The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is re-establishing its Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program and is now accepting applications. The program is designed for high school students ages 14-18 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement, Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond explains:

(Sheriff DuMond 9-19-22)

Sheriff DuMond said that applications or more information is available through Deputy Collin Roche at collin.roche@co.delaware.ny.us or at (607)-237-1641.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 100 New York communities are now certified as Climate Smart Communities. Locally, the Town of New Lisbon in Otsego County was 1 of the 11 new municipalities, plus the town of Roseboom was 1 of 4 local governments that were re-certified by completing additional actions, more information is available at climatesmart.ny.gov.

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Broome County District Attorney office announced that Vernon Riddick pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon, for having an unlicensed and loaded .40 handgun on July 24th while driving erratically in Binghamton. Police said that Riddick fled in his car, he abandoned the car and ran on foot, Police confiscated that weapon from a trash can nearby. Riddick faces sentencing in December in Broome County Court.

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WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull held a fundraiser for his Scholarship Sunday at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney. The event netted $5300 to the Scholarship, a scholarship will go to one boy & one girl each year, more information is available at natelull.com

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting tomorrow morning. The meeting will begin at 7:30 am at the back of Bob’s Diner. Chamber members are encouraged to attend & participate.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-19-22

The State DOT will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 28th at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances, reduce curvature in the roadway, The hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

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The Otsego Department of Health and the Sheriff’s Office announced that certified Child Safety Seat Technicians are available today to check if the child seats are properly installed. The event will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 Pm today at the Home Depot on State highway 28 in Oneonta.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies and employees of the Susquehanna SPCA seized an assortment of malnourished animals from Village Farms in Gilbertsville on Friday, 17 horses, 2 pigs, a llama, a donkey and a cat were taken from the farm, The investigation is ongoing.

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The State Department of Health updated New Yorkers on the poliovirus, following the identification of polio in early June wastewater samples in Rockland County, the virus has now also been detected in wastewater samples in Orange County. Analysis by the CDC has found 7 positive samples from Rockland & Orange Counties, which are genetically linked to the individual case of paralytic polio previously identified in a Rockland County resident. Officials urge New York Residents to get updated on the Polio Vaccine as soon as possible, More information is available at health.ny.gov/diseases.

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State Police reported a 104% increase in gun seizures this year compared with same period in 2021. The increase includes a Major Gun Bust by New State Police Unit, where 30 illegal guns were seized, including Assault Rifles and Ghost Guns; with multiple suspects arrested. Governor Hochul secured $2.5 Million in the State Budget for 14 Positions for New State Police Gun Trafficking Interdiction Unit

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at D’s Pizzeria in Walton and arrested Damien Falconio on 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 1 count each of Forcible Touching, Unlawful Imprisonment & Persistent Sexual Abuse. Falconio was convicted of 3rd Degree Rape & Sexual Abuse in 2012, he was released from state prison as a Level 3 Sex Offender in August 2016 and just completed his parole supervision in June. Falconio was arraigned and remanded without bail to Delaware County Correctional Facility. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed at a later time.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 25 year old Clayton Truax of Roseboom on 2 counts of Assault & Endangering the Welfare of child. Truax is accused of hitting his child with a metal bottle, causing an eye injury, he was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

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Chenango Arts Council will hold their Kids Summer Art Camp entitled “Summer Cool: Student Theater and Arts”, starting on Monday, spokesperson Mary Beth Miller explains:

(Mary Beth Miller 8-5-22)

5 day workshops will be held August 8th to the 12th and August 15th, to the 19th, sessions are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Arts Council in Norwich. Pre-registration is required at ChenangoArts.org or by calling 607-336-2787.

