WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-10-25

Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation will formally integrate into 1 company under the name "Toyota Material Handling North America" effective April 1. Raymond President Michael Field explains:

(Michael Field 1-10-25)

Toyota acquired The Raymond Corporation in 2001, Field will be the Chief Operting Officer of the new corporate entity, he will still be based in Greene, and people are still invited to apply for work at the facility as they plan more hiring of personnel, more information is available at careers.raymondcorp.com.

Otsego County Office of Emergency Services reported that an early morning fire at about 4:45 this morning at 451 County Highway 21 in the town of Plainfield resulted in a fatality. The fire destroyed the home, Unadilla Forks Fire Department received aid from the West Winfield Fire Department, The fire was reported by a passing motorist, indicating that the house was fully involved. The Cause of this fire is currently under investigation, and the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services is being assisted with the investigation by the New York State Police and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

The Norwich Police Department concluded an investigation into a felony fugitive from justice warrant out of the State of Kentucky. Norwich Police Department detectives arrested 47 year old Trey Kirk of Norwich, on several warrants out of Boone County Kentucky for fleeing and evading police officers. Kirk was picked up at a local business in the City of Norwich and held for arraignment on the Fugitive from Justice Warrant.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cameron Curley of Smithville & Logan Tribe-Filhart of Binghamton, On January 6th, Curley and Tribe-Filhart allegedly took several thousands of dollars worth of property from a residence in the Town of Smithville on multiple occasions, Tribe-Filhart was seen with stolen property by deputies and citizens following the incident, Additional stolen property was found in Curley’s residence. Both were charged with 2 counts of Burglary, Grand larceny, Criminal mischief, Criminal possession of stolen property, among other charges, they were released with separate court dates in the Town of Smithville Court.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50 year old Lance Jennings of Burlington for Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing & Harassment, after Deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Burlington on January 4th, Jennings was arrested & was processed and released after being issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Burlington Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-10-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31 year old Elijah Conklin of New Berlin after he falsely reported a car theft. Deputies were told by Conklin that his vehicle was stolen out of his driveway when he was not home, he signed documents, vehicle information was shared with the Otsego County, where they reported that the vehicle had been involved in an accident and the driver fled the scene. Chenango Deputies determined that Conklin was the driver that fled the scene, Deputies returned Conklin was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 56 year old Jonathon Rees on a Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrant. Rees turned himself in to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office after receiving a Notice to Appear for Chenango County Court. Rees was processed for Offering a false instrument for filing, Perjury, unlawful surveillance, Aggravated Harrassment among other charges, he was arraigned in Chenango County Court where he was released on his own recognizance to appear in court at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a burglary in the Town of Triangle. 27 year old Samuel Michaels & 33 year old Jennifer Briggs claimed that their residence was burglarized, Detectives learned that Michaels and Briggs were suspects in a burglary case in Chenango County, where a shotgun was utilized to shoot into a vacant Chenango County residence. The pair admitted to having falsely reported the initial burglary to eliminate themselves as suspects in the Chenango County burglary investigation. Michaels and Briggs were charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, Providing a False Written Statement, Falsely Reporting, they were processed at the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Triangle Court, they also face burglary charges in Chenango County.

THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH OVER 800 CANOE RACERS ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER. THERE WERE PADDLERS FROM THE U.S., CANADA, GERMANY AND THE U.K.. THE 2-PERSON PRO RACE FEATURED 50 TEAMS 1ST PLACE WENT TO WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MYNAR FROM TEXAS. WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS SPOKE TO THE WINNERS AFTER THE RACE:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-DEAN-MYNAR" (:30)

OR

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-WES DEAN" (:22)

THE PAIR FINISHED THE 70 MILE COURSE IN 8 HOURS AND 7 SECONDS TO TAKE HOME THE $3,000 DOLLAR PRIZE. THE REGATTA ALSO DREW THOUSANDS FROM AROUND THE SOUTHERN TIER FOR THE RIDES, HOT AIR BALLOONS, LIVE MUSIC, FIREWORKS, AND KIDS ENTERATINMENT OVER THE 3 DAY EVENT.

