WCDO Radio News

Spiedie Fest returns to Otsiningo Park in Binghamton August 1st to the 3rd, Organizer Dave Pessagno told WCDO about some of the highlights:

(Dave Pessagno 7-11-25)

Pessagno also said that Friday will be free admission, All of the information, schedules & tickets can be found at spiediefest.com.

U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand announced that over $21 Million dollars in federal funding has been allocated to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 16 airports across the State. This federal funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, locally, the Greater Binghamton Airport will receive $181,174 to Reconstruct 51,000 square feet of existing terminal building and replaces the electrical system and associated lighting.

A.M. NEWS Friday 7-11-25

The Annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball tournament will be held in Downtown Norwich this weekend, with some activities & registration going on today, organizer Tom Revoir explains:

(Tom Revoir 7-11-25)

Revoir said that the number of teams participating is getting closer each year to pre-Pandemic levels, the event brings thousands of people to Norwich each year.

The Unadilla Carnival of Sales will be held tomorrow throughout the village, Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-11-25)

Activities will continue in Unadilla Sunday with the Cullman Child Development Center Derby Day from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 7-11-25)

More information about the derby day is available at ccdcderbyday.com.

Delaware County Business Alliance will hold a meeting today at the Meredith Inn at 10:00 AM, regarding improving the ability to make a presentation at work. More information is available by calling (607) 746-2281

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Edmeston, from 10 am. - 3 pm., at Pathfinder Village, Schedule appointments at the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-20-25

State Police arrested 37 year old Jason Lagano of Port Crane, for 2nd degree Assault, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Noxious Matter. On May 8, Troopers were notified that a victim was seeking care at UHS Wilson Medical Center for injuries sustained at a residence in Afton, after being pepper sprayed and struck with an object which caused fractures to both of the victim’s arms. Troopers were not able to immediately locate Lagano and a warrant was issued for his arrest, he was located Thursday by the Broome County Sheriff’s Department and turned over to Troopers, he was processed & was Arraigned & released on his own recognizance, He’s scheduled to appear at Afton Town Court on July 1.

The Sidney Hometown Day festivities will be held this year at Keith Clark Park in Sidney on the afternoon of Saturday June 21st, Following the 1:00 pm parade from the Sidney High School to Keith Clark Park, Justine Bishop of the Sidney United Way explains:

(Justine Bishop 6-6-25)

The event was brought back this year through the efforts of the Sidney United Way, Sidney Chamber of Commerce & Masonville Connects.

The Cullman Child Development Center will have the 1st of their summer educational series events this Sunday, with the “Buzz About Honeybees”, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 6-17-25)

Other Summer educational Events will include the Derby Day & Cullman Classic Car show on July 13th and Agriculture Day on July 27th.

The 25th annual CHENANGO COUNTY DAIRY DAY, will be held tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. The event will include kids games, face-painting, farm machinery, farm animals & a kiddie tractor pull.

The West Kortright Center is bringing back " Kidstock", with Music, Art and activities for all, this Sunday from 11am til 3pm, with a suggested donation of $25. More information is available at (607) 278-5454

The Delaware County Historical Association and the 144th New York Reenactment Group will hold a Civil War Re-Enactment Saturday & Sunday at the Association's grounds at 46549 state Highway 10 in Delhi The weekend will feature two full-scale battle reenactments, Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for active or retired military, and free for children 12 and under. For more information, call 607-746-3849

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-17-25

State Police arrested 61 year old Frank Kovacs of Laurens after an Otsego County grand jury indictment. Kovacs has been charged with 2 counts of 1st degree Rape and 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Act. Kovacs is currently serving as the Mayor of the Village of Laurens in Otsego County. An investigation began in December of 2024 when a victim reported that over a decade ago, they had been sexually assaulted by Kovacs for several years, in multiple locations by means of forcible compulsion, intimidation and coercion when the victim was a teenager. Kovacs was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash, $10,000 credit or $100,000 bond.

The Cullman Child Development center will have the 1st of their summer educational series events this Sunday, with the “Buzz About Honeybees”, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 6-17-25)

Other Summer educational Events will include the Derby Day & Cullman Classic Car show on July 13th and Agriculture Day on July 27th.

