WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Matthew Rose of Unadilla on a sealed indictment warrant issued by the Delaware County Court, at the time of his arrest, ROSE was in possession of a small amount of marijuana, ROSE was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, plus 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Narcotic, for allegedly selling prescription medications twice in the Village of Sidney. Rose was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $40,000 cash bail or $80,000 secured bond.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and arrested two residents in the Town of Colchester. Investigators charged 57-year-old Douglas James & 57 year old Karen James of Downsville, for Criminal Possession of Cocaine with the intent to sell, plus Criminal Possession of Marijuana. Investigators seized 1-½ pounds of Marijuana, plus Cocaine, $6,026 in cash, a digital scale, several rifles and Public Assistance Benefit cards. Both were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $500,000 property bond.

The State Labor department released the unemployment rate numbers by county, for the month of November today. Locally, Chenango County had 4.8%, Delaware County had 4.9% & Otsego County had 4.3% unemployment, the statewide rate dropped 1 tenth to 5.1% in November.

State Police arrested 62-year-old Charlotte Hart of Bainbridge for Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct & Harassment, after troopers responded to a report of an ongoing argument at the Xtra Mart in the Town of Bainbridge. Hart allegedly entered the store and was upset with a neighbor, who was working inside, and struck the woman in the face and smacked a cell phone from the woman’s hand. Hart was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge Court and was released without bail being required. An order of protection was issued, she faces court action in the Town of Bainbridge on January 24th.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State's Cigarette Strike Force seized 53,307 cartons of contraband cigarettes and 261,220 untaxed cigars in 2016. The combined street value of these items is approximately $5.6 million and the seizures represent a 117% increase in illegal tobacco confiscations. Locally, The Southern Tier had only 4 cartons of illegal cigarettes confiscated, but had over 42,000 illegal cigars confiscated, which was the second highest total in the state behind New York City.

The Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative will hold their 4th meeting of the Local Planning Committee. Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig said that they must work quickly:

(Mayor Gary Herzig 12-20-16)

Today's meeting is open to the public & will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

CDO Workforce and the BEAM Program are offering a free Interviewing Workshop on today, from 10:30 to Noon at the CDO Workforce Center, 2nd Floor, at the Sidney Civic Center. BEAM Spokesman Alan Sessions explains:

(Alan Sessions 12-20-16)

Also scheduled for today, interested residents can meet with BEAM representatives from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the CDO Workforce Center, 2nd Floor, at the Sidney Civic Center, regarding affordable college and training opportunities. More information is available at 561-7550.

The next Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General meeting is this morning at 7:30am at Bob's Diner. During this meeting, leaders of local organizations will present their plans for 2017. The meeting is open to the public.

Regional Economic Development Council Grant money was awarded This Afternoon at the Egg in Albany. Governor Cuomo's initiative started in 2001, with the concept of letting local stakeholders compete for state money for their own economic development plans:

(Governor Cuomo 12-8-16)

Locally, the Southern Tier regional Economic Development council, which includes Broome, Delaware & Chenango Counties, will receive 60.4 million dollars this year, and the Mohawk valley Council, which contains Otsego county won a top 5 award of $81.9 Million dollars.

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce is continuing with Holiday based activities. Chamber President Stephanie Taylor said that their new "Passport" game is continuing as well:

(Steph Taylor 12-8-16)

The passport game will be followed with the annual Holiday House decorating contest, where 30 winners will be chosen. More information is available at 561-2642.

Binghamton Police have arrested 26-year-old Aizaz Siddiqui of Binghamton, for leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, in connection with the hit-and-run death of 20-year-old Stefani Lineva of Queens early Saturday Morning. Lineva's body was found on State Route 434 near South Washington Street on Binghamton Southside at about 2:00 AM Saturday. Lineva was a student at Binghamton University, They announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the driver, other organizations have brought the amount of the reward up to $30,000. Siddiqui is being arraigned this afternoon in Binghamton city court.

Funeral Services for Edward McKinley of Unadilla will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 156 Main Street in Unadilla this Saturday 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends at First Presbyterian Church on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the YFC Teen Center; POB 362 Oneonta, 13820. McKinley suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by an SUV Monday afternoon in Unadilla

The Tri county area is expecting lake effect snowstorm with varying amounts of snow. Sidney Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townshend 12-8-16)

Townsend predicts that we will have a much more active winter this year.

Governor Cuomo announced the Department of Financial Services has published a Consumer Bill of Rights for New Yorkers facing foreclosure. Additionally, The Department has finalized a regulation protecting communities from the blight of "zombie properties" by requiring banks and mortgage servicers to report and maintain vacant and abandoned properties. Both actions follow legislation the Governor signed in June that curbs the threat "zombie properties" pose to communities by expediting foreclosure proceedings.

Ithaca Police announced that they have a man in custody after a fatal shooting in a shopping mall parking lot of a UPS driver, and a lengthy stand off at the suspect’s residence. The names of the suspect & the victim have not yet been released.

Oneonta police chief Dennis Naylor announced today that he has accepted a position at the Director of Research, Development & Training with the New York State Association of chiefs of Police. Naylor will continue to serve as Oneonta Police Chief through mid- January 2017.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 77-year-old Robert Harrison of Walton for possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, Deputies responded Wednesday to a report of a shots fired near Industrial Drive in the Town of Walton. Harrison was issued appearance tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that non-profit organizations throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of $2.8 million through the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program. Grant recipients who serve Senator Seward’s district are: ARC of Otsego County receives $872,996, Pathfinder Village receives $714,031, and Springbrook will get $576,100

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Christmas Parade on Main Street tonight, starting at 6:00 PM. Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(Steph Taylor 12-2-16)

Santa’s shop will be enclosed at the corner of Division & Main Street< canned donations are requested for area food banks.

The Unadilla Rotary in conjunction with the Unadilla chamber of Commerce will hold Christmas in Unadilla Saturday. Rotary Spokesperson Kirsty Roefs explains:

(Kirsty Roefs 12-2-16)

The 2 organizations have teamed up to increase activity for the Annual Christmas with Santa in Unadilla in the village tomorrow.

The Afton Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, featuring a parade with anyone wishing to participate. Spokesperson Kyle James explains:

(Kyle James 12-2-16)

More information about Christmas festivities in Afton is available at 208-5005 or 222-6272 or on the Friends of Afton Village Facebook page.

Governor Cuomo's office announced that a special session of the legislature might be held before the end of the year. Lawmakers are lobbying for their first salary increase in 17 years, while the Governor wants more ethics reforms after another year of top level lawmakers & aids being arrested, or tried or convicted on a variety of corruption charges.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 5 SUNY Delhi students, 3 were involved in a “Drug deal gone bad” in the Village of Delhi. Deputies arrested and charged 20-year-old Naciar Odindo of Mt. Vernon, & 19-year-old Khalil Baldwin of Queens, for 4th degree Grand Larceny, plus Obstructing Governmental Administration & Criminal Possession of Marihuana. Police reported that both entered the Delhi residence or 21-year-old Dylan Freid of Syracuse, to buy marijuana, but subsequently decided to steal the marihuana instead.   Baldwin and Odindo then fled on foot, Freid flagged down a Deputy and notified him of the theft of the marihuana, Baldwin & Odindo were apprehended.  Freid was charged with Criminal Sale of Marihuana & Criminal Possession of marihuana, deputies also arrested 21-year-old Thomas Hite of Morris, and 20 year old Sharif Johnson of Queens, they were released on appearance tickets returnable to the Village of Delhi Court. Police seized 11 ounces of marihuana, synthetic marihuana, $931 dollars in cash, a handgun and a digital scale. Baldwin and Odindo were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 cash bail; Freid was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.

Norwich City Police have identified the victim of a shooting as 19-year-old Roxanne Shipman of Norwich on Thursday. Police responded to the report of a shooting Thursday at Division Street shortly after 6:00 PM, Shipman was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital where she died from her injuries. The Norwich Police Department and the State Police Forensic Investigation Unit are investigating; preliminary reports suggest that the shooting could have been accidental.

DELAWARE COUNTY Sheriff’s department arrested 67-year-old Charles Kwiesinski of Stony Point, for Harassment, for allegedly sending Menacing phone calls & voicemails to a Walton resident. Kwiesinski will appear in Walton town court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced 3.85 million dollars in funding to support the state's ongoing effort to combat Heroin & Opioid abuse. The funding will expand existing addiction support initiatives t ensure that 2 family support navigators and 2 peer engagement specialists are available in each of the state's 10 economic development zones. More information is available at combatheroin.org.

Veronica Taft of Binghamton has had her murder conviction dismissed, she was convicted previously for 2nd degree murder, manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child, for the death of her 2 year old son Lyric in 2010. An appeals court has ruled that there was conflicting proof went against the weight of the evidence presented on the murder & manslaughter charges, the convictions for endangering the welfare of a child stand.

The state comptrollers office claims that they blocked 2,052 tax rebate checks worth $819,000 addressed to dead homeowners. Overall, the office returned nearly 32,000 checks totaling 32 million dollars to the state Department of Taxation & finance, avoiding them from going out erroneously last year.

December in upstate New York is likely to be warmer than normal, but it's not likely to break last December's warmth & lack of precipitation. Forecasters believe that Lake effect Snow will fall, and a big storm could hit in the coming weeks, but they expect that temperatures will still be 1 to 1.5 degrees above usual December numbers.

