WCDO NEWS MONDAY 3-27-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 27, 2017

State Police arrested 26-year-old Zachary Fry of Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .26%, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle, and several other traffic violations. State police observed a vehicle speeding at 98 mph, in a 55 mph zone, while on Interstate 81 southbound in the Town of Chenango, the trooper attempted to catch up, the vehicle accelerated to about 115 miles an hour. Fry made a sudden stop partially just before the Interstate 81 & State Route 17 split & surrendered to the troopers without further incident. Fry was discovered with a loaded shotgun on the front passenger seat of his vehicle, he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with bail set.
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Oneonta City mayor Gary Herzig announced today that the annual State of the City address would be held on April 4th at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting at City Hall. Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.
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State Police arrested 68-year-old David Hawkins of Bainbridge for Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .17% and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after troopers stopped to check on an occupied vehicle that was stopped partly in the roadway on Dingman Hill Road in the Town of Bainbridge. Hawkins is also accused of driving a vehicle that had a suspended registration and no valid insurance. Hawkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on April 3rd.
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The Oneonta City Clerk’s office announced that following tonight’s 6:00 PM finance-Human Resources Committee meeting, there will be a workshop on:” Annexation”, presented by the New York Conference of Mayors attorney Wade Beltramo The focus of the meeting for the City of Oneonta officials will be the reservoir & the airport properties. Thee meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & is open to the public.
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State Police arrested 31-year-old Tina Bremner of Afton for the felony of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Troopers responded to a report of a one-vehicle accident on State Route 41 in the Town of Afton. Responding troopers found the unoccupied vehicle, the driver was located walking on a nearby road, troopers determined that Bremner did not have permission to be driving the vehicle & a check of Bremner’s driver’s license showed that she had 26 suspensions on 11 different dates. Bremner was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail with bail set. Her next court date is pending.
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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have unveiled their new mascot recently, and they are searching for help from their fans to name him. Introduced to the Southern Tier at Parade Day in early March, Fans can cast a vote for their favorite name at bingrp.com until April 3. After receiving over 1,000 submissions, the Rumble Ponies have narrowed down the list of possible names to 5, which are Bing, Buster, Ross, Rowdy, & Rumbleton. The final selection will be unveiled at the Meet the Ponies Dinner at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton on April 4th.
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Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported that Ernest Franklin and Heather Franklin were indicted on Friday, by a Chenango County Grand Jury on charges of: 2nd degree Murder, 3rd degree Arson and Tampering with Physical Evidence, in connection with a fire at their residence on State Route 8 in the town of Guilford on March 1st. It was determined at autopsy that their adopted son, Jeffrey, was deceased prior to the fire. Investigators believe the fire was set to cover up the murder. Both defendants will be arraigned on the indictment in Chenango County Court at a later date.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that the next ReUnite Bainbridge Committee Meeting would be held Tonight, at Bob’s Diner at 7:00 PM. Topics of discussion will be Summerfest, a Clambake in August & the Tri Town Relay for Life at General Clinton Park on May 5th.
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The City of Oneonta announced today that due to a lack of agenda items, today’s meeting of the Operations, Planning and Evaluation has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 10th.
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Stephen Stills & Judy Collins tickets available today for August 28th show at Anderson Center @ SUNY Binghamton. Tickets are available at the Anderson Center Box Office, at 777-2787 or at anderson.binghamton.edu.
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Otsego County Conservation Association is seeking volunteers to assist with the 13th annual Earth Festival event at Milford Central School on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the gym at Milford Central School. There is also a pre-festival movie night being held on Friday April 21 at 7:00 PM at the school. Volunteers are being asked to help with a wide variety of tasks on Friday and Saturday, including setting up Friday afternoon, and with clean up after the event. To volunteer, call 547-4488.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 3-24-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 24, 2017

