WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-2-22

State Police were dispatched Tuesday Afternoon to a 2-vehicle crash on State Highway 12 in the town of Greene. A preliminary investigation revealed that 42 year old Maryann Zupo of Greene was traveling south on State Highway 12 and crossed into the path of another vehicle driven by 22 year old Shelby Rose of Norwich. Zupo was extricated by members of Greene EMS and life saving measures were unsuccessful, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Rose suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Wilson Medical Center for further medical care. The investigation continues.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-12-22

The City of Norwich announced the applications are being accepted for the city's Housing Rehabilitation Program, Norwich Community Development Director Eric Scrivener told WCDO News about the criteria:

(Eric Scrivener 9-12-22)

Scrivener said that there is no deadline to apply, more information is available at norwichny.net or by calling 334-1229.

Governor Hochul issued an Executive Order declaring a State Disaster Emergency, increasing the availability of resources to protect New Yorkers against polio. The Order immediately expands the network of polio vaccine administrators with the addition of EMS workers, midwives, and pharmacists and authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue non-patient specific standing orders for polio vaccines. The order also requires healthcare providers to send polio immunization data to the State Department of Health All New Yorkers who are unvaccinated should get immunized right away.

State Police were dispatched Friday to Huckleberry Hill Road in the town of Middletown for a report of a missing 79-year-old woman with dementia. Numerous troopers, State Police K9, State Forest Rangers, Fire and EMS responded to the area, plus a State Police drone was utilized in assisting with the search. The 79-year-old woman was located in a heavily wooded area off Huckleberry Hill Road and sustained minor injuries. She was turned over to EMS and transported to Margaretville Hospital for further evaluation.

The Bainbridge Rotary Club is holding their annual fundraising Golf Tournament Thursday starting at 9:00 AM at the Afton Golf Course, Bainbridge Rotarian Dave DeClue explains:

(Dave DeClue 8-17-22)

For for information on the Bainbridge Rotary Club, contact DeClue at 607-743-2523.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-17-22

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 27 year old Austin DeMuth of Guilford following a vehicle pursuit Monday afternoon with a motorcycle, from the Town of Smithville & into Cortland County & Broome County. DeMuth was taken into custody, following a pursuit on foot in Whitney Point, he was transported to Wilson Hospital with minor injuries, & he was charged with Unlawful fleeing, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest and numerous traffic violations. DeMuth also had a warrant out of the Town of Norwich Court, he was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and was remanded with no bail and is to return to court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-1-22

State Police, as well as Sidney EMS, Sidney Fire Department and Sidney Center Fire Department responded Sunday Night at approximately 7:05 pm, for the report of a Motor Vehicle Accident on Parker Hollow Road, about 1/2 a mile North of Sunshine Mountain Road in the town of Sidney. The initial investigation stated that the Vehicle was traveling north & left the roadway, strikes a tree and becomes engulfed in flames. Police said that an unidentified 58 year old woman from Bainbridge & her dog were killed in the accident, the investigation is continuing.

Staff from the State Comptroller's office will attend community events, such as County Fairs & the New York State Fair to help residents search for lost and forgotten money. The state has returned over $234 million in lost or forgotten money, so far this year, unclaimed funds usually come from old bank accounts, utility deposits, uncashed checks, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant, dating as far back as the 1940s. Residents who cannot make it to the events can search for and claim their money by using the online claiming system at ouf.osc.state.ny.us or by calling 1-800-221-9311.

A.M. News Monday 8-1-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued an Executive Order declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. The Executive Order extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer monkeypox vaccines, including EMS personnel, pharmacists and midwives; allows physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue non patient specific standing orders for vaccines; and requires providers to send vaccine data to the State Department of Health. The federal government had secured an additional 110,000 vaccine doses, resulting in a total of 170,000 doses to New Yorkers to date. More Information is available at health.ny.gov/diseases

Broome County Executive Jason Garner announced that the County has its 1st confirmed case of Monkeypox. Health Department officials stated that some groups may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes if they contract the disease. Such as people with weakened immune systems, elderly, young children under 8 years old, and pregnant people. More information is available at 778-2839 or visit health.ny.gov.

