A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-29-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 29, 2014

The village of Sidney will hold an informational meeting tonight at 7:00 PM, for those who live in the flood prone areas of the village.  The meeting will be held at the River Street Fire training center, officials will discuss the Plankenhorn proposal; more information is available at 561-2320.

————————

The Otsego County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a County Route 34 farm in Westford late Monday afternoon.   40 year old Daniel Banks was pulled into a piece of heavy farm equipment by his clothing, Banks was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe blunt force trauma to the upper body.

————————————

State police are warning Southern Tier residents to beware of the latest phone scam in which the caller pretends to be an IRS agent.  The impostor attempts to convince victims that they owe additional money on their taxes; they are instructed to go to a store, buy a Green Dot MoneyPak Card and provide the impostor with the number and the pin.  The IRS does not solicit funds from taxpayers by phone; residents are advised to contact state police if they receive this call.

——————————————

There is $12.5 billion in lost and forgotten money currently being held by the State Comptroller’s Office.  Comptroller Tom DiNapoli urged residents to see if any of it belongs to them. On average, DiNapoli’s office returns $1 million a day.  More information is available at 1-800-221-9311.

———————————

The Otsego County Health Facilities Corporation voted Monday to sell Otsego Manor of Cooperstown for $18.5 million.  The 174-bed nursing home has been sold to Focus Ventures LLC of Airmont, New York, who own similar facilities around New York State & Pennsylvania.  The transaction is expected to be completed in about a year.

————————————————

The next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours will be held today in Norwich.  The event will be held at McCredy Motors and will be co-hosted by WCDO.   The event runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

————————————-

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-29-14

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-28-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 28, 2014

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 33-year-old Timothy Heady of Norwich on an active bench warrant, for failure to appear in court on previous DWI charges. Heady was taken into custody without incident; he was taken to the Town of Columbus Court & remanded on $1,000 cash bail pending future court action.

———————————-

Overtime earnings at state agencies rose to a record $611 million in 2013, a 16% increase compared to 2012, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overtime increased in 2013 for the 3RD straight year, overtime accounted for 3.9% of all pay in 2013.  The Office of Mental Health, the Department of Corrections & the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities accounted for 63.5% of the overtime hours in 2013.  DiNapoli’s report found the state’s agency workforce has declined 10.9%.  The Full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

———————

18-Year-Old Anthony Monk of Binghamton was arrested, after driving his vehicle into a house while intoxicated.  Monk was charged with DWI and a number of traffic violations after police after driving into 1274 Chenango Street in the Town of Fenton, he faces court action at a later date.

—————————

The State Assembly passed all 10 points to the Women’s Equality act yesterday in Albany, according to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:

 

(Silver 1-28-14)

 

The bill has had marginal Success in the State Senate, where most but not all of the points passed in recent sessions.

——————

The state labor department released the county unemployment rates today for December 2013.  Locally, Chenango comity’s rates was unchanged at 6.2%, Delaware county dropped 2/10’s to 6.7% and Otsego county’s rate dropped 1/10th to 6.0%. 

———————————————–

Broome County Sheriff David Harder will formally announce his candidacy to run for a fifth term at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at Brothers Two restaurant on Watson Boulevard in Endwell.  Before being elected to the Office of Sheriff in 1998, he was a Sheriff’s Detective for over 25 years in Broome County

—————————————–

New York hospitals are now required to screen newborns for heart defects under a new law. The measure took effect Monday; it requires all birthing facilities to administer the screening. The American Heart Association lobbied for the law, they reported that nearly 1 in 100 babies born each year have a congenital heart condition.

—————————————-

The state department of taxation and finance has issued the first income tax refunds of 2014.  The refunds were direct deposited into taxpayer bank accounts.  All of the taxpayers who got refunds yesterday used the department’s new web file service, which allows state tax returns to be prepared and e-filed online for free.  The department is urging New Yorkers to use web file to file their state returns.  There is no income limit to use the service.  More information is available at tax.ny.gov

———————————

37-year-old Brian Hime of Binghamton was sentenced yesterday on federal drug charges for conspiracy to traffic narcotics, possession with intent to distribute and illegal firearms possession.  Hime was arrested In September 2012 when Police served a search warrant at his home on Liberty Street in Binghamton; they confiscated 6 ounces of cocaine, $3,400 cash, a rifle, and handgun ammunition. Hime will be eligible for supervised release after 10 years.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-28-14

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-28-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 28, 2014

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 3 people following an investigation into larceny complaints at a Town of Norwich business.  On 3 separate incidents dating back to last June 3 females are accused of taking over $19,000 worth of merchandise from a Norwich business.  Charged were 31-year-old Quiana Thomas and 38-year-old Katherine Daniels of Utica, and 24 year old Courtney Hughes of Cold Brook. All 3 were located and taken into custody, and they were arraigned in Town of Norwich Court.  Hughes and Thomas were remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $20,000 cash bail, and Daniels was remanded on $10,000 cash bail. All were charged with a number of counts of Grand Larceny, conspiracy & burglary, they are to appear in court at a later date.

