Comptroller Tom DiNapoli – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 5-2-24

wcdonews — Thu, 02 May 2024 19:26:42 +0000

P.M. NEWS Thursday 5-2-24

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held May 24th to the 26th, with races on The Susquehanna River & plenty of activities at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, Co-Chairman Mike Kaufman told WCDO News about the races on Saturday:

(Mike Kaufman 5-2-24)

The 70 Mile Races will be held on Sunday this year, and once again, there will be no activities scheduled on Monday Memorial Day.

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The Bainbridge Girl Scouts will hold their semi-annual Community Giveaway Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 Noon, at the Greenlawn Elementary school, Organizer Jessica Chambers told WCDO News what they will accept:

(Jessica Chambers 5-2-24)

The drop off for donated items will be Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at Greenlawn, more information is available at 607-267-2378.

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Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 38 year old Joshua Smallze of Binghamton was found guilty of 1st degree Burglary and Criminal Mischief by a Broome County Jury. Smallze forcefully entered 75 Prospect Street in Binghamton on January 22, 2023, where he assaulted the resident, & threw a brick through a window, Smallze is scheduled to appear back in court for sentencing on August 1, he will face a sentence between 5 and 25 years in New York State Prison.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Office audited the Village of Unadilla, officials did not always use a competitive process when purchasing goods or services, as required by state law. Of the 20 purchases reviewed totaling $469,283, village officials did not seek competition for 18 purchases totaling $440,056.

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The Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park annual Golf Tournament is coming up in June, Organizer Tom Ruff explains:

(Tom Ruff 5-2-24)

Those interested in signing up a team for the June 8th Tournament should email Ruff at truff@twc.com, or call him at 518-256-7899.

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A free rabies vaccination clinic will be held At the Plymouth Fire Department today for dogs, Cats & Domesticated Ferrets, the clinic will beheld from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Plymouth Fire Department, more information is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

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A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-2-24

Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34 year old Quincy Lamoree of Central Bridge for failing to update the State Sex Offender Registry of a change in address. Lamoree had moved from a residence in the Town of Worcester to a location in Schoharie County and failed to notify the Sex Offender Registry of the change, he was located Tuesday by the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office and turned over to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office on an active arrest warrant, he was processed and lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment

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Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 58 year old Joy LaBarr of Binghamton woman, was sentenced to pay full restitution of $32,000 and serve five years’ probation for a guilty plea for 3rd degree Grand Larceny. LaBarr pleaded guilty for stealing nearly $32,000 in New York State pension payments intended for her deceased father-in-law Jack Burnett, who retired in 2006 from the Binghamton Housing Authority, payments should have stopped upon his death in December 2020, No one from his family reported his passing.

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2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, one in Walton from 8 am. – 1 pm., at the Walton O’Neil High School, another in Cooperstown from 10:30 am. – 3:30 pm., at the Cooperstown High School. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 3-26-19

wcdonews — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:15:35 +0000

The Binghamton Police Department arrested 59 year old Jerry Hopkins of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Arson, for allegedly setting fire at the Dixie 2000 Rooming House at 106 Henry Street Monday Morning. Police stated that the 1st floor office was broken into & a liquid accelerant was ignited, which led to an explosion & significant damage. The fire was extinguished by the buildings sprinkler system, no injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, anyone with information is asked to call Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

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Securities industry profits in 2018 were 11% higher than the previous year, but the average bonus paid to industry employees declined by almost 17%, according to an estimate released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Despite increased market volatility, and the worst December for the Dow Jones Industrial Average since 1931, the industry had an 11% growth in pretax profits for the broker/dealer operations of New York Stock Exchange member firms. Profits totaled $27.3 billion in 2018, up from $24.5 billion in 2017, Employment in the securities industry increased to 181,300 jobs, the highest level in a decade.

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Governor Cuomo announced available assistance for farmers impacted by extreme rainfall and wet weather conditions last summer. Last week, the federal government declared 12 counties across the state as natural disaster areas. With these designations, farmers in the impacted areas may be eligible for assistance, including emergency loans, from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with further information, more information is available at fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/New-York

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More than 500 fire departments across New York have already signed up for the 9th Annual Recruit NY Weekend (April 27 – 28). Recruit NY is a cornerstone campaign of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, with the goal of increasing membership in the State’s volunteer fire service. During the weekend, volunteer fire departments will open their doors and provide the public with a glimpse of what it means to be a volunteer firefighter. To find a local Fire Department participating, go to recruitny.org/participation-area.

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Tickets have gone on sale for Don McLean & Pure Prairie League concert, scheduled for Friday, August 9th at the Osterhout Concert Theater. Tickets are available online at anderson.binghamton.edu, at 777-ARTS, or at the Anderson Center Box Office.

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Animal Adventure in Harpursville is conducting another “Name The Giraffe” Contest, which is now into the 2nd round. April & Oliver welcomed a healthy male calf on Saturday, March 16th, he was 139 lbs and stands 5′ 11″. Those wishing to participate can go to namethegiraffe.com.