State Police arrested 53-year-old Charles Jensen of Summit, for Aggravated DWI, Driving with a BAC of .19%, plus other traffic violations, after Troopers responded to a 2-vehicle accident on State Route 23, in the Town of Davenport. Jensen crashed into another vehicle, there were no injuries, and Jensen was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Davenport Court on March 28th.
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Governor Cuomo launched a $70 million electric car rebate and outreach initiative to encourage the growth of electric car use in New York and promote the reduction of carbon emissions. The Drive Clean rebates are available to all New York residents who buy eligible cars through participating new car dealers. $55 million of the Drive Clean Initiative is dedicated to rebates of up to $2,000 for purchase of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, all-electric car or hydrogen fuel cell car. In addition to the rebates, $15 million will support installing more charging stations across the state. More than 30 different types of electric cars are available under the Drive Clean Rebate initiative, more information is available at NYSERDA’s website.
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Last week, the Sidney Central School DARE program had its 20th “Graduation” under the direction of Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack. Chief Gorshack told WCDO News that the program has been well worth it for a number of reasons:

(Chief Jan Gorshack 3-24-17)

Chief Gorshack said that he was honored that State Senator Jim Seward, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch And Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak participated in the graduation last Friday.
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The Jericho Arts Council announced another show with the Bluegrass act known as “Remington Ryde” Saturday night. The show will begin at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Tickets can be reserved at 967-3882.
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The Unadilla Historical Association & the Unadilla Concert Association will hold their “All Community Talent Night” Saturday night at the Unadilla Community Center on Main Street. The show will begin at 6:00 PM.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that the next ReUnite Bainbridge Committee Meeting would be held on Monday night. The meeting will take place at Bob’s Diner at 7:00 PM Topics of discussion will be about Summerfest, a Clambake in August & the Tri Town Relay for Life at General Clinton Park on May 5th.
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The City of Oneonta announced today that due to a lack of agenda items, the Monday meeting of the Operations, Planning and Evaluation has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 10th.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 38-year-old Jamal Abrams of Delhi for allegedly destroying property at the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Abrams was already incarcerated at the Jail on charges related to an assault arrest from earlier this year, is accused of kicking a glass door window inside the facility, causing the glass to shatter, causing more than $450.00 in damage to the window. Abrams was charged with 1 count of Criminal Mischief, he would be arraigned on the new charges in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.
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The Chenango County Habitat for Humanity’s 6th annual soup tasting fundraiser, known as the “Souper Bowl” will be held Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Norwich Family YMCA. 30 different soups from area restaurants are available plus auctions, door prizes, a 50-50 raffle, and a bake sale & live music will be featured, proceeds will support Habitat for Humanities current housing project in Sherburne. Tickets at the door will be $7.
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Musical Impressionist Eric Kearns will be performing at the First United Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta Saturday night. Spokesman Jeff Gardner comments:

(Jeff Gardner 3-24-17)

More information is available at 432-4102 extension 103; the show begins at 7:00 PM Saturday.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 3-23-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 23, 2017

Binghamton Police announced a major drug bust in the city today, after police raided a 236 Clinton Street early this morning. Police seized $100,000 worth of heroin, $16,000 worth of crack cocaine & $43,000 in cash from alleged drug sales. Arrested were 46-year-old James Brabham, 59 year old Tyrone Thompson & 62 year old Joseph Bowles on a variety of drug & weapons charges & face court action shortly.
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Binghamton Police responded Saturday to 92 Front Street on a report of a male who fell from a 4th floor balcony. The deceased was identified as 18 year old Conor Donnelly of Pearl River, New York, he was transported to Wilson Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Donnelly fell when he attempted to climb to a third floor balcony from the fourth floor balcony, his death has been ruled accidental, the autopsy stated that Donnelly had been drinking, Donnelly was a student at Binghamton University and was attending a frat house party, Police said that they do not believe that Donnelly’s death was the result of hazing. the incident is still being investigated, anyone with information is asked to contact the Binghamton Police at 772-7080.
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Binghamton Police charged 27-year-old Liz Ayala of Binghamton for 2nd Degree Murder, for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, 26-year-old Gerrard Davis, during a domestic dispute. Binghamton Police responded to 97 Broad Avenue after receiving a 911 call, Davis was taken to an area hospital, where died shortly after arrival. Ayala was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the custody of the Broome County Sheriff Office. 2 children were home at the time of the incident; the Broome County Child Protective Services removed them. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at 772-7080.
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The State Unemployment rate dropped 2 more tenths to 4.4% in February, the lowest rate since 1976, according to statistics released today by the State Labor Department. The number of Private Sector Jobs went over 8 Million in February, an all time high for the state.
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Ticketmaster announced today that the Interactive “Price Is Right Live” Show has been cancelled. The Price is Right Live stage that was scheduled to come to the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena this spring has been canceled. The show was scheduled for April 22nd at the Floyd Maines Broome County Veterans Arena in Binghamton. Refunds can be obtained at the Point of Purchase only; Internet & Phone orders will automatically be canceled & refunded, according to Ticketmaster.Com.
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The Next Tri Town Relay for life event is coming up in May, and an important meeting for team captains is coming up, according to new regional spokesperson Heather Brewster:

(Heather Brewster 3-23-17)

The Tri Town Relay for Life will once again be held in General Clinton Park in Bainbridge; their goal is to raise $70,000 for The American Cancer Society’s research, educational programs & assisting cancer patients.

State Police arrested 17-year-old Kirk Wayman of Windsor for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Troopers were advised of a theft of a rifle and a shotgun & other items from a home in Windsor in January, Police accuse Wayman of possessing the stolen firearms. Wayman was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set.
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged all eligible taxpayers in Central New York to take advantage of three free tax filing assistance events scheduled for today.  Central New York taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less in 2016 qualify to e-file their tax returns using free online software, Today’s event will be from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Huntington Memorial Library at 62 Chestnut Street in Oneonta.
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The State Department DOT will hold a public open house meeting today to discuss plans to replace a bridge on State Route 7 in the village of Afton. The open house will be held at the Afton Town Hall, from 5:30 to 7:000 PM today regarding the bridge was built in 1922 and carries State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook. The bridge is safe for continued travel and is regularly inspected. The purpose of the meeting is to share and exchange information with the public regarding the project and its potential impacts, including proposed work zone traffic control options to manage traffic during construction. More information is available at 772-7336.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-22-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 22, 2017

Broome County Fire Investigators have determined that it was a space heater that was too close to combustibles in the Skylark Motel Lobby in Vestal on March 14th, which caused the fire that, claimed the life of the owner of the Motel, 79-year-old Dick Patel. Patel & his wife lived above the motel office with his wife, investigators reported that Patel helped his wife get out but he could not make it out of the building, remaining occupants also escaped. The motel was a total loss.
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State Police were dispatched to a report of 2 dead goats on property located at 674 County Highway 36, in the Town of Westford Monday. 45-year-old Stephen Pandelakis was charged after police discovered numerous dead animals on the property, including a dog, a cat, a pig, 2 goats, 6 chickens and 2 ducks. Pandelakis was charged with 2 felony counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, and 13 counts of Torturing, Injuring or Failure to feed an animal. Remaining chickens were surrendered & were taken to another person for proper care. Pandelakis was issued appearance tickets returnable in the Town of Westford Court April 4th.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Hancock Village Police arrested 33-year-old Christen Wrighter of Hancock Monday on a number charges, after a traffic stop. Deputies and Hancock Police started an investigation recently following a number of complaints of people who made advance payments to Christen Wrighter Photography for photographs that she failed to provide. Deputies observed Wrighter speeding on State Highway 97 in Hancock Monday evening, they discovered that she had her driving privileges suspended, she also unlawfully possessed a quantity of the prescription controlled substances, including Oxycodone. Wrighter was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, speeding, Scheming to Defraud, Grand Larceny & petty Larceny. Wrighter was arraigned in the Village of Hancock Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bail bond pending further court action. The investigation is ongoing.
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Some of the wealthiest New Yorkers are urging the state to raise their taxes. 80 New Yorkers including George Soros, Steven Rockefeller & Abigail Disney wrote to lawmakers & Governor Cuomo, claiming that they & other top money makers in the state can afford to pay more taxes, in order to help the state pay for infrastructure projects, school funding & programs to help the poor, elderly & homeless. A proposal calls for the all making more than $650,ooo a year to pay more into the state coffers, a move that they forwarded last year as well. Assembly democrats have called for an immediate tax increase on the state’s top 1% wage earners, State Senate majority Republicans & Governor Cuomo want to hold off on tax increases on Millionaires.
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Sidney High School and the Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention invite Sidney, Bainbridge and Unadilla community leaders, business people, parents, students, and school staff to a free Spaghetti & Meatballs Dinner from 5:15 PM to 5:45, followed by presentations starting at 6:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. Coalition President Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 3-22-17)

