Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-15-18

wcdonews — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 18:54:28 +0000

State Police & Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36 year old Christopher Pashley of Franklin & 23 year old Samantha Ryan of Walton, for allegedly taking property in the towns of Franklin, Unadilla and Sidney. Pashley was arrested for 2 counts of 3rd degree Burglary & 5 counts of Petty Larceny; Ryan was arrested for the Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Falsifying Business Records. Pashley is accused of stealing items, while Ryan allegedly sold them to Otsego Auto Crushers. Pashley was arraigned in the town of Unadilla Court; he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond. Ryan was released on an appearance tickets returnable to the town of Davenport Court on August 28th.
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Due to some muddy conditions in the parking area of the Delaware County Fairgrounds, officials have decided to arrange for shuttle busses to bring people into the park from outside parking areas, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 8-15-18)

All of the scheduled events will go on as planned today; the information is available at delawarecountyfair.org.
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The Chenango County Blues Fest is bringing the top blues acts from all over to the Chenango County fairgrounds Friday & Saturday, spokesman Eric Larsen comments:

(Eric Larsen 8-15-18)

Friday’s line-up is free; Tickets for Saturday’s events are still available at chenangobluesfest.org
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State Police at Deposit arrested 22 year old Mark Rodriguez of Jersey City, New Jersey for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Reckless Endangerment & Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle. Rodriguez was arrested after he led troopers on a pursuit through several different jurisdictions, with 2 female occupants in the vehicle, including a 16-year-old. Rodriguez was arraigned in the village of Hancock Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,000 cash bail or $15,000 bond.
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Commerce Chenango will hold their Annual Soiree from 5:00 to 7:00 PM tonight at the Norwich NBT main branch under a tent. Commerce Chenango will be honoring Mayhood’s Sporting Goods and the Wild Owl & Wild Owl Sweet Treats.
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The next concert at the Don Clayton Memorial Trailside Concert Series in Sidney will feature the Fabulous Moonlighters tonight. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. under the pavilion at Keith Clark Park on River St. in Sidney.
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Governor Cuomo issued a state of emergency for much of the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes & Central New York yesterday after he toured areas that were hit with Flash Flooding, he commented in Vestal

(Cuomo 8-15-18)

The New York National Guard is Deploying 50 Service Members and 10 Vehicles to Support Flood Response Efforts, Cuomo also Activated Additional Agencies to the State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to Coordinate and Deploy Emergency Resources. The storm pattern continues to swirl over the region, it may cause additional flash flooding and New Yorkers are urged to prepare for potential extreme and unpredictable weather.
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Fire fighters from several area companies responded to a structure fire at 89 Ford Avenue yesterday in Oneonta. Firefighters from Oneonta, Worcester, Franklin, Sidney & Otego responded, early reports suggested that the resident returned home to discover the fire, 1 dog died inside, the investigation is ongoing.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold a special meeting at 5:00 pm today in the Common Council Chambers. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider a grant application to the New York State Department of Transportation for their Transportation Alternatives Program related to pedestrian and bicycle improvements along State Routes 23 and 28 and the James F. Lettis Highway. The public is cordially invited to attend.
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Main Street Oneonta businesses are reminded to attend the 3rd information session, related to the Downtown Oneonta Improvement Fund this morning, at 9:00 AM, at the Otsego County Chamber offices located on the 5th floor at 189 Main Street. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the City of Oneonta Downtown Improvement Fund, which is a grant program developed for the City of Oneonta to provide property and business owners a flexible funding mechanism to improve properties located within the Downtown DRI boundaries. More information is available at 267-4010 Extension 103.

