WCDO Radio News

Governor Hochul unveiled the Executive Budget Proposal on Tuesday, State Senator Peter Oberacker commented about the budget plan:

(Oberacker 1-22-26)

The budget totaled 260 Billion Dollars, lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget passed in time for the start of the next fiscal year.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-27-25

The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 3rd Judicial Department, has ordered a hearing on Gordon Mower Jr.'s motion to vacate his murder conviction, claiming that he received ineffective counsel when he was found guilty of killing his parents in 1996. The court found sufficient grounds to warrant a hearing on Mower's claims, the decision reverses a previous denial by the Otsego County Court. Mower was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole.

State Senator Peter Oberacker announced that he is running for Congress in the 19th Congressional District. Currently the District is is represented by Democrat Josh Riley, the seat will be on the November Ballot in 2026.

LifeNet of New York is hosting a special event Saturday to celebrate 15 years of service, by honoring the dedication of local first responders, partners, and community supporters. Former LifeNet patients will include 16-year-old AK McEwan-Lomnicki of Sidney, who was struck by a drunk driver while walking home from school 2 years ago, State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman Joe Angelino will be in attendance on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 12 pm to 3 pm. at 199 River Street, Sidney.

LifeNet of New York 7-8 is hosting a special event on September 27, to celebrate 15 years of service, by honoring the dedication of local first responders, partners, and community supporters who have helped make LifeNet’s mission of providing critical lifesaving care possible. Former LifeNet patients, including 16-year-old Anielle McEwan-Lomnicki, who was a trauma patient who was struck by a drunk driver while walking home from school two years ago. State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman Joe Angelino will be in attendance on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 12 pm. – 3 pm. at LifeNet of New York 7-8 base at 199 River Street, Sidney.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-26-25

Plans are in the works for Delaware County to get 10 Weather stations set up within the next 2 months, County Planning Director Shelly Johnson-Bennett told WCDO News that Delaware County has the most declared disasters & had no weather stations to watch for severe weather conditions:

(Shelly Johnson Bennett 8-26-25)

Johnson Bennett said that this week, officials will be scoping out locations for the weather stations, tied into town or village buildings around Delaware County, plans may also include tieing the program into Science classes at high schools in the County.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino & State Senator Peter Oberacker and local officials honored Bronze Star Medal for Valor recipient SP4 Herman Anders Jr. by unveiling the highway that will bear his name. Specialist Anders took part in Operation Junction City and was a decorated soldier, earning honors such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and National Defense. The dedication was held this morning at State Route 79 Chenango River Bridge connecting Greene and Fenton.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-12-25

Assemblyman Joe Angelino and State Senator Peter Oberacker sponsored legislation to honor New York State Trooper Jill Mattice, who was killed in a car crash on January 20th, 2010, on State Route 23 in the Town of Morris, when her vehicle sideswiped an oncoming tractor trailer. Mattice was the first female State trooper killed in the line of duty since the agency's inception in 1917. State Highway 23 east of the Village of Morris, could soon be known as the Trooper Jill E. Mattice Memorial Highway. The legislation passed both houses of the Legislature & was sent to Governor Hochul for approval.

The State Labor Department announced today that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased by 7,200, to over 8.4 Million in December. The State's Unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in December 2024, The statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.2% in December 2024.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 1-23-25

Local Lawmakers have had their 1st look at Governor Hochul's executive budget proposal this week, State Senator Peter Oberacker said that he has concerns about the use of unexpected higher revenues, but he did like a program benefitting all students:

(Senator Oberacker 1-23-25)

Oberacker said that he is on the Senate budget committee, and their meetings will begin next week, the budget is due April 1st.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-2-24

The Oneonta City Police Department is looking for 17 year old Alexandria Constable, who has been missing since November 13th. She is described as a white female, with black hair & brown eyes, about 5' 5" and 190 pounds, she may have traveled to the Binghamton area. Anyone with information on her location should contact the New York State Missing Persons toll free number at 1-800-346-3543, more information is available at criminaljustice.ny.gov.

