WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-15-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 15, 2017

Travel bans were lifted in Broome & Chenango Counties this afternoon, with Broome County getting assistance from the National Guard. Governor Cuomo held a press conference at the DOT Facilities on Colesville Road this afternoon & said that more help was on the way:

(Cuomo 3-15-17)

Otsego & Delaware Counties will lift their travel bans at 6:00 PM, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that due to the large amount of snow on city streets, all street parking is prohibited until further notice, regulations at the city parking lots & municipal garage will be suspended. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution if they must drive.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the indictment of 12 members of a criminal theft and fencing ring in New York and 27 other states. A 41-count indictment, unsealed in New York Supreme Court today, charged the 12 alleged co-conspirators with enterprise corruption, money laundering, criminal possession of stolen property and conspiracy. During “Operation Sticky Fingers,” State Police & other law enforcement agencies seized more than 5,300 stolen electronics and ink cartridges from the enterprise’s alleged kingpin, Richard Rimbaugh; and from various members of his crew. millions of dollars in merchandise was stolen from Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, and other retailers, investigators also seized more than $7.7 million dollars from the defendants’ homes, financial institutions, and their Amazon and Pay Pal accounts.
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Lawmakers will be participating in conference committees to negotiate differences in the Assembly & State Senate Budget proposals. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 3-15-17)

The state’s fiscal year starts on April 1st, and lawmakers expect to get the budget passed on time again this year.
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A fire at Munson’s Building Supplies on Oneonta’s East End was extinguished quickly this morning. The fire was electrical in nature and only minimal damage was reported. Fire fighters from Oneonta, Pindars Corners,  Otego & Milford responded.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that Securities industry profitability rose by 21%, while the average bonus paid to employees in New York City’s securities industry increased by 1% to $138,210. Pretax profits for the broker/dealer operations of New York Stock Exchange member firms, totaled $17.3 billion in 2016, the highest level in four years. The industry added 2,800 jobs in 2014 and 4,500 jobs in 2015.
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1 person was killed & 8 people escaped from the Skylark Motel Fire in Vestal Tuesday Morning. Officials said that fire fighters were slowed down getting to the scene by the winter storm; the name of the deceased has not yet been released. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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17 year old Kyle Jaramillo of Oneonta was arrested by City police after they allegedly found drugs and stolen goods in his apartment. Jaramillo was charged with 2nd degree burglary. Grand larceny, criminal mischief, criminal possession of a controlled substance & endangering the welfare of a Minor, Police seized heroin, televisions, stereo speakers, an air rifle and sneakers that were reported stolen recently for an Oneonta residence. The investigation is continuing, anyone with information is asked to contact Oneonta Police Detectives at 432-1111 option 4. All tips will remain confidential.
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Diana Ross will appear in concert on July 26th, as part of her “In The Name Of Love” tour, at The Anderson Center at SUNY Binghamton. Reserved Seat Tickets go on sale today at 12:00 Noon at the Anderson Center Box office, by calling 777-ARTS, or at Anderson.Binghamton.edu.
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Female lawmakers in New York say early voting would make it easier for all New Yorkers – and particularly women – to cast a ballot. Several legislators on Monday urged Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders to include early voting and automatic voter registration in the state budget expected to be approved by April 1. Compared to other states New York has low voter turnout rates and is one of a minority of states that still doesn’t allow early voting.
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A new bill is proposing a requirement for gender-neutral bathrooms in New York State. The Legislation was introduced in the Assembly to make all single-occupancy restrooms in public places gender neutral. Traditional signs for men’s and women’s rooms would be replaced to indicate accessibility to any gender.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 3-14-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 14, 2017

The Blizzard of 2017 is continuing & is likely to continue beyond the early expectations, according to Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend:

(Rich Townsend 3-14-17)

All Area Roads are closed in the Tri County Area except for Emergency Personnel, The Blizzard Warning remains in effect through 11:00 PM tonight.

