WCDO Radio News

Local government sales tax collections grew by 10.2% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report stated that it was the 2nd straight quarter that year-over-year growth did not keep pace with inflation for counties and cities outside of New York City, although 52 out of 57 counties experienced growth in collections.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $32 million was awarded to 1,032 organizations including state community regrant partners, arts partnerships, and arts organizations throughout the State. These New York State Council on the Arts grants will increase access to vital arts funding in local communities and will provide critical support to organizations still in recovery. The full list of recepients can be found at nysca.org.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-27-22

30 year old David Brunell was found guilty of 3rd degree robbery, in Chenango County Court this week. Brunell was accused of robbing a Norwich Pharmacy, he was sent to the Chenango County jail & he will be sentenced on December 19.

The New Bivalent COVID-19 BOOSTER Vaccines are available to anyone 12 and older. The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a variety of Bivalent BOOSTER clinics, one today at the Unadilla Valley School & another at the Afton School on November 3rd. Pre-registration is required on the County Health Department website, for more information call 607-337-1660.

The State Labor Department released their local unemployment rates for September. Locally, Chenango County reported 2.7%, Delaware County, 3.1%, Otsego County 2.8% & Broome County 3.3%. The State wide Unemployment rate was 4.3% in September.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced applications are now being accepted from small businesses that have successfully completed the pre-screening process to become certified for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. The refundable tax relief program targets COVID-19-related expenses such as disinfectants, HVAC equipment, Expenses related to increased outdoor activity and outdoor space expansions & Machinery and equipment to facilitate contactless sales. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023, more information is available at esd.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-25-22

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported harassment complaint in the Village of Walton. The caller was 45 year old Jason Culligan of Texas, it was discovered by Deputies that Culligan had an active arrest warrant out of Harris County Texas for Aggravated Assault. Deputies took Culligan into custody, he was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending future court action & extradition.

Delaware County Deputies were dispatched On April 29th to a report of a burglary at Herman’s Trailer Sales in the Town of Walton, followed by additional reports of larceny and burglary from the same location, The Investigation revealed that rare antiques and jewelry stolen from the Herman's property were sold for cash at a pawn Shop in Utica. Items were recovered from Utica, Sidney Walton, Unadilla & South New Berlin, Deputies arrested 39-year old Francis Lupo of Walton & 44-year-old Luke Lupo, of South New Berlin Petty Larceny, criminal mischief & Burglary Charges, and 33-year-old Mistyblue Decker of Hancock for criminal mischief and petty larceny. All 3 were released & will appear in Walton Court at a later date.

The Board of Directors of Commerce Chenango announced the selection of Sal Testani as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. Testani is a Norwich native , he has more than 16 years of experience as a senior leader with both MeadWestvaco and ACCO Brands in Sidney, & he will assume his new role on November 1. Testani will appear at today's Commerce Chenango Open House at their South Broad Street Norwich office.

Commerce Chenango will host an open house today as part of "Support Your Local Chamber Of Commerce Day, Commerce Chenango Director of Communications & Tourism Audrey Robinson comments:

(Audrey Robinson 10-13-22)

Robinson said that the event is also open to the public at their South Broad Street Norwich location, beginning at 4:00 PM.

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 11.9% in July compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Local collections totaled $1.8 billion, up $188 million as compared to July of last year. A majority of counties saw some year-over-year growth in July collections, with Schuyler County experiencing the largest increase at 19.6%.

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Computer Crimes Unit arrested 28 year old Davaun Chandler of Earlville for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. The arrest stems from a cyber tip received by the State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Chandler was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5000 cash, $10,000 bond.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-28-22

The Chenango County Health Department statistics show a slight increase in COVID 19 levels over the past two weeks, however the CDC risk level for Chenango County remains "LOW". Health Department officials remind County Residents to get vaccinated & boosted, vaccine clinics are scheduled for August 1st for those seeking to get a Moderna, Pfizer 1st or 2nd Booster dose, another clinic will be on August 11th with a Moderna 1st Dose for children aged 2 to 11 years old. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1600.

