In the men’s NYMCRA stock Race, Mike & Wayne Himes of Otego took 1^st place; they spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens:

(Himes 5-29-19)

In one of the largest C1 Pro fields Rod McLain from Maine was able to use high water conditions from Milford down to his advantage to take 1^st place: he talked to WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Rod McLain 5-28-19)

Oneonta resident Trevor LeFever took 2^nd place in the C2 Pro class with his partner Ben Schlimmer of Camillus; he discussed what it is like to race against Canoe Racing Legend Serge Corbin:

(Trevor LeFever 5-29-19)

Complete results of the races are available at canoeregatta.org.

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A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held at the Sidney Central School District today along with the Raymond Corporation of Greene, for the opening of their Raymond welding Center.  Sidney Welding Program Advisor Joseph Waltz told WCDO News about the full year course

(Joseph Waltz 5-28-19)

Raymond Corporation representative Dan Quiter Jr. told WCDO News that this program is the first of its kind locally:

(Dan Quiter Jr 5-28-19)

The program was started through the efforts of 6 Sidney Students and a Raymond Corporation Advisor.

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Communities & Educators are looking at ways to curb tobacco use & the use of fruit flavored E-Cigarettes like Juul, that are hooking a whole new generation of people getting addicted to Nicotine.  Linda Wegner of Advancing Tobacco Free Communities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties explains;

(Linda Wegner 5-28-19)

Wegner said that 1 Juul packet contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of tobacco cigarettes and her group is continuing to try to educate local residents not to be tricked into nicotine use & addiction.

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An amended marijuana legalization bill was introduced on Friday by lawmakers in Albany, which more closely echoes what Governor Cuomo wanted in the bill earlier this year.  The bill includes the Office of Cannabis Management to regulate commercial and medical marijuana; it would also expunge the records of those who have committed marijuana-based offenses in the past.   Opponents to Marijuana legalization site potential issues with traffic safety and increased links to mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia & violence.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies charged 40-year-old Jeffrey Bosket of Tompkins with 2 counts of harboring a dangerous dog in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law. The charge follows an investigation where an individual was allegedly bitten by 2 dogs owned by Bosket in the Town of Tompkins. Bosket was issued tickets and was scheduled to appear before the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date to answer for the charges.

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State Senator Fred Akshar released a new Community Voice Survey 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, chicken pox and polio among many others, all states allow exemptions for medical reasons, but 47 (including New York) allow exemptions for religious reasons.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that measles was eradicated in 2000; however 940 measles cases were reported nationwide this year, with more than half of those reported in New York City & Rockland County.   Akshar is asking his constituents to weigh in on Senate bill S.2994 which would repeal all non-medical exemptions from vaccination requirements for children; the survey is available at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

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New York State will not be funding a housing development with 64 units in Oneonta’ 6th Ward.  The RSS development announced their plans last year, with residents speaking out about the plans to have some people in the development recovering from substance abuse.  Governor Cuomo recently announced that 6 organizations in The Southern Tier would receive $21.3 million in tax credits and low-interest loans from the State Homes & Community Renewal’s 2018 Unified Funding applications; the Oneonta RSS project was not included.

The 57th General Clinton canoe regatta was held over the Memorial Day weekend, with over 1000 pro & Amateur Paddlers from 22 states & 5 Canadian Provinces participating.

The 2 person pro race was won by Steve Lajoie & Jimmy Pellerin, who completed the 70 mile course in 7:15:23, they spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens

(Lajoie/Pellerin 5-28)

The Duo beat 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever of Oneonta & Ben Schlimmer of Camillus by 2 minutes, but 2nd place wasn’t easy as they beat out Guillaume Blaise & Samuel Friggone for Quebec by just 1 second, Schlimmer spoke to Craig Stevens about the close ending:

(Schlimmer 5-28)

62 year old Regatta champion Serge Corbin & his partner Normand Mainguy finished 4th in the pro race, he talked with WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race;

