WCDO Radio News

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer met with Oneonta Job Corps students and staff Thursday, Schumer explained that the Trump administration is targeting Job Corps centers for closure & completely eliminate funding for the program. Schumer said the Senate Appropriations Committee has passed a bipartisan bill out of committee that protects funding for Job Corps for next year, and now is calling on the House to follow suit. The Oneonta Job Corps employs 120 people in Oneonta.

The Otsego County Hazardous Waste Collection days will be held This Morning in Unadilla & Saturday in Cooperstown, Spokesman Kyle King explains:

(Kyle King 8-15-25)

More Information is available at otsegocountyny.gov or at 607-547-4226.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-1-24

The Norwich Fire Department responded this morning to a structure fire at 50 Sheldon Street, with possible entrapment on the 2nd floor. Firefighters began to contain the blaze & the one female occupant was removed. The fire was contained to 2 rooms, and no significant structural damage was reported, the fire was under control within minutes. The cause of the fire was from careless misuse of smoking products, no injuries were reported.

The Village of Sidney is facing budgetary issues, following the extended loss of 138 taxable properties since 2006 & 2011, Sidney Village Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News that the budget increase is 11%, he told WCDO News what steps they are taking:

(Ray Baker 5-1-24)

Mayor Baker Said that the median household is assessed at $65,000, which equates to $140 more per year in taxes for Village property owners on average, he said that they are also looking at selling the properties across from the Golf Course as a way to get more houses on to the tax roles.

The Tri Town Theatre will present the musical "Rent" this weekend at the Sidney High School Auditorium, about a group of people in New York City in the 80's, cast member Yana King visited with WCDO this morning & talked about the show:

(Yana King 5-1-24)

Tickets are available at tritowntheatre.com, the shows will be Friday & Saturday night at 7:30 PM with a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the passage of the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Act, following the rise in Fentanyl overdoses & deaths, the bill increases the ability to go after the drug traffickers and seizing their assets:

(Gillibrand 5-1-24)

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and cannot be detected by taste, smell, or sight when mixed with other drugs.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-1-24

The Bainbridge Community Center will hold their Open House & Grand Opening Celebration tonight, at 5 Prospect Street in Bainbridge from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Spokesman Roger Barnhart comments:

(Roger Barnhart 5-1-24)

More information about renting the facility is available by calling Dolores Nabinger at 607-237-9414.

State Police responded to a 2-vehicle crash Monday in the town of Columbus where 1 person was pronounced deceased on scene. A preliminary investigation revealed that a tractor trailer and a van were both traveling south on State Route 8. The driver of the tractor trailer was making a right turn when the van struck the rear of the tractor trailer. A female passenger in the van, from Rome, was killed, the male driver from Lee Center, was airlifted to Upstate Medical Hospital in Syracuse. The unidentified driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

The Bandera Family & Community Alliance announced Free Christmas Dinners again this year for Binghamton & Norwich residents, and this year they are adding a free Christmas Dinner for the Oneonta Community, Bill Bandera told WCDO News about their plans this Christmas:

(Bill Bandera 12-6-22)

Bandera the meals will be served at the American Legion Halls in each community, he said that they are looking for volunteers, More information for Volunteers sign ups can be found at banderachristmas.com, those who need a meal delivered can call 211 until December 22nd.

The SUNY Board of Trustees appointed John King, Jr., as the 15th SUNY Chancellor Monday. Chancellor King served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama.

Governor
Cuomo will release his state budget plan Tomorrow afternoon which has a 6
Billion dollar projected budget gap due to the state taking over the Medicaid
costs from local governments over the last 6 years, he commented during his
State of the State address 2 weeks ago:

(Cuomo
1-20-20)

State
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated last week that the state too often relies on
moving deficits to out-year budgets, eventually it has to be dealt with.

Bills
are being drawn up in both house of the state legislature to rescind or delay
the controversial Bail Reform bill that went into effect January 1st.  Hundreds of criminal charges that used to
result in suspects being held on bail, are now having the suspects released
back into their communities, several committed crimes within hours of their
release.  Governor Cuomo made no mention
of the controversy in his State of the State address on January 8th.

