A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-9-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 9, 2014

The Madison County Sheriff’s department reported that 4 people were killed when 4 homes collapsed during a possible tornado at around 7:15 last night.  The Madison County Sheriff’s department have identified the deceased as 35 year old Kimberly Hillard, 35 ; her daughter, 4 month old Paris Newman, 70 year old Virginia Warner, and 53 year old Arnie Allen, all of Goff Road in Smithfield.  Widespread damage was reported from downed trees & power lines, National Weather service officials will also investigate if a tornado touched down last night on Bear Spring Mountain in Walton, Nyseg reported about 1600 customers went without power for a few hours last night in Delaware & Chenango counties.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that his June 16 request to President Obama for a federal major disaster declaration has been approved for Delaware & 10 other counties following severe storms and flooding on May 12th that caused serious damage and destruction.  The storms and flooding were followed by Roof collapses, evacuations & more than 6,500 homes and business without power, over 130 families sustained significant property damage.

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The 125th Afton Fair gets underway today at 4:00 pm. The fair will feature the annual Community Parade starting at 7:00 pm.  Rides, games food, agricultural exhibits & entertainment will be featured through Saturday; more information is available at 639-2682 or 639-1525.

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Commerce Chenango will hold their next Business after Hours” event today from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Frontier Communications at East Park Place in downtown Norwich.  Chamber members are invited to attend.

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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic today for dogs, cats, and ferrets.  The clinic will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Deposit Town Clerk Building, 3 Elm Street in Deposit.  More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

 

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-8-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 8, 2014

Governor Cuomo signed the medical Marijuana Bill Tuesday, allowing doctors to prescribe it to those where traditional pharmaceuticals have not worked. Cuomo said that Lawmakers had to pass a bill that allowed for dispensing marijuana under tight restrictions, and without affecting public health or safety:

(Cuomo 7-8-14)

The bill allows for medical marijuana for 7 years, it can be suspended at any time following concerns from the state health commissioner or state police superintendent.
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Farmers Markets are now open to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to local residents. Delaware County senior citizens may take advantage of the Farmers Market Coupon Program, to receive twenty dollars worth of free New York State grown produce. The coupons can only be used for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating vendors. Delaware County Office for the Aging will coordinate the distribution of the booklets for households of eligible seniors. Go to co.delaware.ny.us
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State Senator Tom Libous said he would be found innocent of the federal charge that he lied to the FBI and vowed to run and win re-election this fall. Libous said he will fight the charge. Libous has had a close relationship with Gov. Cuomo and Libous revealed that Cuomo left him a phone message after his indictment a week ago. Libous stressed that he will seek re-election in the fall, even as he faces the federal charge and battles cancer. He said his doctors have given him approval to continue to serve in the Senate and run for office. He has a Democratic opponent, Vestal Town Supervisor Anndrea Starzak
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino unveiled a new ballot line called “Stop Common Core,” aiming to turn anger over the tougher school-testing standards into votes in November. Astorino has enough petition signatures to get the third-party line on the November ballot. It would give the Westchester County executive three lines on the November ballot, along with the Republican and Conservative parties’ lines. Astorino is running for governor against incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo
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Officials in New York are enlisting the public’s help in going after invasive species.Gov. Cuomo said citizens can help combat invasive plants and animals by learning how to recognize them and prevent their spread. Non-native species like the Asian longhorned beatle, zebra mussels and feral pigs can outcompete native species, interfere with ecosystems and cause damage to crops and trees. This is New York Invasive Species Awareness Week to highlight ways that gardeners, boaters and others can help stop the spread of invasive species. Go to dec.ny.gov
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The Fresh Air Fund kicked off its 138th summer of serving New York City children last week. Each summer, over 4,000 inner-city children visit suburban, rural and small town communities across 13 states through Their Volunteer Host Family Program. Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from six to 18 years old, who live in New York City, more information on hosting a Fresh Air child, is available at 221-7722 or freshair.org.
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A fundraising concert is scheduled for the evening of July 18th at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, to raise money for the Bainbridge Soup Kitchen. Steve Eisenberg, of the local blues band Buddha Kings is taking part in the event:

(Steve Eisenberg 7-8-14)

The concert is free, with plenty of available parking at General Clinton Park.
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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-8-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 8, 2014

The Norwich Fire Department responded to 34 Silver Street for a reported structure fire at about 11:00 last night, crews arrived and found a well involved kitchen fire and quickly knocked the fire down, Norwich units were in service within an hour, no injuries were reported.

