WCDO Radio News

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.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 2 Walton residents following a narcotics investigation in Kirkwood. Arrested were 30 year old Joseph Hahm, on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and 22 year old Jubilee Klimas for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, both face court action on the charges shortly.

The Delaware Valley Humane Society's Shelter Saviors fundraising efforts brought in a lot of money for the shelter recently, Shelter Director Erin Insinga told WCDO news how much was raised:

(ERIN Insinga 2-18-26)

The Shelter Saviors who matched the December donations were Alpine Roofing, Island Premium Printing, Forno Enterprises, McDowell & Walker, Lambrecht Auction, Oneonta Fence, Roasted Coffee House, & Deer-run Collectibles.

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

(RAY BAKER 2-18-26)

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

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 2-18-26

4 Binghamton men who were arrested February 4th by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office on 11 felony weapons charges have been remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility following an indictment filed by the Broome County District Attorney’s Office in Broome County Court. Samear Wallace, Johnathan Ayala, Isaiah Johnson, and Jahliek Walker-Coates, were charged with a total of 11 felony weapons charges following an investigation into gunshots fired in the Town of Dickinson, they were found to be in possession of 4 loaded ghost guns, one stolen and loaded handgun and six high-capacity ammunition feeding devices, including a 50-round drum magazine.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a trespassing complaint earlier this month, they interviewed the victim who accused 40-year-old Kristen Rice of Hancock had entered and remained in the dwelling of another person despite being asked, and that Rice subjected another person to unwanted physical contact. Deputies arrested Rice for Criminal Trespass and Harassment, Deputies transported Rice to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for processing, she was turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility & was held for arraignment.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Delhi February 10th, the driver provided Deputies with a false name and date of birth, K9 Dexter discovered Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, plus scales and packaging materials. 43-year-old Adam Bright of Delhi was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, plus Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, False Personation, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator among other traffic violations, Deputies transported Bright was turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to be held for Arraignment.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-15-25

Sidney Police Department responded Friday Afternoon to a report of a male subject pointing a firearm at a female at the Circle Drive Apartment Complex. Officers arrested 21 year old Connor Steidle of South Carolina, a search of the residence resulted in the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine and 2 firearms, including a handgun. Steidle was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, & 3 counts of Menacing. Steidle was transported to Delaware County Central Arraignment, where he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 bail. Sidney Police Department was assisted by State Police with this arrest.

State Police responded Saturday to 438 County Highway 11, Lot 30 in the town of Laurens for to assist at a fully engulfed fire. West Laurens Fire, West Oneonta Fire, Mount Vision Fire and Laurens Fire were already on scene attempting to get the fire under control. It was determined that the resident, 62 year old Roger Delong was still inside and was later located deceased. Investigators from New York State Fire and the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services responded to the location and will determine the cause of the fire.

State Police announced today that they are taking extra actions to ensure public safety during the Holiday Season, following the weekend attack of Jewish People in Australia on the 1st day of Hanukkah. State Police will maintain a presence at religious institutions, public gatherings, shopping malls and other venues, in order to deter criminal activity & be ready with a rapid response should an concern arise. If New Yorkers see suspicious activity, call the State Terrorism hotline at 1-866-safe-nys.

The Recent "Pawstruck" Fundraiser at Awestruck Ciders of Sidney, raised a substantial amount of money for the Delaware Valley Humane Society, WCDO's Grace Benkovitz  & Society Director Erin Insinga told WCDO how much was raised:

(Grace Erin 12-15-25)

Shelter Saviors donation matching program funded by local businesses: Alpine Roofing, Island Premium Printing, Lambrecht Auction, Inc., Oneonta Fence, McDowell & Walker, Roasted Coffee House, Deer run Collectibles and Forno Enterprise.

