WCDO Radio News

An Ad-Hoc organization has been formed call the "Butternut Valley Neighbors", they will be holding a meeting this Thursday at the Morris Fire Hall regarding concerns that area resident may have regarding Federal budget cuts for various programs, spokesperson Andrea Hull explains:

(Andrea Hull 7-7-25)

The meeting at the Morris Fire House Thursday will begin at 6:30 PM, more information is available at 202-531-7393.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives will be held today, one in Richfield Springs from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Community Center, another will be held in Bradbury from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Bradbury Town Hall, schedule appointments at the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit  redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Catholic Charities of Sidney will hold their Roll The Dice LCR fundraising tournament on July 10th in Sidney, Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 6-24-25)

The event will be held on July 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, more information is available at 607-604-4071.

Amphenol of Sidney is celebrating 100 years in operation in the village of Sidney, with an Open House on Saturday July 19th, with a host of activities & exhibits at the Delaware Avenue facility. WCDO News interviewed Chris Cappello, who is helping to organize the event & wrote a book on the company's rich history in Sidney, that interview will be aired in its entirety following the 6:00 PM News tonight on WCDO.

The Annual Unadilla Flag Day Parade will be held this Saturday at 7:00 pm, it will go down Main Street in the Village of Unadilla, there will be an Ice cream social and bounce house after the parade in front of the Community House.

The Afton Central School District closed at 11:30 this morning & all after school activities are canceled. The water in Afton was discolored or dirty, the Village of Afton Public Works Department told WCDO News that there was no water main break, but road crews using jack hammers adversely affected the quality of the water earlier today, it should clear up and there is NO order to boil water in effect.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-11-25

Delaware County Public Health, the New York National Guard and State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is hosting a Citizen Preparedness Training Event today in Walton, DCPH Spokesperson Isabella Ziolkowski comments:

(Isabella Ziolkowski 6-11-25)

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required to attend, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200. The event will be held from 6:00PM – 7:30PM at the New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Avenue, Walton.

Commerce Chenango announced that they will hold an Open House at their new location at 19 East Main Street in Norwich, on Wednesday June 25th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, those in attendance will get to see the plans for the Early Learning Center that will be located on the 1st floor of that building.

Former Area Congressman Chris Gibson has written his 3rd book, entitled "The Spirit of Philadelphia: A Call to Recover the Founding Principles", he told WCDO News what he has been up to since leaving Congress in 2017 & about his book published last week:

(Chris Gibson 5-29-25)

In Addition to the book, Gibson was appointed to President of Siena College from 2020 to 2023, the same college that he graduated from years ago. Gibson said that the new book which explores the deeper philosophical foundations of America’s success—common sense realism, self-governance, and the balance of rights and responsibilities, and how a renewal of those principles can guide us through today’s political division, civic apathy, and institutional dysfunction.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-29-25

The Chenango County Historical Society & the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on “An America250 Conversation.” and they will be seeking public input on how the County should celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year, Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 5-29-25)

The next community dialogue will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on May 29 at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus at 20 Conkey Ave. Registration is encouraged by emailing “info@chenangohistorical.org”.

Governor Hochul announced that more than $50 million has been awarded to 50 projects through the State's Restore New York Communities Initiative. Locally, the Village of Cooperstown will get $1 million to demolish 217 Main Street, in favor of a 50-unit, 3-story apartment building. The Village of Franklin will receive $1 million to rehabilitate 3 vacant properties at 438-444 Main Street to be redeveloped into 5 new commercial businesses and a new apartment. The City of Norwich will receive $1 million for the former office building at 23 East Main Street to be repurposed for a childcare center, the 2nd floor will house Commerce Chenango offices with a reception area, The site’s emergency generator and location also position it for FEMA shelter designation, further strengthening community resilience.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-22-25

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will have 3 days of activities on and off the Susquehanna River, Co-Chairman Mike Kaufman told WCDO News about some of the activities on Saturday:

(Mike Kaufman Saturday)

Co-Chair Christine Smith told WCDO News about some of Saturday's entertainment:

(Christine Smith Saturday)

This year is the 63rd edition of the Regatta and WCDO will once again have coverage of the event, including full team coverage on Sunday for the 70 mile races.

