WCDO Radio News

Otsego County Department of Health reported 380 total COVID 19 cases reported in the month of August, with 52% were unvaccinated which includes those who had no or 1 vaccines in the 2 shot series, while 48% were fully vaccinated, 100% of hospitalizations are unvaccinated. 9% of the cases in August were in college students/employees; 10% of the cases were 0-11 years old, 27% were 12 to 24 years old, 46% of the cases were in the 25-55 age group & 17% were 56 & older.

State Senator Fred Akshar will join officials from Broome County and the Broome County Health Department to recognize Rebecca Kaufman as the 52nd Senate District's 2021 Woman of Distinction on Wednesday at 10:30 AM at the Broome County Health Department in Binghamton. Kaufman earned this recognition through her work as Director of Public Health for Broome County; Senator Akshar said that she led the Broome community through the pandemic:

(State Senator Fred Akshar 9-7-21)

Akshar said that in addition to her work as the Director of Public Health, she also serves as the Broome Opioid Awareness Council Coordinator to help treat & prevent Substance Abuse disorder & addiction in Broome County.

The American Red Cross of Western New York will be holding a Job Fair for a number of positions within the Binghamton area, this Thursday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at the Southern Tier Chapter office at 620 East Main Street in Endicott. Regional donor Services Director Hanna Malak told WCDO News what positions are available:

(Hanna Malak 9-8-21)

Malak said that the interviews will be held on site Thursday in Endicott for both positions, Walk-ins are welcome or applicants can pre-register at redcross.org/careers, those interested are reminded to bring a resume Thursday.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a neighbor dispute on July 31st, at 60 River Street in the Town of Stamford. 58-year-old Kenneth Utter and 69-year-old Janet Starkweather, both of Stamford, are accused of subjecting another person to unwanted physical contact, the victim’s harassment complaints were forwarded to the Town of Stamford Court, which was requested to issue a criminal summons for Starkweather and Utter. Deputies located and arrested Utter and Starkweather last week, they were charged with 1 count each of harassment, they were ordered to appear in the Town of Stamford Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-7-21

Governor Kathy Hochul signed four pieces of legislation, to establish a demonstration program to implement speed violation monitoring systems in work zones to keep workers safe and make construction contractors liable for the wages owed to their subcontractors. They also require the payment of prevailing wage to building service employees at high-end co-ops and condos and extend Shared Work Benefits.

The State Department of Transportation announced that State Route 28 near Frank Slawson and Epps roads in the town of Franklin will close starting today for a culvert replacement over Knapp Brook. DOT Officials stated that motorists on State Route 28 will be detoured to take state Route 23 to Davenport Center and then take county Highway 10 to Meridale to connect back to state Route 28, the project is expected to be completed on September 22nd. Also, starting today, Old Route 17 in the Town of Windsor will undergo culvert construction; a road closure is near the intersection of 17 and Ostrander Road. Old Route 17 will likely be closed for 2 months & is scheduled to reopen around November 9th.

Delaware County Public Health received 61 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last week; there are currently 90 active cases in the county with 3 hospitalizations & 126 quarantined. According to The CDC Delaware County is currently at high level of community transmission. The CDC and Delaware County Public Health recommend that everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear a mask in indoor public locations, to maximize protection from all variants. In New York State, the Delta variant of COVID-19 has been found to be the predominant strain of COVID-19 currently circulating.

State Police reported that 27 citations were issued during an Operation Hard Hat detail in Broome County Thursday. Troopers were set up while workers completed bridge work along Interstate 81 in Binghamton; they issued 19 tickets for speeding, 2 for violating seatbelt laws, & 6 for other violations.

The CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive an additional dose of a COVID-19 vaccine about 28 days after a 2nd dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended only for those being treated for solid tumors or malignancies, those who have had organ transplants, those receiving STEM cell transplants, those being treated with certain cortisone therapies, or those with Chenango County Public Health will host a 3rd dose Moderna Vaccine Clinic on September 1st, at the South Plaza in Norwich from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Appointments or More information regarding eligibility is available at 337-1660.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 2 people Tuesday after Deputies responded to a burglary reported in the Town of Hamden. The home owner's Video captured 2 subjects, 1 with a handgun, who forcefully entered the home. Randy Hawkins of Morris was taken into custody by State Police; George Klinger was taken into custody at his Morris residence by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Police. Officers executed a search warrant at Hawkins’ and Klinger’s Morris residence and recovered a quantity of firearms, ammunition and other property reported stolen in recent Delaware County burglaries. Hawkins and Klinger were charged with 1st degree burglary and criminal use of a firearm, they were arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court, Hawkins was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash bail and Klinger was remanded on $40,000 cash bail. The investigation is on-going and more arrests are anticipated.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-20-21

The Rotary Club of Sidney and the Cullman Developmental Center will hold an event for children this Sunday, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, "The Buzz about Honeybees" will be held at Keith Clark Park on River Street in Sidney, Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert told WCDO News that it is a safe event for the children:

(Larry Halbert 8-20-21)

Halbert said that the children in attendance will see honeybees contained behind a glass enclosure, & they will get samples of honey to take home.

The Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight in the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich, the show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance. Blues festival Spokesman Eric Larsen told WCDO News that they have a full line up of great acts & all safety protocols are in place:

(Eric Larsen 8-20-21)

Larsen said that the Main show will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds Saturday, tickets will be only be available at chenangobluesfest.org/tickets.

Commerce Chenango announced that the effort to strengthen broadband across Chenango County will be getting a $1.9 million assist from the New York State Office of Community Renewal. The Chenango County Board of Supervisors accepted the Community Development Block Grant recently through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or "CARES" Act. Funds will be used to bolster wireless internet in the City of Norwich and the Town of New Berlin, plans call for the installation of wireless antennas atop already existing tall structures within the municipalities.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-19-21

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Joseph Henahan of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court yesterday, to 10 years in State Prison followed by 15 years of post-release supervision, after being found guilty of 1st degree attempted rape , for trying to arrange a sexual encounter with an 8 year old through social media. The FBI & State Police assisted with the investigation.

The Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight in the East Park in Downtown Norwich with a free show starting at 7:00 PM tonight, with Friday Night's concert at the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich, the Friday show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance. Blues festival Spokesman Eric Larsen told WCDO News that they have a full line up of great acts & all safety protocols are in place:

(Eric Larsen 8-19-21)

Larsen said that the Main show will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds Saturday, tickets will be only be available at chenangobluesfest.org/tickets.

Otsego County's annual Household Hazardous Waste Days will be this Friday & Saturday, for County Residents to properly dispose of items free of charge. Accepted Items this year includes enamel paints, pesticides, Antifreeze, batteries & more. Items can be dropped off Friday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM at the Unadilla Town barn & Saturday at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown, residents are asked to arrive by name, A through H will go from 8:00 to 9:30 AM, I through Q from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, and R through Z from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, more information is available at 547-4225.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CURRENTLY HAS A CRITICAL NEED FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES. RED CROSS SPOKESPERSON, MEG ROSSMAN EXPLAINS WHY...

(MEG ROSSMAN 8-11-21)

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA INCLUDE TUESDAY, AUGUST 17TH AT THE GUERNSEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY IN NORWICH AND AO FOX-TRI TOWN CAMPUS IN SIDNEY AND THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH AT THE FRANKLIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THE WALTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG FOR A LISTING OF BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested of 33-year-old Brad Wenk of Lakewood, Pennsylvania, on State Highway 268 in the Town of Tompkins for traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies determined that Wenk was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, he is charged with aggravated DWI & Wenk will appear in the Tompkins Town Court on a later date.

