WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-27-22

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requires employers to list salary ranges for all advertised jobs and promotions in New York State. The law is similar to one already in effect in New York City, it goes into effect statewide next September.

State Police at Troop C conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in Otsego County on December 21st. 14 businesses were found to be in compliance, in Worcester, Schenevus & Oneonta. During the Underage Drinking Initiative, retail establishments are checked using a trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operative(s) who cannot lie about their age or give a fake date of birth (if asked). When asked for ID, they must show their real ID. All New York State driver’s licenses are horizontal if the license holder is over the age of 21; if the license holder is under the age of 21, they are vertical.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a report of an animal abuse in the Town of Hamden last week. The investigation revealed that the owner of the animals was 33-year-old Henry Baird of Hamden, Deputies arrested Baird for Over-driving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance, a search warrant was executed, which resulted in the seizure of Chickens, 2 Pigs, 2 Emu’s, a goat, and a Peacock, which were later secured by the Delaware Valley Humane Society. Baird was later released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Hamden Court at a later date to answer the charge.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-27-22

The State University of New York announced that the number of students applying to their school increased from roughly 97,000 applicants last year to over 204,000 from last year. SUNY implemented a new application system where Students were able to apply to up to 5 schools for free, they also launched an out-of-state tuition match program and is teaming up several other colleges in order to increase the interest in the SUNY system.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she has chosen Hector LaSalle of Westchester County, to be the new Chief Judge of the State's Highest Court, the Court of Appeals. If approved, LaSalle would replace Judge Janet DiFiore, who retired after serving as the chief judge since 2016.

A new law goes into effect this weekend regarding Polling places. The new law allows registered voters to cast their ballot at the wrong polling place as long as they are in the correct county and State Assembly district. The law follows voter confusion over last year's changes to the district's around the state, which will change again in 2024 following legal challenges.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-2-22

State Police were dispatched Tuesday Afternoon to a 2-vehicle crash on State Highway 12 in the town of Greene. A preliminary investigation revealed that 42 year old Maryann Zupo of Greene was traveling south on State Highway 12 and crossed into the path of another vehicle driven by 22 year old Shelby Rose of Norwich. Zupo was extricated by members of Greene EMS and life saving measures were unsuccessful, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Rose suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Wilson Medical Center for further medical care. The investigation continues.

A New York appeals court has upheld a new state law allowing absentee ballots to be reviewed before Election Day, saying it would would be “extremely disruptive” to change the rules with absentee voting already underway. The decision from the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court reverses a lower court ruling that declared New York’s early review of absentee ballots was unconstitutional. Early voting will continue through Sunday November 6th, Election Day is Tuesday November 8th.

New York Voters will decide on Proposition 1 next week on election Day. Proposal 1 would issue $4.20 billion in general obligation bonds for projects classified as climate change mitigation, flood-risk reduction, water infrastructure, and land conservation and recreation. The ballot measure would require that bond issue revenue be distributed for air and water pollution reduction projects; wetland protections, flooding; green building projects; zero-emission school buses; plus water & sewer infrastructure projects.

The 1st meeting for next year's General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held this week in Bainbridge, Co-Chair Christine Smith told WCDO News that the 3 day schedule adopted last year will remain:

(Christine Smith 11-2-22)

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held next year on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26th through the 28th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 58 year old Floyd Moseman of East Meredith for driving with a suspended New York State Driver’s license. On October 26th, Deputies responded to a report of a male walking in the middle of the road on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi, the investigation revealed that Moseman had operated a Motor Vehicle until it became disabled, then started walking, a check of Moseman’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were suspended in the State of New York. Moseman was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, he was released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-2-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Kristopher Duncan of Plattsburgh, pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in Broome County Court this week. Duncan admitted to firing an unlicensed and loaded handgun in a room at the Comfort Inn on Upper Front Street in the Town of Dickinson on June 11th. No one was injured in the shooting. Duncan will be sentenced in January.

River Street in Oneonta will be limited to one lane of traffic Today & Tomorrow, as a private contractor will be working in front of 55 River Street on both days from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to flaggers and temporary traffic control devices. For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 432-2100.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-19-22

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant at 322 Conklin Avenue last week in Binghamton, officers seized Methamphetamine, prescription drugs, Suboxone, a Handgun, & drug packaging materials. Investigators arrested 36-year-old Kenneth Everling and 33-year-old Jamel Nichols on a variety of Drug & Weapons charges, both face court action.

The State Court of Appeals Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced she is stepping down at the end of August after serving for 7 years. Governor Kathy Hochul will nominate a replacement, followed by the State Senate confirmation.

