gov

The Otsego County Conservation Association is seeking nominations for it's annual "Conservationist of the Year" award. The award is given to individuals, organizations or businesses that have made a positive difference in environmental protection, preservation or education in Otsego County. Nominations must be submitted by October 4th. To obtain a nomination form, call 547-4488 or email admin@occa info dot org.

A Horseheads man is in critical condition after being hit by a train in the town of Union Friday night.  New York State Police say, Travis J. Cliburn, 21, of Horseheads, was walking along the Norfolk - Southern Tier Train Tracks when he was hit by a train at approximately 11:15 Friday night.  Cliburn was sent to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City and then transferred to Upstate Medical Hospital in Syracuse. He is in critical condition.

Three stabbings sent three people to the hospital Saturday morning and police are saying that all of the cases are related.  Around 10 a.m. on Saturday in Johnson City, police arrested Abdoul Balume, 30, of Syracuse. He is charged with assault. Police said at approximately 12:30 a.m., a person who had been stabbed walked into UHS Binghamton General Hospital. The victim has since had surgery.  Two hours later, police responded to 14 Doubleday St. in Binghamton where two more stabbing victims were found. They were taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where both victims had surgery.  The case remains under investigation.

A woman from Virginia has filed a lawsuit over the helicopter crash that killed her three-year-old son and four other people in Pennsylvania in July.  Crystal McKain is suing Hampton Road Charter Service in a wrongful death lawsuit. She said they negligently and recklessly allowed David Jenny to fly, even though he was not fully trained.  According to federal investigators, Jenny was not certified to fly instrument only flights. They also said he did not receive a weather briefing before taking off from Endicott.  Carl Robert, the boy's father, was also killed in the crash. McKain is suing for more than $550,000 in damages.

President Barack Obama will visit Binghamton University Friday, Aug. 23, as part of an upstate swing to talk about affordable higher education for the middle class.  On Thursday August 22 and Friday August 23, the President will travel through New York and Pennsylvania on a two-day bus tour.  On Thursday, the President will deliver remarks at the University at Buffalo, and Henninger High School in Syracuse.  On Friday, the President will participate in a town hall event at Binghamton University, and will deliver remarks at an event at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The Delaware County Department of Public Works has closed County Route 20 in the town of Masonville until Friday, August 23rd to replace a large culvert.  Work is expected to be completed by 3pm on Friday the 23rd.

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.