Broome County DA Steven Cornwell announced that a Broome County Grand Jury handed up a 5-count indictment against 45 year old Wilfredo Pica-Torres of Binghamton, for 2nd-degree murder, attempted Murder & 1st & 2nd degree arson in connection with incident on Walnut Street in Binghamton in February. Pica-Torres is accused of intentionally setting a fire to a building at 109 Walnut Street in Binghamton on February 9th, which led to the death of Victor Banayan.

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Osteoporosis will be the next topic that will be discussed by Melissa Tworkowsky of UHS Orthopedics of Norwich, at Bohemian Moon at 103 W. Main Street in Norwich this evening. The program is part of UHS Chenango Memorial’s 2019 Women’s Health Series, held monthly at the Norwich restaurant. The event will begin at 6:00 PM, more information on the series or to reserve a seat is available at 337-4183.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 11-5-18

wcdonews — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 19:25:10 +0000

Tomorrow is Election Day, with a host of important races to be decided.
For FEDERAL Positions, in the U.S. SENATE, Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand faces Republican challenger Chele Farley. In area House of Representative Races; in the 19th District: Incumbent Republican John Faso faces challenges from Democrat Antonio Delgado, Green Candidate Steven Greenfield, & Independent Dianne Neal; in the 22nd District: Republican Incumbent Claudia Tenney vs Democrat Anthony Brindisi.
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In key races on the County Level, for Otsego County Sheriff; Incumbent Rich Devlin faces Robert Fernandez, in the Broome County Sheriff’s race: Incumbent David Harder Vs Matt Ryan. . In the race for the 6th District of the State Supreme Court: Republican Joe McBride faces Democrat Elizabeth Burns.
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For State Offices, for Governor: 2 term Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo faces challenges from Republican Marcus Molinaro, Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins, Libertarian Larry Sharpe, & Independent Stephanie Miner; in the race for Comptroller: Incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli, faces Republican Jonathan Trichter & Green Candidate Mark Dunlea, for Attorney General; Democrat Letitia James, Republican Keith Wofford, Green Candidate Michael Sussman, Libertarian Christopher Garvey are running In local State Senate races, in the 42nd District, Democrat Jennifer Metzger faces Republican Ann Rabbitt, in the 51st District; Republican Incumbent Jim Seward faces Democrat Joyce St. George. In the 52nd District, Incumbent Republican Fred Akshar is unopposed. In local State Assembly races, in the 121 District: Incumbent Bill Magee faces Republican John Salka, in the 122 District Incumbent Cliff Crouch faces a challenge from Conservative Nicholas Libous, there is no Democratic candidate. In the 123rd District: Democratic incumbent Donna Lupardo is unopposed, in the 102 District: Incumbent Republican Christopher Tague faces Democrat Aidan O’Conner
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Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced her office’s Election Day Hotline, which is available to help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters at the polls during the general election on Tuesday, November 6th. The Attorney General urges voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls to call the office’s hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday. The hotline will be staffed by attorneys and staff in the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Jessie Bolster and 40 year old Roy Bolster of Harpursville after they were stopped in Hancock for Traffic infractions. Jessie Bolster was operating the motor vehicle while having several active suspensions; Roy Bolster was wanted on an active arrest warrant from Tompkins County Family Court. A search of the vehicle revealed the pair were in possession of Oxycodone & bags of crystal methamphetamine. Both were charged with 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Jessie Bolster was additionally charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. Both were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash/$20,000 secured bond.
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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department responded Friday to the report of a bear getting hit by a car on State Route 28 in the town of Milford. The unidentified Driver was not injured, the vehicle was towed from the scene and the bear was killed in the collision, which was reported at about 7:20 AM Friday Morning.
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State Police executed a residential search warrant at a home in the town of Delancey; they arrested 20 year old David Dotey on 3 felony counts of Promoting Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child and Computer Trespass. Dotey is accused of uploading and distributing sexual performance by prepubescent children, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond. The case is still under investigation, additional charges are possible.

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Governor Cuomo announced $13 million is available for restoration and recovery efforts following the severe storms and flash flooding on August 13-15 that severely impacted communities in the Southern Tier. A new residential assistance program has been created to provide funding to primary homeowners whose damages exceed insurance claims and other available aid. With maximum grants of $50,000, this program will help eliminate the unmet need of homeowners. Applications from homeowners for the residential assistance program will be accepted starting today, the deadline for applications are February 4, 2019.
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A woman, who suffered cardiac arrest Friday, is expected to survive after the quick actions of State Troopers and a citizen. A trooper was dispatched to a report of a 70-year-old woman who had collapsed in the lobby of the Richfield Springs Post Office, She was unresponsive when the trooper arrived and a citizen was already performing CPR. Another trooper arrived & administered the Automated External Defibrillator, EMS arrived, and they took the woman to Basset Hospital in Cooperstown. The unidentified woman regained consciousness at the hospital and is expected to recover.