(Serge Corbin 5-28)

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The Michigan Team of Bruce & Roxanne Barton, Tim Triebold & Weston Willoughby won the C4 Race with a time of 7:37:45;  Local Paddler Bob Zaveral of Mount Upton spoke to Craig Stevens after his 4 person team finished 2nd in the C-4 race yesterday:

(Zaveral 5-28)

Walton father Son team Bill & Lucas Walley won the tough stock aluminum race by 40 minutes over the 2nd place finishers, Lucas Walley talked about racing with the heavier canoes to WCDO’s Craig Stevens:

(Lucas Walley 5-28)

Complete results can be found at canoeregatta.org.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will host a FREE workforce development event today aimed at business owners and managers who are struggling to hire staff or have employees in drug and/or alcohol treatment and recovery.  Representatives from the Delaware County Probation Department, Delaware County Drug Treatment Court, CDO Workforce and the Department of Labor will participate, the session will be held at 10:00 AM at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 1/2 Main Street, Delhi, more information is available at 746-2281.

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Congressman Anthony Brindisi will be hosting a listening session on rising prescription drug costs in Binghamton Today.  The event will include health care professionals, seniors, and community leaders, at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator at 120 Hawley Street at 11:30 a.m. 

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Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with Oneonta Elks, over their wrongful use of over $480,000 charitable assets from the estate of a benefactor whose last will and testament directed that the funds be used to help the needs of children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.   The Oneonta Elks are required to repay those funds, after the investigation determined that the Oneonta Elks repeatedly appropriated and expended almost $170,000 to pay for capital improvements to its lodge building and property, as well as covering general operating expenses, rather than for the intended purposes. 

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The 56th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held over the Memorial Day weekend with over 1,000 paddlers participating. The popular 70 mile 2 person race was a close one, the team of Andy Triebold & Steve Lajoie won their 8th race by beating 2nd place finishers Serge Corbin & Guillaume Blaise by a little under 5 minutes, but the real excitement was the sprint to the finish for the 2nd place position, where Corbin & Blaise beat local pros Trever LeFever & Ben Schlimmer of Oneonta by 3 seconds. WCDO’s Craig Stevens spoke with challenging the 28 time Regatta Champ:

(Regatta18 –LeFever-Schlimmer)

There were 52 teams in this year’s 70 Mile C2 pro race Monday.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The 56th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held over the Memorial Day weekend with over 1,000 paddlers participating. The popular 70 mile 2 person race was a close one, the team of Andy Triebold & Steve Lajoie won their 8th race by beating 2nd place finishers Serge Corbin & Guillaume Blaise by a little under 5 minutes, Serge Corbin joked with WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Regatta18-Corbin 2)

Corbin & Blaise outsprinted the local team of Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer coming in 2nd place by just 3 seconds. There were 52 Pro Teams in the C2 pro race this year.
– – – – — – – – – – – – – – – – – –
In the competitive men’s NYMCRA Stock race, Local Paddlers Rob Birdsall & Todd LeFever took 1st place honors, beating the 2nd place team by over 11 minutes, Birdsall commented on the race:

(Regatta 18-Birdsall)

Jeff Newman of Unadilla & Scott Jordan of Otego took 3rd place, Newman talked about the Competition:

(Regatta18-Newman)

