A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-21-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 21, 2015

State Police responded to a 1-car accident on I-88 in the Town of Sidney early Wednesday morning, 25 year old Ericka Sa-Keema of Lorton, Virginia drove off the roadway on to the shoulder, over corrected, & lost control of her vehicle, into the center median where it over turned and rolled over several times coming to rest on the wheels. Sa-Keema was partially ejected and 2 two rear passengers were completely ejected, the front seat passenger remained in the vehicle. Ericka Sa-Keema was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City for head and internal injuries, state police reported this morning that she died from her injuries this morning. The Rear seat passengers were 2 year old Zavion Martin was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital for a chest injury and 1 year old Zamari Martin was air lifted by Life Net to University Hospital in Syracuse for a head injury. The front seat passenger: 27 year old Anthony Martin was transported to Wilson Hospital for an ankle injury. The 2 children were not secured in their child restraint seats. The investigation is ongoing.
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State Police arrested 69 year old Burnett Burnside of Kortright for Sexual Abuse & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. This arrest occurred after Troopers received a report of child abuse from the Delaware County Child Protective Services. Burnside is accused of sexually abusing a girl under the age of eleven, in his residence in December of 2014. He was arraigned & was released to reappear on June 16th; an order of protection was issued for the victim.
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The Tri-Town News will have new owners, as Paden Publishing is selling the paper & their other weekly newspapers to the River valley News group. River Valley owns several other local weeklies in New York & Pennsylvania; no changes are expected to the daily operation or staff.
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Delaware County Public Health, Early Childhood Direction Center, and Family Enrichment Network will host a conference today at SUNY Delhi featuring Lindsey Biel, regarding children’s sensory processing issues, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental challenges. The event begins at 9:00 AM.
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The Afton school board meeting originally scheduled for today has been cancelled. There will be no make up date.
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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-20-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 20, 2015

Voters in New York State approved of all area school budgets yesterday, with the exception of the Walton district. Building projects were approved in Sidney & Unadilla Valley, Walton voters rejected a building project proposal by a better than 3 to 1 margin. Kjersti Van Slyke-Briggs, Marissa Orezzoli, Nancy Parsons & Thomas Hoskins won school board seats in Sidney. School Board seats in the Bainbridge Guilford district were Tina Ammon, Keith Hanvey & Rebecca Sullivan, in the Norwich district, Jennifer Collins, Robert Smith & Joseph Stagliano in Franklin Jamie Archibald was elected to the school Board.
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The Chenango county sheriff’s office arrested 24-year-old Brooke Snyder of Afton on a charge of 2nd degree burglary. Snyder & co-defendants are accused of unlawfully entering a Village of Afton residence and stealing an unspecified item, she was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash; she will reappear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.
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State Police at Troop C in Sidney are investigating an accident on Interstate 88 between Sidney and in Unadilla at about 6:30 this morning. The highway is open in both directions; more details are expected to be released shortly.
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The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 18-year-old James Shurock of Sherburne on 11 counts of Petty Larceny. Shurock is accused of stealing 109 library books from the Sherburne-Earlville High School Library, he was released on an appearance ticket to the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.
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The Oneonta department of public Service announced that they plan to co0nnect the new Burnside Avenue water main to the existing water main On River street. The work will begin at 10:00 PM tonight, and crews will be working throughout the night. River Street will be closed to traffic between Wilcox & Mitchell; side streets may be used as detours. Officials said that about 40 customers would be without water, the trench across the street would be filled in & repaved tomorrow morning. Those with questions can call 432-6465.
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The State Senate passed legislation that would make the state’s property tax cap permanent. The legislation passed 4 years ago by Governor Cuomo & the legislature made the tax cap as only a temporary measure to cuts costs when the state was facing billions of dollars in deficits when Cuomo took office.
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The B-G Central School District is seeking 2 Community members interested in serving on a Varsity Football Coach Selection Committee. The first meeting will be held tonight at 6:00 PM in the District Conference Room. Candidates will be interviewed next week, with the appointment by the BG School Board expected at their June 18th meeting. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.
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Governor Cuomo’s girlfriend & Food Network TV Chef Sandra Lee had successful double mastectomy surgery in New York City yesterday. The 48-year-old Lee found out that she had Breast cancer in March, she has urged all woman to get checked regularly for breast cancer.
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Rides, games & giveaways will all be part of the activities at General Clinton Park at this year’s canoe regatta. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(Harmon 5-20-15)

