FOX 40 WICZ TV - Local News

Police Search for Man Wanted for Thefts at the YMCA

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:03:15 EDT

The Broome County Sheriff's Office wants the public's help figuring out who has been stealing from a local YMCA. The man featured in the video version of this story is wanted for questioning in relation to the theft of metal and other items from the YMCA on Main Street in the Town of Union. The thefts took place within the last month. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Tip Line at (607)778-1196

Halloween-Masked Bandit Robs Bank in Choconut Twp.

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:00:24 EDT

Pennsylvania State Police report an armed man wearing a Halloween mask robbed the Penn Star Bank on Rt. 267 in Choconut Twp, Susquehanna Co. at 5:35 Friday evening. The man approached the teller, displayed a pistol, and demanded that his bag be filled with cash. He left with an undisclosed amount of money. The robber is described as being of medium height and build, and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at Gibson (570) 465-3154.

Prepping the Food for Superbowl Sunday

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:10:49 EDT

Superbowl Sunday is only two days away, and for many football fanatics, it's a time to party! Grocery stores like Weis treat Superbowl weekend like a holiday, with deals on chips, snacks, soda, beer. The Weis Supermarket in Endwell had numerous displays for the Superbowl to make it easier for their customers to shop. "This is an exciting time and it's a holiday weekend for us. We have a lot of great deals and a lot of great deals on snacks and supplies that you will need for your Superbowl party. It's a huge game, it's one of the largest eat-at-home days of the year. We have everything our customers will need to have a great party," said Weis District Manager of Binghamton Mike Umstead. Since this Superbowl features a home team, the New York Giants, grocery stores and pizza parlors are expecting this Superbowl weekend to be busier than ever. Owner of New York Pizzeria on West State Street, Fabrizio Michitti said his staff has been preparing for this weekend for the last week. Michitti is expecting more than 300 take-out orders on Superbowl Sunday, which is about 600 pounds of chicken wings and several hundred sheets of pizza. For those who don't want to cook, take-out is the way to go, which is why pizza parlors make out so well Superbowl weekend. "For us, it's like Valentine's Day and SUNY weekend as other restaurants. It's our special day. The way I call it, everybody shares the pie, so everyone is having a special day," said Michitti. Michitti said he is hoping for some early birds to pick-up their orders. Their rush hour for pick-up is two hours before kick-off between 4-6pm. New York Pizzeria will have all their staff on hand to provide the best customer service for game day.

June Primary Leaves Congressional Candidates Scrambling

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:19:09 EDT

For the most part, New York's Primary calendar will remain the same in 2012. A Presidential Primary will be in April and there will be another for local races in September. But, a recent court ruling has moved the Congressional Primaries to June is leaving some people scrambling. Democrats and Republicans don't agree on much but they do on a recent federal court ruling that adds a third primary date on June 26th for New York Congressional Primaries is causing chaos. "I don't care if it's a Democrat or Republican, raising money and getting your name out there and quite frankly we don't even know what district we're encompassed in yet," said Broome County Democratic Chairman Tony Fiala. The 22nd district right now is a seven county district that stretches from Tompkins County to Ulster County. It's currently represented by Congressman Maurice Hinchey, a Democrat who's retiring at the end of the year. Now because of new census information, New York is slated to lose two congressional seats. That means the State Legislature is redrawing congressional lines. They're not expected to be done until mid-to late February. That would leave candidates just four months to mount a primary campaign. "It gives us a very short window to prepare the petitions for those men and women who are going to run," said Broome County Republican Chairman Dave Hamlin. Republican George Phillips is mounting his third campaign at what is still the 22nd district. "The fundraising is much more difficult at this point. I think a lot of supporters want to see the district lines, and are we going to have a district," said Phillips. If Broome and Tioga Counties are folded into a district currently represented by a Republican, Phillips may not challenge the incumbent. "If the district's broken up, that would probably limit our options. We're actually surrounded by four Republican members of Congress and I have a good relationship with all of them," said Phillips. The court ruling does allow the legislature to reach an agreement, maybe one that would merge the federal and local primaries back into one, possibly in August. "Whatever our district is made up is my current plan. If people are interested in running and those type of things, we're following that plan right now," said Fiala.

