WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-16-18

Governor Cuomo delivered his Executive Budget proposal this afternoon in Albany, which calls for a changing of tax codes to counteract the federal tax changes that targeted New York:

(Cuomo 1-16-18)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to get a budget passed in time for the new fiscal year.
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63-year old Ray Agard of Fort Plain was charged with DWI, Speed not reasonable & Prudent, criminal possession of a Controlled Substance among other charges, after he drove his car into the Jones residence on State Highway 28 in the Town of Milford. Agard lost control of the vehicle and exited the right shoulder, striking a snow bank. His vehicle continued off the roadway before coming to rest in the Jones home, he faces court action shortly.
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Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond will hold an active shooter/ disturbance Training session in Sidney on January 17th, Sheriff Dumond told WCDO News about the session:

(Dumond 1-16-18)

The session will be held in January 17th at the Sacred Heart Church on Liberty Street in Sidney starting at 10:00 AM.
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The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has reprimanded Guilford Town Justice Joan Kline. Kline is accused of procedural errors & inappropriate comments; she has decided to accept the censure.
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A new Sienna College Poll found voters like major elements of Governor Cuomo’s 2018 State of the State address that was unveiled last week. The most popular proposal with 76% approval is the plan to pass the Child Victims Act, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for sex crimes, committed against minors and increase the statute of limitations for civil cases. Over 65% supported the plan to prevent taxpayer funds from being used to settle sexual harassment claims involving state officials. 65% favor early voting, The Dream Act was supported by 60%, Making Roe vs. Wade into a permanent State law was backed by 59%. 58% approve of filing a lawsuit challenging the new federal tax law.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Labor Law Seminar on Friday at the chamber’s offices on Main Street beginning at 8:00 a.m. The presentation focuses on Labor and Employment Law for small employers from hiring to firing and the investigations and policies in-between including the newly enacted paid family leave policy. Registration deadline is Wednesday; members can register at otsegocc.com or call 267-4010 extension 104.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public & will begin at 7:00 PM.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 1-15-18

James Giacalone was released Saturday from a Pennsylvania Hospital, and into the custody of the State Police Violent Felony Warrant Squad. Giacalone had previously waived extradition proceedings, was returned to New York to face multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first degree murder of a police officer, for allegedly trying to run over 2 State Troopers who were trying to arrest him on separate charges on January 2nd in Binghamton. Giacalone was arraigned in the city of Binghamton Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court dates are pending.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 36-year-old Richard Madison of Endicott for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting Arrest following a foot chase through the City of Norwich. Madison was found to be in possession of Crack Cocaine packaged for sale and over $4000 was seized. This investigation is ongoing with more charges expected. Madison was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 29-year-old Christopher Manning of Unadilla, Thursday on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Village of Walton Court for Criminal Mischief. Deputies accuse Manning of intentionally damaging property of another person in an amount exceeding $250. Manning was arraigned at the Village of Walton Court and was released on his own recognizance to appear at a later date.
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A Binghamton man has been indicted on additional charges for trying to kill his wife. The Broome County District Attorney’s Office accuses 35 year-old Mike Rivera of getting into a violent altercation with his wife on December 16th, Police found the victim with several stab wounds and other injuries. Rivera was initially charged with attempted murder and unlawful imprisonment. A Broome County Grand Jury has added attempted assault, assault, strangulation and sexual abuse charges.
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The Community Foundation for South Central New York announced Spring 2018 grant opportunities for non-profit organizations, municipalities and school districts operating in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga Counties. Applicants should complete and submit their applications on-line at donorswhocare.org.
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Governor Cuomo will deliver his Executive Budget Proposal tomorrow; the budget already has a deficit:

(Cuomo 1-15-18)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to pass the state budget.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced their First friday Eat & Meet Breakfast to be held on February 2nd. The event will be held from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Andes Hotel at 110 Main Street in Andes, registrations are requested at delawarecounty.org/
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The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is in partnership with the IRS and SUNY Oneonta, to provide free tax preparation and filing for anyone who made $54,000 or less in tax year 2017. A Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site is located at the First United Methodist Church at 66 Chestnut Street in Oneonta now through April, on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This site will begin appointments on January 27, 2018. Appointments are recommended through Catholic Charities at 432-0061.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 1-12-18

