WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-9-26

Governor Hochul announced $110 million in State funding to improve emergency communications systems and dispatching capabilities through 2 programs. Through the SICG-Formula Grant Program, $90 million is being awarded to support efforts to bolster communications networks, locally, Chennago County gets $968,000, Delaware County 1.16 Million Dollars & Otsego County gets 1.2 Million dollars. Also, The PSAP Operations Grant Program provides funding to support county 911 centers, with Chenango getting $310,000, Delaware & Otsego Counties get almost $320,000 each.

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The Gus Macker Basketball tournament has over 300 teams participating on the streets of Norwich Saturday & Sunday, organizer Tom Revoir said that another competition will be held Friday:

(Tom Revoir 7-9-26)

Revoir said that those interested in volunteering for the clean up after Sunday’s games should call the Norwich YMCA at 607-336-9622, extension 0 to sign up.

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Camp Forget Me Not is a camp for children from Helios Care, to help them deal with their grief from the loss of a loved one, program organizer Inda Fitch comments:

(Inda Fitch 7-9-26)

Children can get signed up for the July 23rd class at the Townsend Elementary School in Walton, by calling 607-432-5525 by July 16th, more information is available at Helioscare.org.

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State Police arrested 20 year old Isaiah Owens-Chamorro of Oneonta, for Criminal Mischief, after Troopers were dispatched to Thetford’s Auto Shop on Keith Street in the town of Oneonta. Owens-Chamorro’s vehicle had been impounded & was being stored there, he requested permission to retrieve personal belongings, instead, he drove the vehicle from the property without paying the tow bill and damaged a gate while leaving the premises. A trooper observed the vehicle on State Route 23 and conducted a traffic stop, Owens-Chamorro was taken into custody, and the vehicle was towed back to Thetford’s. Owens-Chamorro was processed and issued an appearance ticket to the Oneonta Town Court on August 4th.

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The Village of Sidney announced that the Village Clerk’s office will be open starting Monday, they will operate out of the Former DMV office in the Sidney Civic Center until ceiling repairs are completed in the regular clerk’s office.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-9-26

47 year old Neil Wesley was sentenced to 25 years in prison for receipt and possession of child pornography in US District Court. As part of his guilty plea, Wesley admitted he had been previously convicted of rape in New York in 2001, he also admitted that from at least December 2024 through February 2025 he received and distributed child pornography & he possessed over 200 images and 18 videos of child pornography. In addition to the 25-year imprisonment term, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi imposed 15 years of supervised release, forfeiture and directed restitution to victims of the offense.

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60 year old Robert Scott of Binghamton, was indicted in US District Court on a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. According to the indictment, on October 30, 2025, Scott possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Scott was also on federal probation at the time of the offense. The charge filed against Scott carries a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a period of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, if convicted.

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The NBT Bank Summer Concert series begins tonight a\in the East Park. The show features the Dirty Dozen Brass band, more information about other shows in the series is available at chenangoblues.org.

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The Otsego County Fire Convention gets underway today through Saturday at the American Legion Field on Willow Street, 1st Assistant Chief JR Hurlbert comments:

(JR Hurlburt 7-9-26)

The festivities begin today & run through Saturday night.

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The Sidney Town Board announced that they will hold a Public Information Session This evening at 7:00 PM, to discuss Data Centers, & Battery Storage Units, followed by the Regular meeting at 44 Grand Street in Sidney.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-11-25

A Federal Court Jury returned a guilty verdict against ANTHONY WALLACE of the Bronx, for kidnapping a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sex, transportation of a minor across state lines to engage in illegal sex, and possession and production of child pornography. In March 2024, Wallace met a 15-year-old girl in Binghamton, he subjected the Minor Victim to escalating physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, forced her to disguise her appearance by dyeing her hair and wearing a mask, gave the Minor Victim methamphetamine and marijuana, & created child pornography of the Minor Victim, in Binghamton, which was found on his phone. Wallace later brought the victim across State Lines and then back to his Bronx apartment where he assaulted & raped her, she escaped the apartment & contacted police. Wallace faces multiple lengthy jail terms for the convictions.

