WCDO Radio News

The Village of Sidney Police Department with the Chenango County Sheriff's Office, executed an arrest warrant Monday stemming from a domestic violence investigation from November. 40 year old Donald Craw was charged with Criminal contempt, 3rd degree Assault & Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, Craw was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail.

The Chenango County Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services will distribute of KN-95 masks from the state throughout the County. Masks will be distributed to high volume locations like the Norwich YMCA, county offices, non-profit organizations, schools, and other municipalities. The State has been delivering masks for people to have free of charge in order to try to slow down the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID 19.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-31-21

Oneonta Police Department is continuing the investigation into the bank robbery that occurred at the NBT Bank on Wall Street in Oneonta, Wednesday. Police believe that the suspect was aided by another person that drove him to the scene in a small four door sedan, possibly red in color with New York State blue and gold plates, which was parked in the municipal parking lot at Wall and Dietz Streets. Anyone with surveillance cameras downtown that may have captured video of traffic on Main Street from 10:40 am to 11:10 am is asked to contact the Oneonta Police Detective Division, at (607) 432-1111.

Several New Laws go into effect in 2022 in New York state. Officials in towns, villages, and cities across the state have until the end of the day today to opt-out of allowing marijuana sales within their jurisdictions. There will be an increase in the minimum wage, with different wages around the state, the new Paid Family Leave Act clarifies the number of leave days eligible employees can take and a Solitary Confinement Act restricts the use of solitary confinement in state prisons to no more than 15 consecutive days. Also, New York’s ban on single-use Styrofoam food and beverage containers, as well as ‘packing peanuts,’ takes effect tomorrow.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will be hosting two upcoming vaccination clinics for eligible individuals looking to receive a booster or third dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The clinics will be held from 8 am. to 2 pm. on both Saturday, November 6 and Saturday, November 13 in UHS Cardiology Norwich, located on the hospital’s first floor. For more information on vaccine availability in the Southern Tier, visit SouthernTierVax.org.

Local sales tax collections totaled $5.2 billion in the third quarter (July-September of 2021), up $861 million (20%) from the same period last year and continuing the trend of exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to a report released today from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Statewide, every region saw solid growth in sales tax collections during the third quarter compared to the same period last year. Outside of New York City, the July-September period marked the fifth consecutive quarter that county and city sales tax receipts met or exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Statewide local sales tax collections in the third quarter of 2021 grew 8.6% ($409 million) over the pre-pandemic third quarter of 2019.

A fundraiser to benefit the Chenango County Habitat for Humanity is being held today & tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 16 North Canal Street in Oxford, next to the Mirabito gas station.  Various items are for sale at local yard sales, more information is available at 843-6249; or chenangohabitat.org.

Commerce Chenango will hold their annual Luncheon today in Norwich, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green told WCDO News about this year's award winners:

(Kerri Green 9-9-21)

The Annual event is at Hidden Springs Brewhouse in Norwich, starting at 11:00 AM.

The American Red Cross of Western New York will be holding a Job Fair today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM at the Southern Tier Chapter office at 620 East Main Street in Endicott. 2 Outside Sales Donor Recruitment representatives & Entry-level Phlebotomists to assist in operating upcoming blood drives are needed locally, Walk-ins are welcome or applicants can pre-register at redcross.org/careers. Those interested are reminded to bring a resume the day of the event.

The Chenango United Way will be merging with the Delaware & Otsego Counties United Way soon; Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco told WCDO News that the pandemic made the situation difficult for many not-for-profit organizations:

(Elizabeth Monaco 8-23-21)

Monaco said that she will be the Executive Director of the new 3 county United Way, however money raised in each county, will be used in the county it was raised in, they will serve about 153,000 people across the 3 counties and will continue to maintain a physical presence in Norwich and Oneonta at their current locations.

Guilford Open Air Market hosted by 6zero7 Events and Guilford Center Storage to take place this Saturday, August 28th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring a barbecue, free balloons for the kids, bike raffles, face paintings, Smoothies, yard sales items and local vendors. The event is free to the public; vendors interested in participating should register at localvendorconnection.com.

