A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-8-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 8, 2015

3 Firefighters were injured after they responded to a brush fire in the town of German yesterday. About 20 acres was destroyed by fire, county officials reported that the fire was under control late last night, but they were still tackling some hot spots. 17 fire companies responded as well as the state police helicopter, 2 firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion, & 1 from asthma the cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Emergency crews responded to a motorcycle accident yesterday afternoon on state route 12 in Oxford. The unidentified driver was airlifted to Wilson Hospital that investigation is continuing.
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The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force has arrested 23 year old Corey Jordan-Green of Binghamton when they executed a search warrant at 119 Clinton Street in Binghamton. Police confiscated 974 bags of heroin, 67 grams of unpackaged powder heroin, plus crack cocaine, powder cocaine, drug paraphernalia and weapons. Jordan-Green faces multiple drug & weapons charges. He faces arraignment in Binghamton City court
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The village of Sidney announced their annual appliance, metals & tires drop off dates. The drop off of electronics, metals, tires without rims & Freon containing appliances will be today & tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM these items can be dropped off at the Village Garage, 28 Sherman Avenue, more information is available at the village website: villageofsidney.org.
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The Annual Ed Wessels Canoe race will be held tomorrow on the Susquehanna River, spokesman Ed Curley comments:

(Ed Curley 5-8-15)

The race is considered a key tune up for pro canoeists for the General Clinton Race later this month.
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The Tri-Town Relay For Life event will be held tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. Organizer Helen Gregory said that there is a new time schedule for the event this year:

(Helen Gregory 5-8-15)

Gregory said that they hope to raise $90,000 for cancer programs & research with the event. WCDO Will be broadcasting live at the beginning of the event tomorrow.
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The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course, will take place on Friday, May 8, 2015, according to the Big Wheels tournament committee. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens. The entry fee this year will be $60, which will be all inclusive, covering greens fees for 18 holes of golf, cart use, guaranteed prizes and a post tournament dinner. Applications for the tournament can be obtained by contacting the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-746-6333.
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the Town of Hartwick will hold its 8th annual Clean Sweep event tomorrow from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The Town will be collecting Used electronics, televisions, tires, scrap metal and white goods, used appliances, backyard trash, roadside trash, mattresses, furniture; leaves and grass clippings; and returnable bottles and cans.
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 5-7-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 7, 2015

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the results of an audit of Delaware County’s usage & disposal of county vehicles. at issue was the random nature that the vehicles were used, stored after hours, and how several vehicles were sold for scrap when they might have brought in additional revenue if sold in traditional fashion, 2 were sold to a Delaware county employee at scrap price & were subsequently sold for his profit. County officials agreed with the report & the recommendations and will implement a stricter county vehicle use & disposal protocol.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 5:45 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

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Governor Cuomo brought the Enough is Enough campaign to Syracuse University, he said that sexual assault & rapes on campus needed to be treated as a crime, by law enforcement and not dealt internally & glossed over as bad publicity:

(Cuomo 5-7-15)

Cuomo also said that the campaign includes a website, ny.gov/EnoughisEnough, and a video featuring students, advocates and elected officials advocating for the passage of the legislation.
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Delaware County Public Health, Early Childhood Direction Center, and Family Enrichment Network announced a conference on May 21st, at the Okun Theatre at SUNY Delhi featuring Lindsey Biel, regarding children’s sensory processing issues, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental challenges. The event will begin at 9:00 AM; registration is requested by email to rebecca.gardner@co.delaware.ny.us or by calling 832-5200.
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Governor Cuomo announced a partnership between New York State and Project Lifesaver International to provide life-saving equipment and training for 50 law enforcement agencies to assist in missing child searches, for children with Autism, Down syndrome or another type of cognitive impairment that puts them at risk for wandering or becoming lost. 596 personal transmitters will be provided to agencies through an agreement between the state Division of Criminal Justice Services and Project Lifesaver. Sheriffs’ offices in the following 21 counties will receive transmitters, including Broome County, sheriffs’ offices that already partner with Project Lifesaver will each receive 11 transmitters to add to their existing supply, including in
Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego counties locally.
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The State DMV & the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee announced that May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, to remind motorists to watch for motorcyclists, as more bikes are on the roads with the onset of warmer weather. In 2013, there were more than 5,100 motorcycle crashes in New York State, resulting in 171 fatalities and more than 5,000 injuries. More information can be found at dmv.ny.gov, or safeny.ny.gov.
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State & Federal Prosecutors announced that State Assembly member William Scarborough of Queens entered guilty pleas on federal and State public charges stemming for public corruption, wire fraud & theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count, 10 years in prison on the count charging theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, and fines of up to $250,000 on each count. SCARBOROUGH also agreed to resign his position as a Member of the State Assembly, pay $54,355 restitution to New York State. Scarborough was accused of misusing travel vouchers for personal gain & misusing his own campaign account.
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The Otsego county health department will host another free rabies clinic in Oneonta today. The clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Neahwa Park.
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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-6-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 6, 2015

