Joseph Swarts of Binghamton, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. On May 4, 2023, Swarts was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine after a traffic stop by the Binghamton Police, he admitted to possession with the intent to sell. Swarts will be sentenced to 3 years in State Prison and 2 years post-release supervision. Sentencing is scheduled for April 18th.

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25 year old Caleb Lane of Walton appeared in the Delaware County Court for sentencing on 1 count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. On August 25, 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that an individual account had downloaded a sexually explicit image of a child. Investigators with the State Police were able to track down the account to Lane, Searches of his computer included numerous images and videos. Lane had previously pleaded guilty on December 4, On Monday Lane was sentenced to 10 years of probation supervision subject to sex offender conditions, he was also ordered to register as a Sex Offender.

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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Monday in the Town of Chenango to meet with a domestic violence victim in the Town of Colesville. The female victim and her 2 young children fled their residence due to a physical dispute, Deputies utilized the Lethality Assessment Program and advocates from Crime Victims Assistance Center responded to provide victim safety and support services. 30 year old Timothy Backes of Windsor is accused of violating an order of protection & physically assaulting the victim, Deputies located Backes & charged him with 2 counts of Criminal Contempt, Aggravated Family Offense & Harassment, he was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility, he attempted to contact the victim to solicit funds for bail, violating the Order of Protection again, he was additionally charged with another count each of of Criminal Contempt & Aggravated Family Offense, & was remanded after arraignment on the new charges.

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The Bainbridge Lions Club has started a fundraiser to purchase their own camera to test children’s eyes at several area school districts, spokesman Cliff Crouch said that they previously borrowed the device, but they would like to get their own camera & continue the program more efficiently:

(Cliff Crouch 1-31-24)

Crouch said that last year they tested over 1400 students, donations can be sent to the Bainbridge Lions Club Treasurer Robert Evans, 167 Cornell Drive Bainbridge New York 13733.

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The State Labor Department has corrected their earlier “Warn” statement regarding the Acco Plant in Sidney. The Labor Department amended the closing date of the Sidney facility to April 8, 2025, earlier they state on their website that the plant would be closing in April 2024. The total number of employees at the plant is 290, the number of workers affected by the closing is 231.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-31-24

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Michael Ide of Oneonta following a narcotics investigation. Ide was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, plus 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. On December 11th 2023, members of the State Division of Parole, Oneonta Police Department and the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of a residence in the Town of Oneonta, Officers seized methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, suboxone, plus $669 in US currency, digital scales, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia and a notebook containing drug sales records were also seized, Ide faces court action shortly.

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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a stolen pickup truck from Pennsylvania Monday, the driver failed to comply & a pursuit continued at high rates of speed, until the vehicle was stuck in mud in the Town of Maine. 21 year old Samuel Pierce of Candor was taken into custody, officers seized a loaded handgun & Pierce was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Reckless Endangerment & 17 Traffic Violations. Pierce was wanted on a warrant from Tioga County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell. He was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility. 2 juvenile females who were with Pierce for part of the pursuit were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

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Oneonta Police responded last night to a report of a gunshot fired at 30 Center Street. An unidentified male was taken to Fox Hospital with a gunshot wound, the investigation is continuing.

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Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation which aims to protect consumers during storms and other emergencies by requiring utility companies to develop plans to prioritize responding to reports of downed wires. If a member of the public identifies a downed wire that presents a hazard, they now can report that wire to their utility, which must respond to no later than 72 hours after the response to an emergency ends. Previously, the power companies only had to have a plan to securing a wire on a schedule if the wire was reported by a municipal emergency official.

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NYSEG is reporting that over 2200 were without power in Broome County from last night’s breezy conditions, 770 were without power this afternoon in Chenango County & about 200 in Otsego County. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

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State Police announced that 41 year old David Maycumber of Newfield, was indicted by the Tioga County Grand Jury and was arraigned before the Tioga County Court for 1st & 2nd Degree murder, Kidnapping and Intimidating a witness, in connection with the kidnapping & murder of Thomas Rath in Tioga County earlier this year. To date, 13 subjects have been arrested for various felonies regarding the murder investigation of Thomas Rath.

