WCDO Radio News

Long time Sidney businessman Bill Thomas passed away Friday at the age of 70, Thomas & his wife Linda ran Sidney Auto Body until 2018, Bill also served on the Masonville Town Board & The Sidney School District Board of Education, calling hours will be Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on at C.H. Landers Funeral Home, 21 Main Street Sidney, A memorial service will be held at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty Street in Sidney, at 11am on Friday.

Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 38 year old Andrew Bethune of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court to 4 years in New York State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. On January 25, 2023, authorities conducted a search of Bethune's apartment located at 111 Oak Street, Apartment 4 in Binghamton, they seized cocaine, fentanyl & methamphetamines, plus packaging materials, a digital scale and $5,481 in cash from suspected drug sales.

National Baseball Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark announced that a Hank Aaron statue will be unveiled at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on May 23. The bronze representation of Aaron will be installed on the first floor of the Museum. Aaron was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982 following a 23-year big league career with the Braves and Brewers, Aaron launched his 715th career home run 50 years ago today. Aaron’s Hall of Fame plaque made a rare appearance outside of the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery when it traveled to Atlanta for today’s event, the plaque will also be featured at Truist Park today for fans to view at this evening’s Braves-Mets game.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-8-24

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Meredith. This is the first laboratory confirmed positive case of rabies in Delaware County in 2024. A rabid raccoon entered a cow barn in the town of Meredith and attacked and bit a cow. The raccoon was sent for testing to the State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory. The cow that was attacked and bitten has been euthanized. There were no human exposures, and no other domestic animals were exposed to the rabid raccoon. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Delaware County Chamber will Host their annual Legislative Forum, on Monday, April 22, starting at 9:30 am, in the Okun Theatre at SUNY Delhi. Confirmed panel speakers include State Senator Peter Oberacker, Assembly representatives Joe Angelino, Brian Maher, and Chris Tague. The event is free and advance registration is encouraged, at DelawareCounty.org.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-8-22

Today is Election Day, all voters in New York State will vote for Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, plus all seats for the State Senate & State Assembly, one seat in the US Senate & 27 seats for the House of Representatives. Delaware County Voters will vote for County Judge, in the town of Sidney , voters will decide on 1 seat on the Town Board. Polls are open until 9:00 PM.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Walton from 1:30 to 6:00 PM pm., at the Pines Brook Church, to Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Tonight is the opening night for "Fiddler on The Roof at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. Tickets are still available for tonight & tomorrow nights shows at NAC Entertainment or through Ticketmaster.com, or at the Forum Theater Box Office.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-8-22

Several people were injured in a house fire at 83 Rush Avenue in Binghamton early this morning. several people were taken to area hospitals, Binghamton firefighters had the fire under control in about 45 minutes, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Bainbridge Rotary Pancake Day is being held again this year on Election day at the First Presbyterian Church at 3 Church Street, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 - 6:00 pm; Take out available, by calling 607-431-8843

Former State Assembly Republican Minority Leader Brian Kolb
announced that he will not seek re-election to the Assembly this year.  Kolb stepped down as the Minority leader
after being arrested for DWI following a New Year's Eve accident with his State
Issued SUV, followed by comments to police blaming his wife for the incident.

Governor Cuomo announced the first statewide free fishing
weekend in New York for 2020 will take place on this weekend.  During the designated days, residents and
visitors are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license.  More information is available at dec.ny.gov/outdoor.

A fundraiser is being held in Sidney by Binghamton based
Half Light Theater Company, for Operation Merry Christmas, Dorene Ireland from
Operation Merry Christmas explains:

(Dorene Ireland 2-14-20)

The Alice in Wonderland Tea Party event will be held
tomorrow at 11:30 am at the Sacred Heart Church, tickets are available at
online at TeawithAlice.bpt.me or by phone at 607-201-5850.

The State Senate passed legislation renaming a portion of
New York State Route 205 in Otsego County in honor of United States Marine
Corps Sergeant John Kempe Winslow.  The
bill was sponsored by Senator Jim Seward; Sergeant Winslow was killed in action
on July 30, 1969.  Companion legislation sponsored
by Assemblyman John Salka has been introduced in the state assembly.

