HOWIE HAWKINS – WCDO Radio News

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 MONDAY 10-29-18

wcdonews — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:42:04 +0000

State Police at Oneonta found a vehicle belonging to a man missing from Irondequoit and now are seeking assistance in locating 53-year-old Steven Kassirer, whose vehicle was located abandoned in a parking lot in the Oneonta area last Tuesday, October 23. Kassirer has no ties to the Oneonta area and troopers do not know at this time why his vehicle would have been left. anyone with information should contact State Police in Oneonta at 432-3211.
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There are no further plans for a debate between Gubernatorial candidates between now & Election Day. One debate was held downstate last week between Democratic Incumbent Andrew Cuomo & Republican Challenger Marcus Molinaro, Independent Stephanie Miner, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins & Libertarian Larry Sharpe were excluded from that debate.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 1st Friday Eat & Meet this Friday in Hobart, from 8:30 to 10:00 am at Liberty Rock Books at 678 Main Street. The guest speakers are Paul Van der kruik of the Leatherstocking Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Kimberly Lorraine of the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties.
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The CDC and the State Health Department are urging New York State Residents to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible, as an early flu season has already started. A flu outbreak in 1 Michigan school district led that district to close with students & teachers experiencing a flu outbreak. The FDA has approved a new flu vaccine that will be rushed to the market to try to slow down the latest strain of the flu.
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Those planning on participating in Operation Merry Christmas have only until Wednesday to call & sign up, Spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 10-29-18)

Those looking to sign up can call 643-6334 or 563-8119 through Wednesday.
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The Delaware Valley Humane Society is looking to gather various items for the Southern New York Pig Rescue of Hornell, that will be picked up by them in Sidney this Wednesday. The humane Society is accepting Hog Pellets, Vegetables, Pumpkins, Pig Milk Replacer, Hay & Straw through Wednesday Morning. More information is available at 563-7780.
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State Police and local law enforcement have increased patrols to crack down on impaired driving and underage drinking through Halloween. The enforcement campaign runs through Thursday and is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. During last year’s initiative there were 1,593 accidents, 226 injuries, 1 fatality, Troopers also arrested 248 people for DWI and issued more than 9, 057 tickets for speeding, distracted driving and other traffic violations.
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State Police arrested 38 year old Annvernette Ellis of Edmeston for Driving While Intoxicated, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation plus several traffic tickets. A trooper on patrol near the intersection of State Highway 20 and State Highway 8 observed Ellis commit several traffic offenses, a traffic stop was initiated and found Ellis was drinking an alcoholic beverage while driving, she also possessed oxycodone. Ellis was arraigned & was remanded to jail pending future court action.
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The Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council will hold a meeting today that is open to the public, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Davenport United Methodist Church, Rachel Rissberger of the Oneonta World of Learning program will be the featured speaker, and more information is available at 832-5200.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-24-18

wcdonews — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 19:14:59 +0000

Tropical Storm Willa is making its way across Mexico, and could develop into a lesser form of a Nor’Easter this Saturday, meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 10-24-18)

