WCDO Radio News

Hill City Celebrations is hosting their annual New Year's Eve event today from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. A variety of entertainment is scheduled & families can still drive through Neahwa Park & see the lights on display, more information is available at the Hill City Celebration's Facebook page for this & other future events.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-31-24

Starting January 1st, the minimum wage will go up 50 cents, followed by another 50-cent increase starting January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will be set at $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County and the rest of the state will be set at $16. More information about minimum wage can be found on the New York State Department of Labor’s website at dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage.

The State Department of Health encourages New Yorkers to get the flu vaccine following an increase in influenza cases and hospitalizations in New York State. During the week ending on December 21, there was an 86 percent increase in lab-confirmed influenza cases, and 648 hospitalized influenza cases were reported to the Department, a 57 percent increase from the 414 hospitalizations reported the week prior, the sixth consecutive week of increases. Current influenza information is available at nyshc.health.ny.gov.

New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they’re using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The law requires state agencies to perform assessments of any software that uses algorithms or AI techniques, and then submit those reviews to the governor and top legislative leaders along with posting them online. It also bars the use of AI in certain situations, such as an automated decision on whether someone receives unemployment benefits or child care assistance, unless the system is being consistently monitored by a human.

The United Way of Mid Rural New York Campaign Ends, & they are seeking donations to try to meet their annual goal. Donations help various programs, donations can be made online at uwmrny.org/Donate.

A 2025 Virtual Challenge hosted by the Bainbridge Glow Run will benefit former B-G Bobcat Apryl Mazepa, who has been battling cancer for 14 years and needs financial assistance to pay for medical expenses. The Virtual Run is online & starts January 1st and ends March 31st, Registration is free for kids under 18 and adults over 85, registration is available at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Bainbridge/MilesForTheMazepas.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-27-24

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that requires large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects while creating a ‘Climate Superfund’ to support New York-based projects that bolster New York’s resiliency to climate impacts like flooding and extreme heat, it also closes a loophole that broadens laws against "Fracking" in New York State.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-26-24

Members of the Oneonta Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 88 Ford Avenue this morning at approximately 7:30am. The fire was quickly contained and all occupants were able to evacuate safely. Mutual aid was provided by West Oneonta Fire Department, Franklin Fire & Rescue, Otsego County Office of Emergency Services.

Governor Hochul signed legislation that will increase the accessibility of home heating aid and help identify more seniors who are eligible for HEAP. Applicants and participants of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program, also known as EPIC, will be provided information and instructions for enrollment in HEAP, The Department of Health will provide HEAP information and enrollment information with each EPIC application, More information is available at ny.gov.

State Police reported that a small Beechcraft aircraft made an emergency landing on the State Thruway in the city of Albany Friday afternoon. The pilot was 19 year old Logan Steed of South Carolina, he told police that he realized he wouldn’t make the Albany Airport runway due to mechanical issues and instead decided to land on the Thruway. Steed & his 2 passengers were not injured, they were heading to Vermont, State Police and the FAA continue to investigate the incident.

Law Enforcement agencies are alerting consumers of the latest scam called "brushing." The scam involves receiving a package that you did not order with no return address, which means that your personal information may have been compromised, potentially affecting your digital footprint. If you receive a package that you didn't order, notify the retailer, and officials recommend changing your passwords and reviewing your bank statements for any signs of fraud, if there is a QR code on the package, do not scan it.

Effective January 1, 2025, the sale or offering for sale of any new apparel containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS as intentionally added chemicals will be prohibited in New York State. Apparel covered by the law includes clothing items intended for regular wear or formal occasions including, undergarments, shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, overalls, onesies, bibs, and diapers, more information is available at dec.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Michael Vogel of Walton on a sealed indictment warrant issued by Delaware County Court after a Grand Jury action. Vogel was charged with 1 count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for selling Fentanyl, Vogel was remanded back to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on separate and unrelated charges and is scheduled to re-appear at the Delaware County Court at a later date.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today declared that influenza is now prevalent in New York State, with a total of 23,313 positive flu cases across 60 counties in New York have been reported this season to date. Outside of New York City, week-over-week lab-confirmed flu cases are up 75%, rising from 2,058 cases in the previous week to 3,603. Hospitalizations due to influenza climbed by 48%, up from 270 in the previous week to 399 across the State. More information is available at nyshc.health.ny.gov.

