WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-16-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 16, 2015

Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that combats the proliferation of clothing collection bins provided by fake charities by imposing stricter regulations on the placement, maintenance and transparency of collection bins across the state. The legislation prohibits placement of collection bins on public property and imposes maintenance requirements of such bins. The law also strengthens operator transparency by imposing disclosure requirements, including indication as a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. Additionally, disclosure is required if the bin is operated by a for-profit business in conjunction with a nonprofit organization. Bin owners are subject to fines for violations of the bill’s disclosure and maintenance requirements.
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Delaware County Deputies arrested 55-year-old Kathryn Southerton from Delhi for Petty Larceny and Resisting Arrest. Southerton is accused of refusing to pay her bill at the Delaware Valley Humane Society and then fled on foot with her dog. Deputies located her and her dog in an adjacent field, she attempted to flee deputies by going into the river and then refused to cooperate with deputies when they attempted to place her is custody. She was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail. She is scheduled to re-appear in the Town of Delhi court of December 22.
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State Police arrested 27-Year-old Michael Tenace of Oneonta for criminal contempt, after troopers were advised that Tenace allegedly showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment, which violated a prior court order of protection. Tenace was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that 16 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State as a result of START-UP NY program that establishes tax-free areas associated with colleges and universities across the state. The Governor announced that efforts at SUNY Binghamton University will result in 21 new jobs, as SensAttire, they will locate to the incubator at the Engineering and Science building in Vestal. The company will not only create 21 new jobs but they will also invest over $3,00,000.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties continues to perform free screenings for women & men who are uninsured or under-insured. There are no income requirements; those interested in free health screenings can call 1-888-345-0225 for an appointment or more information.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced a $70,000 legislative grant to support improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport. Senator Seward announced the grant during a ribbon cutting for the first-phase of renovation work performed at the airport terminal by students at the Oneonta Job Corp Academy. New upgrades at the airport include: a new conference area; ADA compliant bathroom facilities; and exterior painting. The grant will fund additional interior improvements such as: security and fire alarm systems; entry gate detection loops; computers; and conference room area displays. Otsego Now will also be studying additional improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport after receiving a $50,000 grant through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
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State Senator Fred Akshar & Rebuild New York Now are urging Governor Cuomo to fund upstate infrastructure projects at the same rate as downstate projects:

(Fred Akshar 12-16-15)

Akshar said that about 6,000 bridges and 60% of upstate roadways are in need of repair.
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Governor Cuomo announced the release of program criteria for the $25 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program. The eligibility requirements are now available online at agriculture.ny.gov. The program will provide funding for projects designed to help farms and agribusinesses expand and grow their operations, as well as increase environmental enhancements in Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties locally. Applications will be available beginning January 19th. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-15-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 15, 2015

