WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-8-20

by wcdonews Posted on January 8, 2020

Governor Cuomo unveiled his 2020 agenda to a joint session of the legislature in Albany this afternoon:

(Cuomo 1-8-20)

The budget & the agenda now goes to the legislature, with the budget due on April 1st, the session will end in mid-June.

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The Chenango United Way had a successful year at reaching their fundraising goal, Director Elizabeth Monaco comments:

(Elizabeth Monaco 1-8-20)

The Chenango United way helps fund many area nonprofits & charitable organizations to serve their clients.

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State Assemblyman Will Barclay of Pulaski was unanimously elected leader of the New York State Assembly Minority Republicans Tuesday.  Barcley replaces Brian Kolb, who stepped down following a recent DWI arrest.

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The Village of Deposit announced that voters have decided to dissolve the village Police Department and the Village court.  The vote to dissolve the police department was 229 to dissolve, 156 to keep the department, the vote on the village court was 235 to dissolve and 150 to keep the court.

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A.O. Fox Hospital is partnering with the New York State Dental Association at FoxCare Dental Associates at 1 FoxCare Drive in Oneonta on Saturday, February 1st for a free day of dental services to children 18 and under and pregnant mothers.   Appointments are requested for the free service at 441-4945. Patients will receive exams, cleanings, fillings and routine extractions

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State Police arrested 31 year old Ian Frankl of Morris for DWI, after Troopers were dispatched to a report of a single car crash on State Highway 7 in the town of Otego.  Complainants reported to troopers that a mailbox had been damaged and that the driver left the area.  Frankl was arrested & was released on appearance tickets to the town of Otego court tomorrow.

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State Police arrested 54 year old John Buffa of Plymouth for DWI, after Troopers were dispatched to an accident on County Road 16 in the town of Plymouth.  The driver of the vehicle had left the scene and was walking along County Road 16, knocking on doors asking for a ride, troopers located Buffa, & after failing standardized field sobriety tests, Buffa was arrested.  Buffa was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.  After he was released, he was processed then provided appearance tickets to the town of Plymouth court for today.

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The regular Sidney Chamber of Commerce meeting will meet at Trackside Dining this morning, the meeting will begin at 7:45.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a state Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment Training for Managers and Owners today in Oneonta. New York State mandates ALL employers to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy as well as to train ALL employees on sexual harassment prevention.  Pinnacle Human Resources will conduct the training at Northern Eagle Beverages at 41 Browne Street in Oneonta from 1:00 to 3:00 PM; more information is available at 432-4500.

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Delhi Police Department arrested 35-year-old Tyson Robb of Delhi for Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Moved from Lane Unsafely, Failure to Keep Right, Driving on a Sidewalk and Refusal to Take a Breath Test. Robb was arraigned at Delhi Town Court where he was released on his own recognizance. Robb’s driving privileges were temporarily suspended at Court pending a DMV administrative hearing.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-7-20

by wcdonews Posted on January 7, 2020

State Police have identified the deceased from yesterday’s fatal crash in Greene as 68 year old Kathy Rogers of Greene.  Troopers were dispatched to State Route 12 at about 9:40 Monday morning after the report of a vehicle crossed the opposing lane, went off of the road, overturned & caught fire.  The investigation is still pending.

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Governor Cuomo will deliver his annual State of the State Address in Albany tomorrow afternoon.  The Governor has proposed about 2 dozen proposals in the weeks before the speech, which will outline his legislative agenda for the year.  The legislature will be in session through mid-June.

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Erick Tavares was sentenced in Otsego County Court to 1-1/3 to 4 years in State Prison, on a guilty plea for 3rd degree Robbery.  Tavares was arrested with 2 others for a kidnapping & robbery in Oneonta in 2018.

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The Delaware County Board of Supervisors is expected to name a new Commissioner for the Department of Social Services, at their next meeting Wednesday in Delhi.  Sylvia Armano has been serving on an interim basis since the suspension of former commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter in July.

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The Unatego Hall of Distinction Committee has selected 2 alumni to be honored for induction this year.  This year’s induction ceremony will take place during the Dan Wickham Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, January 11 with a reception at 5:30 PM in the Board Room at the Jr/Sr. High School followed by the ceremony at 6:00 pm in the High School Gym.  Inductees will be Steve Hall, a 1983 graduate who went on to become a successful mechanical engineer, owning 2 US Patents, and Aaron Foster, a 2010 graduate who has gone on to a successful guitar playing career in the Bluegrass Genre.