Over 1000 paddlers participated over the 4 day weekend of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.
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The search for a 14-month-old boy continued today in Wayne County. Owen Hidalgo-Calderon has been missing since May 16th, his mother, Selena Hidalgo-Calderon was found dead in a wooded area last week in Sodus. Alberto Reyes has been charged with moving his girlfriend’s Selena’s body from their home, he is in Police custody, but the infant is still missing.
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2 local students are competing in today’s Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC, Melodie Loya of Bainbridge & Theodore Ignatovsky of Cooperstown. Loya participated last year, making it into the top 50, coverage is provided at ESPN.com.
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New York State ranked 4th nationwide in credit card debt at $58.2 billion in 2017, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Although credit card debt declined significantly in the state from 2008 through 2013, the trend reversed in 2014 as per capita balances rose by more than 14% through 2017 to $3,710, nearly 20% above the national average. DiNapoli said that the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides advice and resources to help consumers deal credit card issues at consumerfinance.gov.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arrested 30 year old Connie Zachow of Franklin for 2nd degree Assault, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, escape and 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, after she allegedly struck a Deputy in Franklin. Zachow was arraigned at the Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 secured bond, pending action in Town of Franklin court at a later date.
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The 56th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held this past Memorial Day Weekend; which featured the famous 70 mile races from Cooperstown to Bainbridge on Monday. In the 4 person class, the Michigan team of Bruce & Roxanne Barton, Tim Triebold & Jeff Kolka edged out the 2nd place team of Jeff Shultis, Bob Zaveral, Larry Harrison & Bob Wisse by just 15 seconds, Bruce Barton talked about the tough race:

(Regatta18-Barton)

This is the 2nd time the Michigan paddlers took 1st place in the 4 person race, Bob Zaveral commented on the tight race:

(Regatta18-Zaveral)

Both teams finished in just over 8 hours
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In Monday’s 70 mile 2 person pro race, Andy Triebold & Steve Lajoie from Quebec took 1st place for the 8th time together, beating 2nd place finishers Serge Corbin & Guillaume Blaise by just under 5 minutes. WCDO’s Craig Stevens spoke with Triebold about beating the 28-time winner Serge Corbin:

(Regatta18- Triebold)

The 61 year old Corbin said that he pleased with the 2nd place finish:

(Regatta18 Corbin)

Corbin & Blaise squeaked out 2nd place by just 3 seconds over Oneonta paddlers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer. This year’s 2 person pro race had 52 teams.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
In the 2 person pro race, Andy Triebold of Michigan & Steve Lajoie from Quebec, won for their 8th time together, Lajoie talked to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about their chemistry:

(Regatta18 –Lajoie)

The pair finished the race in 7:30:11, just under 5 minute ahead of 28 time winner Serge Corbin & partner Guillaume Blaise of Quebec; this was Corbin’s 30th Clinton race.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Pro-paddler Mike Packard from Otego competed in the C1 pro race Monday, he told WCDO’s Craig Stevens that he ran into some rough spots during the race:

(Regatta18-Packard)

Packard finished 5th in the C1 Pro race. This Year’s Regatta attracted over 1000 paddlers from 24 states 7 3 Canadian Provinces, and continues to be North America’s longest 1 day flatwater river race.
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6 people were inducted into the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame Saturday in Bainbridge, including 25 year scout coordinator Eileen Tallmadge of Afton; she told WCDO how she initially became involved:

(Regatta18-Tallmadge)

This year’s Hall Of Fame class included Clarence “Tete” Pearsall, for his contributions to the event & the park, as well as paddlers Steve Collier of Cooperstown, Al Shaver Sr. of Maryland New York, Nick Lyesiek of Massachusetts & Blair Buckholtz of Wellsville New York.
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The Chenango County DPW announced that they will close County Route 37 between County Road 36 & Keach Road in the town of Guilford, on Tuesday May 29th. Crews will be replacing a large culvert, which could take between 7 & 10 days to complete. Detours are suggested along Marble Road & Keach Road, more information is available at 337-1710.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 2 Town of Pharsalia residents following an investigation into stolen property. Chenango County Sheriff’s Detectives and Deputies performed a search warrant on a property in the Town of Pharsalia; they discovered numerous items that were reported stolen, along with cultivated marihuana. 38 year old Todd Jackson was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a controlled substance & Unlawful growing of cannabis. Jackson was arraigned in the Town of McDonough Court and released on his own recognizance. 34 year old Chelsea Evanoff was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful growing of cannabis, she was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Pharsalia Court on a later date.
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Actress & Comedienne Amy Schumer will be performing Live Onstage tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. The show was announce over the weekend, it will start at 8:00 PM, tickets were sold out in 3 hours.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 36 year old Zane Marvin of Pitcher for criminal contempt and criminal mischief. Marvin was charged following an investigation into a complaint of an order of protection violation, after Marvin allegedly went to the residence of the protected party and kicked in the front door causing damage to the door. Marvin was arraigned in the Town of Pitcher Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail.