The State Health Department announced that COVID 19 results from statewide testing Saturday, with about 3% testing positive. The Number of Statewide Hospitalization was up to 1953, the number in ICU beds is up to 404 & the number of ventilators is up to 185. Locally, 26 new cases of COVID 19 were reported in Otsego, Delaware & Chenango Counties Saturday.

New York Lottery Announced the Launch of Additional Powerball Drawings on Monday Nights, starting August 23rd, with sales beginning on Sunday, August 22nd. The new drawing joins the lineup of Powerball drawings currently held Wednesday and Saturday evenings. More information is available at nylottery.ny.gov.

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

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

(Eric Larsen 8-19-21)

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

State Senator Fred Akshar will continue his district-wide Recovery and Reopening Tour at 4 locations in Greene today. Akshar will stop at the Ball Flats, The Silo Restaurant, The Greene Bowlodrome & Chenango Sales; to discuss how the state can better assist them recover from the crippling pandemic. Business owners who would like a visit from Senator Akshar are encouraged to sign up online at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov to add their business to the Tour. Senator Akshar's staff will then contact them to schedule a visit.

Due to an increased spread of COVID-19, Chenango County is requiring mandatory face masks in all County Buildings and Offices at the start of business on Monday, August 16, 2021. It is also at this time recommended that Chenango County businesses, organizations and schools immediately implement a face mask requirement for their vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, patrons and students. More information is available at 337-1660.

Live Performances return Saturday night at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich, when the Chenango County Arts Council brings back Mark Sands & the Realtime Dixieland Band, Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 8-14-21)

O'Neill said that other shows will be announced shortly at chenangoarts.org.

The Greene Community Yard Sales will be held tomorrow from 9:00 Am to 4:00 PM, throughout the town, More information is available at their Facebook page, or by calling 759-2415.

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

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

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

A.M. NEWS 8-11-21

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

(Mary Weidman 8-11-21)

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

Governor Cuomo announced a plan for those unable to travel to vaccination sites to receive their vaccine from the comfort of their own home.   Those interested in having someone come to their home can contact their County Public Health Department to make arrangements, in Delaware County call 832-5750, in Chenango County call 337-1660 & in Otsego County call 547-4232

Chenango County Public Health announced that their next COVID vaccination clinic will be on July 14th at Seeber's Tavern in Smithville Flats from 3:00 to 6:00pm, then on July 15th a 1st dose Pfizer for 12 years and older clinic will be held at the former Label Shopper Store, in the South Plaza, in Norwich from 4:00 to 6:00pm.    61.7 % of the 18 plus County population has had one dose of vaccine; more information is available at 337-1660.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office reported that Chenango County's local sales tax collections were up over 21% in the first 5 months of 2021, following similar good News about Delaware County.  Sales tax collections across the state were up significantly in the first 2 quarters, New Yorkers as a whole were making home improvements, spending more with local merchants, and the state is collecting a growing amount of tax collections from online retailers and at the gas pumps.

The Chenango County Relay for life will be held on Saturday July 17th this year, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.  The event will be held at the East Main Park in Downtown Norwich.  More information is available on the Relay For Life Chenango County Facebook Page.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-6-21

Village of Sidney Police Department officers responded to a residence on River Street on June 13th for a report of an assault, officers found the victim bleeding from a laceration to his head, the suspect fled the scene, and allegedly used a shovel to attack the victim.  Sidney Police Department arrested 46 year old John Hedman of  Unadilla, he was charged with 2nd degree Assault & Criminal possession of a weapon, he was  arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court on a later date.

The UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Lunchtime Learning series continues today with a virtual presentation on Gout, at 12:15 pm. on Zoom.  For more information or to register, call 337-4183 or via email at melissa.stagnaro@nyuhs.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched Sunday morning to the Mirabito Gas Station in the Village of Greene where they located 31 year old Phillip Cosilmon of Smithville slumped over his steering wheel, with drugs & drug paraphernalia in plain view. Cosilmon was taken into custody and the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division conducted a search of the vehicle and seized 2 pounds of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, & other narcotics plus over $22,000 in cash, the narcotics seized had a street value exceeding $100,000.   Cosilmon was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail, pending action in Chenango County Court on May 17th. The investigation is still ongoing, and more charges are likely.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Free Johnson & Johnson 1 shot Vaccine Clinic in West Park in Norwich Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.  No appointment is needed; the Clinic is first come first serve, with 40 doses available. More information is available at 337-1660.