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The Bainbridge Rotary Club is holding their annual fundraising Golf Tournament on August 18th at the Afton Golf Course, Bainbridge Rotarian Dave DeClue explains:

(Dave DeClue 8-5-22)

To Sign up a team, contact DeClue at 607-743-2523.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-5-22

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded Wednesday to a report of a trespass in progress at a Town of Norwich residence. A male and two females were found and detained at the location, the vehicle driven to the residence was reported stolen from New Hartford in June. Deputies Arrested Aaron Gabriel, Tami Lyn Gray of Norwich and Jennifer Pollock of Norwich, for 2nd degree Burglary, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Conspiracy, all are being held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

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The Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their annual “Lookin’ Back ” Car show & Chicken Barbecue Saturday, organizer Lori Lang explains:

(Lori Lang 8-5-22)

The Car Show & Chicken Barbecue will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street.

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The Chenango County Historical Society announced their Summer Barn Party, celebrating 175 years of the Chenango County Fair, tonight from 6:00 to 8:30 PM in the Society’s Loomis Barn, at 41 Rexford Street in Norwich. Event proceeds will support a significant portion of the organization’s annual operating budget. More information is available at ChenangoHistorical.org.

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Sidney Rotary Club & Cullman Child Developmental Center of Sidney will hold the 4th & last Free Summer event Saturday, Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert told WCDO News about the “Big Rig Event”:

(Larry Halbert 8-5-22)

Halbert said that the event will be held at the Cullman Center at 90 West Road in Sidney, more information is available at the Sidney Rotary Facebook Page, or by calling 563-PLAY.

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Norwich Police Chief Rodney Marsh and Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino will be meeting with the public on Saturday in Downtown Norwich. Both will be at Deja Brew from 9:00 to 11:00 AM for a “Coffee with the Chiefs” event.

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Starting Monday, June 6,, NYSDOT will be conducting single lane closures on State Route 28 between Lewis Rd and Turnpike Rd in the Town of Meredith to facilitate a shoulder-widening safety project. Alternating one-way traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic signals 24/7 through mid-August. At that time, the alternating closure zone will move south on NY-28 and is scheduled to last through Mid-October. The scope of this next closure is yet to be determined. A new Travel Advisory will be issued as the time approaches.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37-year-old Douglas Ostrander of Roseboom for 1st degree Rape, Predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct, criminal sex act & Endangering the welfare of a child, the alleged sexual abuse happened in the towns of Milford, Cherry Valley and Roseboom. Ostrander was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $25,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond.

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Unadilla Chamber Dinner dinner will be held this Sunday, Spokesperson Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 6-3-22)

The event this year is being held Sunday at the Far View Farm on Rod & Gun Club Road.

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This Sunday, The Sidney Rotary Club & The Cullman Child Development Center present the 1st of 4 events for Children through the Summer Months. Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert told WCDO News about some of the interactive exhibits for children at Sunday’s event, spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 6-3-22)

The “You Can Do It” event swill be held this Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Sidney American Legion on Union Street.

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Binghamton’s annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally will return to August this year in Otsiningo Park. The 2022 Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally will begin on Friday, August 5, continuing through the weekend. The festival’s concerts will feature new performers this year, including Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, Lou Gramm, formerly of Foreigner and Gary Levox of Rascal Flats. Tickets 7 More information is available at spiediefest.com.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-3-22

State Police updated information on Wednesday’s head-on collision involving an SUV and a Trailways bus on State Highway 23 in the town of Davenport. The only occupant of the SUV, was 65-year-old Diane Bevins of Stamford, she was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the bus, 44-year-old Joanna Reedman of Astoria, and a passenger, 59-year-old Aris Vavasis of Hartwick were transported to Bassett Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, 3 other passengers were not injured, the investigation is on-going.

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New York’s legislature passed legislation banning anyone under age 21 from buying or possessing a semi-automatic rifle. New York already requires people to be 21 to possess a handgun. Younger people would still be allowed to have other types of rifles and shotguns. The bill would also require anyone buying a semiautomatic rifle to get a license, the legislation heads to Governor Hochul’s desk for approval.

