PORTER KIRKWOOD – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-4-15

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

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

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

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

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-21-15

wcdonews — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 18:33:21 +0000

The push is on for the 10 sections of the state to compete for 1.5 million dollars in stated funding, in the 2015 regional econimic development zones competition. Each of the 10 Councils from around the state will make a presentation to the SIAT over a three-day period as part of the competition, so far, nearly $3 billion has been awarded through the REDC process to support over 3,100 projects statewide, which created or retained more than 150,000 jobs statewide. Later this fall, economic development grants will again be awarded through the REDC competition, with 3 councils receiving up to an additional $500 million to use over a 5-year period.
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On Tuesday afternoon at about 2:10 pm, State Police responded to a reported armed robbery at the Runway Food Mart, Gulf Gas Station, on Martin Hill Road in the town of Colesville. State Police are currently seeking one suspect, a white male, small build, wearing a blue sweatshirt and jeans. A handgun and knife were displayed and the suspect was last seen exiting the gas station on foot in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 775-1241.
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On Tuesday morning, a Delaware County Correctional Facility inmate was arrested and charged with assaulting another inmate at the County Jail last week. Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged 19 year old Michael Fairbairn of Sidney, for 2nd degree Assault, for allegedly punching another inmate in the face several times, causing injuries requiring medical treatment. Fairbairn, who was being held on a burglary charge pending in Delaware County Court at the time of the assault, he was arraigned and was returned to the Delaware County Jail on the previous County Court order, on $10,000 cash bail.
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The Oneonta city department of public service has completed the flushing of water mains in the city’s west end. Officials announced that the final phase of low service flushing would begin next week in the 6th ward, starting on Monday & lasting several weeks. Water may be discolored or pressure may be low during the flushing, more information is available at 432-2100.
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The Oneonta planning commission will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall.
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Sidney republicans & Democrats co-hosted a candidate’s forum at the Sidney Library Smart Community Room Last night. The main part of the forum was the chance for voters to hear from County Family Court Judge candidates Gary Rosa & Porter Kirkwood. Rosa told WCDO News why he felt he should be the first Delaware County Family Court Judge:

(Gary Rosa 10-21-15)

County Attorney Porter Kirkwood told WCDO News why he felt he should be the first county court judge:

(Porter Kirkwood 10-21-15)

4 candidates are running for 2 seats on the Sidney town board, they are incumbent Bill Heath, Former town Council man Eric Wilson as well as Loddie Marsh & Jeannette Hinckley, who each gave introductory comments at the Sidney Library Forum last night.
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Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties will celebrate the grand opening of a new office at 19 Union Street, Sidney with an open house today from 4:30-7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The open house. located in the Community Bank Building. The event will include office tours, refreshments and live music.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The Bassett Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Walton, 130 North Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.
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The Town of Sidney Zoning board of appeals will conduct a public hearing on today at 7:00 pm at the Sidney Civic Center Room 204. The main Issue will be to determine if the Code Official’s finding of “Pre-existing non-conforming use” is proper, in regards to further developing the KOA campground at 242 Union Church Road in Franklin. Interested parties may attend and will be heard if desired.
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An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Sidney today, from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital. Those wishing to donate can do so with a download of the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 10-20-15

wcdonews — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:33:01 +0000

A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Governor Cuomo’s SAFE Act gun control law that bans assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines doesn’t violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Court upheld a lower court’s decision striking down the 7-bullet limit for ammunition clips, New York had already agreed to not enforce the 7-bullet limit in the law.
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Early Tuesday morning, State Police responded to a reported armed robbery at the Kwik Fill Gas Station at 27 Albany Street in Port Crane. State Police are currently seeking two suspects, first being a white male approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, small build, wearing a light gray jacket, jeans, and red bandana. The second subject was approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, small build, wearing a white and black checked hoodie, jeans, and a pink mask. A handgun and knife were displayed and the suspects were last seen leaving on foot, Any person with information can call State Police at 775-1241.
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The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September 2015. Between August and September, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1%, Locally, the unemployment rate in Chenango county was down to 4.8%, Delaware county was at 5.2% and Otsego county’s rate was at 4.5%, all down significantly from September of 2014.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that more than 2 million people have camped at New York’s 66 State Park campgrounds this year, surpassing the previous record set in 2014. As of Columbus Day weekend, 2.008 million people have camped at State Parks in 2015, up from 1.965 million the previous year. Those visitors booked State Park campsites, cabins and cottages for more than 618,000 nights this year. That represents a 4 percent increase over last year’s record of 594,400 overnight stays.
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The State Attorney General’s office announced a settlement agreement releasing $550 million belonging to New Yorkers that has been trapped in an escrow account during a decade-long dispute between the state and the major tobacco companies. The agreement unlocks the funds, and that have been tied up following the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which requires the companies to compensate the 52 states and territories for the public-health costs of smoking-related illnesses. half of these funds will go to New York State, one-quarter to New York City, and one-quarter to counties outside the city.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that $39.2 million in economic development funding has been approved for 34 projects that are spurring growth and opportunity across the state. The funding, approved by Empire State Development’s Board of Directors, supports projects that are creating 233 new jobs and retaining 1,589 existing New York State jobs – many of which have already been created or retained. This funding will also leverage $338.6 million in private assets and other public funding to support local businesses and projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will be held in the Common Council chambers at city hall beginning at 7:00 PM tonight.
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The next Chenango County free rabies clinic for Dogs Cats & Ferrets will be tonight at the Oxford Fire Station. The event will run form 5:30 to 7:00 PM; more information is available at 337-1673.
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The Assembly Minority Task Force on Heroin Addiction & Community Response will hold a regional forum today, aimed at identifying problems and weaknesses in current efforts to combat the rampant heroin epidemic. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch & other lawmakers will participate from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the SUNY Broome Decker Health Science Center in Room D201. Representatives from rehabilitation and treatment organizations and facilities, law enforcement and criminal justice, and those with firsthand experience dealing with heroin addiction have been invited to attend and provide feedback.
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A candidate’s forum will be held in Sidney tonight at the Smart community room at the Sidney Library, featuring Delaware County Family Court Justice Candidates Gary Rosa & Porter Kirkwood, Organizer Amanda Heaney-Smith comments