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Governor Cuomo said that emergency responders around the state kept the state’s Citizens safe, due to advance preparation before today’s storm, he gave an update earlier this afternoon:

(Cuomo 3-14-17)

The governor’s office says the state has called up 2,000 National Guard members and will deploy them to the Southern Tier, after the storm tracked further west than initially anticipated.

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State Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his Constituents Survey; he discussed some of the results with WCDO:

(Fred Akshar 3-14-17)

Akshar said that he received over 9600 responses to his recent survey. The closest question on the survey regarding decriminalizing Marijuana was split 50/50.

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The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for January. The number of private sector jobs in the State was over 8 Million, & the State’s unemployment rate decreased 2 10ths to 4.6%. Locally, Delaware County was at 6.6%, Chenango County, had 6.2%, & Otsego County was at 6.1% for January.

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Governor Cuomo today reminded New Yorkers who need help paying their heating bills to apply to the Home Energy Assistance Program by Friday, 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.

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The Annual St. Baldrick fundraiser held Saturday in Norwich, raised about $27,000 for childhood cancer research. Officials believe that another $3,000 could come in on top of what was raised at Saturday’s event at the Norwich American Legion. Over 2 dozen people had their heads shaved at the fundraiser.

Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency across all 62 counties in New York. The Governor also directed non-essential state employees impacted by the winter storm to stay home from work on Today. All New Yorkers should exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and pay close attention to winter storm advisories as the day progresses.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a consumer alert warning both consumers and businesses about price gouging during this week’s storm. General Business Law prohibits excessive increases in prices of essential goods and services like food, water, gas, generators, batteries, and flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation, during natural disasters or other events that disrupt the market. During and after severe winter weather events, these goods and services might also include snow plowing, snow removal from roofs, shovels and other snow removal equipment, salt, and contract services for storm-related damage. Any New Yorkers who believe they have been the victim of price gauging should call the Attorney General’s office at 800-771-7755 or visit www.ag.ny.gov/price-gouging-complaint-form to file a complaint.
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Broome County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Binghamton man, who was found possessing a large amount of construction materials in his SUV. 28 year old Kole Rose was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, he was released pending future court action.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State’s high school student smoking rate in 2016 was the lowest on record at 4.3%, down from 27.1% in 2000. A survey recently released by the State Department of Health also found that e-cigarette use by high school students nearly doubled in the last 2 years from 10.5% in 2014 to 20.6% in 2016. According to a 2016 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, the number of high school students using e-cigarettes soared 900 percent between 2011 and 2015, becoming the most commonly used form of nicotine among youths.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 3-13-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 13, 2017

A Winter Storm is heading up the East Coast & will impact much of the state starting tonight. Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 3-13-17)

The National Weather service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect tonight through Wednesday Night & a Blizzard warning has been posted for parts of Delaware County & neighboring Sullivan County.
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Another Opiate Awareness Program will be held this week at the Afton school district in conjunction with Lourdes Hospital & Yes Safe Choices. State Senator Fred Akshar explains:

(Fred Akshar 3-13-17)

