A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-8-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 8, 2014

Testimony will continue this week in Chenango County Court, in the murder trial of Ganesh Ramsaran, who is charged with killing his wife Jennifer in December of 2012. Jennifer’s body was found several months later in a wooded area in the town of Pharsalia.
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U.S. Senators Charles Schumer & Kirsten Gillibrand announced an award of more than $1.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for the village of Sidney Friday. The grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will pay the balance for the purchase of 49 flood-prone properties damaged in 2011 flooding and turn them into open space. The structures are located in the flood area & were damaged following the latest severe flooding in 2011.
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State Police responded Friday to a possible attempted child abduction where a white male subject stopped in his vehicle at the end of a residential driveway and attempted to have a 3 year old female come to his car. The suspect backed out of the driveway and left upon arrival of the girl’s mother from the back yard. The vehicle has been described as a gold colored 4 door sedan with a white male operator. A similar attempted abduction of a 10 year old child in Homer had been reported to, the Homer Police Department last Thursday. State Police are requesting anyone with information to call 347-4440.

 

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-5-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 5, 2014

The murder trial of Ganesh Ramsaran is underway in Chenango County Court in Norwich, as jurors and alternates were seated this week. The prosecution is calling witnesses to testify on the witness stand, Ramsaran is accused of Killing his Wife Jennifer in December 2012.
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New York State parks, historic sites and campgrounds hosted another successful season with nearly 36 million visits from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; a 2% increase over 2013. Governor Cuomo included a 3rd round of $90 million in New York Works funding for improvements to State parks and historic sites in the 2014-15 State Budget for projects at 109 State parks and historic sites. Outdoor recreation generates $33.8 billion in consumer spending in New York, directly supporting 305,000 jobs.
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State Troopers responded to a roll over tractor-trailer accident Thursday on I-81 Near Exit 11 in Cortlandville. During the accident the trailer became detached and fell into the Tioughnioga River. 31 year old Robinson Jaquez of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was not injured, the investigation is continuing, traffic was re-opened following the clean up & accident reconstruction work.
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Doctor Carlton Rule has been appointed to replace Dan Ayres as CEO of both Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi. Dr. Rule told WCDO News about his new role:

(Dr Carlton Rule 9-5-14)

Dr. Rule will assume his new role on September 29th, replacing Dan Ayres who is taking a similar position in his home state of West Virginia.
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Delaware County Fair organizers announced the passing of long time Fair Director Gary Tweedie, who passed Wednesday at the age of 72. Tweedie was a Director of The Fair for nearly 40 years and served as President & Vice-President for numerous years& served as President of The New York State Association Of Agricultural Fairs in 2000.
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Organizers of the Afton fun show at the Afton fairgrounds announced today that activities originally scheduled for Saturday, have been moved to Sunday due to expected foul weather tomorrow. Activities will begin at 9:00 AM Sunday details are available funshows.theaftonfair.com.
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State senator Jim Seward said 4 local domestic violence programs have been allocated grants in the 2014-2015 state budget. Opportunities For Otsego will receive $12,500, Catholic Charities in Schoharie $15,000, Chenango County Catholic Charities $10,000, and Delaware Opportunities $7,500.
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Health insurance companies in New York will receive average rate increases of 5.7% next year, less than half the increases they had requested for individual and family plans. The insurance companies had proposed increases averaging 12.5% with some companies seeking as much as 28% more for some plans. The average increase the state decided to award is below the state’s 8% overall increase in health care costs. The increase also applies to New York State of Health, the exchange that was set up under the Affordable Care Act, to provide subsidized health insurance for state residents who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-5-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 5, 2014

A weak tornado touched down Tuesday night in Afton, according to the National Weather Service. A storm survey team determined an EF 1 tornado touched down five miles west of Afton and was on the ground for less than 150 yards. The small tornado touched down at 8:32 p.m. about 300 yards west of Saint John Road near the intersection with Hill Top Drive. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 100 miles per hour. Numerous snapped and uprooted trees were found in the path of the storm. There were no fatalities or injuries

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66-year-old Diana LeDuc of Margaretville was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  LeDuc is accused of selling large amounts of cocaine, a Search Warrant executed Thursday led to the seizure of ½ ounce of cocaine, $500cash, 2 handguns, 2 high capacity ammunition loading devices and a Public Assistance Benefit Card issued to LeDuc.  Additional arrests and more charges are pending; LeDuc was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

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During the Labor Day weekend, State Police issued more than 9,000 tickets across the state.  Troopers served 3094 for speeding, 497 for seat belt violation, 153 for violating the Move Over Law, 310 for Distracted Driving, and 168 for DWI.  State Police investigated a total of 590 accidents between August 29th through September 1st, compared to last year’s 317. This years accidents led to 171 people injured, and 3 people were killed.