Phelps hose of the Sidney Fire Department is conducting a food drive at the Sidney Great American food store on Saturday from 9:00 AM until Noon. All food donated will go to the Sidney Food Bank.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, State Police and the Massachusetts DEA Task Force today announced the indictment of more than 2 dozen people for their roles in an alleged national heroin smuggling ring. The investigation, seized more than 33 kilos of heroin and 2 kilos of Fentanyl worth about $13 Million dollars, plus weapons & vehicles, The operation netted alleged dealers and traffickers in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and New Jersey, it is one of the largest heroin seizures ever in New York and is the single largest single seizure in the 46-year history of the state's Organized Crime Task Force.

Federal Prosecutors last month announced charges against three members of the Sex Money Murder gang of the Bronx, which included Corey Brown, Josnel Rodriguez & Christopher Canada, for racketeering, firearms charges, & for the murder of Vincent Davis in July of 2012. Rodriguez & Brown were brought into court, but Canada was on the run from law enforcement, until he was apprehended by US Marshals & Oneonta Police in a Division Street Apartment yesterday afternoon. Canada was apprehended without incident & was returned to New York City to face prosecution.

State Police responded to a car & tractor trailer fatal crash on State Route 90 in the Town of Homer. A 61 year old Cortland man was driving a Subaru southbound, he drifted into the northbound lane and struck a tractor trailer driven by 48 year old Michael Gross of Norwich. Police said that the Subaru spun off the southbound shoulder and came to rest, the tractor trailer crossed over the southbound lanes and came to rest in a swamp, diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway, and the tractor began to burn. The unidentified Cortland man was declared dead at the scene, Gross was transported to Upstate Medical for non-life threatening injuries. The deceased driver’s name is not being released pending family notification.

A "Tampon Drive" is being held at the House of Consignment in Unadilla tomorrow, & the Price of admission to the event is a box of Tampons: Store owner Kirsty Roefs comments:

(Kirsty Roefs 9-23-16)

All Items in the House of Consignment will be 20% OFF, & there will be many activities scheduled at the 214 Main Street Unadilla location from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday.

The Jericho Arts Council will hold the first of their scheduled events for the season Saturday, Spokesman Phillip Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 9-23-16)

Other scheduled events for the season include Zink & Company on October 22, The Corvettes on November 5th, & The Out Of The Woodwork Players performance of "Double Wide Texas" on November 18th & 19th. More information is available at jerichoarts.com.

Sidney Village Police arrested 62 year old Michael Connors of Sidney Center, for Driving While Intoxicated, and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, in the village of Sidney on September 9th. Connors faces court action on the charges at a later date.

Tomorrow will be the 21st annual "Doctors with A Heart" event, where dentists at several locations in the Southern Tier perform free basic dental services to the unemployed or uninsured. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon tomorrow at Progressive Dental at 101 South Board Street in Norwich, as well as their locations in Kirkwood, Endwell, & Montrose Pennsylvania, plus the Chenango Bridge dental office at 528 Main Street in Chenango Bridge. More information is available at 722-5464.

The 3rd Annual Franklin Volunteer Fire Department open house & Public Safety day on Sunday form 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM. A variety of activities & demonstrations are scheduled, at the Franklin Fire House.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Senator Charles D Cook County Office Building at 111 Main Street Delhi on Saturday September 24th from 10AM to 2PM to educate the public on how to vote on the voting machines. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

The Greene Chamber of Commerce will hold the 30th Annual Greene Applefest tomorrow. The event will be held from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ball Flats.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Binghamton city officials have found out the names of 4 area people who pulled a woman out of a burning car last thursday, after a 10 vehicle pile up on state route 17 Eastbound. Doug Kumpon, Ed Staff, Chris White and Albert Fiori have been identified as 4 of the people who came to the aid of a person trapped in a burning Ford Taurus that was pushed up into the concrete median, Binghamton Mayor Richard David released a video from one of the involved vehicles dashcam, mayor David is expected to announce a ceremony to honor the 4 for their life saving actions. Several people suffered injuries, but no one died in last Thursday afternoon's 10-car collision.

Binghamton Police responded to the report of a shooting at 1 Mozart Street at about 11:30 this morning. 3 people were involved in the shooting and one person was shot in the head & has died. The suspect was in custody a short time after the shooting, 2 shooting victims were taken to area hospitals.

The Unadilla Elementary School PTO is sponsoring a back to school l bash tonight for Unatego students & their families from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Spokesperson Kim Gascon explains:

(Kim Gascon 8-31-16)

The event will be held at the Elementary grades 3 through 5 building in Unadilla today, rain or shine.

Sidney Village crews will be paving West Main Street in the village tomorrow. Crews will begin at 7:00 AM & the repaving should be complete by about 3:30 PM.

The federal government has designated 24 New York counties as natural disaster areas following a severe summer drought that has adversely impacted some water supplies and farms. Farmers in the affected areas may be eligible for assistance, including emergency loans, from the federal government. The state will conduct on-site assessments of farms affected by the drought as well, Cuomo’s office said. 15 counties declared as the primary natural disaster areas cover, 1 of the contiguous counties named in the declaration is Broome County. Many other counties locally & into the North Country are requesting primary disaster declarations.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Great New York State Fair will hold a special celebration in honor of the Maine-Endwell Little League team, which completed an undefeated season this past weekend by winning the Little League World Series. The Governor declared Thursday, September 1 “Champions Day” at the Fair in honor of the team, which will be congratulated for its victory at a special ceremony on Chevy Court. Free tickets to the Fair are available to members of the Maine-Endwell community to take part in the celebration. The Maine-Endwell team is the first New York team to win the Little League World Series since 1964.

The White House Rural Council and the Postal Service are hosting 60 workshops in 24 states over the next few months for rural businesses to learn how to access new customers abroad and take advantage of international trade assistance. Local entrepreneurs can take advantage by attending a workshop today at the Binghamton Post Office at 115 Henry Street from 11:00 - 1:00.

The next Tri-Town Coalition On Substance Abuse meeting is tonight at the Sidney High School Library at 6:00 PM, Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 8-31-16)

in addition to the Presentation By Megan Walradth of the Central Region Prevention Resource Center, the coalition will plan a future Narcan training session for tri town residents.

The Binghamton Senators announced that single game tickets for the team’s 2016-17 regular season home games will go on sale Monday, September 19th at 10:00 AM at the B-Sens Executive Offices, the Arena Box Office, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Binghamton will play 37 regular season games at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in addition to a home preseason game against the Rochester Americans on Saturday, October 8, starting at 7:05 p.m. The B-Sens’ home opener is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, against the Hershey Bears at 7:05 p.m.

State Police at Sidney arrested 28-year-old Brenda Manwarren, of Unadilla for operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a report of an impaired driver in the rear parking lot of the River Side Storage on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla. Manwarren's blood was tested for drugs, lab results are pending. Manwarren was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Unadilla court on September 5th.

Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies arrested 69 year old James Maynard of East Meredith for unlawfully growing cannabis. Maynard had contacted authorities in reference to a missing person, when Deputies located an area within the residence which was being used to grow cannabis. Maynard was released with an appearance ticket where he will return to the Town of Kortright Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced a $10,000 donation from the PGA TOUR to support the "SUNY's Got Your Back" program, a collaborative effort between the State University of New York and the State Police that funds comfort bags with personal care products for victims of sexual and interpersonal violence. The "SUNY's Got Your Back" program has already provided more than 4,000 comfort bags containing items such as toiletries, resource pages, and personal notes to victims and survivors of violence across the Empire State. Altogether, SUNY has assembled nearly 9,000 comfort bags since the start of the program.

the sidney chamber of commerce announced that they will be hosting a village wide yard sale in Sidney this saturday. Chamber Vice President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 8-24-16)

Themaps were scheduled to go to print today, the chamber also announced that the Antique Car Cruise in orignaillay planned during last mo0nths's Arts & Music Fair has been rescheduled for this Friday afternoon on Maion Street starting at 5:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced that a major enhancement to the State DMV facial recognition program has led to more than 100 arrests and 900 open cases since it launched in January. The system combats identity theft and fraud and removes high-risk drivers from the road, it doubles the number of measurement points mapped to each digitized driver photograph to vastly improve the system's ability to match a photograph to one that already exists in DMV's database. Since the facial recognition technology was implemented in 2010, more than 3,800 individuals have been arrested for possessing multiple licenses. Additionally, more than 10,800 facial recognition cases have been solved administratively, without the need for an arrest.

Utica Police have arrested a man for allegedly stealing envelopes from the gift tables at 2 recent weddings. 40-year-old Joseph Ciszek of Whitesboro is charged with 1 count of grand larceny & 2 counts of Petty Larceny for the alleged thefts at weddings in July. Utica police released Surveillance pictures of a well-dressed couple, who were not invited to either wedding, Ciszek was located and was arrested as a result of tips from the community. Their investigation is continuing & more charges may be forthcoming.

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for July 2016. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.7% in July 2016. Locally, Chenango County’s unemployment rate was at 4.5%, Delaware County at 5.2% & Otsego County at 4.5% for July.

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn M. Destito today announced that OGS is hosting a free training seminar meant to familiarize local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations with the use of new state contracts. The all-day training is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at the Binghamton State Office Building.

The Sidney Arts & Music festival will be held this Saturday in Downtown Sidney. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(STEPH TAYLOR 7-26-16)

WCDO will be broadcasting live during the Cruise in Portion of the Arts & Music Festival Saturday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a domestic dispute in Andes Monday. 21 year old Joel Maldonado of Lydenhurst, New Jersey & 21 year old Preston Reed of Andes fell through a plate glass window during the altercation, Maldonado sustained a head laceration, he was taken to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, where he was treated and released. Deputies determined that 2 small children were in close proximity to the altercation, Maldonado was charged with 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Mischief, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 dollars cash bail, Reed was charged with 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On Monday, July 25, 2016 Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old John Mahler on a Parole Warrant issued by the State Division of Parole. Mahler was convicted in 2013 of committing burglaries in the Village of Walton; he was paroled in March, & was subject to Post Release Supervision until March 2019. Mahler is being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending further action by the Division of Parole.