The National Weather Service is calling for a mixed bag of weather over the next 24 to 48 hours, Sidney high school science teacher & meteorologist Rich Townsend explains;

(Rich Townsend 1-12-18)

WCDO will have weather updates throughout the day on this odd weather hitting the southern tier.
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has declined to over-rule New York State’s denial of the construction of the Constitution pipeline. The DEC ruled that the pipeline failed to meet certain requirements, the federal agency will not over rule the state’s decision. The Constitution pipeline was proposed to run from Northeast Pennsylvania, through Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties into Schoharie County, carrying gas would could have been tapped into by businesses and communities along the route.
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State lawmakers are getting ready for another busy session for 2018, local Assemblyman Cliff crouch told WCDO News about the session:

(Cliff Crouch 1-12-18)

The state budget is expected to have a 4 to 6 billion-dollar deficit, it is due to be passed April 1st.
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Memorial services will be held saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM & 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Walton Fire department, for 18 year old Destyni Twyman of Watlon, who died suddenly from an undisclosed medical emergency tuesday. Final Services will be held on Sudnay at the Walton fie house, an autopsy was conducted Wednesday, no officials cause of death has been released.
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State Police arrested 42 year old William Caputo of Raleigh, North Carolina for DWI and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a 1 vehicle collision on Russell Road, in the town of Walton. Caputo is accused of driving while intoxicated when he drove off the roadway and stuck a tree, Caputo was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for anxiety and chest pains, he refused to submit to a test to measure his blood alcohol content. Caputo was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.
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The Sidney United Way recently named ACCO Brands as the recipient of the 2017 “Community Matters” award. The Community Matters Award is presented to an individual or organization that has provided significant support for our local United Way and the Sidney Community. ACCO’s Brands 2017 campaign raised more than $30,000 to help support the work of the Sidney United Way.
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The Binghamton Pond Festival for local hockey enthusiasts will take place over the next 3 weekends starting today. Events will take place at Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks. There is no charge to attend, area Hockey teams are invited to register to participate, and the full schedule of events and registration information is available at bingpondfest.com.


NYSEG is reporting over 450 customers are without power in the town of Sidney & about 60 without power in the town of Franklin this morning. Crews are working to restore power as soon as possible.
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Governor Cuomo announced that he would deliver his annual BUDGET ADDRESS on Tuesday, at 1:00 PM. The address will be delivered at the Clark Auditorium at the New York State Museum in Albany.
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Chenango County Judge Frank Revoir has found Wayne Spratley of Greene not guilty of all 6 charges he was facing, in connection with a shooting incident in downtown Norwich in July 2015. Spratley was found not guilty Thursday of attempted 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree assault, attempted 2nd-degree murder & criminal use of a firearm.
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Hartwick College will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights heritage Sunday & Monday on campus and throughout Oneonta. On Sunday, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Citywide Birthday Celebration will be held at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. On Monday, “The Changing Faces of the Civil Rights Movement: Who’s in and Who’s Out.” will be held at the Dewar Union from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 1-11-18

State Police arrested 46 year old William Bateman of Edmeston, for 7 counts of 2nd degree Rape 2nd degree, 6 counts of Criminal Sexual Act, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, after troopers were advised of an incident in Otsego County. Bateman is accused of having sexual contact with a child less than 15 years old; he was arraigned in the town of Otsego Court and was released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Bateman’s next court date is on January 17th.
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Area Citizens are being reminded to be aware of the latest scams that are being perpetrated by phone, emails or even in person. Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack explains:

(Jan Gorshack 1-11-18)

