P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-3-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 3, 2014

The man accused of intentionally hitting and killing State Trooper Christopher Skinner did not appear in court today. 60-year-old Almond Upton of Melrose, Florida waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which had been scheduled in Town of Chenango court today. Upton is charged with 1st degree murder, for allegedly hitting Trooper Skinner intentionally with his truck on I-81 last Thursday. Upton could face life in prison without parole.

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While New York reports cutting power plant pollution by 40% over the past decade, the Obama administration has proposed national guidelines calling for new steep cuts over the next 15 years. The states’ Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative sets pollution caps and requires using or buying credits to exceed them; state officials welcomed the federal proposal. New York’s production of greenhouse gases is about ½ the national average per person, largely because ½ of its electricity is produced from nuclear and water power.

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The first phase of the Prospect Mountain construction project is 65% finished, with the new Route 17 eastbound bridge opened to traffic last night. Dave Hamburg of the DOT Told WCDO News what lies ahead for that section over the summer months:

 

(Dave Hamburg 6-3-14)

 

Hamburg said that the project remains on schedule for completion by December 2015, it will bring I-81 traffic over a total of 6 bridges spanning the Chenango River & change the traffic pattern where the interstate meets State Route 17

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New York’s highest court will consider whether municipalities can use local zoning laws to ban hydraulic fracturing to drill for natural gas. The Court of Appeals will hear arguments in 2 cases, one involving the Town of Dryden, where a midlevel appellate court concluded last year, that state mining & drilling law, doesn’t trump the authority of local governments to control land use. State officials are still studying whether to permit, limit and regulate the practice in New York.

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The state Assembly has passed the Dream Act again, but the measure’s fate remains uncertain in the Senate. The bill would extend state financial aid to students in the country illegally. The Assembly passed the measure in February, only to see it go down in defeat in the Senate. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver urged opponents in the Senate to reconsider, and said there’s still time for the bill to pass before lawmakers adjourn later this month. Gov. Cuomo supports the measure and vowed to help get it passed.

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State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of a package of legislation to provide New York’s military veterans with tax relief, expanded benefits, and special honors. Seward’s bill would exempt veteran’s organizations from paying taxes on heating fuel, currently, religious and charitable organizations are exempt from paying tax on non-highway diesel motor fuel used for heating purposes. The package of bills moves onto the Assembly for consideration.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-3-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 3, 2014

Funeral services for fallen State Trooper Christopher Skinner will be held this morning in Johnson City. Trooper Skinner was a 13 year veteran of the State Police, he was killed in the line of duty last Thursday by a pick up truck, while conducting a traffic stop on I-81, Governor Cuomo will attend the funeral this morning for Trooper Skinner, at 11:00 at the 1st Baptist Church at 1321 Reynolds Road in Johnson city. The Governor has directed all flags on government buildings to be flown at half-staff today in honor of Trooper Skinner.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce & the Utica School of Commerce will co-host an open house on Monday June 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at their new Sidney location in the Tri-Town Regional hospital.   The event is open to chamber members & the general public, USC will start classes at the site on June 16th.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-2-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 2, 2014

Governor Cuomo will push for an increase in the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Cuomo also will advocate a plan that would allow local governments to set a minimum wage up to 30 percent higher than the statewide rate. Currently, the minimum wage is $8 an hour & is set to increase to $9 an hour by the end of 2015.

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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced a settlement with Coachmaster of Broome County to resolve an investigation of the limo service failing to pay tips to drivers. The limo service retained the tips illegally for   “administrative purposes”.  The settlement requires the company to pay $20,000 in restitution to workers and a $20,000 civil penalty, and also to comply with state laws.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reports that New York State may not see the economic boom from 4 new upstate casinos, as the new facilities could simply shift gamblers and jobs away from existing facilities. The state Legislature & voters approved a proposition to allow up to 7 privately owned casinos, starting with 4 initial ones in economically struggling areas of the state. There have been 20 bidders to the state’s Gaming Commission for the 4 casino licenses to be placed in the Southern Tier, Albany area and the Catskills. The winning bids are expected to be decided in the fall.

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The Broadway Theater League announced the next year of blockbuster shows coming to Binghamton.   Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment told WCDO News what shows are coming:

 

(Tina Niles 6-2-14)

 

Niles said that information about the individual shows is available at Broadway In Binghamton.com

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U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is pushing to prevent child predators from landing jobs centered near kids. A recent child porn bust in New York City sparked the move, where a boy scouts leader and a little league coach were among those arrested. Schumer is pushing for stronger background checks for potential employees of summer camps, day care centers, and similar clubs and organizations, to make it possible for employers to access FBI databases. Under current law, most children’s organizations only have access to the state database.

