WCDO Radio News

Chobani announced that they awarded $400,000 in grants to 40 nonprofit groups through the eighth annual Community Impact Fund. The grants will go to organizations in Central New York, Idaho, Philadelphia and Muskegon Michigan. Locally, the Afton Central Schools will use the funds to build a greenhouse for agricultural education and to supply fresh produce for the FFA Food Pantry. The Food Bank of Central New York will support its Senior Grocery Program, the Norwich City School District will expand its backpack program, the Oneonta Middle School will provide grocery gift cards to families throughout the year, and the Cooperstown Food Pantry will use its grant to offer year-round farmers market vouchers, SNAP matching and CSA shares from regional farms.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

An Endicott man is facing a felony charge after allegedly stealing 27 iPhones from a FedEx facility while working for the company. Last Friday the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol responded to a larceny complaint at FedEx Freight East, at Industrial Park Drive in the Town of Kirkwood. Security at the facility advised that someone had been stealing from iPhones since April by sneaking them out of the facility in his coat pocket. After reviewing footage, 22 year old Leon Roberts of Endicott was charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny. Roberts was arraigned at Central Arraignment Part and released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Kirkwood Court.

Afton Central School's Adult Education Program will be offering free G.E.D instruction into the ONC BOCES District, Program Director June White explains:

(JUNE WHITE 6-24-25)

The Programs will be available to adults 21 and over in ONEONTA, FRANKLIN, MILFORD, MORRIS, CHARLOTTE VALLEY, COOPERSTOWN among others, more information is available by calling 607-639-2811.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

Today is Primary Day in New York State, The Chenango County Republican Party Primary Elections will be held in the towns of Afton, Plymouth, Smithville and Smyrna. Sample ballots can be viewed at chenangocountyny.gov; or by calling the Chenango County Board of Elections at 607-337-1760. In Delaware County: Republicans will vote for a candidate for County Treasurer between Ronda Williams & Carli Pinner; In the Town of Sidney 4 Republicans are running for 2 seats on the Town Board, between Richard DeCola, Frank Selleck, William Hunt & Andrew Hinkley. Republican primaries are being held for Town Supervisor in Colchester, Hancock, & Meredith, more information is available at the County Board of Elections page at co.delaware.ny.us. There are no Democratic Party primaries in Chenango or Delaware Counties & there are no primaries in Otsego County this year.

Afton Central School District will be running on a 2-hour delay today for all students. All field trips and after school activities will be canceled for the day, as the district has had issues with water quality since Wednesday morning.

The Afton Central School District announced that they have canceled classes & all after school activities today, following the continuing issue with water quality. Afton students were sent home early yesterday, following the issue with water quality in Afton.

The Afton Central School District closed at 11:30 this morning & all after school activities are canceled. The water in Afton was discolored or dirty, the Village of Afton Public Works Department told WCDO News that there was no water main break, but road crews using jack hammers adversely affected the quality of the water earlier today, it should clear up and there is NO order to boil water in effect.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-11-25

Delaware County Public Health, the New York National Guard and State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is hosting a Citizen Preparedness Training Event today in Walton, DCPH Spokesperson Isabella Ziolkowski comments:

(Isabella Ziolkowski 6-11-25)

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required to attend, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200. The event will be held from 6:00PM – 7:30PM at the New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Avenue, Walton.

17,000 Canadians have been evacuated as active wildfires have charred hundreds of thousands of acres in the country. Forecasters expected that the smoke from the wildfires in Saskatchewan & Manitoba will likely affect the Northeast & south to the Carolina's over the next few days. The fires have burned over 800,000 acres recently in Canada

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-30-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Richard Terrell of Afton following an investigation into the report of a stolen UTV from the Town of Harpursville. The investigation led Detectives to the Town of Afton, they were able to recover the stolen UTV from that location, the UTV sustained significant damage Terrell was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Terrell was taken into custody without incident and arraigned & was held without bail and is to appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