Broadway in Binghamton Announced their New Season of shows coming to the Forum Theatre starting in October, Spokesperson Murphy Fauci explains:

(Murphy Fauci 6-17-25)

The 1st show will be “Tina- The Tina Turner Musical October 30th & 31st, more information is available at broadwayinbinghamton.com.

A.M. NEWS 6-17-25

State Troopers, the Roxbury Constable, Roxbury Fire Department, & local EMS responded Saturday night to a 1 vehicle crash on Vega Mountain Road in the town of Roxbury. A Toyota SUV went off the roadway, hit several trees before going down the embankment. The operator and only occupant was removed from the vehicle and transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital but did not survive. The operator is identified as 34 year old David Oakley of Oneida, NY.

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing CR 18 in the Town of Stamford to through traffic at 7:00 am. daily June 17th and 18th , for culvert replacement/repair work. The road will be closed between the Village Line and Red Rock Road, approximately 600 feet north of Pearl Street. The road will be opened by the end of the day each day. The traveling public should use alternate routes.

There will be a Village Election for registered voters in the Village of Oxford today from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM at the Oxford Fire Station, on Main Street. Offices on the ballot are Mayor & 2 seats for Trustee.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-15-25

33 year old Drew J. Garnier of Masonville was sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison to be followed by 15 years of post-release supervision for the killing of his pregnant wife Samantha and assaulting his 2 daughters. Garnier admitted to repeatedly stabbing his wife and children in their home on Houck Road in the Town of Masonville on September 4, 2024. Samantha and her unborn daughter died as a result of the stabbing. The children suffered significant injuries. Garnier pleaded guilty to 1st degree Manslaughter, and 2 counts of 1st degree Assault in March in Delaware County Court.

Delaware County sheriff's office provided an update regarding the head on collision on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Tuesday, where 1 of the vehicles went over an embankment. 3 of the occupants escaped from their vehicles, 1 was trapped. A vehicle operated by 68-year-old Steven Wilson of Irvington, crossed over the double yellow line and collided head on with an SUV operated by 19-year-old Lauren Winans-Houck of Roscoe, her SUV exited the roadway and traveled over the embankment. A passenger of the SUV was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital and was released. Winans-Houck was transported to Wilson Hospital in Binghamton for treatment of injuries and leg fractures, Wilson, and his passenger were air-lifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, the passenger was treated for fractures & was released, Wilson remains in critical condition due to multiple fractures and internal injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

The Cullman Child Development Center will continue this year with their Summer series locally with events designed to be educational for area children, this year they added an old fashioned Soapbox Derby race to be held in July in Unadilla, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 5-15-25)

Corbin Curley is on the Summer Series Planning board & he told WCDO that he will be building a derby car with his son for the Derby Day:

(Corbin Curley 5-15-25)

The event will be held Sunday July 13th on Clifton Street in Unadilla, more information is available at ccdcderby.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-15-25

The Binghamton Police Department announced the identification of the victim from the stabbing at the Salvation Army on Tuesday as 57 year old Kevin Ray of Endicott. Michael Brutvan was charged with 2nd degree murder for the death of Ray, police responded at about 5:15 PM to a report of a stabbing at the Salvation Army, Ray with stab wounds to his shoulder and neck and succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital..

4 more former Marcy correctional officers appeared in Oneida County Court Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the beating death of Robert Brooks in December. Michael Fisher, Michael Mashaw, Nicholas Gentile, and David Walters appeared to answer to plea deals, Gentile accepted his deal on the charge of attempted tampering of physical evidence, he is accused of cleaning up the area where Brooks was beaten, and failing to report it to authorities.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-25-25

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester, 45-year-old Steven Caiati of Starlight, Pennsylvania was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and several lesser traffic violations. Deputies located Methamphetamine & a firearm with a high-capacity magazine. Caiati was a convicted felon and was not permitted to be in possession of a firearm, he was Unlicensed Operator, all violations in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Caiati was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Tampering with Physical Evidence, & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Caiati was transported to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment Court.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 57 year old Terry McConnell of Guilford Thursday, after he allegedly causing a disturbance at the Town of Norwich Court. McConnell was charged with criminal contempt following the March 13 incident, McConnell initially entered the courtroom and began acting disorderly, after being told to leave, McConnell allegedly exited but returned shortly afterward. McConnell again acted disruptively and refused to comply with orders. McConnell was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket to return to Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