Endwell Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing from Employer

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:02:17 EDT

An Endwell woman is under arrest and accused of stealing more than a thousand dollars from her employer. Melissa Foster of Endwell is accused of stealing rental checks from a local property management group where she was worked. The thirty five year old woman allegedly cashed the checks which totalled more than a thousand dollars. She is free pending arraignment in the Town of Union Court.

County Officials: Taxpayers' Dollars Saved by Welfare Fraud Arrests

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:19:48 EDT

Broome County said it's saved taxpayers ten thousand dollars by busting eleven residents for welfare fraud. The totals were for just the single month of January. Six of the eleven offenders were arrested for getting food stamp benefits they were not entitled to. Two of them are accused of altering or forging doctor's notes to avoid working. Three others are charged with false statements about members of their households. One is accused of failing to accurately report child support payments.

Avoiding the Latest Lottery Scam

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:18:57 EDT

The State Comptroller's Office is warning New Yorkers about a Lottery scam. The con artist sends potential victims a letter telling them they won a lottery, and a check that looks like it was issued by the state. But the checks are fake, and so is the request to pay money to get the jackpot. Victims don't realize the check is fake until the money they sent is gone. If you get this type of letter call the fraud hotline at 1-888-672-4555.

Binghamton Comptroller Resigns, Taking Job in Rochester

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:22:37 EDT

Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan--in his final term-- is losing a key member of his administration. Binghamton Comptroller John Cox resigned effective Friday, February 3rd. He is headed to a job as the Deputy Director of Finance for Rochester. Cox earned $63,000 in Binghamton, and will receive $88,000 in his new job. The mayor's office said the search for a new comptroller is already underway.

Johnson City Starts Water Meter Replacement

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:26:43 EDT

If you live in Johnson City, don't be alarmed if you get a notice that it's time to replace your water meter That's because the Johnson City Water Department has begun a meter replacement program. National Metering Services Inc. of New Jersey has been retained by the village to replace the meters. Customers can expect to receive a notification tag requesting an appointment for the replacement. To make an appointment, call the number on the tag.

Lockheed Martin's K-Max Program Up and Running

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:27:29 EDT

Lockheed Martin's K-Max Program is fully operational and already supplying troops across the sea in Afghanistan. The program is made up of a unmanned aerial vehicle that is used to deliver food, water, ammunition, and other supplies to Marines. The program has reduced the need for ground supply convoys which can put troops in harm's way. The team ran their first mission on December 17th and since then, has flown more than 50 missions, delivering more than 100 thousand pounds of cargo.

Banging on Buckets, Pounding on Pans

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:30:26 EDT

Breaking the mold and trying something new--- that's what brought percussion students from the U-E High School Tigers Pride Drumline, the Binghamton Patriots High School Drumline, and the BU Bearcats Percussion Ensemble together at the Oakdale Mall Friday night. The student musicians who normally play on top of the line drums, traded their instruments for for plastic buckets, foil pans and Christmas cookie platters. Inspired by the Off-Broadway show Stomp, and YouTube flash mobs, an idea was born:create a totally unique one-time-only performance. Tina Niles who works for the company promoting Stomps upcoming Binghamton shows came up with the idea. "I was at Starbucks having some coffee with Shimes who teaches the U-E Drumline, and I said wouldn't it be great if your kids played like stomp, and he said, "Oh we can!" and 1/2 and hour later he called and he said, "OK Krista," I have the music what do you want me to do. Students disguised their instruments in shopping bags in order to surprise shoppers with their performance. Afterward they were very happy with the response. Music student Taryn Fetherolf says," It was just really exciting like an adrenaline rush, 'cause you are like in front of all those people and you look around and you are like I'm really doing this it's really cool." Stomp will be performed at the Forum Theater February 14 and 15.

