WCDO Radio News

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that 10 projects and individuals have been recognized with 2026 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. Locally, the MARK Project of Arkville, will receive the Joan K. Davidson Award, They have spent over 40 years advancing community revitalization in the central Catskills through collaborative, locally driven initiatives and becoming a model for community-based revitalization, uniting local leaders, residents, and funding partners, through initiatives in affordable housing, economic development, local MARK PROJECTfood systems, tourism, farming, civic planning, and downtown revitalization.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated an animal abuse case where multiple cats were living in a residence, the owner was advised to get the animals treatment and was provided with contacts for local humane societies and veterinary clinics, she failed to improve the living conditions of about 70 cats, the majority of the animals were voluntarily surrendered to a 3rd party. Deputies were assisted by the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society and the Delhi Veterinary Hospital in Delhi to ensure the proper care of the animals. Deputies discovered that several animals died, they arrested 66 year old Gail Kutler of Walton for 5 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals & 60 counts of animal cruelty. Kutler was taken to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where she was held for arraignment, she is scheduled to appear at a later date in the Town of Walton Court.

The State DEC announced Burn bans will be in effect again this year, from March 16th Until May 14, residents may not burn brush due to the continued increased risk of wildfires. DEC Officials report that Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State, this year's burn ban follows unprecedented wildfires in the Catskills late last year, along with a prolonged dry weather pattern and a fairly mild winter in a large portion of the state, there are a few exception, those can be found at dec.ny.gov.

State Police will continue in a special traffic enforcement initiative to crack down on unsafe driving behaviors during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday through Sunday, December 1, 2024. State Police will supplement regular patrols statewide, including fixed sobriety checkpoints, which targets distracted drivers by utilizing Concealed patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on handheld devices. Elevated traffic volumes are expected, and wintry weather is expected to impact portions of the state, including in the Catskills & North Country.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting tomorrow morning in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner, Chamber members are urged to attend.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-18-24

The FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to assist in combating the Catskills Wildfires, The Grant Declaration will allow for funding to help cover costs associated with responding to the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire and protecting those in its path. Statewide there were 13 wildfires reported Sunday, encompassing more than 5,000 acres, the state wide burn ban remains in effect.

Broadway In Binghamton is proud to announce their latest season special, Menopause The Musical 2: will be coming to the Forum Theatre, June 4 at 7:30PM. Tickets go on sale this Friday, at 10:00 AM at the Forum Box Office, Ticketmaster or online at BroadwayInBinghamton.com. More information is available at 607-772-1391 or BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-12-24

A Red Flag Warning has been issued through 6:00PM tonight, with the smoke from the Catskills wildfires spreading north to the Capital region and west into Delaware & Schoharie Counties & contiguous Counties. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. New York State has implemented a statewide burn ban in effect until November 30 due to increased fire risk.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that they have sent personnel to assist in the fighting of the Catskills area wildfires in Ulster, Sullivan & Orange Counties. Otsego County deployed 5 Hand-crews, totaling 25 firefighters, to assist in Greenwood Lake, with fire fighters from Milford, Otego, Unadilla, & West Laurens Fire Departments, as well as Otsego County Emergency Services Deputy Fire Coordinator Jeremy Hilton. An extended appreciation is warranted to the Cherry Valley, Garrattsville, Gilbertsville, Morris, Mount Vision, Richfield Springs, West Exeter & Worcester Fire Departments for also offering additional personnel for deployment.

The Village of Unadilla will have their 2nd annual Tree Decorating event at the Community House on December 13th, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 11-11-24)

Cotten said that interested businesses and organizations should contact him at 607-373-7370 before December 11th, a parade will follow the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 13th.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-11-24

The DEP and State Police helicopters are conducting aerial firefighting operations to assist local fire departments battling the Whitehouse forest fire raging across 384 acres in the mountainous New York City watershed between the Rondout and Ashokan reservoirs in Ulster County in the Catskills.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will recognize several businesses and groups for their service to the county’s business community at its 2024 Business Awards celebration on October 16 at The Meredith Inn at Stonewall. Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 9-11-24)