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Environmental activists delivered more than 50,000 comments to the Cuomo administration, urging officials to recast the state’s energy plan, with strategies for burning less fossil fuel & lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The comments to the draft plan issued in January, urges officials to reject additional natural gas drilling, calling instead for a stronger push for renewable and cleaner solar and wind power. The 2014 draft, from the state Energy Planning Board, said it’s meant to put New York on track to reduce emissions and their impact on climate change. The plan calls for an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from by 2050.

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New York’s 529 college savings program has translated thousands of accounts with millions of dollars for college related savings. State comptroller Tom DiNapoli said that the program is a great way to save up for a relatives college fund, in the first 5 months of this year; there were 100,000 direct savings accounts with 2.9 billion dollars in assets.   More i9nformation is available at nysaves.org.

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Broome County Executive Debbie Preston made an appearance at the Broome county office building Friday. Preston had surgery in May for lung cancer in at Sloan Kettering in New York City; she has been recovering at home, but has also been working from home through phone calls & Skype.   Preston may face additional Chemotherapy, and has no plans to resign as county executive.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-2-14

by wcdonews Posted on June 2, 2014

Service arrangements have been announced for fallen New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner. Skinner was a 13-year veteran of the New York State Police; he was killed in the line of duty last Thursday, after he was intentionally hit by a car while conducting a traffic stop on I-81. Calling hours are scheduled from 3:00 to 8:00 PM today at the Community Baptist Church on 743 Chenango Street in Port Dickinson. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, at First Baptist Church at 1321 Reynolds Rd. in Johnson City.

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State Police warn the public of any potential fraudulent accounts that may be created on the Internet requesting donations for the family of Trooper Christopher Skinner.  The Skinner family is endorsing 2 funds for donations at this time.  The first is the “Skinner Children Education Fund” that has been set up at the Visions Federal Credit Union.  The second is the Signal 30 Fund at nystpba.org.  This is an organization that help’s the families of New York State Police.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-30-14

by wcdonews Posted on May 30, 2014

The State Assembly has passed a bill allowing for marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes, in tightly controlled circumstances. Assemblyman Bill Magee supports the measure:

(Magee 5-30-14)

Magee said that the state senate only has a few weeks to get legislation passed, as the legislative session ends in the 3rd week of June. Governor Cuomo supports the medicinal use of marijuana.
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New York City will buy homes and businesses in flood zones in the watershed areas. The one-two punch of tropical storms Irene and Lee in 2011 has prompted an additional $70 million of spending by the city to combat flood hazards. City officials said the programs would protect the water while helping the towns that participate. The city agency will earmark at least $15 million, through 2017, to buy vulnerable homes and businesses, including those not eligible under the FEMA flood buyout program. The city also will provide $17 million to the Catskill Watershed Corporation, which implements protection programs, for flood hazard mitigation in those communities.
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The U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment introduced by area Congressman Chris Gibson that increases funding to combat the heroin epidemic plaguing Upstate New York communities. The amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill increases the account for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force by $4 million. The Task Force supports multi-jurisdictional investigations to target drug traffickers.
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Governor Cuomo vowed to campaign against state Senate leaders unless they pass public financing for statewide campaigns before the Legislature finishes its session next month. Cuomo said he is pessimistic public campaign financing will pass before lawmakers wrap up the session. If the Senate balks at the measure, he said he would “go to the people and tell them what he thought about the coalition failing to deliver on an important progressive item. Senate Republicans blocked broad public financing earlier this year, and lawmakers created a pilot program that only applied to this year’s state comptroller race.
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The Chenango County Health Department is advocating for the blockage of legislation that would add a layer of red tape to day camp operations in the county. The bill, which has yet to pass the state Senate or Assembly, would subject single purpose day camps, such as dance camp, basketball camp, or even fire camp, to the same regulations associated with summer camps that have multiple recreations like hiking, swimming, and other potentially dangerous recreations. The health department said the legislation could be detrimental to camps in upstate communities.
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Governor Cuomo reminded New Yorkers the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming June federal primary elections is today. Voters can register using the state’s online MyDMV website. In order to apply to register to vote online, you must have a valid New York State driver license, or identification card, and establish a MyDMV account. Go to dmv.ny.gov.
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A Fly In Breakfast Will Be Held On Sunday at the Sidney Municipal Airport from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event is sponsored by the Fagan Flyers; the event will include a pancake breakfast, plane rides, crafts, displays, blood pressure screening, live music and a 50/50 raffle.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-30-14