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-17-18

wcdonews — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 18:56:56 +0000

Delaware County Sheriff’s Department investigators have filed more charges against 29 year old Lacey Benson of Fish’s Eddy, for 2 counts of Promoting Prison Contraband. Benson was being booked into the Delaware County Jail on Separate Charges, when she was found to possess a hypodermic syringe with the needle attached, hidden inside her body, later that same day she was found to be in possession of 2 more hypodermic syringes with needles attached, inside the Delaware County Jail. Benson was arraigned & was sent back to the Delaware County jail without bail.
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State Police arrested 26 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla for DWI, Reckless Driving and Harassment Sunday, after a trooper monitoring State Highway 357 observed
Harris driving at about 100 miles an hour. Harris was stopped; his B.A.C was measured at .20%. Harris is also accused of making numerous threats of physical violence
toward troopers and their family members. He was arraigned in the town of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000
property bond.
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Norwich Fire Department responded Monday night at about 10:30 PM, to a Trailer Fire on River Street. Investigators believe that the cause of the fire was from a tree that
took down a power line, the trailer was a complete loss. No injuries have been reported.
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New York sent an estimated $24.1 billion more in tax payments to Washington than it got back in federal spending in federal fiscal year 2017, getting back 90 cents for every dollar, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. In 2017, New York was one of just 11 states that sent more to Washington than it received. Only New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut fared worse while New Mexico fared the best. While New York received 10 cents less per dollar of taxes, most states received more than they paid.
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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch encourages new farmers to apply for the state’s New Farmers Grant Program. Empire State Development and the state Department of
Agriculture recently announced $1 million in new funding is now available to promote agricultural growth and support people who are entering or newly entered farming
with individual grants worth up to $50,000. For the past 5 years, the program has awarded nearly 90 farms with grants totaling $3.27 million.
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Governor Cuomo today announced $5 million in state funding is available to support the recruitment and retention of Certified Recovery Peer Advocates and nurse
practitioners to assist New Yorkers suffering from addiction. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services will award up to 170 grants to
certified outpatient and opioid treatment providers to help secure approximately 120 nurse practitioner and 50 Certified Peer Recovery Advocate positions across the
state. Applications will be accepted through November 7th. Interested parties can review the Request for Applications at oasas.ny.gov.
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SUNY Broome celebrated the grand opening of a $12.7 million advanced manufacturing building yesterday. The Advanced Manufacturing Center was built on the site of
the old mechanical building, the new facility houses classrooms and high-tech labs for welding, soldering, fermentation and food processing; the building is already in
use this fall semester.
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Otsego County Conservation Association is formally launching the first annual Heat Smart Otsego Campaign Tonight at 6:30 pm, at Foothills Performing Arts Center. The event will feature guest speaker, Jay Egg. The founder of EggGeothermal, Egg will discuss the basics of geothermal, and examine how far geothermal can go towards a renewable energy future. The Heat Smart Otsego Kickoff Event is free, more information 435-1364 or occainfo.org.
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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com
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Governor Cuomo announced the Syracuse Mets are committing to sign a lease extension to call Syracuse home for at least 25 years. New York State is committing $12.5 million to Onondaga County’s major renovation project at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, in preparation for the arrival of the Mets’ minor league franchise in 2019. The Governor also announced the team has been renamed and will now be known as the “Syracuse Mets.”
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 10-16-18

wcdonews — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 18:24:46 +0000

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mark Tubbs and Angela Huggins both of Sidney, for 1 count each of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The pair are accused of possessing marijuana in their apartment, where a 9 year old child also resided. The arrests came during the execution of arrest warrants at the Huggins and Tubbs residence by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team. Both Huggins and Tubbs will appear in the Village of Sidney Court shortly to answer these charges.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Department Investigators arrested 35 year old Philip Albergo of Meridale and charged him with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawfully Dealing With Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks. Albergo was out on Probation on an unrelated charge, Probation Officers discovered a high capacity ammunition feeding device, which is banned in New York State, they also seized numerous unlawful fireworks. Albergo is being held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility as a Probation Violator, to be arraigned in the Town of Meredith Court on these charges at a later time.
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The Town of Sidney Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, regarding the Muddy River Hops, that was originally scheduled for this evening at 7:00 PM has been cancelled. The meeting was due to be held in the Town of Sidney Office building at 44 Grand Street.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 39 year old Eric Rossman of Davenport for criminal possession of stolen property, following an investigation into a stolen vehicle in the Town of Harpersfield earlier this year. Deputies encountered Rossman after responding to an accident in the Town of Delhi where he left the scene, they also discovered that Rossman was operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, which led to several other charges. Rossman was arraigned at the Town of Davenport Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 secured bond, he will appear in the Town of Davenport and the Town of Delhi courts at a later date.
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The Town of Hartwick will receive $1 million in grant money from the state for upgrades to the town’s water system. The money will be used to replace water mains, the auxiliary well and the primary well-house building, and to help pay for new mixers for the water storage tank and an emergency backup generator, as well as replacing or repairing water meters.
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Delaware County’s Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste disposal days are coming up this week, County Solid Waste Coordinator Sue McIntyre comments:

(Sue McIntyre 10-16-18)

