A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-9-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 9, 2015

At approximately 1:00 am Friday morning members of Delhi, Andes and Bovina Fire Departments, responded to a structure fire at 3150 Maggie Hoag Road, Delhi. The residence was fully engulfed, during the initial search of the ruins, the home owner, 51 year old Helen Stroppel, was located deceased inside. Investigators have developed no evidence indicating that Stroppel’s death, or the cause of the fire, were criminal in nature. Several secondary heat sources, including kerosene space heaters were located within the residence and could not be eliminated as a cause of the fire. The investigation is continuing.
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Chenango county sheriff’s deputies arrested 30 year old Alexander Horvath of South New Berlin, Friday for Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with BAC over .18 and other vehicle violations following a 1 car accident on County Rd 31 in the Town of New Berlin. Horvath was allegedly operating a motor vehicle upon a public highway in an intoxicated condition; he will appear in the Town of New Berlin court at a later date.
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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-6-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 6, 2015

The murder trial of Cal Harris will continue in Schoharie County Court, after Judge George Bartlett ruled against a defense motion for a mistrial following yesterday’s opening statements by the prosecution. Harris has been convicted twice before for the murder of Michelle Harris in Tioga County Court, both convictions were overturned on appeal, & the 3rd trial was moved to Schoharie County.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & Norwich Police executed a “no knock” search warrant Thursday at 12 Mechanic Street in Norwich, following an investigation of heroin and narcotics sales. 27-year-old Jason Sigler of Norwich was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance & Criminal Nuisance, he was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail. 50-year-old Patricia Manwarren of Norwich was charged with Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, with more charges pending, she was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail. 39-year-old Michael Hackett was found to be in possession of marihuana and issued an appearance ticket to appear in the City of Norwich Court at a later date. The Sheriff’s Office recovered cocaine, prescription pills, marihuana, digital scales, and Baggies during the search.
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State Police arrested 47-year-old Jason Bush of Deposit for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Criminal Mischief & Harassment. The arrest occurred after Troopers responded to a request to check the welfare of a woman at a residence on County Route 20 in Deposit, where Bush allegedly kicked, punched, choked & threw her phone so that she could not contact police. Bush faces court action Monday.
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State police announced that 3 employees from 3 businesses were arrested Sunday during a state police underage drinking initiative. State police conducted stings at several establishments, charged with the prohibited sale of an alcoholic beverage, 43 year old Larry Pike of Oneonta at the Taylor’s Mini Mart in Oneonta, 26 year old Santiago Giraldo of New Rochelle at the Best Wine and Spirits on Route 7 in Oneonta, & 27 year old Mehwish Rena of Otego, at Betty Beaver’s Fuel Stop in Otego. All 3 will appear in court at later dates.
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Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heasty was elected as the new Speaker of the Assembly this week, following the resignation of Sheldon Silver. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 2-6-15)

Silver resigned his position as Speaker after 21 years, following his arrest on federal corruption charges; he has NOT resigned his seat in the Assembly.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced the launch of an on-line petition drive in support of his initiative to cut New York’s gas tax. Seward stated that New York consumers are faced with gas taxes that add up to approximately 63-cents a gallon. Senator Seward’s petition to “Cut The Gas Tax” can be found on his website, senatorjimseward.com.
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Today is “National Go Red For Women Day”, to kick off the month long Heart Month awareness program. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women according to the American Heart Association. Locally, to kick off Heart Month, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will have a display of free information and awareness items in the cafeteria; donations may also be made to the local American Heart Association Heart Walk.
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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-6-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 6, 2015

State Police issued 1,390 tickets during the Super Bowl Sunday STOP-DWI enforcement period. The campaign began at noon on Sunday until midnight. State Police arrested 31 people for DWI during this 12-hour campaign, they also arrested 408 for speeding, 39 for distracted driving, 55 for not wearing seatbelts and 16 for violating the Move Over Law.
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State Police from Sidney arrested 52-year-old Carl Carro of Walton for 2nd degree Grand Larceny, following a Grand Jury sealed indictment warrant was received in Delaware County. An investigation from September 2014 had determined that Carro had received more than $95,000 from a complainant with the fraudulent intent of using the money in an investment. He was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or a $150,000 property bond. Anyone with information regarding further thefts by Carro should call State Police in Sidney at 561-7400.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual free winter event in memory of a long time Bainbridge resident, at General Clinton Park this Sunday. Chamber member Phil Canonaco explains:

(Phil Canonaco 2-6-15)

The Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally & Winterfest runs from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at General Clinton Park Sunday.
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The American Red Cross will hold another Blood Drive in Norwich. The drive will be held at the Broad Street Methodist Church at 74 North Broad Street in Norwich from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All donors will receive a $5 Dunkin Donuts Gift card as a thank you for their donation; more information is available at redcross.org
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The annual Chenango Lake Perch Derby will be held Saturday at Chenango Lake. The Derby will run from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. Ice-fishing enthusiasts of all ages are invited to participate. Prizes, food, raffles, as well as $1000 cash for the first tagged perch caught. More information is available at 349-0328, 334-2001or oxfordlions.org.
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Eclipse Winterguard will be having a Chicken & Biscuit Dinner this Sunday, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 PM at the Wells Bridge Fire House. Dinner is $8 for adults and $6.50 for children under 10 and Senior citizens. Dinner includes chicken & biscuit, tossed salad, beverage and dessert. Take-outs are available.
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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-5-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 5, 2015

Opening statements began in Schoharie County Court today, with Tioga County District attorney Kirk Martin telling the jurors that Cal Harris murdered Michelle Harris in 2001, and Harris attorney Bruce Barket seeking an immediate mistrial based on those opening remarks. Schoharie County Judge George Bartlett is expected to rule on he mistrial request this afternoon. Harris has been convicted twice before for the murder of Michelle Harris, in Tioga County Court.

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Lawmakers are expected to revamp the system that evaluates teacher performance this year, after last years formula showed that 98% were highly successful, yet only 35 to 40% of students were succeeding. State Senator John Bonacic comments:

 

(Bonacic 2-5-15)

 

Lawmakers are also getting ready to deal with budget hearings; the education portion of the state budget is one of the biggest items in the Annual spending plan.

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Fire departments from Harpursville, Five Mile Point, West Colesville and Windsor responded to a fire at 927 Trim Street in Windsor at around 7:30 this morning.   Fire investigators believe that the fire started in the rear of the home & was possibly caused by a defective wood stove.   One occupant escaped without injury, no injuries among firefighters were reported.

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Voters in the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton School District approved of 2 propositions Tuesday.   Voters approved the proposal to purchase buses by a 60-to-12 vote; they also approved a measure to establish a capital reserve fund for vehicle and equipment purchases 65-to-7.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a profile of the Empire State Development Corporation, that found there is minimal financial information for many of its 168 subsidiaries and limited public reporting on results of the economic development initiatives around the state. For fiscal year 2013, the ESDC reported that its programs helped create 2,424 jobs, or 1.8% of net private-sector job creation in the state that year, but the authority makes little public assessment of whether its programs work effectively together or create well-paying jobs. The report also stated that the ESDC outstanding debt totaled more than $10.7 billion for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2014, an increase of 20% from the previous year.

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Lady Antebellum will Headline this year’s concert at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open this August at the En-Joie Golf Course, with Sam Hunt as the opening act. The Golf Tournament will run from August 24th through the 30th this year, the concert will be held on Friday, August 28th.   Tickets go on sale Friday February 13 at 9:00 AM, more information is available at the bands official website.

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The Catskill Regional Teacher Center and the Oneonta Area for Public Education are hosting a legislative forum this afternoon at the Bugbee School auditorium on the SUNY Oneonta campus.   The annual event gives local educators a chance to express concerns to lawmakers regarding state & federal education policies.

 

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-5-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 5, 2015

Opening statements are scheduled to begin this morning at 9:30 in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. 12 jurors & 6 alternates are set for the trial, where Harris is once again charged for the murder of his wife Michelle, around September 11th 2001 in Tioga County. Harris had 2 previous convictions overturned on appeal, this third trial was moved to Schoharie County after Harris’s attorneys asked for & received a change of venue.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State of Health Marketplace has enrolled more than two million New Yorkers in affordable health insurance coverage. 89% of enrollees had no coverage at the time they joined. More information about the NY State of Health marketplace is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 4, 2015

Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow at 9:30 in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. 12 jurors & 6 alternates are set for the trial, where Harris is once again charged for the murder of his wife Michelle, around September 11th 2001 in Tioga County. Harris had 2 previous convictions overturned on appeal, this third trial was moved to Schoharie County after Harris’s attorneys asked for & received a change of venue.
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Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Was officially elected to the Speaker position Yesterday in Albany. He commented at a press conference after his election:

(Speaker Heastie 2-4-15)