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New York insurance companies are seeking to raise premiums 13% next year. The proposed rates from roughly 40 insurers to the state Department of Financial Services come in the 2nd year of the state’s health exchange. Excellus Health Plan proposed a 19.7% increase; Empire Blue Cross is seeking a rate increase of 18% & MVP Health Care wants a 19% increase. The state Department of Financial Services said the proposals are subject to review by the agency.

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Governor Cuomo said $3.4 million in federal funding would help make roads in Chenango County safer. The funding will go toward a state DOT project to improve safety along Route 8 in the towns of Norwich, New Berlin and Columbus. The improvements will include flattening curves, widening shoulders and improving sight distance. High-friction surface treatments will also be installed on downgrades. The project is part of a $75.6 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funding, which will be used to complete 33 road safety projects across New York.

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Binghamton area Motorists are advised today that Front Street between Bevier Street and the Interstate 81 northbound on and off ramps will experience short term alternating lane closures for traffic signal detection work beginning at 7 AM.  Flag personnel will be on site to guide motorists through the work zone. This work is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting.

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Chenango Memorial Hospital & the American Red Cross are holding a blood drive today.  The blood drive will be held in the CMH Basement Conference Center from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, appointments can be made at 337-4028 or 3374093.  Walk-ins will also be welcome.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-7-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 7, 2014

The 2014 Rock In the Park concert tickets are available through several area contacts, for the show at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge next month.  Organizer Jason Hall comments:

 

(Jason Hall 7-7-14)

 

The concert will be on August 17th tickets are $15 each, with children 12 & under free, all proceeds will benefit Chenango County Toys for Tots.

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The Sidney central school district projects are progressing on schedule so far this summer.  Sidney superintendent Bill Christensen comments:

 

(Bill Christensen 7-7-14)

 

Sidney school officials request that residents stay away form the construction site, as there are still a few hazards on site that have not yet been addressed & could result in injury.

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Binghamton police announced that 19 year old Scott Wright of Binghamton died from injuries sustained in a shooting Friday. 21 year old Andre Lee was arrested Friday, for allegedly shooting Wright & hitting another man in the head with a glass bottle.  Lee has been charged with 2nd degree assault, 2nd degree attempted murder & criminal possession of a weapon.  Binghamton Police also charged 21-year-old Tichelle Bethea of Binghamton, with hindering prosecution.  The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information can call Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

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29 year old Kyle Whitfield of Smithville has been indicted on manslaughter and assault charges. Whitfield is accused of fatally stabbing  33 year old James Button Jr. of Greene on March 3rd outside Whitfield’s home, Button was pronounced dead at the scene. Whitfield was indicted by a grand jury on March 20th for 1st degree manslaughter, 1st degree assault, 2nd degree manslaughter and 2nd degree assault.

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Governor Cuomo officially signed a medical marijuana into law, making New York the 23rd state to legalize the drug to treat patients. In the final days of session last month, Cuomo and legislative leaders negotiated a medical marijuana program for New York, the program will begin in 18 months and does not allow the drug to be smoked. The state will certify up to 5 companies to grow and distribute marijuana. The governor has the power to halt the program if either the state’s health commissioner or superintendent of the State Police recommends it.

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CEO Dan Ayres of O’ Connor Hospital in Delhi and Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney, announced that he has accepted a position in West Virginia as President and CEO of Summersville Regional Medical Center. Ayres’ last day here will be September 28th. Ayres has been CEO at O’ Connor Hospital since 2004 and Tri-Town Regional Hospital since 2009, a search for a replacement is underway by Bassett healthcare officials.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28-year-old Sara Briggs of Oneida for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and 5 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child.   Briggs was stopped for erratic driving. During the investigation it was found that Briggs was impaired by multiple prescription narcotics while operating a motor vehicle with 5 children in the car. Briggs was arrested and arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court; she was released on her own recognizance and is to reappear at a later date.

 

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-7-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 7, 2014

26 year old Joshua Launt of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court was sentenced to 6 months in Broome County Jail and 5 years probation for the death of Ronald Gilbert.  Launt was accused of assaulting Gilbert at a party in Kirkwood in 2012, Gilbert did not receive medical attention and died from brain trauma.  Launt pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide earlier this year.

