WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-16-26

Discounted single-day admission tickets for the Great New York State Fair are being offered for a limited time. The Spring Into Summer ticket sale will run from Thursday, June 18, through Monday, June 22, giving people their final chance to buy tickets for $6. Admission is still free for children under 12 and seniors 65 and older. The fair will open Aug. 26 and continue through Labor Day, with all concerts included in the admission price, Tickets are available at etix.com.

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.

At approximately 2:03 pm Wednesday, the Otsego County 911 Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at Dietz Street Lofts, at 34 Dietz Street in Oneonta, Units arriving on scene found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. Mutual aid was requested to the scene, and the fire was quickly extinguished. No serious injuries have been reported. One individual was transported for evaluation for possible smoke inhalation. Some residents have been displaced and the American Red Cross is contacting them to ensure they have access to temporary shelter. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Numerous area Fire Departments also responded.

59 year old Brian Gill of Andes pleaded guilty to a social security fraud, in US District Court in January, Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, he was collecting social security disability benefits, while he was managing and personally engaging in physical labor for a tree services company he owned and operated. Gill faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, As part of his plea, Gill agreed to pay restitution to the SSA for the funds he fraudulently collected.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office announce that a new labor agreement has been reached with Corrections Union, the Otsego County Board of Representatives approved a new contract for the men and women of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, making the Sheriff’s Office comparable to surrounding County agencies.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department will host the 21st Earth Festival event from 10 am. to 3 pm. Saturday, at SUNY Oneonta, in the Chase Auditorium. Events include educational workshops, the repair Café, and activities for children, seed exchange, and a morning bird walk. County Officials will be there promoting recycling and waste diversion practices that the county has developed over the years for residents of the county.

Governor Hochuls's Office announced that $237.7 Million Dollars was returned to New Yorkers in 2025. The Department of Financial Services Returned $134 million to Consumers and Health Care Providers, the Public Service Commission Helped Over 75,000 New Yorkers with Complaints in 2025, Collecting Nearly $66 Million for Consumers, the Department of Labor Recovered More Than $35 Million in Wage Theft and Collected $2.2 Million in Penalties. Also, the Division of Consumer Protection Helped Over 27,000 New Yorkers, collecting Nearly $2.7 Million for Consumers, New Yorkers Can File a Complaint at dfs.ny.gov/complaint.

The State Labor Department announced that the the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by .2%, to 8,483,600 in January 2026. The State's unemployment rate held constant at 4.6% in January, The statewide labor force participation rate increased to 61.7% in January 2026.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-2-26

The State budget negotiations will continue, as lawmakers & the Governor failed to get the budget passed by the April 1st deadline, Lawmakers passed a budget extension that funds the government and pays state workers through April 7th.

The State Labor Department announced that the Initial filings for unemployment benefits dropped last week compared with the week prior, the unemployment rate stayed at about 4.6%. New jobless claims, fell to 16,916 in the week ending February 14, down from 24,382 the week before.

59 year old Brian Gill of Andes, pleaded guilty to social security fraud in US District Court, Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, he was collecting social security disability benefits, while managing and engaging in physical labor for a tree services company he owned and operated. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, Gill faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. As part of his plea deal, Gill agreed to pay restitution for the funds he fraudulently collected to the Social Security Administration.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles will launch a new technology system, All DMV offices will close at 2:00 PM today, with online and phone services also unavailable during the transition. DMV operations are expected to fully resume on Wednesday.

Delaware County Business Alliance & the Department of Economic Development have released the 2025 Business Needs Survey, as they look for feedback on challenges like workforce, housing, broadband, and growth. The survey is linked on Department of Economic Development Face Book Page or can be found at surveymonkey.com.

The State Labor department announced that the state unemployment rate remains at about 4.4%, the rate has been around 4% steadily since September of 2023. Currently there are about 7.6 million unemployed in New York State 398,000

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-9-25

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced that an inmate at the Correctional Facility was found unresponsive in his bed at approximately 6:00 AM on Monday. 54 year old William Warnock of Binghamton was found unresponsive by members of the Corrections Division, staff administered CPR and a defibrillator, but were unable to revive him. A full autopsy will be conducted by the Broome Medical Examiner, The Correctional Facility is conducting a full investigation and are cooperating with the Attorney General and the State Commission on Corrections. Warnock had entered the facility on June 27, and was serving a sentence for robbery and menacing from the City of Binghamton Police Department.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-9-25