The Sidney Central School District announced the 13th annual Summer Enrichment & Summer Sports Camps, which will run from July 7th to July 31st, Monday through Thursday, The link to register will be found on our school district website. Registration is now open, and slots are limited, & will continue until filled or closed June 6th, more information is available at 607-561-7701.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Many of the Southern Tier area schools had their budgets passed by voters on Tuesday, however not all of the results are in this morning. Locally, Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget 147-43, they also passed the bus proposition & the Sidney Luibrary budget, Bainbridge-Guilford School Budget passes 180-78, Franklin had their budget, bus & library votes passed, other local who schools who reported budget votes passing by substantial margins were Unatego, Oneonta, GMU, DEPOSIT, WALTON, Afton, UNADILLA VALLEY, Greene, Harpursville.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced their award winners this week, Tim Doyle was named as the Citizen of the Years, for all of his involvement in area

organizations:

(Tim Doyle 3-28-25)

Amphenol was named as the Business of the Years, as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company & their related predecessors, General Manager Kyle Brown

Comments:

(Kyle Brown 3-28-25)

The Sidney Chamber named Catholic Charities as the Non Profit organization of the years, spokesperson Christy Houck comments:

(Christy Houck 3-28-25)

All will be celebrated at the Sidney Chamber's Annual Dinner in June.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 5-count indictment against Jeramiah Burke of Margaretville. Each count of the five count Indictment accuses Burke of Menacing a Police Officer, on March 9th, in the Town of Middletown, he is accused of intentionally place or attempt to place several different uniformed police officers, including State Troopers and Deputies, in reasonable fear of physical injury by displaying a knife while such police officers were in the course of performing their official duties.

The Afton Sertoma “Goofy Golf” fundraiser will be held this Saturday at the Afton Central School, Spokesperson Helen Kittle explains:

(Helen Kittle 3-24-25)

The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday to raise money for the Afton Sertoma & the programs they support.

Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that Phillip Alvarez of Endicott pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. As part of his plea agreement, Alvarez will be sentenced to 10 years in state prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision for the drug charge, he will also receive a 7-year prison sentence followed by five years of post-release supervision for the weapons charge. On July 24th 2024, a search warrant executed by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, they seized Cash, ammunition, weapons, cocaine and digital scales. Alvarez will also forfeit $5,566.00 in drug proceeds.

The Afton Sertoma GOOFY GOLF fundraiser will be held this Saturday at the Afton Central School, Spokesperson Helen Kittle explains:

(Helen Kittle 3-24-25)

The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday to raise money for the Afton Sertoma & the programs they support.

Applications are now open for The Nate Lull Scholarship, close to 18-thousand dollars will be handed out to local high school seniors in the WCDO coverage area, Lull said that the deadline to is less than 2 months away:

(Nate Lull 3-24-25)

All of the information, including the eligibility requirements can be found at NateLull.com and click on the scholarship tab.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-24-25

The Norwich Police Department has arrested 20 year old Wyatt Gould of Plymouth following a Grand Jury indictment. Gould was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, Vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, driving while impaired by drugs, reckless driving and other charges, Gould is accused of operated an SUV on January 1st on Cortland Street, while under the influence of drugs, he went onto the sidewalk & fatally struck 68 year old James Wright of Norwich, who was out for a morning walk, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced recommendations by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation to add 20 properties and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The nominations include the Walter Coulter Homestead Farm, in the town of Bovina, 4 generations of the Coulter family operated and developed the farm until it was sold out of the family in 1948.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-2-25

The Norwich Police Department is investigating a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian death that occurred on Cortland Street in the City of Norwich on January 1st, at approximately 8:00 AM. The victim was 68 year old James Wright, who was walking on the sidewalk of Cortland Street when he was struck, he succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The driver of the vehicle in question is a 19-year-old-male who did not sustain any injuries, the investigation is ongoing, and the Norwich Police Department was assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team, as well as the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Christie Coon of Afton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, in the Town of North Norwich recently. Coon was found to have a suspended New York State drivers license and was in possession of Methamphetamine, she was transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing and was released on an appearance tickets for North Norwich Court at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving a female with facial injuries in the Town of Chenango. 49 year old Benjamin Engbrecht of Chenango was charged with 2nd and 3rd Degree Assault, Menacing, Reckless Endangerment, Resisting Arrest & Obstruction of Governmental Administration, he was taken to Central Arraignment & he was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Unadilla Valley School District is on a 2 hour delay this morning, due to icy secondary road conditions.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK will host the BINGHAMTON POLAR PLUNGE tomorrow at Chenango Valley State Park. Attendees from across New York State will gather to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New York athletes in the Southern Tier Region. The Polar Plunge registration begins at 10:00 am & the plunge begins at 12:00 Noon

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-3-23

The Bainbridge & Afton Girl Scouts are holding their bi-annual Community Giveaway Days November 3rd & 4th at the Greenlawn Elementary school in Bainbridge, spokesperson Jessica Chambers explains:

(Jessica Chambers 10-23-23)

More information is available by Email to jjchambers@frontiernet.net, or call 267-2378.

