WCDO Radio News

State Police at Deposit are investigating a fatal industrial accident at the loading dock at the Courier Printing Corporation in Deposit. The deceased has been identified as 66 year old William Sethmann of Deposit, who was working as an independent contractor and handyman at Courier; he was located crushed underneath a hydraulic loading dock. The investigation revealed that Sethmann was working on the lift when it failed sometime between Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning. There are no signs of foul play.

19-year-old Alexander Wetzel was reported missing Tuesday, the SUNY Broome student was found by Binghamton Police Wednesday, SUNY Broome officials announced their condolences to Wetzel's family on their website today. Grief Counselors are available for students & staff following the announcement of Wetzel's death. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Fire Fighters from Several Area Companies responded to the report of 2 trailers on fire at the Sidney Unadilla Trailer Park at 754 State Route 7, near the State Police Troop C Headquarters today. The fire was reported at around 1:00 PM, with occupants escaping the fire, fire fighters from Sidney, Wells Bridge, Sidney center, Bainbridge & Franklin responding. WCDO News will have further details as they become available.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting local crafters, vendors and organizations to join their first ever Small Business Saturday Holiday Shop taking place on Small Business Saturday, November 24th from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 pm at the Afton Central School. More information is available at 208-4064.

The Peanuts gang will be coming to The Forum, Binghamton, on November 20th at 6:00pm for A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage. Tickets are on sale Monday, October 8th at 10:00am at the arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. The Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles Schulz originally aired on television over 50 years ago.

CDO Workforce announced that there will be a job fair at the Southside Mall on Thursday, October 25th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Also a workshop for Job Seekers will be held on Monday October 22nd to help job seekers prepare for the Job Fair on the 25th, the workshop will be held from 10:30am to 11:30am at the CDO Workforce at 12 Dietz Street in Oneonta. More information is available at 432-4800 extension 100.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department investigated a robbery Tuesday Night on Royal Avenue in the Town of Norwich, after a male victim went to Chenango Memorial Hospital with missing teeth, head lacerations and additional trauma. The investigation revealed that the victim was lured to the Royal Avenue address by 19 year old Jade Orlando, who requested marihuana to be delivered to her, Brenden Gager, Hunter Speenburgh and Landon Cummings were hiding nearby, they allegedly assaulted and robbed the victim. All 4 were arrested & were charged with Robbery & Assault; they were arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. The City of Norwich Police Department assisted with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Two men were arrested and 100 pounds of marijuana were seized after the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department raided elaborate growing operations in Morris and New Lisbon. 47 year old Christian Balmaceda of Morris and 49 year old Joseph Ali of New Lisbon were arrested, Balmaceda was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Growing of Cannabis, and 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Ali was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawfully Growing of Cannabis, they were remanded to the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

Hartwick College’s True Blue Weekend 2018 is scheduled to start today with more than 50 regional, national, and international employers offering students work opportunities at Hartwick College’s Internship & Career Expo. The event will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 PM in Lambros Arena, on the Hartwick College campus, more information is available at hartwick.edu/EXPO or by calling 431-4249.

Free 5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are still available to non-profit agencies and county residents on a first come, first served basis. The paint was collected as part of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, it was re-mixed and packaged for distribution by Golden Artist Colors of New Berlin. Pails of beige/tan paint are still available. All other colors have been distributed. For more information or to place an order for paint, please call the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Free 5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are available to non-profit agencies and Otsego County residents free of charge on a first come first serve basis. The
paint was collected as part of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day held this past September. Paint collected during the event was re-mixed
and packaged for distribution through the generosity of Golden Artist Colors, Inc. of New Berlin. To place an order or to get more information, call the Otsego County
Planning Department at 547-4225.

Hartwick College’s True Blue Weekend 2018 is scheduled to start on October 4th this year, with more than 50 regional, national, and international employers offering
students work opportunities at Hartwick College’s Internship & Career Expo. The event will be held Thursday, October 4, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM in Lambros Arena, on the
Hartwick College campus, more information is available at hartwick.edu/EXPO or by calling 431-4249.

New York state’s farms generated $4.8 billion in revenue in 2017, with 15 agricultural products ranked in the top 5 nationwide, according to a report released today by
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York has more than 35,000 farms covering 7.3 million acres, nearly one quarter of the state’s land area. Milk is by far the state’s
largest agricultural commodity, with $2.7 billion in sales in 2017, New York vineyards covered 35,000 acres in 2017, producing 187,000 tons of grapes, surpassed only by
California and Washington. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us/reports.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES announced a "Free Weekend at Noah’s World" for Delaware County Residents, at 144 Roundhouse Road in Oneonta.
The free weekend is for Delaware County Residents through the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program, who need help in accessing various health care
professionals and other community resources. This sponsored weekend will take place this Friday through Sunday, Friday's hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm & Saturday
and Sunday, the hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. More information is available at noahsworld.net or by calling Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200.

