WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

With extreme heat forecast in the Tri-County Region over the next few days, Cooling stations will be open at various location, in Delaware County, cooling stations will be at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the Andes Public Library, other locations may be announced, In Chenango County, designated emergency cooling centers include the Guernsey Memorial Library at 3 Court Street, in Norwich, the Sherburne Public Library, more information may be available from the Chenango County Clerk's Office. IN Otsego County, cooling centers include the Southside Mall, The Foxcare Center as well as the greater Plains & Wilber Pools in Oneonta or the Clark Sport Center in Cooperstown, more information is available at the State Department of Health

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The Nate Lull Scholarship winners were announced, Lull told WCDO that there were 8 winners out of over 200 Applicants:

(Nate Lull 6-30-26)

Lull said that the was the 4th year old of the Scholarship, which has handed out about $65,000 so far to graduating seniors.

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35 Year old Ciera Washington of the Bronx pleaded guilty in US District Court to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Washington admitted that from April 2023 through October 2024, she worked with 2 others to steal the personal information of Medicaid beneficiaries and use that information to fraudulently obtain prescription medications from pharmacies throughout New York State & the Northeastern States, which caused a loss of nearly $4 million to the Medicaid program and tens of thousands of dollars to pharmacies. Washington agreed to forfeit over $400,000 in proceeds from her crimes and to consent to an order of restitution for the losses they caused. Washington faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the fraud count and a mandatory term of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutively, when sentenced in October in Federal Court, She also faces a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $10 million in funding was awarded to 20 projects as part of Round 2 of the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites statewide for the public to enjoy. Funding for this program was provided by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. 1 of the awards will go to the City of Norwich, they receive $810,000 to improve safety, accessibility and play opportunities by replacing aging playground equipment, court space and safety surfacing at the park on Hale Street.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

State and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving statewide ahead of and during the July 4th holiday weekend. This campaign began Monday & will run through Sunday, July 5. Law enforcement officers across New York will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer. To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 am. Thursday, July 2, through 6 am. Monday, July 6, some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

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A community-wide conversation about housing insecurity and homelessness will take center stage in Norwich next month, as leaders come together to host A Conference on Housing and Belonging. The event will take place from 9:30 am. to 2 pm. on Friday, July 17 in the Norwich High School Auditorium. The conference is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended but not required. For more information or to register, contact AnnMarie Smith, Assistant Director of Housing Services, Catholic Charities of Chenango County at (607) 334-8244, ext. 242, or via email at amsmith@ccofcc.com.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-21-25

37 Year Old Devin LaValley of Burlington, 29 year old Melissa McDougal of Altmar, 33 year old Grace Balthazor of Elmira and 43 year old Roxanne Clark of Bristol, Vermont, appeared in US District Court, charging them with child exploitation offenses. LaValley & the others are accused of video recording the sexual abuse of 2 minor children, which were released to the internet, LaValley distributed some of the depictions he created with McDougal and Balthazor to Clark online. All 4 were arraigned on the charges & are being held pending additional court action. The conspiracy and sexual exploitation charges carry a term of between 15 and 30 years in federal prison, the receipt and distribution of child pornography each carry a term 5 and 20 years in prison, each charge carries a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years to life, all would be required to register as sex offenders upon their release from prison.

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The Delaware Valley Humane Society is teaming up with Forged Brewery this Saturday, from 12-6 at the Brewery called "STOUTS, ALES AND PUPPY DOG TAILS". Mike Andres of Forged Brewery & Erin Insinga from the Humane Society visited with WCDO this morning to explain the fundraiser & the special concoction for the event:

(Mike Andres-Erin Insinga 8-21-25)

There will also be live music, food trucks, Santa photos, raffle baskets this Saturday at Forged Brewery, 1732 State Highway 41.

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The Clean Sweep Delaware Household hazardous waste Collection days are coming up on October 10th & 11th, Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson Robb told WCDO News of the things that they will & will not accept at that collection:

(Tyson Robb 8-21-25)

Online registration continues at cleansweepdelaware.eventbrite.com, phone registration will begin September 16th through October 1st.