The Chenango River Theatre's "One Night Stand Series" will continue tonight at the Theater in Greene, with a performance of "WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT". The play will be performed tonight, July 26 and August 2nd at 7:30 pm, Tickets are $14 each, at chenangorivertheatre.org.

The Otsego County Fair will be coming to the Fairgrounds in Morris in August, spokesperson Lisa Jones told WCDO News about some of the scheduled events:

(Lisa Jones 7-19-22)

The Otsego County Fair runs from August 2nd to the 7th, more information is available at Otsegocountyfair.org or on their Facebook page.

Bassett Healthcare Network and Dr. Tommy Ibrahim have mutually agreed to an early contract extension after 2 years at the helm. Ibrahim was named Bassett Healthcare Network’s President and Chief Executive Officer on July 13, 2020, after a nationwide search. Dr. Ibrahim's Contract was originally scheduled to expire in December 2024, his contract has been extended through the end of 2029.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-19-22

State Police arrested 28 year old Tyler Burr of Oneonta after he refused to exit his residence for over 23-hours. Troopers went to a home on Emmons Hill Road in the town of Oneonta Saturday night to interview Burr, for his involvement in a theft from Price Chopper on June 20th, Burr aimed a bow and arrow at the troopers then shot in the direction of the troopers. Burr eventually attempted to flee from the residence Sunday evening and was taken into custody. Burr was charged with 4 counts of Menacing a Police Officer, 3 counts of Criminal Mischief, & 3rd degree Burglary, he was processed & transported to the Otsego County Jail to await arraignment. More charges are possible.

Former Prattsville Town Supervisor Kory O'Hara plead guilty to wire fraud in connection with a grant extended to Prattsville in the wake of Hurricane Irene. As Town Supervisor, O'Hara entered into various grant agreements, O'Hara admitted that he obtained false invoices from Moore's Homes, purporting to reflect construction work performed on O'Hara's Service Station, which Moore's Homes did not perform. O'Hara faces up to 20 years in prison; plus post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years; and a maximum fine of $250,000. He will also be required to pay $24,915 in restitution to the State of New York.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-5-22

A 32-year-old James Blackman of Afton has been indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury, he is accused of raping 2 young boys under the age of 11, Blackman is currently being held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending future court action

Binghamton emergency crews responded Friday to 139 Washington Street for a report of a fire in an apartment in that building. Emergency crews discovered a drug lab in a different apartment in the building during their routine firefighting operations. Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team responded, nearby evacuated buildings and area businesses were allowed to reopen later Friday evening, the investigation into the illegal drug lab is continuing.

The renovations at the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 24 Rexford Street in Norwich have been completed after a year long construction project. The front of the building has been completed renovated and a larger parking facility was added across the street. The Northeast Classic Car Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for major holidays, more information on the Northeast Classic Car Museum can be found at classiccarmuseum.org, or on their Facebook page.

The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered Valley Veterinary Associates on State Route 7 in Unadilla to pay over $90,000, in back wages, following an investigation into accusations that the company paid the regular hourly wage to employees for their overtime hours. The investigation also revealed that employee records that were inaccurate. 39 employees were ordered to be paid their proper back-wages.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Morton of Exeter on June 26th on multiple drug charges, after deputies responded to a complaint of a suspicious person in the Town of Plainfield. Morton is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of a controlled substance not in original container, he faces court action at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-5-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the passage of a resolution to write equal rights into the State Constitution, to solidify the right to abortion access in New York. When enacted, the amendment will add ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare to existing protections, This follows the recent Supreme Court decision which removed federal protections for abortion.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen New York's gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons, to align with the US Supreme Court's recent decision. The legislation expands eligibility requirements in the concealed carry permitting process, Allows the state to regulate and standardize training for license applicants, restricts the carrying of concealed weapons in sensitive locations and Establishes state oversight over background checks for firearms and regular checks on license holders for criminal convictions. The law will take effect on September 1st, an appeals board will be created for those applicants whose license or renewal is denied or revoked, which will take effect on April 1st 2023.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its 2022 Delaware County Business Awards in the categories of: Business of the Year; New Business of the Year, and Small Business Advocate of the Year. The ceremony will be held mid-September at the Andes Hotel. Email nominations and the reason for the nomination to rpucci@delawarecounty.org by August 1.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-13-22

The State Assembly and Senate passed a bill that would require employers to disclose compensation or range of compensation to applicants and employees upon announcing an employment opportunity for the public, or on employee request. The goal of the bill is to combat systemic pay inequality by making salary ranges for specific positions clear, it heads to Governor Hochul's desk to be either signed or vetoed.