Gorshack said that if anyone has any questions regarding the latest scams, they can contact the Sidney police Department at 561-2301.
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New York State Department of Health officials urged New Yorkers 6 months of age and over who have not yet received a flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Over the past week, cases of influenza rose by 37%, and new cases of influenza were reported in 61 of 62 counties & the first influenza-associated pediatric death was confirmed by the state’s public health laboratory. As of January 6th, 11,280 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza have been reported and 3,606 people have been hospitalized with influenza in New York State. Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious flu complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death.
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the income tax filing season officially kicks off on Monday, January 29. 9.5 million New York taxpayers e-filed in 2017. Taxpayers with incomes of $66,000 or less are eligible to electronically prepare and file both their federal and NYS returns under the Free File program. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.
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Governor Cuomo today announced a new record for the number of people arrested in 2017 attempting to use fake identification to buy alcoholic beverages under the legal drinking age. As part of the state’s year-round Operation Prevent initiative, investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Liquor Authority work with state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct underage drinking and fake ID sweeps at bars, restaurants, concert venues, and alcohol retailers across New York State. In the Southern Tier there were 45 arrests for selling alcohol to minors last year.
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A training program is available for Delaware & Otsego County residents who are 55 & older & who are looking to get back into the workforce. Associates for Training & Development spokesman John Frisch explains:

(John Frisch 1-11-18)

Frisch said that there is no cost to join the program; more information is available at 432-4800 extension 122, or online at a4td.org.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will once again hold the Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally in General Clinton Park later this month. Event organizer Phil Canonaco comments:

(Phil Canonaco 1-11-18)

The Sleigh rally will be held weather there is snow or not on Saturday January 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, donations will be accepted on behalf of the Delaware Valley Humane Society.
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The Sidney Town Board announced that last week’s cancelled meeting has been moved to tonight. the meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Sidney Civic Center Board room.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today, in the Guilford Elementary school at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM with a PUBLIC HEARING on the Smart Schools Investment Plan.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-10-18

Cal Harris of Owego had his license suspended in Preble town court yesterday, where he appeared to answer to a DWI charge from last month. Harris was charged after he allegedly hit the side of a vehicle on I-81, he was pulled over by state police a short distance away & was charged with DWI & Leaving the Scene of an accident. He faces additional court action on February 13th.
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66-Year old Ronald Cook of Utica will serve 6 months in prison following an appearance in Rome City Court on a criminal mischief charge. Cook was wanted for removing his court ordered GPS device from his ankle, he was arrested by Binghamton City Police in a restaurant on November 11th, he had served prison time following a rape conviction in 1991 & was a level 3 sex offender.
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An autopsy will be performed today on 18-year-old Destyni Twyman of Walton, after she suffered a medical emergency at Walton High School Tuesday, and was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital, where she later died. School officials announced that grief counselors are on hand for students & staff affected by Twyman’s death, through the next few days.
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Oneonta Police & the Otsego County Sheriffs Department served a search warrant at 300 Main Street in Oneonta Tuesday. Arrested were 37-year-old Timothy Baron of Oneonta, 55-year-old Mark Fategoni of Oneonta and 28-year-old Zachery Meegan of Oneonta on a variety of drug charges, for allegedly possessing cocaine & LSD. Police seized the drugs along with $9,500 in cash, all 3 were being held at the Oneonta Police Department lockup pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.
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CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free INTERVIEWING WORKSHOP on Tuesday, January 23rd at 11:00 AM at the CDO Workforce Center, at the Sidney Civic Center. BEAM Spokesman Alan Sessions explains:

(Alan Sessions 1-10-18)

Reservations are requested for the workshop by visiting the CDO Workforce Center or calling 832-5776. Walk-ins will also be allowed for the workshop.
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Broome County Sheriff Dave Harder will kick off his re-election Campaign Thursday at 5:30 PM, at the Atrio Banquets & catering in Endwell. Harder was first elected Sheriff in 1998, and won re-election in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.
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The Oneonta Town Board will meet today, to discuss a speed reduction on county Highway 58, along with regular business. The meeting will be in the Oneonta Town Hall in West Oneonta starting at 7:00 PM.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-9-18