A.M. NEWS Monday 12-15-25

Last Wednesday, Broome County Sheriff’s Road Patrol responded to the latest in a series of reported thefts of returnable cans and bottles from the BSA Troop 152 at Valley Christian Reformed Church in the Town of Chenango. A camera was installed inside the bin, investigators identified the suspect as 69 year old John Dubrava of Chenango Forks, who had previously been arrested in Chenango County in a similar case. Investigators located Dubrava and the vehicle from the thefts at a residence in Chenango Forks, he was charged with 3 Counts of Burglary & Petty Larceny.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies in the Town of Delhi and observed an E-Bike traveling on State Highway 10, which is prohibited and the operator was not wearing a helmet as required by law. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who was identified as 51-year-old Daniel White of Meridale, White was charged with felony DWI, Unlawful Operation of an E-Bike on a Highway, Operating E-Bike while Impaired, White was released on an appearance ticket and traffic summonses and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $300 million in new state funding to support health care transformation projects across New York. The awards, made through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program, to support 22 projects aimed at improving health information technology by expanding patient electronic medical records, strengthening cybersecurity and patient information security, and expanding telehealth services. Locally, UHS Hospitals will receive 1.5 million dollars to expand their Telehealth services.

Delaware Valley Humane Society announced that on Saturday from 9-2 at the Sidney McDowell & Walker, pet photos can be taken with Santa Claus. The price of the pictures are by donation, proceeds will benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

Governor Hochul announced the annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state, will begin Today. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are requested, Drop off locations will be set up locally through December 15th at the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street and the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street, Oneonta.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-21-23

The Bainbridge Lions Club will conclude their annual fundraising raffle Saturday, when they give away a Zero Turn Lawn mower & other prizes & McDowell & Walker in Sidney, Lions spokesman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News that the money raised goes to a good cause:

(Cliff Crouch 9-21-23)

Crouch said that people can still buy the raffle tickets at McDowell & Walker, Johns Garage or through a Lions club Member, the winners will be announced Saturday at 12:00 Noon at McDowell & Walker.

The Delaware County Historical Association is accepting nominations for its annual Awards of Merit. Individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the preservation and presentation of local history, traditions and culture will be presented with awards at Association's Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 5th. To submit a nomination, write a letter or e-mail detailing why the nominee or group is deserving of the award, more information is available at (607) 746-3849 or dchadelhi@gmail.com.

Rural Health Network of South Central New York will hold their 25th Anniversary Celebration Event next month. “Mash it Up on a Monday,” is open to the public by advance ticket sales only and will be held on Monday, October 16th, 5pm – 7:30pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased at rhnscny.org before October 6th.

New Yorkers to take advantage of the year's fifth Free Fishing Day on Saturday, September 23, when New York State waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license. Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. The final Free Fishing Day of 2023 will be held on Veterans Day on Nov. 11. During designated Free Fishing Days, residents and non-residents are permitted to fish in freshwater for free without a fishing license. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-21-23

The Small Business Resource Fair will be held today 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, who registered, more information is available at delawarecounty.org.

Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded Monday in the Town of Fenton for a Burglary complaint. The homeowner had found an unknown man in a 2nd floor room around 1:30 AM, the intruder left on foot, a laptop computer and several other electronics were missing from his residence, a downstairs window was left ajar with the screen ripped out. Deputies apprehended an individual with the stolen items in a drawstring bag, 24 year old Mitchell Paul of Binghamton, was charged with Burglary, Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Mischief, he was taken to Central Arraignment and is currently being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility. Later that morning Deputies responded to a separate Burglary complaint in the Town of Fenton, where various items were stolen, they discovered that those items were in Mitchell Paul's drawstring bag, he was additionally charged with Burglary.

Delaware County Public Health will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at The Cullman Center in Sidney today from 3:30PM-5:30PM. Parents and caregivers can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat technicians. 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 welcome as well, more information is available at 607-832-5200.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-18-22

19 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin is expected to plead guilty Monday in Erie County Court, for fatally shooting 10 people & injuring 3 others, in a racist attack on a buffalo Tops Supermarket in a predominantly Black Neighborhood May 14th. Gendron was charged in federal and state courts with multiple counts of murder and hate crimes, he is being held pending the court appearances.

The Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 36 year old Thomas Wright of Oxford and 36 year old Troy Dibble of Oxford, on Burglary & Grand Larceny Charges, following an investigation of a burglary of a house on Patterson Street in Sidney. A car trailer, 2 ATV's & a number of Tools were taken from the property, it was located in the town of Oxford and the 2 men were arrested. Wright was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court, he was released on $2000 bail to appear back in court at a later date, Dibble was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court, he was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date. Sidney Police Department were assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office & State Police.

The Community Cultural Center in Sidney will hold events tonight, tomorrow night & Sunday, spokesperson Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 11-18-22)

Tickets for the Comedy Night Saturday are available at the door or online at cccsidneyart.booktix.com.

A.M. NEWS Friday 11-18-22

The Bainbridge Lions Club is selling raffle tickets through Saturday for 3 big prizes, Lions Club member Cliff Crouch told WCDO News about the Lions Club programs that will be funded, for those in need:

(Cliff Crouch 11-15-22)

Crouch said that the tickets are available at McDowell & Walker in Sidney, at John's Garage in Bainbridge or through Any Lions Club member, the Drawing will be at McDowell & Walker Saturday at 12:00 Noon.

The Norwich Family YMCA will be holding the 41st annual Turkey Trot 5K run and walk this Sunday, Organizer Shannon Gawronski told WCDO News how the Turkey Trot fundraiser benefits the YMCA & The community:

(Shannon Gawronski 11-18-22)

The Children's run will begin at 12:00 Noon Sunday, the adult race begins at 12:30 pm, Registration is available on the Norwich Family YMCA Facebook page, and on their website, NorwichYMCA.com. Following the 5K will be an awards ceremony in the Norwich Family YMCA gymnasium.

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

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 28 year old Darrick Reynolds of Unadilla following a traffic stop in the Town of Morris November 10th. Reynolds was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Uninsured, Uninspected & Unregistered Motor Vehicle & Improper Plates Reynolds was taken into custody and turned over to Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, he will appear in court at a later date.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Duane Dye of Edmeston following a traffic stop in the Town of Edmeston. Dye was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Registration Suspended & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Dye was found to be operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with a suspended registration and suspended driver’s license, he will Appear in Edmeston Town court at a later date.

The Bainbridge Lions Club is selling raffle tickets through Saturday for 3 big prizes, Lions Club member Cliff crouch explains;

(Cliff Crouch 11-15-22)

Crouch said that the tickets are available at McDowell & Walker in Sidney, at John's Garage in Bainbridge or through Any Lions Club member, the Drawing will be at McDowell & Walker Saturday at 12:00 Noon.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli audited the State Department of Labor regarding their failure to replace its long-troubled Unemployment Insurance system, which contributed to billions of dollars in improper payments sent out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The audit recommended the Department recommended the replacement of the system, take steps to improve the verification process to stop fraudulent claims, Department officials generally agreed with the audit’s findings and recommendations.

The State DEC announced that November 15th will be recognized as New York Recycles Day.. The DEC is working with SUNY partners to increase the ability to recycle items like glass, paper, and plastics, and to increase education to the public on best practices for recycling, more information is available at dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-15-22

Oneonta police announced that 50 year old Taver Brown of Oneonta died last Thursday morning in a bicycle accident in Huntington Park. Brown died from head & neck injuries in the bicycle crash, he was not wearing a helmet, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Attorney General Letitia James, as part of a coalition of 40 attorneys general, today secured $391.5 million from Google for misleading millions of users about its location data tracking. A multi-state investigation found that Google failed to notify users that location tracking services were automatically turned on for web and app activity. Millions of consumers with Google accounts who used Google's apps, such as Google Maps, Google Search, Google Chrome, and other Google apps, were unaware that their location was being tracked.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-13-22

The State Assembly and Senate passed a bill that would require employers to disclose compensation or range of compensation to applicants and employees upon announcing an employment opportunity for the public, or on employee request. The goal of the bill is to combat systemic pay inequality by making salary ranges for specific positions clear, it heads to Governor Hochul's desk to be either signed or vetoed.

