WCDO Radio News

Former Area Congressman Chris Gibson has written his 3rd book, entitled "The Spirit of Philadelphia: A Call to Recover the Founding Principles", he told WCDO News what he has been up to since leaving Congress in 2017 & about his book published last week:

(Chris Gibson 5-29-25)

In Addition to the book, Gibson was appointed to President of Siena College from 2020 to 2023, the same college that he graduated from years ago. Gibson said that the new book which explores the deeper philosophical foundations of America’s success—common sense realism, self-governance, and the balance of rights and responsibilities, and how a renewal of those principles can guide us through today’s political division, civic apathy, and institutional dysfunction.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-29-25

The Chenango County Historical Society & the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on “An America250 Conversation.” and they will be seeking public input on how the County should celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year, Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 5-29-25)

The next community dialogue will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on May 29 at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus at 20 Conkey Ave. Registration is encouraged by emailing “info@chenangohistorical.org”.

19th Congressional District Representative Marc Molinaro will host swearing-in ceremonies in Broome County and Ulster County Saturday. The Broome County Ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM at the Kilmer Mansion at 9 Riverside Drive, the Oath will be administered by Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar, the 2nd ceremony will be in Saugerties at 4:00 PM Saturday, he will be sworn in there by former area Congressman Chris Gibson.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce's annual State of The State Networking Breakfast will be held this morning at SUNY Oneonta's Morris Hall, from 8:00 to 11:00 AM. Legislators scheduled to participate are Assemblymen Brian Miller & Chris Tague, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, among others.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce annnounced that former area Congressman Chris Gibson will be their special guest at their next 1st Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast on Friday, November 3rd from 8:30 to 10:00 am. The meeting will be held at the Delhi Nursing and Rehabiliation Center at 41861 State Highway 10 in Delhi, Gibson will discuss his recently published new book "Rally Point".

Congressman Chris Gibson will leave Congress after 3 terms in Washington, representing the 19th district. Gibson accepted a job offer from Williams College, in Massachusetts. He will begin in February as a visiting lecturer on leadership, & he will continue to live in Kinderhook New York. Gibson may also write another book, and pursue other possible academic positions; Republican John Faso will replace him in the 19th Congressional District.

Tomorrow is Election Day, and beyond the Presidential race, there are races of local importance in the Tri County Area. The U.S. SENATE SEAT for New York features incumbent Democrat Charles Schumer against vs. Republican Wendy Long.

In the House of Representatives 19th Congressional District Race to replace Chris Gibson, Republican John Faso is against Democrat Zephyr Teachout.

In the 22nd congressional district Race To Replace Richard Hanna, a three way battle exists between Republican Claudia Tenney, Democrat Kim Meyers & 3rd party Candidate Martin Babinec.

On the eve of another Election, retiring congressman Richard Hanna reiterated to reporters that he is not going to run for governor of the state, after he recently declined to seek another term in Congress. Hanna and another outgoing congressman Chris Gibson have both been the topic of speculation that they would run for the Republican nomination for Governor, Gibson went as far as forming an exploratory committee & then decided to go into teaching instead, and Hanna has business concerns in the Mohawk Valley.

A Time Warner Cable/ Siena College poll released Tuesday shows Republican John Faso holding a 1% lead over Democrat Zephyr Teachout in the race for the 19th Congressional District. Faso had 43% and Teachout was at 42% for the congressional seat currently held by Republican Chris Gibson, who declined to seek re-election for another 2-year term.   The poll surveyed 678 likely voters; it has a margin of error of 3.8%.

In April, the Department of Defense ordered a stop shipment at Amphenol of Sidney, which led to a layoff of about 100 employees, an expected 2 year wait for the order to be lifted, but today, U.S Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Chris Gibson & Amphenol leaders announced that the ordered was revered in 4 months, the federal red tape was cut through & the employees have returned to the Sidney facility. Senator Schumer responded:

(Schumer 8-29-16)

Congressman Gibson also discussed the reversal of fortune for Amphenol:

(Gibson 8-29-16)

Others who addressed the press conference today were Sidney mayor Andy Matviak, Amphenol General Manager Ryan Fisher & Amphenol CEO Adam Norwitt.

Congressman Chris Gibson has endorsed Republican John Faso to replace him in the 19th Congressional district in November. Faso faces Democrat Zephyr Teachout for Gibson's seat in the General Election this year.

19th congressional district democratic party candidate Zephyr Teachout reported that in the second quarterly fundraising period that runs from April 1-June 30th, she received 69,704 contributions from 43,037 donors, at an average of $15.91, raising a total of $1,109,121.55 in that quarter. In total, Teachout raised $1,639,854.30 since she kicked off her campaign in January. The full filing will be publicly available on July 15th at www.fec.gov. Teachout faces Republican John Faso to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional district in the November General Election.

Jury selection for the Almond Upton Trial began today In Broome County Court. Upton is accused of purposely running down Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 in the town of Chenango, while the Trooper was conducting an unrelated traffic stop. The trial is expected to take about 4 weeks. Upton is being tried for 1st degree Murder for the May 29th, 2014 incident.

