CALIFORNIA – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS MONDAY 4-18-22

wcdonews — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 18:39:29 +0000

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-18-22

The National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect this evening & into tomorrow morning, Local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what the latest models are showing for this storm:

(Rich Townsend 4-18-22)

The Winter Storm warning is in effect from 6:00 PM tonight until 12:00 Noon tomorrow.

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The Binghamton Black Bears have made the playoffs with Game 1 of a prospective 3 game series tonight at the Arena against Danbury, Black Bears Spokesman Rob Lippolis told WCDO News that its been quite a while since there has been playoff hockey in Binghamton:

(Rob Lippolis 4-18-22)

Some tickets are still available for tonight’s game at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 607-722-7367.

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The State Health Department have included Broome and Tioga counties in an “orange zone” designation for counties at high risk of transmission of the latest strains of the COVID-19 virus . 10 counties have been designated orange, The Broome County Health Department reported 677 new confirmed cases of the virus since the middle of last week, with 31 people hospitalized on Friday & a 7 day positivity rate of 9.5%.

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The State DEC are reported sightings of the invasive Southern Pine Beetle, which is native to the southeastern U.S. They are known as destructive pests and pose a significant risk to New York’s pine forests. The DEC said that infestations are spreading and most recently were found in Saratoga County, as well as several locations in the Hudson Valley. DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation said they will be closely monitoring multiple State Parks.

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The US Census Bureau reported the top 5 states where Former New York residents have moved to over the last 2 years. The number 1 state that New Yorkers relocate to is New Jersey, nearly 60,000 people moved out of New York into Jersey. Florida was the in the 2nd position, followed by Pennsylvania, California & Connecticut.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies on patrol in Delhi observed a vehicle fail to stop for a stop sign, failing to signal a turn & traveling through a parking lot to avoid the intersection. Deputies identified the driver as 18 year old Mikaela Duran on Brooklyn, Duran had a BAC measured at .15%. she was charged with DWI & driving with a BAC of .08%, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol under age 21, as well as several other infractions, Duran was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-18-22

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services & the Worcester Fire Department have determined the cause of the recent fire in Worcester was accidental. It was determined that the fire originated from an electric appliance that was in use at Hidden Memories at 143 Main Street, the fire destroyed 3 downtown buildings.

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The Otsego County Department of Health will be offering an Additional Booster Dose Vaccination Clinic at the Otsego Meadows Complex Today. A registration link can be found on the Health Department Tab at otsegocounty.com, registration for the clinic is mandatory.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-28-20

wcdonews — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:38:46 +0000

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-28-20

Local law enforcement agencies participated in a traffic safety saturation detail last Thursday, organized by the State Police. 21 law enforcement members were involved in the detail that took place in Sidney, Agencies involved included the State Police, Village of Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Delaware County Probation Department, State Parole officers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A total of 21 traffic tickets were issued, there was 1 DWI, a violation of the Safe Act, 2 arrests for Criminal Possession of Methamphetamines, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and a probation violation.

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A small explosion at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown Tuesday injured 2 construction workers. the explosion occurred near the hospital’s receiving dock when a contractor was transporting equipment in an exterior stairwell connected to a construction site, 1 workers suffered severe injuries & was reported to Upstate medical Center in Syracuse, a 2nd construction worker was treated at Bassett for his injuries. The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Damage was minimal, hospital operations were not affected.

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Chobani announced that they are raising their minimum hourly wage from $13 to $15, starting in the first quarter of 2021, at the headquarters in Norwich, and at their Greek yogurt plants in South Edmeston and in Twin Falls, Idaho. Employees already making more than $15 an hour will see their pay increase by comparable amounts. Chobani’s average hourly rate at the facilities will be about $19 an hour.

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The Village of Sidney will have “Trick or Treat” hours Saturday for Halloween from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 10-28-20)

Mayor Matviak told WCDO News that the full list of recommendations for Halloween is available at the village’s Facebook page, or on their weekly Small Town Connects Email.

