WCDO Radio News

Admission and parking passes for The 2026 Great New York State Fair are now on sale, single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment, agricultural exhibits, live demonstrations, and the Chevrolet Music Series, Parking for the Fair costs $12. Advance tickets for The Fair’s famous Midway, operated by Wade Shows, will go on sale in the coming weeks. Tickets & parking can be purchased online, at nysfair.ny.gov, over the phone, at 1-800-514-3849, The Fair begins on Wednesday, August 26 and continues through Labor Day, September 7.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm in Conference Room 1 at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta, Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS at redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Blood supplies remain critically low.

The old Great American Supermarket & former adjacent stores have been removed & the New Stewart's Shops will be constructed, Chuck Marshall of Stewart's said that the store should be up & running fairly quickly:

(Chuck Marshall 5-14-26)

The New Stewart's will include Amenities like a gas station, electric vehicle charging, in additional to the retail store inside, at the corner of West Main & Steiner Road in Sidney.

Am American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23; make appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Saturday, from 10:30 am. - 2:30 pm., at Hartwick College, to donate blood visit RedCrossBlood.org, the Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

A great turnout was reported last weekend in Norwich for the Luszi's Legacy fundraiser, to raise money to help families get assistance for veterinary help for their older pets in need, Organizer Anett Slater comments:

(Anett Slater 4-3-26)

Slater said that she is also planning to have a Luszi's Legacy corn-hole tournament fundraiser in May, more information will be announced when that event is scheduled.

Projects are progressing in the village of Sidney regarding the Stewart's shops project & the Clover Lane development, according to Sidney Mayor Ray Baker:

(Ray Baker 4-2-26)

Mayor Baker said that the plans call for a new Stewart's Building at the site of the former Great American Store & the clover lane Project calls for new Housing to be constructed just off of West Main Street & Circle Drive.

Progress is continuing with the Stewart's shops project in Sidney, Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News when the previous Great American store should be torn down:

(RAY BAKER 2-18-26)

Mayor Baker also said that they are waiting on the state department of health to give approval for the water for the Clover Lane Development project, and they may get that approval at Thursday's Village Planning Board meeting.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Ian Quinn of Norwich Wednesday for Burglary in the 2nd Degree, following an investigation into a burglary Tuesday in the Town of Norwich. Quinn is accused of unlawfully entering the victim’s dwelling and stealing property, Quinn was arrested and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending arraignment in Chenango County Court.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-16-26

A Broome County Jury found 40 year old Tara Humphry of Great Bend, Pennsylvania, guilty of 1st Degree Assault from an incident on September 27, 2024, in Binghamton, where Humphry intentionally struck a male victim with her vehicle, causing serious physical injury. Humphry was remanded to the Broome County Jail. She is scheduled to return to court on April 15, 2026, for sentencing, she faces a potential sentence ranging from 5 to 25 years in state prison.

2 American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, 1 in ONEONTA from 11:30 am. - 4:30 pm., at the Quality Inn, State Highway 23, another will be in Margaretville from 8:30 am. - 1:30 pm., at the Margaretville Central School, to make appointments, use the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 61 year old Cathleen Mann of Burlington for 2nd Degree Grand Larceny and 57 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, following an investigation into a complaint in the Town of Maryland, where Mann is accused of writing fraudulent checks and unauthorized use of a debit card for an amount greater than $50,000, she was held for centralized arraignment and an order of protect was issued for the victim.

2 Projects in the Village of Sidney are moving forward, Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News that the Clover Lane Development Project is progressing:

(Ray Baker 1)

Mayor Baker also told WCDO News that the Demolition of the old Great American store will be happening soon in preparation for the Construction of the new Stewart's:

(Ray Baker 2)

Those interested in possible employment can got to the Indeed website for more details.

