WCDO Radio News

The National Weather Service is calling for a Winter Storm Watch Tuesday, local meteorologist rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 1-28-19)

Townsend said that he believes that the storm will have up to 6 inches of snow accumulation Tuesday.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments last Thursday after a narcotics trafficking investigation in the Delhi area.  Sheriff’s Investigators and Deputies arrested 61 year-old Herbert Jones and 47 year-old Nicole Byron of Delhi Friday, for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Heroin in the Village of Delhi in December.  Byron was located and arrested in the City of Albany, & was returned to Delaware County. Jones was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Friday and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending continuation of his arraignment.   Byron was arraigned in Delaware County Court this morning and was also remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to be held without bail pending continuation of the arraignment.

——————————————

The Child Victims Act is expected to pass today in the legislature, and a 3-way agreement was reached on this legislation last week. Governor Cuomo has been a vocal advocate for the Child Victims Act for years, and he even quoted Pope Francis in his State of the State address recently to call for the passage of these bills by the legislature:

(Cuomo 1-28-19)

The Child Victim’s act will be signed into law by Governor Cuomo shortly after its expected passage in Albany.

————————————-

Local sales tax collections continued to climb in 2018, According to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections across the state of $17.5 billion grew by $872 million, or 5.3%, every region in the state has experienced an increased annual growth rate in sales tax collections in each of the last 3 years, with the exception of the Finger Lakes.  The Southern Tier saw the highest year-over-year increase at 6.8%, the strongest for the region since 2011.

———————————————-

A new report shows that the use of E-Cigarettes by New York State youth has sky-rocketed in the last few years by 160% over 4 years.  Linda Wegner of Advancing Tobacco Free Communities of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties said that there is a lot of work to be done to correct this issue:

(Linda Wegner 1-28-19)

Wegner said that the problem has been compounded by big tobacco companies such as Marlboro, buying up E-cigarette companies & using flavorings & marketing to entice youth into nicotine based products, state & federal officials are just starting to consider legislative action to stop these trends.

—————————————————-

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that their next “1sty Friday Eat & Greet” event will be held at the Bellayre ski resort in Highmount om February 1st at 8:30 AM.  The last day to register for the event through the Chamber office in Delhi is tomorrow at http://delawarecounty.org

————————————-

State Senator Fred Akshar released his latest in a series of online surveys.  Akshar is asking his constituents to weigh in on the Governor’s proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. Key provisions of the proposal include Establishing separate licensing programs for marijuana growers, distributors and retailers, with a ban on growers also opening retail shops;   Imposing a 20 percent state tax and 2 percent local tax on the sale of the drug from wholesalers to retailers, plus a per-gram tax on growers; Allowing counties and large cities to ban marijuana sales within their boundaries & Banning marijuana sales to anyone under the age of 21. The survey can be found at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov. 

————————————–

Hundreds of county delegates from across the state will gather Today through Wednesday for the New York State Association of Counties Legislative Conference at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.  Attendees will participate in bipartisan standing committee meetings, training workshops, policy discussions, keynote addresses, and business meetings.  More information is available at nysac.org.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force Police arrested 26 year old Bethany Kasson & 38 year old Anthony Thompson  of Binghamton following a drug bust at 116 Park Avenue Friday. Police seized 25 grams of Fentanyl plus Cocaine, $7,800 cash from suspected drug sales, Marijuana, & Drug Packaging Materials, Kasson & Thompson face 6 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1 count of Criminal Possession of Marijuana, and 4 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, they were being held  pending court action.

————————————-

Bainbridge United, previously known as Reunite Bainbridge, will meet at 7:00 PM tonight at the back of Bob’s Diner.  They will continue preparing a mission statement, other topics are welcomed, the public is invited to attend & participate.

