FRED AKSHAR – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

wcdonews — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 20:13:26 +0000

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

State Police & the State Attorney General’s Office are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in Cortland County Wednesday night, where a Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputy observed an SUV driving through a red traffic light in the Town of Cortlandville. The Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the SUV failed to comply, both the SUV and the patrol vehicle crashed, after failing to negotiate a turn onto the Interstate 81 on-ramp in Homer. A rear seat passenger in the SUV, 16-year-old, Salena Wallner was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV, a 15-year-old female, a 16-year-old female passenger and a 15-year-old female passenger were transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with serious injuries. The Sheriff’s Deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The SUV had been reported stolen from the William George Agency for Children’s Services in Tompkins County shortly before the accident.

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Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will allow those who are living and donate a kidney or liver to receive reimbursement. The law is designed to get rid of any financial barrier that may be holding an individual back from donating an organ & it will reduce transplant wait times and address the organ shortage in the state.

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Over $22 million in grant funding was awarded to 76 communities across the state through Round 12 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, with an emphasis on Waterfront Revitalization, Brownfield remediation & Sustainable Community Planning and Zoning. The Village of Sidney will receive $700,000 dollars for their GreenPlain Community Park Plan, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 12-30-22)

Plans call for the construction of recreational amenities including a green soccer complex and event lawn, adjacent to the Susquehanna River. Broome County will receive funds for improvements at Grippen Park, The Ross Park Trail & the Roberson Museum.

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Elected officials will be sworn in for a new term on Sunday, January 1st. Governor Hochul will be sworn in at 2:00 PM Sunday at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, Sheriff-elect Fred Akshar and the Broome County Legislature will be joined by hundreds of family and friends for a special Joint Swearing-in Ceremony at the DoubleTree in Binghamton on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Akshar passed on running for re-election to the State Senate, in order to return to Law Enforcement.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

The new Minimum wage is set to go into effect on Saturday, Workers outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will see the minimum wage go from $13.20 to $14.20 an hour.

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A new provision of Brianna’s Law goes into effect Saturday in New York State. This legislation was signed into law in 2019, but a new provision requires operators of mechanically propelled boats to complete a boating safety course. Before, those born on or after January 1, 1988 needed the safety certificate. Beginning January 1, 2023, those born on or after January 1, 1983 need the boating safety certificate to operate mechanically propelled boats.

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1st Night Oneonta will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center New Year’s Eve. Hill City Celebrations will be hosting an alcohol free, family friendly celebration at the Foothills Performing Arts Center from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-6-22

wcdonews — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 19:01:31 +0000

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-6-22

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced 3 awards at their meeting this morning, This year’s Organization of the years went to the Sidney Alumni Association, Spokesman Brian Innes commented:

(Brian Innes 4-6-22)

Chamber President Teri Schunk was chosen as the Citizen of the Years, she told WCDO News that she had no idea that this would or could occur:

(Teri Schunk 4-6-22)

Schunk said that the Business of the Years award goes to Gavin’s Pizza. The Annual Dinner will be held on June 2nd.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Walton Fire Department responded to the Delaware County DPW Garage in Walton Tuesday. A metal object had been brought to the Garage by an employee for disposal, it was determined to be an antique undetonated explosive device & the State Police Bomb Disposal Unit responded & removed it from the scene. The incident closed several Walton Streets & altered the schedule of the Walton School District, there were no injuries reported.

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The FDA announced a recall of Continental Mills pancake and waffle mix sold in New York. The recall was for Great Value Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix, with an expiration date of 9/01/2023. The mixes are sold at Walmarts nationwide. The recall is due to potential foreign material contamination, according to the FDA. Fragments from a cable used to clear the processing line were discovered in a limited amount of product, the FDA states.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who is chair of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee held a hearing on suicide in the armed forces, as the rates of suicide among active military people & Veterans has quadrupled since 2001:

(Gillibrand 4-6-22)

Following the hearing, Senator Gillibrand said she sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin calling for details on the department’s actions to address lapses in delivering timely access to mental health care for service members.

