P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-26-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 26, 2014

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, ARRESTED 51 YEAR OLD James McGinn of Walton on a Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrant, for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. McGinn is accused of selling heroin in the Village of Walton, following a year and a half long investigation. McGinn was arraigned in Delaware County Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond.
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The 4th annual “It’s A Boobie & Butt Thing” Cancer Awareness Golf Invitational will be held on tomorrow at the Afton Golf Club. Invitational Co-Director Lori Kemmerer Explains:

(Lori Kemmerer 9-26-14)

Money raised will help local cancer patients with such things as travel expenses to & from treatment centers, or for insurance co-payments.
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The Coventry Town Museum Association will hold their 10th Annual Civil War Commemorative event at Coventryville Congregational Church Sunday. The event honors John Shaver, ancestor of numerous descendants living throughout the Southern Tier, Museum President Janine Hakim explains:

(Janine Hakim 9-26-14)

The event takes place at 115 County Road #27, just off State Highway 206 in Coventry; it is made possible in part through funding from the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Chenango County Council of the Arts
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The United Way of Delaware and Otsego county 2014 campaign is under way. This year’s goal is to raise $325,000. The campaign runs through December 31st. Money raised is used to assist local agencies and programs. For more information, or to donate, go to unitedway.org.

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Attorneys defending the poor across New York averaged 680 cases last year, nearly double the recommended limit, even though their ranks and funding rose from the year before. They were assigned 386,823 new cases last year in the 57 counties outside New York City. Those included 70,000 felonies, 90,000 family court cases and nearly 221,000 misdemeanors. Overall funding for legal services rose to $175 million last year, an increase of about $9 million.
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Residents of New York’s Finger Lakes and Southern Tier weighed in on 3 competing casinos proposed for the area. The three applicants are Tioga Downs in Nichols, Traditions in Johnson City and Lago in Seneca County. The board is expected to announce up to four winning bids for casino licenses spread among the three regions later this fall.
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AN ONEONTA COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE WILL BE HELD UNTIL 6:00 PM TONIGHT AT THE WEST ONEONTA FIRE DEPARTMENT. DONORS ARE NEEDED TO GIVE BLOOD. CALL THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AT 1-800-RED CROSS
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A state Supreme Court judge rejected a teachers union’s attempt to invalidate New York’s property-tax cap, dismissing claims it doesn’t comply with the state and federal constitutions. Supreme Court Justice Patrick McGrath ruled the cap is constitutional, and in compliance with state law, allowing the cap to stand pending an expected appeal. The State United Teachers last year filed a lawsuit challenging the tax cap, which limits schools and local governments to annual property-tax increases of 2 percent or the rate of inflation. The union argued the cap unlawfully limits local control over education spending.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-26-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 26, 2014

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 50 year old Diana Theofilogiannakos of Sherburne, whose body was found at 6:45 Thursday Morning in the parking lot in Sherburne. The victim was taken to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton where an autopsy was conducted, where the death was ruled as not a homicide; the cause of death is still pending toxicology testing. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with any information to call 334-2000.
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Governor Cuomo visited Binghamton yesterday & announced the selection of a site in Broome County for the School of Pharmacy at Binghamton University yesterday near Wilson Memorial Hospital. State Senator Tom Libous comments:

(Libous 9-26-14)

The new 70,000 square-foot facility will be built on Corliss Avenue in Johnson City, making it easy for students will be able to complete course requirements such as clinical rotations and job training.
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Jerry Seinfeld is coming to Binghamton for 2 performances at the Broome County Forum on Friday, December 5th at 7:00 and 9:30 PM. Tickets go on sale at the Arena box office this morning at 10:00 AM.
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The Oneonta Farmers’ Market will hold its annual Harvest Fest this Saturday from 9am – 1pm on Main Street Plaza, More information is available at 437-0158, or OneontaFarmersMarket.com.
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At 11:00 AM tomorrow on the SUNY Broome campus, the New York National Guard and the State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are giving a free two-hour training session. Those who register will receive a backpack filled with supplies that can assist in the event of an emergency. Registration for the event is free but space is limited. For more details go to prepare.ny.gov.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-25-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 25, 2014

