SIDNEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-6-18

wcdonews — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:41:43 +0000

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force Arrested 2 people on drug charges after they searched a vehicle and a hotel room Tuesday. 30 year old Johnnah Degraw of Binghamton & 36 year old Marlon Graham of East Patchogue are accused of possessing crystal meth, Suboxone strips, drug packaging materials and $1,066 from suspected drug sales. Both were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance & criminally using drug paraphernalia, they face court action shortly.
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State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the release of New York’s final policy for manufacturer disclosures under the State’s Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure Program. The program requires manufacturers of cleaning products to disclose chemical ingredients, byproducts and contaminants with the potential to trigger asthma in adults and children, on their websites. More information about the Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure Program can be found at on.ny.gov/cleaningproducts.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $43.8 million will be awarded to support cancer prevention and early detection programs statewide over the next 5 years. The programs receiving these funds participate in the New York State Cancer Services Program, which aims to reduce disparities in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality through free cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured, low-income populations. More information is available at health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/screening.
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Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that in May, there was no overdose deaths in the County for the 2nd straight month, there were also no overdose deaths in February. There have been 8 overdose deaths in Broome County this year so far, there had been at least one every month for 5 years prior to February.
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The Main Street Revitalization Project in continuing in Sidney. Crews have been cementing the West Side of the street this week, today, Trees were being placed in the ground on the East side of the street. The whole project is expected to be completed in Late July.
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Catholic Charities is looking to help area people with limited space, to have their own “Container Garden” of various vegetables to grow & eventually eat. Penny McKnight of the Sidney Catholic Charities office explains:

(Penny McKnight 6-6-18)

McKnight said that the registration period to participate in the Container gardening program is Friday; the pick-up event will be June 13th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Sidney United Methodist Church on Liberty Street in Sidney. More information is available at 604-4071.
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Governor Cuomo announced an extreme risk protection order law that would prevent individuals determined by a court that are likely to engage in violent conduct from purchasing, possessing, or attempting to purchase or possess any type of firearm. The legislation would make New York the first state in the nation to empower its teachers and school administrators to prevent school shootings by pursuing court intervention. No law currently exists in New York State that enables a court to issue an order to temporarily seize firearms from a person who is believed to pose a severe threat of harm to himself, herself, or others unless that person has also been accused of a crime or family offense.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Walton Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Squad responded to a tractor trailer accident in the Town of Walton last Thursday. 37 year old Joel Klinegardner of Sidney Center was towing a trailer carrying a log skidder, the vehicle’s brakes failed, Klinegardner lost control, the truck struck a sign, the trailer detached & overturned in a parking lot, the truck struck a tree before coming to rest, Klinegardner was not injured, charges will be filed at the conclusion of this investigation.
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Southern Tier Solar Works is launching its 2018 Community Shared Solar non-profit program, which offers discounted solar power to people who cannot or choose not to install solar at home. The free event will take place today from 4:30-6:00 pm at Awestruck Cider in Sidney; more information is available at SouthernTierSolarWorks.org.
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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic today for dogs, cats and ferrets. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Town of Tompkins Highway Garage at 148 Bridge Street in Trout Creek.