STATE POLICE reported that 57 year old James Jones of Louisiana was recovered from the Whitney Point Reservoir around 9:00 AM Tuesday, he was kayaking with another person when his kayak tipped over. His kayak was located but he did not resurface. The incident remains under investigation. Troopers were assisted by Broome County Sheriff’s, Chenango County Sheriff’s, Broome County Emergency Services, Broome County Technical Rescue Team, Whitney Point Fire, Harpursville Fire, West Windsor Fire, Chenango Bridge Fire, Vestal Fire, Killawog Fire, Lisle Fire, Greene Fire, Marathon Fire, Triangle Fire, Broome Ambulance, Greene Ambulance, Marathon Ambulance and Broome Security Division.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTED MONDAY TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL COUNTY MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE TO HELP FUND A NEW COUNTY-RUN EMS SERVICE. THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES AN ANNUAL $5 FEE FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH VEHICLES WEIGHING 35 HUNDRED POUNDS OR LESS AND A $10 FEE FOR HEAVIER VEHICLES. THE COUNTY BOARD ESTIMATES THE ADDITIONAL FEE WILL GENERATE NEARLY 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALES WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH FROM 9AM TO 4PM IN THE VILLAGE AND TOWN OF GREENE. SALE LISTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE GREENE COMMUNITY YARD SALES FACEBOOK PAGE.

A.M. NEWS 8-11-21

The Chenango County Fair returns today at the Fairgrounds in Norwich with a variety of events for the whole family, spokesperson Mary Weidman explains:

(Mary Weidman 8-11-21)

The full list of events is available at chenangofair.com.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-4-21

THE OTSEGO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REPORTS THAT THE COUNTY HAS REACHED A 9% POSITIVITY RATE IN THE LAST 7 DAYS AND THEY ARE RECOMMENDING THAT EVERYONE WEAR A MASK INDOORS IN PUBLIC. THEY HAVE ALSO ADDED AN ADDITIONAL DAY OF VACCINATION AT THE OTSEGO COUNTY FAIR. FAIRGOERS CAN RECEIVE COVID 19 VACCINES TODAY TIL 6:00 PM AT THE EMT TENT. VACCINATIONS WILL ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AT THE FAIR ON FRIDAY FROM NOON TO 6PM. ANYONE VACCINATED AT THE FAIR WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR PRIZES.

THE MOBILE CANCER SCREENING COACH WILL WILL BE AT THE OTSEGO COUNTY FAIR THURSDAY FROM 9AM TIL 2PM PROVIDING NO COST MAMMOGRAMS AND PAP TESTS TO WOMEN 40 YEARS AND OLDER.

CHENANGO SPCA IS HAVING A "PAWS AND PINTS" FUNDRAISER AT HIDDEN SPRINGS BREWHOUSE IN NORWICH ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 7TH FROM 1 TO 7PM. THE EVENT WILL FEATURE A PET PARADE, LIVE MUSIC, A MAGICIAN AND FOOD TRUCKS. PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT CHENANGO SPCA AND HELP OFFSET OPERATING EXPENSES.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-4-21

Delaware County Public Health will have a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall. For more information call 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet today at 10:30 A.M in Albany, New York City and at the Broome County Career and Community Services Center in Johnson City. The meeting will be Live-streamed at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts, the board will view documents related to Application of Bluestone Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need, for Construction of the Bluestone Wind Farm Project in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.

Over the past 7-10 days the Chenango County Public Health Office has seen a rise in COVID cases. The cause of this rise can be attributed to a mix of unvaccinated individuals and a decrease in prevention efforts. Active cases have gone from single digits to 28 with 69 people quarantined and 2 hospitalized.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-27-21

Current Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced today that former Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell was indicted on felony counts of public corruption, 3rd-degree larceny and 12 counts of offering a false instrument for filing today. Former staff member Jim Worhach was charged as well, both pleaded not guilty. The pair are accused of submitting vouchers to County Government for incorrect amounts of money and for deleting and or altering computer files.

State Police have charged 3 men with Grand Larceny as a hate crime following an incident that occurred in Delaware County. On Saturday Morning, a Jewish man was walking along Main Street in Fleischmanns when a man got out of a pickup truck and stole his fur hat. The suspect returned to the pickup truck, which was occupied by the two other suspects, who all shouted anti-Semitic slurs and then drove off. arrested were 21 year old Johan Diamond of Grand Gorge, 25 year old Korey Bush of Ashland & 24 year old Wesley Eignor Junior of Denver. The Hat has been recovered & all 3 suspects were arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

56 year old Renee Kunkle was sentenced to 5 years probation today in Broome County Court, in connection with the death of her 23 year old Autistic Daughter Kayla Kunkle in filthy conditions in the town of Chenango family Home in 2019. Renee Kunkle had pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.

