WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-31-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 31, 2017

State Police arrested 27-year-old Denzil Kelly of Binghamton, for Identity Theft, Criminal Impersonation, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, & Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device. Kelly had been driving a vehicle and was stopped for speeding on Place Road in the Town of Windsor in January. During this traffic stop, he is accused of impersonating another person to keep from being arrested. Kelly was driving with a suspended license and his vehicle did not have a court ordered ignition interlock device installed. Kelly was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.
————————————-
Governor Cuomo launched the 2nd round of “NaturalizeNY” which is a public-private partnership to encourage eligible immigrants in New York State with becoming U.S. citizens. The initiative provides free eligibility screenings, application assistance, naturalization exam preparation, and for Round 2, a lottery for up to 1,500 vouchers for low-income citizenship-eligible immigrants. Nearly 960 immigrant New Yorkers registered for the initial round of the randomized lottery in 2016, registration is available at www.NaturalizeNY.org.
——————————————
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that state tax collections were down 13.1% in the first month of the new fiscal year, compared to the same period in 2016. New York collected 7.1 Billion dollars in April, which was 1.1 Billion dollars lower than April 2016 due to a decline in personal income tax collections.
—————————————–
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Job Fair at SUNY Delhi on June 20th, Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news that the Job Fair is also aimed at recent graduates looking to start careers:

(Ray Pucci 5-31-17)

The Job Fair will be held at SUNY Delhi’s Farrell Hall, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
———————————————
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 6 state Attorneys General, they are urging the Trump Administration to immediately close a loophole that allows highly flammable, highly explosive crude oil to be shipped by rail through communities in New York and across the country. The trains are responsible for several rail accidents in recent years, including the 2013 explosion in Quebec that killed 47 people; in New York alone, these trains cover roughly 700 miles of the state.
———————————–
The Delaware County Firefighters Association is conducting their annual fund drive; they are looking to raise money for upgrades at the Charles Cook Fire Training Center in Hamden. Checks can be sent to the Delaware County Firefighters Association at 280 Phoebe Lane, Suite 3, Delhi 13753.
——————————–
The next meeting of the Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The Meeting will be held at the Sidney High School Library from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

—————————

The corruption conviction of late State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton has been vacated. Yesterday, the U.S. Second Circuit court ruled in the appeal of Libous & the corruption conviction was vacated and the fine was ordered returned. Libous was convicted in 2015 of lying to the FBI for allegedly using his political influence to get his son a job with a Westchester County law firm. In October 2015, Libous was sentenced to 6 months house arrest and a $50,000 fine, an appeal was filed in November 2015, and Libous died in May 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
——————————–
State Lawmakers will return to work in Albany on June 5th, with many bills to be considered before the end of this year’s session in Late June. Lawmakers will consider a bill to raise the age of marriage from 14 to 17; also, Governor Cuomo is expected to sign a measure to allow for the start of Ride Sharing services like Uber & Lyft to start in late June, rather than on July 9th.
———————————
The Sidney Emergency Squad announced that they will hold a free community C.P.R. training class this weekend. Spokesman Ray Baker explains:

(Ray Baker 5-31-17)

Baker said that the event will be held at the sidney fire department training center on river street from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Squad Members will answer questions & teach the new CPR techniques.
——————————–
The American Cancer Society announced that the recent Tri-Town Relay For Life was forced to closed early due to inclement weather back on May 6th. The luminaria & closing ceremonies have been rescheduled as a separate event, to be held tonight at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The event will run from 6:00 to 9:30 PM.
———————————-
The next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours will be held today in Norwich. The Event will be held at the Community Bank at 4837 State Highway 23 in Norwich from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
—————————————

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-31-17

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 5-30-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 30, 2017

The 55th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held in Bainbridge this past weekend. The famous 70-mile races were held yesterday with numerous local paddlers finding success. Walton residents Bill & Brian Walley won the tough Aluminum class, and spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Walleys 17)

In the 4 people 70-miler, the local team of Jeff Shultis of Otego, Al Nichols of Laurens, & Larry Harrison & Bob Wisse of Oneonta took 2nd place, losing by just 24 seconds. Shultis told WCDO that he felt that they should have rested more:

(Shultis 17)

