NYSEG reports that the number of power outages in the WCDO listening area this afternoon was down to around 250, down from about 850 this morning, all attributed to the high winds that came through the region last night. NYSEG crews hopes to have all the power restored shortly.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sabrina Johnson of Oswego County for 2nd degree Burglary, Attempted Grand Larceny, Criminal Mischief & Conspiracy, last November, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division received a Burglary complaint in New Berlin, the investigation found that Johnson and a co-defendant caused damage while burglarizing a residence, stole items from within the residence, and attempted to steal a car. Johnson was located at the Town of New Berlin Court and was taken into custody without incident, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on cash bail, she will return to Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

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Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 57 year old William MacDowall of Binghamton for Hindering Prosecution and Obstructing Governmental Administration, after hindering police from entering his residence to arrest his son, 25 year old Justin MacDowall, on an active felony bench warrant for Violation of Probation and an active arrest warrant for Strangulation. Justin MacDowall was charged with Resisting Arrest and Obstructing Governmental Administration in addition to the warrants, both men face court action shortly.

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State Lawmakers approved the new Congressional redistricting maps on Wednesday in Albany. The maps were said to be very similar to the maps used in the 2022 elections with only a few changes.

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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds seniors that, for most localities, the deadline to apply for greater property tax savings through the Enhanced STAR property tax exemption is March 1. Basic STAR exemption recipients who turn 65 this year and meet the eligibility requirements should apply to their assessor for the Enhanced STAR exemption. For more information go to tax.ny.gov.

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Attorney General Letitia James is leading an investigation into the February 22 AT&T outage that left many customers without service for up to 12 hours nationwide. New Yorkers affected by the service outage are encouraged to file a complaint online at att.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-29-24

Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is holding a follow up meeting tonight as a follow up to the “Re-Unite Bainbridge” meeting of a few years ago, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 2-29-24)

Payne said that the meeting will be at 6:00 PM in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater and the public is invited.

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Commerce Chenango will host their next Economic Outlook Breakfast today at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Keynote Speaker will be NBT”S Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann, registration begins at 7:30, the program begins at 8:00 AM.

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Alan Holmes of Binghamton was sentenced as a 2nd time felony offender to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. On June 7, 2021, Holmes was found in possession of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl following a traffic stop in Johnson City stemming from suspected drug activity in Endwell. Holmes admitted to possession with the intent to sell, he was sentenced to 6.5 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision.

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(Rich Townsend 3-2-23)

So far there are no watches or warnings associated with this system, WCDO will have further updates as they are released.

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Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced this afternoon the arrests of 3 inmates for having contraband in their housing pods at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility this week. Investigators recovered crack cocaine, synthetic cannabis, & suboxone strips, they arrested 36 year old Dreyshawn McDonald for Criminal Possession Controlled Substance & Promoting Prison Contraband, 41 year old Ryan Carney of Endicott for Promoting Prison Contraband & 35 year old Paul reed of Endicott for Promoting Prison Contraband. This sweep was the latest in a series of investigations into narcotics, drug and contraband smuggling at the Correctional Facility, which have led to 9 arrests and dozens of charges since the beginning of the year.

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The Village of Sidney continues with their water system upgrade, with new water lines currently being constructed from a new water source, according to Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak:

(Andy Matviak 3-2-23)

Mayor Matviak also said that about 1000 water meters will be installed around the village as part of this project.

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The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 37 year old Farrah Singleton of the Bronx, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court today to 3rd degree Burglary. Singleton admitted that he unlawfully a residence at 226 Court Street in Binghamton and stole property on September 1st 2021, he was arrested a week later by Binghamton Police, he will serve 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison when sentenced on May 4.

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ACHIEVE announced that they will be breaking ground at 96-100 East Main Street in Norwich, on March 10th. ACHIEVE’s Board of Directors voted to move their facility from their current location near the Canasawacta Country Club golf course down to former CWS Plant 5 building in Norwich. More information is available at achieveny.org.

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Delaware County Public Health Services and Friends of Recovery- Delaware Otsego will be sponsoring a Recovery Coach Academy, Ethical Considerations & Medicated Supported Recovery Training March 27th, 2023 – April 1st, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Delhi The training is designed for individuals involved in the recovery initiation of others and/or in sustained recovery themselves who want to become a personal guide and mentor for people seeking or already in recovery. more information or registration is available by calling Kyle LaFever by phone at (607) 267-4435 or by email at Kyle@friendsofrecoverydo.org. The deadline to register is March 20th.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that tickets are now on sale for the “Meet the Ponies” annual dinner on Tuesday, April 4th at the Downtown Holiday Inn in Binghamton. Tickets are available to purchase until April 1st online at bingrp.com, by calling 607.722.FUNN, or at Mirabito Stadium, The Rumble Ponies open the 2023 season on the road against the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday April 6th, with the home opener on Tuesday, April 11th against the Somerset Patriots at 6:35 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-2-23

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34 year old Ashley Williams of Laurens on 2 counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance. Williams was arrested following an investigation into a report of loose horses in the road in the Town of Laurens on December 11th of last year. During the course of the investigation, it was found that Williams did not provided proper care for her animals, Williams was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Laurens Court for a later date.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20 year old Colin Leonard of Otego following an investigation of a personal injury motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta. Leonard was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving on the shoulder, Failure to keep right, Drivers view obstructed, and speed not reasonable & prudent among several other charges, he was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

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Commerce Chenango’s Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will be held this morning at 7:30 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Key Note Speaker will be Ken Entenmann of NBT Bank, more information is available at commercechenango.com

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State lawmakers are dealing with putting together a new budget, which has a 7 Billion dollar shortfall attached.  Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 2-21-20)

The state budget is due on April 1st. 