Delhi Police Department arrested 21 year old Logan Hitchcock of Delhi on charges of 3rd degree Assault, Unlawful Imprisonment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following a domestic incident in the Village of Delhi. Officers were dispatched to a reported domestic dispute on Meredith Street, they determined that a verbal altercation had escalated into a physical incident, during which a female victim sustained injuries while holding an infant, she was taken to O’Connor Hospital, Hitchcock was located and taken into custody, He was processed and was arraigned, a Temporary Order of Protection was requested on behalf of the victim and child.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-9-25

Governor Kathy Hochul and labor leaders announced the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit increase for unemployed workers across the state. As part of the current State Budget, the State invested nearly $7 billion to pay off the federal UI Trust Fund loan, and bring the fund to solvency and increase the maximum weekly benefit from $504 to $869. The increase in UI benefits comes at the same time as the federal shutdown impacts about 115,000 federal employees in the state

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-10-25

State Police issued 9,912 tickets statewide during the Labor Day weekend enforcement campaign. Troopers arrested 225 people for DWI, over 3500 for speeding, 311 for distracted driving 211 violated the Move Over Law, in Troop C, there were 17 DWI arrests, 346 for speeding& 27 for the Move Over Law, out of a total of 845 tickets issued.

State Police and State Park Police are conducting a joint search operation in Buttermilk Falls State Park for an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. Authorities want to assure the public that there is no danger to the community. The search efforts are being assisted by New York State Forest Rangers, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, Volunteer search groups, K9 units, and drones. The State Police asks for the public’s cooperation as they work to locate and assist the individual in need.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-28-25

On Wednesday morning, detectives from the Norwich Police Department successfully concluded a drug investigation, resulting in the seizure of 64 grams of fentanyl—an amount capable of causing tens of thousands of fatal overdoses, as well as cocaine, Methamphetamine and a Stun Gun. 38 year old Leo Moore of Norwich, was charged with 12 felonies and 4 misdemeanors following the execution of an arrest warrant, the most serious charge is Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Detectives allege that the arrest closed an extensive investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout the community. Moore was arraigned in Norwich City Court and is currently held without bail pending further court proceedings.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 am. on Friday, August 29, to 6:00 am. on Tuesday, September 2, to ease travel throughout Labor Day weekend. Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. State Police and local law enforcement are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, through Monday, targeting impaired and reckless driving through increased patrols and check points.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-28-25

Otsego County, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public community update meeting Today, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Morris Fire Hall. The meeting will be held in person and live-streamed, with a recording available afterward at otsegocountyny.gov/broadband. This community session is part of Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project aimed at improving high-speed internet access for residents, businesses, and institutions across the region.

Am American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Oneonta at the Quality Inn today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Another is being held in Laurens from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Laurens Fire Department, All blood Types are needed and supplies remain low, make an appointment with the Red Cross App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

For the 3rd straight day, An air quality health advisory has been issued by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. This advisory, once again concerning fine particulate matter, due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. Information about the level of smoke can be found at airnow.gov.

State Police are warning the public after recently receiving an increasing number of complaints from victims of computer and phone scams, including a victim that reported to Investigators in Sidney that they got a pop-up alert on their computer, it appeared to be from Apple, with a phone number to dial for help. When the victim called it, the scammer told the victim that their account was linked to child pornography, that the victim’s identity was compromised and that their personal information was on the dark web, the victim was told to call another number which was allegedly from the U.S Department of Treasury, the scammers sent a “courier” to the victim’s house to pick up payment to allegedly fix the problem. Police remind people to Never share personal information with someone that you don't know.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-6-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 37 year old Mohamad Haidar of Decatur, following an investigation into repeated domestic violence. Haidar was charged with Predatory Sexual Assault, plus multiple counts of 1st degree & 3rd degree Rape, 1st & 3rd degree Criminal Sexual Act, Assault, Stalking, Labor Trafficking, unlawful inprisonment, Strangulation, Criminal possession of a weapon & Overdriving, torturing, failure to provide proper sustenance for animals. Investigators were contacted by victims who reported sustaining severe abuse for several years while living with Haidar, where they were forced to live at the residence and submit to extreme abuse which often resulted in serious physical injury. Haidar was taken in to custody without incident, a search warrant was executed & evidence was seized. The Susquehanna SPCA removed numerous animals. Haidar was processed and was lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility for Arraignment, the investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending. If anyone has any additional information, they should call 607-547-1634.

