P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-9-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 9, 2014

The Otsego County Sheriffs department arrested 26-year-old Dale Thompson of Oneonta in connection with dozens of Burglaries.  Detectives learned that Thompson traveled to Boston Massachusetts, New Hartford  & Albany with stolen property, & that he was also arrested for burglaries in North & South Carolina.  Investigators searched Thompson’s apartment, and recovered stolen property from a Hartwick burglary, he   Thompson was charged with 2nd degree burglary, grand larceny & criminal mischief. Investigators also accuse Thompson of forcibly breaking into several residences in Oneonta, Hartwick, Laurens and Pittsfield last month, taking thousands of dollars in coins & jewelry.  Thompson was arraigned in Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $10,000 bail pending future court action.

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State Police arrested 28 year old Derek Johnson of Binghamton for Felony Aggravated DWI with BAC result of .21%, more than three times the legal limit, following a traffic law stop for speeding on State Route 7 in Conklin. The arrest became a felony because he had a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. Johnson was issued tickets for town of Conklin Court September 18

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The AARP reports said many Baby Boomers plan to leave New York State as they retire and take a slice of the state’s economy with them. The survey shows 60% of working New Yorkers over 50 said they are likely to go elsewhere in retirement, taking an estimated $105 billion or more of annual spending. The statewide survey shows 40% worry about paying rent or mortgages, 56% are worried about paying property taxes, 51% worry about utility bills and most are looking for improvements in health care, housing, transportation and jobs for older residents.
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The State Gaming Facility Location Board continues to listen to proposals today before they determine where new casinos will be located in 3 upstate regions. The commission is listening to 16 presentations overall from developers for a second day today in Albany, the Board will soon decide which Developers will open casinos in the Capital Region, the Catskills/Hudson Valley region & the Southern tier, The board is expected to announce a decision by the end of this month.
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The state Health Department is confirming the first human cases of West Nile virus this season. Health officials said the virus was detected in five New York City residents, all over the age of 50. Three of the patients were hospitalized and have since been discharged. The other two cases did not require hospitalization. Most people infected with the mosquito-borne virus either show no symptoms or suffer a flu-like illness. A small number develop a serious illness that can lead to neurological damage. Protective measures against mosquitoes include eliminating standing water, using repellent, wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and repairing doors and screens
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The Broadway Theater League is holding their annual “Test Drive Your Seat” event at the Forum Theater in Binghamton Wednesday, from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.   Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment told WCDO News what shows are coming:

 

(Tina Niles 9-9-14)

 

Season tickets are on sale, more information is available at 772-1391 or at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

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OTSEGO COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING, SAID A LIMITED SUPPLY FARMER’S MARKET COUPON BOOKS, ARE AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS THRU SEPTEMBER 30TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. A QUALIFYING HOUSEHOLD MAY RECEIVE ONE BOOKLET WITH $20 WORTH OF COUPONS. THE COUPONS MAY BE USED THRU NOVEMBER 30TH AT LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS TO PURCHASE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM PARTICIPATING VENDORS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 432-9041

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-9-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 9, 2014

There will be a Republican primary in the 52nd Senate District. The state Board of Elections officially certified the primary between Denver Jones and incumbent Senator Tom Libous, following a legal battle over the validity of Jones’s signatures for the ballot. The state Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled Jones had at least 1,000 valid signatures of registered Republicans in the district.
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In Delaware County, Polls will be open from Noon to 9 PM. Democrats will hold a Primary in all towns for Governor and Lt Governor. Republicans will hold a Primary in the Town of Franklin for Member of Council; in the 101st Assembly District that includes Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden and Meredith. Delaware County residents needing more information can call the County Board of Elections at 746-2315.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that his office will operate a statewide Election Day hotline to help ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast an effective ballot during today’s primary elections. Voters can report issues or problems at polls by calling 800-771-7755.
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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, with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach. The Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM today at the American Legion located at 176 Main Street in Laurens. Appointments are available at 1-888-345-0225.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-8-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 8, 2014