Amphenol & Lockheed Martin officials discussed the F-35 Lightning II interactive cockpit demonstrator that was unveiled today at Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney. Amphenol senior vice president Gary Anderson commented:

(Gary Anderson 9-25-14)

Congressman Chris Gibson & Richard Hanna also spoke at this morning’s events & both expressed their continued support for Amphenol & Lockheed Martin:

(Gibson Hanna 9-25-14)

The F-35 cockpit demonstrator simulates the fighter aircraft’s advanced technologies and combat capabilities in an interactive environment.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Ethan Bass of Downsville for DWI, Refusal to Take a Breath Test, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Parking in the Roadway & Failure to Keep Right following an accident where the driver fled the scene. The accident occurred Tuesday on County Route 2 in the town of Andes, where Bass is accused of failing to negotiate a curve in the road, entering the opposing lane, driving into a cornfield & then re-entering the road. Bass was arraigned in the Town of Andes Court and was released pending future court action.
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Checks worth $350 are being mailed this week to more than 1 million residents with kids. The checks will go those with a child under 17 as of 2012, with household adjusted gross incomes between $40,000 and $300,000. The checks will be 1 of 2 rebates going to New Yorkers in advance of the November 4th elections. The 2nd check for property taxpayers will go out next month. It will refund residents for this year’s growth in school property taxes.
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The Enterovirus, a rare virus that showed up in Central New York two weeks ago, has now spread to every region of the state, according to the state Health Department. The department advised New Yorkers to take precautions to protect children, especially those with asthma and other respiratory problems. People should follow these precautions: Wash hands often with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. For more information go to health.ny.gov.
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New York State has amended its labor law to authorize job absences by volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel during declared states of emergency. According to the association, more than 80 percent of the state is covered by volunteer firefighters. Over the past several years, more than one-third of the 1,800 departments have been deployed to other parts of New York on mutual aid assignments. The law, effective Dec. 22, is intended to protect volunteers against possible retaliation by employers for responding to federal or state emergencies such as severe storms.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State leads the nation in reducing both crime and incarceration rates over the past 2 decades, according to a study based on data from the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBI, which shows that New York’s imprisonment rate has dropped 24% since 1994 and that the crime rate also declined by 54%. New York State has a 62% decrease in reported crimes from 1990 through 2012.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a body was found Thursday morning on Classic Street in Sherburne. The body of a female victim was discovered, further details are expected to be released later this afternoon.

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-25-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 25, 2014

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for 26-year-old Michelle Gonzalez; she was located on Silver Street in the City of Norwich and found to be in possession of crack cocaine, heroin, and cash. Further investigation led to the recovery of additional crack cocaine, heroin, and several illegally possessed prescription medications. Gonzalez was charged with 5 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; she was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. Additional charges and arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

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The Village of Sidney will hold another public meeting on flood mitigation efforts tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in room 202 of the Sidney civic center.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host a networking luncheon in Cooperstown today. The luncheon will be held at the Otesaga Resort Hotel from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and will Feature guest speaker Glenn Spencer Vice President Workforce Freedom Initiative, U.S. Chamber
of Commerce.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-23-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 23, 2014

The state Health Department announced that 14 cases of the Enterovirus were confirmed in western New York. The virus has landed a significant number of children at health centers and hospitals across the country. Enterovirus results in difficulties breathing and severe respiratory issues. There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and there is no anti-viral medication to treat the infection. Prevention methods include washing hands, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

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State Troopers arrested 52-year-old Robert Slack of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania for Driving While Intoxicated, following a motor vehicle accident on State Route 205 in Oneonta. Slack refused to submit to a blood test. He was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on October 7th.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies seized a quantity of drugs and arrested 35-year-old Francis Smith of Kingston today, after investigating illegally parked vehicles in Arkville. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, which violated the terms of his probation in Ulster County. Smith is accused of possessing a switchblade knife, & he may also face drug possession charges upon completion of a laboratory analysis of the seized drugs. Smith was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail.

