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State Police have reported that a 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with a homicide in the town of Cobleskill.  Police responded to a residence at 435 Lamont District Road in Cobleskill and found the 50-year-old unidentified male victim with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head.  A 17-year-old has been remanded to the Schoharie County Jail and is currently charged with Assault, Criminal Use of a Firearm, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Additional charges may be pending. The incident remains under investigation.

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The State Public Service Commission approved an agreement with Charter Communications/ Spectrum, to resolve disputes over the Commission’s network expansion condition that was contained in the Commission’s approval of the company’s merger with Time Warner Cable in 2016.  Under the terms of the agreement, Charter will expand its network to provide high-speed broadband service to 145,000 residences and businesses entirely in Upstate New York and will pay an additional $12 million to expand broadband service to additional premises.

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The annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball Tournament will be held this weekend on the streets of Norwich; Organizer Tom Revoir said that they could still use a few more people to volunteer for the event:

(Tom Revoir 7-12-19)

Revoir said that about 340 teams are participating in the tournament this weekend. 

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Catholic Charities in Sidney is once again offering free backpacks to local children in need for the 2019-202 school year, Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 7-12-19)

McKnight said that the deadline to apply is August 12th, also donations of school supplies will be accepted, and more information is available by calling the Sidney Office at 604-4071.

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The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their inaugural Sunday Summer Concert Series, at various locations around Afton through September 8th, Chamber Vice President Melissa Matthews explains:

(Melissa Matthews 7-12-19)

More information about the Sunday Summer Concert series in Afton can be found at gaacoc.com.

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The “Help After Loss” nonprofit group, which is also known as HALos, announced that they are purchasing the former Afton Great American building.  HALos purchased the building at an auction in June, closing is anticipated in late July or August, plans call for some of the space to be used by HALos, and additional space can be rented out to interested businesses following renovations. Donations like building supplies, paints, or gift certificates will be accepted, more information is available at 639-4256 or 240-1550 or by email at HALosOrg@aol.com. or online at helpafterloss.com

The Sidney Town Board received a petition at Thursday’s meeting from Muddy Rivers farm Brewery Owners Dustin & Jared Wood, in favor of changing the zoning laws to allow the business to continue at their current site on the Back River Road at Tryon’s Corners, past a July 25^th deadline.  Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford Told WCDO News about potential Town zoning Board & Subsequent Town Board Action on Muddy Rivers:

(Gene Pigford 7-12-19)

Pigford said that the final actions my take beyond the July 25^th deadline, he does not anticipate the business will close at that time.

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Delaware County Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter has taken an indefinitely leave of absence from that position.  No timetable was announced for the commissioner’s return, or reason for the leave of absence.

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A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Baptist Church in Oneonta tomorrow at 333 Main Street.  All Blood Types are needed, the Blood Drive will be held from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Property tax levy growth for local governments with fiscal years that close on December 31 will be capped at 2% for the 2020 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This figure affects the tax cap calculations for all counties, towns, fire districts, 44 cities and 10 villages. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with some exceptions, including a provision that allows municipalities to override the tax cap.

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The 43rd Annual Carnival of Sales will be held tomorrow throughout the village of Unadilla, Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-12-19)

The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, More information is available at the Unadilla Chamber web site: unadillachamberofcommerce.org

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Delhi Telephone Company representatives will be in Sidney Center tomorrow as they continue to expand broadband services locally, with High Speed Internet, Cable TV including HD & DVR & phone services.  Jason Miller of DTC comments:

(Jason Miller 7-12-19)

Miller said that the Meet & Greet with the Sidney Center Fire Department tomorrow will run from 11:00 to 2:00 PM.

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The Sidney Central School District will be holding a special Board of Education meeting today, at 4:30pm in the high school library. This meeting is open to the public.