30 year old Joseph Osei of Canada was convicted in US District Court for 4 counts of mail fraud, 1 count of access device fraud, and 2 counts of aggravated identity theft for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits from New York State using stolen identities. Jurors deliberated for less than 2 hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts, from August through November 2020, Osei fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the State Department of Labor worth more than $100,000, he also defrauded agencies in California, Rhode Island, and Arizona using stolen identities. Sentencing is scheduled for September 23rd, the mail fraud convictions carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The access device fraud conviction carries a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 15 years.

The Sidney Rotary Club announced that they will hold their 4th annual Golf Tournament on June 12th at the Sidney Golf & Country Club. More information is available by emailing to Office@sidneyunitedway.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-28-25

The State Department of Transportation announced that Phase I Detours will begin for the Roundabout Project in the City of Oneonta, on Monday, June 2nd and will be continuing for approximately 3 months, weather permitting. Access to the intersection will only be available from Lettis Highway northbound to Main Street eastbound and from Main Street eastbound to Lettis Highway southbound. Motorists are urged to follow separate signed detours for cars and trucks. Passenger vehicles traveling on Main Street will be detoured onto Otsego Street, Fair Street and Grand Street around the construction. Find full detour maps at the Oneonta Roundabout project website. dot.ny.gov/oneontaroundabout

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April. the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, Locally, Chenango County Had 3.0%, Delaware County 3.4% and Otsego County 3.5% unemployment rates in April.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-16-25

State Labor Department announced an increase of 14,400, private sector jobs in April, the state was up to 8.47 million private sector jobs, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.2% and the state labor force participation rate increased to 61.0% in April 2025.

Saturday is the National DEA Drug Take back day, where people are encouraged to bring outdated medication and prescriptions to collection boxes, for proper disposal and to keep the prescriptions from getting into the wrong hands or into the waste stream. Chenango County Sheriff's Office will have Representatives at the Bainridge Fire Department at their open house this Saturday to collect those items. More information is available at dea.gov/takebackday.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-23-25

State Police issued a total of 22,867 tickets during this year’s “Operation Hang Up” traffic enforcement period, including 4,607 tickets for distracted driving. This special traffic detail targeted drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving nationwide in 2023. In Troop C, 1496 tickets were issued, 154 for texting, 89 for talking on a cell phone for a total of 243 distracted driving tickets.

State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for March, The State’s unemployment rate declined from 4.3% to 4.2% in March 2025. Locally, Chenango County had 4.2% unemployment, Delaware County 4.6% and Otsego County 4.8% in March.

State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs increased over the month by 5,600, to 8,464,400 in March. New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in February to 4.2% in March, The statewide labor force participation rate held steady at 60.9% in March 2025.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles is urging New Yorkers to sign up to be organ donors. Last year, for the 1st time, more than 50% of New Yorkers had registered to become organ and tissue donors through New York’s Organ Donor Registry. More than 80% enroll in the registry do so through the DMV. Currently there are 7,917 New Yorkers awaiting an organ transplant, almost 500 New Yorkers each year, die while waiting for a transplant.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that Jeremy Lewis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was found guilty by a jury for possessing a loaded and defaced handgun. Lewis faces 15 years in State Prison as a Second time Felony Offender, in October 2023, the Endicott Police Department were called to a residence for a report of a disturbance, they found Lewis was in possession of a loaded firearm, which was identified as a 22 Caliber Semi-Automatic handgun which had been defaced.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-1-25

Oneonta Police Department concluded their investigation into the report of a deceased female on the railroad tracks early Sunday. An employee of Norfolk Southern Railroad reported the deceased female, Officers from the Oneonta Police Department, State Police and Otsego County District Attorney’s Office & the Otsego County Coroner responded, Investigators learned a 61-year-old female from Pennsylvania became stranded in the Town of Oneonta Saturday, Her vehicle was towed to a garage and she was given a courtesy ride by the Tow Company to a local convenience store. Investigators later learned that the woman ha d history of mental distress. She was reported missing by family Saturday, about 10 hours later, video surveillance showed the woman walking on the railway, at about 3:49 am, moments later a train arrived & video depicts the female laying on the tracks at the time the train passes. The case is being ruled a suicide & the name of the deceased is not being released.

State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for February, The State's unemployment rate was 4.3% in February, locally, Chenango County had 4.6%, Delaware County 5.2% and Otsego had 5.4% unemployment in February.

