The State Health Department reported today that almost 72% of adult New Yorkers have received at least 1 COVID 19 Vaccine & 65.1% have completed their vaccine series. The Statewide 7 day rolling average for Positive COVID tests is .39%; The Southern Tier Counties is slightly higher at .42%.
———————————————————–
Oneonta area Motorists are reminded that NYSEG and DDS Companies will be digging at Woodside Avenue & East Street today, through Friday. Additional information is available by calling the Department of Public Service at 432-2100.
—————————————————
The Unadilla Valley Central School District will host a 5K run/walk at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, for 14 year old Cooper Hine, who is a Unadilla Valley 8th Grader, who was seriously injured in an ATV crash in New Berlin recently. Another fundraising chicken barbecue and Chinese auction will follow at the South New Berlin Fire Department on July 17th. Hine is hospitalized at the Upstate Medical center in Syracuse.
—————————————————
The Unadilla Rotary Club announced the return of the annual Autumn Fest, which will be held at the Covered Bridge Farm Market on Sunday September 26th at 10:00 am until 4:00 PM. Vendors can get more information at unadillarotary.org.
——————————————–
Chenango County Public Health announced that due to the continued decline in COVID 19 cases, they will release updates once a week. Currently Chenango County reported 7 active cases, 14 quarantines & no hospitalizations; they have had a total of 35212 cases, 3331 recoveries, & 77 deaths since the pandemic started 15 months ago.
A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-29-21
State Police responded Saturday to an ATV crash in the town of Davenport. 35-year-old Raina Andrews of Davenport was operating the vehicle, when it exited the roadway, struck a ditch and she was ejected. Andrews was transported by LifeNet to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with serious injuries. The investigation is on-going.
——————————————
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Walton resident June 19th on Delaware Street in the Village of Walton. Deputies observed a speeding vehicle traveling north on Delaware Street, they stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as 28-year old Kassondra Pierce of Walton, A routine DMV inquiry revealed that Pierce’s driving privileges and vehicle registration were suspended due to an insurance lapse. Pierce was charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle, speeding, operating an uninspected motor vehicle as well as other charges, her vehicle was towed from the scene & she was released to appear in the Village of Walton Court on a later date.
————————————————
The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage, Donors of all blood types; especially type O are urged to make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Blood drives this week include Today in Sidney at the Fire training Center on River Street from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, Today in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on market Street & tomorrow in Morris from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at the Episcopal Church, at 162 Main Street.
——————————————————————————————–
A Chenango County COVID vaccination clinic is being held today from 11:00 to 1:30 PM at the South Plaza in Norwich. The Moderna vaccine is being offered, no appointments are necessary. More information is available at 337-1660.
————————————————————–
]]>Delaware & Ulster Rail Road is participating in the 2018 Delaware County Toys for Tots campaign and passengers can ride the Silver Sleigh on Sunday, in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy that will be delivered to a Delaware County child in time for Christmas! For departure times and more information visit durr.org.
]]>(John Payne 12-1-17)
The Toys for Tots train is also scheduled to stop in Oneonta at about 1:30 PM Saturday.
————————————
The Bainbridge-Guilford Teachers’ Association is hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, tomorrow at the Greenlawn Elementary School Gymnasium. BG High School Teacher Amy LaFever told WCDO News that the proceeds would benefit the BG Angel Fund:
(Amy LaFever 12-1-17)
Among the activities from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM tomorrow, will be crafts for children, a Chinese Auction, a bake sale, and $5 pictures with Santa, plus a pancake breakfast in the Greenlawn cafeteria, more information is available at 437-7896.
——————————–
Santa will be appearing in Unadilla Saturday, with events starting at 9:00 AM with a Breakfast at the Methodist Church followed by Classic Christmas Movies at the Library. At 1:00 pm, The Parade line up on Sperry Street, at 1:30 pm, Santa arrives by Fire Truck at Community Center to meet with area children. Other Activities planned include Musical Performances by Unatego High School Band, & the Unadilla Rotary Club Basket Raffles. The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce and Unadilla Rotary Club sponsor the day’s events
——————————————
The Home for the Holidays Parade Hosted by Destination Oneonta will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Main Street in Oneonta. Following the Parade will be the 2nd Annual Gingerbread Jubilee & Gingerbread Contest in the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. The Inaugural Festival of the Trees will be held in the Foothills Production Room.