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Assemblyman Bill Magee nearly doubled his campaign coffers in the final days of his successful fight to hang onto his seat, according to the state Board of Elections. Magee raised $54,305 between August 25th and September 15th in his effort to defeat Sherrill City Commissioner Mike Hennessy in the democratic primary. Magee beat Hennessy 2,082 to 1,431; he will face Republican John Salka of Brookfield in the November election.

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Home sales in New York fell 9.5% in August compared to the same period in 2013. Median sale prices stayed flat, while some areas of the state, including the Southern Tier, had an increase in homes on the market and fewer sales. Nearly 11,000 homes were sold in New York in August, the year-to-date sales total of 66,635 was a 4.4% drop compared to the same period in 2013. The median sale price so far this year was $225,000, unchanged from a year ago. Pending sales fell 1.5%.

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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state Education Department Commissioner John King said a survey would be sent to each school district, seeking information on actions they have taken, to implement provisions of the Dignity for all Students Act. The Act is state’s 1st anti-bullying legislation, the results of the survey will be used to identify steps that schools have taken, and model policies and practices now being implemented by districts, to help ensure students are provided safe school environments.

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The New York National Guard and the State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are giving a free two-hour training session At 11 AM Saturday on the SUNY Broome campus. Those who register will receive a backpack filled with supplies that can assist in the event of an emergency. Registration for the event is free but space is limited. For more details go to prepare.ny.gov

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Students in the Milford Central School District were sent home early this afternoon. District Officials said that a water main Break necessitated the early dismissal; they hope to be back open regular hours tomorrow.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-23-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 23, 2014

The prosecution & the defense rested in Chenango county court in the murder trial of Ganesh Ramasaran yesterday. Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer in 2012, her body was found several months later in the town of Pharsalia. The biggest twist in the trial was Ramsaran’s decision to testify last Thursday, his testimony wrapped up yesterday in Norwich, the jury will get the case shortly. Closing Arguments will begin at 9:00 this morning.
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Governor Cuomo launched the “Combat Heroin,” campaign, to inform and educate New Yorkers about the risks of heroin and prescription opioid use, the signs of addiction, and the resources available to help. In 2013, there were 89,269 admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York State alone, with New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 with the largest increase in such admissions. A website can be found at combatheroin.ny.gov, it includes information about warning signs of heroin and opioid abuse and misuse, access to Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services treatment providers, and guidance to help parents talk to their children and healthcare professionals talk with their patients.
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Governor Cuomo signed into law the Community Risk and Resiliency Act to strengthen New York State’s preparedness for the effects of climate change and help protect communities against severe weather and sea level rise. The Act advances recommendations of the NYS 2100 Commission, which the Governor convened after Superstorm Sandy, to develop more resilient infrastructure systems across the state. The Act requires State agencies to consider future physical climate risks caused by storm surges, sea level rise or flooding in certain permitting, funding and regulatory decisions. The standards would apply to smart growth assessments, siting of wastewater treatment plants and hazardous waste transportation, storage and disposal facilities, design and construction regulations for petroleum and chemical bulk storage facilities and oil and gas drilling permits, and properties listed in the state’s Open Space Plan, as well as other projects.
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The next Citizen Voices General Membership meeting will be held today at 4:00pm at at the Carriage House at 790 Southside Drive, Oneonta. The topic will be Solar Energy, Net-Zero construction and how to apply current technology to existing structures. the event is open to the public, reservations are requested at CitizenVoices@hotmail.com.
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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-22-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 22, 2014