Temperatures are expected to reach into the mid 40’s Saturday in the Southern Tier. We’ll have the WCDO Tri County Forecast at the end of the newscast.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call for a burglary in progress on Morgan Hill Road in the Town of Afton. The caller reported that when he entered his building and unknown individuals fled the scene out the rear door of the building. The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team & Deputies patrolled the wooded area behind the house, hours later, they arrested 37 year old Jessica Palmatier of Bainbridge, for Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree burglary, and she was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail. State police assisted, they arrested the 2nd suspect, 39 year old Jeb Davis of Sidney, and he was charged with 3rd degree burglary & was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail.
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The tri town coalition on substance abuse prevents has 2 events this week. Tonight at the Sidney High School “Hiding the High” will be presented in an “Adults” only session, beginning at 7:00 PM. The next regular Monthly meeting of the coalition will be held Thursday night at 6:00 PM at the Sidney High School featuring Dr. Samantha Cole, regarding the unique substance abuse problems locally.
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Those planning on participating in Operation Merry Christmas have only a few more days to call & sign up. Sign-Ups will continue through October 31st, at 643-6334 or 563-8119, the giveaway will be held in Mid-December in Bainbridge.
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The Otsego County Sheriff’s department, the Susquehanna Animal Shelter & Southern New York Pig Rescue in Hornell teamed up Monday to remove 4 pigs that were malnourished, from a property on Fisk Road in the town of Morris. Fundraising efforts were underway to have the pigs spayed or neutered by the Cornell University Veterinary program, the name of the owner of the pigs has not been charged, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Cornell Cooperative Extension & Chobani have teamed up for a series of informational workshops regarding the financial aspects affecting the Dairy Industry. A workshop will be held at the Quality Inn of Oneonta on Wednesday October 31st, & on Thursday November 1st at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Norwich. Those interested in attending the workshops can register at 315-866-7920.
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Governor Cuomo & Republican Candidate Marcus Molinaro held a televised debate last night, carried on CBS Affiliates around the state. The debate only featured the 2 major party candidates & did not include Libertarian Larry Sharpe, Green Candidate Howie Hawkins and independent ex-Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner.
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Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, will hold a news conference this morning in Binghamton to outline his criminal justice reform agenda, in front of the State Office building at 44 Hawley Street. Hawkins will appear at 10:30 AM. He is also scheduled to speak at SUNY Binghamton at 6:30 PM.
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Officials from Artspace will be in Oneonta today & tomorrow to listen to the needs of the artist community and to look for creative ways to support the arts and the City. Various discussions will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center starting at 1:00pm today, capped off with the public meeting at 7:00 PM. 2 more meetings are scheduled for Thursday morning, also at Foothills.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 4-13-18

wcdonews — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:51:01 +0000

52 year old Michael Slack of Otego has been charged with making a terroristic threat, Menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, & Harassment, following the report of a domestic dispute Tuesday. Slack is accused of making terroristic threats about government officials, & threatening a victim with a rifle; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.
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The City of Oneonta Department of Public Service announced this year’s schedule for curbside residential brush and yard waste pick-up. Those living in wards 1-4 will be have their yard waste picked up on Monday April 16th, those in wards 5-8 will be picked up the following Monday, April 23rd. Residents should have brush and yard waste out no sooner than the weekend before the scheduled pick-up to prevent possible code violation. Brush pick up will continue through the end of November.
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State Police released more details about the death of Whitesboro Police Officer Kevin Crossley, who was killed Wednesday night when his patrol car collided with a pickup truck driven by 26-year old Nicole Moshier-Harris of Whitesboro. Investigators reported that there is no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Officer Crossley was a full-time member of the Whitesboro Police Department for 7 years, he was 34 years old.
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The Delaware County Historical Association will feature Kurt Reigel, who owns & is restoring the Andrew Mann Inn on State Route 7 Riverside Sidney. The presentation will begin at 2:00 pm Saturday regarding the building that was built in 1787; it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. There is no admission fee for this event, more information, is available at 746-3849.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 2018 Job Fair Saturday, at the Fox Care Center from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Area Employers are seeking employees to fill a variety of positions, who can start immediately.
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The Color Run will be held in Binghamton Sunday, at SUNY BROOME. The event will benefit Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier, check in begins at 7:30 AM; the run begins at 10:30 AM.
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Howie Hawkins of Syracuse announced today that he is running for Governor to demand more progressive reforms and system change. Hawkins finished 3rd in the 2014 Gubernatorial race. His 184,419 votes moved the Green Party up to the 4th line among ballot qualified parties.
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Afton’s 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off Challenge will be held tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will be held at the Afton Town Hall, proceeds will benefit the Afton Community Park Fund.
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The 20th annual SADD “Strides for Safety” 5K will be held Sunday in Oneonta. Students will run, or walk from upper East Street to the Oneonta High School, money raised will go to facilitate activities that promote drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles, for teenagers.