3 more blood drives are scheduled locally today, 1 is being held at the O'Neill High School in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, another will be at the Laurens High School from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, and another will be held at the Stamford High School from 12:30 to 5:30 PM. Appointments can be made at the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at 1-800-RedCross or at redcrossblood.org..

The Afton Fairgrounds Speedway is under new management for the 2024 season, Afton Fair Board President Rhonda Barriger told WCDO News that a change was needed:

(Rhonda Barriger 11-2-23)

Barringer said That Thunder Mountain will take over prior to next6 racing season, they have operated a track successfully in Lisle for many decades.

The Sidney Democratic Committee is holding a Meet and Greet for Deirdre Hay, who is running on the Democratic line for NY State Supreme Court Justice for the 6th Judicial District, in the upcoming November 7th general election. Hay will meet with area residents at 6:30 in the Sidney Library Smart Community Room tonight. Hay is running for the seat against Republican candidate Cheryl Insinga. Also, Democratic Sidney Town Board Candidate Kevin Greene will also be participating.

The Bainbridge Guilford Central School District will hold their annual breakfast for veterans next week, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News about the event:

(Tim Ryan 11-2-23)

Veterans interested in attending the breakfast should RSVP to 607-967-6321.

More Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled for today, 1 will be held at the Pines Brook Church in Walton from 1:30 TO 6:00 PM, another will be held at the Schenevus Central School from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-redcross.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-23-23

Anielle "AK" McEwan Lomnicki has been cleared to play basketball at the Gus Macker Tournament in Norwich next Month, AK suffered numerous injuries when she was struck by a drunk driver while walking home from school in Sidney February 15th, she told WCDO News that she is excited & ahead of schedule in her ongoing recovery:

(AK McEwan Lomnicki 6-23-23)

AK's father, Rick Lomnicki said that they have been watching other people playing various sports, but watching his daughter compete after all she has been through will be exciting:

(Rich Lomnicki 6-23-23)

"AK" will be competing at the Norwich Macker July 8th & 9th on 1 of 9 WCDO sponsored teams, she also plans to play in the Ithaca Gus Macker tournament, and 2 other tournaments later this summer.

High School Graduations are scheduled all over the Southern Tier this weekend. Hancock Commencement exercises began this morning, other districts with ceremonies today include Afton, Andes, Charlotte Valley, Deposit, Downsville, Edmeston, GMU, Laurens, Milford, Morris, South Kortright, Schenevus, Unatego & Windsor. Saturday Graduation ceremonies will include Sidney, Bainbridge Guilford, Norwich, Oneonta, Delaware Academy, Greene, Harpursville, Oxford Academy, Unadilla Valley, Sherburne Earlville & Walton. 2 area district will hold their ceremonies on Sunday, they are Cooperstown & Worcester.

The State Comptroller's Office audited the Afton Central School District, , they found that the Afton Board and District officials did not effectively manage the District’s fund balance, so they levied more taxes than needed to fund operations and were not transparent with taxpayers. The Board annually overestimated appropriations by an average of $1.1 million or 7%. The District incurred $63,561 in unnecessary interest and other associated costs for the issuance of bonds to purchase school buses. The Comptrollers office recommended adopting realistic budgets, Reduce surplus fund balance to comply with the statutory limit to benefit taxpayers. District officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they will take corrective action, the full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

The Afton Fair will continue in July again this year, and they are holding a special night to honor area 1st Responders, Afton Fair Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger told WCDO News that they teamed up with terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment for this event:

(Rhonda Barriger 5-25-23)

The Email to to nominate 1st responders again is tpott71@yahoo.com.

The American Red Cross is holding a Blood Drive in Walton today, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School. Appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Afton Sertoma Club presents Goofy Golf again this Saturday at the Afton Central school, Spokesperson Helen Kittle explains:

(Helen Kittle 3-22-23)

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, no pre registration is required.