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Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Car Seat Event today at the Sidney Head Start at the Civic Center. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand from 12:00 to 2:00 PM to check car seats and give instruction to parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. For more details about this event call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

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American Red Cross Blood drives are continuing, as blood supplies remain low. A Blood Drive is being held today in Oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM at the American Legion at 279 Chestnut Street, to make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Village of Sidney announced that there will be Water shut offs this afternoon due an emergency repair from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Water will be shut off From Pleasant Street to Main Street on Bridge Street, From Clinton Street to Main Street on River Street, & on Main Street from Cartwright Ave to Bridge Street.

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Primary elections will be held tomorrow with polls open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Republican primaries will be held in CHENANGO COUNTY for County Clerk, as well as other positions in the Towns of Columbus, Guilford, McDonough & Smithville plus the Town & City of Norwich. In DELAWARE COUNTY, there are Republican primaries for position in the Towns of Colchester & Walton. There are republican Primaries in Otsego County in the towns of Hartwick, Laurens, Maryland, Milford, Oneonta, Otego & Unadilla; there is a Democratic Primary in for OTSEGO COUNTY representative in District 3 covering Laurens & Otego.

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Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will require hospitals to form committees composed of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, ancillary staff members providing direct patient care, and hospital administrators to form the staffing plans, the Governor also signed another bill Friday that will require minimum levels of staffing at nursing homes.

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Chenango County Public Health continues to see a downturn in their COVID 19 numbers. Today’s Numbers, there are 6 Active Cases, 26 Quarantines & 1 Hospitalized from the virus. Chenango County has had a Total of 3504 Confirmed Cases with 77 deaths & 3324 Recoveries.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies patrolling State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi last Thursday, stopped an erratic vehicle & charged 67 year-old Joan McIntosh, of Bovina for failure to keep right and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after a routine check revealed that McIntosh’ driving privileges were suspended for failure to pay taxes. McIntosh was released and directed to appear in the Delhi Town Court on a later date to answer those charges.

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s September 8th Induction Ceremony will return to its standard seating format, following last Tuesday’s announcement by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that lifted significant COVID-19 restrictions. Tickets will not be required for the event’s free lawn seating area. The Induction Ceremony, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, on the grounds of Cooperstown’s Clark Sports Center, will celebrate the inductions of Class of 2020 members Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

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The Village of Unadilla Department of Public Works is working on a potential water main break on Clifton Street. The area may experience low pressure and eventually water will be shut off in that area. Clifton Street will also be shut down from the Community House Parking lot to Sperry Street while the work is being performed.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-21-21

Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 year old James Stilson of Oneonta following a burglary investigation in the Town of Unadilla. Stilson was arrested following a burglary in progress complaint at 188 Main Street in Unadilla, he was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument & was issued Appearance Ticket returnable to Town of Unadilla Court today at 4:00pm.

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State Police announced that 14 year old Angelia Sturtevant of Roseboom was located Saturday morning, she was found in good health & was returned to her family. State Police also reported that 12 year old Tamel Thompson, who was reported missing over the weekend in Broome County, was also located, and has returned to his family.

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Police in Cobleskill arrested 53 year old Raymond George for 1st degree manslaughter, for allegedly driving his vehicle into the Colonial Motel Tuesday, killing fellow Motel resident James Williams, following an argument.  Police reported that 2 dogs were also killed in the incident, 11 people were displaced due to the structural damage to the building.  George was arrested shortly after the incident nearby, Police determined that Williams had been sitting on a bench outside his room with his dogs, when he was struck; he was trapped in the wreckage and was pronounced dead at the scene. George was arraigned and ordered held without bail.  State Police, Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department, the Schoharie County District Attorney’s Office and state corrections officials assisted with the investigation.

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According to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 17,500, or 0.2%, to 7,459,100 in May 2021. By comparison, the number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.4% in May 2021.  New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 8.2% to 7.8% in May 2021.