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Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 388 COVID 19 cases, with 45 Active Cases, 263 in Quarantine & 6 Hospitalizations. Chenango County has had 7deaths and they have conducted 35,774 tests.

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Broome County Health Department announced that they have had another 173 COVID 19 cases since Monday. They report 94 deaths, 2816 recoveries and over 4900 people are being monitored by the Health department. The State Health Department announced that the “Yellow Zone” in the southern part of Broome County had a 15% positivity rate for COVID testing on Monday.

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Hartwick College reported 3 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday. College officials confirm that there are 13 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is now up to 34.

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The Bainbridge Rotary Club will hold their annual Pancake Day; take out only, on Election Day November 3rd, at the Back of Bob’s Diner. Rotary spokesperson June White said that it is part of the Rotary’s effort to eradicate polio in the last 2 countries where it exists:

(June White 10-28-20)

White said that people must wear their masks and practice social distancing at the event next Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-28-20

Governor Cuomo announced that 98,413 test results were reported Monday, yielding 1,509 positive cases statewide. The state has 1083 Hospitalized, there are 233 in ICU Beds, 120 are on ventilators, and there were 15 more deaths Monday, bringing the state death toll to 25,758.

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Governor Cuomo announced that California has been added to New York State’s COVID-19 travel advisory. No areas have been removed; Non-Essential Interstate Travel to and from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey & Pennsylvania is discouraged. The List can be located at coronavirus.health.ny.gov

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Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 5 cases of COVID 19 reported today as well as another death related to the virus, giving the County 8 deaths since March, all were over 60. The Current Otsego Numbers: 986 total confirmed cases, 40 active cases, with no one hospitalized, 751 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 32 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

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Delaware County Public Health reported 3 more cases of COVID 19 Tuesday, with 17 active cases, 4 of those are hospitalized, and 119 are quarantined. The County reports a total of 160 cases, 134 recoveries, 9 deaths and over 23,500 tests have been performed.

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State Police arrested 56 year old Edward Hillery of Afton for 3rd degree Assault, following a report of an assault on Main Street in the village of Afton. Hillery allegedly punched a 70-year-old victim multiple times then pulled the victim to the ground and kicked the victim. The victim did sustain injuries and was checked out by Greene EMS but did not want to be transported. Hillery was virtually arraigned and released on his own recognizance. The judge issued an order of protection.

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State Police arrested 38 year old Nathaniel Lavender of Sweeny, Texas for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, after a trooper on patrol on Oak Street in the town of Deposit observed a vehicle with a vehicle and traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop. Lavender’s license has been suspended a total of 18 times, he was processed & was released on appearance tickets to the town of Deposit court on November 23rd.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 6-8-18

wcdonews — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 18:02:32 +0000

A plan to ban plastic grocery bags in New York State is not expected to pass the state legislature before the end of the 2018 session this month. Governor Cuomo proposed the idea earlier this year, a bill was introduced in the State Senate, but there was no companion legislation filed in the Assembly.
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The State Attorney General’s office has filed charged against 2 former owners of an Otsego County nursing facility. Joseph Zupnik & Daniel Herman face charges of endangering the welfare of residents at the former Focus Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in the town of Otsego, the owners and their company is accused of reducing staffing to dangerous levels after acquiring the facility from the County in 2014. Centers Health care took over the facility earlier this year.
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FOX 40 & MY 8 in Binghamton will again be offered by Spectrum Cable, after it was announced that Northwest Broadcasting reached an agreement with Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum Cable. Several Northwest owned TV stations have been off the Spectrum line-up since February in the Binghamton & Syracuse markets, as well as stations in Arizona, California, Idaho & Washington. Spectrum officials said that the affected stations should return to their line-up today.
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The demolition of buildings at the Amphenol site at 191 Delaware Avenue is continuing. Several buildings from the company’s former site are being taken down; the Plating facility will remain at its current location there. The demolition is expected to continue for the next 2 to 3 months.
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The Meredith Dairy fest will be held this weekend at a site on Honest Brook Road in the town of Meredith. Several Dozen local vendors are expected at the event, which will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM & Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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The New York State Education Department announced that the Unadilla Valley School District will get a $775,000 grant, to fund a program where students can receive college credit for courses before leaving high school. The Grant is good for 5 years of the program.
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The Annual American Cancer Society’s Tri Town Relay For Life will be held today & tonight at General Clinton Park. Organizer Heather Brewster said that the teams have already raised quite a bit of money prior to the event:

(Heather Brewster 6-8-18)

The event raises money for cancer research, educational programs and services for cancer patients. WCDO will be broadcasting live this evening.
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The 38th annual Algonquin Antique Auto Show will be held this Sunday at General Clinton Park. The event begins at 9:00 AM Sunday; trophies will be awarded in 22 categories.
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The 50th Birthday Weekend Celebration will be celebrated Saturday at the Rogers Environmental Center in Sherburne. Arts & Music will be featured from 3:30 PM into the evening hours, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rogers. More information is available at friendsofrogers.org.
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The Chenango County Airport day will be held Saturday, at the Eaton Airport in Norwich. The event runs from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, starting with a Fly In Breakfast, more information is available on the Eaton Airport Facebook page.

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 6-29-17

wcdonews — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 19:38:54 +0000

The State Court of Appeals reversed a decision today, that would have granted convicted murderer Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin a new trial, The Court of Appeals sent the case back to the appellate division to re-examine the Ramsaran trial in Chenango County Court, Ramsaran was found guilty in September 2014 of killing his wife, Jennifer in 2012, last July, a state appellate court ruled that Ramsaran should get a new trial due to ineffective defense regarding DNA evidence
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Sidney, Unadilla & Masonville fire fighters responded to a fire at 80 Main Street in Sidney today at about 2:45 PM, in the basement of Ermeti’s Community Lounge. Sidney Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Ray Baker told WCDO News that the fire appears to have started in a dryer, & it was under control in about 30 minutes.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Rumeal Soler of Davenport, on a Bench Warrant from the Town of Oneonta Court for Failure to Pay Fines. The arrest came as the result of an investigation into a two-car motor vehicle accident in which Soler was one of the drivers. Soler had an active warrant for his arrest; he was taken into custody and turned over to the Oneonta Police Department for arraignment.
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40-year-old David Burton of Johnson City was found guilty today in Broome County Court on murder & arson charges. Burton was found guilty of starting a fire at an ex-girlfriends residence in October 2015 in Johnson City, the fire Killed the Ex-Girlfriend’s 2 sons, 3 year old Michael Maxwell & 4 year old Joshua Maxwell, and injured 2 others. Burton will be sentenced on September 14th.
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Ride Sharing services began in New York State today, after Uber & Lyft paid to begin operating in the state. The ride sharing services were only allowed in New York City, until legislation was passed this year, allowing for it to expand into all 62 New York Counties. An app must be downloaded in order to order a ride, which will be available anywhere in the state where drivers have signed up to participate.
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Commerce Chenango is accepting applications for Entrepreneur of the Year and Business of the Year. These awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Soiree in the Park on Thursday, September 14th in East Park, Downtown Norwich. The form with criteria can be found at files.constantcontact.com.
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State Lawmakers have reportedly reached a deal to name the new Tappan Zee Bridge after the late Governor Mario Cuomo. A new bridge is currently being built to replace the old span over the Hudson River, which was originally named after Governor Malcolm Wilson, who served as Governor in the 70’s.
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The Chenango Arts Council Board of Directors have officially appointed Alecia O’Neill the Council’s new executive director, she told WCDO News that they have a full slate of activities planned already:

(Alecia O’Neill 6-29-17)