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Former Binghamton Mayor Rich David filed petitions containing approximately 3,000 signatures to appear on the ballot on the Republican line this fall, in the new 53rd Senate District. David also received the authorization from the New York State Conservative Party and filed petitions to appear on the Conservative line. David announced his candidacy for the State Senate After Fred Akshar declined to seek re-election to the senate & announced a run for Broome County Sheriff.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-6-22

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet today, at 1:00 P.M. 1 of the items on the agenda is the Application of High Bridge Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need Pursuant for a Wind Powered Electric Generating Facility in Guilford. The Meeting will be available at dps.ny.gov

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop Monday on State Highway 17 in Hancock. 25-year-old Keisha Herelle of Brooklyn was arrested for operating while registration revoked or suspended, & speeding. Herelle was released and is scheduled to appear before the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

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The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning. The meeting will begin at 8:00 AM at Trackside Diner on Main Street in Sidney.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-8-16

wcdonews — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 20:47:17 +0000

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 2 New York City men on felony marihuana possession charges following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Deputies stopped a speeding vehicle operated by 20-year-old Messiah Ortiz of New York City, a search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the seizure of 1 pound of marihuana and over $2500 cash. Deputies charged Ortiz and 26-year-old Michael Lewis of New York City, with Criminal Possession of Marihuana, they were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where they were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 secured bond pending future court action.
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State Police arrested 30-year-old Maxx Waters of Afton for 3rd degree Assault & harassment. Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on Hilltop Drive in the Town of Afton, where Waters allegedly engaged in a physical dispute with 2 other victims, with one of the victims receiving a laceration to the head. Waters was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Court on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond. His next court date is on December 8, 2016.
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A charity Auction will be held November 19th in Oneonta to benefit the Leatherstocking Council of the Boys Scouts of America. District Executive Peter Miller told WCDO News of some of the auction items up for bidding:

(Peter Miller 11-9-16)

Online bidding & a complete list of auction items can be found at Leatherstocking Council.org, the auction will take place on Saturday November 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Morris conference Center at SUNY Oneonta.
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State Police arrested 32-year-old Amber Joy of Morris for 4th grand larceny; Joy is accused of stealing religious items from the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, on Main Street in the Village of Morris, valued at $240. Joy was arraigned in the Town of Morris Court where she was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date is pending.
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A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive of Justice complaint from New Jersey. 30-year-old Scott Russell was taken into custody and was brought to the Town of Norwich Court. Russell was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. He is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.
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Chenango county sheriffs deputies arrested 56-year-old Peter Constantinou of New Berlin for 3rd degree Assault & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation by Chenango County Child Protective Services and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Constantinou faces action in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.
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A rally in support of the Sioux at Standing Rock of North Dakota will be held in the Muller plaza in Oneonta tomorrow from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. The Sioux are at odds with a plan to have the Dakota Access Pipeline run through land that they consider sacred. More information is available at the “Stand with Standing Rock” Facebook page.

The elections are over and here are the Winners for 2016: in The U.S. Senate seat for New York, Democrat Charles Schumer beats Republican Wendy Long by a better than 2 to 1 margin. In the House of Representatives: in the 19th Congressional District Race, Republican John Faso defeats Democrat Zephyr Teachout & in the 22nd Congressional district Race Republican Claudia Tenney wins over Democrat Kim Meyers & 3rd party Candidate Martin Babinec. In area State Senate races, Republican incumbents Fred Akshar, Jim Seward & John Bonacic were re-elected. In State Assembly Races, Incumbents Bill Magee Donna Lupardo & Gary Finch defeated their opponents, Cliff Crouch & Pete Lopez were re-elected, they ran unopposed. Broome county voters elected Democrat Jason Garner over incumbent Debbie Preston. John Hubbard wins for Delaware County District Attorney, he was unopposed, Peter McCann wins the election for Morris Town Judge, and Randall Mowers was elected to the Oneonta Town Board
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The State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions will be held today in Binghamton and Vestal today. information on specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov or (518) 457-6335. The first auction will begin at 9:30 at the DOT at 241 Colesville Road in Binghamton; the second begins at 1:30 PM at SUNY Binghamton, at 4400 Vestal Parkway East, in Vestal.
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The Otsego County Chamber of commerce announces that their Education Committee will host a discussion supporting Tourism on Wednesday, November 9, from 8:30 10:00 AM. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, more information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-4-15