Chenango County Public Health reported 14 active COVID 19 cases, with 27 Quarantines, both numbers are about double the numbers reported 4 weeks ago, but there are no hospitalizations currently & no additional deaths have been reported since the end of June. Chenango County has had 3531 total cases with 3346 recoveries & 77 deaths.

The Broome County Fair is underway today in Whitney Point. The 146th Broome County Fair runs through Sunday, the full schedule of events can be found at BROOMECOUNTYFAIRNY.Com.

New Yorkers who may have a 9/11-related physical health condition or believe they may have one in the future, or who have a loved one who died as a result to toxic exposure related to 9/11, need to register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund ahead of this Thursday's deadline. More information can be found at vcf.gov.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-27-21

Governor Cuomo announced Monday the state is distributing $15 million to community organizations with high positivity and low vaccination rates. Cuomo said the funds will be used to strengthen communication, expand public education, and enhance ongoing outreach efforts. Chenango County is expected to be one of the locations receiving funds to combat lower vaccination rates.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Wayne Eldred of Smithville for criminal mischief, following a complaint for a domestic disturbance on State Highway 41 in the Town of Smithville. Eldred is accused of causing damage to a vehicle; Eldred was processed and released on an appearance ticket. He is to appear in the Town of Smithville Court on a later date.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office was recently notified by a resident of the receipt of a scam fundraising call, allegedly from the National Fireman’s Association, where the caller aggressively attempted to get the resident’s personal identifying information as well as a monetary donation. Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond Comments:

(Sheriff DuMond 7-27-21)

Sheriff DuMond said that in the recent case, the caller terminated the call after their solicitation attempts were unsuccessful; he reminds residents that if the unsolicited calls sound fishy, it probably is, & they should just hang up and never give personal financial information to those callers.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-13-21

Officials with the Delaware County Fair announced that their Secretary’s office and fair store was broken into and vandalized, Fair Spokesman Jason Craig comments:

(Jason Craig 7-13-21)

Craig said that the Fair Board of Directors is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. The Walton Police Department is investigating and anyone with information can call them at 865-5400 or send us a Facebook message or email to delcofair@gmail.com.

The Ron Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund Annual Tribute and Reunion Fundraising Event will be taking place this Saturday at the Hidden Springs Brewhaus on County Road 31 in Norwich from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm.  Organizer & Local musician Bruce Beadle explains:

(Bruce Beadle 7-13-21)

Beadle said that Tickets are on sale for $15 each pre-sale at the Hidden Springs Brewhaus, The Blarney Stone Pub, Taylor's Country House, Rita's Tavern, the Norwich VFW and the Artist's Palette, tickets will also be available at the gate for $20.  Beadle said that Palmer was a well-known local musician who toured & recorded With the Late Harry Chapin in the 70's, more information about the scholarship or the fundraiser is available at 244-5481.

Attorney Danielle Fogel of Onondaga County announced that she is running for Supreme Court Judge in New York's 5th Judicial District as the Republican candidate.  Fogel's announcement follows former Democratic Congressman Anthony Brindisi's announcement that he will run for the seat.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David announced his intentions today to run for the 52nd District State Senate seat in 2022.  The State Senate Seat will be available next year after current State Senator Fred Akshar's announced that he would run for Broome County Sheriff, instead of for re-election to the State Senate.

Chenango County Public Health announced that a 2nd dose Pfizer clinic will be held today at the former Label Shopper Store in the South Plaza in Norwich.  The Clinic will run from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 337-1660.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-13-21

State Police are investigating multiple burglaries at seasonal residences in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties. 23 year old Christopher Youngs of the town of Maryland and 27 year old John Clark of Morris have been charged with 2nd degree Burglary and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for burglaries in Otsego and Delaware counties.  Youngs was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond.  Clark was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.  The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information should contact State Police at Troop C in Sidney at 561-7400.