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The US Marines announced that their Toys for Tots New York Holiday Train will go through the Southern Tier this Saturday, starting at the East Binghamton Yard, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, it will then head to Bainbridge at the Walnut Avenue Crossing, at about 11:50 AM, there will be free donuts, hot chocolate, kids' activities, music, giveaways, and more. The train will also stop at the Gas Avnue crossing in Oneonta, before heading for Cobleskill, and Delanson Saturday afternoon.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced the award of more than $32 million to help local governments enhance safety on their roads by reducing instances of vehicles inadvertently straying from their lanes and lessening the severity of crashes. The funding is part of the State DOT's “Safe System” approach toward zero highway deaths and will support roadway improvements; Locally, in Otsego County, the Towns of Hartwick and Middlefield, will receive $700,000 to install guide rail on County Road 11. In New York State, 44 percent of crash fatalities occur when a vehicle departs from its lane.

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The Sidney American Legion will have their annual Kids Christmas Party on Saturday, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at 22 Union Street. Children that attend will see a Magic Show, receive Goodie Bags & Lunch and they will have A visit from Santa.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-11-25

A Windsor man is facing felony charges after attempting to break into a residence and being tracked down in the snow by Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies in the Town of Chenango. On Tuesday evening, Road Patrol responded to a burglar alarm on Russell Road, members noticed that the back door of the residence had been forced open, they eventually found footprints in the snow, they found 42 year old Scott Evanchof of Windsor wearing boots that matched the footprints, he admitted that he attempted to break into the residence & was charged with Burglary & Criminal Mischief, he was arraigned Following arraignment, Evanchof was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility, where he is currently in custody.

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Fenimore Farm & Country Village is continuing with their Glimmer Nights Celebration though the holidays, with the next in the series beginning tonight, according to spokesperson Kerri Green:

(Kerri Green 12-11-25)

Green sdaid that Holiday music will be performed by local groups during this evnet, more information is available at fenimorefarm.org/glimmernights.

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Due to last Thursday night's cold temperatures, The Norwich BID announced that the 2025 Holiday Tree Lighting will be Tonight at 6:30 pm in West Park in downtown Norwich.

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Congressman Josh Riley's Team will be in Walton today, to talk with constituents who may be having issues with federal agencies, Medicare, Social Security, veterans' benefits or any other issue, Members of Riley's casework team will be at the Ogden Free Library from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-7-25

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Saturday night, local meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 2-7-25)

We will have the complete tri-county forecast at the end of this news cast.

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The Norwich Police Department, the Norwich City School District and the Vestal Police Department have teamed up to bring interested Norwich High School Students to the Youth Police Academy in Vestal this summer, Norwich Police Department School Resource Officer Nicholas Moody explains:

(Nicholas Moody 2-7-25)

Officer Moody said that the Norwich City School District will provide daily transportation for the students to attend this training. Students interested should sen an email to nmooney@norwichpd.org and ask for an application.

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The Norwich High School Hall of Distinction Committee announced the 2025 induction ceremony will be on Labor Day Weekend, coinciding with Alumni Weekend, they will recognize and commemorate alumni of Norwich High Schools who have made outstanding contributions, according to spokesman Anthony Testani:

(Anthony Testani 2-7-25)

The Hall of Distinction committee is currently taking applications for the 2nd induction class they can be sent by email to rturnbull@norwichcsd.org, the deadline is May 31, 2025.

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27 year old Alison Ward of Randolph, New Jersey appeared in the Town of Colchester and pleaded guilty to Driving While Intoxicated, Ward was sentenced to a 1-year conditional discharge, she will have to attend a Victim Impact Panel, complete an Impaired Driver Program, her license was revoked for 6 months, and an ignition interlock device will have to be installed on any vehicle she drives for a minimum of one year, if she violates the terms she could be re-sentenced to 1 year in jail. On July 14, 2023, Ward was pulled over by Town of Colchester Police after she crossed the double yellow line on State Highway 206, nearly striking a pickup truck head on, she failed Field Sobriety Tests at the scene.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-7-25

State Police & Local Law Enforcement agencies will be out this weekend, for their annual Super Bowl patrols. Police will be looking for drunk and impaired drivers, distracted drivers as well as aggressive drivers. During the 2024 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 262 people for impaired driving and issued 8,388 total tickets.