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Governor Cuomo today announced he is advancing a 30-day budget amendment to speed up the permitting and construction of renewable energy projects.   the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act will create a new Office of Renewable Energy Permitting to streamline the process for environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of large-scale renewable energy projects across the state. 

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“Galumpha: The Beethoven Project” comes to Norwich tomorrow as Part of the Binghamton Philharmonic’s yearlong celebration of Beethoven’s 250th Birthday.  Galumpha President & Director Andy Horowitz explained to WCDO News how it all came about:

(Andy Horowitz 2-7-20)

“Galumpha: The Beethoven Project” is also helping to raise funds for both the Chenango Arts Council & the Norwich Theater Company, it  will take place  at 7:00 pm on Saturday, February 22nd at the Martin W. Kappel Theater at 27 West Main Street in Norwich. Tickets are $20, at chenangoarts.org or by calling 336-ARTS.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47-Year-Old Israel Rivera of Arkville for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration & Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Inspection Certificate and was released on traffic tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

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Commerce Chenango will hold their Economic Outlook Breakfast on February 27th, at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich starting at 7:30 AM. The Economic Outlook Breakfast will feature keynote speaker NBT Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann, RSVP’s must be in today at 334-1400 or register@chenangony.org.

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The American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time.   An estimated 117,910 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in New York this year; many will likely have a need for blood.  To schedule a blood donation appointment, or make a financial gift, visit GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.  A blood drive is being held today in Sherburne from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sherburne United Church of Christ, 1 South Main Street.

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The State Medicaid Redesign Team 2 will hold the third of a series of public comment forums today beginning at 10:00 AM in Albany. The Team is tasked with cutting about 2.5 billion dollars in costs to the program in the next fiscal year’s Budget; a live webcast of the public comment forum will be available at health.ny.gov.

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Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced a federal aviation grant for Chenango County. The money will be used to improve safety and assess the runway at Lt. Warren Eaton airport in Norwich.  More information about the grants is available ost.dot.gov.

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Governor Cuomo today announced Smart Street Lighting NY, a new statewide program that calls for at least 500,000 street lights throughout the state to be replaced with energy-saving LED technology by 2025. The program was announced by the Governor in the 2018 State of the State and directly supports his goal to reduce climate emissions 40 percent by 2030, based on 1990 levels.
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The New York State Fair is running a 1-day sale on packages of fair admission, rides, food and games. The “Midway Madness” sale will be offered online Thursday beginning at 6:00 AM through the fair’s official online seller, Etix.com. The sale date is exactly six months from the opening of the 2018 Fair on Wednesday, August 22. Only 2,500 of each of the many packages being offered, will be available, with buyers limited to 4 Packages per purchase.
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Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Community Revitalization Policy Committee of the New York State Conference of Mayors. Herzig will be directly involved in providing Policy recommendations to the Conference’s Executive Committee, regarding economic development, land use, zombie properties among other issues facing the state’s municipalities.
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While some names have already dropped out of the race for the Republican Nomination for New York Governor, there is a possibility that more people will enter in the coming months. State Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse has already gathered up support & is an early favorite to take on the expected re-election campaign effort by current incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo, DeFrancisco has served in the State Senate for the last 25 years, during a time of highly publicized corruption among many state lawmakers for abuse of power. Former area Congressman Richard Hanna said that he has been approached to run for Governor, since he retired from Congress last year, he is not anticipating running for governor.
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Commerce Chenango will be hosting their “Economic Forecast Breakfast” with Ken Entenman of NBT Bank on Tuesday February 27th at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Deadline to register is tomorrow, February 20th, more information is available at 334-1429, or register@chenangony.org.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators responded to the Downsville Central School after a reported threat of possible school violence Friday. Deputies were advised of the threat by School officials after they learned of a social media post Thursday night by a parent, administrators and Deputies immediately identified a 17 year old student as the source of a verbal threat made during school on Thursday. Investigators believe that the student made an inappropriate comment during school on Thursday; there was no credible threat or intention by the student to engage in any school violence.
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A Broome County Grand Jury filed charges against 36 year old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey Friday, after he allegedly tried to run over State Troopers last month with his car, the trooper shot and wounded Giacalone, who was indicted Friday for attempted first-degree murder, attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer and second-degree assault. He is expected to be arraigned in Broome County Court shortly; he could face 25 years to life in prison.
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State Police arrested 22-year-old Tristen Caballer from Worcester for 2nd degree Burglary. On February 9th, a trooper responded to a burglary in the town of Worcester. The Otsego County Deputies had attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Caballer who then fled on foot. Caballer allegedly entered an enclosed porch to a residence, without permission, & then stole clothing and shoes and eventually returned to home, where He was arrested without incident. Caballer was arraigned in the Worcester Town Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $5000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond.
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A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus in Sidney will hold a Blood Drive today from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage and has issued an emergency request for all blood types. Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org, owa.bassett.org or by calling 1-800-RedCross.

