WCDO Radio News

A community-wide conversation about housing insecurity & homelessness will take place in Norwich on Friday at “A Conference on Housing and Belonging, from 9:30 am. to 2 pm. in the Norwich High School Auditorium. Chenango County Social Services Commissioner Daniel Auwarter explains:

(Daniel Auwarter 7-14-26)

Auwarter is part of the Hope & Housing Initiative, a collaborative partnership of agencies and institutions working together to address housing insecurity and homelessness in Chenango County, The conference will conclude with a panel discussion featuring regional experts and stakeholders, The conference is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended at (607) 334-8244, extension 242.

An Open House is being held today in Norwich regarding the 5 Court Street Construction project. The Open house will be held until 7:00 PM at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, county officials and engineers will be available to answer questions.

State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual in connection with an assault, On June 30, 2026, at approximately 11:35 a.m., at the Dollar General on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich. The investigation determined that a white male approached another male as he was exiting the store, yelled at him, and punched him in the face, causing the victim to fall to the ground and strike his head. The victim sustained a laceration above his eyebrow and was treated at the scene by members of Norwich Ambulance. He declined transportation to a hospital. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with a muscular build and short light brown hair, the suspect left in a blue SUV. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the individual is asked to contact State Police at (607)561-7400, A picture of the suspect is available at the State Police Facebook Page.

The Chenango County Board of Supervisors invite the Chenango County Public to an Open House tomorrow at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich, regarding the proposed new County Office building project. Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey Blanchard explains:

(Jeffrey Blanchard 7-13-26

The Open House on Tuesday runs from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at 5 Court Street in Norwich, more information about the project is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

The Annual 3 on 3 GUS MACKER Basketball tournament will be the main attraction in Norwich Saturday & Sunday, there has been an extra added game to the festivities, according to organizer Tom Revoir:

(Tom Revoir 7-10-26)

Over 300 teams are participating in the Norwich Macker tournament this year.

The Gus Macker Basketball tournament has over 300 teams participating on the streets of Norwich Saturday & Sunday, organizer Tom Revoir said that another competition will be held Friday:

(Tom Revoir 7-9-26)

Revoir said that those interested in volunteering for the clean up after Sunday’s games should call the Norwich YMCA at 607-336-9622, extension 0 to sign up.

The Village of Unadilla has a few events lined up this week, starting with amusement park rides for the kids, according to Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey:

(Jackie Carey 7-7-26)

Carey said that the Summer Concert series begins Thursday night, and the Carnival Of Sales will be held on Saturday. More information is available at the go Unadilla Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-7-26

Chenango County Household Hazardous Waste Collection day will be Saturday August 8th, at the Chenango County Highway Garage on Rexford Street in Norwich, spokesperson Kari Wilcox told WCDO News what they can and can not accept:

(Kari Wilcox 7-6-26)

The deadline to sign up is August 3rd, to register call 607-337-1792, more information is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-6-26

The Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament hits the streets of Norwich this weekend, organizer Tom Revoir said that they still need some volunteers to help out:

(Tom Revoir 7-6-26)

Revoir said that those interested in volunteering should call the Norwich YMCA at 607-336-9622, extension 0 to sign up.

The Place in Norwich has signed a contract with the Chenango County Department of Social Services to run the Summer Youth Employment Program, a program of New York State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The Place will receive funds to make this program possible for Chenango County youth. The program runs today through July 31st, providing youth ages 14 to 20 years of age, from eligible households with valuable work experience and a paycheck. For more information, call 607-336-9696 x106 or x103.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-3-26

State Police will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions over the Fourth of July holiday, through Sunday night. Drivers can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols, Troopers will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while driving, they should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles when traveling. Last year’s Fourth of July enforcement period, Troopers issued 10,497 total tickets, arrested 210 people for DWI, 258 tickets for distracted driving, 301 tickets for Move Over law violations.