State Police arrested 57 year old Lora Leitenberger from Treadwell for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .27%, Police accuse Leitenberger of being highly intoxicated when she pulled into a driveway, and passed out behind the steering wheel. This DWI arrest was raised to a felony due to a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. Leitenberger was arraigned in the town of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.
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36 year old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey was formally charged Monday with 2 counts of attempted 1st-degree murder and is being detained by authorities in Pennsylvania. Giacalone is accused of trying to run down 2 state troopers earlier this month in Binghamton with his vehicle, following a chase & crash into a utility Pole in Binghamton. Giacalone is being held on $250,000 bond and was remanded to the custody of the warden of the Montour County Prison; he will be extradited to New York State after he is released from a Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the face.
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The Trial of Wayne Spratley of Greene is underway in Chenango county court. Spratley was charged with assault, attempted 2nd degree murder and criminal use of a weapon, for an alleged hate crime attack in a Norwich City Parking lot in July of 2015.
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All After School Activities at the Walton central School District have been cancelled today, following the death of a female 12th grade student due to an unspecified medical emergency. School officials said that counselors, school psychologists & trained staff are available for support for any students or staff for the next few days.
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The State Senate Republican majority announced their “Blueprint for a Stronger New York” that they claim will make the state less costly and more attractive for hardworking New Yorkers. State Senator Fred Akshar commented at an ALbany Press Conference:

(Akshar 1-9-17)

The Affordability blueprint calls for additional decreases in Income Taxes, Property Taxes, Energy Taxes, Lower Taxes on Retirement & Reforms to Control Spending and Prevent Tax Increases.
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The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has reprimanded Guilford Town Justice Joan Kline. Kline is accused of procedural errors & inappropriate comments; she has 30 days to appeal.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State has certified 2,123 minority and women-owned businesses, exceeding the goal established in his State of the State Address 2 years ago. The State’s streamlined the certification process, more than 6,600 Minority or Women owned businesses have been newly certified since 2011, which allows them access to perform on public contracts.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 1-8-18

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced that he will not seek the Republican Party Nomination to run against Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo for Governor this year. Molinaro is the 2nd Republican in a week to back out of the race, after Harry Wilson said that he won’t run for Governor, after more consideration. Assembly Minority Republican Leader Brian Kolb said he is launching a campaign. State Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse, is also considering a run.
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Catholic Charities of Delaware County is starting a Youth Mentoring Program, and is seeking volunteers to participate in the program. Spokeswoman Diana Halstead explains:

(Diana Halstead 1-8-18)

Those interested must be at least 18 years old, have a reliable vehicle, and can commit to at least one year of participating, at a minimum of 6 hours a month, more information is available at 604-4071, or at the Catholic charities office on the 1st floor of the Sidney Civic Center.
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Governor Cuomo & the State Legislature will begin the 2018 session tackling social issues & terrorism threats, tainted drinking water & the heroin epidemic, Cuomo commented about those issues during the State of the State address:

(Cuomo 1-8-18)

Also, The State budget faces between a 4 to 6 Billion Dollar Shortfall, it is due on April 1st.
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State Police arrested 24 year old Leah Clark of Norwich for Falsely Reporting an Incident and False Written Statement, for allegedly falsely reporting that she witnessed a state trooper inappropriately touch a third party while investigating a fight in October. The third party was interviewed, making Clark’s report to be false. Clark was arraigned in Town of Oneonta court on the 2 charges.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will restart the Reunite Bainbridge program for 2018, with a buffet dinner at Bob’s Diner on January 29th at 6:00 PM. Those wishing to attend should call 967-8657 to confirm attendance.
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New York was the Number 44 Growth State for 2017, according to statistics from U-Haul, tracking the past year’s migration trends. Year-over-year arrivals of one-way U-Haul truck rentals increased by 4 percent while departures increased by 4 percent from New York’s 2016 numbers. Texas was the No. 1 Growth State for the second year in a row. Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee rounded out the top five.