State Senator Peter Oberacker and local officials will deliver remarks at the grand re-opening of the Oneonta DMV, at 242 Main Street in Oneonta, the event begins at 8:45.

State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman Joe Angelino announced the signing of legislation renaming a bridge spanning the Chenango River, connecting the Town of Greene and the Town of Fenton in honor of decorated Vietnam veteran Herman Anders Jr. Specialist Anders was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the National Defense Service Medal, while facing intense enemy fire, he put himself in harm's way and led his unit to safety, he continued to defend his fellow soldiers, engaging enemy forces until his last moments. Specialist Anders rests now in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery in Chenango County.

State Senator Peter Oberacker was elected to another term in the legislature this week, he commented about working in the State Senate for the 51st District:

(Peter Oberacker 11-8-24)

Oberacker defeated Democratic challenger Michele Frazier of Delhi by a substantial margin Tuesday.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-6-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest 31 year old inmate Rafael Frias for attempted assault. On October 15th, Investigators with the Delaware County Sheriffs Office received a complaint from the Correctional Facility of an assault between 2 inmates, they arrested Frias, he was arraigned at the Delaware County Centralized Arraignment Court, and was remanded back to the custody of Correctional Facility on other unrelated charges.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-5-24

Today is Election Day with polls open until 9:00 PM, voters will be deciding on the next President, plus a US Senator between incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand against Republican Mike Sapraicone, 19th Congressional District Voters will chose their Representative between incumbent Republican Marc Molinaro & Democrat Josh Riley.

The 51st State Senate District has a race this year between incumbent State Senator Peter Oberacker & Democrat Michelle Frazier. Oberacker told WCDO News why he feels he should be voted in for a 3rd term after getting key legislation passed:

(OBERACKER 11-1-24)

Michelle Frazier said that she would likely be in the majority in the Senate if elected, which would help the district greatly:

(FRAZIER 10-31-24)

The 51st District has changed greatly with the latest redistricting, covering much of the Tri County region & its contiguous counties.

State Senator Peter Oberacker will hold a fundraising Barbecue today, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event will be held at the Senator's headquarters on Route 7 in Schenevus.

A.M. NEWS Friday 6-28-24

Graduation Ceremonies will be held at several area School Districts today. Gilbertsville-Mount Upton will have theirs at 5:30, Milford at 6:00 PM, Sherburne-Earlville at 6:00 PM at Colgate University, Charlotte Valley & Windsor at 6:30 PM, at 7:00 PM, Graduation Exercises will be held for seniors of Afton, Andes, Edmeston, Franklin, Hancock, Norwich, Deposit, Morris & Otselic Valley.

The Delaware County Chamber's annual Legislative Leadership Forum will be held today, at 9:30 am, in the Okun Theatre on the campus of SUNY Delhi. Confirmed panel speakers include US House Representative Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker, and State Assembly representatives Joe Angelino, Brian Maher, and Chris Tague. More information may be found under the Event tab at DelawareCounty.org.

The Delaware County Chamber's annual Legislative Leadership Forum will be held June 17th, at 9:30 am, in the Okun Theatre on the campus of SUNY Delhi. Confirmed panel speakers include Congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker, and State Assembly representatives Joe Angelino, Brian Maher, and Chris Tague. More information may be found under the Event tab at DelawareCounty.org.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-6-24

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Dinner & awards ceremony tonight, the Citizen of the Years goes to Kirk Gardner, owner of Superior Heating and Air Duct Cleaning of Sidney:

(Kirk Gardner 6-6-24)

The Non-Profit of the year is the Tri Town Theater, President & Artistic Director Cameron Kinnear comments:

(Cameron Kinnear 6-6-24)

And SFCU will be honored as the Business of the Years, President & CEO Jim Reynolds comments:

(Jim Reynolds 6-6-24)

The Annual Sidney Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards ceremony will be held tonight at Club 55 in Sidney.