OVER 800 CANOE RACERS DESCENDED ON BAINBRIDGE THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FOR THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA. THE REGATTA

FEATURES NEARLY 50 DIFFERENT RACES FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY INCLUDING GENERATION GAP, SCOUT RACES, SPRINTS, RELAY RACES, AND THE WORLD FAMOUS 70 MILE ENDURANCE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE. ITHACA RESIDENT, TERRY KENT WON THE ONE PERSON PRO RACE BEATING TREVOR ROBINSON FROM SASKATOON, CANADA BY JUST 2 SECONDS. KENT DESCRIBED THE EXCITING FINISH:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-TERRY KENT (:20)

IT WAS KENT'S 7TH C1 PRO RACE VICTORY. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME LAST YEAR. IN THE 4 PERSON PRO DIVISION, A COMBINED TEAM OF 3 NEW YORK PADDLERS AND 1 CALIFORNIA PADDLER TOOK FIRST PLACE. PAUL OLNEY, JOANN OLNEY, BEN SCHLIMMER AND JIM TERREL TALKED TO WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT THEIR RACE:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-C4 WINNERS" (:27)

THE FOURSOME FINISHED THE 70 MILE COURSE IN 8 HOURS 20 MINUTES AND 41 SECONDS.

THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD THIS PAST WEEKEND AND FEATURED OVER 800 CANOE RACERS FROM THE U.S., CANADA, THE U.K & GERMANY. 1 BRITISH TEAM COMPETED IN THE 4 PERSON PRO RACE, 2 MEMBERS FROM THAT TEAM, PETER AND HELEN KRUSZELNICKI SPOKE WITH WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT CROSSING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN TO COMPETE IN THE REGATTA'S FAMOUS 70 MILER:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-BRITS" (:33)

THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE FEATURED 50 TEAMS. WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MY-NAR FROM TEXAS TOOK FIRST PLACE WITH A TIME OF 8 HOURS AND 7 SECONDS. IT WAS DEAN'S 2ND REGATTA WIN AND MY-NAR NOW HAS THE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE FIRST TEXAN TO WIN THE CLINTON. 6 PEOPLE WERE INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME THIS YEAR INCLUDING 4 PADDLERS BRUCE CODDINGTON OF SIDNEY, BOB SILVERNAIL OF BAINBRIDGE, LORI SHAVER ROSEBOOM MICHAELS FROM MARYLAND, & WILL WHITING FROM FULTONVILLE, & 2 CONTRIBUTORS; RON JEFFREY AND WCDO'S GREG DAVIE.

THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. THE EVENT DREW THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FROM THE SOUTHERN TIER FOR THE CANOE RACING, RIDES, LIVE MUSIC, FIREWORKS AND MORE. THERE WERE OVER 800 CANOE RACERS COMPETING ALL 3 DAYS INCLUDING THE 70 MILE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE ON SUNDAY. THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE HAD 50 TEAMS . LOCAL PADDLER ED CURLEY FROM SIDNEY TEAMED UP WITH ONE OF CANADA'S TOP FEMALE PADDLERS, SARA LESSARD FOR A TOP 20 FINISH...THEY SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE....

REGATTA24NEWS-CURLEY-LESSARD

IN THE 70 MILE AMATUER MEN'S NYMCRA STOCK RACE, WCDO'S NATE LULL AND HIS LONGTIME PARTNER, BRETT SHERWOOD TOOK THIRD PLACE OUT OF 13 ENTRIES. THEY SAID THEY WERE SURPRISED AT THEIR TOP 3 FINISH...

