WCDO Radio News

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.

The State Labor Department announced that the number of private sector job decrease slightly in October by less than .1%, there were still to 8.39 Million of those jobs. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in October, the statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.2% in October 2024.

The State Public Service Commission initiated a focused operations audit of Frontier Communications and directed the State Department of Public Service to issue a request for proposals to select an independent consultant to conduct the audit. The Department staff has had ongoing concerns related to Frontier's service quality performance, network reliability, and how it has been failing to report ongoing problems to state regulators, as required. The company has also allegedly failed to pay some of the resulting penalties to ratepayers or provide the required remedies in a timely fashion, they are also lagging on attachment transfers to new utility poles and necessary pole removals, which may delay the expansion of broadband and wireless infrastructure throughout its service territory.

The State Department of Labor announced the release of new guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during heavy precipitation events and wildfire smoke hazards. This initiative builds on the Department's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of outdoor workers in extreme weather, following this summer's higher temperatures, and last year's Canadian Wildfire smoke adversely affecting outside conditions. For more information, visit dol.ny.gov.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September, The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in September 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 2.7% unemployment, Delaware County 3.2% & Otsego County had 2.9% in September.

P.M. NEWS Monday 10-21-24

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has successfully negotiated with New York City to stop the acquisition of land in the County, Shelly Johnson Bennett of the Delaware County Planning Department told WCDO News why this is important to the County & The Watershed region:

(Shelly Johnson-Bennett 10-21-24)

Johnson Bennett said that scientifically based programs will allow for developing some land & still make sure that the water supply used by New York City will remain clean.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that this is the last week to purchase tickets to attend the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Annual Commitment to Community Dinner on Saturday, November 2nd @ the Bainbridge Community Center. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are on sale at Bob's Diner until end of day this Friday. This year's honorees for Co-Citizens of the Year are Christine Smith and Michael Kauffman, Businesses of the Year: Bob's Diner and Payne's Cranes, the Business of Distinction: VIP Payroll and Tax Services & the Service Organization of the Year is the Bainbridge Fire Department.

A new economic impact report finds that the annual GDP of New York State Parks and Historic Sites amounted to $3.7 billion in 2021, an impact that rivals the state's agricultural sector, which generated $3.3 billion during the same year. Park visitors generated $5.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in labor income, for every $1 million invested in parks results in $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP. Of the estimated 78 million visits in 2021, 47 million came from tourists not local to the area

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State decreased over the month by 2,900, or less than 0.1%, to 8,392,500 in September 2024. The State's unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in September, the statewide labor force participation rate decreased from .1 to 61.2% in September.

Village of Greene officials announced that starting at 8:30 Friday morning, the Village Department of Public Works will be paving South Chenango Street from Greene Bowlodrome to Page Street. There will be no thru traffic, when that paving project is complete, the DPW will be paving Clinton Street from Birdsall Street to the Birdsall Street bridge.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-24-24

The State Department of Labor announced that Unemployment increased .1% in August from July to 4.4% , Locally Chenango County had 3.5% unemployment, Delaware County 4.2% and Otsego County 4.1% in August.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 8,100, or 0.1%, to 8,393,400 in August 2024. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.3% to 4.4% in August, the statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.3% in August.

Oneonta City Officials announced that On Sunday, beginning at approximately 8:00 am and continuing until approximately 4:00 pm, NYSEG crews will be shutting off electrical service to businesses and apartments on Main Street, Water Street, and Market Street. NYSEG will be contacting people in the affected areas by phone. For more information, call the Department of Public Works at 432-2100.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-19-24

A social Media Threat against the Sidney & Walton Central School District was posted on Instagram and Facebook, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News that 4 were quickly identified, placed into a safe space & their parents were contacted, they also coordinated with the Sidney Police Department. Sidney Police stated that there was no credible information or evidence to support the threat being real & they remained at the school until dismissal, they are back at the Sidney District again today. Sidney Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 607- 561-2301.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-12-24

The Norwich Police Department investigated a stabbing on Rexford Street in the City of Norwich Wednesday at about 5:30 PM. Police arrested 40 year old Jason Chase of Marathon for 2nd degree Assault & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Norwich Police Department located the victim who had stab wounds to his neck and forearm, the victim was taken to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition, Officers located and arrested Chase at Gold Street in Norwich, the stated that during an altercation, Chase allegedly produced a “brass knuckle knife,” and stabbed the victim several times, he was arraigned & was being held without bail, pending further hearings.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that law enforcement agencies throughout the State issued 20,714 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 4,374 tickets for speeding and 966 tickets for drug or alcohol impaired driving during a statewide mobilization. The Labor Day weekend enforcement campaign ran from August 30 through September 2nd.

