WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-3-18

by wcdonews Posted on January 4, 2018

Governor Cuomo delivered his state of the State address this afternoon to a joint session of the legislature in Albany, he asked lawmakers to cooperate, in a time of political divisiveness:

(Cuomo 1-3-18)

Both Houses of the legislature will get to work this week on the agenda, topping the list is dealing with a state budget that already has a 4 billion dollar deficit attached.
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51 YEAR OLD DONALD SAVASTANO, A PRIVATE CONTRACTOR FROM SIDNEY, IS THE LATEST NEW YORK LOTTERY MILLIONAIRE, HAVING WON WITH A “MERRY MILLIONAIRE” SCRATCH OFF GAME PURCHASED AT THE MIRABITO CONVENIENCE STORE IN MASONVILLE ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO. SAVASTANO WAS INTRODUCED AT THE STORE BY NEW YORK LOTTERY TV SPOKESWOMAN YOLANDA VEGA THIS MORNING, HE DESCRIBED THE DAY HE BOUGHT THE WINNING TICKET:

(DONALD SAVASTANO 1-3-18)

SAVASTANO WILL RECEIVE OVER $661,000 AFTER TAXES, HE SAID THAT HE PLANS TO CONTINUE TO WORK, AND REMAIN LIVING IN THE SIDNEY AREA.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested 46-year-old William Shaver of Fish’s Eddy for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation after he was observed operating a tractor-trailer on State Highway 17 in an erratic manner. Shaver was found to have an active Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Hancock Court for resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless driving and failure to comply. Shaver was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court where he posted $1500 cash bail. Shaver is to reappear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 60-year-old Alice Pliauplis of Walton, following a report of an order of protection violation in the Town of Walton. Pliauplis allegedly engaged in threatening and harassing behavior toward a protected person for whom an Order of Protection was issued, she was charged with Criminal Contempt and was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court & was released on her own recognizance to reappear at a later date.
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The Binghamton Devils today announced that they would host a job fair at the Floyd L. Maines Arena on January 10th. The job fair will run from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, businesses interested in having a booth at the event should call 722-7387.
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State Police became involved in a pursuit with a suspect wanted on a warrant of arrest in the City of Binghamton yesterday afternoon at about 5:00 PM. The pursuit reached the intersection of Conklin Avenue and Alfred Street, troopers were attempting to apprehend the suspect when he intentionally struck a trooper with his vehicle, the suspect sustained a gunshot wound, and fled the scene. He was apprehended a short distance away and was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital for treatment. The trooper was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Both the trooper and suspect are in stable condition. State Police officials said that additional information will be released as this investigation continues.
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State Police responded Friday to a report of a 2 vehicle collision on State Route 28, in the town of Franklin. 31 year old James Crosby of Delhi drifted into the southbound lane of State Route 28 and struck a tractor trailer head on. 42 year old Jamie Dougherty of Oneonta was operating the Tractor-Trailer attempted to avoid being struck by Crosby, drifted off the road, striking a stone wall, and coming to rest in the woods. Doughtery was transported to Fox Hospital, Crosby was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is continuing.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce next meeting will be held at Trackside Dining this morning at 7:45am

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-2-18

by wcdonews Posted on January 2, 2018

Yolanda Vega of New York Lottery will present a ceremonial prize check to a Sidney man who won the $1 million top prize on the holiday-themed “Merry Millionaire” scratch-off ticket. The unidentified man purchased his ticket at the Mirabito Quickway on State Route 8 in Masonville on his way home from work; Yolanda Vega will present a $1,000,000 over-sized prize check to the newest Lottery Millionaire at the Masonville store tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM.
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Governor Cuomo’s 2018 State of the State Address is scheduled for tomorrow in Albany. The address will be delivered to a joint session of the legislature at 1:00 PM Wednesday at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The governor has outlined much of his 2018 agenda in recent weeks, and will have to put together a budget with a 4 billion dollar deficit, the budget is due April 1st.
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Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond will hold an active shooter/ disturbance Training session in Sidney on January 17th, Sheriff Dumond told WCDO News about the session:

(Dumond 1-2-18)

The session will be held in January 17th at the Sacred Heart Church on Liberty Street in Sidney starting at 10:00 AM.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Sean Gillespie of Bovina on charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs, 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and speeding 82 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith Friday. Gillespie allegedly possessed Ecstasy, marijuana, and Hydrocodone; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 bail. 19-year-old Jeffrey Bowie of Hamden was an occupant in Gillespie’s vehicle, he was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance & unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing Ecstasy & marijuana, he was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 bail.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their first meeting of 2018 this evening at City Hall. The meeting will get underway at 7:00 PM in the council chambers on the 2nd floor.

Troy Police announced the arrest of 2 men Saturday in connection with the slayings of 4 people in a basement apartment recently. 38 year old James White and 24 year old Justin Mann of Scheneactady were each charged with 1st-degree murder and 4 each counts of 2nd-degree murder, for the killings of Shanta Myers, her 11 year old son Jeremiah, her 5 year old daughter Shanise Myers & & 22-year-old Brandi Mells. Troy Police said that Myers 15 year ols son was out of town on a retreat at the time of the murders, White & Mann are being held without bail in the Rensselaer County Jail.
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Several new laws are officially on the books with the change of the calendar year. Paid family leave allows for New York employees who work for private employers to take up to 8 weeks of paid family leave for a variety of personal family reasons. New York’s minimum wage increased to $10.40 for the upstate counties, The wage hikes are part of a multi-year increase approved by Cuomo and lawmakers in 2016. Also, Middle-class taxpayers will see a small cut in their state income taxes this year, most area joint filers & most single filers will have a drop in their rate to 6.33% The cut is part of new income rates approved by Cuomo and lawmakers in the last two budgets.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that New York would join the FirstNet First Responder Network – a nationwide, high speed, wireless broadband network that was created exclusively for first responders and the public safety community. The network, which was created through a public-private partnership between AT&T and the federal government, will put advanced technology, and devices into the hands of first responders to give them the tools they need to better communicate and share information in emergency situations.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “State Of The State” Breakfast today starting at 8:00 AM. The event will be held at the SUNY Oneonta Morris Hall Otsego Grill.
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The next regular meeting of the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce is today at 5:30 pm at The Meeting Place, 187 Main Street, Unadilla. All directors and members are urged to attend.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-29-17

by wcdonews Posted on December 29, 2017

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced that the Filtration Waiver granted to towns & counties in the City’s upstate Watershed has been granted for another 10 years. The agreement was reached 20 years ago after lengthy negotiations between the City, The State & a coalition of local leaders from the towns affected by the original onerous regulations proposed in 1989. The agreement allowed for New York City to receive water from the upstate reservoirs without building an expensive filtration system.
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The City of Oneonta announced that City Hall would be closed on Monday, New Year’s Day. Oneonta City Hall will re-open on Tuesday January 2nd, a Common Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM.
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Due to the amount of calls & inquiries about Governor Cuomo’s executive Order regarding prepaying taxes, The Guilford Town Clerk’s office announced that they are now open today, until 1:00 PM. More Information is available at 895-9966.
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Long time area businessman George McLain announced that he is retiring after 51 years in business & his Bainbridge & Oneonta offices will be under new management next week:

(George McLain 12-29-17)