Today approximately 100 Delegates from across 10 counties met in Binghamton to formally nominate the Republican candidate for State Supreme Court in the 6th
Judicial District, they unanimously selected Chenango County District Attorney Joe McBride to run as the Party's candidate in this November's election. The vacancy in
this office was created by the recent retirement of Judge Kevin Dowd.

Sidney High School Senior J.P. Dewey has been selected to perform with the NYSSMA Conference All-State Jazz Ensemble in Rochester this fall. Dewey will be playing
piano in the 18-piece ensemble, and will also attend the music conference from November 29-December 2, he will also be eligible to perform with the ensemble in March
as part of NYSSMA Day festivities in Albany.

A judge has denied a motion by ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver regarding his bail request, pending the appeal of his corruption conviction and seven-year prison term. U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni has denied Silver's request Monday, she stated that the substance of Silver's appeal lacks merit, and the sole purpose of the request was to stall Silver starting his prison term on October 5th. Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison after his first conviction in 2015, that conviction was overturned after the U.S. Supreme Court redefined the boundaries of public corruption, then a 2nd jury convicted him
earlier this year, for taking $5 million illegally by using his political power for personal gain.

The 4th Annual Sidney Health Fair will be held at Keith Clark Park in Sidney this Saturday, with a host of activities planned,
Spokesperson Gabrielle Argo explains:

(Gabrielle Argo 9-20-18)

Representatives from Fox Hospital's Tri Town Regional Hospital will participate, along with representatives from Sidney EMS, Catholic Charities, The United Way & the Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention.

The 2018 Campaign Kick Off of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties will be held today in Oneonta. The event will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the B Side Ballroom & Supper Club in the Clinton Plaza.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, September 20, 2018 in the Guilford Elementary Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

State Police at Sidney arrested 56 year old James Watson of Guilford for Criminal Mischief, after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute on State Route 8 in Guilford. Watson is accused of breaking the victim’s car window during the dispute, he was arraigned in the town of Guilford Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail with no bail pending court action on September 11th, and an order of protection was also issued to the victim.

The Otsego County Democratic committee announced that they will hold their annual dinner and Silent Auction Saturday at the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta. The special guest will be 19th congressional District candidate Antonio Delgado, who is running against Republican incumbent John Faso in November.

The 24th Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will feature about 120 artists this year in Downtown Norwich.

(Celeste Friend 9-7-18)

Musical headliners will be the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, plus there will be dance companies; literary activities, a Poetry Slam, hours will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 to 5:00 PM in downtown Norwich’s parks. More information is available at colorscape.org.

The Joshua House announced that they will be hosting a Fall Dance Party Friday Night at the Sacred Heart Church Community Room on Liberty Street in Sidney tonight from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Joshua House Spokesperson Marge Gatien explains:

(Marge Gatien 9-5-18)

Tickets are available at Joshua House at 10 Division Street in Sidney, by phone at 316-3921 or at the door Friday night.

Sidney Center Improvement Group will be holding a volunteer workday at the Sidney Center Park and Hamlet Clean Up Day Sunday, starting at 9:00 AM. Group President Mike Sellitti explains:

(MIKE SELLITTI 9-7-18)

Sellitti said that Volunteers will be given lunch & all clean up tools will be provided.

A Community Awareness day is being held Saturday in Delhi. The event will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Delhi American Legion, & it is sponsored by "Delaware County Cares"

3 people were arrested in connection with a series of area burglaries.  State Police arrested 27 year old Steven Barrows of Sidney and 27 year old Zackery England of Sidney for Burglary and Conspiracy and 30 year old Nicole Bell of Oneonta for False Personation, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawfully Possessing a Noxious Material & as a fugitive from justice from the state of Georgia. An investigation revealed that Barrows and England allegedly attempted to break into the property in Guilford, burglarized a seasonal home in Oxford and a seasonal garage in Guilford. Bell originally provided a false name during the arrest of all 3, she was found to be in possession of 2 bb guns, methamphetamine, heroin and brass knuckles. Barrows and England were arraigned in the town of Oxford Court where Barrows was remanded with no bail to the Chenango County Jail and England was remanded on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 property bond. Bell was arraigned in the town of Unadilla Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on no bail.  Additional charges are also expected.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast will be held this morning at Delaware County FoodWorks+, State Highway 28 in Andes from 8:30 - 10 AM. The guest speaker will be Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond.

