A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-23-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 23, 2014

Governor Cuomo proposed full day Pre-K to be added statewide, in his budget proposal unveiled Tuesday:

 

(Cuomo 1-23-14)

 

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been a proponent of full day Pre-K for many years, but he said it will come at a price:

 

(Silver 1-23-14)

 

New York would be the 4th state to have a full day Pre—K program if it is passed as part of the state budget this session.

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Firefighters from several area companies responded to a blaze at 171 Moot Town Road in the town of Colesville at around 2:45 Wednesday afternoon.  Occupants escaped without injury, Firefighters from Harpursville, Sanitaria Springs, West Colesville, Chenango Bridge, Chenango,  Port Crane &  Oquaga responded, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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25 year old Jaclyn Wesley of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 to 9 years for vehicular manslaughter Wednesday in Broome County Court.  Wesley was the driver of an SUV that went off of I-88 into the Chenango River in May of 2011, killing passengers Carri Michalski, Robert Moorhead and Robert Marshall, Wesley was intoxicated at the time of the crash.  An appeal on Wesley’s behalf is expected to be filed shortly.

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Commerce Chenango is hosting DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald to Norwich today week, to present governor Cuomo’s state budget proposal.  McDonald will deliver the presentation at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich Thursday morning at 10:30.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-22-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 23, 2014

Reactions from area lawmakers are in following Tuesday’s executive budget proposal by Governor Cuomo in Albany.  Assemblyman Cliff Crouch responds:

 

(Crouch 1-22-14)

 

State senator Jim Seward also commented:

 

(Seward 1-22-14)

 

Lawmakers will get to work on the budget plan; the deadline to pass it is April 1st.

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48-year-old William Danielson of Preston pleaded not guilty to 5 felony counts in Chenango County Court this morning.  The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office accused Danielson of attacking his former girlfriend Lucinda Knoll in front of their son at the Maple Grove Trailer Park in Norwich on December 27th, she died from injuries sustained in the attack 2 days later. Danielson is charged with two counts of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree robbery, plus 1st  & 2nd degree assault, he remains held in the Chenango County Jail pending additional court action.

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About 150 people attended the Oneonta Area for public education meeting in Oneonta Saturday, to register their concerns with lawmakers about the Common Core and other newly enacted issues in public education. Co-founder of the group (pronounced “Shirs-tee) Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs comments:

 

(Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs 1-22-14)

 

The message following several such forums reached Governor Cuomo’s ears; he mentioned the need for change during his executive budget proposal Tuesday afternoon:

 

(Cuomo 1-22-14)

 

VanSlyke-Briggs said that area lawmakers Jim Seward, Cliff Crouch & Congressman Chris Gibson all expressed support At Saturday’s Oneonta forum, for the changes to the Common Core and the eliminating of many of the newly implemented tests for students.

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State police in Deposit arrested 25-year-old O’Neil Bower of Rochester for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marihuana.  The arrest followed a stop for speeding at 81 miles an hour in 55 miles an hour zone on State Route 17 in Hancock.  Troopers discovered that Bower had a driver license that was suspended 9 times, they also found to Bower unlawfully possessed marihuana.  Bower was arraigned in the Village of Hancock Court and released after paying his $100 cash bail.

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State police in Oneonta arrested 21-year-old Brittany Alfarano of Oneonta for driving while intoxicated with a reportable BAC result of .15%.  The arrest resulted from investigating a 1-car accident on Interstate 88 in Oneonta; troopers accuse Alfarano of also texting on her cell phone when she crashed.  She was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Oneonta Court on January 28th.

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Governor Cuomo wants to spend $10 million dollars in the next state budget, to establish a new database of police information that departments across the state could share online.  The database would make it easier for police agencies to share crime information & coordinate responses across jurisdictions without having to request information & wait for a reply.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-22-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 22, 2014

44-year-old Nigel Smith of Endicott was arraigned Tuesday for 2nd degree murder plus 1st & 2nd degree robbery in Broome County Court.  Smith is accused of killing of 44-year-old Bretnie Owens of Binghamton on June 15th at 11 Stone Street in Binghamton.  Smith faces additional charges for criminal trespassing and resisting arrest from the September 25th car chase through Binghamton & the town of Fenton.  Smith faces court action again on February 4th.