 

 

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits the Sidney & Walton School Districts.  The audit of the Sidney School District said that District officials have taken steps to increase educational productivity & reduce the costs associated with instructional materials and program delivery. District officials decreased special education costs by using aid to finance additional teaching and learning technology, while at the same time reducing the district’s real property tax levy.  The Audit of the Walton School district states that after incurring several years of operational surpluses, the board adopted budgets that included plans to use nearly $2.5 million of fund balance to finance operations from 2010 to 2013.  The district’s unassigned fund balance declined by 94%, DiNapoli’s office suggests that Walton school board carefully consider the amount of fund balance they appropriate in future school budgets.

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The Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held this weekend in Downtown Norwich.  The festival runs on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the East and West Parks in Downtown Norwich.  There will be a juried exhibition of art and fine crafts for sale, plus Artist demonstrations, educational activities and original music.  More information is available at 336-3378 or colorscape.org.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 4, 2014

State Senator Tom Libous has spent more than $100,000 in campaign funds on attorneys this year, according to the state Board of Elections. The Thomas Libous’ re-election campaign spent another $53,000 on criminal-defense attorneys from mid-July to late August. That’s on top of the $60,000 it spent on lawyers from mid-January through mid-July, as well as about $75,000 in 2012 and 2013. Libous was indicted in White Plains federal court in July on a charge of lying to the FBI. The use of campaign funds to pay for attorney fees has been the subject of debate in Albany. Gov. Cuomo’s latest filing shows he spent $10,000 on an attorney as an investigation continues into the dismantling of the Moreland Commission
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 63-year-old David Eaton of Norwich felony DWI, Parking on Pavement, No or Improper Signal, Refusal to take a Breath Screen test, Consumption of an alcohol in a motor vehicle. Eaton was pulled over by a deputy, who observed a pickup truck pull over and park in a no parking zone in the Village of Sherburne hitting the curb, as the deputy approached, Eaton pulled away from the curb with no turn signal, and then stopped after driving a block, he was taken into custody without incident, failed to submit to the chemical test, and was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court, he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending court action at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo signed a bill that will enhance law enforcement efforts to identify previously unknown deceased persons. The bill will require that the state Division of Criminal Justice Services provide local law enforcement agencies with personal descriptions and other identifying information of unidentified deceased persons. This legislation allows this information to be accessed by all New York law enforcement agencies and also to agencies outside of the State by request. There are currently a total of 681 active cases of unidentified individuals who have died in New York State, with the oldest active record on file dating back to 1969.
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Researchers are looking at whether money, from the Marcellus Shale natural gas boom, helps families in regions where companies are drilling, to compare Pennsylvania communities that have experienced the boom, during the last six years, with nearby ones in New York that haven’t. New York has a moratorium on shale drilling, while Pennsylvania has become the second-largest producer in the nation. Some families in fracking communities get millions of dollars in royalties, many get tens of thousands of dollars, but others get nothing. The research will compare government-collected data that doesn’t identify people. That includes data on crime, schools, economics, childhood obesity, teen pregnancies and state tax records on royalty income
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Governor Cuomo announced 12 Citizen Preparedness Corps training sessions across New York State and also proclaimed September as Preparedness Month. The Citizen Preparedness Corps program, administered by the New York National Guard, aims to provide approximately 100,000 New Yorkers with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Those interested in attending a Citizen Preparedness Corps training session can visit www.prepare.ny.gov. Local Classes will be held on Wednesday, September 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Margaretville Central School & at 6:00 p.m. at SUNY Morrisville in Morrisville
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A New dairy risk management program that was enacted as part of the recently passed Farm Bill is open for signups. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer urged the USDA to implement the program, which replaces the previous Milk Income Loss Contract program, by allowing dairy farmers to recoup some of the cost of low milk prices and high cost of production. There are also web tools to help farmers navigate the new dairy insurance program at fsa.usda.gov. The dairy industry is New York’s leading Agriculture sector.