Delaware County Board of Supervisors were notified that the federal civil rights suit filed against the County by former Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter, was dismissed by the U.S. District Court Monday. Scuderi-Hunter had filed the civil rights suit last year, claiming that the County had violated her 1st Amendment rights; that she was denied due process as part of her 2019 dismissal; and that the County’s actions were retaliatory as a result of her testimony during a Family Court proceeding. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Kahn, ordered the claims made by Scuderi-Hunter be dismissed on the basis that the claims had already been litigated and decided by the State Appellate Division in February 2022, she additionally appealed that decision, which was denied last June, she then sought an appeal from the State Court of Appeals which was also denied. Judge Kahn also dismissed Scuderi-Hunter’s claims that County Attorney Amy Merklen had a conflict of interest in carrying out her duties as assigned.

The Village of Sidney Police Benevolent Association endorsed Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith in this year's race for the the Delaware County District Attorney's Position. The Association stated that they reached this decision following an increase in communication, transparency & compassion from the DA's office & Staff since Smith became the Acting DA January 1st. Smith faces a primary in June from fellow Republican Joe Ermeti of Sidney, who announced his candidacy recently for the DA position.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-22-23

Delaware County District Attorney's office announced that 71 year old Vincent Balsamo of Walton was arraigned on a sealed indictment in Delaware County Court Monday. The Indictment charges Balsamo with 2nd degree Manslaughter, 2nd degree Assault & Reckless Endangerment, for repeatedly choking, strangling & slapping & striking 52 year old April Kestner of Honesdale Pennsylvania at his residence in the Town of Walton in December 7th of 2022. Balsamo faces 5 to 15 years in jail on the Manslaughter charge, he was sent to the Delaware County Correctional facility on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-15-23

The Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 40 year old Adam Bright of East Meredith entered a Guilty Plea in a Vehicular Manslaughter Case. Bright pleaded guilty to 1 count of Vehicular Manslaughter and 1 count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, in Delaware County Court this week, Bright admitted that he was using methamphetamine while driving & that he crossed the double yellow line and hit a milk truck head on, killing his passenger. Bright faces a state prison term of 1-3 years on the Vehicular Manslaughter charge, he will be sentenced to 364 days in jail for driving while his ability was impaired by drugs, which will run concurrently to the previous sentence. Bright was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Sheriff's office, without bail, pending sentencing.

Bassett Healthcare Network will continue to require masks for all people in patient care and public areas of their buildings, including in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, and school-based health centers. Bassett Officials said that COVID-19 and influenza community transmission rates in Central New York remain high or substantial & the State Department of Health's latest safety guidance continues to affirm the importance of masking as a key infection prevention tool. Bassett's experts in Infection Prevention and other disciplines will continue to monitor community transmission levels and proceed forward with safety measures that are aligned with CDC guidance and in the best interest of our patients and communities.

Truth Pharm will be holding a free Narcan training at the Afton Free Library, at 105 Main Street in Afton, at 10:00 AM today The training is open to the Chenango County and surrounding communities, and will teach participants the science of substance abuse and addiction, as well as how to recognize an overdose, and how to respond to an overdose using Narcan.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Vance Murray of Binghamton was sentenced to 2 years in State prison followed by 2 years post release supervision, after pleading guilty to felony Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Murray admitted that on March 26, 2022, in the Village of Endicott he illegally possessed a loaded 9 millimeter pistol, during a traffic stop of a vehicle that he was a passenger in.

The Annual Bainbridge Community Giveaway will be held this Saturday at the Greenlawn Elementary School, organizer Jessica Chambers told WCDO News that people should drop off their donations Friday afternoon:

(Jessica Chamber 11-3-22)

The event runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Saturday, more information is available at 607-267-2378.

The Friends of the Oneonta Theatre announced the start of the stabilization and revitalization of the Oneonta Theatre on Chestnut Street in Downtown Oneonta. Former Theater Manager Tom Cormier is assisting with the transformation, more information will be available at oneontatheatre.org.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-3-22

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative throughout Chenango County Tuesday and all businesses checked were in compliance. Some of the businesses that followed the state's laws were B&W Wines & Liquors, of Bainbridge, Mirabito's in Bainbridge & Afton, & Snake Bite Liquors in Afton. During the initiative, retail establishments are checked using a trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operative(s) who, if asked, cannot lie about their age or give a fake date of birth. When asked for their ID they must show their real New York State ID.