—————————————————

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive today from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street.  To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS, All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

———————————————–

The Delaware County Fair Board annual dinner was held Saturday at the Walton Fire house.  The Fair Board announced that 10 $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to current high school seniors or students already in college, through State Association of Agricultural Fairs & the New York’s State Showpeople’s Association, more information is available by emailing delcofair@gmail.com, applications are available at nysfairs.org & must be returned by April 12th. ————————————————–

The 2nd murder Trial of Aaron Powell of Binghamton continues in Broome County Court.  Powell is accused of killing his estranged wife Christina & Mario Masciarelli at Christina’s Residence on Lisi Lane in Binghamton on March 21st 2013.  Powell was found guilty of several felony counts in his first trial; a higher court overturned the original conviction & ordered a new trial.

————————————————-

Heavy ice flows on the Hudson River caused by recent warming and heavy rains dislodged 8 vessels from their docks early this morning. DEC, state and local officials quickly responded and secured the vessels.  1 large boat became stuck under a railroad bridge south of the Capital District this morning, DEC & Emergency Crews from various district are assisting with attempting to capture the boats as they continue to be pushed downstream by large ice flows.  Video footage shot from drones are available for public viewing on the DEC YouTube channel.

———————————————–

Delaware County Department of Public Works Commissioner Sue McIntyre announced the hiring of Tyson Robb as coordinator of the county’s Solid Waste Division of DPW.  McIntyre held that position for many years prior to her promotion to Commissioner.

———————————–

Convicted murderer Jeremy Coates has died in the Auburn correctional facility.  Details of Coates’s death were not announced, Coates was serving time for the murder of David Green in Green’s Oxford home in September of 2016.

———————————–==============================

Governor Cuomo signed legislation Thursday to upgrade New York State’s voting laws.  The new laws will allow for eight days of early voting before an election, synchronize federal and state primary elections, allow voter preregistration for teenagers, provide voter registration portability within the state, and close the LLC loophole, by limiting political spending by an LLC to a total of $5,000 annually.

————————————————————————–

A Boil Water order has been issued for the Village foo Bainbridge, following yesterday’s Water Main issue.  The Chenango County Health Department reported that the order will be in effect for 2 to 3 days. More information is available at 337-1673 or 967-8696.

————————————————-

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education has begun a search for a new Superintendent of Schools.  The District invites the Sidney community, parents, staff and students to assist in developing a profile of desirable attributes & qualities of this individual at the District Facebook page or website sidneycsd.org and complete a survey. All entries are anonymous.

————————————————

The Village of New Berlin has scheduled a seminar of today at 10:00 AM, regarding an issue with particles in the water.  New Berlin mayor Terry Potter comments:

(Terry Potter 1-25-19)

The meeting will be held in the New Berlin Village Hall & engineers from Delaware Engineering will answer questions from citizens, regarding the water issue and the safety of the water supply.

—————————————–

The Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally will be held on Saturday in General Clinton Park.  Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 1-25-19)

The event will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 pm in General Clinton Park; it will be free & open to the public.

—————————————-

A State Budget presentation will be held today in Oneonta.   RoAnn Destito, Commissioner of the Office of General Services, will deliver State of the State and Budget Presentations at 10:00 AM at SUNY Oneonta

————————————-

40 year old James Witt has been identified as the driver of the tractor trailer that flipped onto its side on I-88 between the Unadilla & Otego exits Monday afternoon.  Witt traveled off the shoulder and traveled approximately 500 feet before striking earth embankment and overturning on its side. Unadilla and Wells Bridge Fire Departments responded & 1 eastbound lane of the I-88 was closed until about 4:30 this morning for cleanup & for the investigation.  Witt was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City complaining of head and rib pain.  The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

—————————————–

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 62-year-old James Decker of Walton, Friday on 10 felony counts for Criminal Contempt and Aggravated Family Offense following their investigation of a complaint of on-going violations of an Order of Protection.  Decker is incarcerated in the Delaware County Correctional Facility as a result of a conviction for Criminal Contempt, is accused of making phone calls to a protected party in violation of the provisions of an Order of Protection issued by the Village of Walton Court.  Decker will be arraigned on the charges in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date.

