WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-21-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 21, 2015

Former Sidney Town Supervisor & Sidney Fire department Chief Joe Maddalone has died. Maddalone died Friday at the O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, He served as Sidney Town Supervisor for 12 years after serving on the town board for many years, and he also served in the Fire department for 50 years. Calling hours at C.H. Landers Funeral chapel will be today from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty St., Sidney.
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Congressman Richard Hanna announced yesterday that he would not seek re-election to Congress in 2016.

(Hanna 12-21-15)

The 64-year-old Republican was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced that they would hold the annual State of the State Breakfast on Tuesday January 5th. The event will begin at 8:00 AM at The Otesaga Resort Hotel of Cooperstown.
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State Police arrested 34-year-old Christopher Carlson of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania for DWI after a traffic stop for speeding at 84 miles per hour on I-88 in the Town of Otego. Carlson was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Otego Court on January 7th.
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Governor Cuomo announced that he would use his pardon power to alleviate the barrier of a criminal conviction for people convicted of non-violent crimes committed when they were minors, and who have since lived crime-free for 10 or more years. This action advances the principles from his Raise the Age Campaign, which calls upon New York to join 48 other states in recognizing that 16 and 17 year old children do not belong in the adult court system.
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Guilford Town Justice David Daniels has vacated that position following an investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. Daniels has agreed that after this investigation into incidents while serving as Guilford Town Justice, he has stepped down & he will neither seek nor accept judicial office at any time in the future. Daniels served as town justice since 1995.
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American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood for hospital patients in need. Healthy donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. The next blood drive will be today in Oneonta at Interskate 88 On state route 23 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32-year-old Joshua Whaley of Pitcher on an active Arrest Warrant. Deputies arrested Whaley, who was found to be hiding inside a residence, he was located and taken into custody without incident and turned over to the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-18-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 18, 2015

State Police responded to the report of a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Highway 8 in the Town of Norwich, Thursday. Investigation revealed that 43-year-old Yae Yar of Utica entered the opposing lane to pass an un-involved tractor-trailer, his vehicle struck another driven by 27 year old Joanna Stanimer of West Edmeston.   Yar was pronounced dead at the scene from internal injuries, 36 year old Me Me was transported to Tri Town Hospital in Sidney where she was pronounced dead on arrival from internal injuries.   Stanimer was air lifted to Wilson Hospital by Lifenet and remains in critical condition with internal injuries.   Autopsies on the 2 deceased persons will be performed at Lourdes Hospital. 4 other people were taken to area hospitals with a variety of injuries; all were listed in serious but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s & Sidney Police arrested 3 people in the Village of Sidney Thursday following narcotics trafficking investigation conducted. Arrested were 22 year old Harry Ramirez of Sidney and Bronx with 2 charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and one charge of 3rd degree Robbery.   Ramirez is accused of forcibly stealing money from a cooperating witness, was found to possess a quantity of heroin with intent to sell. Police conducted a search of Ramirez’, Sidney residence, 44 year old Dawn Beta, and 29 year old Jasmine Santiago of Valley Stream, are accused of possessing and unsuccessfully attempted to flush and destroy heroin.   Beta and Santiago were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Tampering. Police seized heroin, liquid PCP, hypodermic instruments and more than $1000 cash. All were arraigned, Ramirez were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $350,000 cash bail. Beta and Santiago were each remanded on $250,000 cash bail pending further court action.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported bomb threat at DCMO BOCES Harold Campus in the Town of Masonville Thursday. A written threat to the building was located in a bathroom, students were evacuated & The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and State Police Explosives Detection K9 unit searched the school and were unable to locate explosives. 16-year-old Andrew Slentz of New Berlin was arrested for 1st degree filing a False Report; he was arraigned in the Town of Masonville Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail. Slentz will reappear in the Town of Masonville Court at a later date.

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State Police and local law enforcement will participate in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign through Friday, January 1st. Troopers will sobriety checkpoints, & they will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not buckled up and drivers violating the “Move Over Law”.   Last year, State Police issued more than 49,000 tickets, more than 17,000 were for speeding, 1,730 were for distracted driving and 697 for the Move Over Law. There were also 702 people arrested for DWI and 13 people killed in vehicle crashes.

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The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York called on Governor Cuomo to sign the 10-year smoke alarm bill into law. The bill, which requires all smoke alarms sold in New York State to have sealed, tamper proof, ten year batteries, now sits on his desk after passing both houses of the legislature.

