WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-31-21

State Police are asking the public’s help in locating 29-year-old Anthony Masi after an assault in Oneonta. State Police were called to the Budget Inn on State Route 23 Thursday evening for a report of a woman bleeding, Troopers found a victim bleeding heavily from a large cut on her nose, from a machete-type knife during an argument. The victim was taken to Bassett Hospital, and transferred to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse to undergo surgery, Anyone with information about Masi or his location is asked to contact State Police at 607-561-7400.

The Chenango County Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services will distribute of KN-95 masks from the state throughout the County. Masks will be distributed to high volume locations like the Norwich YMCA, county offices, non-profit organizations, schools, and other municipalities. The State has been delivering masks for people to have free of charge in order to try to slow down the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID 19.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-31-21

Oneonta Police Department is continuing the investigation into the bank robbery that occurred at the NBT Bank on Wall Street in Oneonta, Wednesday. Police believe that the suspect was aided by another person that drove him to the scene in a small four door sedan, possibly red in color with New York State blue and gold plates, which was parked in the municipal parking lot at Wall and Dietz Streets. Anyone with surveillance cameras downtown that may have captured video of traffic on Main Street from 10:40 am to 11:10 am is asked to contact the Oneonta Police Detective Division, at (607) 432-1111.

The Otsego County Health Department Reported 116 new COVID 19 cases Wednesday, they reported 299 active cases, 11 hospitalized and a positivity rate of 8.2% over the previous 7 days.  COVID Vaccines are available in Milford; appointments can be made at appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting

The Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreurships Farmer' Survey deadline is tomorrow.  The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and allows farmers to identify their top food system priorities.  The survey represents the 2nd phase of CADE’s data collection process, from 17 focus groups which were conducted between March and October in partnership with Cornell University, SUNY Cobleskill, and other researchers. The survey can be found at cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com, more information is available at cadefarms.org.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12/30/21

The City of Oneonta Police Department is investigating a bank robbery at the NBT bank at 1 Wall Street Wednesday at about 11:00 AM.  A single male suspect demanded the teller to hand over an undisclosed amount of money, he  is described a 5’8 to 6’ tall, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, dark colored pants and is about 220-250 pounds with a heavy build.  He was last seen walking in an easterly direction on Wall Street.  The public is encouraged to contact the Oneonta Police Detectives with any additional information at (607) 432-1111.

Chenango County Health Department has scheduled a Moderna and Janssen booster clinic today at the South Plaza Clinic site in Norwich.  The vaccination appointments link can be found at co.chenango.ny.us/public-health, other vaccine clinics can be found at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-29-21

The Norwich Police Department arrested 54 year old Steven Manwarren of Norwich for 2nd degree Arson, Reckless Endangerment, & criminal Mischief, following the investigation into a fire at 30 Cortland Street at about 12:10 Tuesday morning. Manwarren is accused of intentionally setting a fire in his apartment, residents in other apartments escpaeescaped without injury, Manwarren was arraigned at Norwich City Court and held without bail pending a felony hearing.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a substantial year-over-year increase in available emergency home heating aid. HEAP will begin accepting emergency benefit applications starting Monday, January 3rd, for those New Yorkers who have already used up their regular benefit and who are now facing a heating emergency. More information is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts.

The winner of the Friends of Rogers 2021 Electric Car Raffle is Keith Thode of Grapevine, Texas, who graduated from Sherburne High School in 1989, he won a 2020 Tesla Model 3 and arrived in New York to pick up the car on December 2nd. Heather Tehan of the Friends of Rogers told WCDO News the rest of this story:

(Heather Tehan 12-29-21)

Tehan said that Thode visited friends & family around Sherburne & in Albany & then brought the Tesla to Pennsylvania to have it shipped back to Texas, where he has owned electric vehicles since 2014. All proceeds of the Electric Car Raffle, along with Thode's $5,000 donation, benefits Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.

