State Lawmakers are calling on Governor Cuomo today to repeal or delay his bail reform changes that are scheduled to take effect on January 1st. The reforms would allow hundreds of defendants accused of offenses considered “non-violent” to walk free of bail while awaiting trial, Some of crimes that are included are criminal sale of a controlled substance, 2nd Degree Manslaughter, money laundering in support of terrorism, failure to register as a sex offender, promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child and aggravated cruelty to animals.
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Delaware County Fire Investigators are trying to determine how a fire started at the East Branch Harvard Methodist Church in East Branch Monday Morning. The fire was reported by a passerby, and preliminary reports suggest that the fire started in the steeple. Church officials are trying to determine if the church can be rebuilt, no injuries among 75 responding firefighters were reported.
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The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting 2 events this month in time for the upcoming Holiday Season. On Saturday November 23rd, The Chamber is holding the Small Business Holiday Gift Shop, 9am to 3pm at Afton Central School Gymnasium, and November 30th is Small Business Saturday on Main Street, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, interested vendors can register at localvendorconnection.com.
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Enrollment for New York’s “HEAP” program is now open. New Yorkers who need heating assistance can take action now to determine their eligibility and get enrolled as quickly as possible. Eligibility and benefits are based on a number of factors, including: income, household size, the primary heating source and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older, or who is permanently disabled. For more information is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies’ arrested 25 year old Michael Stein of Delhi for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Harassment & a Parole Violation. Stein allegedly engaged another person in a physical domestic dispute in the Town of Delhi; he was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail pending future action in Town of Delhi Court.
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Local governments in New York levied a total of $36.6 billion in property taxes in 2019, a 2.4% increase over 2018, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. There are more than 3,700 taxing jurisdictions; property tax levies increased the most in cities at 6.1%, towns at 4.4% and school districts at 4%. Village levies grew by only 1.7%; the full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.
Icy Road conditions slowed down commuters this morning, many area school districts have delayed opening today; WCDO will air “StormWatch” reports throughout this morning.
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The State DEC announced that big game hunting in New York’s Southern Zone begins Saturday. Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bow hunting and muzzle loading seasons will run from Monday, December 9, through Tuesday, December 17. The DEC is reminding hunters of their “HuntFishNY” mobile app, to report deer or bear harvests, the DEC Phone hotline for reporting is also operating at 1-866-GAME-RPT.
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