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US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Senior Financial Empowerment act, to try to streamline the reporting by seniors, of phone & Email scams designed to steal their personal financial information:

(Gillibrand 6-17-21)

Senator Gillibrand stated that Millions of seniors across the country are victims of financial scams and abuse every year, with scams related to COVID-19 alone costing consumers more than $460 million.  New York State seniors lose as much as $1.5 billion per year to financial fraud and abuse.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Joseph Santiago of Burlington following a traffic stop in the Town of Burlington on June 7^th.   Santiago was charged with Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument & Criminal Possession Controlled Substance.  The Investigation revealed that Santiago, who was a passenger in the stopped vehicle, was wanted on an active bench warrant issued out of the Town of New Lisbon court, he was found to be in possession of numerous narcotics during the stop.  Santiago was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on the bench warrant; he faces action in Town of Burlington court June 21^st.

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The Otsego County Department of Health will be holding a Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID Vaccine clinic tomorrow.  The clinic will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department, for those 18 & older, no appointments are necessary; the clinic will be walk in only.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies return to Binghamton to play a 4 game homestand starting tonight against Portland, at the newly renamed Mirabito Stadium.  Team General Manager J.B. Bayne told WCDO News that the COVID guidelines have been changed, and fans can come out to the games like they did before the Pandemic.

(J.B. Bayne 6-17-21)

Information about the team’s schedule, ticket prices, promotions & roster are available at BINGRP.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-17-21

Frontier Communications reported 2 work vans missing from their property at 2 Oak Avenue in the Village of Sidney on Monday; the vans were recovered Tuesday in a wooded area outside the village.  Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and State Police executed a search warrant of 5 Division Street in Sidney Wednesday; they arrested 47 year old Brian Kingsbury of Sidney & 24 year old Nikita Crumb of Sidney for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Both were arraigned in the Village of Sidney court, Crumb was released on her own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date, Kingsbury was remanded to the Delaware County Jail. The investigation is on-going and more arrests are expected.

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State Police continue to investigate a fatal hit and run involving a vehicle that struck 2 bicyclists on Route 26 in Cincinnatus.   The deceased bicyclist is identified as 67 year old Kitt Warren of De Ruyter; the injured bicyclist is identified as 67 year old John Rutan of McGraw, who was taken to Upstate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.  2 other bicyclists were not injured and are identified as a 34-year-old female of Greene, and a 64-year-old male of Cincinnatus.  The operator of the vehicle did not stop; the vehicle was located by a Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputy in the Town of Willet. The investigation is on-going; more will be released when it is available.

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State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Anjelia Sturtevant was last seen at her residence in the town of Roseboom on Monday night.    Anjelia was last seen wearing a pink camouflage pull over sweatshirt with a hood and may be carrying a white colored makeup bag with a gray pattern.  Anjelia is 5’ 2″ and weighs approximately 190 pounds.  She has brown eyes and brown hair & multiple piercings. Anyone with information should call State Police at 561-7400.

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Afton Fire fighters responded to a Commercial Building Fire at 175 Main Street last night, at the new Gavin’s Pizza location that opened earlier that day.  Afton received assistance from Harpursville, Masonville, Bainbridge & Coventry.  Fire was located in the wall of the building, & was knocked down quickly; Mike Gavin told WCDO News that he hopes to be re-opening sometime next week.

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Commerce Chenango will host their 2021 Gala This evening at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green said that awards will be given out to deserving area businesses & organizations:

(Kerri Green 5-21-21)

Green said that this will be the first in person social event for Commerce Chenango Members in over a year, due to the pandemic.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday program continues with Assemblyman Joe Angelino.  The event will run virtually this morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, to register, go to delawarecounty.org.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21 year old Scott Sieger of Oneonta following an investigation into a Forged Check.   Sieger was charged with Forgery, criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Impersonation, for allegedly forging a stolen check in order to purchase a vehicle, he will appear in Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

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The mobile screening coach will be in Oneonta at Damaschke Field in Neahwa Park Today, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm For “Pink in the Ballpark Night” with the Oneonta Outlaws to provide No Cost mammograms and Pap tests to women 40 and over.  More information or appointments can be made by calling the Cancer Services Program at 1-888-345-0225.

