WCDO Radio News

Vestal Police cancelled the missing vulnerable adult alert for 87 year old Charles McGlynn of Vestal late last night. Police said that McGlynn was found safe, & further details have not yet been released.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office has an active Arrest Warrant for 42 year old Jason Barrows, who is known to frequent the Oxford and McDonough areas. Barrows has an active arrest warrant for 2nd degree Burglary, anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 334-2000 extension 1.

State DOT announced the opening of 2 lanes of traffic on the newly constructed section of Interstate 81 northbound and State Route 17 westbound between I-81 Exit 3 & Chenango Street in the city of Binghamton. This marks the end of the temporary, two-lanes-in-each-direction traffic pattern on I-81 southbound/Route 17 eastbound. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2020. Work in 2019 will include the construction of Front Street northbound lanes and a multi-use path.

The State DEC reported that hunters reported taking 14% more deer in the Northern Zone and 11% more in the Southern Zone, than they did last year. Preliminary figures show hunters killed nearly 109,000 deer this fall statewide, compared to just under 98,000 last year and 86,000 in 2016. Bear hunters reported taking 1,066 bears, the 2nd straight decrease since 2016.

The State Labor department released the report of local unemployment rates for November. The state rate was 3.9%, Locally, Chenango County had 3.5%, Delaware County had 3.7% & Otsego County had 3.4% unemployment in November.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32 year old Terence Ito of Walton for Criminal Contempt; he is accused of violating an order of protection that had been put in place by the Delaware County Family Court. He was arraigned in the Delhi Town Court where he was released on his own recognizance; he will reappear at a later date in the Franklin Town Court.

State Senator Jim Seward will be sworn into office on January 1st at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Seward will be sworn into office for his 17th senate term. Otsego County Judge John Lambert and Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin will also be sworn in for new terms. Otsego County Board of Representatives Chairman David Bliss will serve as master of ceremonies. Otsego County Judge Brian Burns will administer the oath of office.

Delaware Valley Humane Society will see some added revenue next month, following a pledge by a Sidney business, Erin Insinga of the Humane Society explains:

(Erin Johnson 12-28-18)

Additional information about the fundraiser, pet adoptions or items that can be donated to the shelter can be obtained by calling 563-7780.

The 2018 Greater Binghamton Project Homecoming Job & Career fair will be held today at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Representatives from 65 area employers will be on hand, the fair will run from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, it is sponsored by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in November 2018, reaching its lowest level since these records began in 1976, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. The number of unemployed New Yorkers fell in November, from 387,500 to 379,400, its lowest level since August 1988. In addition, New York State’s private sector job count rose by 5,200, or 0.1%, to 8,231,100 in November 2018, a new, all-time high.

New York's population continues to decline faster than any other state, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The report found New York was just 1 of 9 states to see a decrease in population, losing an estimated 48,510 residents between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018. Illinois saw the second largest population loss, followed by West Virginia, Louisiana, Hawaii, Mississippi, Alaska, Connecticut and Wyoming. New York's over 19.4 million populations is the 4th highest behind California, Texas and Florida.

Attorney General Barbara Underwood today announced the settlement of a lawsuit against FedEx that will distribute $2 million to an estimated 500 qualifying drivers who delivered packages. The Attorney General’s office filed the lawsuit back in October 2010, alleging that the drivers had been unlawfully misclassified as independent contractors and was, in fact, employees. The Attorney General's action sought restitution for violations of New York Labor Law, including unpaid overtime and unlawful deductions from wages. Qualifying drivers will be sent notice by the claims administrator and be required to submit a claim form in order to qualify for payment from the settlement fund.

State Police arrested 3 people for DWI after a 1 car crash in the town of Smyrna last Sunday. Troopers were dispatched to State Highway 80 in the town of Smyrna, when they arrived they found an unoccupied vehicle they observed another vehicle parked next to the vehicle that had crashed but it took off as soon as troopers approached. Troopers caught up to that vehicle & they accuse the driver, 43 year old Raymond Haitian Jr of Georgetown of driving while Intoxicated. The investigation revealed that 34 year old Kyle Dulian of Tonawanda was operating the original vehicle that had crashed and was also one of the occupants in Haitian's vehicle. Dulian was arrested for DWI. While troopers were still on scene, 34 year old Alicia Martin of Georgetown arrived looking for her friend, she was also arrested for DWI. All 3 will appear in court in January to answer to the charges.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District is in the process of updating the Master Plan for the East Sidney Lake Project. THE Army Core of Engineers is preparing an environmental assessment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to assess the impact of the Master Plan Revision to the human and natural environment. A public review meeting will be held after the initial public comment period, ending January 11, 2019, to allow opportunity for the public to submit ideas, comments, and feedback on the Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment, the public meeting is planned for some time in April 2019. All updates regarding the Master Plan Update and public meetings may be found at nab.usace.army.mil/ESL-Master-Plan-Revision/.

