WCDO Radio News

The Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 42-year-old David Coffey pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon for having an illegal, loaded .40-caliber pistol in the City of Binghamton on May 25, 2021. Members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, executing a search warrant, found the gun and small amounts of methamphetamine at Coffey’s home on Clifford Street. Coffey had previously been convicted of Assault in Delaware County in 2003, & had previously was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Petty Larceny and Conspiracy for allegedly trying to cheat a Town of Chenango resident by paying for electronics with counterfeit funds. Coffey will be sentenced to 7 years in State prison plus 5 years post-release supervision in February.

The Rural Health Care Network's "Get-There" program is looking for volunteers to help area residents get to medical appointments, pharmacies & food stores. Drivers will be trained & compensated, more information is available at 855-373-4040.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-29-22

State Police arrested 29 year old Kristofor O’Rourke of Newfield, for Criminal Sexual Act and Official Misconduct. O’Rourke who was last employed by the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, was previously employed by the Watkins Glen Police Department, Mt. Morris Police Department, and the Geneseo Police Department. Anyone who may have had inappropriate contact with O’Rourke is urged to call State Police at (585)-398-4100.

State Health Department tested over 39,000 New Yorkers last Thursday & Friday for COVID 19 with over 3,000 positive tests, for a 7.3% positivity rate. Patient Hospitalizations were back up to almost 2900, with 282 ICU patients & around 100 on ventilators, there were 43 more deaths attributed to COVID 19 over the 2 day reporting period.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-8-22

Governor Hochul announced that masks in New York will be "options" in some places that had previously been required. Masks are still required at healthcare facilities, nursing homes, correction facilities and domestic violence shelters. Local municipalities may chose to impllement masks rules in areas where the rate of transmission is higher.

The 28th annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held this Saturday & Sunday in Norwich, Colorscape Chenango Vice President Laura Parker explained what makes this arts & music festival special:

(Laura Parker 9-9-22)

Parker said that the event is listed as one of the top 200 events in the nation by Sunshine Magazine, Parker's full interview with WCDO's Craig Stevens will air tomorrow morning in its entirety at 8:40 AM. More information about the 2022 Colorscape event can be found at colorscape.org.

The Rural Health Network of South Central New York announced their 2nd annual virtual fundraising event, “On the Hunt for Good Health.” The active phase of the event runs September 16th to October 2nd, where participants can choose from activities on the website or make up their own. The event website is p2p.onecause.com, all donations from this fundraiser will go to programs and services of Rural Health Network.

New COVID-19 vaccine boosters are available to New Yorkers which are designed to add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants and bolster previous vaccination protection. The announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation to use updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer for anyone age 12 or older and from Moderna for those 18 or older. To find a location near your home to get the latest shot, go to vaccines.gov. The State Health Department reported that the 7 day rolling average for those tested for COVID was just under 6%, with over 2200 hundred hospitalized, 235 were in an ICU bed, with 88 on ventilators.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced that they will investing nearly $50 million into pay increases for its workforce across 8 counties. An analysis was performed by an outside firm called Gallagher and Sullivan Cotter, which has resulted in wage adjustments across the organization that are competitive across New York State. Bassett Healthcare Network is hiring in all locations. Visit www.bassett.org/careers to explore opportunities across the region and apply today.

Commerce Chenango is now accepting nominations in 5 Award categories, which will be presented at the Annual Membership Celebration on Thursday, September 15th and at the Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon on October 6th. More information is available by calling 607-334-1402.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-4-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus program, which includes $1.3 billion allocated for the payment of recruitment and retention bonuses to certain health care and mental hygiene workers, in order to increase the state's health care workforce by 20% over the next 5 years.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Car Seat Event today, Certified Safety Technicians will be at the Family Fun Festival hosted by Delaware Opportunities, 35430 State Highway 10 Hamden, from 3:30pm-6:00 pm, more details about this event call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

The Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits are set to expire in the coming months, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging her colleagues to extend this coverage and save millions of Americans from losing their health care coverage:

(Gillibrand 6-23-22)

Gillibrand said that the tax credits were included in the American Rescue Plan Act, the credits are due to expire at the end of 2022.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office recently conducted an audit of the Franklin Central School. The Key Findings were that District officials did not adequately manage network user accounts, periodically compare installed software to an authorized software inventory or develop an IT contingency plan. In addition to finding sensitive information technology control weaknesses, the audit found that 9 of the District’s network user accounts were not needed. District officials generally agreed with the Audit's recommendations and have initiated or indicated they planned to initiate corrective action.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May, the unemployment rate decreased to 4.4% in May, locally Chenango County had 2.8% unemployment, Otsego County 2.7% and Delaware County 3.1%.