Former
New York Congressman Christopher Collins was sentenced Friday to 26 months in
federal prison for his role in an illegal insider trading scheme involving an
Australian business.  Collins must
surrender on March 17th to the Bureau of Prisons & will be sent to a
federal prison, He resigned from Congress immediately after the plea.

The
Legacy of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. will be celebrated today in Albany.  The Free Event will be held in The Egg’s Hart
Theatre, beginning at 9:00 AM, The public is invited to attend or watch it
streamed live at empirestateplaza.ny.gov; and the program will begin promptly
at 10 a.m.

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.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond honored 14-year-old
Rachel Trimbell of Walton with the 1st annual “Super Star” award.   Trimbell was riding a Walton Central School
bus on the afternoon of March 27, when she observed a kindergarten student
choking on a piece of candy. Trimbell performed the Heimlich maneuver on the
student which ultimately saved the life of the young child.

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.

In addition to the induction of great baseball players Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez & Tim Raines, Long time Executive John Scheurholz & Former Commissioner Bud Selig were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown Sunday: Schuerholz said that he was honored to be picked against all odds:

(John Scheurholz 7-31-17)

Former Commissioner Bud Selig was asked after the ceremony about the thing he was most proud of regarding his 22-year tenure as Commissioner:

(Bud Selig 7-31-17)

On Saturday the Hall of Fame inducted J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Claire Smith, the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award winner was Rachel Robinson and Oakland A's Broadcaster Bill King, who was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award.

The Otsego County fair begins tomorrow in Morris, fair Spokesperson Lisa Jones explains:

(Lisa Jones 7-28-17)

Tuesday is opening day at the Otsego County Fair, with Dollar day, free Parking, plus the Fireman's Parade & Fireworks. The Otsego County Fair runs to Sunday August 6th.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 2 vehicle crash on County Road 3 & King Road in the Town of Smithville at about 6:45 this morning. A 2013 Hyundai operated by 19 year old Breanna Christian of Norwich, failed to stop at a stop sign at County Road 3, her vehicle was struck by a dump truck operated by 47 year old Brad Sparling of Walton. After striking Christian’s vehicle, the dump truck overturned spilling its load. Both operators were transported to UHS Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. Christian is listed in critical condition and Sparling was treated for minor injury.

The National Baseball Hall of fame announced the election of Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines and Ivan Rodriguez by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, the Class of 2017 is now set. The inductees will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at 1:30 PM on Sunday, July 30th at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown along with Today’s Game Era electees John Schuerholz and Bud Selig, who were elected in December…2017 Ford C. Frick Award winner Bill King and 2017 Spink Award winner Claire Smith will be honored during Induction Weekend at the Awards Presentation on Saturday, July 29 at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.

Reactions from lawmakers are coming in after Governor Cuomo unveiled his Executive budget proposal Tuesday. State Senator Jim Seward commented:

(Seward 1-19-17)

The Governor's budget proposal totals over 152 Billion dollars; lawmakers have until April first to get it passed by the deadline.

Governor Cuomo today announced that maple syrup production in New York has increased by 18%, breaking last year’s 70-year production record by more than 100,000 gallons and maintaining the state’s standing as the second leading producer behing Vermont, of fresh maple syrup in the nation. New York’s maple farmers produced more than 700,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2016, due to warmer-than-normal temperatures, which allowed for an extended season.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s department responded to a burglary in progress at 268 Round Pond Road in the Town of Smithville Thursday morning. A Sheriff’s Deputy and members of the Greene Police Department discovered a male suspect in the residence, at 11:15 AM, officers noticed smoke coming from the rear of the residence and called for fire department response. The suspect jumped through a window at the rear of the residence in an attempt to escape & suffered injuries. 26-year-old Adam King of Smithville was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City; he was released to the custody of the Sheriff's department. The fire was caused extensive damage to the residence, & is considered to be a total loss. King was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Arson & Criminal Mischief, and he was arraigned this morning in the Town of Smithville Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on 1 count of 3rd degree Assault. Ann Myrick was charged, for allegedly knocking a 66-year-old victim to the ground in Bill’s Diner in Norwich, causing serious physical injury. Myrick was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