Afton area businesses & The Afton Girl Scouts are teaming up this holiday season to put together Military care Packages for soldiers overseas. Scout leader Lora Vanderheide explains;

(Lora Vanderheide 12-20-18)

Vanderheide said that the collections will be accepted through December 24th & will be shipped out the following week. More information is available at 639-1700.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be replacing a water main valve located on Ann Street today, starting at 8:00 AM, Water outages will begin at 9:00 AM. Residents on Ann Street, West Ann, Meckley Ave, Baker Street, and Wilcox Ave will be without water for the duration of the project. River Street residents from Meckley to Wilcox Ave will also experience a water outage during work. Parking on the street will not be permitted, and the street will be closed to traffic for the duration of work. More information is available at 432-2100.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for October 2018. In October, the number of private sector jobs in the State was 8,218,800, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.0% in October 2018. Locally, Chenango County had 3.4% Unemployment, Delaware County 3.7% & Otsego County 3.3%.

New York State’s unemployment rate fell to 4.0% in October 2018, matching its lowest level on record, according to preliminary figures released by the State Department of Labor. The number of unemployed New Yorkers fell in October, from 397,600 to 387,700, its lowest level since April 2001. There was also a 26,600 person increase in the state’s civilian labor force, the largest monthly gain recorded since March 2004. Current labor force data extend back to 1976.

The State Department of Transportation reminds motorists to obey the "Move Over Law". DOT Officials remind motorists that they should slow down & move over for vehicles with flashing red, white or amber lights, such as DOT vehicles, tow trucks, ambulances, fire trucks, & police vehicles.

The State Health Department announced 5 suspected cases of the Acute Flaccid Myelitis virus in New York. So far, 4 of the cases were reported just outside of New York City and a 5th case in Buffalo, Health officials confirmed 39 cases of EV-D68 in children across the state, which is a virus that is linked to Acute Flaccid Myelitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that they are investigating 155 suspected cases of AFM nationwide.

The State Labor Department announced local unemployment rates today. Statewide, the rate was at 4.1% for September, in Chenango County, unemployment was 3.6%, in Delaware County, 3.9% and in Otsego County, 3.5%.

New York State’s unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in September 2018, reaching its lowest level since June 1988, according to preliminary figures released by the State
Department of Labor. The biggest job gains were in the fields of Educational & Health Services; Leisure & Hospitality & Construction.

The Otsego County Health Department announces the release of an iPhone and Android mobile app, which is available as a free download from the app stores. The app
is designed to help Otsego County receive information regarding important health issues, services and programs of the health department; it also includes a calendar of
upcoming clinics and events. More information is available through the Otsego County Department of Health at 547-4231.

The Oneonta Police Department announced that their 8th annual Food Drive is now underway. Donations may be dropped off at the Oneonta Police Department anytime
between until Friday, November 9th. Accepted Donations include non-perishable food items or toiletries. Proceeds will go to needy families in our community.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for August 2018. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% to 4.2% in August 2018. Locally, Chenango County had 3.8% unemployment, Delaware county registered 4.2% & Otsego County 3.9% in August.

The Chenango County Department of Health and Area Agency on Aging will be hosting their annual Senior Flu Vaccination Clinic for adults age 60 and over Today, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at the Norwich Family YMCA. The Chenango County Health Department will administer flu shots, and are available to discuss programs and services. The Norwich Police Department will be doing a drug take back where they will collect any old or unused prescription medications for proper disposal. more information call the Chenango County Health Department at 337-1660.

Governor Cuomo today announced the ratification of a 6-year labor agreement between the state and United University Professions, the nation's largest higher education union, representing more than 35,000 SUNY employees. The agreement won the approval of nearly 98 percent of union members, the agreement includes a 2% wage increases each year through 2021-2022 fiscal year, it's the first labor union agreement with the state that includes Paid Family Leave benefits since the policy took effect on January 1st.

Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 39 year old Zachariah Zwickel of Endicott on an active arrest warrant issued out of the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office in Pennsylvania. Zwickel was wanted as a fugitve from justice for escape, he was spotted in a car in the Town of Norwich. Zwickel was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop and was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail until extradition back to Lackawanna County.

The Peila Family Farm at 162 Kilroy Road in Oxford, has laid out an elaborate corn maze, the will be open to the public from September 1 to October 28th. Michelle Peila explains:

(Michelle Peila 8-27-18)

More information is available at 413-548-5227, or at their Facebook page "Peila View Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch." or at themaize.com.

