WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo today announced that non-essential lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended today until Tuesday Morning at 6:00 AM to accommodate travelers during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Governor’s construction suspension seeks to make it easier for motorists to travel with minimized traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The 2016 Little League World Series Champion Maine-Endwell team will be honored in a ceremony on Saturday at 6:30 PM prior to the Binghamton Mets game against the Erie Sea Wolves. The 11 players, along with manager Scott Rush and his coaching staff will be recognized for their 24-0 season that finished with the championship last Sunday. Fans can purchase tickets for the B-Mets upcoming season-closing homestand at the NYSEG Stadium box office, by calling 723-METS or by visiting BMETS.COM.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host "Bainbridge Days" today & tomorrow, Chamber spokesperson June White comments:

(June White 9-2-16)

Events will be located around the Village, in the Downtown Bainbridge business District, as well as the parking lot behind Bob's Diner.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies. Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main Street in Oneonta

The West Kortright Centre presents its 11th Annual Fair on Sunday, from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM. Spokesperson Charlene Sugihara explains:

(Charlene Sugihara 9-2-16)

Admission is $5.00 per person and children under 10 are free. The West Kortright Centre is located at 49 West Kortright Church Road in East Meredith; more information is available at 278-5454 or westkc.org.

Binghamton Police charged 27-year-old Nicholas Chappell of Binghamton with 2nd -degree murder & attempted 2nd degree murder for the fatal shooting at 1 Mozart Street Wednesday morning. Chappell is accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old David Sanborn of Whitney Point & injuring 26-year-old Jordan Doolittle of Windsor. The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon has tested positive for Rabies in the town of Middletown. The Raccoon was sent to the State Rabies Lab for testing, the positive test results were received Wednesday. Officials said that there was 1 domestic animal and 1 human exposure; they are coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment that the adult will be receiving. The animal has been placed in quarantine for 6 months due to a short lapse in rabies vaccination status. The next scheduled rabies clinic is: Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Governor Cuomo announced that the sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products sold in New York State is in effect. Feminine hygiene products have been taxable since the state sales tax was first instituted in 1965, even as a wide variety of other goods, such as dietary and family planning products, have been exempt.

The Susquehanna Balloon Glow Festival will be held in Oneonta this weekend. Activities begin this evening at 5:00 PM and will continue Saturday & Sunday. The full schedule of events is available at the Balloon Glow Fest Facebook page.

Calling hours for Sidney native & US Army Veteran Adam Petzack of Great Falls Montana will be held at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel on Main Street in Sidney today from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A memorial mass will begin at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Liberty Street in Sidney with military honors following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Adam's memory either monetary or air miles to healinghero.org. A gathering at of family & friends will follow at Vincent's on Main Street in Afton will follow the services.

The New York Lottery’s Yolanda Vega today presented an over-sized check worth $5 million to 70-year-old William Villecco of Harpursville at Wegman’s in Johnson City today. Villecco chose to receive his prize in a single lump sum payment totaling $4.2 Million Dollars.

State Police & Delaware County EMS updated the information on Wednesday Night’s explosion at 3949 State Route 206 in Masonville. At 9:26 pm, Delaware 911 received a call of a house explosion at the Kela Charles, Masonville fire units responded to find the home completed destroyed by an apparent explosion and heavily involved with fire. Mutual aid assistance was received from Trout Creek, Sidney, Sidney Center, Bainbridge, & Franklin. 29-year-old Kerry Vaccaro was outside of the residence at the time of the explosion, she was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City. 31-year-old Shayne Charles was in the basement, he was eventually airlifted to the burn unit at Upstate Medical in Syracuse. 53-year-old Kela Charles refused medical treatment for her injuries. The cause of the explosion has been determined to be accidental in nature and caused when Shayne Charles attempted to ignite a propane hot water heater in the basement.

Jermaine Bagnall-Graham of Sherburne officially filed petition signatures to appear on the Democratic and Women’s Equality Party lines, in the race for the 51st State Senate District. Bagnall-Graham is seeking to unseat Republican Jim Seward, who has held a seat in the Senate since 1986. Bagnall-Graham has officials started a website for the campaign at jermaine. today, & a Facebook page, Facebook.com/jermaineforsenate.

The Music of The City of the Hills festival will be held to benefit the Oneonta Soccer Club. the music-festival will be running from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm with Food, vendors, refreshments and the music of Mike Herman, Country Express, Just Throw Money & SUNDOWN at the Wright Soccer Complex in Oneonta.