(Amanda Heaney Smith 10-20-15)

The event will run from 6:30 to about 8:30 & will also feature the 4 candidates running for 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference room at 7:00 PM to discuss the Superintendent Search.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 10-16-15

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

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

(Fred Akshar 10-16-15)

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

(Amanda Heaney Smith 10-16-15)

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

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

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-4-15

wcdonews — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:02:00 +0000

State Police arrested 30 year old Donald Turner of Binghamton and 28 year old Matthew Edwards of Endicott for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Troopers investigated a theft of scrap metal from the Stadium International in Conklin, the 2 men allegedly stole scrap metal from this business and then sold it at Weitsman’s Scrap Yard in Binghamton. Turner and Edwards face court action on June 9th.
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Delaware County Republican Family Court Judge candidate Porter Kirkwood will hold a “Meet & Greet” in Walton today. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Danny’s restaurant at 14 Gardiner place in Walton.
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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-23-15

wcdonews — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:54:59 +0000

A “Protect Our Schools” demonstration will be held in Oneonta Thursday as part of a state wide awareness campaign, to let Governor Cuomo know that parents & teachers feel that school are underfunded, over-mandated and that they fear an eventual statewide take-over of schools. Area schoolteacher Michelle Decker comment:

(Michelle Decker 3-23-15)

Kjersti Van Slyke-Briggs is an area parent that co-founded an area grassroots campaign regarding common core & increased testing of students, she told WCDO News of the purpose of Thursday’s event:

(Kjersti Van Slyke Briggs 3-23-15)

The demonstration will begin at 4:30 Thursday at the former Center Street School In Oneonta, more information is available at NYSAPE.org.
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Governor Cuomo & Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie have agreed to an ethics reform package for the legislature to follow, which may lead to getting another budget completed on time. Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that republicans in both houses feel that ethics reforms should be tackled separately from the budget process:

(Lopez 3-23-15)

Conference Committees are tackling the differences in the budgets passed in the Senate & Assembly, both of those plans spend substantially more than Governor Cuomo’s Budget Proposal.
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The 11th annual American Cancer Society Tri-Town Relay For Life will be held at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge on Saturday May 9th this year. The 2015 theme is Hero’s of Hope & this year’s event will be ONE day only, running from 11am to 11pm. Officials announced that it is not too late to become involved by either registering a team or volunteering, more information is available at relayforlife.org/tritownny or at the next meeting on Monday April 6th at 5:30 at the United Methodist Church, Liberty Street in Sidney.
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The Delaware County Republican Committee has endorsed Porter Kirkwood for Family Court Judge. Kirkwood currently serves as Delaware County Attorney. The Delaware County Family Court Judgeship is a new position that was created by the Governor and State Legislature in 2014 in an effort to relieve the backlog of cases in Family Courts around the State. 25 new Family Court Judgeships were added in New York. No Democratic Party Candidate has been announced.
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The Guilford town planning board has cancelled their meeting originally scheduled for this evening. The meetings will return to the normal schedule of the 4th Monday of every month in April, more information is available at 895-9966
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The Oneonta Common Council announced 2 meetings for today. The facilities-technology- operations-community improvement committee will hold their next meeting at 4:00 this afternoon, the finance & administration committee will hold their next meeting at 5:00 PM, both meeting will be held in the common council chambers at city hall.
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