WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 1-18-24

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-18-24

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond has been elected as the President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association yesterday, with the ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albany. The ceremony was attended by Governor Kathy Hochul to introduce Sheriff DuMond. In his new capacity, Sheriff DuMond will lead the New York State Sheriffs’ Association in its mission to enhance the quality of law enforcement and public safety services throughout the state. His leadership is expected to bring forth collaboration, best practices, and advocacy for policies that bolster the essential work of law enforcement.

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The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs increased by 5,800, or 0.1%, to over 8.26 million in December 2023. The State’s unemployment rate increased from 4.3% in November to 4.5% in December, the State’s total labor force decreased by 7,500, the statewide labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 61.6% in December.

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Local Assemblyman Joe Angelino has begun looking over the State Executive Budget proposal which was unveiled by Governor Hochul this week, he commented about the good & bad of this proposal:

(Joe Angelino 1-18-24)

The budget totals 233 Billion dollars, a 4.5% increase from the previous year, Angelino said that it will likely increase during the budget negotiations between now & April 1st.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for continued federal funding for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program in the upcoming government funding bill. The Program assists households whose drinking water and/or wastewater services have been disconnected, or are about to be disconnected, because of inability to pay,

(Gillibrand 1-18-24)

Senator Gillibrand said that the program was established in 2021, it has helped over 1 million households nationwide, including over 35,000 in New York, afford their water and wastewater bills:but it expired last year, she is pushing for funding for this program to be renewed in the next federal budget.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Phenix George on an outstanding warrant for criminal possession of a weapon, he is described as a white male, 5’3″ 120 pounds with brown hair & Hazel eyes, Anyone with information on the location of George is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office online at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by calling the Sheriff’s Office tip line at (607) 778-1196.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-18-24

49-year-old Charles Bodie of Meredith & Edmeston pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, in federal court in Syracuse. Bodie admitted that from December of 2021 through October of 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with his victim, & to engaging in sexual activity with the same victim, who was between 13 to 15 years old. Bodie faces 15 to 30 years in prison, between 5 years and life on supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as restitution to the victim. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison, sentencing is on Wednesday, May 15.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $7.6 million is available to eligible organizations through Round 2 of the New York Food for New York Families program. The program is funded through a United States Department of Agriculture grant, it provides a boost to New York farmers, increasing communities’ access to local foods, More information is available at meetny.webex.com.

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The Bainbridge Guilford School District school board will be meeting tonight at 6:00 PM, 1 of the topics will be about how the district spent grant money that they received a few years ago during the hieght of the pandemic, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan explains:

(Tim Ryan 1-18-24)

The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM in the District Conference room.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-17-24

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-17-24

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant Tuesday at 373 Prospect Street in the Town of Dickinson. Police arrested 39 year old Andrew Fuller of Binghamton for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & criminally using drug Paraphernalia and 45 year old Betty Hobbs of Binghamton for multiple Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Officers seized Methamphetamine, Suboxone, Oxycodone & other narcotics, ecstasy, cocaine scales & packaging materials, Fuller and Hobbs were transported to the Broome County Correctional facility for processing and arraignment.

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Governor Hochul today announced a plan to remove barriers for perspective school bus drivers applying for a commercial driver license. The DMV has implemented a federal waiver that allows school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component of the commercial driver license road test, at a time when school bus drivers are desperately needed. More information is available at dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/become-school-bus-driver

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Catholic Charities in Sidney has a Food Pantry for those who would like to utilize their services, spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 1-17-24)

McKnight said that more information is available by calling the Sidney Office at 607-604-4071.

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The Workforce Development Board is offering a free virtual job fair on Tuesday, January 30, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for all businesses and job seekers in several regional counties. More information for businesses looking to add to their staff, or job seekers, can be obtained at working-solutions.org.

AM NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-17-24

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 year old Mark Lamphear of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol and DWI. Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Town of Norwich for a speeding violation. they found Lamphear to be in possession of methamphetamine, Hydrocodone, gun parts that pieced together a non-compliant AR-15 and a 30-round magazine, packaging material and had a large sum of cash. Lamphear was processed and released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date, Additional Weapons Charges are Pending**

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41 year old Rashon Spear of Oneonta, for Criminal Mischief, Criminal Tampering, Criminal Nuisance & Harassment. Investigation revealed that while incarcerated at the correctional facility, Spear caused damage to a television set in his cell & used his bodily fluids to create a hazardous risk to corrections officers, hew as arraigned & was returned to the correctional facility with an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

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The 7th Annual Commerce Chenango Career Expo invites job seekers to explore career options at SUNY Morrisville’s Norwich campus Today, the Expo will take place from 1 pm. to 4 pm. at 20 Conkey Avenue in Norwich. More information is available at 334-1429.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-16-24

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-16-24

Governor Hochul gave the Executive Budget presentation this morning in Albany, she talked about her emphasis on assisting law enforcement, Education, addressing Mental Health issues and economic development, among other topics:

(Hochul 1-16-24)

The proposal increases spending by 4.5% for a total of 233 Billion Dollars, Lawmakers have until April 1st to get a deal finished by the beginning of the state’s fiscal year.

