P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-18-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 18, 2014

State Police are investigating an armed robbery Saturday night outside the Citizens Bank on River Road in the town of Chenango. 3 victims employed at the Red & White grocery store & Guiseppe’s pizza, were robbed at knifepoint when they attempted to make a night bank drop off. The suspect was described as a male who is 6 ft – 6 ft 2 inches tall and 200 lbs to 225 pounds, wearing all black clothing and a black mask. The assailant stole an undisclosed amount of cash & fled on foot, anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 775-1241.
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The Toys for Tots train will be coming to Bainbridge on Saturday, December 6th at 12:00 NOON! The train will be stopping at the Walnut Street crossing, participants are asked to bring a toy to donate to the Toys for Tots campaign. The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this event.
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State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton will remain the #2 Republican in the Senate leadership despite lingering cancer issues & legal problems. Libous told WCDO News that the state is moving in the right direction and he enjoys being a part of it:

(Libous 11-18-14)

Libous still faces a charge of lying to the FBI in a case involving his son receiving a job at a politically connected law firm, he also continues to undergo cancer treatments, which he tries to schedule around his hectic schedule.
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State Police arrested 29-year-old Benjamin Ryan of Oxford for Felony DWI, & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The arrest resulted from a vehicle stop for failing to stop at a stop sign on State Route 7 in Unadilla, the investigation determined that Ryan was driving while intoxicated, a check of his criminal history showed that he had a prior conviction for DWI and a prior felony conviction. During an inventory of the vehicle, Ryan was accused of unlawfully possessing a bolt-action rifle. Ryan was arraigned at the Town of Unadilla Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.
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After New York voters approved 4 upstate casinos last November, 4 Atlantic City casinos have closed and new casinos opened or were approved in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. State regulators may award only 3 licenses instead of the 4 authorized in the 2013 referendum. The state board reviewing casino pitches is expected to make its decisions later this month, with 16 proposals vying for licenses to be split among the Capital Region, the Finger Lakes/Southern Tier region and the Catskills.
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Republican State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos supports giving New York lawmakers their first pay hike in 14 years, which may lead to the Legislature coming back to Albany before January to approve it. Senate Republicans met behind closed doors at the state Capitol, where they re-elected Skelos to another two-year term as their leader. Governor Cuomo hasn’t discussed a pay increase for lawmakers, he would have to call a special session of the Legislature before January for the pay increase to be voted on.
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A proposal to build a taxiway at the Oneonta municipal airport will be addressed by the Oneonta Common Council during a meeting tonight. Federal and state grants have been approved for construction of a partial parallel taxiway. The council also will consider a lease agreement with the Oneonta Little League for use of the Swart Wilcox “Richard Murphy” Field; funding steps for the Wilber Park bridge replacement project; business contracts and adopting a local law setting certain tax abatements for local housing. The meeting will be in Common Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 7:00 PM.
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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-18-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 18, 2014

The Unadilla chamber of commerce will meet this morning at 8:15 AM. The meeting will be held at Green’s Long River Inn at 54 route 357, chamber members & directors are encouraged to attend.
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An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Sidney today at Tri-Town regional hospital. The Blood drive will run from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-17-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 17, 2014

Members of the public will be able to instantly report poachers & polluters using a new toll-free hotline that will help to ensure strict enforcement of environmental laws, according to State DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. The toll-free hotline number is 1-844-DEC-3267, it will be 24/7 & it connects callers to a DEC police dispatcher.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office has obtained a judgment against home improvement contractors who ripped off customers in the Southern Tier and Central New York by going door-to-door seeking to pave and repair driveways. The contractors performed shoddy and incomplete work, intimidated customers into paying more than the negotiated price, and failed to abide by New York’s home improvement contract laws. Schneiderman entered into an agreement to settle his investigation against Joshua Cooper of Ovid and Robert Cooper of Romulus, who were doing business as Finger Lakes Asphalt. the Coopers will be required to pay $8,150 in restitution to 6 consumers
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State Senator Jim Seward announced that the DOT rest area along I-88 eastbound between exits 18 and 19 in Worcester is set to reopen by November 21. In 2010, the New York State Department of Transportation closed six rest areas on interstate highways in what was touted as a temporary measure. To date, only the Worcester rest stop is scheduled to reopen. Seward also advocated for budget funds to reopen the I-88 Wells Bridge rest stop; it has not been funded in the state budget. The Worcester rest area will be open for parking only at this time. Renovation work on the restrooms is still being completed with a 2015 opening planned.
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This week is College Application Week in New York, coordinated by the State Higher Education Services Program as part of a national effort to encourage students to apply for college. High school guidance counselors and volunteer college admission staff across the state will help thousands of high school seniors at nearly 200 high schools apply for admission to college, more information is available at GoCollegeNY.org.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office conducted an audit of the town of Sidney’s budget. The Audit found that revenue and expenditure projections in the preliminary budget are reasonable, but the Town’s projections for rental income in the Hospital Fund were not based on amounts expected to be received according to current lease agreements. The Town did not budget for an additional $95,000 in nonrecurring rental income, but did include $30,000 of lease payments for which no lease agreement exists. The Town underestimated rental revenue by a total of $65,000 & they are currently reporting accounts payable in the Hospital Fund related to the hospital, which closed in 2005. The Comptroller’s report recommends that if these payables are legitimate liabilities & if not remove them from the balance sheet.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference Room at 5:30 PM. The board will move into executive session for personnel interview sessions.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-17-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 17, 2014

