WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-25

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 2-count indictment against 36 year old Benjamin Combes of New Lisbon, for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, & Predator Sexual Assault against a child. Combes is accused of engaging in acts of sexual conduct against a child less than 13 years old, he faces up to 25 years in prison and 20 years of post-release supervision, Combes is currently incarcerated in Otsego County for unrelated charges. He is scheduled to be transported to Delaware County Court for arraignment on January 28th. .

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a scam that has been circulating, where someone claims to be working with the Sheriff’s Office and asking for money for missing court dates. Sheriff Cutting announced that members of the Sheriff’s Office do not call asking for money regarding criminal matters, and anyone with further questions can call the Sheriff's Office at 607-334-2000

Governor Hochul is proposing $8 million dollars in her executive budget to strengthen security at the Northern Border by adding more state troopers:

(Hochul 1-24-25)

There have been increased numbers of illegal Immigrants crossing the norther border with Canada coming from Mexico & Central American Countries, and they are suspected of sneaking in illicit drugs, after crackdowns at the Southern Border.

22 school districts were designated in some level of fiscal stress under State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for the school year ending this June, up from 16 districts in fiscal stress last year. The low number of districts with stress designations largely reflects recent increases in state and federal aid, there were no districts within the WCDO listening on the list this year.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-25

State Police executed a search warrant at a property on Mudge King Road in the town of North Norwich Wednesday night as part of an investigation into possible animal neglect. Over 4 dozen animals were removed, including 30 horses, all animals were all in need of medical care & were taken to various animal rescue locations around the region, Police located multiple deceased animals on the property. The landowners are cooperating with State Police, who were assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Chenango County Office of Emergency Management, the Susquehanna SPCA, Chenango County SPCA, and numerous animal care professionals and advocates. The investigation is on-going.

The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved $273 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. Locally, Funding was approved for the City of Norwich for $4 million in grant and interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades, the Village of Sherburne receives $3.7 million grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

The State DEC announced $342,500 in grants were awarded to 17 municipalities across the state to purchase or lease zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles as part of the Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Rebate Program. The 2024 round of the program is making 17 awards to municipalities, Recipients of the 2024 rebate awards include the City of Binghamton, with $15,000 for 3 battery electric vehicles & the Town of Oneonta, with $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.

Various Law Enforcement Officials in Broome County joined with the Lindsey family, to express their opposition to the potential parole of James Wales, the convicted murderer of 12-year-old Cheri Lindsey in 1984. Wales was convicted for rape and murder, he has been denied parole 5 times since becoming eligible in 2017, he is scheduled for consideration by the New York State Parole Board.

The Oneonta Rotary & the Otsego County Department of Health announced the installation of 5 new Narcan Boxes throughout the county as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The vending machines are located in Cherry Valley, Edmeston, Cooperstown, and Richfield Springs, the Oneonta Narcan Box is located at the Elm Park Methodist Church.

The Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre and Gallery Presents The Kevin Prater Band Saturday night, Jericho Arts Council Spokesman Phil Wade Comments:

(Phil Wade)

Ticket Reservations are available by calling (607) 288-3882.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-19-22

State Lawmakers are getting a chance to see the Executive Budget proposal from Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Peter Oberacker told WCDO News of his initial impressions, and hopes for the state budget:

(Oberacker 1-19-22)

Assemblyman Joe Angelino also commented about the Governor's budget proposal:

(Angelino 1-19-22)

The budget, as unveiled by the Governor, totals 216.3 billion dollars, lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget passed on time.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported their 100th death from COVID 19 in their latest report. The County has had 5 deaths already this year, they reported 128 new cases, and they have 8 hospitalized and a positivity rate of 16.8% over the previous 7 days.

The State Department of Health today announced the publication of the largest comparative study of its kind on immunity to COVID-19 from vaccines and from previous infection. The study, based on 32 million cases, found that both vaccination and a prior infection provided protection against future infection and hospitalization. The study concluded that becoming vaccinated and staying up-to-date with booster doses remains the most effective and only recommended way to gain immunity to COVID-19. More information about the Department's study is available at health.ny.gov.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $12 million added to the Drive Clean Rebate program to help consumers save up to $2,000 on the purchase of an electric vehicle and $2.7 million awarded to local governments to purchase electric vehicles and install zero-emission charging stations for public use to address climate change. The Rebates range from $500 - $2,000, they are available on more than 60 models of vehicles and consumers receive higher rebates for the purchase or lease of longer range, all-electric vehicles with a base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of less than $42,000. More information is available at governor.ny.gov.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $420,000 in federal funding to develop and implement regional economic development strategies throughout New York State. The funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration and will promote public-private partnerships to diversify and strengthen regional economies in New York. The Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board receives $70,000 for the Development and implementation of economic development strategies for 8 counties, 129 towns, 54 villages and the cities of Binghamton, Ithaca, Cortland, Oneonta, and Norwich.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-19-22

State Police at Sidney are looking to identify a white male subject, who was caught on a surveillance camera at the Bainbridge Coin Laundry on West Main Street in the village of Bainbridge November 20th, and is a suspect in a larceny investigation. Anyone with information asked to call State Police at (607) 561-7400, pictures can be viewed on the state police Facebook page.

Bassett Healthcare Network temporarily suspends visitation to inpatient units across all of its hospitals beginning today. Network officials say the community virus spread around Central New York remains high with the Omicron variant, leading to measures to protect the safety and health of its patients and staff. The announcement affects A.O. Fox in Oneonta, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, more information is available at bassett.org.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department is searching for a
missing teenager from Port Crane.  15
year old Rebecca Sabrina Cortez left her parent's home in Port Crane last
night; she is described 5', 6" tall weighing between 115-120 pounds and
has dark hair with highlights in it.  She
was last seen wearing light brown pajama pants and a dark blue sweat
shirt.  Anyone with information should
contact the Broome County Sheriff's office at 778-1911, option 1 or the Broome
County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 778-1196.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon in
the Town of Bovina has tested positive for rabies. The rabid raccoon exposed 1
dog that was not up to date on its rabies vaccinations; Public Health is
working with the dog owner and Town of Bovina officials to implement six-month
quarantine on the dog. The Remaining 2019 rabies clinics in Delaware County are
listed at delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Governor Cuomo today announced $187 million in funding to
support 25 statewide projects that will protect and transform New York State's
health care system. This funding from the Statewide Health Care Facility
Transformation Program will improve patient care through the development of
high-quality medical facilities and programs serving the inpatient, primary
care, mental health, substance use disorder and long-term care needs of
communities throughout the State.  The
Southern Tier will get 11.5 Million Dollars.

Now that the Woodstock 50 festival has been completely
cancelled, fans who want to commemorate the original festival can still see a
series of concerts at the original Woodstock 1969 site, over the August 16th
through 18th Weekend.  Bethel Woods will
have the Ringo Starr All Star band August 16th, Santana & the Doobie
Brothers on Saturday August 17th, & John Fogerty on August 18th, Santana
& John Fogerty played at the original festival in 1969.  More information is available at
bethelwoodscenter.org.