(Anna Buell 9-12-18)

The Bassett staff will include Buell, Dr. Celeste Johns, chief of Psychiatry; Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal-Heed), a pediatrician, and registered nurse Rachel Gaston along with 8 other volunteers from New York State.
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Tomorrow will be the “Test Drive Your Seat” event from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton. Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 9-12-18)

Broadway Theatre League Staff will be on hand to answer any questions on the season; more information is available at 772-1391 or at Broadway In Binghamton.com
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The Public Service Commission has given Spectrum another 30 day extension for filing their 60 day exit plan. The Commission took away its approval of the merger between Charter and Time Warner Cable in July, after they failed to adhere to the rules stipulated by the state upon the original approval of the merger.
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The Raymond Corporation is holding a Job Fair at their Greene Facility through 7:00 PM tonight. Raymond Vice President Steve VanNorstrand comments:

(Steve VanNorstrand 9-12-18)

The forklift manufacturer is looking to add anouther 75 jobs to their exisiting 1850 employees.
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A.O. Fox Hospital is co-hosting a special panel discussion event at Hartwick College’s Slade Theatre in Yager Hall today from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, Community agencies, law enforcement, crisis counselors, survivors, & A.O. Fox’s Emergency Department will facilitate a candid conversation about sexual assault, more information is available at 431-5180.
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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com
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The State Public Service Commission revoked its approval of the 2016 merger agreement between Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable, because Charter, doing business as Spectrum, has made it clear that it has no intention of providing the public benefits upon which the Commission’s earlier approval was conditioned. In addition, the Commission attorneys is filing an enforcement action today in State Supreme Court to seek additional penalties for Charter’s past failures and ongoing non-compliance. Charter/Spectrum failed to meet deadlines & attempted to skirt obligations to serve rural communities, they have been ordered to file within 60 days a plan with the Commission to ensure an orderly transition to a successor provider.
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Governor Cuomo today announced the nation’s first strategy to eliminate hepatitis C, including the establishment of a Task Force that will advise the state as it implements its plan. The elimination effort aims to stop the spread of the virus by increasing access to medications that can cure hepatitis C and expanding programs to connect New Yorkers with prevention, screening and treatment services. Hepatitis C is a liver disease affecting more than 200,000 New Yorkers, deaths have exceeded HIV-related deaths, with injecting drug use as the most common risk factor, the opioid epidemic has fueled a rise in new hepatitis C cases.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual golfing event this Sunday at Sundown Golf Course. Teams looking to sign up can call the Bainbridge Chamber Offices at 967-8700.
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The American Legion Riders of Sidney Post 183 will hold their annual Benefit Run Saturday. Registration begins at 10:00 AM at the Sidney Veteran’s Memorial; proceeds will benefit the American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors.
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State Police arrested 38 year old Alycia Martin of Sidney for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Troopers on patrol spotted Martin driving on State Highway 7 without any headlights, after a traffic stop, Troopers determined that she was impaired & that her license was suspended. Martin was subsequently arrested and arraigned in the town of Bainbridge Court where she was released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to reappear in court on August 28th.
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The National Hall of Fame Induction weekend is this weekend, with a variety of events through Monday. on Saturday at 4:30 pm at Doubleday Field, Sheldon Ocker will receive the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing; and MLB Network’s Bob Costas will be honored with the Ford C. Frick Award for major contributions to baseball broadcasting & the 9th Hall of Fame Parade of Legends will begin at 6:00 PM, along Main Street. On Sunday, The annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center, inductees are Vladimir Guerrero, Trevor Hoffman, Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Jack Morris and Alan Trammell.
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The Greene Lions Club announces that the Greene Arts Festival will be held Saturday in downtown Greene, spokesperson Patty Washburn explains:

(Patty Washburn 7-18-18)