State Lawmakers are reacting to the Governor's State of the State address & Executive Budget proposal. State Senator Jim Seward comments:

(Seward 1-14-16)

Assemblyman Bill Magee also commented:

(Magee 1-14-16)

Magee will once again Chair the Assembly Agriculture Committee. Lawmakers will begin working on the Budget plan and other aspects of the Governor's agenda. They have until April 1st to get the budget passed.

Governor Cuomo reminds out-of-state snowmobile enthusiasts that Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend will be a free snowmobiling weekend in New York State. From Saturday January 16 to Monday the 18th, state registration requirements, including DMV fees, will be waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobilers. Outside of this limited time event for out-of-state snowmobilers, every sled must have a valid New York registration. More details are available through the state DMV.

The Village of Sidney will held their 23rd annual Sidney Arbor Day program this morning at Bill Ray field, with the dedication of a tree in honor of Bill Ray, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak commented:

(Andy Matviak 4-24-15)

A Crimson King tree was planted on the 3rd base side of Bill Ray field this morning, the dedication was attended by members of Bill's family, the Sidney Shade tree Commission & the state DEC.

The Village of Sidney will hold their 23rd annual Sidney Arbor Day program on Friday, April 24 at 10:00 AM at Bill Ray field, behind the Moose Lodge off East Main Street. This year’s Arbor Day award will be in memory of Bill Ray; a Crimson King will be planted at the Bill Ray field in memory of Bill’s years of service and dedication to the Sidney Recreation Commission and the community.

Governor Cuomo today announced the craft beer industry in New York State grew 59% from 2013 to 2014, with a total economic impact estimated at $3.5 billion. The number of craft breweries has more than doubled from 2012 to 2015, from 95 breweries in 2012 and 207 in January 2015. Craft beer production is up 54% from 2011 to 2013, Tourists visits support more than 3,000 jobs that pay more than $77 million in annual wages and generate more than $450 million in revenue.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies seized a quantity of drugs and arrested 35-year-old Francis Smith of Kingston today, after investigating illegally parked vehicles in Arkville. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, which violated the terms of his probation in Ulster County. Smith is accused of possessing a switchblade knife, & he may also face drug possession charges upon completion of a laboratory analysis of the seized drugs. Smith was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail.

Assemblyman Bill Magee nearly doubled his campaign coffers in the final days of his successful fight to hang onto his seat, according to the state Board of Elections. Magee raised $54,305 between August 25th and September 15th in his effort to defeat Sherrill City Commissioner Mike Hennessy in the democratic primary. Magee beat Hennessy 2,082 to 1,431; he will face Republican John Salka of Brookfield in the November election.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state Education Department Commissioner John King said a survey would be sent to each school district, seeking information on actions they have taken, to implement provisions of the Dignity for all Students Act. The Act is state's 1st anti-bullying legislation, the results of the survey will be used to identify steps that schools have taken, and model policies and practices now being implemented by districts, to help ensure students are provided safe school environments.

The state Senate held a hearing yesterday in Albany to delve into issues raised about new testing standards for students and teachers. The hearing came as state Education Commissioner John King continues to be criticized for overseeing the “Common Core” initiative, which requires additional tests for students that are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of teachers. Several hundred teachers were also in Albany this week to receive  training about the new standards, which was implemented last school year

Governor Cuomo signed 3 Consumer Protection bills this week.  The first bill would protect consumers from liability for unauthorized use of unsolicited convenience checks, which are mailed by credit card companies to account holders & are easy targets for unauthorized users looking to commit fraud. The second bill will require that offers by mail for the sale of monuments or memorials be clearly marked “SOLICITATION” in large boldface type at the top of any mailing unless the recipient has requested the solicitation. The third bill will ensure motorcycle owners are informed of the laws regarding unidentifiable motor vehicle parts at the time they register their motorcycles.