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State Police at Norwich arrested 47 year old Robert Smith of Sidney for Driving While Intoxicated, after a trooper on County Road 35 in the town of Oxford observed Smith driving erratically and initiated a traffic stop.  Smith’s B.A.C. was .14%, he was processed and turned over to a sober third party.

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State Police arrested 31 year old Corey Burns of Bainbridge for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, after a trooper was dispatched to a gas station in Afton after a concerned citizen called 911.  The trooper located Burns in his vehicle, he was arrested, processed then released to a sober 3rd party. 

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 1-6-20

by wcdonews Posted on January 6, 2020

Emergency crews in Chenango County closed down State Route 12 following the report of a 1 car crash at about 9:45 this morning near Greene.  Early reports stated that the vehicle in question rolled over & caught fire, with at least 1 person trapped inside.  WCDO News will have more details as they become available. 

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The Village of Bainbridge announced that their crews repaired a Water Main Break today.  The leak was discovered at about 11:00 AM today in a 4″ water main near Lambrecht’s auction property, Village Water customers on Guilford Road, Searles Hill Road, Bliss Road & Crest Drive were affected, the repair was completed at about 12:30 this afternoon, some residents may experience muddy water, they are advised to let it run until the water clears.

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The Jericho Arts Council is looking to sponsor 20 artists for their annual Regatta Row Sidewalk display, prior to the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.  The artists will again work with Adirondack Chairs made out of canoe paddles; more information is available at JerichoArts.com or by calling 643-2211 or 908-347-0091.

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State Police have arrested a Town of Mohawk man, accused of fatally shooting his father.  Trooper responded after a 911 call from 20 year old Alexander Eller at around 5:45 this morning, who admitted that he had shot his father.  56-year-old Dallas Eller Jr. was found with a gunshot wound to the chest, he was pronounced dead at the scene,   Alexander Eller is in police custody, charges & court action are pending.

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The New York Mets have announced Lorenzo Bundy as the Rumble Ponies manager for the 2020 season. Bundy replaces Kevin Boles, who was promoted to minor league field coordinator after managing the Rumble Ponies for one season.  Bundy has most recently managed in the Mexican League. He won three championships and was named Manager of the Year twice during his time in the Mexican League.  The Rumble Ponies open their season at home on April 9 against the Akron RubberDucks.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 28 year old Tanner Leone of Norwich for violating the terms of his parole from previous charges of Burglary, Criminal Mischief, and Assault.  Deputies took custody of Leone following a lengthy high speed vehicle pursuit, he was additionally charged with Reckless Endangerment, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer and multiple traffic offenses,   Leone was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond & faces court action in the Town of New Berlin Court on Wednesday.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s department arrested 39 year old James Sitts of Laurens for the theft of a motor vehicle 1 day after being released from jail on the new bail reform law on a Burglary Charge.  Sitts was charged with Grand Larceny & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property following an investigation into a report of a stolen pickup truck in the Town of Laurens.  Sitts was released on from jail on December 31st after being held in Otsego County Jail for Burglary, he was arraigned on the new charges & was remanded back to the Otsego County Jail.

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A.O. Fox Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new Food “Farmacy” program this afternoon at their Tri-Town Campus in Sidney.  The prescription food location will provide emergency food, education, and navigation services to patients and their families in need, according to Program coordinator Sarah Buttice:

(Sarah Buttice 1-6-20)

Fox is partnering with a number of local businesses and food pantries for supplies, practitioners will create referrals based on key social determinants or diagnoses that place patients at risk for food insecurity.

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State Police arrested 44 year old Steven Haney of Franklin, last month for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C of .18%.  Troopers were dispatched by Delaware County 911 to a report of a vehicle blocking the roadway in the town of Franklin.  The troopers observed Haney in the running vehicle and sleeping in the driver’s seat.   Haney failed standardized field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested.  Haney was processed and released on appearance tickets to the town of Franklin court.