More than 200 quality artisans exhibit their arts & crafts on the streets of Greene. More information is available at 656-8225.
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The American Red Cross has declared an emergency need for all blood types. A.O. Fox’s Tri-Town Campus is hosting a blood drive today from 2:30 to 6:30 PM in conference room #2. Appointments can be made by calling 561-7937 or redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are always welcome.
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Governor Cuomo announced that New York is now home to 1,005 craft beverage manufacturers operating in 60 counties across the state. New York now ranks 2nd in craft distillers, 3rd in breweries, and 4th for the total number of wineries. The Southern Tier led the state with a 600% increase in the number of hard cider producers & has the 2nd most offsite tasting rooms in the state at 18.
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The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is holding another Job Fair today will be held at the SUNY Broome Ice center. Dozens of area businesses are participating and hundreds of job seekers are expected to attend. The Job Fair runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
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The 2018 Chenango County Dairy Day celebration will be Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. The day will begin at 10:30AM with a parade in the City of Norwich leading to the Fairgrounds, beginning at the CWS parking lot and proceeding down Maydole Street to the Fair grounds.
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The City of Oneonta will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, at 7:00 pm at Council Chambers, City Hall, 258 Main Street, Oneonta, for public comments on the City’s community development needs, and to discuss the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block Grant applications for the 2018 program year. The City is currently considering a grant application for $230,000 for Nick’s Diner on Chestnut Street that will result in the creation of 15.5 full time equivalent jobs.
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After decades of allegations of corruption & ineffectiveness surrounding New York’s Economic Development programs, The Assembly Minority Conference called for immediate Assembly action on bills aimed at improving the transparency and effectiveness of those programs, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented:

(Cliff Crouch 6-13-18)

1 Assembly bill seeks to provide stronger oversight of taxpayer-funded programs, enact penalties for missing reporting deadlines, as well as require a comprehensive review of economic development programs and the tax code, and prohibit political contributions to appointing authorities. It also calls for the creation of an Advisory Committee made up of the comptroller, the attorney general and the director of the Division of the Budget.
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There will be a Federal Primary Election on Tuesday, June 26th; Polls will be open from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Those registered in the Democratic Party will chose a candidate for the 19th congressional district race, as will the Women’s Equality Party. June 19th is the last day an absentee ballot application may be mailed to the Board of Elections. June 25th 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. June 26th is the last day for a ballot to be delivered by agent to the Board of Elections. More information is available at 832-5321 Voters can view sample ballots at the Board of Elections website: co.delaware.ny.us.
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(Fred Akshar 2-1-17)

Currently, lawmakers are holding budget hearings, and are waiting for the Governor’s 30-Day Amendments to his Executive Budget Proposal.
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Delaware County Deputies investigated a 1-car personal injury auto accident on Arbor Hill Road in the Town of Delhi. 79-year-old Nicholas Mastrandera of Delhi lost control of his vehicle on the snow-covered roadway, the vehicle traveled sideways leaving the roadway and slid down an embankment and struck a tree. Mastrandera was unable to free himself from the vehicle; Deputies were assisted by the Delhi Fire Department and EMS with the extrications from the vehicle and transporting Mastrandera to O’Connor Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced a lawsuit against Charter Communications, and its subsidiary Spectrum/Time Warner Cable for allegedly conducting a deliberate scheme to defraud New Yorkers by promising Internet service that they knew they could not deliver. The complaint alleges that since January 2012 Spectrum-TWC’s marketing promised subscribers who signed up for its Internet service that they would get a “fast, reliable connection” to the Internet. The investigation showed that Internet speed measurements delivered to subscribers on Spectrum-TWC’s fastest speed plans only a third to a half of the download speeds than they had paid for.
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Otsego County Office for the Aging is seeking nominations of county residents 60 or older who deserve recognition for the volunteering efforts. Nominations will be accepted through February 13th, more information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.
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On Monday Morning at about 11:10 a.m., Chenango County 911 received a report of shots being fired in the area of Algerine Street, in the Town of Afton. Responding Troopers located a male subject suffering from a shotgun wound to his upper leg, he was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was being treated for his non-life threatening injury. The circumstances of how this subject was injured is currently under investigation. The continuing investigation determined a burglary had occurred in the Town of Afton. After consultation with Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, State Police arrested 34 year old James Fletcher of Greene, for 2nd degree Burglary. Fletcher was arraigned in Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 561-7400.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 2 car motor vehicle crash on State Route 12 in the Village of Greene. Deputies & Village of Greene Police reported that one vehicle was driven by 64 year old Danny Frayer of Oxford, when a 2nd vehicle operated by 33 year old Kyle Skidmore of Binghamton crossed the center line and was struck by Frayer’s vehicle. The passenger in Frayer’s vehicle, 54 year old Thomas Whittaker of Greene was pronounced dead at the scene. Frayer was transported to Wilson Hospital with minor injuries. Skidmore was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of serious internal injuries. Frayer and Skidmore were both wearing seat belts, Whittaker was not. The Sheriff’s Office has determined that Skidmore was operating at an unsafe speed for road conditions and failed to keep right.
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Governor Cuomo announced a statewide crackdown on impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend. The New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will implement the campaign, which includes underage drinking enforcement, increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify, and arrest impaired drivers. The campaign will be promoted on various message boards on highways across the state, including the New York State Thruway, and runs from Saturday, February 4 until 4 a.m. Monday, February 6.
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State Police arrested 56-year-old Blair Williams of Toronto, Ontario Canada for forcible touching and unlawfully dealing with a child, in the village of Hancock. Williams is accused of forcibly touching a child less than 17 years old and also for giving the child alcoholic beverages.   Williams was arraigned in the Village of Hancock court and was remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond, pending court action at a later date.