Senator Akshar said that he was encouraged that both the Afton & Bainbridge School district are requiring students involved in their athletics programs to be part of the program. Future events are listed at yessafechoices.org/events.
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Firefighters from Cooperstown & surrounding communities responded to a fire in kitchen of the Phinney House Bed & Breakfast at 14 Elm Street in Cooperstown, at 7:30 this morning. The Vrooman family escaped from their house & safely removed nearby vehicles before firefighters arrived. The fire was under control in about 90 minutes, significant smoke and water damage was reported. The Cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Oneonta Police Department received a call Friday Night from a citizen in southern New York State regarding an acquaintance who was stranded in Oneonta and possibly expressing suicidal and homicidal tendencies. Officers located 35 year old Samuel Browning of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in the area of 145 Main Street. Browning was taken into custody without incident, he was found to be in possession of a loaded .357 magnum revolver and a small quantity of marijuana, the handgun had been reported stolen from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Browning was charged with Criminal possession of a firearm, Criminal possession of stolen property, And Unlawful possession of marijuana. Browning was held at the Oneonta Police Department until arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.
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The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of Listeria infections. 6 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 4 states since last September, all 6 were hospitalized, and 2 people from Connecticut and Vermont died. The laboratory evidence indicates that soft raw milk cheese made by Vulto Creamery of Walton is the likely source of this outbreak, as all 6 people ate various types of soft cheeses in the month before their illness started. The outbreak strain of Listeria was identified in samples taken from three intact wheels of Ouleout cheese collected from Vulto Creamery; they have now recalled all lots of several types of their soft raw milk cheeses. This investigation is ongoing.
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The Oneonta city clerk’s office announced that due to the impending storm, parking restrictions in the Municipal Parking lots & Parking Garage would be lifted starting at 7:00 PM tonight. Vehicles owners & operators in the city of Oneonta are reminded that vehicles cannot be parked on the streets after 2 1/2 inches of snow falls. City officials said that people could sign up for snow and parking related messages by texting the keyword “SNOWTOW” to 888777.
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Governor Cuomo announced that actions are being taken to prepare and respond to the Nor’easter that will impact much of the state tonigth through Wednesday. The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated this evening & state agencies will be on heightened alert & will be ready to deploy personnel and state resources to the hardest hit areas, as needed.
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Fire Fighters from many area companies responded Sunday night to a Fire at the Milford Methodist Church. The fire was called in at about 7:00 PM, the church was heavily damaged & 2 nearby buildings had minor damage. No injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation, the building is expected to be ruled as a total loss.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved nearly $60 million in grants and interest-free and low-cost loans to support vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across New York State. The Village of Sidney will receive $9.4 million to improve source water quality by developing new wells, and/or providing the existing two wells with a treatment system. Additionally, water mains with poor pressure and frequent breaks will be replaced and meters will be installed on all remaining unmetered services.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 2 Town of Greene residents for agriculture and markets law violations. Deputies arrested Martin and Mary Canny for 7 counts of failure to provide proper sustenance of farm animals and dogs, following a complaint on March 6th, the Leather Stocking Veterinary Clinic of New Berlin responded, they found numerous animals to be malnourished and recommended them to be removed from the property and offered assistance from the clinic. Martin and Mary Canny voluntarily gave up their rights to the rest of their animals, they were also taken to the Leather Stocking clinic.
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The Anderson Center for Performing Arts at SUNY Binghamton has announced a major concert for this summer. The venue will host a performance by the legendary Diana Ross on July 26th, as part of her “In The Name Of Love” tour. Reserved Seat Tickets go on sale this Wednesday at 12:00 Noon at the Anderson Center Box office, by calling 777-ARTS, or at Anderson.Binghamton.edu.
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The State Health Department announced that the UHS Senior Living at Chenango Memorial; Hospital in Norwich is in the top 20% of New York Nursing homes. The distinction was based on the 2016 Nursing Home’s Quality Initiative, which evaluates the nursing homes Quality of Care & Performance. The UHS Senior Living department at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich is located on the Hospitals 2nd floor & offers 75 beds.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 3-10-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 11, 2017

The Otsego County Board of Representatives has requested an employee file from Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. The board wants to review potential violations of the county’s workplace violence prevention program & what if any disciplinary actions were taken, regarding the sheriff’s son, Corrections Officer Ross Devlin. Vice Chairman of the County Board of Representatives Ed Frazier of Unadilla told WCDO News that Ross Devlin’s Superiors came to the board:

(Ed Frazier 3-10-17)

Sheriff Devlin told WCDO News what actions he has taken to resolve the issue:

(Richard Devlin 3-10-17)

