WCDO Radio News

The Binghamton Mets have formally announced a new owner; Buffalo area businessman John Hughes & his group are the new owners of the team.

(John Hughes 12-29-15)

Hughes is the head of Evans Street Baseball, Incorporated, they will honor the player development contract with New York Mets through 2020, and the NYSEG stadium lease through 2022. General Manager Jim Weed and staff have been retained.

The murder trial of 57-year-old John Guzy is scheduled to begin in late March in Chenango County Court. Guzy is accused of fatally shooting 26 year old Derek Prindle of Afton, and shooting in injuring Prindle’s father, 60 year old Derek Prindle, in a case of alleged road rage on October 27th 2014, on state route 7 in Bainbridge. Guzy turned himself in to state police at the Troop C headquarters after the shooting; he remains held at the Chenango county jail pending the upcoming trial.

State Police were dispatched to a complaint of shots fired at a residence on December 14th, on State Route 79 in Chenango Forks. 1 round was fired from a rifle through a window of a house with 2 adults and 3 children inside. Police arrested; 31 year old Joseph Spencer; 23 year old Chelsie Boyce; 30 year old Joseph Wolcott; and 29 year old Brian Stevens all of Binghamton, for 1 count each of Reckless Endangerment, and Criminal Mischief, Walcott was additionally charged with Criminal Contempt. All 4 were arraigned and remanded to Broome County Correctional Facility. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.

The State DOT announced that the State Route 7 southbound on-ramp to I-81 northbound would be detoured on Wednesday. The DOT will detour State Route 7 southbound on-ramp traffic to Interstate 81 northbound within the same interchange. Motorists will follow the signs to Route 7 northbound to the I-81 northbound on-ramp. This ramp was scheduled for detour during the first stage of Phase 2 of the Prospect Mountain Project in the spring of 2016. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

State Police arrested 47-year-old Shannon Morrison of Unadilla, for DWI, following a motor vehicle accident on State Route 28 in Franklin. Morrison was issued traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court on January 14th.

Former Sidney Town Supervisor & Sidney Fire department Chief Joe Maddalone has died. Maddalone died Friday at the O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, He served as Sidney Town Supervisor for 12 years after serving on the town board for many years, and he also served in the Fire department for 50 years. Calling hours at C.H. Landers Funeral chapel will be today from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty St., Sidney.

Congressman Richard Hanna announced yesterday that he would not seek re-election to Congress in 2016.

(Hanna 12-21-15)

The 64-year-old Republican was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010.

American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood for hospital patients in need. Healthy donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. The next blood drive will be today in Oneonta at Interskate 88 On state route 23 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

State police are investigating an two-vehicle crash with serious personal injury on state Route 8 in the town of Norwich, between Holmesville Road and county Route 34 at about 7:35 this morning. Several area emergency squads responded to a 2-car Accident Initial reports have 6 injuries, & 1 fatality, State Route 8 was closed for several hours for the investigation. More details will be released as they become available.

State DOT announced the opening of 2 bridges carrying Route 28 over the West Branch of the Delaware River in the village of Delhi. A $1.5 million project to rehabilitate the bridges is now substantially complete, it included repairing the concrete bridge deck, paving and repainting the bridges, Sidewalk and pedestrian railings also were repaired as part of the project. The bridges are located in succession and cross 2 legs of the River, they were built in 1940.

Governor Cuomo today directed State Department of Public Service CEO Audrey Zibelman to immediately begin a full investigation of the operations and safety protocols at Indian Point Nuclear Facility. The Governor’s action comes after the unexpected shutdown of Indian Point Unit 3 – which marks the 13th unplanned shutdown at the facility since June of 2012.

State Police are currently looking for a 67 year old New Jersey man who was reported missing from his hunting cabin on Streeter Hill Road in the Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County. John Bourgholtzer is a white male who is 6’ tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes Mr. Bourgholtzer was last seen on December 12, 2015, at about 8:00 a.m., leaving his camp to go hunting by himself. He may be driving his 2011 Ford Focus with New Jersey license plates KDN45E. Anyone with information please call the New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

State Police at Sidney arrested 38 year old Karlton Tompkins of Mount Upton for Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a report of a man sleeping at the wheel of a parked vehicle at the Valero gas station on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. The responding trooper saw Tompkins sleeping behind the wheel of a parked vehicle with the engine running, Tompkins was impaired by drugs, he then physically resisted and fought momentarily but was handcuffed. After Police impounded the vehicle, a small amount of methamphetamines was recovered. Tompkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Guilford court on December 22nd.