State Police CNET arrested 36 year old Matthew Mazepa of Harpursville, in the City of Binghamton on active felony bench warrants from Chenango County Court. Mazepa was found to be in possession of an assault rifle, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, marihuana, ammunition and drug paraphernalia. Mazepa was charged with Criminal Possession Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Tampering with physical evidence, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia & Resisting Arrest, he was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.
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State Police arrested a 21-year-old man following a domestic incident. Joshua Backus of Greene was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Criminal Possession of a Stimulant, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 4 counts of Menacing and Harassment and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers were called to a residence in the Town of Oxford to investigate a domestic dispute; Backus pushed 2 subjects and threatened them with a hammer, pointed a gun at them and attempted to hit them with his vehicle. Troopers observed Backus drive by the residence, he was arrested, arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $40,000 cash bail or $80,000 bond pending Grand Jury action on April 18th.
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Erin Collier of Cooperstown, who is a candidate for Congress in New York’s 19th district, announced today that she has qualified to be on the ballot for the Democratic Primary on June 26th. Collier’s campaign filed over 2,700 signatures in support of her candidacy with the State Board of Elections, more than double the required number of signatures.
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The SUNY Oneonta Fights Cancer Club will hold the OH Fight Walk this evening from 6:00 pm until midnight at the Alumni Field House. Participants will walk around the Field House to raise awareness of and money for local families battling cancer. Registrations are available at suny.oneonta.edu.
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The St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Parish Nurse Committee and the Sidney Area Youth Advocate Program will present the documentary “Chasing The Dragon” on Saturday, April 14th at 2:00 PM. Organizer Ronnie Haag told WCDO News that the documentary focuses on the addiction stories of young people addicted to opioids:

(Ronnie Haag 4-13-18)

the content is considered acceptable for youths in Middle School and up, refreshments & a discussion will follow.
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The Out Of The Woodwork Players & the Jericho Arts council present “THE WEDDING SINGER” tonight, Saturday & Sunday at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Cast member Will Drew Explains:

(Will Drew 4-13-18)

The musical is based on the Adam Sandler Movie of the same name; tickets can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com.
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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-4-14

wcdonews — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 18:56:51 +0000

A.m. news Tuesday 11-4-14
It’s Election Day, with the big races on the ballot. The race for governor pits incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo, against Republican Rob Astorino & Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is on the ballot again. In the State Attorney General’s race, Incumbent democrat Eric Schneiderman faces Republican John Cahill. In the race for State Comptroller, incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli faces Republican Robert Antonacci. In races of local interest, for the 19th Congressional District, Republican Incumbent Chris Gibson faces democrat Sean Eldridge. In the 52nd State Senate district, Incumbent Republican Tom Libous faces Democrat Anndrea Starzak. In the State Assembly in the 121st Assembly District, incumbent Democrat Bill Magee faces a challenge from republican John Salka. In Sidney, Republican Loddie Marsh is running on the Democratic party line, while Jody Proffitt carries the Republican spot on the ballot for a town council seat. In Oneonta, Patricia Kent faces independent David Rowley for a town board seat. InFranklin, Republicans Donald Smith and Lisa Huyck are vying for two seats on the town council against independents Donald Hebbard and Bryan Babcock. There are also 3 propositions on the ballot; 1 proposal seeks to reform the redistricting process to an independent commission. The 2nd measure have lawmakers receive copies of proposed legislation digitally rather than on print out, the 3rd would allow the state to borrow up to $2 billion for high-speed Internet, equipment & high-tech security features for schools.
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Bassett Healthcare Network has established a call in line for patients concerned that they may have been exposed to Ebola – that number is (607) 547-5555 or toll free (877) 547-1745. The number is a resource for patients who have traveled internationally or had close contact with someone who recently traveled internationally and was ill. Patients who fit this criteria and are feeling ill or who have questions about possible symptoms are asked to call the Ebola call in line at Bassett to be connected with a clinician trained to help them.
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The 2015 General Clinton Canoe Regatta kickoff meeting will be held tonight in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill in Bainbridge.
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Insurance company AIG has agreed to pay New York state $35 million to settle claims that two former subsidiaries did business without licenses and misled regulators about their operations in the state. The deal was announced by the state Department of Financial Services. It comes after a $60 million settlement in March with MetLife, which purchased the subsidiaries from AIG. Authorities had alleged subsidiaries American Life Insurance Co. and Delaware American Life Insurance Co. sought customers in New York without licenses and without telling regulators. Under the settlement, AIG will drop a legal challenge to the state’s probe and the state will not proceed with charges or a lawsuit