State Police arrested 33 year old Johnny Rivera of South Glens Falls for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, following an accident on Delaware County Road 4 in the Town of Sidney.  A trooper found an unoccupied Rent-A-Center Van that crashed into the guide rail, which had been reported stolen from Glens Falls, Rivera was walking away from the scene, he was taken to Tri-Town Hospital for the treatment of injuries then he was arraigned in Sidney Town Court & was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on July 22nd.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded last Thursday to a reported violation of a temporary order of protection in East Branch, 51 year-old Thomas Newman  of Hancock is accused making written contact with the protected party & for allegedly swerving his vehicle towards the protected party, who was walking along State Highway 30.  Newman was charged with 2 counts of criminal contempt & 1 count of harassment, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on Cash Bail pending court action.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-9-21

Sidney Police Department assisted a Department of Homeland Security Investigation unit to execute a federal search warrant at 243 Johnston Circle in the Village of Sidney into the illegal possession and manufacture of firearms.  Police seized 6 handguns, 18 rifles or shotguns, 4 of which had no serial numbers, 41 high-capacity magazines, and parts for the manufacture of AR15 assault rifles and Over 18,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.  35 year old Jordan O’Neill of Sidney was taken into custody Thursday; his prior felony conviction prohibited him from possessing firearms. O'Neill was charged with 1 count of 1st degree Criminal possession of a weapon & 41 counts of 3rd degree Criminal possession of a weapon, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $125,000 cash bail or $250,000 Bond. The investigation is continuing & more charges & arrests are expected.

NYSEG crews continue to try to restore power that was lost due to storms earlier in the week that knocked down trees & power lines.  This afternoon, about 1900 were without power in Broome County & about 30 in Delaware & Chenango Counties.

The Delaware County Fair is back on this year, with a few changes regarding tickets, according to spokesman Jason Craig:

(Jason Craig 7-9-21)

The Delaware County Fair will be held August 16th to the 21st at the Walton Fairgrounds; the schedule of events is available at delawarecountyfair.org

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Andes Fire Department responded to a 911 report of a two car motor vehicle accident on Main Street in the Village of Andes on July 5th.  38-year-old Gleb Temkin of Andes lost control of his vehicle and struck a legally parked vehicle, he is accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated at the time of the accident, he was charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath screening test, failure to keep right, among other charges, Temkin was released & will appear in the Town of Andes Court on a later date.

The ARC of Delaware County is seeking to fill a variety of positions, and will be holding job fair, the first one is today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as well as Friday July 23rd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday July 24th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at their location on State Highway 10 in Walton.

Delaware County Public Health reported that this week, 1 person has died from Covid-19 related complications.  From July 2nd to July 8th, Delaware County Public Health received 2 new positive cases of COVID-19. There are currently 4 active cases in the county with 0 hospitalizations & 11 quarantined; the County has had 52 total deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-8-21

NYSEG crews continue to work to try to restore power to thousands of customers in the Southern Tier, following last nights storms that knocked down trees & power lines. Over 10,000 were without power in Broome County this afternoon, about 190 were without power in Delaware County, over 100 in Chenango County had power outages this afternoon, power has been fully restored in Otsego County.

State Police in Troop C are continuing with their crackdown on drunk & drugged drivers throughout the region. Troopers removed 46 impaired drivers from local roadways in the month of June, Troop C encompasses Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga and Tompkins Counties.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations of Delaware County businesses in varying categories for its Annual Awards Ceremony in October. The categories are: Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Tourism Property of the Year, and Business Advocate of the Year. Nominations must be received by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 ½ Main Street, Delhi 13753 or info@delawarecounty.org by August 15th. More information is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

The Afton Fair gets underway today, and runs through Sunday. Rides, Food, Live entertainment, parades, Stock Car races, clowns agricultural exhibits & fireworks are among the highlights of this year's Afton Fair. The full schedule of events & activities are available at theaftonfair.com.

Sidney Police Department located a man Monday who was wanted in the State of Arkansas.  34 year old Robert Herbert was arrested on a violation of parole warrant issued from the State of Arkansas. He was arraigned virtually as a fugitive from justice and remanded to the Delaware County Jail to await extradition to Arkansas.

The 146th Broome County Fair has been scheduled for July 27th through August 1st at the fairgrounds in Whitney Point.  The 4-H Building and Cattle Barns are open to the public and all related events and shows are free, more information is available at broomecountyfairny.com.