—————————-
The 8th annual Binghamton Train Show will held tomorrow at the American Legion on Robinson Street. The event is sponsored by Village Train & Hobby of Windsor, owner Jeff Olin comments:
(Jeff Olin 12-1-17)
Olin said that about 60 vendors would be set up Saturday; more information is available at 655-1700.
———————————
The annual Afton Christmas Parade will be held downtown tomorrow, spokesperson Kyle James explains:
(Kyle James 12-1-17)
The event is sponsored by the Friends of Afton; more information is available at their Facebook page, or by calling 208-5005.
—————————-
The Jericho Arts Council will have a performance with teh Binghamton Madrigal Singers Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Spokesman Phil wade explains:
(Phil Wade 12-1-17)
Wade said that tickets atre avaialebl at the box office at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Tickets can be reserved by calling 288-3882.
The State DEC, the Chautauqua County DA’s Office & and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department announced that 34 year old Thomas Jadlowski of Sherman, surrendered to officers, he is accused of shooting his neighbor, 43 year old Rosemary Bilquist, while she was walking her dogs on November 22nd. Jadlowski was arraigned on a 2-count indictment for 2nd degree manslaughter & hunting after legal hours. Billquist died from a gunshot wound at a local hospital within hours of the incident.
——————————————
New York State Office of General Services announced that a special exhibition at the Empire State Plaza, “AIDS: Art in Protest,” will open today on World AIDS Day. The event is free and open to the public, it will be held at the exhibit space located on the walls adjacent to the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop. The exhibit will be on display until January 1, 2018
——————————————-
The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “Jolly Holly Days” celebration this evening in Downtown Sidney. The annual Parade will start tonight at 6:00 PM, followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony, & Santa will be see area children at his headquarters at Whitaker Way.
—————————-
Tickets are still available for Carol of the King, The Irish Dance Christmas, at the Chenango Arts Council’s Martin W. Kappel Theater Saturday night. Council CEO Alecia O’Neill comments:
(Alecia O’Neill 12-1-17)
Tickets are available at 336-ARTS or ChenangoArts.org.
——————————–
A Chenango County Free Rabies Clinic will be held Saturday in Norwich. The clinic will be held at the Norwich Fire Station at 31 East Main Street from 9:30 to 11:00 AM Saturday.
————————–
(Trooper Erickson 5-10-17)
Trooper erickson is one of 35 new troopers that are assigned to Troop C in Sidney.
———————————————–
New York State Court of Appeals upheld a state law that allows for a permanent suspension of driver’s licenses for repeat drunk driving offenders. The 5 justices ruled unanimously in favor of maintaining the law, which allows for the DMV Commissioner to have the authority to refuse to re-license drivers who have lost their licenses to repeated drunk driving convictions.
—————————————-
State Police arrested 26 Year Old Kimberly Steeley of Worcester for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after an Otsego 911 report of an erratic driver on Chaseville Road in the Town of Maryland, a traffic stop was conducted when Steeley was observed making an unlawful U-turn. Troopers determined that Steeley was driving while impaired by drugs, the charge was a felony due to a prior DWI conviction. Steeley was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Maryland court on May 23rd.
——————————————-
CDO Workforce, the Delaware County Chamber, SUNY Delhi & others organizations are sponsoring a Job Fair at SUNY Delhi in Farrell Hall on June 20th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Exhibitors who would like to participate in the Job Fair must contact the Delaware County Chamber at 746-2281 to reserve a space.
———————————————
State Police responded to the Morris High School Tuesday, following an alleged threat by a student to bring a gun to school. The unidentified 16-year-old male student was removed & was sent for a mental health evaluation. State Police said that no gun was located & no injuries were reported.
———————————————
On Monday, State Police executed a search warrant in the Town of Milford. During the search, a quantity of heroin and cocaine as well as CASH, was seized, & 3 people were arrested on a variety of drug charges. Charged were 28 year old Richard Cushnie of Maryland, 37 year old Keith Blush, of Maryland, NY & 24 year old Kwannasia Barnes of Binghamton, all 3 were arraigned in Town of Milford court & were sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending future court action.