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The State Health Department continues to monitor the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, with 5 deaths, 14 hospitalized & more than 100 cases confirmed in New York City & a small number of cases in the lower Hudson Valley. The outbreak has been linked to cooling towers on 12 buildings in the Harlem neighborhood, Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics, and a spread beyond upper Manhattan is unlikely.

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State Police in Troop C are hosting 2 child car seat check points over the weekend, 1 on Saturday from 11 am. – 2 pm. at Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown, another on Sunday from 11 am. – 2 pm. at Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks. New York State Law requires that all children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until they reach their 8th birthday. All children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat, more information is available by calling Troop C at (607)561-7400 and ask for Traffic.

A.M. Thursday 8-21-25

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting that 36-year-old Gerald Walke of Walton made threats to harm himself by use of a firearm.  Deputies took Walke into custody, transporting him to a treatment facility. Investigators received a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, from the County Supreme Court, requesting the removal of Walke’s right to possess rifles, shotguns, or firearms. Explosive Detection K-9 Edge was deployed, the team located precursors for bomb and explosive device construction, a rocket launcher, a rifle, drug paraphernalia & a device believed to be a homemade explosive device. A 2nd warrant was issued, the State Police Bomb Disposal Unit responded and disabled devices, & they seized controlled substances, a handgun, explosive devices, and items used for the construction of explosive devices. Walke was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 secured bond.

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Hartwick College welcomes back students for the Fall Semester this weekend. Highlights include the Student Move-In and Opening Convocation on Friday, & on Sunday, the traditional "First Walk" will be held, The full schedule can be found at hartwick.edu.

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The summer 2025 series of Concerts at the Dunderberg will present "Electronic Music/New Media" today at 7:00 PM, the final show of the season will be "All Flutes" on Sunday night, the shows are held at the Dunderberg Gallery in Gilbertsville starting at 7:00 PM at 118 Marion Avenue, more information is available at 607-783-2010 or at dunderberggallery.com

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled today in Norwich from 11:30AM TO 4:30PM at the GUERNSEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 3 COURT STREET. Appointments can be made with the Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-23-25

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that her plan to restrict smartphone use in schools statewide, following the findings of a report with recommendations gathered from a statewide tour this past year with students, parents and teachers regarding excessive smartphone use in schools:

(Hochul 1-23-25)

This Proposal Will Requires Schools To Give Parents a Way to Contact Students, Schools Will Have Flexibility To Create Their Own Implementation Plan; the state budget plan unveiled this week will designate $13.5 Million for Pouches, Cubbies or Other Storage Devices.

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Chenango County Sheriff's Office assisted State Police & the Susquehanna SPCA Wednesday with a Search Warrant after an investigation of Animal Cruelty at a residence in the Town of North Norwich. This search warrant led to the seizure of dozens of animals, The investigation is still on going and more details will be released shortly.

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23 year old Dakota Mann of Walton appeared in Delaware County Court and was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of between 2 and 4 years for Criminal Contempt and an additional year for 3rd degree Assault. On May 17, 2024, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a Walton residence for an ongoing Domestic Dispute, where Mann assaulted 2 people, Walton Police Department and State Police also responded, they discovered that there was an order of protection for 1 of the victims, Man was arrested & was was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility. On July 1, Mann assaulted a fellow inmate, & was charged with 2nd degree Assault, Mann pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court last year, his plea agreement was vacated, on Tuesday his sentencing recommendation was increased.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today discussed her "Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act" to address the nationwide shortage of affordable child care, as nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers live in communities that lack adequate access to child care, a share higher than in all but 4 states.

(Gillibrand 1-23-25)

Gillibrand’s bill would provide federal funding to help establish child care centers and to train workers to meet local needs for child care services, especially in rural communities.

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The State Labor Department announced today that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased by 7,200, to over 8.4 Million in December. The State's Unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in December 2024, The statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.2% in December 2024.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 1-23-25

Local Lawmakers have had their 1st look at Governor Hochul's executive budget proposal this week, State Senator Peter Oberacker said that he has concerns about the use of unexpected higher revenues, but he did like a program benefitting all students:

(Senator Oberacker 1-23-25)

Oberacker said that he is on the Senate budget committee, and their meetings will begin next week, the budget is due April 1st.