State Police announced that 3 men, including State Trooper Kevin Krause worked as a team to try to save a bald eagle on I-88 in Sidney, after it was hit by a side view mirror of a car. The unidentified driver did attempt to avoid the bird and did stop; the eagle was taken by the New York State ENCON Officer to a Wildlife Center.  State Police told WCDO News today that the Wildlife Center did everything they could, including emergency surgery, but unfortunately, the eagle did not make it.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 6-15-21

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be hosting a live stream Energy Chat today at 12:00 noon on Facebook Live.  This 11th event of the series will feature a discussion about Smart Energy Choices with Community Energy Advisor Eileen Hanrahan from CCE Chemung County.  More information is available at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531 or online at ccedelaware.org.

Utica Police have arrested 32 year old Vanessa Armstead of Buffalo for criminal possession of stolen property, criminal trespass, burglary, grand larceny and criminal mischief, after allegedly stealing a Kunkel Ambulance, which ended up in the Irondequoit Bay near Rochester Sunday afternoon.  Armstead was involved in a separate crash on the Thruway on Saturday, and was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center for treatment, after she was released, she went to Union Station in Utica, but never got on a train, she is accused of stealing the ambulance from the station on Catherine Street Sunday morning, she drove to Victor New York & crashed the ambulance into the bay.   Armstead was rescued from the water and taken to shore; she was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Monroe County jail on $3,500 bail.

Otsego County Sheriff's department arrested 27 year old Brandon Doyle of Sharon Springs after an investigation into an animal cruelty in the Town of Westford last month. Doyle was charged with Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals & Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance following a cattle complaint reported from the Susquehanna SPCA Doyle was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Westford Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a “Click-it or Ticket” detail in the Town of Davenport on May 29th, with the Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies, resulted in the arrest of 46 year old Stacey Juhl of Worcester. While conducting a seatbelt checkpoint, Deputies observed a vehicle attempting to avoid the checkpoint; they stopped the vehicle on Southside Drive & found that Juhl’s driving privileges had been suspended on 3 occasions for failure to answer summonses in Otsego County courts, as well as for an insurance lapse. Juhl was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and having an obstructed drivers view, she was released and directed to appear in the Town of Davenport Court on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year old Timothy Reed of Johnson City for DWI following a personal injury motor vehicle accident on County Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Deputies responded at about 2:30 AM on May 30th, to a 911 report of a motor vehicle accident on County Highway 23, near the intersection of Woodlawn Road, Reed was identified as the driver of the vehicle & charged, he faces court action at a later date.

The Community Cultural Center of Sidney will have their official Ribbon Cutting ceremony this Saturday at 1:00 PM, at the corner of Bridge & Main Street. The 1st use of the building will be for an art exhibit, and then many other options will be available, according to Executive Director Pat Cristelli:

(Pat Cristelli 6-10-21)

Cristelli said that the Students Art Exhibit will be open from Monday June 14th to Friday the 18th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM each evening, Saturday the 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday June 20th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-10-21

UPDATE IN MANHUNT:

Just after 4:30 p.m., Jason Johnson was taken into custody near a river bank off State Route 79 in Colesville.

EARLY AFTERNOON UPDATE:

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies and State Police responded to East Windsor Road in Colesville to check on the welfare of an individual at 8:35 PM Wednesday night, . Law enforcement did exchange gunfire with Johnson, State Trooper Becky Seager was shot in the hip & was taken to Wilson Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Multiple agencies are looking for 34 year old Jason Johnson this afternoon, he is described as a white male, 5’7 and 160 pounds with a Mohawk style haircut, he was last seen in the East Windsor Road area near Thorn Hill. He is considered armed and dangerous, It’s possible that Johnson may be operating a 1996 Ford F-250 pick-up truck, blue in color with the NY license plate HZV7759, Police said that the public should not approach him and should call 911 immediately.

The Otsego County Fair will be held in Morris this year, after being canceled last year due to the COVID pandemic, Spokesperson Lisa Jones comments:

(Lisa Jones 6-10-21)

The Otsego County Fair will run from August 3rd through the 8th, more information is available at otsegocountyfair.org.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-9-21

The Raymond Corporation of Greene is holding a Drive Through Job Fair Thursday, Friday & Saturday, and they are looking for a wide variety of talent to add to their operation, Executive Vice President Steve Van Nostrand comments:

(Steve Van Nostrand 6-9-21)

The Hours for the Raymond Drive Through Job Fair in Greene are tomorrow from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM & Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, more information is available at careers.raymondcorp.com.