wcdonews — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 20:15:08 +0000

The results are in for key races from yesterday’s elections: in the 52nd State Senate race, Republican Fred Akshar defeats Democrat Barbara Fiala. For Delaware County Family Court Judge, Gary Rosa defeats Porter Kirkwood. In the Chenango County District Attorney’s race, Joseph McBride wins reelection over Zachary Wentworth. For Town of Franklin Supervisor Jeffery Taggart is re-elected, in the Town of Harpersfield Supervisor, Jim Eisel is re-elected, in the Town of Guilford the Supervisor will be George Seneck, in the Town of Oxford, Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox is re-elected, & for the Sidney Town Board, the 2 seats will go to Republicans Eric Wilson & Jeannette Hinckley over Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath.
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Governor Cuomo announced the beginning of a new, statewide cooperative effort to crack down on illegal credit/debit card skimmers at gas pumps across New York, seeking to end criminals’ ability to empty the bank accounts of their victims. With card data theft incidents on the rise across the country, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Weights and Measures Bureau is conducting New York’s first-ever training and sweep of gas station dispensers across the state to proactively protect consumers and gas station owners. Agriculture and Markets staffers will train county weights and measures officials to spot skimming devices in their communities.
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The Next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours is today, with M&T Bank at their 118 State Hwy 320, Norwich branch, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. More information is available at 334-1402.
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Governor Cuomo announced that during the first 10 months of 2015, New York State recouped and returned $25.1 million to approximately 22,600 workers who originally were not paid the proper minimum wage, overtime pay or fringe benefits. This amount puts the state on pace to exceed the record $30.2 million disbursed to 27,000 workers in 2014. The State Department of Labor announced that more than 80% of all investigations are now completed within 6 months, in the Southern Tier region, $209,000 was returned to 293 workers.
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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch stated today that the Kraft manufacturing plant in Walton under review for closure needs to stay open. Crouch said that there are 150 local jobs as well as a methane digester project being pursued by the Village of Walton at stake. The methane digester project is being pursued through the Regional economic Development Council as a cost-saving measure for Kraft & as well as the Walton school district, to save on heating costs paid by area taxpayers. Crouch joins Governor Cuomo & U.S. Senator Schumer in trying to get Kraft Heinz from closing the Walton plant, and 2 others in the state, following a merger of the 2 food industry giants.
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State Police arrested 26-year-old Scott Losee of Sherburne for 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief and unlawful imprisonment, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute that occurred on November 2 in Sherburne. Losee allegedly assaulted his girlfriend causing an injury to her face. He also smashed her cell phone and kept her from leaving the home. Losee was arraigned in the Town of Sherburne court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Sherburne is on November 18, 2015. The court issued an order of protection against Losee.
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New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 158 State Legislators to their annual list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker’s support of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau, based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance. The “Circle of Friends” local recipients for 2015 are State Senators John Bonacic & Jim Seward & Assembly members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.
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State Senator Jim Seward will be in Worcester Thursday at the I-88 rest stop. Officials from the State DOT will join Seward and other local leaders to officially reopen the fully rehabilitated I-88 rest stop closed in 2010 due to budget constraints. Officials will also provide an update on work to reopen the I-88 rest stop in Wells Bridge.
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The New York State Office of General Services today announced that the surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions scheduled for Friday, November 12 in Unadilla was cancelled and will not be rescheduled. A listing of other New York State auctions to be held throughout the state can be found at nysstore.com. Specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 11-2-15