Anti-Fracking Protest on BOCES

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:19:23 EDT

Anti-fracking advocates were hoping that getting up early would help them catch the attention of two elected officials. Concerned citizens about hydrofracking gathered Friday morning outside Glenwood BOCES to request that Assembly Woman Donna Lupardo and Senator Tom Libous sign a pledge for the DEC not to lift its current defacto moratorium on hydrofracking until all 17 of their concerns have been met. Lupardo and Libous were scheduled to attend a legislative breakfast at BOCES. Both Lupardo and Libous are both members of the Gas advisory Panel to Governor Cuomo, who ultimately will make the final decision. "We just want to make sure the advisory committee is committed to protecting us and into fulfilling their responsibility and so that's why we are asking each of them to sign this pledge," said Ben Perkus of NYRAD. The 17 concerns are spelled out in a coalition letter that has more than 22,000 signatures from citizens, politicians, and religious groups. The NYRAD group was not able to make direct contact with Libous and Lupardo during the demonstration.

Super Bowl Crackdown

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:02:19 EDT

Planning a big party for the big game this weekend? State police are urging you not to make a big mistake after the Super Bowl. They've announced a three day crackdown on drunk driving starting on Friday. This includes saturating the area with patrol cars as well as several fixed D-W-I checkpoints. There are steps you can take to avoid a D-W-I, says Sargent Jason Hopf. "Obviously have a designated driver is what we encourage or take a taxi cab. If you know you're going to be drinking take steps ahead of time to make preparations so you don't have to put yourself in a very awkward position and going out and having a fear of injuring yourself or someone else or the embarrassment and financial cost incurred if you get a D-W-I" With the Giants in the Super Bowl, police expect lots of parties and crowded bars.

Owego Elementary School Might be Rebuilt with FEMA Aid

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:49:40 EDT

Nearly five months have passed since the September flooding, but the Owego-Apalachin School District is still feeling the effects. After a drawn-out process and plenty of paperwork, the school district has applied for FEMA aid to help rebuild the Owego Elementary School. The school was hit hard by the flood and is not currently being used by students. "I've talked to a lot of children and one of the things that they advise me is many of them want us to rebuild that school," Owego-Apalachin superintendent Dr. Bill Russell says. "They say because so many of us have such wonderful memories of being in that school and our parents went to that school. They're also beginning to start to look forward to a new school and that might be a good thing from their point of view." One man took to the skies during the flood and saw the damage first hand and put it together in a book titled "The Southern Tier of New York State Flood of 2011." "Houses on the hills were flash-flooded so there's no escape from disaster you just have to be psychologically sound to deal with it," local photographer Ed Aswad said of Owego. The Owego-Apalachin District's Architect and Construction Manager determined the cost of repairing the school would exceed 58 percent of the cost to rebuild, which prompted the decision to apply for FEMA aid.

Missing Businessman Found Dead

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:35:26 EDT

A local business owner is found dead, a day after he was reported missing. Alan Smith's remains were found in the Town of Kirkwood earlier today. Smith 52, of Binghamton, was the owner of Al's Rigging in Kirkwood. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The Broome County Sheriff's Office is thanking the public for tips that helped authorities find Smith's body.

City Threatens Legal Action Following 'Surprise' Auction

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:38:10 EDT

Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan says legal action is likely after Thursday's auction of a business which owes the city almost $90,000 took the mayor's office by surprise. Bubbles Professional Car Care property on Front Street went up for auction at noon. Ryan said last night the city got an email from an attorney representing the business that the auction was off. Bubbles defaulted on a $103,000 Binghamton Local Development Corporation loan that was issued in 2007. There is $89,000 left on that loan, as well as $202,000 owed to NBT Bank. The city is second in line for repayment. in addition to the city being caught unaware the auction was still taking place, the media was locked out just before the auction began. "Well, there was an agreement we thought would be put in place which would have given us some money and then some money going forward," Ryan said. "That apparently did not get agreed to and the last thing we were told that the auction was off. So obviously there's going to be some legal issues here." Ryan does stress that the default rate for BLDC loans is under one percent.

