WCDO Radio News

Dollar Tree has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell Family Dollar in a $1 billion deal, ending a merger plan deal that that failed to save the franchise against increasing competition. Family Dollar will continue with plans to close a total of 970 under-performing stores nationwide, it's unclear if any of the existing store in the Tri-County Region will close.

NYSEG is reporting additional success in getting power back on following yesterday's high winds knocking down tree limbs & power lines, area counties are back on, crews have shifted efforts to Sullivan County where about 1200 were without power this afternoon.

The Food & Drug Administration announced that some types of ground cinnamon products sold at discount stores are being recalled because of elevated levels of lead. The Cinnamon in questions locally was available at stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, under the Supreme Tradition name, sold by Greenbriar International, of Chesapeake, Virginia, the cinnamon can be returned to the stores for a refund, or should be disposed of, the cinnamon with lead has been pulled from the shelves at the stores in question.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will have their annual Light up a Life Tree Lighting ceremony this afternoon into this evening, Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 12-7-23)

More information about their programs are available at hospicechenango.org.

Otsego County is seeking full-time Dispatchers for their 911 Communication system. The position involves responsibility for receiving calls at the County Communications Center and dispatching law enforcement, fire and medical emergency personnel and equipment as needed, Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma is required, Candidates should have a clean criminal record, applications are available at otsegocounty.com/departments/personnel

State Police is looking for the public’s assistance in identifying the 2 men who entered the Dollar General in Marathon on October 30th & purchased a gift card worth $500, allegedly using five fraudulent $100 bills. The men left in a dark colored sedan with what appeared to be a white license plate. The males are described to both be dark skinned, the pictures are available at the State Police website, Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at (607)561-7400.

Congressman Marc Molinaro announced his constituent service team will hold mobile office hours today from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the New Berlin Village Clerk Office at 13 South Main Street, constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro's office to share comments and resolve issues they are having with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and Social Security Administration.

This Sunday & Sunday May 7th will be the 1st "Gilbertsville Hullabaloo" with a variety of sales & activities planned, according to co-organizer Tracie Owen Martinetti:

(Tracie Owen Martinetti 4-28-23)

Martinetti & Gina Gardner have organized the event, which they hope to make into an annual tradition, The event will take place from 10 am. to 3 pm. inside 5 Commercial Street, the site of the former Gilbertsville Value Way and bookstore. All money received for vendor fees will be remitted to Gilbertsville’s Village Improvement Society.

The Oxford Village Tree Board will be holding its 30th “Tree City USA” and Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, at 9 am. at the LaFayette Park bandstand. Plans include a proclamation, Tree City USA flag and plaque presentation, and a giveaway of seedling trees and shrubs.

The 26th Annual Norwich Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament returns to Norwich, on July 8 & 9, Organizer Tom Revoir told WCDO News that registration will continue for several more weeks & they need volunteers & referees:

(Tom Revoir 4-28-23)

Teams can Register at macker.com, and interested parties who can referee can contact Tom Revoir at 336-9622 extension 29.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-28-23

Governor Hochul announced an agreement on a 220 Billion Dollar State Budget, including a resolution on the bail reform issue:

(Hochul 4-28-23)

The budget also includes funds for mental health issues, education, hospitals, clean water & housing among many other initiatives.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Alyssa Hutchinson on an outstanding warrant and they are asking the residents of Broome County for assistance. Hutchinson was last known to frequent the School Street area of Susquehanna Pennsylvania, she is described as a white female, 5'6", 250 pounds, with brown hair & brown eyes, Anyone with information can submit tips at gobroomecounty.com or call (607) 778-1196.

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.

Destination Oneonta will be hosting the annual Tree Lighting later today In Muller Plaza. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 PM, & is open to the public.

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.

Voters in the Unatego School District approved of a proposal for a new bus, by a 62 to 19 margin Monday, a proposition to put up to 5 million dollars over 15 years into a capital reserve fund passed by a 56 to 24 vote.