State Police at Troop C on State Route 7, are holding a child's car seat safety check today. The event will be held between 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Troop C Headquarters, more information is available at 607-561-7400.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum announced that Tickets are on sale through Tuesday, October 14, 2025, this year they will raffle off a 2025 Mustang Convertible. The drawing will be held at 9:30 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in the Lobby of the Museum, you do not need to be present to win. more information and rules of the contest can be found at classiccarmuseum.org. Proceeds benefit Northeast Classic Car Museum,

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-25-25

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were in the village of Sidney Monday, they are believed to have detained 4 people, who are believed to have been working for Alpine Roofing. Local Law enforcement were not involved in the raid.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Christopher DeMarco of Unadilla, for Unlawful Surveillance, Sex Offender Failure to Notify Change of Address & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation of Sex Offender unlawfully secretly recording a juvenile victim while the victim was changing, with a cell phone. DeMarco also had 4 internet accounts not registered on the State Sex Offender Registry. DeMarco was taken into custody Monday following the execution of a search warrant, he was processed and lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment. An order of protection was requested on behalf of the victim. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending.

Commerce Chenango's 2nd annual Women's Leadership Conference will be held today at the Canasawacta County Club in Norwich, about 225 are expected to attend, the keynote speaker will be Barbara Schindler of Golden Artists Colors.

The Cullman Child Development Center in Sidney will have their annual Summer educational series for area Children, with a Soap Box Derby day in Unadilla on Sunday July 13th, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 3-25-25)

Cotten said that the events will start at 12:00 Noon and will follow that Unadilla Carnival of Sales to be held that Saturday July 12th.

State Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker today
announced that influenza is no longer prevalent in New York State. The
declaration means that healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against
influenza are no longer required to wear masks in areas where patients are
present.  Flu activity in the state peaked
during the week ending February 23rd, when there were more than
9,600 confirmed cases in 1 week.   There
were 106,755 cases of influenza with 18,513 hospitalizations, & 6 pediatric
influenza-associated deaths.

The Village of Sidney Spring Brush & Leaf Pick Up will
be held next week, on May 6th through May 10th.   Village residents can also drop off
appliances, tires & metal at the Sidney Village Garage on Friday &
Saturday May 10th & 11th.  More
information is available at 561-2329.

The Jericho Arts Council Fine Arts Show will conclude on
Saturday afternoon, at the Gallery in the Bainbridge Town Hall.  Gallery Spokesperson Elise Craver comments:

(Elise Craver 5-3-19)

More information about the gallery is available at
jerichoarts.com.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber
will hold their annual reception this Sunday at 1:00 PM at the Silo Restaurant
in Greene.  The Chamber will honor
McDowell & Walker as the Business of the year, Hickory & Doc as the
Startup Business of the year & Friends of Afton as the Organization of the
year.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be coming up later
this month, with activities at General Clinton Park & in the Susquehanna
River from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day, Regatta chairman John Harmon
said that he needs some volunteers to help out:

(John Harmon 5-3-19)

Harmon’s' Number is 237-6008,  His email is JHarmon80@outlook.com, the
Regatta weekend is May 24th though the 27th this year.

The Town of Bainbridge will be holding their annual Spring
Clean up Day tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the town Highway Garage on
Lawrence Road.  Residents can drop off
tires, white goods & electronics, more information is available at
967-3781.

The Copes Corners Park Spring Fest will take place Saturday
from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Children’s
activities will include a fishing derby, a boat-float contest, and more.  Spring Fest will also feature fire department
competitions, the Ross Park Zoo mobile, Zumba, yoga, food and music throughout
the day.   Copes Corners Park is located
at 620 State Hwy. 51, between Gilbertsville and Mount Upton.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group is hosting the annual
Spring Clean Up this Sunday, Group Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 5-3-19)

Sellitti said that both events will run from 11:00 am to
2:00 pm starting at the community sign.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly
First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast this morning at the Hancock House Hotel
from 8:30 to 10:00 am.  The featured
speaker is Jeff Bump, of Grow Hemp New York, LLC, of Windsor, regarding hemp
legalization, regulatory requirement, & best growing practices.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies announced the arrest of 3 people Saturday, for allegedly smuggling drugs into the Delaware county jail. 21-year-old Rosemarie Palmerini of Fleischmanns is accused of bringing a quantity of heroin into the Delaware County Correctional Facility during visitation Saturday morning, with an inmate, 39-year-old Christopher Fairbairn of Margaretville. Both were arraigned in the Town of Stamford Court & were remanded on cash bail, to the Delaware County Jail on Bail pending court proceedings Thursday. On Monday 34-year-old Jennifer Myers-Finch of Arkville was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and Promoting Prison Contraband, for allegedly coordinating the jail visitation between Palmerini and Fairbairn. Myers-Finch was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $30,000 cash bail.