The village of Morris will conduct its 36th annual community-wide Yard Sale Day on Saturday, July 16. The event will feature dozens of family sales, food tents, and vendors in the village park. Shop early for the best bargains.

Sidney Alumni weekend continues tonight through Sunday, Sidney Alumni spokesman Greg Davie commented about Saturday & Sunday’s scheduled activities:

(Greg Davie 7-15-16)

The full line up is available at sidneyalumni.org.

The Annual Chenango County Republican Party "Lobsterfest" will be held this Sunday in Norwich, republican committee spokesman Tom Morrone explains:

(Tom Morrone 7-15-16)

More information is available at 226-3271.

Unatego Alumni Association will hold their first annual weekend, with a variety of events, starting tonight at the Long River Inn, and continuing on Saturday & Sunday. Association Spokesperson Judy Pitel said that they are trying to raise money for scholarships & to acknowledge outstanding alumni:

(Judy Pitel 7-15-16)

More Information is available at 435-3053.

State Police arrested 55 year old Cal Harris of Spencer, for 4th degree stalking. The arrest occurred after an investigation determined Harris had verbally threatened an off duty New York State Police member and his family while standing in front of the member’s residence in the Town of Oneonta. Harris was located and arrested shortly after leaving the member’s residence. Harris was arraigned in Town of Oneonta court & was released on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings. At arraignment, an Order of Protection directing Harris to refrain from having any contact with the victim or his family, & Harris was ordered to surrender all firearms in his possession. Harris was recently aquitted at his 4th murder trial, which was held in Schoharie County Court, he was convicted twice before for killing his wife Michelle in 2001.

Governor Cuomo announced the final report and recommendations from the Heroin and Opioids Task Force's plan to combat the state's crisis. among the 25 recommendation: Remove insurance barriers to inpatient treatment by eliminating prior approval for admission, Mandate that insurers use an objective, state-approved criteria when making coverage determinations for treatment, Increase the number of treatment beds and program slots for substance abuse disorder, Mandate prescribers to complete ongoing education on pain management, palliative care, and addiction, Limit opiate prescriptions for acute pain from 30-days to no more than a 7-day supply, with certain exceptions & Mandate that pharmacists educate consumers on the risks associated with prescription opioids.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a lead that was called in Thursday of a suspicious vehicle parked on Zion Hill Road near the Steam Mill State Forest in Masonville. Arthur Gehr’s Chevy Silverado pick-up truck was located parked on the side of the roadway locked. Gehr was not located anywhere near or around the vehicle. State Police & Deposit Police were called in to assist, State Police are conducting the current investigation & search effort in Delaware County. Gehr is 61 years of age and was last seen on Saturday June 4th at his residence on Barton Ave in the Town of Union. He last spoke with his employer on Sunday afternoon. He suffers from depression and has medical conditions & he may be in the Deposit area. Anyone with information is asked to call The Broome County Sheriff’s Office at 778-1911 or the Sheriff’s tip line at 778-1196.

The Village of New Berlin will be celebrating their Bicentennial on later today & all day Saturday, New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter explains:

(Terry Potter 6-9-16)

Potter said that a video with a full line up of events has been posted on the New Berlin New York Village Bicentennial Celebration Facebook page; it has also been shared on the WCDO Facebook page.

The 8th Otsego Lakes Festival will be held on Saturday, June 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at Lakefront Park in Cooperstown. Activities for kids will include the Cooperstown Art Association’s fish painting station, interactive science displays with SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station, and a “juried” art contest. Refreshments will be for sale on site.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project would require lane closures in Binghamton today 9:00 AM to 12:oo Noon. Traffic will be reduced to one lane for concrete median barrier removal at State Route 17 eastbound between Exit 70 & 72, & State Route 17 westbound between Exit 72 & 71. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

On Saturday, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Chenango County Airport Day will be held at the Eaton Airport in Norwich. The day starts with a Fly-In breakfast starting at 8:00 am. The Buffalo Heritage Squadron will be bringing the SNJ-4, a World War II era trainer jet. The EAA will also be providing free rides to children ages 8 to 17 as part of the Young Eagles program.

The American Red Cross will hold another blood drive today in Cooperstown from 12:30 to 6:30 PM at Bassett Hall. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or at 1-800-RED CROSS.

An Operation Kidsafe Free Child Safety Event is being held at Country Club Nissan in Oneonta for 2 more days this week; the program was started 15 years ago, Operation Kidsafe founder Mark Bott explains:

(Mark Bott 6-10-16)

More information about this week's Oneonta event is available at CountryClubNissan.com, or at the Country Club Nissan Face book page. KIDSAFE Hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm today & on Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00pm.

