WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo announced budget amendments to the 2020 Executive Budget to ensure towns and villages are not adversely impacted by changes to the Aid and Incentives to Municipalities program. The proposal would use additional sales tax revenue from the elimination of the internet tax advantage to keep towns and villages whole. Approximately $59 million in revenues for towns and villages are preserved through this action.    The State will also implement the Internet sales tax requirements earlier, starting June 1 of this year as opposed to September 1st.  The elimination of the internet tax advantage is expected to generate $390 million in additional revenue for local governments.

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43 year old Charles Green of Binghamton was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for participating in an area methamphetamines ring that brought crystal meth into the Southern Tier from Arizona.  Green was1 of 10 people arrested in 2016 in “Operation Hailstorm.”

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 26 year old Philip Misner of Oneonta, New York on one count Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree following a traffic stop on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin. Misner was additionally charged with Unlicensed operator, Speed over 55 zone, Operating a motor vehicle with registration suspended or revoked, and was released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

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Congressman Antonio Delgado will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 at the Delaware Academy high school auditorium in Delhi. Delgado’s town hall will begin at 5:30 PM in Delhi.

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The Department of Environmental Conservation announced that this weekend is the 1st “Free Fishing Weekend of 2019.  Anyone can fish without buying a license this Saturday and Sunday, More information is available at dec.ny.gov/outdoor.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36 year old Christopher Alvarez of Walton for 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation into a report of a child abuse in the Town of Walton. Deputies allege that Alvarez acted in a manner which was injurious to the physical, mental, and moral welfare of a child less than 17 years of age, he was arraigned at Walton Village Court and later release on his own recognizance. Alvarez is set to return to the Town of Walton Court on a later date for further court proceedings.

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Appointments are available Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Norwich. Residents who earned less than $54,000 in 2018 can work with trained community volunteers to help file income taxes,   To arrange an appointment, please call Cornell Cooperative Extension at (607) 334-5841, extension 11.

Governor Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act, which ensures those who abuse children are held accountable criminally and civilly and that survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a path to justice.  This legislation Increases the amount of time during which perpetrators of these crimes may be held criminally accountable; Allows victims of these crimes to start a civil lawsuit at any time before they reach 55 years of age; Provides victims whose claims have been time-barred a new opportunity for their day in court; among many other provisions.

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THE 3rd ANNUAL ONEONTA INDOOR HEART WALK AND HEALTH FAIR AT FOXCARE CENTER ON ROUTE 7 IN ONEONTA ON SATURDAY,FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM.  

(Gabby Argo 2-15-19)

REGISTRATION is $30 AND PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. KIDS 15 AND UNDER ARE FREE, More information is at bassett.org.

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The Binghamton Devils will host the 35th annual Heart Cup game as the Binghamton Police Department and Binghamton Fire Department will face one another on the ice, this Saturday, prior to the Devils’ game.   A portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold for the Heart Cup will be donated to the American Heart Association.  Visit www.binghamtondevils.com or call the Devils front office at 607-722-7367.  

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A Town of Worcester resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for one count of Aggravated unlicensed operation, following a traffic stop in the Town of Norwich.  38 year old Shawn Finch was allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Finch was taken into custody and arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court where he was released on his own recognizance. Finch is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

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A Town of Smithville resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Mischief and Harassment; 29 year old Jarid Winner was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute that occurred in the Town of Smithville, where he is accused of breaking multiple items and subjecting the victim to unwanted physical contact.  Winner was remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $500 cash bail.

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11 people were displaced following a fire at 16 Carlton Street in Binghamton early this morning.  The fire was confined to a 3^rd floor apartment buy Binghamton Firefighters, no injuries were reported.  The American Red Cross assisted those who were displaced by the blaze.

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52 Year old James Muller of Fly Creek has been arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, for failing to notify authorities of an address change, Muller is a registered sex offender.   State law gives a registered sex offender 10 days to report a change of address; Muller will answer to the charge in town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

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The Tri Town Relay For Life will have their 2019 kick off events” Carnival For A Cure” on March 6th at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street.  RSVP’s are requested by February 27th at 267-0014.  The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on March 6th. 

