WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-26-26

The 64th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held over the Memorial Day Weekend, nearly 800 paddlers from 256 US states & 2 Canadian Provinces competed. In Sunday's 1 person 70 mile Pro race, Mike Schlimmer, of Cortland, took top honors, after arriving at 8:00 PM, the night before the race:

(Mike Schlimmer -c1-2026)

In the 48 boat 2 person pro race, Ryan Zaveral, formerly of Mount Upton & Weston Willoughby of Michigan, placed 3rd and talked about the cold conditions on the rover:

(Zav-willo-pro 2026)

The weekend weather affected the rides & hot air balloons on Saturday, but the entertainment, music, and fireworks went off as planned.

The 64th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held over the Memorial Day Weekend, nearly 800 paddlers from 256 US states & 2 Canadian Provinces competed. In Sunday's 1 person 70 mile Pro race, in Sunday's Men's NYMCRA Stock Race, Jeff Newman of Wells Bridge & Dale Beckwith of Sidney Crossed the finish line 9 minutes ahead of 2nd place boat with Nate Lull & Brett Sherwood, last years winners Both Teams spoke with WCDO"S Craig Stevens at the finish line:

(Nate Brett NYMCRA 26)

Beckwith & Newman described what happened:

(beck-new NYMCRA 26)

The weekend weather affected the rides & hot air balloons on Saturday, but the entertainment, music, and fireworks went off as planned.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-26-26

OVER 800 PADDLERS FROM THE U.S. AND CANADA PARTICIPATED IN THE 64TH GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. THE WEEKEND'S RACES INCLUDED GENERATION GAP, SCOUTS, SPRINTS, RELAYS AND THE 70 MILE ENDURANCE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE. THE COVETED TWO PERSON PRO RACE CROWN WAS WON THIS YEAR BY TRAVIS MECKLENBERG FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MYNER OF TEXAS WITH THE WINNING TIME OF 7 HOURS 46 MINUTES AND 36 SECONDS...JUST 2 MINUTES AND 42 SECONDS OVER THE 2ND PLACE TEAM. WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS SPOKE WITH THE WINNERS:

(TRAVIS-LOGAN 2026)

2ND PLACE HONORS WENT TO Guillaume BLAZE FROM QUEBEC AND MICHAEL DAVIS OF MICHIGAN WHO WERE LAST YEAR'S PRO RACE WINNERS. THE PRO CLASS FEATURED 48 TEAMS AND MANY OF NORTH AMERICA'S BEST PADDLERS. SUNDAY'S 70 MILER ALSO FEATURED 13 AMATEUR RACES. TEAM "RIPPLE FX H2 O" FROM ONTARIO, CANADA TOOK TOP HONORS IN THE 4 PERSON AMATEUR DIVISION. CRAIG STEVENS SPOKE TO THE TEAM AFTER THE RACE:

(RIPPLE FX 2026)

THE WEEKEND'S COLD, RAINY WEATHER CAUSED THE RIDES TO BE SHUT DOWN ON SATURDAY, BUT THE LIVE MUSIC, TWO NIGHTS OF FIREWORKS, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDER THE TENTS WENT ON AS PLANNED. NEARLY 5 THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE COMPLETED THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA'S 70 MILE COURSE SINCE IT BEGAN IN 1963.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 22 year old Isiah Eckler of Cooperstown, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation & Harassment, following an investigation into an incident in the Village of Cooperstown. Eckler was processed & was being held in the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending arraignment

US Senator Chuck Schumer introduced the "Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act” at Brooks Barbecue in Oneonta Monday. Schumer said that 4 companies own 67% of the pork, 60% of the chicken, and 85% of the beef,” leading no competition in the food industry, and higher costs for everyone. If passed through Congress and signed by the president, meatpacking conglomerates could control only one type of meat and the Federal Trade Commission would enforce the legislation. Schumer said the bill could brought to the floor for a vote soon.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-15-26

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified of a scam where callers are contacting residents and reporting that they are from the New York State Electric & Gas, The scammers state that there is an overdue bill and that if the bill is not immediately paid, the resident's electricity will be shut off. The Sheriff;s Office reported that people should never give personal financial information to cold callers, they should hang up, and contact local law enforcement if they feel that they were scammed.

