WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-7-21

The State Health Department continues to see a decline in COVID cases across the state.  On Thursday, there were just under 195,000 tests administered, with 2370 positive, for a 1.2% positivity rate.  Hospitalization declined again to 2264, ICU patients’ decreases to 571, the number on ventilators declined to 354, there were 25 COVID deaths Thursday.

Chenango County Public Health reported 11 new COVID cases today, with 87 Active Cases, 444 Active Quarantines & 7 Hospitalizations; they have had a total of 3342 cases during the pandemic.

Construction is continuing on the building of a new road in Sidney, Village Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 5-7--21)

Mayor Matviak said that the money was promised to Sidney as long as the project was completed by February of 2022.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-7-21

The Associated Press reported that former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is being returned to federal prison after federal authorities denied him home confinement.  Silver was released Tuesday from a federal prison on furlough while he awaited potential placement to home confinement, Silver had been in prison since August, where he was serving more than six-year sentence at a prison in Otisville.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday May 12, at 97 Main Street Delhi,  from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  This vaccination clinic is open to all New York state residents or people who work in the State over the age of 18. Registration is mandatory at apps2.health.ny.gov.  For more information or assistance getting registered call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.  Public Health reported 2 new cases out of 790 tests Thursday, with 4 hospitalized, 44 active cases & 83 quarantined.

The Utica Comets confirmed Thursday that they have entered into a 10-year agreement with The New Jersey Devils to move their AHL team back to Utica, and the request was approved by the AHL Board of Governors. The board also approved the move of Vancouver's AHL team, from Utica to Abbotsford, British Columbia.  The move leaves Binghamton without an NHL affiliation after the seasons.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-19-21

Catholic Charities & several other organizations are teaming up for a mass food distribution at the River Street Fire Station in Sidney tomorrow morning, Catholic Charities Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 4-20-21)

McKnight said that previous events have distributed more than 9 tons or more of food last year.

The New Jersey Devils Hockey Team announced that they are terminating their minor league agreement with Binghamton after this season.  The Binghamton Devils have been playing at another venue this season in New Jersey due to COVID concerns & New York's Regulations regarding mass gatherings.

State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating missing runaway, 16 year old Hannah Riley of Windsor.  Police reported that Hannah never returned home from school last Thursday, April 15th,  she was last seen wearing sweatpants, a pink sweatshirt with the word “Fly” on it, teal crocs and carrying a pink backpack with the word “Champion” on it, she did not have a cell phone with her.  Anyone with information about Hannah Riley's location should contact New York State Police at Binghamton at 775-1241.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-19-21

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies & SUNY Delhi University Police responded to a physical domestic disturbance involving a weapon on Main Street in Delhi last week.   Deputies arrested 59 year-old Alan Reese with 2nd degree burglary, Criminal contempt & criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Reese is accused of unlawfully entering a residence in violation of an order of protection and engaging in a domestic dispute with the victim.  Reese was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail pending his re-appearance in the Town of Hamden Court on a later date.

The Norwich Family YMCA announces the postponement of the 25th Anniversary Gus Macker Basketball in Downtown Norwich.  With State guidelines for large scale events in New York State as they currently stand, Macker organizers cannot successfully manage a large "open access" event in our community and requirements as it would add extra costs to the implementation, they hope to have the 25th Macker tournament in July 2022 in Norwich.

Delaware County Public Health reported 14 new COVID cases Friday, out of 387 tested.  They have 108 active cases, 15 hospitalized and 224 quarantined.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-5-21

Governor Cuomo announced today that the State Positivity rate was at 8.3% of all tested for COVID 19 Monday.  Over 152,000 New Yorkers were tested statewide Monday, with 12,666 testing positive, hospitalization went up to almost 8600, there were 149 deaths.