The totals are in for the number of teams registered for this year's Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Downtown Norwich, organizer Tom Revoir comments:

(Tom Revoir 7-1-26)

Revoir said that those looking to volunteer or be paid referees should call the Norwich YMCA at 607-336-9622 to get involved.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

With extreme heat forecast in the Tri-County Region over the next few days, Cooling stations will be open at various location, in Delaware County, cooling stations will be at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the Andes Public Library, other locations may be announced, In Chenango County, designated emergency cooling centers include the Guernsey Memorial Library at 3 Court Street, in Norwich, the Sherburne Public Library, more information may be available from the Chenango County Clerk's Office. IN Otsego County, cooling centers include the Southside Mall, The Foxcare Center as well as the greater Plains & Wilber Pools in Oneonta or the Clark Sport Center in Cooperstown, more information is available at the State Department of Health

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $10 million in funding was awarded to 20 projects as part of Round 2 of the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites statewide for the public to enjoy. Funding for this program was provided by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. 1 of the awards will go to the City of Norwich, they receive $810,000 to improve safety, accessibility and play opportunities by replacing aging playground equipment, court space and safety surfacing at the park on Hale Street.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

State and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving statewide ahead of and during the July 4th holiday weekend. This campaign began Monday & will run through Sunday, July 5. Law enforcement officers across New York will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer. To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 am. Thursday, July 2, through 6 am. Monday, July 6, some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

A community-wide conversation about housing insecurity and homelessness will take center stage in Norwich next month, as leaders come together to host A Conference on Housing and Belonging. The event will take place from 9:30 am. to 2 pm. on Friday, July 17 in the Norwich High School Auditorium. The conference is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended but not required. For more information or to register, contact AnnMarie Smith, Assistant Director of Housing Services, Catholic Charities of Chenango County at (607) 334-8244, ext. 242, or via email at amsmith@ccofcc.com.

The Luszi’s Legacy Cornhole Tournament last weekend successful, the tournament raised $1,600 that will go directly to Pet Street Station Animal Hospital fund, to assist families deal with the bills for emergency or quality of life care for their senior pets.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-26-26

Most of the area School Districts will have their High School Graduation exercises today & tomorrow. Graduation ceremonies begin this afternoon at 5:00 pm for Gilbertsville Mount Upton grads, at 6:00 pm for AFTON, MILFORD, 6:30: in WINDSOR and 7:00 PM for UNATEGO, NORWICH, ANDES, MORRIS, LAURENS, DEPOSIT, EDMESTON, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK and 7:30 for CHARLOTTE VALLEY. Graduation ceremonies on SATURDAY start at 9:00 AM for HARPURSVILLE, at 10:00 AM for SIDNEY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DELAWARE ACADEMY, GREENE, WALTON, 10:45 AM for ONEONTA, 11:00 AM at OXFORD ACADEMY, SCHENEVUS; 1:00 PM for SOUTH KORTRIGHT and 7:00 PM for the BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD.

Chenango County Historical Society will host “National Youth Day” from noon to 4 pm. on Saturday at the Society at 43 Rexford Street in Norwich, Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 6-26-26)

More information is available (607) 334-9227 or ChenangoHistorical.org

Norwich Police Department executed a search warrant at 41 Cortland Street following an investigation into the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics. 39 year old Shawn Utter of Norwich, & 24 year old Brittany Cox were charged with several Counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Nuisance & Conspiracy, Officers seized cash from suspected drug sales, drug measuring equipment, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, various pills, & weapons, The Village of Sidney Police Department assisted on scene with their drug detecting K9 unit, Utter was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail pending further proceedings. Cox was processed and arraigned in Norwich City Court, where she was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51 year old Anthony Sawyer of Norwich Monday following an investigation into a Domestic incident. Deputies responded for a disorderly conduct complaint in progress, deputies determined that Sawyer had allegedly been involved in a domestic dispute with family members, while intoxicated, he is accused of pointing a rifle at multiple victims, that Sawyer had operated an ATV on a public roadway while intoxicated Sawyer was charged with 4 counts of Menacing, plus 1 count each of Reckless Endangerment, Endangering the Welfare of a child and DWI, he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-23-26

The deadline to sign up a team for the Gus Macker Basketball tournament in Norwich has been extended, according to organizer Tom Revoir:

(Tom Revoir 6-23-26)

To register a team, go to Macker.com, find the Norwich link and sign up by Thursday at midnight, the Norwich Tournament will be July 11th & 12th.