Otsego County's 21st Annual Household Hazardous Waste Days will be held Today & tomorrow. Otsego County Residents can bring household hazardous waste, such as enamel paints, pesticides, antifreeze, batteries and more FREE of CHARGE, Last year 550 cars from an estimated 600 households brought various hazardous materials for disposal. Household collections will be held this morning at the Unadilla Town Barn from 8:00AM to 11:00 AM, and Saturday, at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown from 8:00AM to 1:00PM.

The Raymond Corporation in Greene announced that they will hold a Career fair Saturday & next Wednesday September 12, as they look to expand their workforce. Raymond Vice President Steve VanNorstrand comments:

(Steve VanNorstrand 9-7-18)

Raymond Corporation is looking to add about 75 people to the existing 1850 employees; Hours for the Career Fair Saturday will be from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and on September 12th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 27 year old Makia Hathaway of Norwich for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Hathaway was charged following the investigation of a domestic dispute, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine & was taken into custody without incident. Hathaway was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on cash bail pending court action at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, Walton Village Police, New York State Police, & several local Emergency Squads responded Thursday to a head-on collision, with 5 victims and 1 entrapment, on County Highway 21 near the intersection of Russell Road in the Town of Walton. The Investigation by Sheriff's Deputies determined that 42 year old Jeremy Shaw of Walton was driving a pickup truck when he crossed over the center line and struck a SUV head on driven by 43 year old Michael Franzese of Pearl River. Franzese was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton with head and facial injuries and was later transferred to UHS Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, 41 year old Diane Franzese, 12 year old Anthony Franzese and 10 year old Angelina Franzese were also transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, they suffered various injuries and were treated and released. Jeremy Shaw sustained injuries to his head and lower extremities, as well as possible internal injuries, and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The cause of this accident remains under investigation.

The Annual Susquehanna Balloon Festival and Destination Oneonta have teamed up for the festival today from 5:00 to 9:00 PM & Saturday & Sunday at Neahwa Park throughout the day. activities inlcude hot air balloons launching throughout the day, a classic car cruise in, various running races, music & a variety of Vendors, the full schedule is available at destinationoneonta.com.

The Greene Lions Club will hold their annual Labor Day Picnic with a variety of events, spokesman Byron Miller explains:

(Byron Miller 8-31-18)

Miller said that the majority of the events are being held on the Ball Flats Monday, money raised will go to the Greene Lions club to be distributed to several local organizations.

Online registration for the Delaware county "Clean Sweep" Household Hazardous waste disposal days begin this weekend, Solid Waste Coordinator Sue McIntyre explains:

(Sue McIntyre 8-31-18)

Phone registration will not begin until October 1st, at 865-6474, for the Clean Sweep days.

The 13th Annual West Kortright Fair is this Sunday September 2nd from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm at the West Kortright Centre, in East Meredith. There will be local bands performing all afternoon, a rummage sale, kid's activities, a group art exhibit, local crafts and local products, More information at westkc.org All proceeds to benefit programs at the West Kortright Centre.

The 17th annual 4-H Golf Tournament tees off on Friday, September 14th at the Delhi College Golf Course. Proceeds generated by the tournament will support youth development activities in Delaware County. 3 or 4 more teams are available to enter, Registration begins on the 14th at 8:00 AM, with a shotgun start will begin at 9:00 AM. All entry forms and fees must be received at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, 34570 St Hwy 10, Suite 2, Hamden, 13782 no later than September 5th. More information is available at 865-6531 or at ccedelaware.org.

Governor Cuomo announced that teams from FEMA have begun Joint Public Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessments in 8 counties impacted by severe flooding in early August. The assessments will determine if the total amount of damage costs meets the $28.29 million requirement for federal aid, if so, a disaster declaration will be granted and FEMA funding would be available to support infrastructure repair. Broome, Chenango, & Delaware Counties are included locally. The heavy rain storms and resulting flooding caused significant damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. state & local officials believe that the total costs meet the federal threshold for a disaster declaration.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & the State DOT Safety Unit conducted a commercial vehicle safety check point at the intersection of State Highway 357 and County Highway 14 in the Town of Franklin. 6 commercial vehicles were stopped and examined, 4 were found to have violations significant enough to necessitate that they be taken out of service until their mechanical issues were fixed or negligence corrected, 5 traffic tickets were issued.

Governor Cuomo announced that lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended until Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. New Yorkers are reminded that state and local law enforcement will be participating in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement through Labor Day, Motorists can expect to see law enforcement stopping and arresting impaired drivers in order to keep roads safe this holiday weekend.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is preparing for their "Bainbridge Days" celebration today & tomorrow at various locations around the village. Spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 8-28-18)

Other highlights include a Cruise in from Bob's Diner to General Clinton Park, Wine Tasting at B&W Wines & Liquors; more information is available at the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.