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30-year-old Joshua Decker of Oneonta Friday in Worcester. The arrest follows a 6-month investigation into the selling of heroin in the Sidney area. Decker was charged with 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, he was sent to the Delaware County Jail with no bail set.
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The Deposit Central School District will host a “Heroin Education Night” Tonight in the elementary school cafeteria. Deposit Principal Theresa Rajner explains:

(Theresa Rajner 11-17-14)

The event will begin at 6:00 PM; More Information is available at 467-2197.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that households needing heating assistance could begin applying for New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program today. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 this winter from the program, which is federally funded. Upstate Applicants can apply for HEAP online at myBenefits.ny.gov. Last year, more than 35,000 households applied through that site.
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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-14-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 14, 2014

The Southern Tier Independence Center is offering help to those looking to enroll in the next round for the Affordable Care Act starting tomorrow. Center spokesman Chad Eldred explains:

 

(Chad Eldred 11-14-14)

 

Those who would like more information about the Center can call 724-2111 or log on at stic-cil.org.

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Sidney school District Special Education teacher Tauna LaBare has initiated a fundraising campaign with the faculty& staff to purchase red and white striped socks, with all proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald house where student Francisco LaBoy & his mother have stayed, while he received treatment for a brain tumor. LaBare told WCDO news about their plans:

 

(Tauna LaBare 11-14-14)

 

The special striped sock can be purchased by the public through the Sidney school website. through the November 25th as “Wear Your Stripes To Show You Care Day.”   more information about Ronald McDonald house is available at rmhcrochester.org.

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Governor Cuomo has signed legislation to start the $2 million “Craft Beverage Marketing and Promotion Grant Program,” as well as a $1 million “Craft Beverage Industry Tourism Promotion Grant.”   The Craft New York Act allows producers to conduct tastings and serve “by the bottle” and “by the glass”; it permits farm distilleries to increase the retail outlets where they can sell their products; it also reduces the costs for small manufacturers by increasing the production cap and permitting the development of more products without increasing fees.   Since 2011, 220 farm-based businesses have opened in New York, including 101 new wineries, 62 breweries, 49 distilleries, and 8 cideries.

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Next week, several locations in the Delaware County area will serve as collection sites for “Operation Christmas Child”. The annual project consists of filling shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and notes of encouragement.   Local Collection Sites will include the Sidney 1st Baptist Church, The New Hope Community Church in Walton, & the Stamford Baptist Church 40 Lake Street. More information is available at samaritanspurse.org.

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Detectives and missing-persons bureaus would have an easier time updating the national database on missing children under legislation that could pass the US Senate shortly. The bill would reauthorize the 1974 Runaway and Homeless Youth & Trafficking Prevention Act, it would allow local law enforcement to update records in the National Crime Information Center without getting prior approval from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or the originating agency. 10,312 children were reported missing in 2013 in upstate New York and the Hudson Valley, and 1,269 of those cases were still active at the end of last year.

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School groups said an additional $1.9 billion is needed to fund education in the fiscal year that starts April 1st. The groups said the nearly 9% increase in state aid would help schools maintain services and fund new initiatives. New York spends the most per capita in the nation on schools, at $19,076 per student, and puts more than $22 billion a year into education, including a 5% increase in the current fiscal year. About $1 billion has been withheld in recent years through the “Gap Elimination Adjustment” .

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-13-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 13, 2014

Governor Cuomo announced State assistance for storm recovery efforts to communities in 17 counties that were impacted by flooding of June 26th to July 10th in 2013 and Winter Storm Nemo in February 2013. The State will relieve local governments of their entire required share of FEMA Public Assistance Program costs to minimize the financial impact on local taxpayers. The counties eligible for State assistance include Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties.
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The Foothills Performing Arts Center will have country music performer Mark Wills Saturday in a show honoring military veterans. Foothills Spokesman Bill Youngs explains:

(Bill Youngs 11-13-14)