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Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announces the guilty plea of Rajee Al-Mashni for a fatal hit and run that occurred in 2023 in Johnson City. Al-Mashni pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Driving While Ability Impaired by Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol and Attempted Assault, in Broome County Court, for fatally striking Elizabeth Atkinson with a vehicle at the Oakdale Commons on March 5th, 2023. Al-Mashni also entered a guilty plea to Attempted Assault, for a June 2022 motor vehicle accident in Binghamton which left several people seriously injured. Al-Mashni will be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in State prison when he is sentenced April 9th.

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Binghamton Fire Fighters responded to a blaze at 2 Pleasant Street, where 1 person escaped & another died in the fire. Fire Fighters believed that the building was vacant, but 1 occupant was taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation & the other was dead at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

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Tickets go on Sale this Friday Morning as Legendary Rockers “Styx” will be performing in Binghamton on March 26th, according to Stu Green of Magic City Productions:

(Stu Green 1-16-24)

WCDO will go you the chance to win Styx Tickets before you can buy them on Friday, at the Box office or through ticketmaster.com.

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Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 “Meet the Rumble Ponies” dinner on April 3 at the Holiday Inn Binghamton. The event starts at 5:30 pm. with the entire Opening Day roster of your 2024 Rumble Ponies available for autographs and photographs. Then, bid on an array of amazing auction items, with proceeds to benefit the Rumble Ponies Foundation. Tickets are available for purchase until March 29 online at bingrp.com, by calling 607.722.3866, or by visiting the Mirabito Stadium Administrative Offices,

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Next Blood Drive Will Be Held Today In Walton from 1:30 pm. – 6 pm., Pines Brook Church, to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 1-15-24

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-15-24

Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31 year old Shean Seeley of Otego following an investigation of alleged child abuse. Seeley was charged with 3 counts of acting in a Manor to Injure a Child less than 17 years of age, and 2 counts of Reckless Endangerment after a hotline report received by Otsego County Child Protective Services. Seeley is accused of routinely acting in a manner that exposed his children to risk of serious physical injury, he was released on his own recognizance to appear in Otego Town Court on a later date.

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Bassett Healthcare Network and Helios Care recently announced a collaboration to provide hospice and palliative care to patients in Central New York. Helios Care President & CEO Dan Ayres visited WCDO this morning & explained that there has been confusion about the arrangement, and the Helios Care remains as a separate entity from Bassett:

(Dan Ayres 1-15-24)

Ayres said that the State Department of Health has given approval for Helios Care to expand their services to include Herkimer and Chenango Counties to better line up with the Bassett Healthcare Network coverage area, more information regarding donations or job openings are available at helioscare.org or by calling 6070432-6773

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $325 million in grants is available for clean water infrastructure projects through the next round of the State’s Water Infrastructure Improvement and Inter-municipal Grant programs. Governor Hochul is directing EFC to increase water infrastructure grants for small rural communities from 25 percent to 50 percent of net eligible project costs, Municipalities can request a meeting, register for upcoming webinars, and learn more at efc.ny.gov/cat.

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The Raymond Corporation will be holding a job fair from 12 to 6 pm. on January 24, at their headquarters located at 22 South Canal Street in Greene. Positions include all shift openings for production and forklift operators, welders, assemblers, and general utilities.

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting tomorrow morning in Bainbridge. The meeting begins at 7:30 am at the back of Bob’s Diner.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-15-24

Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Josephine Shutters of Westford for Aggravated DWI & Failure to keep right, following a motor vehicle accident on January 5, in the Town of Maryland. Shutters was processed and released on tickets returnable to the Maryland Town Court at a later date.

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The Broome County Martin Luther King Junior Commission will be holding their annual March THIS evening, starting at the MLK Promenade behind Boscov’s in downtown Binghamton. The commission announced that they have resumed their scholarship program, they will give out 2 scholarships for $1,000 each for high school graduates this year. Also, at 6:00 PM Lieutenant Governor Delgado Delivers Remarks at Tabernacle Methodist Church at 83 Main Street Binghamton.

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Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has approved the latest Redistricting plan for the County, a previous plan was thrown out after a court challenge.