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-25-18

wcdonews — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 19:08:23 +0000

Animal Adventure Park announced today that April the Giraffe Expecting a New Calf Next Spring. Animal Adventure Owner Jordan Patch comments:

(Jordan Patch 7-25-18)

Patch said that the tests showed that April is already months into her 15 month pregnancy and expecting her fifth calf in early Spring 2019. Last year, more than a million
viewers worldwide watched April give birth to Tajiri on April 15th; the current pregnancy journey will again be available on social media.
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The eastbound lanes of I-88 were closed earlier today between exits 17 and 18 in Otsego County, due to a multiple tractor trailer accident. State Police reported that 2
tractor trailers and a pickup truck pulling an empty livestock trailer crashed, the 1st tractor trailer was traveling eastbound in the left lane of I-88 when it hit the guide
wires, got caught up and then ended up in the right lane, the 2nd tractor trailer also got caught up in the guide wires that were stretched across the road, State Police
reported that the 2nd driver possibly tried to back up when the pickup truck rear-ended the 2nd tractor trailer. The pickup truck then got stuck under the back of the 2nd
tractor trailer, and the driver had to be extricated from the truck, suffering only minor injuries. the investigation is continuing.
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The State DOT officials held a press conference at the Southern Tier Welcome Center in Broome County this morning to highlight the importance of driving safely in
construction work zones. 21 crashes caused by distracted driving in work zones have already been reported across the State during the current construction season,
there has also been an alarming increase in altercations initiated by motorists against DOT staff, Region 9 DOT Spokesman Dave Hamburg comments:

(Dave Hamburg 7-25-18)

Officials stated that State agencies are working together and redoubling their efforts against offenders while raising awareness of this public safety issue.
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The City of Oneonta announced that they will provide a presentation on the status of the Downtown Revitalization expenditures, as part of a special Common Council
meeting on Monday at City hall. The special meeting will begin at 6:00 PM in the 2nd floor Common Council Chambers, with the presentation at 7:00 PM.
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Delaware County Department of Solid Waste announced that there is plenty of composted materials available for county residents for their gardens, Solid Waste
Coordinator Sue McIntyre explains:

(Sue McIntyre 7-25-18)

McIntyre said that arrangements to obtain compost can be made at 865-5805 extension 201, she also announced that the Delaware County Clean Sweep days will be held
on October 19th & 20th this year, registration for that event will begin in September.
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A federal Judge is expected to sentence 30 year old Justin Crandall and his wife Jessica of Sidney today in Binghamton’s federal court for their guilty pleas for the sexual abuse of a 17-month-old girl in their Sidney home. The couple could each face up to 90 years in prison at sentencing today.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual golfing event this Sunday, Chamber President John Payne said that they are looking for a few more teams to sign up:

(John Payne 7-25-18)

Those who would like to sign up teams can call the Bainbridge Chamber Offices at 967-8700.
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State Highway 12 north in Oxford, over Fly Meadows Creek, will close this morning through August 8th for bridge deck replacement. The bridge is located north of the Village of Oxford between County Road 4 and Turner Street, Traffic will be required to detour using County Road 32 (East River Road) between State Highway 220/County Road 35 and County Road 32B (Halfway House Road Bridge) for the extent of the closure.
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State Police arrested 26 year old Luis Tirado Jr. of Staten Island, for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs and unlawful possession of Marihuana. Troopers were on a stationary checkpoint in the village of Deposit, when Tirado was stopped, He was arrested & was issued appearance tickets to the village of Deposit Court returnable on August 14th.
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A Free 7-Week Smoking Cessation Course will begin on Monday, August 6th, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, at Fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus Conference Room at 43 Pearl Street West in Sidney. Interested people can Register for the classes by calling 431-5692, emailing deborah.roberts@aofmh.org, or at bassett.org/quit-today.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 2-7-17

wcdonews — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 20:47:02 +0000

Governor Cuomo spoke at Binghamton University today, he called for County Executives to convene meetings among all county governments to consolidate services, share office space & equipment, & put it before voters, in order to lower the States Staggering Property taxes:

(Cuomo Property Tax)

Governor Cuomo also reiterated his plans for free SUNY Tuitions for students in families earning less than $125,000 a year:

(Cuomo SUNY)