Norwich Firefighters & Emergency crews responded to the report of a house fire at 28 Fair Street in Norwich Friday afternoon. All occupants & pets escaped, more information is expected to be released shortly.

Referees & Volunteers are needed for this years Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Norwich, on July 9th & 10th at the Norwich High School, organizer Tom Revoir told WCDO News that recruiting volunteers is more difficult after the 2 year layoff:

(Tom Revoir 5-12-22)

Those who would like to register a team to play in this summers Macker Tournament can go online by June 20th at Macker.com, referees volunteers and sponsors can call Tom Revoir or Jamey Mullen at the Norwich YMCA at 336-9622.

State Police arrested 27 year old Amanda-Lynn Pedlar of Cooperstown, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, after Troopers were dispatched to the Oneonta Walmart after employees reported that Pedlar attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill mixed in with actual currency. Pedlar was located at the Town House Inn and arrested, she was processed and issued an appearance ticket to the Oneonta Town Court on May 17th.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-12-22

The Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee will be holding a meeting today from 3:30-5:30 PM in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, they will be reviewing proposed DRI projects to be potentially included in Norwich’s Strategic Investment Plan. The meeting is open to the public, with time reserved at the end for public comment. A public workshop will also be held at 6:30 PM in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, where the public is invited to learn about the proposed projects being considered for DRI funding and to participate in a session to provide feedback.

Schenevus fire department responded to a reported brush fire shortly after 11:30 Wednesday Morning, near the intersection of State Highway 7 & Stone House Road in the Town of Maryland. Dry conditions, wind and steep terrain were contributing factors while firefighters from 18 different departments fought the blaze. An additional 8 departments were on standby. The Fire was under control at approximately 5:00 PM. Otsego County EMS reminds area residents that the statewide burn ban through May 14.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed due to downed trees & power lines, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith gave WCDO News an update this morning:

(Matt Beckwith 4-20-22)

Beckwith said that The Norwich YMCA is operating a shelter, The Smyrna & Coventry Fire Departments are operating as "Warming Stations", The Norwich High School will be a warming shelter with showers available, Otselic Valley Central school will have overnight shelter, showers & food available, The Sherburne Earlville School has food available for pick up only, The Unadilla Valley School will be open until 7:00 PM for shelter, And NYSEG is making dry ice available at the Fire Departments in Afton, Bainbridge, Greene, Guilford, Norwich & Smyrna.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that they have lifted the State of Emergency Declaration, they report that all roads are open, but they urge that motorists drive with extra caution. All Otsego County offices were open today, Emergency Shelters have been set up at the Oneonta Armory, Clark's Sports Center in Cooperstown, Affected Students at SUNY Oneonta are being sheltered in the Alumni Field House. The Schenevus Fire House has Dry Ice & Bottled Water, Otsego County is working to distribute those items at other locations as it becomes available.

The Susquehanna SPCA is assisting pet owners without power & heat through its Emergency Boarding Program. Those seeking emergency boarding of their pets will be required to provide all vaccination records, more information is available at (607) 547-8111, extension 108, or by e-mail dyoungs@sqpca.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed throughout the County. All County offices and Schools in Chenango County will be closed today, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith explains:

(Beckwith 4-20-22)

NYSEG crews continued to work through the night, but thousands are still without power, NYSEG representatives announced that it could take another 24 to 48 hours to fully restore power. The American Red Cross opened 2 overnight shelters last night, for those without power & heat. 1 location was the Deposit Fire Department on 2nd Street, another was at the Trinity Church at 118 Oak Street in Binghamton.

Norwich Police Department conducted a traffic stop on State Street Sunday, that resulted in the arrest of2 Norwich men on Drug Charges. Arrested were 30 year old Brett Adams of Norwich & 22 year old Brendan Smith of Norwich for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Adams and Smith were arraigned at Norwich City Court. Brett Adams was held on $1,000 cash bail, and Brendan Smith was released on his own recognizance to appear in court at a later date.

