WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-29-23

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly Day parade & activities will be held this Friday, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-29-23)

Schunk also said that the Letters to Santa Mailboxes will also be set up again this year, for children who would like to send a letter to Santa, they will be outside the Roasted Coffee on Main Street in Sidney & Bob's Diner in Bainbridge.

Chenango Memorial Hospital is closing the long-term care unit located on the hospital’s second floor as of January 31st. CMH will no longer be accepting new residents and, over the next 2 months, they will work closely with our residents and their families to ensure their placement in other long-term care facilities. 19 residents are currently at the facility, and employees of the facility will be transferred to other positions across the Hospital's departments. The hospital’s board and leadership team are currently exploring options for alternative uses for the second floor of the hospital.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s board of directors announced that President and CEO, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, has decided to leave the organization at the end of the year. The Bassett Healthcare Network board has voted to appoint Staci Thompson, who is the Bassett Healthcare Network’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer, as Dr. Ibrahim’s successor, on an interim basis starting on January 1st. Over the coming weeks, Ibrahim and Thompson will work together with the Bassett Healthcare Network board of directors and executive leadership team to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Attorney General Letitia James today announced the takedown of a major drug trafficking ring that was distributing heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Dutchess counties. The takedown resulted in the indictment of 25 individuals charged with 164 crimes and recovered cocaine, heroin laced with fentanyl, which have a street value of approximately $350,000 plus 4 handguns, 2 large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and the seizure of over $50,000 in cash.

A Lawsuit was filed in Broome County Supreme Court against the Vestal School District where a former Vestal High School student alleges that economics teacher Robert Carr asked her to meet him, he allegedly kissed the victim numerous times, groped her inappropriately and continued to force sexual activity upon her until she moved to the state of Texas and changed her phone number. The lawsuit claims that School Officials did not take any action against Carr after learning of the accusations.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-29-23

On Tuesday, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 22 year old Nathan Williams Jr. of Endicott, at 68 Thorp Street in the City of Binghamton. Williams was wanted by the Endicott Police Department for Murder in connection with the shooting death of 25-year-old Molique Dawson in Endicott in July. The Metro SWAT Team of the Binghamton Police Department executed the search warrant and Williams was successfully taken into custody after a 5 hour standoff, Williams was transported to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility, arraigned at Central Arraignment and is currently being held without bail.

Congressman Marc Molinaro announced over $3.5 million in federal funding will go to 9 airports for infrastructure improvements. Locally, the Greater Binghamton Edwin Link Field Airport will get about $1,000,000, the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott: $144,000, the Eaton Airport in Norwich: $144,000, the Sidney Municipal Airport: $144,000 & the Albert Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta: $113,000

Long time Sidney resident Les Gregory passed away at the age of 100 on Monday, Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 pm., at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Funeral services will be at 11 am. Friday, at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty Street, Burial, with military honors, will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.

The Oneonta City School District will hold a capital project public meeting tonight on their $30.4 million dollar project. The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM at the Oneonta High School Auditorium, voting on the project will be in December.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-16-21

The State Department of Labor announced today that the number of private sector jobs increased by 24,200, from October to November to over 7.6 Million, the highest numbers since before the pandemic began to affect the state 22 months ago. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 6.9% to 6.6% in November 2021.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of an Inmate of the Delaware County Correction Facility, on a warrant issued by the Chenango County Family Court. 42-Year-Old Timothy Byrne had just completed his sentence on unrelated charges, & he was turned over to Chenango County for a violation of the New York State Family Court Act & faces court action shortly.

The American Red Cross continues to need eligible donors to give blood this holiday season, as they are seeing increased demand at a time with the lowest Holiday donation rates in the last 10 years, Meg Rossman of the American Red Cross comments:

(Meg Rossman 12-16-21)

Residents in Otsego County are encouraged to donate at a blood drive in Cooperstown Friday from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, at 31 Elm Street, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

State Police at Troop C in Sidney announced today that during the month of November, 55 impaired drivers were taken off the roadways of Troop C. State Police & other law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols targeting impaired driving during the holiday travel season, as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative begins tomorrow & runs through January 1st, to reduce impaired driving over the holidays.