Commerce Chenango is hosting a recruitment event today for both Willow Run Foods and Chobani, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The recruiting will be held at the Norwich CDO Workforce office at 1 O'Hara Drive in Norwich.

This past January, Bassett Research Institute launched an investigation surrounding health care access and the use of telemedicine within Bassett Healthcare Network. The project was funded by a $50,000 grant from the National Institute for Health Care Management, after Bassett and other Hospitals around the country had to move to a telemedicine model on the fly as COVID numbers spiked. More information about telemedicine and the Bassett Research Institute, visit Bassett.org.

The Chenango County Heath Department is hosting a free COVID booster clinic at 33 Borden Avenue Monday June 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. No Appointment is necessary, more information is available at 607-337-1660.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and local Law Enforcement are investigating the passing of several counterfeit twenty-dollar bills at Oneonta area businesses. Local area businesses should be vigilant when scanning and checking cash during transactions. Photos of suspects are available at the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, anyone with information can call 607-547-4273.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-21-22

Bassett Healthcare Network is putting in place new visitation guidelines at its hospital and clinic locations starting Today. All people who enter Bassett Healthcare Network’s buildings must wear a properly fitting surgical-grade mask during the entirety of their visit and participate in screening procedures upon entrance, including temperature checks and a brief questionnaire. Proper personal protective equipment will be provided at building entrances for those who need it. More information is available at bassett.org.

Bassett Healthcare Network is putting in place new visitation guidelines at its hospital and clinic locations starting next Tuesday. All people who enter Bassett Healthcare Network’s buildings must wear a properly fitting surgical-grade mask during the entirety of their visit and participate in screening procedures upon entrance, including temperature checks and a brief questionnaire. Proper personal protective equipment will be provided at building entrances for those who need it. Full visitation policy information for Bassett Healthcare Network is available on www.bassett.org.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's bill expanding health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic military burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday, Gillibrand has been pushing for this bill for several years:

(Gillibrand 6-16-22)

The Senate Passage sends the legislation back to the House for final approval before moving to the president's desk for signature into law.

State Police in Troop C arrested 63 year old Candy Barklow of Apalachin for Aggravated Vehicular Assault. Troopers were dispatched on June 6th to a report of a vehicle that struck a man working on his front lawn when he was struck. Barklow fled the scene, the victim was taken to Wilson Medical Center with serious injuries. Barklow was arrested about 25 minutes later by Vestal Police for DWI, Barklow was transported to Tioga County Central Arraignment and Processing.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-16-22

Over 1600 customers of NYSEG in Otsego, Delaware, Broome & Chenango Counties were without power this morning, due to the overnight storms, crews have been working to restore power, this afternoon, the number of customers without power was down to about 280.

Commerce Chenango will host their annual awards Gala tonight, at Stoney Creek Castle, in Earlville. Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green told WCDO about this year's award winners:

(Kerri Green 6-16-22)

Green said that the winning businesses and individuals are nominated by their peers and chosen for their accomplishments and achievements this past year.

Chenango Arts Council will host a performance by Magician Michael Gray Saturday Night at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich. Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 5-10-22)

Tickets can be purchased at Chenangoarts.org, of by calling 607-336-2787.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be holding a mental health and wellness fair for teens and children on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the FoxCare Center. More information is available at 607-433-6501.

Otsego County Health Department reported today that that county is now at a MEDIUM COVID-19 Community Level for transmission. The County reported 26 New cases today with 3 hospitalizations and a 10.0% 7 day positivity rate. More information is available at otsegocounty.com.

Dry Ice has been made available to the Norwich Fire Department today, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino 4-22-22)

NYSEG reports that just under 5000 Chenango County Residents are still without power today.

