WCDO Radio News

Chenango County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases, they reported 19 more active cases, giving them 150 current cases, Hospitalizations went down by 1 to 5, and Quarantines went up by 36 to 569.  Chenango County has had 536 of their 1179 cases in December.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant at 296 Main Street in Binghamton and arrested 42 year old Bernard Barnes, 42 year old Cora Stevens and 35 year old Leroy Poole, all of Binghamton.  Investigators seized Cocaine, Fentanyl & drug packaging materials and about $1,400 in cash from alleged drug sales.  Barnes, Stevens and Poole were charged with several counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally using drug paraphernalia. Poole and Barnes were jailed while awaiting further court action and Stevens was released after Monday's arrests.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-17-20

A winter storm has dumped between 24 to 40 inches of snow on the Southern tier, closing down schools, government offices & businesses throughout the region. State DOT Officials are asking people to stay off the roads so that Plow trucks can get the roads cleared quickly.  Chenango & Broome Counties have called for a State of Emergency because of the storm.

Chenango County Public Health had another 25 positive cases of COVID 19 reported Wednesday, they have 132 Active Cases with 7 hospitalizations, & 542 Active Quarantines. The County has had 917 Cases with 730 Total Recoveries.

Local government sales tax collections declined by 7.1% in November compared to the same month last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  The decline is steeper than October's 5.2% decline, but not as significant as the double-digit declines in April, May & June at the beginning of the pandemic. Total local government collections in 2020 are down 10.1% compared to the same period in 2019.

Chenango County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases locally, with 15 more positives reported Monday.  Chenango County is up to 89 Active Cases, 6 are hospitalized & 430 are quarantined.  Chenango County had had 739 Total Cases with 632 recoveries 13 deaths and over 47,800 tests have been conducted.

Raymond Corporation’s Sales and Service Centers raised a total of $11,700 for breast cancer awareness during the 7th annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction.  3 Raymond powered pallet jacks were auctioned off on eBay between October 19th & the 29th, with all the proceeds split evenly between the 3 organizations,  Winning bids were accepted from 3 transportation companies, with their donations going to assist patients recovering from breast cancer treatments, both physically and financially.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 22 new cases of COVID 19 Monday; there has been a cluster of 12 cases associated with the Cooperstown American Legion.  Otsego County reports 1440 total confirmed cases, 127 active cases, 14 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths since March.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have gone over 500 total cases of COVID 19 since March with 501. They have 44 Active Cases, 263 Active Quarantines, with 3 Hospitalizations, 439 Total Recoveries, 10 deaths, & they have conducted over 41,000 tests.

Local government sales tax revenue declined by 5.2% in October compared to the same month last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This drop was less severe than previous declines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, declines in local sales tax collections continue to mount, and overall local government collections in 2020 are down 10.4% compared to the same period in 2019.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-5-20

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are still seeing an increase in COVID 19 cases. They currently have 33 active cases, 211 quarantined, with 6 people hospitalized. Chenango County has had 432 total cases, 379 recoveries and 9 deaths. Also, their contact tracing team received confirmation from the Broome County Health Department that a COVID19 positive visited Lippy's Bar & Grill at 119 River Valley Lane in Greene on Thursday October 29th between 5:00 and 9:00 PM. Those who were at Lippy's at that time should closely monitor themselves for COVID symptoms, anyone who exhibits any symptoms should immediately begin self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.

Richelle and Delana Wood of Walton held a lemonade sale at their Walton home in September to benefit the Delaware County Sheriff’s K9 program. The Wood Sisters indicated they wanted to recognize K9 “Ozzie” who passed away due to a medical condition earlier this year, & support the continuation of the program and our agency’s new K9, “Eli”. The girls raised $516.55 for the K9 program; $416.55 through lemonade sales as well as another $100.00 by private donation, Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 Eli received the donation from the girls at their Walton home last week.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-26-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing in Albany today, the state conducted over 82,000 tests on Sunday, with 1191 new positive cases statewide. The state remains at over 1000 hospitalized, with 1059, the highest numbers since May, there are 237 in ICU Beds, 118 are on ventilators, and there were 12 more deaths Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,742. The Governor talked about how they continue to attack the micro clusters when they pop up, keeping the cases in a much smaller area:

(Cuomo 10-26-20)

The Governor announced today that The RealReal is working with top fashion designers, who are going to design masks; the RealReal is going to make them available through their website, and the profits from the mask sales will go to charities. The campaign goes for five weeks at RealReal.com.