Today is the last day to register online for the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament next month in Norwich. Go to Macker.com & look for Norwich in the Drop Down menu, The Norwich Gus Macker returns to East Main Street on July 11–12.

A 2nd Fundraiser has been scheduled for Luszi's Legacy Saving Senior Paws. Their 1st fundraiser raised $4,000 in a fund for a Norwich Area veterinary clinic, to be used to help people deal with the cost of treating an elderly pet, program founder Anett Slater told WCDO News about the Cornhole Tournament in June 20th in Norwich:

(Anett Slater 6-10-26)

The Luszi's Legacy Cornhole Tournament at the Canasawacta Country Club begins at 12:00 Noon on Saturday June 20th, interested teams can sign up at the Facebook page, by calling 607-244-3638 or they can register in person on the day of the event.

State DOT announced today that starting on June 29th, they will be replacing a culvert, leading to Route 23 west of Ashcraft Road, the project is expected to take about 6 weeks, a detour will lead traffic onto County Road 10, County Road 10A and State Route 12 through Pharsalia, Preston and Norwich. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and give themselves ample time in their commutes.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Tara Tilley of Norwich for DWI, Consumption of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle, and several traffic violations, following a personal injury motor vehicle accident in the Town of Morris. Tilley was Defendant was issued appearance tickets for Town of Morris Court at a later date.

The Norwich Business Improvement District announced today that Public art will be coming to Downtown Norwich. Development Chenango Corporation was awarded $600,000 for a Downtown small project grant fund, $350,000 was spent supporting property owners’ renovations. The remaining funds, along with donations from Friends of the Park and local foundations, have been allocated to public art for Downtown Norwich. Awarded artists will design and install five sculptures and one mural Downtown! The Norwich Public Art Initiative, a committee formed to steward the project, has launched a request for artist qualifications as the first phase of the project, final proposals will be selected by December 1, with anticipated installation of the art work in spring 2027.

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office will host their 2nd to last Community Meeting tonight regarding the planning of the "America’s Potluck & Turtle Island” festival, The community dialogue will take place today from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. at the Flanagan Research Center at 43 Rexford Street in Norwich. The festival will take place from 4 to 8 pm. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds

The Deadline to register for the Gus Macker Basketball tournament in Norwich on July 11th and 12th, are only a few days away, organizer Tom Revoir comments:

(Tom Revoir 6-16-26)

Teams can sign up at macker.com & go to the Norwich drop down, those interested in volunteering or being a referees for the tournament should call 607-336-9622 extension 29.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-16-26

Binghamton Police Department arrested 53 year old Stanley DeGroat of Binghamton and 47 year old Brett White of Binghamton, following a shooting. DeGroat was charged with Attempted murder, Criminal possession of a weapon, Criminal contempt & 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, White was charged with 8 counts of criminal possession of a weapon, following an incident Sunday, where DeGroat fired a shot that grazed the victim's hand, he fled the scene on a bicycle, he was located & taken into custody. Search warrants were obtained & executed at 2 locations, Officers found several rifles, shotguns, and 2 illegally possessed handguns, which led to White's arrest. Both face court action shortly, more charges may be forthcoming.

Interested participants are reminded to register for the Gus Macker Basketball tournament in Norwich on July 11th and 12th, as the deadline is approaching, according to organizer Tom Revoir:

(Tom Revoir 5-12-26)

Teams can sign up at macker.com & go to the Norwich drop down, those interested in volunteering or being a referees for the tournament should call 607-336-9622 extension 29.

The 3rd Annual Norwich Pickleball tournament will be held tomorrow in Weiler Park in Norwich where up to 100 teams may be participating in the all day event, Commerce Chenango CEO Sal Testani said that the sport had humble beginnings and has blown up in popularity quickly:

(Sal Testani 6-12-26)

More information about this & other Commerce Chenango Programs are available at commercechenango.com.