Local law enforcement officers
will take to the rooftops of several Dunkin' restaurants Friday Morning for the
annual "Cops on Top" event in order to raise awareness and funds for
Special Olympics New York. Locally, Law enforcement agencies are participating
Friday morning at the Dunkin Donuts at 117 State Route 7 in Sidney.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing firefighters
and other emergency medical responders to remove animals in unattended motor
vehicles under conditions that endanger their health or well-being. This
legislation will help reduce wait times when calls are made to 911 that a pet
is in danger, especially in areas and at times when law enforcement or animal
control availability is limited. The bill goes into effect immediately.

State Police continue to search for 32-year-old Brandon
Williams of Endwell, who has not been heard from since March 5th. Williams was
last seen in the area of State Highway 38B and State Route 26 in Maine.  Williams is described as 6'2", 220
pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information can contact State Police at 775-1241.

The Sidney Village Planning Board's regularly scheduled
meeting for Today at 6:00 PM has been cancelled.  The next meeting will be held Thursday
September 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of
Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at the Jr-Sr High
School at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Investigation of Scott Lisincchia revealed that he had
drugs in his system, at the time when he was the driver in Schoharie limo crash
that killed 20 people last October.
Lisincchia reportedly had marijuana and traces of an anti-seizure
medication in his system; he was one of the 20 killed in the crash.  The owner of the Prestige Limo Service that
Lisincchia worked for, Nauman Hussein, faces grand jury proceedings
tomorrow.  The National Transportation
Safety Board and state police are continuing to investigate the crash.

State Attorney General Letitia James provided taxpayers with
tips to help avoid fraudulent tax schemes, and how to report any suspected
scams intended to steal personal and financial information.  Currently, Scammers are impersonating
representatives from the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, the Taxpayer
Advocate Service in an attempt to collect phony tax debts; & some Scammers
claim consumers owe past tax debts and insist that consumers pay using a
prepaid credit card or gift card;   New
Yorkers should report potential scams to the Office of the Attorney General by
submitting a complaint online or calling the consumer hotline at
1-800-771-7755.

The State Education Department needs to improve its efforts
to ensure school districts are following state requirements for school safety
planning, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Tom
DiNapoli.  The audit found that the Department
did not do enough to make certain that the requirements under the Safe Schools
Against Violence in Education Act were being met by school districts, many of
the districts could not demonstrate they had adopted annual safety plans, held
public hearings on the plans, or appointed required personnel to safety teams
or trained employees on the plans.

State Police continue to investigate the November 1983
murder of 19-year-old Bessie Williams of Johnson City, who was reported missing
to the Johnson City Police Department when she did not return home after
picking up her paycheck at the Quality Inn Lodge in Endwell.   On April 11, 1985, State Police responded to
a report of human skeletal remains near King Street in the Town of Barker.    A forensic examination determined the
remains were those of Bessie Williams, and the manner of death was
homicide.  State Police have been attempting
to identify a suspect whose vehicle was towed by citizens in the fall of 1983,
from a field bordering the wooded area where her remains were discovered, he
was described as an intoxicated white male, 25 - 30 years old, 5' 7" to
5'10" with medium build, wearing work boots, jeans and a blue wind
breaker, the vehicle was a late 1970s white hatchback.  Many leads have been followed up, the case is
still open.  Anyone with information is
asked can call State Police at 561-7400.

State DEC Officials remind New
Yorkers that there is a burn ban in the state through May 14.  Officials stated that open burning of
household trash releases dangerous compounds including arsenic, carbon
monoxide, formaldehyde, and lead, into the air, & that open burning is also
the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York, a few have already been
reported in the Mohawk Valley Region.
More information is available at dec.ny.gov/chemical.

State Police arrested 54 year old William Davis of Franklin
for DWI, after a trooper was dispatched to State Highway 357 in the town of
Sidney for a 1-car rollover.  The trooper
located Davis’s vehicle down an earth embankment and on its roof.  Davis was uncooperative with the trooper’s
investigation and did not want to be seen by EMS even though he had blood on
his face and hands,  He arrested &
arraigned in the town of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail
on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.  His
next court date in the town of Sidney is Thursday, He will also to appear at a
DMV refusal hearing on May 3, 2019 in the city of Oneonta.

State Police arrested 45 year old Steven Whitehead of
Unadilla for DWI, after a trooper observed Whitehead’s vehicle with an
equipment violation while on Interstate 88 in the town of Sidney.  A traffic stop was initiated on River Road,
Whitehead was arrested & was released on appearance tickets for town of
Sidney court on April 25th, and he was turned over to the village of Sidney
Police Department where he was wanted on a warrant.

The next meeting for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta
committees will be held this evening at 7:00 PM.  The meetings will be held at Galaxy Bowl in
Bainbridge.

Sidney Village Police announced the arrest of 2 people Tuesday, after they executed a search warrant along with State Police. An 18 year old Sidney youth was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Assault, Endangering the welfare of a minor & Harassment, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $10,000 cash bail. Am 18 year old Unadilla youth was also charged with criminal possession of Stolen property, he was arraigned & was sent to the Delaware County Jail on $3,000 bail. The investigation is ongoing & more charges are pending.

Governor Cuomo today issued a cease and desist letter to ICE to demand the immediate stop of their unconstitutional enforcement actions. Cuomo condemns the agency's patterns of targeting immigrants and jeopardize public safety in places of businesses, and public places such as schools. Also the Governor signed an executive order to modify executive order #170 to prohibit ICE arrests in state facilities without a warrant, and it also prohibits law enforcement officers from inquiring about immigration status unless they are investigating illegal criminal activity.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 28 year old Donald Kern of Hancock for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation after they responded to a 1 car property damage accident on South Dry Brook Road in the Town of Tompkins. Kern is accused of operating his motor vehicle while his driving privileges were suspended. Kern was issued an appearance ticket having to appear in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

The Annual "Regatta Row" display of chairs, tables made from canoe paddles, plus canoe paddles designed by local artists, will be on display starting Saturday, this year's theme is "Scenes of New York, event organizer Nancy Kitchen told WCDO News that the items will be judged, and auctioned off during the regatta this year:

(Nancy Kitchen 4-25-18)

The pieces will be on display along North main Street in Bainbridge for the next few weeks & will be auctioned off on May 24th at under a tent at General Clinton park, prior to this year's Regatta Hall Of fame ceremonies.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released the results of several audits today, including an audit of the Village of Milford. Key Findings were: Duties performed by the Clerk-Treasurer are not segregated, and the Board does not provide adequate oversight & The Board did not ensure that the required annual audit of the Clerk-Treasurer’s records was performed. DiNapoli's auditors recommended that the Board should periodically review bank statements, canceled check images, bank reconciliations and monthly reports & they should perform the required annual audit of the Clerk-Treasurer’s records.