The Team finished the 70-miler in just 7 hours, 51 minutes & 51 seconds.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Over 60 paddler Peter Heed of New Hampshire talk to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about how unique the Clinton Race really is:

(Heed 17)

77-year-old Don LaFever of Norwich & partner Rich Hall of Gilbertsville won the Men’s Recreation Class, LaFever spoke with Craig Stevens after the race:

(LaFever-17)

Over 1200 hundred paddlers competing in the 4 day event.
———————————–
New York’s highest court; The Court of Appeals will hear arguments over whether state statutes and its constitution provide room for physicians to legally prescribe medications to help terminally ill, mentally competent people end their own lives, if the patients choose. The action is being brought by 3 people who say they may face questions on whether to seek end-of-life medical assistance, as well as four physicians and a PhD nurse from End of Life Choices New York. 5 states have legalized a role for physicians to aid in patient suicides; they are Oregon, Colorado, Washington, California and Vermont.
——————————
Binghamton Police arrested 34-year-old Edward McCray of Binghamton, following a domestic disturbance Saturday. McCray is accused of menacing his neighbors with a sharp object and was driving an SUV erratically, Police reported that McCray attempted to flee in his vehicle as officers arrived, striking 2 parked vehicles, and intentionally ramming 2 police vehicles, before driving a short distance & overturning his vehicle into a house at 6 Macon Street. McCray exited his overturned car and tried to run on foot, but police apprehended him & charged him with DWI, Attempted Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, Menacing, and Resisting Arrest. No injuries were reported.
————————————-
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34 year old Cherie Ebert of East Branch on numerous charges stemming from a report of an underage house party on May 20th in the Town of Hancock where alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs were alleged to have been used and consumed by minors. Deputies charged Ebert with 15 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child, criminal nuisance, and 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, A 16 year old was also arrested and released on an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana. Ebert was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 bail.
———————————–
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will Celebrate Dairy Month at their next Breakfast this Friday, June 2, from 8:30 to 10:00 am in Franklin. The event will be held at The Tulip and Rose Cafe at 435 Main Street in Franklin, as part of the Chamber’s First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast. Todd Heyn of New York Farm Bureau will be the featured speaker. To RSVP or to sponsor an event call the Chamber at 607-746-2281. Members can also register online at delawarecounty.org.
——————————–
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Steven Smith Jr. of Franklin Friday, for DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, making an unsafe lane change, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. The arrest followed a 1-car accident on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin. Smith was later released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.
——————————–

The 55th running of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held this past weekend, with the World famous 70-mile races from Cooperstown to Bainbridge held yesterday. Canadians Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise taking 1st place in the 33 boat Pro race. Craig Stevens spoke to the pair after the race:

(Lajoie-Blais 17)

The pair neat out 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer from Oneonta by more than 7 minutes, to take home the $3,000 prize. Ryan Zaveral of Mount Upton & his Partner Guy Rousseau from Quebec placed 9th overall, and Regatta Hall of fame inductee Al Shaver Jr. of Meridale took 12th place with his partner Bruce Lee of Port Crane.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
In the men’s NYMCRA Stock Race, Scott Jordan of Otego & Jeff Newman of Unadilla took 1st place honors, Newman told WCDO how this 1st time team came together:

(Newman 17)

In the 70 mile Pro Race, Oneonta paddlers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer took 2nd place in the 2-person pro class, they told WCDO that it was difficult to keep pace with the 1st place finishers Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise:

(Schlimmer & LeFever 17)

LeFever 7 Schlimmer finished with a time of 7 hours, 36 minutes & 24 seconds.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
In the 1 man pro race, Canadian Tom Pellerin of Quebec beat 3 time winner Nick Walton of Michigan by just 1 minute & 16 seconds, Pellerin said that it was his 1st time race the 1-man class at the Clinton Regatta:

(Pellerin 17)

2nd place finisher Nick Walton told WCDO”S Craig Stevens that he would have like to have seen lower water levels:

(Walton 17)