The PULSE Coalition will hold its annual Safe Summer Fun Day, today in Norwich, spokesperson Jessica Colley explains:

(Jessica Colley 6-12-26)

The event will be from 3:30 pm. to 6:30 pm today at NORWICH YMCA, Families and children of all ages are invited to attend. For more information, call the PULSE Coalition, call 607 386 9331.

A 2nd Fundraiser has been scheduled for Luszi's Legacy Saving Senior Paws. Their 1st fundraiser raised $4,000 in a fund for a Norwich Area veterinary clinic, to be used to help people deal with the cost of treating an elderly pet, program founder Anett Slater told WCDO News about the Cornhole Tournament in June 20th in Norwich:

(Anett Slater 6-10-26)

The Luszi's Legacy Cornhole Tournament at the Canasawacta Country Club begins at 12:00 Noon on Saturday June 20th, interested teams can sign up at the Facebook page, by calling 607-244-3638 or they can register in person on the day of the event.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Jon Squires of Norwich for 3 counts of Criminal Contempt Saturday, after Deputies responded to a complaint in Oxford. Squires allegedly violated an order of protection issued by the Chenango County Family Court. Squires was arrested and arraigned, he was released on his own recognizance and is to appear in the Village of Oxford Court on a later date.

Commerce Chenango will host their 3rd Annual Pickleball Tournament at Weiler Park in Norwich this Saturday from 9:00 Am to 6:00 PM, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani stopped by WCDO today to explains Pickleball:

(Sal Testani 6-8-26)

The deadline to sign up is today at commercechenango.com or by calling (607) 334-1400.

The PULSE Coalition announced the return of its annual Safe Summer Fun Day, a free community event designed to help families kick off the summer season with fun activities, valuable resources, and safety information. The event will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 3:30 pm. to 6:30 pm. at Kurt Beyer Park, in Norwich. Families and children of all ages are invited to attend. For more information, call the PULSE Coalition, call
607 386 9331.

The State DEC announced the return of the First-Time Camper Program for the 2026 season, which makes trying camping easy by providing a turnkey camping experience for New Yorkers, State residents may enter the First-Time Camper lottery at surveymonkey.com until June 12th For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website at dec.ny.gov and go to the camping link under the Outdoor Recreation section,

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-2-26

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, on July 5th in Norwich, which is a celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Featuring “America’s Potluck”, Chenango County Historical Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 6-2-26)

Interested community members are invited to the next community dialogue from 6:00 to7:30 pm. at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, the festival is scheduled to take place from 4 to 8 pm. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. For More information, go to ChenangoHistorical.org or unicycleproductionsllc.com.

Teams can register for this year's Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Norwich, at macker.com, Organizer Tom Revoir said that interested teams have just less than a month to sign up:

(Tom Revoir 5-27-26)

Revoir said that over 5000 postcards were mailed last week, the online registration deadline is June 22nd, the mail in deadline is June 19th, the Macker weekend in July 11th to the 12th in Norwich.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-20-26

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded Monday to State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich for a reported motor vehicle versus bicycle crash. The preliminary investigation determined that a 69-year-old male from Oxford, NY was operating an E-bike on the southbound shoulder of the roadway when he entered the southbound lane and was struck by a vehicle operated by a 16-year-old male traveling southbound. The operator of the E-bike was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, where he remains in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Area School District budgets were passed yesterday, mostly by large margins. Sidney voters approved the budget, the purchase of 2 Diesel busses & the library budget, budgets and propositions passed in Franklin, GMU, BG, Unatego & Afton. Norwich School District voters voted against a plan to sell the Flanagan Field property, which would have allowed for a housing complex to be built there, Milford voters decided against a plan to eliminate seats on the School Board, in Oxford voters turned down a proposal for the purchase of zero emissions vehicles. ============================================

The Mid-York Concert Band will hold their annual Spring Concert in Norwich Sunday, band director Doug Ernst explains:

(Doug Ernst 5-15-26)

The Mid-York Concert Band is celebrating its 42nd year, the next performance is Sunday, at 2:00 PM in the Norwich High School Auditorium, and they will hold a Christmas program later in the holiday season.