The 3rd meeting of the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 12th at 3:00 PM. Norwich received a $10 Million Dollar award, Topics discussed during this meeting include an overview of program status, DRI project evaluation criteria, and a review of projects submitted as part of the City’s DRI application & those received through the Open Call for Project Proposals.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Saturday to the State Hwy 10 and Falls Mills Rd in the Town of Delhi for a report of a male subject walking in the roadway. A 2nd call stated that a male subject had been struck by a passing motorist in that same vicinity. Deputies & Delhi Fire Department & EMS located 18 year old Damyan Bonilla of Chester New York, who was taken to O’Connor Hospital with injuries & he was later transferred to Bassett Medical Center for further treatment. Deputies determined that Bonilla was walking on State Route 10, he was struck by a vehicle, the investigation in on-going.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-5-22

Commerce Chenango's annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will be held This morning at 7:30 AM at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Keynote speaker will be Economist Ken Entenmann.

The Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties will be expanding into Chenango County with a new site being prepared in the City of Norwich. The new location will be located at at 24 East Main Street in Norwich, they hope to open up the facility sometime this spring, more information about the program is available at friendsofrecoverydo.org.

The Chenango Arts Council’s annual Chenango Student Art Show will take place from March 4th to March 31st, the exhibit will open with a reception and awards ceremony on Friday March 4 beginning at 5:30 pm. In addition to a number of awards for different categories, 2 scholarships will be awarded for Chenango County seniors intending to pursue a degree in the Arts. The exhibit will be displayed in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries, located at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich and on the Arts Council’s social media. More information is available at 607-336-2787.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-15-22

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services were requested to respond to a reported structure fire at 22 Maple Street in the Village of Gilbertsville Monday morning at about 9:15 AM. Firefighters from Gilbertsville, Morris, Mount Upton, Otego, Sidney, Wells Bridge and Otsego County EMS, all responded to the scene, 64 year old Louise Dubben was located deceased inside her residence. The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the New York State Police are leading investigation efforts. An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-25

State Police responded to a 3-vehicle crash in the town of Guilford Sunday night shortly before 8:00 PM. Troopers and multiple EMS and fire personnel responded to the intersection of County Road 35 and State Highway 8, where a Dodge Pickup traveling eastbound on County Road 35 and a Ford Fusion was traveling north on State Highway 8. The Dodge Ram entered the intersection and struck the Ford Fusion then struck a Subaru Forester which was stopped at the intersection on County Road 35. The operator of the Fusion was a 36-year-old female of New Bedford, Massachusetts, & the passenger was a 30-year-old female of Port Leyden, New York, they were taken to Wilson Hospital with serious injuries. A 5-year-old female, a 7-year-old female and a 3-year old female all of Port Leyden, were transported to Tri-Town Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The 69 year old man driving the Dodge was evaluated at Tri-Town Hospital and released. His passenger, a 37-year-old male was not injured. The operator & a passenger in the Subaru were taken to Tri-Town Hospital then to Wilson Hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

George Carnrike III has joined the leadership team at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. The Norwich native will serve as the hospital’s security supervisor, he has 10 years of law enforcement experience, including as a City of Norwich police officer until 2016.

A.M. NEWS Monday 10-25-21

Chobani is partnering with Swipe Out Hunger to help local colleges feed students in need. This collaboration will support efforts to stock food pantries or to establish students accounts in order to purchase hot meals. The partnership will also support efforts to provide food for students at SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, and several colleges in the Mohawk Valley. Chobani, Swipe Out Hunger and VICE News are also joining together for a virtual summit to raise awareness about food security and its impacts. To register for the summit, click chobanicollegehungersummit.com/event/register

Chobani and the Utica based non-profit Compassion Coalition donated & delivered $29,000 worth of food and supplies to help 4 local backpack programs in Central New York last week.  Chobani distributed more than 1,200 cases of their products to the Edmeston Central School, Unadilla Valley School District, Sherburne-Earlville Central School, and Norwich City Schools, to restock school food pantries, which helps to feed more than 200 children and their families throughout the year.  Chobani also announced that they are sending 200,000 Chobani products to those affected by Hurricane Ida; this follows a recent delivery of 100,000 products to Afghan evacuees in temporary housing across the country, and the US servicemen and women supporting them.