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State Police & Local Law Enforcement Agencies are reminding the public to remember to lock your car doors. Numerous reports of criminals stealing from unlocked cars have been reported to Police across the region, they also remind people this holiday season to never leave valuables in plain site inside the passenger compartment of a parked vehicle.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-22-23

The State Department of Environmental Conversation announced that a 72 year old New Jersey man has died. On November 18, at around 10:45 pm, Forest Rangers responded to a call for an overdue hunter in the Town of German, after a member of their hunting party never returned, Members of local law enforcement, Forest Rangers & 1st responders found the man deceased at about 3:00 AM.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Cachet Fernandez, who is a registered as a level 2 sex offender, he is described as a black male with brown hair, brown eyes, and is approximately 5’7” tall, anyone with information should contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office 607-832-5629 or contact local law enforcement agency.

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Christmas activites will get underway December 2nd in the village of Afton, Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Sheryl Roush explains:

(Sheryl Roush 11-22-23)

More information is available at the Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $23 million in New York State Community Development Block Grants have been awarded to 33 village, town, and county-wide applicants across the State. The village of Deposit will use $50,000 to complete a preliminary engineering report for an evaluation of the municipally owned water system. The village of Hancock in Delaware County will use $995, for Phase 2 of its Critical Sewer Improvements.

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Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced that 31 year old Courtni Baker of Sidney was arraigned today on Grand Jury Charges in Delaware County Court . A Grand Jury handed up a 10 count indictment, including charges of vehicular assault, Aggravated vehicular assault, 2nd degree Assault, And Escape, for the February 15th incident where Baker is accused of Hitting 14 year old Anielle AK McEwan Lomnicki on Sharon Street in Sidney as she was walking home from school. Baker is accused of driving while intoxicated at the time of the incident, with a BAC of higher than .18, she is being held in the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail, $250,000 secured bond or $1 Million Dollars Partially Secured bond.

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35-year-old Bruice Jeffrey of North Norwich was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies Sunday after allegedly stealing more than $130,000 from an elderly person. The arrest followed an investigation into Jeffrey started by a claim from the Chenango County Social Services Department, he is accused of stealing from an elderly person’s account for 7 years. Jeffrey was charged with 3 counts of grand larceny and petty larceny, he was released with an appearance ticket and is due back in court at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested Timothy Taylor of Franklin for Endangering Welfare of a Child and Sexual Misconduct Taylor is accused of performing sexual acts with a 15 year old female in the Town of Hancock. Taylor was processed and issued an appearance ticket to appear before the Hancock Town Court at a later date.

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Lisa Driscoll of Harpersfield has joined the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. Driscoll replaces long time Supervisor James Eisel , who retired recently due to health issues.

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Governor Hochul announced that approximately $110 million was awarded to 86 projects through 2 grant programs to improve water quality across the state. Locally, Town of Chenango will get $10 Million for a new treatment technology at its Northgate facility to help meet State standards and improve water quality by reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the Chenango River and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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State Attorney General Letitia James released a list today of the top complaints her office has received in 2022. Over 5200 complaints were received regarding price gouging defective merchandise & poor customer service at retail establishments, over 3,000 were landlord or tenants complaints. over 2800 were about credit, banking & mortgage issues, over 2700 complaints were about consumer services organizations like COVID testing facilities, dry cleaners, restaurants or movers, and over 2500 for automobile sales & service.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-7-23

The Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 53 year old Robert Randolph of Endicott was sentenced after pleading guilty to felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance. Randolph was caught with large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl when police raided his motel room in Endicott in August of 2021, he was on parole from a previous conviction for selling methamphetamine. Randolph was sentenced to 5 years in state prison followed by 2 years of post-release supervision.

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59-year-old Norman O’Neil of Endwell died Friday after he fell through the ice when he and 1 other man were ice fishing in Tioga County. Tioga County Sheriff’s Office and area EMT’s & Firefighters responded, The sheriff’s office reported that the other man fell through the ice but pulled himself out but was unable to save O’Neill, First responders pulled O’Neil out, he was not responsive attempts to resuscitate O’Neil, he died from the injuries he sustained. The unidentified companion was taken to an area hospital & was treated and released.