wcdonews — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 20:28:16 +0000

Tomorrow is Election day, with quite a few interesting races in an “Off Year” In the State Senate race in the 52nd district; Republican Fred Akshar & Democrat Barbara Fiala are running to fill the seat left vacated by the conviction of long time Senator Tom Libous.
Delaware County will have a Family Court Judge for the first time; the candidates are Democrat Gary Rosa & Republican Porter Kirkwood. In Chenango County, for District Attorney, incumbent Joseph McBride faces Zachary Wentworth. Several Town Races will be decided by voters Tuesday, in the Town of Sidney; Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley, Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath are running for 2 seats on town board
In the Town of Franklin, for town Supervisor, incumbent Jeffery Taggart faces Epifanio Bevilacqua & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the town board: Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard and Donald Smith. In the Town of Harpersfield for Town Supervisor, incumbent Jim Eisel faces a challenge from Edward Pick Jr. Eisel is chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; a Pick Victory would mean a change at the top of Delaware County Government. In the race for Town of Guilford Supervisor, George Seneck faces Jeffrey MacCormack & for Town of Oxford Supervisor Frederick Lanfear faces Lawrence Wilcox.
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Governor Cuomo announced the results of Child Passenger Safety Week seat check events, during which 88% of the 931 seats inspected were found to be improperly installed, 112 had been installed correctly. Child safety seat checks are coordinated by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in cooperation with state and local law enforcement and community safety partners year round, either by appointment or at events conducted throughout the year. Future scheduled events can be found at safeny.ny.gov.
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The Kansas City Royals captured their second-ever World Series title and first in 30 seasons after a 5-game Series with the New York Mets. Artifacts from Royals will arrive in Cooperstown to take a permanent place at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, among the Artifacts, a Jersey worn by Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, a Glove used by Royals catcher and World Series Most Valuable Player Salvador Perez, Spikes worn by Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain, a cap worn by Royals closer Wade Davis, & a bat each from Mike Moustakas, & Alcides Escobar. additional artifacts from the 2015 Postseason will be featured in the Autumn Glory exhibit, which will be on exhibit through the 2016 Postseason and is scheduled to open in later this month.
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the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18 year old Austin Reynolds, of Sherburne, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree and Unlawful Possession of Alcohol; Person Under 21 years of age, after participating in a Stop DWI check point in the Town of Delhi. Reynolds was released with appearance tickets where he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded this weekend to a Trespass in progress at the Bagels and Cream located on Elm St in the Village of Delhi. Upon arrival, Deputies found a male subject sleeping on the floor in the dining area. Deputies arrested Travon Gaddis age 18 of New Rochelle, New York for Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree. Gaddis is to reappear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time to answer the said charges.
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The Trial of former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver begins today in a Manhattan federal courtroom. Silver is accused of taking $4 million in bribes and kickbacks disguised as legal fees from 2 separate law firms, while serving as Assembly Speaker. . Questioning of potential jurors is scheduled to begin on Monday. The Trial of Former State Senate Leader Dean Skelos will start later this month.
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The city of Oneonta announced that the final paving of Asphalt on 6th Street is scheduled for today. 6th Street will be blocked off after the morning drop off period and should be re-opened in time for afternoon pick ups, any delays or changes will be communicated to the school offices.
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The Maines Broome County Arena will host Let’s Make A Deal Live tonight at 7:30 pm, ticket information is available at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800 745 3000.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting today, in the District Conference room at 6:00 PM.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 10-27-15

