WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 1-3-25

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-3-25

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal shooting in Conklin that left 1 individual dead and 1 hospitalized this morning at approximately 10:45 AM. Broome County Sheriff’s Office and State Police responded to a shooting incident involving a handgun at a residence on Leslie Avenue in the Town of Conklin. Law enforcement successfully brought the suspect into custody. 1 victim was pronounced deceased at the scene and a 2nd victim was taken to Wilson Medical Center with serious injuries, the investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released as the investigation continues.

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Chenango County Fire Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire on December 28 in McDonough that destroyed a house and killed pets and farm animals. The Brandt family escaped the blaze, McDonough fire fighters wee assisted by the Pharsalia, Oxford, Smithville, Preston and Greene Fire Departments

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Hancock man and woman on charges stemming from a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Hancock last month. 24-year-old Porter Crawson and 22-year-old Vanessa Tompkins, both of Hancock had engaged in a physical Domestic Dispute, with children present, Crawson and Tompkins were each with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, they were turned over to Delaware County Correctional Facility to await Arraignment.

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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation welcomed 29 new graduates to the New York State Park Police ranks. After six months of intense training in the 19th Basic School at the State Parks Police Academy, these new officers will be assigned to serve New York’s 250 state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities serving more than 84 million visitors.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-3-25

New State Laws that went into effect Wednesday include the extension of mental health coverage under Workers’ Compensation to all workers, not just first responders, including conditions like post-traumatic stress sustained on the job. Another new law allows Eligible employees to receive up to $1,177 per week in benefits, covering 67% of their wages during family-related absences. Another bill extends the ban on single-use plastic containers in hotels to include establishments with fewer than 50 rooms, to reduce waste and pollution.

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State Attorney General’s Office has recused itself from prosecuting the case against corrections officers involved in the death of inmate Robert Brooks last month at the Marcy Correctional facility. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has been appointed to prosecute the case by the Onondaga County Supreme Court.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will be joining the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, which oversees federal spending and allocates funding to programs and government agencies. Gillibrand also became the ranking member on the Senate Aging Committee, a committee that she has served on since 2009.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 1-2-25

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-2-25

The Norwich Police Department is investigating a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian death that occurred on Cortland Street in the City of Norwich on January 1st, at approximately 8:00 AM. The victim was 68 year old James Wright, who was walking on the sidewalk of Cortland Street when he was struck, he succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The driver of the vehicle in question is a 19-year-old-male who did not sustain any injuries, the investigation is ongoing, and the Norwich Police Department was assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team, as well as the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

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The New York State Cannabis Industry made more than $1 Billion in Retail Sales in 2024, the Revenue Boost by Over 50%, so far there are 275 Licensed Dispensaries and 500 Supply-Side Licenses that Contributed to the retail sales increase.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Christie Coon of Afton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, in the Town of North Norwich recently. Coon was found to have a suspended New York State drivers license and was in possession of Methamphetamine, she was transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing and was released on an appearance tickets for North Norwich Court at a later date.

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Otsego County is looking to hire full & part time employees for the positions of Advanced Life Support Technician and Basic Life Support Technician. The positions include multiple benefits, more information is available at otsegocountyny.gov.

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3 people were injured when a bar drink exploded, at the Courtside Bar & Grill in Binghamton. 1 person was hospitalized, 2 others were treated at the scene, Binghamton Police arrested one person for unlawful sale of alcohol to a minor, and the investigation is continuing.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-2-25

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a speeding vehicle with switched plates recently, 29 year old Adam Robinson and the passenger, 35 yr old Honesty Muller, both of Hamden. were arrested. K9 Dexter located a quantity of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. Robinson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Aggravated unlicensed Operation and Reckless Driving among many other similar charges. Muller was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Both Muller and Robinson were released on appearance tickets and scheduled to appear at the Town of Hamden Court at a later date.

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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving a female with facial injuries in the Town of Chenango. 49 year old Benjamin Engbrecht of Chenango was charged with 2nd and 3rd Degree Assault, Menacing, Reckless Endangerment, Resisting Arrest & Obstruction of Governmental Administration, he was taken to Central Arraignment & he was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.

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New Healthcare Reforms went into law on January 1st, Now expectant mothers can now enroll in health insurance penalty-free where the Coverage is retroactive to the month of pregnancy certification, Also, a new law makes health insurance cover at least 2 EpiPens per year, capping out-of-pocket costs at $100. another law states that insurance providers must eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for insulin, removing financial barriers for diabetes management.