The new businesses that will be honored include Bakers Grimm in Delhi, Bizzy Bees Learning Academy in Delhi, Catskills Junction in Stamford, Delhi Work Station, Galloping Horse Graphics in Hancock, The Hobart Exchange, The Lost Bookshop in Delhi, and The Walton Diner. Tickets for the dinner event are $60 per person. Reservations are required and may be made under the Events column at DelawareCounty.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-9-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 3 Walton residents on multiple Drug charges stemming from a narcotics investigation. On September 4, the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, executed a no knock search warrant at a residence on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton, they arrested 43 year old Benjamin Pankiewicz, 22 year old Gage Pankiewicz & 37 year old Ashley Calabrese, all of Walton on a number of drug charges, A quantity of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, drug packaging & processing equipment were seized, as well as a firearm and approximately $1,000 in cash. All 3 were arraigned, Benjamin and Gage Pankiewicz were were released to reappear at a later date, Ashley Calabrese was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,500 bail.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce EmpowHER Program will be held today in Stamford, Chamber President Ray Pucci explains the purpose of this program:

(Ray Pucci 11-2-23)

The program will be held at Catskills Junction on Railroad Avenue in Stamford, starting with registration and networking at 9:30 am. Pucci said that currently, about half of all Delaware County Businesses are owned by women.

The Rural Schools Association of New York State is hosting a "Rural Issues Forum Series" for the South-central Catskills Region tonight, featuring David Little, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association The event will be held at 6:00 pm at the Delaware Academy and Delhi Central School, Little will provide updates on the state of our rural schools and communities from a position of legislative advocacy.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-11-23

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced thousands of state jobs are open and available for immediate hiring in the health and human services fields across ten state agencies as part of the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Program. A new webpage and portal are available that list the HELP job openings and allows candidates to upload an application and resume for positions they are interested in at cs.ny.gov/help.

19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro announced his schedule for visits around the district. Today, Congressman Molinaro visits the Otsego- Northern Catskills BOCES at 12:15, & Fox Hospital in Oneonta at 1:30pm & the Oneonta Town Council at 3:15pm on Monday the Congressman will visit SUNY Binghamton at 2:30pm.

Susquehanna SPCA's pop-up thrift shop in the Southside Mall generated $7,359.52 in income, today they presented checks to Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans, Delaware Valley Humane Society, and Heart Of The Catskills Humane Society, for $1,839.88 each.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-29-21

Almost 211,000 New Yorkers were tested for COVID Monday, with 40,780 testing positive, for a positivity rate of 19.33%. Patient Hospitalizations are up over 6100, Patients in an ICU bed went up by 32 to 945, the number of ventilators went up by 18 to 519, New deaths reported by healthcare facilities was 77

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that over $81 million has been awarded to support 97 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Locally, in the Southern Tier, Buckingham Manufacturing will be able to purchase New equipment, The Delaware County IDA will expand the existing Andes food hub, “Catskills Harvest,” to include an advanced geothermal and solar powered carbon-neutral greenhouse & also for the Delhi Industrial Wastewater Pipeline to address environmental concerns , and Finback Brewery will re-develop a 320-acre farm in the Town of Walton into a brewery, taproom, orchard, and modern bed & breakfast.

Beginning today and extending well into December, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting a pop-up thrift shop in the Southside Mall. For a split of the proceeds, the Delaware Valley Humane Society, Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, and Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans will assist the SQSPCA in recruiting volunteers to cash out customers and mind the store. The SQSPCA Pop-up Thrift Shop will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through December 19. More information is available at sqspca.org, or 607-547-8111, extension 108.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of the Great Western Catskills Film Commission. The commission will use of occupancy tax revenue, The Commission was created to develop the motion picture, television, advertising, and entertainment media industry in Delaware County. The primary focus of the commission is to increase local employment opportunities and increase revenue for Delaware County businesses. The project is spearheaded by Delhi resident Lisa Wisely, the website is GreatWesternCatskillsFilmCommission.com, anyone with a potential filming location is encouraged to submit information on the website.

Tourism-related dollars spent in Delaware County in 2019 have grown to $121 million, according to a report issued by the Empire State Development Division for Tourism Development, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 11-23-20)

Traveler spending increased 2.5% across of all New York. The strongest growth occurred in the Catskills with a 7.3% increase in spending last year.  Tourism accounted for over 1,145 jobs in Delaware County resulting in $41.7 million in labor income recirculating through the local economy.  Tourism generated more than $7.7 million in local taxes and over $6.6 million in state taxes.

Delaware County Public Health announced that their next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets will be held today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, State Route 10 in Delhi.  Appointments are required at 832-5200; more information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced 2 grants in New York’s 22nd district, totaling nearly $1 million. The funds come from the United States Department of Agriculture as part of their Rural Development grant program.  The Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES was awarded $683,692 to help provide access to Science Technology Engineering and Math courses for high school students preparing for college or to enter the workforce. The Southern Tier Health Care System was awarded $218,557 to help fund education and training for opioid and substance abuse services in rural New York.

