P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-26-14

P.m. news Thursday 6-26-14
The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested Adam Simpkin of Afton on charges of 3rd degree Burglary & 5th degree Conspiracy. Simpkin was arrested following an investigation into an incident in Sherburne; he was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and remanded to the Correctional Facility on $5,000 bail pending future court action.
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Graduation parties will be held all over the region this weekend, as are high school seniors attend their commencement exercises, and graduation parties. Justin Hamm of the Alcolhol & drug abuse council of Delaware county reminds parents of seniors that Social Host Laws of New York state prohibit serving alcohol to minors in their homes:

(Justin Hamm 6-26-14)

Hamm also said that scientific research in recent years shows that the human brain continues to grow to maturity until about the age of 25 and introducing alcohol to the adolescent brain could reduce cognitive skills and memory.
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Governor Cuomo announced $13.8 million in funding to help more than 200 farms across New York implement enhanced soil and water conservation practices. Grants were awarded to 32 county soil and water conservation districts, and provided by the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Locally, Broome receives $173,555.00 for 5 farms, Chenango receives $515,050.00 for 4 farms, Delaware County gets $543,492.00 for 18 farms and Otsego County gets $161,678.98 for 3 farms. More information is available at nys-soilandwater.org.
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State Police at Oneonta arrested 34-year-old Derick Coveny of Morris for DWI following a motorcycle accident on Walters Road in New Lisbon. An investigation determined Coveny was driving his motorcycle while intoxicated and without a helmet. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. Coveny was issued tickets for New Lisbon Court July 15th
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Norwich police are reminding area residents to lock up their parked cars at all times, following a series of larcenies at night. Residents are also asked to report items that have turned up missing from parked cars, as police are trying to uncover a pattern of activity that will help lead to arrests.
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New York’s health exchange enrolled nearly 1 million people since October, and the largest percentage were aged 26-34. New York nearly met its enrollment goal for 2016 in its first year of the health exchange, signing up 960,762 state residents. 55 percent chose Medicaid, the federal program for the poor and disabled. About 370,000 chose a private insurer; and nearly 65,000 picked Child Health Plus, the state’s insurance program for poor children. The next enrollment period starts Nov. 15
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New York State will receive $6.18 million, from the U.S. Department of Labor, to train unemployed workers for jobs in high-demand industries. New York is one of 32 states, receiving grants totaling $154 million, under the National Emergency Grant Program. The funding will help create or expand employer partnerships that provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships and other occupational training, that result in an industry-recognized credential. The funding also will be used to provide career coaching and counseling, as well as job placement assistance. For more information go to dol.gov
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The 5 member Independent Democratic Conference announced it would seek to share power with Senate Democrats after the November elections, ending the coalition with Republicans that ran the Senate for the past 2 years. The move would have implications on policy decisions, such as whether to raise the minimum wage, implement public financing of political campaigns and strengthen abortion rights. Democrats would control all branches of state government when the legislative session resumes in January, if Governor Cuomo and Democrats win election this fall.

 

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-26-14

State Police arrested 38 year old Chad Page of Chenango Forks for 3 counts of 3rd degree Rape & 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Page was arrested for allegedly performing sexual acts with a 15 year old female. He was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail pending court action this afternoon.

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State Police arrested 18 year old Lucas Wright of Norwich for 1st degree Rape & Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Wright is accused of forcible rape of a 15 year old female; he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail pending court action this evening.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & State Police responded to a report of a violent domestic incident in Stamford.  Deputies arrested and charged 48 year old Ty Rothlauf of Stamford with Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Criminal Mischief, for allegedly unlawfully restraining and preventing the victim from leaving the residence, obstructing the victim’s breathing and breaking a telephone the victim was using to attempt to call 911.  Rothlauf was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2000 cash bail.

 

 