Regatta Row will be set up for another week in the Bainbridge Business District, the canoe paddle Adirondack chairs will be brought to the General Clinton Canoe Regatta grounds next Friday & they will be auctioned off at 4:00 PM Saturday May 23rd in the Chamber of Commerce tent at General Clinton park during the canoe regatta. The auctions will start online at 32auctions.com.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-15-26

Hartwick College will confer degrees to approximately 220 students during its 94th Commencement ceremony, which begins at 10 am. Saturday, on Elmore Field. For more information, visit hartwick.edu, the event will also be live streamed on the Hartwick College You Tube Channel.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-9-23

The City of Norwich will receive money after President Biden signed the omnibus government funding bill last month, the city will be able to replace 140 year old water mains, according to Norwich Community Development Director Erik Scrivener:

(Eric Scrivener 1-9-23)

The city will have $2.85 Million dollar to go to the $4 Million dollar project, work is expected to get underway in April through July.

General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee's next Meeting will be held tonight @ 6:30 pm @ Galaxy Bowl. All are invited to come & participate.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-9-23

Emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle accident on I-86 in Windsor Friday Night. 1 pickup truck caught fire, & the highway was closed for several hours for the investigation & clean up. State Police, Broome County Sheriff's deputies and the Windsor Fire Department responded. The investigation is ongoing.

New York’s legislature passed legislation banning anyone under age 21 from buying or possessing a semi-automatic rifle. New York already requires people to be 21 to possess a handgun. Younger people would still be allowed to have other types of rifles and shotguns. The bill would also require anyone buying a semiautomatic rifle to get a license, the legislation heads to Governor Hochul's desk for approval.

Village of Sidney announced that there will be Water shut offs this afternoon due an emergency repair from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Water will be shut off From Pleasant Street to Main Street on Bridge Street, From Clinton Street to Main Street on River Street, & on Main Street from Cartwright Ave to Bridge Street.

NYSEG & Rochester Gas and Electric announced plans to increase rates, in order to continue to switch over to clean energy resources and update their facilities. The “Reliable Energy NY” plan proposes a rate structure that would add $10-18 to the average electric or gas residential customer’s monthly, which is a 13 to 22% increase on each bill. The new rates are proposed to into effect on May 1, 2023, they must get approval from the Department of Public Service before implementing a rate increase.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-27-22

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta festivities begins tonight with the Generation Gap Races, youth races & activity at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, Regatta Chairman John Harmon said that the biggest change this year, is having no activities on Monday, Memorial Day:

(John Harmon 5-27-22)

Harmon said that they are expecting a large turnout this year, after being shut down the last 2 years from the COVID 19 pandemic.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will have several activities at the Park in Bainbridge on Friday Night May 27th, Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO News what is scheduled:

(John Harmon 5-12-22)

Harmon said that The Youth Races & Generation gap races will be held, starting at the Sidney Fishing Access at 5:30 & 6:00 PM respectively, More information is available at canoeregatta.org.

State Police arrested 27 year old Amanda-Lynn Pedlar of Cooperstown, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, after Troopers were dispatched to the Oneonta Walmart after employees reported that Pedlar attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill mixed in with actual currency. Pedlar was located at the Town House Inn and arrested, she was processed and issued an appearance ticket to the Oneonta Town Court on May 17th.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-12-22

The Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee will be holding a meeting today from 3:30-5:30 PM in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, they will be reviewing proposed DRI projects to be potentially included in Norwich’s Strategic Investment Plan. The meeting is open to the public, with time reserved at the end for public comment. A public workshop will also be held at 6:30 PM in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, where the public is invited to learn about the proposed projects being considered for DRI funding and to participate in a session to provide feedback.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held later today in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a statement following the Legislature's passage of an extender bill to fund state operations, after they failed to come to an agreement on a budget plan: DiNapoli stated that the budget extender bill will ensure that more than 60,000 state employees will be paid this week, but there may be a delay.

A Meeting for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta has been scheduled for tonight in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM tonight at Galaxy Bowl on State Route 7.

