Opening statements are scheduled to begin this morning at 9:30 in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. 12 jurors & 6 alternates are set for the trial, where Harris is once again charged for the murder of his wife Michelle, around September 11th 2001 in Tioga County. Harris had 2 previous convictions overturned on appeal, this third trial was moved to Schoharie County after Harris’s attorneys asked for & received a change of venue.
————————————–
Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State of Health Marketplace has enrolled more than two million New Yorkers in affordable health insurance coverage. 89% of enrollees had no coverage at the time they joined. More information about the NY State of Health marketplace is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777.
—————————–
The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.
P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-15
Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow at 9:30 in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd murder trial of Cal Harris. 12 jurors & 6 alternates are set for the trial, where Harris is once again charged for the murder of his wife Michelle, around September 11th 2001 in Tioga County. Harris had 2 previous convictions overturned on appeal, this third trial was moved to Schoharie County after Harris’s attorneys asked for & received a change of venue.
————————————–
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Was officially elected to the Speaker position Yesterday in Albany. He commented at a press conference after his election:
(Speaker Heastie 2-4-15)
Heastie replaces Sheldon Silver as Assembly Speaker; he is the first African American to hold that position.
——————————————-
The trial of State Senator Tom Libous is scheduled to begin July 13th. Libous was indicted last year for allegedly making a false statement to the FBI, when he was questioned about using his political influence to get his son Matthew a job at a Westchester County Law firm. Matthew Libous was found guilty last week on 3 counts of falsifying federal tax returns & he faces sentencing at a later date.
——————————–
Governor Cuomo today announced a new record in 2014 for the amount of money returned to workers who originally were not paid the proper minimum wage, overtime pay or fringe benefits. In 2014, $30.2 million was disbursed to nearly 27,000 workers; the amount paid out was 35% higher than the year before. In the Southern Tier, 320 individuals received an average payout of $937.50Anyone with questions about minimum wage or other labor standards issues, or who would like to file a complaint, should call 888-469-7365.
—————————————-
Local sales tax collections in 2014 suffered the slowest annual growth since the end of the 2008-09 recession, according to a report issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections across the state grew by 3%, in 2013; the growth rate was 5.2%. DiNapoli’s report found that nearly 70% of the total growth in local sales tax collections last year took place in New York City. Regionally, the strongest 2014 sales tax growth was in the North Country, weaker increases were found in Central New York & in Long Island, where their slow growth was attributed to effects of “Superstorm Sandy”
———————————————-
Bainbridge officials reported that the Department of Public works will continue working on a water line problem on Crest Drive on Thursday. Crews will begin Thursday’s work at 7:00 AM; residents in the Crest Drive area may again have low water pressure or dirty water during the work period.
——————————–
Bainbridge-Guilford senior Megan Ferrara signed her national letter of intent today, to play Division 1 Soccer for Binghamton University, at a press conference at BG high school today, in front of coaches, teachers, fellow students & family. Ferrara joins another local player at BU, Nicole Hailey of Franklin who already plays with the Bearcats; Ferrara told WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull that she is excited to play for BU in the fall:
(Megan Ferrara 2-4-15)
The Full interview with Ferrara with WCDO’s Nate Lull is available at WCDOSPORTS.com.
———————————
A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-15
Greene Firefighters responded to a house fire at 671 Hotchkiss Road yesterday afternoon at around 3:40 PM. Mutual aid from Coventry, Chenango Forks and Port Crane responded, with no injuries reported. All occupants escaped without injuries, damage was significant. The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.
—————————————
Jury selection in the trial of Cal Harris continued for an 8th day in Schoharie County Court. Harris is charged with the murder of his estranged wife Michele in September 2001, and has been convicted twice before in Tioga Count Court.
————————————
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged CAL HARRIS, Greene, MICHELLE HARRIS, New York, NY, WCDO
Comments Off on A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-15
P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-3-15
Assemblyman Carl Heastie of the Bronx is expected to be voted in as the new Assembly Speaker today in Albany. The 47-year-old democrat will succeed Sheldon Silver, who resigned from the position after 21 year, following his recent arrest on corruption charges.
—————————————-
Governor Cuomo has submitted a 5-point plan to correct the ongoing issue of corruption among lawmakers, following the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver last week on corruption charges. Cuomo said that the reforms may lead to a late state budget for the first time during his administration.