REGATTA24NEWS-LULL-SHERWOOD

THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE WAS WON BY WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MY-NAR FROM TEXAS. THIS YEAR'S REGATTA BROUGHT PADDLERS FROM THE U.S., CANADA, THE U.K., AND GERMANY.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-10-20

Governors, Mayors & government leaders across the nation are urging the federal Government to include them in the next Federal COVID stimulus package, as they are all facing massive debts from tackling the pandemic since the spring, Governor Cuomo yesterday said that he is begging the New York Congressional Delegation to urge their colleagues in Washington to get it done or face dire consequences:

(Cuomo 12-10-20)

Previous federal aid went to taxpayers & businesses, but not local governments.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 13 more positive cases & another death from COVID 19.  The county reports a 14th death, 99 Active Cases, 480 Active Quarantines 7 people are hospitalized.  Chenango County has had 767 Total Confirmed Cases, 647 recoveries & they have conducted over 48,300 tests.

Broome County Health Department reports another 84 positive COVID cases today, bringing their total to 6064 since the spring.  They also reported 5 more deaths, bring their toll up to 150, they have had 5157 recoveries & they are monitoring over 4700 people.

Hospice Chenango is holding their annual “Light Up A Life” event virtually this year, which will be featured on YouTube tonight at 7:00 PM, organizer Inda Gillette explains:

(Inda Gillette 12-10-20)

More information about the "Light Up A Life” or Hospice Chenango programs is available at 334-3556.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of the New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership. The program will provide small businesses and their landlords that have struggle during the COVID 19 Pandemic, with informational resources and pro bono assistance to help both parties reach mutually-beneficial lease workout agreements. This service is available to all New York State small businesses and landlords, and participation is voluntary.   Additionally, the New York Forward Loan Fund continues to provide working capital loans of up to $100,000 to help small businesses and non-profit organizations reopen.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 21 year old Jessica Winans of Unadilla after a report of a motor vehicle accident on River Road in the Town of Sidney.  Upon arrival Troopers observed that Winans exhibited signs of intoxication during their interview.   Winans was charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more, operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone, as well as other charges. Winans was released to appear in the Town of Sidney Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-10-20

Otsego County Department of Health had 21 new COVID 19 cases reported Wednesday, giving the county 1496 total confirmed cases,  143 active cases,  17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths;  767 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Delaware County Public Health reported 11 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, with 96 active cases, 8 hospitalizations & 320 in quarantine.  Delaware County has had 475 total cases, 370 recoveries & 9 deaths.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame has announced that Al Michaels will be the 45th recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. He will be honored during induction weekend in July 2021.  Michaels became lead broadcaster on ABC’s “Monday Night Baseball” telecasts in 1983. He was in the booth when an earthquake struck at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in 1989.

Barbara Ann Heegan will resign shortly from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, to be the next president and CEO of the Greenwood South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.   Heegan starts January 4th, the Chamber Board of Directors announced the appointment of Alan Rubin as Interim President & CEO effective Tuesday, December 29th.

State Police arrested 26 year old Nicholas Weathers of Endicott for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawfully Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle.  Troopers spotted a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, they stopped the vehicle and began to interview Weathers, When troopers asked him to step out of his vehicle, and he drove off.   Weathers parked in Endicott and took off on foot, he was taken into custody.  Weathers was found in possession of a loaded handgun; he does not possess a pistol permit.  Weathers was transported to Wilson Hospital for an evaluation, he was later processed at Broome Central Processing.

Local state lawmakers reacted to Governor Cuomo's State of The State Address, which was delivered to a joint session in Albany Wednesday afternoon. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 1-4-18)

State Senator Jim Seward also commented:

(Seward 1-4-18)

The state budget will be due April 1st, current estimates predict a 4 to 6 billion dollar deficit built into that plan before is it even enacted.

The Oneonta Police Department received the final autopsy findings regarding the investigation into the December 2nd, 2017 death of 18-year-old Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills. The report determined the manner of death was accidental, due to mixed drug toxicity from amphetamines, ethanol, Xanax & Marijuana. The investigation into the Michael's death is continuing.