Delaware County is 1 of 6 counties in New York State chosen to receive support from NYSDOH to conduct COVID vaccination clinics. Personnel from NYSDOH and the national guard will support the county operated clinics beginning January 7th. The first location will be held in Sidney at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River St. from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, on Friday January 7th, , 8th, 28th, and 29th. The second in Stamford at the Catskill Veterans Outreach Center, 56 Main St. from 11AM-7PM, on January 14th, 15th & February 4th and 5th. The third location in Hancock at the Hancock Central School Bus Garage, from 11AM-7PM on January 21st, 22nd, February 11th and 12th. Online pre-registration links will be available next week. Walk-in appointments are also accepted for all eligible individuals. More Information is available at 607-832-5200.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-28-21

Chenango County Health Department announced today that they have scheduled a Moderna and Janssen booster clinic on December 30th at the South Plaza Clinic site in Norwich. The Health Department will be offering Pfizer boosters for ages 16 and older starting in January. The vaccination appointments link can be found at co.chenango.ny.us/public-health, other vaccine clinics can be found at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Assemblyman Joe Angelino is urging aspiring nurses to apply for the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship. The scholarship will pay for the tuition of 1,000 new or current health care workers working toward earning an associate’s or bachelor's degree in nursing at a 2 or 4-year New York state public college or university. Those interested in applying should visit: governor.ny.gov/programs/nurses-our-future-scholarship. The scholarship is available to both full-time and part-time students; applications are being accepted now through February 5th.

The Otsego County Department of Health announced that a state run COVID-19 testing site will open on Wednesday at the American Legion Post at 86 West Main Street in Milford. The Hours of Operation will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. To make an appointment visit go to appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting. The site will also be open to walk-ins.

Now that the Christmas holiday is over, people will start removing their trees, decorations and getting rid of the wrapping paper from their gifts, Tyson Robb of Delaware County Solid Waste Management explains:

(Tyson Robb 12-27-21)

More information is available at co.delaware.ny.us/departments.

Delaware County Department of Emergency Services has received a shipment of disposable masks from the State and starting today, they are being distributed to a variety of locations in the County. The masks can be found in Delhi at the Price Chopper & County Office Buildings, in Walton at the Big M & Delaware County Mental Health Facility, in Deposit at the Big M & DMV office & in Sidney at the Price Chopper, Great American and DMV. The masks will be free to anyone in the community and will be on a first come first serve basis.

The Village of Oxford has received $50,000 for tree planting from the DEC, the Village Tree Board will coordinate the planting of 175 street and park trees during the spring and fall of 2022 with guidance from the NYS DEC and a local certified tree expert. The grant was awarded in celebration of Arbor Day as part of a $1.18 million award to communities across the state to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees.

State Police are recruiting in order to add to their numbers, with the Trooper exam to be administered from January to April of next year. A computer-based exam will be offered at 54 testing centers around the state, more information is available at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.

Attorney General Letitia James said that her office has received complaints of price gouging on COVID 19 testing products around the state. A standard test kit at local pharmacies normally costs between $14 and $25 for a package of 2 tests, but some stores have sold the same product unlawfully for $40 up to $70, to report price gouging, go to formsnym.ag.ny.gov.

Chenango County Health Department reports the continued increase in the number of COVID 19 cases in the county. The county has 301 active cases with 2/3rds unvaccinated, 523 are quarantined, 13 are hospitalized, all are unvaccinated, and there have been 92 COVID related deaths since the start of the pandemic. Information about vaccine clinics are available at co.chenango.ny.us.

Deborah Stanley has been named as interim SUNY Chancellor, after current Chancellor Jim Malatras resigns on January 14th. Malatras announced his resignation after disparaging text messages from Malatras were sent to then Governor Andrew Cuomo about one of Cuomo's sexual harassment accusers.

