WCDO Radio News

Binghamton Rumble Ponies have advanced into the Eastern League Championship with a 2-0 win over the Somerset Patriots Thursday Night, They will play in the Eastern League Championship Game #1 on Sunday at 5:35 PM At Mirabito Stadium. Tickets are on sale with special Box Office hours Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, or at milb.com/binghamton.

Peila farms in Oxford are partnering with the Children's with Special Needs Program Saturday that is open to the public. Families are invited to to go through the corn maze & check out the new Jumbo Jumper Bounce Pillow. The event begins at 11:00 AM. admission is $10, the first 100 individuals who are affiliated with the Early Intervention program will be admitted for free; more information is available at 607-373-1729.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-22-23

Saturday in the Park with Chobani returns from 9 am. to 1 pm. every Saturday from September 23 to October 28; located in West Park. Norwich BID Spokesperson Mindy Chawgo explains:

(Mindy Chawgo 9--22-23)

The 6 week festival wraps up on October 28 with the Norwich Festival with hayrides, pumpkin carving, baking competition, trunk or treat and more information is available at Saturday in the Park with Chobani on Facebook or by calling 607-226-2211.

A free Health & Wellness Fair will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the Bainbridge Village Green. Reverend Kenneth Simurro of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge & The United Presbyterian church of East Guilford is helping to organize the event & he told WCDO news of some of the key participants:

(Rev. Kenneth Simurra 9-22-23)

Reverend Simurra said that the other participants include the Bainbridge Fire Department, and the Lighthouse Cancer Support Group among many others, there will also be a bake sale & winter clothing and personal hygiene giveaway. A blood drive will be held at the Town Hall. More information is available by email to healthfairbainbridge@gmail.com.

The 8th Annual Autumn Open Air Market will be held Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. there will be Free parking, & Free entry & over 75 local merchants will be participating.

The 29th annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will occur this Saturday and Sunday, in East and West Parks, downtown Norwich, spokesperson Celeste Friend comments:

(Celeste Friend 9-8-23)

Also, during Colorscape Chenango, the Chenango County Historical Society will host a series of tours on Sunday with a tour at 11:30 am. and a tour at 1:30 pm, each will meet on and depart from the Chenango County Courthouse in West Park, Norwich. More information is available at colorscape.org.

The New York Hot Farm Pulling Series tractor and truck pull has been rescheduled for Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. The initial pull date was scheduled for July 4 but was canceled due to weather. Gates open at 4 pm. with tractor pulls starting at 6:30 pm. Admission is $10 and previously purchased tickets will be honored. In memory of 911, all first responders will be granted free admission with valid identification.

Hospice of Chenango County will hold a fundraising Chicken Barbecue Sunday in Norwich, to raise money for their programs. Hospice Spokesperson Sarah Greene told WCDO News about some of the programs that the money from such fundraisers helps:

(Sarah Greene 9-8-23)

Sunday's Barbecue will be held at the Norwich VFW on East Main Street from 9:00 to 12:30, more information is available at 607-334-3556.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-12-23

Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds will return again this year to the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich on July 4th, Promoter Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment comments:

(Terry Potter 6-12-23)

Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds will also feature Country Music Star Jason Michael Carroll, food and craft vendors. Tickets are only $15 until June 30th & $20 starting July 1st, at Norwich Copies Plus & at Eventbrite.com or at the gate.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Brandon Cullipher Of Plymouth On May 31, for DWI, Driving with a .08% BAC or Greater, and Aggravated DWI for driving while a child under the age of 16 is in a motor vehicle. Cullipher was observed driving a vehicle with no affixed inspection sticker on the windshield, he is also accused of driving the vehicle with an open container, with passengers under the age of 16. Cullipher was taken into custody, processed and released on an appearance ticket, to appear in the Town of North Norwich Court at a later date.

20 year old Brandon Navas of East Meredith was sentenced to 2 to 6 years in State Prison after admitting to violating the terms and conditions of his probation sentence. Navas was previously sentenced to a 5-year term of probation for his 2022 Conviction of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, he is accused of committing a Burglary in Roxbury while serving the sentence, he appeared in Delaware County Court last week and admitted to violating probation, he was sentenced & was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending his transfer to state custody.

Broome County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Southern Tier chapter of the American Red Cross for a Blood Drive today at the Sheriff's Office in honor of the late Broome County Deputy Kevin Tarsia, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. on July 4th, 2002, Deputy Tarsia was killed in the line of duty during an encounter with suspects from a firearms burglary at Grange Hall Park in Kirkwood. Appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-5-23

32 year old Antonio Escobar-Boria of Sidney pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Attempted Reckless Endangerment, he is accused of allowing a 2-year-old child to be near illegal drugs at 62 East Main Street in Sidney. After State Police executed a search warrant and discovered the illegal drugs, they directed that the 2-year-old child be brought to the hospital, the 2-year-old child tested positive for fentanyl but did not need medical treatment, Escobar-Boria is expected to be sentenced to a 5-year term of felony probation supervision with a special condition that he successfully complete the Delaware County Adult Treatment Court Program, sentencing is scheduled for July 31st.