The Out Of the Woodwork Players will hold auditions for "The Wedding Singer" based on the Adam Sandler movie. Spokesman Will Drew comments:

(Will Drew 1-4-18)

Drew said that there would be performances on April 13th, 14th & 15th at the Town Hall Theater in Bainbridge. More information is available on the Players Facebook page.

The Sidney Historical Association & the Sidney Memorial Public Library will co-sponsor a presentation on the restoration of the Andrew Mann Inn on State Route 7 in Sidney. Current Owner Kurt Reigel will discuss the buildings history & his current restoration efforts, on January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Library's Smart Community Room.

State Troopers initiated a pursuit of a suspect in Binghamton Tuesday afternoon. 36 year old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey was wanted on an active warrant, he led police on a pursuit through the city's Southside, on Conklin Avenue, he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole, troopers tried to take Giacalone into custody, but he backed his vehicle away from troopers into a parking lot. Troopers approached the vehicle, Giacalone accelerated forward, striking one of the troopers, who shot Giacalone in the face, he then attempted to flee again. Giacalone was eventually taken into custody & was brought to Wilson Hospital and transferred to another hospital in Pennsylvania for treatment of gunshot wound to the face. The injured trooper was taken to Wilson Hospital for leg and facial injuries and was treated and released. State Police are asking the public for any witnesses or information related to this incident at 775-1241.

The Otsego County Sheriff's department announced that Timothy & Solvieg Perry of Laurens each died from a Gun Shot Wound in their town of Laurens residence Tuesday. Their son, 23-year-old Kevin Perry has been charged with 1st degree murder & criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the case. Perry was arraigned Wednesday & is being held without bail in the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

State Police investigated a 2-car accident at state Route 206 & Case Road in the town of Bainbridge, at about 7:00 PM last night. 3 people were injured; 1 person was ejected from 1 of the vehicles & was taken by LifeNet to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that he has asked the Capital Police to look into who was spreading false stories, accusing him of sexual harassment. The former aide who was allegedly sited as the accuser, said that the story was untrue, and that her signature on the police document was a forgery, the investigation is ongoing.

Oneonta City Police have arrested 2 people on drug charges, following their investigating into the death of Daniel Michaels at a frat house earlier this month. 20-year-old Steven Fleming of Levittown was charged with possession of marijuana, 20 year old Luke Spencer of Mineola was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, both are students at the State University in Oneonta, and they shared an apartment at 34 Academy Street, where Michaels was found on December 2nd.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 31 year old Bradley Wallace of Delhi for Criminal Mischief & Unlawful Imprisonment, following a domestic dispute in the Town of Delhi. Wallace was later arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correction Facility in lieu of $1500 cash bail. Wallace is set to return to the Town of Delhi Court on a later date for further court proceedings.

The State DEC announced that the deadline to file applications for the NY Green Business program is Friday at 5:00 PM. More information is available at dec.ny.gov/chemical.

The State Department of Health announced that New York made the largest five-year gain of all 50 states in this year's annual America's Health Rankings report. New York was ranked 10th in 2017, rising from 18th in 2012. When the rankings were first created in 1990, New York was ranked 40th in the nation. The full report is available at assets.americashealthrankings.org.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division has arrested 33-year-old Joshua Evans of Windsor for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual conversation with a 12-year-old female in November. Evans was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court, and released on his own recognizance to appear in court on a later date.

The search for a missing Schoharie County man, who had gone hunting, has extended to Delaware County. 77-year-old Carl Weaver from the town of Seward was reported missing by neighbors, his pickup truck was found on South Worcester Hill road in Jefferson in Delaware County yesterday. Anyone with information should call the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office at (518) 295-2268.