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-25-14

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-25-14
Congressman Richard Hanna will be the Republican Party nominee after yesterdays’ Primary win over Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney. Hanna is looking to win his 3rd term in the November election, Tenney could still mount a challenge to Hanna as a third party candidate, no democrats have announced a run for the 22nd congressional district.
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The State Labor Department released unemployment rates for May. The state’s private sector job count rose by 106,500 from May 2013 to May 2014. The state’s unemployment rate in May was unchanged at 6.7%, remaining at its lowest level since December 2008. In May, the number of private sector jobs in the state was 7,568,600, an all time high. Locally, Chenango County’s rate is 5.7%, Broome County 6.4% Delaware County 6.3% and Otsego County 5.3% unemployment last month
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Governor Cuomo will approve extending a tax credit for cleaning and redeveloping industrial sites. Lawmakers last week voted to extend the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, which was due to expire at the end of next year. The program, which provides tax breaks to developers who clean and build on contaminated land, is now set to expire at the end of March 2017
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office will sponsor a gun buyback in Binghamton on Saturday, June 28 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, as part of his statewide gun buyback program. The Attorney General’s Office will be accepting working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. This Saturday’s gun buyback will take place at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 478, located at 65 Carroll Street in Binghamton, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
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A heavily traveled section connecting Route 17 with I 81 northbound will shut down Monday for at least three months, as work continues on the state DOT Prospect Mountain project. Starting Monday at 9 a.m., the Route 17 eastbound ramp to I-81 northbound will close for reconstruction through October. A detour will be posted directing motorists from Route 17 east to Exit 72 at Front Street, then to I-81 North. Front Street’s configuration will be altered to create two travel lanes. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes wherever possible
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The State University of New York said H. Carl McCall was reappointed as trustee and chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees. The State Senate confirmed his appointment this week. McCall’s term expire June 30th, 2021. Previously McCall was New York State Comptroller from 1993 to 2002
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Parents are reminded after the school year ends, children remain eligible for free meals at hundreds of sites around New York State this summer. State agencies are working with nonprofit and private partners to increase awareness of the Summer Food Service Program. Governor Cuomo also issued a proclamation marking July as Summer Meals Month to highlight the issue. The State Education Department has an interactive map online with information on the summer meal sites in New York State at.nysed.gov or by calling1-800-522-5006
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be sponsoring farmers’ markets for the 2014 season in Sidney, Walton & Deposit. The Deposit Market will be August 21st & September 18th from 10:00am-2:00pm, the Sidney Farmers Market will be Every Tuesday from July 1st to September 30th from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Walton Market will be on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays from July 2nd to October 15th from 10:00am-2:00pm.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-25-14

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 41 year old Robert Bullis Of Walton Monday for felony Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Failure to Keep Right following their investigation of a roll-over accident on County Highway 21 in the Town of Walton.  Bullis lost control of his vehicle which then struck an earth embankment and rolled over.  Bullis was not injured; he was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was released on recognizance pending future court appearances.

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State DOT officials will hold a public meeting at the Franklin Town Hall, on County Highway 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss safety improvements to the intersection of State Routes 28 and 357, in an open-house style where participants can discuss their concerns with the project team members.  More information is available at 721-8225.

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Delaware County Public Health and Delaware Opportunities will be conducting a Car Seat Safety Event today from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the annual Children’s Festival at Delaware Opportunities, State Route 10 in Hamden.  The free event will educate parents on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced.  More information is available at 832-5200.

 

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-14

Governor Cuomo traveled to Binghamton Monday to sign into law a series of bills to help address the growing heroin and opioid epidemic, as well as prescription drug abuse, in New York State:

 

(Cuomo 6-24-14)

 

State Senator Tom Libous also commented:

 

(Libous 6-24-14)

 

The legislation includes insurance reforms for individuals suffering from heroin and opioid addiction; Measures to strengthen penalties and give law enforcement additional tools to crack down on heroin distribution; Provisions to ensure the proper and safe use of naloxone and Support for enhanced public awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse.

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3 out of 4 New York high-school students graduated on-time last year, but a large gap in graduation rate continues to exist between white students and black or Hispanic students, according to the state Education Department. Last year, 74.9% of public-school students graduated within 4 years, 86.5% of white students received a diploma, compared to 59.2% of Hispanic students & 59.7% of black students. The gap was significant between wealthy and poorer school districts as well, In “low need,” districts, the graduation rate was 94%, In “high need,” urban districts, the rate was 65.9%.

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A Local group known as “Stop The Pipeline” is hosting a meeting tonight in Oneonta, regarding the Constitution Pipeline and Tennessee Pipeline Proposals, which could see more pipelines placed under the southern tier.  The meeting will run from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Universalist Unitarian Church at 12 Ford Avenue in Oneonta.

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Environmental groups are happy state lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow larger off-road vehicles on New York public trails. Sponsors of the bill said raising the weight limit of ATVs from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds would put safer, slower machines on trails and roads and provide more people with access to public land, environmental groups said it would cause more erosion and pollution. The measure was rejected by the state Assembly before the legislative session was adjourned Friday.

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The commission in charge of regulating ethics and lobbying in New York government has created a tip line and website for people to report alleged violations by state officials and lobbyists. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics launched the website at jcope.ny.gov. People can also call 1-800-87-ETHICS to report violations, including improper gifts, conflicts of interest, abuse of power and sexual harassment. Staffers from the investigation division of the commission will operate the tip line during business hours.  The commission will also will also distribute posters promoting the tip line and website to state facilities

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-14

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to Bates Road in Harpursville around 5:30 PM on June 18th for a report of motorcycle accident. 15-year-old Kayla Hartwell of Harpursville was riding a dirt bike when her clothing became entangled in the rear chain and sprocket of the dirt bike. Hartwell was located by family in cardiac arrest and transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where she was pronounced dead.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed an audit of Otsego County. DiNapoli’s report stated that the Otsego County treasurer could not determine the source or purpose of moneys held in several trust and agency funds totaling more than $75,000 as of last October. The county’s failure to identify and disburse these funds in a timely manner has resulted in its inability to use these moneys, which could otherwise help fund current or future operations.