Congressman Chris Gibson was named by Speaker Paul Ryan to the House-Senate conference committee that will produce the final 2017 Defense Policy Bill, which authorizes funding for military programs. In addition to a 2.1% pay raise for our troops, the House version of the bill includes the POSTURE Act, legislation authored by Congressman Gibson to stop the Administration’s planned draw down of U.S. Land Forces in order to reestablish peace through strength. Speaker Ryan sited Congressman Gibson’s work on the Armed Services Committee, & his military background as reasons for the appointment.

Blood donations are being accepted today at 2 locations. Today in Sidney, blood can be donated from 10 a.m. to 3 pm at Sidney Federal Credit Union at 42 Union Street & in Gilbertsville from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

John Faso defeated Andrew Heaney for the Republican Party nomination in the 19th congressional district primary yesterday. Zephyr Teachout defeated Will Yandik for the Democratic Primary. Faso will face Teachout to replace Chris Gibson in November.

State fair officials announced that the Rock band “Daughtry” fronted by singer Chris Daughtry provides the final 8:00 PM show of the 2016 Chevy Court concert season, on Sunday, September 4th. This year, the Chevy Court will have 23 free shows as part of the Fair's lineup of entertainment & activities. The state fair runs from August 25th to September 5th this year.

Hundreds attended the dedication ceremony Saturday morning for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park. Association member & Retired Army member Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-31-16)

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended the ceremony & spoke to the crowd:

(Crouch 5-31-16)

Congressman Chris Gibson told WCDO News he was proud of the finished park, as both the congressional representative for the area, and as a retired Army Veteran.

(Gibson 5-31-16)

Others who spoke at the ceremony Saturday, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, US Air Force Brigadier General James McIntyre, & Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is a Sidney High School Graduate originally from Masonville.

1 of 2 men, who murdered 2 area convenience store clerks in the same week in September of 1982, has been denied bail. 66-year-old Thomas Marlowe will continue to serve 23 years to life in prison after being convicted for murder, robbery and perjury in connection with the killings of 22-year-old Christine Kamide of Binghamton and 19-year-old James Wilcox of Afton. 62-year-old Herman Neu was the gunman in those killing, he will not be eligible for parole until 2033.

The Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Association will hold their dedication ceremony for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park tomorrow, Association Spokesman Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-27-16)

Woytek said that Congressman Chris Gibson, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch & Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak will make remarks at the dedication Saturday.

Local Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage in the House yesterday of the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which modernizes the Toxic Substances Control Act to institute more rigorous oversight of thousands of chemicals that are used commercially. The bill updates the 40-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act by removing barriers to repeat chemical testing, mandating safety reviews of chemicals already in use, making more information available to the public, limiting animal testing whenever reliable alternatives exist, and setting deadlines for EPA decisions and compliance with restrictions, among other initiatives.

The Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Association will hold their dedication ceremony for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday at the State Route 8 & River street location. Association Spokesman Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-24-16)

Woytek said that Congressman Chris Gibson, Assemblyman Cliff crouch & Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak will maker remarks at the dedication Saturday, the Keynote Speaker is US Army Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is also a Sidney School graduate.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage in the House of an amendment he authored in support of former Navy and Marine Corps personnel and other Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service aboard vessels off the coast of Vietnam and now have serious illnesses that are directly connected to that exposure. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act ensures those Veterans is granted presumptive coverage for Agent Orange exposure. The House bill introduced by Congressman Gibson has 320 cosponsors from both parties, while the Senate version introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has 41 bipartisan cosponsors.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage of 18 bills aimed at combating heroin and opioid abuse. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act would improve the use of opioid therapy and pain management in treating veterans; amends federal law to impose penalties for extraterritorial drug trafficking and production of precursor chemicals used for illegal drugs; clarifies when a prescription for a drug like oxycodone may be partially filled; & amends the Controlled Substances Act to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for people suffering from addiction.

Republican Bob Bishop of Hamden drops out of 19th congressional district race. Delaware County Republican Bob Bishop has dropped his bid to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional District.  Remaining candidates include Republican John Faso & Andrew Heaney & Democrats Zephyr Teachout & Will Yandik.

Local businesses and individuals will be recognized by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce with Awards presented at the Chamber's Annual Award Gala tonight at Centennial Lounge at SUNY Delhi. Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi has been selected as the Chamber's Business of the Year. This year's New Business of the Year Award will go to Gravity Ciders of Sidney; The Chamber will also recognize Dr. Candace Vancko, who is retiring as president of SUNY Delhi. Congressman Chris Gibson will be the featured speaker at the event,

Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he would NOT be seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor. Gibson has been offered and accepted a position with Williams College as a Visiting Lecturer on Leadership beginning in February 2017, and he anticipates accepting other academic positions shortly. At the conclusion of his term in the U.S. House of Representatives, he will be closing the exploratory committee & refunding contributions.

Local businesses and individuals will be recognized by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for their achievements and contributions to life in Delaware County. Awards will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Award Gala on Friday, May 6, at Centennial Lounge at SUNY Delhi. Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi has been selected as the Chamber's Business of the Year. This year's New Business of the Year Award will go to Gravity Ciders of Sidney and their popular line of Awestruck Ciders. The Chamber will also recognize Dr. Candace Vancko, who is retiring as president of SUNY Delhi. Congressman Chris Gibson will be the featured speaker at the event, Tickets are $30 and reservations may be made by calling the Chamber at 746-2281.