The Chenango County Historical Society & the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on “An America250 Conversation.” and they will be seeking public input on how the County should celebrate America's 250th anniversary next year, Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 5-7-25)

The next community dialogue will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on May 29 at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus at 20 Conkey Ave. Registration is encouraged by emailing "info@chenangohistorical.org".

CoreLife Eatery, which operates restaurants throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky, will pay $7,809,373 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying its eligibility for a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant, when it knew or should have known that it operated too many locations to qualify. CoreLife Eatery Admits in Federal Court to Operating Too Many Restaurants to Qualify for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, they have 29 locations, many located in Upstate locations.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-7-25

The Oneonta Common Council voted 5 to 3 against the proposal to sell 27 Market Street to Rehabilitation Support Services for a mixed use facility to be built on the lot on Market Street. Plans had called for a multi story facility to house businesses & apartments, with some housing units dedicated to RSS clients, they provide community-based mental health and substance abuse services.

Whitney Bachanas appeared in Otsego County Court & pleaded guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, she was charged after law enforcement found a dog, a turkey, a chicken & a quail dead on her property in Milford, she pleaded guilty in a plea bargain arrangement, she will be sentenced in June to 100 days of house arrest with an electronic monitor. She will be prohibited from owning or possessing animals and will likely face fines.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-6-25

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested several people on a variety of charges following a Burglary in progress report at a residence in the town of Pittsfield Sunday. Arrested were 24 year old Autumn Knapp of Morris, 50 year old Richard Suarez of Morris, 49 year old Travis Wilson of Pittsfield, and 41 year old Danielle Bemis of Pittsfield. It was reported that 4 subjects were inside of a house actively removing property, A Sheriff’s Office sergeant arrived on scene and located the defendants, additional deputies arrived on scene, the defendants were transported to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment. Travis Wilson and Danielle Bemis were remanded on $5,000 cash or $10,000 surety bond, Autumn Knapp was remanded on $15,000 cash or $30,000 surety bond, and Richard Suarez was remanded without bail. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending.

The Oneonta Common Council meeting will be held at the Oneonta High School this evening, they are expected to discuss the possible sale of the 27 Market Street, To Rehabilitation Support Services. The site formerly housed the Oneonta Sales Company, which was finally taken down after being abandoned for years, the city bought the property in 2020. Rehabilitation Support Services provides community-based mental health and substance abuse services, they propose to build a $25 million multi-story structure with residential and commercial space, with some housing units dedicated to RSS clients, a petition has been circulated denouncing the plan. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM tonight.

The Bainbridge Girl Scout are holding another free Community giveaway with the drop off of gently used items to be held on Friday at the Greenlawn Elementary School from 3:30-6:30, and the giveaway of those items will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

State DEC announced that the regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1st, Spring turkey harvests average 16,000 to 18,000 birds, Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time, Licenses can also be displayed digitally using the HuntFishNY mobile app, licenses are also available in person at more than 1,100 Agents across the State, For more information about sporting licenses, dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-28-25

Chenango Sheriff Office arrested 47 year old Andrew Harris of Plymouth for Obstructing Fire Fighting Operations, Reckless Endangerment of Property, Unlawful Imprisonment. Harris was arrested after deputies determined he would not let fire department personnel extinguish a house fire in the Town of Plymouth. Harris was found standing in his driveway in close proximity to a fully involved house fire, he aggressive yelled at emergency personnel and failed to obey lawful orders, Deputies also determined that Harris committed crimes the night before against his girlfriend during a domestic incident, he was arraigned & released on his own recognizance.

The Otsego County Department of Health & Bassett Healthcare Network, is launching the development of the 2025–2030 Community Health Needs Assessment. They are seeking input from residents, businesses, and organizations across Otsego County to help shape future health initiatives and improve the overall well-being of our communities. Community members can provide feedback by Completing an online survey at arcg.is, by Calling the Otsego County Department of Health at 607-547-4230 to have a paper copy mailed to you The Deadline for Feedback is April 16th, All responses will remain confidential, more information is available at 607-547-4230

The Tri County Senior Center at 43 Pearl Street in Sidney, will have an open House this evening to showcase the array of activities & programs that they offer, that senior may be interested in, Spokesperson Carol Allen explains:

(Carol Allen 3-18-25)

The Open House will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with the entrance in the right rear of the former Hospital building, more information is available at 563-8065.