Over 1200 canoe racers participated in the Clinton Regatta this Memorial Day Weekend; participants came from 28 state & Canada to compete.
—————————
Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 46 year old Shawn Springett of Sidney for 2nd degree Burglary and Criminal Mischief. Deputies arrested Springett following an investigation in the Town of Afton, after it was found that he allegedly entered a residence without permission and broke the homeowners belongings. Springett faces court action shortly.
————————————————
The Otsego County Health Department announced that a child safety seat check will be held today in Cooperstown. Technicians will be available at the parking lot of the Tops Market in Cooperstown from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 547-4230.
—————————————–

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 5-30-17

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 5-26-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 26, 2017

Oneonta Police announced the arrest of several people early this morning after they served a search warrant at 14 Washington Street, for suspected narcotics trafficking. Police arrested 29-year-old Phillip Brunson of New York City, for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 50-year-old Rachel Palmeter of Oneonta, & 43-year-old Kyrin Donato of Oneonta, for Conspiracy. Police seized heroin and $400 cash. The investigation is continuing.
——————————————
The State Higher Education Services Corporation Board of Trustees voted to approve regulations governing the Excelsior Scholarship, which would provide tuition-free college at New York’s public universities to families making up to $125,000 a year. The Excelsior Scholarship application will be available June 7, more information is found at hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.
——————————————
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Directors has selected Rachel Robinson as the 2017 recipient of the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. Robinson was married to the late Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson; she will become the 4th winner of the Award. Mrs. Robinson will be presented the award at the Awards Presentation on Saturday, July 29 in Cooperstown, as part of Hall of Fame Weekend 2017.
——————————————
Otsego Now’s Board of Directors voted to hire Valletta Ritson & Company of Binghamton, to conduct its search for a full-time, locally based Chief Executive Officer. Otsego Now has been headed up by part-time independent contractor Sandy Mathes Jr, since its inception.

The 55th General Clinton Canoe Regatta begins today with an expended variety of events today. Regatta Chairman John Harmon said that the moved the Catskill Shed Company Dash For Cash to the Friday line-up:

(John Harmon 5-26-17)

Today will also include the “Taste Of The Regatta” with a sampling of local wines, beers & food, plus the Generation gap races & a line up of musical acts headlined by Kaitlyn Jackson of “American Idol” fame.
———————————-
The “Wall That Heals” has been set up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta & will be available for viewing after the opening ceremony at 6:00 tonight, through Monday afternoon. The Sidney Sons of the American Legion will be providing bus service today & tomorrow for any veterans that want to see The Wall. The first trip is this afternoon at 3:30, the 2nd trip is Saturday morning starting at 10:00AM Both trips will start at the Bainbridge Great American Parking Lot with stops at Sidney American Legion Parking Lot, Unadilla House Parking Lot, the Otego American Legion, more information or reservations are available at 237-4762 or larryhalbert7@gmail.com
———————————————-
State Police will be operating at full force for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, which is one of the most heavily traveled days of the year. Troopers will be watching for speeders, aggressive drivers, intoxicated drivers, distracted drivers & will be looking for 100% compliance for the states seat belt laws.
———————————

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 5-26-17

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 5-25-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 25, 2017

Governor Cuomo today announced that road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 AM Friday, to 6:00 AM on Tuesday, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
————————————
State Police are reminding motorists to obey the Move Over Law when traveling over the busy Memorial Day weekend. The law requires motorists to drive with care, slow down, and safely move over when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along the road side for emergency situations. The law was enacted in 2011 to protect New Yorkers working along the roadway and has since been expanded to include a wider range of emergency and hazard vehicles.
———————————
The construction for the Main Street Project in the Village of Sidney will begin after the Memorial Day holiday. Village Spokesman John Redente told WCDO News about the bid winners:

(John Redente 5-25-17)