Preparations are continuing for the annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament July 8th & 9th at the Norwich High School. Organizer Tom Revoir told WCDO News that they still need referees to come forward:

(Tom Revoir 6-5-23)

Revoir said that people interested in Volunteering can call the Norwich YMCA at 607-336-9622, extension 29.

Construction began today on the Buffalo Bills' new, state-of-the-art $1.54 billion stadium in Orchard Park. The new 60,000-seat facility is the largest economic development project in Western New York History, Construction on the new stadium is expected to be complete in 2026, artists renderings of the stadium can be found at governor.ny.gov/buffalo-bills-stadium.

37 new firefighters from the State's Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Graduates come from 17 fire departments across the state, representing the Academy's 87th Recruit Firefighter Training class. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department. Anthony Capristo & Jack Stanton completed their training & will be part of the Oneonta Fire Department, & Cody Minckler will join the Norwich Fire Department.

A.M. NEWS Monday 6-5-23

On May 15th around 4:39 am, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Route I-88 westbound near Exit 6 in Harpursville for a one-car motor vehicle accident. 54 year-old Giovanna Criscitello was driving westbound on I-88 near the Harpursville exit when she failed to make a right turn in the highway, entered the centered median and flipped end over end before coming to rest in a ditch along Bates Road. She was transported by ambulance to UHS Wilson Hospital for multiple severe injuries. She died from those injuries, she was not wearing a seat belt.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a car-motorcycle in the Town of Maine. At approximately 8:24am on Saturday, a motorcycle struck a vehicle crossing Route 26 at the East Maine Road intersection, both occupants were ejected, The motorcycle operator, a male, sustained back injuries and the passenger, a female, sustained a life-threatening head injury, both were transported to Wilson Hospital. The driver of the motorcycle is listed in serious condition and the passenger is in critical condition. The automobile operator sustained minor injuries and was transported to Wilson Hospital for evaluation. The accident is still under investigation.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-23-23

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will draw thousands to the region this coming weekend, Co-Chairman Mike Kauffman told WCDO News about Sunday's races & a special tribute for the late Bainbridge Native Griffin Fisher, who passed away last fall:

(Mike Kauffman 5-23-23)

There will plenty of activities at General Clinton park on Sunday as well, according to Co-chair Chris Smith:

(Chris Smith 5-23-23)

The complete schedule of activities can be found at canoeregatta.org.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a reported 2 car motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Thompson Hollow Road and Jensen Road in the Town of Middletown Monday. Initial reports stated that 1 vehicle was on fire and the 2nd vehicle contained an entrapped person within. 2 good Samaritans heard the collision and went to the scene, they were able to extinguish the fire and provide first aid to both drivers until the arrival of first responders. 41 year old John Todd of Roxbury, was pronounced deceased at the scene, 65 year old Daniel Plummer of East Branch was extricated, he was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by Life Net and is currently in critical condition. The Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the accident,

The Norwich City Police Department is seeking help in identifying an individual who committed a gunpoint Robbery of Holt’s Hemp Emporium at 20 South Broad Street in Norwich this afternoon at approximately 1:10 pm. The suspect is described as a black male, 6’01, wearing light tan camouflage pants, a blue hoodie, and a black helmet with a black backpack, he displayed a handgun and left with stolen cash, he was last seen driving a red and white Yamaha racing motorcycle and on State Route 12, anyone with information is asked to contact Norwich City Police at 607-334-2424.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $112.9 million has been awarded to 70 projects through the Restore New York Communities Initiative. The City of Binghamton will be awarded $2 million for the Crowley Factory Lofts project. The project, located at 149 and 135 Conklin Avenue, will restore the waterfront building's second and third floors with 48 one and two-bedroom market rate housing units. The ground floor will be flexible commercial space. Also, the City of Norwich will receive $2 million for the Norwich Hotel project, to repurpose an existing vacant, unoccupied building at 14-16 South Broad Street into a 45-room boutique hotel.

Norwich City Police arrested 27 year old Mark Andrews of North Pitcher Friday on a variety of charges after he failed to comply with Police & led them on a chase. Andrews was taken into custody & was charged 20 charges including aggravated unlicensed operation, Driving while under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, and resisting arrest. A Norwich Officer attempted to stop a Pick up truck with switched plates, with the pursuit ending at Hortsman’s Trailer Park in the Town of Norwich, Andrews barricaded himself in the vehicle until he was taken into custody, Andrews was also wanted on 2 warrants, & was allegedly operating the pickup while under the influence of Methamphetamines, & that Andrews’ license had been suspended 33 times. Andrews was arraigned was released.