(Ian Law 4-23-18)

The expected end date for the entire Main Street Sidney project is July 25th.
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Saturday’s fundraiser for 2 year old Trinity O’Connor of Sidney & her family raised about $38,000. Organizers told WCDO News that about 600 people attended the fundraiser at the Sidney Elks Lodge Saturday, Trinity is suffering from a stage 4 cancer, and the medical bills & chemo therapy expenses are costly, Donations are being accepted through the O’Connor Strong Facebook page.
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Voters in the 102nd State Assembly District will have a special election Tuesday, to replace Pete Lopez, who accepted a position at the Federal EPA Last year. Candidates include Republican Christopher Tague, Democrat Aidan O’Connor Jr., and independent candidate Wesley Laraway. Polling places across the district will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced the seizure of 11 animals following a complaint of suspected animal neglect in the Town of Sanford & the execution of a search warrant, numerous cats, sheep, dogs, and foxes were removed from the property. 39 year old John Elmer was charged with failure to provide proper sustenance, failure to provide proper food, drink and wholesome air to an impounded animal; he was released on an appearance ticket in the Town of Sanford Court at a later date.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 43 year old Simeon Nesbitt of Oneonta for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, operating a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, insufficient plate lights, and failure to stop at a stop sign following a traffic stop on Townsend Street in the Village of Walton. Nesbitt was arraigned at the Village of Walton Court and released on $200 cash bail; he is scheduled to return to the Village of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charges.
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THE UPPER SUSQUEHANNA PEDDLERS & PADDLERS CLUB HOSTED THEIR SPRING CANOE RACE SATURDAY, FROM THE ROUTE 205 BRIDGE IN ONEONTA TO THE FISHING ACCESS IN OTEGO. IT’S THE 1st LOCAL RACE OF THE SEASON AS PADDLERS PREPARE FOR THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA. SEVERAL LOCAL PADDLERS HAD GREAT SHOWINGS, TREVOR LEFEVER AND BEN SCHLIMMER WON THE C-2 PRO CLASS WITH RYAN ZAVERAL AND SHANE MCDOWELL TAKING 2ND PLACE. TODD LEFEVER AND ROB BIRDSALL WON THE C-2 MEN’S STOCK UNDER 50 CLASS, JEFF PEDERSEN AND JOHN YOUNG CAPTURED THE C-2 MEN’S OVER 50 DIVISION CROWN, MIKE PACKARD TOOK 2ND PLACE IN THE C-1 UNDER 50 MEN’S DIVISION. MIRANDA ROBINSON AND HOLLY CROUCH WON THE C-2 STOCK WOMEN’S UNDER 50 CLASS. FULL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT NYMCRA.ORG.
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About 5,000 to 6,000 people attended the Oneonta OH fest Saturday. Main Street & Neahwa Park were the main locations for activities, the annual event is a collaborative efforts of SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College.
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Convicted murderer Ricky Knapp died in prison last month at the age of 66. Knapp was serving 25 years to life sentence for the 1977 killing of Linda Velzy in Oneonta, he had been denied parole 8 times & was due for a parole hearing later this year.
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State Police arrested 37 year old Christopher Ramey of Port Crane for Assault, Criminal Mischief and Reckless Endangerment after Troopers responded to a report of a victim who was struck by a vehicle. Ramey allegedly spun his tires while backing out of a driveway, struck 3 mailboxes & drove at a person, who jumped out of the way, but struck another person. The victim was later transported to Wilson Hospital, Ramey fled but was located in Port Crane, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $250,000 cash bail, pending court action Tuesday.
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(Walleys 17)