State Police are currently investigating a burglary to the Quickway convenience store located at State Route 205 in Hartwick, on December 7, at about 1:45 a.m. The suspect is a white male with short hair who was wearing a green sweatshirt or jacket, driving a gray Ford Focus possibly between 2008- 2011 model years. Anyone with information is asked to please call the State Police at (315) 858-1122. All information will be kept confidential.

State Police arrested 48-year-old George Velten of Guilford for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after Velten was stopped during a road check on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Velten’s license showed that he had 12 suspensions on 10 different dates, he was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.

Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Cuomo announced a push to prevent known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns in New York State. Schumer commented at a Press Conference this weekend:

(Schumer 12-14-15)

Schumer said that the request became necessary after legislation in the US Senate did not pass, that would have closed the "Terror Loophole".

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.

The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.

Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day, which has now been moved back to the Sidney Fire Department's Training Center on River Street. Schmidt said that they still are looking for volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 12-11-15)

Schmidt can be reached at 610-4030, Donations can be sent by check to the Sidney United Methodist Church, with Community Christmas Dinner on the memo line. Schmidt said that last year they served about 250 dinners on Christmas day.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual children’s Christmas Party tomorrow. Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-11-15)

Green said that the Chamber would hold their annual Holiday House decorating contest the following weekend.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Christmas parade tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-11-15)

Payne said that there will also be free movies, bake sales & other activities around the Village tomorrow.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will hold their annual "Holidays in the Hamlet" Christmas celebration in Sidney Center Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Mike Sellitti 12-11-15)

Sellitti also said that they would accept donations of canned goods for area food pantries during Saturday’s event.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's New Year's Eve Celebration.

Following Yesterday’s Tour of Sidney by lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul, Sidney village officials are close to wrapping up their discussions with residents in the Flood prone River Street Area. Village Economic Development Director John Redente comments:

(John Redente 12-3-15)

Plans call for a spruce up of the downtown area, development of the Plankenhorn road area, a Green Plain Area in the Keith Clark Park area as well as the elevation or buyouts of homes in the Lower River Street area.

State Police responded to an armed robbery at the USA Mini Mart Gas Station on State Route 12 Chenango Forks. troopers are currently looking for 2 white males, approximately 5’7” to 5’9” tall with thin builds. The first suspect was wearing a blue sweatshirt, jeans, and a camo ski mask. The second was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and a dark colored mask. A weapon was displayed and the suspects were last seen exiting the gas station on foot running to the north. Anyone with information should call State Police at 775-1241.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul toured the flood-damaged areas of the village of Sidney today with village officials, regarding the plans for the River street area residents and the area itself. Hochul commented about the tour to WCDO News:

(Kathy Hochul 12-2-15)

Mayor Andy Matviak said that it is important for high-level state officials to see where they are at with their plans and maybe get the process moving along at a quicker pace:

(Andy Matviak 12-2-15)

Matviak said that they are still working with FEMA, and they have also spoke individually with most of the homeowners in the River Street area about buy-outs, elevations and the possible development in the Plankenhorn Road area.

Otsego County will hold a free rabies clinic today at the Susquehanna animal shelter on State Route 28 in Cooperstown, for dogs, cats & ferrets. The clinic will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Tonight from 6:30-8:30, Opportunities for Chenango's Community Forum about drug addiction will be held in Norwich. Organizer & Moderator Donna Wood-Craig comments:

(Donna Wood Craig 12-1-15)

The event will be in the Guernsey Library Community Room.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office approved 215 contracts valued at $109 million and approved 1.7 million payments worth $5.8 billion in October. His office also rejected 45 contracts and related transactions valued at $31 million and more than 6,900 payments valued at $3.6 million due to fraud, waste or other improprieties. DiNapoli’s office has approved approximately 16,200 contracts valued at $142 billion and approved 25.5 million payments worth $107 billion. His office has also rejected 1,660 contracts and related transactions valued at $4.4 billion and 33,100 payments valued at $127.5 million through October.