Today through April 30th Bassett Healthcare Network is holding its annual Drug Take Back Week, where people can bring any unneeded, unwanted and expired medications for safe disposal. Bassett has special collection kiosks at the Outpatient Pharmacies in Cooperstown, the FoxCare Center in Oneonta & at O’Connor Hospital in Delhi as well as the AO Fox Hospital lobby, AO Fox Tri-Town Hospital lobby in Sidney.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-19-22

Due to today's Snowstorm, States of Emergency have been declared in several municipalities. Broome County issued a State of Emergency with a travel ban implemented, in Otsego County a State of Emergency is in effect & all Otsego County office buildings are closed today, they request that people stay off the roads for plows to clear the roads. Chenango County has a State of Emergency, with only emergency personnel allowed on the roads. The Cites of Norwich & Oneonta also declared a State of Emergency with all roads in Norwich closed, & no unnecessary travel in Oneonta.

NYSEG reported thousands were without power this afternoon from the heavy snow that knocked down trees & power lines. Over 42,000 Broome County residents lost power, over 8,400 in Delaware & over 15,900 in Chenango County each & over 12,900 in Otsego County, crews are working to restore the power as quickly as possible.

The State Department of Health made $965 million in payments to providers, including facilities, for services ordered, prescribed, referred, and attended by practitioners who were not enrolled in the health care program, including those who had been barred due to misconduct, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli recommended that the Department of Health Review the $965 million in payments for Medicaid claims involving inactive providers and determine an appropriate course of action; Enhance controls to prevent improper payments and Update guidelines to clarify billing requirements.

The State Labor Department released local unemployment rates fro the month of March, Locally Chenango County had 3.9%, Delaware County 4% and Otsego County 3.9%, the statewide rate was 4.6%.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the state Environmental Facilities Corporation has awarded $638 million in grants to municipalities and public authorities for 199 water infrastructure projects across the state that protect public health or improve water quality. 13 municipal projects have been awarded a 25 percent WIIA grant plus a 25 percent federal additional subsidy to fund 50 percent of the estimated project costs, one of those is the village of Sidney will recieve a total grant award of $1,130,626.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-19-22

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a check the welfare of a female subject who had reportedly been parked in a pull off since the evening hours of April 10th. Deputies made contact with 37 year-old Terri Ann Connolly of Walton, Connolly’s driver’s license was suspended, she was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating with No Rear License Plate, Improper Plates, Operating Without Insurance, Unregistered & Uninspected Motor Vehicle, she was released on appearance tickets for the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce held their 3rd Friday Eat & Meet breakfast in Hamden today, With Featured Speaker Katie Blaine of GetThere New York, a program of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Blaine told WCDO News of new programs to go along with existing programs to get Delaware County Peiople transported to & from their Delaware County Jobs:

(Katie Blaine 4-15-22)

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci commented:

(Ray Pucci 4-15-22)

GetThere seeks to improve transportation access and coordination in the region. Those who would like to volunteer, can call 855-373-4040.

The State Health Department reported rising coronavirus infections in the state appear to be driven by 2 new versions of the Omicron BA.2 variant, which has been driving up the state's positivity numbers to 4.7% as of Thursday. The 2 new viruses are about 25% more contagious than previous BA.2 variant, which was more contagious than any previous variant of the coronavirus, One of the subvariants has a mutation that has been shown to help evade the body's immune defenses. The severity of the 2 new strains is yet to be determined.

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies responded on Sunday to a residence on Knapp Road in the Town of Sherburne for a reported Shooting. Deputies located 39 year old Joseph Hubbard of Poolville, deceased inside of the residence from a gunshot from a rifle. There were also two other adults and children inside the residence at the time of the incident. The parties involved were known to each other. There is no danger to the public and all parties involved have been identified and the investigation is ongoing, with assistance from State Police.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-15-22

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 3rd Friday Business & Breakfast event today in Hamden, the event will run from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at the Hamden Inn & Lounge.

The Broome County Health Department reports an increase in opioid overdoses in 2022 compared to numbers in the previous year. For the first quarter of 2022 there has been 21 suspected fatal overdoses and 147 reported non-fatal overdoses. In 2021 Broome County reported a total of 54 total suspected fatal overdoses and 516 reported non-fatal overdoses.