Congressmen Chris Gibson co-introduced bipartisan legislation to bring fairness to the federal system used to determine the price dairy farmers are paid for their milk. The Dairy Margin Insurance Location Calculation Act amends the Farm Bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to use statisitcs from each state to calculate average feed cost and actual dairy production margins. The current margin protection program is harmful to New York dairy farms because it uses calculations based on the average feed costs associated with the Midwest and other differing markets.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Christopher Purdy of Oneonta for DWI and other traffic tickets. State Police observed Purdy speeding at 80 miles per hour on I-88, Purdy refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. He was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was released after posting $400 bail. Purdy’s next court date in the Town of Milford is on April 5th.

Congressman Chris Gibson will be in Delaware County today. At Noon, Gibson will tour the Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center in Hamden, at 2:00 he will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Delhi Rehabilitation & Nursing Center & at 4:00 PM, he will help honor Delaware County veterans Douglas Lee Thomson and Charles Groff and present medals to their families, at the Delaware County Public Safety Building in Delhi.

Democratic Congressional candidate Will Yandik will meet with area residents On Sunday, at 1:30 PM in Sidney. Yandik is running for the 19th Congressional District, he will meet with residents at the Sidney Memorial Library; he is seeking to replace Chris Gibson, who declined to seek re-election for another term,

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the House adopted a bill to extend the deadline for the start of construction of the hydroelectric project at the Cannonsville Dam. The bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which the licensee is required to commence construction for up to four two-year periods. In 2014, FERC granted New York City a 2-year license to build a hydroelectric plant at the Cannonsville Dam, Preliminary work in 2015 led to the discovery of subsurface conditions, necessitating repairs and an extension of the deadline for the start of construction.

Village elections were held Tuesday across New York State. In the village of Unadilla, Paul Baldwin wins 1 trustee seat, the second seat, results were tied between Jeff Jones & Christopher Winkler, The Otsego County Board of elections will try to determine how to pick a winner for that seat. In the Bainbridge Mayor's Race, Philip Wade defeated Steven Eisenberg, 99-82, Wade told WCDO News about his plans:

(Phillip Wade 3-16-16)

Bainbridge trustee seats will be filled by outgoing Mayor Chick Darling, as well as Erik Barnard & Timothy Mayes. In Morris, write in candidate Rush French wins a trustee seat. In Gilbertsville, Douglas Tobey was on the ballot for 1 of the 2 trustee seats; Write-in Christina Strain won the other seat with 2 write-in votes.

Democratic Congressional candidate Will Yandik will meet with Delaware County Residents On Sunday, at 1:30 pm in Sidney. Yandik is running for the 19th Congressional District, he will meet with residents at the Sidney Memorial Library; he is seeking to replace Chris Gibson, who declined to seek re-election for another term,

Democrat Zephyr Teachout announced that she is a candidate for the 19th Congressional District, as incumbent Chris Gibson will not seek re-election & is instead considering a run for Governor. Teachout commented to WCDO News about the campaign:

(Zephyr Teachout 3-4-16)

Teachout will be at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, on Sunday, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for a Town Hall meeting & a Fundraiser.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Chris Gibson and others, are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to clarify their decision against providing "Blue Water” Navy veterans with the disability and health care benefits for diseases linked to Agent Orange exposure. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam to remove jungle foliage, it had devastating effects for millions serving in Vietnam. In 2002 the Veterans Administration determined that it would only cover Veterans who could prove that they had orders for “boots on the ground” during the Vietnam War, the exclusion affects thousands of sailors who may have still received significant Agent Orange exposure from receiving VA benefits.

19th Congressional District Democratic Party Candidate Zephyr Teachout was campaigning in Sidney yesterday, she told WCDO News of concerns that voters & small business owners told her about:

(Zephyr Teachout 2-25-16)

Teachout mounted an unsuccessful campaign for Governor 2 years ago, she is seeking to be the Democrat Party Candidate against possible Republican candidates Andrew Heaney or John Faso in the 19th district, current congressman Chris Gibson declined to seek another term in congress & is looking at a possible run for Governor.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 33-year-old Christopher Pashley & 32-year-old Kimberly Pashley of Franklin for 1 count each of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. It is alleged that both illegally possessed Suboxone in the Town of Franklin. They both are currently located in the Delaware County Correctional Facility and will be arraigned at the Town of Franklin Court at a later date. Deputies additionally charged Kimberly Pashley for 1 count of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, for allegedly possessing a controlled substance when probation officers took her into custody on the other charges, she is being held in the Delaware County Jail & will be arraigned on the new charge in Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

Congressmen Chris Gibson, Richard Hanna and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts introduced the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act. The bipartisan bill introduced in the House this week seeks to modernize the Small Business Administration’s approach to broadband access, connecting more small businesses & farms with financing programs and guidance on broadband acquisition. The House bill is a companion to bipartisan Senate legislation co-sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.