The City of Norwich is waiting for a few final steps before they can start on Their Water Main replacement projects down town, City of Norwich Community Development Director Erik Scrivener explains:

(Eric Scrivener 4-24-23)

Scrivener said that they have lined up a USDA loan, that would be used to pay for the project, which would then be paid back with the grant money when it finally arrives. The project area includes a new water mains under South Broad Street, and East Main Street.

Rajee Almashni of Binghamton pleaded Not Guilty in Broome County Court Friday to 17 counts, including Murder & DWI, for the March 5th Hit & Run that led to the death of 72-year-old Elizabeth Atkinson, as she exited the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City. Police were called to the commons & attempted to make contact with Almashni, but he fled in a vehicle at a high rate of speed through the parking lot & hit Atkinson, who was taken to Wilson Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Almashni is being held in the Broome County Jail pending additional court action.

Commerce Chenango will host "Preventing Targeted Violence to Keep Communities Safe" on April 26th at the Colonia Theatre, 35 South Broad Street, Norwich. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani told WCDO News that Wes Mills at Norwich Central School District & Joseph Testani, a retired FBI agent will provide training to Commerce Chenango Members:

(Sal Testani 4-7-23)

Testani said that the Registration for the event will begin at 10:00 AM on the 26th, with the presentation starting at 11:00 AM, those interested should register by April 19th at info@chenangony.org or call 607-334-1400.

An Easter Egg Hunt for Kids will be sponsored by the Maydole Hose Company of the Norwich Fire Department and the Norwich Business Improvement District Saturday. The event will be held at East & West Parks in Norwich, at 10:00 AM the West Park event will be held for children up to age 4, & there will be a 10:30 AM start time at East Park for Ages 5 to 8.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-7-23

State Police released their update on the reported abduction of Tatiana David in Ithaca Wednesday. A witness reported that David was forced into a white SUV by the suspect, 34 year old Michael Davis of Richmond, Virginia against her will. An endangered adult alert was issued by State Police, They said that the victim and the suspect were in a previous relationship and have a 4-year-old child together. At 9:25 pm, Davis's vehicle was detected crossing into the State of Virginia, Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle, at which time Davis fled the scene, leading Virginia State Police on a pursuit which ended when the suspect vehicle crashed in a wooded area at 10:05 PM. Davis began firing at Virginia State Police, who returned fire, Davis was critically wounded and was taken to an area Hospital and is in critical condition, Tatiana David was located deceased outside the vehicle at the crash location with an apparent gunshot wound, her autopsy was scheduled last night, the results will be released shortly, the investigation is continuing.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-21-23

Fundraisers are underway with more to come, to help the family of Anielle "AK" McEwan Lomnicki with Medical Expenses associated with AK getting hit by a car while walking home from school last week. AK's father, Rich Lomnicki told WCDO news this morning how she was doing:

(Rich Lomnicki 2-21-23)

Kim Ayres of the Trinity O'Connor Foundation is helping to coordinate the fundraising efforts for AK's Family, she said that the Polar Bear Club donated a sizable amount at Saturday Night's Vigil at Keith Clark Park, which drew over 400 people, She told WCDO News about other efforts getting underway:

(Kim Ayres 2-21-23)

Ayres said that JM Trophies & Specialty Gifts will be making up T-Shirts & donating proceeds, plus Shupperd's Tack Shop is printing up signs "AK Strong", all proceeds from that will go to the family, information is available at Shupperd's Facebook page, also Gavin's Pizza is collaborating with local restaurants, On Friday, The Beez Kneez will be donating 10% of all sales & on Saturday, Gavin’s, Machos Tacos, Tina’s Old Fashioned Donuts, Sidney Joe’s Pizzeria, Trackside Dining, Club 55 Restaurant will be donating 10% of all sales to AK and her family.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-21-23

The Norwich City Police Department is investigating an assault on 1 of their officer on Monday at 8:47 p.m. at the Stewart's Shop on State Route 23 in the Town of Norwich. The suspect driver is a White Male wearing a baseball cap, with a black Puma Hoody, dark pants and was seen driving a white Chevy sedan with out of state plates, traveling east on Route 23 toward South New Berlin. The passenger with the suspect was Jesse Dann. Anyone with information should call the Police Department at 607-334-1212.

The Norwich Parade of Lights will be held Saturday night along Broad Street starting at 6:00 PM. Chobani will be giving away some of their products again this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be set up in their igloo in East Park after the parade.