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State Police arrested 38 year old Gary Jennings Jr. of Unadilla for the felony Aggravated Driving While Impaired by Drugs with Child as Passenger.   A trooper was dispatched by Otsego County 911 to a report of a one-car rollover on State Route 7 near State Route 357.  Jennings was operating the vehicle and had a 1-year-old in the vehicle with him when he crashed.  Both Jennings and the child were transported to A.O Fox Hospital for observation and were released. 

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 1-3-20

by wcdonews Posted on January 3, 2020

Governor Cuomo unveiled a proposal to help grow New York’s craft beverage manufacturing industry by reforming antiquated prohibition-era laws that will remove barriers to new investments. The Governor’s proposal will make it easier for movie theaters to sell alcoholic beverages; and modernize New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control law to help higher education institutions train the next generation of the craft beverage workforce. The bill would also create a post-secondary institution program license to meet growing workforce demand.

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The State Health Department reported a sharp increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases and hospitalizations statewide.  The past week saw another sharp increase in flu cases. Last week, 9,211 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to the State Department of Health, a 74-percent increase in cases from the week prior. This flu season, 22,763 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported to the Department. The number of weekly hospitalizations has also increased, with 1,387 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza, up 119 percent from last week. So far this season in New York, 3,592 flu-related hospitalizations and one flu-associated pediatric death have been reported.

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State Police arrested an East Meredith man twice last month for driving while ability impaired by drugs.   On December 8th, troopers arrested 65 year old Peter Maguire after they were dispatched to the Mirabito Gas Station in Bainbridge after employees observed Maguire stumble out of a vehicle and then sit at a table and fall asleep.  On December 14th, State Police arrested Maguire again after they were dispatched to the report of an unconscious male parked in a gas station parking lot in the town of Davenport, Troopers located Maguire in the driver’s seat with his keys in the ignition, he failed sobriety tests, he was arrested & was arraigned in the town of Harpersfield court and released on his own recognizance.  Maguire will appear in town of Bainbridge court on January 7th.

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State Police arrested 36 year old Elizabeth Fabricius of Afton for Aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18%.  Fabricius was stopped on Interstate 88 in the town of Sidney when a trooper initiated a traffic stop for vehicle and traffic violations, she was processed then released to a sober third party & faces court action in the town of Sidney court on January 9th.

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The Otsego County Chamber will be hosting CEO Tim Johnson of Otsego Electric Cooperative for Coffee and Connections morning mixer this morning at 8:30 AM.  The event will be held at the Otsego Now/Chamber office 189 Main Street 5th floor Oneonta.

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The Jericho Arts Council is hosting a show with Susquehanna String Band tonight at the Town Hall Theater.   The Susquehanna String Band show will begin at 7:00 PM, tickets can be reserved at 288-3882.

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State Police & local law enforcement agencies are hosting “Coffee with a Cop” on Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at The Tulip and The Rose Café at 435 Main Street in Franklin.  The public is invited to talk with law enforcement about concerns and ask questions.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 1-2-20

by wcdonews Posted on January 2, 2020

The top Republican in the State Assembly, Brian Kolb, was charged with a DWI in his hometown of Victor New Year’s Eve.    Kolb has served in the State Assembly since 2000, he has led the minority Assembly Republicans for the last 11 years, and some State Republicans are calling for Kolb to step down.  Kolb will be back in court at a later date.

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A family of three in Morris were left homeless by a fire Monday night.  The fire broke out in a home on Harris Hill Road home, no injuries were reported, and the family is receiving assistance from The Red Cross.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Michael Bryden of Delhi on 4 counts of Petit Larceny and 4 counts of Criminal Mischief, following an investigation into multiple reports of stolen catalytic converters in the Towns of Delhi and Franklin. Bryden was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi and Town of Franklin Courts at a later date to answer the charges.

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The Otsego County Planning & Solid Waste Department and the Otsego County Conservation Association announced the 2020 plastic film recycling challenge.   Schools in Otsego County are competing to see who can collect the most plastic film for recycling through April 15th; the winners will be announced at OCCA’s Earth Festival on April 18th.  10 schools are currently signed up, more information or to sign up, call 547-4256.