wcdonews — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 19:30:41 +0000

State Police responded to a fatal Motor Vehicle Accident on County Route 8 in the Town of Pittsfield. Troopers discovered 50 year old Guillermo Soto of Morris had apparently lost control of his vehicle for an unknown reason, and struck a tree, he was found deceased in the driver’s seat with his seat belt on. Otsego County Coronor’s office responded to the scene and Soto was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a possible autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.
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State Police arrested 33 year old Howard Archer of Unadilla for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and criminal possession of marihuana 5th, they also arrested 58 year old John Barkman of Sidney for unlawful possession of marihuana, after a vehicle stop when Archer was observed speeding on State Highway 8 in the Town of Unadilla. Police detected the odor of marijuana & a search of the vehicle and two occupants was conducted, they were issued tickets returnable to the Town of Guilford court on November 3rd.
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For every dollar New York sends to Washington it receives about 91 cents back in federal spending, compared to a national average of nearly $1.22, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York ranked 46th in the nation in its balance of payments between the amount it generated in federal taxes and the amount of federal government spending it received. , New York contributed $10,896 per capita in tax revenue to the federal budget, nearly a third more than the national average, and received an estimated $9,885 in per capita federal spending, slightly below the nationwide average.
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State Police arrested 29-year-old Veronica Winchell of Andes, for menacing, criminal mischief, resisting arrest & harassment 2nd and 51 year old Marc Goodkin of Andes for 3rd degree Assault. Troopers responded to domestic dispute in Andes, Winchell physically resisted being handcuffed, & during processing Winchell damaged a window blind. Bother were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, they face court action on Thursday.
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the City of Oneonta & Cleinman Performance Partners & Asbury Gardens announced plans to build a memorial park to Oneonta’s late Mayor Dick Miller. Plans call for a memorial at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main Street & Lettis Highway, with year round plantings, benches, a walkway & a sculpture garden.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 24-year-old Ruslan Opatskyy of Binghamton in connection with the armed robbery at the Mirabito Gas Station in the Town of Windsor on Thursday. Opatskyy has been charged with 2nd degree robbery & faces court action in the Town of Windsor Court at a later date. Opatskyy and Catherine Boyea-Kaninsky, 21 of Port Crane were also charged with 2nd degree robbery for the armed robbery at the Kwik Fill Gas Station in Port Crane last Tuesday.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 78-year-old Frank Kriz of Oxford with 2 counts of Identity Theft, for allegedly opening 5 lines of credit using other people’s information. Kriz was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and was released on his own recognizance to return at a later date.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22-year-old Michael Beckwith of New Berlin for 2nd degree Harassment & Resisting Arrest. Beckwith is accused of making several threats towards arresting Deputies & for resisting arrest. Beckwith was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail. Beckwith is to reappear in court at a later date to answer to his charges.
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Commerce Chenango will hold a “Meet the Candidates” session on October 27th, As part of the SFCU Business After Hours event. The session will be held at the SFCU Norwich branch, at County Road 32 & State Highway 23, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, among those confirmed to attend are State Senate candidates Fred Akshar & Barbara Fiala, along with several local Norwich and Chenango County candidates.
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The Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting date is tonight at the Silo Restaurant in Greene. A short film entitled “Every Farmer” produced by New York Farm Bureau will be shown. There will be FFA students and teachers from several schools present along with NY State Legislators & local officials. Agriculture is still the number one industry in New York State and Chenango County.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 10-16-15

wcdonews — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 19:55:54 +0000

State Senate Republican candidate Fred Akshar campaigned in Norwich today, he told WCDO News what prospective constituents concerns are:

(Fred Akshar 10-16-15)

Akshar faces Democrat Barbara Fiala in the special election to fill the 52nd state senate district, following the conviction of long time senator Tom Libous of Binghamton this summer.
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Next week, a candidate’s forum will be held in the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Memorial Library, featuring candidates for the Delaware County Family court judge position, and for the 2 seats on the town of Sidney board. Organizer Amanda Heaney-Smith comments:

(Amanda Heaney Smith 10-16-15)

The candidate’s forum will be held on Tuesday beginning at 6:30 PM at the Sidney Library. The Delaware County Family Court Judge candidates are Porter Kirkwood & Gary Rosa, the 4 candidates for 2 Sidney town board seat include incumbent Bill Heath, plus Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley & Loddie Marsh.
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The “Camp Hope” Launch Party will be held Sunday, at the Unadilla Community Field Behind the Library from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM. The organization is looking to raise money for a dog training facility to be built in Sidney, to give Post Traumatic Stress Disorder service dogs to veterans free of charge. Sundays’; event will feature a live dog demonstration, raffles, food provided by the Unadilla House and entertainment by the band Sundown. More information is available at camp hope veteran’s .org or on their facebook page or by calling 437-6927.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that more than 132,000 available jobs are now listed on New York State’s Jobs Express website. Jobs Express sorts thousands of jobs by region and occupation, and allows users to search jobs based on zip code and travel distance. In the Southern Tier, there are over 4,700 jobs listed currently.
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Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills reminds residents to be aware of a number of IRS scams that have been reported recently. The scams try to trick taxpayers into providing personal and financial information & may involve intimidation tactics to coerce victims into making false tax payments that are collected by the scammer. Sheriff Mills said that you should not share any personal or financial information with these callers, & that the IRS will never make such calls to private citizens. Those with questions can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040, you can report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484, or the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov.