Community Foundation for South Central New York announced that they have awarded $5,000 to Organizations in Walton, from the Paul G. and Miriam B. Mattern Fund. After a competitive local selection process, the advisory committee approved 2 grants to the Town of Walton for $2,500 to support the River Edge Trail planning activities, and $2,500 for the Walton Cemetery Association for the repair and maintenance of roads in the cemetery.

The State Board of Elections announced that all precincts have reported in the 102nd State Assembly race, they have declared Republican Christopher Tague as the winner, with 45.8% of the vote, over Democrat Aidan O'Connor with 44.3%, and Independent candidate Wesley Laraway with 9.7%. Tague replaces Pete Lopez, who left the seat last year following an appointment to the EPA.

Governor Cuomo last week signed an executive order last week that allows parolees to be able to register to vote after completing their sentence, Local Assemblyman Cliff crouch responds:

(Cliff Crouch 4-25-18)

Crouch said that he thinks that Governor Cuomo is feeling pressured from the Left Wing of the Democratic Party, since Liberal Actress Cynthia Nixon entered the race for Governor.

Governor Cuomo launched the 3rd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, investing $100 million into 10 additional downtown neighborhoods across the state. In its third year, the proven-successful investment will boost local economies; locally the City of Oneonta won the 10 million dollar award & is in the process of improving several areas for future developments.

Village Elections will be held in several local villages tomorrow. Locally in Afton, Sally Muller & Cynthia Burnett are running for Mayor, in Walton, Bruce Dolph, Stephen Condon, Gregory Miller & Joseph Cetta are running for 2 seats on the village board, In Unadilla, Paul Baldwin, Matthew Glynn & Jeff Jones are running for 2 seats on the village board. Polling places will be open Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM.

State Police arrested 49 year old Wilford Bridenbaugh of Germantown, Ohio for DWI and several traffic infractions. Troopers were dispatched to Stumptown Road in the town of Bainbridge for a 1 car motor vehicle accident, Troopers discovered Bridenbaugh’s vehicle on its side, in a snow embankment and Bridenbaugh walking from a driveway nearby. He was released on tickets to the town of Bainbridge Court on March 27th.

Country music star Blake Shelton was announced today as this year's concert at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open. The Golf Tournament will run from August 13th to August 19th at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott. The concert will be held the evening of Friday, August 17th, tickets go on sale March 28th through Ticketmaster.

State Police arrested 2 men following a traffic stop on State Route 7 in Binghamton. Troopers arrested the driver, 43 year old Kenneth Rauch of Colesville for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and having a Controlled Substance in the Non-Original Container. The passenger of the vehicle, 27 year old Justin Cook of Colesville was arrested for Criminal Possession of Marijuana, both were released on appearance tickets and are due in the City of Binghamton Court on March 30th.

State Police arrested 66 year old Deborah Visceglia of Deposit for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C of .26% and several traffic infractions after Troopers observed her speeding and unable to maintain her lane on State Route 17 in the town of Windsor. Visceglia was released on tickets and due in the town of Windsor Court on March 21, 2018.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 49 year old Heidi Andreas of Masonville for DWI and several traffic infractions, after they observed her speeding on I-88. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 7 in the town of Oneonta, Andreas was released on appearance tickets for Town of Oneonta Court on March 27th.

Broome County DA Steven Cornwell announced that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Orlando Tercero for the death of Haley Anderson:

(Cornwell 3-17-18)

Cornwell said Saturday that they were working with multiple agencies & Nicarguan authorites to return Tercero to Binghamton to face trial.

Jennifer Grenchus of Vestal was sentenced Friday in Broome County Court to 5 years of probation, following her serving 11 months in jail, for striking 47 year old Ronald Richardson of Binghamton with her vehicle, Richardson was found pinned underneath. Grenchus' vehicle struck Richardson along Main Street and dragged his body underneath for several yards, before she turned into a parking lot. Richardson died at the scene, Grenchus was impaired by drugs at the time, she pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in November.

The Otsego County Planning Department & the Department of State are hosting a land use training work at the Milford Central School Auditorium on April 10th from 5:00 to 8:15 PM. 2 sessions will be offered covering planning, zoning, and General Municipal Law. To register, call the Planning Department at 547-4225 or go otsegocountyworkshop.eventbrite.com to register online.

28-year-old Joshua Shurock of Norwich was sent to jail without bail, after being accused of assaulting a police officer & possession of heroin. Shurock was arrested last Thursday; he allegedly injured a Norwich officer while being arrested on the drug charge. The officer was treated & released at Chenango Memorial Hospital. Shurock was remanded back to jail pending future court action.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 36-year-old Seth Maki of Minnesota, with Criminal Impersonation; he is accused of falsely identifying himself to Deputies at the Delaware County Fair. Maki was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Todd Matias of Harpursville for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1& several other traffic violations, after a trooper heard a vehicle with a loud exhaust on State Route 79, in the town of Colesville. The officer determined that Matias was driving while intoxicated, had a suspended driver's license, and an expired vehicle registration. Matias refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content, he was arraigned in the town of Colesville court, and was remanded to the Broome County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 22-year-old Ashley Murphy, of Sidney Center, on a Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Walton, for failure to appear to answer a charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Murphy was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was released on her own recognizance and directed to reappear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Wayne Johnson of Oneonta, for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device. Johnson was pulled over for improperly working headlights, a trooper determined that Johnson was intoxicated, had a suspended driver’s license, and was driving a vehicle that was not equipped with an ignition interlock device. Johnson was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond, pending September 12th court action.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its September 1st Friday Eat & Meet on Friday, at 8:30 a.m., at the Sidney Elks Club, on River Street in Sidney. The featured speaker for the event is Bill Wagner, Director of Mobility Management of South Central New York, in partnership with Rural Health Network of South Central New York. More information or registration is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

The Town of Hartwick offers collection containers for household batteries and mercury thermostats. There are 2 Drop-off Locations for rechargeable, button cell, and lithium batteries, one is at the Hartwick Town Hall at 103 Town Drive. The second is at Short Cuts located at 10 Commons Drive in the Hartwick Commons during open hours. Household batteries and mercury thermostats can be dropped off during town clerk’s hours, Monday-Wednesday, 10am-2pm and Thursday, 4pm -6pm.

Classes for those interested in receiving a high school equivalency diploma will be starting shortly. June White of the Afton Central School’s Adult & Continuing education program explains:

(June White 8-28-17)

More information is available at 639-2811.

Governor Cuomo signed Briana’s Law that requires State Police and New York City Police Department candidates and officers to receive CPR training prior to graduation and every 2 years after. In 2010, Briana Ojeda suffered an asthma attack while playing at a playground, on the way to the hospital; Briana's mother was stopped by a police officer who was unable to perform CPR. Briana died shortly after she got to the hospital. The new law will go into effect in 60 days.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 38 between Hohreiter Road and Searles Hill Road, in the Towns of Guilford and Bainbridge today, between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for a Culvert Replacement project. Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes. More information is available at 337-1710.

