WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage is Especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood, American Red Cross Spokesperson Meg Rossman comments:

(Meg Rossman 7-13-26)

Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, a blood drive is being held in Sidney Tuesday from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the American Legion Post 183, 22 Union Street.

The Chenango County Board of Supervisors invite the Chenango County Public to an Open House tomorrow at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich, regarding the proposed new County Office building project. Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey Blanchard explains:

(Jeffrey Blanchard 7-13-26

The Open House on Tuesday runs from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at 5 Court Street in Norwich, more information about the project is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

The State DOT advises motorists that the I-88 westbound Exit 20 on-ramp will be closed from Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 31, weather permitting, to accommodate for resurfacing work. The closure is part of an ongoing project to resurface I-88 between the Otsego County line and Exit 20. The project includes the installation of new guide-rail, The interstate will remain open and is currently restricted to one lane of travel in each direction, the ramp must be fully closed during this phase of work and motorists should follow the posted detour.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire at 10 Luther Street Sunday morning at about 9:00 Am. all occupants escaped without injuries, there were no injuries to firefighters, the cause of the fire is under investigation, the structure was a total loss.

The State DOT advises motorists that State Route 23 in the Town of Plymouth, just west of Ashcraft Road, has reopened to alternating single-lane traffic, controlled by a temporary signal, as work continues on a culvert replacement project. The roadway had been fully closed for approximately one week, with a signed detour, to allow crews to set the culvert in place. Construction began on June 29, and work is expected to continue for another four to five weeks, weather permitting. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-21-26

Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced the successful use of Thermal Imaging Drone Aids in Locating Missing Person Sunday night. Deputies responded to a call of a missing vulnerable adult in the Town of Edmeston, Deputies quickly initiated a coordinated search & they deployed a Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aerial System equipped with thermal imaging technology, Using the drone’s advanced capabilities, deputies successfully located the individual in a field. The K-9 team and responding deputies found the missing person, who was suffering from hypothermia and complaining of hip pain. The victim was taken to Bassett Medical Center for further evaluation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 30 year old Johnathon Brezinsky of Sidney for Promoting prison contraband at the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Investigators were notified by Correctional Facility Staff that an Inmate was found to be in possession of dangerous contraband within the Facility, Brezinsky was arrested, arraigned and was remanded back to the custody of the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 dollars cash bail, $20,000 dollars partially secured bond, and he faces court action shortly.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Norwich Family YMCA, will host a free educational program tonight focused on helping baseball and softball players stay strong, and injury-free throughout the season. UHS Spokesperson Melissa Stagnaro explains:

(Melissa Stagnaro 4-21-26)

The "Pitch Smart, Play Hard” program is tonight at 6:00 PM on Court 1 at the Norwich Family YMCA, 68 North Broad Street in Norwich. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (607) 337-4510

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-21-26

Norwich Police executed a search warrant Friday on East Main Street & Arrested 52 year old Delf King, following a Chenango County Court indictment. King was charged with 3 counts of Burglary, Attempted Robbery, and 2nd & 3rd degree Assault. King was arraigned on the charges & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $40,000 bail, pending future court action.

The online auction for the Grand Union Plaza at 54 East Main Street in Norwich, began Monday, with a starting bid of $500,000. Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey told WCDO News that they are talking to grocery industry people & federal & state lawmakers to try to get interest in the site:

(Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey 4-21-26)

The grocery store at that location closed with little advance warning recently, leaving downtown Norwich without easy access to groceries, and adding to the unemployment rate in the region when all of the workers were let go.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that 10 projects and individuals have been recognized with 2026 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. Locally, the MARK Project of Arkville, will receive the Joan K. Davidson Award, They have spent over 40 years advancing community revitalization in the central Catskills through collaborative, locally driven initiatives and becoming a model for community-based revitalization, uniting local leaders, residents, and funding partners, through initiatives in affordable housing, economic development, local MARK PROJECTfood systems, tourism, farming, civic planning, and downtown revitalization.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced their 2026 Annual Award Winners, the Business of the Year is Unalam, the Eugene A. Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen is Jamie Reynolds, the Leadership Otsego Alumni is Allen Ruffles & the Volunteer of the Year is Adam Stoutenberg, they will be honored at the Chambers annual Dinner on May 14th.

More American Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled today locally, as supplies are still very low, 1 will be in Oneonta from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Quality Inn, State Highway 23, another in Delhi from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Delhi United Ministry, and another in Sidney from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Elks Lodge, 104 River St, to donate blood use the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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.

Norwich City Officials are working with State & Federal Lawmakers & other organizations to try to find a store that can go in where the Grand Union store was located at 54 East Main Street in Norwich, Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey said that there are some obstacles to getting a new store in quickly:

(Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey 4-10-26)

The link to the online auction will begin April 20, with a bid starting at $500,000 can be found at loopnet.com, Property tours are available by calling 914-220-9758.

New York State agency overtime costs increased 22.7% in 2025 for a total of $1.6 billion, while the number of overtime hours increased by 5.9%, according to the annual report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The size of the state workforce grew for a third straight year in 2025 increasing by 2.7%, Overtime hours and earnings have continued to surge at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, The figures were influenced by the strike by some Corrections employees that took place between Feb. 17, and March 10, 2025.

A.M. NEWS Friday 4-10-26

The Unadilla Fire Department responded Thursday Afternoon at about 2:10 PM to a reported brush fire in the town of Unadilla. 1st arriving crews encountered a large brush fire making it's way up a hillside, NYSEG crews responded to turn off power lines, Firefighters were able to contain the fire and then attack any hot spots following the power shut off. An estimated 4.1 acres burned with all crews being back in service around 5:30 PM. No injuries were reported.

P-A-K Construction is hosting "GUILFORD'S ROAD CLEAN UP DAY" on Saturday from 10 TO 3; PAK Owner Paul Knowles comments:

(Paul Knowles 4-10-26)

Knowles said that the event is open to residents in ROCKDALE, MT. UPTON, ROCKWELL MILLS AND GUILFORD and will be held at P-A-K CONSTRUCTION ON Chenango County road 36.

THE OUT OF THE WOODWORK PLAYERS PRESENT 'THE IMAGINARY INVALID' tonight, Saturday Night at 7:30 PM & Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM, cast members Emily & Scott Germond explain:

(Emily & Scott Germond 4-10-26)

The tickets are available at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater before the show or at outofthewoodworkplayers.org.

Chenango County Planning Department is looking to get communities interested in cleaning up their surroundings & waterways in May, Planning department spokesman Shane Butler explains:

(Shane Butler 4-7-26)

Communities interested in participating and getting on the county map can call Butler at 607-337-1646.

Tonight's Binghamton Rumble Ponies Home Opener at Mirabito Stadium has been postponed and will be made up as part of a Double header starting Wednesday afternoon 4:15 P m. The Rumble Ponies will play the Yankees Double A Team the Somerset Patriots to start their home opener series this year, ceremonies to celebrate the Rumble Ponies League championship last year will be held Wednesday starting at 3:45 PM.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-7-26

The City of Norwich is pursuing all avenues to try to find a new supermarket chain to move into a key downtown location that unexpected lost a large supermarket, Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey told WCDO news that the incomes of residents in that area of the City makes acquiring a new store difficult:

(Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey 4-6-26)

Mayor Jeffrey said that they are working with area state & Federal lawmakers to try to bring a new store in, and they hope to get positive action soon.

The SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus will hold "Instant Decision Day" on April 15th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Follett Hall. People can meet with Representatives from academic departments & financial aid, more information is available at 607-334-5144.