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On Thursday, a Chenango County resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for falsely reporting an incident. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 14 year old juvenile following an investigation into a bomb threat at the BOCES in North Norwich. The juvenile wrote a bomb threat on the wall of the school knowing that there was no bomb in the school, he was arrested and will appear in court at a later date.
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A Benefit for the Tri Town Relay for Life will be held Saturday Night from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street. Noted area singers will perform oldies music, refreshments are available, and tickets will be available at the Elks Club door.
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Tonight in Norwich, The Classic Casino Night will be held at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, at 24 Rexford Street, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. More information available at 334-2886 or classiccarmuseum.org
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Illusionist David Caserta to debut his Haunted Illusions show to Norwich at 7:00 PM. on Saturday in the Chenango Arts Council’s Martin W. Kappel Theater, 27 West Main Street. More information or to order tickets, visit www.chenangoarts.org or 336-ARTS.

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 10-15-15

wcdonews — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:22:03 +0000

Tioga Downs in Nichols received the news from the State Gaming Facility Location Board, to go ahead with plans to expend for a full-scale casino, The board denied their bid last year, and gave the Southern Tier Casino license to the Lago resort about 85 miles north of the region. Groundbreaking on the expanded casino facilities is expected to be announced shortly.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that the State Liquor Authority has approved a host of advisories to help support the continued growth and development of New York’s beverage manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers. Governor Cuomo convened the state’s 3rd Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider Summit last week, where industry participants raised specific legislative and regulatory issues facing the industry. Bainbridge Native & Binghamton Brewing Company Owner Kristen Lyons participated in the summit:

(Kristen Lyons 10-15-15)

The new State Liquor Authority advisories are posted at sla.ny.gov, more information about the state’s growing beer, wine, spirits and cider industries is available at taste.ny.gov.
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Area Republican Congressman Richard Hanna made national headlines today, as he joined Kevin McCarthy in suggesting that an investigation into the Benghazi incident may have been an effort to damage Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. In a radio interview in Utica yesterday, Hanna implied that McCarthy was forced to withdraw his bid for House Speaker, by his Republican peers because of his statements regarding the political damage that they tried to inflict on Hillary Clinton & her presidential bid.
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State DOT officials today announced the scheduled reopening of the Interstate 81 southbound ramp to State Route 17 westbound, a major milestone in the $135 million project to reconstruct the Prospect Mountain Interchange of State Route 17 and I-81 in the city of Binghamton and town of Dickinson, Broome County. The I-81 southbound ramp to Route 17 had been closed since December 2014. An estimated $164 million project to reconfigure Interchange 4 will begin next spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
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The New York State unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level in over seven years in September, according to statistics released today by the State Labor Department. The statewide unemployment rate fell from 5.2% to 5.1% in September, the lowest level since April 2008, the state also added 11,400 private sector jobs in September.
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The State DEC today urged outdoor adventurers to suspend exploration of caves and mine sites that serve as homes for bat hibernations. Human disturbances are harmful to the state’s bat population since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed more than 90% of hibernating bats in New York. Officials warned that if you encounter hibernating bats while underground, leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible. 2 species of bats are currently protected under federal and state endangered species law, including the northern long-eared bat, which was prevalent in New York, but the current population for this formerly common bat is approximately 1% of its previous size.
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The Norwich Business Improvement District announced a full line up of events for the annual Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 23rd through Saturday the 24th in Norwich. On Friday, from 5:30-7:00pm is the Giant Pumpkin Contest-Weigh In, On Saturday; events include a Pumpkin Bake-Off Contest, the YMCA Halloween Parade, Horse & Wagon Rides, and music with Kaitlyn Jackson and the Hometown Ban& The Beadle Brothers, followed by fireworks at the end of the evening.
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Commerce Chenango will hold a “Meet the Candidates” session on October 27th. As part of the SFCU Business After Hours event. The session will be held at the SFCU Norwich branch, at County Road 32 & State Highway 23, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, among those confirmed to attend are State Senate candidates Fred Akshar & Barbara Fiala, among several local Norwich and Chenango County candidates. RSVP are requested by October 23rd at 334-1402 or johara@chenangony.org
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual ceremony to honor the Small Business of the Year award & the Breakthrough Business of the Year today. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Small Business Banquet at The Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.
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On Saturday night, October 10th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Erick Daly of Queens with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, following traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Troopers initially stopped Daly for driving 83 mph in a 55mph zone, Deputies found Daly to be in possession of marijuana and an electronic stun gun. Daly was arraigned in the Hancock Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail.
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FEMA is reminding policyholders who filed Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claims that the last day to request a review of their claim is today. If you feel your Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claim was underpaid, ask FEMA to review your claim by calling 866-337-4262 between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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The Oneonta police department special response team is scheduled to work in cooperation with the Greater Plains Elementary School to conduct a school lockdown drill today. The event will provide the Oneonta SRT Team the opportunity to train in full gear, and it will give students & faculty a chance to become familiar with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-30-15