Ed Frazier also said that during their workplace violence investigation, other information came to light regarding disciplinary procedures and treatment of inmates at the Otsego County Jail.
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Oneonta Police were dispatched Wednesday to a reported attempted home invasion robbery at 306 Chestnut Street. 3 men reportedly arrived in a dark colored sedan; one of the men was described as a “young black male” with short hair. The initial officers noted a powerful odor of marihuana in the dwelling. A search warrant was obtained & executed & 4 pounds of marihuana and over $14,000 cash was seized. Police arrested 25 year old Edwin Milette of Oneonta for Criminal possession of marihuana, the investigation into the alleged burglary is continuing. Milette was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and was remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond.
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The Sidney High School and the Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse prevention will hold a substance abuse education night on Wednesday march 22nd at 6:00 PM. Community Members, families & students of the Sidney, Bainbridge & Unadilla areas are encouraged to attend; free dinner will be served by the Sidney school. Pre-Registration is encouraged at 561-7707.
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The 64th Sidney Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be served Saturday at the River Street Fire Station Training Center in Sidney. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM; proceeds will benefit community service projects.

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The St. Baldrick’s Foundation of Norwich will host a head-shaving event Saturday, at the American Legion, 29 Sheldon Street, Norwich. About 2 dozen people will have their heads shaved in solidarity with children with cancer and raise money to Conquer Childhood Cancers. The event starts at 6 pm in the banquet hall of the Legion. It is free and the public is invited to attend.
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State Senator Fred Akshar told WCDO that he will hold 2 Town Hall Meetings with Constituents Saturday, first in Hancock & then in Windsor:

(Fred Akshar 3-1017)

Senator Akshar said that the received over 10,000 responses to his recent survey, the results will be released in the next few days.
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The annual Train Show in Binghamton will be held this Saturday. The show is sponsored by Village Train & Hobby of Windsor, owner Jeff Olin comments:

(Jeff Olin 3-10-17)

The show will once again by held at the American Legion on Robinson Street in Binghamton, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 3-9-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 11, 2017

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle operated by 24 year old Samuel Ackermann of Norwich, he led officers on an 8 mile pursuit from Oxford that ended when Ackermann crashed into a tree and fled the scene with 18 year old Johnathon Gemberling of Plymouth and a 17 year old female. Ackermann and the 17 year old female were apprehended trying to get help from a nearby residence; they were taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries, A search warrant was executed on the vehicle & at an address in Pharsalia, Police seized heroin, a loaded long gun, cocaine and marijuana.  Ackermann, was charged with 2 counts Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Reckless Endangerment, & several other charges, The 17 year old female was arrested on similar charges, both were arraigned and were remanded to the Chenango County Jail. The investigation in continuing and more arrests are expected.
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The DEC reminds residents that with warming temperatures and dry conditions, residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State. Due to the lack of snow cover over much of the state and with rising temperatures forecasted for the coming weeks, conditions for wildfires could be heightened.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the craft beverage industry has saved nearly $15 million since 2012 through regulatory changes and reforms to help encourage further growth in this burgeoning sector. These actions have allowed breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries to save money and reinvest in their businesses to further grow the craft beverage industry throughout the Empire State.
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State Police arrested 33-year-old Carla Gagliano of Oneonta for Grand Larceny, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing, after an investigation by the State Department of Labor. The investigation determined that from March 2014 through March 2015, Gagliano had been receiving unemployment benefits while working at the Astrocom Electronics in Oneonta; the benefits were valued at about $10,500. Gagliano was arraigned in the City of Oneonta Court and was released. Her next court date is on April 19th.
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Governor Cuomo today announced additional free tax filing assistance events across New York State. At these events, Tax Department volunteers will be available to help low and middle-income taxpayers file their taxes online for free ahead of the April 18 deadline. Since the tax-filing season began in January, the Tax Department has partnered with various organizations to provide free tax filing assistance to thousands of taxpayers at 54 locations throughout New York State. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.
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Lawmakers in Albany continue to work toward finishing up the budget by the April 1st deadline, Assemblyman Pete Lopez Comments:

(Lopez 3-9-17)

Lopez said that this week they have been reconciling the projected revenues on hand for the next year’s budget, those numbers are usually different between the Budget Office, the leadership of the State Senate & The State Assembly.

