WCDO Radio News

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continues to press for Congress to vote to extend the subsidies that help millions of Americans afford health care:

(Gillibrand 12-10-25)

On Thursday, Democrats will force a vote on a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits. Without an extension, ACA enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing 20 million Americans, to see a drastic increase in their health insurance costs.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 12-10-25

The Chenango County Children's Home will hold it's monthly virtual meeting tonight @ 6:00 PM, for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent. The session will be hosted by Meryl Juster:

(Meryl Juster 12-10-25)

People can still register today for tonight's session by emailing MJuster@chowc.org.

Commerce Chenango will hold their Breakfast with a Banker event this morning at 8:30 at their office at 19 East Main Street in Norwich. Members from NBT will discuss how to protect your information.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, announced legislation to cap the cost of prescription drugs for individuals and families with private insurance:

(Gillibrand 2-12-25)

Gillibrand said that a large number of constituents have contacted her office about capping prescription costs, however President Trump has been reversing health care initiatives and she hopes that he will listen to the will of the people & sign the legislation.

Commerce Chenango is hosting an Economic Outlook Breakfast on February 25th at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Keynote Speaker will be Ken Entenmann of NBT, the event begin at 7:30, RSVP's are requested by February 17th at the events calendar at commercechenango.com.

The Chenango County Traffic Safety Board & NBT Insurance are sponsoring a poster contest for school aged children in Chenango County, to raise awareness about impaired driving. Interested students will participate in 3 categories. grades K to 4, Middle school & High School. the deadline to submit a poster is March 21st. entry forms are available at the lobby of the Chenango County Office Building, or at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Friday to a 911 call for a 1 car motor vehicle accident on County Highway 44 in the Town of Sidney. The driver was identified as Amber Astrologo, who had a suspended driver’s license due to insurance not in effect. Deputies subsequently arrested Astrologo for Aggravated Unlicensed Operator and Speed not Reasonable and Prudent. Astrologo was then directed to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date to answer for said charges.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-24-23

The New York State Department of Health’s Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows that the number of flu cases declined 50 percent from 14,656 to 7,373 for the week ending January 14th, the virus remains widespread across the State for the 15th consecutive week. The Department also announced two additional pediatric deaths in New York, bringing the total to eight so far this season. The Department's report, shows a total of 300,907 influenza cases reported to date in New York.

NBT Bancorp reported Net income for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $152.0 million, compared to $154.9 million in the prior year. In the fourth quarter, the Company incurred merger expenses of $1.0 million related to the pending acquisition of Salisbury Bancorp, Inc.

The 7th annual Friends of Rogers Wild Goose Chase 5k Trail Run/Walk will be onsite at Rogers Center this year on Saturday, September 10th. The event is sponsored by Commerce Chenango, NBT Insurance Agency, Chobani and Proforma, Registration is open, at runsignup.com.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted traffic stop Sunday on a vehicle operated by 59-year old Karen Bright-Ackerman of Kortright, for crossing into the oncoming lane of travel. Deputies determined that Bright-Ackerman's Driver’s License was suspended due to a failure to pay a driver responsibility assessment and her vehicle’s registration was suspended due to an insurance lapse. Bright-Ackerman was charged with Failure to Keep Right, Unlicensed Operator, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration, she was released on traffic tickets and directed to appear at the Kortright Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

NBT Bank announced that they have donated $12,500 to the Norwich YMCA this year. The donations will go for operating expenses as well as for the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, The Turkey Trot & various Youth Programs & Summer camp programs.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 12-28-21

The American Red Cross & State Police is hosting a blood drive today in Kirkwood in memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner, who lost his life by a hit-and-run driver while conducting a traffic stop on I-81 in Broome County in 2014. Blood Supplies are the lowest they have been during the holiday season, in 10 years, appointments are available at RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the free Blood Donor app or by calling 1-800 RED CROSS. The Drive is being held from 12:00 to 6:00 PM today at 16 Crescent Drive in Kirkwood, More information is available at 607- 237-9747.