Cuomo has both plans up for consideration by the State Legislature this year, in his $152.9 Billion dollar budget proposal.
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State Police arrested 48-year-old Henry Grant of Oxford, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, False Inspection Sticker and several other traffic violations. A State Trooper saw an improper inspection sticker on a vehicle in the Town of Candor, it was determined that Grant had placed a fake inspection sticker on the windshield a Toyota SUV, he was driving with a suspended license, had switched plates on the vehicle and was driving without insurance. An inventory of his vehicle found that he unlawfully possessed about three grams of methamphetamine. Grant was arraigned Candor Town Court and was released to reappear on March 6th.
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Sales tax collections in Delaware County grew by about 7% in 2016, according to a report recently released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce president Ray Pucci, claims that tourism is reason:

(Ray Pucci 2-7-17)

While statewide collections grew by 2.3%, Delaware County was among only six counties that saw increases of more than 4%, Regionally, the Southern Tier counties grew by less than 1%.
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A free business partnership workshop open to the public will be held tonight at the Oxford Academy primary school multi purpose room. Representatives from the Voss Group & Southern Tier Startup Alliance will speak to those who are thinking about becoming entrepreneurs in the Greater Chenango Area, the workshop runs form 6:30to 8:00 PM tonight & is one of a series of workshops as part of the 2 year “Innovation Series” of monthly forums. More information is available at 843-2025 extension 3301.
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State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that the Assembly Majority plans on implementing legislation to protect & enhance the lives of New York’s Immigrant population:

(Carl Heastie 2-7-17)

Heastie also said that they would once again act on the “Dream Act” to allow illegal immigrants to pursue higher education that legislation has failed to pass in the Republican led State Senate in the past.
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State Police arrested 37 year old Brenten Bryan of Stamford, for the felony of Aggravated DWI, with a child passenger less than 16 years old, with a B.A.C. result of .24%, plus other traffic violations. Bryan was observed speeding and then pulling into the South Kortright Central School parking lot, where he had let a child off at the school. Bryan was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Kortright Court on Feb 21st.
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The State Senate passed a bill to bring ride sharing to Upstate communities. The bill provides the framework for ride-sharing companies to expand operations outside of New York City and enable new jobs to be created. While the Executive Budget includes a tax of 5.5 percent on rides that begin outside of New York City, the Senate’s measure cuts that tax to 2 percent and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales tax.
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The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown revitalization Initiative Planning Committee will be held today, at the Foothills Performing Arts center on the 2nd floor. The meeting will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM & is open to the public and there will be a period for public comments. Also, the Oneonta Common Council will hold their next meeting tonight, at 7:00 PM at City Hall.
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The National Women’s Hall of Fame will announce their 2017 inductees today in Seneca Falls, the site of the first women’s rights convention. 10 women who will be inducted to the hall during a ceremony in September, so far 266 women who have influenced arts, athletics, business, education, government, and the sciences, have been inducted.
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The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge. The Race meeting will start at 7:00 PM; the General meeting will start at 7:45 PM
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 2-2-17

wcdonews — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 21:06:51 +0000

Firefighters from Norwich, North Norwich & Sherburne responded to a vehicle fire on State route 12 between North Norwich & Sherburne, yesterday afternoon. A Pepperidge farms delivery truck was in flames when fire fighters arrived shortly after 12:00 Noon Wednesday, Chenango county fire investigators reported that the vehicle had broken down, was towed to a rest area, when a mechanic ruptured a gas line. The vehicle was totally destroyed, no injuries were report, and no tickets were issued.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today filed a motion to join a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s immigration Executive Order. Schneiderman insisted that not only is the order unconstitutional, but it does harm to the states economy. New York is home to over 4.4 million foreign-born residents, about 22.5% of the state’s population, many of whom operate businesses or who are Doctors, Lawyers, Educators or students.
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The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown revitalization Initiative Planning Committee will be held next Tuesday, at the Foothills Performing Arts center on the 2nd floor. The meeting will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM & is open to the public and there will be a period for public comments.
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Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting was Elected 2nd Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, at the 83rd Annual Winter Training Conference last week in Albany. Sheriff Cutting will work with Sheriffs around the state, to further the efforts of the Sheriffs’ Association to enhance public safety in New York State through professional training and accreditation programs, public safety programs, and advocacy. The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation, formed in 1934, for the purpose of assisting sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of services to the public.
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Delaware County Deputies arrested 34-year-old Samantha Rich of Stamford for Endangering the Welfare of a Child; Rich is accused of letting a 7-year-old child smoke marijuana in her residence last summer. Rich was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Stamford Court on February 14th.
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The Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse prevention is taking steps to be a non-Profit status & setting up a board of Directors shortly. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-2-17)