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Acco Brands in Sidney had a reduction of staff in 2 departments recently, leading to speculation of more changes at the Sidney facility.  Vice President of Media Relation Rich Nelson said that the Sidney facility is very successful, and he told WCDO news what their plans are:

 

(Rich Nelson 1-22-14)

 

Nelson said that the Acco facility in Sidney is their largest manufacturing facility in North America, which also makes it one of their most profitable facilities to operate, no major changes are anticipated at the plant in the foreseeable future.

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The Chenango county Health Department has noticed an increase in diagnosed flu cases recently, the number are in line with numbers reported around the state.  The health department urges eligible residents to obtain a flu shot as soon as possible through their family health care provider; they are also available through the health department, more information is available at 337-1660.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-21-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 21, 2014

Governor Cuomo unveiled his $137.2 Billion Dollars state budget proposal for the 2014 and 2015 fiscal year, to a joint session of the legislature this afternoon:

 

(Cuomo Budget 1-21-14)

 

Cuomo said that the state spending is up only 1.7%, the state legislature now has until April 1st to get the budget plan passed.

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The new Senior Center opened today on the 2nd floor of the Sidney Civic Center, which will be tied into the recreational facilities at the Sidney Boys & Girls Club.  Club Director Trish Tyrell said that many area organizations and businesses have supported this project:

 

(Trish Tyrell 1-21-14)

 

Congressman Chris Gibson attended the ribbon cutting for the Senior Center this morning, he commented about the importance of this undertaking:

 

(Congressman Chris Gibson 1-21-14)

 

More information about the Senior Center or the Boys & girls Club is available at 561-2311.

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The Oneonta Police Department announced the arrests of 3 juveniles, in connection with the vandalism at Doc Knapp Field, Riverside Elementary School, the Swart –Wilcox House and a vehicle last weekend.  Police officials said the tips provided by the public led to these arrests.  All 3 suspects are under the age of 16, their identities will not be released, and the investigation is still continuing.

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The new season of “American Idol” began last week on Fox, with taped auditions from various venues.  Last week’s season debut featured 15 year old Kaitlyn Jackson of Norwich, performing her original song “Another Angel”.  Jackson told WCDO News about the experience, and the surprise of seeing herself on national television:

 

(Kaitlyn Jackson 1-21-14)

 

The next step for Jackson is “Hollywood Week” as she and 205 other hopefuls vie for the chance to become one of 30 finalists to compete for the next “American Idol”.

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Federal Authorities closed down Lyn’s Leisure Tyme Gun Shop in Davenport last Thursday, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms raided the establishment on state route 23.  The Bureau has not released details of the raid Thursday, the Delaware county sheriffs department were not involved in the raid.

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Plans are continuing to go forward, for the ambitious plan to try to get village of Sidney residents out of the flood prone areas downtown, into a new settlement to be built in the Plankenhorn Road area.  Sidney village Economic development Director John Redente explains:

 

 

(John Redente 1-21-14)

 

Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that another informational meeting would be held on January 29th at 7:00 PM at the river street Fire Training Center.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-21-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 21, 2014

An Open House will be held today at the Sidney Civic Center in room 207, where a senior center is planned with a variety of services, including shared recreational use of the Boys & Girls Club.  Club Director Trish Tyrell explains:

 

(Trish Tyrell 1-21-14)

 

Tyrell said that the open house will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, & Congressman Chris Gibson is scheduled to attend this morning.  More information is available at 561-2311.

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Governor Cuomo will deliver the 2014-15 executive Budget Address this afternoon in Albany.  The presentation will begin at 2:00 PM at the Hart Theatre at the Egg Center for Performing Arts in Albany, before a joint session of the legislature.

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The Parole Hearing for convicted murderer David Dart of Milford Is scheduled for today.  Dart was convicted of the 1989 murder of Gillian Gibbons in her car in the lowest level of the Oneonta municipal parking garage. Dart has been held in a prison downstate since his conviction in Otsego county court.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-20-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 20, 2014

State Senator Tom Libous and Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger have reached a deal with Governor Andrew Cuomo to set aside $10 million in the 2014-15 State Budget to begin developing a $60 million School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy in Johnson City.

 

(Libous 1-20-14)

 

The school will eventually enroll 240 pharmacy students, as well as dozens of professors and support staff, and more researchers as pharmaceutical innovations come along.  The Governor will reveal more details of the plan this week in his Executive Budget Proposal.

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Oneonta police are investigating acts of vandalism Saturday night.  Police reported that the third base dugout at the Doc Knapp Field was set on fire, and the Swart-Wilcox House, Riverside Elementary School and a vehicle were vandalized with graffiti.  The fire was reported at around 7:20 Saturday night, anyone with information is asked to contact police at 432-1111.