Downtown Norwich continues with the Thursday evening NBT Bank’s free Summer Concert Series. The weekly musical performances are presented by the Chenango Blues Association, to East Park, tonight, Johnson & Johnson 1-shot COVID vaccines are available from UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. “We will have several doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on-hand on a first come, first serve basis with no appointment necessary, set up opposite the stage near the gazebo; from 6:30 pm. to 8:30 pm., for those 18 & older.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today announced the audit of the Town of Butternuts. The audit found that the board did not provide adequate oversight of the disbursement process and exceeded its authority under New York State Town Law by authorizing insurance claims and annual contracts to be paid before audit and approval. The board also exceeded its authority by allowing a third-party vendor direct access to the town's bank account that, at times, had more than $500,000 on deposit. In addition, the board allowed debit cards to be used, which resulted in a circumvention of the town's disbursement controls. Auditors found that the142 disbursements totaling $142,200 they reviewed were for proper purposes and adequately supported. However, the board, did not audit and approve 53 of these claims totaling $15,600 before payment as required.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-24-21

A Virtual Economic Outlook Briefing sponsored by NBT Bank and Co-sponsor Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, will be held tomorrow morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM.  Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green comments;

(Kerri Green 2-24-21)

The event is Complimentary for members & $10 for non-members, more information is available at 334-1402.

Commerce Chenango will hold their annual Economic Outlook
Breakfast Thursday Morning in Norwich, Commerce Chenango President Kerri Green
comments:

(Kerri Green 2-27-20)

Green said that the event is sponsored by NBT Bank,
Preferred Mutual Insurance & Development Chenango & will be held at the
Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

25-year-old
Mark King of Oneonta pleaded guilty to violating the federal Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Act.in federal court, after failing to register
with authorities of his address change to Oneonta.  King was convicted of attempted sexual abuse
of a minor in Alaska, he was ordered to register as a sex offender, and he
moved several months ago to New York State & failed to register his change
of address.  King has pleaded faces up to
10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines & 5 years to life of post-release
supervision, he will be sentenced in March.

New
York Central Mutual Insurance broke ground on a 35,500-square-foot building at
its headquarters in Edmeston Today.
Company officials announced that the new building will offer additional
conference rooms, work stations and offices, as well as a 600-seat auditorium
for events and town hall meetings.

The
Afton Girl Scouts & Cobra Industries are teaming up again this year, to get
donations for Military Care Packages to be sent to troops overseas for the
holidays, Scout Leader Lora VanDerheide explains what donations they are
looking for:

(Lora
Vanderheide 11-14-19)

The
Donations will be collected through December 24th at Cobra Industries, Snake
Bite Liquors, NBT in Afton or 88-BC lumber in Nineveh, more information is
available at 639-2880.

SUNY
Oneonta officials announced that the annual OH-Fest concert will not be held in
Neahwa Park in 2020.  The OH-Fest concert
will take place on April 18 at SUNY Oneonta’s Alumni Field House, instead of
Neahwa Park.

The Delaware County
Chamber of Commerce will co-host the "Hiring Our Heroes Veterans Business
Resource Fair" will be held Thursday in Sidney.  Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 11-14-19)

The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 3:30 pm Thursday at the Sidney
American Legion at 22 Union Street in Sidney.
The event is co-sponsored by the State Department of Labor, The Delaware
County Veterans Service Agency as well as the Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce. Also, Community Bank NA announced that they will be on hand donating
Green Light Bulbs, while supplies last, in support of all Veterans.

