WCDO Radio News

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 am. on Friday, August 29, to 6:00 am. on Tuesday, September 2, to ease travel throughout Labor Day weekend. Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. State Police and local law enforcement are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, through Monday, targeting impaired and reckless driving through increased patrols and check points.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-28-25

Otsego County, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public community update meeting Today, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Morris Fire Hall. The meeting will be held in person and live-streamed, with a recording available afterward at otsegocountyny.gov/broadband. This community session is part of Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project aimed at improving high-speed internet access for residents, businesses, and institutions across the region.

Otsego County, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public community update meeting on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Morris Fire Hall, the meeting will be held in person and live-streamed online, with a recording available afterward on the project website: www.otsegocountyny.gov/broadband.php. The community session is part of Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project, aimed at accessing high-speed internet access for residents, businesses, and institutions across the region.

The DCMO BOCES school district in Norwich is currently auctioning off 2 2018 International school buses. These vehicles have become popular for being converted into into campers, the online auctions are open to the public at municibid.com and ends on Tuesday, August 19th. All of the proceeds from these auctions go back to DCMO BOCES school district, for school supplies, educational programs, and more.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-29-25

The State DEC announced that more than $3 million was awarded to 45 not-for-profit land trusts across the state, through the Conservation Partnership Program, which will support 61 projects designed to support land trusts for the prevention of farmland Conversion, Water Quality and conserve open space. Locally, $98,000 will go to the Otsego Land Trust: for Professional Development, they also will receive a Transaction Grant for $22,000, the Chenango Greenway Conservancy will receive a Capacity Grant, for $18,750

Otsego County, in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public kickoff meeting Today to launch the Broadband Technical Assistance Project, funded by the USDA Rural Utilities Service. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Meadows Office Complex 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown,

School Budget votes will be held tomorrow across the state, Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO news about their proposed budget:

(Eben Bullock 5-19-25)

The Unatego School District is also seeking approval on a new budget, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-19-25)

School Districts are also looking to fill Board of Education Seats, and in some cases capital projects and/or buss purchases around the state tomorrow.

Otsego County, in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, will host a public kickoff meeting on Thursday, May 29, to launch its Broadband Technical Assistance Project. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Meadows Office Complex, at 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown.

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.

State Senator Jim Seward announced
that $25,000 was awarded to the Schenevus Central School District as part of
the Regional Economic Development Council awards.  Seward released a statement saying that the
$25,000 REDC grant will help cover costs for a merger feasibility study with
Worcester and allow Schenevus school officials to explore all possible options
as they plan for the best future for students and taxpayers.  Seward sponsored legislation this year that
was signed into law authorizing advanced state aid payments to assist the
struggling Schenevus school district.

State Police will be
out in full force over the Christmas & New Year's holidays this year.  Police will be on the lookout for speeding,
distracted drivers, intoxicated or impaired drivers, road rage and they will be
making sure that motorists are buckled up; they will also pay special attention
to violators of the state's "Move Over" law

Governor Cuomo announced that more
than $761 million in economic and community development funding has been
awarded through Round 9 of the Regional Economic Development Council
initiative.   Locally, The Southern Tier
will receive $88.9 million supporting 109 projects, Central New York will get $86.2
million supporting 93 projects & the Mohawk Valley receives $82.7 million
supporting 81 projects

Freshman Congressman Antonio Delgado of the 19th
District has received his committee assignments this week.  Delgado will serve on the House Agriculture,
Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.
Agriculture remains the top industry of New York State.

State Senator Fred Akshar released the 1st in a
series of new online surveys this week in an effort to listen to constituents
of the 52nd Senate District on the many issues set to come before the State
Senate this year.    The first question
is on the “DREAM Act”, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants to
apply for state-funded, free college tuition assistance programs for New York
State colleges or universities. The DREAM Act would also create a private
scholarship fund specifically for undocumented students.   Constituents are urged to visit
nysenate.gov/questionnaires/fred-akshar.

Governor Cuomo
announced that $22 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant funding
has been awarded to the Upper Mohawk Valley Memorial Auditorium Authority for
the construction of the Nexus Center in downtown Utica. The Nexus Center will
be a 169,000 square-foot facility for hockey, lacrosse, soccer and other field
sports.  The $44-million facility will be
adjacent to the Adirondack Bank Center, the home of the AHL Utica Comets.

Governor Cuomo today announced a proposal to
increase criminal penalties for assaulting the press is included in the 2019
Executive Budget.  the legislation would
increase the penalties of assault against a journalist while performing their
duties to a felony level offense.
Similar elevated protections exist for other professions, including
nurses, utility workers, MTA employees, emergency medical service technicians
and process servers.