The Oneonta Police Department is investigating the death of State University student Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills Saturday, preliminary reports suggest that a combination of drugs & alcohol led to a cardiac arrest, which led to the death the 18-year-old. Michaels was found passed out at a fraternity at 34 Academy Street in Oneonta early Saturday, he was taken to Fox Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The full toxicology report is not expected for another 4 weeks, the investigation is ongoing. State University of Oneonta announced that they are offering additional counseling services to students affected by the Michael's death.

Tri Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will have a new name as of January 1st, following the recent decision to have the hospital affiliated with Fox Hospital in Oneonta, rather than Bassett hospital in Cooperstown. State regulations stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care facility, Fox is about 23 miles from the Sidney facility. The new name will be A.O. Fox Hospital- Tri Town Regional Campus; services that are available will be unchanged with the new name.

New York Farm Bureau & the Food Bank Association of New York State announced that New York farmers donated 9 million pounds of fresh food and farm products this year through the month of November. 7 million meals were provided to New Yorkers in need, and with less than a month to go in 2017, the number is expected to climb even more during the holiday season.

Governor Cuomo announced the 76West Clean Energy Competition is now accepting applications from clean energy companies for its 3rd round of funding. 76West is part of the "Southern Tier Soaring," strategy to generate economic development & NYSERDA administers the 76West Competition, which will accept applications through April 16th. 20 finalists will be selected and brought to the Southern Tier next spring to meet with prospective local partners, industry leaders, potential sources of funding, and other resources within the region. 6 winners will receive a total of $2.5 million in prizes; the Winners will be announced later next year.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37-year-old Tabatha Pusen of Kirkwood Sunday, on charges of DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana & various traffic violations following a traffic stop in the Town of Walton. Pusen was additionally charged with speeding at 70 miles an hour in s 55 zone, operating with an out headlight, She was released on tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

Long time Otsego County Area entrepreneur Eugene Bettiol Sr. passed away at the age of 85. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. at Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Contributions may be made to the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

The Commerce Chenango Business After Hours Holiday Celebration will be held today at the Norwich NBT Bank. Participants are asked to help Catholic Charities "Roots and Wings" food pantry by bringing a non-perishable food item, NBT is also accepting new, unwrapped toys for the local Toys-for-Tots Program.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have a regular meeting on today, beginning at 5:30 pm at The Meeting Place, 187 Main Street, Unadilla. All directors and members urged to attend.

The Sidney Main Street revitalization Project is wrapping up the work on one side of Main Street this week, except for the planting of trees perennials & grass that will be planted in the spring. Ian Law of Place Alliance explains:

(Ian Law 12-4-17)

The other side of Main Street will have construction begin in the spring, with plans calling for that side to be finished in time for the Hometown Day Parade in June.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37-year-old Timothy Heady of Smyrna, fur unlawful manufacture of Methamphetamines. Heady was arrested as deputies were conducting a follow up in reference to a burglary in the area; Deputies were then assisted by the State Police Crime Scene Contamination Unit. Heady was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on cash bail; he will reappear in the Town of Smyrna Court at later date.

Michael Rodriguez of Pennsylvania was charged with reckless endangerment & assault, for firing allegedly firing a weapon at the Galleria Mall in Wallkill on November 26th. A mother & 12 year old son were injured in the shooting, Rodriguez will not be arrested on any weapons charges as he had legal permits to carry the weapon in both Pennsylvania & new York.

The Broome County Legislature has tabled a vote on accepting state funding for the proposed opioid addiction center being opened in the former Broome Developmental Center. The State had offered 2.7 Million dollars toward start up costs at the facility, which was scheduled to open early next year. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare is scheduled to operate the facility.

51-year-old John Gomes of Cohoes has been charged with reckless endangerment & arson, for allegedly trying to recreate a smithing technique he saw on television that led to a fire that destroyed 3 buildings & damaged 18 others last Thursday in Cohoes. 1 firefighter was injured in the Thursday afternoon fire, which spread rapidly from Gomes's backyard due to 20 to 30 mile an hour wind gusts.

