P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-1-23

Former Broome County Executive Assistant in the Broome County DA’s Office, James Worhach, pleaded guilty to felony Grand Larceny In Broome County Court this week. Worhach admitted to stealing more than $1,000 from Broome County to pay for unauthorized parking for himself and former District Attorney Stephen Cornwell, in a commercial parking lot from 2016-2019. Previously, Worhach pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for working to cover up a felony DWI arrest of Cornwell in 1995, by wiping it out of the DA computer system. Worhach will be sentenced on March 7th, he faces up to 4 years in prison, and the prosecution will seek $5,455 in restitution.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies noticed a disabled tractor trailer on State Highway 17 on January 20th, Upon making contact with the driver, 34 year old Jeiron Vallejo of Bronx, was found to be operating the tractor trailer with a suspended registration & without insurance. Deputies charged Vallejo with Operating a Motor Vehicle while Registration is Suspended, he was released on an appearance ticket to the Colchester Town Court at a later date.

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Sidney Federal Credit Union has partnered with the National Forest Foundation to plant a tree for every new member and business account enrolled at the credit union in 2023, spokesman Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 2-1-23)

Smith said that Membership currently stands more than 65,000 strong and assets total more than $800 million, that is expected to grow with the expansion into new markets around the state in the coming years.

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State Senator Peter Oberacker Supported the Senate approval of legislation to help increase safety for limousine passengers. The comprehensive package of bills follows recommendations advanced by the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force:

(Oberacker 2-1-23)

The task force was created as a direct result of the deadly crash in the Town of Schoharie in Ocotber of 2018 where 20 people died, the legislation passed by the state senate must still be approved by the state assembly and signed by the governor to take effect.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Saturday Night, the vehicle had failed to maintain operation within its designated lane of travel, by crossing over the center roadway markings multiple times. Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 22-year-old Paul Akinware of New York, A check of Akinware’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were suspended in the State of New York. Deputies subsequently arrested Akinware For Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failing to Turn in License to DMV, Unlicensed Operator, Moving from lane unsafely and No/Inadequate Lights, Akinware was released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli oversees more than 46 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $17.5 billion. In February, staff from the Comptroller’s office will attend community events to help residents search for lost and forgotten money that is owed to them, New Yorkers can also check at ouf.osc.state.ny.us or by calling 1-800-221-9311.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 2-1-23

Governor Kathy Hochul will present the Executive Budget Proposal at the Capitol at 12:00 Noon today. The budget will be turned over to the legislature for consideration ,they have until April 1st to get it passed.

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State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation released its report on the death of Paul Weeden in Walton. On October 4th 2021, Weeden called 911 and said he was going to hurt himself & needed a police officer sent to 14 Griswold Street, A Walton Police Officer responded who requested back up from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy met the Walton officer at Weeden’s residence. Weeden called the officer to come inside, he was covered by a blanket, and asked the officer to come closer. The officer asked Weeden to take his hands out from under the blanket, Weeden was holding a gun, the officer retreated out the front door, urging Weeden to drop the weapon, Weeden moved to the front door with his gun pointed at the officer, and the officer fired his service weapon, Weeden fell, but then raised the gun, and the officer fired again. Weeden was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a pellet gun at the scene, there were no markings on The gun that distinguished it from a firearm. The Attorney General’s Office determined that criminal charges could not be pursued against the officer.

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Deposit Fire Department responded on Saturday to a fatal fire on Lumber Road in the town of Deposit. The fire started around 4 pm. and the house was deemed a total loss, the name of the victim has not been released pending family notification. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Firefighters from Afton, Hancock, Harpursville, Masonville, and West Windsor fire departments responded.

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The largest open-access electric vehicle fast charging hub in the Southern Tier region is open, as the New York Power Authority developed the 16-charger site at Hancock Town Hall in Delaware County in partnership with Tesla along Route 17. The site includes 8 universal charging ports installed by the Power Authority and 8 Supercharger ports by Tesla for its EVs.

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Several Fire Companies were assisting Bainbridge this morning for a structure fire at State route 206 and Butts Road. that was called in at about 4:00 AM. WCDO news will have more details as they become available.

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