A 2nd Sidney Rotary Club Grant has been awarded for local efforts in combating the Heroin crisis locally. The Recovery Coach Training Grant will allow for up to 25 people to be trained to assist those recovering from addiction, according to spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 7-26-16)

Keckeisen said that the efforts to create a coalition for the tri town area has been successful, the coalition will be called "the TRI-TOWN COALITION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE". Also, plans are being formulated to schedule Narcan Training with Joseph Filippone of Catholic Charities at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney in the fall.

The State Labor Department released the unemployment rates for southern tier area counties today. Chenango county registered 4.5% unemployment, Delaware County had an even 5%, Otsego county registered a 4.3 % for teh Month of June. The state wide unemployment rate for June was at 4.7% for the 2nd straight month.

Governor Cuomo announced the arrests of 5 people for illegally selling synthetic marijuana at stores in Syracuse and Binghamton. State Police seized more than 100 packets of suspected synthetic marijuana, the State Health Commissioner is issuing orders to immediately close the establishments found to be selling these illegal substances. In Binghamton Troopers arrested 62-year old Vijaykumar Hathi and 64-year old Deepa Hathi, owners of Friend’s Grocery at 46 Court Street in Binghamton. Both were charged with sale of synthetic drugs, & possessing of synthetic Marijuana.

FEMA released updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Otsego County for public comment. The maps and the associated Flood Insurance Study report will serve as the basis for floodplain management measures, flood insurance rates, and insurance purchase requirements& will help property owners make decisions about how to protect homes against future flood risk. FEMA and & the DEC will host a Flood Risk Open House meeting today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Meadows Office Building, in Cooperstown.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the next 4-Chamber mixer to be held today at Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 6 :00, members of the Sidney, Bainbridge, Afton & Unadilla chambers are urged to attend.

State Police arrested 43-year-old Laurie Smith of Johnson City, for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and other traffic violations, following a property damage crash on South Main Street in the Village of Sherburne. Smith was allegedly driving while impaired by drugs when she failed to keep right and struck another vehicle causing damage. She had her blood tested, at Chenango Memorial Hospital, lab results are pending. Smith was issued tickets returnable to the Village of Sherburne Court on August 15th.

Tax collections totaling $19.8 billion fell short of projections for New York state in the first quarter of the state’s fiscal year, a decline of $797.6 million, or 3.9 percent, from the same period last year and $454.1 million below projections, according to the June state cash report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The General Fund ended June with a balance of $7.2 billion, which was $975.8 million lower than the latest projection and $3.9 billion lower than a year earlier. The report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

State Senator Fred Akshar will be hosting the First Annual "Spiedies with the Senator" today at Chenango Valley State Park from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. The event will take place in the Pine Plains Pavilion of park. There will be plenty of free parking and after 5:00 PM there is no admission charge for park entry. Tickets for the general public are $25 and kids under 12 get in free.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the next 4-chamber mixer on Tuesday July 26th. The event will begin at 6:30 at the Highway 7 Bar & Grille on Route 7 in Bainbridge. Members from the Bainbridge, Sidney, Unadilla & Afton Chambers are encouraged to attend.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced a new grant initiative to address the growing statewide problem of so-called "zombie homes" – vacant and abandoned homes that are not maintained during a prolonged foreclosure proceeding. The Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative will provide $13 million in grants to local governments throughout the state through a competitive application process. The 100 communities with the greatest problem of zombies and vacancy have been invited to apply for the funds. The money will address housing vacancy and blight by bolstering municipalities' capacity for housing code enforcement, for tracking and monitoring vacant properties, and for legal enforcement capacity to ensure banks and mortgage companies comply with local and state law.

In June, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 23,900, or 0.3%, to over 7.9 million, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, New York State’s economy has added 824,100 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 57 of the past 66 months. The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged from May, the U.S. rate was 4.9% in June. New York’s statewide unemployment rate continues at its lowest level since August 2007.

Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a vacant property on Williams Road in the Town of Windsor for a report of suspicious vehicles and people on the property. Upon arrival, a deputy observed several vehicles attempting to leave, While attempting to approach a vehicle to identify and speak with it’s occupants, a 2nd vehicle driven by 17 year old Levi Wormuth of Hancock attempted to drive around the deputy, his flashlight and hand got caught in an open side window of the vehicle and he was dragged a short distance before freeing himself. Wormuth continued to drive away from the scene even after being ordered to stop; another Deputy stopped him. Wormuth was charged with Obstructing Governmental Administration, Reckless Endangerment, Operating in violation of restrictions of a junior license, he was issued an appearance ticket for Windsor court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 58-year-old Louis Brigandi Jr of Walton Wednesday, on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana following a report of a suspicious fire on Wilderness Mountain Drive in the Town of Hamden. Deputies say Brigandi knowingly possessed a number of prescription pills without a prescription, possessed a quantity of marijuana, and possessed two firearms while having a status as a convicted felon. Brigandi was arraigned in Hamden Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.

The 21st Annual Gus Macker Basketball Tournament will be held on the streets of Downtown Norwich Saturday & Sunday. Over 400 teams have signed up for the annual 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, which draws thousands to downtown Norwich each year.

Following the day’s games at the Gus Macker tournament in Norwich, the 11th annual Mustang Rally will be held at Matthews Ford in Norwich, spokesperson Kathy Breno explains:

(Kathy Breno 7-8-16)

Breno said that the Activities would begin at 6:00 PM; directions will be posted around Norwich, as part of Main Street will be closed due to the Macker Tournament.

The 40th UNADILLA CARNIVAL OF SALES continues today & tomorrow, spokesperson Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 7-8-16)

Vendors will be lined up along Main Street & in the Community House Grounds, & there will be Village Wide Yard Sales

The Afton fair continues today & wraps up tomorrow, spokesperson Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 7-8-16)

This year marks the 127th edition of the Afton Fair, which wraps up tomorrow night at the fairgrounds.

Delaware County DPW will begin oil & stone operations in the northern sections of the county Monday. Work will begin on County Route 9 & will continue on county routes 29, 30, 33, 12 & 10, work will then move south to routes 4, 27, 47, 20 & 67. The project is expected to take about 3 weeks to complete.

Binghamton Police arrested 34-year-old Nelson Romero of Binghamton for 2nd degree murder in connection with the death of 44 year Walter Slater of Binghamton. Slater’s body was found in the backyard at 2014 Oak Street in Binghamton last Thursday morning, several blocks from his home. Romero was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail.

Empire State Development Corporation could not verify that many of the companies participating in the Excelsior Jobs Program met their obligations or even justify giving the businesses tax breaks in the first place, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors found a range of problems from lowering job creation goals after companies did not meet expectations to not verifying if jobs were full-time or part-time. ESD also could not produce evidence that several companies actually created jobs and did not simply shift jobs. ESD officials disagreed with the audit’s findings. Their full response is contained in the audit.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 48 year old William Mills Jr, of New Jersey Sunday, for DWI, Aggravated DWI, using a vehicle without a court ordered interlock device, & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Mills was arraigned in the Village of Hancock Court, and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2500 cash bail, pending future court action.

The 40th Unadilla Carnival of Sales celebration begin today in the heart of the village, Spokesperson Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 7-7-16)

Saturday will feature a full slate of activities at the Community House field and throughout Unadilla with their village wide yard sales.

The State DOT will hold a public open house meeting on Tuesday, July 12 regarding plans to replace the bridge carrying State Route 12 over Bowman Creek and a proposed deck replacement for the bridge carrying State Route 12 over Fly Meadow Creek in the town of Oxford. The open house will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday at Oxford High School, 50 South Washington Avenue in the village of Oxford.

Governor Cuomo announced new paperless registration renewals for New Yorkers visiting their DMV offices by eliminating the need to submit a completed paper application. Customers only need to show a New York State-issued photo ID or have a Motor Vehicle Representative look up their image in DMV’s database, Transactions are then processed through a touch-screen device.

21-year-old Pate Balde of the Bronx was arrested in the Town of Davenport Tuesday morning and charged with possessing narcotic drugs with intent to sell following a collaborative investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Oneonta City Police Department and State Police. Balde was arrested at the Rock Inn Motel on State Highway 23, Oneonta, and charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession a Marihuana. A search of the motel room, led to the seizure of 65 bags of heroin, 17 individual “wraps” of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, a small quantity of marihuana and more than $1000 cash. Balde was arraigned & he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 cash bail pending further court proceedings.

Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire on Monday at 130 Chestnut Street shortly after 2:00 AM. The fire displaced 4 people, all escaped the blaze, but 2 occupants suffered smoke inhalation. The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.

State Police arrested 41-year-old Gary Crosby of Chenango Forks, for 1 count 1st degree Assault, for allegedly stabbing of a 15-year-old male early Tuesday morning in the town of Union. Crosby was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Education Department has approved a bachelor’s degree program in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cyber security at the University at Albany, for the start of the 2016-2017 academic year. The College is the very first stand-alone college dedicated to the topics of emergency preparedness, homeland security and cyber security.

State Police arrested 23-year-old Jamie Schreiber of Otego, for DWI, following an accident on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla. Schreiber’s BAC was .14%; he was processed & is scheduled to appear in the Town of Unadilla Court on July 18th.