The Tri County Senior Center at 43 Pearl Street in Sidney, will have an open House Friday evening to showcase the array of activities & programs that they offer, that senior may be interested in, Spokesperson Carol Allen explains:

(Carol Allen 3-18-25)

The Open House will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with the entrance in the right rear of the former Hospital building, more information is available at 563-8065.

More concerts & stand up comedy shows are coming to Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, including 1 big name at the end of the month, according to spokesman Geoff Doyle:

(Geoff Doyle 3-18-25)

Tickets for the Tom Green show & others can be found at foothillspac.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-18-25

Chobani is gifting $250,000 each to infrastructure projects in Central New York, including for the Unadilla Community Farm's buildout of a solar-powered commercial kitchen and classroom space in West Edmeston, the kitchen will turn fresh harvests into nutritious meals for those in need, will also double as a teaching space for the Unadilla Community Farm's Beginning Farmer Training Program. Food made on-site will be donated to regional food pantries.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado & Freshman Congressman Josh Riley visited with students at SUNY Delhi Tuesday. Delgado told students about a program that would allow them to get paid for certain volunteer opportunities, just under the state minimum wage for up to 300 hours of Community service.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will hold their “Be the Light,” Holiday celebration tonight, Contributors and community leaders are invited to attend the lighting ceremony and reception at 5:30pm at Newton House, 179 North Broad Street, Norwich. For more information, call 607-337-4151.

The Chenango County Historical Society will participate in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday asks people to donating to local charities, Giving Tuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Also, the annual Holiday Open House and Museum Store Sunday will be from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on December 1st at the Chenango County Historical Society on Rexford Street in Norwich.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will join elected officials and educators to encourage Binghamton University students to apply to the DoD Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, which provides full college tuition in return for public service in the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community. Successful applicants will serve one year in the DoD or the IC as a civilian employee for each year of their scholarship. Gillibrand's event begins at 3:00 this afternoon at the Binghamton University Innovative Technologies Complex at 85 Murray Hill Road in Vestal.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will launch “Be the Light,” to illuminate Newton House on Broad Street in Norwich. With a suggested donation of $20, community members can purchase a light that celebrates or memorializes a loved one. Names of honorees will be displayed at CMH throughout December. Proceeds will benefit the Auxiliary’s efforts to support patient services at CMH, the lighting ceremony and reception on Tuesday, December 3rd at 5:30pm at Newton House. For more information, call 607-337-4151.

Commerce Chenango's Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held Today at 11:00 AM at Saint Bart's in Norwich, more information is available at Commercechenango.com

The Village of Unadilla will have their 2nd annual Tree Decorating event at the Community House on December 13th, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 11-11-24)

Cotten said that interested businesses and organizations should contact him at 607-373-7370 before December 11th, a parade will follow the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 13th.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-11-24

The DEP and State Police helicopters are conducting aerial firefighting operations to assist local fire departments battling the Whitehouse forest fire raging across 384 acres in the mountainous New York City watershed between the Rondout and Ashokan reservoirs in Ulster County in the Catskills.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar will be hosting a Public Safety Town Hall at 6:00 PM today for residents of Windsor and the surrounding communities. The Public Safety Town Hall will take place at the Village of Windsor Community House, Community members are invited to attend and hear the latest public safety updates, ask questions and discuss safety for residents and motorists.

Next Tuesday, from 6pm - 7:30pm, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar will be hosting a Public Safety Town Hall for residents of Windsor and the surrounding communities. The Public Safety Town Hall will take place at the Village of Windsor Community House, located at 107 Main St. in Windsor. Community members are invited to attend and hear the latest public safety updates, ask questions and discuss how to help make Windsor and the surrounding communities safer for residents and motorists.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-24-24