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Incumbent Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro announced that he will seek re-election in the district this year, he will likely face Democrat Josh Riley again.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 1-12-24

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-12-24

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested 41 year old Dennis Fickeria and 34 year old Deirdre Vincent, Vincent is accused of selling narcotics at her place of employment, they are both accused of selling narcotics at their residence. On Janury 3rd, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle operated by Fickeria for speeding, Canine Dexter located 12 bags of Fentanyl, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 1542 Jones Hollow Road, 2 people were removed, officers then located 19 long guns, 4 assault rifles, 8 illegal handguns, 2 were GHOST GUNS, plus they seized Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, plus drug paraphernalia, scales, packaging materials & $3,900 dollars of suspected drug proceeds. Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond held a press conference today, he remarked at the alarming amount of ghost gun that have been seized recently:

(Dumond 1-12-24)

Vincent & Fickeria were each charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, crimanlly using drug paraphenalia, Vincent was arraigned and was released on her own recognizance. Fickeria was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility, without bail.

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Gusty winds could be a problem locally as a storm system moves close to the area, Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 1-12-24)

We’ll have our tri county forecast, which includes another Wind Advisory overnight, at the end of this newscast.

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The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding from the 2024 Local Community Tourism Grant Program, Sean Penchoff of Delaware County Economic Development explains;

(Sean Penchoff 1-12-24)

Penchoff said that the Website is dcecodev.com, the deadline to apply is February 28th.

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Broome County’s Special Investigation Unit Task Force raided 435 Chenango Street, in Binghamton, Police arrested 44-year-old Luis Ruiz and 42-year-old Rasheda Crowder. Police seized 2 loaded handguns, an AK47 style handgun, thousands of rounds of ammunition, three high-capacity magazines, as well as heroin & fentanyl. Ruiz and Crowder were charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a weapon & face court action shortly.

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Governor Hochul has directed State Agencies to prepare for severe weather conditions across the state over the next 48 hours. Wind Advisories are in effect through much of the state, blizzard conditions are expected through the North Country & Western New York.

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Property tax levy growth for school districts and 10 of the state’s cities will be capped at 2%, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with certain exceptions. The law also includes provisions that allow school districts and municipalities to override the cap. DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 4.12% for those with a June 30, 2025 fiscal year end. The 2% allowable levy growth affects the tax cap calculations for 676 school districts and 10 cities with fiscal years starting July 1st.

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The Broome County Martin Luther King Junior Commission will be holding their annual March on Monday evening, starting at the MLK Promenade behind Boscov’s in downtown Binghamton. The commission announced that they have resumed their scholarship program, they will give out 2 scholarships for $1,000 each for high school graduates this year..

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Broadway in Binghamton announced that tickets are still available for “Hairspray” at the Forum Theater on January 23rd & 24th at 7:30 PM, tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or nacentertainment.com.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 1-11-24

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-11-24

Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach testified before the House Small Business Committee today, regarding crime Impacting small retail businesses:

(Reuben Roach 1-11-24)

Chief Roach said that local business owners, Commerce Chenango, Police & Fire Fighters are working to try to keep people from loitering, dealing with the increase in the homeless, and looking for ways for those who commit crimes, to be punished for those crimes affect Norwich Retail businesses.

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State Forest rangers announced that 1 man was dead after an ice-fishing accident in Otsego County on Saturday. Rangers responded to the report of 2 ice fisherman fall through the ice on Basswood Pond in the town of Burlington, Forest Ranger Nate Laymon responded to the scene, pulled the first man to safety, he went back to for the 2nd man, both men were taken to Bassett hospital, the 41-year-old was declared deceased, his identity has not been released.

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20-year-old Jamie Bailey of Binghamton was arrested following a traffic stop in Johnson City Wednesday. Officers located the vehicle that was considered suspicious, they found that the registration was suspended. While attempting to remove the license plates from the vehicle, officers located Bailey fleeing from the scene. Bailey was apprehended, struggled with arresting officers, who found a loaded ghost gun & a handgun in Bailey’s possession. Bailey was charged with Criminal possession of a weapon, Resisting arrested & Obstructing Governmental administration, he was processed & was remanded to Broome County Jail.

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Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar delivered a progress report on the 1st year as Sheriff in Broome County, and the work of the Re-Entry Task Force, who worked to improve the Correctional facility:

(Akshar 1-11-24)

During the 1st year of Akshar’s tenure, they hired 31 new corrections officer, increased visitation hours at the Correctional facility, and introduced programs to help the incarcerated be better prepared to re-enter society after their prions term. Akshar came back into Law Enforcement last year after leaving to serve as a State Senator from 2015 to 2022.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-11-24

38 year old Randy Condon of Sidney, appeared in Delaware County Court and pleaded guilty to 2nd degree Burglary, he admitted that he unlawfully entered a seasonal residence in the Town of Masonville and stole property, he will be sentenced to 7 years in state prison, to be followed by 10 years of post-release supervision, upon sentencing on March 4th.