.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-4-25

The Sidney Elks Lodge will host a Veterans Resource Fair tomorrow with a variety of services from area organizations, spokesperson Toni Gardner explains:

(Toni Gardner 11-4-25)

The event runs from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for all Veterans and their guest., at 104 River Street in Sidney, more information is available at 607-349-0041

The City of Oneonta is accepting applications for a firefighter civil service exam to be held on January 10, 2026. The application deadline is December 10, Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the Oneonta Civil Service Commission at City Hall at 258 Main Street and the starting salary for 2026 hires is $52,000. More information is available at oneonta.ny.us.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-4-25

Today is Election Day, with several important local races in the Tri County Region:

The Town of Sidney has several key races this year, Incumbents Town Supervisor Eric Wilson faces a challenge from Giffen Ott, 5 candidates are seeking 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, Incumbents Bill Heath & Frank Selleck are seeking re-election, they face challengers Andrew Hinkley, Richard DeCola & Jesse Wakeman. The Sidney Town Justice position race feature incumbents Greg McCann against challenger Jennifer Ruling

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There are Town Supervisor races locally, in Guilford it is a rematch between incumbent Sue McIntyre against Gilda Ward, in Unadilla George Denys faces a late challenge from Write In Candidate Ed Gross, in the town of Colchester, the candidates are Robert Hafele & Arthur Merrill, in the town of Oneonta, the candidates are William Rivera Jr. & Brett Holleran

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The Cities of Norwich and Oneonta will have new Mayors, in Norwich the candidates are Robert Jeffrey & Jason Miller, in Oneonta the candidates are Luisa Montanti & Dan Butterman

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In the race for Delaware County Treasurer, Ronda Williams faces Carli Pinner.

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Polls are open from 6am to 9pm today, more information is available at your County Board of Elections Website.

State Police responded to South Hall of the SUNY Morrisville Campus Monday afternoon at 3:45 pm, they found a 20-year-old male, who was not a student, with a gunshot wound to the neck. The victim was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, No other injuries were reported and a suspect has not been located, the investigation is continuing. Normal class schedules resumed this morning.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-8-25

State Police responded to a fatal incident Thursday night at 1086 Castle Creek Road in the Town of Chenango. Troopers responded for a report of a stabbing, the initial investigation revealed that 50-year-old Harry Swan of Chenango, was involved in a physical altercation with 48-year-old Jeffrey Ryan of Binghamton. Ryan drove to the Swan's residence, where a confrontation ensued outside the home, with Ryan allegedly stabbing Swan, who went back inside the residence retrieved a knife and stabbed Ryan. Swan was pronounced deceased at the scene, Ryan was transported to Wilson Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is continuing.

47 year old Richard Foster of Walton was indicted in Delaware County Court from 2 related assaults that in Walton. The indictment alleges that on August 1st, Foster assaulted 2 individuals in a parking lot, he was charged with 1st degree Assault, on Count 2 also for 1st degree Assault, Foster allegedly intended to disfigure another person, the last count charges Foster fro 3rd Degree Assault against a 2nd female individual who was attempting to intervene and stop Foster from continuing the attack. Foster is currently incarcerated at the Delaware County Jail on $15,000 cash or $25,0000 bond bail awaiting the arraignment on the indictment.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced a targeted enforcement initiative focusing on illegal ATV, UTV and motorcycle use, after they received reports of All-Terrain Vehicles and motorcycles being operated illegally on public roadways, but on railroad tracks, railroad rights-of- way and on private property without permission. Captain Ben Harding addressed the issue at a Press Conference this morning:

(Captain Ben Harding 8-8-25)

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has released a guide on lawful use and operation of these vehicles, they can be accessed at the Broome County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, a copy is also posted on the WCDO Facebook page.

The state’s Financial Plan shows a growing budget deficit with 3-year budget gap of $34.3 billion, as predicted similar to the Financial Crisis of 2009, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Higher spending growth in school aid and Medicaid has driven overall state spending growth, and the State Budget was released prior to the federal budget, which called for deep cuts to federal funding and changes to eligibility for safety net programs. The full report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-8-25

City of Oneonta is asking residents to sign up for Flashvote. A monthly survey will be located at flashvote.com/oneontany, officials said that it will only take about a minute to complete, those who sign up will get a survey every few months and you’ll get to see full survey results within 48 hours, plus all feedback is anonymous.

Commerce Chenango is holding a Pickleball Tournament on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Weiler Park on Borden Avenue. More information available at 607-334-1400 or by going to commercechenango.com.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-7-25

The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices. Locally, Jerry Butler of Walton was charged, he is accused of using a social messaging application to request and receive sexually explicit content from a minor, he is believed to be involved in the "764" network, whose members seek to corrupt and exploit vulnerable populations, including minors, He faces at least 15 years in prison. The Department urges the public to report suspected exploitation of a child through their tip-line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, at tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Jeffrey Fuller of Decatur, for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, after Otsego County Deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Decatur for a physical domestic incident. Following an investigation, Fuller was arrested, processed and was held for Centralized Arraignment, he will face court action on the charge shortly.

CoreLife Eatery, which operates restaurants throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky, will pay $7,809,373 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying its eligibility for a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant, when it knew or should have known that it operated too many locations to qualify. CoreLife Eatery Admits in Federal Court to Operating Too Many Restaurants to Qualify for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, they have 29 locations, many located in Upstate locations.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-7-25

The Oneonta Common Council voted 5 to 3 against the proposal to sell 27 Market Street to Rehabilitation Support Services for a mixed use facility to be built on the lot on Market Street. Plans had called for a multi story facility to house businesses & apartments, with some housing units dedicated to RSS clients, they provide community-based mental health and substance abuse services.

Bassett Healthcare Network's FoxCare Center is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross TODAY. The Blood drive will be held from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at Conference Room 1 at FoxCare Center in Oneonta, Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at the Sidney Golf & County starting at 8:00 AM, all members & directors are urged to attend.

THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH OVER 800 CANOE RACERS ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER. THERE WERE PADDLERS FROM THE U.S., CANADA, GERMANY AND THE U.K.. THE 2-PERSON PRO RACE FEATURED 50 TEAMS 1ST PLACE WENT TO WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MYNAR FROM TEXAS. WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS SPOKE TO THE WINNERS AFTER THE RACE:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-DEAN-MYNAR" (:30)

OR

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-WES DEAN" (:22)

THE PAIR FINISHED THE 70 MILE COURSE IN 8 HOURS AND 7 SECONDS TO TAKE HOME THE $3,000 DOLLAR PRIZE. THE REGATTA ALSO DREW THOUSANDS FROM AROUND THE SOUTHERN TIER FOR THE RIDES, HOT AIR BALLOONS, LIVE MUSIC, FIREWORKS, AND KIDS ENTERATINMENT OVER THE 3 DAY EVENT.

OVER 800 CANOE RACERS DESCENDED ON BAINBRIDGE THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FOR THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA. THE REGATTA

FEATURES NEARLY 50 DIFFERENT RACES FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY INCLUDING GENERATION GAP, SCOUT RACES, SPRINTS, RELAY RACES, AND THE WORLD FAMOUS 70 MILE ENDURANCE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE. ITHACA RESIDENT, TERRY KENT WON THE ONE PERSON PRO RACE BEATING TREVOR ROBINSON FROM SASKATOON, CANADA BY JUST 2 SECONDS. KENT DESCRIBED THE EXCITING FINISH:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-TERRY KENT (:20)

IT WAS KENT'S 7TH C1 PRO RACE VICTORY. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME LAST YEAR. IN THE 4 PERSON PRO DIVISION, A COMBINED TEAM OF 3 NEW YORK PADDLERS AND 1 CALIFORNIA PADDLER TOOK FIRST PLACE. PAUL OLNEY, JOANN OLNEY, BEN SCHLIMMER AND JIM TERREL TALKED TO WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT THEIR RACE:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-C4 WINNERS" (:27)

THE FOURSOME FINISHED THE 70 MILE COURSE IN 8 HOURS 20 MINUTES AND 41 SECONDS.

THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD THIS PAST WEEKEND AND FEATURED OVER 800 CANOE RACERS FROM THE U.S., CANADA, THE U.K & GERMANY. 1 BRITISH TEAM COMPETED IN THE 4 PERSON PRO RACE, 2 MEMBERS FROM THAT TEAM, PETER AND HELEN KRUSZELNICKI SPOKE WITH WCDO'S CRAIG STEVENS ABOUT CROSSING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN TO COMPETE IN THE REGATTA'S FAMOUS 70 MILER:

"REGATTA 24 NEWS-BRITS" (:33)

THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE FEATURED 50 TEAMS. WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MY-NAR FROM TEXAS TOOK FIRST PLACE WITH A TIME OF 8 HOURS AND 7 SECONDS. IT WAS DEAN'S 2ND REGATTA WIN AND MY-NAR NOW HAS THE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE FIRST TEXAN TO WIN THE CLINTON. 6 PEOPLE WERE INDUCTED INTO THE REGATTA HALL OF FAME THIS YEAR INCLUDING 4 PADDLERS BRUCE CODDINGTON OF SIDNEY, BOB SILVERNAIL OF BAINBRIDGE, LORI SHAVER ROSEBOOM MICHAELS FROM MARYLAND, & WILL WHITING FROM FULTONVILLE, & 2 CONTRIBUTORS; RON JEFFREY AND WCDO'S GREG DAVIE.

THE 62ND GENERAL CLINTON CANOE REGATTA WAS HELD OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. THE EVENT DREW THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FROM THE SOUTHERN TIER FOR THE CANOE RACING, RIDES, LIVE MUSIC, FIREWORKS AND MORE. THERE WERE OVER 800 CANOE RACERS COMPETING ALL 3 DAYS INCLUDING THE 70 MILE RACES FROM COOPERSTOWN TO BAINBRIDGE ON SUNDAY. THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE HAD 50 TEAMS . LOCAL PADDLER ED CURLEY FROM SIDNEY TEAMED UP WITH ONE OF CANADA'S TOP FEMALE PADDLERS, SARA LESSARD FOR A TOP 20 FINISH...THEY SPOKE WITH CRAIG STEVENS AFTER THE RACE....

REGATTA24NEWS-CURLEY-LESSARD

IN THE 70 MILE AMATUER MEN'S NYMCRA STOCK RACE, WCDO'S NATE LULL AND HIS LONGTIME PARTNER, BRETT SHERWOOD TOOK THIRD PLACE OUT OF 13 ENTRIES. THEY SAID THEY WERE SURPRISED AT THEIR TOP 3 FINISH...

REGATTA24NEWS-LULL-SHERWOOD

THIS YEAR'S TWO PERSON PRO RACE WAS WON BY WES DEAN FROM MICHIGAN AND LOGAN MY-NAR FROM TEXAS. THIS YEAR'S REGATTA BROUGHT PADDLERS FROM THE U.S., CANADA, THE U.K., AND GERMANY.

The Small Business Resource Fair will be held September 21st from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Sidney Community Cultural Center, Delaware County Chamber Of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 8-21-23)

Pucci said that the event is free & open to all businesses and entrepreneurs, registration is available at delawarecounty.org.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-21-23

Binghamton Police & Firefighters responded Saturday to the report of shots fired & smoke coming from at 56 Howard Avenue. Binghamton police said that a man and woman were discovered inside after the fire was put out, they were taken to area hospital where they were later pronounced dead. The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County District Attorney's office announced that 26 year old John Macrabie of Walton, was arraigned on a 4 count indictment in Delaware County Court. Macrabie was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors & Criminal Sexual Act, he is accused of sending a child naked pictures of himself to entice sexual acts, which allegedly occurred, in the presence of a 2-year-old child. Macrabie pleaded not guilty, he was released to the supervision of the Delaware County Probation Department, the case is scheduled for a conference on September 5th.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Saturday to the apartments at 101 Hooper Road for complaint of shots fired. Deputies located a male suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen on the lawn, he was taken to Wilson Hospital and was in stable condition following surgery. 25 year old Jeffrey Gates of Endwell was charged with Assault with a Weapon, Criminal Use of a Firearm & Reckless Endangerment, he was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility, the investigation is continuing.

Sidney Resident, Businessman and Village Board member Jeremy Matviak passed away Thursday at the age of 48, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Matviak was a partner in the family business VEP/Waldrons in Sidney & he was recently elected to the Sidney Village board. Calling Hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street in Sidney, Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Saturday, also at C.H. Landers followed by a private burial for immediate family members, & then a Celebration of Life reception will be held at the American Legion on Union Street, Sidney.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-10-23

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 53 year old Tracy Thomas of Oneonta for providing false information on a firearms transaction record in an attempt to purchase a firearm. Thomas was charged with Falsifying Business Records after an investigation into allegations that he provided false information on a firearms transaction record in an attempt to purchase a firearm at a local sporting goods store in the Town of Oneonta. Thomas was arraigned by Central Arraignment and was released on his own recognizance, he'll appear in the Oneonta Town Court on March 2nd.

19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro announced he will host an 11 county town hall meeting, 1 in each county in his District. The 1st Town Hall will be held on February 14th in Chenango County at the Norwich City Fire Station at 11:00 AM, a Broome County Town Hall will be held on Thursday February 16 at 5:30 pm at the Endwell Fire Department. other meeting are being scheduled and will be announced shortly.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 year old Devin LaValley of Burlington for Criminal Contempt, for allegedly violating an order of protection, in the Town of Laurens. LaValley was arraigned at Otsego County Central Arraignment & was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $1 ,000.00 dollars cash bail. The Defendant is scheduled to appear in the Town of Laurens Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-10-23

Delaware County District Attorney Office announced that 59 year old John Olson of Monroe pleaded guilty to 1 count each pf 1st & 2nd Degree of Criminal Sexual Act. Olson admitted that in March of 2020 in the Town of Andes, he engaged in sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old & in 2016 in the Town of Andes, he engaged in sexual conduct with a different child, less than 15 years old. Olson will be sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 10 years of post-release supervision, plus another 5 year term in prison and 5 years of post-release supervision, to run concurrently to the 8 year sentence. Upon his release from state prison, the defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20th in Delaware County Court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were advised on February 1st by Colchester Police that a missing handgun related to an Order of Protection had been surrendered. The owner of the handgun, 53-year-old, Jeffrey Kaufman of Colchester, had been served an Order of Protection. which required all firearms to be surrendered to Deputies, Kaufman did possess a firearm after the issuance of this order, and it was subsequently surrendered later. Deputies arrested Kaufman on 1 count Criminal Contempt he was processed and issued an appearance ticket to Colchester Town Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-6-23

The Chenango United Way and the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced that the 2 organizations have officially combined as of January 1st, as the United Way of Mid Rural New York, Incorporated.  Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco explains:

(Elizabeth Monaco 1-6-23)

Monaco said that the United Way of Madison County merger process should be finalized in April, & they will be combined with Chenango Delaware & Otsego Counties under the United Way of Mid Rural New York name. More information is available at 607-334-8815

The Tioga County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on Day Hollow Road in the Town of Owego after receiving a call requesting to check the welfare of 78 year-old Phyllis Kvassay, Deputies located her deceased, they also encountered her son, 33 year-old son James Kvassay inside of the residence, he was arrested for 2nd degree murder for allegedly causing the death of his mother. James Kvassay was arraigned and was remanded to the Tioga County Jail without bail. The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

The Binghamton Black Bears Hockey Team announced that they will be hosting the 23rd Annual Career fair on Friday February 17th, from 2:30 to 5:30 PM at the Arena in Binghamton. Businesses interested in participating should call 607-722-7367 to book a spot, they will also get 10 tickets for that nights Black Bears Hockey Game against Danbury.