More than 83,000 handgun owners in upstate New York have re- certified their permits according to State Police. Gun owners in the upstate counties who received a handgun permit before January 2013 must re-certify by the end of January 2018
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 25 year old Sabrina Grey of New Berlin for Promoting Prison Contraband, she is accused of bring a narcotic into the Chenango County Jail, she was remanded to the jail on $2000 cash bail pending future court action.
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THE VILLAGE OF DELHI WITH RECEIVE A $100,000 GRANT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S NEW YORK STATE BUDGET. THE VILLAGE IS PROPOSING TO EXTEND Its WATER SERVICE AREA to AN EXISTING MOTEL THAT IS CURRENTLY ON A PRIVATE WELL. THE FUNDING WILL ALSO HELP TO INSTALL WATER WELL AND REPLACE PIPING THAT SERVES A LOCAL HOSPITAL AMONG OTHER RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.
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A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is urging Governor Cuomo to reconsider his plan to cut back visitation at the state’s Maximum-security prisons. The State Assembly Corrections Committee said that the Cuomo plan would punish innocent families who want to visit incarcerated loved ones, which could lead to more prison violence. Cuomo’s plan calls for cutting visitation from 7 to 3 days a week, which would save the state 2.6 million dollars a year.
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Voters in a few school districts will be asked to approve budgets that exceed the state’s tax cap. The State Association of School Business Officials reported that 98% of the budgets submitted to the state so far would stay within the cap, 15 district want to over-ride it, which means that they will need a 60% super majority of for their budgets to pass. School budget votes will be held on May 16th this year.
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THE CHENANGO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT & THE GREENE Police Department arrested 22 year old Nathaniel Morris of Greene for DWI. Morris was charged following the investigation of a March 2nd crash in the town of Greene. Morris was arraigned in Coventry town court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail pending future court action.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that his office has over $14.5 Billion Dollars in unclaimed funds & he urged New Yorkers to check if they have funds due to them. Last year, DiNapoli’s office returned a record $452 Million Dollars to the rightful owners. About 2 million people a day visit the Comptroller’s website, where the listing of unclaimed funds can be found, at osc.state.ny.us.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-8-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 11, 2017

NYSEG officials announced that they are monitoring weather forecasts due to today’s high wind gusts forecast for the region. NYSEG’s storm readiness teams have prepared crews and equipment to ensure that resources are in place to restore any downed power lines and power interruptions. Stay away from downed power lines even lines that appear dead can be deadly. NYSEG customers should call 1-800-572-1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.
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State Senator Fred Akshar told WCDO that he will hold 2 Town Hall Meetings with Constituents Saturday, first in Hancock & then in Windsor:

(Fred Akshar 3-8-17)

Senator Akshar said that the received over 10,000 responses to his recent survey, the results will be released in the next few days.
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Local representatives appeared at the home of Olga Ehret in Johnson City this morning, where Olga discussed the savings on her heating bills after having a free survey performed on her home, through the Home Performance with Energy Star Program. Brad Pacalis of the Public Policy & Education fund said that homeowners need to sign up as soon as possible to take advantage of the savings:

(Brad Pacalis 3-8-17)

Pacalis said that the program will only be available for a limited time, so Southern Tier homeowners should take advantage as soon as possible; the phone number for more information about the program is 723-0110.
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Governor Cuomo, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Members of the New York Congressional Delegation today announced over $5 million in federal Homeland Security grant funding for local governments across the state to bolster counter terrorism initiatives and strengthen public safety efforts. Funding will support local law enforcement tactical teams, technical search and rescue operations, and explosive detection canine units, while also safeguarding critical infrastructure across New York.
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State Senator Jim Seward will be at the I-88 Wells Bridge rest stop between exits 12 and 11 Thursday afternoon. Senator Seward will officially reopen the fully rehabilitated I-88 rest stop at 1:00 PM; the stop was closed due to state budget cuts in 2010.