The latest Siena College Poll has Governor Kathy Hochul with a big lead over her Democratic challengers in the 2022 gubernatorial race. Hochul had 36%, followed by Attorney General Letitia James with 18%, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams with 10% and Congressman Tom Suozzi with 6%, tied with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is considering a bid for governor.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-21-21

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-21-21
The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will take on a drastically different form this year, with the 70-mile race being a virtual one, according to Regatta Chairman John

Harmon:

(John Harmon 4-21-21)

Harmon said that the 70 Mile Paddlers will have anytime from Friday morning, May 28 till Monday evening, May 31 to continuously complete the 70-mile course from

Cooperstown to Bainbridge, finishers will get a T shirt and get an official 70-mile finish. Entry fee will be $30 per person, there will be no awards presentations, Entries will

be open for the Virtual 70 May 1. There will be no activities at General Clinton Park this year due to the State Covid restrictions.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand discussed her "End Outsourcing Act" to try to stop American companies from outsourcing jobs to other countries:

(Gillibrand 4-21-21)

Gillibrand said that her bill would also enact a new tax benefit to help companies bring good-paying manufacturing jobs back to America and re-employ millions of Americans who have lost their jobs during the pandemic.

Dan Butterman of Oneonta has emerged as the winner of the Democratic Primary over Corey Mosher of Hamilton, to run for the 121st Assembly District.  Butterman will run against Republican Incumbent John Salka of Brookfield, who defeated longtime democratic assemblyman Bill Magee in 2018.

The free concert tonight sponsored by the Bainbridge Community Foundation at General Clinton Park featuring Fetish Lane has been cancelled by order of the Chenango County Health department.  The Foundation & Chenango County officials are working a viable solution for future concerts in this year's Summer Series.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi will Host a Telephone Town Hall Today at 5:00 p.m.   Constituents are encouraged to RSVP at brindisi.house.gov/live to receive the call or dial-in at 5:00 p.m. to 855-614-0159

There is still confusion regarding different aspects of the
state’s new Bail Reform law, especially the "Discovery" Provision
that keeps police agencies from arresting suspected criminals if a lab report
is needed, Delaware County DA John Hubbard explains:

(John Hubbard 1-14-20)

Opponents to the Discovery portion of the bail reform bill
note that DA's offices & Law Enforcement agencies would need more personnel
to meet the 15 day requirement & some arrests might not even be made
initially, as it is often difficult to get certain lab tests performed in the
15 day time limit.

New York paid $26.6 billion more in taxes to the federal
government in federal fiscal year 2018 than it got back in federal spending,
according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  New York was 1 of 7 states that paid more tax
dollars than it received back in spending, only the neighboring states of New
Jersey and Massachusetts fared worse.

The next meeting of the General
Clinton Canoe Regatta committee will be held tonight in Bainbridge.  The meeting will be held at Galaxy Bowl in
Bainbridge.  The race Committee meeting
will begin at 6:30, the general meeting will begin at 7:30.

Oneonta Police Announced that 32 year old April Johnson has
died in an Albany Hospital.  Johnson was
hit by a car while trying to cross the Lettis Highway on December 30th.  No charges will be filed against the driver
of the vehicle, 41 year old David Shafer of Otego.

The Annual Bainbridge
Glow Run will be held on September 14th at General Clinton Park in
Bainbridge.  The event began in 2015
after Heather Bucalos of Sidney finished her treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
and decided to hold fundraisers for area cancer patients.  This year, Heather has suffered a relapse
& her friends are teaming up to raise funds for her with the Glow Run
Fundraiser, Bucalos talked to WCDO News this morning about the activities
scheduled for that day:

(Heather Bucalos
8-26-19)

More information is
available at www.bainbridgeglowrun.com.
Heather’s treatment is expected to begin again in the next few weeks.

Governor Cuomo signed
legislation Friday to stop Pension Poaching, which occurs when financial
planners, insurance agents or others claim they are assisting veterans and
their families get federal benefits, but are really convincing veterans to
reposition their assets to qualify for benefits they are ineligible for, the
poachers then sell the veterans unneeded financial products or services.  The bill will take effect in four months.