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Commerce Chenango announced that they are looking for nominations for their Board of Directors. The requirements stipulate that a board member must be a Chamber member in good standing; Must agree to accept the responsibility of directorship; Must agree to represent the best interest of the membership of Commerce Chenango. Nominations should be received by March 15, 2023, at 5:00 pm, more information is available at 607-334-1400 or by email: info@chenangony.org.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is looking to sponsor children ages 9 to 12 to attend the 2023 New York State Sheriff’s Camp this summer. The camp will be held from Sunday, June 25th, to Saturday, July 1st, on Keuka Lake in Yates County. Parents with interested children can submit an application to smithkr@co.chenango.ny.us by March 10th.

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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 Business & Commitment to Community/Good Neighbor Awards. The awards will be given out at the chamber’s annual dinner on June 11th, nominations must be received by March 30, more information is available by email to Unadillachamber@yahoo.com.

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The National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect this evening & into tomorrow morning, Local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what the latest models are showing for this storm:

(Rich Townsend 4-18-22)

The Winter Storm warning is in effect from 6:00 PM tonight until 12:00 Noon tomorrow.

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The Binghamton Black Bears have made the playoffs with Game 1 of a prospective 3 game series tonight at the Arena against Danbury, Black Bears Spokesman Rob Lippolis told WCDO News that its been quite a while since there has been playoff hockey in Binghamton:

(Rob Lippolis 4-18-22)

Some tickets are still available for tonight’s game at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 607-722-7367.

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The State Health Department have included Broome and Tioga counties in an “orange zone” designation for counties at high risk of transmission of the latest strains of the COVID-19 virus . 10 counties have been designated orange, The Broome County Health Department reported 677 new confirmed cases of the virus since the middle of last week, with 31 people hospitalized on Friday & a 7 day positivity rate of 9.5%.

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The State DEC are reported sightings of the invasive Southern Pine Beetle, which is native to the southeastern U.S. They are known as destructive pests and pose a significant risk to New York’s pine forests. The DEC said that infestations are spreading and most recently were found in Saratoga County, as well as several locations in the Hudson Valley. DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation said they will be closely monitoring multiple State Parks.

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The US Census Bureau reported the top 5 states where Former New York residents have moved to over the last 2 years. The number 1 state that New Yorkers relocate to is New Jersey, nearly 60,000 people moved out of New York into Jersey. Florida was the in the 2nd position, followed by Pennsylvania, California & Connecticut.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies on patrol in Delhi observed a vehicle fail to stop for a stop sign, failing to signal a turn & traveling through a parking lot to avoid the intersection. Deputies identified the driver as 18 year old Mikaela Duran on Brooklyn, Duran had a BAC measured at .15%. she was charged with DWI & driving with a BAC of .08%, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol under age 21, as well as several other infractions, Duran was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-18-22

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services & the Worcester Fire Department have determined the cause of the recent fire in Worcester was accidental. It was determined that the fire originated from an electric appliance that was in use at Hidden Memories at 143 Main Street, the fire destroyed 3 downtown buildings.

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The Otsego County Department of Health will be offering an Additional Booster Dose Vaccination Clinic at the Otsego Meadows Complex Today. A registration link can be found on the Health Department Tab at otsegocounty.com, registration for the clinic is mandatory.

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Rock in the Park has moved to the Chenango County Fairgrounds this coming weekend, to raise money for an area organization.  Promoter Jason Hall comments:

(Jason Hall 6-12-19)

Tickets are available through B&W Wines in Bainbridge or through Ticketmaster.com.  More information about camping at the site is available at 972-6526.

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The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday to legalize paid gestational surrogacy for couples who are unable to have their own children.    The measure is part of a package of bills along with LGBTQ rights, the elimination of the Gay or Transgender Panic defense used in court cases for violent attacks against a gay or transgender person,   the bill faces an uncertain future in the state Assembly where there is opposition among key Democratic Party majority members.

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Appointments are filling up & volunteers are still needed for the upcoming Greater Chenango Cares Event.  Chenango United Way Spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco explains:

(Elizabeth Monaco 6-12-19)

Monaco said that those wishing to volunteer to assist at the event can call the Chenango United Way at 334-8815, The Greater Chenango Cares event will be held at the Norwich High School July 11th through 20th.