P.m. news Monday 9-22-14
The trial of Ganesh Ramsaran continues today in Chenango County Court, Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer in December of 2012, her body was found several months later in s wooded area in the town of Pharsalia. Ramsaran changed his mind & decided to testify, and spend about 5 hours on the witness stand Thursday, and was back on the stand this morning.
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State Police arrested 61-year-old Danny Jeffrey of McDonough on 10 counts of 1st degree Sexual Abuse & 10 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest was made following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a child under the age of eleven years old. Jeffrey was arraigned in the Town of Pharsalia Court and remanded to Chenango County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 cash bail where he is awaiting future court appearances.
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The Bainbridge chamber of commerce will hold a “Reunite Bainbridge” meeting on October 1st at the Town Hall Theater. Bainbridge chamber of Commerce president John Payne explains:

(John Payne 9-22-14)

The meeting on October 1st will begin at 7:00 PM, and Bainbridge residents & members of various organizations or services are invited to attend & participate.
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State tax collections through the first five months of the state fiscal year were $26.9 billion, $119.3 million higher than projected in the latest Financial Plan update but 1.3% less than the same period last year, according to the August cash report released today by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli also noted that state coffers have been bolstered by nearly $3.5 billion from financial settlements since the budget was enacted, approximately $3.2 billion more than initially anticipated.
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Governor Cuomo designated this week as Climate Week, to encourage New Yorkers to think about the challenges of a changing climate, as well as to highlight the progress being made to prepare the state for the new reality of extreme weather. After a number of major storms and weather events, New York has been among the first states, to proactively research and implement climate initiatives, such as clean energy technology and storm resiliency improvements. The current State Budget also includes reforms to strengthen the Public Service Commission’s oversight and enforcement mechanisms of the major electric and gas utility companies
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The Otsego County Sheriff’s office arrested 23-year-old Kimberly Ann Card of Laurens for third-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records. Card allegedly stole $7,007 from a Laurens convenience store and made false entries in the store’s business records. The investigation revealed Card made false product returns in the business records and stole money between the end of May and the beginning of September. Card was arraigned in Hartwick Town court and sent to the Otsego County jail on $7,500 bail, to re-appear in court at a later date
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The U.S. Department of Energy said now is the time to winterize your home at low or no cost to reduce heating bills. Make a list of drafts at doors and windows, check for indoor air leaks along baseboards and at junctures of the walls and ceilings, seal leaks with caulking and weather stripping and check insulation. Low-income residents may apply for state funding, and higher-income residents may be reimbursed for a portion of the total cost. Find out more about audits and reimbursement programs at nyserda.ny.gov
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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-22-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 22, 2014

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 53 year old Barbara O’Sullivan of Delhi with 2nd degree Assault, she is accused of intentionally attempting to prevent Deputies from arresting her on a Warrant by attempting to order a dog to attack deputies. The dog bit a Deputy & was temporarily incapacitated by a Taser. O’Sullivan was arrested on the Warrant as well as Resisting Arrest. O’sullivan’s daughter, 28 year old Alecia Bracci of Delhi was also arrested Thursday night on an Arrest Warrant for Resisting Arrest. The injured deputy was treated on his arm at O’Connor Hospital and was released. O’Sullivan was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail pending future court action. Bracci was arraigned & was sent to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 bail pending future court action.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Whitney Valcin of Garnerville in Rockland County on a Warrant issued by the Town of Hamden Court in 2011. Valcin was arrested in Spring Valley on an unrelated charge, it was discovered that Valcin was wanted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for Failure to Appear for a court appearance for Criminal Impersonation, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle & Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign. Valcin was transported back to Delaware County & was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court appearances.
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Former Sidney Track & Field Coach Doug Quinney of Guilford died this weekend, Quinney was a member of the Section 4 Hall of Fame and Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame. Quinney also was a Social studies teacher at Sidney High School for over 30 years as wellas the Track & field coach at Sidney from 1971 to 2001, he remained as a volunteer coach through 2014 after retiring. Calling hours at C.H. Landers Saturday September 27th from 10 to 12:00 noon with a private family service at the family home in Guilford.

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