Firefighters from Masonville, Sidney, Trout Creek have been called to a fire at Pine Hill Road & State Route 8 in Masonville. WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season. To make an appointment to donate blood, people can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM at Hartwick College.

State Police arrested 26-year-old Bryan Eichhorn of Laurens, for Felony DWI, driving without a locking device & other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after troopers observed Eichhorn failing to stop at a stop sign & speeding on Otsego County Route 10 in the Town of Laurens. Eichorn has a conviction for DWI within the last ten years; he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Laurens court on December 7th.

State Police responded to an Otsego County 911 report of a 2 vehicle accident on State Route 166 in the Town of Roseboom. 35 year old Lillian Fuller of Roseboom attempted a U-turn & struck a Nissan driven by 52 year old Ray Coco of Mayfield, The Nissan struck a mailbox then came to rest as in a ditch. Fuller was transported to Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown with a possible fractured foot and back pain, Coco was transported to Bassett Hospital with fractured ribs and a fractured back, His passenger 62 year old William Hayes of Gloversville, was transported to Bassett Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol and drugs where not a factor in this accident. The investigation is ongoing.

The Village of Oxford will meet in Lafayette Park for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, at 5:00 PM. Plans call for lights, music, roasted chestnuts, caroling, and refreshments, highlighted by the lighting of the 12-foot evergreen tree.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Town of Sherburne man for driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop in the Town of North Norwich. Deputies stopped a vehicle on State Hwy 12 in North Norwich operated by Matthew Quinn. Quinn was found to be operating the motor vehicle with more than a .18% BAC, he was arrested without incident and processed before being released on appearance tickets to family members. Quinn has a later date in the Town of North Norwich Court.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season. Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB. To donate blood, people can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS; today’s blood drive is from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1180 State Highway 206 in Gr

State Police at Sidney arrested 35 year old Sarah Cahill of Greene, for driving while ability impaired by drugs, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of a car crashing into a the front porch of a home on State Route 12 in the Town of Greene. troopers accuse Cahill of driving off the road, through a field into the home, she passed out, came to & attemtped to leave the scene. teh arrest is a felony because Cahill had a prior conviction for driving while impaired by drugs in the last ten years. She was arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $2,000 property bond pending court action today.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30 year old Cassandra Castle of Bainbridge, following a traffic stop on State Route 206, in the Town of Walton. Castle was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, she was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court & was released after posting $1000 cash bail & will appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that legislation he sponsored establishing the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The bill adds portions of New York State Routes 28, 42, and 214 in Delaware and Ulster counties to the New York State Scenic Byways System. The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway will be comprised of 65 miles primarily along New York State Route 28.

The American Red Cross continues to look for all types of blood for donation, with another blood drive in Oxford tomorrow. Those interested in donating can download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations. The Oxford blood drive will be Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the American Legion Post 376, at 17 South Washington Street.

The new Magic City Music Hall will continue with concerts in the coming days & weeks, at their new 1240 Front Street Location. Magic City Owner Stu Green Comments:

(Stu Green 11-13-15)

More information is available at themagiccitymusichall.com.

Bassett Healthcare Network has moved its Edmeston practice, known as the Dr. William Streck Health Center, to Pathfinder Village. An Open House will be held today, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the new health center is located just east of Pathfinder Village on a new access road, Turner Lane, at State Route 80. The new 3,800 square foot Streck Health Center has 4 exam rooms,

State Police arrested 25 year old Jon Speller of Oneonta, for criminal trespass, after troopers responded to a complaint from a woman sleeping at the Budget Inn on State Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta, who complained that she woke up to Speller crawling through her outside window and entering her room without permission. Troopers located him sleeping in another room when he was arrested. Speller was arraigned at the Town of Oneonta Court and released on his own recognizance. His next court date in the Town of Oneonta is on December 10th.