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State Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his latest online surveys asking constituents to weigh in on a proposal to end religious and any other non-medical exemptions for vaccination for children attending school in New York State.   All 50 states require that students be vaccinated for diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough, chickenpox and polio,  but 47 state including New York allow exemptions for religious reasons.  Measles cases nationwide have more than doubled from 2018 to over 1000 this year, with at least 850 cases in the New York City and Rockland County regions of New York.  The Survey Results in the 52nd Senate District show that 70% of respondents support removing all non-medical exemptions for vaccinations, Akshar said that the results from his district were similar to a recent Siena Poll, which showed 84% of New Yorkers statewide support ending the religious exemption for vaccinations.

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The Guilford Town Board will meet tonight to discuss a controversial Wind Farm proposal by Calpine, to place large Wind Turbines in the town; Priscilla Welden is co-Chairperson of Concerned Citizens of Guilford who are opposed to the High Bridge Wind Farm plans:

(Priscilla Welden 6-12-19)

Tonight’s Guilford town board meeting is expected to be well attended, and the meeting has been moved to the Guilford Town Garage at 7:00 PM to accommodate the larger attendance.

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CID Entertainment, the production company that “had been engaged to provide camping, travel packages and transportation for Woodstock 50,” has pulled out of the event.  Woodstock 50 principal Gregory Peck released a statement announcing that festival organizers are in discussions with another venue to host Woodstock 50 on August 16th-18th, and that they looked forward to revealing the new location when tickets finally go on sale in the coming weeks.

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The Sidney Central School District Board of Education has named Eben Bullock as the district’s new Superintendent.  Bullock served as the Sidney’s high school principal for the past 10 years, will succeed Dr. William Christensen, who is leaving the district after more than 8 years at the helm.  Bullock was approved for a 3-year contract at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday; he will begin the position on July 1.

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Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that he has implemented a body worn camera program and has equipped his Patrol Deputies with Axon Body Worn Cameras:

(Sheriff Dumond 6-12-19)

Sheriff Dumond said that the body cameras can also be a valuable tool in the prosecution of criminal cases by supplementing a Deputy’s court testimony with audio and video evidence associated with an incident. The Body Cameras are being deployed today after all Deputies received training.

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On Saturday at 4:47 PM, Tioga County 911 received numerous calls regarding an explosion, On Sunday, a continued search of the named areas resulted in a blast site being located in the vicinity of Diamond Valley Road, Town of Tioga. Investigation at the scene indicated an unknown type of explosive substance was detonated in a field causing no damage but leaving a hole in the ground. The New York State Police and FBI Bomb Disposal Units processed the site with evidence collected for analysis. Collected evidence is being forwarded to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia for chemical testing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 687-3961.
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State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 22-year-old Allyson Cheechalk-Buttman, who was reported missing by her mother. She left her residence on the morning of December 29th, and she may have traveled by bus to New York City, she was last seen wearing a light brown coat, green fleece, dark pants and black sneakers. She is a white female, 5’6”, 160 pounds, with brown-hazel eyes and medium brown hair. The public is asked to call the State Police at 775-1241 with information.
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State Police arrested 31-year-old Anna Rodriguez of Binghamton for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in a stolen vehicle after a pursuit in the town of Sanford on Sunday afternoon. Troopers observed a vehicle traveling on State Route 17 in the town of Sanford at 94 miles per hour. The vehicle stopped briefly, then fled at a high rate of speed and crashed a short time later; Rodriguez was taken into custody & was treated for minor injuries at Wilson Memorial Hospital and released. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of marihuana, and numerous traffic violations. Rodriguez was arraigned in the village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on bail.
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Another round of scammers are trying to swindle people out of money, under the guise that they represent utility companies, Universities, or Financial Aid firms. Area Tax preparer George McLain Explains:

(George McLain 1-4-17)

McLain said that the bogus IRS calls are coming again to, he emphasized that the IRS never calls clients with issues. Anyone who receives such calls should alert law enforcement immediately, more information is available by calling McLain at 967-8858.
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The Chenango Arts Council announced a continuation in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2017 Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Grant Program. $129,280 is available to non-profit organizations and artists who partner with an eligible non-profit for cultural initiatives in 2017, for grants up to $5,000 each. More information is available at chenangoarts.org or by e-mail to: info@chenangoarts.org.

