WCDO Radio News

Local government sales tax collections totaled $6.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 5.1%, compared to the same quarter last year, according to the State Comptroller's Office. 9 of the 10 regions in the state, had a year-over-year increase in collections, first quarter collections for counties and cities outside of New York City grew by 3.9%, the full report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

3 More American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, as blood supplies remain low. The 1st on will be at the DCMO Boces Campus on State Route 206 from 9:30 to 2:30, another will be in Oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the SUNY Oneonta Hunt College Union, & the 3rd will be in Walton 1:30 to 5:30 PM, at the 1st Baptist Church on Townsend Street, make an appointment for either location at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that the first tornado of 2026 in New York, The storm initially passed through Gowanda, with reports of wind-driven and accumulating large hail before moving across northern Cattaraugus County on March 31, carving a 1.4-mile path and causing damage consistent with an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 107 mph.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, 1 from 1 pm. - 5 pm., at the Stamford Baptist Church, 40 Lake Street, another from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Worcester United Methodist Church, 111 Main Street., to donate blood visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-19-26

Several local events are planned to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, commemorating King’s life and legacy as a leader of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Hartwick College's Yager Museum will be open 11:30 am. to 4:30 pm. in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is offering a program at 1:30 pm. Monday titled “MLK and Baseball,” The First Baptist Church of Cooperstown will host a memorial service today at 6 pm. The Broome County Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is holding a march starting at 5:30pm at the King Promenade at the Court Street Bridge next to Boscov’s in downtown Binghamton, followed by services at 6pm at the First Congregational Church on Main Street.

American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, one in Walton from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, another will be in Cooperstown from 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

2 Red Cross Blood Drives are being held locally today, as Blood Supplies remain low. One Drive will be held from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River Street; another will be from 1 pm. - 5:30 pm., Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street; make an appointments with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

More American Red Cross Blood drives are being held locally, as the demand has increased following the hurricanes in the southern states recently, 1 drive is being held in Walton today from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Walton First Baptist Church, on Townsend Street, another is being in Oneonta from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, on Market Street, Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage, since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible. 3 Blood Drives are being held locally today, 1 in Walton from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, at the Walton First Baptist Church on Townsend Street, another in Oneonta from 12:00 PM, to 5:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, & in Cooperstown from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Clark's Sports Center, To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS

2 more Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, 1 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Walton First Baptist Church, Another will be in Cooperstown from 9 am to 2 pm St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

33 year old Corey Koch of Deposit was sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision for his conviction of Attempted Burglary. Koch appeared in Delaware County Court, he illegally entered the First Baptist Church in Deposit, where he stole property and damaged a filing cabinet. Judge Hubbard additionally sentenced Koch to pay restitution to the Baptist Church, he was ordered to provide a sample of his DNA for inclusion in the State’s DNA data-bank, if he violates the terms and conditions of his probation, he faces the potential of being re-sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison. Koch still faces un-related charges in Broome County which are still pending.

The American Red Cross will hold another Blood Drive today in Delhi. Today's Drive will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Alliance Church, on State Route 28, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Mid York Concert Band is looking to add a few more musicians to participate in their concerts this year, Band Director Doug Ernst explains:

(Doug Ernst 2-22-24)

Ernst said that they have practices every other Tuesday Night at the Norwich Middle School, their Spring concert will be on Sunday May 19th, and they will also have their Holiday Concert in December. More information is available by calling Ernst at 607-267-2614.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-22-24

33 year old Corey Koch of Deposit pleaded guilty to Attempted Burglary in Delaware County Court, for illegally entering the First Baptist Church located in the town of Deposit, and stealing property. Koch will likely be sentenced to a 5-year term of felony probation supervision, if he violates the terms and conditions of his probation, he faces 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

The American Red Cross will be holding 2 blood drives in Delaware County today, 1 drive will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Downsville Fire Department, another will be held from 12:30 pm. to 5:30 pm., at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, Appointments are available at RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The State Comptroller's Office announced that State tax receipts totaled $51.5 billion through the 1st 6 months of State Fiscal Year 23-24, $1.7 billion higher than estimates released in the Division of the Budget in July. However, tax receipts were $6.9 billion lower than the first half the previous year according to the monthly State Cash Report released today. The new report reflected a higher than anticipated tax collections and lower than anticipated spending. The full report can be found online at osc.state.ny.us.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 10-18-23

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 2023 Business Awards celebration at Bluestone Restaurant in Delhi today. Delaware county Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News that they have many "Rising Star" award recipients this year, for businesses that have been operating for 1 to 5 years:

(Ray Pucci 10-18-23)

Pucci said that UHS Delaware Valley Hospital & Decker Advertising of Delhi will share the Business of the Year honors, their Community Connector Award will go to the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency. The celebration coincides with National Chamber of Commerce Day.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives will be held today, 1 in Oneonta from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., at SUNY Oneonta, Hunt College Union, and another will be held in Walton from 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The American Red Cross will hold 2 more local Blood Drives today. 1 drive will be held in Walton from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, another will be held in Cooperstown from 9 am. - 2 pm., at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23. Another Blood Drive is being held in Walton from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at the Walton First Baptist Church on Townsend Street. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

UHS Chenango Memorial is hosting a pop-up Vaccine Clinic in Afton, in collaboration with Commerce Chenango and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire. The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at the First Baptist Church, 30 Caswell Street in Afton. Anyone who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine can contact Commerce Chenango at commercechenango@gmail.com or by phone at 373-1485 to schedule an appointment.