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Another Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today at the Franklin Fire Department from 12:30 PM TO 5:30PM. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-redcross or using the Blood Donor App.

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The Community Cultural Center in Sidney will have their next Comedy Night tonight with 2 comedians scheduled to perform, according to spokesperson Amy Williams:

(AMY WILLIAMS 2-7-25)

Tickets are available at the door, more information is available at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

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THE JERICHO ARTS COUNCIL will host Blues & Rock Band BLUE TONIC, Saturday Night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre, at 7:00 PM, Council Spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 2-7-25)

In the Gallery will be the works of SCOTT HIGBEE. Tickets can be reserved at (607) 288-3882

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Governor Cuomo announced that an increase in Vaccines will be coming to the state shortly, following confirmation from the Biden Administration today:

(Cuomo 2-2-21)

The state was getting up to 300,000 vaccines, with 7.1 million New Yorkers eligible to get vaccinated. The state Health Department reported that in spite of Monday's snow, over 150,000 people were tested for COVID with 5.47% testing positive.  There were still just over 8000 hospitalized, 1500 in an ICU bed & 1004 on Ventilators; there were 146 deaths from the virus Monday.

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There has been another delay in finding out who actually won the 22nd Congressional District between recent incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi, and the previous Congressional representative, Republican Claudia Tenney.  State Supreme Court Justice Scott Delconte ordered all counties involved in the race to certify their votes this week, however there were problems with Oneida County, yesterday, Brindisi filed a motion for a new recount following differences in vote counts throughout the process since Election Day.

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Local government sales tax collections declined by 10 percent overall in 2020, or $1.8 billion, compared to the previous year, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This decline was steeper than the drop during the Great Recession, when local sales tax collections fell 6 percent statewide in 2009 compared to 2008.  DiNapoli’s report also found that County sales tax collections decreased by 0.9 percent outside of New York City, Delaware County had the largest year-over-year increase at 10.7%, followed by Oswego at 10.5% and Westchester at 9.8%.

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Residents in the Village of Bainbridge have until the end of the businesses day Wednesday to give Public Comment on the Village Police Department Reform proposal, Bainbridge Mayor Phil Wade told WCDO News that it was largely a successful 7 positive project:

(Phil Wade 2-2-21)

Municipalities with Police Department have until April 1st to submit their approved Police Reforms to the state, or risk State Aid.

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Chenango County Public Health reported 9 new cases of COVID 19 today, with 147 active cases, 449 quarantined & 21 hospitalized.  They also reported that they received 200 doses of the COVID Vaccine this week; they have administered over 800 doses so far.  County residents should go to the state "Am I Eligible App or go to the am-i-eligible.COVID19vaccine.health.ny.gov website.

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Otsego County Health Department reported 1 new death from COVID 19, 12 new cases were reported Monday, and they have 146 active cases & 14 hospitalized.  Otsego County has had 742 new cases since the beginning of the year with 10 deaths; most of those cases have been attributed to holiday social gatherings.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation that would invest billions in public school infrastructure and help cash-strapped school districts safely reopen under CDC guidelines. Gillibrand explained during a ZOOM press conference this afternoon:

(Gillibrand 2-2-21)

The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2021 would invest more than $100 billion in grant funding to schools with facilities that pose health and safety risks to students and staff, allocate funding for updates to combat the spread of COVID-19, and expand access to reliable, high-speed broadband to continue digital learning.

Delaware County Public Health reported only 4 positive COVID tests Monday out of 197 tested, for about 2% positivity rate.  The County reports 18 hospitalized, 246 quarantined & 101 total active cases.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-20-21

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 & Vaccine allocation briefing in Albany this Afternoon, he said that the network of providers is more than adequate, the supply of vaccines is lower & erratic:

(Cuomo 1-20-21)

The state conducted over 195,000 COVID tests Tuesday with 13,300 + testing positive, which was 6.8% of all tested. Hospitalizations continue to increase to over 9200, the number of ICU Patients went up over 1600 and 10644 are on Ventilators, there was 185 deaths from the virus Tuesday.