Gene Schmidt & his family will once again host a Free Christmas Dinner 1 week from today at the Elks Lodge in Sidney, Schmidt told WCDO News that they could use some volunteers:

(Gene Schmidt 12-18-24)

Anyone who would like to volunteer can call Schmidt at 607-610-4030.

Researchers have ventured to Stockton New York in Orange County where a complete mastodon jaw was discovered in the backyard of a home. The homeowner spotted two teeth hidden in a plant on their property and found 2 more teeth buried inches underground. Staff from the New York State Museum sent an archaeological team from their research department, and SUNY Orange is also investigating, their excavation unearthed additional fossils, including a full, well-preserved adult jaw and fragments of rib and toe bones that once belonged to a mastodon.

U.S. officials are sending a drone detection system to New York State after drones were spotted near Stewart Airport this week, following multiple reports in New Jersey and other surrounding states. Governor Hochul said that state governments need more power to deal with the small aircraft.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-18-24

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation addressing the opioid and overdose crisis epidemic, the 1st bill will require the Department of Health to distribute fentanyl test strips along with opioid antagonists to registered opioid overdose prevention programs, the 2nd bill will require the state to equip public institutions and buildings with opioid antagonists. & the 3rd bill will authorize health care professionals, including pharmacists to dispense drug adulterant testing supplies used to test for xylazine, which is a non-opioid used as a sedative, anesthetic, muscle relaxant, and analgesic for animals, but it is not FDA-approved for use in humans due to severe central nervous system depressant effects.

43 year old Dennis Fickeria of Margaretville, has been sentenced to 4 ½ years in State Prison for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Delaware County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Fickeria’s residence in Margaretville in January, which resulted in the seizure of controlled substances and firearms, Fickeria admitted that he possessed Fentanyl with the intention of selling it, he was also ordered to be supervised by the Department of Parole for 1 year following his prison sentence.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-17-24

CHENANGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE arrested 28 year old Corey Hadlock of Oxford for Criminal Contempt, Criminal Mischief and Harassment. Hadlock disobeyed an order of protection by subjecting the victim to unwanted physical contact, the victim attempted to Dial 911, Hadlock took the phone, preventing the 911 call. Hadlock was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for processing. Hadlock was arraigned in CAP Court and was released on his own recognizance.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-16-24

Norwich Police Department, in conjunction with New York State Parole concluded an investigation into the sale of narcotics, counterfeit currency and weapons. 28 year old Aaron Johnson of Norwich is charged with Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of a Narcotic Drug with intent to sell (Fentanyl), Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell (Methamphetamine) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Police were able to locate quantities of Cocaine, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, plus counterfeit U.S. Currency. Johnson was held without bail, pending further court proceedings.

State Police, fire and emergency responders were dispatched to a 1-vehicle crash in the town of Andes. An investigation at the scene determined that a vehicle was traveling south on Fall Clove Road when it exited the roadway, striking a tree head-on. The operator, 43 year old Harland Dye of Delancey and the passenger, 34 year old Kate Cornelius-Schecter of Brooklyn, were transported to O’Connor Hospital, Dye was pronounced deceased at the hospital, Cornelius-Shecter was transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment.

State Police arrested 52 year old John Standish of Owego for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon, after Investigators discovered that Standish was manufacturing ghost guns and was in possession of firearms that are not NY SAFE ACT complaint, high-capacity magazines and silencers and that Standish does not possess a pistol permit and cannot lawfully possess a firearm. Investigators learned that Standish was using 3D printers to illegally make parts for the ghost guns. Standish was arraigned & faces future court action.

18 year old John Koscinski of Utica was found safe, he was reported missing from SUNY Cobleskill, the State Division of Criminal Justice reported that Koscinski had been missing since Wednesday.

Law Enforcement agencies across the region are investigating a potential missing person case involving SUNY Cobleskill student John Koscinski. He was last seen on campus Wednesday afternoon, he drives a dark Grey 2012 Subaru Legacy with NYS license plate: LBA 2792, anyone who may have information can call 518-255-5317 or their local Police agency.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have their Santa Parade today, starting with a tree lighting ceremony, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 12-13-24)

The parade will go to the intersection of Main & Depot, Santa to meet with children at the Bauer Community Center after the parade.