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A Volunteer meeting will be held tonight in Oneonta for those who want to sign up for the Memorial Day Weekend visit to Oneonta of the Mobile Veterans Wall. Organizer Gene Schmidt said he needs many volunteers:

(Gene Schmidt 3-8-17)

The meeting will be held tonight at the Salvation Army Gym at 25 River Street in Oneonta starting at 7:00 PM, more information is available at 610-4030.
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The Delaware County Department of Economic Development announced the acceptance of applications under the County’s 3rd-year Agricultural Microenterprise Program, which will make matching grants available up to $30,000 to eligible ag-based businesses. The Department of Economic Development will hold an application workshop, at the County eCenter in Delhi on Thursday, March 16th at 6:00 PM. Applications must be received by Monday, April 10th, more information is available by calling 832-5123.
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Governor Cuomo today announced a new electric vehicle campaign that includes the installation of charging stations, incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive electric vehicles and extensive public education and outreach. Work on the projects will start immediately and will include the installation of 450 charging stations across the state, 150 will be located at workplaces across the upstate region.
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The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session today from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at The Arc Otsego, 35 Academy Street in Oneonta. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are looking for more authority and choice in their supports and services should attend. More information is available at 267-3210.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 3-7-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 7, 2017

The Binghamton Court Building was evacuated this morning following a bomb threat. Police & their Canine units were called in shortly after the threat was called in at about 9:00 AM, everyone was allowed back in at about 10:00 AM. The investigation into the source of the bomb threat is continuing.
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A public hearing will be held in Oneonta on March 14th regarding the Town of Oneonta possibly starting their own Volunteer fire department to replace a paid agreement with the City of Oneonta Fire Department. The hearing will be held on march 14th at 6:00 PM at the Elm Park Methodist Church in Oneonta.
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State Police arrested 60 year old Brian Lewis of Gilbertsville for DWI and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a 1 vehicle rollover crash on Copes Corners Road in the Town of Butternuts. Trropers accuse Lewis of driving while intoxicated when he crashed his vehicle causing it to rollover. His passenger received a hand laceration, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Lewis refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. He was released after arraignment at the Town of Butternuts Court.
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Victims of child sexual abuse in New York say that the political power of the Catholic Church & other institutions is preventing lawmakers from passing a law that would relax one of the nation’s tightest statutes of limitations on filing criminal charges & Lawsuits. One bill would create a 1-year window for lawsuits otherwise barred by the current statutes; opponents claim that provision would cause catastrophic financial harm for institutions that work with children. Governor Cuomo said that he supports the idea of making it easier for child sexual abuse victims to sue.
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3 state run ski resorts are pledging to generate 100% of their energy from renewable resources by 2030. Cuomo is seeking to have the state generate half of its energy form renewable resources like wind & solar by 2030, about 28 million dollars is earmarked for upgrades at Belleayre, Gore & Whiteface in the near future.
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Health care providers are urging lawmakers this week for increased support for community-based services to help uninsured patients. More than 900 community health care supporters were in Albany Monday lobbying for Lawmakers to designate $20 million dollars for clinics that serve about 2 million uninsured New Yorkers in high poverty areas annually.
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Governor Cuomo last week pinned the blame on the state’s high property taxes on the excessive levels of local Governments and is seeking more cooperation & consolidation among municipalities. Local assemblyman Cliff Crouch previously served as the Chenango County Chair of the Board of Supervisors, and said that the Governor’s statement was unwarranted:

(Crouch 3-7-17)