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a vehicle in the Delaware River, just off Harvard Road in the Town of Hancock. Troopers located a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a New Jersey registration, approximately 50 feet into the river and half submerged in the water. Troopers found a deceased occupant, identified as 37 year old Stephen Maikisch of Somerset, New Jersey. Troopers reported that Maikisch exited State Route 17 at Exit 90 at a high rate of speed, drove through a t-intersection at the end of the ramp, crossed Harvard Road striking a guide rail and several trees. The Jeep traveled about 200 feet from the road before it came to rest in the river. Police said that a toxicology screening would be conducted and the results are pending.
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Governor Cuomo honored 27 fallen law enforcement officers from agencies across New York State, including officers who died last year in the line of duty. The names of the 27 officers honored today have been inscribed on the Police Officers’ Memorial located on the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Among those added to the memorial were State Trooper Christopher Skinner of Troop C, who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on I-81 on May 29th, and Johnson City Police Officer David Smith, who was ambushed while responding to a disturbance call on March 31. The memorial’s complete Roll of Honor is posted at criminaljustice.ny.gov.
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Jury Deliberations continue today in Schoharie County Court in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. This third trial took over 11 weeks to complete, it had been moved to Schoharie County from Tioga county following a 2nd successful appeal by Harris’s defense attorneys. He was convicted twice before for the September 2001 murder of Michele Harris in Tioga County.
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State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos refused to step down from his leadership position yesterday, despite his arrest on charges of bribery & extortion following a federal investigation. Former Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver resigned his leadership position in January after being arrested for similar offenses, he did not resign from his state assembly seat and remains free on bail.
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Chenango county sheriff’s deputies arrested 42-year-old Shawna Bourn of Norwich, for Criminal Mischief & Trespassing. Bourn was arrested following an investigation into a Domestic Dispute, where Bourne is accused of damaging a cell phone, trespassing on a 3rd parties property & refusing to leave. Bourn was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the custody of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of $500 cash bail. Bourn is to reappear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.
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The State Assembly looks to wrap up the legislative session in the coming weeks; on the agenda is the annual call by the Governor & assembly leadership to raise the minimum wage, as well as the farm labor bill. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that temporary Migrant labor is hired for the harvesting season, and they should remain exempt from state labor laws do to the different environment for work on farms:

(Crouch 5-6-15)

Crouch has served on the Assembly Farm committee during his tenure and is also the only former farmer serving in the state Assembly.
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State Senator Jim Seward honored Patricia Kennedy of Oneonta as the 2015 Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 51st senate district at the 18th annual senate Women of Distinction ceremony at the Capitol. Kennedy serves as the CEO at Springbrook, which serves over 850 people with developmental disabilities, & employs more than 1,200 individuals.
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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-6-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 6, 2015