(Heather Bucalos 8-26-15)

Bucalos said that she would also have a display set up at “Bainbridge Days” on September 5th as part of the fundraising efforts, more details are available on the Glow with the Flow Facebook page.
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Chenango County Suicide Prevention will hold a special event on September 11th in Norwich. Spokesperson Ann Marie Troy comments:

(Ann Marie Troy 8-26-15)

The event will begin at 7:00 P.M. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich, more information is available at 334-8244 extension 228.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 26-year-old Dustin Sundal of Unadilla on 1 count of Reckless Driving. It is alleged that Sundal drove his motorcycle in a reckless manner, which resulted in a personal injury motorcycle accident, he will return to Town of Tompkins court at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo issued a warning to college students returning for the fall semester that purchasing fake IDs is not only illegal, but also increases the chances of becoming a victim of identify fraud. Investigators from the State DMV have found dozens of examples of underage license holders becoming victims of identity theft after purchasing fraudulent identification online from overseas companies. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 18% of identity theft victims were ages 20 to 29; about 6% were 19 years old or younger, these age groups are less likely to regularly track bank account and credit card activity, pay for identity theft monitoring services, and use discretion when sharing information on social media. Nearly 16,000 identity theft complaints were logged last year in New York State.

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The Oneonta Job Corps Academy & Dicks’s Sporting Goods will team up for the 2nd annual Community Ballgame tonight in Oneonta. Job Corps spokesperson Lynn Price Explains:

(Lynn Price 8-26-15)

Price said that there would also be music, giveaways and a fireworks display by CHP International, CHP actively recruits local youth to job corp nationwide.

(Mike Sellitti)

The group was formed following the 2006 flooding of Carr’s Creek, which wiped out a section of I-88 & led to the death of 2 truckers. More information is available t 301-0479.
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Area United Way programs and the Sidney Boys & Girls club are teaming up for the 2nd school supplies give away at the Sidney civic center this afternoon. Trish Tyrell of the boys & girls club explains:

(Trish Tyrell 8-22-14)

The giveaway will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Boys & Girls Club on the 2nd floor of the Sidney civic center today.
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Country artist’s Jamie O’Neal, Andy Griggs and Ty Herndon will perform tonight at 7:00 PM at Damaschke field in Oneonta. The concert will go on rain or shine under the large tent. Continuing with shows throughout the weekend, the “All Star Jam,” featuring some of the areas premier musicians, will take to the stage throughout the day Saturday, followed by Three Dog Night performing Sunday. Tickets for the Friday show are $20 and are on sale now, more information or to purchase tickets visit wedosubaru.com.
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Greg Maddux pitched mostly for the Chicago Cubs & the Atlanta Braves, he was grateful to be inducted & join his boyhood heroes:

(Greg Maddux 7-28-14)

Tom Glavine spent most of his career with Atlanta as Maddux’s teammate, as well as 4 years with the New York Mets. Glavine reflected on what it took to get to the Hall & thanked those who helped him:

(Tom Glavine 7-28-14)

Frank Thomas played the bulk of his career with the Chicago White Sox & was known as the “Big Hurt” for hitting over 540 homer runs in his career. The imposing figure broke down early on when discussing his late father, but rebounded to thank 139 teammates, the 3 cities he played in and to deliver a message to kids:

(Frank Thomas 7-28-14)

Other inductees to the Baseball Hall Of Fame this weekend were writer Roger Angell and Texas radio broadcaster Eric Nadel & legendary managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa & Joe Torre

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An estimated 48,000 baseball fans attended the annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown yesterday.