Delaware County Public Health announced that their next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets will be held on Thursday October 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, State Route 10 in Delhi. Appointments are required at 832-5200; more information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County is now accepting registration for the 2020 Catskills Youth Climate Virtual Summit on 4 Thursdays starting October 1st through November 12th on Zoom.  School teams of Science Minded students in grades 7 through 12 and their teachers have to register soon, Spokesperson Jeanne Darling explains:

(Jeanne Darling 9-23-20)

Teachers must register their school team by this Friday, September 25th; more information is available at 865-6531 or jmd30@cornell.edu.

Most Otsego County School Districts are deciding to start the school year with remote learning, following the COVID 19 outbreak at SUNU Oneonta, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards comments:

(Dr. Dave Richards 9-3-20)

Also, Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES Announced that they will also begin the semester by remote learning and the Oneonta High school announced that they will postpone all Falls Sports until further notice & possible play the fall sport at a later date.

The Tropical Storm heading up the East Coast could impact parts of the Catskills today & tonight, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 8-3-20)

The National Weather service has issued a Flash Flood Watch until 6:00 AM Wednesday.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that Diane Munro of Roxbury has been confirmed by the state senate as a member of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.  Munro has held positions as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, & while a Sidney resident Years ago, she was a co-founder of Sidney Area Youth Advocate Program, and the Tri-Town Boys and Girls Club, she currently serves the board of directors of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County, and is a member of the Delaware County and Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, the appointment runs through June 19, 2024.

Governor Cuomo stated Thursday that New York State has one license for bars & restaurants, and people are misunderstanding the concept of outdoor dining;

(Cuomo food bars)

The State Police & State Liquor Authority will look into as many cases as they can of violating of the state laws, local police agencies are also being asked to enforce the law.

A
Town of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office
for Assault in the 2nd degree.  46 year
old Maria Titchener of Oxford was arrested & was arraigned in the Town of
Oxford Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash and
$2,500 bond, pending future court action.

NYSEG
continues to restore power after heavy snow and wintry conditions disrupted
service to thousands of customers. The company expects to have all customers
restored by 10 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
Currently, more than 7,000 customers are without power, including over
1100 in Broome County. The hardest hit areas include the Southern Tier, Capital
region & The Catskills, mainly from heavy wet snow that has the brought
down trees limbs & power lines.  To
report a power interruption, or downed power lines, call NYSEG at
1.800.572.1131.

The Annual "Taste
of the Catskills" will be held at Maple Shade farms in the town of Delhi
Saturday & Sunday.  More than 100
vendors are participating, various entertainment & games are scheduled, and
more information is available at taste of the catskill.com.

State Police are asking the public’s
help to locate 44 year old Jesse Donlin, who has been missing since early
September.  Donlin was last seen in the
Oxford area and has not been heard from since.
He is described as a white male, 5’7” feet tall, approximately 165
pounds, with light brown shoulder length hair and brown eyes.   Donlin has ties to Sidney, Unadilla, Morris,
Afton as well as Binghamton, Utica & the Capital District.  Anyone with information about Donlin’s
whereabouts should call State Police at 561-7400.

Tourism-related dollars spent in Delaware County in 2018
have grown to nearly $117 million, according to a report issued by Tourism
Economics for New York State.  Traveler
spending increased 6% across of all New York, The strongest growth occurred in
the Catskills with an 11.3% increase.
Tourism accounted for over 1,100 jobs in Delaware County resulting in
$40 million in labor income recirculating through the local economy.  Tourism generated more than $7 million in
local taxes and over $6 million in state taxes. More information is Available
at delawarecounty.org.

The state's Gaming Commission approved regulations to permit
sports wagering at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Rivers Casino and
Resort in Schenectady, Tioga Downs in the Southern Tier and Del Lago Resort and
Casino in the Finger Lakes.  Sports’
betting is not expected to start until later this summer after the facilities
receive their wagering licenses.  The
state's tribal casinos also plan to allow wagers too.

The 3rd Annual Oneonta Indoor Heart Walk & Health fair
will be held at the Foxcare Center in Oneonta on Saturday February 16th from
10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, AO Fox spokesperson Gabrielle Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 2-6-19)

More than 40 vendors, agencies, & organizations will be
participating in the Foxcare Center Concourse, plus Potential Pets will be
available from the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, Heart of the Catskills Humane
Society & Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans, more information is available at
BASSETT.ORG/HEARTWALK.

Long time area attorney Dee Fogarty of Unadilla passed away on September 29th. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 13, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM followed
by a memorial service at 1:00PM at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel on Main Street in Sidney. Family has requested that donations may be made in her name to the Catskills
Humane Society in Delhi or the Delaware Valley Humane Society in Sidney.