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a car & school bus crash this morning shortly after 7:00 AM, on at State Route 79. Deputies reported that a Harpursville Central School District bus was rear-ended; none of the 26 students were injured. 2 passengers in the car suffered injuries, with one being sent to an area hospital for neck pain. The names of the passengers have not yet been released.
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16 proposals for 4 casino licenses in New York will be presented today and tomorrow before a state panel that decide the winners shortly. 4 licenses will be granted in 3 regions of the state, the Capital region, the Catskills & the Southern Tier, among those seeking a casino license includes Traditions Resort & Casino & Tioga Downs Casino & Howe Caverns Resort & Casino.
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State Police in Binghamton are currently investigating 3 incidents where railroad ballast was thrown onto Interstate 88 and the West Service Road, from a railroad overpass in Chenango Bridge. The incidents occurred Saturday between approximately 10:38 & 11:00 AM, 3 vehicles were damaged, no injuries were reported. State Police are requesting anyone with any information on these incidents to call them at 775-1241.
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The Walton Police Department is looking for a suspect responsible for a home invasion that occurred yesterday in Walton. The break-in occurred at 3 a.m. at a residence on Fair Street . A male subject forcibly entered the residence and was confronted by the occupants in the bedroom. The suspect displayed a knife and a struggle ensued, leaving one of the home’s occupants with minor injuries. The suspect was described as a white man, 5-feet-5 inches to 5-feet-8 with a thin build. Anyone with information should call Walton Police at 865-5400.
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The Village of Sidney will get another 1.7 million dollars from FEMA through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Sidney mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 9-8-14)

Matviak said that up to 100 structures in the low lying areas around River street are involved in buyouts, that section of the village was hit hardest in the floods of 2006 & 2011.
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A statewide Election Day hotline will be available to help ensure all eligible voters are able to cast an effective ballot during the primary election tomorrow. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman encourages voters to report issues or problems at polls by calling the office’s hotline at 800-771-7755 at any time between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. tomorrow
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Following last December’s Metro-North derailment in the Bronx that killed four passengers, US senator Charles Schumer introduced legislation to put into law, the recommendations of a panel that focused on the railroad’s culture of safety, mandating inward and outward facing cameras, increased track inspections and fines for safety violations. The law would apply to Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak and other passenger lines across the country. The bill would boost the Federal Railroad Administration’s oversight of the nation’s rail systems by authorizing an increase in funding for FRA’s safety and operations work.
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The Village of Bainbridge will flush fire hydrants this week. Some water users may experience dirty or cloudy water during the process. Running your tap for a short time should alleviate the problem. If you have questions, call the Department of Public Works at 967-8696.
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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-8-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 8, 2014

Testimony will continue this week in Chenango County Court, in the murder trial of Ganesh Ramsaran, who is charged with killing his wife Jennifer in December of 2012. Jennifer’s body was found several months later in a wooded area in the town of Pharsalia.
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U.S. Senators Charles Schumer & Kirsten Gillibrand announced an award of more than $1.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for the village of Sidney Friday. The grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will pay the balance for the purchase of 49 flood-prone properties damaged in 2011 flooding and turn them into open space. The structures are located in the flood area & were damaged following the latest severe flooding in 2011.
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State Police responded Friday to a possible attempted child abduction where a white male subject stopped in his vehicle at the end of a residential driveway and attempted to have a 3 year old female come to his car. The suspect backed out of the driveway and left upon arrival of the girl’s mother from the back yard. The vehicle has been described as a gold colored 4 door sedan with a white male operator. A similar attempted abduction of a 10 year old child in Homer had been reported to, the Homer Police Department last Thursday. State Police are requesting anyone with information to call 347-4440.