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 3 people following the execution of a search warrant in the Town of Laurens. 31 year old Ronald Neu of Laurens was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition Feeding Devices. 21 year old Christopher Beech, was arrested on an outstanding warrant , as was 23 year old Alyssa Jones, & 20 year old Rafail Tsiraouglou. Deputies & Oneonta Police executed a search warrant, all individuals were detained for further investigation, Beech and Jones were turned over to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police respectively, Tsiraouglou was turned over to Immigration Officials. Weapons & narcotics were seized, Neu was lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility for arraignment.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that this is the last week to purchase tickets to attend the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Annual Commitment to Community Dinner on Saturday, November 2nd @ the Bainbridge Community Center. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are on sale at Bob's Diner until end of day this Friday. This year's honorees for Co-Citizens of the Year are Christine Smith and Michael Kauffman, Businesses of the Year: Bob's Diner and Payne's Cranes, the Business of Distinction: VIP Payroll and Tax Services & the Service Organization of the Year is the Bainbridge Fire Department.

Chenango County Planning Director Shane Butler announced that there was a great turnout for our open house on the Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan Draft last week. Chenango County residents can Check out the plan at chenangocounty2050.com, residents can provide comments and feedback over the next few weeks, the next step is adoption by the County Board.

The Norwich Rotary Club will have their 38th Annual Blood Screening AMBA clinic Saturday at the Norwich YMCA Community Room. Appointments can be made at 1-800-234-8888.

The Sacred Heart Church's annual “HARVEST FESTIVAL” is underway today & again tomorrow, at the Parish Center on Liberty Street in Sidney. Food, Craft items, a haunted house & children's games games will all be featured.

Otsego County Public Health is holding a rabies vaccination clinic today at the Otego Fire House for dogs, cats & ferrets. The Clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM tonight.

Congressman Marc Molinaro's constituent service team will hold mobile office hours from 11:00am to 1:00pm today, at the Village of Afton Community Center from 12:00pm to 2:00pm & at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room. Constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro's office to share comments and resolve issues they are having with federal agencies.

The Oneonta Job Corp will be holding an open house today to recruit new students, Business Engagement Specialist Jocelyn Plows comments:

(Jocelyn Plows 9-26-24)

The Open House will be at their location at 21 Homer Folks Avenue in Oneonta, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, more information is available at 431-1507.

Leaderful Delaware is seeking people committed to community service who would benefit from strengthening leadership skills while developing a personal professional network. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci said that the program has obtained the desired results:

(Ray Pucci 9-26-24)

The 2024-2025 program will start on October 17 with an in-person session in Delhi, they meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month through May 2025. A graduation recognition will be celebrated at the Chamber’s Business and Breakfast event in June 2025. Applicants may be sponsored by a business or a community leader and provide references, the Application deadline is tomorrow September 27. Download application at delawarecounty.org.

The Family Resource Network is hosting an Open House today from 11am-6:30pm at the Community Cultural Center, 1 Bridge Street in Sidney. Director Michelle Zuk told WCDO News about the positions they are looking to fill:

(Michelle Zuk 9-24-24)

For those interested in the positions but can not attend the Open House, call 607-432-0001 or email; kwinn@familyrn.org. More information is available at familyrn.org.

45 year old Rondell Wright of Binghamton was sentenced today to 6 years in State Prison followed by 5 years post-release supervision after being found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Broome County Jury in May in Broome County Court. On April 27, 2023, Wright was discovered to have a loaded and operable .380 caliber handgun in the City of Binghamton, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit assisted by the Binghamton Police Community Response Team discovered the handgun on Wright after a traffic stop of a vehicle with stolen license plates.

The Oneonta Job Corp will be holding an open house to recruit new students, this Thursday , Business Engagement Specialist Jocelyn Plows comments:

(Jocelyn Plows 9-23-24)

The Open House will be at their location at 21 Homer Folks Avenue in Oneonta, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, more information is available at 431-1507.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-20-24

A Broome County Jury found 50 year old Damian High of Endicott, guilty of multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 1 count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, he faces up to 24 years in State Prison followed by 6 years of post-release supervision. On April 7, 2023, members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant in Endicott, where High possessed cocaine and a digital scale, in February, Endicott Police found High sleeping under a bridge, he was detained him under a Mental Hygiene Law, Police uncovered 19 baggies of cocaine. High is scheduled to be sentenced in Broome County Court on December 16.