The New Bivalent COVID-19 BOOSTER Vaccines are now available to anyone 12 and older, to provide protection against currently circulating variants. The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a variety of Bivalent BOOSTER clinics, one will be held at the Afton School today for those who pre-registered on the County website, more information is available at 607-337-1660.

The New Bivalent COVID-19 BOOSTER Vaccines are available to anyone 12 and older. The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a variety of Bivalent BOOSTER clinics, one today at the Unadilla Valley School & another at the Afton School on November 3rd. Pre-registration is required on the County Health Department website, for more information call 607-337-1660.

The New Bivalent COVID-19 BOOSTER Vaccines are available to anyone 12 and older, to provide increased protection against currently circulating variants. A booster clinic is being hosted by the Chenango County Health Department today at the Broad Street Methodist Church in Norwich, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, at the Unadilla Valley School on October 27th, and Afton School on November 3rd. Pre-registration is required on the County website, more information is available at 607-337-1660.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the new Delaware County Behavioral Health Clinic at 243 Delaware Street. The building was officially opened last November, the ribbon cutting was held off until COVID cases declined. the Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services & the office of Mental Health are housed in the new building.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-18-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak released a statement regarding the Payton Gendron statements made during an online class at Susquehanna Valley School District in 2021. Korchak said that the statement mentioned Murder & Suicide, District officials followed protocols & notified State Police, who escorted Gendron to an area hospital for a mental Health Evaluation. Korchak said that no direct threat was made in the statement, and there was no mention of firearms, Gendron was released & returned to school & graduation exercises without incident. Gendron faces Court action Thursday for multiple counts of 1st degree murder for the Buffalo Tops Supermarket mass shooting Saturday that left 10 dead & 3 injured.

2 more American Red Cross Blood drives are being held in the region today. Upcoming blood donation opportunities include one in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School, a drive will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS

School budgets overwhelmingly passed Tuesday throughout the region & the state. Locally, the Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget by a vote of 157-32, Corbin Curley and Kerri Green were elected to the school Board, At Bainbridge Guilford, the budget passed 220 to 76, Bus purchases passed in Afton, Andes, Bainbridge Guilford, Charlotte Valley, Cooperstown, Deposit, Franklin, Hancock, Laurens, Oneonta, Schenevus, South Kortright & Unadilla Valley. Capital Reserve Fund Propositions passed in Charlotte Valley, Downsville, Franklin, Greene, Hancock, Norwich, Oxford, Sidney, Unadilla Valley & Worcester.

The Otsego County Department of Emergency Services announced that Dry ice and bottled water will be available for pick up this evening at the Unadilla fire station and the West Exeter fire station from 6 PM – 9 PM or while supplies last. They also announced that the Emergency shelter at the Armory in will cease operations tomorrow, at 12 Noon. The Clark’s Sports Center will remain open until further notice. Edmeston Central School will be open this evening from 5:00M – 9 PM for Edmeston residents to come and get warm, get a hot meal and a hot shower.

4Towns Forward will hold their Community Yard Sales Saturday, spokesperson Teri Schunk told WCDO news where people will be set up:

(Teri Schunk 4-21-22)

The event runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in Afton, Bainbridge, Sidney & Unadilla.

40 organizations in the region were awarded grants totaling $287,684 from the Community Foundation for South Central New York. Funded Organizations included museums, theater groups, libraries, human service agencies, animal welfare organizations, chambers of commerce, food banks, housing programs, and public safety agencies and other nonprofits, municipalities, and school districts. More information about the Foundation can be found on its website at www.donorswhocare.org.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-21-22

Attorney General Letitia James distributed the 1st round of payments from the opioid settlements to the Southern Tier. In 2022, the Southern Tier will receive a total of $4.8 million, from the $1.5 billion settlement Attorney General James secured with the manufacturers and distributors of opioids for prevention efforts. Later this year, the Southern Tier will receive additional payments from the settlements with Endo Health Solutions, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan. Locally Broome County receives $1.6 Million dollars, Chenango County, $308,000, Delaware County: $327,000.