A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today until 6:00 PM at the Elm Park Church, at 401 Chestnut Street. Appointments can be scheduled with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Norwich Theater Company will present Elf The Musical, at the Martin W. Kappel Theater December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Tickets can be purchased at norwichtheatercompany.com, Service Pharmacy and Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 607-336-2787.

A.M. NEWS Friday 11-25-22

26 year old Kout Akol of Binghamton was convicted for 1st degree manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence & endangering the welfare of a child, in Broome County Court Wednesday. Akol was arrested on July 3rd of 2021 for the stabbing death of 27 year old Takecia Mitchell in her Binghamton apartment. Akol faces up to 25 years in prison, he will be sentenced on February 23rd.

Delaware County Public Health’s Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs program Is sponsoring Art in the Park, hosted by The Oneonta World of Learning. Activities will be held Saturday August 20 & 27th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 PM, at 167 Youngs Road in Oneonta. More information is available by calling Oneonta World of Learning at 607-353-9503.

The Boards of Directors for the Chenango United Way and the United Way of Madison County have approved the formal affiliation of their 2 agencies, with the intent to complete an application for merger in the first quarter of 2023. Elizabeth Monaco will be the Executive Director of the new affiliated United Way, she told WCDO News how this will benefit the affected communities:

(Elizabeth Monaco 8-19-22)

The Chenango United Way also affiliated with the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties, so the 3 United Ways will now serve more than 224,000 people in the 4 county region, a new name for the 4-county organization will be announced next year.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY8-19-22

State Police arrested 39 year old Adam Bright of East Meredith for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Vehicular Assault, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Driving While Impaired by Drugs & Reckless Driving, after an investigation into a head-on crash on May 26th, on State Highway 23 in Davenport. Bright's minivan collided with a tractor trailer driven by 53 year old Michael Lutz of Oneonta. Bright was airlifted to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, his passenger, 43 year old Stacey Stachow of Meredith died at the scene, Lutz suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at a local hospital. Bright was located by Troopers Wednesday, he was arraigned at the Hamden Town Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail.

The Chenango Blues Festival returns to Norwich tonight with a free show, and the main concerts to be held at the Chenango County Fairgrounds Saturday, Spokesman Eric Larsen said that tickets are still available:

(Eric Larsen 8-15-22)

More information, updates and tickets are available at chenangobluesfest.org

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-22-22

State Police responded Thursday Morning to a 2-vehicle-crash on State Route 23 in the town of Roxbury. One person was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation revealed that a 79-year-old woman was traveling east on State Route 23 when she crossed over the double yellow line into the opposite lane of traffic, she struck a Curtis Lumber flatbed truck, which unsuccessfully attempted to avoid the crash. The woman was pronounced deceased on scene, her name will be released following the notification of family, The driver of the flatbed was taken to Bassett Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

The Tri Town Theater is looking for volunteers to help out Sunday, with a clean up project at their storage barn at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. Interested volunteers can show up at 10: AM Sunday at the barn near the baseball field, more information is available at 607-287-1288.

Norwich CDO Workforce is hosting an in-person recruitment event at the Norwich CDO Workforce Center at 1 O'Hara Drive in Norwich on Thursday, July 28th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Representatives from Amphenol in Sidney & Willow Run Foods in Kirkwood will be on hand to discuss job opportunities. Job seekers can also call ahead to pre-schedule an interview: 607-334-2201.

The Binghamton Black Bears announced today that the club has named Gary Gill as the new head coach for the 2022-23 season. Gill joins the Black Bears after being the head coach and general manager of the Vermont Lumberjacks in the Eastern Hockey League. Gill has over 400 wins & 9 years of experience coaching professional hockey.

Sidney Rotary & the Cullman Child Development Center present "Dairy Day" on Sunday, at Keith Clark Park in Sidney. Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 7-12-22)

The event will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, more information about the event on Sunday, or their August 6th event, is available at the Sidney Rotary Facebook page, or by calling Larry Halbert at 607-237-4762.

The Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties established a Turning Point center in the city of Norwich, with an Open House & Ribbon Cutting Held Monday at 24 East Main Street in Norwich. The Norwich Turning Point facility will be open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Monday through Friday. More information is available at recoverydo.org.

Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center was awarded an $80,000 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Park and Trail Partnership Grants program to create an environmental educator position who will develop, lead, and organize educational programming for students, youth, families, and special interest groups with an emphasis on adults and seniors. Friends of Rogers will have to raise an additional $20,000 in matching funds, for a project total of $100,000, over two years. More information can be found at ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583.

The Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Golf Tournament & Fundraiser will be held In Sidney On June 11th, with registration starting at 8:00 AM. Organizer Tom Ruff explains:

(Tom Ruff 4-25-22)

More information is available by calling Ruff at 518-256-7899, or by email to truff@twc.com

A.M. NEWS Monday 4-25-22

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in an ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old Aliza Spencer Thursday night on the city’s East Side. Binghamton Police reported that Spencer was walking with her father and brother near their home shortly after 10:00 Thursday night when she was struck in the chest by a bullet.

The Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative's Local Planning Committee's 4th meeting will be held virtually on ZOOM at 3:00 PM today. The purpose of this meeting is to continue the Committee's discussion and review of potential projects for inclusion in Norwich’s Strategic Investment Plan. The meeting is open to all members of the public, with time reserved at the end of the meeting for public comment. The ZOOM link can be accessed on the WCDO Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-15-22

This Year's General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held from Friday Night to Sunday Night on Memorial Day Weekend, Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO news about the change this year:

(John Harmon 4-15-22)

Also, the next class of 2 contributors & 4 paddlers will be inducted into the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame next month in Bainbridge. Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Greg Davie told WCDO News about this year's Inductees:

(Greg Davie 4-15-22)

The inductees are scheduled to be honored at General Clinton Park on Saturday, May 28th at 1:00 pm under the Main Entertainment tent at General Clinton Park during this year's Regatta.

The Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative's Local Planning Committee Meeting announced a 4th meeting will be held virtually on ZOOM on Monday, April 25th at 3:00 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to continue the Committee's discussion and review of potential projects for inclusion in Norwich’s Strategic Investment Plan. The meeting is open to all members of the public, with time reserved at the end of the meeting for public comment. The ZOOM link can be accessed on the WCDO Facebook page.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held in Norwich this Saturday, in the East and West Parks downtown. Children up to age four will be let into West Park at 10 a.m. to search for eggs, and children between the ages of five and eight will be let into East Park at 10:30 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Otsego County Relay for Life & the village of Milford are teaming up for "Celebrating Our Heroes" on Saturday September 11th.  Festivities begin at 4:30 PM with a parade from the Milford central School to Wilber Park, where there will be activities for children and guest speakers Jim Seward, State Senator Peter Oberacker & Assemblyman John Salka.

The Sidney Rotary Club & the Cullman Child Development Center will hold a "Family of Heroes" Event for area Children on Sunday at the Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park, according to spokesman Larry Halbert:

(Larry Halbert 9-2-21)

Halbert said that the Event was scheduled in July & was postponed due to the weather, the event on the 12th runs from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

The 2021 Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Fundraising Golf Tournament will be held at the Sidney Golf & Country Club Saturday, organizer Tom Ruff told WCDO News that there is work to be done at the Park this year with the money raised:

(Tom Ruff 8-18-21)

The Tournament begins at 9:00 AM tomorrow with a shotgun start; more information is available at 518-256-7899.

Colorscape Chenango is back as an in person event in downtown Norwich Saturday & Sunday, Spokesperson Celeste Friend explains:

(Celeste Friend 9-10-21)

The 2 day free event will be held rain or shine, in East and West Parks in Norwich, all local health department COVID-19 guidelines will be in effect, more information is available at colorscape.org.

Commerce Chenango announced that the effort to strengthen broadband across Chenango County will be getting a $1.9 million assist from the New York State Office of Community Renewal. The Chenango County Board of Supervisors accepted the Community Development Block Grant recently through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or "CARES" Act. Funds will be used to bolster wireless internet in the City of Norwich and the Town of New Berlin, plans call for the installation of wireless antennas atop already existing tall structures within the municipalities.

The Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight in the East Park in Downtown Norwich with a free show starting at 7:00 PM tonight, with Friday Night's concert at the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich, the Friday show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance. Blues festival Spokesman Eric Larsen told WCDO News that they have a full line up of great acts & all safety protocols are in place:

(Eric Larsen 8-19-21)

Larsen said that the Main show will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds Saturday, tickets will be only be available at chenangobluesfest.org/tickets.

The 2021 Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park Fundraising Golf Tournament will be held at the Sidney Golf & Country Club on September 11th, organizer Tom Ruff told WCDO News that there is work to be done at the Park this year with the money raised:

(Tom Ruff 8-18-21)

To register for the Golf Tournament, call Tom Ruff at 518-256-7899, the deadline to register is September 9th.

The Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight in the East Park in Downtown Norwich with a free show starting at 7:00 PM tonight, with Friday Night's concert at the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich, the Friday show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance. The Main show will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, No tickets will be available this year by mail or at the gate, Advance sale tickets will be $40 for adults 18 and over at chenangobluesfest.org/tickets, the headliner will be Jimmy Vaughn of Fabulous Thunderbird's" fame.