Local government sales tax collections in April grew by 45.7% over the same month in 2020, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Collections totaled $1.5 billion, up $464 million from April of last year, as the state was in the beginning stages of dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic & shutting down to try to curtail the spread of the virus.    DiNapoli said collections last month were still strong, up by more than 10.2% when compared to April of 2019, which was well before the pandemic.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-23-21

Chenango County Public Health confirmed their 73 death from the COVID 19 virus today.  Chenango County reports 136 active cases, 638 quarantined & 5 hospitalized, there have been 2865 recoveries.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19 year old Tyler Wood of Norwich for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Possession of a Firearm, following an investigation by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, after he was found to be in possession of a stolen handgun.   Wood was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

Sales tax revenue for local governments declined by 3.9% in the 1st quarter compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Sales tax collections from January through March totaled $4.3 billion, which was $173 million less than the first quarter of 2020. Collections for the first quarter of 2021 increased compared to the first quarter of 2020 in every region outside of New York City, with increases ranging from 2.4 percent in the Southern Tier to 9.8% in the North Country.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-23-21

This year, The Firemen's Association of New York will have their annual Recruit New York Weekend this Saturday & Sunday.  Many firehouses across New York State will hold virtual or in-person recruitment efforts, locally, fire Departments in Coventry, West Oneonta, Laurens, & West Laurens are participating in the recruiting effort.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced that they are cancelling this year's Carnival of Sales.  Organizers hope to bring the Carnival of sales back in July 2022.

Chenango County Public Health reported 21 new COVID cases today, they reported 109 Active Cases, 539 quarantines and 10 Hospitalized, and they have had a Total of 3125 Confirmed COVID Cases.

Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich announced that they have 50 Moderna vaccines available today from 12:30 to 3:30 PM; appointments are required at 337-4888.

Chenango County Public Health announced that their website has been updated and there is now a place to register for COVID-19 vaccine appointments at co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/nursing/covid19.  Registration for vaccine appointments must be done online. There will be no Walk-ins; the vaccine will only go to eligible groups outlined by the state Health Department.  The next Chenango Vaccine clinic is this Friday March 19th at the former Label Shopper Store in the South Plaza Center on State Route 12 in Norwich.  Chenango County reported 15 new COVID cases today, they report 2585 total cases, and they have 83 active cases, 247 quarantined and 7 hospitalizations.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-17-21

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January 2021.  The State unemployment rate increased to 8.8% in January 2021.  Locally, Chenango County had 6.3% unemployment, Delaware County 6.6% & Otsego County 6.7% in January.

State Police will increase patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get underway through Sunday.   Drivers can expect to encounter additional DWI patrols, sobriety checkpoints, State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices, and will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales to minor’s details during the campaign.   Last year, Troopers arrested 203 people for DWI, issued 372 tickets for distracted driving and 12,279 tickets in total.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-22-21

Local government sales tax collections statewide were down 5.9% in January compared to 2020 according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Collections totaled $1.5 billion, down $95 million from January 2020.  The decline was less than the 8.4 percent drop in December and the double-digit declines in the earlier months of the pandemic in April may & June of 2020.

Chenango County Public Health reported 38 more cases of COVID 19 since last week, bringing their total to 2376 since the pandemic started early last year.  There were 81 Active Cases, 211 Active Quarantines, and 13 Active Hospitalizations; there have been 2169 Total Recoveries.

Local government sales tax collections declined by 10 percent overall in 2020, or $1.8 billion, compared to the previous year, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This decline was steeper than the drop during the Great Recession, when local sales tax collections fell 6 percent statewide in 2009 compared to 2008.  DiNapoli’s report also found that County sales tax collections decreased by 0.9 percent outside of New York City, Delaware County had the largest year-over-year increase at 10.7%, followed by Oswego at 10.5% and Westchester at 9.8%.

Chenango County Public Health reported 9 new cases of COVID 19 today, with 147 active cases, 449 quarantined & 21 hospitalized.  They also reported that they received 200 doses of the COVID Vaccine this week; they have administered over 800 doses so far.  County residents should go to the state "Am I Eligible App or go to the am-i-eligible.COVID19vaccine.health.ny.gov website.