The 57th General Clinton Canoe regatta was held
over the Memorial Day Weekend, with over 1000 paddlers from 22 states & 5
Canadian Provinces participating.

In the men’s NYMCRA stock Race, Mike & Wayne Himes of
Otego took 1st place; they spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens:

(Himes 5-29-19)

In one of the largest C1 Pro fields Rod McLain from Maine
was able to use high water conditions from Milford down to his advantage to
take 1st place: he talked to WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Rod McLain 5-28-19)

Oneonta resident Trevor LeFever took 2nd place in
the C2 Pro class with his partner Ben Schlimmer of Camillus; he discussed what
it is like to race against Canoe Racing Legend Serge Corbin:

(Trevor LeFever 5-29-19)

Complete results of the races are available at
canoeregatta.org.

An amended marijuana legalization bill was introduced on
Friday by lawmakers in Albany, which more closely echoes what Governor Cuomo
wanted in the bill earlier this year.
The bill includes the Office of Cannabis Management to regulate
commercial and medical marijuana; it would also expunge the records of those
who have committed marijuana-based offenses in the past.   Opponents to Marijuana legalization site
potential issues with traffic safety and increased links to mental illnesses
such as Schizophrenia & violence.

State Senator Fred Akshar released a new Community Voice
Survey on a proposal to end religious and any other non-medical exemptions for
vaccination for children attending school in New York State.  All 50 states require that students be vaccinated
for diseases like measles, mumps, chicken pox and polio among many others, all
states allow exemptions for medical reasons, but 47 (including New York) allow
exemptions for religious reasons.   The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that measles was eradicated
in 2000; however 940 measles cases were reported nationwide this year, with
more than half of those reported in New York City & Rockland County.   Akshar is asking his constituents to weigh
in on Senate bill S.2994 which would repeal all non-medical exemptions from vaccination
requirements for children; the survey is available at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

New York State will not be
funding a housing development with 64 units in Oneonta' 6th Ward.  The RSS development announced their plans
last year, with residents speaking out about the plans to have some people in
the development recovering from substance abuse.  Governor Cuomo recently announced that 6
organizations in The Southern Tier would receive $21.3 million in tax credits
and low-interest loans from the State Homes & Community Renewal’s 2018
Unified Funding applications; the Oneonta RSS project was not included.

The 57th General Clinton canoe regatta was held over the
Memorial Day weekend, with over 1000 pro & Amateur Paddlers from 22 states
& 5 Canadian Provinces participating.

The 2 person pro race was won by Steve Lajoie & Jimmy
Pellerin, who completed the 70 mile course in 7:15:23, they spoke with WCDO’s
Craig Stevens

(Lajoie/Pellerin 5-28)

The Duo beat 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever of Oneonta
& Ben Schlimmer of Camillus by 2 minutes, but 2nd place wasn’t easy as they
beat out Guillaume Blaise & Samuel Friggone for Quebec by just 1 second,
Schlimmer spoke to Craig Stevens about the close ending:

(Schlimmer 5-28)

62 year old Regatta champion Serge Corbin & his partner
Normand Mainguy finished 4th in the pro race, he talked with WCDO’s Craig
Stevens after the race;

(Serge Corbin 5-28)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Michigan Team of Bruce & Roxanne Barton, Tim
Triebold & Weston Willoughby won the C4 Race with a time of 7:37:45;  Local Paddler Bob Zaveral of Mount Upton
spoke to Craig Stevens after his 4 person team finished 2nd in the C-4 race
yesterday:

(Zaveral 5-28)

Walton father Son team Bill & Lucas Walley won the tough
stock aluminum race by 40 minutes over the 2nd place finishers, Lucas Walley
talked about racing with the heavier canoes to WCDO’s Craig Stevens:

(Lucas Walley 5-28)

Complete results can be found at canoeregatta.org.

NYSEG Is looking to increase their rates with State
Approval, After Their rate plan with the State expired in April.   The rate increase NYSEG would be about
23.7%, which would add over $10.00 a month to a typical monthly electric
bill.  If approved, the new rate would go
into effect in May 2020.