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office will collaborate on “An America 250 Conversation.” These two organizations are seeking input from the people of Chenango County on how local communities will participate in the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The discussion will be tonight from 6–8 pm. at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus.

The State Department of Health & the State Education Department have issued an official determination that certifies pharmacists can administer vaccines against m pox. The Health Department stated that there is a new m pox variant circulating in Africa, which prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. More information is available at health.ny.gov.

State Health Department Officials confirmed that a Long Island man in his 50's is the 1st confirmed case of the West Nile Virus in New York State this summer, the unidentified man was hospitalized briefly but has recovered and was released. 2 more cases were confirmed this week in Westchester County Health Department, West Nile is spread by mosquitoes, Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, joint pain, and minor bleeding. New York State had the most cases of the West Nile Virus in the nation is recently as 2022.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-21-24

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue an emergency declaration to help communities in 18 counties rebuild critical infrastructure after severe storms and flash flooding that took place August 9-10, 2024. The declaration includes Broome, Chenango, & Delaware Counties.

State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado Delivers Remarks at The Great New York State Fair Ribbon Cutting Ceremony To Kick Off the 2024 Fair this morning at about 8:15. The Great New York State Fair will run every day through the Labor Day Weekend. More information is available at Nysfair.ny.gov.

The State Department of Labor today released local area unemployment rates for July, the State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.2% to 4.3% in July, Locally, Chenango County had 3.7% Unemployment, Delaware County had 4.5% & Otsego County 4.3% in July.

Chenango County Health Department will hold a rabies clinic for Dogs, Cats & Ferrets today at Baille Lumber in Smyrna from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Pre-Registration is required by calling 607-337-1673, a $5 donation is suggested. Otsego County Public Health is also holding a vaccine clinic for dogs, cats & Ferrets at Neahwa Park in Oneonta today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 8-15-24

The State Labor Department announced that the number of Private Sector jobs is over 8.4 Million in July, the state's unemployment rate increased .1 to 4.3% in July, the statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.3%.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Michael Hitchcock of Otego for Criminal possession of a controlled substance & on an existing warrant, Hitchcock was arrested following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta, he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, and was wanted on a warrant from Oneonta Police, he was processed & issued an appearance ticket, he was then transported to Oneonta Police Department and turned over to answer his outstanding warrant.

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for June 2024. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in June 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 3.1% unemployment, Delaware County 3.9% & Otsego County 3.8% in June.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-23-24

The National Weather Service has confirmed that storm damage in Lee in Oneida County is consistent with a tornado., as they continue to survey damage in recent weeks across several upstate counties. The total count of tornadoes in New York for July has reached 20.

The Chenango Health Department will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs cats & ferrets Saturday at the Greene Ball Flats from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Pre-registration is required at 607-337-1673, a $5 Donation is suggested.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-19-24

Governor Hochul signed legislation to add new 28 judges across the state to reduce the case backlog in family and civil courts. Locally, the new legislation will create a new judge position in Chenango County, with an expedited election process to fill the position. Currently the county is served by Chenango County Judge Frank Revoir, for criminal, family and surrogate court matters.

The State Labor Department reported that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased over the month by 0.1%, to 8,379,000 in June. The State's unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in June, the statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.3%.

The U.S. Department of Labor found A.W. Stiles Contractors of McMinnville, Tennessee failed to provide 4 workers with effective fall protection, following an investigation, into a fatal fall of a worker in Smyrna, last December, The workers were replacing an aluminum standing seam roof on a building at Baillie Lumber Company, OSHA also found that A.W. Stiles did not train employees on fall hazards & respiratory hazards were not evaluated, Stiles also failed to ensure workers were medically able to use respirators. A.W. Stiles was cited for 8 violations, with a total of $83,885 in penalties.