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Delaware County Deputies investigated a one car personal injury auto accident last Tuesday.  23 year old Joseph Kinch of South Kortright was traveling on Sherwood Road in the town of Delhi when he left the roadway and struck a utility pole.  Kinch was transported to O’Connor Hospital & was issued a traffic ticket for failure to keep right.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32 year old Kevin ray of Norwich for 1- Count Welfare Fraud & 1- Count Offering a False Instrument for filing.  Ray was issued an appearance ticket and released after an investigation into welfare fraud, where he allegedly failed to report a change in his household, and received over $3000 in assistance that he was not entitled to.

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Homeowners in the New York City Watershed in Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan or Ulster Counties who may be having trouble with their septic systems are encouraged to call the Catskill Watershed Corporation to see if they qualify for help paying for repairs.  Homeowners may be eligible for assistance if their property is within 300 feet of a watercourse, and if their homes were built prior to November 2nd 1995. more infroamtion is available at 845-586-1400.

 

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-3-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 3, 2014

The annual Gus Macker Tournament in Norwich is a little more than a week away on July 12 & 13th, and volunteers known as “Gus Busters” are still needed. Macker organizer Tom Revoir comments:

(Tom Revoir 7-3-14)

Almost 400 teams have signed up to play in the 3 on 3-basketball tournament spread out along East Main Street in Norwich, those who would like to keep score or referee can call 336-9622
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DCMO BOCES will hold an information night at the Sidney High School this month. Spokesperson Martha Brower told WCDO News that the information night could be a life changer for students:

(Martha Brower 7-3-14)

The Information night will be on Tuesday July 15th at 6:30 at the Sidney High School, more information can be obtained through the Sidney High School Distinct office.
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There will be 2 days of July 4th related activities in Oneonta Friday & Saturday. Among the activities, Oneonta Outlaws baseball games, fireworks, & a parade in Neawha Park on Friday, and a skateboard competition and battle of the bands Saturday. The full lineup is available at hometown4th.com.
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Former Vestal Town Supervisor Andrea Starzak was endorsed by Broome County Democratic Party to challenge State Senator Tom Libous in the November election. Starzak led the Town of Vestal from 2000 to 2005, she said she made the decision before Libous was indicted on one count of providing false statements to the FBI, and has already been circulating petitions. The 52nd Senate District includes all of Broome and Tioga counties, southern Chenango County and two towns in western Delaware County
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For the 2nd year, New York State has required Governor Cuomo, other statewide elected officials, and members of the Assembly and Senate, to reveal to the public a salary range for their day jobs. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics made the 2013 financial disclosure forms public on its website. Disclosure is required for elected officials, some candidates, state public authority board members and state employees who make an annual salary of more than $90,000. Read more at jcope.ny.gov
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Governor Cuomo said free tours of the Empire State Plaza in Albany are now being offered. The 30-minute tours are now being given at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, through October 30th, with no registration required. Also, existing State Capitol Tours have been expanded and two additional tours will be offered during the summer. The tours are timed so visitors can join a walking tour of the State Capitol just before or after exploring the plaza. For more information visit ogs.ny.gov.
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The Walton Cruisers car club will hold their annual Classic Car Show & cruise around Walton Saturday. The Car Show will begin at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Delaware county fairgrounds, with Trophies in awarded in 18 classes, plus Best of Show, Hard Luck, Longest Distance and Largest Club. At 5:30 cars will Line up for the car cruise on the fairgrounds, at 6:00 cars will Cruise through Walton, more information is available at 865-4727.
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Delhi will kick off its 41st Annual Fair on the Square Friday, with fireworks at dusk. The Delaware County Community Band and Community Choir will perform at 6:00 PM, other activities include children’s’ games, and the band “Blues Maneuver” will perform from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
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The public will be introduced to the State Police canines in a new campaign. Starting today, 2 State Police canines will be featured each day on the agency’s Facebook page. It will feature a photo of the canine, where they and their handler are stationed and what they are trained to detect. State Police canines are named after fallen members of the New York State Police. Each post will also feature a photo of the fallen member and their story. The public can see the post at facebook.com/nyspolice

 

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A..M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-3-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 3, 2014

State Police will increase DWI and distracted driving patrols during this 4th of July weekend. The crackdown begins today through Sunday, also more than 500 electronic message boards across the state will include “Don’t Drink and Drive… it’s the Law” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” notices. During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols and underage drinking and sales to minors’ details. Drivers should also remember to put down their electronic devices and also “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Last year, State Police issued more than 10,000 tickets during the 4th of July weekend.
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NYSEG reported only about 50 customers were without power early this morning, following storms passing through the region the last 2 nights. Trees & power lines were reported down in northwestern sections of Chenango County.