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Congressman Marc Molinaro announced that Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach, has accepted his invitation to testify before a House Small Business Committee hearing. The hearing, titled ‘Crime on the Rise: How Lawlessness is Impacting Main Street America,’ will examine how crime and policies like Albany’s bail reform law impact small businesses and the economy. The hearing will start at 10am Today and can be viewed at the House Committee on Small Business YouTube page.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Robert Collins of Sherburne for Criminal Contempt, after he allegedly violated an order of protection, Collins was arraigned in & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional facility on $500 cash bail. Collins is to appear in the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-10-24

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-10-24

Bassett Healthcare Network has instituted temporary masking requirements across all its facilities per COVID-19 safety guidelines. All patients, visitors, employees, students, and volunteers are now required to wear medical-grade masks across all Bassett campuses, outpatient clinics, school-based health centers, administrative offices, Masks will be available at entrances. The mandatory masking requirement will be reassessed in 1 week. As Bassett’s employees continue to have a higher number of COVID cases above their threshold.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Andrew Green on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation for Criminal Contempt and asking the residents of Broome County for assistance. Green is described as a Black male, 6’2″ 250 pounds, a bald head & brown eyes, Anyone with information is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com or by calling the Broome County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (607) 778-1196.

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Governor Hochul delivered her annual State of The State address yesterday to a joint session of the legislature, area State Senator Peter Oberacker commented after the speech:

(Oberacker 1-10-24)

Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that the Governor said all the right things, but the reaction of his colleagues on the crime issue was different:

(Angelino 1-10-24)

Lawmakers will receive the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal next week, they will have until April 1st to get the budget passed on time.

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The Chenango Arts Council is looking for artists to come forward if they want to display their works in their Norwich Gallery, spokesperson Mary Beth Miller explains:

(Mary Beth Miller 1-10-24)

Miller said that the artists interest in submitting proposals should email them: info@chenangoarts.org.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-10-24

Hundreds of NYSEG customers were still without power this afternoon, in the WCDO listening area, due to last night’s storms with high winds leading to downed tree limbs & power lines, over 2400 customers were without power early this morning, the number was about 370 this afternoon, crews will continue to work until all the power is restored

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 year old Tyler Culver of Otego following the execution of a search warrant on Saturday. Culver faces multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Last Fall, members of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and Oneonta Police Department initiated a joint investigation in to the suspected sales of narcotics from Culver’s residence in the Village of Otego, on Saturday, with the assistance of the State Police, a search warrant was executed & they seized suspected narcotics & packaging materials, he was also arrested in connection with a shooting incident Saturday In Otego, remains in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await centralized arraignment on the narcotics charges.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-9-24

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 1-9-24

Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State Address this afternoon in Albany, to a joint session of the legislature:

(Hochul 1-9-24)

The Governor discussed the need for increased action for those with mental health issues, a need for more housing, the creation of a consortium to secure New York’s place at the forefront of the artificial intelligence transformation, a plan to combat maternal and infant mortality, increased efforts at increasing reading skills in schools, as well proposals to amend New York’s consumer laws to strengthen consumer protections.

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The weather systems affecting many states is impacting New York with less wintry issues but still plenty of negative possibilities, local meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 1-9-24)

A Wind Advisory & A flood Watch are in effect locally for the next several hours into tomorrow, the tri-county forecast will follow this news cast.

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Congressman Marc Molinaro announced that Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach, has accepted his invitation to testify before a House Small Business Committee hearing. The hearing, titled ‘Crime on the Rise: How Lawlessness is Impacting Main Street America,’ will examine how crime and policies like Albany’s bail reform law impact small businesses and the economy. The hearing will start at 10am on Thursday and can be streamed at the House Committee on Small Business YouTube page.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a complaint regarding a larceny that took place on December 19th at the Home Depot in the Town of Union. The female suspect walked out of the Home Depot with hundreds of dollars in merchandise without paying, After being confronted outside the store by Loss Prevention, the female claimed she forgot her wallet and would return to pay for the items, but never did. A picture of the suspect can be found on the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Anyone with information on the identity should call the Sheriff’s Office at 607-778-1911.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s office announced the arrest of 2 people following a Traffic Stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton last month. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle to be speeding, they conducted a traffic stop & identified the driver of the vehicle as 34-year-old Honesty Muller of Hamden, whose driving privileges had been suspended for failure to pay driver responsibility assessment. Deputies also identified a passenger in the vehicle to be 28-year old Adam Robinson of Walton, Muller had an active Order of Protection against Robinson Muller was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle and Speeding, they charged Robinson with Criminal contempt, both were ordered to appear in Walton Town Court at a later date.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today from 8:30 am. – 1:30 pm., at the Downsville Central School. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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