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 7-11-17

wcdonews — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:10:18 +0000

Sidney village police arrested 26-year-old Ashley Bailey of Sidney on a sealed indictment warrant, for criminal sale of a controlled substance. Bailey is accused of selling heroin in Sidney; she was remanded to the Delaware County jail without bail pending future court action.
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Both houses of the New York State Legislature have approved a bill that would expand eligibility for medical marijuana to include people undergoing treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. The bill is waiting for Governor Cuomo’s signature.
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Sidney village police arrested 40-year-old Steven Spencer of Bainbridge for criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material & unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrested followed a traffic stop on Main Street in Sidney last week, where Spencer was a passenger in the stopped vehicle with meth manufacturing materials. Spencer was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $1500 cash bail pending future court action.
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Syracuse University is getting $4 million in federal money to help recruit minority students interested in science and math. U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the National Science Foundation funding on Monday. It will be used to attract and retain students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math –
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Tri-Town Youth Club will be starting our Summer Program on Wednesday, July 19th at 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at our new location at the Sidney United Methodist Church located on 12 Liberty Avenue, Sidney. New Club Director Vincent Spruill is relocating from Cobbleskill to take the position with the Sidney based club. Many programs will be offered, the Summer Program is FREE to all youth, ages 5 to 14 years old!
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Another phone scam targeting NYSEG customers is circulating in the tri county area currently. The scammer will claim that NYSEG will shut off electricity if an exorbitant amount of money is not paid quickly. Area police agencies suggest that if you get such a call, hang up immediately, and call NYSEG at 800-572-1111 to verfy that your account is current and that the call was fraudulent.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested several individuals on active warrants & Drug charges. Deputies responded to 731 New Virginia Rd in the Town of Oxford to locate Adam Daring and Kristine Tiffany of Norwich, who were wanted by the City of Norwich Police Department for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Daring was located, attempting to use Methamphetamine. Tiffany was located and taken into custody; the two were later turned over to the Norwich Police Department. The Sheriff’s Office also arrested 29 year old Justin Cook from Mt. Upton, he allegedly used a false name and date of birth, he was wanted on an active bench warrant out of Sidney Court, and was turned over to the Sidney Police Department. Heather Prince of Oxford was taken into custody for an active warrant issued by the Oxford Police Department.
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The Sidney police department has been awarded a grant recently, Chief Jan Gorshack explains:

(Chief Gorshack 7-11-17)

The grant was awarded by the NRA Foundation recently to the Sidney Police department.
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State lawmakers in the Senate & Assembly failed to agree on additional help against the heroin crisis in the state, in the last days of the 2017 session. There was about $200,000 million dollars for various programs in the state budget, a senate Task Force on heroin & Opioid addiction will meet soon in Buffalo to gather more information on the financial strain the crisis is putting on local governments, hospitals, emergency personnel & local communities. 2200 New Yorkers died from opioid overdoses in 2015.
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The State Fair continues to add big names to their concert lineup this year. Blue Oyster Cult has been added for Friday September 1st at 8:00 PM at the Chevy Court, other groups that will play the State Fair this year include the Beach Boys, 3 doors down, the Marshal Tucker band & Leeann Rimes.

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-8-17

wcdonews — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 20:01:58 +0000

Officials at the Franklin central school district said that voters approved a capital project on Tuesday, by a vote of 89 in favor & 19 against, The project will cover Roofing, windows, bathrooms, locker rooms, upgraded information technology and networking, upgraded electrical systems, new bus lift, flooring, & masonry repairs.
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The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session on Wednesday, March 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Arc Otsego, 35 Academy Street, in Oneonta. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are looking for more authority and choice in their supports and services will benefit from attending this session. Pre-registration is requested at 267-3210 no later than Monday, March. 6th.
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Governor Cuomo announced a $15 million proposal to accelerate the use of renewable heating and cooling technologies in New York to stimulate the clean energy economy. The new policy framework released by the NYSERDA includes a proposed 2-year, $15-million program to provide rebates for the installation of ground-source heat pumps. This plan will support the state’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York 40 percent by 2030 from 1990 levels. NYSERDA will accept written comments on the policy framework through close of business on March 10, 2017.
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State lawmakers continue to work on the Executive Budget proposal. State Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that while school aid is a huge part of the budget, the formula needs to be addressed:

(Lopez 2-8-17)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget passed for the start of the next fiscal year.
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A public meeting to accept comments on the draft Northern Chenango Unit Management Plan will be held on Thursday, March 2, at 7:00 PM. The Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne will host the meeting; Public comments are being accepted until May 2nd. The state land covers approximately 15,800 acres in Chenango and Madison counties. The draft UMP has been developed to address management activities on these state properties. DEC staff will briefly present highlights of the draft plan at the public meeting, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the plan
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State Police arrested 44-year-old Kevin Roof of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Burglary. After consultation with Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, State Police arrested Roof after his release from the hospital where he had been treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his upper leg, which he received during the course of his criminal conduct in the town of Afton on Algerine street on January 30th. Roof was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $50,000 cash bail, $500,000 property bond pending future court action in Afton Town Court. 34-year-old James Fletcher was also charged with 2nd degree burglary in connection with this case, the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 561-7400.
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Reclaim New York will hold a Kick-Off reception at the Binghamton Doubletree at 5:30 pm today; a presentation on the Affordability Crisis in the Southern Tier is scheduled. Reclaim New York is a non-profit organization concerned with affordability, transparency, and education in the State.
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The Delaware County Fair announced that ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to current New York State high school seniors and students enrolled in college. Qualifying students must be active in the Delaware County Fair or with the state Showpeople’s Association. All applicants from Delaware County must submit their applications through the Delaware County Fair or the NYSSA no later than Friday April 8th. Information is available by contacting Delaware County Fair at 437-4093 or by email at delcofair@gmail.com or nyfairs.org
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The Tri Town Youth Club will host an open house today at their new location in the Sidney United Methodist Church. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the church as 12 Liberty Street in Sidney.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 1-20-17

wcdonews — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 20:22:47 +0000

Sidney village police arrested 43-year-old Carl Peterson of Sidney on a sealed indictment warrant, on charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance, for allegedly selling prescription narcotics in Sidney; he was sent to the Delaware county jail. Also arrested, on an arrest warrant sealed indictment was 35-year-old Shawn Carnicelli of Sidney for criminal sale of a controlled substance, fro allegedly selling cocaine in the village of Sidney. Carnicelli was remanded to the Delaware county jail pending future court proceedings. State police assisted Sidney police in this investigation.

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State Police responded to a car-pedestrian crash on Gilmore Lane in Norwich. 32-year-old Brandon Jones was driving a pickup when he got into a verbal dispute with his wife, who was a passenger. Police said that the wife exited the vehicle; the truck then struck her, causing serious injuries. She was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City. Jones was charged with 2nd-degree vehicular assault and DWI, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was sent to the Chenango County Jail on $7,500 cash bail or $20,000 bond pending court action on January 24th.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a 1 car, rollover accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Tompkins. 30-year-old Adam Buteau of Deposit swerved to avoid a deer and went off the highway and crossed over the guide rail, the vehicle hit a number of trees & overturned, coming to rest on its roof. Deputies charged Buteau with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance plus a number of traffic other violations. Buteau was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.
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The Tri-Town Youth Club is moving from the Civic Center to the Sidney United Methodist Church starting Monday afternoon. Spokesperson Roni Haag explains:

(RONI HAAG 1-20-17)

Haag said that the hours for the club would be from 2:00 to 5:30 weekdays, starting Monday.
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Free Home Energy Assessments are being made available, along with grant opportunities, for area homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. Brad Pacalis of the Public Policy & Education Fund of New York explains:

(Brad Pacalis 1-20-17)

Pacalis said that Grants are up to $4,000 for single-family homes & up to $8,000 for multiple family dwellings, more information is available at 723-0110.
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The Jericho Arts Council announced that the Atkinson Family Band would perform at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday night. More information, or ticket reservations can be made at 288-3882, the show will begin at 7:00 PM. The Doors open at 6:00 pm; General Admission tickets are $12.00, Seniors & Students $10.00 & Students under 10 $5.00
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Students from across Chenango County will participate in an all county music festival Saturday January 21st at the Sherburne – Earlville High School. SE High School Band Director Jeff Manwaring explains:

(Jeff Manwaring 1-20-17)

The performance will begin at 4:00PM Saturday in the Sherburne – Earlville Auditorium, Admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for Senior Citizens and Students.