Local experts Mary Rosenthal of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, addiction expert Dave Ramsey, Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack will also speak. Pre-registration is encouraged in order to accommodate dinner provisions and door prizes, more information is available at 561-7707.
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Delaware County Public Health will hold their next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics today in Delhi. The Clinic will be held at the Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extension from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com
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Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported the arrest of 2 parents in connection with the death of 16-year-old Jeffrey Franklin on March 1st in the Town of Guilford. The Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Ernest Franklin & 33 year old Heather Franklin following the investigation of a fire at their residence on state Route 8. The autopsy showed that the fire did not cause Jeffrey’s death, and that he was deceased prior to the fire, investigators believe the fire was set to cover up the murder of Jeffrey. Both parents are charged with 2nd degree Murder, Arson and Tampering with Physical Evidence. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be filed.
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State Police arrested 56-year-old Danny Baldwin of Cherry Valley, for Conspiracy. Troopers accuse Baldwin of conspiring by allegedly attempting to hire another person to intentionally commit murder. Baldwin was arraigned in town of Richfield Springs Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 property bond.
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Oneonta Police arrested 20-year-old Kyle Alger of Oneonta on Drug Charges Friday Night. Alger was interviewed by police at his Rose Avenue home after a neighbor called to complain that someone was vomiting outside of Alger’s car. Alger is accused of throwing an item underneath the vehicle as police arrived, police then recovered 2 grams of bulk heroin & 11 individually packaged paper folds, and $532 cash. Alger was charged with Criminal possession of a controlled substance.
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Legendary performers Judy Collins & Stephen Stills will perform together this summer at the Anderson Center at SUNY Binghamton on August 28th. Anderson center Marketing Director Roseanne Norris explains:

(Roseanne Norris 3-22-17)

Tickets go on sale on Monday March 27th. Norris said that Collins & Stills would be touring on a collaborative album due out this summer.
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State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will promote governor Cuomo’s Excelsior Scholarship program this morning at SUNY Binghamton. Hochul will discuss the plan at the Innovative Technologies Complex at 85 Murray Hill Road at 10:00 AM< she will make stop at several other SUNY Campus later today.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce New Member Coffee hour is being held this morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Trackside Dining. New Chamber Members have been asked to bring displays of their businesses to this event.
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CDO Workforce & BEAM are teaming up for a presentation today from 10:30 to 12:00 Noon at the CDO Workforce office at the Sidney Civic Center. Participants will learn about getting through the job interview process, more information is available at 561-7550.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 3-21-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 21, 2017

Governor Cuomo & State health officials held a press conference this morning,  blasting Congressman  Chris Collins of Buffalo and area congressman John Faso for supporting the House Republican health care bill and the push to have the state assume county Medicaid costs.

(Cuomo 3-21-17)

The Governor stated that over 4 years New York State would lose $4.6 billion and lose at least $2.4 billion a year by fiscal year 2020. The Collins-Faso amendment would stop the counties from paying a share of Medicaid, which would cost upstate counties is 2.3 Billion Dollars.
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Conference committee activity will continue among lawmakers in Albany through the end of the month, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch has been assigned to serve on some committees, he said that the Agriculture portion of the budget should be favorable this year:

(Crouch 3-21-17)

The Governor’s Budget proposal increased spending by 1.9% over last year, with over 152 billion dollars in spending, the deadline to pass the budget is April 1st.
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The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will hold their annual dinner & Prevention education night Wednesday night at the Sidney High School. Coalition President Lorraine Keckeisen told WCDO about the guest speakers & other items of interest:

(Lorraine Keckesien 3-21-17)

More information is available at 561-7707.
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The Oneonta City Commission of Community Relations & Human Rights announced that they have selected Carla Balnis & Luisa Montanti as the “Over 25” recipients of the “Women’s Trailblazer” award, and Judy Morales as the Under 25 recipient. The women will be honored with a ceremony at 6:30 PM tonight in the lobby of City hall, prior to tonight’s Oneonta Common Council meeting at 7:00 PM.
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The State DOT will hold a public open house meeting on Thursday, March 23 to discuss plans to replace a bridge on State Route 7 in the village of Afton. The meeting will be held at the Afton Town Hall, from 5:30-7:00 pm. The bridge in question was built in 1922 and carries State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook. The bridge is safe for continued travel and is regularly inspected.
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Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting encourages residents to support the State Sheriff’s Institute, during their membership drive currently underway. The Sheriffs Institute has numerous programs, including the Sheriff’s Summer Camps, the Criminal Justice Scholarship Program & the Victim Notification program. More information is available at sheriffsinstitute.org.