Mirabito Convenience Stores throughout New York and Pennsylvania sponsored a Round Up campaign in conjunction with its Mirabito Cares program which raised $75,000 in support of the American Cancer Society, spokesperson Marissa Sweeney comments;

(Marissa Sweeney 11-20-25)

Sweeney said that the Proceeds will directly support local patients and families through vital American Cancer Society programs, including nights at Hope Lodge during treatment and recovery, rides to medical appointments, and access to trained Cancer Specialists who provide 24/7 guidance and support.

This is an annual social engineering event to encourage Americans to stop tobacco smoking. The Great American Smoke-out challenges smokers to quit cigarettes for 24 hours with the hopes that this decision will continue forever. More information is available at cancer.org.

The Sidney Memorial Library is participating along with other libraries around the state for the "Great Give Back," Sidney Library Director Patrick McGowan explains:

(Patrick McGowan 10-1-25)

McGowan said that the idea for the Great give back started on Long Island and spread through the rest of the state, more information is available at sidneylibrary.org, more information about pets up for adoption can be obtained by calling the Humane Society at (607) 563-7780.

A.O. Fox Hospital is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross today, from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, at the the Levine Conference Room at 1 Norton Avenue in Oneonta, Appointments are available by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta has brought back "The Idol Kings" following a great show last year, Foothills Director Geoff Doyle comments:

(Geoff Doyle 8-29-25)

Tickets can be purchased before the show or at foothillspac.org.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Delhi United Ministry, 1 Church Street, another will be on Saturday by the Bainbridge Rotary Club in the Town Hall from 9:30 to 2:00 PM. Schedule an appointment with the Red Cross App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

The Annual Meredith Dairy Fest will be held this weekend, at 3575 Honest Brook Road in Meredith. The festival offers two days of live music, farm animals, local farm & craft vendors, a kids activity tent, a vintage base ball game & great food and drink, more information is available at meredithdairyfest.com or on their Facebook page.

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in Oneonta Saturday at the Southside Mall from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; at the Oneonta YMCA facility, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-6-25

35 year old Duane Kinne of Walton appeared in Delaware County Court Wednesday and was sentenced to 12 years in state prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. On December 21, 2024, Walton Police arrested Kinne and charged him with several counts of Unlawful Surveillance, and Criminal Sex Act, he appeared in Delaware County Court in March and waived his right to have the case presented to a Delaware County Grand Jury, he pleaded guilty to 6 counts of Unlawful Surveillance & 1 count of Criminal Sex Act, he was sentenced to six - 1 year sentences for each conviction of unlawful surveillance and to 12 years of imprisonment and 20 years of post-release supervision for his conviction of Criminal Sex Act, he was also ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release from state prison.

The Great American Smoke-Out is today nationwide, to help people quit smoking tobacco for one day, in the hope that they keep it going beyond today. The Chenango County Health Department encourages individuals who use nicotine/tobacco products to participate in the Great American Smoke-Out. A variety of treatments are available, people can call the New York State Quit-line at 1-866-NY-QUITS, go to nysmokefree.com, or cdc.gov/tobacco

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

State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado Delivers Remarks at The Great New York State Fair Ribbon Cutting Ceremony To Kick Off the 2024 Fair this morning at about 8:15. The Great New York State Fair will run every day through the Labor Day Weekend. More information is available at Nysfair.ny.gov.

Following the October announcement of the closure of the Morris branch of Community Bank, N.A., in January, A public meeting, coordinated by Butternut Valley Alliance, was held November 20 to identify the greatest concerns, Maggie Brenner is Vice Chair of the Butternut Valley Alliance, she told WCDO News what options they can pursue for their banking:

(Maggie Brenner 12-18-23)

Brenner said that the Community Bank closing in Morris affects several communities around Morris, and that there has been significant growth in the surrounding area the last couple of years, which they hope warrants a banking institution to set up some sort of bank or credit union locally, and not force everyone to go 20 miles or more to do all of their banking needs.