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-24-14

wcdonews — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 17:41:35 +0000

Democratic incumbents in state races all have leads of at least 20 points over their Republican opponents heading into the closing days of the 2014 campaign, according to a new Siena College Poll. Governor Cuomo leads Rob Astorino 54-33% with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins up to 9%. Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman increased his lead over John Cahill 55-35% & State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has a 58-31% over Bob Antonacci.
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The 2nd round of New York State rebate checks have been delivered in recent days. The checks will provide rebates to homeowners on school property taxes if their local district stayed under the state tax cap, which limited the growth in taxes to less than 2% this year. In 2012, The State tax department sent about 1 million checks each worth $350 for people with a child under 17, who met the income eligibility.
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The Chenango Arts Council will host the “Wee Witches and Wizards of Norwich” on Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public and will include a “Gothic Stories and Spoken Word Open Mic Contest” from 2:00 to 4:30, A costume contest will follow at 4:30 for ages 3-18, followed by the YMCA Parade at 7:00 pm. More information is available at 336-ARTS or at chenangoarts.org
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The National Pastime’s marquee event will come home to Cooperstown as the World Series Gala returns to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Saturday. The Grandstand Theater will host the family-friendly event featuring ballpark food and soft drinks, trivia, raffles, prizes and screening of Fox’s live broadcast of Game 4 of the World Series between the San Francisco Giants & the Kansas City Royals in san Francisco Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., Tickets are available at 547-0397 today from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Tri-County Tea Party Patriots will hold a Public Meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Several guest speakers are scheduled, refreshments will be served.
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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-22-14

wcdonews — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:34:48 +0000

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 year old Jonathan Hopkins of South Plymouth on an arrest warrant issued by the Delhi Town Court. Hopkins is a Level 3 Sex Offender, he was charged with 1 count of Failing to Report a Change of Address within 10 days and 1count of Failing to Verify an Address every 90 days. Hopkins was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.
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State Senator Tom Libous announced his “Crash Zone Safety Act” in Afton, to help keep emergency responders safer while they’re saving lives on the highway.

(Libous 10-22-14)

The new bill would establish a specific 500-foot emergency speed zone for the crash site and beef up penalties for violators. The law also creates an education program so new and experienced drivers are more aware of roadside hazards and how to keep emergency workers safe.
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Governor Cuomo and Republican foe Rob Astorino will square off in a debate tonight at 8:00 p.m. Cuomo, Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott will field questions from a moderator & 3 reporters, it will be aired on PBS TV stations across the state.
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NEWS 10-8-14

wcdonews — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 18:16:11 +0000

Broome County officials announced that a prescription drop box has been placed in the lobby of the Broome County Office Building. People are encouraged to drop old, outdated prescription medications into the box to make sure they are disposed of properly and that they stay out of the hands of children and teenagers. The box in the Broome County Office building will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The box in the lobby of the Broome County Sheriff’s office and is available for drop off from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Needles will not be accepted at the drop boxes.