A Full schedule of events fare scheduled for Saturday at the
General Clinton Canoe Regatta, chairman John Harmon comments:

(John Harmon 5-23-19)

Saturday will also include the annual Hall of Fame Inductions;
this year's inductees include paddlers Ken Gerg, Dick McCauley, Rick Olson
& Bob Wisse, and Contributors Jean Davies, Donna King & WCDO's Craig
Stevens.

The General Clinton Canoe
Regatta gets underway Friday Night, starting with the Generation Gap Races,
where Adults & kids participate in canoe races, Regatta Chairman John
Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-22-19)

Harmon said that The Scout races
will be held again on Saturday, with Boy & Girls Scouts from all over
coming to the region to compete, followed by the Sprint races on Sunday, and
the Pro 70 miles races on Monday Memorial Day.
WCDO will bring you coverage throughout the weekend at FM 100, AM1490
and streaming at wcdosports.com.

The House of Representatives
passed Freshman Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s 1st bill today. Brindisi's
“Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act” to help prevent veteran
suicide, sailed through the House and is on its way to the Senate.  The bipartisan bill requires the Comptroller
General of the United States to conduct an assessment of the responsibilities,
workload, and vacancy rates of the Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide
Prevention Coordinators.

New York is poised to make undetectable guns, including
3D-printed guns, illegal in New York.
The bill passed the Senate earlier this month and breezed through the
Democratic-led Assembly on Monday. Now it will head to Governor Cuomo's desk
for his review, he is expected to sign it into law.  The measure would ban the manufacture, sale,
transport and possession of undetectable firearms, in order to crack down on
gun violence.

The Regatta Music Fest returns on Sunday at General Clinton
Park in Bainbridge, General Clinton Canoe regatta chairman John Harmon
explains:

(John Harmon 5-21-19)

Fireworks will also be featured
this year, on Saturday Night sponsored by Acco Brands & Sunday Night by NBT
Bank.

Binghamton Police are looking for 2 men wanted in connection
with a South Side Home Invasion Sunday evening, left one woman injured. Police
stated that the 2 men posed as utility workers, they forced their way into the
apartment at 80 Pennsylvania Avenue. The suspects were described as black, in
their early to mid-twenties. They were between five feet, seven-inches and five
feet, ten inches tall. Both wore all black clothing, orange-colored
construction safety vests and white construction helmets. Their faces were
covered with masks.  Anyone with
information is asked to contact Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Town of
Willet man for 2nd degree Grand Larceny following an investigation in the Town
of Pitcher.  36 year old Clinton Hill is
accused of stealing $200,000 worth of materials from Aluminum Fixtures and
Tooling in the Town of Pitcher business. Detectives recovered over 8,000 pounds
of stolen material from scrap facilities in Broome County, additional stolen
property was recovered from Hill’s residence, he was arraigned in the Town of
Pitcher Court; he is scheduled to reappear in court at a later date.

State Senate Minority Republicans have forwarded a package
of bills called the "Victim's Justice Agenda", Local State Senator
Jim Seward discussed one of the bills he sponsors:

(Seward 5-1-19)

Seward said that the current
majority leadership is more concerned with the rights of the criminals this
year, and not the victims of those criminals.

Governor Cuomo launched Round 9 of the Regional Economic
Development Council initiative, officially kicking off the 2019 competition for
more than $750 million in state economic development resources. The
Consolidated Funding Application will open to applicants today, enabling
businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying
for assistance from dozens of state programs, through a single application, for
job-creation and community development projects.

The State Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by
Senator Jen Metzger to establish labeling standards for use of the term,
"local," in food products. Currently, there are no standards to
ensure that the main ingredients of products marketed as "local" are
actually produced in New York. According to Packaged Facts, local foods
generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2014, and will climb to $20.2 billion by
2019.

The State Assembly voted in favor of raising the Smoking age
from 18 to 21 years old this week.  The
bill would prohibit the sale of tobacco & E-cigarettes to anyone under
21.  The bill is expected to pass the
state Senate later in the session & it has the support of Governor Cuomo.