The Delaware County Chamber will Host their annual Legislative Forum, on Monday, April 22, starting at 9:30 am, in the Okun Theatre at SUNY Delhi. Confirmed panel speakers include State Senator Peter Oberacker, Assembly representatives Joe Angelino, Brian Maher, and Chris Tague. The event is free and advance registration is encouraged, at DelawareCounty.org.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-6-24

The US Department of Veteran's Affairs announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the recently signed PACT Act. Peter Potter of the VA in Albany told WCDO News that veterans need a couple of forms & they can get into the system & started getting treated:

(Peter Potter 3-6-24)

Potter said that Veterans from all branches are eligible, they can go to VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411.

Governor Hochul delivered her annual State of The State address yesterday to a joint session of the legislature, area State Senator Peter Oberacker commented after the speech:

(Oberacker 1-10-24)

Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that the Governor said all the right things, but the reaction of his colleagues on the crime issue was different:

(Angelino 1-10-24)

Lawmakers will receive the Governor's Executive Budget proposal next week, they will have until April 1st to get the budget passed on time.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office is looking to hire full time Public Safety Dispatchers. Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED, and New York State Driver's License & no Felony Convictions, more information is available on the Chenango County Sheriff's Website.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-13-23

State Senator Peter Oberacker announced that Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Cetta of Walton, who served with both the United States Marine Corps and the New York Army National Guard is the 2023 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame from the 51st Senate District. Cetta currently serves as the Walton Town Supervisor and is a firefighter with the Walton Fire Department. Cetta’s military career spanned nearly four decades.

The renovations at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown are complete after a multi-million dollar construction project, today state & local leaders held a ribbon cutting to re-open the 100+ year old baseball field, including local State Senator Peter Oberacker:

(State Senator Oberacker 7-17-23)

National Baseball Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch said that 64% of all players inducted in the Hall of Fame, have played on Doubleday Field.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their Legislative Leadership program today at the Old Schoolhouse Inn in Downsville. The event will run from 9:00 to 11:00 Am & will feature Congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker & assembly-members Joe Angelino, Brian Maher & Chris Tague.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their Legislative Leadership on April 12th at the Old Schoolhouse Inn in Downsville. The event will run from 9:00 to 11:00 Am & Will feature congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker & assembly-members Joe Angelino, Brian Maher & Chris Tague. Registration is available at delawarecounty.org.

The Annual Town of Sidney Republican Dinner will be held Saturday at 6:00 PM at Club 55 in Sidney. Prominent Republicans attending include 19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker as well as local officials, more information is available at 563-1993.

State Senator Peter Oberacker Supported the Senate approval of legislation to help increase safety for limousine passengers. The comprehensive package of bills follows recommendations advanced by the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force:

(Oberacker 2-1-23)

The task force was created as a direct result of the deadly crash in the Town of Schoharie in Ocotber of 2018 where 20 people died, the legislation passed by the state senate must still be approved by the state assembly and signed by the governor to take effect.

State Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences unveiled a legislative package to Create a Safer New York, State Senator Peter Oberacker supports the package of bills:

(Oberacker 1-24-23)

The package calls for Rolling back bail, Increasing penalties for habitual repeat offenders, Increasing penalties for crimes committed with stolen firearms, and mandatory consecutive sentencing for crimes involving illegal firearms, and amending Raise the Age to ensure 16- and 17-year-olds charged with certain gun or gang-related crimes are prosecuted as adults.

State Senator Peter Oberacker took the oath of office for his second New York State Senate term. Senator Oberacker also received his committee assignments, he will serve as ranking Republican of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse and the Senate Committee on Transportation. Additionally, Senator Oberacker will serve on the senate standing committees on education, finance, higher education, and labor.