———————————————-

37-year-old Billie Lee Granger was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Contempt & 2nd degree Harassment, following a domestic dispute in the Town of Norwich.  Granger is accused of throwing a boot in the face of the victim, in violation of an order of protection.  Granger was arraigned in the Town of Coventry Court and was released and ordered to reappear at a later date.

——————————————

The American Red Cross is holding a Blood Drive today at the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton School.  The drive runs until 7:00 PM, appointments are requested at 1-800-RED CROSS OR REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-28-14

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-27-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 27, 2014

Oneonta Police reported that I-88 Westbound near Exit 13 has been shut down due to a jack-knifed tractor-trailer between exits 13 and 12 shortly before noon today.  Traffic was diverted at Exit 13, motorists were detoured to State Route 7 or County Route 48, and were allowed back on the interstate westbound at exit 12 in Otego.  The investigation is continuing.

—————————-

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer will introduce a bill called ‘Avonte’s law.’ The bill would create a program that provides and pays for tracking devices for at-risk children with autism. Schumer said it would be similar to a Federal program that tracks seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. 14 year-old Avonte Oquendo disappeared after running out of his school last October. His remains were found in the East River last week.

———————————–

The State Comptroller’s Office auditors found the Afton Fire Department is not providing adequate oversight of taxpayer funds & their bylaws are inadequate and not being followed with regard to financial oversight, and they did not have a code of ethics.  The audit of the Harpursville Central School District showed that they raised taxes unnecessarily by maintaining a fund balance more than 5 times the legal limit.   auditors found that the Harpursville District is not using enough of its leftover money at the end of each budget year to reduce taxes in the following year. The audits are available at osc.state.ny.us

—————————————

Drivers will now be alerted to curves in the road along a section of State Route 8 in Chenango County. The State Department of Transportation installed flashing beacons in the towns of Norwich, New Berlin and Columbus, after they conducted a traffic study. The beacons became operational Friday to alert drivers to slow down ahead of the curves.

—————————

State Police arrested 59 year old Steven  Coffey  of Binghamton for aggravated DWI, with a BAC result of .25%, more than 3 times the legal limit following a traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Chenango.  Coffey was arraigned and  released without bail . a court date has not been set.

—————————

State Troopers from Oneonta and Margaretville conducted an Underage Drinker Initiative detail this weekend.   The troopers conducted a check of retail convenient stores throughout Otsego County in the City of Oneonta and Towns of Oneonta, Otsego, Richfield Springs and Milford.  all 12 stores were checked and all 12 were found to be in full compliance with all New York State laws.

————————————

Delaware County and SUNY Delhi will host the 2nd annual regional energy and sustainability symposium On March 8th,  to educate residents and business owners on cost saving options.   The symposium will be held in Farrell Hall on the SUNY Delhi Campus from 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM.  Pre-registration is required by February 21 at 746-8914 or by email at  kelly.blakeslee@co.delaware.ny.us.

—————————————

State Police at Oneonta arrested 27 year old Matt Jones and 32 year old Jeremy Ferguson, both of Oneonta, on charges of 4th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, following a traffic stop on Main Street in Oneonta Saturday night.  Jones was also charged with 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.  Jones and Ferguson were sent to the Chenango County jail on bail.

—————————————-

State police at Sidney arrested 56-year-old Martin Cornish  of Bainbridge for aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .20%. The arrest followed a report of erratic driving on State Route 7 in Bainbridge,  Cornish was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on February 10th.

——————————–

“Menopause The Musical” will return to the Forum Theater in Binghamton, for 2 shows February 11th & 12th at 7:30 PM.  Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

 

(Tina Niles 1-27-14)

 

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 10-800-745-3000, more information is available at broadwayinbinghamton.com.