The Village of Bainbridge will hold a special meeting tonight at the village clerk's office at 6:30 PM. The Purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the 2 permits for buildings & grounds.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single motorcycle fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Sunday afternoon on County Road 10A, in the Town of Preston. 38-year-old Steven Carpenter of Guilford, lost control and slid into a guide rail. The passenger on the motorcycle was 30-year-old Katelynn Coville of Guilford, Both died at the scene. The Cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The Delaware County DPW will be closing County Route 4 in the Town of Sidney to through traffic today, starting at 7:00 AM, for the replacement of a culvert. The Closure will be from just south of the village of Sidney Limit, to just north of State Route 8. The road is expected to be re-opened at 4:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced the availability of $200 million in enhanced assistance for local governments over the next two years to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts statewide. This funding, provided through the Governor's BRIDGE NY initiative, is being administered by the New York State Department of Transportation as part of its $21.1 billion five-year Capital Plan. Applications for BRIDGE NY funding will be accepted through September 9th at dot.ny.gov/bridgeny.

Governor Cuomo’s START-UP New York program is under fire, following the release of a report that claims that New York State has spent over 50 million dollars to advertise the program, that has only created 408 new jobs in the past two years. The program calls for incentives such as a ten-year tax-free location to the state by existing or new businesses, the program started slowly in its first year, last year is created 334 jobs. Empire State Development officials released a report Friday, they expect the program to create more than 4,100 new jobs by the end of 2020.

Oneonta Police announced that a threat of terrorist activities in Oneonta by ISIS, from a man in Georgia, was not credible. Police said that that state & federal law enforcement investigators contacted Matthias Czako of Cumming Georgia, who claimed on various social media, that Isis was attack Oneonta during the July 4th Fireworks display following a baseball Game with the Oneonta Outlaws. Oneonta Police reported no issues at the July 4th Celebration; Czako retracted his announcement based on cracking various biblical codes, following the FBI investigation.

Sidney Village Officials & Sidney Police announced that power was Knocked out earlier this afternoon, when a truck hit a power pole at about 12:30, and knocked down some power lines on West Main Street. NYSEG Officials reported that 686 customers were without power in Sidney & Masonville, Sidney Officials said that West Main Street is closed between Pearl Street & Sunset for clean up & power restoration.

Sidney Village Officials announced that River Street would be closed from Camp to Colegrove to repair a water service issue. The street will be closed from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday & a detour will be set up.

The city of Oneonta Parks & Recreation committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed. The next meeting will be held on August 1st at Oneonta City Hall.

The Town of Unadilla Highway Department announced that Alton Deforest Road would be closed on Wednesday. Officials announced that the road closure would be from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Annual Afton Fair gets underway tomorrow at the fairgrounds, spokesperson Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 7-5-16)

This year is the 127th year of the Afton Fair, running from Wednesday through Saturday, more information is also available at 639-1525.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office investigated a 2 car fatal motor vehicle crash on County Road 29 in the Town of New Berlin. Vehicle 1 was operated by 19-year-old Matthew Collins of Plymouth, when it crossed the center line into the path of vehicle 2 being operated by 65 year old John Mckernan of New Berlin, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Collins was not injured; he was charged with Failure to Keep Right and will appear in court at a later date.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project would require lane closures in the City of Binghamton. Today Front Street southbound will be reduced to 1 lane for the construction of new bridge piers adjacent to Front Street, also State Route 17 will be reduced to 1 lane between Exits 72 & 71 for overhead sign work & the installment of pavement markings associated with a new, temporary traffic pattern change, which is needed to enable the replacement of the Route 17 West Bridge over Glenwood Road.

2 Blood donation opportunities are available today; with Donors of all blood types are needed now. In Delhi, blood can be donated from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi United Ministry, 1 Church Street, in Norwich From 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Chenango Memorial Hospital, 178 N. Broad Street. Donors can Schedule an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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

The Sidney Rotary announced that another Heroin & Opioid Forum would be held Wednesday evening in the Sidney High School Library. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen told WCDO News about one of the guest speakers, Sergeant John Capellini:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 6-28-16)

The Doors will open at 6:00 & the presentations start 6:15. Keckeisen said that they would Establish Work Groups, & set Priorities with the goal of creating a Sidney Tri-Town Area Coalition to fight the ongoing Heroin & Opioid crisis.

As part of the "Get Screened, No Excuses" campaign, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to increase access to breast cancer screenings and build on the series of breast cancer initiatives outlined in the 2016 State of the State address. The new initiatives include mobile mammography vans, patient navigators, a public awareness campaign, community-based peer education programs, and investments through the state-backed venture capital fund to support promising cancer-related technologies. The Governor also announced the launch of a new "Text Line" to help women find mammogram locations. New Yorkers can text "Get Screened" to 81336 and after submitting their zip code; they will receive information about screening locations with extended hours near home.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of $235,613 in public library construction grant funds. Locally, the Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick will receive $25,035 to Replace old windows and add insulation, the Unadilla Public Library will receive $35,475 to Replace inefficient windows and light fixtures and interior renovations, the Village Library of Cooperstown will receive $23,327 for Interior renovations & the Worcester Free Library will get $23,606 for insulation.

The 1st phase of the $50 Million Dollar restoration if the New York State fairgrounds are nearly complete, with the final touches being applied in the final months before the annual state fair. The 1-mile track & the grandstand are gone, in their place is an expanded midway, and a bigger RV park with 315 more spaces, 2/3rds are already booked for this year's fair, which begins on August 25th.

New York’s highways & bridges are among the worst in the nation, according to a new report by “TRIP”, which is a national transportation organization. 5% of the states interstate bridges are structurally deficient, 4th worst in the nation, 17% 0of the pavement on the New York interstate system is in poor to mediocre condition, which is 10th worst in the nation. President Obama signed into law a 5 year 305 billion dollar highway improvement plan last year, which will boost highway funding by 15% and transit funding by 15% by the year 2020.

Governor Cuomo announced a new consumer hotline to accept reports of “ZOMBIE PROPERTIES” across the state. New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Call (800) 342-3736 to Report Properties in Their Neighborhoods, following last week's signing of legislation to get Zombie properties rehabilitated or renovated, sold and back onto the tax rolls in a more timely fashion.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced New York State's participation in partial settlements with Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche affiliates arising from Volkswagen's violations of emissions standards and state consumer protection laws. As part of the settlements, all owners of 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine VW and Audi diesel cars in New York will be entitled to be paid full, pre-scandal fair market value for their vehicle, in addition to a cash payment of at least $5,100, car owners may also choose to keep their vehicle and wait to see if VW and Audi develop acceptable emissions fixes; car owners who exercise this option will also receive a cash payment of at least $5,100. The settlements will also direct to New York over $115 million for environmental projects to improve New York's air quality, as well as over $30 million in additional monetary recoveries for the state's general fund.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Joseph Little of Sidney Aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .20%, and other traffic violations. Little was observed failing to use a designated lane on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla, he was arraigned in the Town of Unadilla court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond pending future court action.

Binghamton Police arrested Shaun Pauling-Payne of Binghamton, for vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and several other charges, after he crashed into a motorcycle driven by 37-year-old William Nash Jr. Nash was taken to an area hospital, but died as a result of his injuries. Pauling-Payne had a BAC of .22; He was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and taken to the Broome County Jail. The investigation is continuing.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county registered voters affiliated with the republican or democratic parties, that Primary Elections are today, from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Both Democrats & Republicans are holding a Primary for the 19th Congressional District. All Tompkins voters will now vote at the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge St., Trout Creek. More information is available at 832-5321. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminds voters that a hotline has been set up for those experiencing trouble in the polling place, the number is 800-771-7755.

The State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, State Troopers and Oneonta Police Department executed a search warrant at 510 Main Street in the City of Oneonta, following an investigation into heroin sales. Troopers seized 110 bags of heroin, $343 in cash, digital drug scales, 22 marihuana plants, 5 shotguns, 4 rifles, ammunition, 3 daggers, and marijuana cultivation equipment. 29 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a felon, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis. The Endangering Welfare of a Child charge is the result of a 5 year old child and 4 week old infant living in the residence where narcotics were found. Sherwood was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Red Roof Inn, on Old Front Street in the Town of Dickinson Thursday, following the report of a patron destroying a room. 42-year-old Loretta Parliman is accused of causing about $1500.00 damage, she was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. Parliman was charged with Criminal Mischief, False Personation, & faces additional charges following the secretion of narcotics from a body cavity.

46-year-old Cindy Fortner of Homer is expected to plead guilty in Broome County Court this afternoon to Conspiracy, in connection with the abduction of her teenage daughters, Shaeleen & Kylea Fortner, from the Town of Binghamton. Prosecutors accused Fortner of arranging her daughters April 2015 abduction and was an accomplice along with 29-year-old Amanda Hellmann of Vestal, who already pleaded guilty to kidnapping & will serve 10 years in prison.

State Police stopped a Hyundai speeding at 83 miles per hour on State Route 17 this afternoon in the Town of Sanford. 20 year old Shymil McBee-Miles of Binghamton was driving a stolen vehicle that from Vestal. When Troopers approached the vehicle, McBee-Miles drove away, at a high rate of speed, fleeing the scene. McBee-Miles attempted to take exit 82's ramp at a high rate of speed, and crash the vehicle, which overturned & he was ejected from the vehicle and was arrested while attempting to crawl away. McBee-Miles was transported to Wilson Hospital for a knee injury. McBee-Miles was arraigned in the Town of Windsor court for criminal possession of stolen property, He was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set, additional charges pending.

The Village of Sidney Police Department announced that on Monday, the Main Street railroad crossing will be closed to traffic for repairs. Reopening of the railroad crossing will be sometime on Tuesday. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

Governor Cuomo today announced that maple syrup production in New York has increased by 18%, breaking last year’s 70-year production record by more than 100,000 gallons and maintaining the state’s standing as the second leading producer behing Vermont, of fresh maple syrup in the nation. New York’s maple farmers produced more than 700,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2016, due to warmer-than-normal temperatures, which allowed for an extended season.