Many area fire departments responded to a fire on State Route 7 in the Wells Bridge area this morning. The fire started at about 7:00 AM at a 2 story structure across the road from the former Babcock’s, firefighters from Wells Bridge, Unadilla, Franklin, Sidney, Oneonta, West Oneonta & Gilbertsville responded, traffic was detoured off of route 7 while firefighters tackled that fire. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.
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Lawmakers are getting a chance to look over Governor Cuomo’s executive Budget proposal, which was released earlier this week, area Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

(Lopez 1-20-17)

The budget increases spending by just under 2%, up to 152.3 billion dollars, the legislature will have until April 1st to get a final budget passed.
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Commissioner Richard Ball of the State Department of Agriculture and Markets will deliver the Governor’s Budget Message today in Norwich. The presentation will begin at 4:00 PM at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street.
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Laurens Firefighters responded yesterday to a fire at a Main Street structure right across the street from their station Thursday afternoon at about 5:30. Firefighters from Laurens, West Laurens, Oneonta, West Oneonta, Mount Vision, Hartwick, Milford and Otego Fire Departments responded, the building contained 4 apartments and room for 2 businesses on the first floor, which were vacant. The building was considered destroyed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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A Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Sidney Elks Lodge. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support a group of Sidney High School students who will be traveling to the Grand Canyon in April. Tickets are available at the door.

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-12-16

wcdonews — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 18:48:40 +0000

State Police arrested a 4th man connected to the shooting of 50 year old Timothy Mancini on September 24th at 112 Carl Street in the Town of Union, Broome County. 45-year-old Kevin Standish of Endicott was arrested for the felony of Tampering with Physical Evidence. Standish was arraigned in the Town of Union court and remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of bail. His next court date is pending.
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American Airlines announced that they would discontinue service from both the Greater Binghamton & Elmira Corning Regional airports in February. Service to and from Philadelphia will be discontinued at both airports on February 15th, 25 positions will be lost with that change.
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Today is National Farmers Day & the State Tax Department and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets remind farmers of tax credits available to them, to reinvest in their businesses. Beginning next year, farm employers will benefit from the newly introduced Farm Workforce Retention Credit, which is equal to a fixed-dollar amount for each eligible farm employee, the credit will be phased in through 2021. Historic barns that are reconstructed or rehabilitated and meet certain other requirements may qualify for a property tax exemption. Farmers are eligible for a sales tax break when they purchase items such as machinery, equipment, and supplies used predominantly in farm production. More information is available through the state Tax department, the State Ag & Markets Department or local tax assessors.
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The State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers about the importance of getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get their annual flu vaccine by the end of October. The CDC also reports that a study conducted in 2016 showed that those people 50 years and older who got a flu vaccine reduced their risk of getting hospitalized from flu by 57%. More information on the flu and flu vaccine clinics in New York State, are available at health.ny.gov.
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The New York State Police Academy Graduation will be held tomorrow in Albany. Tomorrow’s class will have more than 200 new Troopers to be honored for their perseverance in completing the 204th Session. The Event will be held tomorrow starting at 1:00 AM at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

Long time Sidney resident & Businessman Jim Barnhart passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, at the age of 72, in Asheville, North Carolina while spending time with his family. Barnhart worked at & eventually owned C.H. Landers Funeral home until retirement in 2015. Calling hours will be at C.H. Landers Friday, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Funeral services will be held Saturday, at 11:00 am at the funeral chapel. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. Memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to the Delaware Valley Humane Society, the Sidney United Methodist Church Memorial Fund; New York State Tribute Foundation, 1 South Family Drive, Albany, NY 12205 or the Sidney Central School Alumni Association.
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Broome County Executive Debbie Preston acknowledged that she used a town of Conklin credit card for personal purchases at area stores, while serving as Conklin Town Supervisor. Preston said that repaid the money to the town in a press conference yesterday afternoon, she insisted that she will stay in the race to try to retain her seat as county executive, she is facing Democrat Jason Garner for the seat.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 4-4-16

wcdonews — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 19:06:19 +0000

State Trooper Donald Atkinson, of Troop C was named 2015 Trooper of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Division of State and Provincial Police. Trooper Atkinson jumped into fast moving water at the Whitney Point Dam last summer, he put his life at risk, & saved the life of a 14-year-old girl near the large intake tunnels. Trooper Atkinson has been a member of the State Police since 2001.