State Police arrested 24 year old David Kemp of Eaton for using a fake COVID 19 Vaccination card, after his employer turned him in.  Kemp could face 7 years in prison after being charged with possession of a forged instrument & the unauthorized use of a government agency’s seal on the fake card makes it a federal crime.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-5-21

State Police have identified the deceased individual shot by a Walton Police Officer as 66 year old Paul Weeden of Walton.  On Monday Morning, an officer from the Walton Police Department was dispatched to a mental health call on Griswold Street, the officer made contact with Weeden, who pointed what was believed to be a gun at the officer, the officer retreated, Weeden followed & ignored multiple commands to drop his weapon, he again pointed the suspected gun at the officer, who fired his weapon and struck Weeden.  The officer called for EMS and rendered emergency aid, Weeden was pronounced dead at the scene.  The investigation is continuing.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are hosting a Pfizer booster clinic for those eligible, today from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the South Plaza location in Norwich. About 400 appointments are available, more information or registration is available at co.chenango.ny.us.

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.

Otsego County's annual Household Hazardous Waste Days will be this Friday & Saturday, for County Residents to properly dispose of items free of charge. Accepted Items this year includes enamel paints, pesticides, Antifreeze, batteries & more. Items can be dropped off Friday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM at the Unadilla Town barn & Saturday at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown, residents are asked to arrive by name, A through H will go from 8:00 to 9:30 AM, I through Q from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, and R through Z from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, more information is available at 547-4225.

The Sherburne EMS Squad received a gift from Chobani, a $150,000 ambulance. The new Ambulance was unveiled Tuesday at the Chobani plant, Sherburne Mayor Bill Acee told WCDO News recently that the old ambulance had numerous problems that would cost about $10,000 to repair, and fundraising efforts were underway to get a new ambulance, which will cover the Village of Sherburne and the Fire Departments that protects 3 adjacent townships.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CURRENTLY HAS A CRITICAL NEED FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES. RED CROSS SPOKESPERSON, MEG ROSSMAN EXPLAINS WHY...

(MEG ROSSMAN 8-11-21)

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA INCLUDE TUESDAY, AUGUST 17TH AT THE GUERNSEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY IN NORWICH AND AO FOX-TRI TOWN CAMPUS IN SIDNEY AND THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH AT THE FRANKLIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THE WALTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG FOR A LISTING OF BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTED MONDAY TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL COUNTY MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE TO HELP FUND A NEW COUNTY-RUN EMS SERVICE. THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES AN ANNUAL $5 FEE FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH VEHICLES WEIGHING 35 HUNDRED POUNDS OR LESS AND A $10 FEE FOR HEAVIER VEHICLES. THE COUNTY BOARD ESTIMATES THE ADDITIONAL FEE WILL GENERATE NEARLY 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALES WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH FROM 9AM TO 4PM IN THE VILLAGE AND TOWN OF GREENE. SALE LISTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE GREENE COMMUNITY YARD SALES FACEBOOK PAGE.

A.M. NEWS 8-11-21

The Chenango County Fair returns today at the Fairgrounds in Norwich with a variety of events for the whole family, spokesperson Mary Weidman explains:

(Mary Weidman 8-11-21)

The full list of events is available at chenangofair.com.

Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri rescinded his resignation at a meeting of the Norwich Common Council, he had previously announced that he would resign & wanted to become the city’s Youth Bureau Director instead.  The common Council tabled their Youth Director appointment to Sastri, and he will continue to serve as mayor until the end of the year.

State Police responded to a report of a 92-year-old male who was missing in the town of Unadilla on Sheep Pen Road.  The unidentified man disappeared Monday, Troopers were assisted by Forest Rangers, Sidney EMS, Unadilla Fire Department and neighbors, Trooper Darrell Dening and his K9 partner Kin were able to track the man and located him shortly after 4:00 PM yesterday, about a mile and a half away from his residence. he was unable to make it back after falling down a hill; he was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital for treatment.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched Sunday morning to the Mirabito Gas Station in the Village of Greene where they located 31 year old Phillip Cosilmon of Smithville slumped over his steering wheel, with drugs & drug paraphernalia in plain view. Cosilmon was taken into custody and the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division conducted a search of the vehicle and seized 2 pounds of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, & other narcotics plus over $22,000 in cash, the narcotics seized had a street value exceeding $100,000.   Cosilmon was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail, pending action in Chenango County Court on May 17th. The investigation is still ongoing, and more charges are likely.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Free Johnson & Johnson 1 shot Vaccine Clinic in West Park in Norwich Wednesday 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.