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani will not be allowed to participate in tonight's televised debate at a New York City Television Station, as he has refused to submit proof he's been vaccinated against COVID-19. Giuliani stated Sunday that he is NOT vaccinated but stated that he told debate organizers that he would take COVID tests prior to the debate.

The Raymond Corporation is celebrating their 100th Anniversary with a special day Tuesday, President & CEO Michael Field told WCDO News about their celebration:

(Michael Field 6-14-22)

Field said that Raymond is also looking to hire more people, more information can be found at Raymondcorp.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-13-22

A New York appeals court is allowing state Assembly elections to proceed this year under redistricting maps signed into law, but they must redraw the lines for the 2024 elections. The maps were heavily criticized as they were gerrymandered to give Democrats an unfair advantage. Friday's ruling affirmed an earlier court decision that it was too late to move the state's June primary, the court says maps drawn by legislative Democrats could not be used in future elections.

Firefighters responded at about 9:40 Friday Night to a residential structure fire on County Highway 16 in the Town of Burlington. The homeowner contacted 911, Deputies responded & all occupants were successfully evacuated, Multiple fire departments were dispatched and battled the blaze, no injuries were reported.

McDowell and Walker In Afton, is facing over $200,000 in fines from OSHA after an employee entered a grain bin last November to clear a feed buildup that was clogged, the conveyor transporting the feed into the silo activated, partially engulfing the worker in leftover feed. The employee avoided serious injury with help from a co-worker. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before an independent Commission.

2 local teams brought home state championships this weekend, Deposit-Hancock Baseball and Softball both won Class-D titles, it's the 4th Class-D program in state history to have their baseball and softball teams capture a state crown in the same season. The Greene Softball team finished as runners-up in the Class-C bracket. For information on state track and field results from this weekend follow WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull on Twitter or visit WCDOsports.com.

60-year-old Robert Doyle of Windsor was arrested on a
variety of drug charges, by the Broome County Special Investigations Task
Force.  Police searched Doyle’s home at
118 Main Street in Windsor, they seized Crystal Meth, Mollies, drug packaging
materials and digital scales used to weigh narcotics & a stolen 12-gauge
shotgun.  Doyle was charged with multiple
counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of
stolen property & criminally using drug paraphernalia, he faces court action
shortly.

State Police arrested 27 year old Gary Garbera of Oneonta
for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, DWI, Refusal to Submit
to a Breath Test, Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Inspection among other
charges.  Troopers initiated a traffic
stop on Clinton Street in the city of Oneonta after they observed Garbera with
an equipment violation, he was arrested & Troopers learned that Garbera’s
licensed was revoked and he had a bench warrant with the city of Oneonta Police
Department.  He was arrested and
processed then released to Oneonta Police.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber
will hold their annual reception this Sunday at 1:00 PM at the Silo Restaurant
in Greene.  The Chamber will honor
McDowell & Walker as the Business of the year, Hickory & Doc as the
Startup Business of the year & Friends of Afton as the Organization of the
year.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be coming up later
this month, with activities at General Clinton Park & in the Susquehanna
River from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day, Regatta chairman John Harmon
said that he needs some volunteers to help out:

(John Harmon 5-3-19)

Harmon’s' Number is 237-6008,  His email is JHarmon80@outlook.com, the
Regatta weekend is May 24th though the 27th this year.

The Copes Corners Park Spring Fest will take place Saturday
from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Children’s
activities will include a fishing derby, a boat-float contest, and more.  Spring Fest will also feature fire department
competitions, the Ross Park Zoo mobile, Zumba, yoga, food and music throughout
the day.   Copes Corners Park is located
at 620 State Hwy. 51, between Gilbertsville and Mount Upton.