Commerce Chenango's
5th annual Community Job Fair will be held today at SUNY Morrisville’s Norwich
campus from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.    The
participating organizations include CDO Workforce, GE Aviation, Hospice and
Palliative Care of Chenango County, NBT Bank/NBT Insurance, The State
Department of Corrections, The State Veterans’ Home at Oxford, Raymond
Corporation, Springbrook & UHS Hospitals.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is half a million dollars
closer to its capital campaign goal thanks to a $500,000 commitment from the
Roger Follett Foundation this week.  CMH
Director of Fundraising & Business Development Melissa Stagnaro told WCDO
News about the successful campaign:

(Melissa Stagnaro 9-20-19)

Stagnaro said that the Follett foundation gift will be paid
out over the next 5 five years, it follows similar commitments from Blueox,
NBT, Preferred Mutual Insurance company since the capital campaign started in
August.

State Senator Jim Seward
announced senate approval of legislation he sponsors to exempt vintage
snowmobiles from state registration fees.
Senator Seward’s bill was developed in consultation with the New York
State Snowmobile Association and would encourage collecting without forcing
undue costs on hobbyists.  Companion
legislation has been introduced in the state assembly.

Commerce Chenango will hold the Human Resources Roundtable
Workshop will take place Today in the Community Room at Commerce Chenango
located at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich, beginning at 8:00AM.  The panel discussion will feature human
resources professionals from Alvogen, New York Central Mutual, NBT Insurance
Agency; and Preferred Mutual Insurance Company.
The workshop is open to Chamber Members only.

Commerce Chenango has announced
the Human Resources Roundtable Workshop will take place Thursday, June 13th, in
the Community Room at Commerce Chenango located at 15 South Broad Street in
Norwich, beginning at 8:00AM.  The panel
discussion will feature human resources professionals from Alvogen, New York
Central Mutual, NBT Insurance Agency; and Preferred Mutual Insurance
Company.  The workshop is open to Chamber
Members only; registration is required by June 10 by calling 334-1400 or
register@chenangony.org.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced their Sustainable Success Award Winners, they are: The Oneonta Job Corps Academy as the recipient of the NBT Bank, Quality of Life Award in recognition of their programs and services & the Otsego County Conservation Association is the recipient of the NBT Insurance Agency Environmental Stewardship Award, for enhancing Otsego County's environment through protection of its land and waters. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber's Summer Soiree on Thursday, July 19th at Oneonta Municipal Airport.

Commerce Chenango along with Morrisville State College-Norwich, NBT-Mang Insurance Agency, and The Raymond Corporation invites the business community to become a part of their College & Community Job Fair on November 8th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event will be held at the Morrisville Norwich Campus, high school students and job seekers can explore college and career opportunities with representatives of corporate, small business, government, and non-profit organizations as well as College and University recruiters.

Governor Cuomo announced that the state has adopted regulations implementing New York's landmark Paid Family Leave program. Starting January 1, 2018, Paid Family Leave will provide employees with wage replacement and job protection to help them bond with a child, care for a close relative with a serious health condition, or help relieve family pressures when someone is deployed abroad on active military service. Employees are also entitled to be reinstated to their job when their leave ends and to the continuation of their health insurance during their leave.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer an extended level of crop insurance protection to New York barley farmers. New York State’s brewing and distilling industries are booming, but Schumer said that the Barley farmers should be granted access to the same federal protections that are available to farmers in 11 other states. Schumer's request to the USDA follows a recent success where the USDA agreed with Schumer’s request to extend a more basic level of federal crop insurance to 44 Upstate New York counties.

NBT Bank and Chenango Blues Association present Kenny Neal tonight at the East Park, Downtown Norwich, at 7:00 PM. The concert would be set up indoors at the Chenango Arts Council at 27 West Main Street in Norwich, in case of rain. More information is available at 334-5653 extension 1 or chenangobluesfest.org/summer-series.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced a major agreement with 7 health insurance companies to revise their coverage policies for chronic Hepatitis C treatment. The agreement means that nearly all commercial health insurance plans in New York State will cover treatment for chronic Hepatitis C without requiring members to develop advanced stages of the disease with liver scarring, and will not deny coverage because the member uses alcohol or drugs, or because the authorizing physician is not a specialist.

NBT Bancorp announced reported net income from the 1st quarter of this year at 18.9 million dollars, up from 18.2 from the 1st quarter of last year.

