WCDO Radio News

The Gilbertsville Pet Parade will be held tonight, where people are encouraged to bring their pets, preferably in costume, to walk through the hamlet, organizer Traci Martinetti explains:

(Traci Martinetti 7-3-26)

The event is free and starts at 6:30 this evening.

The Luszi’s Legacy Cornhole Tournament last weekend successful, the tournament raised $1,600 that will go directly to Pet Street Station Animal Hospital fund, to assist families deal with the bills for emergency or quality of life care for their senior pets.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-26-26

Most of the area School Districts will have their High School Graduation exercises today & tomorrow. Graduation ceremonies begin this afternoon at 5:00 pm for Gilbertsville Mount Upton grads, at 6:00 pm for AFTON, MILFORD, 6:30: in WINDSOR and 7:00 PM for UNATEGO, NORWICH, ANDES, MORRIS, LAURENS, DEPOSIT, EDMESTON, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK and 7:30 for CHARLOTTE VALLEY. Graduation ceremonies on SATURDAY start at 9:00 AM for HARPURSVILLE, at 10:00 AM for SIDNEY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DELAWARE ACADEMY, GREENE, WALTON, 10:45 AM for ONEONTA, 11:00 AM at OXFORD ACADEMY, SCHENEVUS; 1:00 PM for SOUTH KORTRIGHT and 7:00 PM for the BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD.

Gilbertsville will host its annual Pet Parade on July 3rd at 6:30 PM, at Centennial Park, all animals are welcome, costumes are encouraged. More information is available at 631-896-2658

Butternut Valley Alliance announced the schedule for On the Trail of Art, will be held at General Jacob Morris State Forest, on Saturday from 11 am. to 6 pm. and Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm. BVA Board Chair Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 6-12-26)

An opening reception will be held tonight at 6:00 PM in Gilbertsville, BVA Executive Director Cassandra Miller explains:

(Cassandra Miller 6-12-26)

This year's On the Trail of Art features work by student artists from Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Morris, and Laurens Central schools alongside local artists with ties to the Butternut Valley.

BVA will hold its sixth annual On the Trail of Art festival this Saturday, from 11 am. to 6 pm. and Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm., at General Jacob Morris State Forest. BVA Board Chairperson Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 6-8-26)

An Opening Reception will be held Friday Night from 6-8 pm at Dunderberg Gallery in Gilbertsville.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-8-26

23 year old Nicolas Arias of Binghamton was arrested after brandishing a knife and threatening corrections officers during a routine transport in Binghamton. On June 2nd, 2 corrections officers were transporting an an inmate after leaving Supreme Court in Binghamton, the Officers were confronted by an irate male who began berating and threatening them & pulling out a knife Officers were able to leave the scene, Arias was found and arrested the next day, for 2 Counts of Menacing a Peace Officer, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Arias arraigned and was released on his own recognizance.

Butternut Valley Alliance announced the schedule for On the Trail of Art, to be held June 13-14 at General Jacob Morris State Forest. The exhibition will be open Saturday from 11 am. to 6 pm. and Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm. An opening reception will be held Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 pm. at Dunderberg Gallery in Gilbertsville. Attendance is free, but reservations for an admission time are encouraged and can be made at Eventbrite. On the Trail of Art features work by student artists from Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Morris, and Laurens Central schools alongside local artists with deep ties to the Butternut Valley.

American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today in Gilbertsville from 2 pm. - 6 pm., at the GMU Central School, State Highway 51, another will be in Cooperstown from 10:30 am. - 3:30 pm., at the Cooperstown High School, make appointments by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-10-26

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant has been awarded to the Village of Morris for $4.5 million as winners of the 4th round of the NY Forward program. Butternut Valley Alliance Chairperson Maggie Brenner told WCDO News what happens next:

(Maggie Brenner 4-10-26)

After the successful Morris Grant award, the alliance will try to acquire a similar one for Gilbertsville, as they continue to try to improve the region & make the Butternut Valley into a popular tourist destination.