The Unatego Central School district will be asking for voter approval tomorrow on a $27.8 million dollar building project, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-17-21)

Dr. Richards said that the project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers.  Voting on the project & The Unatego Budget, and all state school budgets, will be tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

This Week is National EMS week, local state Senator Peter Oberacker said that volunteers are needed across the state at fire departments & emergency squads:

(Senator Oberacker 5-17-21)

Senator Oberacker is looking to submit legislation to make it easier to someone looking to volunteers for their local emergency squad, Senator Oberacker still volunteers with the Schenevus Emergency Squad.

The public is invited to shop for gently-used items donated by SUNY Oneonta students following the campus' annual Move-Out Donation and Reuse collection, tomorrow at 9:00 AM at the ReUse Center, 23 Duane Street, Oneonta.  The college had designated collection spaces in each of the 10 active residence halls to collect the items students no longer wanted, Off-campus students donated directly to the ReUse Center Proper mask use and social distancing will be enforced at the event. More information about the Move-Out Program and other campus sustainability initiatives is available suny.oneonta.edu/sustainability/move-out.

State Police arrested 34 year old Jason Manderville of Oneonta for Menacing & Petty Larceny, after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute on Oneida Street in the town of Oneonta. Manderville allegedly threatened a victim with a chainsaw, he was located in a wooded area behind his residence and arrested, & he was processed and virtually arraigned & was released on his own recognizance and order to appear in the town on Oneonta court on April 6, 2021. The victim was issued a stay away order of protection. Later on the same day State Police arrested Manderville for Arson and Criminal Contempt, after Troopers, Oneonta Fire Department and Oneonta EMS were dispatched to a house fire where troopers arrested Manderville a few hours earlier. Troopers located Manderville in a wooded area near State Highway 205 and he was taken into custody. Manderville was arraigned on the new charges & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

State Police, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Computer Unit arrested 43 year old Charles Rowe of Norwich, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. He was arrested following the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Rowe was arraigned virtually and remanded to the Chenango County Jail.

Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich received & administered their first doses last week for the Johnson & Johnson 1-dose vaccine, they are hopeful that more of those arrive, along with the Moderna vaccine, Vice President of clinical service David Finney explains:

(David Finney 3-10-21)

Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that the vaccine eligibility list was increased to include those 60 & older, down from the previous 65+ requirement.  New Yorkers will be able to make appointments through the Am I Eligible tool or by calling the NYS Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

On March 2nd, State Troopers, Sidney Police, Sidney EMS and Sidney Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on I-88 in the town of Sidney.   38 year old Richard Robinson of Utica failed to negotiate a curve and drove into the median.  The vehicle continued along the median, then struck an earth embankment and became airborne, overturned and rolled.  Robinson was transported by LifeNet to Upstate Medical Center for a head injury.   The accident remains under investigation.

Chobani announced that they are raising their minimum hourly wage from $13 to $15, starting in the first quarter of 2021, at the headquarters in Norwich, and at their Greek yogurt plants in South Edmeston and in Twin Falls, Idaho.  Employees already making more than $15 an hour will see their pay increase by comparable amounts. Chobani’s average hourly rate at the facilities will be about $19 an hour.

State Police arrested 56 year old Edward Hillery of Afton for 3rd degree Assault, following a report of an assault on Main Street in the village of Afton.  Hillery allegedly punched a 70-year-old victim multiple times then pulled the victim to the ground and kicked the victim.  The victim did sustain injuries and was checked out by Greene EMS but did not want to be transported.   Hillery was virtually arraigned and released on his own recognizance.  The judge issued an order of protection.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Department announced that an all-terrain vehicle accident in the Town of Walton early Friday afternoon has claimed the life of a Bronx teenager.   Deputies and Walton Fire & EMS, responded to Cayuga Trail Road in the Town of Walton, their preliminary investigation revealed that the 15-year-old victim lost control of the ATV, ran off the roadway & collided with a tree and was ejected from the vehicle.   The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, he was transported by LifeNet to UHS Delaware Valley Hospital where died of the injuries he sustained in the accident.