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The AO Fox Hospital tri Town Campus will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday February 18th from 1:30 to 6:30 PM.  Appointments can be made with the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.  All blood types are needed.

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The Binghamton Devils announced that they have partnered with USA Hockey & the Southern Tier Hockey Association to host a “Try Hockey Free Day” on February 23^rd at the Broome County Arena.  Parents can register their children for one of 2 time slots on the 23rd, by calling the devils office at 722-7367, more information is also available at binghamtondevils.com

Governor Cuomo launched a nationwide campaign to fight for tax fairness following Tuesday’s meeting with President Trump on the impact of the elimination of full state and local tax deductibility, which took from 12 Democratic states to give to Republican states:

(Cuomo 2-14-19)

Governor Cuomo and State Comptroller DiNapoli said that an update on State revenues from the Division of the Budget observed a decline by $2.3 billion in estimated payments of Personal Income Tax receipts in December and January, which was attributed to the federal tax legislation change which eliminated state and local tax deductibility.

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State Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his latest online survey regarding the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana.  Within the 52nd Senate District, 48% of respondents support the proposal, 46% oppose it and 5% are undecided.  Outside of the 52nd Senate District, respondents supported the measure 75% to 23% with 2% undecided.   Supporters said the legalization would increase tax revenues for the state, could reduce incarceration rates, Opponents cited potential dangers of more marijuana users driving under the influence, that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder drugs like heroin, along with negative affects to public health and safety.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is advocating for the restoration of proposed cuts to Aid and Incentives for Municipal Funding in the Governor’s budget proposal on behalf of Delaware County villages, towns and businesses. The Chamber has provided a draft resolution, created by elected officials in Masonville, to local municipalities for adoption, asking Governor Cuomo to stop slashing the funding, which would cut aid to Delaware County towns and villages by $339,000 in the 2019-20 tax year.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-13-19

Vincent Vetromile, Brian Colaneri, Andrew Crysel, and Nicholas Pheilshifter were indicted Monday in Monroe County Court; they were arrested last month for allegedly plotting a violent plan against the residents of Islamberg here in Delaware County.  The 4 had 3 homemade bombs and 23 firearms, they were charged with criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy.  Pheilshifter is 16 years old; his case will be handled in criminal court or family court.

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Governor Cuomo told reporters last night, after he returned from his meeting with the President, that Trump was open to discussing the SALT issue.  Cuomo said that  The president’s Economic advisor Lawrence Kudlow said that he we would sit down and go through the issues, President Trump said that he would like to see a package of reforms together.  Governor Cuomo refers to the SALT tax exemptions being removed from New York Property owners as a tax on taxes.

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State lawmakers are holding hearings today in Albany on the issue of Sexual Harassment in the workplace.   Victims of Sexual harassment & assault are describing their experiences to lawmakers in the hearings; their testimony may lead to reforms in the laws during this session.

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The Rotary Club of Sidney will be hosting a fundraiser next month for the Howard & Catherine Lynch Scholarship for a graduating Sidney High School Senior.  Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 2-13-19)

Tickets can be purchased at the Sidney & Norwich American Legions, at VEP+ on Main Street in Sidney, or by calling Larry Halbert at 237-4762.  The deadline to purchase tickets is March 6th.

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NYSEG representatives will be in the region over the next several months conducting a safety inspection of natural gas meters and services to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas to homes or businesses.  The inspections are mandatory by the New York State Public Service Commission to look for routine leaking problems and corrosion inspections. The inspections can quickly be completed.  NYSEG will be using the firm DDS and Heath Consultants, and they are legitimate contractors conducting this work on behalf of the company, they will introduce themselves and show green or orange company identification badges before entering your home.  More information is available at dps.ny.gov & then by searching Case Number 15-G-0244.