WCDO NEWS Wednesday 3-4-26

State Police Responded early this morning to 1092 County Road 37 in Mount Upton for a report of a plow truck that struck a house. An investigation determined that a Chenango County Highway Department plow was traveling west on County Road 37 salting the roadway when due to slick road conditions, the plow truck lost traction going up the hill. The plow truck rolled back down the hill while the operator attempted to regain control of the plow truck but was unable to and damaged a trailer, fence, road sign then struck the house. The accident led to the Gilberstville Mount Upton School District cancelling classes today, No injuries were reported.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-4-26

Attorney General Letitia James released a statement as New federal rules now require many New Yorkers without dependents to meet work or activity requirements to keep their SNAP benefits, effective on March 1st, following the end of a longstanding statewide waiver. The requirements apply to people aged 18 to 64 who do not have a child under 14, who are not pregnant or caring for someone who cannot care for themselves, and do not have a disability that prevents them from working. James said that she advised SNAP recipients to watch for communications from State or local officials and to contact their local social services office if they believe they qualify for an exemption or need help meeting the requirements. More information is available at otda.ny.gov

American Red Cross Blood Drives are continuing today & Saturday, as Blood Supplies continue to be very low. Today in Oneonta, from 1 pm. - 5 pm., a blood drive will be held at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, and another will be from 3 pm. - 7 pm., at the Laurens High School, On Saturday, a blood drive will be held in Gilbertsville from 10 am. - 2:30 pm., at the Christ Episcopal, book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-18-26

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli & the State Department of Financial Services announced the approval of the Butternut Valley Banking Development District as a participant in the Banking Development District program and deposited $35 million in New York State funds to Sidney Federal Credit Union’s new Morris Branch. SFCU Senior Vice President Andrew Smith said that it was a team effort with the Butternut Valley Alliance & State Officials to make this happen:

(Andrew Smith 2-18-26)

The Butternut Valley Alliance, local municipalities partnered with SFCU on the BDD application, Alliance Chairperson Maggie Brenner comments:

(Maggie Brenner 2-18-26)

The program supports the establishment of bank and credit union branches across the State where there is a demonstrated need for banking services, the new District covers the towns of Butternuts, New Lisbon, and Morris, and the villages of Gilbertsville and Morris.

5 documentaries on America will be featured at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on February 6th & 7th from local filmmakers Joe Stillman & Jeri Wachter of Important Films Media of Gilbertsville, Stillman told WCDO news why he is showing these films next month:

(Joe Stillman 1-15-26)

Stillman Said that the series of films follows people at the heart of major American chapters, from war and public service to rural poverty, recent national upheavals, and the long history of the border in South Texas. The films will run from 2:00 to 10:00 PM on February 6th & 7th, more information is available at importantfilmsmedia.com.

The Major's Inn "Joyful Traditions" Holiday Bazaar will be held this Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Inn in Gilbertsville, Executive Director C.C. Rowe told WCDO news about the event:

(C.C. Rowe 11-6-25)

Proceeds from the event will go to the Major's Inn Foundation, which funds restoration & maintenance at the facility, more information is available at 783-2967.

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

The second season of concerts at Gilbertsville’s Dunderberg Gallery will continue on July 24 with The John Colonna Trio, All concerts will begin at 7 pm. at the Dunderberg Gallery at 118 Marion Avenue in Gilbertsville.

The second season of concerts at Gilbertsville’s Dunderberg Gallery will continue tonight at 7:00 PM, with the theme of “American Songbook with a Twist.” Performing musicians will be Khalil Jade, Liam Herbert, and Keith Torgan with a focus on Folk Music and some original music, the Gallery is located at 118 Marion Avenue in Gilbertsville,

The FBI has announced the indictment of 63 year old Henry Garcia of Vero Beach Florida for "Sending a potentially hazardous material" charge, by mailing a letter last year to the New York Attorney General's Office in Albany, containing what was believed to be a biological weapon. The suspicious white powder was not a hazardous substance, the charge filed against Garcia carries a maximum term of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-27-25

Graduations continue for area school districts this weekend. Gilbertsville Mount Upton Seniors graduate this morning at 9:00 AM, Tonight, Milford seniors graduate at 6:00 PM, Afton, Deposit, Edmeston, Hancock, Laurens, Franklin, Windsor, Otselic Valley, Morris, Schenevus & Norwich will hold Commencement exercises at 7:00 PM, Charlotte Valley begins at 7:30PM. Saturday Morning Commencement exercises will begin at 9:)) Am for Harpursvile , followed by Sidney, Greene, & Walton at 10:00 AM, Oxford Academy at 11:00 AM South Kortright at 1:00 PM & Bainbridge Guilford at 7:00 PM.