Otsego County Sheriff Rich Devlin announced the temporary closure of 2 housing units within the Jail today due to critically low staffing levels after consulting with the the State Commission of Correction, he talked to WCDO News about the need for positive changes coming from the Otsego County Board of Representatives:

(Sheriff Devlin 12-21-21)

Sheriff Devlin stated that this is the 2nd facility shutdown in as many years, and he hopes that next year will bring more realistic discussion about the future of the Department of Corrections.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-21-21

Firefighters from Unadilla, Franklin, Wells Bridge, & Otego responded to a fire last night at 10:30 PM, at 43 Watson Street in Unadilla. The House and garage were fully involved, adult and 2 children were being treated for smoke inhalation, the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Unadilla Fire Department has posted a list of items the displaced residents need following the fire, it is posted on the Unadilla Fire Department Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-17-21

Area School district announced that they are aware of the latest social media post threatening gun violence at un-named schools today. A TikTok post was circulating like last week, it is not specific to any specific school district, area law enforcement agencies are aware of the threat & schools will be vigilant in their security efforts today, which may include lockdowns again.

The State Minimum Wage will increase for some workers on December 31st. Workers in the upstate Counties will be paid a minimum wage rate of $13.20 per hour, up from $12.50 an hour. Earlier this year, the minimum wage for individuals working at fast food establishments anywhere in the Statewas established at $15.00 per hour, there will be no further increase for them on December 31st.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-16-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 71 new cases of COVID 19 on Tuesday & Wednesday, 9.1% of those tested being positive. There are 296 active cases, 14 hospitalized and 482 quarantined. Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older today at 97 Main Street, Delhi. Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only, while Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with pre-registration required at apps2.health.ny.gov. Individuals receiving boosters, need to bring a copy of previous shot records to prove eligibility, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of $216.2 million in enhanced assistance for 88 local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts in every region of the State. This funding, provided through the State's BRIDGE NY initiative, supports projects that reduce the risk of flooding, improve resiliency of structures, facilitate regional economic competitiveness and prioritize projects that benefit environmental justice communities. The Southern Tier region will be funded for 9 bridges & 3 culverts in this latest round of funding.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host an informational ZOOM seminar this morning at 8:30 AM on Leadership Otsego 2022, which is a 6 month program that begins in February 2022. More information or registration is available at otsegoccny.chambermaster.com.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host an informational ZOOM seminar tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM on Leadership Otsego 2022, which is a 6 month program that begins in February 2022. More information or registration is available at otsegoccny.chambermaster.com.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-15-21

State and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols targeting impaired driving during the holiday travel season. The campaign will begin this Friday, through Saturday, January 1st, as part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. During the 2020 holiday season initiative, law enforcement throughout the state arrested 2,067 people for impaired driving & issued over 70,000 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations.

The 3rd Annual Staff Works Save a Life fundraising campaign for the Delaware Valley Humane Society is underway until the end of the month, where donations made to the shelter will be matched by Staffworks, Humane Society Director Erin Insinga received a donation from Sean Sands at S&S Landscaping Depot of Sidney on WCDO this morning:

(Erin Insinga Sean Sands 12-14-21)

People can donate through the Delaware Valley Humane Society website at dvhsny.org, or through their Facebook Page, more information is available by calling the society during normal business hours at 563-7780.

A softcover edition of a book about the history of Bainbridge "Stones From The Walls Of Jericho" is available, as a fundraiser for the Bainbridge Rotary Club, spokesman Dave DeClue told WCDO News about the book & how to get a copy in time for Christmas for the history buff on your Christmas List.:

(Dave DeClue 12-14-21)

Copies are available by emailing DeClue for the information to DaveDeClue@stny.rr.com; the book was originally published in 1986 & was republished in the last couple of years for the Bainbridge Rotary.