Highway and bridge projects have been shortchanged because the state continues to use money in the Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund to pay down debt from past projects and cover the operating costs for state agencies, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Fund spending was only 17 cents of every dollar spent from the Dedicated Highway & Bridge Fund, DiNapoli recommended the state Maximize the share of trust fund revenue for capital projects by developing a multi-year plan to reduce state operations and debt service costs paid for by the Fund, Increase the share of transportation capital projects on a pay-as-you-go basis; and Reduce the trust fund’s reliance on annual General Fund transfers and use the fund’s dedicated revenue streams.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded Wednesday to a 2 car motor vehicle accident at the intersection in the Town of Harpersfield. Deputies discovered only 1 vehicle at the accident scene, the 2nd operator fled the scene. Deputies identified the operator of the fleeing vehicle as 45-year-old Wayne Swart of Hobart, whose Driver’s License was revoked on 3 separate dates. Deputies arrested Swart Sunday and charged him with Obstructing Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without an Ignition Interlock Device, and several other related charges, Swart was released on appearance and traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Harpersfield Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-31-22

Oneonta Police Department is investigating the death of 20-year-old male Tyler Lopresti-Castro. On Thursday at about 6:50 am, City of Oneonta employees located a male, laying on the pavement near the Silas Lane Bus Garage. Lopresti-Castro was identified by his SUNY Oneonta ID and was suffering from extended exposure to subzero temperatures, he was taken to AO Fox Hospital, video showed Lopresti-Castro emerging from a wooded area behind the garage at about 2:15 am, he may have been walking in the area of River Street-River Street Service Road, Oneida Street or Chestnut Street, Anyone with information is asked to contact Oneonta Police at (607) 432-1111 or the State University Police at Oneonta at (607) 436-3550.

State Police arrested a 17-year-old high school student for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after the Bainbridge-Guilford School district notified State Police about a video posted to social media which showed a subject firing a rifle at a tree after making a general threat against Black people using a racial slur. The rifle possessed by the 17-year-old was not SAFE Act compliant, he was arrested and later arraigned as an adolescent offender in Chenango County Court. The Chenango County District Attorney determined that a hate crime did not occur, since the video was not directly sent to a specific person or group. The second individual in the video will not face any charges.

Firefighters from Morris, Oneonta & Others responded to a structure fire on Lake Street in Morris Friday night. The fire was at the site of the former Linn Tractor Company near the entrance to the Otsego County Fairgrounds, no injuries were reported.

On Saturday, The Bainbridge American Legion will host a “9/11 Day of Remembrance” Chicken BBQ at the Bainbridge Family Dollar Store starting at 10:30 AM.  Legion Post 806 is dedicating this BBQ to honor the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against our country and to remember all those who died that day, & also honors the sacrifices of those who served in the military fight over the past 20 years.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a 1 car motor vehicle accident Thursday on State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport, near the intersection of Brick House Hill Road.  The investigation determined that a 13-year-old passenger sustained a serious head injury from the accident & LifeNet airlifted the teen to Albany Medical Center.  The driver 35 year-old Robert Smith of Davenport sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.   Deputies learned that Smith fell asleep at the wheel, the car travelled across the on-coming lane of traffic and ran off the roadway where it struck a tree, Smith was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, moving from a lane unsafely, failure to keep right, he will appear in the Town of Davenport Court at a later date.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that, beginning tomorrow, Chenango Street in City of Binghamton, will close in both directions at the I-81 overpass. The closure is expected to last approximately three months.  Motorists are advised that detours will be posted, through traffic heading north on Chenango Street will be diverted at Frederick Street & Southbound traffic will be diverted at Bevier Street.  Local traffic will retain access to homes, businesses, places of worship, and side streets located between the diversions and the overpass. Bicycle and pedestrian access will be maintained through the work zone on Chenango Street.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand appeared in Binghamton this afternoon to call for legislation to expand community school funding and bolster services for low-income and underserved students, families, and communities. The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2021 would deliver more than $3.6 billion to expand community schools,  Gillibrand will appear at 1:00 PM at the Binghamton University Downtown Center on Washington Street.