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State Police arrested 59-year-old Anthony Fischetti of Binghamton, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, following a vehicle stop for having a rear license plate lamp that was not working, on State Route 17 in Windsor. An investigation accuse Fischetti of driving with a suspended driver’s license in an uninspected vehicle, an inventory of the vehicle discovered 2.5 grams of heroin and oxycodone pills. Fischetti was arraigned at the Town of Sanford Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set; he faces action in the Town of Windsor Court today.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane today announced the creation of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Heroin Task Force across Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts are on board, with other states expected to be announced in the coming weeks. In the last two years, over 98% of the large-scale heroin trafficking cases prosecuted by the New York Attorney General’s Office have involved heroin flowing between New York and either Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Massachusetts.
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It will be the big wrap up 2 days of racing at I-88 Speedway in Afton Friday & Saturday. Track Spokesman Jamie Page explains:

(Jamie Page 10-8-14)

Friday, will feature 7 races, Saturday will feature 5 more races, including the Short Track Super Series with $5,000-plus purse, the full lineup & schedule is available through I88speedway.com.
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Governor Cuomo said he will make several international trips in his second term, assuming he wins re-election in November. Cuomo, plans to embark upon trade missions to Canada, Mexico, Italy, Israel and China as part of an effort to help New York firms expand into international markets. Cuomo is up for re-election on Nov. 4. Polls show him with a big lead over his Republican challenger, Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive.
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New York voters may have only one chance to see the candidate’s debate before this year’s gubernatorial election. Republican Rob Astorino will not accept an invitation to a one-on-one public radio debate with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo that was set for later this month. That leaves a single televised debate in Buffalo with Cuomo, Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott. A date for the Buffalo debate has not been announced. The election is Nov. 4
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An Otsego County free rabies clinic will be held for dogs, cats & Ferrets tonight, from 6:00 TO 8:00 PM. The Clinic will be held at the Otego Fire Department.
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Agriculture agencies In Chenango county Will host an open house tonight at the 99 Broad Street agricultural Center in Norwich, showcasing 4-H, CCE, FSA & Soil & Water Conservation. The event will include rocket launching with 4-H, snacks with EAT SMART NY, Door Prizes & tours of the Historic building, from 6:00 TO 8:00 PM tonight.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-1-14

wcdonews — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:59:13 +0000

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man who has been contacting women on FaceTime. the unidentifed man performs a lewd act in front of the camera & has threatened physical harm to at least 1 of the victims. Anyone with information is to contact the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, at chenangosheriff.us or 334-2000.
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4 people escaped a car rollover on Interstate 81 South this morning. The accident occured at 8:40 a.m. in Kirkwood, between exits 3 and 2 on the interstate. According to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, a 2003 Ford Expedition rolled over into the median. There were four people in the vehicle, and three were trapped. All occupants got out of the vehicle without injuries and were evaluated on scene by local EMS
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino wants to reduce income tax rates while lowering the number of tax brackets from eight to two. Astorino discussed his proposal yesterday in Manhattan. He would also cut the corporate franchise tax and eliminate the estate tax. To make up for some of the lost revenue, Astorino would eliminate most business tax credits and rely on new tax revenue from hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. Polls have consistently shown Gov. Cuomo well ahead in his bid for a second term. A Siena College survey last week shows Cuomo with 56 percent of the vote compared to 27 for Astorino. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins garnered only 7 percent
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The Norwich City School District will put forward a $15 million building project to be divided among each of the district’s four schools, as well as the field house and bus garage. The proposal marks the first major building project for the district since 2005. Using money from three primary sources (state aid, existing debt payments, and reserves), school officials said the project will bear no impact on the local tax levy
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The state department of taxation said all one million family rebate checks have been mailed, but the state is warning about potential scammers. The $350 rebate checks should all arrive by this Friday. If you don’t get one and think you should, you can apply for it at tax.ny.gov. The tax department warned that scam artists have been contacting taxpayers by phone seeking personal information to confirm they are eligible for a tax rebate. People should not answer any questions about personal information and to call the state Attorney General’s Consumer Protection line: 1-800-771-7755
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The state Gaming Commission approved New York entering into a new multi-state lottery game, called Monopoly Millionaires’ Club, that is set to launch nationwide Oct. 19. New York officials said they expect to be part of the first drawing, Oct. 24. The drawings are once a week on Fridays and tickets are $5 each. The prize pool starts at $15 million and grows up to $25 million if there is no winner. The game is projected to bring in more than $34 million annually for the state
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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-29-14