State Police located wanted subject Troy Maloney of Hampton, New Hampshire operating a motor vehicle on Interstate 88 in the Town of Colesville. Maloney was wanted by the State of Massachusetts for Arson to a Dwelling, Troopers stopped the vehicle Maloney was traveling in and arrested him without incident. Maloney was arraigned as a Fugitive From Justice in Town of Colesville Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of bail pending an extradition hearing.
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State Senator Jim Seward has been named co-chairman of the general government/local assistance budget conference committee and will also serve as a member of the education budget conference committee. The conference committees are made up of five senators and five assemblymen tasked with negotiating budget differences between the houses, in concert with the governor, to develop a final spending plan. The conference committees conduct open, public meetings, which can be viewed on-line at www.nysenate.gov.
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The Arc Otsego, in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities is holding a free Front Door Information Session from 4:00 to 6:00 PM today for individuals and families regarding access to services through OPWDD. The session will be held at The Arc Otsego, located at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta.
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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting today at Green’s Long River Inn, State Route 357, in Unadilla beginning at 8:15 am. Nominations for Business of the Years and Good Neighbor/Commitment to Community are to be turned in at this meeting for selection with honorees to be honored at the Annual Dinner meeting on Sunday, April 23 at the Unadilla Methodist Church, Main Street, Unadilla. All members and directors are urged to attend.
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Many area villages will hold elections for local positions today. many of the races have candidates running unoopposed, In Sidney Andrew Skrobanski is running unopposed for Village court justice, in Milford Taylor Brose, Michael Strong & William Tallman are running for 2 seats on the village board.
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The Next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours will be today, co-hosted by the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at The Stadium in Oxford. The staff of the Rumble Ponies will discuss various promotions & the changes at NYSEG Stadium. More information is available at 334-1400.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 3-20-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 20, 2017

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 7-year-old Connor Brown of Conklin has died. After he & his 8-year-old brother were playing outside and walked onto the ice.   Connor fell through the ice, his mother & brother tried to rescue him & also fell through the ice. Neighbors pulled the mother and brother to safety, but Connor had been swept under the ice by the current. The boy’s body was located just north of where he fell into the river by a Conklin fireman, he was transported to Wilson Hospital, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies are still investigating.

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A Federal grand Jury handed up a 7-count indictment Friday against 28-year-old Justin Crandall & his wife, 27 year old Jessica Crandall of Sidney. The 2 are accused of numerous sexual exploitation charges against a 17-month-old female between November 2016 & February of this year.   Police were alerted to the alleged crimes after a witness received an image from Justin Crandall depicting the toddler engaged in a sexual act; Jessica Crandall had been babysitting that child. Justin Crandall admitted to touching the child while on Methamphetamines, Jessica Crandall admitted that the abuse started in late last year. The couple could face up to 30 years in prison.

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About 1000 New York state troopers and officers from other law enforcement agencies attended the funeral of Trooper Brian Falb in Plattsburgh this morning.   Trooper Falb served in the state police for 18 years starting in 1998 died March 13th from complications from illnesses contracted while responding to the September 11th 2001 Terrorist attacks in New York City.

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Tomorrow is National Agriculture Day; with proclamations form all levels of Government noting the importance of the farming industry. Chenango Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

 

(Bradd Vickers 3-20-17)

 

Vickers noted that Agriculture is still the Number one industry locally, and for New York State.

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The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it would extend the hours of its call center today, to assist small business taxpayers filing their sales tax returns before the midnight deadline tonight. Call center representatives will be available for an additional three hours, until 7:30 PM. The Tax Department expects 80,000 sales tax returns to be filed today & several thousand will likely be submitted within only a few hours of the midnight deadline. Taxpayers with questions can call 518-485-2889 for help in filing their returns. Officials said that many of the questions could be answered at tax.ny.gov.