The State Minimum Wage will increase for some workers on December 31st. Workers in the upstate Counties will be paid a minimum wage rate of $13.20 per hour, up from $12.50 an hour. Earlier this year, the minimum wage for individuals working at fast food establishments anywhere in the Statewas established at $15.00 per hour, there will be no further increase for them on December 31st.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies stopped a vehicle Sunday for speeding, and made contact with the driver, 62-year-old Edmund McNamara of Norwich. McNamara’s driver’s license was suspended, he was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator and Speeding, McNamara is scheduled to appear before the Town of Masonville Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Delaware County Department of Public Works reported today that the Corbett Road Bridge over the East Branch of the Delaware River and the Covered Bridge in Downsville have been re-opened to traffic this afternoon.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $136 Million Dollars in federal funding for 59 airports across New York State. The funding was allocated through the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and can be used for a variety of infrastructure improvements. Locally, the Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta & the Sidney Municipal airport will receive $159,000.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-16-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 71 new cases of COVID 19 on Tuesday & Wednesday, 9.1% of those tested being positive. There are 296 active cases, 14 hospitalized and 482 quarantined. Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older today at 97 Main Street, Delhi. Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only, while Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with pre-registration required at apps2.health.ny.gov. Individuals receiving boosters, need to bring a copy of previous shot records to prove eligibility, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of $216.2 million in enhanced assistance for 88 local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts in every region of the State. This funding, provided through the State's BRIDGE NY initiative, supports projects that reduce the risk of flooding, improve resiliency of structures, facilitate regional economic competitiveness and prioritize projects that benefit environmental justice communities. The Southern Tier region will be funded for 9 bridges & 3 culverts in this latest round of funding.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host an informational ZOOM seminar this morning at 8:30 AM on Leadership Otsego 2022, which is a 6 month program that begins in February 2022. More information or registration is available at otsegoccny.chambermaster.com.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-26-21

State Police investigated a domestic incident in the town of Halcott, The suspect left before troopers arrived. Troopers in Delaware County spotted the suspect in the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, he failed to comply and a pursuit was initiated but later terminated. Law enforcement from Delhi and Walton set up a stationary roadblock at the intersections of County Road 2 and State Route 10 in the town of Hamden. The vehicle drove around the roadblock and at a police officer from the village of Walton, who discharged his firearm. The suspect is 29 year old Bahji Green, described as a black male, 6 feet tall, weighing 145 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. The vehicle was a Toyota Minivan with New York license plate JBU7991. Anyone with information can call State Police at (518) 622-8600.

Nursing homes in New York can allow visitation without having to be COVID-free for 14 days, according to the State Health Department. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the nursing home visitation guidance, to allow indoor visitation at all times for all residents, regardless of vaccination status, except in specific circumstances. Under the new guidance, visitation will be temporarily suspended for: Unvaccinated residents, Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, & Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met criteria for release from quarantine.

Chenango County Public Health reported 14 new COVID positive tests today, bringing their total to 2700. Chenango County reports 104 Active Cases, 361 Quarantines 5 Active Hospitalizations, 2449 Recoveries & 64 deaths.

Otsego County Health Department reported their 55th death from COVID Thursday. Otsego County had 38 new positive cases, 169 active cases & 5 hospitalized. 35 of their 55 deaths have occurred since January 1st.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-26-21

U.S. Majority Leader Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over 2.4 Million dollars in federal funding for 12 airports across New York State. This funding was allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration under the Department of Transportation and will serve as a lifeline to local airports struggling to stay afloat after nearly a year of limited operations. Locally, the Albert S Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, the Sidney Municipal Airport, the Eaton Airport in Norwich & the Tri-Cities Airport in Broome County will get $13,000 each.