The 2nd season of concerts at Gilbertsville’s Dunderberg Gallery begins today, with the 1st concert focusing on “Banned Composers Throughout History”, according to concert series organizer Barbara Siesel:

(Barbara Siesel 6-26-25)

Siesel said that Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $15 for Seniors & $10 for kids, the shows begin at 7:00 PM at the Gallery at 118 Marion Avenue in Gilbertsville. Other shows are scheduled for July 11th, July 24th, August 21 and August 24th.

The Gilbertsville-Mount Upton’s Board of Education announced that they have offered Heather Wilcox the position of Superintendent, at Monday night’s community forum presentations at the GMU Auditorium. Wilcox is a Gilbertsville native and GMU graduate who has spent the last 13 years with the school district, Pending the successful negotiation of a contract, the Board of Education will appoint Wilcox as GMU’s next superintendent during an upcoming Board meeting. Her anticipated start date is August 1st, 1 day after Annette Hammond is set to retire as GMU’s superintendent.

OVER 800 PADDLERS FROM 21 U.S. STATES, 4 CANADIAN PROVINCES AND THE COUNTRY OF BELIZE PARTICIPATED IN THE 63RD RUNNING OF THE GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. THERE WERE 17 DIFFERENT CLASSES IN SUNDAY'S 70 MILE ENDURANCE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE, INCLUDING THE COVETED TWO PERSON PRO RACE... THIS YEAR'S WINNING TEAM WAS MICHAEL DAVIS OF MICHIGAN AND GUILLAUME BLAZE FROM QUEBEC. THE PAIR SPOKE WITH WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE...

(DAVIS-BLAZE 2025)

BLAZE HAS 3 PRO RACE WINS IN 2014, 2016 AND 2017. DAVIS WON THE CLINTON IN 2023 WITH CANADIAN STEVE LAJOIE.

IN THE 70 MILE MEN'S NYMCRA STOCK RACE, WCDO'S NATE LULL AND PARTNER BRETT SHERWOOD FROM MORRIS TOOK TOP HONORS BEATING 10 OTHER TEAMS. THEY COMMENTED ON THE RACE AND PADDLING TOGETHER...

(LULL-SHERWOOD 2025-E CLASS)

THE PAIR BEAT THE 2ND PLACE TEAM BY NEARLY 20 MINUTES.

THIS YEAR 4 PEOPLE WERE INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME INCLUDING DALE PERSONS FROM NEW BERLIN, JIM GOOCHEE FROM PENNSYLVANIA, JOHN LEWIS FROM BAINBRIDGE AND BILLY GRIMES FROM GILBERTSVILLE.

LAST YEAR'S WINNERS, WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MINER FROM TEXAS FINISHED IN 2ND PLACE, JUST ONE MINUTE AND 11 SECONDS BEHIND THE WINNERS. IN HIS INTERVIEW WITH WCDO, DEAN SAID IT WAS A TOUGH LOSS...

(DEAN-MINER 2025)

BLAZE NOW HAS 4 REGATTA WINS UNDER HIS BELT AND THIS IS DAVIS' 2ND CLINTON VICTORY. LOCAL PADDLER RYAN ZAVERAL AND HIS PARTNER,DANE TRUDGEON FROM MICHIGAN FINISHED 5TH IN THE 59 BOAT PRO CLASS

LONGTIME PADDLER, AL SHAVER JR. FROM MERIDALE PADDLED WITH HIS 26 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER MEGAN IN HER FIRST CLINTON RACE. THEY TOOK FIRST PLACE HONORS IN THE AMATUER MIXED CLASS AND CHATTED WITH WCDO AFTER THE RACE....