Chenango County Public Health added 12 new Active Cases bringing their total to 188, with 10 hospitalizations, & 497 Active Quarantines.  Chenango County Public Health also reported that There is a limited amount of vaccines in Chenango County and the vaccine has been designated by NYS for only the priority groups listed in Phase 1a, Chenango County health department has not received any vaccine, but they anticipate the 1st delivery in a week or so.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that her first bill in the new Congress will be her Health Force, Resilience Force, and Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act in order to aid the country’s lagging vaccine distribution campaign.

(Gillibrand 1-5-21)

Senator Gillibrand said that in New York State, only 236,941 of 774,075 doses available have been given. Federal aid is urgently needed to assist state and local health departments and providers who are already overburdened by mass testing and contact tracing efforts and a deadly holiday surge in COVID-19 cases.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 1-5-21

Some new laws went into effect January 1st, among them: The state will be increasing the minimum wage from $11.80 an hour to $12.50 an hour. Workers in the fast-food industry will see an increase from $13.75 an hour to $14.50 an hour.  Also Workers who are eligible will now have access to up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid time off, mainly this is for those with a newborn, or those recovering from or assisting a loved one who is ill with COVID or other serious illnesses, or to assist a loved one who's family member is deployed overseas.

New York State has launched a new 'Am I Eligible " app to help New Yorkers determine their COVID Vaccine eligibility, connect them with administration centers, and schedule appointments. To access the app, go to: covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Delaware County Public Health reported 12 more new cases of COVID Monday; they have 119 active cases, 4 hospitalized & 209 quarantined.

The Binghamton Devils will play the 2020-21 season in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center, which is home to the New Jersey Devils.  The AHL announced that 4 teams have been granted provisional relocations for the 2020-21 season due to COVID concerns, including the Binghamton Devils.

The Binghamton Devils today
announced they will be holding their annual food drive starting today until
Friday, December 13, benefitting CHOW.
Fans can bring in 4 or more non-perishable food items starting today and
receive a free ticket to a Devils game on Saturday, December 14 vs. Utica or
Wednesday, December 18 vs. Rochester.
Donations will be accepted during normal business hours, Monday to
Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, at the Binghamton Devils front office on the
third floor of the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena.  More information is available at
binghamtondevils.com or 722-7367.

State Police are asking for the public's help in locating 16
year old Aiden Demorier of Bloomville, who was last seen on November 19th.  Demorier is white, 5'10", 180 pound with
blonde hair and brown eyes, wearing black sweatpants with a white stripe down
the sides and a dark colored sweatshirt. He is believed to be in the Norwich,
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the State Missing Persons
clearing house at 1-800-346-5363, or the State Police Troop C headquarters at
561-7400.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to County Hwy 21
in the Town of Walton for a report of a property damage auto accident
Saturday.   Deputies arrested 49 year old
Joseph Lavin of Collingwood, New Jersey for Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawful
Possession of Marihuana, Speed not reasonable and prudent and failure to keep
right. Joseph was arranged in the Village of Walton Court and was released on
his own recognizance, he will return to the Town of Walton Court at a later
date.

The National Baseball Hall Of Fame & Museum will celebrate the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 World Series championship through Autumn Glory, the annual tribute to the World Series Champions in Cooperstown. The exhibit is now open, it features artifacts from the Red Sox, including a bat used by World Series MVP Steve Pearce, A jersey worn by David Price, Game-worn glasses used by Joe Kelly, a Hoodie worn by Red Sox manager Alex Cora in Game 5 & a Helmet worn by Brock Holt. The Autumn Glory display will be up through the conclusion of the 2019 Major League Baseball postseason.

Sidney town officials announced that there will be a public open house at the new Town Facilities at 44 Grand Street in the village of Sidney this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Tours of the Sidney Historical Society Museum will also be held, all are welcome to attend.

Attorney General Barbara Underwood released the annual "Pennies for Charity: Where Your Money Goes; Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers" report, which found that nearly 1/3rd of charitable donations ended up in the pockets of professional fundraisers. In 2017, more than $1.18 billion was raised in New York State through 964 fundraising campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers on behalf of charities. The report and the searchable Pennies for Charity database containing the underlying data is posted at www.CharitiesNYS.com.