The State Assembly has passed a rent control package this
past week, which normally only effects downstate renters; however Assemblyman
Cliff Crouch said that this rent control legislation can affect some of his
upstate constituents:

(Crouch 6-17-18)

The State legislature is now into its last week of the
legislative session, a flurry of bills could be passed prior to the end of
session.

THE DEPOSIT GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM
WON THE 2019 New York STATE CLASS-D CHAMPIONSHIP ON SATURDAY IN GLENS FALLS.
THE TEAM DEFEATED LAFARGEVILLE FROM SECTION 3 IN THE SEMIFINALS 13-2 AND THEN
TOOK DOWN ALFRED-ALMOND FROM SECTION 5 IN THE TITLE GAME LATER THAT DAY BY A
SCORE OF 8-0. IT IS THE 6TH STATE TITLE IN SCHOOL HISTORY FOR DCS AND IT IS
ALSO THEIR 4TH STATE TITLE IN THE PAST 5 YEARS. THE JACKS FINISHED THE SEASON
WITH A PERFECT RECORD OF 23-0. THE COOPERSTOWN BOYS BASEBALL TEAM FELL 7-3 TO
TICONDEROGA IN THE New York STATE CLASS-C CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THIS PAST SATURDAY
IN BINGHAMTON. THE HAWKEYES FINISH THE SEASON WITH A RECORD OF 20-5 AND MADE
SCHOOL HISTORY BY ADVANCING TO THE TITLE GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME. CCS DEFEATED
PIERSON FROM LONG ISLAND 5-2 IN THE SEMIFINALS ON FRIDAY TO ADVANCE. FOR MORE
INFORMATION VISIT WCDO SPORTS DOT COM AND CHECK OUT SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL'S
TWITTER FEED.

State Police located a missing hiker early this morning, close to 12 hours after the initial 911 call was made. 58 Year Old Yi Sun of Westfield New Jersey called 911 around 12:30 PM Sunday, seeking assistance and was unable to identify where she was.  Shortly after midnight, troopers on a roving patrol located Sun near the area of Routes 34/96 near Ithaca.  She was transported to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment and her family was contacted.  State Police, State Park Police, DEC Forest Rangers, and other agencies assisted in the lengthy search.

An "Elder Law & Special Needs” Law Clinic is being
held in Oneonta today from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, for residents of Chenango,
Otsego & Delaware Counties.
Participants will get free 1/2 hour legal consultations at the Elm Park
Church at 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta.

The River Valley News group of Pennsylvania announced that they will cease operating the Tri Town News, The Chenango American, as well as weekly newspapers in Oxford & Whitney point. Tri Town New editor Allison Collins comments:

(Allison Collins 12-13-18)

Collins said that the Tri Town News had its start in 1882 as the Sidney Record; its last issue will come out on December 21st.

The Chobani Foundation announced the recipients of Their 1st Community Impact Fund, which will provide $100,000 in grant funds to 4 beneficiaries locally. The Sidney Central School District was awarded $21,000, to incorporate a food truck into its nutritional education program. The Catskill Development Foundation was awarded $28,150 for a food and agricultural entrepreneur training program at Delaware County FoodWorks+, The Oxford Academy and Central School District was granted $30,000 to fund the salaries of 25 students working for local businesses in the 10-month Career Pathways Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County received $20,850 to provide marketing assistance for farmers and managers of farmers markets looking to expand their businesses. The Chobani Foundation partnered with the Community Foundation for South Central New York to facilitate the grant selection process; more information is available at chobani.com/impact/chobanifoundation.

Governor Cuomo’s office announced on Tuesday of their goal to create a program for regulated marijuana use next year. The governor’s office hosted the listening sessions throughout September and October to gauge community appetite for legalizing marijuana, A study by the New York City Comptroller’s office estimated that revenues from taxes on regulated marijuana sales could bring in $3.1 billion dollars for the state. In Colorado, marijuana retailers made $1.5 billion last year and collected $247 million in taxes.