Chenango County Public Health continues to track COVID 19 Cases. The County now has 48 Active Cases with 5 hospitalizations and 262 quarantines. There have been 7 deaths and over 35,000 tests have been performed.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that their contact tracing team interviewed a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, that individual reported having visited the Greene Community Fitness Center at 7 South Canal Street in Greene between October 11th & 14th during the infectious period.   Any individual frequenting this establishment during the time indicated below should closely monitor themselves for COVID symptoms, those who exhibit symptoms should self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.  Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 statistics today.  Currently they have 47 Active Cases, 230 Quarantines with 2 hospitalizations.  They have had 347 Total Confirmed Cases, 253 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths & they have conducted over 33,900 tests, more information is available at 337-1660.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their "Commitment to Community" Annual Dinner Saturday Night.  The guest Speakers will be Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney.  The Chamber will honor their Citizen of the Year award winner Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year; My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club.

The Baristacrats Coffee Bar of Afton is teaming up with Gavin's Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney on Sunday; they will be donating a percentage of the day's sales to the Afton VFW Building Project.  Baristacrats owner Alexis Van Buren explains:

(Alexis Van Buren 10-23-20)

Van Buren said that The Afton VFW building needs renovations; the building was built in 1898.  Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730.  The combined effort will be held at Gavin’s Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.

Chenango County Public Health had another 18 positive tests for COVID 19, bringing their total to 331.  There are 48 Active Cases, 224 Active Quarantines with 4 Hospitalizations,  They also report 248 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths and over 33,900 Total Tests have been Performed.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed 3 narcotics search warrants in Port Crane, Binghamton, and a U-Haul storage unit in the Village of Johnson City Friday night.  Investigators arrested 32 year old Worth Brown of Binghamton and 37 year old Amy Nieves of Port Crane, on a variety of drug charges, Police seized $27,000 worth of fentanyl & $78,000 in cash from suspected drug sales, along with a loaded handgun, ammunition, cocaine, Digital scales and drug packaging materials, Brown & Nieves were remanded to the Broome County jail to await further court proceedings.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local unemployment rates for September 2020, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 12.5% to 9.7% in September 2020.  Locally Chenango County reported 4.7%, Delaware County 4.8% and Otsego County 5%.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-20-20

Chenango County Public Health reports that they have 49 active cases currently, with 223 active quarantines & 4 people are hospitalized.  Department Spokesman Isaiah Sutton comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 10-20-20)

Sutton said that the County has had 313 Total Confirmed Cases since March, with 246 recoveries, 7 deaths, & over 33,556 tests conducted.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 36 year old Kelly Gillet of Johnson City, for the shooting death of 39 year old John Ryan of Sherburne.  Ryan's body was found at 7 Gould Drive in Sherburne, Gillet was charged with 2nd degree murder, and she faces court action shortly.

This Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM, Gavin's Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney will be hosting the Baristacrats Coffee Bar from Afton and the pair will be donating 10% of the day's sales to the Afton VFW Building Project.  The Baristacrats Coffee Bar will operate from the Gavin's Italian Ice take out window, The Afton VFW building project includes renovations to the building, which was built in 1898.  Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730."

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 265 positive COVID 19 cases, there are 11 Active Cases, 1 hospitalization, & 116 Quarantines. They report 7 deaths, 232 recoveries, with over 30,500 tests performed.

The Chenango County Health Department will be holding a Drive-Thru Flu vaccination clinic in Norwich on Saturday October 17th from 11 am to 1 pm. Health Department Director of Patient Services Barbara Ryan explains:

(Barbara Ryan 10-8-20)

Ryan said that interested people must pre-register by calling 337-1660 before October 16th, to receive an appointment time. The cost is $15 for patients over 19 years of age. People are required to be in a vehicle with no more than 4 occupants, they must wear masks and they ask they people do NOT bring their pets.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-8-20

NYSEG is reporting many power outages from yesterday's storms. 975 Chenango County customers were without power this morning, as well as 730 Delaware County residents & over 2600 in Otsego County. Crews are working to restore power as soon as possible.