McLain said that the records of all of his customers will remain in the Bainbridge & Oneonta offices under the new H&R Block ownership.
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The state DEC announced that the statewide Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program is available for participation by PHARMACIES, HOSPITALS AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. The PROGRAM is funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, with resources from the fund used to cover the full cost of purchasing U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-compliant medication drop boxes, as well as the cost of pick up, transport, and destruction of collected waste pharmaceuticals for a two-year period. The program is being instituted as Flushed medications have been found in New York lakes, rivers, and streams and can negatively affect the waterways, as well as the concerns about unused pharmaceuticals getting into the wrong hands. Retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities are encouraged to enroll online at dec.ny.gov/chemical or at on.ny.gov/rxpilot.
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Governor Cuomo unveiled the 15th proposal of the 2018 State of the State: launch a comprehensive program to provide students access to healthy, locally-sourced meals from kindergarten through college. There are nearly 2.7 million New Yorkers, including almost 1 million children, who do not have consistent access to the food they need to live an active, healthy life. The Governor’s No Student Goes Hungry Program includes investments to expand the Farm to School program, legislation to expand access to free breakfast and policy changes to ensure students in kindergarten through college receive access to farm-fresh foods in a quality learning environment.
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The 2017 Frostbite 5K will be held this Sunday, at 1:00 PM at the Oneonta YMCA. Race Day Registration & number pick up will be held at the Oneonta Family YMCA between 10:00 am & 12:30 pm, the RACE STARTS AT 1:00 PM on Market Street near The Foothills Performing Arts Center and ends at the Oneonta Family YMCA on Ford Avenue.
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State DOT officials announced the completion of a $3.9 million replacement of the State Route 7 Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the Town of Worcester. Construction of the new bridge was expedited and completed in one construction season, replacing a bridge that opened in 1941. Approximately 2,000 vehicles per day travel the Route 7 Bridge.

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IT WAS AN HISTORIC WEEK FOR THE B-G GIRLS BASKETBALL PROGRAM AS THE LADY BOBCATS ADDED 2 NEW MEMBERS TO THE 1,000 CAREER POINT CLUB. SENIOR MEGAN PALMATIER REACHED THE MARK ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AGAINST TIOGA AND JUNIOR ABIGAIL SELFRIDGE ACHIEVED THE MILESTONE ON THURSDAY NIGHT AGAIN DEPOSIT-HANCOCK. PALMATIER & SELFRIDGE ARE THE 6TH AND 7TH MEMBERS IN SCHOOL HISTORY TO REACH THE 1,000 POINT CLUB FOR GIRLS. THE BOBCATS ALSO CAPTURED THE KAZALSKI TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP LAST NIGHT WITH SELFRIDGE BEING NAMED THE MVP.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-28-17

by wcdonews Posted on December 28, 2017

Police in Troy have released the names of the 4 victims in a quadruple homicide in a basement apartment. Police reported that the bodies of 5-year-old Shanise Myers, 11-year-old Jeremiah Myers, their mother 36 year old Shanta Myers and 22 year old Brandi Mells were found dead Tuesday afternoon, Police are trying to determine when the murders occurred and who committed the murders. Troy Police are receiving assistance from the State Police.
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The cold temperatures could be sticking around for a while, Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meterologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 12-28-17)

Residents are reminded to try to avoid Hypothermia & frostbite, by spending only short periods of time outside, Avoid higher elevations, wear items of clothing to cover all skin including Layers of synthetic or wool winter clothing, Warm socks and winter boots, Insulated, wind resistant Hat and gloves or mittens, a Scarf or ski mask as well as Goggles or glasses.
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As a response to the federal tax bill limiting the deduction for state and local taxes, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order allowing New Yorkers to pay their 2018 property taxes in 2017. There has been some confusion locally about who needs to take advantage of this offer, Sidney Town Clerk Lisa French explains:

(Lisa French 12-28-17)