State Police are currently looking for a 67 year old New Jersey man who was reported missing from his hunting cabin on Streeter Hill Road in the Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County. John Bourgholtzer is a white male who is 6’ tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes Mr. Bourgholtzer was last seen on December 12, 2015, at about 8:00 a.m., leaving his camp to go hunting by himself. He may be driving his 2011 Ford Focus with New Jersey license plates KDN45E. Anyone with information please call the New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced settlement agreements with 30 online retailers from across the country that sold illegal toy guns to consumers in New York State. The toy guns in question violate a state law that prohibits the sale of imitation weapons, which are toy guns that look too much like real guns. Today’s announcement follows a related investigation of major retailers this summer that included Wal-Mart, Kmart, Amazon.com, and Sears. Those retailers paid of over $309,000 to settle the investigation and agreed to comply with applicable state laws.
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State Police at Sidney arrested 38 year old Karlton Tompkins of Mount Upton for Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a report of a man sleeping at the wheel of a parked vehicle at the Valero gas station on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. The responding trooper saw Tompkins sleeping behind the wheel of a parked vehicle with the engine running, Tompkins was impaired by drugs, he then physically resisted and fought momentarily but was handcuffed. After Police impounded the vehicle, a small amount of methamphetamines was recovered. Tompkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Guilford court on December 22nd.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old David Franklin of Oxford for 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Detectives arrested Franklin while investigating a Larceny from an Oneida County Business; Detectives located and recovered the stolen property in Franklin’s possession in the City of Norwich. Franklin was arrested and arraigned on a Chenango County Court Warrant and was remanded without bail, he was issued appearance tickets to appear at a later date in City of Norwich Court. Additional charges are pending in Oneida County.
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A Town of Columbus resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny. Detectives arrested 20-year-old Maxwell Horton; Detectives located and recovered the stolen property, which had a value of over $3,000. Horton was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $3,000 cash bail.
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30 year old Gregory Eager if East Worcester has been charged with 2nd degree grand larceny, for allegedly stealing over $83,000 from the East Worcester fire department. Eager turned himself Monday he is accused of embezzling the money from July 2013 until recently, while serving as the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief and the secretary/treasurer. Eager was arraigned, and faces court action on January 5th.
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NY State of Health announced the December 15th deadline for individuals enrolling or renewing health insurance coverage that takes effect January 1st, has been extended through December 19th. NY State of Health’s Customer Service Center answered more than 170,000 calls from New Yorkers last week with call volume averaging more than 34,000 calls per day. A new option on the Marketplace for 2016 is the Essential Plan for lower income individuals and families between 138-200% federal poverty level, which will lower premiums to $20 or less a month and provide comprehensive benefits for hundreds of thousands of lower income New Yorkers. Additional Information on the Essential Plan can be found here, info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
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The village of Bainbridge will hold a public hearing today on their Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will begin tonight at 6:30 PM at the village offices.
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The ONEONTA COMMON COUNCIL will hold their next meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor.

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Governor Cuomo stated that at approximately 7:00 pm, Unit 3 at the Indian Point nuclear facility shut down. The cause is currently unknown; the Department of Public Service is conducting the investigation into another unexpected incident at Indian Point. The company reports there was no radioactivity released to the environment. Cuomo said that “Because of the number of recent unplanned outages, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s requirements will result in increased inspections and scrutiny of the plant.
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State Police are currently investigating a burglary to the Quickway convenience store located at State Route 205 in Hartwick, on December 7, at about 1:45 a.m. The suspect is a white male with short hair who was wearing a green sweatshirt or jacket, driving a gray Ford Focus possibly between 2008- 2011 model years. Anyone with information is asked to please call the State Police at (315) 858-1122. All information will be kept confidential.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 men in connection with multiple burglaries in Chenango County, the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania. The Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Nicholas Neer of Port Crane and 27 year old William Polhamus from the Town of Greene, for allegedly committing 2 burglaries in the Town of Greene & 1 in the Town of Oxford. Several pieces of stolen merchandise were recovered during the investigation. Both men were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests will be made. The State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
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State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Oneonta Municipal Airport in Oneonta this afternoon, with local officials with the Oneonta Airport Commission and the Oneonta Job Corps to unveil improvements at the airport. Senator Seward will also announce additional funding to support future upgrades.
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Governor Cuomo outlined the latest efforts of his Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation. From the start of 2015 to today, the State has recovered and returned $28.9 million to more than 24,000 workers who were victims of wage theft. The Task Force has officially launched more than 450 investigations, finding more than 2,700 violations, including theft of wages, failure to protect workers with mandatory Workers’ Compensation coverage and retaliation against workers who complain about violations of the law. The cases affect more than 2,000 workers in New York State.
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Governor Cuomo today announced the growth of agricultural sales in New York outpaced the national average, with cash receipts up 36% across the state and only 32% nationally. In 2014, farmers in New York State also set a new record for sales with $6.36 billion in cash receipts, representing a nearly $1.7 billion increase in gross income from sales of crops, livestock, and other products.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-14-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 14, 2015

