WCDO Radio News

Governor Kathy Hochul announced 9 projects in Norwich that will be funded through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, including creating the Downtown Norwich Boutique Hotel, Rehabilitating the Unguentine Building, the Heritage Building, & 15-19 Lackawanna Avenue, plus create a matching grant fund to help property owners improve their buildings, Enhance the American Avenue Streetscape, Improve East, West and Library Parks & Upgrade the Chenango Arts Council's Martin W. Kappel Theater & The Colonia Theatre.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office is looking Haven Strong, he is described as a white male, six feet tall with blue eyes and brown hair. He does not have a known permanent address & he is wanted on a Violation of Probation for 3rd degree Assault, anyone with information about Strong's whereabouts can contact the Broome County Sheriff's Office at 607-778-1196.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-22-22

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Warehouse Worker Protection Act (S. 8922/A. 10020) into law. This legislation will protect warehouse distribution workers from undisclosed or unlawful work speed quotas, and includes protections for workers who fail to meet unlawful quotas.

New York's annual statewide donation drive to benefit families in need has been completed. Through drop-off locations set up by the Office of General Services, 1,435 donations were made, including 1,022 toys. The donations will be distributed to families in underserved communities by community-based organizations such as the United Way.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-8-22

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 50 year old Andrew Frank Jr and 49 year old Rena Jones of Sherburne following a lengthy investigation & the execution of a search warrant. Frank and Jones were arrested on numerous counts of 3rd Degree Burglary and Criminal Mischief, for allegedly breaking into local businesses and stealing money and damaging property. Frank was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. Jones was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sherburne Court on a later date. The investigation is still on going and more charges are pending.

The next legislative session in Albany will begin in January, local Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO news that he will be watching what happens with the recently passed Environmental Bond Act:

(Joe Angelino 12-8-22)

Angelino said that with latest redistricting he gained 6 towns in Madison County to his district, but lost a few in Broome County, there will be another redistricting for the 2024 elections that could drastically change his district again.

Delaware County is announcing the opening of the Delaware County Resiliency and Income Loss Grant, which is a $941,175 grant from the CARES Act, Evan Bowker of the Delaware County Department of Economic Development explains the 2 categories that County Businesses can get funding for regarding how COVID affected their business:

(Evan Bowker 12-8-22)

The Department of Economic Development has published the guidelines and draft applications on its website, with a digital application coming soon. These documents can be found at dcecodev.com/rail. The deadline for applications has been set for January 25, 2023. More information is available at 607-832-5123.

The Sidney Central School District announced that the Observatory will be closed tonight, due to inclement weather.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-8-22

The Morris Central School District residents will be voting on a Building project on Tuesday December 13th, Superintendent Jamie Maistros told WCDO News about the $14.5 million dollar project:

(Jamie Maistros 12-8-22)

Maistros said that there will be a public forum today at 5:30 in the School Library, & a link to the meeting will be posted on the District Website for those who can not attend in person.

The Town of Sidney will hold a public meeting today at 6:30 PM, to discuss amending the Town zoning laws. The meeting will be held at The Town Building located at 44 Grand Street.

The Tri-County Seniors is partnering with Delaware Opportunities to collect gift items for senior citizens in need this holiday season. The collections began this week & will run through Monday, November 28, with collection boxes at the Tri-County Senior Center in the Sidney Civic Center, Conklin Fashions in Bainbridge, Sidney Memorial Public Library and Trackside Dining in Sidney, and Jess F. Howes Building Supplies in Sidney Center. Suggested items to donate include calendars, stamps, scarves, gloves, books, crosswords, socks, toiletries, flashlights, small blankets, and gift cards, the items will be distributed to seniors through the Delaware Opportunities home meal delivery program.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-17-22

The Chenango County Health Department is holding a flu shot clinic tomorrow at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich, for those who are uninsured or under-insured, Health Department spokesman Isaiah Sutton comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 11-17-22)

Sutton said that people can still register through the Chenango County Health Department number at 607-337-1660, or through their website.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Walton resident for driving while intoxicated after Deputies observed a vehicle traveling at around 80 miles per hour on State Hwy 206 in the Town of Walton. 22 year old Dakota Nichols of Walton was charged with DWI, driving with a .08% or more of alcohol, & Speeding, Nichols faces court action at a later date.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that a flu shot clinic will be held Friday November 18th at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. The Flu Clinic is free for those 10 years of age & older who have no or limited coverage insurance, per-registration is requested at 337-1660.