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25-year-old Jaclyn Wesley of Binghamton woman, will be sentenced Wednesday in Broome County Court, after being convicted last year for 3 counts of 1st degree vehicular manslaughter, as well as DWI.  Wesley was the driver of an SUV that plunged into the Chenango River from I-88 on may 20th 2011, killing her 3 passengers: 25 year old Rob Moorehead of Port Crane, and Binghamton residents 45 year old Robert Marshall and 39 year old Carri Michalski.   Wesley could receive the maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison; she had Blood Alcohol Content of  .13 at the time of the incident.

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A joint meeting of the Otsego County Conservation Association and the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, January 29th at the First Presbyterian Church at 25 Church Street in Cooperstown.  County Planning Director Karen Sullivan will discuss the actions taken by Otsego County this past year in dissolving its contract with MOSA. Sullivan will also outline some of the county’s plans moving forward with regard to recycling, composting and future initiatives.  The meeting is free and open to the public; more information is available at 293-6654. 

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Commerce Chenango is hosting DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald to Norwich this week, to present Governor Cuomo’s state budget proposal.  McDonald will deliver the presentation at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich Thursday morning at 10:30.  RSVP’s are required to Kara Grippen, kara.grippen@exec.ny.gov.

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The Chenango Arts Council has announced that longtime Executive Director Victoria Calvert Kappel will be leaving the organization at the end of June.  Kappel has been Executive Director since 1999; a selection committee will be formed in the coming weeks to conduct a national search for the next executive director.

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State wildlife officials drafted an updated black bear management plan. The agency’s goal is to stabilize the bear population in most areas, reduce population in a few areas and prevent them from getting established in areas where conflicts with people would be likely.  Public comments will be accepted until February 21 at dec.ny.gov

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The Chenango county sheriff’s department is hosting a community blood drive today at their headquarters in Norwich.  The blood drive runs from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at 279 Upper Ravine Road in the Training room.  Appointments are requested at 1-800 red cross or at redcrossblood.org.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-20-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 20, 2014

Firefighters from several area companies responded to a fire Saturday afternoon at a trailer located at 8 Park Avenue in Afton.  The fire started in a Dryer fire, and quickly spread to being fully involved.  Afton, Bainbridge Sidney,  Coventry and Harpursville Fire departments responded, no injuries were reported.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office  responded to a structure fire at the Chenango county BOCES campus last Monday morning.  Deputies arrested a  15 year old Female from Sidney, and 17 year old male from Norwich, on charges of 2nd degree Arson, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment, 4th degree Conspiracy and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The 2 are accused of starting a fire in a bathroom at BOCES by lighting a towel dispenser on fire.  The fire was contained minutes after and there was minor damage.  The Juvenile female was issued an appearance ticket and released to a parent,  the male was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and is being held on $1000 cash bail. Both are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

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The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a Babysitter’s Training class for youth ages 11 to 15 from today from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Red Cross office at 620 East Main Street in Endicott. more information is available at 1-800-733-2767, or  redcross.org

 

 

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-17-14

by wcdonews Posted on January 20, 2014

State Police reported that 43-year-old Christopher Lampert of Enfield was killed after being hit by a car on state route 79.  Lampert was hit by a vehicle driven by 21 year old Michael Soule of Enfield Wednesday evening, police said that no charges will not be filed, the investigation is continuing.

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Calvin Harris will face his 3rd murder trial, this time it will be heard in Schoharie County.  Harris’s attorney’s were seeking a change of venue following 2 convictions in Tioga county court, for the September 11th 2001 murder of his estranged wife Michelle Harris, whose body has never been found

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The southern tier regional economic development council discussed their focus for 2014 at a meeting at Binghamton University Thursday.  Topics included an update of progress on previous projects, & a review of projects in the most recent round of competitive state funding. In December, the council received an award of 81.9 Million dollars from the state; more information is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

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Governor Cuomo announced the award of $67 million dollars for 63 bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use paths transportations enhancement projects across the state, as a way to encourage tourism and economic development.  The funds cover 80% of the cost of each project, with the remaining 20% coming for the project’s sponsors.  The project includes $406,000 for the South Otsiningo Riverfront Trail in Broome county, and $825,000 for the Front Street Streetscape Improvements in Deposit.

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