Today is the day that Gyms & Fitness Center across the state may begin to re-open with a variety of special restrictions.  Jamey Mullen at the Norwich YMCA told WCDO News that while many of their services have been open all along, their fitness center is not open today & will take some time to be ready:

(Jamey Mullen 8-24-20)

Mullen said that members of the YMCA can get the latest information posted on their Facebook page.

Long Time Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced earlier this year that he would retire at the end of this session, and has endorsed former Norwich Police Chief Joe Angelino for his Assembly Seat.  Crouch announced today that he has filed a lawsuit against Assembly Republican Candidate Nick Libous:

(Crouch 5-20-20)

The Primary for the Republican nomination for the 122nd district will be held on June 23rd, candidates include Angelino, Libous, Vic Fuhrman & Jim Powers, the only Democratic Candidate for the seat is Richard Shaw.

State Police received a 911 call at approximately 5:50 Tuesday afternoon that 79-year-old Beverly Golembeski was missing from a seasonal residence on Reed Road in the town of Kortright.  The call to 911 was made by Golembeski’s husband; Police were told that Mrs. Golembeski suffers from dementia.  Last night at about 10:49 pm, she was located by a forest ranger approximately half a mile from her residence; she was in good condition but was checked out by EMS as a precaution.

State Police have released additional information about the
fatal snowmobile accident on Chipmunk Hollow Road in the town of Walton Friday
Evening.  46-year-old Jeffrey Benson of
Walton succumbed to hypothermia/cardiac arrest after he and his sled went through
ice.   Benson and a friend were riding on
snowmobiles across a pond when the friend observed Benson and his snowmobile
break through the ice and went back to assist Benson unsuccessfully.  The unidentified friend rode to the nearest
residence to call 911.   Benson was
located up to his neck in water and was pulled out of the pond the Walton Fire
Department and EMS, Benson was deceased.
No foul play was observed.

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.

State Police responded to Betty Beavers Gas Mart on County
Road 48 in the town of Otego early this morning for a report of a vehicle that
crashed into a concrete wall.   Troopers
reported that an unidentified 27-year-old woman from Unadilla was operating a
2015 Kia at a high rate of speed on State Highway 991J, she traveled through
the intersection of County Road 48, through the parking lot of Betty Beavers
Gas Mart and into the wall.  Troopers
pulled the woman out of the vehicle and life saving measures were performed by
Otego EMS personnel but were unsuccessful.
The body was transported to Lourdes Hospital for an autopsy & the
investigation is continuing.

The Chenango Arts Council will begin their 2019-2020
Performance Season with a free concert on Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Martin W.
Kappel Theater in downtown Norwich. The Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble will be
performing;  and the Chenango Arts
Council will also be announcing the winner of the “Dinner and a Show” raffle,
more information is available at 336-2787

The Jericho Arts Council
announced the return performance of the Corvettes Doo-Wop Revue, at the
Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday night at 7:00 PM.  Tickets are available at the box office and
can be reserved at 288-3882.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer visited Sidney yesterday
afternoon, to announce that he is looking to get funding for an emergency
system to alert residence of potential floods, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak
explains:

(Andy Matviak 10-4-19)

Schumer is looking to acquire the $150,000 Grant  from the Appalachian Regional Commission, for
a system that would be more reliable than any existing broadband systems, which
would fail to work in areas of the region that has limited or no broadband
service.

New York's "Red Flag" bill goes into effect tomorrow.  The bill allows for Law enforcement, district
attorneys, school officials and family members to request a confiscation of
firearms from an individual who has been deemed a threat to themselves or
others.  The bill would also prohibit
people who are at high risk of using a firearm to hurt themselves or others to
purchase weapons.

Chenango Arts Council announced their 2019-2020 line-up of
shows coming to the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich, Chenango Arts Council
CEO Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 8-23-19)

Tickets will be available at 336-ARTS, Chenango Arts.Org or
at the Box Office at 27 West Main Street in Norwich.

The State Comptroller’s office audited the City of Norwich
Emergency Medical Services Billing practices, they discovered that the EMS
Department did not bill for 614 incidents resulting in $417,600 of unbilled
medical services and inaccurately billed 9 incidents totaling $8,300; this
equates to approximately $200,000 in lost revenue at the current rate of
collection.  The EMS Department had 903
unserviceable incidents resulting in approximately $400,000 in unrecoverable
costs.  Norwich City officials disagreed
with some of the audit’s findings, but indicated they have initiated corrective
action.