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Chenango County Public Health reported 8 new cases of COVID 19 today, bringing their total to 1758. They have 191 active cases, 21 are hospitalized and 532 are quarantined, they have had 32 death since last spring.

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The Otsego County Department of Health reported 80 new positive COVID 19 cases Tuesday. 21 people are currently hospitalized from the virus, there are 263 active cases & the county has reported a total of 23 deaths from the virus, including 4 since January 1st.

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State Police have received multiple calls from people scammed out of hundreds of dollars after answering classified ads for purebred puppies for sale. Victims report after answering the ad, the suspects provide a photo of the breed they are looking for and arrange a deposit to be paid. Once the deposit is cleared, the victim is provided an address, which does not exist, to pick up their puppy. State Police said that the scammers request payments through various payments Apps like CashApp, All communication with the “breeder” takes place by text. State Police said that those who are scammed may go to the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org or to the Federal Trade Commission online at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 877-FTC-Help.

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State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte is waiting on Ballots that were submitted through the Oneida County DMV site, before he will declare the winner of the 22nd Congressional District race between Former Congresswoman Claudia Tenney & incumbent Democratic congressman Anthony Brindisi. About 2400 voters submitted their ballots through the Oneida County DMV but they were not processed, a decision on the winner of the 22nd Congressional District may be announced by the end of the week.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-20-21

The Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee will hold a 2nd ZOOM meeting tonight for the community to hear about the village’s Police Reform plans, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak urges Sidney residents to fill out the surveys & return them:

(Matviak 1-20-21)

Governor Cuomo last year challenged Police Departments across the state to meet with the communities they serve, in order to make reforms on Police policies, the plans are due to the state by April 1st.

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State Police arrested 36 year old Paul Zandt of Deposit for 3rd degree Assault. The arrest stems from an investigation of an altercation Saturday at Dollar General in Windsor. Zandt is accused of striking the victim in the face in the parking lot of Dollar General then leaving the area. The victim was checked out by Eastern Broome Ambulance but was not transported to a hospital. The victim and Zandt did not know each other prior to the incident. Zandt is a State Trooper, but was not on duty at the time of the incident, he was arrested and released on appearance tickets to the town of Windsor court on January 25th.

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Delaware County Public Health announced Tuesday that a 22nd person has died of Covid-19 related complications. Delaware County Public Health received 22 positive lab reports for COVID-19 Tuesday, they report 129 active cases in the County with 16 hospitalized & 231 quarantined.

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Due to an uptick in COVID cases, the Bainbridge-Guilford Schools will be fully remote for the remainder of this week. Students should plan on full remote instruction for the next 3 days.

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The Walton Central School District has been advised that a staff member has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The District is coordinating with the Delaware County Department of Health to conduct contact tracing. Individuals requiring quarantine will be notified by County Health officials. Walton will move to full remote for today and Thursday, January 21, this includes all programs at DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on State Highway 206 in Greene today. The Blood Drive will run from 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. Appointments are requested with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-red cross.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 report of a domestic dispute in the Town of Tompkins last Friday. Deputies arrested and charged 40 year-old Benjamin Pankiewicz of Walton for criminal mischief, he is accused of breaking a cell phone and preventing another person involved in the domestic dispute from communicating a 911 request for emergency assistance. Pankiewicz was processed and released on an appearance ticket directing him to appear in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

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City of Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig gave his State of the City address Tuesday evening. The presenation was viewed in a ZOOM Meeting with the Common Council, it is available on the city's Youtube Channel.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-8-21

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing today in Albany, he said that the Hospitals need extra help in ramping up the vaccinations of 1A & 1B workers, starting Monday, they will get that help:

(Cuomo 1-8-21)

The Governor said that there were over 243,000 COVID tests administered Thursday, with over 18,700 positives, 8500 hospitalizations, over 1400 in an ICU & 912 on ventilators, there were 161 deaths Thursday from the virus.

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Chenango County Public Health reported 7 news deaths form COVID-19 Thursday, bringing their death toll to 28, they had 36 new cases reported, bringing the total number of cases to 1393. Chenango County has 190 total cases, 15 are hospitalized, and 452 are quarantined.