The Binghamton Devils today announced they will be holding a the “Put the Biscuit in the Basket” food drive starting on Wednesday and running until Saturday, December 15, benefitting CHOW. Fans can bring in two or more non-perishable food items starting this Wednesday and receive a free ticket to a game on Saturday, December 1, Saturday, December 8, Saturday, December 15 or Friday, December 21st. Donations will be accepted every day during normal business hours at the Binghamton Devils front office, and on game days at the front office and the credential table on the first floor. More information is available at binghamtondevils.com or 722-7367.

The State DEC announced that they are considering enacting quarantine on movement into the state of landscaping debris and similar items, in order to avoid an infestation with the destructive Spotted Lanternfly. The insect is known to attach itself to yard waste, wooden crates, fruit, produce and even lawn tractors, tarps & grills. Deliveries from the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware & Virginia may be affected. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

The Binghamton Devils will open their season Saturday, against the Toronto Marlies at 7:05 p.m. at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. Tickets are available at binghamtondevils.com, 722-7367, or at the Arena Box Office.

Local sales tax collections across New York grew 6% in the first 6 months of 2018, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Tax collections totaled $8.5 billion compared to $8 billion during the same period last year. The report revealed that the highest regional increases in the state were in the Southern Tier, the Mohawk Valley& the Mid-Hudson all at 5.8%, The Capital District had 5.6% growth & Long Island at 5.5%.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Grown & Certified program has made $250,000 available to eligible, existing and new Grown & Certified food and beverage producers and processors; an additional $225,000 in funding is available for retailers to develop a long term, in-store consumer marketing campaign that promotes Grown & Certified products. Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis until August 31st, more information is available at the Department of Agriculture and Markets' website.

The New Jersey Devils have named Mark Dennehy as the Head Coach of the Binghamton Devils today. Dennehy had accepted a position in Wheeling earlier this summer as Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations, after being relieved of his duties at Merrimack College, where he had coached for 13 years where he won 161 games & was credited with turning the hockey program around. More information about Devils tickets is available at binghamtondevils.com or at Devils front office at 722-7367.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office was alerted of an alleged abduction last night at about 9:30 PM in Smithville Flats. This morning, the victim, 20 year old Katelyn Nielsen of Smithville Flats, the suspect 46 year old Calvin Burlingame of Newark Valley & his vehicle were all located in Broome County. Deputies reported that Nielsen was unharmed, the investigation is continuing, anyone with information can call 337-1863.

Several area fire companies responded to the report of a fully involved garage & structure fire at 117 River Road in Gilbertville. Firefighters from Gilbertsville, Mount Upton, Unadilla, Sidney, West Laurens, South New Berlin & Morris responded, no injuries were reported. The investigation is continuing.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch voiced his concerns today with recent reports claiming that 77 violent sexual predators will be granted the right to vote under the governor’s new policy of restoring voting rights to parolees.

(Crouch 7-24-18)

Crouch said that the 77 individuals in question have been deemed as too dangerous to return to society, & were all transferred to civil confinement in state psychiatric hospitals at the end of their prison sentences. Earlier this year the governor announced he would be implementing a new initiative to grant 35,000 parolees in New York state the right to vote.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for June 2018. The Statewide rate was 4.2% in June, locally Chenango County dropped to 5%, Delaware County also dropped to 5% unemployment & Otsego County decreased top 4.5% in June.

The New Jersey Devils today named Rick Kowalsky as an assistant coach. Kowalsky had just completed his 8th season as head coach of the AHL Devils in both Albany & Binghamton. Binghamton Devils’ General Manager Tom Fitzgerald stated that a search for the next head coach of the Binghamton Devils is underway.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that they will again hold their annual "Parade of Legends" this Saturday at 6:00 PM on Chestnut Street & Main Street in Cooperstown. 59 Hall of Famers & this year's inductees will all participate in the parade. The induction of the 6 new Hall of Famers will be held Sunday at 1:30 PM at the Clark Sports center in Cooperstown.