Redente said that Main Street would have 1-lane open during the construction period.
————————————
The State Office of General Services announced a public auction for state-owned property located in Broome County at 362 and 372 Prospect Street in the town of Dickinson. The registration period will start at 10:00 AM, the Auction will be conducted on the 18th floor of the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street, at 11:00 AM on July 20th, and the 2 buildings on the two parcels are being auctioned together as a pair. Complete details, including photos, legal and reference documents, and auction requirements can be found online at nysstore.com by clicking on “Real Estate Auctions.”
————————————
The Tri Town Youth Club announced that they would be open Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, at the Sidney United Methodist Church. Lunch will be served on Friday, the club will be closed on Monday Memorial Day.
———————————
A new report examining New York’s teacher shortage by the State Schools Boards Association says hard-to-staff subjects include science; math, special education, bilingual education and technology, & most of the shortages are in small rural upstate districts & in New York City. The report recommends aligning teacher preparation programs with areas of need and increasing salaries for teachers in hard-to-staff subjects, it also recommends recruiting bilingual teachers from outside the United States and implementing a certification process for qualified candidates in specific fields who don’t have an education degree.
———————————
Governor Cuomo states that the Proposed federal budget proposal from President Trump would be “devastating” to New York. Cuomo told reporters Wednesday the budget would be “the Niagara Falls of trickle-down economics,” referring to the economic philosophy that tax cuts for the rich theoretically would eventually trickle down to everyone else. Cuomo says the budget plan would jeopardize housing, health care and other programs that protect the most vulnerable in society.
—————————–

New York State Police Memorial service will be held this morning at 11:00 AM, at the Troop C headquarters on State Route 7 in Sidney. The annual event is held to remember Police Officers who died in the line of duty.
——————————–
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that 42 states and the District of Columbia have reached a $33 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson, resolving allegations that the company’s subsidiary, McNeil-PPC, employed deceptive practices to market and promote numerous popular over-the-counter drugs. The corporation has agreed to pay New York State a total of $1.3 million, between 2009 and 2011, McNeil-PPC manufactured and distributed drugs that purported to comply with federally mandates involving Good Manufacturing Practices, an investigation revealed that a number of McNeil manufacturing facilities and the medications they produced did not meet Feeral standards.
———————————

Delaware County Sheriff’s department arrested 48 year old Charles Kenyatta of New York City, for failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop on State Route 10 in Hamden. Kenyatta was arraigned & remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $400 Bail pending future court action.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 5-25-17

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-24-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 24, 2017

Tuesday’s Amber Alert in Western New York was cancelled, as 12 year old McKenzie Wilson of Lyndon was found safe, and 18 year old Joshua Monette & 16 year old John Harvey were charged with unlawful imprisonment, criminal possession of a weapon, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, Monette was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The 2 are accused of kidnapping 12-year-old McKenzie Wilson from her home early Tuesday Morning & left in a stolen Pick Up Truck. Wilson was found safe in Farmersville Tuesday night.
———————————————
The “Wall That Heals” will be traveling through the area today, and will be set up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta through the Memorial Day weekend. Organizer Gene Schmidt said that the wall would be traveling along State Route 7 tomorrow:

(Gene Schmidt 5-24-17)

Schmidt said that the wall should be leaving Harpursville at around 10:00 AM, the set up of the Wall in Oneonta will take several hours to complete, the wall will be on display through about 4:00 PM Memorial Day.
———————————————
Officials with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta are looking to participants to several events coming up this weekend, Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-24-17)

Harmon said that the number for soccer teams to sign up through VIP Payroll is 967-5627.
—————————————–
Officials with The Spiedie Fest in Binghamton announced that Dennis DeYoung & the music of Styx, Blue Oyster Cult and Eddie Money will headline this year’s Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally. The festival will be held August 4th through the 6th this year, at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton.
——————————————–
A new Sienna College poll finds Governor Cuomo is at his highest approval rating in 3 years. 61% of voters now say they view him favorably overall, and just over half 51% like the job he’s doing in office. Sienna officials said that Cuomo’s rise in popularity has steadily increased since President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th. The governor rated positively for higher education and human rights, but Cuomo needs to work on taxes, infrastructure and the economy.
—————————————
The Relay For Life of Tri-Town was closed early due to inclement weather on May 6th; organizers announced that the luminaria & closing ceremonies are being scheduled as a separate event, at General Clinton Park on Wednesday, May 31st from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served, those who would like to eat should RSVP to Kmoore@sidneyfcu.org. Officials also said that any new names that participants would like to be read In Memory can be emailed to MPalmatier@sidneyfcu.org.
———————————-
The New York State of Health announced the launch of the New York State Provider & Health Plan Look-Up, which is an online tool to research provider networks and health plans. Consumers shopping for health insurance can search for their preferred health care providers, including doctors and hospitals; to see which health plans have those providers in their network. More information is available at pndslookup.health.ny.gov.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with several organizations to hold a job fair on June 20th at SUNY Delhi. Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News that employers are looking to expand, and many people are looking for work:

(Ray Pucci 5-22-17)

Employers looking to participate in the Job Fair can call the County Chamber at 746-2281, the fair will be held on June 20th at SUNY Delhi’s Farrell Hall from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
—————————-
The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April, the State’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%. Locally, Chenango County’s rate was 5%, Delaware County 5.4% & Otsego County 4.7%
——————————————
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will pay tribute to Homer Simpson and the “Homer at the Bat” episode of FOX’s THE SIMPSONS on Saturday, during Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, Events will include the “induction” of Homer Simpson into the Hall of Fame, and the first 4,500 fans in attendance at the Classic will receive a rally towel featuring original artwork of Homer Simpson wearing a Hall of Fame baseball uniform. Tickets are available at 1-877-726-9028 or at www.baseballhall.org.
——————————–
The Environmental Advocates of New York are making a push today in Albany to make clean air & clean water a Constitutional Right. The group cites recent drinking water contamination in Hoosick Falls & on Long Island, plus ongoing air quality concerns in arguing for stronger protections across the state.
—————————————

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-24-17

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 5-23-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 23, 2017

State Police received a report of a robbery at the Express Mart at 16 North Road in Windsor. A male suspect handed a note to a clerks demanding money, 2 clerks retreated to the rear of the store and the suspect fled the scene. On Sunday, Police arrested 29-year-old Brandon Birch of Harpursville for Attempted Robbery; Birch was also arrested on an active parole warrant as Birch for violating the conditions of his parole from a conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Birch was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.
———————–
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that 47 states and the District of Columbia have reached a $18.5 million settlement with the Target Corporation to resolve the states’ investigation into the retail company’s 2013 data breach, which affected more than 41 million customer payment card accounts and exposed contact information for more than 60 million customers. The agreement represents the largest multistate data breach settlement achieved to date and will bring $635,224.33 to New York State. Details are available at ag.ny.gov.
———————-
State Police have issued an AMBER Alert for a child abduction in Cattaraugus County this morning. 12-year-old McKenzie Wilson was abducted at about 5:00 AM in Lyndon by 18-year-old Joshua Monette and 16-year-old John Harvey, they are believed to be armed with handguns, & are driving a stolen red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck heading east, with New York license number CXA 5836. McKenzie Wilson is a White female, is about 12 years old, with straight, blonde hair and blue eyes, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. The suspect Monette is a White male, approximately 18 years old with short, black hair and brown eyes, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds, Harvey is a White male, approximately 16 years old with brown hair. Anyone with any information is asked to call (866) NYS-AMBER or 911.
———————————-
The Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce has announced their winners of the Citizen of the Year & Business of the Year, President John Hinman comments:

(John Hinman 5-23-17)

Hinman said that the event would be held Sunday June 4th at the Fireman’s building at the Afton Fairgrounds, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
————————————
The Village of Sidney’s Memorial Day Parade will have a different route this year. Officials with the Sidney American Legion said that the parade would form at the Downtown Great American Parking lot; they will leave at 9:00 AM, & will march to the Sidney Bridge & Library for a ceremony & then continue down River Street to the Veterans Memorial Park to lay another wreath.
——————–
Chenango County Officials announced that sometime this afternoon, State Highway 12 south of Sherburne will be closed for up to one hour. This closure will be related to the movement of an oversized/overweight load, and the need to reinforce a bridge for weight distribution just south of the village. Officials said that they were unsure of the exact time for the closure.