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The Binghamton Senators host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this Saturday at 7:05 PM for their Ugly Sweater Night. The B-Sens will be wearing special Christmas-themed game jerseys that will be auctioned off post game. All fans that wear their own ugly Christmas sweater will receive a coupon good for one FREE TICKET to the Friday, January 8, versus the Utica Comets.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Holiday House Decorating Contest this weekend, Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 12-18-15)

Green said that those wishing to be judged should leave their decorations lit Tonight, Saturday Night & Sunday Night.

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American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood for hospital patients in need.   Healthy donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. The Next Chenango County Blood Drive will be in Afton Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. at the Afton United Methodist Church, 34 Spring Street

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The Sidney American Legion Annual Kids Christmas Party will be held this weekend, spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 12-18-15)

Halbert said that the event will run from 12:00 Noon until about 1:30 this year.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-17-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 17, 2015

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico has promoted Troop C Major Donald Faughnan to the rank of Staff Inspector and has assigned him to Internal Affairs in Liverpool. The Superintendent has also promoted Captain James Barnes to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C Headquarters in Sidney. Major Barnes started his career in 1989 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C and has received several promotions through his career.
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State police are investigating an two-vehicle crash with serious personal injury on state Route 8 in the town of Norwich, between Holmesville Road and county Route 34 at about 7:35 this morning. Several area emergency squads responded to a 2-car Accident Initial reports have 6 injuries, & 1 fatality, State Route 8 was closed for several hours for the investigation. More details will be released as they become available.
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State Police and local law enforcement across New York will participate in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Friday, December 18, 2015 through Friday, January 1, 2016. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.
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Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new ‘Kitchen Table Toolkit’ as part of the State Combat Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse campaign. This toolkit features 2 new videos, which can be used by parents, teachers and community members, concerning the health risks and dangerous consequences of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse. to download the toolkit, visit talk2prevent.ny.gov or call 1-877-8-HOPENY
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In November 2015, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 13,100, to almost 7.9 million, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate stayed at 4.8% in November, remaining at its lowest level since November 2007. The national unemployment rate was 5.0% in November.
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State DOT announced the opening of 2 bridges carrying Route 28 over the West Branch of the Delaware River in the village of Delhi. A $1.5 million project to rehabilitate the bridges is now substantially complete, it included repairing the concrete bridge deck, paving and repainting the bridges, Sidewalk and pedestrian railings also were repaired as part of the project. The bridges are located in succession and cross 2 legs of the River, they were built in 1940.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that 6 Farm to School programs have been awarded funding to help increase the use of healthy, locally grown foods on school menus. In the Southern Tier, the Broome-Delaware-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services: Southern Tier Farm to School Project receives $74,970, to employ a Farm to School Coordinator and a Farm to School Consultant to train food staff, purchase specialized equipment to transport specialty crops and to recruit farms, food hubs and processers within a 6-county region.
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Governor Cuomo today directed State Department of Public Service CEO Audrey Zibelman to immediately begin a full investigation of the operations and safety protocols at Indian Point Nuclear Facility. The Governor’s action comes after the unexpected shutdown of Indian Point Unit 3 – which marks the 13th unplanned shutdown at the facility since June of 2012.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Board of Education has begun its search for a new Superintendent of Schools. The Board is interested in soliciting feedback from the community on the final 3 superintendent candidates. Parents and community members who are interested in serving on the Community Interview Committee should notify the District Office at 967-6321, no later than Thursday, January 7th. Members of the Community Interview Committee must be available to attend a workshop for all committee members on February 2, 2016 at 3:30 pm as well as the three finalist interviews on February 9, 10, and 11 at 4:30 pm each afternoon. A committee of 7 to 10 people will be selected by the Board of Education.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-16-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 16, 2015

Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that combats the proliferation of clothing collection bins provided by fake charities by imposing stricter regulations on the placement, maintenance and transparency of collection bins across the state. The legislation prohibits placement of collection bins on public property and imposes maintenance requirements of such bins. The law also strengthens operator transparency by imposing disclosure requirements, including indication as a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. Additionally, disclosure is required if the bin is operated by a for-profit business in conjunction with a nonprofit organization. Bin owners are subject to fines for violations of the bill’s disclosure and maintenance requirements.
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Delaware County Deputies arrested 55-year-old Kathryn Southerton from Delhi for Petty Larceny and Resisting Arrest. Southerton is accused of refusing to pay her bill at the Delaware Valley Humane Society and then fled on foot with her dog. Deputies located her and her dog in an adjacent field, she attempted to flee deputies by going into the river and then refused to cooperate with deputies when they attempted to place her is custody. She was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail. She is scheduled to re-appear in the Town of Delhi court of December 22.
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State Police arrested 27-Year-old Michael Tenace of Oneonta for criminal contempt, after troopers were advised that Tenace allegedly showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment, which violated a prior court order of protection. Tenace was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that 16 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State as a result of START-UP NY program that establishes tax-free areas associated with colleges and universities across the state. The Governor announced that efforts at SUNY Binghamton University will result in 21 new jobs, as SensAttire, they will locate to the incubator at the Engineering and Science building in Vestal. The company will not only create 21 new jobs but they will also invest over $3,00,000.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties continues to perform free screenings for women & men who are uninsured or under-insured. There are no income requirements; those interested in free health screenings can call 1-888-345-0225 for an appointment or more information.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced a $70,000 legislative grant to support improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport. Senator Seward announced the grant during a ribbon cutting for the first-phase of renovation work performed at the airport terminal by students at the Oneonta Job Corp Academy. New upgrades at the airport include: a new conference area; ADA compliant bathroom facilities; and exterior painting. The grant will fund additional interior improvements such as: security and fire alarm systems; entry gate detection loops; computers; and conference room area displays. Otsego Now will also be studying additional improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport after receiving a $50,000 grant through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
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State Senator Fred Akshar & Rebuild New York Now are urging Governor Cuomo to fund upstate infrastructure projects at the same rate as downstate projects:

(Fred Akshar 12-16-15)

Akshar said that about 6,000 bridges and 60% of upstate roadways are in need of repair.
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Governor Cuomo announced the release of program criteria for the $25 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program. The eligibility requirements are now available online at agriculture.ny.gov. The program will provide funding for projects designed to help farms and agribusinesses expand and grow their operations, as well as increase environmental enhancements in Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties locally. Applications will be available beginning January 19th. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-15-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 15, 2015

State Police are currently looking for a 67 year old New Jersey man who was reported missing from his hunting cabin on Streeter Hill Road in the Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County. John Bourgholtzer is a white male who is 6’ tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes Mr. Bourgholtzer was last seen on December 12, 2015, at about 8:00 a.m., leaving his camp to go hunting by himself. He may be driving his 2011 Ford Focus with New Jersey license plates KDN45E. Anyone with information please call the New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced settlement agreements with 30 online retailers from across the country that sold illegal toy guns to consumers in New York State. The toy guns in question violate a state law that prohibits the sale of imitation weapons, which are toy guns that look too much like real guns. Today’s announcement follows a related investigation of major retailers this summer that included Wal-Mart, Kmart, Amazon.com, and Sears. Those retailers paid of over $309,000 to settle the investigation and agreed to comply with applicable state laws.
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State Police at Sidney arrested 38 year old Karlton Tompkins of Mount Upton for Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. This arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a report of a man sleeping at the wheel of a parked vehicle at the Valero gas station on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. The responding trooper saw Tompkins sleeping behind the wheel of a parked vehicle with the engine running, Tompkins was impaired by drugs, he then physically resisted and fought momentarily but was handcuffed. After Police impounded the vehicle, a small amount of methamphetamines was recovered. Tompkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Guilford court on December 22nd.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old David Franklin of Oxford for 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Detectives arrested Franklin while investigating a Larceny from an Oneida County Business; Detectives located and recovered the stolen property in Franklin’s possession in the City of Norwich. Franklin was arrested and arraigned on a Chenango County Court Warrant and was remanded without bail, he was issued appearance tickets to appear at a later date in City of Norwich Court. Additional charges are pending in Oneida County.
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A Town of Columbus resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny. Detectives arrested 20-year-old Maxwell Horton; Detectives located and recovered the stolen property, which had a value of over $3,000. Horton was arraigned in the Town of Columbus Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $3,000 cash bail.
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30 year old Gregory Eager if East Worcester has been charged with 2nd degree grand larceny, for allegedly stealing over $83,000 from the East Worcester fire department. Eager turned himself Monday he is accused of embezzling the money from July 2013 until recently, while serving as the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief and the secretary/treasurer. Eager was arraigned, and faces court action on January 5th.
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NY State of Health announced the December 15th deadline for individuals enrolling or renewing health insurance coverage that takes effect January 1st, has been extended through December 19th. NY State of Health’s Customer Service Center answered more than 170,000 calls from New Yorkers last week with call volume averaging more than 34,000 calls per day. A new option on the Marketplace for 2016 is the Essential Plan for lower income individuals and families between 138-200% federal poverty level, which will lower premiums to $20 or less a month and provide comprehensive benefits for hundreds of thousands of lower income New Yorkers. Additional Information on the Essential Plan can be found here, info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
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The village of Bainbridge will hold a public hearing today on their Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will begin tonight at 6:30 PM at the village offices.
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The ONEONTA COMMON COUNCIL will hold their next meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor.