(Cuomo 2-3-15)
Cuomo proposed total disclosure of outside income of all lawmakers, officials who are convicted of public corruption lose their retirement package, tightening up abuses in “Per diems” for travel by lawmakers which act as backdoor salary supplements, restrict campaign funds for campaigns only, & remove loopholes in campaign finance laws.
—————————————–
The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold a 3rd “Reunite Bainbridge” Meeting next week. Bainbridge chamber president John Payne explains:
(John Payne 2-3-15)
The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday at the Town Hall Theater.
———————————————————————
The village of Bainbridge Department of Public Works announced that they have discovered a water line leak on Crest Drive. Repairs will begin at 8:00 AM Wednesday; residents in the Crest Drive & Bliss road areas may experience low water pressure, or dirty water during the repairs. Additional information is available at 967-8696.
—————————————-
More charges have been added in the case against Walton Businessman Lee McDonald. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested McDonald for 2 counts of Issuing a bad check, this time McDonald is accused of writing 2 checks to the Stamford Farmers’ Cooperative without sufficient funds to cover the checks. McDonald was already being held in the Delaware County Jail on similar charges, he will appear in Stamford Town Court to answer the new charges at a later date.
—————————————–
State Police arrested 31-year-old Jeremy Morris of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & on an outstanding bench warrant from the Town of Oneonta. The arrest occurred after Troopers were at the Oneonta Wal-Mart for an unrelated complaint, While speaking to Morris it was determined that he had a valid bench warrant for his arrest, it was then discovered that he unlawfully possessed heroin and syringes. Morris was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on February 10th; he was then arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court on the warrant and released without bail required.
—————————————
A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-3-15
Governor Cuomo has an executive budget proposed, Area assemblyman Cliff crouch comments:
(Crouch 2-3-15)
A state budget plan is due April 1st, the beginning of dealing with budget bills has been stalled by the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
—————————————–
Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez is waiting to see some movement in the top levels of the leadership in the Assembly, so that work can go forward after the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:
(Lopez 2-3-15)
Silver’s arrest and his initial unwillingness to leave his leadership post quickly has stalled the state Assembly’s session.
——————————————-
State Police arrested 27-year-old Zachary Zlata of Downsville, for Driving While Intoxicated, following a 1-car accident on State Route 30 and County Route 1, in Andes. Zlata was driving while intoxicated when he crashed into the guide rail, injuring his unidentified female passenger, who was taken to an area Hospital for lacerations to her face. Zlata was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Andes court on March 12th.
——————————–
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged ANDES, ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER, ASSEMBLYMAN CLIFF CROUCH, ASSEMBLYMAN PETE LOPEZ, Downsville, Governor Cuomo, ZACHARY ZLATA
Comments Off on A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-3-15
P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-2-15
Police agencies across the region are responding a number of accidents today attributed to the weather & slippery road conditions. All roads are open, police advise that if you must travel, leave extra time and drive with extra caution.
—————————————–
Area Congressman Chris Gibson has begun his 3rd & final term in the U.S. House of Representatives, he told WCDO News what he hopes to accomplish:
(Gibson 2-2-15)
Gibson was in Walton Saturday for the annual Delaware County Fair Board Dinner.
——————————-
Governor Cuomo announced that individuals and entities that defraud New Yorkers seeking immigration-related assistance would now be subject to felony or misdemeanor charges. Previously, there was no law specifically protecting newcomers from fraud, scams and exploitation, immigrants will now benefit from additional requirements for those providing them with assistance as well as stronger consumer disclosures.
—————————–
State Police are investigating a grand larceny at the Oneonta Wal-Mart, January 25th at approximately 7:15pm. A suspect walked into the store and filled up a shopping cart with merchandise valued at over $1,100, then exited through a fire exit and left in a vehicle occupied by another suspect. The suspect is described as a white male, wearing a dark baseball cap and a green long-sleeved shirt with writing on the back, the Vehicle description was a Chevrolet, possibly a Cavalier, dark blue in color, with unknown white NY license plates, a green sticker on the driver side of front bumper and missing the front driver side wheel hubcap. Police said that the merchandise stolen was an HP Desktop PC, Olympus digital camera, wireless Bluetooth speakers, headphones and a bucket. Anyone with information should call the State Police at 432-3212.
