Stephanie Fletcher – WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-10-15

wcdonews — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 10:09:42 +0000

The Executive Budget holds down spending and boosts state reserves, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The proposed budget increases potential out-year gaps and gives the Executive new latitude to move and spend money outside the formal appropriation process, including billions of dollars in financial settlements. The Division of the Budget projects spending from State Operating Funds in the next fiscal year to total to increase by 1.7%, DiNapoli however estimates that spending would actually increase by 3.1%.
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Former Walton teacher Stephanie Fletcher will serve 6 months in jail, followed by 10 years probation, following sentencing in Delaware County Court. Fletcher pleaded guilty to 2 counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual act for performing sexual acts with 2 underage male students from the Walton school district, while serving as a teacher there. Fletcher will be placed on the state’s Sex Offender Registry as part of the sentence for the conviction of sex crimes.
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Several area fire departments responded to a fire at 1377 Turnpike Road in New Berlin. The fire started in the chimney early Saturday morning, & spread to the rest of the structure, it is listed as a total loss. No injuries were reported, The New Berlin Fire Department was assisted by fire fighters from North Norwich, Pittsfield, South New Berlin, Earlville, Sherburne, West Edmeston and Smyrna.
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Governor Cuomo announced that $7.3 million in funding would go for the construction and rehabilitation of 19 affordable homeownership developments that represent more than 500 homes across the state. Local governments and not-for-profits that demonstrated specific affordable housing needs within their communities were eligible to apply through the Affordable Housing Corporation; locally, $320,000 Will go to the City of Oneonta for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 8 single family affordable homes & $350,000 will go to the City of Binghamton for the rehabilitation of 40 affordable units.
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Area community college students are being reminded about the tuition reimbursement program from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. The Higher Education Learning Plan provides tuition reimbursement to students attending college for up to 80 credit hours, who are also volunteer firefighters. The deadline to apply has been extended to February 20th, more information on the program and how to apply is available at fasny.com.
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Governor Cuomo today congratulated 226 new members of the State Police at the 202nd session graduation ceremony from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy in Albany. The new State Troopers will report for duty beginning February 12 to posts throughout the state, 52 new troopers are reporting to Troop C Headquarters in Sidney. For the following 10 weeks, the new troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.
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The B-G Boys Basketball game tonight is rescheduled to Thursday against Hancock. officials at the Hancock School District reported that there was a Gas Leak, which cancelled all classes & activities today. Thursday’s Hancock game with BG will begin with the JV game at 5:30 PM and the Varsity at 7:00 PM.
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The Floyd L Maines Veterans Arena will host The Price is Right Live! On April 8th at 7:30 pm in Binghamton. Tickets will go on sale Friday February 13th 10am at Arena box office, ticketmaster.com or by phone 800 745 3000. The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to play various games featured on the long running TV series, and win Prizes such as appliances, vacations and possibly a new car.
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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-5-14

wcdonews — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:03:55 +0000

The 3rd murder trial for Cal Harris of Spencer has been pushed back 2 weeks in Schoharie County Court. Jury selection for the latest Harris Trial will begin January 21st, Harris has been convicted twice for the 2001 murder of his estranged wife Michelle in Tioga county court, both of those convictions were overturned, this time, Harris sought to have the trial moved to another venue.
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29 year old Stephanie Fletcher accepted a plea bargain deal with the Delaware County Court. Fletcher admitted to performing sexual acts on 2 under aged students, while serving as a teacher in the Walton school district. Fletcher pleaded guilty to 2 counts of criminal sexual act, she will serve 10 years probation and must register as a sex offender, and sentencing will take place on February 2nd
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The Toys for Tots train will be coming to Bainbridge on Saturday, December 6th at Noon. The train will be stopping at the Walnut Street crossing, there will be parking at the Village parking lot or on Pearl or Juliand Streets. Please bring a toy to donate to your local Toys for Tots campaign. This event is being sponsored by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their annual Christmas parade tonight, Chamber Director Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-5-14)

Parade participants are reminded to line up in the parking lot before the parade at 5:30. The parade begins at 6:30
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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-4-14

wcdonews — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 18:01:06 +0000

Governor Cuomo signed “Vince’s Law” Friday that extends the time frame in which multiple DWI’s can be considered to automatically invoke a felony. The bill is Named after Vincent Russo, who died after being struck head-on by a driver with multiple DWI’s, Vincent’s Law will raise the penalty levels for offenders who commit 3 or more DWI-related offenses within 15 years, with a maximum determinate prison sentence of up to 7 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000—where previously such repeat offenses might not have been prosecuted as a felony at all.