Bassett Healthcare Network has partially lifted visitation restrictions at its inpatient and clinic locations across the region. Spokesperson Gabby Argo told WCDO news about some of the changes:

(Gabby Argo 2-16-22)

Argo said that the Emergency Departments across the Bassett Network will remain closed to visitors, the full list of restriction changes can be found at bassett.org.

The State Office of Cannabis Management announced proposed regulations for the Medical Cannabis Program that implement certain provisions of the state’s new Cannabis Law. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act included updates to the program designed to consider environmental impacts and create efficiencies, & also includes technical changes to the regulations to formally shift the program from the Department of Health to Office of Cannabis Management. The regulations were submitted to the Cannabis Control Board for its review and approval at its meeting on Thursday, i the Board approves, the regulations will advance to a 60-day public comment period.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 2-16-22

The Binghamton Police Department arrested 36 year old Marquetta James of Connecticut for 2nd degree arson, in connection with the fire at 159 Conklin Avenue yesterday. Binghamton Police Detectives found James at a local hotel, Authorities stated that James was an acquaintance to 1 of the residents in the building. 20 adults and 9 children were displaced by the fire.

The City of Norwich was selected as one of the Southern Tier region recipients of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. A public workshop will be held virtually tonight at 6:00 PM, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 2-16-22)

All members of the public are invited to learn more about the DRI program and share their ideas on downtown revitalization strategies and projects in Norwich. The ZOOM links to the meeting can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the results of an audit of the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Procurement practices. The audit found that the purchasing agent made 22 purchases with 7 purchases totaling $49,300, where competition was not sought, as required. Staff could not provide documentation to support efforts were made to obtain the best price.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-17-22

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older on Thursday at 97 Main Street, Delhi, Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only. Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for those who registered at apps2.health.ny.gov. Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines are now eligible for a single booster dose 5 months or more after initial series. For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

The Hartwick College campus will be closed today, due to inclement weather. All classes, athletic events, and other activities at the College scheduled for today are canceled. Yager Museum will also be closed.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-17-22

Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 9 Kattelville Road in Chenango Bridge at around 6:40 pm. Friday, they found 29-year-old Randy Glezen of Lisle bleeding on the floor with multiple stab wounds and a neighbor performing CPR, then a deputy took over, however, Glezen succumbed to his injuries. 20-year-old Christian Smith-Bartlett is charged with Murder and Assault, and he was sent to the Broome County Jail to await court action.

The State Health Department & the Governor's Office announced that the COVID testing positivity rate statewide decreased to 12.9% Saturday. The state tested 397,524 people Saturday with 51,264 positive tests, Patient Hospitalization dropped by over 450 to 11,713; ICU patients dropped by 40 to 1613, the number of ventilators went up slightly to 910, and there were 154 deaths in Hospitals & Nursing Homes from COVID Saturday.

Delaware County Public Health reported 650 new COVID 19 cases from January 8th to the 14th. There were 7 hospitalized, 479 active cases, there were 4 more deaths associated with the virus in Delaware County last week.

Bassett Healthcare Network officials announced that for the safety of patients and staff, visitation at O’Connor Hospital is temporarily suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-BASSETT.

The Chenango County Health Department confirmed the 100th COVID-19 attributed death today. Chenango County Health Department has also changed their protocols to go along with new State guidelines, with an emphasis on home testing & reporting the findings to the Health Department. Vaccine registrations, Home test reporting as well as Quarantine and Isolation information can be found at co.chenango.ny.us/public-health. Chenango County reported 578 active cases, 840 quarantines & 4 hospitalizations.

Bassett Healthcare Network is holding a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine clinic at the Edmeston Central School gymnasium on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Vaccinations offered include the Pfizer and Moderna 1st, 2nd, and booster shots; Pediatric Pfizer COVID Vaccines, as well as Flu shots; the event is open to the public. Recipients do not need to be established Bassett patients & no appointments are necessary. More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

The State Health Department announced that the Positivity rate on recent COVID testing has been declining. On Wednesday over 356,000 were tested with over 60,300 positives, for a positivity rate now fewer than 17%, patient hospitalizations went down by over 200 to 12,452, ICU patients went up by 22 to 1615 and the number of ventilators went up by 15 to 845, there were 195 deaths attributed to COVID in nursing homes & Hospitals.