Downtown Norwich continues with the Thursday evening NBT Bank’s free Summer Concert Series. The weekly musical performances are presented by the Chenango Blues Association, to East Park, tonight, Johnson & Johnson 1-shot COVID vaccines are available from UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. “We will have several doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on-hand on a first come, first serve basis with no appointment necessary, set up opposite the stage near the gazebo; from 6:30 pm. to 8:30 pm., for those 18 & older.

The Ron Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund concert fundraiser has been moved indoors to the Norwich American Legion on Sheldon Street in Norwich, due to expected wet weather.  The Concert is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm, tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.00, the money raised from this, and future concerts will go for a scholarship for area students interested in studying music in college, more information about the scholarship or the fundraiser is available at 244-5481.

The Chenango County Relay For Life will be held on Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, at the East Main Park in Downtown Norwich.  More information is available on the Relay For Life Chenango County Facebook Page.

Delhi Fire Department was dispatched last night to Spring Valley Road for a report of a skid steer on fire inside a barn with hay. Firefighters arrived to see the structure fully engulfed; Mutual aid was requested from Bovina, Treadwell, Meridale, East Meredith, Franklin, Andes Oneonta and Walton. 2 firefighters suffered minor injuries, and were released.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation, there were no animals in the barn.

A car show will be held tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 458 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, which will serve as a fund raiser for the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, there is an entry fee of $10 for each car to be shown. Admission and parking are free for visitors.  More information is available at 433-1226 or 287-8483.   In case of inclement weather, the car show will be held on Sunday, More information about the Oneonta Theatre is available at OneontaTheatre.org.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Andes Fire Department responded to a 911 report of a two car motor vehicle accident on Main Street in the Village of Andes on July 5th.  38-year-old Gleb Temkin of Andes lost control of his vehicle and struck a legally parked vehicle, he is accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated at the time of the accident, he was charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath screening test, failure to keep right, among other charges, Temkin was released & will appear in the Town of Andes Court on a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office conducted an audit of the Town of Oneonta Clerk's office.  The audit showed that the clerk properly recorded all the fees auditors reviewed and remitted all fees collected during the audit period in a timely manner, however, the clerk did not always deposit fees within the required time frame.  Also, an audit was conducted of the Laurens Fire District, where the audit showed that the board did not establish adequate controls over financial activities did not segregate key duties or implement adequate mitigating controls & did not contract for an independent audit of its 2019 records, as required by law, or provide for an annual audit of the treasurer's records.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-9-21

New York State has reached a settlement with Purdue Pharmaceuticals over the company's role in falsely marketing its products to get more Americans hooked on opioids. The owners of Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, will be required to pay $4.5 billion over the next 9 years, with New York State expected to receive at least $200 million as part of Purdue's bankruptcy process.  Funding from the settlement will be used to fund prevention, treatment and recovery programs

The Rotary Club of Sidney and the Cullman Developmental Center are teaming up to create a series of events for area children this summer, the 1st is this Sunday at Sidney Veterans Memorial Park from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with the Family of Heroes Event,  Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert explains;

(Larry Halbert 7-9-21)

Halbert said that other events will be held on July 25th & August 7th & 22nd.

The American Red Cross announced that there is a severe Blood Shortage currently.  Blood drives will be held on Saturday at the Oxford American Legion, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, The Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich on Tuesday July 13th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and at CWS on East Main Street in Norwich on Wednesday July 21st from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, registration is available at redcrossblood.org.

Chenango County Public Health announced that their next COVID vaccination clinic will be on July 14th at Seeber's Tavern in Smithville Flats from 3:00 to 6:00pm, then on July 15th a 1st dose Pfizer for 12 years and older clinic will be held at the former Label Shopper Store, in the South Plaza, in Norwich from 4:00 to 6:00pm.    61.7 % of the 18 plus County population has had one dose of vaccine; more information is available at 337-1660.

The Chenango County Relay for life will be held on Saturday July 17th this year, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.  The event will be held at the East Main Park in Downtown Norwich.  More information is available on the Relay For Life Chenango County Facebook Page.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-6-21

Village of Sidney Police Department officers responded to a residence on River Street on June 13th for a report of an assault, officers found the victim bleeding from a laceration to his head, the suspect fled the scene, and allegedly used a shovel to attack the victim.  Sidney Police Department arrested 46 year old John Hedman of  Unadilla, he was charged with 2nd degree Assault & Criminal possession of a weapon, he was  arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court on a later date.

City of Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri announced plans to resign, and he will take over the position as the city's Youth Bureau director.  Sastri's resignation takes effect on July 18th.  City officials will meet tomorrow regarding the mayor's plans.