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Governor Cuomo signed legislation enacting the New York Call Center Jobs Act to protect call center jobs in New York.  The new law establishes rules within the Department of Labor to publicly track all call centers that move New York jobs to another country; imposes severe penalties against companies that fail to timely report such information; forces employers that received benefits for call centers from the State that move to repay any grant or guaranteed loan they have received and prohibits companies from receiving future state benefits for five years. The Department of Labor will compile an annual list of all center employers that relocate, which will be available through the Department’s website.

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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 67-year-old Thomas Lima of Franklin on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Delhi Court for the charges of Criminal Mischief 4th degree, Trespass, and Harassment, following a report of an ongoing harassment by Lima in the Town of Franklin. Lima was arraigned at the Town of Delhi Court and was released on his own recognizance; he will appear at the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

Oneonta Fire Fighters responded early Wednesday morning to a fire at 50 Cedar Street in Oneonta.  Several fire companies responded along with Oneonta, including Worcester, Sidney, Franklin, West Oneonta, Pindars Corners & Laurens.  The fire was contained but the home suffered heavy damage.  Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

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The City of Oneonta crews will repair a water main break on Orchard Street today near the dead end.  Part of Orchard will be closed along with sections of streets near the work area; the roads will be open only for local traffic. The work is to start at 9:00 a.m.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-31-19

by wcdonews Posted on December 31, 2019

Oneonta Police, State Police & the Oneonta Fire department responded to the report of a woman hit by a car on the Lettis Highway near Main Street last night.  32 year old April Johnson of Oneonta was crossing the highway & was struck by a vehicle driven by 41 year old David Shafer of Otego, who was ticketed for Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.  Johnson was taken to Fox Hospital & was later transferred to Albany Medical Center; the highway was closed for about 2 ½ hours for the investigation.

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State Police & local law enforcement agencies are hosting “Coffee with a Cop” on Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at The Tulip and The Rose Café at 435 Main Street in Franklin.  The public is invited to talk with law enforcement about concerns and ask questions,   Coffee with a Cop is a national program launched by the Hawthorne Police Department in California.

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State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Enforcement detail in Delaware County on December 19, 9 establishments were checked in Davenport, Stamford, Hobart and Delhi.  1 unlawful sale was made to an underage operative at “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” in Stamford.  73 year old Colin Heath of Stamford was issued an appearance ticket for Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Minor; he will appear in the town of Stamford court on January 14th.  

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Governor Cuomo announced a proposal that will require telecommunications companies to deploy technology that allows customers to block suspected robocalls.  Telecom companies will be required to update their blocking technology to protect their consumers; they must also adopt available technology that warns consumers about potential robocalls and scams, including those not originating from New York numbers. The proposal would also ramp up financial penalties against companies who do not comply with New York’s “Do Not Call Law.”

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New York lost more people than any other state in the nation for the 2nd year in a row, according to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.  New York has a population of  19.5 million people, ranking 4th out of the 50 states,  the state’s population dropped by 76,790 other states losing significant population were Illinois, West Virginia & Alaska.   New York could lose 1 congressional seat when district lines are redrawn based on the 2020 Census.  Top reasons cited for leaving New York included low wages, lack of jobs, high housing costs, bad weather, partisan politics, high energy costs, crime & high taxes.

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Several Fire Companies responded to a blaze at 78 Broad Street in Morris Saturday.  The cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature, fire fighters from Morris as well as Gilbertsville, West Laurens, West Oneonta, Laurens, Mount vision, Garrettsville and Pittsfield responded.  No injuries were reported & the Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

First Night Oneonta’s alcohol free, family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration will be held tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, on Market Street in Oneonta.  At 5 pm the celebration begins with a parade down Main Street. Line-up is at the Foothills between 4 and 4:30, followed by a full line-up of activities at Foothills.

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New York Farm Bureau has released its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 77 New York State Legislators to the distinguished list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker’s support of New York agriculture and Farm Bureau.   All of the representatives from the state Senate & Assembly from the tri County area were chosen.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-30-19

by wcdonews Posted on December 30, 2019

Governor Cuomo will not change his mind on a new bail reform law signed earlier this year that goes into effect Wednesday.  Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond opposes the law:

(Dumond 12-30-19)

The new law blocks judges from jailing defendants on bail for misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies. those accused will instead be released and ordered to return for their next court date.