—————————————–

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-27-14

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-27-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 27, 2014

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 16 year old David Chochishivili of Binghamton following an investigation of an assault on a Harpursville school District bus monitor.  Chochishvili is accused off punching the monitor in the face, suffering an injured eye and cut lip. Chochishvili was charged with 3rd degree Assault & Criminal Mischief, he faces action in Town of Colesville Court at a later date.

———————————–

State police arrested 63 year old John Facik of Johnson City and 50 year old Orvie Harvey of Windsor for grand larceny.  Facik was also charged with possession of a forged instrument.  The men were accused of stealing 3 large heavy pieces of metal from a construction yard & loading it into a truck.  The metal was valued at approximately $1,200; construction workers called the police and blocked the suspects from leaving.  Facik was found to possess an altered driver license; both were arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail.
—————————————
New York State United Teachers’ Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution Saturday that declared “no confidence” in the policies of State Education Commissioner John King Jr., & calling for his removal by the Board of Regents.  The board also withdrew its support for the Common Core standards as implemented and interpreted in New York State until the State Education Department makes corrections and supports a 3-year moratorium on the high-stakes consequences from standardized testing.
—————————————–
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-27-14

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 24, 2014

State Police, arrested 20-year-old Amir Ebadullah-Aslamkhan of Vestal after the execution of search warrant led to the discovery marihuana, weapons & cash.  State Police charged Ebadullah-Aslamkhan with Criminal Possession of Marihuana; Criminal Possession of a Weapon, & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, police confiscated 13 pounds of marihuana; $35,000 in Cash, a loaded assault weapon; 2 shotguns, ammunition, 2 switchblades; as well as scales and packaging used in the sale of marihuana.  Ebadullah-Aslamkhan was arraigned in the Town of Vestal Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. The investigation is continuing and further arrests are anticipated.

————————————-

New Yorkers may get 2 tax-rebate checks. Last year, the state Legislature and Governor Cuomo agreed to provide a $350 rebate check to middle-class families this fall, for families who have children under 18. Cuomo’s new proposal for a property-tax freeze would include another rebate check to homeowners in communities where local governments stay within the property tax cap, for households with incomes less than $500,000 a year.  Both rebates would come in this mail this fall.

————————————-

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today kicked off the income tax season, new this year is that 85% of taxpayers can e-file their state returns for free. The Department is accepting e-filed income tax returns for the 2013 tax year through its Web site at tax.ny.gov starting today.  The filing deadline is April 15th again this year.

—————————————

Sidney fire fighters responded to a fire at the Bishop residence on Back River road between Sidney & Tryons Corners yesterday afternoon.  Occupants escaped without injury, damage was minimal and the house is reparable.  No injuries among firefighters were reported.

———————————————

New York State received mixed grades in a national review of tobacco control measures. The American Lung Association gave New York two “A” ratings for smoke-free air and having a cigarette tax, but said the state failed in tobacco prevention and cessation coverage, and the legislature fails to sufficiently fund the state’s tobacco control program.  New York cut funding for the program by $2 million in 2013, Tobacco use is the #1 cause of death in the state.

——————————————

Delaware County Economic Development and Friends of the Upper Delaware River are conducting a study of the economic impact of the cold-water fishery on the Delaware River’s East and West Branches. The study has been underway since late last year, and an on-line survey is being conducted to gather further information that could quantify the economic impacts, which could be more than $200 million. The survey may be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com; it’s also available from Delaware County Economic Development, or at 746-8595.

—————————————–

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced federal legislation to establish a program, to be run by the Social Security Administration that would give workers about 2/3rds of their salaries for up to 12 weeks in a family crisis. The proposal would supplement the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act that protects workers who take unpaid leave for family emergencies. Gillibrand said the program would be self-sufficient and not add to the federal budget. There are no Republican co-sponsors to the legislation, but Gillibrand said she would work in to get bi-partisan support.

———————————————

A group from the Circle Drive Alliance Church in Sidney will be holding fundraisers over the next few months, so that 13 of them can go to Peru, to assist with Children who are stuck living at a garbage dump.  The next fundraiser is a Pie Auction tonight at the Circle Drive Alliance Church at 6:30 PM; more information is available at 437-5799.

————————————

The Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce & Bainbridge Rotary will co-sponsor the 1st Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Rally at General Clinton Park.  Event Organizer Phil Canonaco explains:

 

(Phil Canonaco 1-24-14)

 

Canonaco said that the event is free on Sunday at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-14

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 24, 2014

State Senator Jim Seward commented on New York State Education Commissioner Dr. John King’s appearance before the senate education committee in albany in regard to the implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards and new state testing assessments:

 

(Seward 1-24-14)

 

Governor Cuomo acknowledge this week that the Common Core has been rushed and poorly managed, and that changes must be made by the legislature this session.