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The Broome County Health Department continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases, with more than 1100 new cases since start of the New Year. They are up to 9090 cases and 189 deaths from the virus, 58 of the deaths have come since the end of November. The county has had over 7400 recoveries and they are monitoring over 220 people.

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Bainbridge Guilford School Superintendent Tim Ryan is holding a Zoom Meeting with parents today, regarding how the school district is dealing with the uptick in Chenango County COVID cases, he told WCDO News that their hybrid model seems to be working well:

(Tim Ryan 1-8-21)

Ryan said that they have had 4 students recently test positive, 2 of those were remote only students & they did not expose anyone in the school itself.

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Governor Cuomo announced that New York has administered approximately 430,000 vaccine doses, New York hospitals had previously jumped from administering an average of 10,000 doses per day to approximately a high of 50,000 per day on Wednesday & Thursday. Hospital staffs are in the first phase for getting the COVID 19 vaccines.

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A new session of Congress is underway but the seat for the New York 22nd District in the House of Representatives remains empty. Oswego County Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte continues to review challenged ballots, the most recent tally had Republican Claudia Tenney with a slim lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi, there will be no Representative in the 22nd district until Judge DelConte renders a final decision on the disputed ballots.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to read the fine print for details about fees and expiration dates, and to spend the gift cards in a timely fashion. If gift cards expire, the money would get turned over to the Office of Unclaimed Funds. New Yorkers should visit osc.state.ny.us to see if they are owed money from unused Gift cards or for other reasons. The state currently has 16 Billion Dollars in unclaimed funds.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-8-21

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding President Donald Trump be removed from office immediately following a violent protest in Washington D.C. Wednesday.

(Schumer 1-8-21)

5 people were killed, many were injured & there were over 50 arrests after rioters supporting President Trump breached the US Capitol building to defy the election results as members of congress validated the electoral votes Wednesday.

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Governor Cuomo released statistics regarding Wednesday's statewide COVID 19 tests; over 238,000 tests were conducted with over 17,600 positive, which was 7.39% of all tested, there were 8,548 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide with 1,424 Patients in the ICU; & 859 Intubated on ventilators, 197 COVID-19 Deaths were reported Wednesday.

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The Sidney Central School District reported 2 new COVID 19 cases, they report 2 middle school students are presumed positive, they have not been on campus since Monday, January 4th. The Delaware County Health officials have conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

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Delaware County Public Health reported another death from COVID 19, they have had 16 deaths. they had 24 new cases Thursday, with 5 now hospitalized and 237 quarantined.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported 25 new cases of COVID Thursday, they have 16 hospitalized and there were 2 more deaths, bringing the County total to 20.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-20

State Supreme Court Judge Scott DelConte ruled today that the Board of Elections for all 8 counties in the 22nd Congressional District must fix their errors in the ballot counting process.  Justice DelConte said that the Board of Elections must ensure there are no more misplaced ballots, that all challenged ballots noted as challenged and all previously uncounted ballots must be counted, if those 3 items are not finished, a recount may be ordered.  Vote counts had both Anthony Brinidisi & Claudia Tenney leading by about a dozen votes at various times, after more than 28,000 ballots were counted.

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Chenango County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases locally, with 15 more positives reported Monday.  Chenango County is up to 89 Active Cases, 6 are hospitalized & 430 are quarantined.  Chenango County had had 739 Total Cases with 632 recoveries 13 deaths and over 47,800 tests have been conducted.

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All of the local Counties have seen an increase in COVID 19 cases since the beginning of November, with more increases expected due to continuing Holliday gatherings, Heather Warner of Delaware County Public Health told WCDO news that we could see New York on Pause again if people continue to ignore guidance:

(Heather Warner 12-8-20)

Governor Cuomo has Hospitals will be Mandated to Expand Capacity by 25%, Regions to Be Designated as Red Zones if Hospital Capacity Is Projected to Become Critical, New York State is Asking Retired Doctors and Nurses to Return to Service & Indoor Dining could be Reduced to 25% in the upstate counties if a Region's Hospitalizations Do Not Stabilize in Next few Days.