42-year-old Jeremie Hoyt of Davenport, New York, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to 2 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, 2 counts of distribution of child pornography, and 1 count of possession of child pornography. Hoyt is being held pending sentencing scheduled for August 24, 2022, he faces at least 15 years and up to 110 years imprisonment on the charges, and a fine of up to $250,000.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed due to downed trees & power lines, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith gave WCDO News an update this morning:

(Matt Beckwith 4-20-22)

Beckwith said that The Norwich YMCA is operating a shelter, The Smyrna & Coventry Fire Departments are operating as "Warming Stations", The Norwich High School will be a warming shelter with showers available, Otselic Valley Central school will have overnight shelter, showers & food available, The Sherburne Earlville School has food available for pick up only, The Unadilla Valley School will be open until 7:00 PM for shelter, And NYSEG is making dry ice available at the Fire Departments in Afton, Bainbridge, Greene, Guilford, Norwich & Smyrna.

The Susquehanna SPCA is assisting pet owners without power & heat through its Emergency Boarding Program. Those seeking emergency boarding of their pets will be required to provide all vaccination records, more information is available at (607) 547-8111, extension 108, or by e-mail dyoungs@sqpca.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed throughout the County. All County offices and Schools in Chenango County will be closed today, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith explains:

(Beckwith 4-20-22)

NYSEG crews continued to work through the night, but thousands are still without power, NYSEG representatives announced that it could take another 24 to 48 hours to fully restore power. The American Red Cross opened 2 overnight shelters last night, for those without power & heat. 1 location was the Deposit Fire Department on 2nd Street, another was at the Trinity Church at 118 Oak Street in Binghamton.

Delaware County Deputies observed an SUV traveling at 83 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone on State Highway 17 in the Town of Colchester. Deputies arrested 36-year-old Christina Daggett of Central Square, her Driver’s License had been previously revoked for operating without insurance. Daggett was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator, Speeding & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, she was released on an Appearance Ticket, returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

New York State has reverted to calling the "TASC" program back to it's original name "GED", for those interested in earning their High school Diploma, local Program director June White told WCDO News of the programs origins & of their current programs:

(June White 4-4-22)

White said that a home study course call "GRASP" is available for those who can't attend classes in person, more information about the GED programs is available by calling White at the Afton Central School at 639-2811.

Another Area Middle School student is heading to the National Spelling Bee in Washington in May, Martha Ryan of the DCMO Boces told WCDO News that local funds are needed to send Daanya Butt to DC:

( Martha Ryan 4-4-22)

Daanya Butt is a middle school student at the Oneonta Central School District, she recently won The Daily Star Spelling Bee, BG Student Melodie Loya went to the National Spelling Bee twice. More information is available by calling 334-7526.

The 28th annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held September 10th & 11th in East and West Parks in Norwich in Norwich. 95 exhibitors will be at the annual Arts Festival, organizers are also inviting all high school art seniors in Chenango and adjacent counties to apply for Colorscape's 2022 Francis K. Wilcox Emerging Young Artist Scholarship. The application form is available at colorscape.org, The application deadline is June 17th.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 32 year old Zeke Wilmarth of Binghamton pleaded guilty to 2nd degree attempted murder, Criminal possession of a weapon & Strangulation, in connection with the attack on his girlfriend in July of 2021 in the town of Vestal. Wilmarth is expected to be sentenced to 15 years to life upon sentencing in June.

The Afton Sertoma Club presents Goofy Golf again this year at the Afton Central school, Spokesperson Judy Hinman explains:

(Judy Hinman 3-25-22)

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, no pre registration is required.

The Afton Community Theater & the Tri-Town Theater have teamed up again for "Into The Woods" to be performed in Norwich tonight & this weekend, George Wells is the producer & is in the cast & he said that the show was whipped together by Cameron Kinnear, a local man who has been involved in theater all over the country:

(George Wells 3-25-22)

Tickets are available at tritown.booktix.com, the shows are tonight, Saturday Night at 7:30 PM & Sunday Afternoon at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released his annual report of schools in fiscal stress or susceptible to fiscal stress. East Ramapo in Rockland County & Newfield in Tioga County were the only 2 districts with significant stress, 21 school district were listed as susceptible to fiscal stress, none of the Districts in the Tri-county area made the list.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 1-27-22

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced 24-year-old Elijah Burnside was sentenced to 3 to 9 in years in prison, for a 2019 crash that killed 70-year-old Ronald Phetphongsy in Binghamton. Burnside struck Phetphongsy’s vehicle when he drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Chapin and Leroy Street. Phetphongsy was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

NYSEG reported 1249 without power in Afton overnight, with 59 out in the Town of Coventry. NYSEG is working to restore power as soon as possible. Due to this morning's power outage, the Afton Central School District is on a 2 hour delay.