The State Department of Health updated New Yorkers on the XBB.1.5 variant, which now makes up over 50% of COVID-19 cases in New York. Early studies indicate that XBB.1.5 is able to spread more rapidly than other currently circulating variants, there is no clear evidence of significant changes to virulence or severity of disease, the Department reminds all New Yorkers to take precautions, get vaccinated & get booster shots, and more information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-variant-data.

A.M. NEWS Friday 1-6-23

The Norwich Fire Department responded to a fire in the basement of St. Paul's Catholic Church on Pleasant Street Tuesday morning. Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino told WCDO NEws that the firewas started by a defective Dehumidifier in the basement, a church employee spotted the issue & called the Fire Department. Several other fire departments were called to the scene, Smaoke & Water damage was reported with heavy soot throughout the building, No injuries were reported, Chief Papelino said that the church will be closed for several weeks for clean up.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 68-year-old Jeffrey Hall of Treadwell, after Deputies observed a vehicle fail to obey a traffic control device in the Village of Delhi. Deputies conducted a traffic stop, Hall's Registration was suspended, his driver’s license was revoked , Hall was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, operating a Motor Vehicle While Registration is Suspended, Unlicensed Operator and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Hall was released on tickets for the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

The Jericho Arts Council presents the Susquehanna String band tonight at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. The show starts at 7:00 pm. In the art gallery the works of Michael Price will be displayed. More information is available at jerichoarts.com, Reservations for tonight's show can be made at 607-288-3882.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 12-15-22

The Winter storm is ready to leave a significant amount of snowfall on the region today through early Saturday Morning, Local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what to expect:

(Rich Townsend 12-15-22)

The Governor's Office announced that the State DOT will be sending extra snowplows to the affected areas of this storm, WCDO will have the CDO Stormwatch this afternoon & again tomorrow with a list of school closings and postponements.

State Police arrested 19 year old Jeffrey Bullis of Unadilla, for Criminal Contempt, Stalking, and Criminal Trespass, after Troopers were dispatched to a report of a physical altercation at the House of Consignment on Main Street in Unadilla. State Police reported that Bullis violated an existing order of protection by entering the business, he is accused of grabbing and shoving a victim, causing the victim to strike a window and door frame, another person intervened & held Bullis down until troopers arrived. The victim went to Tri-Town Hospital for an evaluation of injuries that were sustained during the incident. Bullis was also evaluated at Tri-Town Hospital for a complaint of pain but was released and processed at Troop C, Bullis was issued appearance tickets to the Unadilla Town Court on January 23rd. The investigation is on-going, more charges are possible.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased by 19,600, or 0.2%, to 8,080,000 in November. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.3% in November.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that items from the World Champions Houston Astros is being displayed currently. Artifacts donated by the Astros include a Jersey worn by World Series MVP Jeremy Peña, wristbands & toothpicks from Manager Dusty Baker, a Glove used by outfielder Chas McCormick, spikes from Pitchers Justin Verlander & Ryan Pressly, and a ball thrown by Cristian Javier from the Game 4 combined no-hitter and signed by all 4 Astros pitchers as well as catcher Christian Vázquez.

State Police responded to the report of “shots fired” in the town of Andes, the investigation revealed that a 62-year-old female was injured when she accidentally discharged a semi-automatic rifle, suffering face and hand injuries. The responding trooper applied a tourniquet to subside the heavy bleeding to the victim’s hand, another officer from the Colchester Police Department applied a 2nd tourniquet until EMS arrived and the victim was transported to Bassett Hospital for treatment. Troopers reported that the rifle is not legal in New York State and was not New York Safe Act compliant, 58 year old Richard Geraghty of Andes, was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-15-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced he will be running for re-election in 2023. 4 years ago, Korchak lost the Republican primary, but won the election on the Libertarian ticket.

Unadilla Valley Central School District voters approved a $17.8 million capital project by a vote of 114 to 18. The renovations and improvements will be funded through state aid and an allocation from the district’s reserve funds. The project is expected to be budget neutral, with no anticipated impact on the tax levy.

Area United Way programs are seeing only about 60% of their stated goals for the 2022 year, with donations being accepted through December 31st, Elizabeth Monaco currently heads up the United Way in Chenango, Madison, Delaware & Otsego Counties:

(Elizabeth Monaco 12-15-22)

Anyone who would like to make a donation to one of the area United Way Programs can call 607-334-8815.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-30-22

Norwich Police & State Police responded Saturday evening to the report of a victim of an assault arriving at a downtown business asking for help. Police arrested 32 year old Jeffrey Sabines of Oxford, for 1st degree assault & criminal possession of a weapon, 44 year old Jason Lowe of Norwich, for 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and 4th degree conspiracy, 45 year old Daniel McCoy of Norwich, for conspiracy, and 37 year old Meredith Conkey of Norwich for obstruction of governmental administration & criminal possession of a controlled substance. Sabines was sent to the Chenango County Correctional facility without bail for violating his parole and for being a repeat offender, Lowe, McCoy, and Conkey were ticketed and released & will appear in Norwich City Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 32 year old Kody MacDonald with Criminal Contempt, for allegedly violating an order of protection from Delaware County Family Court. MacDonald is accused of contacting protected parties in the town of Colchester last week, he was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

The State Department of Health & the CDC recommend individuals get vaccinated and stay up to date with all recommend doses, as positivity rates for COVID 19 remain around 7 to 12%. Booster doses are free and available statewide, more information is available through your healthcare provider, your child’s healthcare provider, or go to cdc.gov to find out when you can get a booster.

Oneonta officials announced that Traffic on East Street on Graduate Drive near the 'S' curve, will be reduced to one lane tonight. The Oneonta Department of Public Works will be installing a water valve at 130 East Street on Graduate Drive, starting at 8:00 PM until the work is completed.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-30-22

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County is holding their annual Ornament sale through the end of the week, Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 11-30-22)

Green said that 3 styles of ornaments are available this year, more information is available at hospicechenango.org or by calling 607-334-3556.

The Susquehanna SPCA is conducting its year-end fundraiser where they are aiming to raise $100,000, with matching contributions from Beth and Gary Glynn, who will donate an additional $5,000 to the shelter for every $20,000 raised up to $100,000. Susquehanna SPCA Director Stacie Haynes told WCDO News how people can donate:

(Stacie Haynes 11-30-22)

Haynes said that currently they have about 25 cats in house at their Cooperstown facility along with 7 dogs, they are expecting another 30 animals to come in this week. The fundraiser runs through December 31st & the money will be used for normal operating expenses, more information is available at sqspca.org, or by calling 547-8111.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Smithfield Packaged Meats of Iowa, has recalled about 185,610 pounds of ready-to-eat bacon topping products. The bacon is being recalled because it may be contaminated with "extraneous materials, specifically metal," Consumers who have purchased these products are to return them to their place of purchase, or throw them out.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the graduation of Corporal Jeffrey Clark and his partner "K-9 Edge" from the K-9 Academy. After more than 3 months of training, the class graduated 10 handlers and their K-9 partners as certified in patrol techniques. Corporal Clark and Deputy K-9 Edge are now certified for patrol, with specific training in obedience, tracking individuals, locating discarded or secreted items, criminal apprehension and handler protection.  Corporal Clark and K9 Edge will return to the Academy this fall and further their training and certification in explosives detection.