The city of Oneonta is getting ready for a large downtown makeover, after winning 10 million dollars last year through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Mayor Gary Herzig comments:

(Gary Herzig 5-23-17)

The winning projects include The Westcott Lot Development on Main Street, a Fund for Small Business Revolving Loans and Sign Grants, the plan to improve Housing, the development of a New Transit Hub and a Parking Garage Renovation, plus a Muller Plaza Passageway, a Water Street Boardwalk, as well as Market Street and South Main Street Improvements, and for marketing of the Downtown region.
———————————
Lawmakers are debating whether to add Electronic Cigarettes to the state’s ban on smoking in workplaces, bars & restaurants. The state Assembly has already endorsed the idea; a similar bill has been introduced in the State Senate. New York banned indoor smoking in 2003, in 2012 state lawmakers voted to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18.
———————————-
Farm Workers are expected to rally in Albany today for the right to unionize. State law currently prohibits farm workers from being able to organize, which workers say leads to harsh conditions & poor treatment; they are urging lawmakers to repeal the law.
——————————————-

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 5-23-17

WCDO NEWS MONDAY 5-22-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 22, 2017

The Ed Wessels Canoe regatta was held Saturday, with over 100 Paddlers competing in the 20-Mile Race, which runs from Otego, to Wells Bridge, Back to Otego & then finishing at Keith Clark Park in Sidney. The Men’s’ Pro Race was won by Canadians Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise from Quebec. Blaise won the General Clinton Pro race last year with Matthew Pellerin of Quebec. Lajoie has won the Clinton 7 time with Andy Triebold of Michigan. Saturday’s 2nd place finishers were local paddlers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer of Oneonta. Saturday’s 1-man Pro winner was Pennsylvania resident Steve Rankinen. The Wessels race is considered a warm-up to this weekend’s 70-mile General Clinton Canoe Regatta Races from Cooperstown to Bainbridge; WCDO will provide complete coverage of the Clinton Races all weekend.
——————————–
The Wall That Heals will be coming to Oneonta on Thursday May 25 through Monday May 28th, with bus service provided on 2 days of the event, by the Sidney American Legion, spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 5-22-17)

The first trip will be Friday starting @ 3:30 PM. The second day for this bus service is Saturday starting @ 10:00 AM. The bus will be starting in Bainbridge at the Great American parking lot, with stops at the Sidney American Legion, the Unadilla House Parking Lot and the Otego Legion both days. The service is free of charge, but reservations are requested at 237-4762.
—————————————————–
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 24-year-old Troy Ladlee of Delhi, for 1 count each of Driving While Ability Impaired Drugs, Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance, and Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument. Deputies responded to the report of a vehicle off the road and into a ditch, in the Town of Davenport. Ladlee was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat, after allegedly overdosing on heroin, he was administered Narcan at the scene, he was subsequently arraigned at the Town of Davenport Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $1,500.00 bond, he will appear before the Town of Davenport Court at a later date.
—————————–
The state’s ban on burning has ended but the DEC reminds residents to check for local laws & regulations regarding burning. Residents of towns with fewer than 20,000 residents may burn brush and tree limbs unless prohibited by local law. Residents in “fire towns” must obtain a permit. The DEC encourages residents to mulch or compost brush along with other yard waste. The DEC has a list of Frequently Asked Questions with answers at dec.ny.gov.
———————————–
The next meeting of the Oneonta Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals is this evening at City Hall. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chamber tonight starting at 7:00 PM.
——————————–
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 18-year-old Ben Lane of Delhi, Wednesday on 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and 3 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child. Lane is accused of transporting 3 children in a motor vehicle to Delhi from Walton without notifying the parents, & allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a child under 17 years of age, and permitted the 3 children to remain on the premises where activity involving marijuana was maintained. Lane was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.
———————————————————-
The Chenango County Department of Public Health will hold a free rabies clinic this evening. The clinic will be held at the McDonough Town Barn from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for dogs, cats & Domesticated ferrets.
—————————————–

The New York State Assembly approved 9 bills last week to reform and modernize New York’s outdated election system. If they become law, the bills would allow early voting and “no-excuse” absentee ballots, combine some primary elections, and allow online registration and automatic transfer of registrations when voters move within the state. Similar bills have passed the Assembly in previous years but have not made it through the state Senate. Last year, 1 in 3 candidates for the New York Legislature ran unopposed.
——————————————
High school artists from across the region have the opportunity to compete for a scholarship and the chance to display and sell their work alongside professional artists at the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival. Colorscape is a juried exhibition of art that draws 12,000 people to downtown Norwich each September. This year, it will take place on September 9th & 10th. Through the Francis K. Wilcox Emerging Young Artist Program, 2 high school artists will receive money for college, More information is available at 316-3212.
————————————
The State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds property owners that now is the time to review their assessments. The deadline to challenge property assessment is tomorrow May 23rd in most communities. Property Owners can access the rolls at their town’s or city’s website, or by visiting the local assessor’s office. If you believe the market value listed on the assessment roll for your property is significantly higher than the price for which the property could be sold, visit the Contest Your Assessment web page on the Tax Department website at tax.ny.gov.
—————————–
The United States Air Force Heritage Brass will hold a free concert at the Anderson Center at SUNY Binghamton on Tuesday, June 13th at 7:30 PM. The concert is free and open to the public, the free tickets are available at the Anderson Center Box Office starting this morning at 11:00 AM, and they must be picked up in person with a limit of 4 per person.
————————————————————————————