Commerce Chenango announced that their 2nd annual "Lights Camera Auction" will be held Saturday November 26th through Thursday December 2nd. Donations are now being accepted through November 18th, more information is available at 334-1402.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department and the Otsego County Conservation Association are teaming up once again to promote the Otsego County Schools Plastic Film Recycling Challenge. The challenge promotes recycling of film plastics and is open to all public and private k-12 school buildings located in Otsego County. The challenge kicks off on America Recycles Day, November 15, and runs through April 14, 2023.

DELAWARE COUNTY

County Court Judge: John Hubbard (R)

Proposition 1: Clean Air/ Clean Water Act passed.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-9-22

State Police announced that the body of Frederick Mayock of Springfield Massachusetts was found in Canadarago Lake in Otsego County yesterday. Mayock was reported missing after he went kayaking October 22nd.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 41 year old Billie Jo Browning of Unadilla, after Deputies responded on October 28th, to a 2-car property damage motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested Browning for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, she will appear in the Town of Meredith court at a later date.

The Chenango County Historical Society announced that they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Raymond Corporation, at their annual Membership dinner at 5:00 PM tonight at Raymond in Greene. The event combines the annual Society membership meeting with an exclusive viewing of The Raymond Corporation’s recently unveiled centennial exhibit.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-4-22

The Bainbridge Central School District will host a free in-person breakfast for Veterans next Thursday Morning at the Greenlawn Elementary School in Bainbridge, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan comments:

(Tim Ryan 11-4-22)

Vets are asked to make a reservation by calling the District Office at 607-967-6321, the Breakfast will start at at 9:00 AM Thursday November 10th.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is continuing to collect toys for the Annual Toys For Tots Campaign, they ask that people bring new, unwrapped gifts to a Toys for Tots collection box located throughout Delaware County. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci said that the collection of toys will continue for the next several weeks:

(Ray Pucci 11-4-22)

Collection boxes can be found at Delhi Telephone Company, the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Delhi, the Delaware County Office Building, Delhi, Robert's Eye Care in Sidney, The Arc of Delaware County, Hamden, Walton, Arkville & the Delaware County eCenter, Delhi This year's campaign runs until December 9th, to sign up a family in need of Christmas gifts, call Delaware Opportunities at 607-746-1715.

The Chenango Arts Council will have presentation Saturday night of the showing of a silent movie from about 100 years ago, with musicians playing along to the movie live, Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 11-4-22)

Tickets are available at chenangoarts.org or by calling 336-2787.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-25-22

With Election day 2 weeks away, WCDO News is talking with area candidates running for office, today we hear from John Hubbard & Andrew Van Buren, 2 men with lengthy experience in practicing law locally. Hubbard told WCDO News that he believes his experience in the District Attorney's office for 25 years would make him a good Judge:

(John Hubbard 10-25-22)

Andrew Van Buren told WCDO News that he decided to run when Mr. Hubbard was the only candidate early on, and he felt that his experience in a myriad of cases in his career would make him a good judge for Delaware County:

(Andrew Van Buren 10-25-22)

Hubbard is running on the Republican Party line, Van Buren is running as an independent but will be featured on the ballot on the Democratic party line, on November 8th.

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.

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is asking the public to keep their eyes open for a Buffalo Turbine “water pump”, which was stolen from a building that was in the process of getting demolished on State Route 8 in the town of Masonville. The item was taken some time between July and October. The pump is red and is marked with a yellow “2”, Anyone with information is asked to contact New York State Police at (607)561-7400, a picture of the machinery can be found on the WCDO Facebook page.

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.

The Sidney Town Board will be holding a Budget Workshop Today at 6:00 at the Town Building at 44 Grand Street. The Workshop is open to the public.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-4-22

The Chenango County Historical Society will host a Living History & Industrial Heritage Festival this Saturday with several activities planned in celebration of Path Through History weekend. Historical Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 10-4-22)

For more information, visit ChenangoHistorical.org or call (607) 334-9227, extension 2.