2 American Red Cross Drives will be held in the Tri-County region today, one in Roxbury from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Carriage House, & another in Richfield Springs from 2:30 pm. - 6:30 pm., at the Richfield Springs Community Center, make appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Delaware County Planning Board announced that they plan to develop a Strategic Comprehensive Plan, to guide future growth, development, and preservation in the County. Fisher Associates will lead the planning process and public engagement efforts. Public Input Sessions will be on Monday, September 16, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Hobart Community Center & Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Walton Fire Hall, on West Street. The input gathered from the public survey and during these initial input sessions will be reviewed by Delaware County Planning and Fisher Associates, followed by additional opportunities for public review and comment.

Broadway In Binghamton will host an open house event Tuesday, September 10 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering patrons an opportunity to explore the Forum Theatre and "Test Drive" seats for the upcoming season. Broadway In Binghamton staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the 2024-2025 M&T Bank Broadway Season, as well as additional information on subscriber benefits, and group booking information. The 2024-2025 Season includes: Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations, The Cher Show, The Addams Family, and Chicago. For more information, go to BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-5-24

State Police responded late Tuesday Night & early Wednesday Morning to 2 multiple vehicle crashes on I-81 in the towns of Lisle & then Marathon. The 1st accident occurred when 28 year old Singh Simran of Calgary, Alberta went off the roadway into the grassy median & attempted to bring the tractor trailer back into the roadway but overturned, blocking both lanes, 19 year old Danial Kirmani struck the cab with his car, 2nd tractor trailer operated by 67 year old Mykola Khudyk of Quebec collided with the trailer portion of the first tractor trailer, Kirmani was transported to Wilson Hospital for minor injuries. in the 2nd accident, in the town of Marathon, 31 year old Nicholas Espino of Bronx, failed to observe another tractor trailer slowing down, driven by 34 year old Gregory Wilson of Mexicao New York, & rear ended it, No injuries were reported. The portion of I-81 from Marathon to Lisle was closed for several hours due to the dense fog, clean up & the investigation of both crashes, The highway was reopened at 8:30 Wednesday Morning.

The Community Foundation for South Central New York partnered with Horn Research to complete a regional community assessment focused on Mental Health, Housing, Poverty, Non-Profit Capacity and Equitable Access to Resources. Tina Barber, Community Foundation Executive Director, will present Delaware County specific findings on Wednesday, August 28th at 10 AM at the Walton Theatre and at 2 PM at the MTC Community Room in Margaretville. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 8-13-24)

Barber’s presentation on August 28th is a free event, but registration is required by Monday, August 26th. You can register for Walton at tinyurl.com/NeedsWalton and Margaretville tinyurl.com/NeedsMargaretville. The Community Foundation serves donors and nonprofits in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga Counties, more information is available at donorswhocare.org.

Another American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Oneonta Quality Inn, on State Route 23. Another is scheduled in Roxbury from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Carriage House, Jay Gould Memorial Church, Main Street, State Highway 30, book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the Capping Prescription Costs Act, legislation that would cap the annual out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private insurance:

(Gillibrand 7-24-24).

Gillibrand said that if the legislation is passed, about 10 million New Yorkers would benefit, Several Senators co-sponsor the bill, it also has a sponsor in the US House of Representatives.

50-year-old Kevin Harrington of Oneonta pleaded guilty to 2 counts of mail fraud, he admitted that while serving as executive director at First Community Care of Bassett, LLC, he submitted fraudulent expense reports seeking reimbursement for the purchase of CPAP machines that were not purchased, stealing more than $150,000 from his former place of work. Sentencing will be November 21st, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of up to 3 years of supervised release.

Hill City Celebrations is holding its annual Hometown Fourth of July Festival in Neahwa Park, on Thursday, July 4, beginning with a parade on Main Street at 1 pm. Following the parade, family-friendly games, a bounce house, food and craft vendors, live music, and many other activities will be held all day in Neahwa Park. The night will culminate with a fireworks show, more information is available at hillcitycelebrations.com or following Hill City Celebrations on Facebook.