The executive director of Delaware Opportunities John Eberhard died in a 1-car accident Saturday night. The 70 year old Eberhard of DeLancey was driving on state Route 10 in Fraser when his car left the road and struck a tree. The investigation into the accident is continuing, Eberhard served as executive director of Delaware Opportunities since 1984.
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The City of Oneonta & the Otsego IDA are in the process of updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan. A steering committee will be hosting a community open house on Thursday January 18th at the Wilber Mansion from 3:00 to 7:00 PM for the public to review the plan & contribute ideas. More information is available at facebook.com/opportunity Oneonta.
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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that Luis Rojas will return to as manager for the 2018 season. Rojas will be joined by pitching coach Frank Viola, hitting coach Valentino Pascucci, bench coach Luis Rivera. The Rumble Ponies open the 2018 season at home on Thursday, April 5 against the Portland Sea Dogs (AA-Red Sox). Download the entire Rumble Ponies schedule at www.BINGRP.com today.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 1-5-18

The threats of wind chills into the -25 degree range through Sunday morning remain, & with that the threat of frostbite or hypothermia remains high, Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 1-5-18)

Wind Chill Warnings remain in effect locally until 7:00 AM Sunday Morning, with wind chills predicted to be in the 20 to 25 degree range consistently through Sunday morning.
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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident this morning at about 8:00 AM in Margaretville that claimed the life of Town of Middletown Board Member Jacob Rosa of Arkville. Deputies reported that Rosa was on a disabled farm tractor that was being towed by a landowner along a narrow, snow covered driveway when a wheel of the tractor dropped off the driveway adjacent to a steep embankment and overturned, fatally injuring Rosa. The tractor, which was not running at the time of the accident, was not equipped with tire chains or a rollover protection structure.
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59-year-old Perry Webb of New Lisbon has been ruled as incompetent to stand trial in Otsego County court, for the murder of 63-year-old Arthur Bellinger of New Lisbon in June of last year. Webb was originally charged with 2nd degree murder, a mental health evaluation was requested, and Webb was ruled as incompetent to stand trial. Webb has been sent to a psychiatric center in Oneida County.
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2 people were injured in a collision between a dump truck & a car on State Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta Wednesday afternoon. Police reports stated that the dump truck was operated by 50-year-old Roger Hamilton of East Meredith; he had pulled into traffic & was struck by a vehicle operated by 60-year-old Deborah Sutch of Prattsville. Sutch & a passenger were taken to Fox Hospital with minor injuries, no tickets were issued.
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Mike & Anna Banks of Sidney announced that “My Home Gym” on State Route 7 between Sidney & Bainbridge will open tomorrow at the site of the former “Peak Fitness” facility. Mike Banks told WCDO News that all new equipment is going in currently prior to the opening:

(Mike Banks 1-5-18)

More information is available at the “My Home Gym” Facebook page, where there is a link to a website for membership registration.
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State Police arrested 65-year-old Roland Cross of Afton for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, following a joint investigation conducted by State Police and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department involving the theft of farm equipment in the town of Hamden on December 23rd. The round bailer and horse trailer were recovered in the town of Afton, the bailer is valued at $15,000 and the horse trailer is valued at $10,000. Cross was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Afton court at a future date.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will begin its 2018 monthly networking breakfasts today at SUNY Delhi’s Alumni Hall from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The presentation will be on the New York Paid Family Leave Law, the featured speaker is New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.
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The Jericho Arts Council announced that the Susuquehanna String Band will perfom at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre tonight. Tickets can be Reserved at 288-3882. The show will start at 7:00 pm.
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State Police responded to Huckleberry Brook Road in the town of Middletown Tuesday for a Motor Vehicle Accident, the initial investigation determined that 32 year old Rion Gavette of Margaretville drove his vehicle off the road and entered a roadside creek coming to rest on the passenger side. Gavette was deceased at the scene, an autopsy has been ordered.

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