The appointment followed the strong recommendation of the search committee, which had been evaluating candidates over the last 6 months; O’Neill was appointed Interim Executive Director when previous director Diane Batson-Smith resigned.
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Former Area Congressman Maurice Hinchey is suffering from a degenerative disorder that is adversely affecting his speech & movement. The 78-year-old former lawmaker is suffering from Frontotemporal Degeneration; he served for 18 years in the State Assembly & 20 years in the US House of Representatives from 1992 to 2012.
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Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced the first “Coffee With Claudia” event, to be held on July 15th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at her Binghamton Office. Tenney’s office said that there would be a series of small groups meeting with Tenney, on a first come, first serve basis, appointments are requested at 315-732-7013. Tenney decided against Town Hall Meeting in the 22nd district earlier this year, following a series of contentious meeting with constituents by other Republican Congressional Members, and a series of threats against Tenney, that were turned over to Capital Police to investigate.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Tuesday Morning to West Front Street in the Village of Hancock for a property damage accident involving a camp bus and tractor trailer. The bus was driven by 78 year old Richard Weaver of Bethany, Pennsylvania, struck the rear end of a tractor trailer driven by 47 year old Shawn Smith of California. The camp bus had discharged all of its passengers just prior to the accident, Weaver was issued traffic summonses for following too closely, failure to keep right and failure to have a US DOT number and failure to display the carrier’s name on the bus. Both drivers also face administrative action against their commercial driver’s licenses as a result of safety and log book deficiencies.
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The American Red Cross Will Hold a Blood Drive At Hartwick College today from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM. Appointments can be made with the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are currently needed.
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Free books are being given out from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Sidney Memorial Library today, as part of the summer book clubs for kids. More information about the program is available at 563-1200.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-2-16

wcdonews — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 19:01:25 +0000

Governor Cuomo announced that the State has adopted regulations that will improve air quality by limiting emissions from existing diesel generators and natural gas-fired engines. The new regulations target nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from existing equipment and actually go beyond the new standards recently established by the federal government, which only apply, to new equipment. Details are available at dec.ny.gov.
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On Friday night, October 28, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, Delhi Village Police, S.U.N.Y. Delhi University Police and Delaware County Probation Department conducted an Enhanced Traffic Safety Enforcement Campaign in the Delhi area. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 4 drivers impaired by the use of drugs and or alcohol; 3 of whom were also charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Additionally, 2 Walton residents were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance that led to the discovery and seizure of heroin. 54 summonses were issued during the detail.
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Immigrants in New York State comprise 22%, or 4.4 million, of the state’s population, which is 2nd only to California, & well above the national average of 13%, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. More than 92 percent of all New York’s immigrants reside in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, according to the report. For those immigrating to New York State from 2010 to 2015, nearly 75 percent of the 631,000 immigrants settled in New York City.
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Grant funding will support a partnership between the state Department of Health & Cornell University that will evaluate the effectiveness of a curriculum that promotes healthy relationships and gender roles to adolescent males aged 12-14. The evaluation will assess the curriculum’s impact on participants’ perceptions of gender norms, social norms around violence. The goal is ultimately to reduce youths’ risk for future acts of sexual violence. The CDC grants enhances the states Enough is Enough initiative.
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22 Congressional District independent candidates Martin Babinec is facing criticism from 3 Republican State Senators, for using their likeness on campaign flyers, without previous knowledge. In a joint statement Senators Fred Akshar, Joseph Griffo and Jim Seward claim the Upstate Jobs party candidate links Babinec to the senators through the Reform party, not the Republican or Upstate Jobs line, they claim that they disavow the misleading mailer, and none of the Senators are campaigning with or endorsing Babinec, or the other candidates in that race & they was focused on their own re-election campaigns for the State Senate.