State University at Oneonta officials announced that a freshman at the college died over the weekend. 18-year-old Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills died Saturday evening, details surrounding the death have not yet been released, and a memorial service was held on campus Sunday for Michaels.

The State DOT announced that construction on the I-86; I-81 & State Route 17 projects will be ramped up at several locations this week, starting this morning. Motorists are advised to check 511 for the latest traffic patterns in the Binghamton area.

The Oneonta Parks & Recreation Committee will hold their next regular meeting today, that meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Oneonta Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Chenango Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition in collaboration with The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & The Norwich City Police Department will hold 3 National Drug Take-Back Month Events this Saturday. The events will be held between 10:00 AM & 1:30 PM at the Norwich Police Department at 18 East Main Street, the Bainbridge Town Hall at 33 West Main Street & the Smyrna Town Hall at 7 East Main Street. Unwanted or expired medications will be accepted at the event, organizers remind those bringing in the unwanted meds, to have them in their original containers.

Governor Cuomo has vetoed a bill that would ban gravity knives. The Governor stated that overly broad language in the legislation would have applied to too many knives. A compromise on the bill failed to be passed in the final days of the 2017 session of the legislature in Albany, Cuomo said that bill approved by lawmakers was not a sufficient improvement from a previous plan that tightened up the definition of a “gravity knife.” The proposed compromise by the governor’s office would have addressed issues raise by police departments and added protections for workers who carrying knives as part of their jobs.

8 of the Baseball’s most recognizable voices have been named as the finalists for the 2018 Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for excellence in baseball broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The 8 finalists for the 2018 Award include Joe Buck, Bob Costas, Al Michaels, & Joe Morgan, the winner will be announced on December 13th at baseball’s Winter Meetings and will be honored during the July 28 Awards Presentation in Cooperstown.

Amphenol in Sidney announced this afternoon, that due to the power outage at the Main facility, 2nd shift has been cancelled 2nd shift employees should not report to work. 3rd shift employees should report as normal. All Plating employees on both shifts should report to work as normal.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation adding electronic cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act, which bans their use everywhere that smoking tobacco products are prohibited. The bill would reduce the exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals for e-cigarette users and those around them. Under current law, only smoking substances containing tobacco, including cigars, cigarettes or pipes, are restricted in public places.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau the 62nd Annual Meeting is starting at 6:30 PM tonight at the Silo Restaurant in Greene. State Senator Fred Akshar, a representative from Senator Seward’s office and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch have been invited.

The Chenango County Health Department announces another Flu Vaccination Clinic to be held today. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Firehouse. Registrations or more information is available at 337-1660.

Sidney town board & town supervisor candidates participated in a public forum at the Sidney library last night.  Republican Gene Pigford & Democrat Bill Heath are running for town supervisor, Gene Pigford commented about his vision for Sidney in his closing statement:

(Gene Pigford 10-4-13)

Bill Heath said that a more open & transparent town government is more necessary than ever, in his closing statement last night:

(Bill Heath 10-4-13)

The town supervisor & town board debates will be aired on WCDO Monday evening following the news at 6:00 PM, they will also be posted on the WCDO website.

Former Otsego county Chamber of Commerce president & CEO Rob Robinson & Norman Michaels have been indicted by an Otsego county grand jury on charges of grand larceny, scheming to defraud, & insurance fraud.  The pair is accused of adding downstate residents into the chamber’s health insurance plan.  Robinson resigned from the chamber in 2011 when the allegation came to light.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that Binghamton Parks and Recreation Department Director John Whalen has been charged with grand larceny, for allegedly using $108,000 in taxpayer funds for his own purposes.  DiNapoli’s audit accuses Whalen of using the money to pay for his son’s student loans, and to pay his home mortgage, cell phone bills, credit cards insurance, gasoline and flowers, between 2007 and 2012. A copy of the audit is available at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State DMV is now offering qualified veterans the option of having their veteran’s status indicated on their drivers license, permit or non-driver identification card. The Governor signed legislation last year that directed the DMV to make the veteran’s status available to all honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces who apply for the designation on a DMV issued photo document.  More information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

The Fagan Flyers Fly-In Breakfast will be held this Sunday, at the Sidney Municipal Airport from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.   The breakfast will be followed at the airport by the 18th annual Grand Finale Cruise In & Car Show between 9:00 Am & 4:00 PM.