STATE POLICE at Troop C announced that 1 person was arrested during an Underage Drinking Initiative in Delaware County on Wednesday. Alcohol was sold to a minor at Smiley’s Convenience Store located at West Main Street, Sidney, an appearance ticket was issued to the clerk who sold alcohol to the minor. Several other businesses in Sidney, Walton, Franklin & Delhi were in compliance.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-8-22

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 47 year old Lance Johnson of Binghamton was found guilty on all counts in Broome County Court Thursday, for the fatal shooting of Alison Salisbury of Binghamton and for the shooting of Shannon Brooks of Conklin, on August 7, 2020. Johnson will be sentenced on October 7th.

Blood Supplies are still low, according to the American Red Cross, another blood donation opportunity will be held Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main Street in Delhi. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 16.7% in May compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.7 billion, up $242 million from May of last year. Every county also experienced double-digit growth in collections, at least partially due to recent high inflation, including soaring gas prices. Yates County saw the largest increase at 34.8% in May. Among cities that impose their own general sales tax, the City of Oneida came in at the highest at 30.9%.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Dezarae Yother of Morris after an investigation into a disabled vehicle in Pittsfield. Yother allegedly forged and attempted to use a stolen check to pay for services in Morris. Yother faces charges of forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of Stolen Property in Morris, and Inadequate Exhaust, Unsafe Tire, Improper Plates, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, and Operating without Insurance in Pittsfield.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-15-22

35 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a gun at a victim during a dispute and fired a shot in the victim’s direction. Sherwood was charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon, Sherwood is a convicted felon & is not legally allowed to possess weapons, he is being held in the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 6 people, for allegedly possessing guns and illegal magazines that are not compliant with the New York SAFE Act. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango, they arrested 39 year old Jeffrey Everetts of Sayre, Pennsylvania & 32 year old Nephrem Holt of Albany for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, another traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango resulted in the arrest of 4 men from Pennsylvania, 56 year old Robert Applegate II, 31 year old Robert Applegate III, 28 year old Glen Applegate, & 29 year old Trevor Sweigart, All 6 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 4:45 to 6:45 PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall. More information is available at 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Downsville from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Downsville Fire Department on State Highway 30. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-Red CROSS.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-14-22

The State Division of Consumer Protection assisted 21,855 New Yorkers with a variety of consumer protection matters in 2021, resulting in a record $2,918,025 being returned to consumers' wallets; the top five areas for complaints relate to errors in delivery, insufficient refunds, defective products, online scams, and COVID cancellations.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of an initiative to expand and create child care centers across all SUNY campuses for students and faculty. The initiative includes the distribution of $4.5 million in federal and state funding to support current centers, & a program to train the next generation of child care professionals, SUNY universities receiving funding locally include; SUNY Broome, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, & SUNY Oneonta.

The State Police are looking to recruit people to become part of the New York State Police Family. Troop C Commanding officer Jeffrey VanAuken told WCDO News that the process to join is easier than ever:

(Major Jeffrey VanAuken 2-10-22)

Major Van Auken said that the State Police currently have specialized units such as the Special Operation Response team, Underwater recovery Team, positions in forensics, canine handlers & even a snowmobile unit for extreme winter issues.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-14-22

Oneonta Police reported that the investigation into the death on January 27th, of 20-year-old, SUNY Oneonta Student Tyler Lopresti-Castro continues. There remains no indication of a crime being committed and the investigation is being conducted as a suspicious death. Lopresti-Castro left a party in the center city around midnight, cell phone data collected indicates he was on foot in the neighborhood where he was living in an apartment. Preliminary findings indicate alcohol and caffeine were present in Tyler Lopresti-Castro, but his actual blood alcohol concentration was unknown in the hours before his discovery. The public is encouraged to contact the Oneonta Police Detectives with any additional information at (607) 432-1111.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management announced Thursday the first 100 cannabis retail licenses will be awarded to those with previous marijuana convictions. Also, hemp farmers will be able to start growing cannabis in the summer, supply of products will be seen in the fall, and retail stores will be open by the end of the year.

The State Police are out all over the state this week looking to recruit people to become part of the New York State Police Family. Troop C Commanding officer Jeffrey VanAuken was in Kirkwood today, he told WCDO News that the process to join is easier than ever:

(Major Jeffrey VanAuken 2-10-22)

State Police currently have specialized units such as the Special Operation Response team, Underwater recovery Team, positions in forensics, canine handlers& even a snowmobile unit for extreme winter issues.

The Spring Concert Series at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney Begins this Saturday Night, with 3 other shows already scheduled, spokesperson Clarissa Walrath explains:

(Clarissa Walrath 2-11-22)

More information is available by calling 607-604-4584.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 year old Nicholas Simonds of Oxford for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.  Simonds was found to be in Possession of a large quantity of heroin, while also possessing several items that indicated that Simonds was distributing narcotics.  Simonds was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-10-22

State Police charged 61 year old Douglas Webb of Sherburne for Offering a False Instrument for Filing & Falsifying Business Records. Webb, who was a bus driver at the Sherburne-Earlville School District, was initially arrested last week by State Police for Forcible Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, the investigation revealed that on his application to become a school bus driver, Webb failed to disclose that he had a previous conviction on a charge of sexual abuse. Webb was released on appearance tickets to the Sherburne Village Court on February 17th.

State Police were dispatched to investigate the theft of a golf cart on June 12 from a Golf course in the Town of Middletown.  Troopers located the golf cart with three people in it while on State Highway 30 and initiated a traffic stop.  Troopers said that the driver of the golf cart, 34 year old Davis McPartland of Wappingers Falls, was charged with DWI & unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 2 passengers were also arrested, 37 year old Matthew Davis of Wappingers Falls and 34 year old Brian Davis of Beacon were charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle & all 3 face court action on July 13th in Middletown Court.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the DEC are launching a new loyalty program starting with the 9-month online reservation period for the 2022 camping season. The 2 offices manage 120 campgrounds with 15,000 campsites statewide, Camping reservations can be made online at newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging families to take all necessary steps to secure the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan:

(Gillibrand 6-23-21)

Approximately 3.5 Million New York households are expected to receive benefits without need for further action; more information is available at childtaxcredit.gov.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-23-21

The Local Primary elections results are in:

The Republican primaries in Chenango County: The County Clerk Primary winner is Brian Wessels, the towns of Columbus Supervisor Primary winner is Diane Scalzo, Guilford Town Council Primary winners are Mathew Retz & Thomas Ives, the McDonough Town Clerk Primary winner is Shirley Cook, the Smithville Highway Superintendent Primary winner is Vincent Witkowski, the Town of Norwich Highway Superintendent Primary winner is Barry Christopherson, the City of Norwich Ward 4 Alderman Primary winner is William Loomis.

In the Delaware County Republican primaries: the Colchester Town Council Primary winners are Daniel Pinner & Julie Markert, the Walton Highway Superintendent Primary winner is Jeffrey Offnick.