Chenango United Way is looking for teams for their annual
Golf Tournament on September 27th at the Canasawacta Country Club in
Norwich.   More information is available
at 334-8815.

The Susquehanna Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will host a public celebration tomorrow at
5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown marking the groundbreaking of the future
site of its planned animal shelter and adjoining campus.  The reception is free and open to the public,
it will kick off at 12:00 noon with a groundbreaking ceremony and run until 2
p.m.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce & Sidney EMS is bringing
in Fox Hospital CEO Jeff Joyner to discuss the relationship of Sidney and the
surrounding area with Fox Hospital and the future growth of FOX services at the
Tri-Town Campus in Sidney.  The
discussion will begin at 8:00 AM Tuesday at Sidney Country Club

The Norwich City School District released a video of a
Norwich bus driver Samantha Call, saving a student from being hit by an illegally
passing car.  Congressman Anthony
Brindisi, plus officials from Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the state
Association of Pupil Transportation & Chenango Valley School District
officials will be in attendance as Brindisi lays out plan to prevent illegal
school bus passing and improve student safety at the Chenango Valley Bus
Garage, 58 Towpath Road in Binghamton at 3:00pm today.

30 year old Lance Beckwith of Norwich was arrested by the
Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Promoting Prison Contraband and Criminal
Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Beckwith allegedly possessed dangerous contraband while incarcerated at
the Chenango County Jail, where he was being held on other charges, he will
appear in the Town of Norwich Court when called upon.

33 year old Kevin Begeal of Oxford has been arrested by
Oneonta City Police on Burglary, Grand Larceny & other Charges.  Begeal is accused of breaking into a Chestnut
Street home and stealing two guitars and a television, and he allegedly tried
to sell them to a Norwich Music Store.

International Women’s Day is today, and the Chenango County
Council of the Arts will be hosting a gallery exhibit At the Mareia Brown &
Raymond Loft galleries at 27 West Main Street in Norwich today.  Council Executive director Alecia O'Neill
explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 3-8-19)

The event is free & Open to the public, light refreshments
will be served, more information is available at 336-2787.

The 2nd Annual Casino Night will be held Saturday night at
the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street.
The event will be a fundraiser for the Sidney EMS Squad & Delaware
Valley Humane Society.  The event begins
at 6:30 until 10:00 PM, tickets can be purchased at the Barking Cat in Sidney
or Jess Howe’s in Sidney Center, and more information is available at 434-3357.

Norwich fire fighters responded to 99 Borden Avenue for a
structure fire at a warehouse last night starting at about 6:00 PM.  Fire fighters from North Norwich & Oxford
also responded, the fire was under control in about 45 minutes, some vehicles
& part of the building suffered heavy damage, no injuries were reported.

State Senator Fred Akshar released 2 new questions this week
as part of a series of online surveys polling questions constituents of the
52nd Senate District on issues that may come before the New York State Senate
this year.  Akshar is asking his
constituents to weigh in on two of his own proposed pieces of legislation.  The first question is about Increasing the
volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit. The 2nd is about the
Community Heroes Protection Act which designates targeted offenses against 1st
responders, Firefighters, EMS Personnel, & Police Officers as Hate Crime.
The link to the survey is nysenate.gov/questionnaires/fred-akshar.

The Chenango Arts Council is searching for local artists to
show their work in the Marea Brown & Raymond Loft Galleries in Norwich,
Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 3-6-19)

More information is available at Chenango arts.org or at
336-2787.

Delaware County officials have received the go ahead to put a transmission tower near the Cannonsville Reservoir, as part of their overhaul of the Emergency Services radio communications system. County EMS Coordinator Steve Hood explains:

(Steve Hood 9-26-18)

Hood said that they started updating their system in 2012; this latest development will allow them to fill in a spot that did not have a tower & did not receive optimum service.

The American Red Cross will be holding blood drives in Norwich & Oneonta today. The Norwich Blood drive will be held at the Guernsey Memorial Library from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Oneonta Blood Drive will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street. Donors of all blood types are needed; appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Commerce Chenango next Business After Hours event will be held today at the Chenango SPCA. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 6160 County Road 32, in Norwich.