State Police and local law enforcement agencies will participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, through January 1, 2025. In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, law enforcement officers will be watching for speeding drivers, distracted drivers and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing any vehicle that is stopped in or on the side of the road.

NYSEG shut off power in the City of Oneonta this afternoon at the Henry Street substation and impacted about 300 customers in the River Street, Gilbert Street & Fonda Avenue area. The power should be restored to all of the affected residents by the end of the afternoon.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-11-24

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35 year old Holly Adams of New Berlin for allegedly subjected a juvenile to on-going sexual abuse for approximately three years, using threats and coercion to perpetuate multiple forms of sexual abuse on the victim, in the town of Pittsfield. Adams was located Monday in the Town of Columbus and taken in to custody without incident, she was charged with Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, Sexual Abuse, Coercion, Forcible Touching, 5 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child, she was transported to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office for processing and was lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await arraignment, An order of protection was requested on behalf of the victim.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-10-24

According to a recent survey for the New York State Quitline, 64% of Healthcare professionals throughout the state say that they feel that youth and young adults experiencing a vaping epidemic. Tony Astran from the New York State Quitline comments:

(Tony Astran 12-10-24)

Astran will be conducting a Webinar on the topic this Thursday, from 12:00 to 12:45 pm. The program is open to anyone interested in the subject, registration is free & available at nysmokefree.com/newsroom.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Damien Lane of Norwich for Burglary, Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief and Petty Larceny, following an investigation into a Burglary at a business in the Town of Norwich on November 11. Deputies had previously arrested all other parties involved in the burglary. Lane was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance with a separate court date.

Governor Kathy Hochul will deliver the 2025 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM. the address will be delivered before a joint session of the legislature at the Hart Theater at The Egg in the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Starting January 1st, the minimum wage will go up 50 cents, followed by another 50-cent increase starting January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will be set at $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County and the rest of the state will be set at $16. More information about minimum wage can be found on the New York State Department of Labor’s website at dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage.

30 year old Joshua Mazyck of Endicott, pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and will serve 6 years in New York State Prison followed by 5 years post release supervision as a second felony in Broome County Court. On June 5, after a traffic stop and subsequent investigation by State Police, Mazyck was found to be in possession of fentanyl, packaging materials, a loaded handgun, cutting agents, and a digital scale.

27 year old Martha Clemons of Oxford was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Burglary, Grand Larceny, Criminal Mischief, Harassment and Resisting Arrest. Deputies responded to a domestic dispute, Clemens is accused of unlawfully and forcefully entering a residence and stole the victim’s dog, struck the victim, refused to comply with Deputies orders to come out of the residence. An arrest warrant was then signed, And Clemens was taken into custody, & was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and released on her own recognizance. Clemens is to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-6-24

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 26 year old Kayla Van Pelt of Otsego County, for Grand Larceny and Conspiracy. A larceny complaint was filed by a business in the Village of Sherburne, where Van Pelt and two other suspects acted together and stole over one thousand dollars in merchandise. Van Pelt was taken into custody at a residence in Otsego County, transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office to be processed, she was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sherburne Court at a later date. More arrests are expected to be made.

The Harris Memorial Library in Otego will host their annual "Silver Tea" Sunday at 1:00 PM. Winners for the raffle will be announced for those who purchased tickets in the last 4 weeks.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-6-24

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly annual parade & Christmas activities will be held this evening, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-6-24)

Anyone interested in participating in the parade can just line up in the plaza paring lot, there is no pre-registration required.

Gene Schmidt & his family will once again host a Free Christmas Dinner this year in Sidney, Schmidt gave WCDO News the details:

(Gene Schmidt 12-5-24)

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Christmas Dinner can call Schmidt at 607-610-4030.

Judge Anthony Brindisi was confirmed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recommended Judge Brindisi to President Biden earlier this year and he was nominated in July. Brindisi has been a judge on the New York State Court of Claims in Utica since 2022, he has been serving as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in Oneida County, Brindisi was served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing New York’s 22nd congressional district.