This weekend, clocks get pushed ahead 1 hour as part of Daylight Savings Time, & the Firemen’s Association of New York urges all New Yorkers to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that they are functioning properly. the Association recommends cleaning all alarms to remove any debris that might impede their function and to change batteries. They also recommend testing alarms monthly, vacuum or blow out any dust that might accumulate in the unit, & never paint a smoke or Carbon monoxide alarm. More information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and other information on fire safety and prevention is available at fasny.com and nfpa.org.

On Sunday, Governor Cuomo will host the 2015 Adirondack Winter Challenge at the Olympic facility in Lake Placid. The day trip will sample a variety of winter activities the Adirondack region has to offer, including skiing, bobsledding and a variety of ice sports, and conclude with a dinner and presentation of awards. Winter activities will take place between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.

More dates that have just been added for the "My Free Taxes” program by appointment only on Saturdays of March 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Delhi Branch of Sidney Federal Credit Union. Cheri Albrecht of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties explains:

(Cheri Albrecht 3-6-15)

Locations will be in Delhi & Oneonta, all appointments can be made at 432-0061.

The 17th Annual Unatego Middle School/ High School Student & Staff Variety show will be held next Friday March 13th at the Unatego high school auditorium in wells bridge. Organizer Judy Pitel comments:

(Judy Pitel 3-6-15)

Pitel said that money raised will be used for medical expenses for the Wayne Himes family, following a recent accident.

Governor Cuomo announced the return of the Craft New York Brewers Festival to the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany tomorrow. 41 craft brewers from across the state will be offering more than 100 beers to sample and pair with food from more than a dozen restaurants. The second annual festival will run from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 660 Albany Shaker Road in Albany. Tickets can be purchased at thinknydrinkny.com.

Mollianna's Mission is holding their 2nd  Annual Family Day Festival tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.    The event starts at Noon with musical acts, arts & crafts, vendors, with the full schedule at familydayfestival.org.   There will be a parking charge with the proceeds going to Mollianna’s Mission, according to mission spokesperson Melissa Matthews:

(Melissa Matthews 5-17-13)

Mollianna's Mission Inc. was recently designated as a “not for profit incorporation” that assists families financially with the costs associated with lost pregnancies or infants.

Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day & the Sidney American Legion, is serving a free meal to all area military veterans, with a chicken barbeque dinner.  Legion Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 5-17-13)

This event will start at Noon; more information is available at 563-8031.

Governor Cuomo asked pro gas groups to do more to allay the fears of the public with regard to misconceptions about natural gas development. The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York will host an event regarding water & health issues & the state proposed gas-drilling regulations, at the Legislative Office Building in Albany, on Thursday, May 30th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.  A panel discussion with gas drilling & health experts is scheduled, followed by a question & answer period.

Paterson’s people will host the 2nd annual charity fun run to support the American cancer society’s relay for life.  Registration will begin at 10:00 am Saturday at the Rockdale Hotel followed by the fundraiser ride through Chenango & Otsego counties.  More information is available at lcerver@yahoo.com.

Governor Cuomo today detailed a proposal to create a Financial Restructuring Board to help distressed local governments manage their finances. The proposal includes an alternative binding arbitration process that municipalities and unions could voluntarily opt for to resolve contract issues in an expedited procedure.

(Cuomo 5-15-13)

The Governor said that the Board would include the State Budget Director, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller, and one private sector restructuring professional. They would also provide an alternative to the binding arbitration process for police, fire, or deputy sheriff unions if municipalities and unions agree.

The 2nd annual Family Day Festival will be held this Saturday at general Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Mollianna’s mission Director Melissa Matthews told WCDO news some of the scheduled events:

(Melissa Matthews 5-15-13)

There will be a $10.00 fee for parking Saturday, with the proceeds going to Mollianna’s mission, which assists families that have lost a pregnancy or an infant.

This Saturday is National Veteran’s Assistance day & Armed Forces Day, and veterans will eat free Saturday at the Sidney American legion.  Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 5-15-13)

There will be a nominal fee for family members to eat; more information is available at 237-4762 or 563-8031.

Governor Cuomo today kicked off Round 3 of the Regional Economic Development Council, he hosted council co-chairs and local economic development officials in Albany to detail the third round of the process and officially launch the 2013 competition.  The councils have spurred economic development in the first 2 rounds with $1.5 billion in investments to support more than 1,400 projects, and creating or helping retain an estimated 75,000 jobs.  10 regions compete for 5 awards of $25 million and the remaining will compete for the balance of $25 million. Each region is also eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits the winners will be required to demonstrate the Implementation of the Strategic Plan, & how development and job creation will be added through the investment.