The Greene Lions Club will hold their annual Labor Day Picnic with a variety of events, spokesman Byron Miller explains:

(Byron Miller 8-31-18)

Miller said that the majority of the events are being held on the Ball Flats Monday, money raised will go to the Greene Lions club to be distributed to several local organizations.

Governor Cuomo announced that lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended until Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. New Yorkers are reminded that state and local law enforcement will be participating in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement through Labor Day, Motorists can expect to see law enforcement stopping and arresting impaired drivers in order to keep roads safe this holiday weekend.

Tourism-related dollars spent in Delaware County in 2017 have grown to nearly $112 million, according to a report issued by Tourism Economics for New York State Empire State Development Division of Tourism; Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 8-21-18)

The report showed that tourist spending statewide increased by 4.4%, growth in the Catskills region increased by 7.1%, while Delaware County saw an increase of 11.6% in 2017. Pucci said that tourism dollars translates into 1,100 Jobs, which translates into $38 Million in Labor Income recirculating into the County's economy. More information is available at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties will all receive funding to support emergency response operations, as part of a statewide program administered by the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Funding will be used for upgrades in call-taking and dispatching technology, including investing in new services such as text messaging, data communication and improvements to geo-location for emergency response. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that Broome County was awarded $194,069, Chenango County $179,215, Delaware County $168,096 and Otsego County $157,615.

The State Labor Department released the statistics for the month of July today, as unemployment statewide fell 2/10's to 4.3%. Locally, Chenango County had 4.1% unemployment, Delaware County had 4.7% & Otsego County had 4.3% in July.

State Police and local law enforcement will be out in force through Labor Day weekend as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to prevent drugged and drunk driving. The national enforcement period begins on Friday and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints during the campaign, Troopers will also be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating the Move Over Law.

New York State’s private sector job count rose by 7,900, or 0.1%, to 8,192,300, a new, all-time employment high, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.5% to 4.3% in July, the lowest level since March 2007.

Governor Cuomo directed agencies specializing in disaster recovery and clean-up to the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier To assist counties after heavy rains and flash flooding that caused damage to roads, bridges, homes and other critical infrastructure. The National Guard has deployed 50 personnel and is staging an additional 150 personnel for deployment to assist local governments with debris removal and cleanup. Damage assessment teams specializing in engineering and structural assessments from the Department of Transportation will be operating in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes to evaluate roads, bridges and other infrastructure for damage and safety concerns.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that his office conducted an audit of the Department of Taxation and Finance regarding Personal Income Tax. Auditors examined personal tax refunds processed during the 2017 calendar year, the department processed almost 7.7 million refunds totaling over $9.5 billion. Auditors stopped 10,414 refunds totaling almost $36.7 million and sent them to the department for follow up evaluation and appropriate action.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for June 2018. The Statewide rate was 4.2% in June, locally Chenango County dropped to 5%, Delaware County also dropped to 5% unemployment & Otsego County decreased top 4.5% in June.

In June, New York State’s private sector job count rose by 15,000, to over 8.1 Million, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor.
The State unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.5% in June, which is the lowest level since June 2007.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2018. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% in April to 4.5% in May 2018. Locally, Chenango County had 4.3% unemployment, Delaware County had 4.5% & Otsego County had an even 4% unemployment in May.

The Norwich Fire Department announced that Jan Papelino was unanimously voted to become the fire chief by all six members of the city council. Papelino was an assistant fire chief and volunteer for 39 years & will succeed the recently retired former chief, Tracy Chawgo.

A.O. Fox Hospital will offer training for teenagers interested in becoming junior volunteers. The training is scheduled for July 10th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM in the Fox Hospital’s Education Department. More information is available at the Fox Volunteer Office at 431-5042; the registration deadline is June 22nd.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for April. The number of private sector jobs in the State was 8,155,700 while the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6% in April. Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate was 5.6%, Delaware County was 6% & Otsego County was at 5.1%

The State Labor Department announced that in March, the State's private sector job count rose to 8,152,500, which is a new all-time high. The statewide unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.6% in March, the lowest rate since July 2007.

The Otsego County Planning department is launching a housing survey to provide fresh information about how Otsego County residents perceive their housing conditions and housing needs. The online survey is located at otsegocounty.com, The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, the deadline to return it is July 27th.