In the 4 people 70-miler, the local team of Jeff Shultis of Otego, Al Nichols of Laurens, & Larry Harrison & Bob Wisse of Oneonta took 2nd place, losing by just 24 seconds. Shultis told WCDO that he felt that they should have rested more:

(Shultis 17)

The Team finished the 70-miler in just 7 hours, 51 minutes & 51 seconds.
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Over 60 paddler Peter Heed of New Hampshire talk to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about how unique the Clinton Race really is:

(Heed 17)

77-year-old Don LaFever of Norwich & partner Rich Hall of Gilbertsville won the Men’s Recreation Class, LaFever spoke with Craig Stevens after the race:

(LaFever-17)

Over 1200 hundred paddlers competing in the 4 day event.
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New York’s highest court; The Court of Appeals will hear arguments over whether state statutes and its constitution provide room for physicians to legally prescribe medications to help terminally ill, mentally competent people end their own lives, if the patients choose. The action is being brought by 3 people who say they may face questions on whether to seek end-of-life medical assistance, as well as four physicians and a PhD nurse from End of Life Choices New York. 5 states have legalized a role for physicians to aid in patient suicides; they are Oregon, Colorado, Washington, California and Vermont.
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Binghamton Police arrested 34-year-old Edward McCray of Binghamton, following a domestic disturbance Saturday. McCray is accused of menacing his neighbors with a sharp object and was driving an SUV erratically, Police reported that McCray attempted to flee in his vehicle as officers arrived, striking 2 parked vehicles, and intentionally ramming 2 police vehicles, before driving a short distance & overturning his vehicle into a house at 6 Macon Street. McCray exited his overturned car and tried to run on foot, but police apprehended him & charged him with DWI, Attempted Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, Menacing, and Resisting Arrest. No injuries were reported.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34 year old Cherie Ebert of East Branch on numerous charges stemming from a report of an underage house party on May 20th in the Town of Hancock where alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs were alleged to have been used and consumed by minors. Deputies charged Ebert with 15 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child, criminal nuisance, and 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, A 16 year old was also arrested and released on an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana. Ebert was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 bail.
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Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will Celebrate Dairy Month at their next Breakfast this Friday, June 2, from 8:30 to 10:00 am in Franklin. The event will be held at The Tulip and Rose Cafe at 435 Main Street in Franklin, as part of the Chamber’s First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast. Todd Heyn of New York Farm Bureau will be the featured speaker. To RSVP or to sponsor an event call the Chamber at 607-746-2281. Members can also register online at delawarecounty.org.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Steven Smith Jr. of Franklin Friday, for DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, making an unsafe lane change, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. The arrest followed a 1-car accident on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin. Smith was later released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.
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The 55th running of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held this past weekend, with the World famous 70-mile races from Cooperstown to Bainbridge held yesterday. Canadians Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise taking 1st place in the 33 boat Pro race. Craig Stevens spoke to the pair after the race:

(Lajoie-Blais 17)

The pair neat out 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer from Oneonta by more than 7 minutes, to take home the $3,000 prize. Ryan Zaveral of Mount Upton & his Partner Guy Rousseau from Quebec placed 9th overall, and Regatta Hall of fame inductee Al Shaver Jr. of Meridale took 12th place with his partner Bruce Lee of Port Crane.
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In the men’s NYMCRA Stock Race, Scott Jordan of Otego & Jeff Newman of Unadilla took 1st place honors, Newman told WCDO how this 1st time team came together:

(Newman 17)

In the 70 mile Pro Race, Oneonta paddlers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer took 2nd place in the 2-person pro class, they told WCDO that it was difficult to keep pace with the 1st place finishers Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise:

(Schlimmer & LeFever 17)

LeFever 7 Schlimmer finished with a time of 7 hours, 36 minutes & 24 seconds.
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In the 1 man pro race, Canadian Tom Pellerin of Quebec beat 3 time winner Nick Walton of Michigan by just 1 minute & 16 seconds, Pellerin said that it was his 1st time race the 1-man class at the Clinton Regatta:

(Pellerin 17)

2nd place finisher Nick Walton told WCDO”S Craig Stevens that he would have like to have seen lower water levels:

(Walton 17)

Over 1200 canoe racers participated in the Clinton Regatta this Memorial Day Weekend; participants came from 28 state & Canada to compete.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 46 year old Shawn Springett of Sidney for 2nd degree Burglary and Criminal Mischief. Deputies arrested Springett following an investigation in the Town of Afton, after it was found that he allegedly entered a residence without permission and broke the homeowners belongings. Springett faces court action shortly.
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The Otsego County Health Department announced that a child safety seat check will be held today in Cooperstown. Technicians will be available at the parking lot of the Tops Market in Cooperstown from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 547-4230.
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(Dave Hamburg 8-2-16)

Chenango County Road 34 is closed from County Road 33 to Wells Road & County Road 37 is closed in the area of Phillips-Odell Road. In the town of Guilford, Stead Road, Crandall Road & Shumway Hill Road are closed. Otsego County Highway 18 from Gilbertsville to State Hwy 23 is also closed, County Officials & State DOT Officials remind motorists to never drive around barricades, as roads may be undermined below the road or along the edges.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested three individuals after they were caught in the act of trying to steal catalytic converters from Menards Garage in the Town of Oxford. Detectives conducted surveillance in Menards Garage, and at approximately 12:30 am Saturday, 3 suspects attempted to remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the lot. After a short foot pursuit, 27 year old Casey Towndrow & 20 year old Monica Towndrow were taken into custody. 27 year old Joshua Shurock was arrested a short time later as he attempted to pick up a co-defendant from an area near the scene. All 3 were charged with Criminal Mischief, Conspiracy & Attempted Petty Larceny. They are scheduled to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date. The City of Norwich Police Department and New York State Police assisted at the scene.
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Retiring Area Congressman Richard Hanna announced that he would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton over Republican businessman Donald Trump on Election Day in November. The 3-term Republican Congressman said that Donald Trump is “unfit to serve our party and cannot lead this country.” Hanna said that he decided to take action this week after watching Trump criticize the Muslim American parents of a U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq. He called Trump a national embarrassment, adding that Trump should not be “the guy you want to have the nuclear codes”
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SEVERAL LOCAL PADDLERS TRAVELED TO MICHIGAN THIS PAST WEEKEND TO COMPETE IN THE 2ND LEG OF THE TRIPLE CROWN CANOE RACING SERIES. THE MICHIGAN RACE IS THE AUSABLE RIVER CANOE MARATHON AND COVERS 120 TOTAL MILES AS PARTICIPANTS EVEN PADDLE THROUGH THE NIGHT TIME HOURS. BEN SCHLIMMER OF ONEONTA WAS THE HIGHEST FINISHING LOCAL IN 6TH PLACE. TREVOR LEFEVER OF ONEONTA WAS 7TH. LARRY HARRISON ALSO OF ONEONTA TOOK 25TH AND THE TEAM OF MIKE PACKARD FROM OTEGO AND JEFF SHULTIS OF UNADILLA TOOK 34TH. THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA IS THE FIRST RACE IN THE TRIPLE CROWN SERIES AND THE FINAL RACE IS HELD IN QUEBEC IN SEPTEMBER.  (Compiled by Nate Lull)
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State police continue to investigate the November 1983 murder of 19-year-old Bessie Williams of Johnson City. Williams was reported missing when she did not return home after she picked up her paycheck at the Quality Inn Lodge and Convention Center in Endwell. In April 1985, State Police responded to a report of human skeletal remains in a wooded area in the Town of Barker, which were identified as Bessie Williams, State Police have been attempting to identify a suspect whose vehicle was towed in 1983, from a field bordering the wooded area, the suspect was described as an intoxicated white male, 25 – 30 years old, 5′ 07 – 5’10”, medium build with a noticeable “pot belly”, wearing work boots, jeans and a blue wind breaker, in a late 70s white Ford hatchback, with unknown New York license plates. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police at 561-7497 and ask to speak with Senior Investigator Terry Shultz.
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The state Department of Health has never put to use any of the money generated through distinctive license plates and a license application check-off box to support New York’s organ donation campaign, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The “Life Pass It On” Trust Fund, had a balance of more than $1 million and it has not been used since its inception over a decade ago. DiNapoli recommends that the Department of Health establish and implement fund management controls to ensure that special revenue funds are utilized for their intended purposes, Regular monitoring of fund activity; and Communicating with DMV regarding revenue deposits and possible collaboration of marketing/promotional efforts. A copy of the report is available at osc.state.ny.us.
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State Police arrested 41 year old Jerry Stone Jr. of New Berlin for aggravated DWI, with a B.A.C result of .24% and other traffic tickets after a crash. Troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of a two vehicle crash on County Road 34 in the Town of Norwich. Stone was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the town of Norwich Thursday.
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The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the common council chambers at city hall.