(Bill Youngs 2-18-16)

Youngs said that they are looking to make the Bluegrass festival an annual event at Foothills. The Friday March 18th show will be free, followed by the all day show on Saturday ending with “Steel Drivers”
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The Delaware valley Humane Society is looking for donations of a few items, for the dogs & cats waiting to be adopted at the facility. Spokesperson Erin Johnson explains:

(Erin Johnson 2-18-16)

More information about the Delaware Valley Humane Society is available at 563-7780
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The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will offer the Leadership Otsego program is accepting applications for the class of 2016. Leadership Otsego starts in April and engages emerging and existing leaders in a 6-month program that broadens their knowledge of community organizations and sharpens their leadership skills. An informational session will be held on March 9th at 6:00 p.m. at Roots Brewing Company on Main Street, Oneonta. More information is available at 432-4500.

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Commerce Chenango will hold their Economic Forecast Breakfast this morning, at the Norwich American Legion at 29 Sheldon Street. Registration begins at 7:30, the breakfast buffet and program begins at 8:00, the Keynote speaker is Ken Entenmann, Senior Vice President & CIO of NBT Bank.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District Board of Education will hold a workshop for Board will hold their next regular meeting today. the meeting will begin at 6:30 in the District Conference Room at the High School in Bainbridge.
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The City of Oneonta will hold a meeting of the Civil Service Commission today at 4:30 PM.  The Meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall, & is open to the public.

COMMERCE CHENANGO will hold their Economic Forecast Breakfast this morning, sponsored by NBT bank and Development Chenango. Ken Entenmann, Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, NBT Bank, to speak at the annual event, which will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, beginning at 7:30 AM. 

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Governor Cuomo defended a proposal to provide college courses to inmates, saying it will be a tax savings to New York to cut down on the recidivism rate in prisons. Cuomo has been criticized, mainly by Republican lawmakers, for the program. Critics said New Yorkers are struggling with their own tuition costs and shouldn’t pay for college for inmates. But Cuomo said the program would save taxpayers and the state in the long run. The state would spend up to $5,000 a prisoner to help them get a college degree, yet New York pays $60,000 a year to house a prisoner. New York’s recidivism rate is about 40 percent

(Gibson 2-17-14)

Governor Cuomo today launched “The State of New York,” a weekly video series that will recap the week’s news stories from across the state. The videos will be released on Fridays and will feature footage from events that took place over the course of the week, as well as information on recent state initiatives.  The video can be accessed at governor.ny.gov.

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Governor Cuomo announced a new statewide initiative to give incarcerated individuals the opportunity to earn a college degree through funding college classes in prisons across New York. Studies have shown that Those who earn a college degree while in prison are less likely to end up behind bars again, therefore decreasing the number of inmates in New York state prisons.  The state will be issuing a Request for Proposal starting March 3, 2014 that will solicit responses from educational associations that provide college professors and classes in an accredited program in order for inmates to earn their degrees.

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Commerce Chenango and NBT Bank will present the Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich on February 25th at 7:30 AM.  Ken Entenmann, the Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer at NBT Bank will speak at the annual event.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42-year-old Christopher Turner of Preston for 2nd degree Criminal Contempt for violating an order of protection in the Town of Preston.  Turner is accused of entering the property of a person who had an active order of protection against him; he was arraigned in the Town of Preston Court and was remanded to the custody of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.  Turner is to appear in the Town of Preston Court at a later date.

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A statewide program will start to expand opportunities for prisoners to get college degrees.  Governor Cuomo said New York’s recidivism rate for incarceration is 40 percent, and the state spends $60,000 a year to house each prisoner. He said the program would help keep prisoners from returning to jail and will start by partnering local colleges with 10 prisons, mainly upstate. The program will provide college courses at the 10 prisons through a selection process and offer associates and bachelor’s degrees. The state will begin accepting proposals March 3.

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New York lawmakers get a break this week after about a month of work. The state Legislature is not scheduled to go into session until next week. Lawmakers have been in a session at the Capitol in Albany for two or three days a week since Jan. 13th. They also convened on Jan. 8 to hear Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address. Legislative sessions in Albany typically begin slow then pick up steam as the deadline for adopting a new budget approaches on April 1. Lawmakers are due back Tuesday, Feb. 25

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A section of I-88 west was down to one lane early this morning after a crash involving three vehicles.  The accident happened at 5:45 a.m. between Exit 1 Binghamton and Exit 2 Chenango Bridge. There were 3 people involved in the crash, one in each vehicle, 2 were sent to the hospital for minor injuries.  The lane reopened after crews cleaned up the area.

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