41 year old Trevor Metterhauser of Pennsylvania was sentenced in a New York Federal Court room to 80 years in prison plus multiple fines for attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography, involving 2 toddlers, 1 in the Southern Tier & the other in Texas. As part of his guilty plea, Metterhauser admitted he conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit an a 4-year-old girl in New York & record the abuse, Metterhauser also traveled to Texas where he conspired with Carlos Ruiz to sexually assault a 2-year-old child and to record that abuse. Co-Conspirators Whitford and Ruiz have each pleaded guilty in connection with this case.

The Mid-York Concert Band has awarded a $1,000 Jones-Sterchak Memorial Scholarship to a student from Oneida County this year, Band Director Doug Ernst explains:

(Doug Ernst 5-12-26)

the free Mid-York Concert Band’s Spring Concert will be on Sunday May 17th at the Norwich High School Auditorium at 2:00 PM, in the Norwich High School Auditorium.

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are Collaborating on this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250. historical society executive director Jessica Moquin is looking for continued participation with another Community Meeting today at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus:

(Jessica Moquin 5-12-26)

Tonight's community dialogue will take place 6–7:30 pm. the festival is scheduled to take place from 4 to 8 pm. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-11-26

On Sunday morning at 9:14pm the City of Norwich Fire Department was dispatched for the report of a structure fire located at 6 & 6A Griffin Street in the City of Norwich. Firefighters found a working fire, crews entered the apartment building and found fire and smoke conditions within both apartments, they searched for occupants on all floors, they were able to bring the fire under control within an hour of arrival. Norwich Fire Department was assisted by the Sherburne, Oxford, North Norwich & Plymouth Fire Departments, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and involved improperly discarded ashes from a prior campfire with the remaining ashes placed in a garbage bag on the rear porch of the home. There were no reported injuries to firefighters. 2 occupants of the home were evaluated at the scene by EMS & were released.

Norwich City Police arrested 21 year old Brayden Pollock of Plymouth along with a Juvenile, in connection to the damage at Angelino Fields on Borden Avenue on May 2nd. Norwich Police determine that both individuals came in separate vehicles & damaged property, amounting to about $2,500 in damages. Both were charged with Criminal Mischief, Pollock was issued an appearance ticket for Norwich City Court, the juvenile was ordered to return to Youth Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-7-26

State Police arrested 19 year old Derick Danielsen of Laurens after a couple driving in Laurens saw Danielsen follow them in his vehicle into the town of Oneonta, they reported that Danielson was pointing a handgun at their vehicle. The couple drove to the State Police Barracks in Oneonta to report the incident. Troopers located Danielson and his vehicle in Laurens, Troopers seized cocaine, ecstasy, oxycodone pills, Xanax, fentanyl, 150 THC vape cartridges, cash & a number of loaded weapons, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Menacing, he was processed & then transported to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment.

Governor Hochul announced action to protect survivors of domestic violence, by selecting 5 counties including Delaware county to participate in a 2-year Coordinated Community Response Pilot Program. The effort will be led by the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the initiative aims to help survivors access safety and support faster while ensuring accountability for offenders.

A.M. NEWS Friday 5-1-26

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich will hold their 7th "Community Baby Shower" for expectant parents & families with newborns, on Saturday, spokesperson Melissa Stagnaro explains:

(Melissa Stagnaro 5-1-26)

The Community Baby Shower will run from Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, it is free and available for pregnant individuals, new parents, and families with babies up to 12 months old.

Chenango County Environmental Management Council is heading up the Community Clean up Days along with the clean up the river day in Norwich Saturday, Chenango County planning Director Shane Butler explains:

(Shane Butler 5-1-26)

The Environmental Management Council will provide trash bags, gloves & other supplies, in addition to sponsoring community cleanup days around the county, they are hosting their annual Chenango River Trail Cleanup Saturday , more information is available at The Facebook page "Chenango County EMC.