Governor Cuomo signed into law 2 bills sponsored by Senate Agriculture Chair Jen Metzger of the local 42nd Senate District, to support New York's family farms. The first bill ensures farmers negatively affected by COVID-19 do not lose their agricultural property tax assessments due to reduced sales. The 2nd bill provides marketing assistance to promote products widely used in holiday celebrations that are produced by New York farms.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 numbers Wednesday. They report 251 total cases since March, there are 3 Active Cases, 2 hospitalizations, 7 deaths, 228 recoveries, and they have conducted more than 28,800 tests.

Reforms went into effect prohibiting businesses from charging a "pink tax," which is the practice of charging higher prices to women for similar consumer goods or services that are similar to those marketed to men. Violations of the law are subject to the court ordered enjoinment of such sales, restitution to consumers, up to a $250 fine for the first violation, and up to $500 fine for any subsequent violations.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are still at 245 COVID 19 positive cases, with 3 active cases, 1 hospitalization, and 104 quarantines. They have had 7 deaths, 220 Recoveries & have performed 26264 tests.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 Norwich for allegedly stealing 8 Catalytic Converters from cars at a Norwich Dealership. 35 year old Paul Knuth Jr. & 36 year old Samuel Furlong were charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny, Criminal Mischief & conspiracy, for removing the Converters selling them, causing about $11,000 damage to the vehicles, both were issued appearance tickets for town of Norwich Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-17-20

Binghamton Police have arrested 28-year-old Macoley Saunders of Binghamton on charges of Attempted murder, criminal use of a firearm, Criminal possession of a firearm, Assault & Resisting arrest, plus charges relating to a domestic dispute in July. Saunders was located riding on the back of a motorcycle on Main Street in Johnson City. He led police on a pursuit on Route 17 going the wrong way in an attempt to evade police, Eventually, Saunders led police on a foot chase. A Binghamton K9 was able to take him down, a struggled ensued, and Saunders was able to fire one shot toward police officers before being disarmed. Saunders is currently being held in the Broome County Jail.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said that state tax receipts are $3.2 billion lower than last year, as he released the State Cash Report for August. DiNapoli noted state tax receipts of $4.3 billion in August were $219.1 million below collections in August 2019, due to the COVID 19 pandemic & subsequent shutdown. Personal income tax collections were 6.4% lower than last year. Sales tax receipts were 20.2% lower than last year & August sales tax receipts were 7.8% below those a year earlier.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 240 total COVID 19 cases since March, they have 9 Active Cases with 1 hospitalization, 118 Active Quarantines, there has been 7 deaths, 209 recoveries and over 24,700 tests have been performed.

State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that the sale of big game hunting and trapping licenses has hit an all-time record in 2020, and were triple last year’s numbers.  Part of the success was due to the State’s newly launched automated system for selling fishing, hunting and trapping licenses, which went live in July, and was activated for big game license sales and Deer Management Permits on August 10.  More information is available at dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 9-10-20

Delaware County is reporting no new positive test results for COVID-19 and no additional recoveries today. The known active cases in the County as of today remains 6, all are recovering at home. To date there have been 114 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 69 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 102 have fully recovered.

Commerce Chenango will host their 2020 Virtual Sofa Soiree this evening, to honor and thank member businesses and individuals virtually this year, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 9-10-20)

The Virtual program begins at 6:00 this evening, more information, or the link to the event can be obtained by calling 334-1400.

The Delhi Village Police Department executed a search warrant on August 21st at 219 Main Street; they seized concentrated cannabis in a variety of forms, as well as LSD, cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, packaging materials & $1,500 cash from suspected drug sales.  Delhi Police arrested 20-year-old Alana Blaustein of Delhi & 22-year-old Connor Guiseppone of Delhi on a variety of drug charges, both were arraigned in Delhi Town Court where & were released on their own recognizance pending future court action.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they are still at 223 total cases of COVID 19 since March, with 75 active Quarantines, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 201 recoveries, 7 deaths & over 21,600 tests have been performed.

Commerce Chenango announced that they are hosting a virtual special awards presentation today going to Congressman Anthony Brindisi at 12:00 Noon.  Commerce Chenango CEO Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 8-27-20)

Green said that the event can be viewed by the general public by email to register@chenangony.org.