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The Village of Sidney announced that the water will be shut off today from about 7:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on West Main Street between Sunset Avenue & Circle Drive.  Crews will be installing a new Water valve in that area at that time.

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The Town of Unadilla reported that a few of their roads will be “briefly closed” today for chip sealing.  The affected roads are Butternut Road, Sand Hill Road, Lovers Lane, Rod and Gun Club Road & Leizear Hill Road.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dominic Centonze of Roseboom for allegedly make recordings through a 2-way mirror. Officer conducted a search Centonze’s home last Week and found the mirror along with recording equipment and several computers. Centonze was arraigned on 4 counts of unlawful surveillance and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond, pending court action on Wednesday
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Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan admitted Sunday he has drinking problem, he revealed that received treatment for his alcohol addiction, which he blamed on the pressures of his job. Flanagan said that he would remain in the senate, but did not address speculation that he may seek the Republican Party nomination in the race for Governor in 2018.
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More people are starting to suggest a run at Governor Cuomo for the State’s top job next year. Former Republican candidate Carl Palladino of Buffalo is expected to give it another shot, after losing badly to Cuomo once before. Actress Cynthia Nixon is expected to announce shortly that she is considering a run for the Democratic Party nomination in 2018, against Cuomo. Former State Senator Terry Gipson is also expected to announce challenge Cuomo next year, which is criticized by many in the Democratic Party as abandoning the Liberal base.
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20 years after the last serious discussion of a state Constitutional Convention, the talk is rising again to hold a convention in 2019. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented about the prospect of a Constitutional Convention:

(Crouch 8-7-17)

A constitutional Convention last occurred in 1967, where state voters rejected recommendations from the convention.
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U.S Senator Charles Schumer said that he will fight proposed cuts from the Trump Administration for small airport routine maintenance, upgrades & expansions. Schumer said that the small airports are vital to the economies of the areas they serve, Schumer said that cuts would be reckless, wrong headed & would be a safety concern.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced a “First Friday Meet & Greet Breakfast”, which will be held in Sidney on September 1. The event will run from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Sidney Elks Club at 104 River Street, registration is available at delawarecounty.org.
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Governor Cuomo announced more than $4 million has been awarded for 11 agricultural water quality conservation projects, benefiting 16 farms in the Southern Tier. The funding allows farmers to address water quality challenges in priority watersheds while increasing productivity, reduce erosion, and limit the amount of harmful sediments and other deposits in New York’s waterways.
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State Police arrested 34 year old Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding of Norwich, for 1st degree Murder, in connection with the murder of 11 year old Jacelyn O’Connor on July 30th. He was arraigned in Chenango County Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail pending further court proceedings today at 11:00 am. Last week, police arrested James Brower in connection with the same case. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office assisted with this investigation. The investigation into the murder of Jacelyn O’Connor is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police in Norwich at (607) 334-3296.
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A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Davenport. 2 dogs were exposed to the diseased raccoon when they cornered and killed the animal. The dogs were up to date on their rabies vaccinations and each received a rabies booster. 2 people were also exposed and are receiving rabies post exposure treatment. This is the 3RD animal in Delaware County to test positive for rabies in 2017. Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of the free remaining rabies clinics in Delaware County, on August 9th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall, August 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall, an October Rabies Clinic will b held in Delhi; the date and time will be announced soon.
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State DEC officials reported that missing hiker Wayne Lamicela of Arkville was found alive. State Forest Rangers reported that on Saturday, at around 1 p.m., a caretaker for private property located Lamicela, in a wooded area, Lamicela was barefoot but still mobile and able to walk on his own power. Lamicela was transported to the Margaretville Community Hospital for further evaluation.
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The State Department of Transportation announced that two lanes eastbound, and one lane westbound on State Route 17 between Exit 62 Nichols and Exit 63 Lounsberry reopened Friday afternoon. Starting today, one lane in each direction will remain open as crews continue to repair damage caused by a late July flash flood. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

(Matt Beitscher 4-18-17)

The discussion will run from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday, Questions may be submitted, or more information may be obtained at metclass392@gmail.com.
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2005 Sidney Graduate Darren McElligott won a New York State Boxing Golden Gloves Championship last weekend at a tournament in Buffalo. McElligott is the 1st Champion to come from Sidney in over 40 years; previous local champions won regional championships, but not the State one. McElligott competed in the Light Heavyweight division at 178 pounds.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next meeting this evening at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM.