Nominations for the coalition’s board of directors are due by February 13th, followed by a vote on February 15th at 6:00 PM at the next meeting at the Sidney High School Library.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group most recent project was a fundraising campaign to install a new sign for the library. The Group Received the sign and installed it last week and will be hosting a ribbon cutting and reception at the library today, @ 4:00pm at the Sidney Center Library on Main Street.
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State Lawmakers are holding budget hearings in Albany on various segments of the Governor’s Proposed Budget. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that school districts can not wait any longer for changes to the school aid formulas:

(Crouch 2-2-17)

Crouch said that the formulas were due to change about a decade ago under then Governor Eliot Spitzer, but a lawsuit & the recession put those changes on the back burner.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations of Delaware County businesses for Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Tourism Property of the Year, and Business Advocate of the Year. Nominations must be received by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 ½ Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753 or info@delawarecounty.org by February 20th. Awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala in May, more information is available at the Chamber at 746-2281.

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-24-17

wcdonews — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:21:40 +0000

State Police arrested 20-year-old Brandon Sprague of Schenevus, for Sexual Misconduct and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, after troopers were advised of an incident in the Town of Maryland. Sprague allegedly had sexual contact with a victim less than 17 years old and also gave them narcotics. Sprague was arraigned in the Town of Maryland Court and was released without bail required. His next court date is on January 30th.
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State Police arrested 34-year-old Anthony Fedora from Windsor, for the felony Assault and Unlawful Imprisonment, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute in the Town of Windsor. Fedora allegedly struck the victim several times causing serious injuries & also kept the victim from leaving. Fedora was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. An order of protection was issued. The victim was transported to Wilson Hospital and was treated for their injuries.
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28 year old Adam Alexander of Afton was indicted By a Broome County Grand Jury this week, for a fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist from Binghamton last September. Alexander was indicted on charges of 2nd degree Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, DWI, & driving a vehicle with a BAC of .08 of higher, in connection with the crash on September 5th in the town of Colesville, when Alexander failed to stop at the intersection of Route 7 & 235, and struck a motorcycle driven by Jason Smith, who was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he succumbed to his injuries.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced his committee assignments for this year’s session. Seward will continue to serve on the education, higher education, agriculture, and health committees; he has also been named to the new Senate Select Committee on Technology and Innovation. Seward stated that new technology and innovation companies are starting to grow in New York, the new senate committee will develop strategies to boost the tech sector, and lead to good paying jobs and careers.
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Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that he has signed a letter along with 106 other mayors, to members of Congress, to build upon, and not dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The letter seeks to keep numerous protections intact, like treatment for those with mental illnesses, pre existing conditions or various preventative services.
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The New York State Legislature will again consider legislation that would authorize people with terminal illnesses to request life-ending drugs from a physician. The bill was introduced Monday, it would require 2 physicians to certify the patient’s illness is terminal. Physicians could refuse to agree to the request for any reason. The bill passed an Assembly committee last year but didn’t get a full floor vote & it is expected to be rigorously challenged again this year. Colorado, Washington, Vermont, California and Oregon already have similar laws on the books.
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The State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for December today. Locally Chenango County had 5.2% unemployment, Delaware county 5.3% and Otsego County at 4.8%, the State’s unemployment rate decreased 2/10 to 4.9% in December.
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United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties announced that taxpayers will be able to do their taxes free online through the CASH Coalition of Otsego & Delaware counties. United Way Executive Director Susan Kurkowski explains:

(Susan Kurkowski 1-24-17)

The website is unitedway.org/myfreetaxes.
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Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting at 7:00 PM.
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State lawmakers are tackling various segments of the Governor’s proposed budget plan; Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that he hopes that this is the year that the school state aid formula is changed:

(Cliff Crouch 1-24-17)

Crouch said that the aid formulas were changed by Governor Spitzer about 10 years ago, but a lawsuit by downstate concerns and the recession put those changes on hold, to the detriment of poor rural school districts.
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Breastfeeding support is currently available every Tuesday at UHS Pediatrics in Sidney. Rene Stratton of Delaware County Public Health explains:

(Rene Stratton 1-24-17)

More information about the program is available at 561-2200.
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State Police responded to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on County Road 2 near Echo Lake Road in the Town of Greene, where the driver had fled the scene on foot into the woods. The driver was identified as 23-year-old Alexander Drost of Greene. A man had knocked on the door to a home nearby asking for help, Drost was found hiding in a large backhoe. He was arrested for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and several traffic violations & was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango county Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-18-17

wcdonews — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 18:58:28 +0000

The Village of Sidney has received close to another 2 million dollars in federal FEMA funds for their projects, thanks to US Senator Charles Schumer, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 1-18-17)

Senator Schumer visited Sidney in December 2014, and liked the plans & promised to work on getting the federal funding.
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About 100 area residents attended last nights Unatego School district Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Dave Richards, who told WCDO News of the 2 main concerns:

(Dave Richards 1-18-17)

Richards said that the Facilities committee has suggested closing the Otego Elementary School first, and then the Unadilla Elementary School in 4 to 5 years after that, the Unatego Board of Education is expected to vote on the Otego closure next month. Richards said that the district has lost 28% of their student population in the last 10 years, and the 2 buildings are over 90 years old and face millions of dollars in repairs & renovations.
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Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tuesday January 24th at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting on the 24th.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 2-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Monday. 48-year-old Tenzin Pelmo of Ithaca was rear-ended by a vehicle being driven by 37 year old Karyl Rose of Bainbridge. Both drivers were transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Rose was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, unsafe tires and following too closely. Rose was arraigned & was released on her own recognize pending later court action in Town of Walton Court.
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Oneonta Police arrested 30-year-old Jesse Tetlow of Oneonta on charges of 2nd degree burglary, plus criminal contempt, obstructing Governmental administration & harassment. Tetlow is accused of entering the residence of a former girlfriend, which violated an order of protection, & pushing another resident against a washing machine and using physical force to prevent police from performing his official duties at the scene. Tetlow was sent to the Otsego county jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond pending court action on Friday in Oneonta City Court.
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An Afton Central School District bus slid off Lord Road in icy conditions this morning, No Injuries were reported, The Afton district delayed the opening of classes today by 2 hours.
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Property tax levy growth for school districts will be capped at 1.26% for the 2017-18 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% percent; with certain exceptions, including a provision that allows school districts to override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget.

Governor Cuomo revealed his executive Budget Proposal to lawmakers Tuesday, with a big increase in Education spending:

(Cuomo 1-18-17)

Cuomo said that the budget would spend $152.3 Billion dollars, including the 1 billion dollar increase in education spending; the legislature will have until April 1st to get the budget passed.
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A presentation from Place Alliance was held at the Sidney Civic Center last night regarding the plans for the Sidney Green Streetscape project for Main Street. Ian Law is the Director of Urban Planning & Design for Place Alliance:

(Ian Law 1-18-17)