New York Farm Bureau has released its annual "Circle of Friends," naming 160 New York State Legislators to the distinguished list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker's support of New York agriculture and Farm Bureau. The "Circle of Friends" honor is based upon each legislator's voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau has either supported or opposed during the most recent legislative session, State Senators Fred Akshar, Jim Seward & John Bonacic plus Assembly members Cliff Crouch, Bill Magee, Donna Lupardo & Gary Finch were all named to the Farm Bureaus “Circle of Friends" again this year.

Governor Andrew Cuomo's office has announced the start of a child care availability task force. The group is comprised of representatives from the child care provider community, the business community, unions that represent child care providers, representatives from several state agencies and local departments of social services will develop recommendations to make quality, affordable child care accessible across the state. The task force met for the first time on Wednesday.

Voters in the Unadilla Valley School district have until 8:00 tonight to vote on the district's proposed 10 million dollar capital improvement project. Voting is being held at the District Office Lobby.

The Food and Drug Administration announced today that Del Monte Foods has recalled more than 64,000 cases of "Fiesta Corn" seasoned with red and green peppers. So far there had been no reports of illness, Del Monte determined the cans had not been properly sterilized, leading to the risk of spoilage. The corn was in 15.25-ounce cans with the UPC number printed on the label: 24000 02770, it can be returned to the point of purchase for a refund or exchange, more information is available by calling Del Monte Foods at 800-779-7035.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-13-18

State Police have located James Sitts, who was wanted on an arrest warrant out of the town of Oneonta Court for 2 counts of Grand Larceny. Sitts was located and arrested by City of Oneonta Police Officers on December 8, He was later transferred to the custody of State Police and was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court where he was remanded to the Otsego Jail with no bail. His next court date is January 3rd.

The American Red Cross is hosting 2 area Blood Drives today, 1 in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, at 24 Market Street, and another in Walton from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the United Presbyterian Church, at 58 East Street Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies named Kevin Boles as the team's manager for the 2019 season. Boles joins the New York Mets organization after spending the last eleven seasons managing in the Boston Red Sox system.

State Senator Fred Akshar and Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch have released answers to the many questions posed by the community regarding the planned repurposing of the former Broome Developmental Center to bring new Addiction Treatment Services to the community. The document compiles questions raised at the October 26th Town Hall Meeting, with answers from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, the Broome County Department of Social Service and the Broome County Health Department. The document can be found at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov; nyassembly.gov/Donna Lupardo or nyassembly.gov/Clifford Crouch.

State Police CNET & Binghamton Police executed a federal arrest warrant on Troy Clark of Whitney Point, as part of a federal indictment charging Clark with manufacturing Methamphetamines. Police discovered a meth lab with 30 “one pot” vessels, various methamphetamine laboratory components, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun & a Small amount of marihuana. Police arrested Orion Tanzini of Kirkwood, Brittany Clark of Whitney Point, Jamie Wilson of Whitney Point, Brian Mirra of Chenango Forks, along with Clark. A search warrant was also executed for Charles McNeilly, of Whitney Point, where police again seized meth making materials & arrested Thomas Cole of Whitney Point, Ashley VanOstrand of Whitney Point, along with McNeilly. All face court action shortly, the investigations are continuing and additional charges are pending.

Bassett Healthcare Network is currently holding their annual "Coats for Kids" event. Interested residents can drop off new or gently used children's coats at Bassett Healthcare Network locations or at any First Choice Cleaners before Monday. Coats will be cleaned by First Choice Cleaners, the Distribution of the items will be November 25th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Bassett Healthcare at 125 Main Street, Oneonta & November 27 to December 1st from 10 AM to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. More information is available at 547-3914

The Oxford and McDonough Communities are invited to the 33rd annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner, served from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 23 at St. Joseph's Church. Volunteers are needed to assist in serving and in the kitchen; more information is available at 843-6249. Free will donations will be accepted at the NBT Bank in Oxford.