Former Broome District Attorney Steve Cornwell's case will be handled by a special prosecutor, instead of by current DA Michael Korchak. The 2 indictments accuse the former DA of public corruption and larceny during his 4-year term in office, Korchak spent 4 years as the chief assistant DA under Cornwell before taking office in January 2020 after a heated election between the 2 prosecutors.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Afton Central School for children 5 and older today in the old gym at Door 13, on Sands Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Registration is available at apps2.health.ny.gov or go to co.chenango.ny.us/public-health and click on the COVID vaccine and scheduling button.

The Afton Parks & Recreation Committee announced that they will host a Halloween Party on Saturday October 30th, at the River Club in Afton. Prizes will be awarded for the best Costume; more information is available at 639-1022.

The Norwich Business Improvement District is putting together the "Nor-Witch Fall Festival" on Saturday throughout the day, BID Spokesperson Mindy Chawgo explains:

(Mindy Chawgo 10-29-21)

The event is free & open to the public & will be held rain or shine in downtown Norwich tomorrow.

Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Commitment to Community Dinner on Saturday, at Sundown Golf and Country Club. They will be honoring Bob Evans as the Citizen of the Year, B & W Wines & Liquors as the Business of the Year The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District as the Business of Distinction and The Bainbridge Rotary Club as the Service Organization of the Year.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and the Health Commissioner issued a determination requiring all teachers, administrators and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass.   The Governor also announced that the State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction regarding Facemasks, which closely echoes the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. More information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be showcasing its school-based health center at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, September 7, at 5:00 pm.  The event is being held in conjunction with the school’s annual open house, Bassett Healthcare Network President & CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim will offer remarks.   Available Care will include Annual physical exams, Immunizations, Diagnosis and treatment of both short-and long-term illnesses,   mental health services & Preventive dental care

The Mid York Concert band is looking for area musicians to join, with rehearsals starting this month in Norwich, Band conductor Mark Sands explains:

(Mark Sands 9-3-21)

Anyone interested in joining the band can call sands at 334-4307, or email him: Midyorkcb@gmail.com, rehearsals will start Tuesday September 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Norwich Middle School band room.

6zero7 Events presents the Afton Open Air Market, Labor Day edition featuring music, food and local vendors participating, organizer Melissa Matthews explains:

(Melissa Matthews 9-3-21)

The event will be set up at its usual location next to Suburban Propane on State Route 7 just outside of the village of Afton, Starting at 9:00 AM Saturday.

The annual NBT Bank Summer Concert Series begins Tonight at 7:00 PM. Blues musician Ana Popovic & her band will perform tonight, Tonight's show has been moved to the Norwich High School auditorium, due to rain in the forecast.

19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado has secured federal funding for road projects in Otsego and Schoharie Counties through the recently passed “INVEST in America Act”. Some of the new funding will go for a Roundabout at the intersection of Main Street, Maple Street & the Lettis Highway in Downtown Oneonta, with 3.2 million dollars in federal funding available, the bill has passed in the House of Representatives, but still requires passage in the US Senate.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-8-21

State Police announced that following a multi-agency investigation spanning two years, 78 people involved in 2 Central New York drug rings have been indicted on more than 355 criminal charges. Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment in Syracuse Wednesday, she said that more than $2 million in drugs, including cocaine & heroin mixed with fentanyl, plus 15 guns and $490,000 in cash were seized. The investigation was a join effort by the AG’s Organized Crime Task Force, the drug task forces in Oneida and Madison counties, and more than a dozen other agencies.

The Afton Fair gets underway today, and runs through Sunday. Rides, Food, Live entertainment, parades, Stock Car races, clowns agricultural exhibits & fireworks are among the highlights of this year's Afton Fair. The full schedule of events & activities are available at theaftonfair.com.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced work starts today on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling 337-1710.