In the Republican Primaries in Otsego County, the Hartwick Town Supervisor Primary winner is Bryan LoRusso, the 2 Town Council winners are Jonathon Horth & Cindy Carr, the Highway Superintendent winner is Frederick Koffer. The Milford Town Justice Primary Winners were Matthew Kane & Deborah McMullen, The Oneonta Supervisor Primary Winner is Randal Mower, The Otego Town Clerk Primary winner is Terry Horan, the Unadilla Town Clerk Republican Primary Winner is Terry Yoder; there is a tie in the Town Council Republican Primary.  The only Local Democratic Primary was for The County Representative position in District 3, the winner is Caitlin Ogden.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 19 year old Dakota Hall of Fleischmanns for 2nd degree murder following a domestic dispute in Fleischmanns Thursday night.  Deputies, State Police & EMT's responded at about 10:50 PM Thursday night to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was taken to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and died for injuries sustained in the attack.  Dakota Hall was taken into custody without incident by Deputies for allegedly stabbing his brother; Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.  The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a head-on collision in the Town of Franklin on Wednesday afternoon.  Deputies reported that at about 5:30 PM, they responded with EMT's to the accident on County Highway 21 near Leland Hull Road.  Deputies determined that a vehicle driven by 50 year-old Jeffrey Lewis of Walton crossed over the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by 62 year-old Wayne Knorr of Laurens, causing the Knorr vehicle to overturn several times.  Knorr was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a head injury; Lewis was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital also for the treatment of a head injury.  Lewis’ driving privileges were revoked as a result of previous alcohol related offense, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device, failure to keep right and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released to appear in Town of Franklin court at a later date.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident.

The Prospect Hill Cemetery Association Board is looking to receive a grant to help with repairs to the wall near East Main Street, they have decided to apply to Southern Tier Tuesdays.com and see if we could a $2,000 Grant.  Association President Debra Tompkins-Cornett explains how people can help by voting once a day for 5 days, starting this Sunday:

(Debra Tompkins-Cornett 10-23-20)

Prospect Hill Cemetery has been nominated along with 11 others for the Grant; people can go to southerntiertuesdays.com to vote beginning this Sunday.

Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.

The Oneonta City School District have switched middle and high school students to remote learning yesterday & again today after being notified of a teacher testing positive.  NO student or any faculty/staff member is deemed a “close contact” to the affected teacher, according to a district letter; all elementary buildings will open as normal. Middle & High School students are scheduled to return on the previous hybrid schedule Monday.

Governor Cuomo announced that there were 855 new cases of the Coronavirus diagnosed Monday, about 1.3% of all those tested.  724 people are hospitalized, & there were 2 fatalities from the virus, the lowest numbers since early march & 91 patients are currently intubated on a ventilators, There have been 408,181 cases of the virus since the pandemic hit over 4 months ago, there have been 25,058 deaths.

New York Farm Bureau unveiled the results of a member survey found that 65% of the state's farms and agribusinesses have been negatively impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.    43% of farms have lost sales during the pandemic, 37% are experiencing cash flow issues, 47% have reduced spending to local vendors and suppliers & 84% have a plan in place to train and assist their employees to mitigate the spread of the virus, 46% are concerned about their own or someone else's mental health.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced $800,000 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants for New York’s 22nd District.   Mohawk Valley Economic Development District & the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board each get $400,000, the funds will be used to update local economic development plans & strengthen community assistance programs.

The murder & arson fire cover-up case of 16 year old Jeffrey Franklin of the town of Guilford, will be featured on the Investigation Discovery Channel tonight at 10:00 PM on the program "The Murder Tapes” Franklin was the disabled teenager killed by his parents Ernest & Heather Franklin, who then tried to cover up the boy's death by setting the family residence on fire, closely echoing the plot of the movie "Manchester By The Sea", the incident occurred back on February 28th 2017.

State Police are investigating the death of a Walton man who
died while snowmobiling Friday.  46 year
old Jeffrey Benson's snowmobile went through ice Friday, at about 6:15 PM, near
Chipmunk Hollow Road in the town of Walton; a friend that Benson was snowmobiling
with tried to pull him out of the water unsuccessfully, Walton firefighters
eventually pulled him out.  The cause of
death is suspected to be hypothermia, the investigation is ongoing.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker declared that
influenza is now prevalent in New York State. This announcement means that
healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or
procedure masks in patient areas.
Laboratory-confirmed cases are in 42 counties and all 5 boroughs of New
York City. So far, there are 691 flu-related hospitalizations and 1
flu-associated pediatric death reported.
More information is available at health.ny.gov.

Another free Christmas Day dinner is being offered by Gene
Schmidt & his family at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street, Schmidt
is looking for volunteers to help out:

(Gene Schmidt 12-9-19)

The dinner will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Christmas Day,
those who would like more information, or to volunteer, can call Schmidt at
607-610-4030.

Several Dietz Street area
businesses owners are teaming up for a lawsuit against the City of Oneonta,
they claim that the city did not follow proper procedure when they approved of
plans for new housing on Dietz Street.
Plans call for are related apartments & businesses to go into the
Lofts project on Dietz Street, some of the parking spots in the Municipal lot
would be removed in favor of the new building.

Investigators from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
arrested 27-year-old Anthony Masi Friday, for Criminal Contempt.  Masi was being held at the Delaware County
Correctional Facility on a Parole violation, he allegedly violated an Order of
Protection issued by the City of Norwich Court.
Masi was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the
Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail, or $2,000.00 bond
& he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date for further
Court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new $14 million initiative
to support agriculture with a new funding opportunity, to address the threat of
the conversion of viable agricultural land to non-farm development and help
farms facing financial difficulties because of increased challenges resulting
from trade disputes, increasing debt, changing consumer preferences and climate
change. The grant program will assist eligible farmers with the acquisition of
perpetual conservation easements on agricultural land and ensure the long-term
viability of New York's farming operations.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a tractor trailer accident on I-88 in the Town of Fenton that was transporting compressed Methane Gas.   52 year old Jeffrey Lind of Hallstead Pennsylvania was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased, deputies & local fire departments evacuated all homes & schools located within a ¼ mile of the scene.  Lind was operating the tractor trailer owned by Xpress Natural Gas of Montrose,   the preliminary investigation and eyewitness accounts indicated that Lind swerved to avoid a deer, lost control, struck the concrete barrier, overturned & slid across the highway into a concrete barrier.  Crews removed the remaining gas from the scene, the evacuation remained in effect and surrounding roadways were closed into the afternoon hours, the cleanup and investigation continued into the afternoon hours.

The Otsego County Highway Department will close County
Highway 45 in the Town of Hartwick to all traffic for 2 more culvert
replacements.  Tomorrow, crews will be
closing highway 45 at the intersection with Lippitt Road, the road should be
opened at the end of the day, on Thursday, crews are going to be closing
Highway 45 a couple hundred feet south of Schidzick Road, and again the road
should be reopened at the end of the day.
Detours will be in place through Bill Powers Road, to Towers Road, to
Seminary Road & to State Route 28.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of
7 people on a variety of drug charges Thursday afternoon after the execution of
a search warrant at 37 Union Street in Sidney.
Deputies & Investigators dismantled a large scale Methamphetamine trafficking
operation, they arrested William McLean, Nikita Kingsbury, Trevor Light and an
unidentified 17 year male from Sidney, plus Jeffrey Robinson of Norwich, and Kevin
Mosher & Gina Overbey, who had no known address.  Sheriff Dumond comments:

(Sheriff Craig Dumond 9-6-19)

Sheriff Dumond said that the arrests followed a month long investigation;
all were charged with 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance
they were arraigned in Delhi Court & were remanded to the Delaware County
Jail without bail pending future court action, additional charges are anticipated
& the investigation is ongoing.
Sidney Village Police assisted at the scene.

State Police are investigating a crash in the town of
Franklin that left 2 teenagers in serious condition.  Troopers were dispatched Thursday afternoon at
about 4:30 PM to Walley Road in the town of Franklin; they located a Chevy
pick-up truck with a 17-year-old male driver and 14-year-old male passenger
crashed into a tree.  The investigation
revealed that speed was a contributing factor when the unidentified 17-year-old
lost control of the vehicle around a curve on Wally Road, spun off the roadway
and into a tree.  Both occupants were
transported by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center.   The accident remains under
investigation.