The Oneonta City Clerk's office announced 3 meeting for today at City Hall. The Operations, Planning & Evaluation Committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance Committee meets at 5:00 PM and the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals meets at 7:00 PM. All meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers & are open to the public.

Stephen Stills & Judy Collins will perform tonight at the Anderson Center @ SUNY Binghamton. Some Tickets are available at the Anderson Center Box Office, at 777-2787 or at anderson.binghamton.edu.

The Village of Sidney has received close to another 2 million dollars in federal FEMA funds for their projects, thanks to US Senator Charles Schumer, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 1-18-17)

Senator Schumer visited Sidney in December 2014, and liked the plans & promised to work on getting the federal funding.

About 100 area residents attended last nights Unatego School district Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Dave Richards, who told WCDO News of the 2 main concerns:

(Dave Richards 1-18-17)

Richards said that the Facilities committee has suggested closing the Otego Elementary School first, and then the Unadilla Elementary School in 4 to 5 years after that, the Unatego Board of Education is expected to vote on the Otego closure next month. Richards said that the district has lost 28% of their student population in the last 10 years, and the 2 buildings are over 90 years old and face millions of dollars in repairs & renovations.

Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tuesday January 24th at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting on the 24th.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 2-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Monday. 48-year-old Tenzin Pelmo of Ithaca was rear-ended by a vehicle being driven by 37 year old Karyl Rose of Bainbridge. Both drivers were transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Rose was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, unsafe tires and following too closely. Rose was arraigned & was released on her own recognize pending later court action in Town of Walton Court.

Oneonta Police arrested 30-year-old Jesse Tetlow of Oneonta on charges of 2nd degree burglary, plus criminal contempt, obstructing Governmental administration & harassment. Tetlow is accused of entering the residence of a former girlfriend, which violated an order of protection, & pushing another resident against a washing machine and using physical force to prevent police from performing his official duties at the scene. Tetlow was sent to the Otsego county jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond pending court action on Friday in Oneonta City Court.

An Afton Central School District bus slid off Lord Road in icy conditions this morning, No Injuries were reported, The Afton district delayed the opening of classes today by 2 hours.

Property tax levy growth for school districts will be capped at 1.26% for the 2017-18 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% percent; with certain exceptions, including a provision that allows school districts to override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget.

A presentation from Place Alliance was held at the Sidney Civic Center last night regarding the plans for the Sidney Green Streetscape project for Main Street. Ian Law is the Director of Urban Planning & Design for Place Alliance:

(Ian Law 1-18-17)

Plans call for new sidewalk configurations, new trees, lighting, and underground rainwater collection into reservoirs under the sidewalks. The plans are expected to go up for bidding next month, with construction getting underway this spring.

Bainbridge-Guilford-Afton-Harpursville Head Wrestling Coach Brandon MacNaught has been named the 2015-2016 New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recognized MacNaught's work during the 15-16 season, he had the task of working with 3 different school districts for his combined team, yet the Bears are consistently one of the most successful teams in the area. They sent several wrestlers to the state tournament in Albany last year and won several tournaments as a team as well.

There will be a public meeting in the Sidney high school auditorium tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 PM to give an overview of Buyout and Elevation programs. Sidney mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 12-14-16)

Representatives from Delaware County Planning Department, the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery, 2+4 Construction, Delaware Opportunities & the Village of Sidney Grant Administrative Staff

The Bainbridge Development Corporation has sent out surveys for town of Bainbridge businesses & residents, as they seek to update the Bainbridge town Comprehensive Plan. Dave DeClue is president of the Bainbridge development Corporation:

(Dave DeClue 12-14-16)

DeClue said that they would like to get the surveys back as soon as possible in the coming weeks, and they hope to tabulate all the results and bring them before the Town Board early next year. The Last Town of Bainbridge Comprehensive Plan update was in 2002-2003.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today urged New Yorkers to read the fine print on gift cards this holiday season for details about fees and expiration dates. While some gift card sellers have done away with inactivity fees, consumers should still ask whether fees apply when purchasing a gift card. As a rule of thumb, DiNapoli said New Yorkers should register the card with the retailer and use gift cards within a year of purchase to avoid inactivity fees. Money from unused gift cards issued by New York businesses is turned over to the State Comptroller’s office as abandoned property after five years of dormancy. In State Fiscal Year 2015-16, $11 million from gift cards was turned over to the state’s Abandoned Property Fund.

Lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul announced today planning grants are being made available for Brownfield Remediation projects around the state. The grant applications are due in March; there are currently 38 designated Brownfield Opportunity Areas in the state.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Arrested 36 year old Chad Walters formerly from the Sidney, at the Texas State Penitentiary. Walters was released from the Delaware County Correctional Facility in November, 2014, after posting a $50,000 bail bond, he was arrested on a Bench Warrant issued for failure to appear on a charge of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Walters is currently serving a 4 1/2 year prison sentence in Texas on a felony conviction for evading police officers, Walters was extradited from Texas to New York on Tuesday after waiving extradition proceedings, he is being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending trial.

Maine Endwell Little League is headed to the USA Finals in Williamsport, after defeating a team from Bowling Green Kentucky yesterday in the latest action of the Little League World Series. The Binghamton Mets announced that NYSEG Stadium would host the Official Watch Party for the Championship Game on Saturday at 3:30pm on the stadiums big screen. Parking will be free and there will be no admission charges. Limited concessions options will be available. Maine Endwell's team will play the winner of today's Tennessee Kentucky match up in Saturday's game.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to curb the power of independent expenditure campaigns unleashed by the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission. The legislation strengthen disclosure requirements for political consultants and lobbyists who provide services to sitting elected officials or candidates for elected office by requiring them to register with the state and reveal their clients.

A Town of Greene resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Mischief & Harassment following a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Greene. Deputies arrested 56-year-old Joshua Browning who allegedly intentionally pushed the victim and prevented the victim from call 911 by damaging a phone. Browning was arraigned in the Town of Greene court and released on his own recognizance. Browning is to reappear in the Town of Greene Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old Courtney Otte of Walton for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Deputies allege the defendant operated a motor vehicle in a northerly direction on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton while having an active suspension on her license for failure to answer a summons. Otte was additionally charged with unlicensed operation, operating a motor vehicle with an out headlight, and was released on traffic tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

The Greater Maywood Society has been attempting to sell the firmer Sidney Center School, but they are planning a special community event to open up time capsules Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 8-27-16)

The event is open to the public; it will also feature music, a barbecue, as well as displays & memorabilia from the Greater Maywood Society & the Sidney Alumni Association. The event runs from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Saturday at the former Sidney Center School.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th annual Business Links golf tournament on Wednesday, September 14, at the Stamford Golf Course. Registration begins at 11:00 am, and the four-person captain and crew tourney will begin with a shotgun start at noon.   Registration & More information is available by calling the Chamber at 746-2281.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced a coordinated effort by several state agencies and institutions to prevent underage drinking on college campuses as the fall semester begins. The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the State Liquor Authority, the DMV, and State Police are aligning resources to prevent underage drinking on campuses, More than 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related injuries, 696,000 college students are assaulted by another student that has been drinking, 97,000 college students experience alcohol-related sexual assault.