Daughter Accused of Swiping Mother's Purse

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:39:34 EDT

Police say it wasn't just any woman who entered the Legal Nails Salon in Endicott, stole a purse, and got into a fight with an employee. It was the daughter of the person who owns the purse and the salon. Authorities say Suzanne Aljerari, 19, of Endicott swiped the purse, then scuffled with an employee who tried to stop her. Aljerari was supposed to stay away from the employee because of an order of protection. Aljerari is charged with Robbery and Criminal Contempt.

Preston: No More Politicians' Names on Parks and Buildings

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:42:02 EDT

The colder weather didn't keep Debbie Preston away from Otsiningo Park Thursday morning. Preston announced she's removing the County Executive's name plates from all county parks and buildings. It's a move she says shows people that the building and parks are for the people and are bigger than one individual person.

Rubble at 301 Water St.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:45:49 EDT

The huge pile of rubble at 301 Water Street should start to shrink soon. Last year the former Derby Fashion outlet building fell to the ground. The building was owned by a Long Island woman who did not have any insurance to pay for the clean up, so the situation has been at a standstill. But now the City of Binghamton says papers are being signed with a company that will clean up the building and receive the title. The cost of the cleanup is estimated to be around 200-thousand dollars.

Dog Park Planned

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:15:16 EDT

A dog park could soon be a reality in Cheri Lindsey Park. Thursday evening the Northside Neighborhood Assembly discussed the park which is ready to go, but still needs final approval from the city council to allow dogs off leashes. The park was paid for by a independent community group that supports it... and the Community Development Block Grant. "A space for large dogs and all dogs and a space for smaller dogs. People who have smaller dogs don't like to have them playing with the big dogs...this way they can feel safe and protected as well," said Caroline Quidort, Chief Planner, City of Binghamton. So what happens next? A proposal to approve the new leash rules and designate the dog park will be presented at a City Council work session on Monday.

Vestal Students Shine at Science Fair

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:15:08 EDT

Where could you see a volcano, the solar system, and a live chicken in one spot Thursday night? The gym of Glenwood Elementary School. Thursday night was the science fair, and student creativity shined through a variety of exhibits. Lexi Kalogris couldn't wait to show us what she and her partners Maci and Kelly learned about cats. "We learned that claws can retract and that the cat tongue is actually a secret weapon that they use."

FOX 40 Mobile App.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 22:57:19 EDT

Don't forget that you can see stories and more on the go with FOX 40's mobile app. Catch your favorite weather, news and sports segments anywhere on this app, available in the app store for free. You can always see the news you may have missed on our website at WICZ.com.

Binghamton Sanitation Reforms

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:08:59 EDT

Mayor Matt Ryan says the city's sanitation reforms have saved taxpayers more than $164,000. The changes upped garbage bag fees and required stickers for both bulk item and premium downtown collection. The policy took effect in January of 2011. Ryan says the changes have given people incentives to recycle more and throw out less. As a result, the city's tipping fees at the county landfill have been cut by $89,000, and the stickers have raised more than $75,000 for the city. According to city officials over the past year the changes helped reduce landfill waste by 17 percent, as well as increasing recycling by almost three percent.

Johnson City Firehouses get $75,000

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:02:16 EDT

The Johnson City Fire Department will be getting nearly 75 thousand dollars to buy protective gear and remove hazardous fumes from firehouses. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the grant Thursday, it's part of a FEMA program for firefighters. The money will pay for vehicle exhaust systems that remove harmful carcinogenic fumes and new personal protective equipment.