The Broome County Sheriff's department arrested 25 year old Keenan Johnson of the town of Chenango twice Tuesday.  Johnson reportedly had a dispute with his girlfriend, he was confronted by neighbors & displayed a handgun, he fled the scene, was located by deputies & was charged with Menacing and Criminal Possession of Marijuana before being released on an appearance ticket, he was arrested a short time after his release at the girlfriends residence, fled on a Motorcycle the chase was terminated due to public safety concerns.  Additional charges against Johnson are pending.

Chenango County Department of Public Works will be holding their household Hazardous waste collection Tomorrow in Norwich, DPW Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 8-14-20)

More information is available by calling Hendricks at 337-1792, or email him at dhendricks@co.chenango.ny.us.

The Broome County Health Department announced that Friday that they were up to 1102 COVID 19 cases, with 74 deaths, 926 recoveries & 496 are being monitored by the Health Department they have conducted over 32,600 tests since March.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they had no new COVID 19 positive tests Thursday, they have had 218 total cases since March, there are 96 people under quarantine, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 197 recoveries, and they have performed just under 19,000 tests.

Sales tax revenue for local governments in July fell 8.2% compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections for counties and cities in July totaled $1.3 billion or $116 million less than in July 2019. Although revenue is still down compared to July 2019, the decline is less steep than any month since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect sales tax collections.

The State Division of Consumer Protection is reminding businesses and consumers about a State law related to telemarketing activity during a declared state of emergency.  The law passed last year, makes it unlawful for any telemarketer to make an unsolicited sales call to any person under a declared state of emergency or disaster emergency, the law was amended earlier this year to include pandemics.   Any consumer who has received an unsolicited telemarketing call is encouraged to report it at donotcall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 Numbers today, with 194 confirmed cases, 145 Active Quarantines, 0 Hospitalizations, 7 deaths, 168 Recoveries & they have performed 15,157 Tests.

Chenango County Public Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers today, they report 194 total cases since March, with 145 Active Quarantines, no Active Hospitalizations, 7 deaths, 168 Recoveries, and they have performed 15157 tests.  Isaiah Sutton of Chenango County Public Health said that a latest positive test showed that the individual was at 2 Norwich Bars recently, & ignored Pandemic protocols:

(Isaiah Sutton 7-24-20)

Sutton said that all of the local counties have been seeing increases again, largely due to larger summertime gatherings; he urges that people continue to practice socially distancing, wear a face mask properly & avoid large gatherings wherever possible.

The Broome County Health Department announced Friday that they are up to 906 positive cases of COVID 19, with 63 deaths, 695 recoveries and 610 are being monitored by the Health Department.

Sales tax revenue for local governments in the state dropped 27.1% in the 2nd quarter compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Most counties outside of New York City saw an improvement compared to the significant drops they experienced from the pandemic in April and May; more information is available at osc.state.ny.us

Chenango County Public Health reported that they are up to 184 cases of the Coronavirus, with 136 Active Quarantines, no Hospitalizations, and 160 Recoveries 7 deaths and over 14,400 Tests Performed.

New York Farm Bureau unveiled the results of a member survey found that 65% of the state's farms and agribusinesses have been negatively impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.    43% of farms have lost sales during the pandemic, 37% are experiencing cash flow issues, 47% have reduced spending to local vendors and suppliers & 84% have a plan in place to train and assist their employees to mitigate the spread of the virus, 46% are concerned about their own or someone else's mental health.

Commerce Chenango announced that they will hold another in the webinar series on July 28th, at 12:00 noon, for Chenango County Companies struggling to bounce back from the COVID 19 pandemic, & what assistance & loans are available.  Interested businesses can participate can sign up by email to register@chenangony.org.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Local Sales Tax Collections across the state Dropped by more than 32% in the Month of May, from the previous year.  DiNapoli reported that Sales tax collections for counties and cities in May totaled $918 million, which was $437 million less than May of 2019, DiNapoli is one of many state leaders urging the federal government to make federal aid available to the states hardest hit by the pandemic.