State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident Sunday on State Route 23, in the Town of Roxbury. 53-year-old Yamir Betancourt of Oneonta was operating a motorcycle with his wife, 50-year-old Elizabeth Betancourt riding as a passenger. Betancourt drifted over the center yellow line, overcorrected and lost control of the motorcycle. Elizabeth Betancourt was ejected and fell into the path of a westbound 1995 Honda Pilot driven by 38 year old Isaac Abramchayev of Fresh Meadow. Mrs. Betancourt was declared dead at the scene, Mr. Betancourt was treated at the scene for abrasions, Abramchayev was not injured.
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Former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston was arrested Monday by State Police on 3 counts of official misconduct. Preston is accused of unlawfully using a Town of Conklin credit card, for her own use while serving as supervisor; Preston is scheduled to be arraigned April 25th in Conklin.
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The State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded all taxpayers that the deadline to file and pay is midnight tonight. State Tax department officials remind New Yorkers that they have from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM to use the Tax Assistance phone Number at 518-457-5181.
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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting this morning at Green’s Long River Inn, on State Route 357, at 8:15 am. All members and directors are urged to attend. All Chamber members are reminded the Annual Dinner will be on Sunday, at the Unadilla Methodist Church.
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(Stephanie Taylor 9-12-16)

The Delaware County Chamber Of Commerce will also have a presence at the new Sidney Chamber office, Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci Comments:

(Ray Pucci 9-12-16)

The Sidney Chamber Office at 85 Main Street in Sidney, they recently moved to the new location from the Sidney Civic center, which is being sold to a developer & will be transformed into offices on the first floor & senior apartments on the 2nd & 3rd floor.
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The local chapter of the American Cancer Society raised another impressive amount with this year’s Tri-Town Relay for Life in may at General Clinton park in Bainbridge. Cancer Society Spokesperson Helen Gregory told WCDO the amount raised, and announced her retirement:

(Helen Gregory 9-12-16)

Gregory headed up the local office of the American Cancer Society for the last 11 years; she will be succeeded by Heather Brewster.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office said they received numerous complaints of the scam last week, where the caller pretends to represent NYSEG, & they threaten to shut off the power of the victim’s home or business if they didn’t pay their bill. The caller is provided a phone number to call back and provide payment info, along with a confirmation code. The phone number leads through a phone tree when called, and asks for the confirmation number, along with asking personal information such as name, date of birth, and NYSEG account number. The Sheriff’s department suggests that area residents hang up & notify law enforcement, & contact NYSEG directly. NYSEG has set up a web page with information on the scam, which can be found at nyseg.com/billpaymentscam. Residents are reminded to never provide personal information to anyone over the phone.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed “no knock” search warrants Friday, at 2 separate locations and a passenger vehicle. During the execution of the search warrants the Sheriff’s Office discovered approximately 600 Oxycodone Pills, & a residence that was found to contain a sophisticated marijuana growing operation. 36 year old Chester Travis from the Town of Plymouth was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Criminal Possession of Marijuana; he was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility.
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State Police is currently investigating several complaints of a telephone scam in which the caller threatens to harm a loved one if the receiver of the call does not send them money. The scam involves unknown individuals calling the scam victim and advising that their loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident or has been kidnapped. The calls are threatening in nature and usually involve the caller demanding that money be sent to an area outside of the United States or the person involved will be arrested or harmed. Officials stress that any member of the public who receives one of these scam calls or who has been victimized should call and report the incident to their local policing agency.
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Governor Cuomo signed legislation to extend the period for workers and volunteers seeking lost wage and medical benefits as a result of their involvement in the September 11th rescue, recovery and clean-up operations. The bill extends the deadline for individuals to register under the WTC Disability Law until September 11, 2018. The extension will allow additional individuals to receive workers’ compensation, disability, and accidental death benefits as a result of their participation in the WTC rescue, recovery, and clean-up operations.
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The State DOT announced that work to replace 2 concrete box culverts on State Route 28 between Upper Main Street and Grove Street in the village of Cooperstown, will continue through December 1 this year. A temporary traffic signal is in place to control alternating single lane traffic. Motorists will also encounter flag personnel. Work will be performed daily between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM, weather permitting.
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The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies. Blood drives will be held today & tomorrow from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at SUNY Oneonta. Donors of all blood types are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
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Governor Cuomo announced $3 million in available funding for municipalities in New York to advance the purchase or lease of Zero Emission Vehicles such as battery electric and hydrogen vehicles. The rebates will be provided through the record $300 million Environmental Protection Fund investment in 2017 State Budget, and will help New York meet its commitments under the Multi-State Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to put 3.3 million of the vehicles on the roads by 2025.