Plans call for new sidewalk configurations, new trees, lighting, and underground rainwater collection into reservoirs under the sidewalks. The plans are expected to go up for bidding next month, with construction getting underway this spring.
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President-elect Donald Trump met with Governor Cuomo, today at Trump Tower in New York City. Cuomo discussed the meeting with reporters:

(Cuomo 1-18-17)

Cuomo’s said that his plans to upgrade and rebuild bridges, train stations and airports in New York City and around the state, will require federal assistance.
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Bainbridge-Guilford-Afton-Harpursville Head Wrestling Coach Brandon MacNaught has been named the 2015-2016 New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recognized MacNaught’s work during the 15-16 season, he had the task of working with 3 different school districts for his combined team, yet the Bears are consistently one of the most successful teams in the area. They sent several wrestlers to the state tournament in Albany last year and won several tournaments as a team as well.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-13-16

wcdonews — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 19:28:14 +0000

The Village of Sidney + County & State officials will host a meeting on Wednesday at the Sidney High School Auditorium. Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that a lot of items would be discussed:

(Andy Matviak 12-13-16)

The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Wednesday, more information is available at 561-2320
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34-year-old James Williams of Oneonta was arrested by Oneonta Police following a disturbance at the Sip & Sail Tavern on Water Street. Williams was charged Saturday with criminal possession of a weapon, plus menacing, reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, false personation & trespassing, Police accused Williams of using a chain as a weapon, and giving police a false identity. He was held at the Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the Oneonta City Court.
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State Police arrested 25 year old Andrew Carnrike of Smyrna for the felony Assault, plus Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and 2nd degree Harassment, after troopers responded to a dispute on East Main Street in Smyrna. Carnrike allegedly pushed & grabbed the vicitm by the throat and followed the vicitm to a neighbor’s home, Carrike is also accused of assaulting the neighbor, causing injuries. Carnrike was located, arrested & was arraigned in the Town of Smyrna Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, he faces court action on Thursday.
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Aizaz Siddiqui of Binghamton was released on $50,000 Bail today from the Broome County Jail. Siddiqui was accused in connection with the hit & run death of Stefani Lineva along State Route 434 on Binghamton Southside on December 3rd.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli proposed changes to the state’s procurement practices in the wake of criminal charges and allegations of corruption in the awarding of state economic development project contracts. By state law, the Comptroller’s office is responsible for reviewing and approving state agency contracts above $50,000 and certain contracts over $1 million for state public authorities, In recent years, executive and legislative actions have eroded the Comptroller’s contract oversight. In 2015, state agencies issued over $6.8 billion in contracts without Comptroller review. DiNapoli suggested restoring previous powers to his office that have been steadily removed in the last 5 years, Create tougher ethics requirements and penalties for those who abuse the procurement process, & Increase transpoarency over the entire process.
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Governor Cuomo’s office and state lawmakers are discussing a plan to authorize Uber, Lyft & other ride-sharing services statewide as part of current negotiations, which may lead to a special session of the legislature being called back to Albany befroe the end of the year. State lawmakers have been lobbying for a pay raise for teh first time in 17 years, while the Governor has been lobbying for more stringent ethics reforms to be passed. Uber & Lyft have been allowed to operate in New York City under the same rules & taxis & limosines, they would not have to operate under those rules in other locations around the state.
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The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative local planning committee is tonight at 7:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. 2 more committee meeting are scheduled for December 20th & January 3rd, both at the Foothills Performing Arts center.
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Governor Cuomo announced $2.8 million in NYSUNY 2020 awards for Binghamton University, to support the development of a renewable energy research and development facility, to focus on battery life maximization. The facility will collaborate with several other SUNY campuses, provide student research opportunities and promote workforce training in energy conservation.
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Magic City Productions announces that Comedian Howie Mandel will perform at the Forum Theater in Binghamton on Sunday January 29th at 3:00 PM. Tickets go anon Sale This Friday December 16, at 10 AM At The Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, or by Phone 1 800 745 3000
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