P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-20-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 20, 2014

Governor Cuomo and Legislative Leaders announced an agreement on a bill that to establish a medical marijuana program with provisions to ensure that it’s reserved only for patients with serious conditions and is dispensed and administered in a manner that protects public health and safety.

 

(Cuomo 6-20-14)

 

The legislation grants the Department of Health the authority to issue regulations to implement the program, as well as set a price. The Governor would also be allowed to suspend or terminate any provisions of the program based on the recommendations of the Commissioner or Superintendent. The bill would take effect immediately and sunset in 7 years.

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State Senator Tom Libous announced that an agreement has been reached with the Governor to keep the Greater Binghamton Health Center Open.  This agreement commits funding to invest in community services, creates safeguards against potentially dangerous releases and includes a framework for long-term planning.

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The Northeast Classic Car Museum and Matthews Ford Planet PreOwned will hold Mustang Mania Day in Norwich tomorrow.  Marty Kuhn of the Northeast Classic car Museum explains:

 

(Marty Kuhn 6-20-14)

 

The celebration begins with 1/2 price admission to the Northeast Classic Car Museum from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  At 1:30pm, Professor Malinowski will speak at the Museum, at 6:00 pm; Matthews Ford Planet PreOwned is hosting their annual Mustang Rally at 175 East Main Street.

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A Florida man was charged with attempted robbery, burglary and conspiracy in connection with a Dec. 23rd incident in Cooperstown.  Stephen Janiszeski of Ocoee, Fla., was arrested at the Orange County Jail in Orlando, Florida after an investigation by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined  Janiszeski had accompanied Barry Renert on Dec. 23rd when Renert entered the Seventh Inning Stretch in Cooperstown, where he confronted the owner and displayed a handgun.  Janiszeski was arraigned in town of Otsego court and sent to the Otsego County Jail without bail. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges connected to the Cooperstown incident.

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Chenango County Dairy Day is tomorrow in Norwich.  The day’s activities include a 5K ‘Milk Run’ at 9am with the signup at 8:30, a parade at 10:30am, the ZooMobile from the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Face Painting, a Duck Derby, a Hay Bale Maze at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

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The Delaware valley humane society will celebrate their 50th anniversary Saturday.  The event will be held from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM at the shelter in Sidney.

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New York legislators approved amending state law, to require agencies placing children in foster care, to first check whether prospective parents have done it before and provided poor or questionable care. The amendment, if signed by Governor Cuomo, would require all foster care agencies to check with the Office of Children and Family Services, to determine whether prospective parents ever had foster a child removed from their home, evaluate the reasons why and determine if the foster home should be reopened.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-20-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 20, 2014

Governor Cuomo announced 8 job fairs taking place in 6 regions across the state this week. The 2014 Greater Binghamton Career Fair will take place today from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the SUNY Broome Ice Center located at 970 Front Street. The event will feature up to 50 businesses representing over 500 job openings. Additional information can be found at labor.state.ny.us or 772-8860.

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State Troopers arrested 44 year old Ethan Button of Windsor for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a reportable BAC result of .25%.  The arrest occurred after a Trooper responded to a report of a 1-car accident on Honey Hollow Road in Windsor, where the investigation determined that Button was intoxicated when he drove his car into a ditch.  He was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Windsor Court on July 1st.

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Today is the last day to sign up by mail for the upcoming Gus Macker 3 on 3-basketball tournament in Norwich on July 12th.  Those who would like to register online can do so until June 23rd.  More information is available at Macker.com, and then scroll down to the Norwich New York Link.

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Governor Cuomo announced that another $36 million in resurfacing projects would begin this year on nearly 500 lane miles of State highways, in order to repair widespread damage from the harsh winter weather. Construction in the Southern Tier, includes Route 41 in Chenango County, plus pavement patching in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, & surrounding counties.

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The Commerce Chenango Summer Golf Event, sponsored by Mang Insurance will be held today at the Afton Golf Club, 175 Afton Lake Rd., AftonTime: Registration is 10:00 AM with the  Shotgun start at  11:00.

 

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-19-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 20, 2014

Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders today announced an agreement has been reached on a series of bills to help address the growing heroin and opioid epidemic, as well as prescription drug abuse, in New York State. Cuomo outlined the urgency of the need to address the problem in this legislation:

(Cuomo 6-19-14)

State Senator Jim Seward served on the Senate Task force that held a series of hearings around the state, he talked about the legislation that was agreed to by the legislature & the governor:

(Seward 6-19-14)

Seward said that after negotiations with the Governor, an agreement was been reached on 10 bills, which will be passed before the end of legislative session today.
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Former 1986 world Champion Outfielder Mookie Wilson made an appearance for a book signing at the National Baseball Hall of Fame today, in conjunction with the publishing of his book: “Mookie Deluxe: Life, Baseball, and the ’86 Mets:

(Mookie Wilson 6-19-14)