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2024. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in May 2024. Locally Chenango County had 3.2% unemployment, Delaware County 3.9% & Otsego County 3.7%.

The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services announced that Deputies & 1st responders reported to a serious crash this morning on State route 28 between Delhi & Spring Valley Road. Officials ask that motorists try to avoid that area today for clean up & the accident reconstruction investigation, more details will be released when available.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Teriann Connolly of Binghamton on a drug charge. On September 5th, 2023, Deputies were dispatched to assist the Delaware County Probation Department, after a search, Connolly was found to be in possession of Fentanyl. At the conclusion of their investigation, Connolly was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, she was processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Davenport Court at a later date.

The State Labor Department announced that the number of Private Sector Jobs increased by .2%, to 8.37 million in May 2024. The State's unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in May 2024, the State's labor force participation rate held constant at 61.3% in May 2024.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-20-24

45 year old Hayes Cutting of Bainbridge was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 3 years in state prison for Aggravated Family Offense in the Village of Sidney. On January 28, Officers responded to an ongoing domestic dispute, where Cutting allegedly grabbed the victim by the neck, shoved her to the ground, and began striking her, Cutting left the scene before Sidney Police responded. Cutting pleaded guilty to the charge in April & was sentenced Tuesday.

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April 2024. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State's area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week's statewide press release, New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in March to 4.2% in April 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 3.4% Unemployment, Delaware County 4.1% & Otsego 3.8% in April.

The Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Team will be giving a special presentation for the public in the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Memorial Public Library on Tuesday, May 28th at 6PM. Rich Townsend was a Science Teacher at Sidney at the start of the program in 2007, & is still guiding the program, he told WCDO about donations that they have received recently & what the money will be used for:

(Rich Townsend 5-21-24)

Townsend said that the students have given several presentations about the flood monitoring program. Anyone interested in donating to the project should email: rtownsend@sidneycsd.org. The presentation on the 28th is free & open to the public.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-21-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Sean Gillespie of Delhi on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court to answer to a drug related charge, issued out of the Town of Delhi. On May 9th, Deputies were contacted by the City Oneonta Police Department, who advised that they who had taken Gillespie into custody, he was turned over to central arraignment processing at the Delaware County Jail to await arraignment.

FRIENDS OF THE UPPER DELAWARE RIVER & the New York City Department of Environmental Protection will hold a meeting today regarding the Delaware Aqueduct Shutdown scheduled for October 1st. The meeting will be today at 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at 158 East Front Street, Hancock.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased by 0.1%, to 8.35 Million in April. The State's unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.2% in April & the State's labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 61.3%.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 2nd suspect of a Grand Larceny complaint. On July 15, 2023 a business in the Town of North Norwich reported that an enclosed trailer was stolen, Detectives were able to identify the 2 suspects by tracking the vehicle used in the larceny, into Oneida County by viewing security cameras, the suspects were Michael Garramone of Remsen, and Derek Crouse of Whitesboro. On July 28, 2023 Garramone was arrested, Crouse fled to Rhode Island, a warrant was issued for Crouse’s arrest. Cranston Police Department in Rhode Island was involved in a vehicle pursuit Sunday with Crouse on a motorcycle, they took Crouse into custody & he was turned over to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, he was charged with Grand Larceny & Conspiracy & was arraigned & remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on no bail pending action in Town of North Norwich Court.

The Oneonta City Department of Public Works announced that they are working to repair a water main break that is affecting Hartwick College. Water has been shut off at College Terrace and parts of the Hartwick College until repairs are completed, water be be discolored when restored, but should clear up quickly, More information is available at the Department of Public Works at (607) 432-2100.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March 2024. The State’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.4% in February to 4.3% in March, Locally, Chenango County Had 4.1%, Delaware County 4.7% & Otsego County 4.6% unemployment in March.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Jeremy Stimpson of Oneonta for Bail Jumping and on 2 Bench Warrants. Stimpson repeatedly failed to appear for court appearances for criminal cases in the Town of Otego and Town of Milford Courts, both courts issued bench warrants, Stimpson was located in the City of Oneonta by deputies and members of the Oneonta Police Department, he was processed and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $1,500 cash, $1,500 credit card, or $10,500 bond bail recommendations.