Area School district will be holding their Graduation Exercises this weekend. Tonight, Charlotte valley & Windsor will hold their graduation ceremonies at 6:30, at 7:00 PM, graduations will be held for seniors of Afton, Deposit, Franklin, Milford, Morris, Unatego & Laurens. On Saturday AT 10:00 am, Ceremonies will begin for Sidney, Greene, Harpursville, Norwich, & Walton, at 10:30 for Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, at 10:45 for Oneonta, & 11:00 AM for Oxford Academy. Saturday afternoon graduation ceremonies will be held for Unadilla Valley at 2:00 PM & Saturday night for Bainbridge-Guilford Seniors at 7:00 PM. Edmeston seniors will graduate on Sunday afternoon.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s department responded to a burglary in progress at 268 Round Pond Road in the Town of Smithville Thursday morning. A Sheriff’s Deputy and members of the Greene Police Department discovered a male suspect in the residence, at 11:15 AM, officers noticed smoke coming from the rear of the residence and called for fire department response. The suspect jumped through a window at the rear of the residence in an attempt to escape & suffered injuries. 26-year-old Adam King of Smithville was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City; he was released to the custody of the Sheriff's department. The fire was caused extensive damage to the residence, & is considered to be a total loss. King was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Arson & Criminal Mischief, and he was arraigned this morning in the Town of Smithville Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported burglary Tuesday at the Canasawacta Country Club, a suspect had stolen cash and a golf cart; a second golf cart had been stolen previously. Deputies discovered a golf cart in a ditch in the area of Owens Road in Plymouth. 21 year old Jeremiah Garbett of Plymouth was arrested, The stolen cash and both stolen golf carts were recovered, Garbett was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 to reappear at a later date.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on 1 count of 3rd degree Assault. Ann Myrick was charged, for allegedly knocking a 66-year-old victim to the ground in Bill’s Diner in Norwich, causing serious physical injury. Myrick was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

State Police reported that I-88 was closed in both directions after a tractor-trailer's gas tanks caught fire when they were hit by a car, that was avoiding a deer carcass in the roadway. The accident occurred at about 7:45 this morning in the town of Otego between exits 12 and 13 where the eastbound lanes were closed and the westbound lanes are divided to allow traffic in both directions. Troopers reported that in spite of the fire, the unidentified driver was not injured; the driver of the car was treated for minor injuries. State police reported that the Highway has been reopened this afternoon.

Governor Cuomo & State Leaders announced an agreement on a 5 Point Ethics Reform Plan to toughen election, lobbying, and ethics enforcement laws, including legislation to curb the power of independent expenditure campaigns from the 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United ruling, Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented about the ethics reform package:

(Crouch 6-20-16)

The Plan includes the nation's strongest independent expenditure reforms to end coordination in political campaigns, Pension Forfeiture for convicted lawmakers, First Time Disclosure Requirements for Political Consultants, Lobbying Disclosure Reforms & Issue Advocacy Reforms

Delaware County Deputies arrested 78-year-old Sidney Cunningham of Unadilla for DWI & failure to keep right, following a 1-car accident on Dunshee Road in the Town of Sidney. Cunningham was released on his appearance tickets to the Town of Sidney Court on July 14th.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 68-year-old Earl Eaton of Greene, Saturday following an accident on Pigeon Hill Road in the Town of Fenton. Deputies responded to the report of a car hitting into a tree, Eaton was transported to an hospital for evaluation, Eaton was charged with DWI, Unreasonable speed, Failure to maintain lane, & driving left of pavement markings, he will answer to the charges in Town of Fenton Court at a later date.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of the “New York State Terror Registry," which would require anyone convicted of state or federal crimes of terrorism to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and would make their non-confidential information available to the public. The bill is modeled after Megan’s Law, which established the New York State Sex Offender Registry. The bill has been sent to the assembly.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office & Walton Police executed a search warrant at 8 Benton Avenue, Walton, Thursday, which led to the seizure of Suboxone and marihuana. Deputies arrested 32-year-old Donald Debrock, and 21 year old Nicolette Fischetti for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Debrock and Fischetti were arraigned in the Walton Village Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash bail pending further action in that court.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council will hold a presentation today at 4:00 PM in the conference room at the Oneonta Hampton Inn. Professor Jeff Freedman of Albany University will discuss wind and solar energy possibilities for the city.

State DOT Officials announced that I-88 between exits 12 & 13 has been closed following a tractor-trailer accident with a fuel spill this morning. DOT Spokesman Dave Hamburg explains:

(Dave Hamburg 6-20-16)

Hamburg said that fuel spill; he said that the accident occurred in the construction zone where all traffic had been diverted to one side of the highway. WCDO News will have updates as soon as they become available.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 42-year-old Frederick Damiano of Masonville, for endangering the Welfare of a Child & criminal mischief, after an investigation of a domestic incident. Damiano was arraigned in Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail; he is scheduled to appear at the Town of Masonville Court at a later date.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require a long-term lane closure on the State Route 17 east ramp to Interstate 81 north in the City of Binghamton. Starting at 9:00 AM today, the ramp to I-81 will be reduced to 1 lane to install pavement markings associated with the new long-term traffic pattern, to construct a new pier for the future I-81 north/State Route 17 west Flyover Bridge. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

The village of Unadilla will hold their annual Flag Day parade &they will follow that with a dedication of their new veterans memorial tonight. Unadilla Village Mayor Dave Welch explains:

(Dave Welch 6-14-16)

Mayor Welch said that those interested in being in the parade should begin lining up between 5:30 & 6:00 PM, the parade should start at 7:00 PM and the ceremony will begin at approximately 7:45 PM.

Governor Cuomo & state lawmakers have a few issues left to deal with in the last days of the 2016 session. Cuomo specifically mentioned Combating the heroin epidemic; increasing access to breast cancer screening and treatment; Passing comprehensive ethics reform; Combating Citizens United; and Updating the Alcohol Beverage Control Law.

The Town of Unadilla Board meeting originally scheduled for today has been rescheduled for this Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Unadilla town hall on State route 7. The meeting was moved in order to avoid interference with the Village Flag Day Parade.

The Delaware county sheriffs department responded to a 3-car personal injury accident in Stamford yesterday. 23-year-old Kevin Matthew of New City crossed the double yellow line on State Route 23, striking a vehicle operated by 37-year-old William Eklund of Stamford. The force of the collision forced Eklund's vehicle to hit a parked car, which was occupied by 62-year-old Margaret Smith of Otego. All involved were taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for treatment, Mathew was ticketed for failure to keep right, speed not reasonable & Prudent, he will face court action on June 27th.

State Police responded to the report Sunday night of a man who jumped off of a highway overpass onto Interstate 88 in Oneonta, in an apparent suicide attempt. The victim was airlifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City with a variety of injuries; the victims name & address are not being released.

Governor Cuomo & state leaders announced an agreement on legislation to improve rail safety measures across New York State. The agreement includes a series of initiatives that will reduce the risk of train-motor vehicle collisions at grade crossings across the State. The new initiatives will require coordinated, frequent inspections of traffic control devices at highway-rail crossings and impose penalties on railroad companies and repeat offender drivers who continue to disobey the law and ignore important safety requirements.

The New York State Office of General Services will hold a surplus vehicle auction today at Troop C State Police Headquarters on State Route 7 starting at 9:30 AM. information on specific items and terms of sale, please visit www.nysstore.com.

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.

State Police arrested 53-year-old Kenneth Hines of Brooklyn for aggravated unlicensed operation and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Hines speeding at 92 mph, when the posted speed limit is 65 mph, on Interstate 81 southbound in the Town of Barker. An investigation determined his New York driving record showed him having 57 suspensions and revocations on 20 separate dates. Hines was arraigned in the adjoining Town of Fenton court and was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time. His next court date in the Town of Barker court is pending.

Sidney Village Police arrested a local couple on drug & weapons charges. Police arrested 41-year-old Elizabeth Roettger (Rote-te-ger) for criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and controlled substance not in its original container, and 42-year-old Christopher Roettger for criminal possession of a weapon unlawful possession of marijuana. Both were arraigned in Sidney Village court & were remanded to the Delaware County jail on $5,000 Cash Bail & $10,000 bond.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the names of the persons involved in the fatal accident on East Maine Road on May 8th. 32-year-old Thomas Steyer of Binghamton was operating a Cadillac Escalade on East Maine Road; he collided with a Toyota Camry operated by 17-year-old Jontay Card of Binghamton, causing significant damage and multiple injuries. The front seat passenger in the Toyota, 17-year-old Dashaen Pabon of Endicott suffered a serious head injury and was transported to Wilson Hospital. The rear seat passenger, 4-year-old Samrya Oakley, of Johnson City suffered traumatic injuries and died at the scene. Both Steyer & Card were transported to Wilson Hospital for head injuries, Steyer was treated and released. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

State Police arrested 43-year-old Donald Card of Endwell for robbery, intimidating a witness & unlawful possession of marihuana. Troopers responded to a report of a robbery at home on Delaware Avenue in the Town of Union, last Thursday night, where Card had allegedly forcibly took a wallet with money and valuables from a victim in a wheelchair and fled the scene. Troopers responded to the same location early Friday Morning as Card had returned and was threatening the victim, broke a window & fled the scene. Card was arrested at his home, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time.

After a spate of lawmakers breaking the law over the last 20 years, lawmakers have not passed any meaningful legislation. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 5-9-16)

Crouch said that he favors legislation that calls for the forfeiture of pensions of convicted lawmakers, complete transparency with regards to all campaign contributions and term limits on leadership & committee chairmanship positions.