5 more races remain in 2018 Run Chenango series, which is a series of 5K and 10K races organized by non-profit groups across Chenango County. The 5th race in the series is "Chris’s Run" in Cincinnatus this Saturday, to benefits the Chris Tennant Foundation, registration begins at 6:30 AM; the race begins at 8:00 AM at the Cincinnatus Town Park. The remaining 4 races will be the Wild Goose Chase Trail 5K September 15th in Sherburne, the Chobani Chamber 5K/10K Trail Run on September 30th in Pharsalia, the DCMO BOCES Mountain Mover 5K, October 13th in North Norwich & the Norwich Family YMCA Turkey Trot 5K, November 18th in Norwich. More information is available at the Run Chenango Facebook page.

State Police arrested 34 year old Bradley Lidell of Norwich for felony of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, DWI, & Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test. Troopers were dispatched to a reported one car rollover on County Road 21 in the town of Smyrna. Troopers located Lidell, their investigation revealed Lidell’s license has been suspended 17 times. Lidell was transported to the Chenango Memorial Hospital for a complaint of pain. After he was released, he was processed at SP Norwich then arraigned in the Smyrna Town Court. Lidell was remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $7,500 cash bail or $12,000 bond.

The Chenango Arts Council announced that the opening Reception & the Lucy Funke Award Scholarship announcement has been moved from last Friday Night to tonight at 5:30 PM. Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 3-9-18)

O'Neill said that the Student art exhibit remains on display as well at the Chenango Arts Council in Norwich.

The Sidney Emergency squad is looking for larger accommodations, as the unit has expanded in recent years, they will be holding a "Casino Night" fundraiser at the Sidney Golf & Country Club Saturday night, Sidney EMS Spokesman Dana Weigand explains:

(Dana Weigand 3-9-18)

The Sidney Emergency Squad hope to raise about $3,000 with Saturday Night's Casino Night Fundraiser. More information about the Fundraiser or the Sidney Emergency Squad is available at 561-2315.

State Police advised that Christian Rojas-Martinez, age 22, of Bronx, NY was found deceased earlier today inside a body of water that was inside the area being search.  An investigation as determined that since January 19, Christian was staying at a home and was camping with six other men at 521 Old Ferris Farm Road, in the town of Roxbury.  On the evening of January 20, he wandered away from the location and did not return.  He was reported missing by his companions on January 21, at about 12:45 a.m.  The investigation is ongoing.      State Police were assisted in the search by two NYSP K-9s, NYSP Aviation, NYS DEC, NYS Forest Rangers, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Town of Roxbury Constable, and fire department and EMS personnel from Roxbury, Grand Gorge, and Hobart.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred at about 4:50 am that claimed the lives of 3 people.  Killed in the fire were 33 year old Debbie L Pfeiffer, 1 year old Benjamin Pfeiffer and 10 year old Amber Morrow.  The cause of the fire is still being investigated and autopsies will conducted on the victims on 01/23/18 at Lourdes Hospital.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Chenango County Bureau of Fire, Plymouth Fie Department, North Norwich Fire Department, City of Norwich Fire Department, Smyrna Fire Department, Sherburne Fire Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.  Further details will be released when they become available.

Governor Cuomo may be softening his stance against recreational marijuana against the state's increasing economic problems, which have been made more difficult by the new Federal Tax plans:

(Cuomo 1-22-18)

The Governor made those remarks during his budget presentation earlier this month, as a way to raise revenue for the state.

The Deadline for teams to sign up for the annual Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is approaching quickly, according to organizer Tom Revoir:

(Tom Revoir 6-15-17)

This Year's Gus Macker Tournament will be held July 8th & 9th in downtown Norwich.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and members of the Delhi Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to an off-road, All Terrain Vehicle accident on Tuesday night at Elk Creek Road. 75-year-old Peter Clark of Delhi left his farm shortly after 6:00 PM, to search for lost livestock in a wooded area when his four wheeled ATV rolled over, trapping Clark’s legs beneath the vehicle. Clark was located in the woods; he was extricated by Delhi Fire and EMS personnel and was transported to O’Connor Hospital for evaluation and treatment.