Governor Cuomo announced that $35,370,000 was returned to 36,446 victims of wage theft in 2017. In addition, $1 million in continued funding was secured in the new state budget to support the expansion of the Department of Labor's staff of investigators. In the Southern Tier, $666,000 was returned to 581 workers who were denied their due wages.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced that this year's Business of the Year is the House of Consignment, Owner Kirsty Roefs comments:

(Kirsty Roefs 4-4-18)

The Unadilla Chamber announced that the Good Neighbor Award will be awarded to Carl French for 55 years of volunteer service with Unadilla Fire Department. The Annual Unadilla Chamber Dinner will be held on Sunday, April 22 at Unadilla United Methodist Church Social at 4:30 PM. Dinner reservations are requested by April 17th, more information is available at 369-2614.

The State Labor Department released the unemployment rates for the state's counties today. Locally, Chenango County's rate was up to 7.3%, Delaware County was at 7.4% & Otsego County had 6.6 % unemployment. Statewide, the rate was at 5.1%.

New York’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.7% to 4.6% in February, the lowest level since July 2007. Locally, the state labor department reported that the number of Non-Farm Jobs declined in the Tri County Region by .3% in the last 12 months.

Governor Cuomo today announced new efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, including advancing partnerships in New York's Prescription Monitoring Program across the country, training investigators with the New York State Department of Health's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement to carry and administer naloxone, and allowing hospitals to provide detoxification services without a separate certification from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The State Department of Health announced that their prescription Monitoring Program is now connected to 25 states and Washington, D.C., so that New York's program securely shares and receives information regarding about 150 Million patients' prescriptions records.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary unemployment rates for January. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.7% in January, Locally, Chenango County had 7.1% unemployment, Delaware County 7.3% & Otsego County had 6.6% unemployment.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 17 year old youth of Hamden, New York on charges of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The youth was also cited for no headlamps. This arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on Stockton Avenue in the Village of Walton. Deputies were assisted by the Village of Walton Police Department. The youth is scheduled to appear in the Village of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charges.

SUNY Broome announced today that they would be holding their 2018 Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Job Fair this spring. The event will be held at the SUNY Broome Ice Center on April 26th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM & is co-sponsored by the State Department of Labor

Governor Cuomo today announced the extension of an emergency executive order which allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18. Last week, 18,258 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the New York State Department of Health, again the highest weekly number since reporting began in 2004, & it was the 5th straight week that the record was broken. The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the second consecutive week, with 2,160 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.

Norwich Police arrested 37-year-old Sandy Beeching of Norwich for allegedly selling Cocaine in the city of Norwich. Beeching was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance he was sent to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail pending additional court action. The Chenango County Sheriff's Department assisted with the arrest.

SUNY Broome Community College, the Otsego Chamber of Commerce and CDO Workforce are seeking unemployed persons to enroll in the Manufacturing Basics Training Program. A $75,000 Department of Labor award was granted to the College that will enable unemployed persons to gain manufacturing skills, with the 2-week program beginning March 6th through March 16th. More information is available at 334-2201, extension 128 or 432-4800, extension 115; the application deadline for the program is February 28th.

The State Labor Department released local unemployment rates for the month of December. Locally, Chenango County was up to 5.8%, Delaware County had 5.7% unemployment & Otsego County had 5.2% unemployment, the state rate was at 4.4% for December.

The State Department of Health announced that more than 1600 people in 1 week have been hospitalized with flu symptoms, the highest number registered since 2004, with the biggest increases reported in Central New York & in the Capital Region. The state Health Department stated that Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious influenza complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death. Officials strongly suggest that New Yorkers get their flu shots as soon as possible.

55-year-old David Schaffer of Pharsalia was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff's Department for Sexual Abuse, Forcible Touching & Endangering the welfare of a child. Shaffer is accused of performing sexual acts with a child under the age of 13 in Pharsalia; Shaffer was arraigned in Village of Smyrna Court and will reappear in court at a later date.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Labor Law Seminar on today at the chamber’s offices on Main Street beginning at 8:00 AM. The presentation focuses on Labor and Employment Law for small employers, including the newly enacted paid family leave policy.

New York’s statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.7% to 4.6% in December 2017, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. The Biggest Job Gains were in Education, Health care, Professional & Business Services, Leisure & Hospitality & Construction. The biggest decline was in manufacturing jobs.

State Police arrested 65-year-old Roland Cross of Afton for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, following a joint investigation conducted by State Police and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department involving the theft of farm equipment in the town of Hamden on December 23rd. The round bailer and horse trailer were recovered in the town of Afton, the bailer is valued at $15,000 and the horse trailer is valued at $10,000. Cross was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Afton court at a future date.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will begin its 2018 monthly networking breakfasts today at SUNY Delhi’s Alumni Hall from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The presentation will be on the New York Paid Family Leave Law, the featured speaker is New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.