Wilson still works as a roving minor league instructor for the New York Mets, he was scheduled to tutor the Binghamton Mets today at NYSEG stadium prior to tonight’s game with Richmond.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture today selected Chobani Greek yogurt as the supplier for a school lunch pilot program that will expand to 12 states this fall. The USDA awarded Chobani the first 1-month contract to supply Greek yogurt to New York, Arizona, Idaho, California, Iowa, Illinois and Mississippi.
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The state Senate approved legislation, to postpone for two years, Cuomo administration plans to close state institutions for the disabled and mentally ill. The bill would postpone closures and consolidations of four facilities operated by the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities until April 1, 2017. Sponsors say more time is needed to put appropriate safety nets in place. The bill sponsors represent Binghamton, where the Broome Development Center is scheduled to close in 2016. The bill moves to the assembly for consideration as the state Legislature is scheduled to wrap up their session this week
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 38-year-old Richard Small of Cortland on charges of Grand Larceny and Conspiracy. Small & 3 other individuals are accused of stealing over $1000 of merchandise from the Norwich Wal-Mart. Small was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and is being held on $1000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.
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Oneonta Police Department arrested 27-year-old Erika Speller of Oneonta, for criminal sale of a controlled substance & criminal possession of a controlled substance. Speller was charged after Police confiscated cocaine and cash, she was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and sent to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.
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US Senator Charles Schumer said the federal government must step up funding to chip away at a backlog of repairs to aging local bridges in upstate New York. There are 2,200 bridges across the state that are owned by cities, towns, villages and counties and are considered either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. The state receives $71 million a year in federal money to help localities fix and maintain bridges. That amount has been flat for the past five years. Schumer said Congress is still talking about how to fund the transportation bill
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The State legislature has made it legal for pet owners to be buried with their deceased animals. Beginning in August, pet cemeteries will be allowed to accept the cremated remains of people. The regulation, which was proposed last fall and recently adopted, does not allow pet cemeteries to charge a fee for a human burial and cannot advertise human burial services
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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-19-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 20, 2014

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that resolves a dispute concerning how auto manufacturers can sell their products to consumers. The agreement allows Tesla Motors to maintain their 5 currently licensed retail locations in New York State; additional Tesla retail locations will be established under a strengthened dealer franchise law.
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The traditional image marking wheelchair ramps and accessible parking could soon be replaced under a bill passed by the Legislature. The bill would replace the blue-and-white image of a nondescript person sitting in a wheelchair with 1 showing the wheelchair in motion. The legislation would also prohibit the word “handicapped” from being displayed on any accessibility signs. The new rules would only apply to wheelchair-accessible signs that are installed or replaced after the bill takes effect.
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Congressman Chris Gibson applauded members of the legislature for authoring legislation that provides a set of recommendations for a plan to combat Lyme disease. Members of the Senate’s Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases finalized the proposal in an effort to enhance research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for sufferers of Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The Assembly recently adopted Lyme disease legislation, and a vote by the whole Senate is expected today.
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Golden Artist Colors will hold their Grand Opening Celebration &ribbon cutting today from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at 65 Hale Street in Norwich. Golden Artist spokesperson Jodi O’Dell explains:

(Jodi O’Dell 6-19-14)

Company officials expect to add up to 37 jobs to the facility over the first 5 years.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-18-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 18, 2014

A Siena College poll shows Governor Cuomo leading Republican Rob Astorino by a large margin in the race for governor.  57% would re-elect Cuomo, while 18% have a favorable opinion, & 69% have no opinion about Astorino.  In the attorney general’s race, 41% percent would re-elect Eric Schneiderman, while 12% have a favorable opinion of Republican John Cahill, 78% have no opinion.

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By the end of this week, New York State will have trained about 600 police officers and sheriffs’ deputies in the use of naloxone, a medication that can save lives by reversing the effect of heroin or other opioid overdoses, including Hydrocodone & Oxycodone. The state also is providing agencies that send their officers to the trainings with supplies of naloxone at no cost. According to the CDC, someone dies every 19 minutes from a drug overdose.

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The Unatego school district board of education will hold a special meeting this morning at 8:00 AM.  The meeting has been called in order for the board to select a member for the BOCES board.

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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach today.  The screenings will be available without charge to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or underinsured. The screening will be available today between 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital on Pearl Street in Sidney.  Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

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The Unadilla highway department announced that the paving project on Sheep Pen Road has been completed.  Today, Rod & Gun Club Road will be closed for repaving from 6:30AM to 5:00 PM.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-17-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 17, 2014

State Troopers arrested 41-year-old Gary Hackett of Guilford for Felony Driving While Intoxicated and Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. The arrest occurred following a traffic law stop for speeding on County Route 36 in Guilford, troopers determined that Hackett was intoxicated and also had a suspended driver license.   Hackett was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

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State agencies were late 87% of the time in approving contracts with not-for-profit providers last year, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This is an increase from 2012, when 78% were approved late. The Comptroller’s report recommends that state agencies Make prompt contracting a priority to reduce costs to the state and not-for-profits; Pay prompt contracting interest with the first payment due after the start of a late contract; and Re-align contract start dates to reflect the time required for the procurement process. The report can be viewed at osc.state.ny.us.