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, A blood drive will be held today in Norwich from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Norwich VFW Post 2782, 61-63 East Main Street. . Appointments to give blood can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A Town of Plymouth resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive of Justice complaint for active Bench Warrant out of the Cleveland County Court in the State of Oklahoma. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Michael Lee Hall on the Fugitive of Justice complaint Hall was taken into custody and taken to the Town of Norwich Court. Hall was remanded to the custody of the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. He is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

Sidney village crews will continue milling today. Motorists should note that there would be traffic delays on West Main Street between east Main and Chestnut streets, as well as Dewitt drive.

Fire fighters from several area departments responded this morning to a structure fire on Main Street in Delhi. The fire began at about 6:30 this morning in the kitchen of Village Pizzeria at 106 Main Street, it eventually spread to an adjacent antiques store. Main Street has been closed off & the Delaware County Courthouse has cancelled all activity today due to a loss of electrical power. Delaware County Emergency Services department reported that fire fighters from Manpower and Apparatus from Delhi, Andes, Bloomville, Bovina, Franklin, Margaretville, Meridale, Oneonta, Pindars Corners, Sidney, Walton, & Wells Bridge responded, 1 firefighter fell on stairs & suffered minor injuries.

Governor Cuomo directed State Police to ramp up enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on impaired driving through Labor Day weekend, one of the deadliest times of year for drunk and drugged driving fatalities. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign began today and ends September 5, will be carried out with assistance from local law enforcement agencies and aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by motorists driving drunk or impaired by drugs. 1/3rd of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In New York State, alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor in more than 7,000 police-reported crashes in 2015, while illegal drugs contributed to more than 800 crashes.

Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event for Small Businesses on Friday September 9th from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM at the Meadows Office Complex County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Otsego County small businesses should call the County Planning Department to register, or obtain more information, at 547-4225 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Registration ends September 2nd

Governor Cuomo today announced the availability of $98.7 million in funding to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and transportation-related programs as well as projects that reduce congestion and help to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. These projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include public benefit, air quality improvement, and innovation. The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through October 21, 2016. Program guidance, applications and workshop schedules may be found at dot.ny.gov.

In July, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 36,200, or 0.5%, to 7.95 million a new state high, according to the state Labor Department. The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged from June’s level of 4.7%, and remained below the comparable U.S. rate of 4.9% in July 2016. New York’s statewide unemployment rate remained at its lowest level since August 2007.

Alphonso Dennis of Binghamton was sentenced to 15 years in jail, after he pleaded guilty in federal court to having 2 young females engaging in prostitution in Broome County. Dennis must also register as a sex offender.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday is the last day to register in person at the Board of Elections for the September 13th Primary Election. Democrats will vote for a State Senate candidate in the 42nd District in Colchester, Delhi, Hamden, Masonville, Tompkins and Walton, Republicans will vote for a candidate in the 101st Assembly District in Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden, & Meredith, the REFORM PARTY primary voters will also decide on a candidate for the 101st Assembly District in Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden, & Meredith Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us/departments or at 832-5321 or at the main office in Delhi.

The City of Oneonta Civil Service commission will hold their next meeting this afternoon. The meeting will be held in the common council chambers at city hall beginning at 4:30 PM.

The City of Oneonta announced that due to utility work at the Housing Visions Project at Columbia & west Street, traffic would be detoured today, Monday & Tuesday; Detour signs will be set up to direct traffic away from the scheduled work.

The Bainbridge town board will hold a special finance meeting today at 4:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Bainbridge Town Hall & will be open to the public.

John Guzy of Bainbridge was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison, for the murder of 26-year-old Derek D. Prindle and attempted murder of Derek S. Prindle, the victim's father on October 27th, 2014, in front of the former Peak Fitness on State Route 7 in Bainbridge. Guzy was also ordered to pay restitution for funeral expenses for Prindle, among other related expenses, Guzy's attorney has filed a notice of appeal.

State Police arrested 19-year-old Jason McCrady of Greene, for 3rd degree Assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment. This arrest occurred after troopers. McCrady is accused of punching, shoving & choking his girlfriend, causing injuries, he was also wanted on a bench warrant for aggravated harassment by State Police in Homer. McCrady was arraigned in the Town of Greene court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond, pending court action on July 12th.

The trial of Almond Upton is scheduled to begin on July 11th In Broome County. Upton is accused of intentionally running down State Trooper Christopher Skinner as he was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on May 29 2014, on I-81 in the town of Chenango, Trooper Skinner was killed instantly.

The City of Oneonta Fire Department will be conducting a community risk assessment over the next few months. Department members will be walking through neighborhoods, checking out building exteriors & properties, they will be in uniform, will have Id's & they will not ask to enter a residence. More Information is available by emailing risk assess@oneonta.ny.us.

The USDA will be teaming up with the Bainbridge Guilford Central School again this summer to offer free breakfast & lunch for any child 18 & under, and for special needs children up to 21, Monday through Friday through August 5th, at the Greenlawn & Guilford Elementary schools. More information is available at 967-6301.

State Police CNET along with State Troopers & Norwich Police executed a search warrant following an investigation into Heroin sales in the Norwich area. 54 year old Antonio Totten of Norwich was found to be in possession of crack cocaine, $1803. in cash, wax envelopes containing heroin, brass knuckles, marijuana, and 2 cell phones. Totten was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon & Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Totten was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond.

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

3 public meetings will be held today at Oneonta City Hall. The Operations, Planning & Evaluation Committee will begin their meeting at 4:00 PM, followed by the Finance & Human Resources Committee meeting at 5:00 PM, and the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals at 7:00 PM. All 3 meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will require alternating lane closures in the City of Binghamton, today through Thursday, from 7:00 AM to to 5:00 PM. Front Street will have periodic, alternating lane closures between Prospect Street and Bevier Street. Crews will be performing bridge pier work. Flag personnel will guide alternating traffic through the work zone. Work will be performed weather permitting. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Otsego County have responded to a reported Bank Robbery at the NBT Bank Branch at 1 West Street in Edmeston at about 11:30 this morning. The Edmeston Central School District & Pathfinder Village were locked down and State Police & Otsego County Sheriff's deputies have been investigating. WCDO Will have more information as it becomes available.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 43-year-old Jack Blanchard of Guilford for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. The arrest is the result of a 2-month investigation into the sale of Cocaine in the Village of Sidney. Blanchard was arrested on an Arrest Warrant Sealed Indictment issued by Delaware County Court. He was sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await arraignment on the charges.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage in the House of an amendment he authored in support of former Navy and Marine Corps personnel and other Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service aboard vessels off the coast of Vietnam and now have serious illnesses that are directly connected to that exposure. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act ensures those Veterans is granted presumptive coverage for Agent Orange exposure. The House bill introduced by Congressman Gibson has 320 cosponsors from both parties, while the Senate version introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has 41 bipartisan cosponsors.