The Chenango County Fair returns to the Fairgrounds in Norwich August 10th through the 14th, spokesperson Mary Weidman explains:

(Mary Weidman 7-28-22)

The full lineup at at the 175th Chenango County Fair can be found on their website: chenangofair.com.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 7-28-22

Local sales tax collections in New York state totaled more than $5.5 billion in the 2nd quarter of 2022, an increase of 12.2% or nearly $604 million compared to the same quarter last year, according to a new report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. April and May collections grew by 15.7% and 16.7%, respectively, while June increased 6.5%, only a handful of counties saw more than 5% year-over-year growth in 2nd quarter sales tax collections and 31 counties had declines. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 16.7% in May compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.7 billion, up $242 million from May of last year. Every county also experienced double-digit growth in collections, at least partially due to recent high inflation, including soaring gas prices. Yates County saw the largest increase at 34.8% in May. Among cities that impose their own general sales tax, the City of Oneida came in at the highest at 30.9%.

State Police arrested 6 people, for allegedly possessing guns and illegal magazines that are not compliant with the New York SAFE Act. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango, they arrested 39 year old Jeffrey Everetts of Sayre, Pennsylvania & 32 year old Nephrem Holt of Albany for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, another traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango resulted in the arrest of 4 men from Pennsylvania, 56 year old Robert Applegate II, 31 year old Robert Applegate III, 28 year old Glen Applegate, & 29 year old Trevor Sweigart, All 6 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-2-22

State Police announced that 1 person was arrested during an Underage Drinking Initiative in Chenango and Otsego Counties. The initiative took place on May 28th & Alcohol was sold to a minor at Smithville General Store in Smithville Flats. An appearance ticket was issued to the clerk who sold alcohol to the minor. Other businesses were in in South Otselic, Norwich, Oxford, Greene & Morris.

Sidney Federal Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to selected graduating members this year, Vice President Sales and Marketing Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 6-2-22)

SFCU Scholarship recipients were Kayla Houck of Downsville, Hannah Sulas of Schenevus, Sariah Vesterfelt & Christina Ritter of Walton, Autumn Madugno of Bainbridge-Guilford, Zoe Gifford of Deposit, Anna Dewey of Sidney, Madison Felter of Hancock & Sebastian Quarella and Skyler Nowalk of Greene.

Development Chenango Corporation announced the next phase of the ‘Hotel Norwich’ initiative. Last year, Development Chenango purchased 14 to 16 South Broad Street, Norwich, for the purpose of developing a boutique hotel. Development Chenango sent out a formal “Request for Qualifications” to identify a developer and operator, the DCC Board of Directors awarded the project to Mike and Dan O’Reilly, owners of Principle Design Engineering, they have 1 year to secure the funding necessary to get the project started.

Commerce Chenango will join the U.S. Small Business Administration in celebration of National Small Business week Through this Saturday, Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 5-2-22)

Small Businesses in Chenango County that need help getting started or that need additional information can call 607-334-1400, email info@chenangony.org, or visit our website and click commercechenango.com & click on the Economic Development tab.

Local government sales tax collections grew by 21.1%, or $901 million, in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Broome County saw the highest County growth at 24.3%, Of the cities that impose their own sales tax, Norwich saw the biggest jump in the first quarter at 30.8%.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-21-22

Chenango County Emergency Services & NYSEG will distribute bottled water & dry ice this afternoon, according to Coordinator Matt Beckwith:

(Matt Beckwith 4-21-22)

Beckwith said that any distributions tomorrow will depend on how quickly NYSEG gets power restored to Chenango County Residents.

4Towns Forward will hold their Community Yard Sales Saturday, spokesperson Teri Schunk told WCDO news where people will be set up:

(Teri Schunk 4-21-22)

The event runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in Afton, Bainbridge, Sidney & Unadilla.