 

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-5-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 5, 2014

The murder trial of Ganesh Ramsaran is underway in Chenango County Court in Norwich, as jurors and alternates were seated this week. The prosecution is calling witnesses to testify on the witness stand, Ramsaran is accused of Killing his Wife Jennifer in December 2012.
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New York State parks, historic sites and campgrounds hosted another successful season with nearly 36 million visits from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; a 2% increase over 2013. Governor Cuomo included a 3rd round of $90 million in New York Works funding for improvements to State parks and historic sites in the 2014-15 State Budget for projects at 109 State parks and historic sites. Outdoor recreation generates $33.8 billion in consumer spending in New York, directly supporting 305,000 jobs.
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State Troopers responded to a roll over tractor-trailer accident Thursday on I-81 Near Exit 11 in Cortlandville. During the accident the trailer became detached and fell into the Tioughnioga River. 31 year old Robinson Jaquez of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was not injured, the investigation is continuing, traffic was re-opened following the clean up & accident reconstruction work.
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Doctor Carlton Rule has been appointed to replace Dan Ayres as CEO of both Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi. Dr. Rule told WCDO News about his new role:

(Dr Carlton Rule 9-5-14)

Dr. Rule will assume his new role on September 29th, replacing Dan Ayres who is taking a similar position in his home state of West Virginia.
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Delaware County Fair organizers announced the passing of long time Fair Director Gary Tweedie, who passed Wednesday at the age of 72. Tweedie was a Director of The Fair for nearly 40 years and served as President & Vice-President for numerous years& served as President of The New York State Association Of Agricultural Fairs in 2000.
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Organizers of the Afton fun show at the Afton fairgrounds announced today that activities originally scheduled for Saturday, have been moved to Sunday due to expected foul weather tomorrow. Activities will begin at 9:00 AM Sunday details are available funshows.theaftonfair.com.
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State senator Jim Seward said 4 local domestic violence programs have been allocated grants in the 2014-2015 state budget. Opportunities For Otsego will receive $12,500, Catholic Charities in Schoharie $15,000, Chenango County Catholic Charities $10,000, and Delaware Opportunities $7,500.
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Health insurance companies in New York will receive average rate increases of 5.7% next year, less than half the increases they had requested for individual and family plans. The insurance companies had proposed increases averaging 12.5% with some companies seeking as much as 28% more for some plans. The average increase the state decided to award is below the state’s 8% overall increase in health care costs. The increase also applies to New York State of Health, the exchange that was set up under the Affordable Care Act, to provide subsidized health insurance for state residents who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-5-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 5, 2014

A weak tornado touched down Tuesday night in Afton, according to the National Weather Service. A storm survey team determined an EF 1 tornado touched down five miles west of Afton and was on the ground for less than 150 yards. The small tornado touched down at 8:32 p.m. about 300 yards west of Saint John Road near the intersection with Hill Top Drive. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 100 miles per hour. Numerous snapped and uprooted trees were found in the path of the storm. There were no fatalities or injuries

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66-year-old Diana LeDuc of Margaretville was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  LeDuc is accused of selling large amounts of cocaine, a Search Warrant executed Thursday led to the seizure of ½ ounce of cocaine, $500cash, 2 handguns, 2 high capacity ammunition loading devices and a Public Assistance Benefit Card issued to LeDuc.  Additional arrests and more charges are pending; LeDuc was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

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During the Labor Day weekend, State Police issued more than 9,000 tickets across the state.  Troopers served 3094 for speeding, 497 for seat belt violation, 153 for violating the Move Over Law, 310 for Distracted Driving, and 168 for DWI.  State Police investigated a total of 590 accidents between August 29th through September 1st, compared to last year’s 317. This years accidents led to 171 people injured, and 3 people were killed.

 

 

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits the Sidney & Walton School Districts.  The audit of the Sidney School District said that District officials have taken steps to increase educational productivity & reduce the costs associated with instructional materials and program delivery. District officials decreased special education costs by using aid to finance additional teaching and learning technology, while at the same time reducing the district’s real property tax levy.  The Audit of the Walton School district states that after incurring several years of operational surpluses, the board adopted budgets that included plans to use nearly $2.5 million of fund balance to finance operations from 2010 to 2013.  The district’s unassigned fund balance declined by 94%, DiNapoli’s office suggests that Walton school board carefully consider the amount of fund balance they appropriate in future school budgets.