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A Time Warner Cable/ Siena College poll released Tuesday shows Republican John Faso holding a 1% lead over Democrat Zephyr Teachout in the race for the 19th Congressional District. Faso had 43% and Teachout was at 42% for the congressional seat currently held by Republican Chris Gibson, who declined to seek re-election for another 2-year term.   The poll surveyed 678 likely voters; it has a margin of error of 3.8%.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that the Department of Financial Services has proposed a regulation that mandates banks and mortgage services report vacant and abandoned properties in accordance with the new law. The proposal comes on the heels of a law signed by the Governor in June that curbs the threat posed to communities by “zombie properties” by expediting foreclosure proceedings, improving the efficiency and integrity of the mandatory settlement conferences, and obligating banks and mortgage servicers to secure, protect and maintain vacant and abandoned properties before and during foreclosure proceedings. The new law goes into effect on December 20, 2016.

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The Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship is launching 2 new workshop series for farm and food entrepreneurs. Both series are three sessions in length and will be held at CADE’s office at 5 Elm Street in Oneonta. Dairy Workshops will begin on Monday, October 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 PM and the 1st session of the Farm & Food Business Workshops will be held on Tuesday October 4th. Registration is required at cadefarms.org.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended the addition of 22 properties, to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Locally, the Common School 32 in Trout Creek, built between 1860 and 1880, & the Jewell Family Homestead, Guilford Built IN 1824 were recommended.

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A debate has been scheduled for Thursday morning at the SUNY Broome Campus, among the 3 candidates running for the 22nd congressional district, to replace the outgoing Republican Richard Hanna. The Debates between independent Martin Babinec, Democrat Kim Myers & Republican Claudia Tenney will be held in the Student Center, Starting at 11:00 AM.

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Tri-Town Coalition for Substance Abuse will hold their next meeting today at the Sidney High School Library, spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 9-28-16)

The meeting will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.-
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A Red cross Blood Drive will be held today in Bainbridge from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the GreenLawn Elementary School. Those wishing to set up an appointment can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment.
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State Senator Jim Seward will be in Oneonta today for the Otsego County Treatment Court. Senator Seward is a member of the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, he will address treatment court participants and family members. Otsego County Judge Brian Burns presides over the program which assists alcohol and drug addicted defendants in breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal activity. Seward will begin at 2:00 PM at the Public Safety Building in the Oneonta City Courtroom at 81 Main Street; Oneonta.