French said that residents should consult their local City, Town or County Tax department or their tax preparer or tax attorney regarding the details, those particicpating need to make their Payments by December 31st.
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After 15 years of absence, Broome County is once again home to African Lions. A new cub recently came to reside at Animal Adventure Park, The female cub is 3 months old, its addition will be will be celebrated on World Lion Day, Friday, August 10th, with the celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34 year old Russell Mills of Delancey for Criminal Mischief. Mills is accused of intentionally preventing another person from placing a 911 phone call to law enforcement during a domestic dispute. Mills was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance; he will reappear in the Town of Hamden Court for further court proceedings at a later date.
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New York Farm Bureau has released its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 172 New York State Legislators to this year’s list. The “Circle of Friends” honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau has either supported this year. Local “Circle of Friends” recipients for 2017 are State senator’s Fred Akshar, John Bonacic, Jim Seward & Assembly Members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.
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The Broome County Legislature approved the proposal to accept $3 million dollars in state money to help turn the former Broome Developmental Center into an Opioid Crisis center operated by a Syracuse Healthcare group. The center could be open as soon as next month, and could treat up to 3200 patients suffering from Opioid Addictions.
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The 2017 Greater Binghamton Job & Career Fair is being held today. Many area employers will have representatives at the Job Fair, which is being held at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-27-17

by wcdonews Posted on December 27, 2017

Police in the city of Troy are investigating 4 suspicious deaths in a basement apartment at 158 2nd Avenue in the city, so far, no arrests have been announced, the names of the deceased have not been released & the investigation is continuing.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested Joseph Schmierer of Delhi on a Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Sidney Court for the charges of Making a Terrorist Threat, Assault, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, & Criminal Contempt of the Legislature. Schmierer was arraigned in the Town of Sidney and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 secured bond.
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25-year old Danielle Agosto of Endicott faces several charges, for allegedly fracturing the skull of a 3 year old. Agosto was charged with assault & Endangering the welfare of a child for the attack that occured in October. Agosto is being held in the Broome County Jail.
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28-year old Robert Mikulski of Endicott was arrested on Saturday on robbery and drug charges, after he allegedly tried to rob Matt’s Barber shop located in Endicott Saturday afternoon. Mikulski was taken into custody a few blocks away after fleeing on foot, he was found to possess methamphetamine and heroin. Mikulski was arraigned & was sent to the Broome County Jail pending additional court action.
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The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local unemployment rates for November. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.7% in November 2017. Locally, Chenango County increased to 5.4%, Delaware County’s rate was 5.3% & Otsego County increased to 5% in November.
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New York will require all animal shelters and rescues to check stray and abandoned animals for microchips. The measure was signed into law by Governor Cuomo recently, it will take effect in March of next year. The new law also requires shelters and rescues to make an effort to notify the animal’s human companion within 24 hours if they successfully identify the person through the information on the microchip.
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An American Red Cross Blood drive is being held today in Broome County, in honor of Trooper Christopher Skinner, who was fatally hit by a car during a traffic stop on I-81 in 2014. The Blood drives for the general public will be held today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, at the 5 Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood, the Binghamton State Office Building on Hawley Street & a Blood drive for State Troopers and their families will be held at the Trooper Barracks in Kirkwood. Those wishing to doante can make an appointment with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS
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The Broome County legislature is expected to vote today on the proposal to turn the former Broome Developmental Center into an Opioid Crisis center operated by a Syracuse Healthcare group. The center could be open as soon as next month, and could treat up to 3200 patients suffering from Opioid Addictions.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “State Of The State” Breakfast on Tuesday Janaury 2nd starting at 8:00 AM. The event will be held at the SUNY Oneonta Morris Hall Otsego Grill, reservations are requested at 432-4500.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-26-17