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The Chenango County Sheriff's Office will be attending the CDO Workforce Veteran & Community Job Fair at the VFW Post 2782 located at 61 East Main St in Norwich today from 11:00am until 1:00pm. The Sheriff's Office is currently looking for Correction Officers, Cooks and Registered Nurses.

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THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE IS Today FROM 11:30-4:30 P.M. AT GUERNSEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 3 COURT STREET IN NORWICH. Appointments can be made with the blood donor app, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-redcross.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-28-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Kyle Walker of Utica, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operator of a Motor Vehicle and Unlicensed Operator following an investigation. Deputies responded Saturday to an emergency call for service for a possible abduction of an adult that occurred within Delaware County. Deputies along with Delhi Police Officers were able to locate the vehicle that was allegedly being used during the reported abduction which had been traveling from the Downsville area to the Village of Walton, it was found that no abduction had occurred, however Deputies found that Walker had 19 suspensions on his drivers license. Walker was issued appearance tickets to appear before the Village of Walton Court at a later date.

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The expanded New York State "Move Over Law" went into effect on Wednesday. The new law requires drivers to move over for all types of vehicles stopped on the side of a highway, not just emergency vehicles, the law was updated as statistics showed that From 2016 to 2020, 37 individuals were killed outside disabled vehicles in New York.

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Dave Johnson of Unadilla has organized a meeting in Unadilla on April 17th, called "Introduction to Preparing for the Inevitable", with a series of experts on what to do before your final days:

(Dave Johnson 4-17-24)

The meeting will be held April 17th at the Unatego Elementary School Cafeteria from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

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Broome County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 49 year old Christopher Merwin of Chenango Forks following a domestic incident in the Town of Chenango. Deputies responded to a residence on Marshman Road, the victim informed patrols of repeated incidents of verbal and physical disputes, including threats on her life with a firearm, deputies submitted a request for an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which was granted by the Town of Chenango Court. While serving the order of protection, deputies located a loaded 9mm “ghost” handgun and methamphetamines, Merwin was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Harassment, he was taken into custody without incident, arraigned at Central Arraignment and remains in custody at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 3-28-24

32 year old Nicholas Durbin of Deposit appeared for a conference in Delaware County Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse. Durbin was accused of having inappropriately touched a 4-year-old child in the Town of Deposit between February 1, 2022, and April 25, 2022, while in a relationship with the child’s mother, he was sentenced to one- and one-half years in state prison, to be followed by three years of post-release supervision, he was also ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release from state prison.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that six villages were designated in fiscal stress under the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System. DiNapoli's office evaluated all non-calendar year local governments and designated one village in "significant fiscal stress," one in "moderate fiscal stress," and four as "susceptible to fiscal stress." None of the villages in the WCDO listening area made the list this year.

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The Children's Home will hold a Foster Parent info Session today for those interested in bringing a foster child into their home. The session will be held today at the Guernsey Library in Norwich starting at 6:30 PM. More information is available at 607-765-9059.

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Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to criminal contempt complaint, in the Town of Bovina. During the course of the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies identified the suspect as 63 year old Glenn McGuiness of Bovina, who allegedly violated an order of protection put in place by the Bovina Town Court, by yelling obscenities at the protected party. McGuiness was non complaint and refused to cooperate with Deputies, McGuiness was charged with Criminal Contempt, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, McGuiness was subsequently issued an appearance ticket, returnable at a later date to the Town of Bovina Court.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-21-21

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for November. Locally, Chenango County had 3.4% unemployment, Otsego & Delaware Counties both had 3.5%, the State's unemployment rate dropped 3/10th's to 6.6% in November.

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Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and Cobleskill Regional Hospital have been placed on a state-wide list of facilities that currently have occupancies of 90% or more; A.O. Fox Hospital and Little Falls Hospital remain on that list. Those impacted facilities are also limiting non-essential elective procedures in accordance with an executive order enacted by the New York State Department of Health on December 3rd. Capacities at affected hospitals are being reassessed every 2 weeks. With rising cases of COVID-19 in the region, Bassett Healthcare Network will suspend visitation for the safety of patients and staff in all emergency departments across its network starting Wednesday.