(Cuomo 8-3-16)
Additionally, Charter will make available internet speeds of 100 megabits per second for more than 2 million upstate homes and businesses by early 2017, The Governor also unveiled the Program’s Round I awards, which will connect 34,000 homes to high-speed internet for the first time, giving 97% of New Yorkers broadband access.
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State Police at Sidney arrested 62-year-old James Jordan of Otego for menacing & criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a report of a fight at a home on State Route 7 in the Town of Otego. Jordan was in a physical dispute with another man while in his garage, when he allegedly grabbed an axe and threatened the other man with it, & for smashing the taillight on the man’s Volkswagen Jetta. Jordan left the scene but was located nearby and arrested, he was arraigned in Town of Otego court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Otego is on August 25th.
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The Progress continues on getting the Utica Mainline railroad running from Binghamton to Utica, through Chenango County, where service was disrupted by the 2006 floods Chenango County IDA Chairman Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig 8-3-16)

Craig said that the railroad expects to be serving customers again on that line in about a year.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Will is moving out of the Sidney Civic Center & Into New Offices on Main Street in Sidney as of September 1st. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Stephanie Taylor 8-3-16)

The Sidney Chamber Annual Gold Tournament will be held tomorrow at the Sidney Golf & Country Club, with room for another 1 or teams, also the recently rained out Cruise in has been rescheduled for Friday August 26th, and a Chamber open house at the new Office will be held on September 12th.
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State Senator Jim Seward & Assemblyman Bill Magee announced a $1 million grant, with half coming from each legislative house, to help fund the 12-tower Otsego County emergency communication system. The System is expected to be completed later this fall.
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DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Will hold a free rabies clinic today in Franklin. The Clinic will be held at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.
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The Sidney Town Board will be holding a one item agenda board meeting this afteroon. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM in the first floor board room, it will be open to the public.
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Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at 7:45 at the Sidney Golf & Country Club. Chamber members are urged to attend.
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(Ed Curley 5-18-16)

The Wessells Regatta will be the first of three canoe races between Saturday May 21st & the Memorial day weekend, with the Pine ridge Grocery Dash for Cash on Wednesday night, May 25th, and the General Clintonm Canoe Regatta on The Memorial Day Weekend.
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The brand name Time Warner Cable will soon disappear, as Charter Communications announced that they will phase out Time Warner Cable’s name as a result of its $55.1 billion acquisition of the company. Charter Officials announced that the Time Warner aquiisition along with that of Bright House Networks, will both be combined under the “Spectrum” brand name.
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The State DOT will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, May 24, regarding plans to rehabilitate a bridge on State Route 28 in the town of Milford. The meeting will be held at Milford Central School, at 7:00 PM. The bridge was built in 1985 and carries State Route 28 over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Freight Main Line. Construction is anticipated to begin in the 2017 construction season. More information is available at 721-8191.
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Meeting Management Associates of Sherburne, will be hosting their 2016 charity golf tournament on Friday, July 15th, at Mountain Top Golf Course in Sherburne. The tournament is benefiting Comfort Zone Camp, a children’s therapeutic bereavement camp program. Additional information is available at comfortzonecamp.org or 674-2666.