The event will allow for county farms, businesses & residents to get rid of items such as paints, pesticides & other house hold chemicals, plus Pharmaceutical Wastes, Sharps & Syringes.
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19th Congressional District Candidates will be debating in Walton on Tonight from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Walton Theater on Gardiner Place. Congressional candidates who have secured a place on the ballot have been invited, including incumbent John Faso and Democratic challenger Antonio Delgado, Green Party candidate Steven Greenfield and Independent Diane Neal. The debate is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Delaware County Farm Bureau and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
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Due to saturated subgrade conditions, Delaware Avenue in Oneonta will remain closed until further notice. The City’s contractor, R.B. Robinson, will leave appropriate signage in place overnight, and will be working to correct this issue today. Businesses on Railroad Avenue will remain accessible at all times through Sand Street or Rose Avenue. More information is available at 432-2100.
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New York state’s health care jobs exceeded 1.2 million in 2017, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Health care employment rose by more than 18 percent over the past decade, more than double the pace of overall employment growth. DiNapoli’s report found the health care industry in New York provided nearly $71 billion in wages, with an average annual wage of $57,200 in 2017. New York ranked 3rd in the nation for its share of health care jobs.
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 8-30-18

wcdonews — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 19:55:55 +0000

28 year old Devan Ellsworth of Norwich appeared in court earlier today, so far he has been charged with 2nd degree Assault & endangering the welfare of a child, in connection with the death of his 1 year old daughter last weekend in Norwich. First responders & Norwich police were called to the Ellsworth apartment on Henry Street in Norwich Sunday for a report of a 1-year-old child with a head injury, the child died Monday after being transferred to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. Ellsworth is expected to have his case heard by a Grand Jury & charges are expected to be added, he is being held in the Chenango County Jail without bail.
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The Out of The Woodwork Players & The Jericho Arts Council will kick off their 30th season this fall with the play “Mom’s Gift” Auditions will be held next month in Bainbridge, spokesman Will Drew explains:

(Will Drew 8-30-18)

Drew said that the performances will be the weekend of November 16th through the 18th at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater.
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Operation Merry Christmas will be getting started a little earlier this year, with the sign-ups beginning September 1st through October 30th. Spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 8-30-18)

Ireland said that the giveaway day for the presents will be on December 15th at 12 Whitney Way in Bainbridge. More information is available at 643-6334 or 563-8119.
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3 independent candidates in the 19th Congressional District race have been removed from the ballots, after having insufficient valid signatures on their nominating ballots. Luisa Parker of Callicoon, Dal LaMagna of Clinton & former “Law & Order” TV Actress Dianne Neal of Hurley had their names removed; Neal & LaMagna are expected to appeal the decision by the board of elections.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released an audit today that examined 7 school districts and their compliance with school bus safety requirements, it found that school districts are not confirming all school bus drivers are completing required training and drug testing, and that school bus safety drills and inspections are done. DiNapoli recommended school officials take immediate steps to address the deficiencies, have superintendents annually approve all drivers that transport district students, have all drivers meet the minimum training requirements, & have random drug and alcohol testing, & have all buses have pre-trip inspections conducted. The report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.
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State Police arrested 41 year old John Nixon of Sherburne for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, after a trooper responded to the report of a vehicle veered across the center line, into a drainage ditch & then back to the other side of the highway, striking several mailboxes, on State Route 8 in the town of Guilford. Nixon was arrested; he was released to a sober third party and is scheduled to appear in the town of Guilford Court on September 11th.
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62 year old James Hone of Oneonta was arrested following a high
speed chase & after ramming his vehicle into 2 Oneonta Police cars,
totaling one of them, and injuring an officer. Hone was wanted on a
warrant for criminal contempt after allegedly violating an order of
protection, he was located by Oneonta police on 6th Street, when
Police attempted to make the arrest, Hone drove into the patrol car, a
2nd patrol car arrived & was also plowed into by Hone. Hone was
charged with attempted assault of a police officer, criminal
possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and 2nd degree assault
causing injury to a police officer, plus several other charges.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that 100% of all State public
colleges at SUNY & CUNY will have a food pantry or stigma-free food
access for students in need by the end of the fall semester. New York
will be the 1st state to have a program to combat student hunger.
Currently, nearly 90% of SUNY and CUNY campuses offer these
services.
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State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced that the
Trump administration has ordered the restoration of $574 million for
three-quarters of the year in federal funding for New York’s Essential
Plan, following the Attorney General’s lawsuit earlier this year. The
Attorney General’s office filed the suit to block the Trump
administration from cutting off health care funding for New York’s
Essential Plan, which covers hundreds of thousands of low-income
New Yorkers health care issues.
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The Chenango County Department of Health and Area Agency on
Aging will be hosting their annual Senior Flu Vaccination Clinic for
adults age 60 and over on Tuesday, September 25th from 9:30 – 11:30
at the Norwich Family YMCA. Senior citizens can receive a flu shot &
attend a health fair where area partners will be available to talk about
area programs and services, plus the Norwich Police Department will
be doing a drug take back where they will collect any old or unused
prescription medications for proper disposal. More information is
available at the Chenango County Health Department at 337-1660.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 7-30-18