All state income tax returns that were filed before September 1st will be processed by the close of the business day today, according to the state Department of Taxation and Finance. Processing issues tied to a state contractor led to delays in distributing 2012 tax refunds to those who filed their returns by paper this year. More information is available at tax.ny.gov

The Chenango United Way announced that the 2-1-1 Susquehanna River Region Call Center is now available to Chenango County residents.  Residents can connect with a trained specialist who can connect them with services that can help with everyday needs. The 2-1-1-call center assists with non-emergency issues like housing, food and clothing, transportation, finances, childcare and more. The center can be reached by dialing 2-1-1, or 1-800-901-2180.

Jazz musician Branford Marsalis will perform at the Foothills Performing arts center in Oneonta Sunday, with local performers opening the show.  Foothills Spokesman Huemac Garcia explains:

(Huemac Garcia 3-28-13)

The doors open at 6:00 PM (http://6.pm/) and performances by the Hartwick College and Oneonta State College's Jazz bands starts at 6:30. Tickets are on sale at FoothillsPAC.org or by calling 431-2080.

3 Walton residents have been arrested in connection with a burglary of a village residence last month.  Walton police arrested 25-year-old John Mahler, 32-year-old James Nash, and 28 year old Jason Campbell for 2nd degree burglary, 4th degree grand larceny and 3rd degree grand larceny, Mahler and Nash were also charged with criminal possession of a weapon, and Mahler also was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration. Mahler and Nash were sent to DelawareCounty jail on $50,000 bail; Campbell was jailed on $25,000 bail.  The stolen property included a flat-screen television, a gaming system and a rifle; most of the stolen items were recovered.

61-year-old Norman Michaels of Katonah has been charged with 2nd degree grand larceny, for his alleged role in an insurance scheme involving the Otsego county Chamber of Commerce.  Michaels is accused of taking more than $60,000 in commissions for signing up downstate clients for health insurance through the Otsego county chamber illegally, former Chamber President Rob Robinson is facing charges in connection with the case.

Golden Artists Colors of Columbus, with some help from the Chenango County IDA, are looking to use an empty commercial building on Hale Street in Norwich, to aid in their expansion.  Commerce Chenango CEO Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig)

Craig said that old Apple Converting building has been vacant for some time and it would re-enter the tax rolls of the city as well as add more jobs into the city economy.  Golden Artist currently employs about 120 people in its Columbus facility.

Car buffs & football fans can combine both of those activities into Super Bowl Sunday, as the Northeast Classic Car Museum is offering special rates Sunday prior to the game.  Museum director Marc Michaels explains:

(Marc Michaels)

More information about the Super Bowl Sunday event, or any other questions about the museum can be found at the website, classic car museum.org or by calling 336-AUTO.

State Police will be out in full force this Super Bowl Weekend, to remind partiers to remember to use designated drivers at their Super Bowl Parties.  This year’s theme is “On Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk”.  State Police remind those hosting a Super Bowl party to make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers. They also suggest Serving plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages, Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game & keep cab companies phone numbers on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

The Tri-Town Theater is looking to continue to unearth local talent, with the next  “First Saturday” open Mike night tomorrow in Sidney.  Spokesperson Andrea Whiteside explains:

(Andrea Whiteside 1-4-13)?????????

The First Saturday Coffee House nights will be held at the new location for the Tri Town Theater at the former Masonic Temple on Union Street in Sidney, more information is available at 563-8690.