Harmon said that the General Clinton Canoe regatta brings thousands to the region from Cooperstown to Bainbridge each year over the Memorial Day weekend.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-20-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 20, 2015

Police in Broome County arrested 36 year old David Scanlin of Binghamton on a variety of drug charges, after they executed a search warrant. Police seized 504 bags of heroin, methamphetamines and over $18,000 in cash. Scanlin is charged with 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal mischief, and violation of parole, he is being held pending arraignment in City of Binghamton court.
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The Chenango County sheriff’s department arrested 51 year old Donald Scott of Afton, Tuesday on an active Bench Warrant issued out of Broome County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Scott was located at his residence, he is accused of failing to appear in court to answer to a drug charge, and he was transferred over to the custody of Broome County Sheriff’s Office to be arraigned on the latest charge.
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A Town of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriffs Department for criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. 21 year old Kimberly Wright was found to be in possession of heroin and 3 hypodermic instruments. During the investigation 25 year old Joshua Shurock was also arrested on an active arrest warrant from Vernon New York, for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Wright & Shurock were taken into custody & face court action at a later date
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. Today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning, Dietz Street in Oneonta. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.
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The Seventh Annual Bike to Work Day for Otsego County will be held today, with check-­in sites at more than 20 locations around Otsego County. The organizers of the event are the Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates, Otsego County Conservation Association, & the League of American Bicyclists. More information is available at 293-6654.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-19-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 19, 2015

Oneonta Police Department arrested 18-year-old Ryan Rosario of the Bronx for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. The charges stem from an investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in July of 2014, Rosario is currently being held in the Greene Correctional Facility on unrelated charges.
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State Police arrested 56-year-old George Miner of Port Crane, for Sexual Abuse & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. State Troopers received a report of child abuse from the Broome County Child Protective Services, Miner is accused of subjecting a girl less than 14 years old to sexual contact, he will answer to the charges in Town of Fenton Court on May 28th.
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The state Assembly passed a bill this week to try to get young adults into continuing the state’s farming tradition, local Assemblyman Bill Magee Chairs the Assembly Agriculture committee:

(Magee 5-19-15)

Magee said that he also expects mandate relief & teacher evaluations legislation to be dealt with in the finale month of the legislative session in Albany.
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The Attorney General offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, have filed a lawsuit against 4 phony cancer charities. The lawsuit alleges that the Cancer Fund of America, Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services, and The Breast Cancer Society scammed more than $187 million from unsuspecting donors, including $3 million from New Yorkers since 2008. The Children’s Cancer Fund of America and The Breast Cancer Society have entered into settlements, Litigation is proceeding against the remaining defendants. The proposed settlement include judgments of $137 million and require that 2 of the charities be prohibited from working as not-for-profits.
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Governor Cuomo announced new initiatives to streamline regulatory burdens placed on the state’s farmers. The Strategic Interagency Task Force on Lessening Obstacles to Agriculture suggested an Easier Pesticide Registration Process, Faster Recertification Process for Pesticide Applicators & Simplifying Categories for Pesticide Applicators. The changes are expected to be placed into effect in the coming weeks.
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The State DEC is now accepting public comments through June 29 on 3 regulatory proposals for hunting and trapping of wild turkey, deer and fisher. The changes cover fall turkey hunting seasons in most areas of the state; modifications of antlerless deer hunting seasons in portions of the state, changes to the Deer Management Assistance Program procedures statewide & reduction of the current fisher trapping seasons in northern New York. regulation changes could be in effect this fall Pending review of the public comments, More information is available at dec.ny.gov.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced today that legislation known as “The Domestic Violence Protection Act – Brittany’s Law” received senate approval for a 5th time. The legislation would establish a statewide violent felony offender registry, which would require offenders to register with the State Department of Criminal Justice Services upon release from prison. Seward said that the bill has never advanced out of committee to the floor of the assembly for consideration.
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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-19-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 19, 2015