The Otsego County District Attorney's Office reported the arrest of 45-year-old Kevin Blush of Milford for 2nd degree rape & child endangerment. Blush is accused of performing sexual acts with a female under the age of 15; he was arraigned in the Town of Hartwick and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $5,000 bail. He faces court action on May 11th. A temporary order of protection was issued for the victim.

The Sidney Planning Board will hold a “Meeting in Public” this evening at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in room 202 at the Civic Center, the work session is being held to continue work on the Town of Sidney Zoning Local Law

State Senator Jim Seward announced a $50,000 state grant he secured to help with improvements at Copes Corners Park in the Town of Butternuts. The capital funding has been used to help with improvements to the park's bathroom facilities, pavilions, and purchase of playground equipment, it was included in the 2015-16 state budget and secured by Senator Seward through the New York State and Municipal Facilities Program.

The city of Oneonta will be milling, paving & striping the Westcott Lot over the next 3 days. Today, crews are milling & hauling away old asphalt, Tuesday crews will be paving with a hot new asphalt mix, and striping is expected on Wednesday, more information is available at 432-6465.

The town of Unadilla officials announced that Butternut Road is closed today. Crews are oil & stoning the road, they expect to have the project completed at around 4:00 this afternoon.

Funeral arrangements for former State Senator Tom Libous have been scheduled for this Saturday. Libous died Tuesday following a lengthy battle with Cancer, at the age of 63. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Holy Family at 10 a.m. Saturday. The family will receive friends and relatives at the church from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at 3600 Phyllis Street in Endwell.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 34 Year old Jodi Babcock of Unadilla, on a Sealed Indictment Warrant charging her with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Babcock was arrested at the Chenango County Correctional Facility where she is being held on another drug charge. Babcock is accused of selling heroin in the Village of Sidney on two occasions; she was remanded back to the Chenango County Correction Facility on $30,000 cash bail and $60,000 bond. The Sidney Police Department was assisted by the New York State Police.

State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit arrested 25-year-old Matthew Kimball of Utica; on 1 count of Sexual Abuse, following an investigation of an incident that occurred on March 11, 2016, at Motel 6, on Upper Front St., Town of Chenango. Kimball was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and released on his own recognizance pending further court action. The suspect and victim are students who are currently enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College; anyone with information on the case can call state police at (315) 366-6106.

The Mohawk Valley & Central New York Regional Economic Development Councils award winning projects are sparking economic activity in the 2 regions, Assemblyman Bill Magee's district overlaps into bight of those councils, and he described the projects already underway:

(Magee 5-5-16)

The Cuomo administration will once again award regional economic development awards later this year to keep promoting economic development projects forwarded by local leaders in each region.

The Copes Corners Park Committee of the Town of Butternuts is seeking vendors for its second annual Spring Fest, to be held at the park on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. Vendor registration forms are available on the park's website, copescornerspark.org or at 783-2905 or 783-2518. The event will feature family activities throughout the day, and it will conclude with a concert by Tumbleweed Highway, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The village of Sidney is holding their annual spring clean up events. Friday & Saturday, computers, phones, radios, TV’s metal, & appliances tires without rims will be collected from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each day at the village Garage on Sherman Avenue. Village crews will collect brush, leaves, grass clippings & hedge trimmings that are placed by the curb by Monday morning at 7:00 AM. More information is available at villageofsidney.org.

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

Former Town of Tompkins Supervisor & Delaware County Budget Director Perry Shelton has died at the age of 97. Shelton led the fight against the New York City Watershed Regulations from 1991 through 1997, resulting in the Watershed agreement signed by then Governor George Pataki; he also co-founded the Sidney Federal Credit Union. Calling Hours will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, at Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty Street in Sidney.

State Police were dispatched Thursday to the Hancock Central School for a report of a 16 year old former student, displaying a knife and making threats to an 11 year old student. State Police investigated & then arrested the 16 year old unidentified suspect for Menacing & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, he was arraigned at the Village of Hancock Court and released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued for the victim.

Oneonta Police Department arrested 25-year-old Leonard Funderbunk of Buffalo, for allegedly breaking windows of 3 Main Street Businesses. Funderbunk was charged with 3 counts of 3rd degree criminal mischief, he faces court action shortly on the charges.

Drunk drivers convicted of certain alcohol-related offenses are not always being reported for attempting to operate their vehicles while under the influence or for tampering with the court-ordered ignition interlock device in their vehicles, according to an audit issued today by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli’s audit examined compliance with state regulations in six counties, including Otsego County. DiNapoli’s auditors found that none of the six counties consistently provided notifications to the courts and district attorneys of operators with negative activity. Auditors also revealed that 66 individuals, who indicated they owned or operated a vehicle, did not comply with program regulations because they either installed the devices late or did not install them at all. County officials did not report 50 of those cases.

Governor Cuomo today announced $57 million in Weatherization Assistance Program funds that will help cut utility costs for nearly 8,000 low-income families and seniors across the state. The funds are being released to a statewide network of non-profit organizations to conduct energy-efficiency work including but not limited to air sealing, insulation, upgrading heating systems, and diagnostic testing to identify hazards such as carbon monoxide and mold to ensure air quality.

The Department of Environmental Conservation won't issue a water quality permit for the Constitution Pipeline. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline project in 2014 contingent on the state permit, which is required by the federal Clean Water Act. Constitution Pipeline Company officials will appeal the state decision to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

A traffic stop by Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies in the Village of Delhi Thursday, led to the arrest of 52 year old Leland Liddle of Andes, Deputies discovered more than 30 bags of heroin in the vehicle. Liddle was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, failure to keep right, failing to notify the DMV of an address change & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Investigators then executed a search warrant and also arrested 31-year-old Sean Dingle of Queens on charges of Criminal Possession and criminal sale of a Controlled Substance, Liddle and the child were observed in a vehicle waiting for Dingle in the Unadilla Fishing Access parking lot.. Liddle was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $250,000 cash bail pending further court action.

A Town of Sherburne resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Friday for Menacing, Criminal Mischief, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Deputies arrested John Bush of Sherburne, following a report of a domestic dispute, where Bush allegedly struck his girlfriend and damaged her property, in the presence of a child. Bush was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 66 Year old Earl Higgins of Unadilla, for 3rd degree menacing. Sidney Police Department received a 911 call Tuesday morning, reporting a man with a gun at the Sidney Primary Care Office at 39 Pearl Street West in the village. Sidney Police & State Police responded, the Offices was evacuated and locked down, Higgins is acused of making comments to staff about having a gun, that caused staff to feel threatened. No gun was located and Higgins was arrested, he was arraigned at the Sidney Village Court and posted $500 cash bail.

Republican Presidential candidate John Kasich announced that he will be coming to Utica on Friday, April 15. Kasich's campaign confirms he will make a campaign stops in watertown Friday mornign at 10:00 AM, and then at Mohawk Valley Community College's in Utica at 2:00. Kasich is third among the 3 Republican candidates in the number of delegates, he & Donald Trump & Ted cruz, plus Democrats Hillary Clinton & Bernie Sanders are making the rounds prior to the New york STtye Primaries on April 19th.

The Walton Central School District is hosting a discussion today regarding the continuing heroin & opiod crisis. organizers said that the event is a free event for the entire community, with a panel of experts, at the Walton High School with Pizza at 5:30pm, & the Event from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Governor Cuomo today announced the final report and recommendations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Working Group, which is a group of alcoholic beverage industry experts who assembled to review ways to modernize and simplify New York's 80-year old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The changes will support continued growth in the craft beverage and agriculture industries which are key elements of "Southern Tier Soaring," blueprint to generate economic growth locally. The Working Group agreed to recommendations to reorganize the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, Consolidate the number of Licenses currently used to authorize the sale of alcohol, Modernize the state's Blue Laws& provide support to the growing number of Craft Manufacturers. the report can be accessed at governor.ny.gov.

The new state budget contains a total of $44.46 Million dollars in funds for highway & bridge repairs in the 51 state Senate District covered by State Senator Jim Seward. Delaware & Chenango counties will each have over 2.6 million dollars earmarked for projects, Otsego County will get more than 3.7 million dollars in funding.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators arrested 2 Walton residents on Sealed Indictment Warrants charging them with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. A Delaware County Grand Jury accused 38 year old James Klinegardner, & 31 year old Amanda Bicknell of Walton, of selling methamphetamine in Walton in January. Klinegardner is charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance & Bicknell is charged with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Klinegardner and Bicknell, are being held in the Delaware County Jail on bail from their January arrests, they were arraigned in Delaware County Court Tuesday & they were each remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on an additional $50,000 cash bail.

U.S. Senator & Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz of Texas is expected to make a campaign stop in Binghamton this Friday. No location or time has been announed as of yet, Cruz will also stop in Syracuse, Buffalo & Rochester during his swing through upstate, prior to the New York Primary on April 19th. Republicans Donald Trump was in Rome Tuesday afternoon, & John Kasich will appear in Watertown on Friday.

State Police arrested 30 year old Nicole Archer of Binghamton for 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, after an investigation which determined that Archer had used illegal narcotics in front of her two children while at home in Kirkwood. Archer was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Kirkwood court on April 19th,  were advised and the children stayed with a family relative.

The sentencing of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has been re-scheduled for exactly the same time as that of ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Men were convicted in federal court of abusing their power for personal gain, they will be sentenced at 10:00 AM on April 13th in Manhattan federal court, and Skelos will be sentenced with his son, Adam.