——————————
The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announces the recipients of the 2015 Annual Celebration of Business Awards. The NBT Bank Distinguished Business of the Year goes to The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Carol Blazina is recognized as the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr. Distinguished Citizen. The Quality of Life award is presented to Opportunities for Otsego. The Celebration will be held Thursday March 5th, at the Annual Dinner and Celebration of Business, at the Hunt Union Ballroom.
———————————
Today is the day that Sidney high School Seniors can begin to apply through Scholarship America.org, to find scholarships to help pay for higher education. Sidney Dollars For scholars’ president Tracy Young explains:
(Tracy Young 2-2-15)
This year is the 2nd year that Sidney Seniors are able to apply for scholarships online, through scholarship America.org.
——————–
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged CAROL BLAZINA, CONGRESSMAN CHRIS GIBSON, Governor Cuomo, HUNT UNION BALLROOM, NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM, New York, NY, ONEONTA WAL-MART, OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTSEGO, OTSEGO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SIDNEY DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS, TRACY YOUNG, WCDO
3 Comments
A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-2-15
About 250 people attended the annual Delaware County Fair board dinner Saturday in Walton. State senator John Bonacic said that the Legislature is working on legislation to encourage younger people to go into agriculture:
(Bonacic 2-2-15)
Delaware County Fair board member John Jackson told WCDO News that various country Acts have been lined up for this year’s Fair Concert:
(John Jackson 2-2-15)
This year’s Delaware County Fair will be the 129th edition of the annual event, at the fairgrounds in Walton from August 17th through the 22nd
———————
The American Cancer Society’s Tri-Town Relay for Life kick off meeting will be held today at 5:30 PM, the United Methodist Church at 12 Liberty Street, Sidney. The Relay for Life will be held Saturday May 9th at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. Organizers are asking for previous team captains, new team captains, or the general public, to attend. More volunteers for this year’s event are needed; more information is available at 563-8841 or 563-9634. (Meeting Cancelled Due to Snow at 9:30AM)
——————————–
P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-30-15
State Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos of Long Island is being investigated by federal authorities for his outside income. Skelos reported income from a Long Island Law Firm of $150,000 to $250,000 dollars; he also listed a large investment with a Pharmaceutical company. His Assembly counterpart Sheldon Silver was arrested last week on corruption charges following a federal investigation.
——————————
Governor Cuomo announced that the average wait time at state-run DMV offices was reduced to 30 minutes, down from an 72 minutes only 2 years ago. State officials said the “dramatic reduction” was achieved through a two-year process that included a new reservation system, expanded office hours, New technology at call centers, Greeters who direct new customers to where they need to go & a redesigned DMV website.
—————————
State Police from Sidney arrested 22 year old Jacob Richie of Unadilla for Identity Theft, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Petty Larceny. The arrest followed the report of a missing debit card from a residence on PlankenHorn Road in Sidney, Richie was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Sidney Court on February 12th.
———————————
The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Town of Unadilla man for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. 39 year old Jacob Conklin was charged following a traffic stop in the Village of Afton, where Conklin was found to be in possession of heroin. He was taken into custody and processed, he is scheduled to appear in the Village of Afton Court at a later date.
———————————-
A fundraiser has been scheduled Saturday for WCDO’s Jim Tomeo, who is facing medical bills following a December stroke. The fundraiser will be a Pancake Breakfast at the Masonville Federated Church from 7:00 to 10:30 AM.
————————————
The Hope & Healing: Perspectives on Mental Illness seminar will be held at the Roxbury Arts Center Saturday with Keynote speaker Jason Paden discussing his battle with mental illness. this event is held in conjunction with Roxbury’s exhibit of paintings by Delaware County artist David Byrd, Roxbury Arts Group Director Jenny Rosensweig explains:
(Jenny Rosensweig 1-30-15)
The Roxbury Arts Center is located at 5025 Vega Mountain Road in Roxbury, The free event runs from 9:30 – 3:00 pm with mental health advocates participating in round table discussions.
——————————
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER, Governor Cuomo, JACOB RICHIE, JENNY ROSENSWEIG, JIM TOMEO, MASONVILLE FEDERATED CHURCH, New York, NY, ROXBURY ARTS GROUP, SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DEAN SKELOS, Sidney, UNADILLA, WCDO
Comments Off on P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-30-15