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The Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held this weekend in Downtown Norwich.  The festival runs on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the East and West Parks in Downtown Norwich.  There will be a juried exhibition of art and fine crafts for sale, plus Artist demonstrations, educational activities and original music.  More information is available at 336-3378 or colorscape.org.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 4, 2014

State Senator Tom Libous has spent more than $100,000 in campaign funds on attorneys this year, according to the state Board of Elections. The Thomas Libous’ re-election campaign spent another $53,000 on criminal-defense attorneys from mid-July to late August. That’s on top of the $60,000 it spent on lawyers from mid-January through mid-July, as well as about $75,000 in 2012 and 2013. Libous was indicted in White Plains federal court in July on a charge of lying to the FBI. The use of campaign funds to pay for attorney fees has been the subject of debate in Albany. Gov. Cuomo’s latest filing shows he spent $10,000 on an attorney as an investigation continues into the dismantling of the Moreland Commission
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 63-year-old David Eaton of Norwich felony DWI, Parking on Pavement, No or Improper Signal, Refusal to take a Breath Screen test, Consumption of an alcohol in a motor vehicle. Eaton was pulled over by a deputy, who observed a pickup truck pull over and park in a no parking zone in the Village of Sherburne hitting the curb, as the deputy approached, Eaton pulled away from the curb with no turn signal, and then stopped after driving a block, he was taken into custody without incident, failed to submit to the chemical test, and was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court, he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending court action at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo signed a bill that will enhance law enforcement efforts to identify previously unknown deceased persons. The bill will require that the state Division of Criminal Justice Services provide local law enforcement agencies with personal descriptions and other identifying information of unidentified deceased persons. This legislation allows this information to be accessed by all New York law enforcement agencies and also to agencies outside of the State by request. There are currently a total of 681 active cases of unidentified individuals who have died in New York State, with the oldest active record on file dating back to 1969.
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Researchers are looking at whether money, from the Marcellus Shale natural gas boom, helps families in regions where companies are drilling, to compare Pennsylvania communities that have experienced the boom, during the last six years, with nearby ones in New York that haven’t. New York has a moratorium on shale drilling, while Pennsylvania has become the second-largest producer in the nation. Some families in fracking communities get millions of dollars in royalties, many get tens of thousands of dollars, but others get nothing. The research will compare government-collected data that doesn’t identify people. That includes data on crime, schools, economics, childhood obesity, teen pregnancies and state tax records on royalty income
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Governor Cuomo announced 12 Citizen Preparedness Corps training sessions across New York State and also proclaimed September as Preparedness Month. The Citizen Preparedness Corps program, administered by the New York National Guard, aims to provide approximately 100,000 New Yorkers with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Those interested in attending a Citizen Preparedness Corps training session can visit www.prepare.ny.gov. Local Classes will be held on Wednesday, September 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Margaretville Central School & at 6:00 p.m. at SUNY Morrisville in Morrisville
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A New dairy risk management program that was enacted as part of the recently passed Farm Bill is open for signups. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer urged the USDA to implement the program, which replaces the previous Milk Income Loss Contract program, by allowing dairy farmers to recoup some of the cost of low milk prices and high cost of production. There are also web tools to help farmers navigate the new dairy insurance program at fsa.usda.gov. The dairy industry is New York’s leading Agriculture sector.

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 4, 2014

40 year old Aaron Powell of Binghamton was sentenced Wednesday morning in Broome County Court, for 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & 1 count of 1st degree murder for the murders of his estranged wife Christina Powell & Mario Masciarelli in the Powell Family home. Powell was sentenced to 25 years to life for each 2nd degree murder charge and life without parole for the 1st degree murder charge.
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A final jury was seated Wednesday in Chenango County Court in the murder trial of Ganesh Ramsaran. Court action will continue this morning as alternate jurors will be chosen. Ramsaran is accused of Killing his Wife Jennifer in December of 2012, her body was found in a wooded area in the town of Pharsalia several months later.
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The Binghamton Mets announced yesterday that they have signed an agreement to play at NYSEG Stadium for another 5 years. The Binghamton Mets are now signed to play in Binghamton through the end of the 2021 season.
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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, in partnership with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach. Health screenings will be available in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM today at Rite Aid Pharmacy on Main Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.
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