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to expedite the freedom of information law appeals process. The order fast-tracks FOIL appeals by requiring that all state agencies file notice of an appeal, settle the record on appeal, and file a brief within 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances outside agency control. The Governor will introduce legislation in the upcoming session that encompasses the order, while also correcting the serious flaws of 2 Assembly Bills.
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State Police arrested 48-year-old George Velten of Guilford for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after Velten was stopped during a road check on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Velten’s license showed that he had 12 suspensions on 10 different dates, he was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.
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90% of New Yorkers say they are somewhat concerned, 60 % say they are very concerned, that another terrorist attack will happen in New York in the near future, according to a new Sienna College poll released today. 63% said they have not changed their lifestyle out of fear of a terrorist attack. By a 52-39 percent margin, voters oppose allowing Syrian refugees to come to the United States at this time. 90% also believe that corruption in Albany is still a serious problem, and by a 3-to-1 margin, voters say new laws are needed to prevent further corruption in state government. 2/3rds also agree with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that daily fantasy sports games are gambling and illegal in New York.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Nobel of Meridale for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus several traffic summons related to the accident. Nobel was arranged in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. Noble is to re-appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.
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State Police arrested 25-year-old Dustin Phillips of Binghamton for criminal possession of a weapon, after troopers responded to assist an Environmental Conservation Officer who was out with three men shooting on state lands in the Town of Kirkwood. An investigation determined that Phillips and two other men where shooting shotguns at targets, Phillips is on parole and also is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms; he faces court action on Tuesday.
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Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor’s homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

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Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were found guilty Friday of 8 counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his power as Senate Majority Leader to get no show jobs to his son Adam. The conviction means that Skelos has been removed from the Senate seat that he held onto after resigning as Senate Leader in May.
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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Cuomo announced a push to prevent known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns in New York State. Schumer commented at a Press Conference this weekend:

(Schumer 12-14-15)

Schumer said that the request became necessary after legislation in the US Senate did not pass, that would have closed the “Terror Loophole”.
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The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Drive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing for one of the season’s signature events: Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, set to return over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2016 Classic will be held on Saturday, May 28 at Doubleday Field. New in 2016, the Classic moves to 1:00 PM, with the popular Home Run Derby starting at noon. Tickets for the 2016 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale on Monday, March 7th.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-11-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 11, 2015

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.
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The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.
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Governor Cuomo announced the final report and recommendations of the Common Core Task Force. The Task Force recommends overhauling the current Common Core system and adopting new, locally driven New York State standards in a transparent and open process. The Task Force also recommends that current Common Core aligned tests should not count for students or teachers until the start of 2019-2020 school year to ensure the system is implemented completely and properly to avoid the errors caused by the prior flawed implementation.
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A state judge has banned DraftKings and FanDuel from doing business in New York State today. The order was issued today by state Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, after Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the 2 companies are violating state gambling laws dating back to the 1890’s. The companies unsuccessfully argued that their games are based on skill, Judge Mendez did not agree.
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Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day, which has now been moved back to the Sidney Fire Department’s Training Center on River Street. Schmidt said that they still are looking for volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 12-11-15)

Schmidt can be reached at 610-4030, Donations can be sent by check to the Sidney United Methodist Church, with Community Christmas Dinner on the memo line. Schmidt said that last year they served about 250 dinners on Christmas day.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual children’s Christmas Party tomorrow. Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-11-15)

Green said that the Chamber would hold their annual Holiday House decorating contest the following weekend.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Christmas parade tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-11-15)

Payne said that there will also be free movies, bake sales & other activities around the Village tomorrow.
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The Operation Merry Christmas giveaway day this year is tomorrow, at the Sidney Civic Center 2nd floor location. The program started in 1940 in Sidney, More information is available at 967-8119, 563-8119 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook Page.
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The Sidney Center Improvement Group will hold their annual “Holidays in the Hamlet” Christmas celebration in Sidney Center Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Mike Sellitti 12-11-15)

Sellitti also said that they would accept donations of canned goods for area food pantries during Saturday’s event.
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First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.
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The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association will be hosting “Shop with a Sheriff” at Wal-Mart in Norwich, Saturday. Deputies will take children Christmas Shopping, who will be provided with money raised by the Association & donations from local business, individuals, and each Deputy. The children shopping with the Deputies were selected by each school district throughout Chenango County.
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Chenango Arts Council will host an open house at their facilities Sunday. The day includes various musical performances as well as tours of their Art Gallery, Pottery and Ceramic Classrooms, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-10-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 10, 2015

Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the Regional Economic Development awards and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Award winners this morning, at an Albany Ceremony:

(Cuomo 12-10-15)

State Senator John Bonacic was pleased that Delaware county, which is part of the Southern Tier Regional Council, came up big today:

(Bonacic 12-10-15)

Locally, the Southern Tier & Central New York Regional Councils won the 500 Million Dollar Upstate Revitalization Initiative Awards, & the Mohawk Valley won the largest Regional Economic Development Award at 100.3 million dollars.
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Convicted murderer, Ganesh Ramsaran appeared in Chenango County Court Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to a bribery charge, for offering $100,000 to a corrections officer to assist in a scheme to break out of jail. Ramsaran was returned to the Chenango County Jail where he was being held for the murder of his wife Jennifer 3 years ago, he faces sentencing on the new bribery charge on February 3rd.
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A Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled over a vehicle for a loud exhaust early Thursday morning; the Deputy noticed a hypodermic needle in plain sight in the passenger’s purse. The passenger also provided the deputy with her sister’s name to hide that she was wanted on a warrant elsewhere in New York State. Melinda Sutton was charged with Criminal Possession of a Hallucinogen, 3 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Impersonation, she is accused of possessing mushrooms, cocaine, methamphetamines, & controlled substances. She was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court & is being held at the Broome County Jail without bail.
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Chenango River Theatre announced that the New York State’s Council on the Arts Theatre Panel has awarded the theatre a 3-year grant to support overall operations. The grant award is for $7,000 a year, for 2016 to 2018, which reflects a 40% increase over previous grant awards. Chenango River Theatre is the only non-profit, professional theatre in Chenango County to receive direct NYSCA funding, and one of only two in the greater Binghamton area.
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The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Derive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.
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State Police arrested 27 Year old Coy Woodruff of Bainbridge for criminal contempt of court, criminal mischief, menacing and harassment, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Coventry. Troopers accuse Woodruff of engaging in a physical dispute with his girlfriend, smashing her car windshield, which violated a court order of protection. He was arraigned in the Town of Coventry court and was released without bail required pending court action on December 16th.
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State Police arrested 39 year old Christopher Crawford of Kirkwood for aggravated criminal contempt, after troopers responded to a physical dispute in the Town of Kirkwood. Crawford violated a court order of protection, he allegedly punched his wife, and the crime was elevated to aggravated criminal contempt because he had a prior conviction for criminal contempt. Crawford was located in the Broome County jail on an unrelated charge. He was arraigned in the Town of Kirkwood court and then remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-9-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 9, 2015

Area Congressman Richard Hanna released a statement regarding Donald Trump’s call to ban Muslims from traveling the United States. Hanna said that the “Call to ban Muslims from entering the United States of America is un-American, ill-advised, dangerous and shows a profound lack of understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Hanna said that he supports taking extra precautions and reforming the Visa Waiver Program to prevent terrorists from exploiting our immigration laws, & he also supported a measure in the House last month to halt the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq until the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence certify that they do not pose a threat to our national security.”
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Chen-Del-O Federal Credit Union teamed up with the Delaware County Office for the Aging this Christmas Season to assist the elderly of the county. Sue Guidice of Chen Del O explains:

(Sue Guidice 12-9-15)