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New York’s property-tax cap limit will be 1.56% next year for counties, towns and most cities that run on a fiscal year that starts Jan. 1st. It was 2 percent the previous two years. The cap limit each year is set at either the rate of inflation or 2 percent, whichever is lower. The tax cap can be overridden by a 60 percent vote of the local governing board or in the case of schools, by a 60 percent vote of the public. In the current fiscal year, about 70 percent of local governments stayed within the cap, while about 95 percent of schools did

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A former Walton teacher accused of having sex with underage students will go on trial today. Stephanie Fletcher pleaded not guilty Thursday in Delaware County Court to two counts of rape and four counts of criminal sexual act. 29-year-old Fletcher is charged with having sex with two young men under the age of 17 between January and March of 2012. In February, a judge dismissed the original indictment because the grand jury did not receive one of the victim’s written statements. That statement would have said the victim was 17 years old at the time of the alleged incident, which is the legal age of consent in New York. Her trial is scheduled to begin on August 4.

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Police are reporting scams against elderly residents. The grandparent scam involves a phone call or email from someone claiming to be the victim’s grandchild or other family member who is in trouble and in need of money. The victim is instructed to wire money or to send cash in the form of gift cards to an address out of the country. The “grandparent scam” has been circulating nationwide since about 2008. Police remind people never to wire money to someone who cannot prove their identity or pretends to be a representative of the government.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-21-14

wcdonews — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 18:04:23 +0000

The family of long time Franklin firefighter James Wilber, has established “Jim’s Fire Squad” where they plan to donate toy fire trucks to children battling cancer at Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Wilber succumbed to a heart attack while responding to a call on February 9^th tragically lost his life on the way to a call; he had served in area fire departments for 40 years. Donated toy fire trucks in honor of Jim Wilber’s memory can be sent to: Jim’s Fire Squad 33 Watercrest Drive Franklin, New York 13775

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Legislative leaders and Governor Cuomo continued budget discussions yesterday as lawmakers said they would seek to add $500 million in state spending, $240 million of it would go toward extra school aid. Lawmakers said that revenue is higher than Governor Cuomo’s projections; lawmakers have yet to determine where the extra money would be spent. The budget is expected to be passed by the April 1^st deadline.

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A former Walton teacher, who was indicted on charges of rape and having sex with 2 underage students, has been charged again for those crimes. 29-year-old Stephanie Fletcher is charged with 2 counts of 3^rd degree rape and 4 counts of 3^rd degree criminal sexual act. Fletcher is accused of having sex with two minors under 17 between January and March 2012. The new indictment was filed on March 6^th; Fletcher will be arraigned in Delaware County Court March 27th

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Investigators from the State Police Troop C Violent Felony Warrant detail arrested 34-year-old Kalief Spriel on an arrest warrant, following an appearance at the Town of Chenango Court for an unrelated traffic ticket. Spriel was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, 1st degree Identity Theft, Forgery, and Falsifying Business Records & Grand Larceny. Spriel was wanted in Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, he was arrested without incident & was turned over to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office for processing.

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The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 45-year-old Gail Boudreau of Norwich for DWI & Failure to keep right, during a traffic stop in the Town of Norwich. Boudreau is accused of driving under the influence of prescription drugs, she was released to a sober third party was ordered to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 26-year-old Jody Barnes of Franklin Thursday on 1 count of Criminal Mischief. Barnes is accused of driving a vehicle on the Franklin Central School Athletic Field on March 13^th, causing in excess of $5000 damage to the Field. Barnes was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and released on recognizance pending a future court appearance.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23-year-old Natasha Donnelly of Otselic on charges of Criminal Mischief & 2nd degree Harassment. Donnelly is accused of striking the victim in the face and damaging some of the victim’s property during a domestic dispute, she was arraigned in the Town of Otselic Court and was released; she will reappear in the Town of Otselic Court at a later date.

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State Senator Jim Seward announced Senate approval of his legislation allowing the dissolution of the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Authority. The bill also includes a plan for the distribution of the authority’s assets and liabilities among the 3 member counties. The bill has been sent to the assembly where it was introduced by area Assemblyman Bill Magee.