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Chenango County Health Department reports the continued increase in the number of COVID 19 cases in the county. The county has 301 active cases with 2/3rds unvaccinated, 523 are quarantined, 13 are hospitalized, all are unvaccinated, and there have been 92 COVID related deaths since the start of the pandemic. Information about vaccine clinics are available at co.chenango.ny.us.

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Deborah Stanley has been named as interim SUNY Chancellor, after current Chancellor Jim Malatras resigns on January 14th. Malatras announced his resignation after disparaging text messages from Malatras were sent to then Governor Andrew Cuomo about one of Cuomo's sexual harassment accusers.

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Otsego County Sheriff Rich Devlin announced the temporary closure of 2 housing units within the Jail today due to critically low staffing levels after consulting with the the State Commission of Correction, he talked to WCDO News about the need for positive changes coming from the Otsego County Board of Representatives:

(Sheriff Devlin 12-21-21)

Sheriff Devlin stated that this is the 2nd facility shutdown in as many years, and he hopes that next year will bring more realistic discussion about the future of the Department of Corrections.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-21-21

Firefighters from Unadilla, Franklin, Wells Bridge, & Otego responded to a fire last night at 10:30 PM, at 43 Watson Street in Unadilla. The House and garage were fully involved, adult and 2 children were being treated for smoke inhalation, the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Unadilla Fire Department has posted a list of items the displaced residents need following the fire, it is posted on the Unadilla Fire Department Facebook page.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that she is making $65 million available to counties across New York State to help with the costs associated with administering vaccines and boosters and enforcing the mask-or-vaccine mandate for indoor public places that went into effect statewide last week. Up to $1 million will be available for most counties, with larger counties eligible to receive up to $2 million.

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The State Health Department tested over 258,000, with 23,391 testing positive, for a Positivity rate of 9.04%. Patient Hospitalization are up to 4,020, with 769 in an ICU bed, and Patients on ventilators is up to 451, New deaths reported by healthcare facilities was 60 on Sunday.

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Delaware County Public Health reported 77 new cases of COVID 19 Saturday through Monday, there are 263 active cases, 4 hospitalized & 533 in quarantine.

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Visitation is suspended at Otsego County Correctional Facility until further notice due to the increase in COVID cases in the area, according to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. Otsego County Health Department reported 21 new cases Monday, there are 320 active COVID-19 cases, 12 people are hospitalized & there were 2 new deaths reported.

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Assemblyman Joseph Angelino announced $25,000 in funding to the Four County Library System to support libraries within the 122nd Assembly District. The most recent state budget allowed each legislator to submit aid requests on behalf libraries within their districts. The Sidney Memorial Public Library will receive $5,000, to purchase new technology items such as virtual reality headsets and a 3D printer. Other area libraries will receive $1,111 each, including Afton, Bainbridge, Deposit, Franklin, Gilbertsville, New Berlin, the Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich, plus Oxford, South New Berlin, Unadilla, & the Ogden Free Library in Walton.

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Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of Deposit man on an arrest warrant issued by the Delaware County Family Court, for a violation of the Family Court Act. 47 year-old Patrick Stanton of Deposit was located On December 10th, by Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, along with members of the Broome County Sheriff's Office, at a Village of Deposit location. Stanton was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail & is scheduled to appear at the Delaware County Family Court at a later date to answer the charge.

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P.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-11-21

Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference this afternoon, she said that she will continue with many of the policies, but not with the toxic drama associated with outgoing Governor Andrew Cuomo:

(Kathy Hochul 8-11-21

Governor Cuomo announced his resignation yesterday, Kathy Hochul will take over as Governor on August 24th.

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THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CURRENTLY HAS A CRITICAL NEED FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES. RED CROSS SPOKESPERSON, MEG ROSSMAN EXPLAINS WHY...