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The Unadilla Valley School District is on a 2 hour delay this morning, due to icy secondary road conditions.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-31-24

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 12-31-24

A new state law beginning tomorrow, will make the cost of Insulin on insurance cheaper. The law eliminates co-pays for insulin covered by health insurance plans, making New York the 1st state to eliminate co-pays. The American Diabetes Association estimates that about 1.8 million adult New Yorkers have the illness, the measure is expected to save New Yorkers $14 million in 2025.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40 year old Eric Nelson of Afton for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Town of North Norwich. Nelson was arrested after Deputies initiated a traffic stop, Nelson was a passenger in the vehicle, he was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine. Nelson was transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing & was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in Court at a later date.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that they are offering a Defensive Driving Course in Delhi next week. Drivers are able to reduce the cost of their auto insurance coverage by taking the Course offered at Chamber’s Business Center in Delhi on Tuesday, January 7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Certificates of completion will be issued to each participant’s home and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified of attendance. Students are responsible to notify their insurance carriers. The course fee is $35 and attendance is limited to 20 people. Advance registration is required by calling 607-538-9632.

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Hill City Celebrations is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve event today from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. A variety of entertainment is scheduled & families can still drive through Neahwa Park & see the lights on display, more information is available at the Hill City Celebration’s Facebook page for this & other future events.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-31-24

Starting January 1st, the minimum wage will go up 50 cents, followed by another 50-cent increase starting January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will be set at $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County and the rest of the state will be set at $16. More information about minimum wage can be found on the New York State Department of Labor’s website at dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 53 year old Donald Lane of Oneonta for Sex Offender Failure to Update Change of Address, Failure to Provide Updated Photograph and Failure to Complete Annual Verification. Lane was located in the City of Oneonta by the Oneonta Police Department and taken in to custody on an active warrant issued by the Town of Middlefield Court, he was turned over to deputies who processed him and lodged him in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33 year old Nicole Conklin of Otego for 3rd degree Assault following an investigation into a reported physical domestic dispute in the Village of Schenevus. Conklin caused physical injury to another party, she was later located and taken into custody and was then turned over to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await arraignment, an order of protection was issued to protect the victim.

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State Police were dispatched to I-81 in Cortlandville for a 2-vehicle crash with injuries. Police reported that a Toyota rear-ended a Honda, then traveled into the center median. Troopers broke the window of the Toyota to remove 54 year old Kenneth Thompson of McDonough, who was breathing but unconscious, he was taken to a Syracuse Hospital, the driver of the Honda, 43 year old Darrell Batchelor of Colorado & his passenger, 60 year old Eddy Larson of Wyoming were both checked out by EMS on scene but were not transported to a hospital. The investigation is on-going.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-30-24

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-30-24

Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced security measures are being taken this week by state agencies ahead of New Year’s Eve. State Police will be at maximum staffing through the New Year’s holiday and there will be an increased presence of Troopers at critical infrastructure and transportation facilities statewide. State Police will monitor all mass gatherings and share intelligence with other law enforcement agencies to keep New Yorkers safe. Troopers will also be highly visible on interstates and state highways as part of a dedicated holiday traffic enforcement initiative targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.

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The State Department of Health encourages New Yorkers to get the flu vaccine following an increase in influenza cases and hospitalizations in New York State. During the week ending on December 21, there was an 86 percent increase in lab-confirmed influenza cases, and 648 hospitalized influenza cases were reported to the Department, a 57 percent increase from the 414 hospitalizations reported the week prior, the sixth consecutive week of increases. Current influenza information is available at nyshc.health.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle speeding recently at 85-mph in the 40mph zone, while road conditions were poor and snowplows were out clearing snow. Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies identified the driver as 21-year-old Scott Barnhart of Walton, he was charged with one count of Reckless driving, speeding and other lesser charges, Barnhart was released and was directed to appear in the Town Davenport Court at a later date.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59 year old Robert Solberg of Milford Saturday, for Criminal Contempt. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested Solberg following an investigation into a violation of a temporary order of protection and a trespassing complaint, where he was found to have entered the residence of the protected party, he was turned over to the Correctional Facility to await arraignment. State Police and the Otsego County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-30-24

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Carol Bishop & 34 year old Timothy Bishop of Laurens following an investigation into an animal cruelty complaint. At the conclusion of the investigation, both were charged with 14 counts each for torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance, they were processed & released on appearance tickets for the Town of Laurens Court at a later date.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old William Killenberger of East Worcester for Criminal Mischief, Aggravated Harassment, Endangering the welfare of a child & resisting Arrest following an investigation into a domestic dispute in East Worcester. Killenberger is accused of damaging property during the course of the dispute and then fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival. An arrest warrant was applied for and he was located, While attempting to take the suspect into custody, he began fighting with Deputies and was subsequently taken into custody, he was processed and later turned over to the Otsego County Jail for arraignment.