—————————————

A meeting is planned for Friday between Oneonta city officials and Melania Pervu, the owner of the former Oneonta Hotel.  The building houses apartments, it was deemed unsafe by Oneonta officials in 2017, Pervu had a deadline of January 11 to bring it up to code.

—————————————————

State Lawmakers are expected to pass legislation today on the 46th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe versus Wade Abortion ruling that states can’t ban abortion.  Governor Cuomo called on the legislature to pass the bill & maybe go even further, after years of having it blocked by the Republican led State Senate, which is now held by Democrats:

(Cuomo 1-22-19)

The Reproductive Health Act would allow women in New York to have the right to an abortion in the third trimester if a fetus is no longer viable, or if a woman’s life or health is at risk. Abortion also would be regulated in New York under public health law, instead of penal law.

—————————————

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Joseph Hahn of Walton Saturday for DWI & Aggravated DWI. Deputies allege that Hahn was traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton when he lost control of his vehicle and slid off the roadway, causing the vehicle to become disabled.  Hahn was processed and released on an appearance tickets made returnable to the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

——————————————-

Hartwick College of Oneonta announced it has received approval for its 1st master’s degree program, in “Translational Biomedical Research Management”.  The program will help train post-graduate students to take basic science and turn it into ideas aimed at advancing healthcare.  This Master Program will be administered mostly online, and is slated to begin this fall.

————————————————-

The results of the 75th Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame election will be revealed at 6:00 tonight.   Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson will announce the results on the MLB channel, tonight’s announced inductees will join Today’s Game Era electees Harold Baines and Lee Smith at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies on July 21st  in Cooperstown as part of the Induction Weekend.

State Police at Sidney announced Monday afternoon that they have located 23-year-old Cody Conkling of Sidney, who was reported missing by family members Sunday afternoon.  Conkling was located safe, in good health and his family has been advised. 

———————————————–

The Huntington Memorial Library on Chestnut Street in Oneonta will be closed for the next 3 weeks for renovations & asbestos abatement.   The library is expected to be re-opened on February 9th. 

———————————————–

Significant snowfall will hit the region this weekend, local meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 1-16-19)

Townsend said that 12 to 20 inches of snow will likely arrive in this storm.

——————————————-

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that a murder indictment was unsealed Friday against 24 year old Akeem Daniels, who is accused of shooting 27-year-old Daequan Dickerson on September 16th in a drive-by shooting in Binghamton.  Daniels pleaded not guilty to 2nd degree Murder & criminal possession of a weapon, he is being held pending future court action.

————————————————–

The State labor Department announced that the state’s Private Sector Job Count rose to an all-time high of 8,243,000.   The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.9% in December, the lowest level on record since statistics were recorded in 1976.

———————————————

The Village of New Berlin has scheduled a seminar of January 25th at 10:00 AM, regarding an issue with particles in the water.  New Berlin mayor Terry Potter explains:

(Terry Potter 1-18-19)

The meeting will be held in the New Berlin Village Hall & will be open to the public.

——————————————–

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of an altercation at a restaurant parking lot in the Town of Chenango, where 2 people met for a transaction of an item listed in a classified ad.  The buyer allegedly used a fake $100 bill for the purchase, an argument ensued, the buyer allegedly pushed the victim to the ground and attempted to drive away with the property, the victim was dragged by the car for a short distance.  Deputies later arrested 27 year old Christopher Warren of Binghamton for robbery, criminal mischief, criminal possession of stolen property among several felony charges; he faces court action at a later date.

Governor Cuomo directed state agencies to provide support for federal workers impacted by the federal government shutdown, which is the longest in U.S. history. The Governor called for the State Labor Department to provide increased support to workers seeking unemployment insurance benefits and the State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to help those working without pay apply for and obtain public assistance benefits.   The Governor has also directed the Department of Labor to work with the federal unions to make sure their members are made aware of these benefits.  More information about temporary or part-time job opportunities is available at 1-888-469-7365, or labor.ny.gov.