The State Department of Labor announced the number of private sector jobs increased by 3,700, to 8,463,100 in February 2025. The State's unemployment rate decreased from 4.4% in January to 4.3% in February, the State's labor force participation rate increased from 60.8% in January to 60.9% in February 2025.

The Otsego County Department of Health & Bassett Healthcare Network, is launching the development of the 2025–2030 Community Health Needs Assessment. They are seeking input from residents, businesses, and organizations across Otsego County to help shape future health initiatives and improve the overall well-being of our communities. Community members can provide feedback by Completing an online survey at arcg.is, by Calling the Otsego County Department of Health at 607-547-4230 to have a paper copy mailed to you The Deadline for Feedback is April 16th, All responses will remain confidential, more information is available at 607-547-4230

The Great New York State Fair has announced more of its music lineup, the Festivities kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. The Fair’s 2025 Chevrolet Music Series will showcase more than 40 national recording artists, Concerts are daily at 1 pm. and 6 pm. at Chevy Court with an 8 pm. performance each evening at Suburban Park on the western end of the Fairgrounds, More information is available at nysfair.ny.gov/venue/chevy-court

March is Maple Month in New York State, with special Maple related events scheduled state wide throughout the month. Maple Weekends are scheduled for March 22-23 and March 29-30 New York State Ranks Second to Vermont in Maple Production, which increased to 846,000 Gallons in 2024, Up Nearly 100,000 Gallons from 2023 Season

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-21-25

State Police with the assistance of the Broome County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of human remains located behind the Windsor school bus garage. An investigation has determined that the deceased individual is 68 year old Edward Crampton, who was reported missing in January after his family had not seen him since Thanksgiving. No foul play is suspected in his death.

29 year old Tyler Long of Sidney was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison in Delaware County Court this week, for failing to abide by the terms of the Sex Offender Registry. Long had previously pleaded guilty to Failure to Register an Internet Account. Last July, the Delaware County Probation advised Sidney Police Department that Long had 6 separate unregistered email accounts that he failed to report to the Probation Department, Long’s probation supervision was terminated, and Long was sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 3 years.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-18-25

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January 2025. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in January, locally, Chenango County had 4.4% unemployment, Delaware County 4.9% & Otsego County 5.3%.

Norwich Police Department arrested 37 year old Leroy Lamar Lindsey for criminal sale & criminal possession of a controlled substance, plus forgery, following the investigation into the sale of Cocaine, Methamphetamine and use of counterfeit U.S. Currency. Norwich Police Department was able to make undercover purchases of cocaine and methamphetamine, plus Lindsey was allegedly circulating counterfeited $100 bills during this investigation. Lindsey was arraigned and was held on $25,000 bail to return to Norwich City Court at a later date.

48 year old Joseph Titsworth of Norwich has been apprehended in the state of Kentucky on Thursday, he was wanted as a fugitive from justice by the Norwich Police department, he was booked into the Henderson County Jail, he was wanted by Norwich Police since February 8th & is a Level 3 sex offender for a rape conviction dating back to 1996.

The Jericho Arts Council presents a St. Patrick's day themed show with the Ryan Clan on Saturday night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater at 7:00 PM. In the Gallery will be a showcase of student's Art work, Tickets can be reserved by calling (607) 288-3882.

A.M. NEWS Friday 3-14-25

55 year old Jeffrey Kaufman of Downsville was sentenced to 364 days in jail for each count of 3rd degree Assault. Kaufman admitted to attempting to assault Police Officers, on July 28, 2024. Officer Bryanna Houck of the Colchester Police Department was engaged in an unrelated traffic stop, Kaufman exited his residence & began to yell obscenities at Officer Houck, who called for & received assistance. the officers placed Kaufman under arrest for Obstruction of Governmental Administration and Disorderly Conduct, Kaufman attempted to damage the cruiser & spit on & kick at an officer & was still combative at the police station.

The State Department of Labor reported that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 14,500, or 0.2%, to 8,466,400 in January. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in January, the labor force participation rate decreased to 60.8%.

The Norwich Police Department, the Norwich City School District and the Vestal Police Department have teamed up to bring interested Norwich High School Students to the Youth Police Academy in Vestal this summer, Norwich Police Department School Resource Officer Nicholas Moody explains:

(Nicholas Moody 2-7-25)

Officer Moody said that the Norwich City School District will provide daily transportation for the students to attend this training. Students interested should sen an email to nmooney@norwichpd.org and ask for an application.