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Governor Cuomo stated that at approximately 7:00 pm, Unit 3 at the Indian Point nuclear facility shut down. The cause is currently unknown; the Department of Public Service is conducting the investigation into another unexpected incident at Indian Point. The company reports there was no radioactivity released to the environment. Cuomo said that “Because of the number of recent unplanned outages, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s requirements will result in increased inspections and scrutiny of the plant.
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State Police are currently investigating a burglary to the Quickway convenience store located at State Route 205 in Hartwick, on December 7, at about 1:45 a.m. The suspect is a white male with short hair who was wearing a green sweatshirt or jacket, driving a gray Ford Focus possibly between 2008- 2011 model years. Anyone with information is asked to please call the State Police at (315) 858-1122. All information will be kept confidential.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 men in connection with multiple burglaries in Chenango County, the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania. The Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Nicholas Neer of Port Crane and 27 year old William Polhamus from the Town of Greene, for allegedly committing 2 burglaries in the Town of Greene & 1 in the Town of Oxford. Several pieces of stolen merchandise were recovered during the investigation. Both men were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests will be made. The State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
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State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Oneonta Municipal Airport in Oneonta this afternoon, with local officials with the Oneonta Airport Commission and the Oneonta Job Corps to unveil improvements at the airport. Senator Seward will also announce additional funding to support future upgrades.
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Governor Cuomo outlined the latest efforts of his Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation. From the start of 2015 to today, the State has recovered and returned $28.9 million to more than 24,000 workers who were victims of wage theft. The Task Force has officially launched more than 450 investigations, finding more than 2,700 violations, including theft of wages, failure to protect workers with mandatory Workers’ Compensation coverage and retaliation against workers who complain about violations of the law. The cases affect more than 2,000 workers in New York State.
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Governor Cuomo today announced the growth of agricultural sales in New York outpaced the national average, with cash receipts up 36% across the state and only 32% nationally. In 2014, farmers in New York State also set a new record for sales with $6.36 billion in cash receipts, representing a nearly $1.7 billion increase in gross income from sales of crops, livestock, and other products.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-14-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 14, 2015

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to expedite the freedom of information law appeals process. The order fast-tracks FOIL appeals by requiring that all state agencies file notice of an appeal, settle the record on appeal, and file a brief within 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances outside agency control. The Governor will introduce legislation in the upcoming session that encompasses the order, while also correcting the serious flaws of 2 Assembly Bills.
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State Police arrested 48-year-old George Velten of Guilford for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, after Velten was stopped during a road check on County Route 35 in the Town of Guilford. Velten’s license showed that he had 12 suspensions on 10 different dates, he was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 property bond.
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90% of New Yorkers say they are somewhat concerned, 60 % say they are very concerned, that another terrorist attack will happen in New York in the near future, according to a new Sienna College poll released today. 63% said they have not changed their lifestyle out of fear of a terrorist attack. By a 52-39 percent margin, voters oppose allowing Syrian refugees to come to the United States at this time. 90% also believe that corruption in Albany is still a serious problem, and by a 3-to-1 margin, voters say new laws are needed to prevent further corruption in state government. 2/3rds also agree with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that daily fantasy sports games are gambling and illegal in New York.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Nobel of Meridale for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus several traffic summons related to the accident. Nobel was arranged in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. Noble is to re-appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.
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State Police arrested 25-year-old Dustin Phillips of Binghamton for criminal possession of a weapon, after troopers responded to assist an Environmental Conservation Officer who was out with three men shooting on state lands in the Town of Kirkwood. An investigation determined that Phillips and two other men where shooting shotguns at targets, Phillips is on parole and also is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms; he faces court action on Tuesday.
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Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor’s homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

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Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were found guilty Friday of 8 counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his power as Senate Majority Leader to get no show jobs to his son Adam. The conviction means that Skelos has been removed from the Senate seat that he held onto after resigning as Senate Leader in May.
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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Cuomo announced a push to prevent known or suspected terrorists from purchasing guns in New York State. Schumer commented at a Press Conference this weekend:

(Schumer 12-14-15)

Schumer said that the request became necessary after legislation in the US Senate did not pass, that would have closed the “Terror Loophole”.
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The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Drive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing for one of the season’s signature events: Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, set to return over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2016 Classic will be held on Saturday, May 28 at Doubleday Field. New in 2016, the Classic moves to 1:00 PM, with the popular Home Run Derby starting at noon. Tickets for the 2016 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale on Monday, March 7th.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-11-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 11, 2015