wcdonews — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 20:06:07 +0000

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is reminding New Yorkers that they may have unclaimed funds. Statewide, there are more than 39 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $15.5 billion. In 2017 the Office of Unclaimed Funds returned a record $460 million in lost money, to see if there are any funds in your name visit osc.state.ny.us.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce reminds members that the First Friday Breakfast will be held this Friday at Greenanne farms at 196 County Highway 10 in Meridale. Interested chamber members need to register by tomorrow at delawarecounty.org. The event is sponsored by Delhi Telephone Company.
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Food stamp recipients will be able to use their benefits at farmers’ markets across New York State under an agreement the state and the Farmers Market Federation have made with a mobile application vendor. Governor Cuomo wrote to federal officials earlier this month urging them to renew a policy that allowed food stamp recipients to use their benefits at local farmers’ markets, after the federal government notified the state that food stamp benefits could no longer be used at farmers’ markets because of a technology change.
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The Village of Cooperstown has been awarded a grant of up to $3 million to renovate 98 year old Doubleday Field in Cooperstown. Improvements to Doubleday Field will include replacing bleachers, improving pedestrian and disability access, repairing the field, and adding green space. The total cost is approximately $5.8 million. The stadium is owned and operated by the Village of Cooperstown, and it hosts more than 300 baseball games per year.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies Sunday in Cooperstown included 6 players, the largest number since 1955.
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Jack Morris & Alan Trammel were team-mates through the minor leagues & for several years in the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers. Jack Morris felt that the big crowd showed up because of the magic of Cooperstown:

(Jack Morris Presser)

Alan Trammel said that he approached deliver his speech, like he would prepare for a big game:

(Alan Trammel presser)

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Jim Thome & Chipper Jones entered the Hall of fame together yesterday after long illustrious careers, jones talked about meeting Thome for the first time during a minor league beanball brawl:

(Chipper on meeting Thome in minors)

Jim Thome was the last of the 6 to deliver his speech Sunday; he was impressed with the players he was inducted with:

(Jim Thome Presser)

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An estimated 53 thousand people attended yesterday’s induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown.
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A.M. News Monday 7-30-18
The National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies honored 6 players into The Hall Sunday at the Clarks Sport Center in Cooperstown; Alan Trammell, Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome, Jack Morris & Trevor Hoffman.
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2 players inducted yesterday played their entire careers with one team, Chipper Jones with the Atlanta Braves & Alan Trammell with the Detroit Tigers. Trammell currently works in the Detroit Tigers Front Office:

(Alan Trammell 7-30-18)

Chipper Jones said that he was happy that his father was there to teach him baseball as a child & he was with him in Cooperstown Sunday to reach the pinnacle:

(Chipper Jones 7-30-18)

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Vladimir Guerrero & Jim Thome were 2 of the most feared Home Run Hitters of their time in the 90’s & 2000’s. Guerrero, through his interpreter Jose Mota had 3 reasons to celebrate, his induction into the Hall of Fame, that it was Father’s day in his home country the Dominican Republic, and his son Vlad Jr. was promoted to Triple AAA by the Toronto Blue Jays:

(Jose Mota 7-30-18)

Jim Thome finished his speech with some advice:

(Jim Thome 7-30-18)

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2 pitchers who pitched long & Successful careers were inducted yesterday, Jack Morris, who won World Championships with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins & the Toronto Blue Jays, and Trevor Hoffman who hold the record for the most saves in Major League History with 601. Morris gave some advice at the conclusion of his speech:

(Jack Morris 7-30-18)

Trevor Hoffman pitched most of his career with the San Diego Padres, said that standing out addressing the crowd & Standing out on the mound trying to get the final out of a playoff game were quite similar:

(Trevor Hoffman 7-30-18)

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About 53,000 people attended yesterday’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the 2nd biggest crowd for that event.
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The Unatego Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing tonight to solicit community feedback on the 3 proposals for the former Otego School Building, superintendent Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 7-30-18)

The meeting tonight will start at 5:30 in the High School Auditorium, the 3 proposals are available at unatego.org or at the Unatego District Office.
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There will be a special Oneonta Common Council meeting this evening at 6:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to establish Budget Guidelines for 2019 & discuss Downtown Revitalization expenditures.
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Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver sentenced to 7 years in prison & 3 years post release supervision Friday in a Manhattan federal court for accepting $4 million in illegal payments. Silver was convicted for 7 felonies from schemes where Silver used his political power to gain personal wealth.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-13-18