State Police arrested 24 year old Aaron Johnson of Norwich, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Possessing a Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle and 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Troopers initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle on State Highway 7 in the town of Unadilla, failing to maintain a lane.  Troopers observed a rifle in the passenger seat,  Johnson is accused of possessing methamphetamine and heroin.   Johnson was issued appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court today.

A.M. NEWS Monday 3-15-21

Brian Ruple of Oneonta & Derrick Gray of Laurens pleaded guilty to a variety of charges connected with a break in last year at Losie's Gun Shop, a holdup & assault of a clerk at the Dollar Tree in Oneonta & the hold up of convenience stores in Oneonta & Otego on April 24th 2020. Ruple will serve a total of 9½ to 12 years in state prison, plus five years of supervised release, Gray was charged with 3rd-degree robbery and attempted robbery in connection with the gas station hold ups, both face sentencing later this year.

The City of Oneonta Common Council passed their $15.7 million dollar budget at their meeting Tuesday.  The Property tax increase is about 2%, the budget was much less than the previous year's budget due to lost revenue from the pandemic.

The tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center will be held virtually tonight. There will be no public viewing of the lighting ceremony, but New Yorkers can watch it on NBC at 8:00 PM.  Starting Thursday, December 3rd, the tree will open to the public with protocols in place to manage crowds.  This Year's tree came from West Oneonta.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced more than $36 million for medical institutions in the 22nd district. Brindisi secured these funds through the bipartisan CARES Act. This is the second round of funding for the facilities and Brindisi vowed to fight for more dollars moving forward. Locally, Lourdes Hospital receives $6,599,000, Chenango Memorial Hospital gets $1,382,000 & the UHS Hospitals get $12,502,000

The Otsego County Health Department announced that the free rabies clinics that were scheduled in the month of May have been cancelled.  The full list of Rabies clinics is available at the Otsego County Website; additional changes may be announced at a later date.

Gavin's Pizza in Sidney is giving away free pizzas while supplies last, Owner Mike Gavin explains:

(Gavin 4-27-20)

Gavin's pizza is located on Division Street in Sidney, they have been open for take out & deliveries due to the Coronavirus situation.

State Police and the Oneonta City Police Department announced arrests in Friday's 4 gas station robberies in Otsego County & 2 other burglaries.  41 year old Bryan Ruple of Otego was arrested on a number of charges for the 4 gas station robberies & the burglaries at Losie’s Gun Shop in the town of Davenport & the Oneonta Dollar Tree.  State Police also arrested 41 year old Derrick Gray of Laurens for his role in the convenience store robberies.   Ruple and Gray were held at the Oneonta City Police Department lock up pending court action.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has added more events to go along with the annual Holly Jolly Days Parade & Celebration on November 30th. Chamber Vice President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-16-18)

The Annual Tree Lighting will be held at 6:00 PM, and Santa & Mrs. Claus will be set up to see area children at Whitaker Way after the parade & Tree Lighting.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has proposed a 103 Million dollar budget proposal for fiscal year 2019 this week. The plan calls for a Property tax increase of about 1.56%. A public meeting will be held on the budget at the next board meeting on November 28 at 1:00 PM in Delhi.

Free Coats, Hats, Scarves & Gloves in gently used condition will be given away this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Butternut Grange hall at 7 Bloom Street in Gilbertsville. The event is open to anyone in need.

Norwich Fire Department responded Monday night at about 10:30 PM, to a Trailer Fire on River Street. Investigators believe that the cause of the fire was from a tree that
took down a power line, the trailer was a complete loss. No injuries have been reported.