Delaware County Public Health Services and Friends of Recovery- Delaware Otsego will be sponsoring a Recovery Coach Academy & Ethical Considerations training from April 12th to April 17th, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, at the First Baptist Church in Delhi.  The Recovery Coach Academy includes all course materials. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register for this course, call 267-4435 or email: Kyle@friendsofrecoverydo.org.  The deadline to register is April 7th.

The New York State Department of Health and Delaware County Public Health are investigating reports of potential COVID-19 exposures associated with those who attended Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend St in Walton, NY on Sunday, July 12th.  People that attended church on July 12th, 2020 or a church function on the night of July 12th should immediately self-isolate and call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors met in person in Delhi Wednesday for the first time in several months because of the COVID 19 pandemic & state requirements that followed.  The board accepted federal grants for COVID-19 relief for the County Office for the Aging.

The Friends of Afton Parade Committee will hold the annual
Afton Christmas Parade Saturday.  The
Parade line-up will be at Corporate Park on Route 7 at 4:00 pm, the parade
starts at 5:00pm & Santa will be in the NBT Bank after the parade. Food and
hot beverages provided by the Chamber of Commerce and VFW, located inside the
VFW. Community bonfire located in the First Baptist Church Parking lot after
the parade. More information is available at 208-5005, or the "Friends of
Afton" Facebook page.

Hartwick College will host its First Year Seminar Symposium
today 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Library at Yager Hall. The event, which is free
and open to the public, will provide an opportunity for first-year students to
show off their work, ranging from research about political change to displays
of visual and performing arts. Appetizers, desserts, and beverages will be available
for all participants and guests.

A man whose name was synonymous with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta has died at the age of 78. Dick Davies died on Saturday; he was a 1970 Regatta champion, served for many years on the Regatta Committee and was instrumental in the development of the Regatta Museum & Hall of Fame. Friends may cal at the First Baptist Church of Sidney on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral services at 11:00.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign reminding New Yorkers that the first increase to the minimum wage will go into effect on December 31st. Governor Cuomo signed legislation this year making New York the first state in the nation to enact a $15 minimum wage to be phased in over several years. Minimum wage workers who do not receive their raise should call 1-888-4-NYSDOL to report their employers. Locally, the minumum wage will be increased to $9.70 an hour. More information is available at www.ny.gov/minimumwage.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held in Oneonta today. The drive will run from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., River Street Baptist Church, 133 River Street. Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies. Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main Street in Oneonta

The West Kortright Centre presents its 11th Annual Fair on Sunday, from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM. Spokesperson Charlene Sugihara explains:

(Charlene Sugihara 9-2-16)

Admission is $5.00 per person and children under 10 are free. The West Kortright Centre is located at 49 West Kortright Church Road in East Meredith; more information is available at 278-5454 or westkc.org.

Governor Cuomo announced that the sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products sold in New York State is in effect. Feminine hygiene products have been taxable since the state sales tax was first instituted in 1965, even as a wide variety of other goods, such as dietary and family planning products, have been exempt.

Calling hours for Sidney native & US Army Veteran Adam Petzack of Great Falls Montana will be held at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel on Main Street in Sidney today from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A memorial mass will begin at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Liberty Street in Sidney with military honors following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Adam's memory either monetary or air miles to healinghero.org. A gathering at of family & friends will follow at Vincent's on Main Street in Afton will follow the services.

The American Red Cross is looking for more blood donations. A Blood drive will be held at the Main Street Baptist church at 333 Main Street in Oneonta tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Another Blood drive will be held at the American Legion in Oxford from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at reccrossblood.org or at 1-800-Red cross.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's Spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration.

The first Baptist Church in Sidney will hold their services this Sunday at the Circle Drive Alliance church from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, due to a heating problem. After the church services, members of the church will return to the Baptist Church for packing the "Operation Child" boxes as originally scheduled.

Service arrangements have been announced for fallen New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner. Skinner was a 13-year veteran of the New York State Police; he was killed in the line of duty last Thursday, after he was intentionally hit by a car while conducting a traffic stop on I-81. Calling hours are scheduled from 3:00 to 8:00 PM today at the Community Baptist Church on 743 Chenango Street in Port Dickinson. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, at First Baptist Church at 1321 Reynolds Rd. in Johnson City.

State Police warn the public of any potential fraudulent accounts that may be created on the Internet requesting donations for the family of Trooper Christopher Skinner.  The Skinner family is endorsing 2 funds for donations at this time.  The first is the “Skinner Children Education Fund” that has been set up at the Visions Federal Credit Union.  The second is the Signal 30 Fund at nystpba.org (http://www.nystpba.org/Home.aspx).  This is an organization that help’s the families of New York State Police.