wcdonews — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:47:12 +0000

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Colesville Rd and Sanitaria Springs Rd. in the Town of Colesville at about 6:10 last night for a 2-car motor vehicle accident. A pickup truck driven by 42 year old Christopher Condon of Binghamton collided with a Subaru driven by 56 year old Edson Kitchen of Bainbridge, Deputies determined that the Condon vehicle had the Right Of Way. Kitchen & his wife Mary were pronounced deceased at the scene. Condon sustained minor injuries and was transported to Lourdes Hospital, where he was treated and released. The accident is under investigation.
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State Police arrested 26 year old Kayla Burch of Rhinebeck for DWI after Troopers observed a vehicle speeding on Main Street in the village of Unadilla. Burch was arrested and released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Unadilla on July 9th.
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The State Comptroller’s office completed an audit of the Village of Afton. The Audit found that the village Board did not properly manage fund balance levels, did not provide proper oversight of the Clerk-Treasurer’s cash receipts and disbursements & did not ensure that water rents and penalties were properly billed. The audit suggestes that the Village Develop a fund balance policy that should be maintained to meet the Village’s needs, Segregate the Clerk-Treasurer’s financial duties or establish sufficient compensating controls to provide additional oversight & Ensure that all system users are properly charged for water use and penalties.
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State Lawmakers are pushing for a bill to install cameras in school busses, to try to stop an estimated 50,000 drivers from passing busses with its flashers on each year. The cameras would capture the license plate of vehicles that fail to stop behind school buses and issue them with a fine of up to 250 dollars. The bill has been stalled in the legislature since 2013.
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A bill that would ban minors under 18 from using indoor tanning devices passed on Tuesday in the New York State Senate. The bill removes procedures in granting 17 to 18 year olds access to tanning booths and exempts licensed physicians who use or prescribe a phototherapy device with respect to a patient of any age. Current law prohibits children under 16 years of age from using tanning facilities. The bill has already passed in the Assembly. It now goes to the Governor.
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Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds will be back in Norwich on July 4th this year, Terry Potter of Millennia-Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 6-13-18)

Information about this event & other events are available at the Millennia-Entertainment Facebook page.
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The Broadway Theater League will present their “Test Drive Your Seat” Event tomorrow at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 6-13-18)

More information about about the upcoming season is available at Broadway In Binghamton.com.
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State Police arrested 24 year old Demario Reed of Guilford for DWI with a reported B.A.C of .17%. Troopers were dispatched to a one car crash into a guiderail on State Highway 7 in the town of Otego, where Reed was arrested; he was released and will appear in the town of Otego Court on June 21st.
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State Police arrested 22 year old Brandon Ortiz of Stamford for Aggravated Harassment & 2nd degree Harassment, after Troopers received a complaint that Ortiz struck a victim and later threatened the victim over social media. Ortiz was arraigned and was released on $500 cash bail; he is scheduled to reappear in court on June 12, 2018.
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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Town of Walton Highway Garage on State Highway 10. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com
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Enchanted Forest Water Safari will open for the summer today. The amusement park is located on State Route 28 in Old Forge, and it features more than 50 rides and attractions, circus shows, arcade games, shops, food and more.
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 5-10-18

wcdonews — Thu, 10 May 2018 18:53:15 +0000

Last year, billions of gallons of untreated sewage and storm water impacted more than 200 waterways in New York due to antiquated and overwhelmed sewer systems, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report details the problems with combined sewer overflows, which commingle the water from rain and snow melt with the wastewater in combined sewer systems. There are 46 communities in New York responsible for 807 outfalls where excess untreated or partially treated wastewater is discharged from pipes directly to rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal waters when their systems are overwhelmed. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to State route 10 near Beers Brook Road in the Town of Walton to assist the Walton Fire Department following a grass fire. The Investigation determined that the fire was caused by a projectile firework; Deputies arrested 26 year old Brett McLaughlin of Hancock, with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks, and for violating the State’s Burn Ban. DEC Law prohibits open burning between March 16th to May 14th. McLaughlin was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Walton Court at a later date.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported theft of a road sign in the Town of Delhi that led to the recovery of numerous highway signs & Coldwell Banker/Timberland Properties real estate signs. Deputies reported that they recovered more than 30 signs and charged 18 year old Russell Storey of Andes, 18 year old Dylan Reed of Margaretville, NY, and an unidentified 17 year old Roxbury male with Grand Larceny & Criminal Mischief & they also charged 20 year old Darian Scudder of Halcottsville with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. All 4 suspects were issued appearance tickets for Town of Middletown Court at a later date.
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Delaware County Public Health will be presenting Lori Benson Adams of Breakthrough Learning Solutions; she will discuss Executive Functioning Skills in Children. The conference will be held at SUNY Delhi on May 22nd from 9:00 am until 3:00pm. Benson Adams will explore strategies to help children strengthen their executive function skills; registration is requested through Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.
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The Rome New York Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing woman who was traveling to the area from New York City & has not returned home. Hildegarde “Grace” Seabron was last seen at Port Authority in Manhattan at 8:30 AM Monday, she is described as white, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with short blonde hair and glasses, she suffers from bipolar disorder, Seabron was last seen wearing a black coat, black jeans, a cream colored scarf and brown boots, and police say she will be in need of medication. Anyone with information regarding Seabron’s whereabouts can call 732-421-6339 or contact local law enforcement.
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The New York State Fair is offering Lifetime Passes, starting next week. Fair officials announced that on Monday at 6:00 AM, 200 Lifetime Passes will be made available on the fair’s online store, at nysfair.ny.gov for $200 each. The passes are metal medallions and allow free admission to the owner for any day of the fair. The owner’s name will be engraved on the back of the medallion. Along with the medallion, the owner must show valid photo identification to get free admission to the fair. The medallion can be picked up at the fair’s administration building starting on August 1. The 2018 New York State Fair runs from August 22 to September 3.