State Senator Fred Akshar announced that the next meeting of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction is at the Chenango Valley High School Auditorium, today at 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Senator Akshar told WCDO about this meeting:

(Akshar 4-13-16)

Oral testimony is limited to the panel, but members of the public are asked to please provide their written comments on the heroin & opioid issue in person at the public meeting or online at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov

Work is beginning on restoring miles of track bed for the Utica Mainline railroad in Chenango County, which was heavily damaged in the 2006 floods. Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango & The Chenango IDA told WCDO News where the money is coming from to pay for the project:

(Steve Craig 4-7-16)

Craig said that they expect to see freight trains coming through Chenango County again in the spring or summer of 2017.

Governor Cuomo announced $20 million to support Binghamton University in its leading role as home to new NextFlex Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute. The state’s $20 million commitment, from the Southern Tier’s $500 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative, will support the retrofitting of space in the former IBM facility in Endicott, it is expected to create up to 200 academic and private sector jobs, & up to 1,000 new jobs over the five years of the Flex Tech Alliance Program.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office stopped $25 million in questionable or fraudulent personal income tax refunds from being paid so far in 2016. DiNapoli’s office paid out 4.5 million state refunds totaling $4.2 billion. Another 152,000 refunds totaling $134 million are expected to be paid in the coming days. The average state tax refund from the state is $840.

Christopher Winkler of Unadilla has conceded the tied race for the Unadilla Village Board seat, to Jeff Jones. Both Jones & Winkler received the same number of votes for the seat in the March village election, leaving local officials looking for answers from county or state election law on how to handle the tie. The race could have been decided with another election, a drawing, or the concession of one of the candidates to the other.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a personal injury head-on collision Tuesday involving a tractor trailer and a car on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, just south of Peakes Brook Road. The tractor trailer driver, 30 year old Michael Thompson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania attempted to pull into a parking lot when he struck a car being driven by 56 year old Tammie Wycoff of Grand Gorge. Wycoff and her passenger were transported to O’Connor Hospital with minor injuries and were later released. Thompson was issued a traffic summons for moving from lane unsafely, he faces court action in Town of Delhi Court on April 25th.

The Greater Chenango Cares IRT event will again be occurring in Norwich this summer. The 10 day initiative that will offer no cost medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care for children and adults in our region. The event is being led this year by the Chenango United Way and its volunteers and is occurring because of a partnership between many local health and human service organizations, local government agencies and the Department of Defense. The event will run from Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 24 and will be held once again at the Norwich High School. Last July, 171 service personnel, both active and reserve service members, came to our community to provide medical, dental, vision and veterinary services as a training exercise and as a way to give back to local communities.

57 year old John Guzy of Bainbridge was found guilty of 15 of 17 counts including 2nd degree murder, attempted murder in Chenango County Court Wednesday, by Judge Frank Revoir.  Guzy was found guilty of shooting and killing 26-year-old Derek Prindle of Afton, in October 2014 on route 7 in Bainbridge.  Guzy also shot & wounded Prindle’s father during a confrontation following a road rage incident that ended in front of Peak Fitness.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 people for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamines in the town of Dickinson Wednesday morning. Deputies arrested Matthew Najarian and Jessica Palmatier. For operating a one pot meth operation at a gas station in Dickinson, the gas station had to be shut down for several hours to remove the hazardous meth making materials. Palmatier and Najarian were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Eric Hesse Delivers Regional Budget Briefing this morning in Oneonta. Hesse will deliver the presentation at the Foothills Performing Arts Center at 24 Market Street at 9:00 AM

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today, the meeting will be held in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM.

Village elections were held Tuesday across New York State. In the village of Unadilla, Paul Baldwin wins 1 trustee seat, the second seat, results were tied between Jeff Jones & Christopher Winkler, The Otsego County Board of elections will try to determine how to pick a winner for that seat. In the Bainbridge Mayor's Race, Philip Wade defeated Steven Eisenberg, 99-82, Wade told WCDO News about his plans:

(Phillip Wade 3-16-16)

Bainbridge trustee seats will be filled by outgoing Mayor Chick Darling, as well as Erik Barnard & Timothy Mayes. In Morris, write in candidate Rush French wins a trustee seat. In Gilbertsville, Douglas Tobey was on the ballot for 1 of the 2 trustee seats; Write-in Christina Strain won the other seat with 2 write-in votes.

Both Houses of the State Legislature have forwarded their budget proposals for eventual negotiations by conference committees, Assemblyman Bill Magee chairs the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he said that some but not all of the Agriculture cuts from the Governor have been restored in the Assembly Budget:

(Magee 3-16-16)

Magee said that he fully expects the budget to be passed by the April 1st deadline again this year.

Delhi police arrested 55 year old Ernest Orts of Herkimer & 53 year old Ralph Reid of Florida were charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records, following an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the state Attorney General's Office. Orts and Reid are accused of making false entries and adjustments to account ledgers between 2006 and 2012 while operating the Countryside Care Center in Delhi. The pair were arraigned at the Delhi Town Court and released on their own recognizance.

State Police & the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 4 Andes residents for the felony burglary. The arrests resulted from the investigation into 12 reported burglaries at seasonal residences throughout Delaware County over the course of several months. Police recovered over 100 pieces of stolen property, arrested were 39 year old Robert Weaver, 28 year old James Stratton, 26 year old Brett Trombley and 20 year old Korey Bush. All 4 were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 bond.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Police executed a search warrant at the East Hubbell Hill Road, Town of Middletown, at the residence of 24-year-old Lucas Labumbard and 20 year old Anna Bubko. The search led to the seizure of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone tablets and more than $1400 in cash. The pair are accused of forcibly entering Miller’s Drug Store in Margaretville, between the night of February 1st and the morning of February 2nd and stealing prescription narcotics Labumbard and Bubko were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Burglary, Both were arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and were remanded them to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The DEC reminds New Yorkers that with warming temperatures and dry conditions, residential brush burning in towns with less than 20,000 residents is prohibited Today through May 14. With the lack of snow cover over much of the state and unseasonably warm temperatures forecasted, experts believe conditions for wild fires will be heightened in the coming weeks. DEC posts a fire danger rating forecast map on a daily basis on its website at dec.ny.gov.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting this morning. The meeting will begin at 8:15 at green's Long River Inn.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Gregory Flanagan of Oneonta for felony DWI and several other traffic tickets Saturday. Flanagan was observed moving from his lane unsafely as he was driving on State Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that he was driving while intoxicated. This arrest was a felony because Flanagan has a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. He refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. Flanagan was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Oneonta is on April 7, 2016.

The sentencing of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has been re-scheduled for exactly the same time as that of ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Men were convicted in federal court of abusing their power for personal gain, they will be sentenced at 10:00 AM on April 13th in Manhattan federal court, and Skelos will be sentenced with his son, Adam.

Over the past 10 years, state aid to school districts has increased $6 billion to $23.3 billion in 2015-16, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Over the past decade, school aid has averaged 23.6 percent of state-funded expenditures. The Division of the Budget projects this share to increase to 25.6 percent over the next three years. This year's Executive Budget proposes a total school funding increase of $991 million, including $266 million in Foundation Aid and the elimination of the GEA entirely for 200 mostly high need districts and reducing it by at least 30 percent for the remaining districts. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50-year-old Clifton Brooks for multiple drug related offenses in the Town of Norwich. Brooks was brought to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on drug related charges by the Village of Greene Police Department, While being processed into the facility, Correctional Officers located Crack Cocaine and Heroin, some of which was in a foot bandage. Brooks was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Introducing Prison Contraband, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he is being held in the Chenango County Jail and will appear in the Town of Norwich Court for arraignment Thursday.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced their 7th Annual Golf Tournament will be held Friday, May 20th at the Ouleout Golf Course in Franklin. Lunch ill be served at 11:30, Tee Time is 12:30 PM, More information is available at 432-2022 Or 432-8006

Village elections are being held today, with key races locally in Bainbridge & Unadilla. Polling places are open until 9:00 tonight,

The State Senate has wrapped up their Budget proposal in Albany, Local State Senator Jim Seward responds:

(Seward 3-15-16)

The State Assembly was also wrapping up their version of the Annual Budget Proposal on Monday, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that he felt there was not enough money earmarked in that plan to fight the heroin epidemic:

(Crouch 3-15-16)

The Senate Budget & Assembly Budget will next be negotiated in Conference committees, a budget is expected to be completed by the April 1st Deadline.

The Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County is sponsoring a free educational forum, “Let’s Talk-Mental Health Awareness” tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the O’Neil High School at 47-49 Stockton Avenue Walton. There will be refreshments and a resource fair at 6pm and the presentation and panel discussion will begin at 6:30pm. More information on the event or about the Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County is available at 832-5200.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau announces that today is National Agriculture Day, with an event in Norwich this morning. The event will be from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, 24 Rexford St. Norwich. This year’s theme is: “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet”

A trial date has been set for April 4th in Chenango County Court for 57 year old John Guzy, who is accused of fatally shooting 26 year old Derek Prindle of Afton and shooting & wounding his father Derek S. Prindle on State Route 7 in Bainbridge on October 27th in 2014. Guzy has waived his right to a jury trial; the presiding judge will decide his fate.

Governor Cuomo is inviting New Yorkers to an Open House at the Executive Mansion on Sunday, March 27th to celebrate Easter Sunday. Visitors and their families will be welcome to tour the Executive Mansion, meet the Governor, and participate in an inaugural Easter egg hunt. All adults over the age of 16 wishing to attend must have a ticket. Individuals who receive tickets will be allowed to bring 1 guest and any underage children from their household. The registration period takes place at governor.ny.gov until Friday, March 18th at 5:00 PM. The Open House will be held from 1:30PM to 3:30PM on March 27th.