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There will be a Democratic and a Republican Presidential Primary Election in New York State on Tuesday, April 19th. Polls will be open from Noon to 9 PM. The Delaware County board of elections reported that the Town of Tompkins Poll Site has changed to the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge Street in Trout Creek. April 12^th is the last day an absentee ballot application may be mailed to the Board of Elections. April 18th is the last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot and the last day to mail a completed ballot to the Board of Elections. April 19th is the last day for a ballot to be delivered by agent to the Board of Elections. Sample ballots for Delaware county voters can be accessed at co.delaware.ny.us.

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State lawmakers are weighing in on the new state budget passed last week. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 4-4-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the process for passing the budget was not transparent:

(Pete Lopez 4-4-16)

The 11th hour budget kept the spending increase to under the 2% state cap, and includes record setting amounts of state aid.

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The Binghamton Senators & the Binghamton Mets announced that they will offer a “Downtown Doubleheader” ticket package for their game on Saturday, April 9^th, that will include a ticket to both team’s games and a specialty dual logo t-shirt. The B-Mets will host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. at NYSEG Stadium before the B-Sens host the Albany Devils at 7:05 p.m. in the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. The Binghamton Mets players will be at the B-Sens game Saturday night to sign autographs on the concourse and interact with fans. The ticket package is only $23 prior to the games, and can be purchased online through the B-Sens website, or by calling the B-Sens offices at 722-7367.

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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene of a 1-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 30, in the Town of Hancock. 65-year-old James Stracka of Peckville, Pennsylvania, lost control of his vehicle, traveled off the roadway and struck a rock wall, allegedly while intoxicated. Stracka was arrested for DWI & moving from lane unsafely, he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

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The Afton School District Board of Education has cancelled their meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM tonight. Afton Superintendent Betty Briggs told WCDO that the Board meeting would be rescheduled shortly.

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State Police & Otsego County emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon near Schenevus on Interstate 88, which was believed to be caused by white-out conditions. The wreck took place at about 1:45 p.m. on the westbound stretch of the highway between Exits 18 and 19 in the town of Maryland. Police said that there were no fatalities but 8 people were injured & were taken to Bassett Hospital for non-life threatening injures. Police said that the crash included a Trailways Bus, 3 tractor-trailers and 8 passenger vehicles. The section of I-88 was closed until late last night for accident reconstruction investigators & clean up.
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State Police are investigating a 2 vehicle collision involving a marked New York State Police patrol vehicle that occurred Friday afternoon on State Route 17 in the Town of Kirkwood. Broome County 911 received a report of a vehicle travelling west bound in the east bound lane between exits 77 and 76, that caller then reported the head on collision with the State Police SUV. The unidentified Trooper took evasive action but was struck by the oncoming vehicle. The Operator of the pick-up was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The investigation is continuing. The names of the deceased & the injured Trooper have not being released.
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NYSEG reported that thousands were without power due to high winds late Saturday night into Sunday afternoon. about 2000 were without power in Broome & Chenango Counties this morning, This afternoon, about 100 customers were without power in Delaware & Otsego Counties. NYSEG Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
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The American Cancer Society Relay For Life will hold an informational Team Captain meeting today at 5:30pm at the United Methodist Church at 12 Liberty Street in Sidney. Relay For Life event will be held on May 14, at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. More information is available at 563-8841, or 563-9634, or at relayforlife.org/tritownny.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 3-7-16