The Winter Storm Warning continues through tomorrow morning, Area Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 2-12-19)

Total accumulation of the snow & sleet could total up to 6 inches by the time the Winter Storm Warning expires Wednesday Morning at 7:00 AM.

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Binghamton Police arrested 45-year-old Wilfredo Pica-Torres on charges of murder, burglary and 2 counts of arson.   Pica-Torres is accused of entering an apartment at 109 Walnut Street, beating 2 people and setting a fire Saturday.  The deceased has been identified as 61-year-old Victor Banayan (Ba-NAY-an), an unidentified woman escaped; as did occupants in other apartments   the female victim suffered several fractures and other injuries. Pica-Torres was located nearby, where he is accused of starting another fire, where all of those occupants escaped.   Pica-Torres is being held pending future court action.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual “Irish for a Day” Festival on Saturday March 16th in Downtown Sidney.  Chamber Vice president Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 2-12-19)

Those who would like to participate as a vendor or in the parade are advised to contact the Sidney Chamber Office at 561-2642.

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34 year old Terrence Truitt of Oneonta will be released from Jail; he had been arrested in connection with the suspected arson Fire in Oneonta in December that killed former Oneonta freighter John Heller.  The investigation so far shows that Truitt may not have set the Walling Avenue fire, and another person of interest may be charged soon. 

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NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, is reaching out to job seekers across the state who may be between jobs or entering the job market for the first time to inform them about affordable health insurance options. NY State of Health certified in-person assistors will be available at more than 20 job and career fairs statewide throughout the spring to educate consumers about their health plan options through the Marketplace and make appointments to enroll.   More information is available at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov

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A Job & Internship Fair will be held on March 19th at the Hunt Union Ballroom at the SUNY Oneonta campus, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  More information is available at 436-2534.

A residence in Otego was completely destroyed by fire Monday morning in Otego.  Troopers were dispatched to a fire on County Road 5 in the town of Otego at approximately 1:09 AM, a 76 -year-old male escaped but did not have a way of calling for help.  A passerby called 9-1-1, The man was taken to A.O Fox Hospital for exposure. Otego Fire Department, Wells Bridge Fire Department and West Oneonta Fire Department all responded to the scene.  Members from the Otego Fire Department are working with county fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire.

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Governor Cuomo announced he will travel to Washington D.C. today to meet with President Trump on the devastating impact of the elimination of full state and local tax deductibility. Earlier this month, the Division of the Budget observed a decline by $2.3 billion in estimated payments of Personal Income Tax receipts in December and January, due to the news federal tax legislation, impacting New York more than every other state:

(Cuomo 2-12-19)

Amendments to the 2020 Executive Budget will include revisions to reflect updated impacts to the State financial plan, New York Continues to be the Number 1 donor state in the country sending Washington $35.6 billion each year.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 60 year old Robert Doyle of Windsor following a traffic stop Sunday evening.  Doyle was observed driving a Jeep with switched license plates, Doyle possessed a revoked New York State driver’s license and had 20 suspensions, he was also in possession of 5.8 grams of methamphetamine.  Doyle was arraigned for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Criminal sale of a controlled substance, Unlawful possession of marijuana, & Aggravated unlicensed vehicle operation, he was sent to the Broome County Jail without bail pending future court action.

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All of the remaining tenants in the apartments at 195 Main Street in Oneonta left by court order Friday afternoon.  Otsego County Supreme Court Judge John Lambert order the evacuation of the apartments, but not the 1st floor retail spaces, after building owner Melania Pervu failed to fix code violations; she is expected to list the building for sale.

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Governor Cuomo announced the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Counter Terrorism conducted counter terrorism exercises at 1,000 locations in 2018. During each exercise, counter terrorism experts from state and local agencies go undercover as customers and assess the ability of businesses to recognize and report suspicious activity. Additionally, the Division also partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement for “Operation NY-SECURE” which involved the completion of 20 counter terrorism and incident response exercises at rail stations throughout the state.  This year, the Office of Counter Terrorism partnered with more than 400 law enforcement personnel from over 100 agencies statewide to conduct exercises in every county.