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42 year old Michael Bishop of Sherburne for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Possession of a Controlled Substance outside of the original container & other Traffic Offenses. Deputies arrested Bishop during a traffic stop in the Town of Norwich, where Bishop was found to be operating a motor vehicle while having his driving privileges suspended on several occasions by several different courts. Bishop was also found to be in possession of suboxone that was not in a prescription container. Bishop was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded on $500 cash bail; he will reappear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.
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A Village of Sidney resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 2nd degree Burglary. 27 year old Nicole See is accused of unlawfully entering a Village of Afton residence and stealing an unspecified item; See was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional facility on $10,000 cash bail. See is to reappear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.
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Delaware county District Attorney Richard Northrup announced his intentions to seek the office of Delaware county judge. Northrup’s announcement follows that announced Retirement of current judge Carl Becker, who will be retiring on July 31st. Northrup has served as Delaware county D.A. for 19 years.
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The Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network of South Central New York will host an Open House to kick off “May is Mothers and Babies Month.” The open house will take place today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at their office at 457 State Street, Binghamton and is open to the public. Guided tours of the agency’s programs, demonstration of services offered and light refreshments will be available. Mothers and Babies serves the communities in 8 Southern Tier counties.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-5-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 6, 2015

Governor Cuomo today ordered flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in memory of New York City police officer Brian Moore, who died yesterday. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning today, and remain at that position until Officer Moore’s interment. Officer Moore was shot while on duty over the weekend in Queens.
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The jury continues to deliberate in Schoharie County Court today in the 3rd Cal Harris Murder trial. The jury reported that they were deadlocked, but judge Barkett ordered the jury to continue deliberations. The trial lasted over 11 weeks this time around; the previous 2 trials were in Harris’s home county of Tioga. He is on trial for the murder of his estranged wife Michelle in September of 2001.
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State Police arrested 36-year-old Alex Siltanen of Meridale for Driving While Intoxicated. This arrest occurred after Troopers responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a car on fire just off of State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport. An investigation determined that the driver, who was the only occupant, had drifted off the westbound lane and struck a pole causing his vehicle to ignite and become fully engulfed. Siltanen had been transported to A.O. Fox Hospital but ended up having no injuries. He consented to test of his blood for alcohol and the lab results are pending. Siltanen was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Davenport Court on May 12, 2015.
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Delaware County Court Judge Carl Becker has announced that he will retire, as of July 31st of this year. Becker was first elected as judge in 2002; he was re-elected to a 2nd 10-year term in 2012. An interim judge will be appointed after Becker’s retirement takes effect.
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Many local fire fighters are heading to Ulster County, to try to help contain a forest fire. Evacuations were under way in upstate Ulster County Monday evening due to a major forest fire. The fire started Sunday afternoon in Summitville in Sullivan County and moved east to Ulster County. The fire destroyed about 1,000 acres late Monday; it then crossed State Route 52, which forced the evacuation of the hamlet of Cragsmoor. State Route 52 is closed from Ellenville to Monticello.
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There will be a “Meet the Candidates” event on Sunday, May 17th from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Sidney Memorial Public Library in the Smart Community Room for those community members running for the Sidney School Board of Education. The format will include a short introduction by each candidate and an opportunity for the public to ask questions. The Sidney Teachers’ association and the Sidney Area Youth Advocate program, Inc. is co-sponsoring this event. The public is encouraged to attend. More information is available at 563-2952 or 563-2456.
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There will be a full line up of music with the “Dundee Ales & Lagers Regatta Music Festival this year, at the General Clinton canoe regatta. Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-5-14)

More information about this year’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta is available at canoeregatta.org.
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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-5-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 5, 2015

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 Year old Richard Davis of Waynesboro, Virginia on a Fugitive from Justice Warrant. Davis was wanted on violating Felony Probation on a previous Grand Larceny charge. Deputies acting on leads tracked Davis to a home in Franklin where he was taken into custody without incident. He was arraigned in the Town of Franklin Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail to be held pending extradition back to the State of Virginia.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 19 year old Ashli Eichler of Meredith for Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child. Eichler is accused of possessing pornographic images of children under the age of 16 & disseminating the images by a cell telephone. Eichler was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Meredith Court at 5:30pm on May 6th.
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The Sidney School District Budget & Capital Project Informational meeting will be held today. Superintendent Bill Christensen will be holding the meeting beginning at 6:00 pm in the high school library; the meeting is open to the public. Voting on all school budgets, projects & school board seats will be on Tuesday, May 19th.
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The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting tonight at City hall. The Council is expected to ratify their agreement with The Oneonta City Police Benevolent Assocication tonight, the meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City hall.
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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-4-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 5, 2015