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The state Assembly voted to ban hydraulic fracturing for natural gas for three years, but that’s as far as the bill is likely to go. Yesterday’s 89-34 vote in favor of the ban on fracking could be symbolic, since the Senate isn’t expected to consider the legislation before lawmakers adjourn later this week. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said there’s no reason to rush a decision on fracking before its effects on health and the environment are better understood. New York has had a moratorium on fracking since an environmental review was launched in 2008.

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Governor Cuomo announced an agreement with legislative leaders on a bill that will cut requirements on microbreweries & farm breweries, and rolling back restrictions regarding the marketing of craft products.   New York Brewers association President David Katlowski state that there is a movement among New York farmers to plant barley & hops again:

 

(David Katlowski 6-17-14)

 

The new legislation to help farm breweries & microbreweries is a result of the State’s 2nd Wine, Beer, Spirits, and Cider Summit, held this past April.

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State Police arrested 28-year-old Cory Nabinger of Harpursville for Driving While Intoxicated, following a motor vehicle accident on Tunnel Road in Fenton.  An investigation determined that Nabinger was intoxicated when he crashed; He refused to submit to a breath test & was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Fenton Court on July 10th.

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Lower wage employees from across the state are in Albany today to call on state lawmakers to raise New York’s minimum wage. Supporters of the raise want to see the wage increase from $8 per hour to $10.10 per hour. The advocates are also calling for the minimum wage in New York City be raised to $13.13 per hour, and allow future increases based on inflation. It’s unclear if lawmakers will vote on an increase.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-17-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 17, 2014

Governor Cuomo wrote to President Obama to request a federal major disaster declaration for several counties, including Delaware & Otsego counties, after recent severe storms and flooding caused serious damage and destruction on May 12th. The storm affected 11 counties, with more than 6,500 homes and businesses were without power and over 130 families with significant property damage. Governor Cuomo declared a State Disaster Emergency on May 14th and local States of Emergency were declared in several locations, including the Town of Sanford.
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Governor Cuomo & State Leaders reacted favorably to New York’s credit rating being upgraded to Aa1 with stable outlook by Moody’s, the highest rating since 1964. In its report, Moody’s points to New York’s sustained improvements in fiscal governance, the strength of the recent economic recovery, improved reserves, and holding spending growth below 2% for the 4th consecutive year. More information is available at Moodys.com.
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9 of the top 10 finalists from this year’s season of American Idol will be visiting NYSEG Stadium for the Binghamton Mets game on tonight. Fans can interact with the group at a pre-game meet & greet from 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM at NYSEG stadium, the singers will throw out the first pitch prior to the game and sing the National Anthem as a group. The American Idol Live! Tour opens on Tuesday, June 24 at the Broome County Veteran’s Memorial Arena.
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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-16-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 16, 2014

The proposed “Dream Act”, that would have allowed the children of illegal aliens to access financial aid to college, doesn’t have enough support to make it to the Governors desk. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch explains:

 

(Crouch 6-16-14)

 

This year’s legislative session is scheduled to end this Thursday.

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Investigators have been unable to determine exactly what caused the fire that destroyed the Ellis Brothers furniture building in Binghamton. The April 30th fire caused heavy damage throughout the building, which was torn down because of the danger of collapsing. Fire officials believe the fire may have started in a maintenance room, but there were too many other possible causes that could not be narrowed down, officials have closed the investigation.

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A new Sienna research institute poll regarding how the state is doing compared to 4 years ago, shows that voters are divided. 32% believe that New York is better off now, 26% believe the state is worse off, and 40% believe the state’s condition is unchanged. Regarding the voters personal situation, 28% believe they are better off, with 23% feel their situation is worse, and nearly believe their situation is the same. 39% to 50% of New Yorkers say the state is headed in the right direction, Upstate New Yorkers; however, say the state is going in the wrong direction by a 5-point margin.

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The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing county route 16 in the towns of Franklin & Walton, to through traffic to replace a bridge just north of Douglas Hill Road, the project should take about 3 weeks, weather permitting, motorists should seek alternate.

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New York will no longer add a sales tax to the charge for tastings at wineries, and the state is creating a $350,000 fund to research hops and malting barley for beer. The announcement by Governor Cuomo comes after wineries pushed for the change at an April summit in Albany. Wineries conducting tasting were already exempt from paying a use tax. The governor has been bullish on the state’s wineries and its expansion of beer production. There’s a website to tout the state’s products at taste.ny.gov.

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Proposed legislation in New York would require high school students to learn CPR. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Mark Grisanti, would require students to learn CPR before they graduate. In a 30-minute class, students can learn how to operate an AED. The Board of Regents would be responsible for implementing the training, and school districts would have to fund it. It passed the Senate, but has to be voted on by the Assembly and approved by the governor, before it can become law.

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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM At the Unadilla Fire Station. The chamber’s next big event is the annual Carnival of Sales on Saturday July 12th, volunteers are needed for that event, those interested can volunteer by calling 369-2614.

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Broome County Executive Debbie Preston said she is continuing to recover from lung cancer and is feeling better each day. Preston said she has been cleared to return to work on June 30, starting with half days and working up to full days. In April, Preston announced she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She has since undergone surgery in New York City. She recently had a follow-up appointment with her doctors at Sloan Kettering. Her next follow-up appointment is set for December.

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