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS MONDAY 5-22-17

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 5-19-17

by wcdonews Posted on May 19, 2017

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded a fatal, 2 vehicle head on collision on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi Thursday morning at about 9:40 AM. 77-year-old Carol Lowell of Delhi crossed the center line & collided head-on with a dump truck, driven by 62 year old Paul Jurjens of Walton, which overturned in a ditch. Jurjens was escaped from the truck before it became engulfed in flames. Lowell was pronounced dead at the scene, Jurjens was taken to O’Connor Hospital where he was treated & released. State Highway 10 was shut down for several hours for accident reconstruction work & clean up, the investigation into the cause of the accident is continuing but at this time Deputies do not anticipate any charges will be filed.
———————————–
The winning projects were selected & announced today for the City of Oneonta for winning $10 Million Dollars through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The nine winning projects are: The Westcott Lot Mixed-Use Development at 226 to 236 Main Street, a Fund for Small Business Revolving Loans and Sign Grants, the plan to Activate Upper Story Housing, A New Transit Hub and Parking Garage Renovation A Muller Plaza Passage The Water Street Boardwalk, various Market Street and South Main Street Improvements, as well as plans for downtown Signage, and branding & marketing of the Downtown region.
——————————————————-
The Sidney Fire Department responded to the report of a small plane crash at the Sidney Airport today, Assistant Fire Chief Ray Baker told WCDO News what happened:

(Ray Baker 5-19-17)

The incident occurred at around Noon today.
———————————————-
The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will once again feature the Regatta Music Festival on Sunday May 28th at 1PM in the Mich Ultra Pit Stop tent. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-19-17)

Live music will play until 11PM, with Fireworks scheduled for both Saturday Night & Sunday night this year.
—————————-
The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that the 27th Annual Ed Wessells Canoe Regatta will be held tomorrow on the Susquehanna River, spokesman Ed Curley explains:

(Ed Curley 5-19-17)

The Wessells Regatta is being sponsored this year by SFCU & Wells Fargo Advisers in Oneonta, and is considered a key warm up for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.
————————————
Hartwick College will hold their annual Commencement Exercises tomorrow in Oneonta. Saturday begins with a Continental Breakfast at 8:00 AM at The Commons, in Dewar Union, followed by the Class of 2017 Assembling at 10:00 AM at Lambros Arena, The Commencement Ceremony at 11:30 AM at Elmore Field.
————————————-
SUNY Delhi will mark its 100th Commencement with their first outdoor ceremony tomorrow at 10:00 AM on the college’s track. A live stream of the ceremony will be broadcast at www.delhi.edu/academics/commencement.
————————————
The Sidney American Legion will hold an Armed Forces Day Chicken Barbecue on Saturday. All Veterans will eat for free, the event begins at 12:00 Noon, at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street.
—————————-

The State DEC is urging state residents to “Green” their commute to work this morning. Residents across the state are asked to walk, bike, take public transit, carpool or drive an electric car only to & fro work today.
——————————————
The Northeast Classic car Museum announces their next exhibit: “Open Road, Open Sky” which will feature a collection of Motorcycles & convertibles. A special Opening of the exhibit for members & exhibitors will open tonight at the museum, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This new exhibit will be on display through April 2018.
—————————
The Jericho Arts Council announces that “James Reams & The Barnstormers” will perform at the Bainbridge Town hall Theater Saturday night, at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be reserved at 288-3882; they will also be available at the theater at 6:00 PM, 1 hour prior to the start of the show.
———————————–

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 5-19-17