State police are investigating a sewage spill that Thursday
afternoon at about 2:30 PM on County Route 10 near Elk Creek Road in the town
of Meredith.  The unidentified Driver of
the septic tanker was taken to Fox Hospital for evaluation, the driver rolled
the septic tanker, which spilled about 2,000 gallons of sewage, & struck a utility
Pole, temporarily knocking out phone & electric service in the east Meredith
area.  The septic tanker belonged to JB’s
Line Cleaning and Plumbing Service, the cause of the accident is under
investigation.

Norwich City Police have charged a 3rd person in connection with the beating on Lackawanna Avenue recently that left the victim with a skull fracture & blind in 1 eye.  30 year old Tyrone Lester Jr., of Norwich was charged with 1st-degree assault, he is accused of participating in the assault along with Jonathan Booker and Hannah Bard, all 3 face additional court action.

State Police and the Department
of Transportation announced the continuation of “Operation Hardhat,” to crack
down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving
through active work zones on state highways.
State DOT Region 9 Director Nick Choubah said that drivers are not
moving over as they should:

(Nick Choubah 8-28-19)

State Police Captain Jeffrey
VanAuken explained what the Move Over Law means:

(Captain Jeffrey Van Auken
8-28-19)

State Troopers are patrolling
active DOT work zones along Interstate-81 in Broome County and State Route 17
in Tioga County this week to enforce work zone speed limits and that motorist’s
follow the state’s Move Over Law.

New York State's Marijuana Decriminalization
Law went into effect today.  The law was
signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo last month and reduces penalties for possession
of small amounts of marijuana and allows for records to be expunged for people
with certain marijuana convictions. The legislation does not legalize
recreational marijuana,

The National Center for Arts
Research at Southern Methodist University in Dallas released their 5th annual
Arts Vibrancy Index Report, which ranks more than 900 communities across the
nation, examining the level of supply, demand, and government support for the
arts.  Oneonta ranked 8th, Jackson,
Wyoming ranked 1st, & Hudson New York ranked 5th, as the only other New
York community in the survey's Top 10. more information is available at
oneonta.ny.us.

State Police responded to the report of a pedestrian struck
by a car on County Route 11 in the town of Unadilla Saturday.  69 year old Susan Haney of Unadilla was
struck by a vehicle driven by 34 year old Nicole Wilber of Unadilla, who
stopped & called police.  Haney was
airlifted to Upstate medical center in Syracuse with Head & leg injuries
& internal bleeding.  The
investigation is continuing.

The 3rd Annual Afton Sidewalk day will be held on Saturday
August 24th, organizers are hoping to get more artists & crafters to
exhibit their wares at this year’s event, spokesperson Amy Spooner explains:

(Amy Spooner 7-16-19)

More information can be found at
the Afton Sidewalk Day Facebook Page, or by calling Amy Spooner at 244-9366, or
Alexis Van Buren at Baristacrats at 743-2401.

Heather Franklin of Guilford was sentenced in Chenango
County Court to 7 to 11 years in state prison on Monday.  Heather & her husband Ernest Franklin
plotted the murder of their 16-year-old adopted special needs son Jeffrey
before setting their house on fire in March 2017 to cover up his murder.
Heather Franklin pleaded guilty earlier this year to manslaughter, arson and
tampering with physical evidence.

A Blood Drive is being held in Sidney today.  The blood drive will run from 1:00 to 6:00 PM
at the Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River Street.
All Blood Types are needed.  A
Blood Drive is also being held in Walton from 2:00 to 6: oo PM at the Pines
Brook Church, 1444 Pines Brook Road

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular
meeting this evening at City Hall; the meeting is open to the public & will
begin at 7:00 PM.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held at the Sidney Central
School District today along with the Raymond Corporation of Greene, for the
opening of their Raymond welding Center.
Sidney Welding Program Advisor Joseph Waltz told WCDO News about the
full year course

(Joseph Waltz 5-28-19)

Raymond Corporation representative Dan Quiter Jr. told WCDO
News that this program is the first of its kind locally:

(Dan Quiter Jr 5-28-19)

The program was started through the efforts of 6 Sidney
Students and a Raymond Corporation Advisor.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies charged 40-year-old
Jeffrey Bosket of Tompkins with 2 counts of harboring a dangerous dog in
violation of Agriculture and Markets Law. The charge follows an investigation
where an individual was allegedly bitten by 2 dogs owned by Bosket in the Town
of Tompkins. Bosket was issued tickets and was scheduled to appear before the
Town of Tompkins Court at a later date to answer for the charges.

State Senator Fred Akshar released a new Community Voice
Survey on a proposal to end religious and any other non-medical exemptions for
vaccination for children attending school in New York State.  All 50 states require that students be vaccinated
for diseases like measles, mumps, chicken pox and polio among many others, all
states allow exemptions for medical reasons, but 47 (including New York) allow
exemptions for religious reasons.   The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that measles was eradicated
in 2000; however 940 measles cases were reported nationwide this year, with
more than half of those reported in New York City & Rockland County.   Akshar is asking his constituents to weigh
in on Senate bill S.2994 which would repeal all non-medical exemptions from vaccination
requirements for children; the survey is available at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

New York State will not be
funding a housing development with 64 units in Oneonta' 6th Ward.  The RSS development announced their plans
last year, with residents speaking out about the plans to have some people in
the development recovering from substance abuse.  Governor Cuomo recently announced that 6
organizations in The Southern Tier would receive $21.3 million in tax credits
and low-interest loans from the State Homes & Community Renewal’s 2018
Unified Funding applications; the Oneonta RSS project was not included.

The 57th General Clinton canoe regatta was held over the
Memorial Day weekend, with over 1000 pro & Amateur Paddlers from 22 states
& 5 Canadian Provinces participating.

The 2 person pro race was won by Steve Lajoie & Jimmy
Pellerin, who completed the 70 mile course in 7:15:23, they spoke with WCDO’s
Craig Stevens

(Lajoie/Pellerin 5-28)

The Duo beat 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever of Oneonta
& Ben Schlimmer of Camillus by 2 minutes, but 2nd place wasn’t easy as they
beat out Guillaume Blaise & Samuel Friggone for Quebec by just 1 second,
Schlimmer spoke to Craig Stevens about the close ending:

(Schlimmer 5-28)

62 year old Regatta champion Serge Corbin & his partner
Normand Mainguy finished 4th in the pro race, he talked with WCDO’s Craig
Stevens after the race;

(Serge Corbin 5-28)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Michigan Team of Bruce & Roxanne Barton, Tim
Triebold & Weston Willoughby won the C4 Race with a time of 7:37:45;  Local Paddler Bob Zaveral of Mount Upton
spoke to Craig Stevens after his 4 person team finished 2nd in the C-4 race
yesterday:

(Zaveral 5-28)

Walton father Son team Bill & Lucas Walley won the tough
stock aluminum race by 40 minutes over the 2nd place finishers, Lucas Walley
talked about racing with the heavier canoes to WCDO’s Craig Stevens:

(Lucas Walley 5-28)

Complete results can be found at canoeregatta.org.

Ernest Franklin of Mount Upton is seeking a retrial, after
being found guilty of murdering his special needs stepson Jeffrey, and setting
fire to the family residence to cover up the murder.  Franklin was due to be sentenced in Chenango
County for the murder arson & tampering with physical evidence charges when
the motion for a retrial was filed.
Ernest Franklin's wife Heather pleaded guilty to manslaughter, arson and
evidence tampering for her role in the case.