(Dane Woytek 5-31-16)

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended the ceremony & spoke to the crowd:

(Crouch 5-31-16)

Congressman Chris Gibson told WCDO News he was proud of the finished park, as both the congressional representative for the area, and as a retired Army Veteran.

(Gibson 5-31-16)

Others who spoke at the ceremony Saturday, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, US Air Force Brigadier General James McIntyre, & Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is a Sidney High School Graduate originally from Masonville.
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Governor Cuomo visited the State Correction Officer Monday, who was injured by an exploding package left by his mailbox Sunday morning in Oneida County. The 52-year-old officer is in critical condition, & the FBI is investigating to see if the explosion was related to the victim’s job in the prison system & they are investigating the level of sophistication of the explosive.
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The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require lane closures in Binghamton, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Traffic will be reduced to 1 lane for concrete median barrier work at State Route 17 eastbound between Exit 70 Johnson City and Exit 72 Binghamton & State Route 17 westbound between Exit 72 Prospect Street and Exit 71 Airport Road.
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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Co-Chair Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez will convene another Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force Session in Southern Tier today. The session will be held at Binghamton University in the Innovative Technologies Complex in Vestal, at 4:40 PM.
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THE 54TH GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
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CANADIANS Guilame BLAIS AND MATTHEW PELLERIN FROM QUEBEC WON THIS YEAR’S TWO-PERSON PRO RACE. THEY BEAT 2ND PLACE FINISHERS, MATT RUDNITSKY FROM GILBERTSVILLE AND HIS PARTNER, 7 TIME REGATTA WINNER, STEVE LAJOIE BY JUST 68 SECONDS. PELLERIN TOLD WCDO IT FELT GOOD TO WIN THIS YEAR’S CLINTON REGATTA…

(REGATTA 2016-MATTHEW PELLERIN)

IN THE STILL “NEW” 4 PERSON CLASS, A LOCAL TEAM TOOK TOP HONORS. JEFF SHULTIS FROM OTEGO, ALLEN NICHOLS FROM LAURENS, LARRY HARRISON AND BOB WISSY FROM ONEONTA. HARRISON TALKED ABOUT THEIR TEAM….

(REGATTA 2016-LARRY HARRISON)

AFTER A 12-YEAR LAYOFF FROM RACING THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA, 36 TIME FINISHER BOB ZAVERAL TOOK TO THE WATER WITH HIS 23 YEAR OLD SON, RYAN FOR HIS VERY FIRST GENERAL CLINTON 70 MILE CANOE RACE. THEY WON THE MENS UNDER 50 YEARS OF AGE DIVISION. RYAN SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT THE RACE….

(REGATTA 2016-RYAN ZAVERAL)

WCDO’S SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL AND HIS PARTNER, BRETT SHERWOOD OF MORRIS TOOK TOP HONORS IN THE MENS RECREATION CLASS. IT WAS THE FIRST REGATTA VICTORY FOR BOTH PADDLERS. NATE SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS….