All Area School Districts had their school budget propositions passed by their voters yesterday. Several area districts that exceeded the tax cap requiring a 60% super majority vote also passed. Capital Reserve Propositions Passed IN Bainbridge Guilford, Gilbertsville Mount Upton, Laurens, Unatego & Unadilla Valley; bus propositions passed in Afton, Bainbridge Guilford, Laurens, Oneonta, Oxford Unadilla Valley & Walton, & library Propositions passed in Milford, Norwich, Walton & Sidney.
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Governor Cuomo announced $1 million in funding to expand access to addiction treatment services and family supports in the Southern Tier, and other locations to connect patients in Emergency Departments to appropriate treatment and support programs. In the Southern Tier, $250,000 was awarded to Addiction Center of Broome County in Binghamton, for those in need in Broome and neighboring Counties, starting June 1st. The Addiction Care Center can be reached at 723-7308.
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Commerce Chenango & NBT Bank presents the Hawaiian themed “Soiree in The Park” in East Park in downtown Norwich tonight. The Members only segment will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. An award will be presented to Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne who operate the former Rogers Education Center. entertainment starts at 7:00 PM and with The Lightkeepers. More information is available at chenangony.org
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Another Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today in Greene, from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1180 State Highway 206. Those who wish to make an appointment can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
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The Afton Central School Board of Education meeting that was scheduled for Thursday has been changed to today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the boardroom.
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Syracuse University’s efforts to connect with Alumni & Sport team fans comes to NYSEG Stadium tonight. The ‘No Huddle Tour’ will have new SU Football coach Dino Babers and Basketball coach Jim Boeheim participating in a Meet and Greet with fans on the right field line in the stadium beginning at 5:30 pm, prior to tonight’s Binghamton Meets game..
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The New York State Office of General Services have 2 surplus vehicle auctions scheduled locally. Auctions will be held this morning at 9:30, at the DOT location at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton & on Tuesday, June 14 at 9:30 at the State Police Troop C headquarters on State Route 7, between Sidney & Unadilla. More information is available at nysstore.com or at (518) 457-6335.

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26-year-old Michael Golotty of Elmira, pleaded guilty to 3rd degree arson in Chenango County Court, for the fire that destroyed storage units in Norwich last November, which housed donations for Toys for Tots.  Gulotty was sentenced to 5 to 10 years in state prison, as well as restitution to the victims to be paid in installments after his release.

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Former Otsego County Chamber of Commerce President Rob Robinson pleaded guilty in Otsego County Court to 1^st degree scheming to defraud. Robinson was arrested & fired in 2011, following charges of insurance fraud, grand larceny & falsifying business records, for an insurance scheme that enrolled more than 400 downstate residents in an MVP Health Care Insurance program offered by the Otsego Chamber. The sentence includes a 3-year conditional discharge & a $2,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28th.

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The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested a Town of Unadilla resident and a Town of New Berlin resident for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  Deputies arrested 28-year-old Jason Lindroth and 28 year old Antonio Felice following an investigation into a suspicious vehicle. Deputies found that Lindroth and Felice were both in possession of heroin, prescription pills, hypodermic needles, and marihuana, they were arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and were remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on cash bail.

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The New York State Fair was named America’s 4th-best state fair by Yahoo! Travel, beat only by Texas, California and Ohio. The news comes just a few weeks after Hopper.com ranked the Fair as the No. 1 State Fair.  An independent survey, conducted at the conclusion of the 2013 Fair, fairgoers cited food as the #1 reason for visiting every year. Last year, the Fair introduced Taste NY Wine and Cheese seminars to engage fairgoers about the various wines and cheeses that are made in New York

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As state lawmakers wrap up the current legislative session, there are still a few items on the Governor’s agenda that might not get acted on this year.  Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that the proposal to increase the state’ minimum wage again is another unnecessary cost to business:

(Crouch 6-9-14)

Crouch said that the bill would probably only pass one of the 2 houses, which should kill it off for this year.

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The State Public Service Commission is seeking comment on a request by Time Warner Cable and Comcast Corporation to transfer certain Time Warner Cable telephone systems, cable systems, franchises and assets to Comcast. Under the proposal, Comcast will retain all of Time Warner Cable’s existing assets in New York State. The Commission will use its new regulatory powers to conduct an investigation into the proposed merger to determine whether the transaction is in the best interest of the customers.  More information is available at dps.ny.gov.

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The New York State Gaming Commission reported that the Lottery sales for 2013-2014 totaled $9.2 billion, a profit of $3.1 billion for education, & a 4.2% increase over previous year, the 14th consecutive year of Lottery revenue growth.  Total sales rose $292.2 million; All Lottery profits go to funding education in the State.