(SHAVERS 2025)

THE FATHER-DAUGHTER TEAM FINISHED THE 70 MILE COURSE IN 8 HOURS, 19 MINUTES AND 45 SECONDS.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-22-25

49 year old Keith Audette of Hamden, appeared in Delaware County Court and was sentenced to a 5-year term of probation supervision for the crime of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Audette had previously appeared in Delaware County Court in November and entered a plea of guilty to the charge, he had been previously convicted of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated in Chenango County Court in 2015, he also admitted that he drove a motor vehicle in the Village of Walton on April 9, 2024, while under the influence of methamphetamine. Audette was also ordered to pay fines, fees, and a surcharge at a total amount of $1,570, his license was revoked, and he was ordered to provide a sample of his DNA for inclusion in the state DNA data base. If he violates any of the terms of probation, he may be re-sentenced to one and one third to four years in state prison.

The Butternut Valley Grange will have a free breakfast with Santa on Saturday, from 9 to 11 am. at the Grange Hall at 7 Bloom Street in Gilbertsville. Children ages 9 and under receive a gift from Santa, a Holiday Craft Fair will also be at the Butternut Valley Grange Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm upstairs at the Grange Hall, more Information is available at 607-783-2075.

The Gilbertsville Christmas Bazaar will be on Saturday, from 9 am. to 2 pm. at Gilbertsville Baptist Church, New Life Fellowship Hall, Commercial Street. A variety of Crafts, raffles and other items will be available, Lunch and dessert will be from 11:30 am. to 1 pm.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Jacob Snook of Gilbertsville on multiple charges following the execution of a search warrant following a residential fire in the Town of Butternuts. Snook was charged with Criminal Manufacture of Undetectable Firearm, Criminal Possession of Ammunition Feeding Device, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Ghost Gun, among other similar charges, Deputies and investigators executed the search warrant at the residence and discovered that Snook had two 3D printers to manufacture untraceable firearms, plus loaded high-capacity magazines and a large quantity of ammunition, he was taken into custody and was being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that they have sent personnel to assist in the fighting of the Catskills area wildfires in Ulster, Sullivan & Orange Counties. Otsego County deployed 5 Hand-crews, totaling 25 firefighters, to assist in Greenwood Lake, with fire fighters from Milford, Otego, Unadilla, & West Laurens Fire Departments, as well as Otsego County Emergency Services Deputy Fire Coordinator Jeremy Hilton. An extended appreciation is warranted to the Cherry Valley, Garrattsville, Gilbertsville, Morris, Mount Vision, Richfield Springs, West Exeter & Worcester Fire Departments for also offering additional personnel for deployment.

A Veterans Day Ceremony sponsored by the Gilbertsville Legion Auxiliary will be held on Sunday, the ceremony begins at 2:00 PM at the Grange Hall in Gilbertsville, it is open to the public.

The Major's Inn of Gilbertsville will be the site of a fundraiser Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Major's Inn Foundation Executive Director C.C. Rowe explains:

(C.C. Rowe 11-7-24)

The event will feature holiday themed crafts, jewelry, glassware, lunch will be available & more information is available at 607-783-2967.

Emergency crews responded to an accident on I-88 yesterday afternoon at about 1:00 PM, between Oneonta and Otego. A tractor trailer went off of the road & tipped over onto its side, the driver was not injured.

The Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Alumni Association is planning the 4th Annual Fall Scholarship Fundraiser for Friday and Saturday, at the Hidden Springs Brewhouse, Norwich. There will be food & live music, The Alumni Association awards up to four scholarships annually for a graduating GMU senior to help with college or technical school expenses. More information is available by calling 607-888-1459.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Gary Garbera of Cherry Valley following a Grand Larceny investigation. Garbera is accused of stealing a vehicle in the Village of Gilbertsville. Garbera was processed and issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to Town of Butternuts Court.

The 2nd annual Gilbertsville Hullaballoo will be held this Sunday, Spokesperson Tracy Martinetti explains:

(Tracie Martinetti 7-26-24)

More information is available at 631-896-2658.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-26-24

Commerce Chenango is bringing back the Taste Of Chenango event on Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani explains:

(Sal Testani 7-26-24)

This event is free to enter and is open to the public from 1:00 PM thru 07:00 PM. More information is available at commercechenango.com