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Joe Angelino is getting ready to begin his 1st term as an Assemblyman, replacing Cliff Crouch, who is retiring after 25 years in the Assembly; Angelino told WCDO News that he has been to Albany recently to start the orientation:

(Angelino 12-8-20)

Angelino said that he also met with a dozen other new Assembly representatives at the Orientation, no decision have been firmed up with regards to starting a legislative session without have over 150 people meeting in 1 place, which contradicts CDC & State guidelines for COVID 19.

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Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond said that he continues to receive phone calls regarding a grandparent scam, where someone calls an unsuspecting grandparent pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, or a law enforcement official who has arrested a grandchild.  Sheriff DuMond told WCDO News that unfortunately, the caller sounds realistic:

(DuMond 12-8-20)

Sheriff DuMond said that people can report any fraud targeting older people to the Federal Trade Commission online or at 877-382-4357.

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Speculation continues to swirl regarding the future of Acco Brands in Sidney, as employment has continues to decrease over the last several years, Julie McEwan is in Media Relations in Acco's Illinois headquarters, and she told WCDO News that nothing has been decided yet:

(Julie McEwan 12-8-20)

McEwan said that the company typically employs up to 500 people at their Sidney facility.

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State Police arrested 27 year old Brittany Cochran of Binghamton for felony Possession of a Forged Instrument; she is accused of trying to purchase a vehicle from a private seller using counterfeit money.  State Police also arrested 36 year old Hahseem McQueen of Binghamton for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, in connection with the case, both were transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing after their arrests.

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Raymond Corporation’s Sales and Service Centers raised a total of $11,700 for breast cancer awareness during the 7th annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction.  3 Raymond powered pallet jacks were auctioned off on eBay between October 19th & the 29th, with all the proceeds split evenly between the 3 organizations,  Winning bids were accepted from 3 transportation companies, with their donations going to assist patients recovering from breast cancer treatments, both physically and financially.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 22 new cases of COVID 19 Monday; there has been a cluster of 12 cases associated with the Cooperstown American Legion.  Otsego County reports 1440 total confirmed cases, 127 active cases, 14 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths since March.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 8 news COVID cases Monday, with 87 active cases 5 hospitalized & 254 are quarantined, they are up to 446 total cases with 350 recoveries & 9 deaths.

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing today, with Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC, the governor recapped the state strategy as more small gatherings are expected over the holidays, which is contributing to 70% of the new cases currently:

(Cuomo 12-7-20)

Dr. Fauci said that if people let their guard down & don't follow the CDC guidelines, the surge could hit badly in the New Year:

(Dr. Anthony Fauci 12-7-20)

The state reported that 152000 tests were performed Sunday, with 7302 positive  tests, or about 4.8% of all tested, over 4600 are hospitalized, 872 are in ICU beds & 477 are on ventilators, and another 80 died from the virus Sunday.

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Chenango County Public reported today that they have had 42 new COVID 19 cases since Friday’s report, and 2 more residents died from COVID complications.   The County now has 87 active cases, 405 are quarantined, and 5 are hospitalized.  Chenango County had had 724 total cases since March, with 13 deaths, 618 recoveries & over 47,500 tests conducted.

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1 person was killed in a 3 vehicle accident Saturday Night on State Route 235 in the town of Coventry.  26 year old Kyle Smith of Afton was attempting to pass a vehicle driven by 20 year old Austin Smith of Harpursville, Kyle Smith attempted to get back into his lane after observing a 3rd vehicle driven by 36 year old Dennis Robinson of Susquehanna Pennsylvania, Kyle Smith lost control, hit Austin Smith's vehicle, which then hit the Robinson Truck.  Austin Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, the investigation is continuing.

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Governor Cuomo announced that State Police issued 13,887 tickets during this year's Thanksgiving traffic enforcement initiative from Wednesday, November 25th through Sunday, November 29th. State Troopers also arrested 155 people for DWI and investigated 757 crashes, including 3 fatalities. In the Southern Tier, 1096 tickets were issued, 431 tickets for speeding, 9 for DWI, 11 for distracted driving, 172 for child restraint or seat belts violations & 17 for the move over law.

