P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-25

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 2-count indictment against 36 year old Benjamin Combes of New Lisbon, for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, & Predator Sexual Assault against a child. Combes is accused of engaging in acts of sexual conduct against a child less than 13 years old, he faces up to 25 years in prison and 20 years of post-release supervision, Combes is currently incarcerated in Otsego County for unrelated charges. He is scheduled to be transported to Delaware County Court for arraignment on January 28th. .

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a scam that has been circulating, where someone claims to be working with the Sheriff’s Office and asking for money for missing court dates. Sheriff Cutting announced that members of the Sheriff’s Office do not call asking for money regarding criminal matters, and anyone with further questions can call the Sheriff’s Office at 607-334-2000

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Governor Hochul is proposing $8 million dollars in her executive budget to strengthen security at the Northern Border by adding more state troopers:

(Hochul 1-24-25)

There have been increased numbers of illegal Immigrants crossing the norther border with Canada coming from Mexico & Central American Countries, and they are suspected of sneaking in illicit drugs, after crackdowns at the Southern Border.

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22 school districts were designated in some level of fiscal stress under State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for the school year ending this June, up from 16 districts in fiscal stress last year. The low number of districts with stress designations largely reflects recent increases in state and federal aid, there were no districts within the WCDO listening on the list this year.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-24-25

State Police executed a search warrant at a property on Mudge King Road in the town of North Norwich Wednesday night as part of an investigation into possible animal neglect. Over 4 dozen animals were removed, including 30 horses, all animals were all in need of medical care & were taken to various animal rescue locations around the region, Police located multiple deceased animals on the property. The landowners are cooperating with State Police, who were assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Chenango County Office of Emergency Management, the Susquehanna SPCA, Chenango County SPCA, and numerous animal care professionals and advocates. The investigation is on-going.

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The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved $273 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. Locally, Funding was approved for the City of Norwich for $4 million in grant and interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades, the Village of Sherburne receives $3.7 million grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

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The State DEC announced $342,500 in grants were awarded to 17 municipalities across the state to purchase or lease zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles as part of the Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Rebate Program. The 2024 round of the program is making 17 awards to municipalities, Recipients of the 2024 rebate awards include the City of Binghamton, with $15,000 for 3 battery electric vehicles & the Town of Oneonta, with $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.

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Various Law Enforcement Officials in Broome County joined with the Lindsey family, to express their opposition to the potential parole of James Wales, the convicted murderer of 12-year-old Cheri Lindsey in 1984. Wales was convicted for rape and murder, he has been denied parole 5 times since becoming eligible in 2017, he is scheduled for consideration by the New York State Parole Board.

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The Oneonta Rotary & the Otsego County Department of Health announced the installation of 5 new Narcan Boxes throughout the county as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The vending machines are located in Cherry Valley, Edmeston, Cooperstown, and Richfield Springs, the Oneonta Narcan Box is located at the Elm Park Methodist Church.

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The Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre and Gallery Presents The Kevin Prater Band Saturday night, Jericho Arts Council Spokesman Phil Wade Comments:

(Phil Wade)

Ticket Reservations are available by calling (607) 288-3882.

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