Today is Day 2 of the Delaware County Fair in Walton, Spokesman John Jackson told WCDO News about some of today's activities:

(John Jackson 8-16-16)

Jackson said that last night's Demolition Derby was a sell out, other anticipated events include the new Hay Hauling contest Friday and the Country Music Concert featuring Frankie Ballard & the Lax on Saturday night.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office reported that 24 year old Ryan Sutcliffe of Cumberland, Rhode Island was sleeping in his tent when a large tree limb, broke off & landed on him, at about 12:45 AM Saturday at the Grand Slam Camp Ground on County Highway 18 in the town of Morris. Sutcliffe was taken to Chenango County Memorial Hospital in Norwich where he was declared deceased. The investigation is continuing.

The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session on today, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at The Arc Otsego Day Services Building, 63 Lower River Street, Oneonta. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are looking for more authority and choice in their supports and services may benefit from this session. Professionals in the field may also benefit from learning about self-direction. More information is available at 267-3210.

The out of the woodwork players have assembled a 28 member cast for the play "A Funny Little Thing Call Love" Area Merchant & Local Theater veteran Rich Cooley told WCDO News that he read the script, loved it and then went about putting together the largest production in recent memory:

(Rich Cooley 4-1-16)

The play will be held at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Performances: Friday, April 15th & Saturday, April 16th at 7:00pm, and Sunday April 17th at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at owptheatre@yahoo.com OR contact or at Cooley's jewelers on Main Street in Sidney at 563-1311.

The Delaware county fair comes back to the fairgrounds in Walton August 15ht to the 20th. Spokesman John Jackson said that tickets for the Saturday night concert go on sale tomorrow:

(John Jackson 4-1-16)

Jackson said that Reithoffers midways are back, as well as the demolition derby, Tractor and farm equipment displays and demonstrations, Livestock contests and encounters with over 1,000 animals, Food & a variety of Live entertainment each day.

The remaining law that completed the Women’s Equality Agenda package will take effect today. This measure creates a pilot program that would enable domestic violence victims to seek temporary orders of protection through electronic means rather than having to appear in person.

The New York State Department of Health announced that Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will lead a team of state and local health officials to a federal Zika Action Plan Summit to share strategies and best practices with colleagues from across the nation. The gathering will be held today at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is increasing evidence that Zika is linked to a birth defect, in the developing fetuses of infected mothers. The State Plan includes distributing 100,000 larvicide tablets to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds; aggressively monitoring the mosquito population through trapping and testing; providing free Zika protection kits to pregnant women; deploying Rapid Response Teams wherever local mosquito transmission is confirmed; issuing emergency regulations requiring local Zika Action Plans; and launching a broad public awareness campaign.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April. Blood drives today are scheduled from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Harold BOCES, campus on Route 206 in Masonville, in Norwich from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Broad Street Methodist Church, & in Cooperstown from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at Bassett Hall. To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to expedite the freedom of information law appeals process. The order fast-tracks FOIL appeals by requiring that all state agencies file notice of an appeal, settle the record on appeal, and file a brief within 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances outside agency control. The Governor will introduce legislation in the upcoming session that encompasses the order, while also correcting the serious flaws of 2 Assembly Bills.

90% of New Yorkers say they are somewhat concerned, 60 % say they are very concerned, that another terrorist attack will happen in New York in the near future, according to a new Sienna College poll released today. 63% said they have not changed their lifestyle out of fear of a terrorist attack. By a 52-39 percent margin, voters oppose allowing Syrian refugees to come to the United States at this time. 90% also believe that corruption in Albany is still a serious problem, and by a 3-to-1 margin, voters say new laws are needed to prevent further corruption in state government. 2/3rds also agree with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that daily fantasy sports games are gambling and illegal in New York.