The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation will have an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location at 189 Main Street in downtown Oneonta today. The event will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, LEAF staff will be present to answer questions and give tours. The ribbon cutting will be at 5:00 PM.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that Crime in Broome County has decreased since 2015. 2 years ago, Broome County had the highest crime rate of all 62 counties in New York State, it is now ranked 6th. Crime in the county decreased by 16%, according to the Department of Criminal Justice Statistics. The DCJS counts index crimes - murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital announced the appointment of 5 new members to their Board of Directors. Joining the Board is Noel Goodspeed of Sidney, who is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at SFCU, Jeffrey Lord who is Vice President at Community Bank, N.A, Scott H. McLean of Sidney, who is the owner and President of Tieco-Unadilla Corporation in Unadilla, is business administrator at C.H. Landers, Funeral Chapel, Luisa Montanti who is the Property Manager of the Southside Mall, and Oneonta City School Superintendent Joseph Yelich.

The Binghamton Devils have released their schedule for the 2017-18 season. The Devils begin at home on Saturday, October 7, at 7:05 p.m. against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and will play 38 home games at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. The Binghamton Devils will host their Logo/Jersey Unveil & Open House on Saturday, July 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. More information is available at binghamtondevils.com or 722-7367.

A public meeting will be held this evening regarding the Proposed new Delaware County Public Works Facility. The event will be held at 7:00 PM at the Delaware Academy in Delhi. Delaware County Public Works Commissioner Wayne Reynolds and members of the public works committee will discuss the proposal.

State Police responded to a report of shots fired on Algerine Street in Afton, at about 11:30 this morning. Troopers found one person with a Gunshot wound that required medical treatment, who was in police custody. The investigation is continuing.  The Afton School district Superintendent Betty Briggs told WCDO News that the building was placed in "Lockout" following the reported shooting, but there was only staff and no students in the school today, due to a scheduled "Conference day".

Governor Cuomo announced $14 million in Grants is available to protect soil and water resources on farms across New York State ram, to address water quality challenges on farms in watersheds across the State. The program complements the Governor's proposed $2 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, which would provide additional funding for source water quality protection initiatives, including projects to ensure proper management and storage of manure on farms across the State.

Maiorano & Associates held a grand opening & Ribbon Cutting at the new location at 7 Main Street in Sidney Friday. CEO Serafino Maiorano commented about moving a branch of his financial services business to Sidney:

(Serafino Maiorano 1-30-17)

Maiorano & associates also has an office in Brooklyn, their local office number if 604-4351, their website is at Maiorano and associates.com.

A new Siena research poll says Governor Andrew Cuomo's 2017 agenda is largely supported by New Yorkers. Cuomo maintains a 56 percent to 37 percent favorability rating, unchanged since late last year. His job performance rating stands at 45 percent approve, 53 percent disapprove -- also little changed from last month. Meanwhile, 47 percent of voters are ready to back the governor for a third term, a job Cuomo is seeking again next year.

The Binghamton Senators have called a Press Conference for Tuesday afternoon at the Holiday Inn of Binghamton, they are expected to address the replacement team for the Senators, after Ottawa team officials announced that they are moving the their top Farm team out of Binghamton after this current season. Published reports out of Albany suggested that New Jersey Devils would be moving their farm team from Albany to Binghamton; an official comment is expected at tomorrow’s press conference.

State Senator Fred Akshar and Senator Chris Jacobs of Buffalo were appointed as the 2 new co-Chairs of the Senate's bipartisan Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. The Task Force will again hold forums, meet with experts, and evaluate what further state measures are needed to reduce drug abuse.

Law enforcement cell phone tracking devices are coming under scrutiny in several states, where lawmakers have introduced proposals ranging from warrant requirements to a ban on the technology. The devices mimic cell phone towers and allow law enforcement to collect unique subscriber numbers and other basic data from cell phones in a particular area, Law enforcement officials say the devices help to find suspects and victims, and to solve crimes. This year, lawmakers in at least 6 states are proposing bills to require warrants to use cell phone surveillance devices, including New York State.