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A traffic stop in the town of Norwich led the to the arrest of a man wanted for stealing a camper from Otsego County in October then abandoning it in Binghamton.   State Police arrested 46 year old Clint Payne of Beaver, Pennsylvania, for Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  On November 20th,  Payne came to the State Police Norwich barracks inquiring about another matter, when he drove off a trooper observed that Payne’s vehicle had multiple vehicle and traffic infractions, he was stopped & the trooper discovered that Payne was wanted for Grand Larceny in Otsego County & he was accused of possessing of methamphetamine.  Payne was processed in Oneonta, the Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing & Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

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State Police arrested 26 year old John Flora of Windsor for allegedly burglarizing residences in the town of Windsor. An investigation by State Police BCI arrested Flora at his residence.  He was charged with multiple counts of 2nd degree Burglary & was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

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Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee has had 16 community members appointed, with Village residents, business owners, Religious leaders, Village Board members, Members of the Police Department, Delaware County Public Defender's office  and Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard.  The committee has reviewed how the Sidney Police Department operates and with public input determines what changes, if any, need to be made.  Sidney mayor Andy Matviak told WCDO News about how they will get public input:

(Andy Matviak 12-7-20)

After the public input in the months of December and January, they will draft a reform and reinvention plan that will be shared with the public, in February the committee will make any needed changes & submit the revised plan to the Village board for approval. In March the approved plan will be submitted to New York State.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Attorneys for the Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi campaigns filed new motions in State Supreme Court in Oswego regarding the ongoing ballot counts in the 22nd congressional district race.   55 recently-discovered Chenango County early voting ballots & about 2000 other disputed ballots will be ruled on by Justice Scott Delconte in State Supreme Court in Oswego this afternoon.

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The State Health Department reported that over 205,000 people were tested for COVID Saturday, with over 9700 positive tests.  Patient Hospitalization continue to increase to 4,442, the Number in ICU beds is up to 850, the Number on ventilators increased to 464, there were 56 deaths Saturday.

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The Sidney Central School District has been notified that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. This person has not been on campus since Wednesday, December 2nd. The Delaware County Health Department is conducting the investigation and will notify anyone who they feel may have been exposed. The teachers and students impacted by the quarantine have been contacted, as they will transition to a remote learning environment.

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The Walton Central School District will learn remotely today and Tuesday, after the Delaware County Health officials notified the district of a positive COVID-19 case involving a staff member, contact tracing will take place the next two days.

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The Oxford Academy and Central School District is going remote today through Monday, December 14th, due to positive COVID-19 cases involving a staff member and a high school student.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 13 new COVID 19 cases Sunday, bringing their total to 438 since spring.  There are 87 active cases, 5 are hospitalized & 246 are quarantined.

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Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 14 COVID cases reported Saturday & 22 new cases Sunday.  Otsego County is up to 1418 total confirmed cases, 109 are active cases, 9 are hospitalized, and there have been 8 deaths since March.  Otsego County Department of Health is announcing a potential COVID 19 exposure at the American Legion 60 Main Street Cooperstown, from November 25th through November 30th, should monitor themselves for symptoms and get tested.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-2-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing today, he outlined how the state will try to keep hospitalizations from COVID at manageable levels, and the state will have to work to get everyone vaccinated against COVID, once the vaccines physically arrive in the state:

(Cuomo 12-2-20)

The Governor said that over 193,000 tests were conducted Tuesday, with over 8900 testing positive, about 4.6% of all tested.  Hospitalizations continue to increase, with 3924 hospitalized, 742 are now in an ICU bed & 373 are on ventilators, there were 69 deaths Tuesday.

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Chenango County Public Health issued a COVID19 Update today, they report 49 active cases with 5 people hospitalized & 256 are quarantined.  Chenango County has had 225 cases since November 1st and 649 cases since March, they have had 578 recoveries.

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Operation Merry Christmas is still accepting donations to their program, which brings toys & clothing to children is economically struggling families each year, program spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 12-2-20)

Ireland said that this year's giveaway day is Saturday December 19th at the Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.  The program began in 1940 by the D'Imperio family in Sidney.

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The City of Oneonta Common Council passed their $15.7 million dollar budget at their meeting Tuesday.  The Property tax increase is about 2%, the budget was much less than the previous year's budget due to lost revenue from the pandemic.