Binghamton Police & Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak are investigating claims of sexual harassment regarding an owner of the Colonial Restaurant on Court street. The Colonial, and 2 other Binghamton restaurants; Dos Rios Cantina & The Stone Fox Bar & Pizza closed down Friday after the accusations hit social media & The investigations began, Protesters marched outside the Colonial Saturday night. Anyone with information regarding the alleged improprieties should call the detective division at 607- 772-7080.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced today that the annual Toys For Tots Campaign was wildly successful. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 12-10-21)

Toys for Tots works with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. The Toys for Tots program was created in 1947 and has distributed 584 million toys to date to 265 million children.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-10-21

Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 41 year old Jeremiah Butler of the town of Maryland, following an investigation into a November 13th motor vehicle accident in the Town of Middlefield. Butler was charged with Felony DWI, operating a Motor Vehicle with a BAC of .08 of higher, failure to keep right, speed not reasonable & prudent along with other charges, Butler was released on an appearance tickets for Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older on Saturday, at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus. Johnson & Johnson and Moderna 1st or 2nd shots will be available for walk-ins only, Moderna boosters will be available from 10AM-11AM registration is required at apps2.health.ny.gov. Please bring a copy of your previous shot records to prove eligibility for the booster. For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-9-21

The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council has awarded the City of Norwich a 10-Million-Dollar grant for the revitalization of downtown Norwich. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green commented about the award on WCDO this morning:

(Kerri Green 12-9-21)

Green said that the area that will benefit is about 1 mile long and a quarter-mile wide and is in the existing Business Improvement District in Norwich, the Norwich Proposal can be viewed by going to ny.gov, click on downtown revitalization initiative, go to round 5 winners & scroll to Southern Tier & click on Norwich & then view DRI Application.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras will resign January 14th following criticism for his actions while serving as a top aide to former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Malatras was accused of sending disturbing text messages and emails regarding Lindsay Boylan, after she publicly accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, those messages were part of the investigation by Attorney General Letitia James into the former Governor's actions.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has decided to name the Delaware County Department of Economic Development as the entity to promote tourism. Previously, tourism programs were run by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, through a contract with Blue Spark Creative Services of Delhi, Blue Spark is expected to continue its work through the Department of Economic Development.

A.M. News Thursday 12-9-21

Delaware County Public Health will hold a COVID 19 Vaccination Clinic at 97 Main Street in Delhi today. Johnson & Johnson vaccine-Walk-ins and Moderna 1st or 2nd shot Walk-ins will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Moderna boosters require Pre-registration, they can get the boosters between 2:00 to 400 PM, register at apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-520

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-8-21

Chenango County Health Department confirmed their 92nd Resident death attributed to COVID-19 infection. Chenango County reports 321 active cases, 25% of them are fully vaccinated, there are 710 quarantined, 8 hospitalized. Links to Vaccination clinics are available at co.chenango.ny.us or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Delhi Police arrested 28-year-old Andrew Kreger of Delhi for 6 counts of Petty Larceny, 6 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, 6 counts of Criminal Possession of Forged Instrument and 3 counts of Forgery, follow a recent investigation. Kreger was arraigned in Delhi Town Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $25,000 secured bond.

Farm owners & agribusiness owners may apply for small business grants of up to $50,000, as there is $800 million worth of funds that they can tap into. Businesses with revenues up to $2.5 million and experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may apply, at nysmallbusinessrecovery.com.

New York State of Health announced that the deadline is approaching for New Yorkers who want coverage in a Qualified Health Plan by the start of 2022. Consumers must renew or enroll in a health plan through NY State of Health by December 15th, for coverage starting January 1st, more information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-7-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the detection of 4 more confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in New York State, for a total of 12. 2 of the new cases are from Suffolk County and 2 are from Oneida County. Starting Today, all further Omicron updates will be included in the Governor's daily COVID-19 progress update press release. The State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center Laboratory continues to actively monitor COVID-19 virus samples selected throughout the State to compare sequences and identify circulating and new variants, including Omicron at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-variant-data.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State is the first state in the nation to receive U.S. Department of the Treasury's approval to launch its Homeowner Assistance Fund, a program that will provide up to $539 million to help eligible homeowners avert mortgage delinquency, default, foreclosure, and displacement. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, January 3rd, at nyhomeownerfund.org.