Hinchey: Film Maker Josh Fox's Arrest a "Shameful Stain on Congress"

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:28:19 EDT

Quick reaction from Congressman Maurice Hinchey--following the arrest of Josh Fox. Hinchey calls it "censorship" and "a shameful stain on Congress." Gasland film maker Josh Fox was arrested in Washington DC Wednesday morning. After he tried to film a congressional hearing on gas drilling. As you can see in this photo Fox was led out in handcuffs by capitol police. A crew from ABC news was also turned away from the hearing, which involved discussion of potential water contamination from gas drilling in Wyoming. A democratic staffer tells Politico that the committee chairman has the discretion on whether to allow uncredentialed members of the media to film hearings.

Flooded Out J.C. Property Owners Consider a Buyout

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:15:33 EDT

Deadlines are coming up for people in the Town of Union who want their flooded properties bought out by the government. Wednesday evening Johnson City officials held a meeting to help residents and business owners decide what to do. One homeowner facing the choice is Joan Holland. There are still repairs being done on her North Baldwin street home, but she wonders if a buyout could be in her best interest. She says, "This is like the third time, the first time it was just a little sneaky stuff in the cellar, but the second time was worse, and this time tops all." The buyouts are competitive, FEMA provides the funding, the state makes the selections, but Johnson City will end up owning the properties, which will be converted to green space. Federal funding pays 75%, but it is still uncertain how much the state will kick in. Application forms will be made available on the Johnson City website, a letter of intent is due on February 15, and a letter must be sent to the assessor by the end of the month.

Violent Domestic Argument Leaves a Man in the Hospital

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:09:16 EDT

Police say a domestic argument turned violent Tuesday night, sending one man to the hospital. At around 9:30 an argument broke out in front of 140 Laurel Avenue in Binghamton between a male, whose name is not yet being released and his girlfriend 26 year old Katrina Carrero and her sister 27 year old Kaity Merly. The argument turned violent as the two women began choking, biting, kicking and punching him as well as hitting him over the head with a guitar and beating him down with a four foot long ice spade, according to police. The male was taken to Wilson Hospital with severe lacerations and damage to his head arm and ears. Both Carrero and Merly were charged with felony assault.

Missing: Alan Smith of Binghamton

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:43:12 EDT

The Broome County Sheriff's Office is asking for your help to find a missing man from Binghamton. Alan Smith was last seen Tuesday around 4:30 when he left to go to work at his Kirkwood rigging business. The 52 year old is described as five foot eight and 210 pounds with a white beard and mustache. He was last seen wearing a sweatshirt, blue jeans and red white and blue bandanna on his head. He was driving a gray 2005 BMW, similar to the picture on your screen. If you have information you are encouraged to call the Sheriff's tip-line at 607-778-1196.

Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:12:25 EDT

A Broome County jail inmate plead guilty to assault in the second degree, likely getting him more time in jail. 38 year old Earnest Anderson of Johnson City admitted to attacking another inmate and breaking their nose back in an incident in August. Anderson will be sentenced in county court on April 12th as a persistent violent felony offender which carries a sentence of 12 years to life in prison.

Citizen's Action wants more State aide for education

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:27:04 EDT

BINGHAMTON -- "I'm taking a second job. I'm going to be the Governor of the State of New York, and I'm also going to be the student lobbyist," Governor Cuomo announced in his State of the State Address early last month. Wednesday in the Southern Tier, groups like Citizen's Action and the Public Policy and Education Fund took exception to Governor Cuomo's remarks. "We have parent organizations, we have administrative organizations, we have school boards and we have parents," said Ken Smith, a teacher at BOCES. "And they are standing up to fight for the students of this state." Over the past two year's, the state has cut school funding by $2.7 billion. This year's proposed budget is only supposed to restore a quarter of that tax cut to the schools. Not enough to prevent school districts, like those here in Binghamton, from being forced to cut more programs. "This is really about the children and ensuring all of our students, no matter where you live, your zip code should not determine your opportunity to succeed in life," said Lea Webb of the Binghamton City Council. Another problem Webb sees with the proposed budget involves competitive grants. In the Governor's proposed budget $250 million are set aside for these grants, a problem for the school systems. "It creates a system of winners and losers," said Webb. "It's a bad policy that also increases teaching to the test, and we've been following the same system in New York State, and it has not been working." The group's answer to the problem is reallocating the competitive grant funding to help the higher need districts. They said it isn't fair for students to compete against each other for their education.