State Police arrested 41 year old Donny Bennett of Blakely, Pennsylvania for Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Possessing a Controlled Substance not in an original container. The arrest occurred after a commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 88 in the Town of Sidney, 2 passengers, 31 year old Kevin Torbeck of Dunmore, Pennsylvania & 34 year old Norman Artabane of Scranton, where arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. All three suspects were issued tickets to appear in the Town of Sidney Court on May 28th.
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Oneonta Police Department responded to 9 Elm Street Sunday for a reported fight with injuries. 21 year old Andrew Burke of Valley Cottage New York was charged with 2nd degree Assault, Burke is accused of striking another person with a beer bottle, causing injuries that required medical treatment. Burke was held until arraignment in the Oneonta City Court.
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Oneonta Police arrested 23 year old Jayshawn Washington of Brooklyn Saturday for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Washington is accused of possessing 13.5 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of roughly $1,400, he was held without bail pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM at the Council Chambers at Oneonta City Hall.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 5-18-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 18, 2015

Governor Cuomo announced a crackdown on drivers and their passengers caught without a buckled seat belt or transporting unrestrained children as part of the national Click It or Ticket – Border-to-Border enforcement mobilization. The initiative will run from today through Sunday, May 31st. Currently, 91% of New York motorists buckle up, which is 4% higher than the national average. 32% of the front seat occupants killed in crashes in New York State between 2011-2013 were unrestrained.
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FBI officials arrested former Congressional candidate & Minister Robert Doggart of Tennessee in connection with a plot to kill Muslim community residents in the town of Hancock. FBI officials arrested Doggart, back on April 10th. The complaint filed in federal court Doggart planned to commit mass murder using an M4 rifle, explosives, machete and snipers. Doggart was released after posting bail, and faces federal court action shortly.
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Voters in New York State will decide on their area school district budgets, school board seats, building & bus propositions on Tuesday. School board races will be decided in Sidney, Delhi, Bainbridge-Guilford, & Norwich. Building projects will be voted on in Sidney, Walton, & Unadilla Valley.
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Friday’s declared mistrial in Schoharie County Court ion the Cal Harris murder trial, likely means a 4th trial, which may bring the case back in court in August. The most recent trial was the longest of the Harris Trials at 11 weeks; it featured 11 days of deliberation with a hung jury, and 14 requests for a mistrial By Harris’ defense attorney since the 3rd trial began in February. Harris was convicted twice in Tioga County Court, both were overturned on appeal, the 3rd trial and the next trial are in Schoharie county court after a change of venue was granted.
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State Police arrested 22-year-old Jonathon Helmer of Hartwick Seminary for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .20%. This arrest occurred after Troopers responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a single motor vehicle accident on State Route 23 in the Town of Harpersfield. An investigation determined that he was driving while intoxicated when he crashed into the guiderail and then a ditch. Helmer was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Harpersfield Court on May 25th.
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The Bainbridge chamber of commerce announced that the Pam Lafever Canoe parade would be held this Saturday on the Susquehanna River between Sidney & Bainbridge. Regatta chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-18-15)