Anthony Pacherille Jr. of Cooperstown was released on parole
from the Clinton Correctional Facility this week.  Pacherille had been sentenced to an 11-year
prison term after shooting his classmate, Wesley Lippitt in the arm at the
Cooperstown police Station in a racially motivated attack; he then turned the
gun on himself, shooting himself in the chin in April of 2010.

The Jericho Arts Council has been able to reschedule
"Storm Front, The Music of Bill Joel” for this Sunday at 4:00 PM at the
Bainbridge Town hall Theater, spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 3-7-19)

Ticket reservations can be made at 288-3882 for Sunday
Afternoon's show.

A "Go Fund Me" page has been set up for
Cooperstown Police Chief Mike Covert, who is suffering from a variety of Health
issues & had to take a leave of absence.
Covert faces expensive medical bills & will need a kidney
transplant, his health insurance had lapsed briefly, and the fund was set up,
it has raised almost $14,000 dollars through yesterday.

The first Teen Institute Summit was held at Sidney high
school on Monday, coordinated by the Heart of New York Teen Institute
program.  Sidney Superintendent Bill
Christensen explains:

(Bill Christensen 3-5-19)

The Teen Institute seeks to reduce underage alcohol use,
tobacco and other drug use and other self-destructive behaviors.  Monday’s summit in Sidney was a supplement to
a fall conference the program normally holds.

The next General Clinton Canoe Regatta committee meetings
will be held tonight at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge.  At 6:30 the Race committee will meet,
followed at 7:30 by the General Meeting.

34 year old Thomas Jadlowski of Sherman New York was
sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison, for the accidental shooting of his
neighbor Rosemary Billquist, who was out walking her dogs on Thanksgiving
Morning 2017.  Jadlowski mistook his
neighbor for a deer & shot her, he Testified that he heard Billquist cry
out and ran to assist her & called 911 for help.  Billquist was taken to an area hospital where
she was pronounced dead, Jadlowski pleaded guilty to criminally negligent
homicide in Chautauqua County Court; he was sentenced there this morning.

U.S Senator Chuck Schumer announced this morning in
Binghamton that Canopy Growth Corporation is will be locating a processing
center in Broome County shortly.  Schumer
said that the center will create up to 400 jobs.  The new Federal Farm Bill legalizes the
growth of industrial hemp across the country; growing hemp was already legal in
New York State since 2015.  Hemp can be
used to manufacture a wide variety of products including building materials,
rope, supplements, food, beverages, and beauty products.

While Governor Cuomo once again shot down stories that he
might run from President in 2020, speculation has shifted to a possible run
from President by US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.  Before becoming a US Senator, Gillibrand
represented much of the WCDO listening area in the House of Representatives
after winning the election in 2006 over Republican incumbent John Sweeney, she
later became a US Senator after Hillary Clinton was chosen as Secretary of
State by then President Obama.
Gillibrand told reporters last month that she would start considering a
run after the holidays.

Governor Cuomo announced a bottle bill expansion and a
plastic bag ban will be included in the 2019 Executive Budget.   The Governor is advancing legislation to
expand New York's Bottle Bill to make most non-alcoholic drink containers
eligible for 5 cent redemption. Additionally, Governor Cuomo will advance
legislation to ban all single-use plastic bags.

One debate has been scheduled in the 121st Assembly District between incumbent Democrat Bill Magee & Republican Challenger John Salka. The debate has been
scheduled for October 18th in Cazenovia, an Oneonta debate was recently postponed by Magee due to personal issues.

The next meeting of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta committees will be tonight at 7:00 PM at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge. This will be a combined meeting of both General and race committees.

A plan to ban plastic grocery bags in New York State is not expected to pass the state legislature before the end of the 2018 session this month. Governor Cuomo proposed the idea earlier this year, a bill was introduced in the State Senate, but there was no companion legislation filed in the Assembly.

The Annual American Cancer Society’s Tri Town Relay For Life will be held today & tonight at General Clinton Park. Organizer Heather Brewster said that the teams have already raised quite a bit of money prior to the event:

(Heather Brewster 6-8-18)

The event raises money for cancer research, educational programs and services for cancer patients. WCDO will be broadcasting live this evening.