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New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they’re using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The law requires state agencies to perform assessments of any software that uses algorithms or AI techniques, and then submit those reviews to the governor and top legislative leaders along with posting them online. It also bars the use of AI in certain situations, such as an automated decision on whether someone receives unemployment benefits or child care assistance, unless the system is being consistently monitored by a human.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the death of an inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility. Body cam footage shows Brooks was assaulted by multiple State Corrections Officers within the Infirmary Building at the Marcy Correctional Facility, Brooks was transported by ambulance to Wynn Hospital on Dec. 10, where he was pronounced dead, a dozen corrections officers and a nurse are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the death. An autopsy of Brooks was performed by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office on December 11.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-27-24

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-27-24

Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42 year old Christopher Devins of Milford, for Sex Offender Failure to Report Change in Status, following an investigation in to a report of a Registered Sex Offender operating a Facebook account not listed on his sex offender registry, and doing so under a false name. Additionally, Devins was found to have prior convictions of violations of the sex offender registry, he was located by deputies at his residence in the Town of Milford and taken in to custody without incident, he was processed and turned over to corrections staff to await further court proceedings.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 year old Benjamin Combes of New Lisbon on 38 counts of Criminal Contempt. The Investigation revealed that Combes contacted the protected party of an order of protection 38 times while incarcerated in the Otsego County Correctional Facility. Combes was processed and returned to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await further court proceedings.

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The United Way of Mid Rural New York Campaign Ends, & they are seeking donations to try to meet their annual goal. Donations help various programs, donations can be made online at uwmrny.org/Donate.

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A 2025 Virtual Challenge hosted by the Bainbridge Glow Run will benefit former B-G Bobcat Apryl Mazepa, who has been battling cancer for 14 years and needs financial assistance to pay for medical expenses. The Virtual Run is online & starts January 1st and ends March 31st, Registration is free for kids under 18 and adults over 85, registration is available at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Bainbridge/MilesForTheMazepas.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-27-24

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that requires large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects while creating a ‘Climate Superfund’ to support New York-based projects that bolster New York’s resiliency to climate impacts like flooding and extreme heat, it also closes a loophole that broadens laws against “Fracking” in New York State.

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New York Farm Bureau announced that Governor Hochul signed 10 bills into law that were endorsed by them this year. 1 law authorizes the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of alcoholic beverages, which allows distilleries & cideries the same shipping privileges enjoyed by wineries and liquor stores, another Clarifies the law that requires each livestock and equine rescue facility to hold a Domestic Animal Health Permit and another Allows the DEC commissioner to enter into contracts for maple tree tapping and sap production on state lands, another new law allows for fresh produce from farms for incarcerated individuals.

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The Bainbridge Rotary Club is sponsoring a Blood Drive Saturday at the Town Hall at 15 North Main Street. the Drive will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Appointments can be made at 1-800- red cross, redcrossblood.org or with the Blood Donor App.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-26-24

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-26-24

Members of the Oneonta Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 88 Ford Avenue this morning at approximately 7:30am. The fire was quickly contained and all occupants were able to evacuate safely. Mutual aid was provided by West Oneonta Fire Department, Franklin Fire & Rescue, Otsego County Office of Emergency Services.

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The Deposit Fire Department and the Eastern Broome Emergency Services were dispatched to a fire on Monday at about 4:00 AM on China Road in Deposit. The fire was not reported until well after it had started, the fire was deemed accidental. Deposit Fire fighters received mutual aid from Masonville, Trout Creek & Hancock Fire Departments and the Delaware County Office of Emergency Services. No injuries were reported.

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State Police remind area motorists that they are continuing with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, through January 1, 2025. In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, law enforcement officers will be watching for speeding drivers, distracted drivers and drivers violating the “Move Over Law.”

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Local Fire Departments were called for a structure fire at 1104 County Route 37 in Mount Upton This morning. The structure was a total loss and the investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-26-24

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45 year old Angela Williams of Oxford for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment. Deputies responded to an address in the Town of Oxford for a domestic dispute. Williams was taken into custody without incident and arraigned in centralized arraignment. Williams was released on her own recognizance and is to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date.

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39 year old Richard Santiago of Unadilla pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell in Delaware County Court Monday. Santiago was arrested initially for possessing narcotics in Sidney in December of 2023, he will likely be sentenced to 3 years in state prison followed by 1 year of post release Supervision, sentencing is scheduled for February 25th.