Guidice said that many of the seniors citizens wanted items like cleaning supplies or toys for their animals this Christmas season, They hope to do the Secret Santa for seniors again next year.
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Fishing and hunting bring a stream of cash to New York’s economy, generating the 2nd highest expenditures in any state at approximately $5 billion, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Nearly two million people fish, hunt or trap in New York, Fishing is the most popular, with two-thirds of New York participants fishing exclusively, followed by 28 percent who fish and hunt and nine percent who hunt only. Nearly $1.9 billion was spent on trip-related purchases including transportation, lodging and food.
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Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills has come out in support of Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum in his call for licensed hand gun owners to carry their weapons, in case of a mass shooting like the recent one in California. Mills, Chenango Sheriff Ernest Cutting and several other sheriffs sided with Van Blarcum since last week.
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Former State Senator Dean Skelos and his son Adam may find out their fate shortly as the trial in a federal courtroom in Manhattan draws to a conclusion. Skelos is accused of using his political power to get his son high paying no-show jobs in exchange for preferential treatment by the state. the jury could get the case & begin deliberations this afternoon.
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Former State Senator Thomas Libous is appealing his recent conviction in federal court for lying to the FBI. Libous’ attorney filed the notice of appeal Tuesday to the U.S. District Court Southern District in White Plains. Libous was sentenced to 6 months of house arrest, plus 2 years probation and a $50,000 fine, he was found guilty earlier this year of lying about using his political influence to get his son a job at a downstate law firm. The Republican lost his seat in the Senate because of the felony conviction.
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The State University at Oneonta announced that 20-year-old Brandon Negron of New Windsor is no longer enrolled at the college. Negron was arrested earlier this week in connection with a threat of violence on the University campus on Yik Yak. Negron faces charges of making a terrorist threat, and aggravated harassment, following the joint investigation by University Police, Oneonta Police & State Police.
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Free Income Tax certification training starts January 4th in Delhi, for Delaware County residents familiar with computer use. The Delaware County Office for the Aging helps prepare taxes for about 400 elderly each year, those interested in the tax preparer positions need to sign up now in order to start the training in January. More information is available at 363-7303.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 8, 2015

New York Farm Bureau will hold their 59th State Annual Meeting today & tomorrow at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Delegates from 52 county Farm Bureaus will gather to debate and vote on public policy resolutions, there will be educational opportunities for members, recognition of distinguished leaders past and present, a benefit auction for the NYFB Foundation for Agricultural Education and special remarks from agricultural leaders. Elections will also be held for state director positions.
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Businesses in New York have benefited from the economic recovery, but workers in the state have not benefited as much, according to a Fiscal Policy Institute study. The report states that New York businesses saw profits rise by an average of 61-percent between 2001 and 2013. But workers in the state saw wages increase less than half as much, just 29 percent, in the same time period.
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The fourth Cal Harris’ fourth murder trial is expected to begin March 28, and the trial will be moved from the Schoharie County Court to the state Supreme Court in Schoharie County. Judge Richard Mott was assigned to the case in a decision by the state’s Third Judicial District. The 3rd trial was presided over by Schoharie County judge George Bartlett, it ended in a mistrial, and Harris was convicted twice in Tioga County Court for murdering his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.
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The anti-bullying “Sweethearts & Heroes” presentation with professional MMA fighter and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Tom Murphy will be presented to Oxford Academy Middle school students Wednesday. Beginning at 12:15 & again at 1:40 PM. Oxford Middle School principal Kathleen Hansen explains:

(Kathleen Hansen 12-8-15)

Principal Hansen also said that Broome County Area Native Rick Yarosh will gives a message about overcoming adversity and turning a negative situation into a positive one, Yarosh is familiar to many area residents, he is a retired sergeant with the U.S. Army from Windsor, who was injured in Iraq with burns over most of his body, more information is available at sweetheartsandheroes.org or on their facebook page.
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area performer & music teacher Dana LaCroix has been volunteering with the Garden Groove Project in Binghamton where urban children learning about gardening and growing food. LaCroix decided to get her music students involved in a project to raise money for the Garden Groove Project, she told WCDO news ABOUT IT:

(Dana LaCroix 12-8-15)

LaCroix also said that the The Garden Groove Kids will perform at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party, at 70 River Street, Oneonta this Saturday, December 12th, at 1:00 pm. The event is organized by First Night Oneonta, where download cards will be on sale to help raise funds for this project. more information is available at GardenGroove.org.
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Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sacred Heart Parish Center on Liberty Street in Sidney, for anyone interested. Schmidt said that so need volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 11-8-15)