State Police at Binghamton arrested 23-year-old Andre Deanjou of Port Crane for driving while intoxicated, after a traffic stop when Deanjou was observed operating a vehicle at 90 mph when the posted speed limit was 40 mph on State Route 369 in the Town of Fenton. Deanjou was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Fenton court on November 19th.

A Village of Oxford man was arrested Sunday by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Driving While Intoxicated. 20-year-old Zachary Angelina was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after an investigation into a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 12 in the Town of North Norwich. Angelina lost control of his vehicle and left the roadway causing damage to private property. Angelina will appear in court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded Saturday, to a 1-car Accident on State Route 357 in the Town of Sidney. Deputies arrested 33-year-old Jennifer Ross of Franklin for DWI, operating a motor vehicle with an open alcoholic container & unlawful possession of marihuana. Ross is to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 26-year-old Michael Manning of Laurens for felony DWI and unlawful possession of marihuana. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 205 in the Town of Oneonta. This arrest was a felony because he has two prior convictions for DWI within the last ten years. Manning was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on November 17th.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announces: SMART OTSEGO BUSINESS, INTRODUCTION TO THE GLOBAL MARKET PLACE SEMINAR on November 12th. Registration is available at otsegocc.com or 432-4500. The event is open to the public; All Classes will be held at SUNY Oneonta at Morris Hall starting at 8:00 AM with registration, Class begins at 8:30, ending at 10:30a.m.

A Solar meeting will be held at Delaware Academy in Delhi, Saturday featuring information about financial incentives and free solar site assessments & to promote the state's new financial incentives for New Yorkers. The meeting will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Delaware Academy Auditorium, in Delhi, more information is available at southerntiersolarworks.org

Pathfinder Village of Edmeston, announced that a Donor & press event for the new $1.2 million Dr. William Streck Community Health Center would be held on Friday November 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The new 3,800 square foot Health Center is just east of Pathfinder Village, off of State Route 80, Pathfinder Village will lease the new facility to Bassett Healthcare Network, which will oversee medical operations. The new health center replaces an older, smaller clinic in Edmeston, and is expected to offer expanded access to healthcare services to area residents.

Governor Cuomo and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that an agreement has been reached to save at-risk Kraft-Heinz facilities, which employ nearly 1,000 workers throughout Upstate New York. Under the agreement, Kraft-Heinz will continue operating 3 plants, including the one in Walton, they will defer the planned closure of the Campbell plant for a period of 12-24 months, during which time the company will work with state, federal and local officials in an effort to identify a new operator who would retain the plant’s existing employment. The State and company are also committing to each invest at least $20 million to support and modernize Kraft-Heinz’s Upstate operations.

State Police responded to a 2 vehicle head on collision on State Route 28 in the Town of Middletown. 46-year-old Richard Herrel of Delhi attempted to avoid an unknown object in the roadway and crossed into the eastbound lane of travel, his pickup truck then struck a Mercury Marquis driven by 75-year-old Harriet Rauchut of Shandaken. Both drivers were transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital where Herrel was treated for non-life threatening injuries and Rauchut was pronounced deceased due to blunt force trauma. No autopsy is being required. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor in this accident. This investigation is ongoing.

State Police arrested 23-year-old Cody Mabe of Pharsalia for fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, resting arrest and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a short pursuit that started when a trooper observed Mabe driving without a front license plate and attempted to make a traffic stop on State Route 23 in the Town of Pharsalia. After refusing to comply, Mabe drove away. The pursuit ended when he drove near his home and fled into the woods. He was arrested shortly after. Mabe was arraigned in the Town of Pharsalia court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Pharsalia is on November 5, 2015

State Police arrested 41-year-old Robert McLintock of Edmeston for criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marihuana. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop for driving with a brake lamp not working on State Route 20 in the Town of Richfield. During the stop it was determined that he unlawfully possessed an unregistered handgun and marihuana. McLintock was arraigned and was released without bail required pending court action on November 4th.