The show will take place Saturday at 8:00 pm at The Foothills, with many good seats still available. More information can be obtained at 431-2080.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s office arrested a Harpursville man for having sex with an 8-year-old child. 39-year-old Martin Elliott Jr was arrested following an investigation into the allegations. The sex crimes allegedly took place over a period of two years at a home in the town of Colesville. The State Office of Children and Family Services assisted in the investigation and an order of protection was issued on behalf of the child. Elliott was sent to the Broome County Jail without bail. He’s charged with 1st degree criminal sexual act and 1st degree sexual abuse.
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Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program can be filed starting Monday. HEAP is a federally funded program, administered through local counties, that assists income-eligible households in meeting winter heating costs. The program can support payment for electricity, propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal, or other heating fuels. You can apply for HEAP online at otda.ny.gov or at mybenefits.ny.gov.
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The state Attorney General’s office issued a consumer alert following recent reports of bogus tax debt collection scams. The State Taxpayer Rights Advocate reported recent fraudulent activity by scammers posing as debt collectors, pressuring consumers into sending payments via money order to satisfy debts that the consumers may not actually owe, & promising to settle the alleged debt for a fraction of the cost. Some of the calls have come from the number 305-507-8505. New Yorkers who believe they have been victims of any tax scams are urged to file complaints at ag.ny.gov or 1-800-771-7755.
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Deductibles and co-payments will be flat, with individual premiums rising about 4.5% in New York’s health exchange for individuals and families during its 2nd year. State Health Department officials said their exchange has operated smoothly in the 1st year after some initial computer capacity problems. The exchange has enrolled 370,604 people with commercial and nonprofit insurers, 525,283 in Medicaid and 64,875 in the state’s Child Health Plus coverage. For the coming year, 16 insurers offer plans for individuals and families, 9 insurers offer coverage for small businesses with 50 or fewer workers. Open enrollment begins Saturday.
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Due to Veteran’s Day falling on this past Tuesday November 11th, the monthly meeting of the Unadilla Town board will be held tonight at 630 at the Unadilla Town Hall, state highway 7 in Unadilla. The public is invited to attend.

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-13-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 13, 2014

Governor Cuomo introduced the new NY.Gov official State website, featuring improved customer service, design, navigation, search and accessibility from virtually any device. This website’s overhaul is the first major redesign in 15 years, it features streamlined service information, improved search, intuitive navigation.   Visit the new website at ny.gov.

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Chobani has announced its plan to open the Chobani Food Incubator, a first-of-its-kind program to invest in and cultivate emerging food entrepreneurs.   Chobani Food Incubator will invest in, support, and scale young and growing companies inspired by Chobani’s belief in making nutritious, affordable food made with only natural ingredients, it will be based in New York City and will include a commercial kitchen and office space. Chobani will open the call for pitches from interested entrepreneurs in December and will select up to 10 companies to join the first round. More information is available at  Chobanifoodincubator.com.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-12-14

by wcdonews Posted on November 12, 2014

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & State Police arrested 32-year-old Christopher Eisele of Walton on an arrest warrant issued by the Town of Walton Justice Court on charges of 3rd degree Criminal Mischief & 3rd degree Criminal Trespass. Also arrested was 31 year old Laura Heslin of Binghamton on an arrest warrant for 3rd degree Criminal Trespass & & on a warrant for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Both subjects were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond
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A man was taken to a hospital after a tractor-trailer rollover over early this morning, according to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded at 1:05 a.m. to I 81, a mile north of Exit 7, the Castle Creek exit, for a tractor-trailer rollover. The tractor-trailer had rolled over on the right shoulder of the highway. The driver, 36-year-old Alfred Ray of New Jersey, received minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Ray was issued several traffic tickets to appearing the Town of Barker Court at a later date. The right lane on 81-N near exit 7 was shut down for several hours. Both lanes were opened just after 8:15 a.m.
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The Empire Center has posted a list of government employees all over New York State who have won permission to double dip with both a salary and a pension. Most employees who are retired and taking a state pension are prohibited from returning to work and making more than $30,000 in annual salary – unless they get a special waiver from the state. The state has been harder on local governments in recent years to find someone who is not already retired to do the job. Go to seethroughny.net
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Unatego Central School District residents are voting today on a proposition to purchase three, 66 passenger school busses and one, 20 seat passenger school bus. The cost is not to exceed $73,500. Voting in at the middle/senior high school in Wells Bridge until 8pm tonight
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The Chenango County Health Department will hold a free rabies clinic today at the North Norwich Fire Station from 5:30 to 6:30 PM for dogs, cats & domesticated ferrets.
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First comes the election, then comes speculation about a pay raise for state lawmakers. Legislators are wary of voting to hike their salaries before heading to the polls for re-election, the seven-week period between Election Day and the end of the year — when the next state Legislature will be seated — has traditionally been when talks of a raise have heated up. So far no legislative leaders have indicated anything is in the works. Unless a bill is passed before Jan. 1st, a raise would have to wait until 2017 at the earliest. Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver has long supported a pay raise for lawmakers, and it has support from some lawmakers’ downstate, where the cost of living is higher.
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