Binghamton Police have arrested 2 people in connection with the Tuesday evening shooting near Columbus Park, where 2 men suffered injuries. Binghamton Police Department arrested a 14-year-old boy who was already wanted on an Attempted Murder warrant in connection to an incident on January 11th, he was arraigned and remanded to a secure detention facility. The boy's father, 31 year old Tyrell McBride of Binghamton, was also taken into custody, he was wanted on a bench warrant issued by Broome County Court for burglary in the 2nd degree. He was remanded to Broome County Jail. The investigation continues, anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at 772-7080.

Delaware County Public Health reported 14 new COVD cases Thursday, out of 740 tests collected. they have 10 hospitalizations, 126 active cases, 383 quarantined, they have vaccinated 2199 people against COVD 19.

State Police will be hosting a car seat check event on Saturday, from 12:00 pm. – 4:00 pm. The event will be held at Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7 between Sidney & Unadilla, Due to COVID restrictions and safety, no walk-ins will be accepted. You MUST schedule an appointment at 561-7604 or email CTraffic@troopers.ny.gov.

There will be a free Colorectal Cancer Prevention Webinar today, at 2:30pm in partnership with Bassett Healthcare Network, the Cancer Services Program, and Assemblyman Chris Tague. Register in advance at bassett.org/CSP

The Broome County District Attorney's office announced that a Grand Jury has handed down a 14 count indictment against 2 Deposit residents on a variety of drug charges. Johanna DeGraw & Marlon Graham were arrested Friday, police seized Heroin, Methamphetamines and Fentanyl following a raid on Wheeler Street in Deposit. Both are being held in the Broome County Jail awaiting future court action.

New York Farm Bureau members along with the Food Bank Association of New York State announced this morning that farmers from across the state donated 10,628,208 million pounds of fresh food and farm products this year through the month of November. That is 1.6 million pounds more of food compared to this time last year, and it translates to almost nine million meals

The Oneonta Common Council passed the resolution at Tuesday Night's meeting, renaming the City's Airport as the "Albert S. Nader Municipal Airport". Sam Nader served as Mayor of Oneonta in the 60's & was the driving force at having the Airport established over 50 years ago. The Common Council also passed the next fiscal year's budget at Tuesday's meeting.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division arrested 32 year-old Andrew Baker and 26-year-old Terry Linen Jr. for possessing contraband while incarcerated in the Delaware County Correctional Facility. It is alleged that Baker possessed tobacco while in custody, and was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, Linen was found to be in possession of a disposable lighter which he had hidden inside his person. Linen was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband. Both Linen and Baker will appear in the Town of Delhi Court to answer these charges.

NY State of Health announced in the first 4 weeks of the 2019 open enrollment period, enrollment is outpacing last year, with more than 930,000 consumers enrolled or renewed coverage in a Qualified Health Plan or the Essential Plan for 2019. Consumers must enroll or renew by December 15, for coverage beginning January 1, 2019. More information on enrollment eligibility or to enroll in a health plan is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, at 1-855-355-5777, or by contacting an enrollment assistor.

The City of Oneonta and the Otsego County Conservation Association will be co-sponsoring a talk on the emerald ash borer on Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30pm at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, 189 Main Street, Suite 500. The insect attacks and kills all species of ash trees, Its presence in Otsego County was confirmed in 2014 in Unadilla. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact OCCA at (607) 282-4087.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $9 million in federal funding has been secured to expand opioid addiction treatment services across the state. This funding includes $5.7 million to expand access to medication assisted treatment, $2.1 million to develop new recovery centers in areas of high need, and over $1.3 million for specialized treatment and recovery programs. These initiatives are being funded through the State Opioid Response Grant, which is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction can find help by calling 1-877-8-HOPENY.

During the Holiday Season, The Amount of Scams Reported to Police agencies increases, Sidney Village Police Chief Jan Gorshack comments:

(Jan Gorshack 12-4-18)

Gorshack said that he believes that the scammers are preying on people this time of year is based on the idea that people want to be more trusting during the Holiday season.