The 2016 Ed Wessels Canoe Regatta was held; Saturday with impressive finishes from local paddlers, who are training for this weekend’s General Clinton 70- miler. The Wessels Chairman Ed Curley told WCDO News of the most exciting finish of a 1 second photo finish in the pro class:

(Ed Curley 5-23-16)

Other top finishers included Bob & Ryan Zaveral of Mount Upton winning the Men’s Under 50 Amateur class. Mike Bachman of Bainbridge & Rich Hall of Gilbertville taking the C-2 Stock class & Dale Persons of Bainbridge & Melissa Swislosky of Mount Upton winning the mixed C-2 Pro class. WCDO Will have full coverage of Wednesday’s new Pine Ridge Grocery Dash for Cash Race and The General Clinton Canoe regatta this weekend.

The New York State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require lane closures in the City of Binghamton. Beginning tomorrow, through Thursday, from 9 AM to 3:00 PM, I-81northbound/State Route 17 westbound will be reduced to 1 lane between Exit 3 and 4S for the removal of concrete barrier. The right two lanes will be closed. On Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, I-81 northbound/State Route 17 westbound Exit 4S will be closed temporarily for the removal of concrete barrier. A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the ramp closure. All work will be performed weather permitting.

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.

24-year-old James Spain of Walton pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct, for allegedly performing sexual acts with an under-aged female. Spain was released on his own recognizance; Sentencing is scheduled for July 18th.

The ReUnite Bainbridge meeting will be held today, at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner. The Agenda includes an Update on the Bainbridge Summer Fest, The BG School Booster Club Bon Fire, Annual Golf Tournament, Musicians on Main Streets, Updates on Popcorn Wagon and Weather Vanes

Governor Cuomo today announced $500,000 in federal funding has been awarded to the New York State Academy of Fire Science in the Southern Tier. The funding will support a crude oil training simulation for first responders. This marks the third consecutive year that the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control has been awarded this funding. The Academy trains over 6,000 emergency services providers from across the state in over 130 courses per year.

The Bainbridge Village Planning Board Meeting originally scheduled last week, has been rescheduled for this evening. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm in the Bainbridge Village Clerk's office at 33 West Main Street & is open to the pubic.

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.

Today is school budget vote day across the state, voters in many districts will also be filling school board seats an voting on various capital projects or Bus purchases. Voting for the BG school district residents will be held in the Bainbridge & Guilford town Halls today, voting will be from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM.

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.

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.

On March 29th. The Prevention Coalition for Heroin & Substance Abuse will hold a meeting at 6:30 pm at the Sidney High School. The meeting will be a brainstorming forum to discuss options for planning a coalition and to apply for a grant with  Organizers are seeking participation from key leaders, from area faith based groups, law enforcement; school leaders and the student body; business people and concerned residents.

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.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, & Endicott Police located 15 year old Rebecca Shackelton, who had run away from a Broome County group home. Shackelton was located with a 16-year-old male acquaintance in Endicott Thursday, the 16-year-old male was found to have an active Family Court Warrant and both subjects were turned over to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detectives transported both subjects to Broome Family Court where the 16-year-old male was turned over to the custody of the court. Shackelton was transported to the Village of Bainbridge where she was returned to her legal guardian. Police said that Shackelton was not endangered or harmed during the timeframe and was willingly in the company of the 16 year old acquaintance.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Nathan Tuttle of Deposit on 4 counts of Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Tuttle is accused of having sexual contact with a 15 year old victim and sending the victim inappropriate pictures of himself. Tuttle was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond.

The Delaware county fair will have its biggest day on Saturday at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair spokesman John Jackson explains:

(John Jackson Saturday)

Jackson said that they are hoping to break attendance records this year, because of the large line up of activities, good weather and Saturday nights line up with 4 acts at the grandstand.

The Norwich theater company will have 3 performances of "The Music Man" this weekend, Company spokesman Rich Heim said that tickets are still available for the performances:

(Rich Heim 8-21-15)

Performances are tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Sherburne-Earlville high school.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street in Oneonta & at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Guilford town board will hold a work session tonight for the purpose of budget preparation. The meeting will begin at 6:30 at the Guilford town hall at 223 Marble Road in Guilford center.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State’s fight against opioid addiction has been strengthened by new funding to provide naloxone kits to schools statewide and training for school personnel. Included as part of the 2015-16 New York State Budget, $272,000 in funding will be used to offer training for school nurses and other personnel from the state’s approximately 3,000 school districts. The training is expected to be similar to what is already in use for training first responders and community members.

Voters in the town of Afton approved of a measure yesterday to purchase the former IVCI building on County route 39 for a new Town Hall Complex. Voters approved by a vote of 377 in favor & 101 opposed.

The Otsego County Planning Department will host training classes tonight for Town Supervisors, Village and City Mayors, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Chairmen, Zoning Enforcement Officers of Otsego-Schoharie and Delaware Counties, at the Meadows complex in Cooperstown. Session 1 is from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm for a Zoning Board of Appeals Overview, Session 2 is from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm regarding Rural Planning

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting in the District Conference Room tonight at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their annual Christmas parade fro this Friday night, Chamber Director Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-2-14)

Parade participants are reminded to line up in the parking lot before the parade at 5:30. The parade begins at 6:30

Governor Cuomo received a status report outlining progress by State agencies to protect New Yorkers from the potential risks with the transport of crude oil. 66 actions have been implemented to strengthen standards, regulations and procedures to make the transport of crude oil by rail and water in New York safer, and to improve spill preparedness and response. The rule changes followed explosions of crude oil on trains in North Dakota that were scheduled to be shipped across the State.

State Police arrested 21-year-old Alexander Church of Delhi for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop for failing to keep right while driving on State Route 28 in Franklin, Church is accused of driving while impaired & also unlawfully possessed approximately three grams of marihuana, he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court on December 11th.