————————————
The State Senate passed the “Community Heroes Protection Act” with a 55-7 vote. The bill sponsored by Senator Fred Akshar would designate crimes explicitly made against law enforcement and first responders punishable as hate crimes. A recent study found that 135 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2016, the highest total since 2011. Of those killings, 21 came in ambush-style shootings – the highest total in more than two decades. The bill heads to the Assembly for consideration.
—————————————-
The Unadilla Rotary Club is hosting a “Meet The Candidates” night tonight at 8:00 PM, at the Unadilla Community Center, formerly the Masonic Temple, at 131 Main Street in Unadilla. All 6 candidates for 3 seats on the Unatego School District Board of Education will discuss their goals & answer questions, Unatego school district voters are encouraged to attend.
—————————–
The State Office of General Services will hold a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction has been scheduled in Binghamton today at 1:30 PM at their 241 Colesville Road location in Binghamton. A listing is available of items for sale can be found at ogs.ny.gov.
——————————–
(Steph Taylor 12-2-16)
Santa’s shop will be enclosed at the corner of Division & Main Street< canned donations are requested for area food banks.
————————————-
The Unadilla Rotary in conjunction with the Unadilla chamber of Commerce will hold Christmas in Unadilla Saturday. Rotary Spokesperson Kirsty Roefs explains:
(Kirsty Roefs 12-2-16)
The 2 organizations have teamed up to increase activity for the Annual Christmas with Santa in Unadilla in the village tomorrow.
—————-
Amtrak is hosting the Toys for Tots train in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps and in cooperation with the Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific railroads. The train will operate north on Saturday; it will depart Binghamton at 10:45 AM & will arrive in Bainbridge at 12:05 pm & in Oneonta at 1:30 pm.
————————
The Afton Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, featuring a parade with anyone wishing to participate. Spokesperson Kyle James explains:
(Kyle James 12-2-16)
More information about Christmas festivities in Afton is available at 208-5005 or 222-6272 or on the Friends of Afton Village Facebook page.
—————————————–
Governor Cuomo’s office announced that a special session of the legislature might be held before the end of the year. Lawmakers are lobbying for their first salary increase in 17 years, while the Governor wants more ethics reforms after another year of top level lawmakers & aids being arrested, or tried or convicted on a variety of corruption charges.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 5 SUNY Delhi students, 3 were involved in a “Drug deal gone bad” in the Village of Delhi. Deputies arrested and charged 20-year-old Naciar Odindo of Mt. Vernon, & 19-year-old Khalil Baldwin of Queens, for 4th degree Grand Larceny, plus Obstructing Governmental Administration & Criminal Possession of Marihuana. Police reported that both entered the Delhi residence or 21-year-old Dylan Freid of Syracuse, to buy marijuana, but subsequently decided to steal the marihuana instead. Baldwin and Odindo then fled on foot, Freid flagged down a Deputy and notified him of the theft of the marihuana, Baldwin & Odindo were apprehended. Freid was charged with Criminal Sale of Marihuana & Criminal Possession of marihuana, deputies also arrested 21-year-old Thomas Hite of Morris, and 20 year old Sharif Johnson of Queens, they were released on appearance tickets returnable to the Village of Delhi Court. Police seized 11 ounces of marihuana, synthetic marihuana, $931 dollars in cash, a handgun and a digital scale. Baldwin and Odindo were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 cash bail; Freid was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.
Norwich City Police have identified the victim of a shooting as 19-year-old Roxanne Shipman of Norwich on Thursday. Police responded to the report of a shooting Thursday at Division Street shortly after 6:00 PM, Shipman was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital where she died from her injuries. The Norwich Police Department and the State Police Forensic Investigation Unit are investigating; preliminary reports suggest that the shooting could have been accidental.
—————————————-
DELAWARE COUNTY Sheriff’s department arrested 67-year-old Charles Kwiesinski of Stony Point, for Harassment, for allegedly sending Menacing phone calls & voicemails to a Walton resident. Kwiesinski will appear in Walton town court at a later date.
——————————–
Governor Cuomo announced 3.85 million dollars in funding to support the state’s ongoing effort to combat Heroin & Opioid abuse. The funding will expand existing addiction support initiatives t ensure that 2 family support navigators and 2 peer engagement specialists are available in each of the state’s 10 economic development zones. More information is available at combatheroin.org.