The Afton Fair will return next month, after being cancelled last year by the pandemic, Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger said that a full slate of activities has been scheduled at the Afton Fairgrounds:

(Rhonda Barriger 6-9-21)

The Afton Fair will run this year from Thursday July 8th through the Sunday July 11th.

Sidney Police responded Tuesday to a residence on West Main Street for a report of a person refusing to leave the property. 40 year old Lloyd Hunt of Unadilla was located hiding in the basement, he refused to cooperate, implied that he had a weapon, after 20 minutes, officers took Hunt into custody without incident. Hunt was charged with Criminal trespass, Obstruction of governmental administration, Resisting arrest, he was out on Parole & State Parole officers issued a detainment warrant for Hunt, he was transported to the Delaware County Jail to be held pending an investigation by State Parole.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced that the mass Vaccination site at the SUNY Broome Ice Center will be closing. Garner said that over 93,000 of the more than 190,000 Broome County Residents are fully vaccinated, about 1/4 of those received their vaccinations at SUNY Broome's Ice Center.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-9-21

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive at least the maximum allowable level of food benefits for June, a benefits distribution that will push more than $200 million in federal aid into the state’s economy. The supplemental benefits provided to individuals and households enrolled in SNAP have already infused more than $2.3 billion into New York’s economy since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-24-21

Officials with the Delaware County Fair announced that the Fair will be on for the 134th edition August 16th through the 21st at the Fairgrounds in Walton.  Fair Spokesman Jason Craig said that they can work with the guidelines & there will be some changes:

(Jason Craig 5-24-21)

More information is available at delawarecountyfair.org.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a motorcycle crash in the town of Colesville early Friday Morning.   56-year-old Todd Blakeslee of Port Crane was pronounced dead at the scene, Investigators determined the motorcycle had been traveling north on Tunnel Road when Blakeslee’s motorcycle went off the roadway and struck a tree.  Investigators believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that they are accepting teams for the 2021 Business Links Golf Tournament on June 9 at the Delhi College Golf Course, more information is available at delawarecounty.org.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-24-21

Delaware County Public Health nurses will be offering curbside single dose J&J vaccinations in front of the Public Health office at 99 Main St, Delhi, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM every Wednesday beginning May 26, during the Delhi Farmer’s Market.  All individuals 18 years of age and older that reside in the United States are eligible to be vaccinated, more information is available at 832-5200.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced work starts today on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling 337-1710.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of an Ohio man for Criminal Possession of a Weapon and numerous other charges after being stopped on I-88 in the Town of Oneonta on May 8th for erratic operation of a motor vehicle.  51 year old Scott Travis was charged with Criminal Possession Weapon Firearm/Handgun, Driving while Intoxicated, Refusal to take Breath Test, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and speeding among other charges, Travis was turned over to the Otsego County Correctional Facility following arraignment.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-26-21

Governor Cuomo announced that the State Fair will be open all 18 days this year in Syracuse, with some restrictions:

(Cuomo 4-26-21)

The Governor also said that Stadiums can go from 20 to 33% capacity, Office can increase from 50 to 75% capacity, Casinos can increase from 25 to 50% capacity & Gyms & Fitness Centers from 33 to 50% capacity.

Chenango County Public Health reported 3213 total COVID cases since the beginning of the pandemic & 57 since Friday. They reported 116 Active Cases today with 4 hospitalized and 494 Active Quarantines & 73 deaths.

The Broome County Department of Health reported 120 new COVID cases with 2 more COVID deaths on Friday. Broome County has had a total of 333 deaths from the Virus; they have had 17,311 cases since the pandemic began.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department reported that on Saturday, on Prescription Drug Take Back Day, they collected 1,920 pounds of old & unused medications. The event is scheduled every year to keep the unused medications out of the waste stream, but also to keep them from getting into the wrong hands.

Delaware County Public Health reported 17 new COVID cases Friday out of 421 tested, they reported 108 active cases, 15 hospitalized & 219 quarantined.