by wcdonews Posted on May 30, 2014

State Police announced the arrest of 60-year-old Almond Upton of Florida, for 1st degree murder for the death of Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 in the Town of Chenango Thursday afternoon. Troop C Commanding Officer Major Donald Faughnan accused Upton of veering intentionally from the left lane, hitting 2 cars stopped on the right shoulder & intentionally striking Trooper Skinner, killing him instantly. Upton fled into the woods, & was apprehended after an hour, he was not visibly intoxicated, and was not wearing any clothing.   Upton was arraigned in Town of Chenango Court on 1 count of 1st degree Murder, he was sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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Oneonta police served a no knock search warrant at 42 Cliff Street in the City of Oneonta Thursday following an ongoing investigation into illegal narcotic trafficking.  Arrested were 33-year-old Misty Cintron, 28-year-old Desmond Bell and 40 year old Brandon Hendricks, all of Oneonta, on a variety of drug charges.  Police Seized 43 bags of heroin packaged for sale and 9 grams of heroin not packaged, with a street value of over $7,000. Police also seized a large amount of packaging material, hypodermic needles and over $1,200 in cash. All face action in the city of Oneonta Court.

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A family of 3 from the town of Hartwick was arrested in Florida this week; they were wanted for the armed robbery in the town of Hartwick in December.  Christine, Kaine, and Timothy Lord are accused of the armed robbery of the Pit Stop convenience store on State Route 28 in the Town of Hartwick on December 23rd.  Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested the Lords Wednesday in Florida and returned them back to New York State. They were arraigned, and then remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail each.

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UPDATE ON TROOPER DEATH IN BROOME COUNTY

by wcdonews Posted on May 29, 2014

60 year old Almond Upton of Florida charged with 1st degree murder following the death of Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 in the town of Chenango this afternoon. Troop C commanding officer Major Donald Faughnan said that Upton veered intentionally from the left lane, hit 2 cars stopped on the right shoulder & intentionally struck trooper Skinner, killing him instantly. He fled into the woods, & was apprehended after an hour, he was not visibly intoxicated, and was not wearing any clothing.   Upton was being held pending future court action, I-81 remains closed for the accident reconstruction team to gather evidence.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-29-14

by wcdonews Posted on May 29, 2014

The State Senate Task Force on the rise of the use of heroin across the state has issued a package of 25 bills for the legislature to consider.  State Senator Jim Seward was on the task force, he submitted a bill to tighten up laws regarding insurance and those trying to break their addiction:

 

(Seward 5-29-14)

 

The legislature has only a few weeks left before the end of their 2014 session.

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Convicted murderer David Dart of Portlandville had his application for parole release rejected for the 2nd time. Dart has served more than 24½ years in prison for the September 1989 murder of 18 year old Gillian Gibbons, who was found fatally stabbed by her sister, in her car parked ion the lower level of the Oneonta Municipal Parking Garage.  A campaign to keep Dart from being released was launched on Facebook by Gibbon’s relatives.

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The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved establishing a 2% occupancy tax at their recent meeting in Delhi.  58 of the 62 counties in the state have a similar tax.  The tax is expected to bring in an additional $197,000 in revenue. The plan now goes to Albany for approval by the state Legislature. The board also authorized the purchase of a 12-passenger van for the Veterans Service

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State senators are pushing considering a new bicycle safety bill, which would add a bicycle and pedestrian safety component to the required driver’s education manual and exam. The new material will cover safely passing a cyclist on the road, special considerations while driving in urban areas, the definition and designation of bike lanes and navigating an intersection with pedestrians and bicycle riders.  The surge in cycling popularity has resulted in more than 200,000 riders sharing state roadways.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced their 28th Annual Golf Classic will be held on Thursday, August 7th.   The event will be held at the Oneonta Country Club; with 11:30am Lunch and registration & a 1:00pm shot gun start. More information is available at 432-4500.

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Governor Cuomo announced that New York and 7 other states have agreed on a plan to dramatically increase the number of clean vehicles being driven by consumers. Under the Multi-State Zero-Emission Vehicles Action Plan, the states set a goal to have 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on U.S. roads by 2025.   The Multi-State ZEV Action Plan can be accessed at  nescaum.org.

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