———————————-
Veronica Taft of Binghamton has had her murder conviction dismissed, she was convicted previously for 2nd degree murder, manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child, for the death of her 2 year old son Lyric in 2010. An appeals court has ruled that there was conflicting proof went against the weight of the evidence presented on the murder & manslaughter charges, the convictions for endangering the welfare of a child stand.
————————————
Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law that will require telemarketers to use accurate caller identification information. The bill is expected to eliminate unwanted calls in which caller id information on the customers phone does not display the telemarketers company or correct phone number. Complaints can be filed with the FTC at 1-888-382-1222.
————————————
The state comptrollers office claims that they blocked 2,052 tax rebate checks worth $819,000 addressed to dead homeowners. Overall, the office returned nearly 32,000 checks totaling 32 million dollars to the state Department of Taxation & finance, avoiding them from going out erroneously last year.
————————————-
December in upstate New York is likely to be warmer than normal, but it’s not likely to break last December’s warmth & lack of precipitation. Forecasters believe that Lake effect Snow will fall, and a big storm could hit in the coming weeks, but they expect that temperatures will still be 1 to 1.5 degrees above usual December numbers.
———————————————
Phelps hose of the Sidney Fire Department is conducting a food drive at the Sidney Great American food store on Saturday from 9:00 AM until Noon. All food donated will go to the Sidney Food Bank.
—————————————-
]]>
(Kirsty Roefs 11-29-16)
A donation of canned food is requested for the Unadilla Area Food bank at Saturday’s events.
——————–
The New York Farm Bureau announced their disappointment today in Governor Cuomo’s veto of a bill that would have established a food donation tax credit up to $5,000 annually per farmer. The bill would have helped offset the cost of labor, packaging and transportation to get the food to regional food banks. It has passed the legislature the last 2 years; in 2015 the governor vetoed the bill after lawmakers did not include money in the budget to cover the cost of the n order to implement the tax credits. New York’s farmers donated approximately 13 million pounds of food to regional food banks through the Harvest for All program in 2015.
——————————–
Officials with the Federal Highway Administration and the New York state Department of Transportation will meet next month to discuss the removal of more than 500 “I Love NY” signs from the state’s roadways. The FHA has threatened to cut nearly $1 billion in federal funding to the state if the signs aren’t removed. State officials argue that the signs help promote tourism and provide valuable information about New York’s attractions. FHA officials say the signs don’t conform to federal standards and are dangerous because they contain too much information that drivers can become distracted.
———————————-
Firefighters from Laurens, Mount Vision & West Laurens responded to a fully involved shed fire last night that was in close proximity to a town of Laurens residence. The fire was reported at 989 County Highway 11 at about 11:30 PM, Fire fighters managed to keep the fire away from the residence, no injuries were reported, the was believed to be electrical.
———————————–
State auto repair shops that conduct inspections must now measure window tint before approving vehicles for operation, according to a new state law signed by Governor Cuomo this week. The law requires that vehicle windows let in at least 70 percent of light into the vehicle. The bill was one of over 130 bills submitted to the Governor earlier this month; he vetoed 72 and passed 62.
——————————————–
Hancock Police & State Police responded to the McDonald’s on West Main Street in Hancock Friday for a subject with a knife stabbing at the floor, Officers were able to disarm the subject who was hallucinating after taking several illegal drugs. 40 year old BRADEN ROSE of Horseheads, was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital and was treated & released, he was then charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000, The approximate street value of the drugs seized is approximately $10,000.
———————————————–
Governor Cuomo today announced the Taste New York initiative has surpassed the goal of doubling gross sales of participating businesses in 2016. Total gross sales of New York products from Taste NY stores, concessions and events have jumped from approximately $4.5 million in 2015 to more than $10.5 million to date in 2016. More information about Taste New York is available at taste.ny.gov; or at the Taste New York sites at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
————————————————
The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative will be today from 1:00 to 3:30 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. Oneonta received millions of dollars for downtown revitalization projects through the regional development councils, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig told WCDO News about today’s meeting:
(Herzig 11-29-16)
All meetings are open to the public and there is a period for public comment on the agenda near the end of each meeting.