(MEG ROSSMAN 8-11-21)

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA INCLUDE TUESDAY, AUGUST 17TH AT THE GUERNSEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY IN NORWICH AND AO FOX-TRI TOWN CAMPUS IN SIDNEY AND THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH AT THE FRANKLIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THE WALTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG FOR A LISTING OF BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA.

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Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested of 33-year-old Brad Wenk of Lakewood, Pennsylvania, on State Highway 268 in the Town of Tompkins for traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies determined that Wenk was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, he is charged with aggravated DWI & Wenk will appear in the Tompkins Town Court on a later date.

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STATE POLICE reported that 57 year old James Jones of Louisiana was recovered from the Whitney Point Reservoir around 9:00 AM Tuesday, he was kayaking with another person when his kayak tipped over. His kayak was located but he did not resurface. The incident remains under investigation. Troopers were assisted by Broome County Sheriff’s, Chenango County Sheriff’s, Broome County Emergency Services, Broome County Technical Rescue Team, Whitney Point Fire, Harpursville Fire, West Windsor Fire, Chenango Bridge Fire, Vestal Fire, Killawog Fire, Lisle Fire, Greene Fire, Marathon Fire, Triangle Fire, Broome Ambulance, Greene Ambulance, Marathon Ambulance and Broome Security Division.

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THE CHENANGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTED MONDAY TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL COUNTY MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE TO HELP FUND A NEW COUNTY-RUN EMS SERVICE. THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES AN ANNUAL $5 FEE FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH VEHICLES WEIGHING 35 HUNDRED POUNDS OR LESS AND A $10 FEE FOR HEAVIER VEHICLES. THE COUNTY BOARD ESTIMATES THE ADDITIONAL FEE WILL GENERATE NEARLY 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

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COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALES WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH FROM 9AM TO 4PM IN THE VILLAGE AND TOWN OF GREENE. SALE LISTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE GREENE COMMUNITY YARD SALES FACEBOOK PAGE.

A.M. NEWS 8-11-21

The Chenango County Fair returns today at the Fairgrounds in Norwich with a variety of events for the whole family, spokesperson Mary Weidman explains:

(Mary Weidman 8-11-21)

The full list of events is available at chenangofair.com.

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ERAP SPECIALIST SHANNON WRIGHT WILL BE AT THE SHERBURNE LIBRARY FROM 10AM TIL NOON TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DUE TO COVID AND OWE BACK RENT, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR HELP. QUESTIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO 373-3477.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-9-21

Sidney Police Department assisted a Department of Homeland Security Investigation unit to execute a federal search warrant at 243 Johnston Circle in the Village of Sidney into the illegal possession and manufacture of firearms.  Police seized 6 handguns, 18 rifles or shotguns, 4 of which had no serial numbers, 41 high-capacity magazines, and parts for the manufacture of AR15 assault rifles and Over 18,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.  35 year old Jordan O’Neill of Sidney was taken into custody Thursday; his prior felony conviction prohibited him from possessing firearms. O'Neill was charged with 1 count of 1st degree Criminal possession of a weapon & 41 counts of 3rd degree Criminal possession of a weapon, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $125,000 cash bail or $250,000 Bond. The investigation is continuing & more charges & arrests are expected.

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Delhi Fire Department was dispatched last night to Spring Valley Road for a report of a skid steer on fire inside a barn with hay. Firefighters arrived to see the structure fully engulfed; Mutual aid was requested from Bovina, Treadwell, Meridale, East Meredith, Franklin, Andes Oneonta and Walton. 2 firefighters suffered minor injuries, and were released.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation, there were no animals in the barn.

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NYSEG crews continue to try to restore power that was lost due to storms earlier in the week that knocked down trees & power lines.  This afternoon, about 1900 were without power in Broome County & about 30 in Delaware & Chenango Counties.