(REGATTA 2016-NATE LULL)

RACERS FROM 27 STATES AND 5 CANDIAN PROVINCES COMPETED DURING THE 4-DAY REGATTA

IN THE 70 MILE ONE MAN PRO RACE ON MONDAY, MICHIGAN’S NICK WALTON TOOK TOP HONORS FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 5 YEARS. WALTON SPOKE WITH WCDO’S CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE….

(REGATTA 2016-NICK WALTON)

IN THE STOCK ALUMINUM 70-MILE RACE, Brothers BILL AND BRIAN WALLEY FROM WALTON CAME IN FIRST WITH A TIME OF 9 HOURS 36 MINUTES AND 53 SECONDS. THIS WAS THEIR 3RD STRAIGHT VICTORY. CRAIG SPOKE WITH THE WALLEY BROTHERS AT THE FINISH LINE….

(REGATTA 2016-WALLEY BROTHERS)

THIS YEAR’S REGATTA FEATURED PADDLERS FROM 27 STATES AND 5 CANADIAN PROVINCES. NEARLY A THOUSAND PADDDLERS COMPETED OVER THE 4 DAY REGATTA.
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Approximately 1000 paddlers participated in the 54th General Clinton Canoe Regatta this Memorial Day weekend
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Long time Paddler Joe Shaw of Massachusetts won the 70-mile kayak endurance race & Spoke to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about the race:

(Regatta 2016-Joe Shaw)

Craig also spoke with Bryan & Rob Birdsall of Unadilla, the brothers took top honors in the Men’s NYMCRA Stock Endurance race:

(Regatta 2016-Birdsalls)

The 2016 General Clinton Canoe Regatta Pro race was won by Canadians Mathew Pellerin & Guillaume Blaise for the 2nd time in 3 years, WCDO’s Craig Stevens spoke with the winners after the race:

(Regatta 2016 Pro winners)

The Pair beat 2nd place finishers Matt Rudnitsky of Gilbertsville and 7-time Regatta Winner Steve Lajoie by 68 seconds. Local Paddlers Trevor Lefever & Ben Schlimmer of Oneonta took 3rd in the pro race.
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Paddlers from 27 States & 5 Canadian Provinces participated in this year’s regatta.
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1 of 2 men, who murdered 2 area convenience store clerks in the same week in September of 1982, has been denied bail. 66-year-old Thomas Marlowe will continue to serve 23 years to life in prison after being convicted for murder, robbery and perjury in connection with the killings of 22-year-old Christine Kamide of Binghamton and 19-year-old James Wilcox of Afton. 62-year-old Herman Neu was the gunman in those killing, he will not be eligible for parole until 2033.
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A new Siena Poll out Today shows that 60% of New Yorkers believe Governor Cuomo is an ethical public official. Cuomo’s top aide Joe Percoco and lobbyist Todd Howe are both under investigation currently with possible corruption involving the Governor’s Buffalo Billion Development plan. The poll also found that more than half of voters have the most trust in Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The Siena Poll surveyed 825 registered New York voters, and had a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points.
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The Vestal Police Department has identified the victim of a fatal crash early Friday morning. 56-year-old Paul Rymer of Owego was killed in a crash at about 4:00 AM on Route 17 in Vestal. Vestal Police & State Police reported that a tractor-trailer driven by 54-year-old Jacek Swiston of Vestal, attempted to make a U-turn through the median from the westbound lanes, when he pulled into the path Rymer’s pickup truck, which struck the trailer. Rymer was killed instantly. The investigation is continuing by the Broome County District Attorney’s office.
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A series of workshops will be offered to help area business owners and organization leaders with New York’s Consolidated Funding Application process. The workshops are sponsored by the MARK Project and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, they will be held at the Poppy’s in Downsville on June 7th, Delaware County e-Center in Delhi on June 8th, the Erpf Center in Arkville on June 9th, and at Hancock Town Hall on June 13th, all sessions will begin at 3:00 pm. More information is available at 746-2281.
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