—————————————————-
Non Profit organizations will come together today, to hold a “Statewide Day Of Giving” . Residents are encouraged to give to the non-profit organizations of their choice today online, as part of the nationwide “Giving Tuesday”. More information is available at nygivesday.org.
———————————————
(Heather Bucalos 9-16-16)
The event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday at General Clinton Park.
————————————-
The 7th Annual Sidney Center Tractor parade will be held tomorrow through the hamlet. Those wishing to participate should begin lining up at 9:00 AM, the parade will begin at 12:00 Noon, owners of farm & garden tractors, collectible cars, doodlebugs and amore are invited to participate. There will be a variety of entertainment, children’s activities, and a chicken barbecue, more information is available at 369-9494, 369-9074, or 369-4538.
—————————————-
The City of Oneonta & the municipal airport commission will hold Oneonta airport’s 50th anniversary celebration Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 391 Airport Road. There will be a variety of demonstrations, helicopters rides, & music throughout the event.
———————————————————————-
The 7th Annual Autumn Fest, presented by the Rotary Club of Unadilla, is this week on Saturday, September 17th from 10 am to 3 pm on the Unadilla Community Field (behind the Library at 193 Main Street.)
(Zoë Vandermeulen 9-16-16)
Complete Autumn Fest details are available at unadillarotary.org/autumn-fest or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unadillarotary.
——————————————————-
The 2016 Leatherstocking “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” will be held in Neahwa Park in Oneonta Saturday. The registrations will begin at 2:00 PM, & the walk will begin at 3:00 PM. More information is available at 518-867-4999 extension 213, or at alzwalkls.org.
———————————–
Today will be the last ” Fabulous Friday” of the year in Oneonta. The Oneonta History Center will have its annual Antique Appraisal Night from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Oneonta Historical Society. For More information is available at 432-0960 or info@OneontaHistory.org.
———————————–
The State Department of Health has been notified of a laboratory confirmed case of mumps at SUNY Oswego and another at SUNY Plattsburgh. The case at SUNY Oswego is likely associated with a mumps outbreak in Long Island, where 45 cases of mumps have been confirmed. The source of the SUNY Plattsburgh case is under investigation. Students, who are susceptible to mumps because they have not been vaccinated because they have religious or medical exemptions, have been told they will be excluded from campus for 26 days after the last possible exposure if they do not get vaccinated. Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, headache and swelling of the salivary glands. Mumps cannot be treated, however two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against the disease. More information about the mumps is available at health.ny.gov.
——————————————
The Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross and Preferred Mutual will be hosting a Home Fire Preparedness canvassing event in Norwich. American Red Cross staff and Preferred Mutual volunteers will be visiting residents on Conkey Avenue, Sheldon Street, and Canasawacta Street, installing free smoke detectors for those homes in need. The event will be this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, starting at the Norwich Fire Department at 31 East Main Street.
———————————–
The American Red Cross continues to hold more blood drives locally. today, a blood drive will be held in Norwich from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Guernsey Memorial Library, & in Delhi from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 3 Delview Extension. A blood drive will be held in Sidney Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church, at Bridge and Main Streets. Appointment can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
——————————————
THE OTSEGO COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT IS GIVING AWAY FREE EVERGREEN TREES between 2 to 10 feet high. COUNTY RESIDENTS CAN PICK UP TREES today, tomorrow & as well as Friday September 23rd & Saturday September 24th from 8:00 am to Noon, at the County Highway 11 Town of Laurens “Bone yard”. More information is available at 547-0538 or 547-4225.
————————————-
(Robin Beckwith 9-18-15)
The event will be held at the Chenango county fairgrounds beginning at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at the Norwich YMCA, Hummel’s, Garf’s Deli, Commerce Chenango & M&T Bank in Norwich, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Com.
—————————————-
The Unadilla Rotary Club is presenting the 6th annual Unadilla Autumn Fest on Saturday, Unadilla Rotary Spokesperson Zoë Vandermuelen explains:
(Zoë Vandermuelen 9-18-15)
The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Unadilla Community Field, more information is available at unadillarotary.org or the Unadilla Rotary Facebook Page.
————————————
The annual Sidney Center Tractor parade is this Saturday, Sidney Center Improvement Group spokesperson Terry Rendo explains:
(Terry Rendo 9-18-15)
Last year over 100 vehicles participated and several hundred people came into the hamlet for the event.