Norwich Theater Company will present "Scrooge! the Musical" this weekend in Norwich, Mary Beth Miller of the Chenango Arts Council comments:

(Mary Beth Miller 12-5-24)

Tickets are available at norwichtheatercompany.org, or at Service Pharmacy Norwich, New Berlin, & Sherburne or at the Chenango Arts Council Office, or by calling 607-244-3852.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-4-24

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect tonight through Friday Morning for much of the WCDO listening area, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 12-4-24)

The Advisory is in effect from 10:00 PM tonight through Friday morning at 4:00 AM. We will have the complete Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-3-24

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division arrested 2 Norwich Juveniles last week for 3rd degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Grand Larceny & Conspiracy in the 6th degree. On the morning of August 17, a business in the Town of Norwich was burglarized by the juveniles, property was damaged and merchandise was stolen. The Juvenile’s were brought to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing, they were arraigned in Chenango County Youth Court, the case was turned over to Chenango County Family Court, where the Juveniles were released into the custody of their parents/guardians.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force were alerted to a stolen SUV by multiple license plate readers, the vehicle was located in Binghamton , officers approached the stolen vehicle, & the driver, 32 year old Zachary Swire of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania drove away, he was wanted on 2 active arrest warrants for felony theft of a motor vehicle and related charges. Swire refused to comply, struck multiple vehicles & went back into Pennsylvania on 3 wheels, he went off the road, attempted to flee on foot & was taken into custody. He was charged in New York for Reckless Endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal possession of stolen property & obstruction governmental administration, he was turned back over to Pennsylvania authorities to face felony charges in his home state.

Area Children will be able to send a letter to Santa again this year, with local mailboxes to be set up locally, TERI SCHUNK of 4 Towns Forward comments:

(Teri Schunk 12-3-24)

Schunk also reminds Sidney area residents that the Holly Jolly Days parade will be held this Friday, anyone who want to participate should line up in the Sidney Plaza at 5:00 PM, the parade will be followed by the tree lighting & visits with Santa.

The Mid York Concert band will hold their annual holiday concert this weekend, conductor Doug Ernst explains:

(DOUG ERNST 12-3-24)

The program is free on Sunday but donations are accepted to help with operating costs, this year is the 40th anniversary of the Mid York Concert band.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 12-3-24

The State DEC welcomed 9 new graduates from the 24th Basic School for New York State Forest Rangers in Albany Monday afternoon. In 2023, Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in dozens of prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets or arrests.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will hold their “Be the Light,” Holiday celebration tonight, Contributors and community leaders are invited to attend the lighting ceremony and reception at 5:30pm at Newton House, 179 North Broad Street, Norwich. For more information, call 607-337-4151.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-2-24

The Oneonta City Police Department is looking for 17 year old Alexandria Constable, who has been missing since November 13th. She is described as a white female, with black hair & brown eyes, about 5' 5" and 190 pounds, she may have traveled to the Binghamton area. Anyone with information on her location should contact the New York State Missing Persons toll free number at 1-800-346-3543, more information is available at criminaljustice.ny.gov.

the State Division of Consumer Protection is warning consumers to be cautious of charity scams. fraudsters pretend to be affiliated with well-known organizations or even the government to scam people out of their hard-earned money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were 9,809 reports of charitable solicitation fraud nationwide in 2023, but many of these scams go unreported because individuals may not know where their donations are going or that they are being scammed. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220, consumer complaints can be filed at dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

A Florida man is facing multiple charges following a firearms related incident in Endicott. Last Tuesday, patrols responded to a report that the Endicott Police Department were searching for a male suspect who had pointed a handgun at a female in Endicott, before fleeing the scene in a red Dodge Caravan. A short time later, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies located the vehicle in the Town of Dickinson and conducted a traffic stop, 62 year old Jack Hawe of Zephyr Hills, Florida was found to have a loaded Glock pistol & ammunition, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and other similar charges, he was processed & was sent to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Arraignment.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-2-24

A State of Emergency Declared for Multiple Counties in Western New York & in the North Country, with Snow Totals of 4 Feet reported. Between 4 to 10 inches of snow is forecast for Central New York and 3 to 5 inches in the Mohawk Valley Regions today. Motorists should check 511ny.org before traveling to the North & West of New York today.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office is partnering with Senator Peter Oberacker on a Winter Coat Drive. In Delaware County, new and gently used winter coats and jackets in any size may be dropped off at the Delaware County Office Building at 111 Main Street Delhi, For a list of other drop off locations go to Oberacker.NYSenate.gov.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a hit and run accident in the Town of Chenango. On November 27 at 6:30 p.m. at 1388 River Road, a car struck a pedestrian. Investigators are seeking assistance from anyone with information or home security camera footage from the accident. The vehicle involved is believed to be a black sedan with damage to its front passenger side, any information related to the incident, contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at (607)778-1196.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 11-29-24