State Police at Sidney arrested 36 year old Brandi Brown of New Berlin for the felony DWI with a BAC result of .16% which is twice the legal limit. This arrest occurred after traffic stop for failing to keep right on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. Brown was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and was released without bail required. Her next court date in the Town of Guilford is November 12, 2015.

The Common Core Task Force announced its public meeting schedule, which includes 12 meetings across New York State beginning today in New Rochelle. The Task Force will then host 10 simultaneous regional listening sessions where members of the public are invited to deliver testimony. Following the presentations, Task Force members will engage in a Question & Answer period. The sessions will be open to members of the public and press and video of the session will be posted on the Task Force website. One session will be held in each region of the state (total of 10 meetings). Regional meeting details will be available on the Task Force website early next week.

State Police arrested 32 year old Phillip Williams of Endicott, who had made threats to hurt himself and others, and was armed with a rifle. Troopers attempted a traffic stop in Owego, Williams failed to comply, entered Pennsylvania & returned to Owego, where a pursuit eventually ended on State Route 434. Williams was arrested after a brief struggle after he threatened and menaced approaching police officers with a rifle. Williams was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, menacing a police officer, assault, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment, aggravated harassment 2nd and numerous traffic violations. He was arraigned and was remanded to the Tioga County jail with no bail set.

New York State will soon require all students in the 7th and 12th grades to be vaccinated against meningitis, after Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law this week. The governor signed the legislation, 20 other states already require the shot as part of standard immunizations. Statistics show that more than 1,000 people contract the disease each year, 10% to 15% die from the disease.

State Police responded to a fatal Motor Vehicle Accident on County Route 8 in the Town of Pittsfield. Troopers discovered 50 year old Guillermo Soto of Morris had apparently lost control of his vehicle for an unknown reason, and struck a tree, he was found deceased in the driver’s seat with his seat belt on. Otsego County Coronor's office responded to the scene and Soto was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a possible autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office graduated 6 new officers professionally trained in equine mounted patrol activities. The mounted patrol was re-established in 2012,it is made up of a team of officers from various law enforcement agencies throughout the County. the horses will be used for searches in Delaware County where much of the county is not accessible by conventional methods.

Pathfinder Village of Edmeston, announced that a Donor & press event for the new $1.2 million Dr. William Streck Community Health Center would be held on Friday November 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The new 3,800 sq. ft. Streck Health Center is just east of Pathfinder Village, off of NYS Route 80, Pathfinder Village will lease the new facility to Bassett Healthcare Network, which will oversee medical operations. The new health center replaces an older, smaller clinic in Edmeston, and is expected to offer expanded access to healthcare services to area residents.

State Police arrested 34 year old Zenaida Montanez of Endwell, for driving while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a weapon & criminal possession of a controlled substance they also arrested 60 year old Gulberto Montanez of Endwell for 2 counts of criminal possession of a weapon & 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Trooper’s responded Wednesday afternoon to a report of a vehicle driven by a woman while a man was seen holding a handgun on State Route 17 in Vestal, Troopers found the vehicle in the Town of Dickinson; police found weapons and crack cocaine. Zenaida Montanez was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Dickinson on November 3rd while Gulberto was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set.

Magic City Music Hall opens this weekend with a free show Friday and hit makers REO Speedwagon, on Sunday. Magic City owner Stu Green comments:

(Stu Green 10-22-15)

The free concert will be an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band Friday at the new location: 1240 Front Street in the Northgate Plaza.

State DOT officials today announced the scheduled reopening of the Interstate 81 southbound ramp to State Route 17 westbound, a major milestone in the $135 million project to reconstruct the Prospect Mountain Interchange of State Route 17 and I-81 in the city of Binghamton and town of Dickinson, Broome County. The I-81 southbound ramp to Route 17 had been closed since December 2014. An estimated $164 million project to reconfigure Interchange 4 will begin next spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Bassett Healthcare, Delaware County Public Health & Cornell Cooperative Extension's Rural Health Care Alliance will present speaker Mark Fenton tonight at 6:30 PM at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall. Bassett spokesperson Amy Beveridge explains:

(Amy Beveridge 10-14-15)

Among the topics Fenton is expected to discuss making comminutes healthier by developing walking & biking trails, how to provide safe routes to schools and the economic, environmental & public health benefits of being active.