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A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 4 count indictment against 55 year old Paul Petrosky of Walton on charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly selling the drugs in front of a child. Petroskey will face a court conference on January 28th.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23 year old Amanda Campbell of Norwich for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Campbell allegedly engaged in a relationship with a juvenile victim, she was released on an appearance ticket and will appear in Town of Smithville Court at a later date.

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The State DEC announced that more than $16 million in Climate Smart Communities Grant awards went to municipalities across the state as part of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Locally, the City of Oneonta will get $1,669,135 to construct pedestrian and bike trail improvements along the Lettis Highway and Routes 23 and 28, linking the city and the Southside commercial area.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-24-24

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-24-24

The Unadilla Fire Department responded at about 4:40 PM Monday to a vehicle fire on the eastbound lane of I-88. Crews were on scene quickly & were assisted by State Police and DOT. WCDO will have more details as they become available.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 52 year old Gary Hackett of Norwich for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia. On December 19th, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 34 in the Town of Norwich, they discovered Methamphetamine, and drug packaging material. Hackett was taken into custody without incident, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without Bail pending future court action.

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Governor Hochul signed legislation that will increase the accessibility of home heating aid and help identify more seniors who are eligible for HEAP. Applicants and participants of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program, also known as EPIC, will be provided information and instructions for enrollment in HEAP, The Department of Health will provide HEAP information and enrollment information with each EPIC application, More information is available at ny.gov.

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Gene Schmidt & his family are once again providing a free community Christmas meal from 1-4 at the Elks Lodge, 104 River Street in Sidney, and volunteers can help set up today or serve tomorrow at the 12th annual event:

(Gene Schmidt 12-24-24)

All are welcome to attend, those who would like to volunteer today or tomorrow can can contact Gene at at 607-610-4030.

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The Susquehanna SQSPCA is hosting a Holiday Pajama Party today it their Cooperstown location, from 9 am. to 2 pm. Adoption fees will also be waived at the event if people show up in their pajamas. More information is available at sqspca.org.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-23-24

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-23-24

Some Wintry weather should be affecting the region tonight into tomorrow, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 12-23-24)

We’ll have the rest of the WCDO Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

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State Police responded responded Friday to State Route 34 in the town of Barton for a head-on collision with injuries. A preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that a Toyota Highlander driven by 42 year old Janesa Lorenzo of the Bronx crossed into the opposite lane of travel and struck a Chevy Silverado pick-up truck head-on, driven by 68 year old Gary Sinsabaugh of Athens, Pennsylvania Sinsabaugh was pronounced dead at the scene. Janesa Lorenzo was transported to Packer in critical condition. Front Seat passenger, 56-year-old Delroy Christie from the Bronx was taken to Packer Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Rear seat passenger, 41 year old Carlos Lorenzo from the Bronx, was pronounced deceased on scene, another Rear seat passenger was 38 year old Sabrina Surita of New Jersey succumbed to her injuries at Packer Hospital. The investigation is on-going.

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41 year old William Sabines of McDonough was sentenced to 8 years in prison last week, in connection with the death of Jesse Donlin in 2019. Sabines admitted to causing the death of Donlin and attempting to conceal his crimes, Sabines pleaded guilty in October to 1st-degree manslaughter and concealment of a human corpse in connection with Donlin’s death.

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The State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for November, The State’s unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in November, locally, Chenango Country reported 3% unemployment, Delaware Country registered 3.4% and Otsego County had 3.3% unemployment in November.

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Delaware Opportunities and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce provided Christmas gifts to Delaware County children in need this month, Over 800 children from nearly 300 families benefited from this collaborative effort this year.

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The Chenango Arts Council has been awarded at $40,000 Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. The State Council has awarded $82 million this year to 509 artists and 1,497 organizations across the state.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-23-24

Otsego County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of Jamesan Conville of Pennsylvania. Conville was charged with reckless endangerment for driving off with an Otsego County Deputy partially inside of his car and dragged the deputy 300 feet. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on I-88 in the Town of Milford after Conville was clocked at about 100 miles an hour. Conville is expected to serve between 1 to 4 years in state prison.

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State Police reported that a small Beechcraft aircraft made an emergency landing on the State Thruway in the city of Albany Friday afternoon. The pilot was 19 year old Logan Steed of South Carolina, he told police that he realized he wouldn’t make the Albany Airport runway due to mechanical issues and instead decided to land on the Thruway. Steed & his 2 passengers were not injured, they were heading to Vermont, State Police and the FAA continue to investigate the incident.

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Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others celebrated the re-opening of its new recovery center, “The Turning Point of Delaware County” on Friday. The new facility provides a new and improved space for people struggling with substance abuse and addiction. The building additionally has a private entrance to keep confidentiality for patients going to the downtown Delhi location.

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