New York sent an estimated $24.1 billion more in tax payments to Washington than it got back in federal spending in federal fiscal year 2017, getting back 90 cents for every dollar, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. In 2017, New York was one of just 11 states that sent more to Washington than it  received. Only New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut fared worse while New Mexico fared the best. While New York received 10 cents less per dollar of taxes, most states received more than they paid.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & the Downsville Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to a 911 report of a motor vehicle accident Sunday Morning on County Highway 7; The Cat Hollow Road in the Town of Colchester. Upon arrival, first responders found the involved vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Following fire suppression, responders found that the vehicle’s driver was deceased, there were no other occupants. Investigators determined that 41 year old Anthony Driskell of Unadilla, lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree. The cause of this accident remains under investigation.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office announced that staff will attend community events around the state in September to help residents search for unclaimed funds. DiNapoli oversees more than 39 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $15.5 billion until the money can be returned to its rightful owners. Unclaimed funds come from old bank accounts, utility deposits, uncashed checks, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant for a number of years. Residents who cannot make it to the events can call 1-800-221-9311. The next Southern Tier event with representatives from the Comptroller's office will be on September 9th from 12:00 Noon until 10:00 PM at the Blues on the Bridge at Riverside Drive & Water Street in Binghamton.

Sidney Village Officials announced that the Main Street Railroad Crossing will be closed at 8:00 AM tomorrow, through sometime Friday Morning. Norfolk Southern crews will be performing repairs & routine maintenance to their tracks at that location.

Governor Cuomo announced the release of the formal application for state matched funds through his County-Wide Shared Services Initiative. The state will match dollar-for-dollar the actual savings achieved by a county or local government pursuant to an adopted shared services plan. A total of $225 million has been appropriated for these matches to consolidate local services and create efficiencies within county borders to reduce the burden on taxpayers. More information is available at ny.gov/programs/shared-services-initiative

State lawmakers are getting ready for another busy session for 2018, local Assemblyman Cliff crouch told WCDO News about the session:

(Cliff Crouch 1-12-18)

The state budget is expected to have a 4 to 6 billion-dollar deficit, it is due to be passed April 1st.

State Police arrested 42 year old William Caputo of Raleigh, North Carolina for DWI and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a 1 vehicle collision on Russell Road, in the town of Walton. Caputo is accused of driving while intoxicated when he drove off the roadway and stuck a tree, Caputo was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for anxiety and chest pains, he refused to submit to a test to measure his blood alcohol content. Caputo was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.

Hartwick College will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights heritage Sunday & Monday on campus and throughout Oneonta. On Sunday, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Citywide Birthday Celebration will be held at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. On Monday, “The Changing Faces of the Civil Rights Movement: Who’s in and Who’s Out.” will be held at the Dewar Union from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo & the State Legislature will begin the 2018 session tackling social issues & terrorism threats, tainted drinking water & the heroin epidemic, Cuomo commented about those issues during the State of the State address:

(Cuomo 1-8-18)

Also, The State budget faces between a 4 to 6 Billion Dollar Shortfall, it is due on April 1st.

The executive director of Delaware Opportunities John Eberhard died in a 1-car accident Saturday night. The 70 year old Eberhard of DeLancey was driving on state Route 10 in Fraser when his car left the road and struck a tree. The investigation into the accident is continuing, Eberhard served as executive director of Delaware Opportunities since 1984.

Governor Cuomo announced the 6 winning companies of the 76West Clean Energy Business Competition, which focuses on supporting and growing clean-energy businesses in the Southern Tier. The $1 Million Dollar Grand Prize winner was Micatu of Horseheads; they make an optical sensor that gives accurate voltage readings so utilities can reduce energy use. The $500,000 Award winner was Charge CCCV in Binghamton, which produces energy storage batteries for telecommunications systems and other industries that need storage with longer lifetimes. The $250,000 Award winners was ChromaNanoTech in Binghamton, which produces a dye that keeps windows transparent but blocks ultraviolet radiation, so buildings stay cooler and air conditioning loads are reduced.