State Police arrested 25-year-old Dustin Phillips of Binghamton for criminal possession of a weapon, after troopers responded to assist an Environmental Conservation Officer who was out with three men shooting on state lands in the Town of Kirkwood. An investigation determined that Phillips and two other men where shooting shotguns at targets, Phillips is on parole and also is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms; he faces court action on Tuesday.

Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were found guilty Friday of 8 counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. Dean Skelos was found guilty of using his power as Senate Majority Leader to get no show jobs to his son Adam. The conviction means that Skelos has been removed from the Senate seat that he held onto after resigning as Senate Leader in May.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Drive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing for one of the season’s signature events: Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, set to return over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2016 Classic will be held on Saturday, May 28 at Doubleday Field. New in 2016, the Classic moves to 1:00 PM, with the popular Home Run Derby starting at noon. Tickets for the 2016 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale on Monday, March 7th.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum and Matthews Ford Planet PreOwned will hold Mustang Mania Day in Norwich tomorrow.  Marty Kuhn of the Northeast Classic car Museum explains:

(Marty Kuhn 6-20-14)

The celebration begins with 1/2 price admission to the Northeast Classic Car Museum from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  At 1:30pm, Professor Malinowski will speak at the Museum, at 6:00 pm; Matthews Ford Planet PreOwned is hosting their annual Mustang Rally at 175 East Main Street.

Chenango County Dairy Day is tomorrow in Norwich.  The day's activities include a 5K 'Milk Run' at 9am with the signup at 8:30, a parade at 10:30am, the ZooMobile from the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park (https://www.facebook.com/binghamtonzoo), Face Painting, a Duck Derby, a Hay Bale Maze at the Chenango County Fair (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chenango-County-Fair/318696156942)grounds.

The Delaware valley humane society will celebrate their 50th anniversary Saturday.  The event will be held from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM at the shelter in Sidney.

State Police will be out in full force this Memorial Day weekend, to keep the roads safe for the motoring public. Troop C Commanding Officer Major Donald Faughnan comments:

(Major Faughnan 5-23-14)

Major Faughnan also said that Troopers would be on the lookout for those who are using various electronic devices while driving, over the Memorial Day weekend.

The National Baseball Hall Of Fame announced today that on Memorial Day Weekend would feature 75 former major leaguers playing in 2014 Hall of Fame Classic at Doubleday field in Cooperstown. Hall of Fame Members Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the sixth annual game on Saturday, starting with the Home Run Derby at 1 PM and the Classic at 2:05 PM. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Classic are available at 1-877-726-9028 or at baseballhall.org.

Governor Cuomo today encouraged New York State Veterans with disabilities to apply for the new Lifetime Liberty Pass, which permits qualified disabled Veterans discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the Office Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the DEC. more information is available at the State Parks website at nysparks.com.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum hosts the 6th Hall of Fame Classic Weekend this coming weekend.  The Classic will be played Saturday, and will feature representatives from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the Memorial Day Weekend legends game.  The festivities will start with a parade down main street in Cooperstown at noon, to Doubleday Field where the Home Run Derby starts at 1:00 and the game will start at 2:05 PM. Tickets are available by calling at 1-877-726-9028 or baseballhall.org, or at Doubleday Field starting at 8:00 AM Saturday.

Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno was acquitted on all charges relating to alleged political corruption on Friday.  The jury in this 2nd trial deliberated for about 4 hours, Bruno was convicted of the fraud charges in 2009 in a trial at which jurors acquitted him of five other fraud counts and could not decide on a sixth count.  Bruno plans to ask state taxpayers to reimburse his legal expenses which cost into the millions.

Howie Hawkins of Syracuse won the Green Party nomination for governor of New York again. Hawkins won the nomination on Saturday in Troy. In 2010, Hawkins received 59,906 votes, more than any other 3rd party candidate who ran against Democrat Andrew Cuomo.  The centerpiece of the Green Party is a proposal to build a 100 percent clean energy by 2030, which they claim could create 4.5 million new jobs over the next 15 years.

The Robert W. Harrold BOCES on Route 206 in Masonville will have their annual open house tomorrow, to highlight student accomplishments this year.  BOCES Work Base Learning Coordinator Danielle Macy comments:

(Danielle Macy 5-19-14)

WCDO will be broadcasting live from the annual BOCES open house from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday.