 

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NEWS 7-2-14

by wcdonews Posted on July 2, 2014

An indictment was unsealed Tuesday morning in Federal Court, accusing State Senator Tom Libous of using his political influence to get his son a job with a law firm in Westchester County, following an investigation by the FBI and The IRS.   Libous is accused of giving   false statements to investigators, his son Matthew is charged with 6 counts of charges of impeding or obstructing the IRS and filing false tax returns. Following yesterdays’ arraignment in a federal court in Westchester County, Senator Libous released a statement: claiming that he has spent 26 years working for the people of his district, and he will continue to do so.   Libous claimed his innocence from the charge; his office issued a statement that Libous intends to run for re-election this year, as originally planned.

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NYSEG Customers were without power earlier today, after heavy storms moved through Central New York yesterday afternoon. Falling trees, downed power lines and flooded roads were reported in Norwich and other area communities, 1 Norwich home was heavily damaged when a tree fell through it, according toe the Chenango county emergency operations center. About 3700 NYSEG Customers were without power during the height of the storm yesterday. The latest NYSEG Updates are available at outagemap.NYSEG.com.
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The District 5 Ultimate Idol contest will get underway shortly, where area singers can showcase their abilities, with finalists possibly making onto the TV Talent show “The Voice” Lisa Jones of the Otsego County fair explains:

(Lisa Jones 7-2-14)

The fairs participating in the Ultimate Idol contest are Afton, Madison, Broome, Otsego & Delaware Caseloads continue to grow in family courts in New York State, and the lack of family court judges has caused a major backlog, but some relief is on the way. Family courts in 16 counties across the state will get help. Lawmakers recently approved a bill allowing for the addition of 20 new judges by 2015 and five more by 2016. Locally, a new family court judge will take office January 1, 2015 in Broome County, and a new family court judge will be seated in 2016 in Delaware County
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The New York State Fair’s new “Up Close With…” series kicks off at the 2014 Fair with stories from some of the former children from the TV series “The Brady Bunch,” and from some of the comedians featured in the roundtable on the late-night “Chelsea Lately” talk show. The events take place August 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Empire Theater of the Art & Home Center. General admission tickets to each event are $20 and will only be available at the State Fair Box Office beginning July 18th
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Now that he has been acquitted on corruption charges, former State Sen. Joe Bruno wants the state to reimburse him for $2.4 million in legal fees. Bruno, the former Republican majority leader, filed for the money with the state attorney general, under a statute that permits recovery of legal expenses, by state employees, accused of criminal wrongdoing related to official duties. Bruno was acquitted of receiving kickbacks disguised as consulting fees. Bruno led the GOP majority in the state Senate for 14 years before stepping down in 2008
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Delaware county department of public works announced that oil & stone operations would begin on various county roads starting Monday July 7th. The work will begin on county road 18, followed by 33, 16, & 14. The 2nd round of oil & stone operations will then be performed on county roads 22, 23, 21, 17, 28 & 26, the operations should be concluded in 3 weeks, weather permitting. More information is available at 746-2128.
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The Town of Masonville will be conducting a dog enumeration starting August 1st, State law requires that ALL dogs over the age of 4 months MUST be licensed within the municipality they are “Harbored” in, any dogs found to be unlicensed after Aug 1st will be subject to an additional $5 enumeration fee and could also receive an Appearance ticket + fine. More information is available at 265-3537
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The National weather Service Storm prediction Center has designated the tri-county region as a slight chance for Severe Thunderstorms until 7:00 PM this evening. The primary threat will be for damaging winds, with flash floods, hail & isolated Tornadoes as a slight possibility, but which cannot be ruled out. Storms today may produce locally Heavy Rainfall due to the moist atmosphere. Stayed tuned to WCDO for the latest updates.
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