The State Department of Labor is partnering with The Business Council, Empire State Development and the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals in an annual Business Survey to get feedback on the state of the workforce and the business community's current needs. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, it can be found at survey.alchemer.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-22-24

33 year old Boyd Fenton was sentenced to to 7-15 years in prison, for setting fire to the horse barn at Tioga Downs on November 9th 2023. Fenton was sentenced in Tioga County Court on Friday, 30 racehorses died in the fire and a trainer was hurt when they tried to rescue horses from the flames.

14 individuals were arrested on charges ranging from graffiti, stealing a law enforcement body camera and disorderly conduct to obstruction and resisting arrest at the 4th annual “Smoke Weed Outside the Binghamton Police Station” event in downtown Binghamton. On Saturday, members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office assisted Binghamton Police Department in ensuring a safe public gathering on Hawley Street in front of Government Plaza. Some attendees began scrawling graffiti, blocking the flow of traffic on Hawley Street, Police began arresting participants for Obstructing Government Administration, disorderly conduct, petty larceny for stealing a law enforcement body camera and resisting arrest, all were processed and released on appearance tickets for the City of Binghamton Court.

The State Department of Labor announced an increase by more than 19,300 on the private sector job count, or 0.2%, to 8.34 Million in March. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased .1 to 4.3% in March 2024, the statewide labor force participation rate held steady at 61.4%.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-5-24

56 year old Paul Geer of Hancock was arraigned on a federal indictment charging him with 3 counts of coercing and enticing 3 separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity, Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, he imposed various disciplinary sanctions on students which were equivalent to torture and forcing children to perform forced physical labor, in 1994, 2000, and 2001, Geer used his position of authority to coerce 3 students to travel with him, to Maine, Pennsylvania, and Toronto, Canada, with intent to engage in sexual activity with the minors. The 3 counts of coercion and enticement each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 5 years. The 3 counts of transporting children across state lines carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years, he will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The Utica Police Department has disclosed the identities of the deceased individuals involved in the Kingston Road incident Tuesday night. The 2 deceased individuals were 22 year old Sara Doody and 26 year old Donte Green both of Utica. Utica Police said that Green shot Doody in the head, shot his grandfather in the leg & when Police responded, he fire shots at the Officer and fled into a nearby resident & shot himself to death with a rifle. The 2 year old child of Doody & Green was removed from the scene and was brought to family members, Green's Grandfather is in an area hospital recovering from gunshot wounds to his legs.

A.M. NEWS Friday 4-5-24

New York lawmakers passed another extension for the state's budget on Thursday to ensure state workers get paid and operations continue, as negotiations continue. The extension will push the deadline to pass a budget to April 8th, local Assemblyman Brian Miller comments:

(Brian Miller 4-5-24)

Last year, lawmakers passed the budget almost 1 month later than the April 1st deadline.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local unemployment rates for February 2024. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased .1% to 4.4% in February 2024, locally Chenango County had 4.5% unemployment, Delaware County had 5.2%, & Otsego County had 5.1 % in February.

The New York State Department of Health is encouraging private well owners to test their well for bacteria and other contaminants to ensure water is suitable for household use. The Department suggests that New Yorkers contact the State DEC Spill Hotline at (800) 457-7362 if you suspect your well could be contaminated by gasoline, heating oil, or chemicals & call your local Health Department for advice on maintaining, testing, disinfecting, and flushing your well. For more information on private well testing and maintenance visit health.ny.gov/privatewells.

State Department of Labor reported that the state private sector job total was back up to 8.33 Million in February 2024, which is back up to pre-pandemic levels. The State's unemployment rate decreased .1% to 4.4% in February, the statewide labor force participation rate held steady at 61.4% in February 2024.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-12-24

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military are 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 can come to the Albany VA clinic where they are staffed to help eligible vets:

(Peter Potter 3-12-24)

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

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% in December 2023 to 4.5% in January 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 4.5% unemployment in January, Delaware County had 5.2% & Otsego County had 5.3%.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-12-24

Guilford Firefighters with assistance from other area departments responded to a report of a basement fire at 427 Ives Settlement Road, which was called in at about 4:30 PM Monday. The basement fire was knocked down quickly, Guilford received assistance from Bainbridge, Sidney & Oxford fire Departments.