———————————————

Governor Cuomo announced the Green New Deal, this week, to put New York State on a path to economy-wide carbon neutrality: 

(Cuomo 1-18-19)

During Governor Cuomo’s first two terms, New York banned fracking of natural gas, committed to phasing out coal power by 2020, mandated 50% renewable power by 2030, solar has increased nearly 1,500% and offshore wind is poised to transform the State’s electricity supply to be cleaner and more sustainable.

———————-

Oneonta City officials remind vehicle owners that with the snowy forecast, motorists must remember that there is no parking on city streets after 2 1/2” of snow.  The City of Oneonta Code Enforcement Office would like to remind property owners that snow and ice shall be removed from the sidewalk in front of their property by 9:00 am each day, if ice cannot be removed from the sidewalk, and then it will be permissible to be treated with ice melt, sand or other similar materials.

———————————

State Senator Jen Metzger of the 42nd District, announced her Senate committee assignments. Metzger will be chairing the Senate Agriculture Committee; she will serve on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, and Local Government Committees.   Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, she replaced John Bonacic, who served in State Government for many decades & has retired.

———————————-

Governor Cuomo announced a proposal this week, mandating full disclosure of tax returns by candidates for public office is included in the 2019 Executive Budget: 

(Cuomo 1-17-19)

Cuomo said that a candidate for public office must disclose their tax returns to the State Board of Elections no later than 60 days before a general election,  There is currently no requirement that elected officials disclose their past tax returns in New York State.

———————————————————

Freshman Congressman Antonio Delgado of the 19th District has received his committee assignments this week.  Delgado will serve on the House Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.   Agriculture remains the top industry of New York State.

————————————————————

State Senator Fred Akshar released the 1st in a series of new online surveys this week in an effort to listen to constituents of the 52nd Senate District on the many issues set to come before the State Senate this year.    The first question is on the “DREAM Act”, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants to apply for state-funded, free college tuition assistance programs for New York State colleges or universities. The DREAM Act would also create a private scholarship fund specifically for undocumented students.   Constituents are urged to visit nysenate.gov/questionnaires/fred-akshar. 

——————————————————-

The Jericho Arts Council announced that due to the impending winter weather, the “Storm Front; A Tribute To Billy Joel” Concert, originally scheduled for Saturday night has been cancelled.  More information is available at 288-3882

——————————————–

Governor Cuomo announced that $22 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant funding has been awarded to the Upper Mohawk Valley Memorial Auditorium Authority for the construction of the Nexus Center in downtown Utica. The Nexus Center will be a 169,000 square-foot facility for hockey, lacrosse, soccer and other field sports.  The $44-million facility will be adjacent to the Adirondack Bank Center, the home of the AHL Utica Comets.

Governor Cuomo today announced a proposal to increase criminal penalties for assaulting the press is included in the 2019 Executive Budget.  the legislation would increase the penalties of assault against a journalist while performing their duties to a felony level offense.   Similar elevated protections exist for other professions, including nurses, utility workers, MTA employees, emergency medical service technicians and process servers.

——————————————

State Lawmakers passed a package of bill earlier this week, to make voting easier across the state, Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented:

(Crouch 1-17-19)

The bills are expected to be signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

—————————————————

The Concerned Citizens of Oneonta will host an “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGIES:  21ST CENTURY SOLUTIONS” panel discussion today in Oneonta.  The discussion will be held at the Elm Park Church at 401 Chestnut Street from 7:00 to 9:00 PM tonight, topics include:  Economic development, renewable energy possibilities, existing conservation and renewable energy programs, job creation with fossil fuels vs. renewables, and the Clean Energy Community and Climate Smart Community programs.

————————————————–