————————————-

State tax receipts for the first three quarters of the fiscal year were below projections, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Tax collections were $49 billion, through December 3rd, which was $2.6 billion higher than last year, but $534 million below mid-year projections. All Funds receipts totaled $99.5 billion through the first three quarters, $606 million below updated projections

———————————————-

State Troopers arrested 24-year-old Jeffrey Kicinski of Binghamton,  for driving while intoxicated.  The arrest followed an accident on Hawleyton Road in Binghamton, Troopers determined that Kickinski was intoxicated at that time, he was transported to Lourdes hospital in Binghamton for treatment for minor injuries, Kicinski refused to submit to a blood test.  He was issued tickets to appear in Town of Binghamton Court on a later date.

—————————————–

A benefit is being held for Cameron Palmatier of Bainbridge, to cover medical expenses following a Dirt Bike accident last year. The fundraiser will be held Saturday from 12:00pm until 5:00pm at Cream Of the Crop on Route 7 in Bainbridge.   Palmatier suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash on August 17th; he was in Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for 3 months and was transferred to a rehabilitation center & was discharged January 14th, but he will need additional therapy.  Saturday’s Proceeds will go for uncovered medical expenses; donations can also be pledged at 237-7097 or 237-2916.

————————————

The Binghamton Senators will be inducting Denis Hamel into the Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame in an on-ice ceremony during Saturday’s game against Rochester.  Hamel played with the Binghamton for in 6 seasons and holds numerous B-Sens records, Binghamton Senator Team Owner Tom Mitchell comments:

 

(Tom Mitchell 1-24-14)

 

Tickets are available by calling the Binghamton Senators Executive Office at 722-7367, at that Broome County Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets at ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

—————————————-

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-14

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-23-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 23, 2014

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division arrested 3 people in connection with the distribution of Heroin in the Town of Norwich.  Charged were 28-year-old Ashley Wakefield of Norwich and 22-year-old Keith Johnson of New Berlin, they are accused of attempting to sell heroin to an undercover Police Officer in Norwich.  Johnson was found to have 10 bags of heroin, a hypodermic needle and prescription drugs.  Wakefield was charged with Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 4th degree Conspiracy, Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. She was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.  Johnson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, He was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail.  24-year-old Andrew Cleveland was also charged with 4th degree Facilitation, he was released on an appearance ticket.

—————————————–

State police arrested 16-year-old Wade Armstrong of Delhi for reckless endangerment and unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. Police responded to the report of an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on State Route 23 in Andes, Armstrong refused to stop and attempted to evade apprehension by driving erratically and speeding.  Troopers deployed a stinger tire deflation device; Armstrong then fled his disabled vehicle on foot and was apprehended.  Armstrong was arraigned in the Town of Andes Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $3,000.00 cash bail.
———————————————-

Governor Cuomo’s popularity increased, while his potential opponents were way behind, according to a Siena College poll. Cuomo had 66% to 28% favorability and had a 50-point lead over potential Republican opponents Donald Trump and Rob Astorino.  Voters were also supportive of Cuomo’s plans in his State of the State address January 8th.

——————————————————

The state DOT is not adequately monitoring whether commercial carriers whose vehicles or drivers have been taken off the road because of violations are making needed repairs or corrections, which puts the public at risk, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.   Auditors found that in 60% the DOT did not use such enhanced enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the law, violators in these instances typically received only a traffic citation.  A copy of the report, including DOT’s response, is available at osc.state.ny.us. 

—————————————————

Email scams are being reported by people in the Southern Tier, involving phony emails asking for personal information.  The state attorney general office warns downloading an attachment from an unknown email could give scam artists access to your computer, they recommended to never open a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know or don’t trust.

————————————————-

State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah reminds New Yorkers about the importance of testing their homes for radon. According to the federal EPA, Radon cannot be seen or smelled, it is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. annually. About 37% of tested basements in New York State have elevated radon levels.  More information is available at health.ny.gov

—————————————————

New York State’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.4% to 7.1% in December 2013, according to figures released today by the State Labor Department.  In December, the state’s economy added 10,400 private sector jobs, to just over 7.5 million.

———————————————-

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District  will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-23-14