(Steve Craig 11-27-15)

Commerce Chenango is also inviting the community to stop by their offices at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich, as they celebrate 1 year in that location with an open house from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday.
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The Village of Oxford will meet in Lafayette Park for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, at 5:00 PM. Plans call for lights, music, roasted chestnuts, caroling, and refreshments, highlighted by the lighting of the 12-foot evergreen tree.
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An anti-Muslim activist from Arizona who may be armed and headed for the Muslims of America community known as Islamberg, in the town of Hancock. The FBI has issued a warning to area law enforcement agencies that Jon Ritzheimer could be headed to Hancock, according to a report in today’s “New York Daily News”. Ritzheimer posted a threatening video online last week after he learned of he was referred to as an American Terrorist in “The Islamic Post”. Former Tennessee Congressional Candidate Robert Doggart targeted Islamberg for an attack earlier this year; the FBI stopped him, he is under house arrest.
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State police has arrested an Oneonta man on two felonies counts. 57-year-old Richard Lindsley was charged Wednesday morning with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon, a loaded firearm, said troopers who were responding to a domestic dispute. He will face court action at a later date.
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A Town of Guilford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Harassment, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Deputies & State Troopers arrested 21-year-old Gaven Nicholoff following a Domestic Disturbance in the Town of Guilford; Nicholoff is accused of damaging items in a residence and preventing the victim from calling 911. Nicholoff tried to flee the residence and resisted arrest, he was placed into custody and found in possession on his person to have drug paraphernalia, he was arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and is being held on $500 cash bail.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Town of Sherburne man for driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop in the Town of North Norwich. Deputies stopped a vehicle on State Hwy 12 in North Norwich operated by Matthew Quinn. Quinn was found to be operating the motor vehicle with more than a .18% BAC, he was arrested without incident and processed before being released on appearance tickets to family members. Quinn has a later date in the Town of North Norwich Court.
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The Sidney chamber of commerce announces that the holiday Business After Hours program will be held on December 15th, at SFCU at 42 Union Street in Sidney. RSVP’s are requested by Tuesday December 1st at 561-2642.
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The Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce has a variety of scheduled events for Saturday,. Small business Saturday will be celebrated with a “Vendors without Store fronts” event at the town hall from 9:00 to 1:00, 5 new businesses will be highlighted for the New Business Meet & Greet & the Christmas trees lighting will be held at 4:30 for the trees on Main Street.

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State Senator Tom Libous is seeking a meeting with key state officials in an effort to keep Broome Developmental and other key facilities open.  Libous forwarded legislation call for a freeze until 2015 for the closure of mental health facilities, so that alternative plans can be forwarded & discussed.  Libous told WCDO News what prompted the talk of these closures:

(Libous 11-21-13)

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