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The Sidney class of 2015 will hold the 3^rd Annual Faculty Basketball game at 7:00 PM tonight. Students will play faculty members in the High School Gym, tickets will be $3 a piece, the community Is invited to attend, prizes & gift certificates will be given out during the evening.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-5-14

wcdonews — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:54:36 +0000

Governor Cuomo today declared a state of emergency for all of New York State:

(Cuomo 2-5-14)

Heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain has been reported throughout the state, I-84 has been closed from Connecticut to the Pennsylvania borders to all traffic.

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Governor Cuomo announced today that the New York State Police would use social media to catch wanted individuals. State Police launched “Warrant Wednesday” today on the Division’s Facebook page asking for the public’s help to track down people who have warrants out for arrest. Previous wanted postings on the State Police Facebook page, and the public’s assistance, have led to the identification and arrest of several individuals. Postings will also be shared on the New York State Police Twitter page at nyspolice.

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The State Senate passed the “Public Assistance Integrity Act” to prohibit welfare recipients from using cash assistance for the purchase of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or for casino gambling. State senator Jim Seward co-sponsored the bill:

(Seward 2-5-14)

The bill passed the senate by a vote of 53-4 and will be sent to the assembly, the bill has passed the legislature in recent years, but drew opposition from various pro-business groups.

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The indictment accusing former Walton High School teacher Stephanie Fletcher of raping 2 male students was dismissed by Delaware County judge Carl Becker, who found the grand jury was impaired by inconsistent statements made by 1 of the alleged victims. Fletcher was arrested in November of 2012 on charges she had sex with two 16 year old Walton students.

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State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver called for a delay in using Common Core-based standardized test scores for decisions involving students, principals and teachers. He said the delay should be two years at a minimum. The state’s rollout of the Common Core, a set of standards being adopted by more than 40 states across the country, has been criticized by a wide array of teachers and parents. The standards were first installed in New York schools last year.

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Motor vehicle crash deaths among children age 12 and younger fell by 43 percent from 2002-2011 according to a report from the CDC. Research has shown that using age- and size-appropriate child restraints (car seats, booster seats, and seat belts) is the best way to save lives and reduce injuries in a crash. One in three children who died in crashes in 2011 was not buckled up.

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Money in the Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund continues to be diverted for non-capital purposes, leaving critical highway and bridge projects at increased risk as the state faces fiscal challenges and shrinking debt capacity, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli called for a long-term plan to restore the fund to its core mission and increase pay-as-you-go financing for road and bridge capital purposes. The report can be located at osc.state.ny.us.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-5-13

wcdonews — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 18:33:32 +0000

Operation Merry Christmas trees will remain up for a only a short time, with cards on their trees in area businesses and locations, participants can remove a card from one of the trees & return the requested item, those items will wind up under the Christmas tree of a child of a struggling family this Christmas. Program coordinator Ginny Ireland told WCDO News where the trees are located:

(Ginny Ireland 12-5-13)

More information about “Operation Merry Christmas” is available at 967-8119 or 563-8119.

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State Police arrested 36-year-old Jason Carl of Conklin on a variety of charges, after he attempted to flee from officers executing a search warrant, with the pursuit resulting in property damage accidents. Carl was charged with 2^nd & 3^rd degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence; Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer, Criminal Possession of Marihuana, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest and Various Vehicle and Traffic Law charges relating to the pursuit and 2 accidents. Police confiscated 6 ounces of cocaine; 8 grams of heroin; 8 ounces of marihuana; drug paraphernalia, scales, packaging materials and over $2,500 in cash. Carl was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

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The trial for a former Walton teacher Stephanie Fletcher will be adjourned until a later undetermined date in Delaware county court. Fletcher is accused of performing sexual acts with two 16-year-old male students in early 2011. Fletcher pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the incidents, which allegedly occurred while she was a teacher at the Walton middle and high schools.

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The Otsego county sheriff’s department arrested 33 year old Bryan Slaughter of Utica and 22 year old Dylon Mager of North Carolina on drug charges. Deputies reported that 67 packets of heroin was seized, both were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, Slaughter was sent to the Otsego County jail without bail, Mager had bail set at $2,500 pending future court action.