Heastie replaces Sheldon Silver as Assembly Speaker; he is the first African American to hold that position.
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The trial of State Senator Tom Libous is scheduled to begin July 13th. Libous was indicted last year for allegedly making a false statement to the FBI, when he was questioned about using his political influence to get his son Matthew a job at a Westchester County Law firm. Matthew Libous was found guilty last week on 3 counts of falsifying federal tax returns & he faces sentencing at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo today announced a new record in 2014 for the amount of money returned to workers who originally were not paid the proper minimum wage, overtime pay or fringe benefits. In 2014, $30.2 million was disbursed to nearly 27,000 workers; the amount paid out was 35% higher than the year before. In the Southern Tier, 320 individuals received an average payout of $937.50Anyone with questions about minimum wage or other labor standards issues, or who would like to file a complaint, should call 888-469-7365.
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Local sales tax collections in 2014 suffered the slowest annual growth since the end of the 2008-09 recession, according to a report issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections across the state grew by 3%, in 2013; the growth rate was 5.2%. DiNapoli’s report found that nearly 70% of the total growth in local sales tax collections last year took place in New York City. Regionally, the strongest 2014 sales tax growth was in the North Country, weaker increases were found in Central New York & in Long Island, where their slow growth was attributed to effects of “Superstorm Sandy”
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Bainbridge officials reported that the Department of Public works will continue working on a water line problem on Crest Drive on Thursday. Crews will begin Thursday’s work at 7:00 AM; residents in the Crest Drive area may again have low water pressure or dirty water during the work period.
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Bainbridge-Guilford senior Megan Ferrara signed her national letter of intent today, to play Division 1 Soccer for Binghamton University, at a press conference at BG high school today, in front of coaches, teachers, fellow students & family. Ferrara joins another local player at BU, Nicole Hailey of Franklin who already plays with the Bearcats; Ferrara told WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull that she is excited to play for BU in the fall:

(Megan Ferrara 2-4-15)

The Full interview with Ferrara with WCDO’s Nate Lull is available at WCDOSPORTS.com.
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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 4, 2015

Greene Firefighters responded to a house fire at 671 Hotchkiss Road yesterday afternoon at around 3:40 PM. Mutual aid from Coventry, Chenango Forks and Port Crane responded, with no injuries reported. All occupants escaped without injuries, damage was significant. The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.
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Jury selection in the trial of Cal Harris continued for an 8th day in Schoharie County Court. Harris is charged with the murder of his estranged wife Michele in September 2001, and has been convicted twice before in Tioga Count Court.
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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-3-15

by wcdonews Posted on February 3, 2015

Assemblyman Carl Heastie of the Bronx is expected to be voted in as the new Assembly Speaker today in Albany. The 47-year-old democrat will succeed Sheldon Silver, who resigned from the position after 21 year, following his recent arrest on corruption charges.
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Governor Cuomo has submitted a 5-point plan to correct the ongoing issue of corruption among lawmakers, following the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver last week on corruption charges. Cuomo said that the reforms may lead to a late state budget for the first time during his administration.

(Cuomo 2-3-15)

Cuomo proposed total disclosure of outside income of all lawmakers, officials who are convicted of public corruption lose their retirement package, tightening up abuses in “Per diems” for travel by lawmakers which act as backdoor salary supplements, restrict campaign funds for campaigns only, & remove loopholes in campaign finance laws.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold a 3rd “Reunite Bainbridge” Meeting next week. Bainbridge chamber president John Payne explains:

(John Payne 2-3-15)

The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday at the Town Hall Theater.
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The village of Bainbridge Department of Public Works announced that they have discovered a water line leak on Crest Drive. Repairs will begin at 8:00 AM Wednesday; residents in the Crest Drive & Bliss road areas may experience low water pressure, or dirty water during the repairs. Additional information is available at 967-8696.
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More charges have been added in the case against Walton Businessman Lee McDonald. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested McDonald for 2 counts of Issuing a bad check, this time McDonald is accused of writing 2 checks to the Stamford Farmers’ Cooperative without sufficient funds to cover the checks. McDonald was already being held in the Delaware County Jail on similar charges, he will appear in Stamford Town Court to answer the new charges at a later date.
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State Police arrested 31-year-old Jeremy Morris of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & on an outstanding bench warrant from the Town of Oneonta. The arrest occurred after Troopers were at the Oneonta Wal-Mart for an unrelated complaint, While speaking to Morris it was determined that he had a valid bench warrant for his arrest, it was then discovered that he unlawfully possessed heroin and syringes. Morris was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on February 10th; he was then arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court on the warrant and released without bail required.
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