(Robin Beckwith 9-18-15)

The event will be held at the Chenango county fairgrounds beginning at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at the Norwich YMCA, Hummel’s, Garf’s Deli, Commerce Chenango & M&T Bank in Norwich, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Com.
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The Unadilla Rotary Club is presenting the 6th annual Unadilla Autumn Fest on Saturday, Unadilla Rotary Spokesperson Zoë Vandermuelen explains:

(Zoë Vandermuelen 9-18-15)

The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Unadilla Community Field, more information is available at unadillarotary.org or the Unadilla Rotary Facebook Page.
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The annual Sidney Center Tractor parade is this Saturday, Sidney Center Improvement Group spokesperson Terry Rendo explains:

(Terry Rendo 9-18-15)

Last year over 100 vehicles participated and several hundred people came into the hamlet for the event.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older that are uninsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.
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The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer 2 more “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” workshops! Today from 6:00 to 8:30pm, a workshop, with the theme “Americana” is scheduled, on Friday, October 2nd; another Wine & Design workshop is also scheduled from 6:00 to 8:30pm, with the theme “Spooktacular Full Moon”. The classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council art classroom at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.
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Aerial surveillance by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, State Police Aviation Division and CNET, led to the arrest of a Walton man and seizures of marihuana in the Towns of Walton and Harpersfield. 53-year-old William Picinich was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlicensed Growing of Cannabis and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Picinich will appear in the Town of Walton Court on September 23rd.
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The 19th annual Delaware County Clean Sweep chemical disposal days are scheduled this weekend. County Solid Waste coordinator Sue McIntyre told WCDO News comments:

(Sue McIntyre 9-18-15)

Businesses & farms dropped off their items earlier today; households will participate at their designated time tomorrow.
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The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% to 5.2% in August 2015, reaching its lowest rate since May 2008, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. County-by-County breakdowns will be released shortly.
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The Let’s Make A Deal Live Stage Show Is Coming to the Floyd Maines Broome County Arena on November 2nd at 7:30 pm. The show is based on the long time TV show, Let’s Make A Deal Live, gives audience members a chance to make deals for big cash and prizes just like on TV. Let’s Make A Deal Live in Binghamton will be hosted by Mark Walberg, Reserved seats will go on sale Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or at 800 745 3000.
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Tomorrow is the Catholic Charities event “Bands, Brews & Barbecue” at the Chenango county fairgrounds in Norwich. Catholic Charities Director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith 9-19-14)

Beckwith said that event runs from 1:00 to 8:00 PM, tickets are available at the Catholic Charities Norwich office as well as the Norwich YMCA, Commerce Chenango, Garf’s deli, Hummel’s, & M & T Bank, or online at brown paper tickets.com.

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The Unadilla Rotary Club is hold an Autumn Fest in Unadilla this Saturday. Rotarian Zoë Vandermeulen explains:

(Zoë Vandermeulen 9-19-14)

The event is open to the pubic at the Unadilla Community field Saturday.

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Addressing climate change and promoting recreation are among New York’s conservation goals, according to the state’s draft of a new “open space conservation plan .” New York is rewriting its plans for the outdoors, and residents have until Dec. 17 to contribute thoughts on hunting, skiing, encroachment, water supplies, trailblazing and other uses of land in the state. The DEC will hold public hearings to solicit input. The state will also accept comments at dec.ny.gov

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The State court system adopted rules to protect people in debt and make it harder for debt collection companies to win default judgments. The rules will go into effect Oct. 1st. Each year, more than 100,000 credit card collection cases are brought against individuals in New York courts. Under the new rules, creditors will be required to submit affidavits containing detailed proof in support of default judgment applications, including the validity of the debt at issue and the chain of ownership for the debt, and lawyers for creditors must submit an affirmation that the statute of limitations has not expired.

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Bike Otsego 2014 will be held on Saturday, with 5 bicycle rides around the county.   The “Grand Slam” event covers 75 miles, other rides include a 31-mile for intermediate riders, a 12-mile ride for all ages, also mountain bike riders have a choice between 2 routes through Oneonta, at 1.5 or 2.5 hours.   All rides begin and end in Neahwa Park.

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Tomorrow is “National Car Seat Saturday” & Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Parents can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat technicians. Car seats that do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. More information is available at 832-5200.

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Sidney Center will hold their annual tractor parade tomorrow. Registration for those wanting to participate will be held at fireman’s field starting at 10:00 AM, the parade will be followed by the presentation of trophies and a chicken barbecue.

(Robin Beckwith 8-18-14)

Local breweries, barbecue based business and area musicians such as the Beadle Brothers and Kaitlyn Jackson will be at the event.
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Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event for Small Businesses on Friday September 12th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Meadows Office Complex County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Small businesses that qualify will receive a subsidy of $50 for cost associated with collection from the County. Registration is mandatory at 547-4225 during normal business hours through Labor Day, and then and Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 pm beginning September 2nd.
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Delaware County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Main Street in the Village of Franklin. 22-year-old Brooke Ketchum of Bainbridge was arrested for Driving while Intoxicated, unsafe start and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Ketchum is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.
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The Bainbridge Village Board will hold a work session this afternoon at 5:00 PM, to discuss the comprehensive plan. The board will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, both meetings will be held at the village offices at 33 West Main Street, and both will be open to the public.
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New York will send 2 tax-rebate checks next month: a $350 check for families with children and then a check to refund residents for this year’s growth in school property taxes. In 2013, Cuomo and Legislature agreed to provide the $350 checks to residents with children under 17 as of 2012 and with incomes between $40,000 and $300,000. This year, residents will receive the $350 checks in the mail. In 2015 and 2016, the money will come as credits when people file their state income taxes.
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Fruits, veggies and whole grains will fill the plates of all the students who choose to buy their lunch in the cafeteria this school year. The changes are being made to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. They include whole grains as the primary ingredient in all grain products, one cup of fruit at breakfast, more fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and protein foods. For more details on the new regulations, visit usda.gov.