The number of full-time local government workers employed outside of New York City shrank 7.9% from 2007 through 2022, according to a report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York’s decline in local government employment is in contrast to the nation, which saw a 2% increase in the number of full-time employees over this 15-year period. Local government workforce levels were most impacted by two key events during this time – the Great Recession of 2007-09 and the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts were the largest local government employer in 2022, Counties were second, followed by cities and villages and towns.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will return this year to honor fallen State Trooper Christopher Skinner, who served for 13 years & was killed in a hit and run in 2014 while conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 81 in the Town of Chenango. This Year's Blood Drive will be held on December 26 at Five Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood, from 12 to 6 pm, appointment are available at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1(800) Red Cross or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The 5th Annual Matthews Auto Walkathon on October 7th was a huge success, despite torrential rain, and a record breaking $129,798 was raised for 10 local kid’s charities. Please see attached for the final tally. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our charities! We will be reaching out to arrange a time for check presentations in the coming days. Thank you to everyone for supporting this great event!

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-6-23

The Great New York State Fair drew over 932,000 people this year, an increase from last year's 878,000. The full recap of this year's fair is available at nysfair.ny.gov.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Justine Luckie on an outstanding warrant for criminal possession of a Controlled Substance, Luckie is described a white female, 5'8" tall about 135 pounds with brown hair & brown eyes, Anyone with information is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by calling the Broome County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (607) 778-1196 or Warrants Division at (607) 778-2923 or (607) 778-2933. Thank you.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 9-6-23

19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro will host a Senior Resource Fair today from 11:00am to 2:00 pm in Binghamton. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Broome County Office For Aging, Broome County Health Department, Broome County Sheriff's Office, Southern Tier Independence Center, Visions Federal Credit Union, among others. The session will be held at the American Legion Post 1645 at 177 Robinson Street in Binghamton.

Governor Kathy Hochul at the Great New York State Fair today signed an Executive Order directing State agencies to increase the percentage of food sourced from New York farmers and producers to 30 percent of their total purchases within five years. The Governor also signed legislation to bring together students at the New York State Fair to develop innovative agricultural technologies as well as legislation to support smaller and newer fairs across the state while promoting youth involvement in agriculture and domestic arts.

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.

The Annual Great New York State Fair opens tomorrow at the Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The fair runs through September 4th, the full schedule can be found at nysfair.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-22-23

32 year old Steven Barrows of Sidney appeared in Delaware County Court for violating several terms of his probation, he was being supervised on a five-year term as a result of a conviction for Burglary in Otsego County Court. Barrows was arraigned and was declared delinquent and a probation violator, he was sentenced to serve 2 to 6 years in jail, he was also ordered to pay fines, fees and surcharges imposed by the court.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street. To , Schedule an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-24-23

2 more players were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday in Cooperstown, Fred McGriff played for 19 years in the big leagues, he talked about the journey from struggling in the minors after being drafted by the New York Yankees, to getting into the Hall Of Fame:

(Fred McGriff PM)

Scott Rolen won 8 Gold Gloves at 3rd Base over his career mostly with the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays & Cincinnati Reds, he told the Story about his father giving him advice before an interstate all Star basketball game, that stuck with him throughout his baseball career:

(Scott Rolen PM)

In a separate ceremony on Saturday, three other baseball notables were recognized, Chicago Cubs Broadcaster Pat Hughes received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting, John Lowe was honored with the Baseball Writers Career Excellence Award and Brooklyn Dodger great Carl Erskine received the Buck O’Neil lifetime achievement award.

The American Red Cross will have a blood drive in Oneonta today. The Blood Drive will be held from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Southside Mall. To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society has a display exploring baseball’s Major Leaguers who played for Oneonta teams. “Oneonta – On the Road to Major League Baseball” opened Today and will run through September 1st at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street. The display will feature baseball cards of some of those players, including Frank Malzone, Don Mattingly, Curtis Granderson, and many more. More information about this & other programs can be found at oneontahistory.org.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-1-23

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Dinner at the Sidney Fire Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. The Chamber will be honoring Dr. Rohan Jayasena as the Citizen of the Years, He commented to WCDO about this honor:

(Dr. Rohan Jayasena 6-1-23)