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State Police arrested 43-year-old Donald Hart of Bainbridge, for criminal Contempt & Harassment.   Troopers were advised of a physical dispute in the Village of Greene, where Hart grabbed the victim by the arm, which violated a valid order of protection. Hart was arraigned in the Village of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $ 2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that registration is now open for the sixth annual “I Love My Park” Day on May 6th at state parks, historic sites and public lands across the state. The event is an effort to enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and raise awareness and visibility to the entire parks system and its needs. This year’s event includes partnerships with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Park Service, with volunteer events planned at several locations in the Adirondack and Catskill regions and at 5 national parks in New York State.

Investigators yesterday arrested 38-year-old Jamal Abrams of Delhi, for violating a Temporary Order of Protection. Abrams is accused of contacting the victim of an alleged assault by telephone from the Delaware County Jail, on 14 different occasions this month, Abrams was charged with 14 counts of Criminal Contempt, he remains incarcerated on the previous Assault charges, he will be arraigned on the new charges in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.
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The State Attorney General Eric Schneidermann said that his office receives complaints from consumers about tax-related schemes, by scammers who are impersonating IRS officials and attempting to collect bogus tax debts, by phone calls or emails. The IRS and legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment or payment information over the phone. New Yorkers can report potential scams to the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-771-7755. Scams or the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 3-17-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 17, 2017

The Village of Sidney has been awarded about 9.4 million Dollars in a variety of forms to address the long running water problems, Mayor Andy Matviak Explains:

(Andy Matviak 3-17-17)

Matviak said that the village has issues with aging water mains, Manganese in the existing wells, and low pressure in may areas of the village. Matviak said that they hope to get the water projects started this fall.
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Tickets for Diana Ross for her Concert later this year at the Anderson Center broke first day ticket sale records Wednesday, in spite of the snowstorm. Anderson Center Marketing Director Roseanne Norris comments:

(Roseanne Norris 3-17-17)

Tickets are available at 777-2787 or at anderson.binghamton.edu, the Diana Ross Concert is Wednesday, July 26th @ 8:00 pm
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The State Department of Taxation and Finance, along with the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, renewed its warning for all New York tax prepares and human resources professionals of evolving scams aimed at stealing confidential client and employee information after identifying at least 65 companies in New York City, the Capital Region, Central New York, and Western New York that have now been impacted, affecting 7,100 taxpayers. Cyber criminals posing as company executives send emails to payroll and HR professionals requesting lists of employees and their personal information. This year, the scammers are expanding their reach. The Tax Department has identified multiple industries being affected, from health care and legal services to product manufacturing. The Tax Department is in contact with the affected businesses and is working with them to protect their employees.
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The 7th Annual Delhi St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 12:00 pm on Saturday. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. at SUNY Delhi for most participants and at the Delhi Town Hall for pipe bands and antique vehicles. The parade will march up Main Street to Bridge Street, with the reviewing stand at 111 Main. More information is available at the Delhi, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook event page.
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The city of Oneonta snow emergency prohibiting on street parking will be continuing until further notice, as removal of the snow is ongoing. Cars may park again on streets where the snow has been removed, a list of those streets is updated daily at oneonta.ny.us/snowremoval.
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New York State, like many others, is funding it hard to sell closed down prison sites. A recent study showed that 94 prisons have been closed nationwide since 2011, but only a few have been sold. Developers reported that cell blocks and dormitories tens to be too expensive to tear down & too restrictive to repurpose. An Adirondack prison overlooking the Saratoga Springs area has been on the market for the 2nd time in 2 years, in spite of its proximity to a major tourist destination.
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Governor Cuomo announced the State Police, State Liquor Authority, State DMV and local law enforcement launched an enforcement campaign to crack down on impaired drivers during the week of St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign includes a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and a detail to crackdown on underage drinking and sales to minors. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers using handheld electronic devices. During the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day weekend enforcement effort, Troopers made 257 arrests for DWI and issued more than 17,000 tickets.
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79-year-old Dick Patel of Vestal was identified as the person who was killed in the Skylark Motel Fire Tuesday. Patel & his wife lived at the Motel, his wife & 7 other people escaped the blaze, the Motel is a total loss, No injuries among firefighters were reported.
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Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center will present the 2nd annual “City of the Hills Bluegrass/Americana Festival” today & tomorrow. Admission will be free again for the Friday performances, in their Atrium, Foothills Director Bill Youngs comments:

(Bill Youngs 3-17-17)

General admission tickets for all music on Saturday are $25 in advance or $30 day of event, more information or to order tickets, call 607-431-2080 or online at www.foothillspac.org.
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The Chenango Arts Council continues with their line up of events, with Galumpha this weekend. Chenango Arts Council Interim Executive Director Alecia O’Neill explains:

(Alecia O’Neill 3-17-17)

Information of tickets regarding Galumpha or upcoming events can be found at Chenangoarts.org.
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CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free Interviewing Workshop next Wednesday, at 10:30 am to Noon at the CDO Workforce Center at the Sidney Civic Center. Participants can learn about the interview process; clarifying Interview questions; knowing your resume; selling yourself; to anticipate questions and answering difficult questions. Reservations are requested but walk ins are welcome, more information is available at 561-7550.
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 3-16-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 16, 2017

The Afton & Bainbridge Guilford Yes Leaders are teaming up for an Opioid Awareness Program tonight in the Afton School District. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Fred Akshar 3-16-17)

Hundreds are expected to attend the event tonight, which will start with a free pizza dinner at 5:30 followed by the program at 6:00 PM; more information about the program is available at yes safe choices.org.
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The New York State Department of Health today announced several enhancements to the state’s Medical Marijuana Program that will improve patient access. The measures include authorizing physician assistants to certify patients and adding chronic pain as a qualifying condition. More information about New York’s Medical Marijuana Program is available at health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana.
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The State Senate & State Assembly passed their budget resolutions this week, paving the way for the conference committees to begin negotiating the differences in the 2 plans next week. Both budget plans call for increases tuition assistance for college students and increasing aid to public school districts and tackling the state’s aging water infrastructure issues. Other issues include stopping the practice of prosecuting 16 & 17 year olds as adults in criminal cases, and allowing for Uber & Lyft to begin serving upstate counties.
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The IRS will extend deadlines to file business income tax returns for small businesses affected by the recent wind & snowstorms. Senator Chuck Schumer’s requested the extension beyond the March 15th, the IRS Agreed to extend it 5 more days to March 20th.
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Broome County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for 42 year old Nneka Simmons of Endicott, who is wanted on grand larceny and identity theft charges. Arrest warrants have been issued on the felony charges Simmons is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, 205 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at 778-1196, 778-2923, or 778-2933.
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The American Red Cross is urging all eligible donors throughout the state to give blood following the recent winter storm, which forced 56 regional blood drives to cancel and blood donations centers to shut down, causing about 1,480 donations to go uncollected. Officials said that there is a critical need for type O negative donors. Upcoming Blood drives will be held in Oneonta on Monday from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at SUNY Oneonta, on March 27th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Southside Oneonta Holiday Inn, & March 28th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Oneonta Elks Club, on Chestnut Street. Blood donations will be collected in Sidney on March 28th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge, & in Walton on March 28th at the Pines Brook Church, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. More information is available at redcrossblood.org.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 2017 Job Fair on Tuesday, April 4th at the Holiday Inn, in Oneonta. The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Businesses interested in participating can call 432- 4500 extension 207.

Governor Cuomo reminds New Yorkers who need help paying their heating bills to apply to the Home Energy Assistance Program by tomorrow, March 17. Nearly 1.3 million households have already received help heating their homes this winter through the program. Households eligible for HEAP can receive one regular benefit per year, of up to $626, depending on income, household size and heating source. People may apply for online at myBenefits.ny.gov.
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Manufacturing in New York State expanded for the 5th straight month in March, but at a slower pace that February, when activity reached the highest level in 2 years. The Federal Reserve Bank in New York reported that the empire state manufacturing index in march stood at 16.4, down from 18.7 last month, the level for new orders was the highest in several years, the level for unfilled orders jumped to the highest levels in about a decade. The increases follow 2 years of mostly flat output.
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