———————————-
The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older that are uninsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.
————————–
The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer 2 more “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” workshops! Today from 6:00 to 8:30pm, a workshop, with the theme “Americana” is scheduled, on Friday, October 2nd; another Wine & Design workshop is also scheduled from 6:00 to 8:30pm, with the theme “Spooktacular Full Moon”. The classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council art classroom at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.
————————
Aerial surveillance by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, State Police Aviation Division and CNET, led to the arrest of a Walton man and seizures of marihuana in the Towns of Walton and Harpersfield. 53-year-old William Picinich was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlicensed Growing of Cannabis and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Picinich will appear in the Town of Walton Court on September 23rd.
—————————–
The 19th annual Delaware County Clean Sweep chemical disposal days are scheduled this weekend. County Solid Waste coordinator Sue McIntyre told WCDO News comments:
(Sue McIntyre 9-18-15)
Businesses & farms dropped off their items earlier today; households will participate at their designated time tomorrow.
———————————
The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% to 5.2% in August 2015, reaching its lowest rate since May 2008, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. County-by-County breakdowns will be released shortly.
———————————-
The Let’s Make A Deal Live Stage Show Is Coming to the Floyd Maines Broome County Arena on November 2nd at 7:30 pm. The show is based on the long time TV show, Let’s Make A Deal Live, gives audience members a chance to make deals for big cash and prizes just like on TV. Let’s Make A Deal Live in Binghamton will be hosted by Mark Walberg, Reserved seats will go on sale Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or at 800 745 3000.
——————————–
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Brandon Lewis of Walton for various sex offenses. Deputies charged Lewis with 3 counts each of 2nd degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Acts & Sexual Misconduct. Lewis is accused of engaging in sexual acts with 2 victims less than 17 years old, on a number of occasions in Walton since last December. Lewis was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $20,000 cash bail pending further court action.
———————————-
Delaware County officials will hold 2 events on September 21st to discuss the growing problem of suicides in the county. Suicide Prevention Network Chairperson Rene Stratton explains;
(Renee Stratton 9-14-15)
Stratton said that Delaware County has a suicide rate of 17.2 per 100,000, which is above the state average.
——————————-
Trooper Donald Atkinson was issued a certificate of appreciation by Colonel Edward Chamberlayne, of the US Army Corps of Engineers, for his heroic efforts on July 15th at the Whitney Point reservoir. The certificate was in recognition of action taken by Trooper Atkinson who rescued a 14-year-old girl who was trapped in the strong current as she swam by the intake to the Whitney Point Reservoir.
———————————
The Oneonta Department of Public Service will continue flushing water mains on the low service through September 25th. Officials said that the flushing includes everything East of Otsego Street, to East End Avenue, and the to end of the city water distribution center just before Fox Care. Water users in those areas may experience a change in water color or pressure; more information is available at 432-2100.
——————————
The Unadilla Rotary Club will host their 6th annual Autumn Fest this Saturday, spokesperson Zoë Vander Muelen explains:
(Zoë Vander Muelen 9-15-15)
complete details of the events at Unadilla Autumn Fest are available at Unadilla rotary .org or on the Unadilla rotary Facebook page.
—————————————–
(Tina Niles 8-18-15)
Tickets for 42nd Street are on sale at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster. Season Tickets are still on sale at BroadwayinBinghamton.com or by calling The Broadway Theatre League at 772-1391.
————————————
The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 5:30 PM. It is anticipated that the Board will move into Executive Session to discuss a particular personnel issue.
——————–
Sidney Village Superintendent of Public Works Mike Mercurio announced today that work would begin at 8:30 tomorrow morning on the traffic light at the intersection of Main & River Street in downtown Sidney. Mercurio told WCDO News that the 1962 state installed light stopped working on March 11th, and parts were no longer available.
—————————————
The Norwich Fire Department reported that Route 12 just south of the City was completely shut down due to a hazard chemical spill earlier this afternoon. The highway had to be closed for several hours for the investigation & clean up; Businesses in area of Price Chopper Plaza have not been accessible since the spill. More details will be released as soon as possible.