A free Narcan Training session for interested area residents will be held in Sidney today, sponsored by the Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse, at Tri Town Regional Hospital tonight. Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 11-2-16)

The training will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, for those who pre-registered, but walk ins will be welcome.
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Another Red Cross Blood drive is being held in Harpursville today. The drive will run from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Belden Hill Golf Course on State Route 7, appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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The next meeting of the city & town of Oneonta fire district task force will be held this morning. The meeting will begin at 11:00 AM at the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-11-15

wcdonews — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:01:59 +0000

Witness Testimony has begun in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. Barbara Thayer was the first to testify, she served as the Harris family’s nanny around the time of Michele Harris’s death in September 2001. Cal Harris was convicted twice before in Tioga county court, those convictions were overturned on appeal; this 3rd trial was moved to Schoharie county court.
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US Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the Centers for Disease Control to make measles vaccines and booster shots free & readily available, following an outbreak of the long dormant disease in California. Schumer is also pushing for free mumps and rubella shots in schools & health clinics as soon as possible. The CDC reported that 121 people have the measles since January 1st, most of those cases stemmed from a multi-state outbreak linked to visits to a Disney amusement park in California, following an anti-vaccine movement.
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Governor Cuomo today deployed New York State assets to Massachusetts to assist the state in its cleanup efforts following the historic snowfall in the region over the last several weeks. More than 60 personnel and 71 pieces of heavy equipment, left New York this morning, New York joins Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in assisting Massachusetts.
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Republican in both houses of the state legislature are working to convince Governor Cuomo to can the “Gap Elimination Adjustment”, which they claim has cut funding to poor rural school districts. Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that Governor Cuomo so far is playing hardball with the budget:

(Crouch 2-11-15)

The Senate Majority announced that they are prioritizing the idea of removing the Gap Elimination Adjustment in the coming fiscal year budget.
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The number of school districts overriding New York’s property tax cap declined by more than half over the past three fiscal years, dropping from 44 school districts in 2012-13 to only 19 in 2014-15, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report also found low- and average-need districts were twice as likely to override the tax cap compared to high-need districts. 14 districts exceeded the cap in two of the three years and one district exceeded the cap all three years. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that the Community Overdose Prevention program, which provides funding to equip state and local law-enforcement officers with naloxone, has saved more than 100 lives in less than a year. The abuse of heroin and prescription Opiod Drugs is a growing problem, Nationwide, fatal overdoses from heroin doubled from 2010-2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Broome County Sheriff’s department was among the top life saving organizations with 5 saves by Naloxone since the program started.
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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-16-14

wcdonews — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:34:44 +0000

State Police arrested 43-year-old HARRY CLAUSON of Whitney Point for Endangering the Welfare of Child & 48 counts of making false child abuse reports to the State Child Abuse Hot line. The false reports occurred from September 2013 to February of this year, the false reports alleged violent acts against or in the presence of minor children, each report required immediate Police response and investigations. CLAUSON was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Town Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1000 cash bail and/or $2000 property bond.

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Governor Cuomo today signed legislation that adds New York to the list of states that have joined National Popular Vote compact. Member states will award their electoral votes for president to the candidate that receives a majority of the national popular vote. The governor’s signature mean that New York pledges to award its 29 electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote in ALL 50 States plus the District of Columbia, but only to take effect once enough other states have passed identical legislation so that the compact possesses a majority of the Electoral College’s 538 votes. The bill has now been enacted by 11 jurisdictions possessing 165 electoral votes.

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Matthews Ford of Norwich and the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich have announced a partnership to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. Marty Kuhn of the Northeast Classic Car museum explains:

(Marty Kuhn 4-16-14)

In addition with the free admission this Saturday to the Northeast Classic Car Museum, other events are scheduled, culminating with the 9^th Annual Mustang Rally at Matthews Ford on June 21^st.

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State Police at Oneonta arrested 37-year-old Joe Burgher of Oneonta, for Felony Aggravated DWI, with a B.A.C. of 0.23%, following a motor vehicle accident on State Route 23 in the town of Laurens. Burgher was arraigned in town of Laurens Court and sent to the Otsego County Jail.

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The Tax Foundation has raised its ranking of New York after the state adopted major reforms to its corporate income tax system and estate tax. New York’s overall business tax climate ranking improved two spots to 48th, beating out New Jersey and California. The Tax Foundation has raised its ranking of New York’s business tax climate because of tax reforms included in the newly adopted budget. The foundation said New York is still not a low-tax state. But it said the recent changes are a first step toward tackling the problem by broadening bases, lowering rates, reducing burdens and eliminating complexity.