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The Delaware County Fair is back on this year, with a few changes regarding tickets, according to spokesman Jason Craig:

(Jason Craig 7-9-21)

The Delaware County Fair will be held August 16th to the 21st at the Walton Fairgrounds; the schedule of events is available at delawarecountyfair.org

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A car show will be held tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 458 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, which will serve as a fund raiser for the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, there is an entry fee of $10 for each car to be shown. Admission and parking are free for visitors.  More information is available at 433-1226 or 287-8483.   In case of inclement weather, the car show will be held on Sunday, More information about the Oneonta Theatre is available at OneontaTheatre.org.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Andes Fire Department responded to a 911 report of a two car motor vehicle accident on Main Street in the Village of Andes on July 5th.  38-year-old Gleb Temkin of Andes lost control of his vehicle and struck a legally parked vehicle, he is accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated at the time of the accident, he was charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath screening test, failure to keep right, among other charges, Temkin was released & will appear in the Town of Andes Court on a later date.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office conducted an audit of the Town of Oneonta Clerk's office.  The audit showed that the clerk properly recorded all the fees auditors reviewed and remitted all fees collected during the audit period in a timely manner, however, the clerk did not always deposit fees within the required time frame.  Also, an audit was conducted of the Laurens Fire District, where the audit showed that the board did not establish adequate controls over financial activities did not segregate key duties or implement adequate mitigating controls & did not contract for an independent audit of its 2019 records, as required by law, or provide for an annual audit of the treasurer's records.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-9-21

New York State has reached a settlement with Purdue Pharmaceuticals over the company's role in falsely marketing its products to get more Americans hooked on opioids. The owners of Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, will be required to pay $4.5 billion over the next 9 years, with New York State expected to receive at least $200 million as part of Purdue's bankruptcy process.  Funding from the settlement will be used to fund prevention, treatment and recovery programs

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The Rotary Club of Sidney and the Cullman Developmental Center are teaming up to create a series of events for area children this summer, the 1st is this Sunday at Sidney Veterans Memorial Park from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with the Family of Heroes Event,  Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert explains;

(Larry Halbert 7-9-21)

Halbert said that other events will be held on July 25th & August 7th & 22nd.

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The ARC of Delaware County is seeking to fill a variety of positions, and will be holding job fair, the first one is today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as well as Friday July 23rd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday July 24th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at their location on State Highway 10 in Walton.

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The American Red Cross announced that there is a severe Blood Shortage currently.  Blood drives will be held on Saturday at the Oxford American Legion, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, The Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich on Tuesday July 13th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and at CWS on East Main Street in Norwich on Wednesday July 21st from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, registration is available at redcrossblood.org.

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Delaware County Public Health reported that this week, 1 person has died from Covid-19 related complications.  From July 2nd to July 8th, Delaware County Public Health received 2 new positive cases of COVID-19. There are currently 4 active cases in the county with 0 hospitalizations & 11 quarantined; the County has had 52 total deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

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19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado visited the CDO
Workforce Oneonta Career Center Tuesday.
Delgado met with workforce center leadership and clients and discussed
his efforts in Congress to support workforce development programs.   Earlier this month, Congressman Delgado
introduced the Gateway to Careers Act to create a career pathway grant program
that would fund partnerships between community or technical colleges and
workforce development partners such as state workforce development boards, industry
associations, and community-based organizations. These programs would support
efforts to offer wrap around services including child care, opioid addiction
treatment, transportation, and other forms of assistance for community college
and CTE students.

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State Police are searching for Aaron Rifanburg, who is
wanted for criminal possession of controlled substance.  Rifanburg is wanted on a bench warrant for
failing to appear in the village of Oxford Court, he was arrested on a drug
possession charge in May 2019 after a vehicle he was a passenger in was
stopped, was in possession of drugs. Anyone with information should call the
State Police in Norwich at 334-3291 or email Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s
Deputies arrested 21-Year-Old Brendon Frank of Otego for Harassment following
an investigation of a domestic dispute which occurred in the Town of
Walton.  Frank is scheduled to appear at
the Town of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charge.

The annual Regional Spelling Bee competition is scheduled to
be held in Oneonta next month, with the goal of sending the winner to the
National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington DC later this year.  Martha Ryan of the DCMO BOCES explains:

(Martha Ryan 2-19-20)

Ryan said that anyone wishing to donate to the fund to send
the winner's family to the Scripps Competition can call her at 335-1292 for
more information.