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Governor Cuomo has named Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas as the special prosecutor to investigate allegations that former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman physically abused 4 women. Schneiderman resigned on Monday following the publishing of an article in “The New Yorker” where the women accused Schneiderman of striking them.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor local businesses at their 2018 Business Awards to be held on June 14 at 5:30 pm at Delaware County FoodWorks+, in Andes. This year’s Business of the Year is the Delaware County Broadband Initiative, which is a collaboration by Delaware County Electric Cooperative, Delhi Telephone & Margaretville Telephone Company. The New Business of the Year is Catskills Regional Harvest, the Tourism Award goes to Delaware and Ulster Railroad & Business Advocate of the Year is JIM DOIG President, SFCU. More information is available at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.
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The Jericho Arts Council will hold their Annual Meeting Today, at 6:00 pm in the gallery of the Town Hall Theater in Bainbridge. The Council board will elect new officers, discuss new initiatives and answer any questions.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-9-15

wcdonews — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:40:53 +0000

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State Police arrested 769 individuals for DWI during the 20-day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national crackdown on impaired driving. State Police and local law enforcement agencies reported that of the 769 DWI arrests during the enforcement period, more than 219 occurred during Labor Day weekend alone. During the same period last year, 663 people were arrested for DWI. During the “Drive Sober” campaign, Troopers also issued 47,359 tickets, 18,660 for speeding, 1,613 for distracted driving, 2,522 for child restraint and seatbelt violations, and 556 for failing to “move over.” Troopers investigated a total of 2,973 crashes during the period, 857 people were injured, and 25 people were killed.
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State agencies spent more than $337 million on overtime in the first six months of 2015, a jump of $21 million over the same period in 2014, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today. State employees worked more than 8.2 million overtime hours, up 5 percent over the same period in 2014. If overtime continues to rise at this pace, total costs for 2015 would exceed $700 million, an all-time record. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Division of State Police overtime costs for June and July 2015 jumped by more than $22 million over last year. But the mid-year totals reflect only a small portion of overtime costs incurred in the statewide search for the two escapees from the Clinton Correctional Facility.
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In less than a month, New York’s affirmative consent law requiring uniform steps to combat sexual assault on college campuses takes effect. State officials have announced details of how they plan to implement the law, including a dozen State Police investigators assigned to a new victims’ unit to help investigate campus rape cases. Under Governor Cuomo’s “Enough is Enough” law, the rules at state institutions are extended to private schools. They include adopting student codes requiring affirmative consent before sex, and spelling out students’ rights to report sexual assault, dating or domestic violence and stalking to police.
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Governor Cuomo announced that New Yorkers have scheduled more than 700,000 reservations to visit state-operated Department of Motor Vehicles offices since introducing the service on its website in 2013. Customers who make reservations online ahead of office visits, reserving a day and time convenient for them, are able to avoid wait times, which have decreased dramatically since the launch of DMV’s Customer Service Initiative in 2012.
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State Police arrested 37-year-old Brett White of Binghamton for the felony of criminal contempt of court and the misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a dispute in the Town of Binghamton. An investigation determined that during a physical dispute White grabbed and threw his wife and his 7-year-old child to the floor, which violated a prior valid order of protection. White was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and released after he paid a $2,000.00 cash bail.
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New York state parks, historic sites and campgrounds hosted another successful season, with nearly 38.6 million estimated visits from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 2015, a 9.6% increase in attendance from the same summer period in 2014. The summer season finished with a strong Labor Day weekend, with 2.2 million estimated visitors for the three-day period, up from 2 million estimated visitors during Labor Day weekend 2014.
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On Tuesday, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Lakewood, Pennsylvania man on a felony assault charge following a domestic incident in the Town of Walton. 44 year old Joshua Loucks was charged with 2nd degree Assault and leaving the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle accident, for allegedly using a motor vehicle to cause physical injury to a 42 year old female by intentionally striking her with it, on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton and then leaving the scene of the incident. The victim was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital where she was treated and released. Loucks surrendered to Deputies in Hancock and was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where he was released upon posting $1000 cash bail pending further court action.
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State Police arrested 37-year-old Richard Bell of Bainbridge for assault, criminal trespass & harassment after a Delaware County 911 report of a dispute at a home on Blueberry Road in the Town of Masonville. Troopers determined that during a verbal dispute outside the victim’s home, Bell followed the man as he fled inside and allegedly struck him causing an injury. Bell was arraigned at Town of Tompkins Court, he was released without bail, & he will appear in Town of Masonville Court on September 15th.
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The New York State Department of Health reminds parents that the fall season is prime time for head lice as children head back to school. Infestations are especially common in school, where children spend time in close quarters. When kids share objects like headgear, hats and hairbrushes, the lice can spread easily. An estimated 6 to 12 million children are infected each year. Information on what to do if your children have head lice is available at health.ny.gov/diseases.
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The Binghamton Mets secured their playoff spot with the Divisional Round Best of 5 series beginning tonight at NYSEG Stadium at 6:35 pm; game 2 will be Thursday night at 6:35 pm with Post game Fireworks scheduled. If the B-Mets advance, the Championship Round Best of 5 series would begin on Tuesday, September 15th at 6:35 pm and continue on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:35 pm at NYSEG Stadium. More information is available at BMETS.com
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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-19-13

wcdonews — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:54:39 +0000

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced that Service arrangements for Trooper David Cunniff have been set for today and tomorrow. Calling hours will be today from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the Grace Fellowship Church in Watervliet, the Funeral Service will be tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM, also at the Grace Fellowship Church in Watervliet. Trooper Cunniff died from injuries sustained while conducting a traffic stop on the Thruway Monday night in Amsterdam.