SFCU announced that they have expanded its field of membership to an additional 4 counties, they are Onondaga, Cortland, Essex and Hamilton counties. SFCU Vice President of Sales & Marketing Andrew Smith told WCDO News how this happened:

(Andrew Smith 4-21-22)

Smith said that people in the 4 Counties can take advantage of SFCU Memberships immediately, future locations of new facilities have not yet been determined, more information on SFCU can be found at www.sfcuonline.org.

40 organizations in the region were awarded grants totaling $287,684 from the Community Foundation for South Central New York. Funded Organizations included museums, theater groups, libraries, human service agencies, animal welfare organizations, chambers of commerce, food banks, housing programs, and public safety agencies and other nonprofits, municipalities, and school districts. More information about the Foundation can be found on its website at www.donorswhocare.org.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-21-22

Attorney General Letitia James distributed the 1st round of payments from the opioid settlements to the Southern Tier. In 2022, the Southern Tier will receive a total of $4.8 million, from the $1.5 billion settlement Attorney General James secured with the manufacturers and distributors of opioids for prevention efforts. Later this year, the Southern Tier will receive additional payments from the settlements with Endo Health Solutions, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan. Locally Broome County receives $1.6 Million dollars, Chenango County, $308,000, Delaware County: $327,000.

NYSEG reports that thousands are still without power this morning across the region. Broome County had more than 15,000 customers without power, Chenango County over 9,600, Delaware County over 5300, Otsego County with more than 6300, earlier today.

The Out of The Woodwork Players will be presenting the comedy "Always A Bridesmaid" at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater March 18th, 19th & 20th, Players Spokesperson Denise Marshal explains:

(Denise Marshall 3-4-22)

The Show will be at 7:30 Friday & Saturday Nights & 2:00 Pm Sunday, tickets will be available at the door, they can also be reserved by calling 563-2582.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-4-22

Chenango Arts Council’s annual Chenango Student Art Show will take place starting today through March 31st, it will open with a reception and awards ceremony beginning at 5:30 pm, today. The show award have First, Second and Honorable Mention places in various categories & 2 scholarships will be awarded for Chenango County seniors intending to pursue a degree in the Arts. The exhibit will be displayed in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries, located at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich.

The Jericho Arts Council will have the Popular "Corvettes Doo Wop Revue" Saturday Night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesman Phil Wade said that advance tickets sales have been brisk:

(Phil Wade 3-4-22)

More information about Saturday Nights Show at 7:00 PM, or upcoming shows can be found at jerichoarts.com.

The State Labor Department released their December breakdown for unemployment in each County. Locally, Chenango & Delaware Counties had 2.8% unemployment, Otsego county had 3% unemployment, the statewide rate was at 6.2%.

The State Office of Cannabis Management reported that 10% of cities and 34% of all municipalities have opt-ed out of all cannabis sales. The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act enacted last March gave cities, towns, and villages until December 31st to pass a local law that makes a request to the state Cannabis Control Board to opt their jurisdiction out of hosting retail and/or on-site cannabis consumption licensees. In November, the OCM opened a web-based portal to help localities fulfill this requirement. Municipalities that opted out can opt in at any time.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 1-26-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to help address a critical shortage of truck and bus drivers by significantly expanding the availability of road tests for Commercial Driver License applicants. The initiative would allow qualified 3rd parties to offer the road tests, which would create more testing locations statewide and expand capacity at the existing state-run sites, reducing the time it takes to get qualified CDL drivers on the road. The DMV will hold a virtual public hearing TODAY through WebEx from 10:00 am. to 12:30 pm.

The Greene Police Department, State Police & The Chenango County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting in Greene Tuesday Morning at around 8:00 AM. The hooting took place at 8 1/2 Jackson Street, the victim was listed in stable condition at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, an unidentified person has been arrested, the investigation is continuing.