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There have been several black bear sightings in the Southern Tier, with reports of bears climbing trees & rummaging near homes.  The DEC reports that you can prevent bears from visiting by removing bird feeders, not leaving food or garbage outside, don’t feed pets outside and don’t run refrigerators outside.  More information is at dec.ny.gov

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The Broome County Sheriff’s department responded to a 2-vehicle accident on I-81 Northbound lanes near the Chenango Bridge exit early this morning.  Preliminary reports are that a tractor-trailer carrying a milk tanker crossed the median & hit another vehicle, shortly before 6 a.m. Monday.  The tractor trailer landed on its side, spilling milk onto the roadway & median, the unidentified driver was extricated from the vehicle & the driver of was taken o an area hospital, the driver of the car was also taken from the scene & was brought to an area hospital.  The State DOT had to close 1 lane of traffic for the clean up, the investigation is continuing.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrested 18 year old Gabriel Williams of Franklin for 2nd degree Menacing, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Petty Larceny, the arrest was the result of an investigation into a domestic incident in the Town of Franklin.  Williams was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 Cash Bail or $5,000 Property Bond.

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Governor Cuomo announced Empire State Development has approved more than $9 million in New York State Broadband Grants to support 5 projects to expand broadband access to y 33,000 households, 4,500 businesses and 55 institutions across Upstate counties.   During this approval round, Time Warner Cable, will receive approximately $5.3 million to expand services.  Local projects receiving funding the Otsego County Wireless Network for $558,940.

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State tax collections through the first 10 months of the state’s fiscal year increased 4.2% from last year, but were below projections due to the timing of Personal Income Tax payments, according to the January 2014 cash report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Tax collections of $58.3 billion through January 31st were $2.4 billion higher than last year, but $413.3 million below projections in the Executive Budget proposal.

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Governor Cuomo said he would sign a bill, if it passes the legislature, to allow state financial aid programs to cover college tuition costs for kids of illegal immigrants. The governor previously has said he supports a federal DREAM Act, but had not taken a position on a state version. While the Assembly intends to pass the measure again this week, it is unlikely there are enough votes in the Senate to send it to Cuomo’s desk

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State attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the Homeowner Protection Program has worked with 23,760 New Yorkers in the past 15 months, resulting in 6,660 approved and pending loan modifications. Since October 2012, it has helped fund 36 legal aid groups, and 56 housing counseling agencies, to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. Schneiderman has recently proposed legislation to require lenders take responsibility for properties, abandoned by mortgage holders behind on payments, instead of waiting until the foreclosure process is complete. There are now more than 15,000 “zombie properties” statewide, with about 1,000 in the Southern Tier.

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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is recusing himself from any role Congress plays in Comcast Corp.’s planned acquisition of Time Warner Cable after learning his brother was one of the lead lawyers behind the $45 billion deal. Federal regulators and lawmakers will scrutinize how the acquisition would affect competition and consumers, issues that could have come before Schumer as a member of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee’s antitrust subcommittee

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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a warning to New Yorkers after consumers were contacted by scam artists who were posing as representatives of Microsoft.  The callers identify themselves with “P.C. Solutions”, their caller ID is  “Windows Support.” The scam artists attempt to gain remote access to consumers’ computers by claiming that their units infected with malware or viruses, they extract a fee up to $300 by obtaining credit card information over the phone, or by directing consumers to enter PayPal, bank or credit card information on a website the scammers control.  Schneiderman recommends hanging up the phone, never give out passwords to such callers, change your email & other passwords & file a complaint with Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755 or www.ag.ny.gov.

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Greater Maywood Rural Community Services is holding The “Lasagna And Laughs” organic fund-raising dinner, this Saturday night in Sidney, with ingredients donated by area businesses.  Group spokesperson Lisa Barr explains:

(Lisa Barr 2-19-14)

Proceeds from Saturday night’s dinner will go for the group to preserve the former Sidney Center school as a rural community center.

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