Chenango County Health Department continues to urge County residents to get vaccinated, as they are experiencing a surge again in COVID 19 cases, Spokesman Isaiah Sutton told WCDO News that research shows that naturally immunity after having COVID once, has minimal effect in getting COVID a 2nd time:

(Isaiah Sutton 12-6-21)

Chenango County Residents can register to get vaccinated by going to the co.chenango.ny.us, The County reported 280 active cases, with 23% of those vaccinated, and they have 9 people hospitalized & 622 quarantined.

NYSEG reported that they are preparing for the high winds forecast across the region today. NYSEG said its storm team has been proactively staging crews in the areas that could be significantly impacted, as they anticipate wind gusts up to 40 to 50 miles per hour.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that members of the Sheriff’s Office recently completed a fundraiser in participation of “No-Shave November” and awarded donations to 2 local Delaware County agencies. Officers raised $1,000, which was divided evenly between the Delaware County Veterans Service Agency and Delaware Opportunities-Safe Against Violence program.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-6-21

Governor Kathy Hochul reported 3 more cases of omicron variant of COVID in New York State. Positivity rates, the number hospitalized is over 3200, & the number in ICU Beds & on Ventilators continues to increase, more information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-variant-data

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year. The Inductees are Player Manager Gil Hodges, Pitcher Jim Kaat, outfielders Minnie Miñoso & Tony Oliva, & Negro League players Bud Fowler and Buck O'Neil to Cooperstown. Hodges, Kaat, Miñoso and Oliva were elected by the Golden Days Era Committee, which considered a 10-person ballot comprised of candidates whose primary contribution to the game came from 1950-69. Fowler and O’Neil were elected by the Early Baseball Era Committee, which considered a 10-person ballot of candidates whose primary contribution the game came prior to 1950.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office received a missing person complaint regarding 32 year old Amanda Lanfair, who was last seen on November 26th, and stated that she was going to Long Island and was to return on November 28th. Lanfair was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, green Carhartt jacket and black Puma sneakers. Any information on her whereabouts please contact the Chenango County Sheriff's Office at 607-334-2000.

Former New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett became the State Health Commissioner on Wednesday, replacing Dr. Howard Zucker, who had been the state Health Commissioner since 2015. Bassett takes over as the state's COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing across the state. Bassett was credited, along with Dr. Zucker & Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC with stopping a potentially deadly Ebola Outbreak after 1 case was found and contained in New York City in 2013.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the first 5 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in New York State. So far, the cases appear unrelated and have been confirmed through sequencing of the SARS-CoVID-2 virus. 1 case is from Suffolk County, 4 others are in New York City, 4 other states have also reported cases of the new COVID variant. On Thursday, Governor Hochul announced that the State has ordered 1 Million Testing Kits to Distribute to Local Health Departments & 40 New Pop-Up Vaccine Sites will be launched this month.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their Jolly Holly days parade tonight, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 11-9-21)

Anyone needing more information can call 561-2642.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic today at 97 Main Street in Delhi from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. This clinic is open to people over the age of 18 & Boosters will be available at this clinic, pre-registration is required for all Moderna Boosters through apps2.health.ny.gov. The COVID vaccine is also available for people who are completing their first series

On Sunday evening, November 28th, 2021, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of a car accident in the Town of Tompkins. 19-year old Tyler Wood of Sidney Center had 2 rifles in the vehicle, Wood is prohibited from possessing firearms, due to a previous felony conviction, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon & was released on an appearance ticket & is scheduled to appear in Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

Former Broome District Attorney Steve Cornwell's case will be handled by a special prosecutor, instead of by current DA Michael Korchak. The 2 indictments accuse the former DA of public corruption and larceny during his 4-year term in office, Korchak spent 4 years as the chief assistant DA under Cornwell before taking office in January 2020 after a heated election between the 2 prosecutors.