State Police and local law enforcement agencies are continuing with their Thanksgiving holiday Weekend traffic enforcement details. Police will be watching for drunk drivers, speeding, and distracted drivers, and they will be enforcing the state"s Move Over Law and seat belt laws.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-27-24

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Midnight through 7:00 PM on Thanksgiving in Delaware, Otsego & Sullivan Counties, Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO news about this storm:

(Rich Townsend 11-27-24)

the higher accumulations are expected to be in the higher elevation, mainly to the Eastern part of the WCDO Listening area, we'll have our Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

On Monday at the DEP Offices on Smith Street in Kingston, community leaders gathered to announce a new initiative to improve wireless connectivity across the watershed. New York City DEP Commissioner Aggarwala discussed the project’s aim to build wireless infrastructure that will not only enhance DEP operations but also address the gaps in connectivity affecting local communities. The project will help fill in "dead zones" along critical roadways and ensure better communications for first responders, in areas where cell service is unreliable. The DEP's ability to create this infrastructure on their land will allow private wireless carriers to also utilize it to provide much-needed service boost to residents and businesses.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-26-24

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies received a complaint last week regarding a stolen vehicle from a driveway in the Town of Tompkins. Deputies were contacted by State Police, as they had located the vehicle parked at a residence in the Town of Bainbridge. 37 year old Aaron Howard of Walton was charged with Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle. 36 year old Courtney Condon of Walton was charged with Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.

A pilot and a rescue dog he was transporting to an animal shelter were killed when a small plane crashed near Windham Sunday. 49 year old Seuk Kim of Springfield Virginia was flying from Maryland to Albany, when his plane crashed, 2 other dogs on the plane survived. Kim died on impact, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the crash.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 68 year old Frederick Pangburn of Schoharie for 2 counts of Grand Larceny, following an investigation in to a report of possible extortion. Pangburn allegedly threatened to post intimate photographs of a victim online if he was not given the victim’s vehicle and additional cash, he was located in Worcester and taken in to custody & was being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment. A request for an order of protection was made on behalf of the victim.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-25-24

All water systems in the state were mandated to complete a Lead Service Line inventory for all service connections. Sidney Village Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News that they had to send the letter out to residents, but there is no history of lead or copper piping used in the village of Sidney:

(Ray Baker 11-25-24)

Anyone who would like to have their water service lines tested anyway, can call Shane Nordberg at the Sidney Wastewater Treatment plant to find out about testing kits, the number of 607-561-2330. Baker said that test kits typically cost about $45.

NYSEG announced that almost all of the power has been restored, following last week's Heavy Wet Snow, that knocked down tree limbs & power lines all over the region. NYSEG was assisted by power companies from all over the northeast, after 24,000 customers lost power.

The Chenango County Board of Supervisors will hold a public Budget hearing on the County budget proposal today at 5:00 PM today in the board meeting room at the County Office Building in Norwich, more information at chenangocountyny.gov/251/Budget

A.M. NEWS Friday 11-22-24

Over 23,900 NYSEG Customers were without power this afternoon throughout the WCDO Listening area. The heavy wet snow took down Tree limbs & power lines throughout the region, NYSEG crews are working to restore power as soon as possible. Meteoroligist Rich Townsend told WCDO News that the worst of this storm is over:

(Rich Townsend 11-22-24)

About 4 to 12 inches of snow has been reported throughout the region, with the higher elevation getinng the most wet snow, most schools were closed today & Fire departments & emergency squads have been responding to numerous accidents today due to the heavy wet snow.

The City of Oneonta has opened the municipal lots for parking in anticipation of tonight's/tomorrow's winter weather event. Please remember that anytime there is more than 2 1/2" of snow, vehicles must be removed from City streets. Parking is available in the following lots: 27 Market St Lot, Westcott Lot, Wall Street Lot, Dietz Street Lot and in Damaschke Field.