The Concerned Citizens of Oneonta will host an
"ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGIES:  21ST CENTURY SOLUTIONS" panel discussion
today in Oneonta.  The discussion will be
held at the Elm Park Church at 401 Chestnut Street from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
tonight, topics include:  Economic
development, renewable energy possibilities, existing conservation and
renewable energy programs, job creation with fossil fuels vs. renewables, and
the Clean Energy Community and Climate Smart Community programs.

State Police continue to investigate tips that will help locate the person or persons responsible for throwing 2 beagle mix dogs out of a moving vehicle on Wednesday, December 12th on I-81 in Marathon. Several local, state and national animal welfare agencies and private donors are now offering a total of $16, 500 reward leading to the conviction of the person(s) responsible after the case has gained national attention. The following agencies have contributed: the Animal Legal Defense Fund $10,000, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals $5,000, the New York State Humane Association $1,000 and a private donation $500. Anyone with information about the suspect(s) is asked to call SP Homer at (607)749-1614.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $763 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round 8 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Locally, the Southern Tier RDC, which covers Delaware & Broome Counties, will get 65.4 Million dollars for various projects, Central New York, which includes Chenango County, receives 88.2 million dollars, and the Mohawk Valley region, which includes Otsego County, receives in 85.4 Million dollars.

NY State of Health announced that enrollment reached 4.7 million at close of business on December 15th, the deadline for January 1st 2019 coverage. Enrollment volumes in Qualified Health Plans and the Essential Plan outpaced last year’s levels with over 83,000 more people enrolled compared to last year.

In 2018, The Raymond Corporation contributed to over 150 nonprofit and educational organizations with monetary contributions, forklift donations and voluntary participation. Raymond gave food donations to the local food pantries, supported causes ranging from cancer awareness, veterans rehabilitation and animal rescue, & Raymond and its employees supported such programs as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Breast Cancer Awareness, & Big Brothers and Big Sisters. More information is available at raymondcorp.com.

Charter Spectrum will pay a record $174 million and refund customers in New York $62 million in a settlement over claims it defrauded internet subscribers. The settlement announced Tuesday by the State Attorney General's Office is the largest consumer payment by an internet provider in U.S. history. Charter Spectrum has agreed to provide some premium cable channels for free to customers as part of the deal, customers will each receive between $75 and $150, and they will also get streaming services and premium channels, with a retail value of over $100 million, at no charge for about 2.2 million active subscribers.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening at 7:00 PM at City Hall. A Public hearing will be held regarding Sewers another will be held regarding fire prevention, the meeting is open to the public.

Emergency crews responded to a Tractor Trailer fire at about 12:00 Noon today. The fire was knocked down quickly & the westbound lanes of I-88 were re-opned quickly, WCDO news will have further details as they become available.

The Binghamton Devils donated over six barrels of non-perishable food to CHOW today with the help of team captain, Kevin Rooney. The food was collected from fans during the Put the Biscuit in the Basket food drive from November 28 to December 15, 2018. Totaling 1,415 pounds, the provisions will help feed Broome County families in need this holiday season.

Senator Fred Akshar will continue the second year of his district-wide "Akshar's All-Stars" student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at one Broome County school and three Chenango County schools. Each month, Senator Akshar recognizes local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown great leadership, compassion, school spirit or improvement amongst their peers. Senator Akshar will make presentations starting at 8:00 AM at the Harpursville High School, then at 9:00 AM at Afton High School, 11:00 AM at Bainbridge-Guilford High School and and at 1:15 pm at the DCMO BOCES Campus in Norwich.

Planning is already underway for the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1969 Woodstock concert, and the Regional Economic Development Council awards includes $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The three-day concert held in August 1969 drew more than 400,000 rock music fans to Max Yasgur's farm in the town of Bethel. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 2019 anniversary event, they are also planning the event as a 3-day festival.

A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood at a special blood drive in Savannah's memory on Thursday, December 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School at 17 Prospect Street in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District

Governor Cuomo today unveiled the 3rd proposal of the 2018 State of the State: to invest $100 million to launch the 3rd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative which is aimed at transforming communities with a variety of economic development projects. The downtown areas will be selected by the state's Regional Economic Development Councils. Locally, in the 1st round, the City of Oneonta won a $10 million dollar award through the Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council; they are currently in the process of the downtown upgrades funded through that award.

Downsville Central School District officials reported that 6 students suffered minor injuries & were taken to area hospital as a precautionary measure, after a crash Thursday morning. Investigators believe that a truck lost control while making a turn on Route 30 in the town of Hancock, and hit a district school bus carrying 31 students. The investigation is being conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff's department.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $755 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. All 10 regions won money for their projects, the top 5 winning regions were Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, The Mid Hudson region & Long Island. Locally, the Mohawk regional Council, which includes Otsego County, receives $85.5 Million dollars for their projects, which includes a $525,000 award for Brewery Ommegang for their Hospitality Center in Cooperstown. The Southern Tier Region, which contains Delaware, Chenango & Broome Counties will receive 67. 3 Million dollars for their various projects.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits of several school district around the state, including the Oneonta City School Districts. The Comptrollers report regarding the Oneonta District said that the district ensured the accuracy of compensation and benefits provided to employees. Officials effectively segregated the multiple aspects of the payroll process and provided adequate oversight.