Schmidt said that last year theyserved about 250 dinners on Christmas day.
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Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the Employee Training Incentive Program, that will incentivize employers to provide skills training for their employees that upgrades, retrains or improves the productivity of their workforce, by providing tax credits to help offset the cost of training. Tax credits will be awarded for costs associated with eligible training programs for current and new employees or for internship programs for current students, recent graduates, and recent members of the armed forces, and are issued after training is completed. The Application can be accessed at apps.cio.ny.gov.
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New York Farm Bureau members along with the Food Bank Association of New York State announced today that 11.6 million pounds of food and farm products have been donated by New York Farm Bureau members this year through the month of November. That translates to nearly 10 million meals being provided to New Yorkers in need. And with a month to go in the donation effort, the large number is expected to climb. In addition, the New York Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee gave a $200 contribution today to the Food Bank Association of New York State.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-7-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 7, 2015

The State University Police at SUNY Oneonta arrested 20 Brandon Negron of New Windsor in connection with a threatening message posted to the Yik Yak social media platform Saturday. Negron is SUNY Oneonta student, he was charged with making a terrorist threat, & 2nd degree aggravated harassment, following a joint investigation by Oneonta Police Department and State Police. Police were notified Saturday evening of the threatening post, which threatened violence for today, police searched Negron’s residence and no weapons were found, Negron was arraigned this morning in Oneonta City Court and released on bail. He remains enrolled at SUNY Oneonta while the college follows its student conduct process.

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Governor Cuomo today announced the successful completion of another round of targeted crude oil tank car and rail inspections intended to improve public safety and reduce potential dangers associated with the transport of fossil fuels across New York. Last week, state and federal teams examined 541 crude oil tank cars, approximately 207 miles of track, and 80 switches. The inquiry uncovered four critical defects and 38 non-critical defects, which inspection teams took immediate action to correct and repair.

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Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting announced support today for Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum, who last week called on his county’s residents with valid licenses to carry their weapons publicly, in case of a mass shooting.   Sheriff Cutting said he supports the legal right of those with permits carry fire-arms to do so, to ensure the safety of themselves & their loved ones, but be knowledgeable of the laws of New York with regard to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it. Cutting becomes the latest New York Sheriff to support Sheriff Van Blacum’s controversial call, following last week’s San Bernadino California mass shooting.

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On December 2nd Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 64 year old Timothy McGrath, of Roscoe, for driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving with a blood alcohol content of .18% or greater following a report of a suspicious vehicle made by employees of the Hamden ARC. McGrath was later released on traffic tickets returnable to Hamden Town Court at a later date.

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NYSEG has sent helicopter crews to conduct routine inspections of transmission lines and natural gas transmission line rights of way for many years; NYSEG announced today that they are evaluating how drones can assist in ensuring safe, reliable service to customers. Officials said that helicopters were limited in how close they could get to check on substations and lines damaged by sever storms, they have begun with a program of drone inspections at 36 NYSEG substations in Western New York.   Nyseg officials said that the results are encouraging & have been operated by Coutts Brothers of Randolph, Maine who are licensed commercial pilots.

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The Chenango Arts Council will hold an open house Sunday December 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at their 27 West Main Street Norwich location.   More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

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Governor Cuomo stated that on Saturday night, the Unit 2 reactor at the Indian Point Nuclear Facility was forced to shut down due to a reported power loss to several control rods. The company reports that there was no radioactivity released to the environment. The Governor directed the Department of Public Service to investigate and monitor the situation and a team was on site Sunday to begin work on the situation.
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Broome County Sheriffs Deputies arrested 18-year-old Jenna Harris of Spencer for DWI after she crashed into a utility pole early Sunday morning, on Main Street in Westover. Deputies reported that Harris crossed into the opposite lanes, went over the curb and sidewalk, then hit and snapped a utility pole. Harris was arrested without incident; she refused to consent to a chemical breath test. Harris was released to appear in the Town of Union court at a later date.
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Bainbridge area organizations are teaming up for a Christmas parade & many other activities this coming Saturday. Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-7-15)

Payne said that anyone interested in participating in the parade should line up at around 4:00 pm Saturday afternoon.
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Various Oneonta committees will hold meetings today. The FTO-CIC committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance -Administration committee at 5:00 PM and the Parks & Recreation Committee at 7:00 PM. All 3 committees will meet in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.
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