wcdonews — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:43:31 +0000

State Police are looking for a 17 year old Maklia Sharp of Masonville, who has been missing from her home since September 8th. Sharp is a white female who is 5 ft 5 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds, with blonde hair, blue eyes and was last scene wearing gray sweatpants and a blue shirt, Police said that she has a connection to the Village of Herkimer area in Herkimer County. Anyone with information please contact the State Police in Sidney at 561-7400.
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State Police arrested 37 year old Aubrey Knowles of Worcester for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. The arrest followed a motorcycle accident on County Highway 39 in Decatur, Troopers accuse Knowles of driving while impaired by heroin, Knowles and A passenger were transported to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, Knowles was issued tickets for Town of Decatur Court at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo announced that 5 new outdoor access projects are now complete and open to the public across New York State as part of an effort to expand recreational opportunities for sportsmen & to boost tourism. The projects include the Goodyear Lake Access Improvement project with $170,000. Upgrades were also made at Oquaga Creek, in a parking area on North Sanford Road.
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State Police arrested 44 year old Dennis Granger of Harpursville for 3rd degree Menacing & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest followed the report of a dispute in Coventry, where Granger is accused of threatening to kill the victim in front of children. Granger was arraigned in the Town of Coventry Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $ 3,000.00 cash bail.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s investigated a report of a Horse in the roadway at the intersection of Parker Hollow Road and Foster Road in the Town of Masonville. Deputies Arrested 58 year old Rose Crampton of Masonville for Criminal Nuisance, for allegedly having a horse running, causing a nuisance for neighbors, as well several near traffic accidents. Crampton was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Masonville Court Tuesday.
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Governor Cuomo’s campaign has agreed to 2 debates in advance of Election Day, November 4th. Cuomo will participate in the 1st debate to be held in Buffalo & a 2nd debate in New York City. The upstate debate will include Cuomo, Republican candidate Rob Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Party candidate Michael McDermott. The New York City debate will be Cuomo & Astorino only. Specific dates for the debates were not announced.
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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-21-14

wcdonews — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 18:54:15 +0000

Governor Cuomo opened up the New York State Fair in Syracuse this morning, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Cuomo is currently running for a 2nd term as governor, his republican challenger Rob Astorino also made the rounds at the State Fair today, he is trailing Cuomo in the most recent polls by a 2 to 1 margin. Green Party Candidate Howe Hawkins held a press conference at the main entrance to the fair at 12:00 Noon.

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The 3rd murder trial of Owego Businessman Calvin Harris has been rescheduled to begin in October, instead of the original September 15th date, in Schoharie county court. The move was made following arguments by Harris’s defense team during pre-trial proceedings. Harris was first convicted in 2007 for the September 11th 2001 murder his estranged wife Michelle, that conviction was set aside when an eyewitness came forward claiming to have seen Michelle Harris after the original murder date. Harris was convicted at his 2nd trial in 2009, which was also overturned, Michelle Harris’s body, and the murder weapon have never been found.

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Governor Cuomo is calling on the state to outlaw discrimination against transgender people, claiming that gender identity should be included in the state’s civil rights law alongside race, religion, and disability. Cuomo said that if he is re-elected, he would push to outlaw discrimination based on a person’s gender identity when it comes to housing, employment or public accommodations.