19-year-old Jonathan Garcia pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in Broome County Court today. Garcia was charged with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder, 2 counts of robbery and 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon for the shooting death of Jamaal Moses in Binghamton on February 14th. Garcia was apprehended in Florida & was returned to New York, he was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 268 in the Town of Tompkins, they arrested 36 year old Thomas Evans of Walton for speeding, improper passing, aggravated unlicensed operation, & Criminal Possession of controlled substance. Evans was arranged and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail pending court action in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Ronald Sanford of Middletown for criminal mischief. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of a domestic dispute that occurred on March 11, in the Town of Middletown. During a verbal argument, the victim attempted to get into her car and driveway, Sanford allegedly grabbed a large rock and threw it at her car twice, causing over $4000 damage. Sanford was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Middletown court on March 16, 2016.

Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced that the Sunday Fundraiser at Danny's Restaurant in Walton netted nearly $30,000 for the K-9 program. The K-9 unit has become increasingly important as the county battles the ongoing drug problem. Sheriff Mills stated that the money raised would be used for the continuance of the K9 unit & the upkeep for "Ozzie"

Village elections will be held tomorrow, with some races of local interest. In Bainbridge, Phillip Wade & Steven Eisenberg are running, as Chick Darling has decided to step aside & pursue a village trustee position. Others running for village trustee positions in Bainbridge are Timothy Mayes, Edward Gorton & Erik Barnard. In Unadilla, Christopher Winkler, Paul Baldwin & Jeff Jones are running for 2 trustee positions, Dave Welch is running unopposed for Mayor. In Sidney, Thomas Ford is running unopposed for a village trustee position.

Governor Cuomo announced $26 million is now available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program to help farmers protect valuable and at-risk farmland. The  Grant program is part of the Environmental Protection Fund, which Governor Cuomo's 2016 Executive Budget proposal has more than doubled, to $300 million. Municipalities, counties, soil and water conservation districts and land trusts are eligible to apply at agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html.

State Police have announced a 2nd arrest in connection with the April 2015 kidnapping of KyLea Fortner and her sister Shaeleen Fitch-Fortner. the teens were found last week at 327 Torrance Avenue, Vestal, at the home of 29 year old Amanda Hellman, who was charged with 2nd degree kidnapping. on Friday, the girls mother, 36 Year old Cindy Fortner of Homer was also charged with 2nd degree Kidnapping, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. Anyone with information is requested to contact 775-1241. The investigation is continuing.

Sidney Police Department arrested 62-year-old Thaddeus David of Oneonta, and 37-year-old Lisa Dougherty of Sidney, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, following a traffic stop Thursday night. Police officers located and seized 100 packets of heroin; David and Dougherty were arraigned in Sidney Village Court. David was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail, Dougherty was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 secured bond. Sidney Police Officers were assisted by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, K-9 “Ozzie”, Delaware County Probation, State Police and State Parole division.

Oneonta Police Detectives, State Police BCI, & the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department arrested 39 year old Ernesto Santiago of Oneonta for 1st degree Robbery, 1st degree Burglary, Criminal use of a Firearm & Menacing. The charges followed an investigation from an incident in early January in the city of Oneonta, the investigation is still ongoing.

The Binghamton Senators have partnered with the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier and "Do It For Daron" for the "Power to the Purple Night" on Saturday night when they host the Rochester Americans at 7:05 PM. All fans are encouraged to wear purple to the game in support of youth mental health. The event was created in honor of Daron Richardson, the 14-year-old daughter of B-Sens head coach Luke Richardson, who lost her life to suicide in November 2010. Her favorite color was purple. tickets can be purchased at 722-SENS, at the B-Sens Executive Office at the Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. more information on the Power to the Purple event and youth mental health, is available at yourmha.com and difd.com.

The Ice Harvest Festival at Hanford Mills Museum will be held Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm. The annual Festival celebrates a winter activity that was essential in the years before refrigeration. At the Ice Harvest Festival, children and adults can walk out on the frozen mill pond to cut and maneuver blocks of ice using historic tools.

The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 pm Classes are taught by Matthew Wilson, current Norwich Middle School art teacher and practicing local artist. All classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council’s art classroom #107, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-2787 or chenangoarts.org.

The Sidney Chamber of commerce is taking nomination for the Annual "Citizen of The Years" & "Business of the Years" awards. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(Stephanie Taylor 2-5-16)

Taylor said that the Sidney Chamber nomination forms are available at the newly revamped website they are due back to the Chamber office by March 10th, the winners will be honored at the Annual dinner on June 3rd.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting on Tuesday, February 16th at Touch of Elegance, 187 Main Street, Unadilla at 6:00 pm. The Unadilla Chamber has set the date for its Annual Dinner on Sunday, April 17 at the Unadilla United Methodist Church. The Unadilla Chamber will honor a business of the year and present the Good Neighbor Award. Nominations are being accepted by contacting unadillachamber@yahoo.com or by calling Anna Ritchey at 563-1104.

State Police responded to the report of a Loading Dock Accident at Stericycle on Lower River Street in Oneonta Thursday Morning. Troopers reported that John Murphy of Oneonta was killed at 5:19 AM; Workers were backing up a truck to offload material when Murphy became stuck between the trailer and the loading dock, causing him to be crushed. Murphy was killed instantly, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

22-Year-old Cassandra Goodspeed of Oneonta was arrested for allegedly possessing 9.6 pounds of marijuana following a burglary investigation. Goodspeed was charged with Criminal possession of marijuana & Criminal possession of a controlled substance, following a Police investigation of a Burglary at 73 Center Street Monday. Police seized concentrated cannabis, & 9.6 pounds of marijuana, & $2,377 in cash. The investigation into the burglary is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo today directed the New York State Department of Health to expand the free Zika virus-testing program for all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the infection is ongoing, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. These actions follow Monday’s announcement of free testing for symptomatic individuals and an information line at 1-888-364-4723, for the public and healthcare providers to learn more about the virus.

State Senator Jim Seward, & Assemblyman Bill Magee attended the ceremony today at Hartwick College, as they celebrated the Opening of the Hartwick College’s Center for Craft Food & Beverage. State Senator Jim Seward give WCDO News his impressions after touring the laboratory set up:

(Seward 1-22-16)

Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich said that the idea stemmed from a Hartwick student working as an intern at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown 3 years ago, it snowballed into the $250,000 legislative grant that led to the establishment of the Center:

(Drugovich 1-22-16)

Assemblyman Magee noted that New York state has experienced a renaissance in craft brewing thanks to new state laws that he helped author, that now allows for micro breweries, farm Breweries & Cideries to open across the state.

Governor Cuomo announced the New York State Public Service Commission's approval of a 10-year, $5 billion Clean Energy Fund to accelerate the growth of New York's clean energy economy, address climate change, strengthen resiliency in the face of extreme weather and lower energy bills for New Yorkers starting this year. Additionally, the fund will attract and leverage third-party capital to support the Governor's aggressive Clean Energy Standard, one of the nation's most ambitious goals to meet 50 percent of our electricity needs with renewable resources by 2030.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Walton man Thursday following their investigation of an accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi. 61-year-old Darren Pilch of Walton is accused of driving at an excessive speed when he lost control of his vehicle, which left the roadway and over turned. Pilch was transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, the investigation revealed that Pilch was intoxicated at the time of the accident and had been convicted in February 2015 of Driving with .08% or more Blood Alcohol Concentration. Deputies charged Pilch with 1 count of felony DWI, reckless driving, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent and unlawful possession of marihuana. Pilch was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond pending a future court appearance.

On Saturday, the Sidney High School will host the Association of Chenango Area Music Teachers Winter Music Festival at the Sidney High School. Sidney Music Teacher Greg Norris explains:

(Greg Norris 1-22-16)

The event will start at 4:00 PM at the Sidney High School Auditorium.

Several local agencies are partnering together to host a free career transition workshop for local Veterans and their family members to be held on Saturday, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton. The event is open to Veterans of all ages and their family members. Registration is available online at www.TheWedgeGroup.com by clicking on the Veterans link, or visit the Facebook page for the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton Outlines Governor Cuomo's 2016 State of the State Agenda in Norwich this morning. The presentation begins at 11:00 AM at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich.

On Saturday, a multi-agency active shooter drill will be conducted at the Unatego High School on State Route 7 in the Town of Otego. The drill will start at 8:30 AM and run Until 4:00 PM, It will be conducted by members of the State Police, Wells Bridge, Franklin, Otego, & Unadilla Fire Departments, Cooperstown Medical Transport, Life Net, Otsego County 911, Otsego County Emergency Management, & the Oneonta & Sidney EMS squads.

State Police at Binghamton responded to a 3 vehicle accident with a fatality on Interstate 81 northbound; near exit 2, in the Town of Kirkwood Thursday 37 year old Clever Agudo of Flushing was driving a tractor trailer when he struck the rear end of a Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 27 year old Kyle Shaffer of Endicott. Shaffer’s car struck the rear of a conversion van being driven by Theresa Mandigo, of Fort Edward, and then went off the shoulder of the roadway. Shaffer was pronounced deceased at the scene, no other injuries were reported, the investigation is continuing.

GOVERNOR CUOMO announced the confirmation of JANET DIFIORE as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and head of New York’s judicial branch. Judge DiFiore becomes the 2nd woman to lead the state’s highest court.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at Hartwick College in Oneonta, where he will be joined by Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich, Assemblyman Bill Magee, local officials, and representatives of craft food and beverage companies to officially open the Hartwick College Center for Craft Food and Beverage. Senator Seward will also announce special legislative funding to support the center. at 1:30 p.m.; at the Hartwick College Johnstone Science Center & Center for Craft Food and Beverage.

A possibility exists that the Village of Sidney could sell the Civic center on Liberty Street to a developer, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 1-22-16)

Matviak said that it makes sense to look at selling the building, as it has been costly to maintain.