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell announced that Joshua Taylor was sentenced in Broome County Court Tuesday, for the murder of James High in Binghamton in 2015. Taylor will spend 25 years to life behind in jail for the murder of High outside the Antler Lodge in July 2015.

At 11:00 AM this morning, Governor Cuomo will announce the 2017 Regional Economic Development Council Awards. The event will be held at the Albany Capital Center.

Regional Economic Development Council Grant money was awarded This Afternoon at the Egg in Albany. Governor Cuomo's initiative started in 2001, with the concept of letting local stakeholders compete for state money for their own economic development plans:

(Governor Cuomo 12-8-16)

Locally, the Southern Tier regional Economic Development council, which includes Broome, Delaware & Chenango Counties, will receive 60.4 million dollars this year, and the Mohawk valley Council, which contains Otsego county won a top 5 award of $81.9 Million dollars.

Oneonta police chief Dennis Naylor announced today that he has accepted a position at the Director of Research, Development & Training with the New York State Association of chiefs of Police. Naylor will continue to serve as Oneonta Police Chief through mid- January 2017.

Governor Cuomo announces The 2016 Regional Economic Development Council Awards today in Albany. The Event will be held at the Hart Theatre, Egg Center for Performing Arts, at 1:00 PM, it can be viewed live at governor.ny.gov

State Senator Jim Seward announced that non-profit organizations throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of $2.8 million through the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program. Grant recipients who serve Senator Seward’s district are: ARC of Otsego County receives $872,996, Pathfinder Village receives $714,031, and Springbrook will get $576,100

State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit arrested 25-year-old Matthew Kimball of Utica; on 1 count of Sexual Abuse, following an investigation of an incident that occurred on March 11, 2016, at Motel 6, on Upper Front St., Town of Chenango. Kimball was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and released on his own recognizance pending further court action. The suspect and victim are students who are currently enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College; anyone with information on the case can call state police at (315) 366-6106.

The Mohawk Valley & Central New York Regional Economic Development Councils award winning projects are sparking economic activity in the 2 regions, Assemblyman Bill Magee's district overlaps into bight of those councils, and he described the projects already underway:

(Magee 5-5-16)

The Cuomo administration will once again award regional economic development awards later this year to keep promoting economic development projects forwarded by local leaders in each region.

The Southern Tier & Central New York Regions won big again this year, when Governor Cuomo announced these years’ winners for the Regional Economic council awards and the Upstate revitalization Initiative awards Thursday. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Akshar 12-11-15)

The Top projects this year include the 7 Hawley Street Redevelopment in Binghamton & the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Binghamton.

The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.

The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association will be hosting “Shop with a Sheriff” at Wal-Mart in Norwich, Saturday. Deputies will take children Christmas Shopping, who will be provided with money raised by the Association & donations from local business, individuals, and each Deputy. The children shopping with the Deputies were selected by each school district throughout Chenango County.

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and the Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council will present information to the Town of Oneonta Board and the City of Oneonta Common Council regarding 3 initiatives to improve economic vitality. The joint meeting of both Governments will be held tonight at 7:00 pm in the Oneonta Middle School cafeteria, more information is available at 435-2174 or goedc.org.

Governor Cuomo announced $13.6 million in Community Renewal Funds for 44 projects in regions around the State, following yesterday's Regional Economic Development event. Winning entries came from the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the North Country. Locally, The Mohawk Valley Council will fund 21 projects, including: 7 in Otsego County, The Southern Tier Council will have funding for 9 projects, including Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi & The Town of Delhi to assist in the companies' expansion, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Microenterpise Program funds for Delaware County to assist in establishment of 15 agricultural microenterprises and create 22 jobs;

Afton School District residents will vote on a proposal to purchase property located at 43 Caswell St. (the former site of the village garage). The property will be used for parking spaces for staff and students, and parking for athletic events. The property also includes an existing red Morton building which will be used for storage. Purchase price is $45,000, and will have NO EFFECT on the tax rate. Vote will take place in the Lobby at Afton Central School, on Monday, December 8th from noon until 9pm.

Governor Cuomo toured Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council progress Wednesday & reviewed presentations on the progress of area projects. The Milford School District was awarded $125,000 to support the CORE Initiative, which is establishing a community-centered physical and virtual network of adult education courses and career advancement through interactive partnerships. The City of Oneonta was awarded $200,000 to advance the Micro-enterprise Assistance Program, creating and retaining low- to moderate-income jobs to new and existing businesses with 5 or less employees for start-up costs, expansion of inventory, advertising and similar expenses. More Information is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.