A Windsor man has pleaded guilty to Robbery in the 3rd degree. According to the Broome County District Attorney, Scott Frost admitted he stole a motorcycle and threatened to shoot the owner while he was on parole for a burglary in 2014 in Tioga County. Frost will be sentenced in December 2022 and faces two to four years.

The Raymond Corporation will kick off its 8th annual Manufacturing Day event, Celebrating a Century of Innovation, on Friday. This year is the 3rd year Raymond’s Manufacturing Day will be an entirely virtual event. Students will learn about building skills for the future through a virtual manufacturing facility tour, Raymond executive vice president of human resources Steve VanNostrand told WCDO News that there are 3 key reasons for Manufacturing Day:

(Steve VanNostrand 10-4-22)

The Manufacturing day will be held virtually on Friday, it is open to all middle and high school students via teacher registration, teachers can register by email to manufacturingday@raymondcorp.com if you have any questions. More information is available at raymondcorp.com.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Benedict of Binghamton, Stephen Parsons of Greene, and Melissa Johnson and Patrick Hill, both of Smithville Flats, for Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing a utility trailer and utility terrain vehicle in the Town of Kirkwood. The suspects & the stolen items were found in Binghamton, all 4 face court action shortly.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 30-year-old Jordann Maroney of Norwich pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Firearm after she was in possession of an illegal and unlicensed .22 caliber revolver, cocaine, and methamphetamine during a traffic stop in the Town of Barker in March. Maroney will be sentenced at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today from 6:45PM to 8:45PM at DPW Garage, at 200 Front Street in Deposit. More information is available at 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-8-22

The Delaware County Fair will get underway next week August 15th through the 20th, in Walton, Spokesman Jason Craig told WCDO News that the preparations are coming together quickly:

(Jason Craig 8-8-22)

The full schedule of events for the fair can be found at delawarecountyfair.org.

Fire Companies from Broome and Chenango Counties responded early this morning to a house fire at 101 Sapbush Road in the Town of Barker at about 3:30 AM. Fire Fighters from Chenango Forks, Whitney Point, Lisle, Greene, Smithville among others were called to the scene, occupants in nearby houses were evacuated, no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Police responded to the report of a Bomb Threat at the Heath Sciences Building on Corliss Avenue in Johnson City Friday. The threat is being investigated by the University Police Department & local law enforcement agencies & the FBI, the threat was deemed not credible & the building was opened again on Saturday. The investigation is continuing & no arrests have been announced.

Broome County DA's office announced that 42 year old Matthew Bowden of Deposit, pleaded guilty to felony Criminal Contempt. In 2021, Bowden Violated a court order of protection by harassing the protected party named in the order. He was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in New York State Prison.

State Police & Emergency crews responded to the report of a concrete truck rollover today on I-88 in the town of Unadilla. No tickets have been announced, more information will be released following the investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-8-22

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 16 in the Towns of Delhi and Franklin to through traffic beginning at 7:00 AM today, through this Thursday to replace several culvert pipes. The road will be reopened at the end of the day each day. The traveling public should seek alternate routes.

The Chenango County Fair will feature the Saturday Night Showdown, at 7:00 PM, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 8-8-22)

Potter Said that the Roping qualifiers Saturday afternoon is a free event, the finalists will qualify to compete in the Saturday Night Showdown, Tickets are available at The Fair Office, Norwich Copies on East Main Street Norwich or at brownpapertickets.com , more information call 607-334-9198

State Police announced that they removed 36 impaired drivers off the roadways in the month of July. Troop "C" encompasses seven counties including Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego counties.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-13-22

The Delhi Police Department responded to the report of a potential Active shooter incident at the Delaware County Courthouse, at about 10:30 this morning, which led to a lock-down & evacuations of downtown businesses and the Delaware Academy, according to Delhi Police Chief Mike Mills:

(Delhi Police Chief Mike Mills 7-13-22)

Chief Mills said that his department received assistance from State Police, Delaware County Sheriff's Office & SUNY Delhi University Police, he also said that there was no panicking among those who had to clear out the area downtown, The village was re-opened as normal by early this afternoon.