The 38th annual Algonquin Antique Auto Show will be held this Sunday at General Clinton Park. The event begins at 9:00 AM Sunday; trophies will be awarded in 22 categories.

Members of the 4 largest fire service organizations in New York State descended on the Capitol today for their annual “Government Affairs Day,” meeting with their elected representatives to discuss the Issues of Concern. The main priority for New York’s fire service in 2018 is a bill that would allow fire departments to recover the costs of providing ambulance services.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Music festival moves into its 9th year with a new sponsor, Michelob Ultra and the United Way of Delaware Otsego Counties. It is being held in the Michelob Ultra Tent at the General Clinton Canoe Regatta in Bainbridge, NY on Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 1 PM -11 PM.

(John Harmon 5-15-18)

More Information about directions, hours, event info, race entries, is available at canoeregatta.org.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of legislation he sponsors to combat auto insurance fraud, by targeting criminals who stage auto accidents in attempts to profit from insurance claims. "Alice's Law" was prompted by the 2003 death of Alice Ross, who was killed as a result of a staged auto accident. This bill would establish tough penalties by creating a new crime of staging a motor vehicle accident. The bills have been sent to the assembly for consideration.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of legislation to preserve voter choice in Otsego County. Seward's bill was developed following a minor administrative oversight where Otsego County Board District 10 Representative Dan Wilber inadvertently overlooked the requirement to sign his oath of office within 30 days of his swearing-in triggering an automatic vacancy. While he has been legally reappointed to the position by the county board, his office will be open for election again this November to fill the final year of the term. The new bill, if signed in to law, would allow Wilber to complete the two-year term he was elected to serve. The bill has been forwarded to the state assembly.

Friday Night Activities have greatly increased at the General Clinton Canoe regatta over the last few years; Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains this year’s Friday lineup:

(John Harmon 5-9-18)

There will be free parking & free admission to General Clinton Park in Bainbridge on Friday Night May 25th.

Governor Cuomo proposed an additional $125 billion investment in infrastructure over the next 5 years, for the next phase of an infrastructure program to build a new New York and create middle class jobs. The new investment will include state and federal funding and leverage additional private sector capital, to rebuild the state's infrastructure, with investments in roads and bridges, mass transit, affordable housing, state colleges and universities, clean water infrastructure, health care infrastructure, State Parks and various other projects.

The State Senate passed a package of bills to have tougher penalties for drug dealers selling heroin, as well as for fraudulent medication prescriptions that fuel opioid addictions; measures to protect dealers from preying on children; and legislation that expands the types of dangerous controlled substances regulated by the state. The bills were sent to the Assembly for consideration.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate introduction of legislation he co-sponsors which would eliminate the use of high-stake standardized tests to evaluate teachers and principals. The bill would eliminate the tests entirely and require the State Education Department to establish an alternative teacher assessment system. The senate bill and companion legislation (A.10475) introduced in the assembly are each sponsored by the respective chamber's education committee chair.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee meetings will be held this evening. The Race committee will meet at 6:30 Pm, followed by the General Meeting at 7:30 PM at General Clinton Park.

Otsego County Democrat Dan Butterman has announced that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination in the 121st district, now occupied by long time Democratic Incumbent Bill Magee. Republican John Salka has already announced that he will run for the seat for the 3rd time this year, the 78 year old Magee has not announced if he will seek a 1`5th term in the Assembly.

The next meeting for the General Clinton Canoe regatta committees will be this evening at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge. The Race committee will meet at 5:30 & 6:15 will be the start of the general meeting

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have launched a coalition to sue the federal government to challenge the Trump tax bill that eliminates full state and local tax deductibility. Governor Cuomo also is looking into 2 other options to combat the Trump Tax plan, the second prong of the effort is to launch a repeal-and-replace strategy, and the third prong is to explore the feasibility of a major shift in the structure of State tax policy.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its abrupt cutoff of more than $1 billion in federal funding for New York's Essential Plan, which provides critical health care to over 700,000 low-income New Yorkers. The lawsuit details how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services without adequate justification and in disregard of law; withheld legally-required funding owed to New York and Minnesota to operate their program New York and Minnesota are the only states that operate simialr low income insurance plans for residents.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will once again hold the Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally in General Clinton Park later this month. Event organizer Phil Canonaco comments:

(Phil Canonaco 1-26-18)

The Sleigh rally will be held weather there is snow or not tomorrow from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, donations will be accepted on behalf of the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced his annual fundraising Pig Roast, to be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The event will be held on Sunday September 17th from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its “1st Friday Eat & Meet” tomorrow at 8:30 AM at the Sidney Elks Club, on River Street in Sidney. The featured speaker for the event is Bill Wagner, Director of Mobility Management of South Central New York. More information or registration is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that state tax collections were down 13.1% in the first month of the new fiscal year, compared to the same period in 2016. New York collected 7.1 Billion dollars in April, which was 1.1 Billion dollars lower than April 2016 due to a decline in personal income tax collections.

State Lawmakers will return to work in Albany on June 5th, with many bills to be considered before the end of this year's session in Late June. Lawmakers will consider a bill to raise the age of marriage from 14 to 17; also, Governor Cuomo is expected to sign a measure to allow for the start of Ride Sharing services like Uber & Lyft to start in late June, rather than on July 9th.

The American Cancer Society announced that the recent Tri-Town Relay For Life was forced to closed early due to inclement weather back on May 6th. The luminaria & closing ceremonies have been rescheduled as a separate event, to be held tonight at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The event will run from 6:00 to 9:30 PM.

The 55th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held in Bainbridge this past weekend. The famous 70-mile races were held yesterday with numerous local paddlers finding success. Walton residents Bill & Brian Walley won the tough Aluminum class, and spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Walleys 17)

In the 4 people 70-miler, the local team of Jeff Shultis of Otego, Al Nichols of Laurens, & Larry Harrison & Bob Wisse of Oneonta took 2nd place, losing by just 24 seconds. Shultis told WCDO that he felt that they should have rested more:

(Shultis 17)

The Team finished the 70-miler in just 7 hours, 51 minutes & 51 seconds.
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Over 60 paddler Peter Heed of New Hampshire talk to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about how unique the Clinton Race really is:

(Heed 17)

77-year-old Don LaFever of Norwich & partner Rich Hall of Gilbertsville won the Men’s Recreation Class, LaFever spoke with Craig Stevens after the race:

(LaFever-17)

Over 1200 hundred paddlers competing in the 4 day event.

The 55th running of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held this past weekend, with the World famous 70-mile races from Cooperstown to Bainbridge held yesterday. Canadians Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise taking 1st place in the 33 boat Pro race. Craig Stevens spoke to the pair after the race:

(Lajoie-Blais 17)

The pair neat out 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer from Oneonta by more than 7 minutes, to take home the $3,000 prize. Ryan Zaveral of Mount Upton & his Partner Guy Rousseau from Quebec placed 9th overall, and Regatta Hall of fame inductee Al Shaver Jr. of Meridale took 12th place with his partner Bruce Lee of Port Crane.
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In the men’s NYMCRA Stock Race, Scott Jordan of Otego & Jeff Newman of Unadilla took 1st place honors, Newman told WCDO how this 1st time team came together:

(Newman 17)

In the 70 mile Pro Race, Oneonta paddlers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer took 2nd place in the 2-person pro class, they told WCDO that it was difficult to keep pace with the 1st place finishers Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise:

(Schlimmer & LeFever 17)

LeFever 7 Schlimmer finished with a time of 7 hours, 36 minutes & 24 seconds.
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In the 1 man pro race, Canadian Tom Pellerin of Quebec beat 3 time winner Nick Walton of Michigan by just 1 minute & 16 seconds, Pellerin said that it was his 1st time race the 1-man class at the Clinton Regatta:

(Pellerin 17)

2nd place finisher Nick Walton told WCDO”S Craig Stevens that he would have like to have seen lower water levels:

(Walton 17)

Over 1200 canoe racers participated in the Clinton Regatta this Memorial Day Weekend; participants came from 28 state & Canada to compete.