The Dick's Sporting Goods Open at the En-Joie Golf Course announced that Maroon 5 will be the headliner for this year's Concert, on July 11th in Endicott. Tickets go on sale on December 6th at ticketmaster, more information is available at 607-205-1500.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-21-24

49 year old Keith Audette of Hamden pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, in Delaware County Court Tuesday, Audette admitted that he had been previously convicted of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated in Chenango County in 2015, he also admitted that he drove a motor vehicle in the Village of Walton on April 9th while under the influence of methamphetamine. Audette is expected to be sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision, and his license will be revoked, he will also be required to pay any fines and surcharges imposed by the Court.

The Great American Smoke-Out is today nationwide, to help people quit smoking tobacco for one day, in the hope that they keep it going beyond today. The Chenango County Health Department encourages individuals who use nicotine/tobacco products to participate in the Great American Smoke-Out. A variety of treatments are available, people can call the New York State Quit-line at 1-866-NY-QUITS, go to nysmokefree.com, or cdc.gov/tobacco

20 year old Elijah O’Neill of Unadilla pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Criminal Possession of a Firearm. On July 26, Sidney Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on River Street, O’Neill was the driver of 1 of the vehicles, a loaded 40 caliber Glock was observed next to the driver side door, O'Neill admitted that it was his pistol, he did not have a pistol permit, the firearm had been previously reported as stolen. O'Neill will be sentenced to 6 months in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, and then 5 years of felony probation supervision.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a single count indictment against John Pierre Regazzi for Criminal Contempt. Regazzi allegedly violated of an order of protection, by calling the victim numerous times with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm the unidentified victim.

The Clean Slate Act went into effect in New York State Saturday, which will automatically seal an individual’s New York State criminal records. The law states that Convictions under New York state law are eligible for sealing, Except for Sex crimes, Sexually violent offenses or class “A” felonies with the exception of drug-related convictions. The law does not apply to federal crimes or convictions in other states. For the record to be sealed, a specific period has to pass, 3 years for a misdemeanor & 8 years for a non”A” felony. The full law can be read at lawny.org.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a fire alarm and disturbance at an apartment located at 2708 North Street in Endicott Saturday. 46 year old Michael Stephens of Endicott is accused of intentionally starting the fire & for menacing troopers with a knife before retreating back into his apartment. Stephens suffered from smoke inhalation, 1 Trooper climbed a ladder and removed Stephens from the scene, he was taken to Wilson Hospital where he was treated & released, he was then charged with 2nd degree Arson & Menacing a police officer, he was taken to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Arraignment.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-19-24

New York City officials announced that they have elevated to a drought warning and paused the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project upstate, the reservoirs are expected to be re-opened to allow for more water to reach New York City, meanwhile the Statewide burn ban continues as wildfires continue to burn at more than a dozen locations, due to low water levels & exceedingly dry conditions. Various warnings have been released to conserve water because of drought-level conditions throughout the Catskill region and beyond.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 38 year old Michael VanDerWeert of Guilford & 47 year old Dawn Cavanaugh of North Carolina, for Burglary, Petty Larceny, Criminal Mischief and Conspiracy. Deputies responded to a burglary complaint at a business in the Town of Norwich, where someone broke into the building and stole multiple items. The vehicle used in the burglary was spotted at a business in the Village of Oxford, VanDerWeert and Cavanaugh were arrested and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office where they were released on appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Saturday to an ATV crash near Fuller Hollow Road in the Town of Hamden. Prior to Deputies’ arrival, Delaware County 911 reported that a victim had been privately transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in the Village of Walton with a second victim still on scene. Deputies located the 2nd victim, an 11-year-old male, at a residence, who was transported to Albany Medical Center by Life Net for non-life-threatening injuries. The 1st Victim was a 13-year-old female who was pronounced deceased at the Delaware Valley Hospital, due to injuries sustained from the crash.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will launch “Be the Light,” to illuminate Newton House on Broad Street in Norwich. With a suggested donation of $20, community members can purchase a light that celebrates or memorializes a loved one. Names of honorees will be displayed at CMH throughout December. Proceeds will benefit the Auxiliary’s efforts to support patient services at CMH, the lighting ceremony and reception on Tuesday, December 3rd at 5:30pm at Newton House. For more information, call 607-337-4151.

Commerce Chenango's Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held Today at 11:00 AM at Saint Bart's in Norwich, more information is available at Commercechenango.com