Otsego County Department of Health is continuing to see the highest surge in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started almost two years ago. It is critical that everyone continues with social distancing, wearing masks and getting vaccinated. If you test positive for COVID, isolate for at least 5 days and notify your close contacts. If you are unvaccinated or have not received a booster dose and have been in close contact with someone who is positive you should quarantine for at least 5 days. Contact tracing will continue in certain settings such as schools, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes and other congregate settings. The Otsego County Health Department reports 183 New cases Thursday with 8 hospitalizations, active cases will no longer be reported, as it is not possible to get an accurate number with the current limited contact tracing and case investigation. More information is available at the Health Department website at otsegocounty.com.

The Otsego County Health Department reported 1 new death from COVID 19 in their latest report, bringing their total to 97 since the pandemic began. Otsego County has 959 active cases, with 92 added Monday, they have 6 hospitalized. Otsego County Health Department also has a feature on their website to report a positive COVID test from a home testing kit.

The Chenango County Health Department added 6 more deaths to their total of COVID 19 deaths today. Last week the health Department team was able to confirm COVID-19 as the contributing cause of death for 6 County, they passed away between November 21st & December 27 of 2021. Currently, Chenango County has 802 active cases, 43% are vaccinated, they report 1180 quarantined, 10 are hospitalized, all of those are unvaccinated. Vaccine sites can be found at the Chenango County Health Department website or at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that all the New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will receive the maximum allowed of amount of food for January. All the homes that participate in SNAP, including those that already are on the level maximum of benefits, will receive one assignment further by the end of this month, providing approximately $ 230 million in funding federal to the economy of the state. More information is available at mybenefits.ny.gov.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-11-22

The State Health Department reported that over 282,000 were tested for COVID Sunday, with over 54,000 positives, for a positivity rate of 19.35%. Over 12,000 are hospitalized, over 1500 are in an ICU unit and almost 800 are on ventilators, there were 135 deaths in hospitals & nursing homes from COVID Sunday.

Bassett Healthcare Network is holding COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics at A.O. Fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus in Sidney this Wednesday & Thursday. Patients are asked to arrive at 43 Pearl Street West in Sidney and come in the front doors to the far right in the front of the building. Clinic Times will be Wednesday, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM & Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Vaccinations offered will be the Moderna COVID-19 booster doses, and Patients must be 18 or older. Appointments are required at 607-563-7080, Patients are asked to bring their insurance prescription cards and vaccination cards. More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

Bassett Healthcare Network is holding a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine clinic at the Edmeston Central School gymnasium on Saturday, January 15th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Vaccinations offered include the Pfizer and Moderna 1st, 2nd, and booster shots; Pediatric Pfizer COVID Vaccines, as well as Flu shots; the event is open to the public. Recipients do not need to be established Bassett patients & no appointments are necessary. More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

In the last two days Delaware County has had a surge of positive covid-19 cases with 98 new positive cases on Tuesday & 121 Positives on Wednesday, there was 1 more COVID 19 death attributed to the virus. Delaware County Public Health announced that a limited number of COVID test kits for the public, have arrived from the State, the Office of Emergency Services is distributing the allotments to town offices. Residents are asked to Contact their town clerk's office for distribution information. Positive home tests are now able to be reported to the Delaware County Public Health Services, to delcony.us/coronavirus/#ReportTest and delawarecountypublichealth.com. More information is available at 607-832-5200.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older on Today at 97 Main Street, Delhi. Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only. Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, registration is required at apps2.health.ny.gov, and more information is available at 607-832-5200.

CDO Workforce is partnering with Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Chenango, and Delaware County Economic Development to host a ZOOM webinar: “Workforce Services for Businesses” on January 12th at 11:00AM, CDO Workforce Spokesperson Alice Savino explains:

(Alice Savino 1-6-22)

Businesses get more information through CDO Workforce, the Otsego County Chamber, Commerce Chenango or the Delaware County Economic development to get the ZOOM link.