State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam turned themselves into federal authorities today following a federal investigation. Dean Skelos has been arrested on a 6-count indictment charging him with extortion & conspiracy; he becomes the latest high-ranking New York Lawmaker facing charges, the most recent being his former assembly counterpart Sheldon Silver on federal corruption charges. Skelos has not yet given up his position as Senate leader. Deputy Senate Leader Tom Libous of Binghamton is currently recuperating from back surgery in Florida, he is also facing charges for allegedly lying to FBI Investigators regarding a position his son received at a Westchester law firm.
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Jury deliberations continued again today in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd Cal Harris murder trial. The latest trial lasted over 11 weeks, it had been moved to Schoharie County after 2 convictions in Harris’ home county court in Tioga County, where the September 2001 Murder of Michelle Harris allegedly took place. Both previous convictions were overturned on appeal.
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State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of a fatal motor vehicle accident involving 2 race vehicles on the dirt track at the Broome Tioga Raceway in the Town of Lisle. The investigation determined that 38-year-old Michael Smith of Owego, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer when he lost control of his vehicle on a turn and rolled over coming to rest on the driver’s side. His vehicle was then struck by approaching racer 35 year old Mitchell Quail of Richfield, who was unable to avoid a collision. Smith suffered a head injury from the collision and was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital were he died. An autopsy is pending; Mitchell Quail was not injured in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.
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Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride has announced his campaign for re-election in the 2015 election cycle. McBride has served 16 years as District Attorney, he was first elected DA in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
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Oneonta city officials announced water system work that will begin tomorrow. Between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the Oneonta Department of Public Service will be repairing a water valve on River Street, there will be a temporary water outage for users between Gilbert & Van Woert, water could be cloudy for a brief period after the work if completed, but it should clear up after a short time. Those with questions can call 432-6465.
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Temporary weight restrictions implemented in March on several Delaware county roads have been lifted, according to the Delaware county department of pubic works. County routes that have had the restrictions removed were routes 7, 10, 16, 20, 23,26 35 & 67.
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Hunters harvested approximately 238,670 deer during the 2014-15 hunting seasons, slightly less than the statewide take the previous year, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The estimated take included 130,068 antlerless deer and 108,604 adult bucks. Regionally, hunters in the Southern Zone took 206,106 deer.
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The 25th annual Ed Wessels Canoe Race will be held this Saturday, starting at the Otego Boat Launch. Spokesman Ed Curley explains:

(Ed Curley 5-4-15)

Curley said that the race is considered a key tune up for the Pro racers prior to the General Clinton Canoe Regatta on Memorial Day weekend.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-4-15

by wcdonews Posted on May 4, 2015

Coventry Firefighters responded to 836 State Highway 235 for a fully involved barn fire, which then spread to grass a vehicle & a trailer. Fire fighters from Greene, Afton, & Harpursville have also responded. The fire was reported at around midnight, Investigaters are at the scene today to determine the cause of the blaze.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced that the 2015-16 state budget includes funding to reopen the rest area along I-88 westbound between exits 12 and 11 in Wells Bridge. In 2010, the New York State DOT closed 6 rest areas on interstate highways during state budget cuts. The Worcester rest area reopened for parking only at the end of 2014 with renovation work continuing on the restrooms. NYSDOT personnel have already started to coordinate plans to refurbish and prepare the Wells Bridge rest area for public use.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the federal government has adopted new safety regulations for the shipment of crude oil by rail. The federal measures follow increased efforts in New York State which were taken after train explosions in North Dakota, those trains run through upstate New York.
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The New York State DOT announced that work will be performed within the Prospect Mountain construction project in the City of Binghamton and the Town Dickinson. Monday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Interstate 81 southbound will experience alternating lane closures between the Route I-81 southbound/SR-17 westbound split and Binghamton exit (4). Crews will work to widen and stripe the roadway for a future traffic pattern switch.
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