wcdonews — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:41:28 +0000

An Amber Alert issued early Tuesday afternoon in Binghamton ended late yesterday afternoon, with the child returned and the suspect in custody. 3 Month Old Lucios Mitchell was taken by 26-year-old Veronica Mitchell from the Chenango Street area at around 12:30 PM, at around 6:00 PM, Mitchell was in custody, and the child was safe.
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Governor Cuomo announced $3 million in prostate cancer research funding has been awarded to 20 research institutions across the state to explore new and innovative concepts in prostate cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among men in New York State, second only to skin cancer. An estimated 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime, occurring mostly in men aged 65 and older.
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The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Norwich today. The event will be held at the American legion post 189 at 29 Sheldon Street from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments are requested at 1-800-REDCROSS or redcrossblood.org.

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49-year-old William Danielson of Oxford changed his plea today in Chenango County Court, to guilty, as his murder trial was schedule to begin in Norwich. Danielson was charged with murder for the death of Lucinda Knoll of Norwich in 2013. The court has accepted the change in plea and sentencing will be scheduled shortly.
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The Delaware County Sheriff’s department arrested 31-year-old Sean Dingle of Queens on drug charges, following the execution of a search warrant in the Town of Sidney. The warrant was obtained following a 5-month heroin trafficking investigation conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Probation Department and the Broome County Special Investigations Task Force. Dingle was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana after seizing 100 bags of heroin & a small amount of marijuana, that Dingle intended to sell at the Unadilla public fishing access lot in Sidney. Dingle was arraigned in Town of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending a future court appearance.
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The Otsego County Department of Health announced today that a skunk in the town of Otego tested positive for rabies. Otsego County Health Department officials stated that 2 unvaccinated dogs were exposed & will be euthanized, the skunk was shot and the remains were sent to the state lab for testing. A free rabies clinic is scheduled for Otego at the fire department on October 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
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State Senate candidate Fred Akshar hosted more than a dozen local farmers, agriculture students and professionals at a roundtable discussion on challenges and opportunities for Southern Tier agriculture in Whitney point Tuesday:

(Akshar 9-30-15)