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Temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 AM Tuesday, December 31, through 6:00 Thursday, January 2nd.  Some work may continue behind concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

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NYSEG officials reported that a few hundred customers had power outages this afternoon due to the weather.  75 customers were without power in Broome County, 250 were without power in Otsego County, and over 1500 in Sullivan County, where the bulk of the icy precipitation is expected through midnight tonight.  NYSEG has crews ready for the expected power outages from the ice, in the eastern counties of the state.

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Several new laws go into effect this week on New Year’s Day.  Starting January 1st, farmworkers across New York have the right to unionize. The new law also requires farmers to set a 60-hour work week for workers and allow them at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each week. Also, the state’s Minimum wage will increase; Workers across Upstate will get a new minimum wage to $11.80 an hour.  Also on January 1st, Health insurers must limit co-pays or co-insurance for outpatient mental health treatment and treatment for addiction.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers this holiday season to read the fine print on gift cards for details about fees and expiration dates. While some gift cards sellers have eliminated inactivity fees, consumers should still ask whether fees apply. DiNapoli also reminds recipients to spend their new gift cards in a timely manner, otherwise the money could eventually get turned over to the Office of Unclaimed Funds. DiNapoli’s office is currently holding more than $16 billion in unclaimed funds. This holiday season he urges New Yorkers to see if they are owed money and visit www.osc.state.ny.us.

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Governor Cuomo issued a joint statement with over 130 faith leaders from across the state condemning anti-Semitism in wake of attack where 5 people were stabbed during a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey Saturday night, mass stabbing is the latest in a disturbing rash of over 2 dozen anti-Semitic attacks throughout the state over the last year.  37 year old Grafton Thomas was arrested 2 hours after the attack in New York City, he was arraigned & bail was set at $5 Million Dollars.

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Governor Cuomo announced a proposal of his 2020 State of the State agenda: legislation banning all flavored nicotine vaping products including menthol flavors and vaping advertisements aimed at youth. The legislation would also authorize the State Department of Health to regulate the sale of chemicals used in vaping-related products and ban the sale of vaping product carrier oils deemed to be a public health risk. Finally, the legislation would prohibit the online, phone and mail order sale of e-cigarettes; only registered retailers would be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes using those methods.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-27-19

by wcdonews Posted on December 27, 2019

Afton Firefighters responded to a trailer fire at 170 County Road 17, shortly before 11:00 PM Thursday night.  Coventry, Bainbridge & Sidney fire departments assisted, a woman was found inside, she was taken to Wilson Hospital, the investigation is continuing.

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Around 5:30 this morning Afton Fire with mutual aid from Coventry, Bainbridge, Harpursville, Sidney, & Masonville responded to a structure fire on Algerine Street. The fire was found in the attic, all occupants escaped without injury.  Crews remained on the scene through the morning; the cause of the fire is under investigation.

5 Mile Point Fire Company will hold their 6th annual blood drive today in memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner, who served for 13 years with the state police, he was killed in the line of duty on May 29, 2014 when struck by a pick-up truck while making a routine traffic stop, he also served as a firefighter with the Five Mile Point Fire Company.  The event will be held today from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM at the 5 Mile Point Fire Company at 16 Crescent Drive in Kirkwood, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

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The new federal budget includes a $9.7 million appropriation for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, which is a 62% increase over last year.  The Friends of the Upper Delaware River & their partners have secured almost $1.5 million for on-the-ground stream protection and restoration projects throughout the Upper Delaware River watershed below the NYC reservoirs over the last few years, projects protect the wild trout fishery, enhance river related recreational opportunities, mitigate flooding, protect public infrastructure, and create local jobs.

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The Franklin Railroad & Community Museum has been raising funds this month for Helios Care, through a sports memorabilia auction that ends Saturday.  The Museum at 572 Main St, Franklin will be open Saturday for bidding, and at 4:00 PM the highest bidder on each item will be announced.  More information is available at 829-2692.

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Governor Cuomo announced a proposal to bring in outside experts to reexamine and rethink strategies to bring high-speed rail to New York. The Governor will task a panel of engineers to reexamine past high-speed rail plans and recommend a new plan for faster, greener, more reliable high-speed rail in New York.  Currently, passenger train service through the Empire Corridor, which runs through New York City, Albany, and Buffalo have average speeds of 51 miles per hour, meaning it is often the slowest method of travel for New Yorkers. 

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