McCabe retires after 27 years

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:27:26 EDT

BINGHAMTON -- After 27 years in the New York State Attorney General's office, Dennis McCabe's calling it quits. Family, friends and former colleagues gathered at Terra Cotta tonight to celebrate McCabe's retirement. McCabe is an assistant AG for the state, handling the Binghamton region. He said he's looking forward to spending more time with his family, but will also be continuing to work with the office on a part-time basis. One of the issues facing the Attorney General's office is hydrofracking. "The gas exploration is a major concern both from the environmental and from the energy production, so I mean there's a balancing act there that we're gonna see how it plays out," said McCabe. "After DEC propagates its rules the attorney general's role will be of course to defend the state however it ultimately comes out." McCabe also said he's proud to have been able to protect consumers while working in the Attorney General's office.

Ohio Valley Roadshow rolls into Owego

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:27:50 EDT

OWEGO -- The Ohio Valley Refinery and Roadshow is in Owego this week and they're looking for anything of value. The free event connects collectors with local residents who own something of interest. Collectors have set aside $300,000 to purchase all sorts of stuff, ranging from vintage jewelry, war items, sports memorabilia and even coins. "If you're not sure what you've got bring it in and let us take a look, said field representative Wayne Nichols. "Maybe we have knowledge on the item our company has a research department that we can send information to and get back to you on it. Let us help you find out what you've got." The Roadshow will be in Owego until Saturday at the Treadway Inn. It's open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Law Enforcement Wants DNA Database Expansion

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:59:18 EDT

It's quick, painless, and, these law enforcement officials say, essential to solving crime - collecting DNA. "DNA is the gold standard for forensic evidence," said Tina Standford, Director of the New York State Office of Victim Services. "This is a huge leap for law enforcement technology," said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino Currently, those convicted of a felony or one of 36 misdemeanors must provide a DNA sample. That amounts to 48 percent of those convicted of a Penal Law crime. "There's no reason why New York State shouldn't be collecting DNA of convicted criminals to make sure number one that they solve past crimes and solve future crimes," said Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride. If passed DNA Databank Expansion legislation would require samples from anyone convicted of all remaining penal law misdemeanors and other felonies - such as felony DWI, aggravated animal cruelty, and prescription drug offenses. "To expand that would be priceless for criminal justice in New York State," said McBride. The State Assembly has a DNA Database expansion bill in committee. It includes provisions the Senate bill doesn't - allowing access to the databank to avoid wrongful convictions and exonerate wrongfully convicted persons. Negotiations are likely needed to reconcile the two bills before a vote to make it law. Officials did quell concerns an expanded DNA database would threaten civil liberties. "It can't identify your race, it can't identify your appearance, it can't identify your health status," said Standford. Supporters say today's non-DNA eligible misdemeanors are precursors to violent crime. The DNA databank was last expanded in 2006 to include some misdemeanors. Since, DNA from those convicted of petit larceny have been linked to 965 violent crimes. Those convicted of second-degree criminal trespass have been linked to 30 homicides, among others. And 27 percent of those convicted of unauthorized use of a vehicle are arrested within five years of the misdemeanor conviction. "This is a very, very important tool to allow us to find out who was in that home, who was in that car, who was in that store, who committed that crime," said McBride. ****In Norwich, Jason Weinstein, FOX 40 News****

Flood warnings discussed at Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:28:02 EDT

BINGHAMTON -- Flood warnings were on the agenda at the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. Dave Nicosia of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that the most basic part of a flood warning program is to get the word out in time. "One of the big problems is people getting the warnings," said Nicosia. "The warnings were there. Are you subscribing to New York Alert? The New York Alerts were going out the day before telling people where and when to evacuate."