Several state lawmakers have written to Governor Cuomo and the state's top corrections official to urge them to end solitary confinement of prisoners. More than 40 members of the Senate and Assembly claimed that the practice of isolating inmates for long periods of time amounts to torture, Cuomo's administration insists it has taken significant steps to end traditional solitary confinement with new rules and standards for when a person may be placed in isolation.

Binghamton Police arrested a 66-year-old Ronald Cook of Utica at the Little Venice Restaurant in Binghamton Saturday afternoon. Cook is a Level 3 sex offender who removed his GPS ankle bracelet and didn't report to his parole officer Wednesday, sparking a state wide manhunt.  Cook was convicted of raping a 24-year-old woman in Binghamton in 1990; he was also convicted in 1988 of first-degree sexual abuse and impersonating a police officer.

The African Children’s Choir will be performing at the Binghamton First Assembly Church Tonight at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour, that has performed all over American & Canada since April. Tour Leader Keira Carnie explains:

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir performance tonight is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

Broadway in Binghamton presents "A Gentleman's Guide To Murder" for 2 performances this Sunday at 3:00PM & 7:30PM at the Broome County Forum in Binghamton. Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 10-27-17)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

The African Children’s Choir will be performing at the Binghamton First Assembly Church Friday Night at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour, that has performed all over American & Canada since April. Tour Leader Keira Carnie explains:

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir has been performing for over 30 years, and has performed for Queen Elizabeth at her Golden Jubilee, and has performed with Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey & Keith Urban. Friday Nights show is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

The State office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services announced the opening of the new Voices Recovery and Community Outreach Center at 340 Prospect Street in Binghamton. The center will provide free support and services for people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder and for their families.

The State DEC announced that remaining Deer Management Permits in several Wildlife Management Units would be available to hunters beginning November 1st. The DEC will re-open the permit application process on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may apply for up to two additional permits at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Amber Joy of Morris for 4th grand larceny; Joy is accused of stealing religious items from the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, on Main Street in the Village of Morris, valued at $240. Joy was arraigned in the Town of Morris Court where she was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date is pending.

The elections are over and here are the Winners for 2016: in The U.S. Senate seat for New York, Democrat Charles Schumer beats Republican Wendy Long by a better than 2 to 1 margin. In the House of Representatives: in the 19th Congressional District Race, Republican John Faso defeats Democrat Zephyr Teachout & in the 22nd Congressional district Race Republican Claudia Tenney wins over Democrat Kim Meyers & 3rd party Candidate Martin Babinec. In area State Senate races, Republican incumbents Fred Akshar, Jim Seward & John Bonacic were re-elected. In State Assembly Races, Incumbents Bill Magee Donna Lupardo & Gary Finch defeated their opponents, Cliff Crouch & Pete Lopez were re-elected, they ran unopposed. Broome county voters elected Democrat Jason Garner over incumbent Debbie Preston. John Hubbard wins for Delaware County District Attorney, he was unopposed, Peter McCann wins the election for Morris Town Judge, and Randall Mowers was elected to the Oneonta Town Board

The State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions will be held today in Binghamton and Vestal today. information on specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov or (518) 457-6335. The first auction will begin at 9:30 at the DOT at 241 Colesville Road in Binghamton; the second begins at 1:30 PM at SUNY Binghamton, at 4400 Vestal Parkway East, in Vestal.

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.

Binghamton City Police are investigating an apparent homicide at 11 Stone Street.  Police reported that 44-year-old Bretnie Owens was found deceased inside his apartment, the autopsy performed over the weekend ruled his death as a homicide.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Binghamton Police Detective at 772-7080.

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.

The American Red Cross will kick off the “Heroes for the American Red Cross” campaign today at 5:30 pm at Remliks in downtown Binghamton.  “Heroes” is a grassroots campaign where businesses, school clubs, church groups, civic organizations and individuals pledge to raise at least $1,000 for the Red Cross Southern Tier Chapter, more information is available at 785-7207.