The Norwich High School Hall of Distinction Committee announced the 2025 induction ceremony will be on Labor Day Weekend, coinciding with Alumni Weekend, they will recognize and commemorate alumni of Norwich High Schools who have made outstanding contributions, according to spokesman Anthony Testani:

(Anthony Testani 2-7-25)

The Hall of Distinction committee is currently taking applications for the 2nd induction class they can be sent by email to rturnbull@norwichcsd.org, the deadline is May 31, 2025.

Another Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today at the Franklin Fire Department from 12:30 PM TO 5:30PM. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-redcross or using the Blood Donor App.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 63 year old Keith Hansen, of Oneonta, for Sex Offender Failure to Notify Change of Address, following an investigation in to a registered sex offender who relocated from his residence in the Town of Oneonta and did not make the proper notifications to the Sex Offender Registry. During the investigation, a warrant was issued out of the Town of Middlefield for Hansen after he failed to appear for court proceedings for a previous sex offender violation charge. Deputies responded to the Oneonta Police Department and took custody of Hansen Monday on the active warrant, he was processed and turned over to corrections staff to await Centralized Arraignment.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for December 2024. New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in December 2024. Locally Chenango county had 3.4% unemployment, Delaware County 3.9% and Otsego County 3.8%

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-28-25

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 4-count indictment against 51 year old Michael Thiel of Sidney, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, and Criminal Nuisance, Thiel is accused of possessing a pistol with the intent to use it unlawfully against another, he is also accused of possessing methamphetamine in the Village of Sidney with intent to sell, last October and that he maintained a premises in the Village of Sidney where persons came to gather for the purpose of engaging in the unlawful sale of narcotics.

23 year old Dakota Mann of Walton appeared in Delaware County Court and was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of between 2 and 4 years for Criminal Contempt and an additional year for 3rd degree Assault. On May 17, 2024, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a Walton residence for an ongoing Domestic Dispute, where Mann assaulted 2 people, Walton Police Department and State Police also responded, they discovered that there was an order of protection for 1 of the victims, Man was arrested & was was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility. On July 1, Mann assaulted a fellow inmate, & was charged with 2nd degree Assault, Mann pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court last year, his plea agreement was vacated, on Tuesday his sentencing recommendation was increased.

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.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that they are offering a Defensive Driving Course in Delhi next week. Drivers are able to reduce the cost of their auto insurance coverage by taking the Course offered at Chamber's Business Center in Delhi on Tuesday, January 7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Certificates of completion will be issued to each participant’s home and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified of attendance. Students are responsible to notify their insurance carriers. The course fee is $35 and attendance is limited to 20 people. Advance registration is required by calling 607-538-9632.

Hill City Celebrations is hosting their annual New Year's Eve event today from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. A variety of entertainment is scheduled & families can still drive through Neahwa Park & see the lights on display, more information is available at the Hill City Celebration's Facebook page for this & other future events.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-31-24

Starting January 1st, the minimum wage will go up 50 cents, followed by another 50-cent increase starting January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will be set at $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County and the rest of the state will be set at $16. More information about minimum wage can be found on the New York State Department of Labor’s website at dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 53 year old Donald Lane of Oneonta for Sex Offender Failure to Update Change of Address, Failure to Provide Updated Photograph and Failure to Complete Annual Verification. Lane was located in the City of Oneonta by the Oneonta Police Department and taken in to custody on an active warrant issued by the Town of Middlefield Court, he was turned over to deputies who processed him and lodged him in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment.

The State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for November, The State’s unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in November, locally, Chenango Country reported 3% unemployment, Delaware Country registered 3.4% and Otsego County had 3.3% unemployment in November.

Delaware Opportunities and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce provided Christmas gifts to Delaware County children in need this month, Over 800 children from nearly 300 families benefited from this collaborative effort this year.

The State Department of Labor announced that Private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 11,900, to 8,409,100 in November. New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in November, the labor force participation rate held constant at 61.2%.

Starting January 1st, the minimum wage will go up 50 cents, followed by another 50-cent increase starting January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will be set at $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County and the rest of the state will be set at $16. More information about minimum wage can be found on the New York State Department of Labor’s website at dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2024. The State's unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in October 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 2.8% unemployment, Delaware County 3.2% and Otsego County 3% in October.