Delhi Fire fighters responded to a fire in the early Morning hours Friday on Elk Creek Road, the homeowners Michael & Lisa Buel were able to safely evacuate with their dog; however 5 of the family’s cats died in the fire. The Buels were taken to O’Connor Hospital for smoke inhalation; Michael Buel was transferred to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for further treatment.  Bloomville, Bovina, East Meredith, Meridale and Walton Fire Departments responded with several others on standby.   The fire was under control in about 3 hours, the home was a total loss, and no injuries were reported among firefighters.

The Rotary Club of Sidney and the Cullman Developmental Center are teaming up to create a series of events for children this summer, this 1st is this Sunday at Sidney Veterans Memorial Park from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 7-5-21)

Halbert said that other events will be held on July 25th & August 7th & 22nd.

The Annual Re-dedication Ceremony will be held at the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park on River Street, tomorrow at 11:00 AM. There is a new section to the wall, Visitors are advised to bring their own chairs & Masks will be required and social distancing should be maintained.

On Saturday, The Rolling Antiquers will be holding a free vintage car cruise-in at East Park in Norwich, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. East Park Place Street will be cordoned off, with the capacity to hold 40 cars, cars will be rotated throughout the day, COVID guidelines will be followed.

The Norwich Family YMCA is looking for kids to join their Track & Field Club, called The Bolts, Coach Shannon Gawronski explains:

(Shannon Gawronski 5-28-21)

Registration forms are available at the front desk at the Norwich Y, area kids can sign up for the next program that starts June 13th through early August, more information is available at 336-9622, extension 1024.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-28-21

Temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended until Tuesday, to ease travel throughout Memorial Day weekend. Road work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. Motorists are also urged to abide by New York's Move Over Law and to utilize the 64 text stops located statewide for texting, making phone calls, and other non-driving tasks.

The State Health Department released updated guidance for health and safety measures at child care, day camp, and overnight camp programs.  Facilities and programs must collect COVID-19 vaccination status and documentation for all staff and children. They will need to implement daily health screening practices of their staff and visitors including daily temperature checks; they will need to notify the state and local health departments immediately of any positive COVID-19 test result by a member of the staff or a child.  Children and campers will be required to wear a mask if they are not fully vaccinated. They will not need to wear a mask when eating, drinking, showering, swimming, sleeping, or resting.  More information is available at forward.ny.gov.

A.M. News Wednesday 5-19-21

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Free Johnson & Johnson 1 shot Vaccine Clinic In West Park in Norwich today From 1:00 to 2:30 pm.  No appointment is needed; the Clinic is first come first serve, with 40 doses available. More information is available at 337-1660.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-14-21

47 year old Kristina Hand of Morris was sentenced in federal court to 2 years of probation, she was ordered to serve 50 hours of community service & pay $34,000 in restitution, for stealing that amount from the Morris Central School District, while serving as school treasurer from 2014 to 2020.    Hand pleaded guilty to 2 counts of federal program theft, she admitted she stole about $24,000 by depositing checks payable to the school district into bank accounts that she controlled, and for stealing at least $10,000 more by using the school district’s Amazon account and credit cards to purchase personal items.

The Chenango County Blues Association announced that the Chenango Blues fest is being scheduled for this summer.  The blues fest will begin on Thursday August 19th with a free concert at the East Side Park Stage, a lengthy line up of acts are also slated to perform Friday August 20th & Saturday August 21st at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, information will be updated at chenangobluesfest.org.

Norwich Theater Company is holding auditions for their summer production, “Something Rotten” in the Martin W. Kappel Theater, in Norwich tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with call backs on Sunday at 2:00 PM.  More information is available at norwichtheatercompany.org or (888) 613-4496.

State Police arrested 22 year old Keegan Allen of Schenevus for 2 counts of Petit Larceny, for entering at least 2 vehicles; one on Murdock Avenue and another on Madison Avenue in Oneonta and stealing change.  Troopers were advised by the Oneonta City Police that Allen was in the East End Laundromat and he was taken into custody & was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  He was issued appearance tickets for town of Oneonta court on September 8th and was released.

"Unite Chenango" will host a Black Lives Matter event at Kurt Beyer Park in Norwich tonight, 1 of the guest speakers is Reverend LaDana Clark of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, who served in the US Army and also served in the Plainfield New Jersey Police Department in a variety of roles in 2005 through 2011.  She told WCDO News that no one is suggesting that Police be eliminated, and she gave her ideas of what should be happening:

(Reverend Clark 8-28-20)

Tonight's event will begin at 6:00 PM; Reverend Clark also has a website related to her church activities at ChurchNTheHood.org.

Employees at UHS Primary Care Norwich coordinated a food and personal care product drive at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and its outpatient office locations, in order to donate the items to the Catholic Charities Roots & Wings program.    Items such as diapers, formula and hygiene products were donated, 5 collection bins with over 80 items were donated & were distributed to those in need.