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Republican Attorney Kyle Van De
Water of Dutchess County announced today that he is seeking the Republican
Party nomination to run against incumbent Democratic Congressman Antonio
Delgado in November.  Van De Water joins
Green party candidate Steve Greenfield in the race for the congressional seat.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 48-year-old
Steven Burnside of Oneonta on 20 counts of Criminal Contempt & 2 counts of
Harassment, following multiple reports of an ongoing domestic dispute in the
Town of Kortright.  Burnside is accused
of engaging in an on-going course of conduct and repeatedly violating a court
order of protection by contacting a protected party 20 times, he was arraigned
at the Town of Kortright Court and was remanded to the Delaware County
Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail or $1,000 in secure bond.

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Congressman Anthony Brindisi visited with business owners in
Norwich Tuesday afternoon at Commerce Chenango; he told WCDO News the
importance of meeting with small business owners:

(Brindisi 2-19-20)

Congressman Brindisi also said that he met with the Deputy
Commissioner of Major league baseball recently, regarding the importance of
keeping the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and the other 40 minor league baseball
teams operating, following a plan from the Commissioner's office to eliminate
about 25% of minor league teams nationwide.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will move into its new
headquarters at 31 Main Street in Oneonta on March 4.  The Chamber’s telephone number will remain
the same as 432-4500. Mail can still be sent to The Otsego County Chamber of
Commerce, P.O. Box 18, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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Chenango Arts Council and Guernsey Memorial Library will
bring another free film classic tonight at 6:30 pm, at the Arts Council
tonight.  The Quiet Man starring John
Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and the Dynamic Duos series concludes February 26 at
the Guernsey Library with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in Guess Who’s
Coming to Dinner.   More information is
available at 336-ARTS or Guernsey Memorial Library at 334-4034.

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State Police arrested 2 men in the
process of burglarizing a residence in the town of Guilford.  20 year old Connor Audette of Guilford &
25 year old Joseph Schneider of Oxford were charged with 3rd degree
Burglary, Troopers were attempting to locate another individual on a warrant on
January 28th when they spotted Audette and Schneider hiding in a
field in the town of Guilford, they discovered that the 2 were in the process
of burglarizing a nearby residence where the owner had died.  Audette was detained by troopers but
Schneider attempted to flee the scene and was ultimately taken into custody
with the assistance of a New York State Police K9.  Audette was arraigned & was released on
an appearance ticket,  Schneider was
transported to Norwich City Police where he was wanted on 2 warrants.

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The Otsego County
Sheriff’s Department arrested 37 year old Shelly Ann Young of Laurens for 2nd
degree rape & disseminating indecent material to a minor.  Young is accused of performing sexual acts
with a 15 year old boy & texting indecent messages to the same
teenager.   Young was arraigned and
remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond; she is
scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

The National Weather Service issued a
Winter Weather Advisory where they are calling for 3 inches of snow overnight, local
meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 2-12-20)

We’ll have the WCDO
Forecast following this newscast.

State Police arrested 28 year old
Michael Alfaro of North Carolina for Criminal Possession of a Firearm. A State
Trooper observed a vehicle commit a traffic infraction on state route 80 in the
town of Burlington and initiated a traffic stop, during the investigation; the
trooper located a gun and a magazine with ammunition in Alfaro’s possession
that he did not have a permit for.
Alfaro was arrested and was released on appearance tickets to the town
of Burlington court on March 2nd, Alfaro’s passenger was not
charged.

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Spectrum officials today announced
that customers may now apply for a refund, following their widespread outage
across the northeast this past weekend.
Millions were left without service; customers can call 855-707-7328 and
ask for a credit. The Spectrum outage was caused by the winter storm Friday, &
affected customers in Maine, New Hampshire and New York, Service was largely
restored by Saturday evening.

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Students at SUNY New Paltz are being
sent home through the weekend, following the discovery of strong odors with the
village's water supply.  The state has
deployed over 40,000 gallons of fresh water to support residents and students,
following a "do not drink" advisory from the State Department of
Health and Ulster County Department of Health.

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Officials at SUNY Binghamton
announced that they received an anonymous gift of $60 million to Binghamton
University which will fund a new, state-of-the-art Baseball Stadium Complex.
The construction will begin within the next few weeks; the new stadium is
expected to be ready next year.