A.M. NEWS Monday 6-24-24

State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bryant said in a decision filed Thursday that the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision did not provide sufficient evidence to refute allegations that it has failed to follow the limits on solitary confinement enshrined in state law in 2021. State law limits solitary confinement in most cases to three consecutive days, or six days in any given 30-day period.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-28-24

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that 29 year old Michael Bredin on the Town of Maryland, has been charged with 2nd degree Arson by the State Police & Otsego County District Attorney's Office. On March 31st, the Schenevus Fire Department, along with Oneonta City Firefighters, responded to a blaze at an apartment house on State Route 7, the fire was quickly knocked down, and investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. Bredin was arraigned Friday & faces court action at a later date.

About 30 residents from Morris and surrounding towns met at the Morris Firehouse on May 23 for a follow-up to the news that Sidney Federal Credit Union intends to establish banking services in the Village of Morris. The meeting was organized by the Butternut Valley Alliance, whose task force began working to find an alternate bank when Community Bank, N.A. ended 167 years of banking services in Morris on January 19, Maggie Brenner of the Butternut Valley Alliance explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-28-24)

Present at the meeting were SFCU president and CEO Jim Reynolds and Andrew Smith, SFCU’s vice president of sales and marketing, who gave updates on the status of the SFCU-BVA agreement and answered questions from the public. The meeting was recorded and is available on YouTube.

The Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Team will be giving a special presentation for the public in the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Memorial Public Library Today at 6:00PM. Rich Townsend was a Science Teacher at Sidney at the start of the program in 2007, & is still guiding the program, he told WCDO about the presentation:

(Rich Townsend 5-28-24)

Townsend said anyone interested in donating to the project should email: rtownsend@sidneycsd.org. The presentation this evening is free & open to the public.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office reported that over the last several weeks residents have been targeted by individuals posing as representatives from Publisher Clearing House, informing victims that they have won a substantial prize, the scammers then request payment of various fees and taxes to claim the prize, ultimately defrauding people of their savings. Legitimate sweepstakes organizations do not require winners to pay fees upfront to receive their prizes, also, individuals should never provide personal or financial information over the phone or online unless they are certain of the recipient's identity. To report a scam contact the New York State Attorney General, Consumer Frauds Bureau at 1-800-771-7755, or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov or call 1-877- 382-4357

Broome County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a grant totaling $834,118 from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The majority of the funding will be utilized to purchase a county-wide License Plate Reader network, to help in identifying and locating wanted criminals and fugitives entering the community, as well as helping locate stolen vehicles and vehicles involved in ongoing investigations. Some of the funding will also go toward purchasing a new Digital Forensic Computer and provide tablet and smartboard training technology for the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy.

The Butternut Valley Alliance has announced a partnership with SFCU, to take the necessary measures to open a full-service branch in Morris. This development comes after the "Save Our Bank" task force was formed, as Community Bank NA had announced plan last year to close their Morris Branch. Butternut Valley Alliance Vice Chair Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-14-24)

Brenner said that the BDD process can take 6 to 12 months, meanwhile, SFCU plans to begin offering limited services with a representative assisting businesses and residents in opening accounts, The Alliance will try to find out Community Bank's plans with their former office in Morris, to see if it can become a new branch for SFCU.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-14-24

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested a Kirkwood man for 3 gas station robberies. The 1st Robbery was on May 9th, at the Speedway gas station on Route 7 in Sanitaria Springs, where a male with a black shirt wrapped around his hand, implying he had a weapon, and grabbed a cash register & fled the scene in a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck. The 2nd Robbery was at the Mirabito gas station on Old Route 17 in Windsor, Sheriff Deputies identified the suspect vehicle and potential suspect as 46 year old Clint Loomis of Kirkwood. On Friday, a 3rd Robbery occurred at a gas station in Greene, Loomis was located on Route 12 in the Town of Chenango, A Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Loomis resisted, a Taser was deployed but Loomis drove off, Tire deflation devices were set up, Loomis damaged his tires but continued to flee, eventually leaving the vehicle on foot, he was apprehended. Loomis was wanted on a warrant, & was charged with Robbery, Obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment, unlawfully fleeing Police, Resisting arrest & 26 traffic violations, he was being held for arraignment.

Oneonta Fire Fighters responded to a fire Sunday morning on Columbia Street, several occupants escaped, the fire began on the 1st floor, The cause of the fire is under investigation, the house is uninhabitable.