Springbrook will host an "Informed Decision Making" workshop today in the Events Room at their Campus on State Route 7 in Oneonta. The main goal of the workshop is to provide training for direct support professionals in understanding how to properly guide the people they support through the decision making process. The workshop is a half-day event from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 1:30 to 4:30 PM.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 25-year-old Britney Fraser of Oneonta for criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & possessing a controlled substance in a non-original container. 21-year-old Ashley Harty of Sherburne was also charged with 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marihuana. The arrests occurred after a vehicle stop when Fraser was observed failing to stop for approaching traffic as she drove onto State Route 7 in the Town of Oneonta. Troopers detected the odor of marihuana & a search was conducted, troopers accuse Fraser of possessing half of a narcotic and driving with a suspended license. Harty was found to unlawfully possess marijuana, heroin and cocaine. Fraser and Harty were arraigned at the Town of Oneonta court and both were remanded to the Otsego County jail on $400 cash bail or $800 property bond, pending Town of Oneonta court on November 12th.

State Police responded to a report of a motorcycle accident on State Route 28 in the Town of Exeter. 86-year-old Herbert Black of Remsen was operating his motorcycle on State Route 28 when he entered a curve in the roadway, he was unable to maintain his lane and struck a street sign & was ejected and suffered serious injuries to his head, neck and chest. Black was transported to Bassett Hospital where he was pronounced deceased, no autopsy would be required.

State Police in Norwich observed a 2007 Hummer traveling on State Route 12 in the Town of North Norwich; the vehicle matched the description of a stolen vehicle from Utica, and had been in a pursuit earlier in Oneida County. Several attempts to stop the driver were made and were stopped for safety reasons as the suspect approached the City of Norwich and then the Village of Greene. Troopers reported that as the vehicle entered Broome County, 2 Tire Deflation Devises were deployed, the front tires were disabled & the suspect continued to the Town of Chenango, and then fled the disabled vehicle and ran into the woods, A search by a State Police & Broome County Sheriff’s K-9 teams led to 17 year old La-Tee Baker of Utica, who was located near Otsinigo Park. Baker was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of stolen property, he was arraigned at the Town of Chenango court and remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time.

The New York State Office of Information Technology Services is offering a number of resources and activities to help all users learn more about cyber security and how to safeguard themselves from cyber-based threats. The 2015 Cyber Security Toolkit features awareness resources geared to a broad audience, including government, businesses, schools, and the general public. New York ITS is also coordinating a statewide cyber security poster contest for students in grades K through 12 promoting online safety, winners will be featured on the ITS website and entered into a national contest, more information on the poster contest is available at its.ny.gov/eiso.

State Police arrested 26 year old Christopher Kuiper of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawfully fleeing police in a vehicle, reckless driving and several other charges, after a trooper observed a Nissan making an illegal U-turn on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson. Kuiper allegedly failed to stop for pursuing troopers, he is accused of driving at speeds up to 90 miles an hour through the Prospect mountain work zone to State Route 17, he braked hard and his vehicle was struck by state police vehicle. Kuiper exited the vehicle was arrested without incident. Kuiper was found to unlawfully possess Percocet and marihuana; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail on $1,000 cash bail. Police stated that the pursuit lasted 4 minutes and covered 9 miles.

The Chenango Arts Council announced a 20% increase in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2016 Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Grant Program. $129,280 is available to non-profit organizations and artists who partner with an eligible non-profit for cultural initiatives in 2016. Funding is available for grants up to $5,000 each to support Community Arts and Arts Education grants in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties. The deadline for 2016 grant application is Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Opportunities are for projects through December 31, 2016. More information is available at Chenangoarts.org or 336-ARTS.

Operation Merry Christmas Sign-ups are underway for the coming holiday season. The giveaway day this year will be on Saturday, December 12th. More information is available at 967-8119, 563-8119 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook Page.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will hold the GET SET Energy Efficiency Workshop on from 6:00-7:30 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension on State Route 10 in Hamden tonight. More information is available at 865-6531 or ccedelaware.org.