The Former Fire House on East Main Street in Sidney will become "The Wakeman Coffee Company” soon, it will be a coffee shop & roastery, partners Sage McKinley & Jesse Wakeman told WCDO News how this business venture started, and what renovations have been done:

(Sage McKinley-Jesse Wakeman 12-1-21)

The Wakeman Coffee Company is expected to open in the next few weeks.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Afton Central School for children 5 and older today in the old gym at Door 13, on Sands Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Registration is available at apps2.health.ny.gov or go to co.chenango.ny.us/public-health and click on the COVID vaccine and scheduling button.

The 3rd Annual Staff Works Save a Life fundraising campaign for the Delaware Valley Humane Society begins today, where donations made to the shelter will be matched by Staffworks, Humane Society Director Erin Insinga explains:

(Erin Insinga 12-1-21)

People can donate through the Delaware Valley Humane Society website at dvhsny.org, more information is available by calling the society during normal business hours at 563-7780.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-30-21

Fire Investigators in Chenango County are continuing their investigation into what started the fire that Destroyed the Silo Restaurant in Greene early Sunday Morning, Silo Owner Gary Kurz told WCDO News what he was told so far:

(Gary Kurz 11-30-21)

Kurz told WCDO News that he was ready to sign papers this week to turn the ownership of the restaurant over; instead he will talk with his insurance company & also try to help the 35 employees at the SIlo, who now find themselves unemployed.

Today is "Giving Tuesday” a day where people are encouraged to donate to their favorite charities, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 11-30-21)

Green said that early reports from Chenango County businesses is that they were busy & did well on "Small Business Saturday" this past Saturday, many businesses are anticipating a return to activity like they had prior to the pandemic.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today released 3 reports that found more than $100 million in improper payments made by the Department of Health for the Medicare buy-in program, maternity care, and drug and therapy claims. Nearly $400,000 in premiums may have been paid for deceased individuals. DOH officials generally agreed with many of the recommendations that DiNapoli’s auditors provided in each audit. The reports can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

The New York State Consumer Protection Board & area Law Enforcement Agencies are reminding residents of a few tips to avoid getting shipped items stolen from your front porch of steps this year. Residents are advised to Keep track of packages, as many retailers or Delivery companies like Federal Express or UPS offer online shipping details the holidays. Also, Beware of phishing attempts, where scammers will send emails and text messages and impersonating delivery companies, or banking and credit card companies, or large retailers, which may include links to sites attempting to steal your banking information. More information is available at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 11-26-21)

Green added that before the pandemic, Small Business Saturday increased revenue each year, & this year many small businesses are trying to rebound after the COVID 19 pandemic shut down.

The Annual Holiday Festival of Lights ceremony will be held in Oxford at LaFayette Park on Sunday, at 5:00 PM. A variety of activities are planned, A flyer is available at pon.oxfordny.com.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-24-21

4 Towns Forward & local Chambers of Commerce are urging area Holiday shoppers to shop local on Small Business Saturday, Sidney Chamber & 4 Towns Forward President Teri Schunk comments.

(Teri Schunk 11-24-21)

For every dollar spent at a small business, American Express estimates an average of 67 cents stays in that business's local community, plus many small businesses are trying to rebound after the pandemic shut down many retailers in 2020.

27 Year Old Tyler Streeter of Norwich has been arrested following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, the Norwich City Police. Streeter was arrested Monday for interstate transportation of a minor, with the intent that the minor engage in prostitution or any criminal sexual activity. The alleged offense took place in April in the state of Maine, Streeter is being held in the Oneida County Jail pending transfer to the State of Maine by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the 2nd arrest of a Walton man on Grand Larceny charges resulting from a lengthy and ongoing investigation. On Monday, Deputies and Investigators arrested 58-year-old Raymond Albertina of the Town of Walton, for 1 count of 3rd degree Grand Larceny for allegedly making numerous unauthorized purchases using another person’s credit card, in excess of $3,000.00. Albertina was previously arrested on November 4th for 2nd & 3rd degree Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing property from business associates determined to be valued over $53,000.00. Albertina was arraigned in the Town of Franklin Court and again released to reappear at a later date.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-23-21

Chenango County Public Health confirmed 4 more COVID-19 attributed deaths in the county from COVID 19, bringing their total number of deaths to 91 spokesman Isaiah Sutton comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 11-23-21)

Chenango County continues to have COVID 19 numbers as high, or higher than the numbers they were getting in January of this year, there are 238 active cases, 1/3 of which are fully vaccinated, 5 are hospitalized and 582 are quarantined.