by wcdonews Posted on December 26, 2017

16-year-old Brandon Palmatier of Guilford has been identified as the youth shot accidentally Friday in the town of Guilford. State police investigating the incident said that it was an accidental shooting, at about 9:00 AM Friday in a residence on Chenango County Route 35 in the town of Guilford. The name of the person who accidentally discharged the rifle has not been identified.
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Governor Cuomo issued an emergency Executive Order to help protect property owners in New York from the devastating impact of the Trump tax bill. This order authorizes local governments to immediately issue tax warrants for the collection of 2018 property tax payments and allows property owners to pay at least a portion of their bill before the end of the year and under the current tax construct. The Governor directed the Department of Taxation and Finance to work with local governments to facilitate early tax collection. The federal tax plan caps the deductibility of state and local taxes at $10,000, effectively raising property taxes and reducing home values.
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Governor Cuomo has had a special task force created to crack down on illegal tobacco has seized more than $6 million worth of contraband cigarettes and cigars this year. $6.6 million was seized in 2017 is $1 million more than what authorities hauled in last year. The contraband included more than 1.5 million illegal cigars and 47,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes. The state’s Cigarette Strike Force also seized 134,000 counterfeit tax stamps and nearly $445,000 in cash. The crackdown resulted in the arrests of 85 cigarette and tobacco smugglers who face more than $7 million in fines. The governor directed the state Tax Department in 2014 to create the strike force to focus on illegal tobacco smuggling and sales.
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The Northeast Classic Car Museum announced that they will part of the “Great Race” on Sunday June 24th 2018. The Great race features Vintage cars that will race From Buffalo, starting June 23rd, & ending in Halifax Nova Scotia. About 120 cars are expected to participate in the race next June, they are expected at around Noon on Sunday June 24th. More information about the event is available is at greatrace.com.
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Mike & Anna Banks of Sidney announced plans to open “My Home Gym” on State Route 7 between Sidney & Bainbridge, at the site of the former “Peak Fitness” facility. Mike Banks told WCDO News that all new equipment is going in currently prior to the opening:

(Mike Banks 12-26-17)

My Home Gym is scheduled to open January 6th, more information is available at their Facebook page, with a link to a website for easy membership registration.
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State Police responded to a 2 vehicle crash Thursday in Franklin. 34 year old Chyanne Allen of Downsville was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where she died from injuries sustained from the crash and from suffering with a brittle bone disease. Troopers responded to an accident on state Route 357 where 25 year old Christopher Delong of Unadilla was backing a delivery van into a driveway when 65 year old Robert Allen of Downsville attempted to avoid the van by veering into the opposite lane, he was unable to avoid the vehicle and a passenger-side collision resulted. Delong and a passenger were not injured. Robert Allen was not injured; 25 year old Savannah Miller was taken to Bassett Medical Center for chest pain.
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A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down a Sealed Indictment Wednesday afternoon relating to a narcotics trafficking investigation. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30 year old Chellie Warner of Trout Creek, on a warrant charging for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Warner is accused of selling Fentanyl laced Heroin; she was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.
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Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced the indictment of 61 year old Anthony Bellissimo of Roxbury for theft of Public Assistance Benefits in excess of $42,000.00. Bellissimo was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury on 7 felony charges for Welfare Fraud, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree for allegedly collecting benefits he was not entitled to for 5 years.
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Otsego County will be increasing the tip fee rate at the Oneonta and Cooperstown Transfer stations effective January 1st, from $65/ton to $68/ton with a minimum fee of $20 for deliveries up to 588 lbs. More information is available at 547-4225 or otsegocounty.com/depts/sw.
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WCDO FRIDAY 12-22-17

by wcdonews Posted on December 26, 2017

State Police are investigating an accidental shooting that occurred in a residence in the town of Guilford this morning. The name of the deceased & the shooter have not been released, the investigation is on going.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an unidentified 16 year old at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus in the Town of Masonville Tuesday, following an investigation into a physical altercation involving a weapon on school grounds. The youth was charged with 1 count of 3rd degree Assault & 1 count of Menacing. The teen was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court and released into the custody of his guardian, pending further action by the Town of Masonville court.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27-year-old Jonathan Howard of Walton Thursday for leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle accident, making an unsafe lane change, and obstructing government administration. Howard is accused of leaving the scene of an alcohol related crash in an attempt to elude arrest by law enforcement. Howard was later released on appearance tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.
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Area Law Enforcement officials remind the public that New York’s “911 Good Samaritan” law provides protections from charge and prosecution for drug and alcohol possession for the victim and those who seek to help for an overdose victim. Law Enforcement officials reported that if someone suspects that a loved one is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose; don’t hesitate to call for help, as early intervention is an important factor in their recovery.
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The Oneonta Clerk’s office announced that City Hall will be closed on Monday, Christmas Day. The Operations Planning & Evaluation Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled, The Finance/Human Resources Committee will be held Wednesday at 5:00 PM, & on Thursday at 4:00 PM the Examining Board of Plumbers meeting will be held as scheduled. All meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