wcdonews — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 20:09:25 +0000

The Delaware county sheriffs department arrested 2 Walton men on drug charges following the execution of a Search Warrant Friday. Arrested were 29-year-old Cory Costello and 27-year-old Antonio Felice, deputies seized . heroin, prescription controlled substances, hypodermic instruments, marijuana and nearly $500 cash. Felice was also in possession of a Public Assistance Benefit card. Costello and Felice were each charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, more charges are expected. Both were arraigned in the Town of Walton Court & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail, Felice was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail, Costello was held on$50,000 cash bail.
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Governor Cuomo announced $74.2 million in grant awards for 6 projects to transform and improve the delivery of health care in Southern Tier. The awards are being made through the Capital Restructuring Financing Program and Essential Health Care Provider Support Program. Locally, the United Health Services Hospitals will receive $14,332,500 for the STRIPPS Information Technology Infrastructure & Delaware Valley Hospital will receive $1,400,000 for the Telemedicine Project in Partnership with UHS.
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The percentage of school districts initially planning to override New York’s property tax cap in 2016-17 has nearly doubled when compared to last year, but still remains relatively small, according to preliminary data filed with the office of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. As of March 2nd, 6 percent, or 36, of the 601 school districts that reported, indicated that they would seek an override of the tax cap. Last year, 3.5 percent, indicated plans to override the tax cap. Property tax levy growth for school districts is capped at 0.12 percent above current levels for the 2016-17 fiscal year. School budgets head to voters for approval on Tuesday, May 17th.
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A Town of Columbus resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on an active Arrest Warrant for Grand Larceny. Deputies arrested 40 year old Shawn Loomis, following an investigation into the report of $1,600 worth of stolen equipment, Loomis is accused of possessing & selling the equipment, he was taken into custody without incident and arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court to reappear at a later date.
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On Sunday, Chenango County Deputies arrested Bernt Hansen of Afton for DWI, after an investigation of a motor vehicle accident. Hansen was also issued tickets for Failure to keep right, leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle accident and refusal to take a breath test; he was released to a sober third party and is to appear in the Town of Greene Court at a later date.
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A 20-year-old Bashiem Jenkins of Norwich was arrested Saturday for criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the city of Norwich. Jenkins was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on bail pending future court action.
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State Police arrested 47 year old Steven Scott of Unadilla, Saturday for the felony of criminal possession of a weapon, plus petty larceny & possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Trooper reoponded to the report of clothing being taken from the House of Consignment on Main Street in Unadilla. Scott was located nearby in his vehicle, a search of the vehicle found that Scott unlawfully possessed a loaded .22 caliber rifle and the stolen clothing from the store. Scott is a convicted felon & is not legally allowed to possess firearms. Scott was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond pending court action on March 11th.
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The Delaware County Department of Economic Development is pleased to announce the acceptance of grant applications for consideration under the County’s recently awarded Agricultural Microenterprise Program. The $200,000 federally-funded Agricultural Microenterprise Program is a continuation of the program which began in 2015 and will continue to focus on two primary components of business development: education and financial assistance. Applications for grant assistance under this program must be hand-delivered or postmarked by 5:00 pm on April 22, 2016.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced the approval of a $21.45 million state grant for A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta. The $21.45 million state grant awarded to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital through the Essential Health Care Provider Support Program will be utilized to shore up financial concerns and as capital support for the creation of a major joint center.
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Baseball’s biggest stars will make their annual return to the home of baseball on Memorial Day Weekend at the Hall of Fame Classic. Hall of Fame members Andre Dawson, Phil Niekro, Ryne Sandberg and Ozzie Smith will be joined by recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams for a seven-inning legends game on Saturday, May 28 at Doubleday Field, the pre-game Home Run Contest at noon and first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Tickets are now on sale via phone at 877-726-9028 or at baseballhall.org.
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The Tri-Town Relay for Life will hold their next meeting at the United Methodist Church at 12 Liberty Street Sidney, today at 5:30 pm. Previous team captains, new team captains, and anyone who would like to volunteers may attend; more information is available at 563-8841 or the American Cancer Society Tri Town Relay for Life at 1-800-227-2345 or the local office at 563-9634.
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The City of Oneonta will have 3 meetings today at the Common Council Chambers at City Hall. the Operations, Planning & Evaluation Committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance/Human Resources Committee at 5:00 PM and the Parks & Recreation committee at 7:00 PM. All 3 meetings are open to the public.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 2-1-16