The State Assembly released their report regarding their impeachment investigation into former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The legislative investigation found overwhelming evidence that Cuomo engaged in sexual harassment many times and ordered state workers to help produce his book on the COVID-19 pandemic during their normal work hours. The former governor was guaranteed at least $5.2 million in personal profit for the book, the investigation into whether the Governor will have to return that money is ongoing.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-22-21

Broome County DA Michael Korchak announced that a jury in Broome County Court found Scott Mawhiney guilty Friday for the attempted murder of New York State Trooper Ryan Thorp in Deposit. Mawhiney was also found guilty of and aggravated assault of a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, and 2nd-degree harassment. Trooper Thorp was shot by Mawhiney, when he was responding June 23rd to a domestic dispute in Deposit, Mawhiney faces sentencing at a later date.

State Police responded to a report of a vehicle into a pond in the town of Laurens. An investigation revealed that a 56-year-old male of Hopewell Junction, NY swerved in an attempt to avoid a deer. He went off the roadway and into a pond. The man was not injured. The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team responded to assist in removing the Dodge Challenger out of the pond. State Police remind motorists that if a deer enters the roadway brake firmly and calmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. If you do hit a deer, pull off to the side of the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights, stay in the car & Call local police.

Helios Care announced that their annual Tree Of Lights Ceremony will return to an "In-Person" Event this Sunday, Director of Development & Marketing Alicia Fish explains:

(Alicia Fish 11-16-21)

More information about the Tree of Lights, or other programs can be found at helioscare.org or by calling 432-6773.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination clinic for ages 5 to 11 on Saturday at the DCMO BOCES- Harrold Campus from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, to register go to apps2.health.ny.gov. J&J vaccine will be available for walk-ins over the age of 18. For more information call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 41-year-old Robert Smith of Walton and charged him with one count each of Criminal Mischief and Petit Larceny. Smith is accused of unlawfully removing the catalytic converter from a vehicle without owner’s consent which resulted in damage to the vehicle. Smith was released on an appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-19-21

Chobani has filed paperwork for an initial public offering, which would allow them to become a publicly-traded company on the stock market. Bloomberg News reported that the company listed the size of the offering as $100 million, 5 years ago; Chobani gave 2,000 employees shares that would amount to 10% of the company’s future value in the event of a Public Offering.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Afton Central School for children 5 and older on Wednesday December 1st, In the old gym at Door 13, on Sands Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Registration is available at apps2.health.ny.gov or go to co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/nursing and click on the COVID vaccine and scheduling button.

According to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased to over 7.5 million in October. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 7.1% to 6.9% in October.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-18-21

The Chenango County Health Department is offering a Pfizer Vaccine clinic for children ages 5 and up on November 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in Norwich at the Old Label Shopper store location in the South Plaza. More information is available at co.chenango.ny.us. vaccine clinics ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO Be conducted at local School Districts in December & January.

Delaware County Public Health reported another COVID 19 death in today's report, covering Tuesday & Wednesday, with 46 new cases, 226 active cases and 328 quarantined, they will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic today at 97 Main Street, Delhi from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. This clinic is open to people over the age of 18. Boosters will be available at this clinic, appointments are required for all Moderna Boosters at apps2.health.ny.gov. COVID vaccines are also available for people or completing their first series, more information is available by calling Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-17-21

Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri issued a State of Emergency Proclamation for the city in regards to the COVID 19 response, City of Norwich Emergency Manager Stephen Cady told WCDO News exactly what the proclamation means:

(Stephen Cady 11-17-21)

The proclamation will insure that the staffing at the Fire Department & Emergency Squad will remain at safe levels for the city, & to keep staff safe with increase COVID 19 numbers in the region.