Waste Recovery Enterprises will be honored as the Business of the Years, spokesman Sean LaRose comments:

(Sean LaRose 6-1-23)

Also, former Great American Food Store operator Kyle Westcott will be honored for the Commitment to Community Award tonight:

(Kyle Westcott 6-1-23)

Also, the Chamber will honor recent Long time Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak for a special Retirement Recognition.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will open its next special exhibition April 22nd, the exhibition will commemorate the bicentennial of the D&H Railroad's History in the town and city of Oneonta, according to Society Curator Marcela Micucci:

(Marcela Micucci 4-5-23)

Micucci said that a variety of free programs will coincide with the D&H exhibition, including a tour of the historic D&H Red Caboose in Neahwa Park; a Walking Tour at the D&H Roundhouse remains; The exhibits opens on April 22nd at the Society's location on Main Street in Oneonta, an opening reception will begin at 6:00 PM & will be open to the public.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Announced their annual award winners at their meeting Wednesday Morning, Dr. Rohan Jayasena was chosen as the winner of the "Citizen Of The Years" award, he told WCDO News of his reaction:

(Dr. Jayasena 4-6-23)

The Chamber also chose Waste Recovery Enterprises as the "Business of the Years" award winner, and Kyle Westcott, who formerly owned the Sidney Great American Food Store, was named as the winner of the Commitment to Community Award.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-5-23

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Announced their annual award winners at their meeting this morning, Sean Larose is the General Manager of Waste Recovery Enterprises, which won "Business of the Years" award:

(Sean Larose 4-5-23)

Kyle Westcott, who formerly owned the Sidney Great American Food Store, was named as the winner of the Commitment to Community Award:

(Kyle Westcott 4-5-23)

Dr. Rohan Jayasena was also honored as the Citizen of the Years by the Sidney Chamber, all will be honored at the Chamber's Annual Dinner in June.

The Pennsylvania State Police announced that Nikolas Petrich was taken into custody in Long Eddy, today by New York State Police. Petrich is 1 of 6 people accused in the September 2022 murder of Tyler Barber in Great Bend, Pennsylvania, 5 other suspects were arrested in Towanda, Pennsylvania last week. State police say Barber was tied to a tree & beaten by the 6 suspects, Petrich & one other are accused of beating Barber with a baseball bat. All 6 were charged with homicide, kidnapping, and various other charges. Petrich is in a New York jail awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania to be arraigned on the charges.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded March 18th to a 2 car accident with injuries on County Highway 26, in the Town of Colchester. 1 vehicle had left the lane of travel, crossed over the double yellow line, and struck an oncoming vehicle head on. 49-year-old Andras Kasuba of Brooklyn was charged with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than 0.08%, aggravated DWI, plus 3 counts of Assault & several other charges. The driver of the other vehicle and 1 passenger were transported by Lifenet to Albany Medical Center and a 3rd passenger was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital, Kasuba was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Governor Hochul & U.S. Senators Schumer & Gillibrand announced that New York State will receive $100 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the American Rescue Plan to expand high-speed internet. The funding will allow them to connect about 100,000 homes and families to affordable, high-speed internet across the state, more information is available at fcc.gov/acp.

The American Red Cross continues to report low blood supplies, 3 Blood drives are being held locally today. A Blood Drive is being held at the DCMO BOCES on State Route 206 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, another in Cooperstown from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at St. Mary's Church, at 31 Elm Street & another at the Otego Fire House from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at 5 River Street. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org, at 1-800 RED CROSS or with the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The new “Bainbridge Athletics” will open this weekend at the site of the former Bainbridge Great American Store, owner Steve Cafasso told WCDO News how the membership system will work:

(Steve Cafasso 11-28-22)

The facility will open Saturday, more information is available at bainbridgeathletics.com.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber Of Commerce announced that there will be a number of Christmas related activities Saturday, Chamber President John Hinman explains:

(John Hinman 12-2-22)

More information is available at 607-288-2392 or on the Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