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 4, 2014

40 year old Aaron Powell of Binghamton was sentenced Wednesday morning in Broome County Court, for 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & 1 count of 1st degree murder for the murders of his estranged wife Christina Powell & Mario Masciarelli in the Powell Family home. Powell was sentenced to 25 years to life for each 2nd degree murder charge and life without parole for the 1st degree murder charge.
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A final jury was seated Wednesday in Chenango County Court in the murder trial of Ganesh Ramsaran. Court action will continue this morning as alternate jurors will be chosen. Ramsaran is accused of Killing his Wife Jennifer in December of 2012, her body was found in a wooded area in the town of Pharsalia several months later.
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The Binghamton Mets announced yesterday that they have signed an agreement to play at NYSEG Stadium for another 5 years. The Binghamton Mets are now signed to play in Binghamton through the end of the 2021 season.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, in partnership with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach. Health screenings will be available in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM today at Rite Aid Pharmacy on Main Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.
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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-3-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 3, 2014

State Senator Tom Libous & his attorney appeared in federal court this morning in White Plains to discuss various motions that the defense will file, including a motion to change the venue to a federal court room in the Northern district of the state.  Motions from Libous’s defense attorney are due by November 3rd; the prosecution has until l November 24th to respond.          Senator Libous is schedule back in court on January 9th where the judge will consider the motions.  Libous & his son Matthew were named in a federal indictment in July following allegations that Libous used his political influence to get his son a job with a Westchester county law firm. No trial date has been set.

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State Police investigated a fatal agricultural accident Monday at 989 State Route 12 in the Town of Greene.  The Deceased is identified as 62-year-old Gary Williams, who was discovered deceased behind his residence after being ejected from his farm tractor.  An autopsy will be conducted at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton today.

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Delaware County Deputies investigated a 2-car personal injury auto accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith Sunday.  Deputies reported that Kathleen Hibbard of Delhi crossed the double yellow line and entered the on-coming lane striking Thomas Nau of Roanoke Virginia.  Nau was transported to O’Connor hospital with minor injuries.  Hibbard was issued a traffic ticket for failure to keep right, she faces action in Town of Meredith Town Court on September 17th.

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Employer contribution rates for the New York State and Local Retirement System will decline in Fiscal Year 2015-16 according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  The average contribution rate for the Employees Retirement System will decrease by about 9% from 20.1% to 18.2% of payroll.  DiNapoli also announced that the funded ratio increased from 88.7% to 92.2%

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During the National “Drunk Driving, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, from August 15th to Labor Day.  State Police issued 46,584 tickets.  State Police said that 18,350 were for speeding, 1,937 for distracted driving, 2,667 child restraint and seatbelt violations, and 850 move over tickets.  Troopers conducted sobriety checkpoints that more than 19,000 vehicles passed though, 72 were arrested for DWI.   Troopers arrested a total of 663 people for DWI during this crackdown enforcement.

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Governor Cuomo signed legislation prohibiting the launch of watercraft in New York State without taking precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The legislation requires boaters launching watercraft to clean, drain and dry the boat, trailer, and any other exposed equipment of visible plant and animal matter, or have taken other reasonable measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that can destroy ecosystems of the states waterway.

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The O’ Connor Hospital and Tri-Town Regional Hospital Boards of Trustees have appointed Carlton Rule as Chief Executive Officer of both institutions effective September 29th. Dr. Rule will succeed Dan Ayres, who announced in July that he is returning to West Virginia to become CEO of Summersville Regional Medical Center. Dr. Rule will continue as medical director of Bassett Healthcare Network health centers in the Delaware County communities of Delhi, Andes, Stamford and Walton.