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A drastic decline in the number of volunteer firefighters, and EMT workers, has state lawmakers pushing for legislation to entice people to volunteer. The number of volunteer firefighters statewide has declined from 140,000 in the early 1990s to fewer than 90,000 now. The proposed volunteer incentive act would exempt motor vehicles, owned and used in the performance of duty by a volunteer, from registration fees and use taxes, among other perks. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York said the Recruit New York weekend will be April 26h and 27. For more information go to recruitny.org.

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The 6^th Annual Bike to Work Day for Otsego County will be held on Wednesday, May 21^st with check-in sites at more than 20 locations countywide. The organizers of the event include Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates, Otsego County Conservation Association & the League of American Bicyclists. Otsego County bicyclists are invited to join and log miles on nationalbikechallenge.org and should look for “Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates Bike Challenge” to sign up as part of the local effort. More information is available at 547-4020.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-13-14

wcdonews — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:42:39 +0000

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old Brendon King of Unadilla, for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor vehicle. King is accused of operating a motor vehicle while having a suspended status, with no driver’s license & for possessing marijuana. 33-year-old Lisa Bohigian of Sidney was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, for alleged possessing marijuana while visiting with her probation officer, they were released on appearance tickets on the possession charges & King was issued a Traffic Summons for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation for Delhi Court on March 18^th.

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State Police from Endwell arrested 23-year-old Mary-Jo Schad of Binghamton for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and 2^nd degree Harassment. Troopers responded to a report of a dispute in Dickinson, Schad is accused of shoving & punching another person while in front of 3 children. Schad was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and released without bail; an order of protection was issued against her.

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Assembly Democrats are opposed to Governor Cuomo’s proposal for a property-tax freeze and will instead seek a plan to tie property taxes to household income. The governor has made the two-year tax freeze a hallmark of his 2014 agenda, but it’s facing growing opposition among lawmakers. Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver said the Democrat-led Assembly will propose a plan to tie property taxes to household income. The plan will be in the Assembly’s one-house budget. The state’s fiscal year starts April 1st & Cuomo and lawmakers are working toward a compromise.

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Governor Cuomo announced today the newly established Student Protection Unit within the Department of Financial Services. The department has launched its website, with information to help students make financial choices when financing their educations. The website is located at dfs.ny.gov/studentprotection.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled a plan to make child care more affordable and accessible for working parents. Under the plan the maximum credit would rise from $1,050 to $3,000 per child by raising the percentage of the tax credit to 50%, doubling the amount of eligible expenses to $12,000. The tax credit would be refundable to help those who are working the most, but don’t earn enough to use the tax credit. Gillibrand is also a cosponsor of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act, which was last reauthorized in 1996. Last year, the state received $98 million in those funds to help low-income families

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Housing costs in New York rose sharply relative to income from 2000 to 2012, with more than ½ of renters, and more than 1/3 of homeowners paying at least 30% of their income for a place to live, according to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The percentage of households with rents above the affordability level rose from 40.5% in 2000 to 50.6% in 2012, while the percentage of homeowners above the affordability level rose from 26.4% to 33.9% over the same period. The report is available at osc.state. ny.us.

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Congressman Richard Hanna received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise Award,” given annually to Congressional members based on rankings of key votes. The U.S. Chamber recognized Hanna for his support of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies during the first session of the 113th Congress. Hanna received a 92% rating from the Chamber for 2013, and collectively holds a 95% ranking during his tenure in Congress.

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Distribution of Greek yogurt, through the federal school lunch program, will expand to 12 states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the expansion, they have been testing the Greek yogurt on school breakfast and lunch menus as a higher-protein alternative to regular yogurt. New York was 1of 4 states selected for the pilot program that began last year. The school lunch program will also be offered in the fall in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

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