New York State has identified 278 licensed gun owners who could lose their weapons because they are considered mentally unstable. At least eight of them are Central New Yorkers, half of whom have had their guns and permits taken away by authorities. Psychiatrists and other health professionals reported these individuals to the state because they appeared to be at risk of harming themselves or others. Under a provision of the SAFE Act, mental health providers have reported over 38,000 at-risk patients, 737 of them from Central New York

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the release of several municipal audits, including for the Village of Bainbridge. The audit found that the board did not request adequate reports from the clerk-treasurer and was unable to make informed financial decisions. In addition, the clerk-treasurer’s records understated the total fund balance of the general, water and sewer funds by a combined $233,000. The report & the village’s response to the audit are available at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State University of New York has adopted a uniform sexual assault prevention and response policy for SUNY campuses. The policy is being disseminated today to each campus’ official’s implementation. The policy follows the resolution passed by the SUNY Board of Trustees in October, The Governor also today launched a new website that provides information regarding sexual assault prevention and response for students, parents, administrators and law enforcement at campuscrime.ny.gov.

Family Planning of South Central New York is offering free, confidential, rapid HIV testing and counseling this week at the following locations and times: 5 Cortland Street, Norwich tomorrow-Friday noon to 4 PM, 37 Dietz Street, Oneonta: tomorrow-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 PM, 37 Pleasant Street, Sidney: Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 130 North Street, Walton: tomorrow 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rapid HIV test gives results in 20 minutes. Patients will receive counseling on how to identify and reduce their risk of HIV infection. For more information call 607-723-8306

The 2014 spring turkey season opens today in all counties north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary.   Approximately 100,000 turkey hunters will participate according to DEC Officials, Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license or hunting license, Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day. Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird at 1-866-426-3778 or at dec.ny.gov/outdoor. (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html)

In 2012, the Village of Franklin was awarded funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s New York Main Street program to rehabilitate buildings within the community’s historic business district. The target area for this program is comprised of the buildings between Maple Street and Water Street, along State Highway 357. The program provides grant funds to commercial building owners within the target area, $24,000 in grant funds remain available to building owners within this community, Applications will be accepted through today for eligible projects that can be completed no later than June 30, 2014.

The Otsego County Planning Department announced schedule changes at the Oneonta & Cooperstown Transfer Stations. The Oneonta transfer station will be open Monday through Fridays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturdays 8:00 AM to noon. The Cooperstown Transfer station will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:00 am to 12:00 Noon and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon. Saturday hours will change from Memorial Day though Labor Day & for Saturdays after Holidays, with the Hours from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at both locations. More information is available at 547-4225.

Motorists are advised that State Route 17 westbound between Mygatt Street and the Glenwood Avenue in Binghamton will be reduced to one lane of travel beginning at 8 a.m. today.  Crews will be placing the concrete deck on the bridge over the Prospect Connector Road. This portion of work is expected to be completed by 3 p.m., weather permitting.

The 63rd Annual “National Day Of Prayer” Rally will be held today, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the East Side Park in Downtown Norwich. The event is sponsored by Norwich Tea Party Patriots.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors announced that they have set up a hotline, to inform law enforcement agencies of possible drug issues, mainly with heroin.  State senator John Bonacic said that while the “I-Stop” program has cut down on doctor shopping, there were unintended consequences:

(Bonacic 4-21-14)

The Delaware County hotline to inform police of heroin & drug related problems is 888-914-9111, all calls will be confidential.

State police issued 748 tickets to drivers in Otsego & Delaware counties for using their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving this year.  The statistic was released following  ”Operation Hang Up.”, the 1st national distracted driving high-visibility enforcement crackdown, which was coupled with advertising and media outreach about the law, and the potential fatal consequences of texting and driving.

State Troopers arrested 49-year-old Patrick Keigel of New Lisbon for Unlawful Imprisonment, Menacing and 3rd degree Assault.  The arrest followed a dispute in New Lisbon, where Kiegel allegedly pulled a victims hair out, threatened to strike the victim with a hammer & held the victim against their will.  Kiegel was arraigned in the Town of New Lisbon Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.  An  order of protection was issued against Kiegel for the victim.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 65-year-old Carolyn Steifel of Oxford Saturday, on charges of Felony Burglary and Petty Larceny.  Stiefel was charged following an investigation into a reported larceny at a Norwich business, where she had been ordered to never return, due to previous larceny issues.  Stiefel was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the custody of The Chenango County Sheriff’s pending court action.

The former State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno will go on trial again next month, he is accused of 2 charges under a revised fraud case alleging the he took bribes or kickbacks.  Bruno is accused of accepting more than $400,000 from a businessman for helping with state grants. Bruno led the Senate’s majority for 14 years before stepping down in 2008.  Bruno was acquitted in 2009 of 5 fraud counts and convicted of 2 others. The convictions were overturned on appeal.  The trial is scheduled for May 5th

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next “Business After Hours” event today.  The program will be hosted by Snips & Snails Children’s Consignment, the Bainbridge Main Street Guild & Buttercup Bakery & Culinary Center, the Snips & Snails location at 28 North Main Street.  The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Village of Bainbridge Planning Board will hold their regular monthly meeting tonight at 7 PM in the Village Clerk’s Office at 33  West Main Street in Bainbridge.  The public is welcome

State troopers arrested 31-year-old Emily Bixby of Norwich Tuesday for aggravated DWI, following the report of a disable vehicle in the town of Colesville.  Troopers found that Bixby was intoxicated, and had driven her vehicle, with a five-year-old passenger, just off the roadway and was stuck in the snow; She refused to submit to a breath test.   Bixby was arraigned in the Town of Colesville Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,500.00 cash bail.  The five-year-old passenger was turned over to a family member.

State police at Sidney arrested 32-year-old Anthony Campisi of Bainbridge, for driving while impaired by drugs.  The arrest resulted from a vehicle stop for not using his turn signal on State Route 7 in the Village of Bainbridge.  Troopers determined that  Campisi was impaired while driving, he was taken to Tri Town regional Hospital in Sidney, where he consented to a blood test.  Campisi was issued tickets for the Town of Bainbridge Court on March 10th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old Crystal Gonsalves of Davenport for 1 count of 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment.  Gonsalves is accused of making threatening telephone calls to another person, she was arraigned & was released on her own recognizance, to reappear at Davenport Town Court February 25th. ____________________________________________

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is recusing himself from any role Congress plays in Comcast Corp.’s planned acquisition of Time Warner Cable after learning his brother was one of the lead lawyers behind the $45 billion deal. Federal regulators and lawmakers will scrutinize how the acquisition would affect competition and consumers, issues that could have come before Schumer as a member of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee’s antitrust subcommittee

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a warning to New Yorkers after consumers were contacted by scam artists who were posing as representatives of Microsoft.  The callers identify themselves with “P.C. Solutions”, their caller ID is  “Windows Support." The scam artists attempt to gain remote access to consumers' computers by claiming that their units infected with malware or viruses, they extract a fee up to $300 by obtaining credit card information over the phone, or by directing consumers to enter PayPal, bank or credit card information on a website the scammers control.  Schneiderman recommends hanging up the phone, never give out passwords to such callers, change your email & other passwords & file a complaint with Attorney General's Office at 1-800-771-7755 or www.ag.ny.gov (http://www.ag.ny.gov/).