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Wind damage & downed trees were reported in Chenango County after a tornado warning last night, according to the National Weather Service. Damage was reported in the Afton and Bainbridge areas, NYSEG reported scattered power outages from last night’s storms across the Southern Tier, investigators from the National Weather Service are expected to check for a possible tornado touchdown last night in Chemung County.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-3-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 3, 2014

Oneonta Police responded to Morgan Ave for a report of robbery. Police arrested 29 year old Theresa Green of Laurens and 57 year old Marclain Marrero of Oneonta for 1st degree Burglary, 1st degree Robbery, Unlawful Imprisonment, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy and Menacing. The investigation revealed that the suspects broke into the home of two victims, demanding money and forcibly taking items while armed with a blunt instrument. The victims were then driven to various locations in the city of Oneonta in an attempt to locate money while being held against their will. Oneonta Police were able to locate the vehicle after 1 victim escaped and notified Police, the suspects were taken into custody with out incident. The investigation is ongoing.
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Delaware County Public Health & The Delaware County Drug Task Force will be hosting a free presentation “Emerging Drugs of Abuse”, on Friday, September 12th from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon at the Delaware County Public Safety Building in Delhi. The presentation include how to recognize signs of drug abuse, and what to do if you suspect someone is using illicit drugs. Registration is required by email rebecca.gardner@co.delaware.ny.us or 832-5200.
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Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event for Small Businesses on Friday September 12th, 2104 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Meadows Office Complex County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Businesses in Otsego County are eligible to bring hazardous materials to the collection day event. Registration is mandatory at 547-4225.
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Commerce Chenango announced a Meet & greet session for Republican Lieutenant Governor Candidate Chris Moss. The event will run today from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the City of Norwich Firehouse at 31 East Main Street in Norwich on the 2nd floor.
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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-2-14

by wcdonews Posted on September 2, 2014

The B-Mets Playoff fate has been decided, following yesterday’s loss to Richmond to end the regular Eastern League Season.   B-Mets spokesman Jim Weed explains:

 

(Jim Weed 9-2-14)

 

The B-Mets will be playing Round 1 Playoff Games at home Wednesday and Thursday, against the Portland Sea Dogs. Tickets are available at BMETS.com, at the NYSEG Stadium box office or at 723-METS.

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State police are reminding motorists to support the AAA’s annual “School’s Open; Drive Carefully” for the safety of children traveling to and from school.  The Annual campaign alerts motorists to the special risks to school age children from motor vehicle crashes, which is the leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old. The campaign runs through October 15.   Motorists will receive an additional reminder each time they see one of the “School’s Open” bumper stickers on State Police vehicles, other state vehicles, & school buses.

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The New York State Fair in Syracuse ended its 2014 run with attendance that topped last year by 113,990 visitors. The fair broke a record Saturday for the most people to ever go through the turnstile in one day, then, broke it again yesterday with a new high of 122,870. Overall attendance for the fair this year was just over 965,000 people.

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A new state Board of Elections enforcement began its work today.  The new compliance office will probe potential election law and campaign finance violations; the unit will begin with 3 investigators, 3 lawyers and 2 support staff. For the past several years, the Board of Elections has had no investigators on staff to enforce election law. The unit was part of several ethics reforms the Legislature agreed to in March in exchange for Cuomo’s decision to shut down his anti-corruption commission.

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New York’s Upstate Niagara Cooperative of Buffalo was awarded a contract to provide Greek yogurt to public schools across 3 states.  U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said that Upstate Niagara would provide 142,700 pounds of Greek yogurt to New York, Arizona and Tennessee, as part of the U.S. D.A. School Lunch Program Pilot, through the end of the school year in June 2015. The USDA will then consider bids for the following school year.

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Local officials urge residents to think safety for National Preparedness Month in September.  Staying informed about developments and making kits with supplies are some of the steps families can take to minimize problems whenever a natural disaster hits the area.  National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to educate people to prepare for and respond to emergencies of all types and sizes.  More information can be found at ready.gov

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The Sidney Village Board of Trustees will be holding an emergency board meeting with limited agenda items in the Sidney Civic Center boardroom. The meeting gets underway at 7:00 PM. The board will acknowledge receipt of bids not meeting FAA specifications & Authorize rebidding of the acquisition of Snow Removal Utility Tractor with attachments.

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