Crouch said that the property taxes have gone up as the state has given less money to counties but continued to pile on costly mandates without sufficient compensation.
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The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge. At 6:30 PM the Race Committee Meeting will begin, then at 7:30 PM, the Regular meeting will begin.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall.
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Last Wednesday, members of the Oneonta Police Department Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop which resulted in the arrest of a passenger in the vehicle. 48 year old Vickie Tolbert of Oneonta was charged with Criminal Contempt & criminal Possession of a controlled substance. Police seized 20 bags of Heroin & 1 gram of Cocaine. Tolbert was held at the city of Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the city of Oneonta Court.
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New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs announced that a former employee of Springbrook in Sidney was arrested on charges that she drove an agency vehicle erratically while texting on her phone, jeopardizing the safety of a passenger. 30 year old Christi Swartwout of Sidney is charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person, following an August 2016 incident in which Swartwout was transporting an individual with developmental disabilities when she was observed driving erratically, nearly colliding with other cars. Swartwout was terminated from her position as a Health Care Assistant, she was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to reappear in court on March 21.
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State lawmakers are examining the rash of hate crimes across the state. State Senate Democrats are proposing increasing penalties for graffiti on religious properties & desecration of cemeteries. Governor Cuomo is calling for $25 Million Dollars to help religious schools step up security.
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State lawmakers continue to examine proposals in the executive budget plan. The State Assembly is holding hearings on a plan to charge consumers as much as 7.6 Billion dollars over 12 years to bail out 3 aging nuclear power plants. State Senate Democrats are expected to release a college affordability plan shortly; the budget plan is due Aprils 1st.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 3-6-17

by wcdonews Posted on March 6, 2017

A man whose name was synonymous with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta has died at the age of 78. Dick Davies died on Saturday; he was a 1970 Regatta champion, served for many years on the Regatta Committee and was instrumental in the development of the Regatta Museum & Hall of Fame. Friends may cal at the First Baptist Church of Sidney on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral services at 11:00.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 35 year old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on an arrest warrant issued by Stamford Town Court for criminal mischief. The arrest is follows an investigation into an assault in a parking lot on January 19th, where Bennett allegedly attempted to assault Stamford Firemen on the scene & damaged the windshield of a Stamford Fireman’s personal vehicle, causing damage of more than $250 dollars. Bennet was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
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US Senator Chuck Schumer wants the National Transportation Safety Board to conduct an investigation of small plane crashes, following 2 more crashes last month and at 18 crashes in New York State last year. Schumer cited a February 19th crash of a single-engine plane that took off from Long Island and crashed into a neighborhood in Bayonne, New Jersey, as well as a February 26th crash of a plane being used for practice at another Long Island airport, where 2 people were killed.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today released the list of the top ten consumer fraud complaints received by his office in 2016. For the 11th year in a row, Internet-related complaints topped the list with 4,605 complaints, followed by complaints about automobile sales, Consumer-related services with various retail establishments ranked 3rd, followed by Landlord/Tenant disputes, Utilities-related complaints, Credit scams, fraudulent advertised Retail Sales, Home Repair/Construction, Mortgage, Mail Order.
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The annual Train Show in Binghamton will be held this Saturday. The show is sponsored by Village train & Hobby of Windsor, owner Jeff Olin comments:

(Jeff Olin 3-6-17)

The show will once again by held at the American Legion in Binghamton, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday.
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Tickets for the 2017 National Baseball Hall of Fame Classic over the Memorial Day Weekend, are now available online and by phone. Hall of Fame members Wade Boggs, Goose Gossage, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will be joined by recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams for a seven-inning legends game on Saturday, May 27 at Cooperstown’s historic Doubleday Field. Tickets are now on sale via phone at 1-877-726-9028 or at www.baseballhall.org.
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The Arc Otsego is accepting artwork submissions for its 13th Annual Voice! event, which will be held July 27, 2017 through August 11, 2017 in the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Building at SUNY Oneonta. Any individual living in New York State who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual and/or other developmental disability may submit artwork for consideration. The artwork submission form is available at www.arcotsego.org. The deadline for submissions is June 9th.

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