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Governor Cuomo is calling for public hearings on the issue of Legalizing recreational marijuana use in New York State, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 2-11-19)

Colorado had a large uptick in motor vehicle fatalities from drivers under the influence after passing legislation for recreational Marijuana usage; they also experienced a large amount of revenue on the tax collected from selling marijuana.

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The Help Restore Hope Center provides services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chenango County.  Clinical Program Supervisor Patricia Pardy explained the program at WCDO this morning:

(Patricia Pardy 2-11-19)

The 24 Hour Hotline is 855-9-NOWSAFE; they also have a website with information at helprestorehopecenter.org.  A fundraiser for the program is being held this afternoon at Gilligan’s Ice Cream in Sherburne from 4:00 to 8:00 PM

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U.S. Marshals are on the lookout for Leroy Headley of Vermont, who is wanted for the murder of his spouse, sexual assault of a child & unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.  Headley could have travelled through upstate counties, he could be living under an alias, and he may have shaved his head or otherwise changed his appearance, and should be considered armed and dangerous.  U.S. Marshals are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Headley’s arrest.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshal Service at (202) 307-9100 or through their tipline at 1-877-WANTED-2

28 year old Devan Ellsworth pleaded guilty to 2nd degree manslaughter Friday in Chenango County, for causing the death of his infant daughter.  Ellsworth will serve at least 3 1/2 years in jail in a plea agreement.

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30 year old Shakia Crute of Johnson City was charged Friday with 2nd Degree manslaughter in connection with the death of her son Jerome Smith February 2nd. Crute was arraigned in Johnson City Village Court and sent to the Broome County jail pending future court action.   Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell said that Crute is accused of acting recklessly in causing her son’s death in Johnson City.

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1 Binghamton firefighter was injured & 1 person was killed in a fire Saturday morning at 109 Walnut Street in Binghamton. The fire was reported shortly before 3:00 AM Saturday,   3 adults and several children escaped the blaze, the injured firefighter was taken to Binghamton General Hospital, he was treated and released.  The investigation is continuing, the fire has been labelled as suspicious.

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State Police issued 7,891 tickets and arrested 139 people for impaired driving during the Super Bowl weekend impaired driving crackdown. The STOP-DWI initiative started on Saturday, February 2, and continued through 4 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019. During the special enforcement period State Police increased patrols and conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers.

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NYSEG officials announced that with the high wind advisories around the region, power outages are anticipated from downed tree limbs & power lines from the wind gusts.  NYSEG urges customers to avoid downed power lines. Even lines that appear dead can be deadly. NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

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Governor Cuomo announced that New York is making up to $31.6 million available to ramp-up the expansion of electric vehicle fast charging stations to serve the future electric vehicle market.  The plan approved by the Public Service Commission will leverage existing State Energy Research and Development Authority and New York Power Authority funds to spur the private-sector development of the charging infrastructure to support the goal of 800,000 zero-emission vehicles in New York by 2025.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old Shawn McGrath of Hamden on charges of Endangering The Welfare Of a Child and Harassment following a report of a domestic incident. Deputies accuse the defendant of engaging in a physical altercation in the presence of a child. McGrath was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance; he is scheduled to re-appear at Hamden Town Court at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 32 year old Bradley Wallace of Delhi, on charges of Criminal Contempt, Unlawful imprisonment & harassment following a report of a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Delhi. Wallace is accused of restraining another person while violating an order of protection issued by Delhi Town Court. Wallace was arranged in the Town of Delhi Court, he was releases on his own recognizance.

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The Sidney Central School District Board of Education has begun a search for a new Superintendent of Schools.  Sidney community, parents, staff and students can assist in developing a profile of desirable attributes/qualities of this individual, at the District’s Facebook page or website sidneycsd.org and complete the survey. All entries are anonymous.

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Delaware Valley Humane Society announced that they will hold a Bake Sale Tomorrow at the Sidney Great American from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  All Proceeds will go to the Delaware valley Humane Society.