Chenango County Public announced Monday that they are up to 138 cases of the Coronavirus, with 64 quarantined, 2 hospitalized, there have been 124 recoveries, 6 deaths and over 7500 tests have been conducted.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they were up to 112 Coronavirus cases, with 5 Hospitalizations, 79 recoveries, 42 were quarantined, 4 died from the Virus, they conducted over 1600 tests.

Local sales tax collections dropped 24.4 percent in April compared to April 2019, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Sales tax collections totaled $1.02 billion in April; Plummeting sales tax collections were widespread, leaving counties, cities and some other local governments short by about $327 million compared to last year.   March sales tax collections had already begun to show the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown–a decrease of 3.7% statewide.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced changes to the solid waste department schedules effective May 12th.  The Brisben and North Norwich Transfer Facilities will both be Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8AM to 4PM for residents only; the Landfill in the Town of Pharsalia will remain Open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM to Residents and Haulers.  Saturday the landfill will be open from 8AM to 4PM for residential bagged garbage only, also they will be collecting clean items for recycling at all 3 facilities.  More information is available at 337-1792

Chenango County Public Health announced they have 102 Confirmed COVID 19 cases, with 42 quarantined, 4 Hospitalized, 79 recoveries & 4 deaths.

New York State Empire State Development has updated their guidance on automotive sales, to allow for in-person showing of vehicles, by appointment only.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026.

The State Department of Labor announced that over $5.8 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid to 1.5 million New Yorkers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they also identified over 470,000 New Yorkers who have completed claims, but did not receive some of their benefits in previous weeks because they did not submit weekly certifications, which are required by Federal law.  The Labor Department is launching a new, streamlined process to submit backdated certifications and get their back pay faster and easier.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Roots & Wings of Catholic Charities & the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus will be holding 3 separate dairy and Ag product drive-thru events Today, May 21st and June 4th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.  A variety of dairy products, including Chobani yogurt, perishable and non-perishable products will be donated to those families in-need beginning at 2:00 p.m. until supplies are gone.   All products will be purchased from local grocers and Ag producers whenever possible.  More information about charitable donations can be found at givecampus.com.

State
Police will increase patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving as
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get underway this weekend. This enforcement
detail begins today and runs through next Wednesday.  Drivers can expect to encounter additional
DWI patrols and a number of sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period.
State Police will also be ticketing districted drivers who are using handheld
electronic devices, and will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales
to minor’s details during the campaign.
The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee & the State STOP-DWI
Foundation suggest that people download the "Have a Plan" mobile app,
to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list.

The
Chenango County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to implement a 4%
occupancy "Bed" tax in Chenango County. The new Law will provide a
dedicated funding stream to promote and develop the tourism industry in
Chenango County and to reduce pressure on the property tax levy.  Chenango County has been one of just a few
counties in New York State that had not previously collected a bed tax.   Tourism is New York’s 3rd largest industry,
hosting 253 million visitors annually who spend 71.8 billion at NYS businesses
creating 114.8 billion in economic impact.

The New
York State Public High School Athletic Association announced that regional
& state championships will be postponed indefinitely.  The impacted events include Ice Hockey, Bowling
& the Boys & Girls Basketball regional & State Championships.  Officials announced the postponements were
due to the reports of the Corona Virus outbreaks across the state, to insure
the safety & health of the student athletes.

Overall growth in local sales tax collections statewide in
2019 was relatively strong, according to a report released today by State
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections across the state, totaling $18.3 billion,
grew by 4.7%% from the previous year.
Sales tax collections increased more rapidly during the second half of
2019 & 13 of the 17 cities that impose a sales tax experienced increases in
year-over-year collections in 2019, the City of Oneida had the strongest growth
of 8.6% followed by Norwich at 8.4%.

State Budget Hearings are underway in Albany, local
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments about where they are in the process:

(Crouch 2-3-20)

Crouch said that the Revenue projections
from both house are always different, Lawmakers then have until April 1st to
get the budget implemented in time for the start of the new fiscal year.

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Enforcement
Detail in Chenango County on January 23, All 15 retail establishments were
found to be in compliance with no sale to alcohol to an underage
operative.  During the Underage Drinking
Initiative, retail establishments are checked utilizing a trooper in plain
clothes and one or several underage operative who cannot lie about their age or
give a fake date of birth. When asked for identification, they show their real
ID.