Those who would like to participate need to be ready to line up at about 12:00 Noon Saturday in the old Whitaker’s parking lot on main street in Sidney.
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Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced that they are seeking funding to help acquire & give away Bicycle helmets to children whose family may not be able to afford one. Since 1999 the Sheriff’s safety program has acquired & given out 4000 free bike helmets, more information is available by calling the sheriff’s department at 746-2336.
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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is announcing legislation to remove legal barriers to adoption by lesbian, gay and transgender parents. Gillibrand will introduce legislation this week that would prohibit the discrimination, The “Every Child Deserves a Family Act” would prohibit any entity that receives federal funds from discriminating against adoptive or foster parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. New York is 1 of 7 states that explicitly bans adoption discrimination based on sexual orientation. Louisiana, Mississippi, and Michigan prohibit same-sex couples from jointly adopting, 4 other states restrict same-sex couples from using the second-parent adoption process.
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New York’s IDA’s provided $660 million in net tax exemptions in 2013, up $105 million from 2012 but estimated job gains were nearly 23,000 lower than the previous year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report found that, despite this weakening growth in jobs, the state’s 109 active IDA’s provided $1.38 billion in total tax exemptions in 2013. The exemptions were partially offset by $723 million in payments-in-lieu of taxes, leaving the total net exemptions for the year at $660 million – an increase of $105 million, or 19% from 2012. DiNapoli has also renewed his call for improvements to IDA oversight and accountability. A copy of the report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-15-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 15, 2015

After 11 weeks of testimony, & more than 50 hours of deliberations, the jury in the 3rd Cal Harris murder trial has been dismissed & a mistrial has been declared. The jury reported that they were deadlocked on a decision regarding Harris’s guilt for the murder of his estranged wife Michele in 2001. Judge Bartlett and the attorneys for both sides will reconvene & they will have to decide if a new trial will be ordered. Harris was convicted twice before in Tioga county court, both of those convictions were overturned on appeal.
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19-year-old Joseph Mueller of Delhi has died from injuries sustained in the Wednesday night crash & explosion of a propane tank at the Delhi American Legion. Mueller died Thursday night at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse after suffering severe burns, after he drove a minivan into the propane tank, at about 8:25 p.m. Wednesday. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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The General Clinton Canoe Regatta is still looking for volunteers for next weekend’s event for the gate and many other duties.

(John Harmon 5-15-15)

Those wanting to volunteer can call Lori McGraw at Snips & Snails in Bainbridge at 967-4393.
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The state Department of Environmental Conservation finalized the 2,000 page Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Hydraulic Fracturing this week. The document was 7 years in the making, with thousands of public comments delivered to the DEC on the controversial issue. The documents discuss possible environmental effects, Governor Cuomo banned Fracking earlier this year, fracking was permitted in New York State from 1979 to 2008.
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The 31st annual Senior Council Barbecue and Pie Auction will take place on Tuesday, June 2nd, at the Delhi American Legion at 4:30 PM; the event will raise funds for programs and services for the elderly in Delaware County, and Tickets can be purchased from Senior Council members, or at the Office for the Aging, by Wednesday, May 27th.
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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-15-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 15, 2015

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 27 year old Michael Pierce of Norwich following an investigation into the manufacturing and sale of methamphetamine in Chenango County. Pierce was located in the Lowes Parking Lot in the Town of Norwich; he possessed several items used to manufacture methamphetamine using the “one pot” method. Materials were also located in Pharsalia and Preston. Pierce was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Disposal of Methamphetamine Laboratory Material, and Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine. He was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail. Additional charges are pending.
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THE SIDNEY CENTER IMPROVEMENT GROUP IS PLANNING A STREET TEAM CLEAN UP DAY TOMORROW, Group spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Mike Sellitti 5-15-15)

Sellitti said that plans are also in the works for a stream clean up day later this summer to clean out debris from the Carr’s creek watershed.
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The Sidney American legion will show their appreciations for veterans on Armed Forces day tomorrow, with chicken barbecue dinner. Legions Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 5-15-15)

More information is available at 237-4762.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Cooperstown Dreams Park on State route 28 during the Otsego County Relay For Life event, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.
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There will be a “Meet the Candidates” event on Sunday from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Sidney Memorial Public Library in the Smart Community Room for Sidney School district residents running for the Board of Education. The Sidney Teachers’ association and the Sidney Area Youth Advocate program are co-sponsoring this event; more information is available at 563-2952 or 563-2456.
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