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Governor Cuomo announced that Fitch Ratings’ system upgraded of New York’s credit rating to AA+ with a stable outlook, the best rating that Fitch has ever given New York. This action follows the upgrade on Monday from Moody’s Investor Services and, represents New York’s best credit ratings since 1972. The announcement follows a 4-year track record of on time budgets, spending reductions, reducing government workforce & job growth through the regional economic development program.

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Veterans confused about benefits & services can visit the Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office today & tomorrow in Oneonta. The mobile office will be located at DAV Chapter 200 at 279 Chestnut Street in Oneonta today & tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Mobile Service Office is free to all veterans and members of their families, more information is available at 518 626-5690.

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The American Idol Live! Tour opens on Tonight at the Broome County Arena. Finalists from this season’s American Idol will be performing at tonight’s show.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-23-14

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation designed to combat the growing heroin and opioid epidemic in the State. Last week, the Governor and legislative leaders reached an agreement on 10 bills that include new programs and insurance reforms to improve treatment options for individuals suffering from heroin and opioid addiction; measures to strengthen penalties and put in place additional tools for law enforcement to crack down on the distribution of illegal drugs; provisions to ensure the proper and safe use of naloxone, an overdose antidote; and support for enhanced public awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse. Governor Cuomo signed the legislation this morning during an event at Binghamton University in Vestal.
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Republican voters will cast ballots Tuesday in a primary election to choose a candidate for a U.S. House of Representatives seat in the 22nd District. Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney is challenging incumbent Republican Congressman Richard Hanna for the Republican Nomination in the 22nd Congressional District race; Polls will be open from noon to 9 PM Tuesday.
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State lawmakers approved of a plan last week to allow for medical marijuana to be administered in a limited basis, for those suffering from extreme pain that is not helped by traditional pain reliever. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that he opposed the medical marijuana law for several reasons:

(Crouch 6-23-14)

The law calls for the medical marijuana to be strictly regulated through 20 hospitals, & it will sunset in 7 years.
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New York state wants to build over 100 new weather stations to better predict everything from flash floods to ice storms. The $23.6 million system could let planners and residents know when heavy rains, flash floods, tornadoes and other severe weather is headed their way. Since 2006, New York communities have sustained more than $36 billion in damages from severe weather. SUNY Albany, and the state Homeland Security department are working on a proposal for the 125 new weather stations across the state.
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State lawmakers voted to outlaw pointing lasers at airplanes. The measure would make it a misdemeanor to shine a laser pointer at an aircraft. If the laser forced a pilot to change course or otherwise disrupt the flight, the crime would be a felony. The Senate and Assembly passed the legislation last week. Federal authorities report a big increase in the number of incidents, with nearly 100 occurring in the New York City area last year.
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New York State’s private sector job count grew by 21,300, or 0.3% in May, according to the State Labor Department. The employment gain raised the State’s private sector job count to 7,568,600, an all-time high. The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 6.7%, remaining at its lowest level since December 2008. The State economy has added 466,000 private sector jobs, and experienced employment growth in 36 of the past 41 months. May also marked the State’s 18th consecutive month with private sector job growth.
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Tax revenues in May were stronger than expected, and came in $838 million higher than projections, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The total receipts during the first 2 months of the new fiscal year remain below last year’s levels. Tax receipts of $4.1 billion in May were 1.6% higher than in 2013. Total tax receipts for April and May combined were $1.4 billion below year-ago levels, due to personal income tax collections falling sharply in April. The full report is at osc.state.ny.us.

 

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-23-14

This morning Governor Cuomo will be in Broome County, to sign legislation combating the state’s heroin epidemic. Governor Cuomo will sign the Legislation at Binghamton University at the ITC Center, at 10:30 AM.
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Oneonta police arrested 20-year-old Shelby Mochrie of Davenport for allegedly selling heroin in the City of Oneonta. Mochrie was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, she was sent to the Otsego County Jail on $15,000 bail, and will return to court on July 9th.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Mark Pittsley of Preston for Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Pittsley was charged following a traffic stop in the Town of Preston, his blood alcohol content was more than 3 times the legal limit; he was also in possession of marihuana. Pittsley was released & faces court action at a later date.
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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department arrested County Jail Inmate Cody Barnes for 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance. Barnes is accused of selling heroin in the City of Oneonta on two separate occasions in early January of this year, he was being held on $25,000 bail for allegedly brokering local drug deals, he was arraigned and sent back to jail on an additional $20,000 bail. Barnes faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of the felony drug sales due to a previous felony drug conviction.

 

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