3 legendary managers were inducted into Baseball’s Hall Of Fame Sunday in Cooperstown. Bobby Cox managed the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves, where he had amazing success, which he attributed to the pitching of fellow inductees Greg Maddux & Tom Glavine as well as John Smoltz:

(Bobby Cox 7-28-14)

Tony LaRussa achieved managerial success in Chicago, Oakland and St. Louis; he said that he was uncomfortable getting all the credit for the work of his coaches & players:

(Tony LaRussa 7-28-14)

Joe Torre managed the Mets, Braves, Cards, Yankees & Dodger, he acknowledged that his League & World championships with the Yankees got him elected, and he sees a bright future continuing for the game of baseball:

(Joe Torre 7-28-14)

Other inductees to the Baseball Hall Of Fame this weekend were writer Roger Angell and Texas radio broadcaster Eric Nadel, Pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine & Slugger Frank Thomas.

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State Police responded to a Tioga County 911 report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident involving two joggers in the Town of Tioga. 41-year-old Daniel Manwarring and 43-year-old Karen Manwarring, when they were struck by a Blue Nissan Xterra that then left the scene. Daniel Manwarring was declared deceased at the scene and Karen Manwarring was transported to Wilson Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.   33-year-old Jason Townsend of Nichols is in custody & faces court action shortly.

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Chenango county sheriff’s department responded to a report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident on South Canal St in the Village of Oxford, where a 1999 Chevy Blazer, driven by 25 year old Donald Towndrow of Norwich, rear ended a 2009 Hyundai driven by a Village of Oxford woman as she was turning onto a side street,   Towndrow left the scene of the accident, but was located and was charged with unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle accident, and following too close. He faces action in the Village of Oxford Court at a later date.

State Police reported that 43-year-old Christopher Lampert of Enfield was killed after being hit by a car on state route 79.  Lampert was hit by a vehicle driven by 21 year old Michael Soule of Enfield Wednesday evening, police said that no charges will not be filed, the investigation is continuing.

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Calvin Harris will face his 3^rd murder trial, this time it will be heard in Schoharie County.  Harris’s attorney’s were seeking a change of venue following 2 convictions in Tioga county court, for the September 11^th 2001 murder of his estranged wife Michelle Harris, whose body has never been found

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The southern tier regional economic development council discussed their focus for 2014 at a meeting at Binghamton University Thursday.  Topics included an update of progress on previous projects, & a review of projects in the most recent round of competitive state funding. In December, the council received an award of 81.9 Million dollars from the state; more information is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

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Nearly 16 miles of Route 17 in Chemung County has officially become Interstate 86. The Federal Highway Administration designated a 15.8 mile stretch of the road from exit 56 to the Tioga County line.  More than half of State Route 17 has been designated as Interstate 86.

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The Otsego County Chamber Small Business, Minority, & Women Business Enterprise Workshop today from 12:00 noon to 3:30pm at SUNY Oneonta’s Morris Hall.  Presenters will teach business owners & local officials how to become MWBE certified. More information is available at the Otsego county chamber office at 432-4500 extension 207.

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Police agencies in Tioga County executed a search warrant in Newark Valley, leading to the seizure of an active meth-amphetamine lab and the arrest of 6 people.   Charged were 23 year old Scott Cole, of Newark Valley, 29 year old Jamie Swackhammer of Newark Valley, 31 year old Bryan Burkard of Berkshire, 48 year old Theresa Cochran of Caroline, 23 year old Kara Smithgall, of Endicott, & 28 year old Melanie Short of Berkshire.  police executed a search warrant at the Cole and Swackhammer residence Tuesday at 5:00 PM and confiscated items used to  manufacture methamphetamine, all were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; they were arraigned and remanded to the Tioga County Jail without bail.  Further charges are pending and the investigation is continuing.

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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will participate in the Legislative day from 9:00 A.M. to 12:45 PM at the LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING in Albany today, followed by a noontime rally in the West Capitol Park.  Crouch said that the passing of the New York Safe Gun control act has angered constituents:

(Crouch 2-28-13)

Crouch said that Governor Cuomo pushed through the Safe Act following the Sandy Creek Elementary School shooting in neighboring Connecticut.

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The Unatego United Group will hold a rally today at 7:00 pm at the Otego Elementary School. The group is seeking help from area lawmakers, to make the state’s school aid formula more equitable to small rural district like Unatego and many other area school districts.

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