WCDO.... BUSINESSES- AGENCIES- ORGANIZATIONS...CLOSINGS/CHANGES....

- BUTLER AUTO SALES IN SIDNEY WILL CLOSE AT 5:30PM TODAY AND REMAIN CLOSED TUESDAY FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

-MCDOWELL AND WALKER IN SIDNEY HAS CANCELLED THEIR DANSKO VIEWING PARTY TONIGHT FOR 6PM.

-WASTE RECOVERY ..... THERE WILL BE NO TUESDAY TRASH PICKUP FOR WASTE RECOVERY CUSTOMERS. THE REGULAR TUESDAY ROUTE WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY 10/31. PLEASE DO NOT PUT TRASH BAGS OR CANS OUT ON TUESDAY.

-AFTON TOWN CLERK CANCELLING COURT SESSIONS AT 3PM AND 6PM

-SFCU- HANCOCK BRANCH CLOSED TODAY

-GUILFORD TOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING FOR 7PM CANCELLED.

CHENANGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CLINICS IN OXFORD, SHERBURNE AND SIDNEY AND SIDNEY LAB & IMAGING, DENTAL AND ENT AS WELL AS PHYSICAL THERAPIES WILL BE CLOSING AT 1PM TODAY. WALK-IN IN NORWICH WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 6PM TODAY.

-FRIESLAND CAMPINA IN DELHI CLOSING AT 2PM TODAY AND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY AT 7AM.

ACCO BRANDS IN SIDNEY IS CLOSING AT 3PM TODAY AND WILL RE-OPEN AT 10:30AM TUESDAY.  EMPLOYEE HOTLINE IS 561-5005.

KENNEDY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CLASSES TONIGHT ARE CANCELLED

GUILFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING TONIGHT CANCELLED.

CULLMAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN SIDNEY WILL BE CLOSING TODAY AT 3PM. THEY WILL RE-OPEN TOMORROW AT 10AM.

MAZ CPR COURSE POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY 11/5

MEET AND GREET WITH TOBIAS WHITAKER AND BILL HEATH SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT AT THE SIDNEY LIBRARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

AMPHENOL REQUESTS 2ND SHIFT EMPLOYEES THAT DRIVE TO WORK USE THE EAST GATE FOR DIRECTIONS WHERE TO GO

STATE FARM... 24 HOUR HOTLINE.... 1-800-SF CLAIM

ABC CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS... ALL CLASSES TONIGHT ARE CANCELLED.

DONNA FRECH SCHOOL OF DANCE ..ALL CLASSES AT ALL LOCATIONS TONIGHT CANCELLED.

VISIONS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.... ALL LOCATIONS CLOSING AT 3PM

SECTION IV ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION....  ALL MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES AND GAMES SCHEDULED FOR TODAY AND TUESDAY ARE POSTPONED.  CHECK sectionivathletics.com  FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

ALL BRANCHES OF SFCU CLOSING AT 4:30PM TODAY AND WILL RE-OPEN AT NOON ON TUESDAY...SUBJECT TO WEATHER

BLACK HORSE YOGA STUDIO IN GUILFORD... ALL CLASSES TONIGHT CANCELLED.

SIDNEY MCDONALDS... WILL BE CLOSING AT 7PM TONIGHT AND WILL RE-OPEN AT 8AM TUESDAY IF THEY HAVE POWER.

S&S CAFE IN BAINBRIDGE WILL NOT BE SERVING DINNER TONIGHT

SIDNEY GREAT AMERICAN WILL BE CLOSING AT 7:30PM

TUESDAY CLOSINGS:

SIDNEY VILLAGE AND TOWN COURTS WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY 10/30

SCOVILLE- MENO IN SIDNEY

MASONVILLE TOWN COURT.... NO COURT TUESDAY

PLANNED PARENTHOOD HEALTH CENTERS IN SIDNEY, ONEONTA, NORWICH, WALTON AND BINGHAMTON CLOSED TUESDAY