wcdonews — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:19:33 +0000

State Police investigated a 1-vehicle rollover accident on I-86 in the Town of Windsor late Thursday night. 22-year-old Andrew Fuerteperez of The Bronx drifted off the roadway in his SUV & rolled over into a ditch. The rear seat passenger, 19-year-old Darien Frias of The Bronx was ejected, as he did not have his seat belt on. He was transported to Wilson Hospital with skull fractures & died from his injuries Friday. The front seat passenger, 19-year-old Samantha Figueroa of The Bronx suffered a shoulder injury, Fuerteperez was transported to Wilson Hospital with a head laceration, he was treated & released. The investigation is continuing.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office conducted an audit of Otsego County’s rising costs for those needing temporary housing. Officials house individuals in motels for $50 a night and families in the Shelter for $75 a night per individual without a discount for families. DiNapoli’s office recognized that external factors contributing to the difficulty in finding reasonably priced permanent housing within the County, such as the decline in the economy, 2 local colleges with students using off-campus housing and the increase in tourism due to the baseball camps in the Cooperstown and Oneonta areas. The Comptrollers recommendations include collecting relevant data necessary to monitor The program’s performance, Evaluate the use of the Shelter to determine if it’s meeting their goals in a cost-efficient manner & Contact neighboring counties to identify critical differences in the strategies employed for temporary housing.
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Governor Cuomo announced that 76West is now accepting applications for innovative, clean-energy businesses to locate or create jobs in the Southern Tier. The competition includes 4 years of annual $1 million grand prizes, to create jobs, attract entrepreneurs and support the Governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy. Each year, 76West will distribute a total of $2.5 million in prizes, consisting of a $1 million grand prize, one $500,000 award and four $250,000 awards. Additional support and services may also be available, including mentorship and incubator space.
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The Catskill Area Hospice has announced that their annual Celebrity party will be held on Friday, July 1st featuring Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. The event will take place at the 6th Ward Athletic Club field in Oneonta, tickets for the general public go on sale February 12th at CAHPC.org.
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State Senator Republican are expected to battle the Governor Again this year on the “Dream Act” State Senator John Bonacic comments:

(Bonacic 2-2-16)

The Dream Act was proposed by Governor Cuomo Last year & passed in the State Assembly but failed to gather support in the State senate.
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The Oneonta Parks & Recreation Committee will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common Council Chamber in City Hall.
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The American Cancer Society Relay for Life team captain meeting will be held tonight at the United Methodist Church in Sidney at 5:30 PM. This year’s Tri-Town Relay for Life will be held on May 14th at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, more information is available at 563-9634.
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The annual Delaware County Fair dinner was held Saturday at the Walton fire house. Fair Board member Danny Hodges said that they have a headliner for the Saturday night concert this year:

(Danny Hodges 1-30-16)

Hodges said that they expect to announce the opening act for the Saturday night Frankie Ballard concert shortly.
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Congressman Chris Gibson’s name continues to be mentioned as a possible Republican Gubernatorial candidate; Gibson told WCDO News that if he plans to run, he has to make a decision soon in order to raise enough money to go against Governor Cuomo large campaign fund:

(Gibson 1-30-16)

Gibson was in Walton Saturday for the annual Delaware county Fair dinner. Gibson declined to run or another term in Congress
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State Police Arrested 22 year old Anthony Viviano of Deposit for driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marihuana and other traffic tickets. The arrest occurred after troopers received a report of pickup truck possible being driven by an intoxicated person on State Route 79 in the Town of Colesville. The trooper located the pickup truck a short distance away in a ditch, Viviano was found to unlawfully possess about seven grams of marihuana. He consented to a test of his blood for drugs at Wilson Hospital, the lab results are pending. Viviano was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Colesville Court on February 3rd.
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There will be a Red Cross blood drive at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, in Sidney today. Donation time will be between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You may make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RedCross. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-11-15

wcdonews — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 19:43:37 +0000

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.
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The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.
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Governor Cuomo announced the final report and recommendations of the Common Core Task Force. The Task Force recommends overhauling the current Common Core system and adopting new, locally driven New York State standards in a transparent and open process. The Task Force also recommends that current Common Core aligned tests should not count for students or teachers until the start of 2019-2020 school year to ensure the system is implemented completely and properly to avoid the errors caused by the prior flawed implementation.
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A state judge has banned DraftKings and FanDuel from doing business in New York State today. The order was issued today by state Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, after Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the 2 companies are violating state gambling laws dating back to the 1890’s. The companies unsuccessfully argued that their games are based on skill, Judge Mendez did not agree.
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Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day, which has now been moved back to the Sidney Fire Department’s Training Center on River Street. Schmidt said that they still are looking for volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 12-11-15)