Calling hours for the fallen Johnson City Police officer David Smith will be held today from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chase Funeral Home in Port Dickinson.  Officer Smith’s Funeral will be tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM at Sarah Jane Johnson Church in Johnson City.  Representatives from Police agencies from all over will be attending.

The National Baseball Hall Of Fame announced today that on Memorial Day Weekend would feature 75 former major leaguers playing in 2014 Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, at Doubleday field in Cooperstown.  Hall of Fame Members Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the sixth annual game on Saturday, May 24th starting with the Home Run Derby at 1 PM and the Classic will start at 2:05 PM. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Classic are $ available at 1-877-726-9028 or at baseballhall.org.

The Delaware, Ulster & Greene Sheriff’s Departments and State Police investigated vehicle thefts, & announced the arrest of 53-year-old Joel Yaro of Ulster Park for 3rd & 4th degree Grand Larceny.  Yaro is accused of   the theft of a vehicle from Hancock that was recovered in the Town of Kortright later that day, following the recovery of that vehicle; Deputies investigated the theft of a vehicle from the Town of Kortright, which was recovered by Greene County Sheriff’s Deputies the following day.  Yaro was arraigned in the Town of Hancock Court on the two Grand Larceny charges Wednesday; he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail pending further court action.

Tougher texting-while-driving penalties for teenage and new drivers were included in this year’s state budget agreement. Under the state’s new budget, drivers who are under 18, or have a probationary license, will see their driving rights suspended for 120 days on a first texting conviction and a year on the second one.  The governor has pushed for tougher distracted-driving penalties since taking office in 2011, when he and lawmakers changed the state’s texting-while-driving ban from a secondary to a primary offense. Last year, there were 55,130 texting-while-driving tickets issued in the state, up 82 percent from the previous year.

State lawmakers received 1.8 million dollars in per diem expenses during the 6 month session that ended in June, a 28% drop from the year before.  Lawmakers had been criticized for doing little to check the legitimacy of lawmaker’s claims as to whether they were in Albany on a specific day, or needed to be in town on official business.  No receipts were previously required, state comptroller Tom DiNapoli said that lawmakers per diems continue to face review.

An Oneonta woman was listed in fair condition at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown following an accident on county route 48 in the town of Otego Wednesday.  State Police reported that Annette Lapine of Oneonta lost control of her vehicle while turning a corner and crashed into a telephone pole, no tickets were issued.

Hospice Chenango announces the 2nd Annual “We Honor Veterans” motorcycle ride to benefit Hospice. The ride will take place this Saturday & the money raised will be allocated to provide services to Veterans who reside in Chenango County and opt for Hospice care. The ride and is open to any rider and passenger for a fee of $10.00 per person. Registration will begin at 9:30am at the American Legion Post at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich.  More information is available about Hospice at hospicechenango.org.

The annual Masonville Rod & Gun Club will hold a “Youth Fishing derby” tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Registration will be from *;00 to 9:00 AM, the derby is free & open to kids of all ages accompanied by an adult.  More information is available at 265-3456.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today issued a report on the New York State Power Authority which questioned the authority’s travel expenses, ownership of a plane, & that 35% of employees earned more than $100,000 annually, which accounted for almost half of the authority’s expenses.  New York power authority operated 16 power plants providing low cost power to business and utilities, and employs of 1600 people.

The 2nd annual ”Teddy Memorial” will be held tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  The event starts at 9:00 am through 10:00 pm, activities include a baseball tourney, a 3 on 3 soccer tourney, chicken barbeque, bounce house and many other events.  The event is in honor of Teddy Cherniak of Bainbridge, who suffered a fatal injury at the Bainbridge Memorial Day parade last year. More information is available at 320-4101 or on the teddy memorial Facebook page.

Tomorrow will be the annual Chenango County Dairy day in Norwich, featuring a parade & a number of activities at the County Fairgrounds.  Parade Chairperson Karen Hoffman explains:

(Karen Hoffman 6-14-13)

Hoffman said that due to the high river levels, the “Duck Derby” has been rescheduled as part of this summer’s Chenango County Fair.

Delaware County Deputies investigated a 1-car property damage auto accident Tuesday in the Town of Meredith on Coe Hill Road.  Deputies reported that 20-year-old Kaci Anderson of Delhi lost control of her vehicle, left the roadway and rolled over.  No injuries were reported, no tickets were issued.