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.
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The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.
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Governor Cuomo announced the final report and recommendations of the Common Core Task Force. The Task Force recommends overhauling the current Common Core system and adopting new, locally driven New York State standards in a transparent and open process. The Task Force also recommends that current Common Core aligned tests should not count for students or teachers until the start of 2019-2020 school year to ensure the system is implemented completely and properly to avoid the errors caused by the prior flawed implementation.
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A state judge has banned DraftKings and FanDuel from doing business in New York State today. The order was issued today by state Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, after Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the 2 companies are violating state gambling laws dating back to the 1890’s. The companies unsuccessfully argued that their games are based on skill, Judge Mendez did not agree.
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Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day, which has now been moved back to the Sidney Fire Department’s Training Center on River Street. Schmidt said that they still are looking for volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 12-11-15)

Schmidt can be reached at 610-4030, Donations can be sent by check to the Sidney United Methodist Church, with Community Christmas Dinner on the memo line. Schmidt said that last year they served about 250 dinners on Christmas day.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual children’s Christmas Party tomorrow. Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-11-15)

Green said that the Chamber would hold their annual Holiday House decorating contest the following weekend.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Christmas parade tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-11-15)

Payne said that there will also be free movies, bake sales & other activities around the Village tomorrow.
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The Operation Merry Christmas giveaway day this year is tomorrow, at the Sidney Civic Center 2nd floor location. The program started in 1940 in Sidney, More information is available at 967-8119, 563-8119 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook Page.
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The Sidney Center Improvement Group will hold their annual “Holidays in the Hamlet” Christmas celebration in Sidney Center Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Mike Sellitti 12-11-15)

Sellitti also said that they would accept donations of canned goods for area food pantries during Saturday’s event.
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First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.
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The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association will be hosting “Shop with a Sheriff” at Wal-Mart in Norwich, Saturday. Deputies will take children Christmas Shopping, who will be provided with money raised by the Association & donations from local business, individuals, and each Deputy. The children shopping with the Deputies were selected by each school district throughout Chenango County.
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Chenango Arts Council will host an open house at their facilities Sunday. The day includes various musical performances as well as tours of their Art Gallery, Pottery and Ceramic Classrooms, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-10-15

by wcdonews Posted on December 10, 2015

Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the Regional Economic Development awards and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Award winners this morning, at an Albany Ceremony:

(Cuomo 12-10-15)

State Senator John Bonacic was pleased that Delaware county, which is part of the Southern Tier Regional Council, came up big today:

(Bonacic 12-10-15)

Locally, the Southern Tier & Central New York Regional Councils won the 500 Million Dollar Upstate Revitalization Initiative Awards, & the Mohawk Valley won the largest Regional Economic Development Award at 100.3 million dollars.
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Convicted murderer, Ganesh Ramsaran appeared in Chenango County Court Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to a bribery charge, for offering $100,000 to a corrections officer to assist in a scheme to break out of jail. Ramsaran was returned to the Chenango County Jail where he was being held for the murder of his wife Jennifer 3 years ago, he faces sentencing on the new bribery charge on February 3rd.
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A Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled over a vehicle for a loud exhaust early Thursday morning; the Deputy noticed a hypodermic needle in plain sight in the passenger’s purse. The passenger also provided the deputy with her sister’s name to hide that she was wanted on a warrant elsewhere in New York State. Melinda Sutton was charged with Criminal Possession of a Hallucinogen, 3 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Impersonation, she is accused of possessing mushrooms, cocaine, methamphetamines, & controlled substances. She was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court & is being held at the Broome County Jail without bail.
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Chenango River Theatre announced that the New York State’s Council on the Arts Theatre Panel has awarded the theatre a 3-year grant to support overall operations. The grant award is for $7,000 a year, for 2016 to 2018, which reflects a 40% increase over previous grant awards. Chenango River Theatre is the only non-profit, professional theatre in Chenango County to receive direct NYSCA funding, and one of only two in the greater Binghamton area.
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The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Derive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.
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State Police arrested 27 Year old Coy Woodruff of Bainbridge for criminal contempt of court, criminal mischief, menacing and harassment, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Coventry. Troopers accuse Woodruff of engaging in a physical dispute with his girlfriend, smashing her car windshield, which violated a court order of protection. He was arraigned in the Town of Coventry court and was released without bail required pending court action on December 16th.
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State Police arrested 39 year old Christopher Crawford of Kirkwood for aggravated criminal contempt, after troopers responded to a physical dispute in the Town of Kirkwood. Crawford violated a court order of protection, he allegedly punched his wife, and the crime was elevated to aggravated criminal contempt because he had a prior conviction for criminal contempt. Crawford was located in the Broome County jail on an unrelated charge. He was arraigned in the Town of Kirkwood court and then remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set.
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