Motorists are advised that State Route 17 eastbound between exit 71 Airport Road and exit 72 Front Street will be reduced from 3 travel lanes to 1 for overhead sign work.  The work will be performed today between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Mollianna's Mission will host the 2nd annual family day festival on (http://www.molliannasmission.org/)Saturday, May 18th from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Scheduled events include a Kid's Karaoke Competition, the Ross Park Zoomobile, a variety of vendors, live local bands, & Miss Birdie's Bar-B-Q of Unadilla.  More information is available at 226-5417 or at familydayfestival.org.

THE Otsego County Bar Association will observe “Law day” today, with a ceremony at 11:00 AM at the Otsego county courthouse in Cooperstown.  The theme for law day this year is “Realizing the dream, equality for all” the ceremony will also include the awarding of the “Liberty Bell Award” to an outstanding area high school student.

The Afton and Bainbridge Fire Departments were called to a house fire at 103 Warren Lane in the Town of Afton at around 11:30 Saturday Night.  Fire personnel found the mobile home engulfed, they were able to control and extinguish the fire in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. 3 people were found deceased in the residence, they have been identified as 11 year old Craig Gohl, 45 year old Nathan Herbert and 54 year old Anna Ebert, Autopsies determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. The fire started due to smoking materials near a couch. Investigation determined there were no working smoke alarms in the residence, the investigation which is ongoing.

A dedication ceremony was held Friday for the new cancer clinic at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, in honor of the late Bruce Wilhelm.  Bassett Hospital President & CEO Doctor Bill Streck comments:

(Dr. Bill Streck)

Wilhelm was a Sidney native who was the first CEO of Tri Town Regional Hospital; he died last year after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The 2nd Annual Family Day Festival is being held Saturday, May 18th at General Clinton Park.  Organizers from Molliana’s Mission are accepting artists for their Art Walk from 1:00 to 4:00 pm; more details are available at FamilyDayFestival.org

Mollianna's Mission has announced their (http://www.molliannasmission.org/) 2nd Annual Family Day Festival, which will be held Saturday, May 18th at 12:00 Noon at the General Clinton Park located in Bainbridge.  The Mission works to benefit families suffering from pregnancy and infant loss, more information about the event is available at familydayfestival.org.

The American Red Cross is now accepting nominations for the 4th annual “Real Heroes Breakfast” to be held at the Binghamton Holiday Inn on May 9th.  Nominations can be submitted at redcross.org/ny/Endicott or by calling  785-7207.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Winter Fest Sleigh Rally this Saturday February 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 at the General Clinton Park. There will be free horse drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate and chili; a canned good donation is requested for the Bainbridge Soup Kitchen.

Governor Cuomo today announced the completion of all highway-paving projects funded through the NY Works program. The program included replacing pavement at 172 sites across New York State, including approximately 2,157 miles of state roadways, as part of $229.9 million in contracts.  Local Projects completed under the paving program include Route 17 from Hancock to Fish's Eddy in Delaware County.

The City of Norwich Youth Bureau is selling tickets for a special night of hockey on Friday evening, February 15th.  The Binghamton Senators will play the Syracuse Crunch at the Broome County Veteran’s Arena; Tickets are on sale now at the Youth Bureau office in the Norwich City Hall for $15 each.  A portion of the local ticket sales will help support youth programs in Norwich.

The Binghamton-Oneonta Building Trades Union is holding a rally to show their support for natural gas development to New York State. Labor leaders, business leaders, & landowners will call for Governor Cuomo to lift the ban on natural gas development and hydraulic fracturing.  Speakers will include Broome County Executive Debbie Preston, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and State Senator Tom Libous Thursday at 12:00 Noon at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 112 at 11 Griswold Street in Binghamton.

19th district Congressman Chris Gibson announced today that he will be holding an Open House at his Cooperstown District Office tomorrow.  The event will be from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at 25 Chestnut Street in Cooperstown, Refreshments will be served and Congressman Gibson and district office staff will be in attendance.   More information is available at 282-4002.

Mollianna's Mission has announced their (http://www.molliannasmission.org/) 2nd Annual Family Day Festival will be held Saturday, May 18th at 12:00 Noon at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Mollianna's Mission is a not-for-profit organization assisting families suffering from pregnancy and infant loss; more information about this year’s family day is available at familydayfestival.org.