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The New York
Association of Counties held an advocacy day at the State Capitol to voice
concerns over changes to the Medicaid program contained in the Executive Budget
and to advocate for the maintenance of current local Medicaid caps.  The Association also wants the state to
maintain the 2% property tax cap, implemented by the Cuomo administration &
the State Legislature in 2012, which has slowed the increases in state property
taxes from previous annual double digit increase levels.

State Police arrested 51 year old
John Travis of Port Crane, for felony of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, plus
DWI & False Personation.  A trooper
on Interstate 88 in the town of Fenton checked on a motorist who had pulled
over to the shoulder of the road,  Travis
appeared intoxicated & gave the trooper a fake name.  Travis was issued appearance tickets to the
town of Fenton court & was turned over to a sober third party.

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The Chenango Arts Council and
Guernsey Memorial Library are presenting another classic movie this evening for
free.  Humphrey Bogart and Lauren
Bacall’s To Have and To Have Not will be shown tonight at 6:30 at the library.  Back at the Arts Council on February 19, The
Quiet Man stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and the Dynamic Duos series
concludes February 26 at the Library with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn
in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?.

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NY State of Health is encouraging New Yorkers who need
health coverage to enroll in a 2020 Qualified Health Plan by this Friday,
February 7th, as the Open Enrollment deadline was extended an
additional week to give consumers more time to find the health plan that fits
their needs and enroll in coverage.   Enrollment through NY State of Health is at
its highest point, with more than 4.8 million New Yorkers enrolled in a health
plan.

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State Senator Jim Seward has given his endorsement to
Republican Assembly Candidate Joe Angelino of Norwich today.  Angelino is the former Norwich Police Chief
who announced his candidacy for the State Assembly seat held by Cliff Crouch,
who announced that he will not seek re-election this year.  Angelino faces a Republican Challenger, Nick
Libous of Binghamton.

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A Smart Recovery program for local people dealing with
substance abuse issues,  has recently started
in Bainbridge, Program Director Aletha Cannistra explains:

(Aletha Cannistra 2-5-20)

Cannistra said that the meetings are held Wednesday nights
at 7:00 PM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 1 Church Street, more information
about the program is available at smartrecovery.org.

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Chenango Arts Council and Guernsey Memorial Library are
teaming up again to present four free film classics, starting today &
running every Wednesday in February.
Chenango Arts Council CEO Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O’Neill 2-5-20)

Top Hat will be followed by  To Have and To Have Not on February 12 at the
library, Quiet Man at the Arts Council on February 19th, & Guess Who’s
Coming To Dinner February 26 at the Library. More information is available at
336-ARTS or 334-4034.

Governor Cuomo announced an update on the status of testing
for the coronavirus in New York State.
Samples from 17 New Yorkers have been sent to the CDC for testing, 11
have come back negative, and 6 samples are pending. There are still no
confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York State yet.  A hotline has been set up for New Yorkers to
call at 1-888-364-3065, where experts from the Department of Health can answer
questions, they also created a website:
health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus. .

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay & members of the
Assembly Minority Conference called for an immediate repeal of recently-enacted
criminal justice reforms that put New Yorkers at risk. Local Assemblyman Cliff
Crouch commented:

(Crouch 2-5-20)

Assemblyman John Salka also commented:

(Salka 2-5-20)

Lawmakers were joined by families directly impacted by the
new bail reform laws, and law-enforcement officials who expressed serious
concerns with the new requirements.

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Local Mayors Andy Matviak of Sidney, Phil Wade of Bainbridge
and Dave Welch of Unadilla have been meeting monthly for about the last year,
one of the issues they have dealt with is how to get legal notices & other
information out following the demise of the Tri Town News, and they have
decided to send out an email blast together, Bainbridge Mayor Phil Wade
commented:

(Phil Wade 2-5-20)

Residents that want to get the email blast most contact
their village offices to submit their email address, each Email blast will come
out Thursdays to those who have subscribed.
WCDO will broadcast our interview with the 3 Mayors this evening
following the 6:00 PM news.

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