State Police responded to a one-car fatal motor vehicle accident in the town of Harpersfield Monday Night.  The driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has been identified as 20 year old Clayton Collins of Jefferson; he was confirmed deceased by emergency responders.  Collins traveled off the roadway for an unknown reason and into a large tree.  The investigation continues.

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The Chenango Arts Council will feature the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater will be at the Martin Kappel Theater Saturday at 7:00 pm.  Council Executive Director Alecia O’Neill comments:

(Alecia O’Neill 2-8-19)

Tickets can be purchased online at ChenangoArts.org or by calling the box office at 336-ARTS.

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The Jericho Arts Council will bring the “Elvis and Orbison Show” to the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater this evening at 7:00 PM.  Tickets can be reserved at 288-3882

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with industry expert and consultant Jeff Bump of Grow Hemp New York, LLC for an informal, informational seminar and question and answer session about growing hemp today.   The discussion will be held at the Delaware County Business Center, 5 1/2 Main Street, Delhi from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon,  More information about the Delaware County Chamber is available at 746-2281.

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6ZERO7 Advertising will be hosting a *Valentine’s Day Gift Shop* at the United Methodist Church of Afton located at 34 Spring Street on Saturday, February 9th from 10am to 2pm.  Local vendors will be selling merchandise for Valentine’s Day shoppers, Tabitha’s Closet will also be open for the community and supporters to get a look at the mission.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Tabitha’s Closet; more information is available at 208-4077.

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Judge John Lambert ordered tenants of 195 Main Street in Oneonta out by this afternoon, after the Owner Melania Pervu failed to meet deadlines to get safety violations taken care of, that were established by the City of Oneonta.  Pervu had until January 11th to comply with the city’s building codes, and failed to do so, the retail spaces on the 1st floor will be allowed to remain; Judge Lambert declared that anyone left in the building after 4:30 this afternoon will be removed by Otsego County Sheriff’s deputies.

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A “vulnerable adult” was reported missing after he was last seen leaving Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown in January. 67 year old Chester Kucharski Jr of Oneonta was last seen leaving Bassett around 3:50 PM on Friday, January 25^th. Kucharski is described as 5’11, 150lbs, Gray Hair, Hazel Eyes, Police reported that he had been evicted from his residence in Oneonta and had been transported to Bassett Hospital. He was discharged from the hospital and has not been located.  Anyone with information on Kucharski is asked to contact the Cooperstown Police Department at 547-2500 extension 1.

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Officials from the New York Sherriff’s Association, the New York State Association of the Chiefs of Police along with the Association of County Health Officials, the state Parent Teachers Association and Triple-A New York all announced their opposition to a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in New York State, at a press conference in Albany today.  The concerns raised included the expected negative impact on road safety with more impaired drivers, as well as an impact on children and overall public health. Despite support from many at the state level, those opposed say the risk is not worth the reward.

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The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) will kick off the Annual Firefighter Winter Games in Cortland this weekend.   Hundreds of volunteer firefighters from across the State, dressed in full turnout gear, will participate in a variety of events and races throughout the weekend.   More information is available at fasny.com 

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Sidney Village Public Works Superintendent Mike Mercurio announced that crews have repaired a water main break near Bird Avenue area this morning.  Residents in that section of the village are advised to let their water run for a short period of time is it appears discolored.

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The Oneonta Police Department is reminding area residents to not fall for Scam Calls and Emails Impersonating the IRS.  At this time of year, Scammers and cyber thieves use the IRS as bait to scam unsuspecting & less tech savvy people, the most common tax scams are phone calls and emails from thieves who claim to be from the IRS & ask for personal financial information.  The IRS Does not make such phone calls, and complaint forms can be filed online at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today in the District Conference Room in the High School at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Wells Bridge today from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM.  The drive will be held at the Wells Bridge Fire Department, 104 County Highway 4, those wishing to donate blood can make an appointment with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  All blood types are needed.

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Otsego Express announced that Route 9 operated by The Arc Otsego will be canceled for today.

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