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State troopers of Sidney, Oneonta and Richfield Springs conducted an Underage Drinker Initiative detail, checking 8 convenient stores in Otsego County, the City of Oneonta, and in the towns of Oneonta, Otsego, Hartwick and Otego. All 8 stores were in full compliance with all State laws, they were Hess Express, Main Street in the City of Oneonta, all Mirabito Quickways, in the Towns of Hartwick, Oneonta & West Oneonta, the Pit Stop in Cooperstown, Taylor’s Mini Mart in the Town of Laurens, & Sunoco in the Town of Otego.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old Amber Armstrong of Walton for 2^nd degree Harassment & on an arrest warrant from the Walton Village Court for 2^nd degree Coercion. The charges stem from an incident with a male acquaintance in the Town of Walton. Armstrong will appear in Walton Town Court at a later date.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed an audit of the Village of Deposit. The audit found that the village board did not effectively oversee and monitor their financial operations. The board did not have accurate information for their financial decisions and did not adopt reasonable budgets for the general, water and sewer funds. The report also said that the board cannot be sure that only authorized disbursements were made, that all moneys received were properly deposited, or that all transactions were properly recorded and reported.

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New York State’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.7% to 7.4% in November, the lowest level since January 2009, according to the preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. the state’s economy added 4,300 private sector jobs, to a record high of almost 7.5 million.

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Governor Cuomo signed a law to increase state oversight of special education programs for preschoolers with disabilities. The law authorizes the state comptroller to audit all of the independently run programs at least once in the next 5 years. It establishes new reporting requirements for committees that place children in programs and for providers. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says fraud in the $1.3 billion program has cost taxpayers millions of dollars while depriving children of needed help.

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It took just a fraction of New York voters to approve private casinos in the state. About 14.3 percent of the state’s 11 million registered voters cast a ballot in favor of the Nov. 5 casino referendum, according to the state Board of Elections. Nearly 1.19 million New Yorkers voted against it, or about 10.8 percent of the total electorate. More than 512,000 ballots left the casino section blank or void. The casino referendum, which allows the state to permit up to seven private casinos, was the first of six proposals on the back of all the ballots and received the most total votes

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The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a Babysitters Training Class for youth ages 11 to 15 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Saturday, at the Red Cross office at 620 East Main Street in Endicott. The cost of the class is $75, which includes a certificate from the American Red Cross, handbook and CD ROM. Space is limited and advanced registration is required at 1-800-733-2767, or at redcross.org.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-14-13

wcdonews — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:59:34 +0000

The Joint Landowners Coalition continues to monitor the situation with the DEC & the state health department as the February 27^th deadline approaches for the final draft regulations for hydrofracking. Coalition Attorney Scott Kurkoski told WCDO News that DEC Commissioner Joe Martens was optimistic that gas drilling permits could be issued soon:

(Scott Kurkoski 2-14-13)

Kurkoski noted that the state of Ohio finished their process in 8 months, while New York State has already taken 4 ½ years to complete the process.

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State troopers in Norwich arrested 27-year-old Heather McShane of Norwich for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .16%. The arrest resulted from a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 8 in New Berlin; McShane was issued tickets returnable to the Town of New Berlin Court on February 20^th.

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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that former state Senator Shirley Huntley has pleaded guilty to Tampering with Physical Evidence, for falsifying evidence in an effort to obstruct the investigation into the theft of a grant she sponsored for a sham non-profit entity, the Parent Workshop. Huntley & 1 other person pocketed approximately $29,950, from the scam; she faces 18-24 month prison sentence plus 5 years probation in exchange for her felony guilty plea.

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The Unatego United Group will hold a rally on Thursday, February 28th at 7pm at the Otego Elementary School. The group is working on another letter writing campaign to lawmakers, regarding the state’s school aid formula.

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The Sidney town board will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting gets underway at 7:00 PM the meeting will be held in the first floor boardroom of the Sidney civic center.

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19^th district Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he has joined with a bipartisan group to introduce H.R. 610, which would establish a federal Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Under the legislation, the Advisory Committee would be tasked with enhancing communication among federal agencies, medical professionals, and patients/patient advocates and to ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public health policy decisions.

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Price Chopper Supermarkets is issuing a voluntary recall on its Price Chopper Bakery Fresh bagels and muffins containing raisins. The products are being recalled due to the presence of naturally occurring foreign matter in the raisins that does not meet the Price Chopper standards. The affected products were produced and purchased between December 14^th 2012 and February 8^th 2013. Customers who have any of the affected product should return it to their local Price Chopper for a full refund.

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The New York State Public Service Commission authorized the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to increase the maximum incentive amount from $400,000 currently available up to $1 million per installation for the on-site wind program to help boost program participation. In 2010, the Commission established budgets and targets through 2015 for the Renewable Portfolio Standard program to encourage self-generation technologies, Copies of the action are available at dps.ny.gov

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