New York’s draft energy plan was put to its first hearing yesterday, with dozens of speakers expressing concern about the state’s plans for natural gas, and the future of competitive energy markets. the New York energy planning board has to put out a long-term planning (/l%20) document every 4 years, documenting the state’s energy use, and offering guidance for future investment. Tuesday’s hearing is the 1st of 6 statewide, & it drew several groups opposed to hydraulic fracturing.  The plan identifies 15 energy-related initiatives for the state to pursue while reaffirming New York’s goal (/l%20)of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

AM NEWS 7-9-13

Gov. Andrew Cuomo will consider calling the state Legislature back to Albany if the federal government does not quickly dispatch relief funds to the severely flooded parts of upstate. Persistent rain in recent weeks caused rivers and streams throughout the state to overflow, flooding counties throughout the Albany area, central New York, the Southern Tier and the North Country. During a briefing on the damage in Herkimer County on Sunday, Cuomo said he would push for President Obama to declare the flooded sites “disaster areas,” which would allow for the distribution of emergency federal funds. If the federal government does not respond, he will convene a special session.

New York Senator Charles Schumer announced Monday that New York State will be a participant in the USDA Greek Yogurt Pilot Program. The USDA released a solicitation to purchase Greek yogurt for delivery to participating schools in the upcoming School Year. Schools in New York, Tennessee, Idaho, and Arizona will be participating in the program. Bids are due on July 22 and the FSA expects to evaluate the bids and make awards by the end of July.

State Senator Jim Seward Announced a 250 Thousand dollar state grant for medical equipment and to help complete renovations at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta. The grant will assist in the purchase of wall mounted computers and scanners to be used in single occupance patient rooms.

The Village of Bainbridge Planning Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday night to consider a site plan review for 2-4 Whitney Way in Bainbridge, the location where a fire recently destroyed the Upturn Industries building. The Meeting will be held at 7pm inside the Bainbridge Village Clerk's Office. The meeting is open to the public.

The New York State Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the replacement of the State Route 30 and 206 bridge over the East Branch Delaware River in the town of Colchester. The meeting will take place at the Downsville Fire Station this Wednesday at 7pm. The DOT said the bridge was constructed in 1953 and is nearing the end of it's service life.

The Binghamton Zoo will have an ice cream safari this Saturday July 13th. Five station will be positioned around the zoo with 5 different ice cream flavors. All of the zoo's animals will be on display including animal spotlights. For more information, go to Ross Park Zoo dot com.

The next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets in Delaware County, will be held today at the Deposit Town Clerk building at 3 Elm Street. The clinic will run from 6:00PM-8:00PM, more information is available at 832-5200 or at delawarecountypublichealth.com

On Friday evening, July 19th at 9:00 pm The Shire Pub in Delhi will be hosting a fundraiser for Habitat of Delaware County. Members of Habitat for Humanity of Delaware County are planning for a building project in the Delhi area. Additional information regarding Habitat for Humanity of Delaware County is available by accessing delawarecountyhabitat.org or at 746-9987.

WCDO.... BUSINESSES- AGENCIES- ORGANIZATIONS...CLOSINGS/CHANGES....

- BUTLER AUTO SALES IN SIDNEY WILL CLOSE AT 5:30PM TODAY AND REMAIN CLOSED TUESDAY FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

-MCDOWELL AND WALKER IN SIDNEY HAS CANCELLED THEIR DANSKO VIEWING PARTY TONIGHT FOR 6PM.

-WASTE RECOVERY ..... THERE WILL BE NO TUESDAY TRASH PICKUP FOR WASTE RECOVERY CUSTOMERS. THE REGULAR TUESDAY ROUTE WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY 10/31. PLEASE DO NOT PUT TRASH BAGS OR CANS OUT ON TUESDAY.

-AFTON TOWN CLERK CANCELLING COURT SESSIONS AT 3PM AND 6PM

-SFCU- HANCOCK BRANCH CLOSED TODAY

-GUILFORD TOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING FOR 7PM CANCELLED.

CHENANGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CLINICS IN OXFORD, SHERBURNE AND SIDNEY AND SIDNEY LAB & IMAGING, DENTAL AND ENT AS WELL AS PHYSICAL THERAPIES WILL BE CLOSING AT 1PM TODAY. WALK-IN IN NORWICH WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 6PM TODAY.

-FRIESLAND CAMPINA IN DELHI CLOSING AT 2PM TODAY AND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY AT 7AM.

ACCO BRANDS IN SIDNEY IS CLOSING AT 3PM TODAY AND WILL RE-OPEN AT 10:30AM TUESDAY.  EMPLOYEE HOTLINE IS 561-5005.

KENNEDY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CLASSES TONIGHT ARE CANCELLED

GUILFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING TONIGHT CANCELLED.

CULLMAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN SIDNEY WILL BE CLOSING TODAY AT 3PM. THEY WILL RE-OPEN TOMORROW AT 10AM.

MAZ CPR COURSE POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY 11/5

MEET AND GREET WITH TOBIAS WHITAKER AND BILL HEATH SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT AT THE SIDNEY LIBRARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

AMPHENOL REQUESTS 2ND SHIFT EMPLOYEES THAT DRIVE TO WORK USE THE EAST GATE FOR DIRECTIONS WHERE TO GO

STATE FARM... 24 HOUR HOTLINE.... 1-800-SF CLAIM

ABC CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS... ALL CLASSES TONIGHT ARE CANCELLED.

DONNA FRECH SCHOOL OF DANCE ..ALL CLASSES AT ALL LOCATIONS TONIGHT CANCELLED.

VISIONS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.... ALL LOCATIONS CLOSING AT 3PM

SECTION IV ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION....  ALL MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES AND GAMES SCHEDULED FOR TODAY AND TUESDAY ARE POSTPONED.  CHECK sectionivathletics.com  FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

ALL BRANCHES OF SFCU CLOSING AT 4:30PM TODAY AND WILL RE-OPEN AT NOON ON TUESDAY...SUBJECT TO WEATHER

BLACK HORSE YOGA STUDIO IN GUILFORD... ALL CLASSES TONIGHT CANCELLED.

SIDNEY MCDONALDS... WILL BE CLOSING AT 7PM TONIGHT AND WILL RE-OPEN AT 8AM TUESDAY IF THEY HAVE POWER.

S&S CAFE IN BAINBRIDGE WILL NOT BE SERVING DINNER TONIGHT

SIDNEY GREAT AMERICAN WILL BE CLOSING AT 7:30PM

TUESDAY CLOSINGS:

SIDNEY VILLAGE AND TOWN COURTS WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY 10/30

SCOVILLE- MENO IN SIDNEY

MASONVILLE TOWN COURT.... NO COURT TUESDAY

PLANNED PARENTHOOD HEALTH CENTERS IN SIDNEY, ONEONTA, NORWICH, WALTON AND BINGHAMTON CLOSED TUESDAY