State Police identified the 2 women who died after a one-vehicle crash in the town of Pittsfield Wednesday as 21 year old Tehya Gonzalez of Bainbridge and 21 year old Cheyenn Aubry of Treadwell.  The driver is a 26-year-old male who is facing criminal charges; his name will be released after he is formally charged.   Police responded early Wednesday to a report of a vehicle that went off of County Route 13 in the town of Pittsfield.

The next Chenango County Rabies Clinic will be held today at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.  Pet owners are asked to enter the grounds through the gate across from Matthews Ford on East Main Street.   Pre-Registration is required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9, more information is available at 337-1673.

The Ross Park Zoo will be re-opening in Phase 4, Officials will be implementing the safety measures following CDC & State Health Department guidelines, and Opening dates will be June 29 through July 1 for members only; July 2 will be open to the public.  More information is available at rossparkzoo.org/covid-19/

Delaware County IDA announced a $25,000 Business expansion loan for Greentopia farms of East Meredith.  The company started last year & has taken a former factory building & is growing mushrooms of various types for gourmet food applications, more information about their mushrooms is available at 718-483-4675.

The Next American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today in Oneonta from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St.  Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Graduations ceremonies will be held at some area schools today & tomorrow.  The Hancock seniors will have their ceremony this morning at 10:00 AM @ the football field, Afton seniors will have a graduation car parade at 4:30 this afternoon, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton will celebrate at 5:30 PM on the school grounds.  Milford seniors will celebrate at 6:00 PM, Sidney at 6:30 on the Athletic Field, Deposit at 7:00 PM on their football field, Franklin 7:00 PM at Franklin Stage Company & Morris at 7:00 PM.  Saturday celebrations include Oneonta Seniors in 3 ceremonies beginning at 10:00 AM, the Delaware Academy at 10:00 AM, Norwich at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at High School field, South Kortright at 1:00, Unadilla Valley Central School District at 2:00 PM in the Gym & Bainbridge Guilford at 7:00 PM on the lawn.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched Monday
Morning to a 1 car property damage auto accident in the McDonald’s parking lot
in Delhi.   19 year-old Andrew Lyon of
East Meredith collided with a protective pylon located near the restaurant’s
drive-thru, he was charged with Aggravated DWI, with a Blood Alcohol Content
more than 3 times the legal limit.  Lyon
was also issued numerous tickets for other infractions; he was arraigned in the
Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility
on lieu of $1,000 Cash Bail pending action in Town of Delhi Court at a later
date.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested William Hatton
of Oxford on a bench warrant issued by the Town of Norwich Court for the felony
of Grand Larceny.   Hatton was located
inside of a garage in Smithville at the residence and refused to come outside,
he was located hiding in a crawl space in the roof of the building & was
taken into custody, & was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was
remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $2,000 cash bail.

Chenango County Sheriff’s
Department arrested 22 year old Andrew Palmer of Norwich on a warrant issued by
the Chenango County Court for violating his terms of Probation for a prior
charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; Palmer was remanded to
the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail.

Governor Cuomo announced that opioid overdose deaths among
New York State residents, outside New York City, declined 15.9 percent in 2018
compared to 2017, the first decrease in 10 years. Over 1,900 people died from
opioid overdoses last year.  The progress
is the direct result of recommendations from the New York State Heroin and
Opioid Task Force, which Governor Cuomo convened in 2016 & reconvened
earlier this year.  The full report is
available at health.ny.gov.

Plans are underway to have the State Police in charge of
State Park Police, due to the soaring attendance at state parks.  Governor Cuomo stated that the change will
make it easier to deploy state resources to parks visited by 74 million people
a year; executive staff members will oversee the transition over the next 6
months.

The Chenango County Health Department will hold their last
Rabies vaccination clinic tomorrow in Norwich.
The clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets will be held from 9:30 to 11:00
AM at the Norwich Fire Station, More information is available at 337-1673.

"Breakfast With Santa" will be hosted by the
Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, it will
be held at the Norwich VFW at 61 East Main Street in Norwich.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is holding a number of
Holiday activities tomorrow, Chamber Spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 12-6-19)

Also, the Toys for Tots caravan of Tractor Trailers will
arrive at General Clinton Park at about 1:20 PM Saturday.

The Friends of Afton Parade Committee will hold the annual
Afton Christmas Parade Saturday.  The
Parade line-up will be at Corporate Park on Route 7 at 4:00 pm, the parade
starts at 5:00pm & Santa will be in the NBT Bank after the parade. Food and
hot beverages provided by the Chamber of Commerce and VFW, located inside the
VFW. Community bonfire located in the First Baptist Church Parking lot after
the parade. More information is available at 208-5005, or the "Friends of
Afton" Facebook page.