The Bainbridge American Legion VA Clinic will be closing on December 1st, & Area Veterans can go to the Binghamton VA Clinic at 203 Court Street, or the the new VA Clinic located at the Fox Care Center, in Oneonta. Peter Potter of the Stratton VA Center in Albany said that the new Oneonta location is a better alternative:

(Peter Potter 11-28-22)

Potter said that Veterans should contact the Bainbridge clinic by Thursday & let them know where to transfer their records,

The new "Bainbridge Athletics" will open this weekend at the site of the former Bainbridge Great American Store, owner Steve Cafasso told WCDO News what he has set up:

(Steve Cafasso 11-28-22)

The facility will open Saturday, more information is available at bainbridgeathletics.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-28-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $68 million has been awarded to support 74 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, The application for Empire State Development Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted, more information is available at apps.cio.ny.gov.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the New Lisbon Town Hall, appointment can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

On Saturday, staff and youth from the Tobacco Free Zone/Reality Check program of Chenango County commemorated this year’s Great American Smokeout by conducting a cigarette Butt cleanup in the East & West Parks in the City of Norwich. Tobacco Free Zone coordinator Brad Morrison explains:

(Brad Morrison 11-21-22)

The Tobacco Free Zone program of Chenango County can assist municipalities, employers and other groups to transition their property to tobacco-free spaces. More information is available at TFreeZone.net.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-21-22

The State Department of Education is now requiring all State schools to drop Native American Imagery or names as their mascots. Districts will have until the end of this school year to comply with the directive or risk the loss of funding and even school officers such as the superintendent.

Erin Insinga of Delaware Valley Humane Society is inviting area residents to the Sidney Great American store tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Insinga told WCDO News why she has organized this:

(Erin Insinga 11-18-22)

Saturday is the last day of Business of the Sidney Great American, the store operated at that location for 6 decades.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society, the City of Oneonta and Otsego Now, will unveil a new historical marker for the D&H Roundhouse on Roundhouse Road in Oneonta, today at 12:00 Noon. The marker registers and documents one of the largest roundhouses in the nation, the public ceremony will be at the corner of Roundhouse Road and Fonda Avenue in Oneonta on the property of A Treffeisen & Son LLC.

Tomorrow The Great American Smoke out day across the nation, Brad Morrison is the Tobacco Free Coordinator for Chenango County, he told WCDO what they will be doing tomorrow in Norwich:

(Brad Morrison 11-16-22)

Morrison said that Reality Check Students will also be cleaning up cigarette butts in East & West Parks in Downtown Norwich on Saturday, which they plan to show to lawmakers to prove that smoking is still a significant problem in Chenango County, where 20% of the population is still smoking.

There will be 2 American Red Cross Blood Drives locally today. In Oneonta, a drive will be held from 12:00 Noon untl 5:00 PM on the SUNY Oneonta campus in Hunt Hall room 101C. Another drive will be held at the Walton O'Neill High School from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The Sidney Great American Food Store announced that they will be closing their doors soon, after many decades at their current Location. There will be a few changes in the coming weeks to many of the store's policies, more details will be released on the store's Facebook page.

Famed "Star Trek" star & Author George Takei is scheduled to be a speaker at SUNY Oneonta today at 7:00 PM at the Alumni Field House. Takei is the author of “They Called Us Enemy”, which is a New York Times Best Seller, in which he describes his experiences of growing up in internment camps in the United States as a Japanese American during World War II.

The Great New York State Fair attendance has improved almost every day over last year's attendance, with this past Tuesday's attendance down by about 6,000, but it is still not back up to pre-pandemic levels. The Fair Attendance had been improving every year though 2019, the best attenance ever occured on September 4th 2019 when over 147,000 people went through the turnstiles. This year's highest attneadnce was last Saturday with just under 90,000 people.

American Red Cross blood drives are continuing today, as blood supplies remain critically low. One drive will be held in Oneonta from 12:30 to 5:30 PM, at the American Legion on Chestnut Street, Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.