Schmidt can be reached at 610-4030, Donations can be sent by check to the Sidney United Methodist Church, with Community Christmas Dinner on the memo line. Schmidt said that last year they served about 250 dinners on Christmas day.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual children’s Christmas Party tomorrow. Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-11-15)

Green said that the Chamber would hold their annual Holiday House decorating contest the following weekend.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Christmas parade tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-11-15)

Payne said that there will also be free movies, bake sales & other activities around the Village tomorrow.
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The Operation Merry Christmas giveaway day this year is tomorrow, at the Sidney Civic Center 2nd floor location. The program started in 1940 in Sidney, More information is available at 967-8119, 563-8119 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook Page.
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The Sidney Center Improvement Group will hold their annual “Holidays in the Hamlet” Christmas celebration in Sidney Center Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Mike Sellitti 12-11-15)

Sellitti also said that they would accept donations of canned goods for area food pantries during Saturday’s event.
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First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.
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The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association will be hosting “Shop with a Sheriff” at Wal-Mart in Norwich, Saturday. Deputies will take children Christmas Shopping, who will be provided with money raised by the Association & donations from local business, individuals, and each Deputy. The children shopping with the Deputies were selected by each school district throughout Chenango County.
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Chenango Arts Council will host an open house at their facilities Sunday. The day includes various musical performances as well as tours of their Art Gallery, Pottery and Ceramic Classrooms, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-29-15

wcdonews — Fri, 29 May 2015 17:48:58 +0000

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a “no knock” search warrant at 134 Great Brook Potter Road in the Town of New Berlin Thursday. The search warrant stemmed from a lengthy investigation into the sales of heroin and cocaine in Chenango County. Deputies arrested 31-year-old Nathaniel Sherwood; approximately 70 packets of heroin were confiscated, along with over $2,000 in cash, a digital scale, and a Kawasaki motorcycle. Sherwood was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was arraigned in the Town of New Berlin Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail.
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State Police CNET members conducted a vehicle stop on McKinley Avenue in Endicott, & located an active one-pot methamphetamine lab with associated reagents and precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine in the vehicle. Police arrested 40-year-old Heather Callahan of Endicott, 53-year-old David Decker, of Vestal, 49 year old Christopher Decker, of Binghamton, & 22-year-old David Decker of Endicott, on a variety of drug charges. Police seized an active one pot methamphetamine lab, methamphetamine oil, & various other items used to manufacture methamphetamine, plus lab equipment, Marihuana smoking devices, Heroin, & Methamphetamine. All 4 were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 27-year-old Ryder Terpak of Unadilla Wednesday. Terpak was arrested on a Warrant issued by the State Division of Parole. Corrections Officials reported that Terpak was sentenced to 5½ years imprisonment in 2013 for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance; he was released from the Department of Corrections Willard Drug Treatment Campus in May 2014 subject to Parole Supervision. Terpak was remanded to the Delaware County jail pending completion of a parole hearing at a later date.
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A memorial service will be held for former Masonville Town Supervisor & Sidney Auto Body founder Jack Thomas, Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Sidney United Methodist church on Liberty Street in Sidney. Thomas died Tuesday at Bassett hospital in Cooperstown, he was 84.
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A lawsuit between the Binghamton Mets owners and Main Street Baseball of Florida has been settled, but no details of the settlement have been announced. Main Street Baseball contended that Binghamton Mets ownership reneged on a deal last year that would have moved the team to Wilmington Delaware; B-Mets Owner Michael Urda contended that his key stipulation to selling the team was that they could not be moved out of Binghamton.
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The Fagan Flyers will hold a Pancake Breakfast at the Sidney Municipal Airport Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Arts & craft vendors, live music, face painting and demonstrations by LifeNet are also scheduled.
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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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