Akshar faces former Broome County Executive & State DMV Commissioner Barbara Fiala in a special election to fill the seat vacated by the conviction of long time Republican State Senator Tom Libous.
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The State DEC has adopted amendments to update and consolidate Petroleum Bulk Storage and Chemical Bulk Storage regulations. The changes clarify existing requirements and make it easier for those who store bulk amounts of petroleum or chemicals in tank systems to comply with equipment and handling standards needed to prevent contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water and public water supplies.
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Governor Cuomo today announced $20 million is available for the construction of new affordable housing units damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. Qualified housing developers are invited to submit proposals for properties to be developed in the eligible counties, which locally includes: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego Counties. Funding will come from the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, out of its $4.4 billion federal allotment.
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The Taste of the Catskills Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th at the Maple Shade Farm in Delhi. The Festival will include food from local farms, restaurants & Micro-Breweries & Live music. On Sunday, October 11th Catskill Mountainkeeper will screen their documentary “Catskill Park,” More information & ticket purchases can be accessed at TasteoftheCatskills.com.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-5-15

wcdonews — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:22:23 +0000

Governor Cuomo announced the State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. The Speed Week campaign runs today through next Tuesday August 11th. Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State. In 2013, 352 people were killed and nearly 19,000 injured in speed related crashes statewide. During “Speed Week”, Troopers will also be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating New York’s Move Over law.
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New York State is on alert for a virus that’s killed millions of birds in the Pacific Northwest & Midwestern U.S. Experts believe it could land in the northeast, but steps are being taken to try to stop the new type of Avian Flu, which barely gives any warnings. The Risk foe Avian Influenza is increasing as all types of birds migrate through the region. Health departments are taking proactive steps before the first case has been reported.
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State police in Binghamton arrested 56-year-old Sally Adams of Binghamton for Aggravated DWI, with a BAC result of .31, almost 4 times the legal limit. Troopers responded to the report of an intoxicated drivers on Pierce Creek Road in the Town Of Conklin, Adams will appear in Conklin town court on august 11th.
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A State Ethics Board that was created to address Albany’s lingering corruption problem, squabbled over perceived Meddling by Governor Cuomo, with some members vowing to oppose any effort to hire a new executive director with any ties to Cuomo. Members of J-COPE have reportedly disagreed over the selection process to select a new executive director following the resignation of Letizia Tagliafierro. J-COPE is looking to appoint the 3rd executive director in the last 4 years, the agency oversees the enforcement of the state’s ethics rules & financial disclosure requirements, the executive directors is picked by a vote of the commissions 14 members, 6 of which are picked by the governor & the other 8 picked by legislative leaders.
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New York State will likely emerge as 1 of the states to reap big benefits from President Obama’s plan to fight climate change with new emission limits on Coal Fire Plants. New York should be able to comply easily, as the state currently generate only 3.5% of its electricity from coal, at the same time, the state’s economy will likely benefit from new jobs from the emerging renewable energy projects in both wind & solar power. New York’s energy plan is due by September of 2016; the public will have a change to comment on the plan before it is approved.
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Democrats picked Barbara Fiala & Republicans have picked Fred Akshar as their choice to run in the special election for the vacant seat in the state senates 52nd district. Denver Jones is seeking to get his name on the ballot, he ran as a Republican in 2014 against then incumbent Tom Libous, but lost, Jones is looking to get on the ballot under the “Taxpayers Party” Line. Rich Purtell was selected by the Libertarian Party to run for the seat.
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Oneonta police responded to the report of a broken window at a business at 224 Main Street, eyewitnesses claimed that 3 young males broke the window by kicking it. One of the 3 suffered lacerations; police followed a trail of blood to 300 Main Street where they discovered that 21 year old Evan Bowker required medical attention. Bowker was treated at Fox hospital & was released, he was charged with criminal mischief, he was held pending arraignment in Oneonta City Court.
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The B-G Central School District is seeking Community members interested in serving on a Capital Project Facility Committee. The next meeting will be held on August 31, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the District Conference Room. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.
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The Sidney Community Band will hold their next Don Clayton Trails Side Concert tonight at 6:30, under the pavillion in Keith Clark Park in Sidney. D.J. Wooden is tonight’s featured performer, the concerts are held every Wednesday night through the summer months.
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The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced the closing of the James Georgeson Drive entrance to Neahwa Park until further notice, due to an apparent settling beneath the road surface. DPS & the City Engineering Department will be conducting exploratory investigations to determine the cause & extent of the problem, until the problem is rectified, the road will remain closed, and The Park can still be accessed at the Neahwa Place entrance near the Main & River Street Intersection. More information can be obtained at 432-6465.