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2 families managed to escape a fire this morning at 46 Park Street in Binghamton. The fire was called in at about 5:45 this morning, firefighters managed to get a women & 2 of her children to safety, who were trapped on the roof. The building was heavily damaged; no injuries among firefighters were reported. 4 people were taken to area hospitals for treatment; the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will be hosting a town hall meeting for the town of Triangle tonight. The event will begin at 6:00 PM in the Triangle Town Hall located at 2612 Liberty Street in Whitney Point.

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The State Index of Consumer Sentiment rose 3.7 points in November, while the nation’s index rose1.9 points, according to a poll by the Siena College Research Institute. At 73.3, New York’s overall Index of Consumer Sentiment is still 1.8 points below the nation’s Index of 75.1

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Residents of Norwich are partnering with the American Red Cross for a “Communities That Care” blood drive on Friday, December 13^th from 12:00 to 7:00 PM. The drive will be held at the Howard Johnson Hotel at 75 North Broad Street
in Norwich, The Red Cross is asking eligible blood donors of all blood types to donate blood during the winter months to strengthen the community’s blood supply.

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P.M. NEWS 2-20-13

wcdonews — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:22:19 +0000

28 year old Stephanie Fletcher of Walton pleaded not guilty at arraignment Tuesday in Delaware County Court for 2 counts of 3^rd degree rape, 1 count of 3^rd degree criminal sexual act, 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly performing sexual acts with 2 under aged students, while serving as a teacher in the Walton district. Fletcher faces action in Delaware county court later this year.

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The Chenango county sheriffs department charged 33-year-old James Barnett of Norwich on a probation violation and 4^th degree grand larceny. Barnett was arraigned the Town of Norwich court and is being held at the Chenango County Correction Facility on $1000 cash bail, he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Preston Court at a later date.

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The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 26-year-old Stephanie Cutting of Bainbridge on an active parole violation arrest warrant. The warrant for Cutting was issued out of the city of Utica Parole Office, she turned herself in at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & will face court action shortly.

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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch has launched an on-line petition to repeal the NY SAFE Act gun-control law passed by the legislature last month.

(Crouch 2-20-13)

Crouch will be participating in 2^nd Amendment Day legislative day & rally on Thursday, February 28 in Albany, his petition can be found at bit.ly/CrouchRepealPetition.

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Norwich Troopers arrested 17-year-old Jordan Weaver of Norwich for 4^th degree Criminal Mischief. The arrest followed an investigation into a disturbance on State Route 12 in the Town of Norwich. Weaver was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Norwich Court Thursday.

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The annual “Welcome Back B-Mets” Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2^nd at the Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Binghamton. Tickets are on sale for $20.00 per person. B-Mets players will arrive at 5:30 PM for the “Meet the Mets” autograph reception, followed by Dinner at 7:00 PM, followed by a special baseball program with team and manager introductions. Tickets are on sale at 723-METS or at NYSEG Stadium during normal business hours. Proceeds will benefit the B-Mets Booster Club.

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Commerce Chenango and the Matthews Auto Group will be holding a Chamber Business After Hours event this afternoon at 175 East Main Street, in Norwich. The event will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Matthews Auto Group recently expanded into Norwich with the purchase of the former Smith Ford.

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State Troopers arrested 27-year-old Nicole Mills of Deposit for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and 3^rd degree Bail Jumping. The arrest was the result of a bench warrant issued by the Town of Sanford Court, Mills was arraigned in the Town of Sanford Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail.

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The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested a 17-year-old youth from Preston resident for 4^th degree Criminal Mischief & Endangering the Welfare of a child. Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute in the Town of Preston, where the 17 year old is accused of kicking a door in and striking an 11 year old child, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and remanded to the Correctional Facility on $500, and He will appear in the Town of Preston court at a later date.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-20-12

wcdonews — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:39:23 +0000

State Police at Sidney arrested 28 Year old Stephanie Fletcher of Walton, on 2 counts of 3rd degree rape, 1 count of 3rd degree criminal sexual act and 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest is the result of an investigation into sexual relationships the defendant allegedly had with underage children. Fletcher was arraigned and released on her own recognizance pending further court action. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at 561-7400.

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State Police arrested a 55 year-old Donna Pickens of Pittsfield, New York for1st degree Criminal Possession of Marihuana. The arrest followed an investigation and search of Pickens’s residence, where 44 marihuana plants, lamps, ballasts and other equipment as well as processed marihuana, were discovered & confiscated. Pickens faces court action at a later date.

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