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The tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center will be held virtually tonight. There will be no public viewing of the lighting ceremony, but New Yorkers can watch it on NBC at 8:00 PM.  Starting Thursday, December 3rd, the tree will open to the public with protocols in place to manage crowds.  This Year's tree came from West Oneonta.

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The State Division of Consumer Protection reminds consumers that New York’s gender price equity law protects shoppers this holiday season.  This new law eliminates the “Pink Tax,” otherwise known as the practice of charging different prices for "substantially similar" consumer goods or services that are marketed to different genders, now, similar products must have the same price.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-2-20

The controversy continues in the 22nd Congressional District, which showed that Republican Claudia Tenney had regained a slight lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi.  State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte ordered each of the 8 counties in the congressional district to submit a final, unofficial count to the court by Monday, however 55 more uncounted absentee ballots were discovered in Chenango County, the next court action is expected next Monday December 7th, when Judge DelConte is expected to rule on 2000 disputed ballots & the new Chenango Ballots.

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Broome County Health Department today reported another 376 positive COVID 19 since Wednesday November 25th, they have had a total of 5313 cases, they reported 15 more deaths since last Wednesday, they report a total of 131 deaths, they've had 4652 recoveries since March & over 4000 are being monitored.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new COVID 19 cases reported Tuesday, they now have had a total of 1325 cases,  there are 85 active cases with 8 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths with 765 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta and 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College.  Otsego County has had 292 positive tests in the last month; only 27 of the cases came from the 2 college campuses.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 8 more COVID 19 positive tests Tuesday, with 72 active cases, 4 are hospitalized & 239 are quarantined.  Delaware County Public Health reports a total of 380 cases, 299 recoveries & 9 deaths since March. Delaware County has had 192 new positive tests in the last 30 days.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-1-20

State Police arrested 29 year old Norman Shaheen of Smithville following a raid on his residence last week.  Police seized 339 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a shotgun, a handgun, drug paraphernalia & packaging materials, he was charged with criminal possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of firearms, he is being held in jail pending court proceedings.

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Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Saturday to a residence on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi to execute a State Parole Warrant; they arrested 23-year-old Jonathon Stein of Delhi, on the Parole Warrant as well as for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument when the warrant was executed.  Stein was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail on the Parole Warrant.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged Congress to invest $6 billion in the WIC program in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

(Gillibrand 12-1-20)

New York State WIC providers have reported 3% increased need since the pandemic began many other states were well into the double digits in increased need for WIC's services.

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Chenango County Public Health announced that they had 52 active cases of COVID 19 today, with 5 people hospitalized & 295 quarantined.  Chenango County has had 643 cases of the virus since March with 564 recoveries; they have performed over 45200 tests.

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Delaware Academy announced that a student tested positive for COVID 19, their middle and high schools moved to fully remote instruction yesterday & again today.  The student was last in attendance on Tuesday, November 24th; Students will be notified today regarding tomorrow's instructional plans.

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The Latest vote count in the 22nd Congressional District has now swung back to give Republican Claudia Tenney the lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi.  All of the Counties have to certify their vote totals, State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte ordered each of the 8 counties in the congressional district to submit a final, unofficial count to the court by yesterday afternoon, the next court action is expected next Monday December 7th, when Judge DelConte is expected to rule on

2000 disputed ballots.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-1-20

Governor Cuomo today announced New York's annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state begins today.  Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are being sought to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season.  The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state through Wednesday, December 16.  COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of those dropping off donations including masks, social distancing, and access to hand sanitizer.  The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley St., Binghamton & the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street Oneonta.

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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul Visits the Chenango County Historical Society Museum and she will visit Businesses Downtown Norwich today, Hochul’s visit will start around 1:45 PM.

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Delaware County Public Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers Monday, they report 14 new cases, they have 71 active cases, 4 people are hospitalized, 234 are quarantined, and they have had 372 cases since March with 9 deaths & 292 recoveries.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported 19 new COVID cases Monday, bringing them to 1314 total confirmed cases since March.  There are 89 active cases, 4 are hospitalized there have been 8 deaths, 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 to Hartwick College.

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