The Chenango County Toys For Tots Campaign is looking for donations; locations for drop off boxes, in their annual effort to help put Christmas presents under the tree for the children of families that are struggling this year.   Program coordinator Roger Barnhart explain:

(Roger Barnhart 11-14-13)

Again, the number to call to get a drop off boxes to collect donations is 226-3814, the number all other information about the Toys for Tots effort this year is 336-7897.

Delaware County Deputies investigated a rollover accident in the Town of Walton.  56 year old John Wilson of Walton was driving on Upper East Brook Road in Walton at the time of the rollover, he fled from the scene but was later located and issued tickets for leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unsafe land change, speed not reasonable and prudent, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle and driving an uninspected motor vehicle.  Wilson faces court action in Town of Walton Court on December 4th.

State regulators claim that utilities providing natural gas service have adequate supplies, delivery capability and storage inventory, to meet customer demands under severe winter weather conditions.  The Public Service Commission said that their annual review of the utilities winter preparedness also finds that customers heating bills are expected to rise this winter by more than 3% or about $6 a month, during the heating season.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced a bill to create a Tick-borne Disease Advisory Committee.  Gibson said that they want to increase awareness & improve the diagnosis & treatment of those diseases, the CDC estimates that the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year is about 300,000, more information is available at Gibson.house.gov.

New York state education commissioner John King will tour the state to hear concerns about the newly implemented Common Core Education standards.  King’s tour will take him to 16 stops, including appearances at 12 public forums moderated by state lawmakers.  Venues & dates have not been finalized, but King will make a stop in the Binghamton area.  More information is available at nysed.gov.

Following a 5-month investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Sealed Indictment Warrants were handed down by a Delaware County Grand Jury Friday.  8 people were arrested Friday on a variety of drug charges.  Charged were 23-year-old Miguel Santiago of Stamford, for allegedly selling Heroin in the Village of Stamford, & 30-year-old Gerard Johnson of Walton for allegedly selling Heroin in the Village of Walton.  Sidney police arrested 45 year old Nancy   Tomao of Sidney was arrested for allegedly selling a prescription controlled substance in Sidney, she was turned over to Delaware County  Deputies pending arraignment.  State police arrested 20-year-old Jordan King of Unadilla for allegedly selling a prescription controlled substance in Franklin; he was turned over to Delaware County Deputies pending arraignment.  Chenango county deputies arrested 56-year-old Kim Chlad of Sherburne for allegedly selling a prescription controlled substance in Sidney; she was turned over to Delaware County Deputies pending arraignment. Delaware county deputies arrested 25-year-old Sande Lower of Oneonta, for allegedly selling a prescription drug in Franklin; &  24-year-old Mandi Stratton of Walton, for allegedly selling Heroin in Walton having a child present.  All were arraigned today in Delaware county court and they are being held without bail pending court action.  26 year old Jessica Woodcock of Walton, was arrested for endangering the welfare of c child for allegedly allowing her child to be present during a heroin transaction, she was arraigned Friday and was released on recognizance pending further court action. The Investigation is continuing and more arrests are pending.

The state legislature will wrap up their legislative session this week, with a flurry of bills expected to be acted upon.  Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that the last minute flurry of bills give lawmakers little time to accurately assess the proposals:

(Crouch 6-17-13)

Among the bills that will make their way to the assembly & state senate this week, the new Tax Free NY proposal, the new Women’s Rights bill and the 2nd year vote on allowing for casinos to be placed upstate.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be sponsoring 3 farmers’ markets for the 2013 season in Sidney, Walton and Deposit.  The Sidney Farmer’s Market will be held at the Video Entertainment parking lot, 89 Main Street from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Tuesday, from July 2nd to September 24th.  Walton’s market will be open on August 7th  & September 4th, at Delaware Valley Hospital, 2 dates have been chosen for markets in Deposit, August 15th and September 19th at the First United Methodist Church on 2nd Street.  More information is available at 865-6531 or ccedelaware.org.