The Delaware County Home and Garden Show will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the American Legion Hall in Delhi. This annual event is hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and sponsors include Curtis Lumber, NBT-Mang Insurance, and Delaware County Economic Development. Exhibitor space is $100 for Chamber members and $150 for not-yet members. Contact the Chamber at 607-746-2281 or email RPucci@DelawareCounty.org for registration information.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Celebration of Business Today. The Chambers will be Honoring New York Central Mutual Insurance as the NBT Bank Distinguished Business of The Year, Former Fox Hospital President John Remillard as the Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen, and the Oneonta YMCA-Quality of Life Award. The event will be held tonight at the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta starting at 5:45.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their 2016 Annual Awards: New York Central Mutual Insurance is honored with The NBT Bank Distinguished Business of the Year Award. John Remillard is honored as the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr. Distinguished Citizen, for his years as President and CEO of Fox Hospital. Oneonta Family YMCA is honored with the Quality of Life Award, the annual celebration will be on Thursday, March 3rd at 5:45 PM at The Hunt Union Ball Room at SUNY Oneonta, reservations are now being accepted at 432-4500 Extension 207 or e-mail: kelly@otsegocc.com.

The "I Am Dreaming of a Cancer-Free Christmas" Holiday Bazaar will be held on December 5th at the Sidney American legion. Organizer Amanda Bunzey explains:

(Amanda Bunzey 12-4-15)

Bunzey said that last year they raised $4000, this year's event would run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event is sponsored by the NBT Bank, NBT-Mang Insurance Relay For Life team.

Chenango Memorial Hospital's Auxiliary will again host Breakfast with Santa tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the hospital's cafeteria. The morning includes a full breakfast buffet and free photo with Santa, courtesy of NBT bank. Proceeds from Breakfast with Santa go to the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary to help support hospital services, facilities and programs.

The "I Am Dreaming of a Cancer-Free Christmas" Holiday Bazaar will be held on December 5th at the Sidney American legion. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event is sponsored by the NBT Bank, NBT-Mang Insurance Relay For Life team.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of legislation he sponsored which will enhance women’s health care in New York State to include pregnancy as a qualifying event for women to enroll in any health insurance plan at any time.

(Seward 6-18-15)

Under current law, New Yorkers can only purchase insurance coverage through the exchange outside of an open enrollment period when certain “qualifying events” such as marriage, divorce, becoming a U.S. citizen, or giving birth occur, Seward’s legislation adds pregnancy to the list of qualifying events. The bill has been sent to the assembly where companion legislation has been introduced.

"Fireworks Over The Fairgrounds" will be held on July 4th at the Chenango county fairgrounds in Norwich, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment comments:

(TERRY POTTER 6-18-15)

Tickets are available at Hummel's in Norwich, Video Entertainment Plus in Sidney, The Artist’s Palette in Norwich & the New Berlin branch of NBT Bank, or at brownpapertickets.com.

Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold the next Business After Hours program today, with NBT Mang Insurance. The program will run from 5:30-7 pm at 13 Division Street in Sidney for Chamber Members.

Mang Insurance Agency officials announced that the company would now be known as NBT-Mang Insurance Agency. Mang became part of the NBT Bancorp organization in 2008, the name change requires no action from customers, and no services will be affected by the change.

NBT Bancorp reported core net income for the 1st quarter of  2013 was $14.3 million, up 8.5% from the same period in 2012.  Reported results from the first quarter of 2013 include the impact of the acquisition of Alliance Financial Corporation, including approximately $10.7 million in merger related expenses. Net interest income was up 5.6% as compared to the first quarter of 2012,  Noninterest income was up 9.4% as compared to the first quarter of 2012, insurance and financial services (http://www.nasdaq.com/article/nbt-bancorp-inc-announces-2013-first-quarter-earnings-20130422-01214) revenue was up 12.0% & Trust revenue was up 36.8%.