Tioga Downs Casino Resort President and CEO Jeff Gural has been nominated by President Joe Biden to join his administration, as the chair of the Public Buildings Reform Board. The Board is an independent agency used to identify opportunities for the Federal government to significantly reduce its inventory of civilian real property, which would cut costs. Gural is expected to accept the nomination.

39 year-old Isaac Anzaroot of Brooklyn was arrested today by the Binghamton Police Warrant Division. Anzaroot is the owner of numerous properties in the city, he was wanted on 12 bench warrants and 2 arrest warrants related to housing code violations & for failing to appear in court to answer those violations. The Binghamton Code Department condemned the First National Bank building at 95 Court due to fire alarm system issues, which forced many of Anzaroot's tenants to locate elsewhere.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-13-22

The State DOT will be installing a new water main on State Route 7; Main Street in Otego, starting today, to facilitate a pavement, sidewalk and drainage project. Work will result in a short interruption of water service to village residents beginning at 10:00 AM, for about 3 hours.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office issued a follow up report on a 2019 audit of the Hancock Fire Department. The audit included recommendations for rental payments, disbursements made by the Treasurer and collections from the clothing organization, ambulance corporation and fundraising activities. Auditors revisited the department this year, the department has had 1 of 10 recommendations implemented, 3 were partially implemented and 6 were not implemented.

Commerce Chenango & the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a 5:05 Business After Hours event at Forged Brewery in at 1732 state Route 41 in Coventry today. Registration is available at the Commerce Chenango website events page.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-5-22

A 32-year-old James Blackman of Afton has been indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury, he is accused of raping 2 young boys under the age of 11, Blackman is currently being held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending future court action

Binghamton emergency crews responded Friday to 139 Washington Street for a report of a fire in an apartment in that building. Emergency crews discovered a drug lab in a different apartment in the building during their routine firefighting operations. Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team responded, nearby evacuated buildings and area businesses were allowed to reopen later Friday evening, the investigation into the illegal drug lab is continuing.

The renovations at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich have been completed after a year long construction project. The front of the building has been completed renovated and a larger parking facility was added across the street. The Northeast Classic Car Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for major holidays, more information on the Northeast Classic Car Museum can be found at classiccarmuseum.org, or on their Facebook page.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Morton of Exeter on June 26th on multiple drug charges, after deputies responded to a complaint of a suspicious person in the Town of Plainfield. Morton is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of a controlled substance not in original container, he faces court action at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-5-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the passage of a resolution to write equal rights into the State Constitution, to solidify the right to abortion access in New York. When enacted, the amendment will add ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare to existing protections, This follows the recent Supreme Court decision which removed federal protections for abortion.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its 2022 Delaware County Business Awards in the categories of: Business of the Year; New Business of the Year, and Small Business Advocate of the Year. The ceremony will be held mid-September at the Andes Hotel. Email nominations and the reason for the nomination to rpucci@delawarecounty.org by August 1.

New solitary confinement rules under the Humane Alternatives to Long Term Solitary Confinement Act, or HALT, that limits a person's prison time in segregated confinement housing were upheld after a federal judge dismissed a challenge filed by the state correction officers' union last year. The Act caps the amount of time an inmate can be held in segregated confinement housing to 15 days, or 20 days over a two-month period. The union petitioned to overturn the law, the court also ruled an increase in violent attacks before HALT took effect could not impact the law, which took effect April 1.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce reminds members of the Employee Retention Tax Credit is available. The Credit is a refundable payroll tax credit that can be claimed for eligible wages paid from March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2021. Employers who qualify can claim a 50% credit of up to $10,000 of qualified wages paid to each employee during that time frame. More information is available at apoerc.com.

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.

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Scott Mawhiney of Deposit filed an application in State Supreme Court requesting bail while he appeals his recent conviction in Broome County Court. Mawhiney was found guilty for attempted murder of a police officer & was sentenced to 30 years in prison, for shooting State Trooper Ryan Thorp in June of 2021, after Trooper Thorp responded to the report of a domestic dispute. The motion was argued before New York State Supreme Court Judge, who denied Mawhiney’s request. Mawhiney will remain in prison.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office announced Modified visitation procedures for inmate visitation beginning on Saturday, March 12th. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment for visitation by calling 607-337-1967, Monday through Friday during normal lobby hours. Visitation will be on Saturdays and Sundays ONLY, 2 visitors will be allowed per inmate, for 1 hour. All visitors and inmates will be required to wear a face mask in the facility.