Governor Cuomo announced that road construction will be suspended during peak holiday travel times over the next two weekends to provide easier travel for residents and visitors. Governor Cuomo also urged motorists to abide by New York’s Move Over Law and utilize one of 64 text stops located across the state to text, make phone calls, or do other non-driving activities. All work behind temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects is suspended until 6:00 AM Tuesday. Some construction work behind permanent barriers or for emergency repairs may be done.
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A free Christmas dinner will be offered in Sidney on Christmas day at the Fire House on River Street, organizer gene Schmidt explains:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-17)

Schmidt said that those wanting to volunteer for the set up on Saturday or serving on Christmas, can contact him by email to KrautGene@yahoo.com this week.
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The Sidney Alumni Basketball Association will hold their annual Basketball game tonight in Sidney. Alumni Association spokesman Greg Davie explains:

(Greg Davie 12-22-17)

Davie said that each year, Association presents a $300 scholarship at graduation to a varsity basketball player determined by the coaching staff who shows dedication and team play.
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-21-17

by wcdonews Posted on December 21, 2017

The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo’s office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA’s office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 13 states; they are calling on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to reject deep cuts in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and anti-environmental riders in federal budget bills. The coalition charges that the EPA cuts and riders currently proposed by both houses will lead to more pollution, and an increase in damage to public health.” The coalition is urging Congress to pass a final budget that fully funds EPA and omits any anti-environmental riders.
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Governor Cuomo called for reforms that mandate transparency in political advertising, require online platforms to maintain an archive of political ads, and protect our State elections from outside influence. The proposal will also calls for the streamlining of voter registration services, remove unnecessary barriers that prevent participation in elections and increase accuracy in the voting process. Governor Cuomo will discuss the Strategy to the legislature during his State of The State Address next month.
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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans to certain small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations across New York, following the excessive rain on April 1st this year. The disaster declaration includes Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties; eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities qualify for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. More information is also available at 800-659-2955, by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications are also available at sba.gov/disaster. Loan Applications must be completed and submitted to the SBA by August 13, 2018.
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Governor Cuomo is encouraging State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to begin planning to divest the state retirement fund from fossil fuels companies. DiNapoli said that the State’s $200 billion Common Fund has been adding more investments into alternative fuel companies, but has not yet divested any funds from existing fossil fuel companies.
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The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced that the documentary “Reversing the Stigma” is now available to view on YouTube. “Reversing the Stigma” highlights the work being done in New York State to combat addiction and reminds viewers that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable. The film profiles multiple people in various stages of recovery, who share their stories and experiences. The state Office advises residents to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction, more information is also available at the State’s Talk2Prevent website.
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State Police responded to a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield. 56 year old Joseph Moore of Stamford failed to keep right and collided head on with a dump truck. Moore’s vehicle came to rest in a ditch, the dump truck tipped over onto the passenger side. Moore sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bassett Hospital, front seat passenger, 80 year old Joseph Moore Jr., of Stamford was also taken to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, backseat passenger 76 year old Erna Moore of Stamford, sustain serious injuries to her legs and body, she was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the dump truck 33 year old Roland Birdsall of Stamford, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bassett. The investigation by State Police is ongoing.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced state grants of $50,000 each for Charlotte Valley, Franklin & Unatego School Districts. Franklin and Unatego will use the grants to assist with general education and classroom needs. Charlotte Valley will use the funds to help with costs associated with a parking lot improvement project to correct drainage problems and enhance safety.
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A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich today in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood today from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District
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