——————————–
Wednesday is Day 3 of the Delaware County Fair; it will be Kids Day according to Fair Spokesman John Jackson:
(John Jackson Wednesday)
The Fair runs through Saturday night at the Fairgrounds in Walton, concluding with the country music concert headlined by Parmalee & Jana Kramer. Daily Schedules are available at DelawareCountyFair.org.
—————————————-
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has been allotted a single ticket to the Joint Meeting of Congress with Pope Francis on September 24th in Washington, DC. Those interested must sign up by August 26th and enter the raffle for the chance to win either a pair of tickets to see the Pope in the Audience outside the Capitol or the single ticket to hear him speak before Congress. 1 Joint Session ticket winner and 100 winners of a pair of tickets to the Papal Audience will be notified on August 27th.
—————————————–
State Police in Deposit arrested 20-year-old Shawn Stamper of Johnson City, for Driving While Intoxicated, following a report of an accident with injuries on Chestnut Street in the Town of Windsor. Stamper was charged with DWI after he crashed into a guide rail and overturned, he was transported to Wilson Hospital with lacerations to his face, he was issued tickets for Town of Windsor Court on August 24th.
———————————–
United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is seeking donations of kid friendly foods and children’s hygiene items for its 2015 Food and Hygiene Supply Drive. Susan Kurkowski of the United Way told WCDO News what items can be donated:
(Susan Kurkowski 8-19-15)
The drive will begin tomorrow and run through September 14th, when the United Way officially kicks-off their 2015 Campaign. All donations will be given to backpack programs and food pantries in both Delaware and Otsego Counties. United Way will be partnering with Opportunities for Otsego and Delaware Opportunities to get the supplies delivered. More information is available at 432-8006.
————————————
(CUOMO 9-16-15)
The governors will convene a meeting to review initial recommendations in 10 days. In 30 days, the group will again report directly back to both governors with any and all further findings and recommendations.
——————————————–
Former Greene Police Chief Steven Dutcher pleaded guilty to 2 counts of official misconduct and 1 count of criminal contempt in Broome County Court. Dutcher purchased items with village funds for personal use, if Dutcher pays $3,038 in restitution to the village of Greene, he will be placed on probation and fined $1,000.
—————————————-
Broome County Executive Debbie Preston presented a $365 million budget to the County Board Monday. Preston said the budget contains a 2.5% tax levy increase, due to unfunded state mandates & the rising costs of doing business. Taxpayers would see an annual tax increase of $5 per $80,000 in home value if the budget is passed by county lawmakers.
—————————————–
The DEC reminded hunters to apply for deer management permits this week, ahead of the October 1 deadline. Hunters can apply for up to 2 deer management permits once they have secured a hunting license. Sporting licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC’s 1,100 license sales outlets, or ordered at 866-933-2257, or online at dec.ny.gov/permits.
————————————-
The Unadilla rotary club is hold an Autumn Fest in Unadilla this Saturday. Rotarian Zoë Vandermeulen explains:
(Zoë Vandermeulen 9-16-14)
The event runs form 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Unadilla Community field Saturday.
———————————
New York tax collections have continued to rise despite a growing income gap between its richest residents and everyone else, even as a national study shows overall growth in state tax receipts slowing as the income gap widens across the U.S. State officials say New York’s progressive income tax rate, which rises from 4 percent to nearly 9 percent for earnings above one milliond dollars, buoys its largest revenue stream for public services and helps insulate it from the problem faced by states dependent on more regressive taxes like sales taxes. New York’s annual average tax revenue growth is 3.28 percent so far in this decade.
————————————
State Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera has convened a Wage Board as directed by Governor Cuomo. The Board will investigate what, if any, modifications should be made to the required cash wage rates, and the allowable credits for tips, meals and lodging for food service workers and service employees in the hospitality industry. The Wage Board, made up of members representing labor, businesses and the public, will make a recommendation to the Commissioner by February 2015
—————————————————
New York ranks near the bottom for nursing home quality in an annual report that analyzes nursing home care in each state. The report by Families for Better Care, a Florida-based nursing home advocacy group, gives New York an overall grade of F and a rank of 45. New York received the same score and ranking in last year’s report. The report evaluates states on eight quality measures ranging from the average amount of nursing home staffing to the percentage of facilities with deficiencies. New York got failing or below average grades in five of eight categories. Read more at nursinghomereportcards.com
————————————-