The Town of Sidney will hold an After Hours Open House today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Town Of Sidney Office Building at 44 Grand Street. Refreshments & tours of the facility will be offered, including the new DMV office.

Norwich Theater Company presents "Boeing, Boeing" in the Martin W. Kappel Theater, tonight & Saturday Night at 7 pm and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Mary Beth Miller of the Chenango Arts Council explains:

(Mary Beth Miller 3-11-22)

Tickets are available at norwichtheatercompany.org or at Chenango Arts Council’s offices at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 607-336-2787 or email info@chenangoarts.org.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-2-22

State Police arrested 60 year old Michael McBride of Oneonta for 2nd degree assault, tampering with physical evidence & criminal possession of a controlled substance, following an investigation into a February 24th domestic dispute. McBride is accused using a box cutter on a victim, he left the scene & was apprehended by troopers on State Route 7. McBride was arraigned & remanded to the Otsego County Jail pending court action..

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office announced Modified visitation procedures for inmate visitation beginning on Saturday, March 12th. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment for visitation by calling 607-337-1967, Monday through Friday during normal lobby hours. Visitation will be on Saturdays and Sundays ONLY, 2 visitors will be allowed per inmate, for 1 hour. All visitors and inmates will be required to wear a face mask in the facility.

The Town of Sidney will hold an After Hours Open House on Friday March 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Town Of Sidney Office Building at 44 Grand Street. Refreshments & tours of the facility will be offered.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-2-22

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 27 year old Austin Demuth of New Berlin Saturday following an investigation into a 2-car collision on Lyon Brook Rd in the Town of Oxford. Demuth was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & other traffic infractions, he had 2 active Arrest Warrants issued by Norwich City Court and he was taken into custody for the warrants. Demuth faces court action in Norwich City Court & Oxford Court at later dates.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 53-year-old Tina Kerschner of Sidney Monday on an Arrest Warrant for Violation of Probation. Deputies were contacted by the Village of Sidney Police Department that they had Kerschner in custody on unrelated charges. Kerschner was transported to the Delaware County Correctional Facility, where she will be held pending further order of the Delaware County Court.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-16-22

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that a grand jury has filed charges against 2 murder suspects in Broome County Court regarding unrelated homicide cases. Mitchell Lindow was charged with 1st degree murder in connection to a December 2nd stabbing, where Lindow allegedly killed David Royes while committing a felony burglary at 110 Main Street in Binghamton by stabbing him multiple times. Korchak also said that Kyle Babola is charged with 2nd degree murder for the killing of Scott Grover with a machete in Johnson City. Both face court action at a later date.

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.

Nasir Azmat began his 60 day jail term, after appearing in town of Sidney Court Thursday. Azmat accepted a plea deal last October in the Town of Sidney court, he pleaded guilty to overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals & was sentenced to 60 days in jail followed by 3 years of probation; he cannot own, possess or register animals during the 3 year probation. Azmat will also be placed on the Delaware County Animal Abuse Registry. Azmat was charged in February 2020 after Delaware County Sheriff’s Office found 20 dogs in deplorable conditions on Azmat’s property, the dog were allegedly used for dog-fighting.

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.

DCMO BOCES will host a job fair next Tuesday, as they look to fill a variety of positions. The job fair will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon & also from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, at the DCMO Support Services Center behind the main Alan Pole Campus building on County Road 32 in North Norwich.

Former long time WDLA co-owner Amos Finch of Walton passed away Tuesday, following a lengthy illness. Finch was born in Sidney Center, In 1975 he purchased WDLA, and later added stations in Deposit & Delhi, before selling them in 2000. Private arrangements were conducted by CH Landers Funeral Chapel of Sidney, and he will be buried at Highland Cemetery in Sidney Center in the spring. Condolences may be shared online at landersfh.com and memorials may be sent to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, in Oneonta.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-14-22

State Police Bureau arrested 50 year old Kenneth Drumm of Windsor for the felony of Sexual Abuse. Drumm was charged after an investigation revealed he had inappropriate contact with a child younger than the age of 13. Drumm was arrested and processed and was turned over to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing. A full stay away order was issued to the victim.

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.