“Help After Loss”
will host the “Halos Memory Run/Walk on Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at the
Greenlawn Elementary School Track in Bainbridge.  Anyone who has experienced loss can
participate and register at form.jotform.com.
more information is available at helpafterloss.com or call
607-240-1550.  An Event Page is also
available at facebook.com/events

This Sunday,  Delaware County Public Health will be holding
a free Car Seat Safety Event at Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, from 12:00
Noon until 2:00 PM.  75% of children are
riding in car seat that are not properly installed or do not fit
correctly.   Parents and caregivers can
have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat
technicians.   This free event will educate
parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats which
do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced.  Be sure to bring your child/children to the
event and expectant parents are also welcome.

In April, the number of private sector jobs in New York
State grew by 24,600, or 0.3%, to 8,300,500, a new, all-time high, according to
preliminary figures released by the State Department of Labor. New York’s statewide
unemployment rate was at 3.9% in April.

Senator Fred Akshar will be hosting his 32nd “Face Time With
Fred” town hall meeting on tomorrow from 1:30pm - 3:00pm at the Hillcrest Fire
Department in Hillcrest. Community members are invited to attend the informal
meetings to discuss important state and local issues.

Employment among New York’s small businesses has increased
slightly faster than the national pace, according to a report released today by
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report from the U.S. Census Bureau,
examined the 5-year trend through 2016, where small business employment rose by
9.2% in New York while increasing 8.9% across the country. Small Businesses
provided more than 4.1 million jobs in the state, which is about half of all
private sector jobs. Small businesses provided more than $212 billion in
payroll, nearly 40 percent of the total private sector payroll in the state.

State Attorney General Letitia James today announced that
Spectrum Cable has started to issue credits to consumers as required by their
settlement agreement.  Under the terms of
the settlement, Charter is required to issue monetary relief to qualified
subscribers and offer some  video
streaming services at no charge.  In all,
qualified subscribers will receive $62.5 million in bill credits. Subscribers
do not have to fill out any paperwork to obtain the credit, but must contact
Spectrum to receive the streaming services by May 30th at  1-833-422-8795 for further information.

The Village of Sidney Board will hold a special Meeting
Thursday Evening, regarding the sole sourcing of Village garbage pickup.  The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
in the board room at 21 Liberty Street, Civic Center.  This meeting will be the 1st of 2 on this
subject, as they board discusses the possibility of having 1 hauler for all
Village homes.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau is hosting an Agricultural
Celebration Wednesday at the Silo Restaurant in Greene, from 11:00 AM until
2:00 PM, to celebrate National Agriculture Day.
Chenango County farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-19-19)

Vickers said that this year’s
theme is "Agriculture: Food for Life” & the keynote speaker will be
New York State Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture &
Markets; Dave Valesky.

Village elections are being held across the state today.  Locally, in Sidney incumbent Mayor Andy Matviak faces a challenge from Jeffrey Stefanek, plus 3 people are running for 2 seats on the board, Sheri Youngs, Raymond Baker & Barry MacPherson.  In Walton incumbent Mayor Ed Snow, faces a challenge from Steve Condon. In Gilbertsville, incumbent mayor Ken Nolan faces challenger Mark Muller. 3 people are seeking 2 trustee seats: Glenn Foster, Randolph Palada & John Wargo & in Afton 2 Trustee seats are open, 3 candidates are seeking those seats, Sally Muller; DeAnna Lawrence; Melissa Matthews. Polling places are open from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm.  Those who have questions regarding their eligibility to vote in village elections, should contact their county Board of elections, or they should go to their polling place to see if they are eligible to vote today.

State Police arrested 27 year old Bradly Falkenmeyer of
Coventry for Menacing and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after Troopers were
dispatched to dispute that began over a dog going on the neighbor’s
property.   Falkenmeyer allegedly
displayed a shotgun and threatened to shoot the dog and the complainant.  Falkenmeyer was also on parole which would
not allow him to be in possession of any firearms.  Falkenmeyer was arrested and arraigned in the
town of Coventry Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail.

State Police arrested 41 year old Thomas Guinn of Chelsea,
Oklahoma for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a reportable B.A.C of
.20%. A trooper was dispatched to a complaint of a vehicle traveling
erratically on I-88, nearly striking several vehicles. Troopers located the
vehicle stuck in the mud on State Route 357 in the town of Sidney, Guinn was
arraigned in the town of Sidney Court where he was remanded to the Delaware
County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. His next court date is March
28, 2019.

Members of Troop "C" conducted an Underage Drinker
Initiative Friday, March 16, 2019. 13 retail stores in Chenango and Otsego
Counties were checked for potential sales to a minor. All 13 were found to be
in compliance and no alcohol was sold to minors during the detail.

The Oneonta Common Council will be holding their next
regular meeting this evening.  The
meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers of City Hall.

The Chenango Arts Council
announced its annual Chenango Area Student Art exhibition on Friday, April 5th
at 5:30 pm, with an awards ceremony for 2 scholarships, the council’s Student
Art Show, and Artistic Discovery, where 6 entries will be submitted to
Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s office for a chance to appear in the 2019
Congressional Art Show in Washington, DC.
The exhibit will run through April 19th at the Council's Mariea Brown
and Raymond Loft Galleries at 27 West Main Street, in Norwich.  Interested students can call the Council at
336-ARTS for more information.

(Nate Lull 3-18-19)

WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull with the call in the closing
seconds as the Cooperstown Boys Basketball team won their 1st state title in
program history at the Floyd L. Maines Arena in Binghamton yesterday.  The Hawkeyes Defeated Middle Early College, a
Charter School from Buffalo 71-61 in the title game, Cooperstown’s Jack Lambert
was named tournament MVP after scoring a combined 76 points in 2 games at the
Final 4, John Kennedy was named to the All-Tournament Team for
Cooperstown.  The win came 1 day after a
triple overtime win over Greenport in the State Semi-Finals.  To listen back to the game, or see pictures
of the celebration, go to WCDOSPORTS.COM.

Village Elections will be held across the state tomorrow, in
the Village of Sidney; Mayor Andy Matviak is seeking election for another term:

(Andy Matviak 3-18-19)

Matviak faces a challenge from Jeffrey Stefanek, who told
WCDO News why he decided to run:

(Jeffrey Stefanek 3-18-19)

Voters in Sidney will also be deciding on 2 seats on the
Village Board, between Sheri Youngs, Ray Baker & Barry McPherson, Voting
will be from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm at the Sidney Civic Center.

State Police arrested 39 year old James Underhill of Conklin
for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, for allegedly cashing 2 checks
totaling over $21,000 that was supposed to be used to repair a vehicle that had
been involved in an accident.  The
complainant told troopers that the accident occurred almost a year ago and the
truck was still at Underhill’s repair shop and not been worked on.    Underhill was located Tuesday & was
arrested & arraigned at Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing
and was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Early Wednesday morning Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies
responded to a report of an over-turned tractor trailer on State Highway 17 in
the Town of Hancock.  27 year-old Cody
Camp of Barton fell asleep at the wheel and failed to negotiate a curve in the
roadway, he struck the guard rails, causing the truck to over-turn and the
attached box trailer to rupture, and spilling mixed freight all over the
highway.  1 eastbound lane of the highway
was closed to traffic for several hours by the State Department of
Transportation for the clean-up & police investigation

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of a school
funding transparency website, which offers the ability to view and download
data at the school district level and the school building level.  The site also allows for the individual
school's overall funding allocation, per pupil funding allocation, allocation
by funding source, school enrollment and student demographics, The website is
openbudget.ny.gov

Sidney mayoral Candidate Jeffrey Stefanek will hold a Meet
& Greet Event today, at American Legion Post #183 on Union Street in
Sidney, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  Stefanek
is looking to defeat incumbent Mayor Andy Matviak, who is seeking another term,
village elections state wide will be held on Tuesday.