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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America. The settlement includes $800 million that will be allocated to New York State; Bank of America acknowledged it made serious Misrepresentations to the public from the packaging, marketing, sale and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities

The State Police CNET team, along with Endicott and Vestal Police arrested 32-year-old Greg Potter of Endicott, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and 2 counts of Criminally Using of Drug Paraphernalia. Potter was arrested after police executed a search warrant. Items seized included liquid and powder methamphetamines; liquid anabolic steroids, packaging materials and scales, as well as components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Potter was arraigned in Village of Endicott Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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The State Police CNET Gun Investigation Unit, arrested 50 year old John Hamilton of Binghamton on 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Unlawfully Possessing or Selling Noxious Material and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis. Hamilton was charged after police executed a search warrant at his residence. Police seized illegally possessed weapons, explosives and marihuana. Hamilton was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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The Upper Susquehanna Watershed Project held annual conference at Sidney High School this afternoon, to present the projects of 7 students who collected data for a variety of projects all tied to the water quality of the Susquehanna River Basin. Sidney Science Teacher Rich Townsend said that this summer, soil gauges were added:

(Rich Townsend (8-21-14)

Townsend said the data from the new soil gauges should give sufficient data on how the water saturation affects area-flooding issues over the next 1 to 5 years.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-19-14

wcdonews — Mon, 19 May 2014 17:12:44 +0000

Tomorrow, residents across the state will vote on school budget, and elect candidates to school boards. Most of the area school districts kept their tax levy increase at 1% to 2%, the Sidney school district actually has a decrease of 2.5% in their tax levy, Norwich & Greene have 0% increases, the Walton central school district is requesting a 5,5% increase, & the Greene school district is seeking a 3% increase. School board races will be on the ballot in the Oneonta, Oxford & Unadilla valley district.

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The Sidney village police arrested 44-year-old Ralph Fuller of Walton for predatory sexual assault, 1^st degree burglary, & criminal possession of a weapon, Fuller is accused of breaking into a Sidney residents home, using a taser and raping the victim, he is being held in the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.

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State and local law enforcement will hit the roads looking for people who are not wearing seat belts, as part of the “Click It or Ticket” Campaign through the end of May. In New York State, drivers and passengers can be fined if they are caught without their seat belt. Drivers can even receive points on their license. 21% of highway deaths in the State happen to occupants who were not buckled up.

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum hosts the 6^th Hall of Fame Classic Weekend this coming weekend. The Classic will be played Saturday, and will feature representatives from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the Memorial Day Weekend legends game. The festivities will start with a parade down main street in Cooperstown at noon, to Doubleday Field where the Home Run Derby starts at 1:00 and the game will start at 2:05 PM. Tickets are available by calling at 1-877-726-9028 or baseballhall.org, or at Doubleday Field starting at 8:00 AM Saturday.

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Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno was acquitted on all charges relating to alleged political corruption on Friday. The jury in this 2^nd trial deliberated for about 4 hours, Bruno was convicted of the fraud charges in 2009 in a trial at which jurors acquitted him of five other fraud counts and could not decide on a sixth count. Bruno plans to ask state taxpayers to reimburse his legal expenses which cost into the millions.

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The Northeast Classic Car Museum and NBT Bank announced interior improvements at the Museum, which are being underwritten by NBT Bank. The donation will enable the Museum to upgrade and enhance its banquet facility, revamp a catering preparation area, enclose a storage area, install a sliding door room divider, purchase matching chairs and tables to complete seating for 250 people, and purchase a new 14′ X 10′ projection screen. The new NBT Bank Event Center will provide a multifunction area for future large events.

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Howie Hawkins of Syracuse won the Green Party nomination for governor of New York again. Hawkins won the nomination on Saturday in Troy. In 2010, Hawkins received 59,906 votes, more than any other 3^rd party candidate who ran against Democrat Andrew Cuomo. The centerpiece of the Green Party is a proposal to build a 100 percent clean energy by 2030, which they claim could create 4.5 million new jobs over the next 15 years.

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The Robert W. Harrold BOCES on Route 206 in Masonville will have their annual open house tomorrow, to highlight student accomplishments this year. BOCES Work Base Learning Coordinator Danielle Macy comments:

(Danielle Macy 5-19-14)

WCDO will be broadcasting live from the annual BOCES open house from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday.

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