The City of Oneonta will have their annual Christmas Celebration tonight. An all day Ugly Sweater Contest concludes at 6:00 PM, at McLaughlin’s at 150 Main Street. The Oneonta Tree Lighting & the Oneonta Santa Claus appearance will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Muller Plaza on Main Street.

The annual Downtown Norwich Tree Lighting Ceremony, will be held today at West Park. Santa will be visiting with area children in his igloo at the East Park gazebo, the Igloo will open following the Parade of Lights & will be Friday's from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 to 4:00 pm during the Christmas holiday season.

State Police responded to a fatal Motor Vehicle Accident on County Route 8 in the Town of Pittsfield. Troopers discovered 50 year old Guillermo Soto of Morris had apparently lost control of his vehicle for an unknown reason, and struck a tree, he was found deceased in the driver’s seat with his seat belt on. Otsego County Coronor's office responded to the scene and Soto was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a possible autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.

For every dollar New York sends to Washington it receives about 91 cents back in federal spending, compared to a national average of nearly $1.22, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York ranked 46th in the nation in its balance of payments between the amount it generated in federal taxes and the amount of federal government spending it received. , New York contributed $10,896 per capita in tax revenue to the federal budget, nearly a third more than the national average, and received an estimated $9,885 in per capita federal spending, slightly below the nationwide average.

the City of Oneonta & Cleinman Performance Partners & Asbury Gardens announced plans to build a memorial park to Oneonta's late Mayor Dick Miller. Plans call for a memorial at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main Street & Lettis Highway, with year round plantings, benches, a walkway & a sculpture garden.

Governor Cuomo & state leaders announced the awards for the Regional Economic Development Councils today in Albany. Cuomo talked about how the successes of the councils activities over the last 4 years have helped lead New York’s resurgence:

(Cuomo 12-11-14)

Locally, the Southern Tier Regional Council, which includes Chenango, Delaware & Broome Counties, came in 3rd by receiving $80.8 Million dollars for their plans for economic development.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fatal 1-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden. 48 Year old Kelvin McKnight of Walton and a passenger, 23 year old James Spain of Walton were traveling north on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden near the intersection of County Highway 26 when the vehicle veered to the left and drove off the highway where the vehicle then struck a tree. McKnight was transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi where he later died from the injuries sustained in the accident. Spain was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton for evaluation and treatment. The accident remains under investigation.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated that the cuts over the last decade to the DEC have significantly hindered the state’s ability to properly regulate polluters and enforce the environmental laws. DEC staff workloads have increased and that could increase should Hydraulic Fracturing is allowed in the state following a lengthy moratorium. A recent report found that the DEC has reduced inspections by 35%, water pollution inspections by 74%, and smokestack testing by 44%. DiNapoli recommends using the projected 5 billion dollar windfall to increase staffing at the DEC in next year's budget.

Governor Cuomo today urged the federal government to recall a toy known as “Clingy Darts,” which poses a significant danger to children. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection found the children’s toy contains more than six times the federally allowable limit of the chemical known as DEHP. The toy is imported by Greenbrier International of Chesapeake, Virginia and is sold at stores throughout New York State, including Dollar Tree.

The Town of Sidney Planning Board meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Civic Center on Liberty Street in Sidney. The public is welcome.

Winter storm “Euclid” caused little damage to NYSEG’s electricity delivery systems across 20,000 square miles.  The storm was responsible for approximately 2,600 service interruptions in the NYSEG service area, due mainly to gusty winds and ice, more than 300 line and tree crews were ready to responded quickly to power outages due to any Downed trees or power lines.

Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to increase energy efficiency in state buildings by 20% in 7 years, to try to save millions of dollars for taxpayers, create thousands of jobs & reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor also launched “Build Smart NY,” a plan to strategically implement the Executive Order by accelerating priority improvements in energy performance.   The administration designed Build Smart New York plan that will use state building energy data to prioritize projects that will deliver the greatest energy savings per dollar spent. The largest and most inefficient buildings will be addressed first and undergo comprehensive whole-building improvements. Details are available at buildsmart.ny.gov.