(Robin Beckwith 9-27-13)

(Richard Bell 9-27-13)

Bell said that the upgrades should be completed by spring of 2016.

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New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today announced his office completed the audit of the Laurens Central School District.  DiNapoli’s report said that the district has accumulated reserve balances in excess of the district’s average needs and has accumulated significant total fund balance, including reserves. For the fiscal years 2007-08 through 2011-12, the district’s total fund balance increased to $3.6 million, with reserves at nearly $3 million, or 82 percent of the fund balance.  Copies of the audit are available at openbooknewyork.com.

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Governor Cuomo announced more than $900,000 in federal funding, provided by the USDA, to support research projects ranging from improving the resiliency of New York’s crops, to expanding the reach of the state’s agriculture sector.  The funding includes $154,000 to support the state’s wine and grape industry.  The funding will provide state assistance for specialty crop programs including research, promotion, food safety, and nutrition. Several of the grants were awarded to Cornell University in Ithaca.  For more information go to govenor.ny.gov

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US senator Charles Schumer urged the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to review their mental-heath protocols. Schumer will recommend the VA to set up a Joint Emergency Psychiatric Response Center that will work with the Department of Defense, local and state law enforcement. The call follows the Washington D.C. Navy Yard shootings earlier this month by former Navy reservist Aaron Alexis. There are 8 VA Medical Centers and 35 community-based outpatient clinics in upstate New York. Schumer will recommend the national response centers be open 24 hours a day to help identify vets that need help.

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The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a babysitters training class for youth ages  11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Red Cross office at 620 E. Main St, Endicott. To register visit redcross.org.

Broome County Judge Joseph Cawley this morning found 25-year-old Jaclyn Wesley of Binghamton guilty of vehicular manslaughter.  Wesley was accused of driving with a blood-alcohol content of .13 percent when her SUV left I- 88 in the Town of Fenton on May 20^th 2011, and plunged into the Chenango River. Her passengers, 25 year old Rob Moorehead of Port Crane, and Binghamton residents 45-year-old Rob Marshall and 39 year old Carri Michalski were killed in the crash. Sentencing will be at a later date.

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Governor Cuomo aims to reduce distracted driving by unveiling special “Texting Zones” along the New York State Thruway and State Highways.  The new zones will give motorists a pull-off area to park and use their mobile devices, in many cases, Existing rest stops and parking areas will serve as Texting Zones, and signage will be placed along the highway to inform drivers where the Zones are located.  New Texting locally will be located on I-81 in Whitney Point, New York route 17 at East Branch & Roscoe, & I-88 at Unadilla & East Worcester

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Catholic Charities Of Chenango County will host “Bands, Brew & Barbecue” at the Chenango county fairgrounds in Norwich this Saturday.  Executive Director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith 9-24-13)

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The state DEC has a new online registration system for hunter and trapper education programs that are required before getting a license. The agency says the new system will make it easier for people to find a nearby course and sign up. The classes are free and taught by volunteers.  Information on hunting and trapping education classes can be found on the DEC website at dec.ny.gov

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FEMA has approved Otsego County’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan 5-year update.  The next step in the process is the adoption by resolution of the plan by all 35 municipalities and the Otsego County Government for it to be officially in-place.  County officials said that having a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation plan allows the County, municipalities, and identified stakeholders to be eligible for annual, and disaster declaration funding rounds. More information is available at the County Planning Department website available located at otsegocounty.com.

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State Police are investigating a strong-armed robbery, which occurred last Thursday afternoon on Main Street in Johnson City.  Police reported that an unidentified woman was getting into her vehicle when a male subject grabbed her purse and fled on foot. The woman chased the suspect and observed him getting into the passenger seat of a dark colored Pontiac and drive towards Endwell. The suspect is further described as being a black male in his early to mid 20’s, average build, wearing a dark shirt and pants and a black head covering. Anyone with information is asked to call State Police BCI at 754-3854.

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Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday for the 2^nd degree murder trial of Anthony Taglianetti of Virginia.  Taglianetti is charged with fatally shooting 51-year-old Keith Reed Jr. in Chautauqua County last September. U.S. Marshals arrested Taglianetti in Virginia 8 days after Reed’s murder. Reed previously served as a principal in Sherburne-Earlville Central School District prior to becoming superintendent of the Clymer Central School District.

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Delaware County Deputies responded to Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Franklin regarding a domestic incident complaint.  Deputies arrested 27-year-old Danielle Lister of Walton for Criminal Mischief, Harassment and Endangering the welfare of a child. Lister was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Franklin Court at a later time.

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US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a bill that would require the USDA to maintain adequate staffing and increase testing at the facilities that produce beef, pork, and poultry products. The bill also would require the agency to improve standards to protect against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  More information is available at gillibrand.senate.gov.

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Catholic Charities will hold a fundraiser on September 28^th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at the Chenango County fair grounds, to benefit their “Roots & Wings” program.  Executive director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith)

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Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will expand the ban on the type of chemicals used to make dangerous bath salts. The law comes after several high-profile deaths in New York City this summer involving the synthetic drugs.  The state Legislature in June passed a bill that adds new compounds used to make synthetic drugs to the state’s banned substance list.  The governor last year issued an executive order to ban the sale and possession of synthetic drugs under the state’s public health law.

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