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services released their ranking of counties with the most Sex Offenders. Locally, Broome County ranked 12th out of 62 counties with 242 Level 1 offenders, 238 Level 2 offenders, 158 Level 3 offenders, 6 offenders whose level has not yet been determined, that's 644 total offenders total,

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani will not be allowed to participate in tonight's televised debate at a New York City Television Station, as he has refused to submit proof he's been vaccinated against COVID-19. Giuliani stated Sunday that he is NOT vaccinated but stated that he told debate organizers that he would take COVID tests prior to the debate.

The Broome County Department of Public Works' Highway Division announced that they have begun several road projects today. The Department has an aggressive schedule to road projects this summer, Motorists are advised to obey the posted detours & speed limits at road construction sites.

The Raymond Corporation is celebrating their 100th Anniversary with a special day Tuesday, President & CEO Michael Field told WCDO News about their celebration:

(Michael Field 6-14-22)

Field said that Raymond is also looking to hire more people, more information can be found at Raymondcorp.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-13-22

A New York appeals court is allowing state Assembly elections to proceed this year under redistricting maps signed into law, but they must redraw the lines for the 2024 elections. The maps were heavily criticized as they were gerrymandered to give Democrats an unfair advantage. Friday's ruling affirmed an earlier court decision that it was too late to move the state's June primary, the court says maps drawn by legislative Democrats could not be used in future elections.

Firefighters responded at about 9:40 Friday Night to a residential structure fire on County Highway 16 in the Town of Burlington. The homeowner contacted 911, Deputies responded & all occupants were successfully evacuated, Multiple fire departments were dispatched and battled the blaze, no injuries were reported.

McDowell and Walker In Afton, is facing over $200,000 in fines from OSHA after an employee entered a grain bin last November to clear a feed buildup that was clogged, the conveyor transporting the feed into the silo activated, partially engulfing the worker in leftover feed. The employee avoided serious injury with help from a co-worker. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before an independent Commission.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for June. All households participating in SNAP, including those already at the maximum level of benefits, will receive a supplemental allotment this month, 14% percent of the state's population relies on SNAP benefits.

2 local teams brought home state championships this weekend, Deposit-Hancock Baseball and Softball both won Class-D titles, it's the 4th Class-D program in state history to have their baseball and softball teams capture a state crown in the same season. The Greene Softball team finished as runners-up in the Class-C bracket. For information on state track and field results from this weekend follow WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull on Twitter or visit WCDOsports.com.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-20-22

Attorney General Letitia James and the State Department of Taxation and Finance announced the arrest and arraignment of 60 year old Carl Carro of Walton, for failing to pay more than $75,000 in New York state taxes over the past 6 years, he was previously arrested for operating a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Carro is charged with multiple counts of Criminal Tax Fraud, Offering a False Instrument for Filing and Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Tax Returns, if convicted, he faces 10 to 20 years in state prison. Carro was arraigned in the village of Sidney court and was remanded pending a bail hearing.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that the State Court of Appeals 3rd department upheld a rape conviction of Steven Silva of Johnson City. Silva was sentenced to 4 years in Jail followed by 10 years Post Release Supervision, plus he must register as a Sex Offender, for performing sexual acts with a 14 year old.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has a few tickets remaining for their annual Dinner on June 2nd At the River Street Fire Station. Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 5-20-22)

This year, the Chamber fill honor Gavin's Pizzeria as the Business of the Year, The Sidney Central School District Alumni Association as the organization of the year, & Schunk herself was voted as Citizen Of The Year.

The Redistricting of Congressional, State Senate & Assembly District in New York State has turned into a litany of mistakes, lawsuits, new maps and more lawsuits, Local Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that at first his district changed very little, now he doesn't know what his district encompasses:

(Angelino 5-20-22)

Angelino said that either way is he running, it is unclear when the Assembly Primaries will be held, either in June or August. The State Senate & Congressional Primaries have already been moved to August, the Gubernatorial Primary remains in June.

The Mid-York Concert Band will present its annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at 2:30 PM in the Norwich High School Auditorium.  The ensemble is made possible with public funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Earlville Opera House. Contributions are also accepted at the door.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-20-22

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 64 year old Sherrie White of Deposit, following an investigation of a domestic dispute. Deputies reported that White was engaged in the dispute with a protected party of an order of protection, Deputies charged White with Criminal Contempt, White was processed and released on an appearance ticket for Town of Deposit Court at a later date.

SUNY Oneonta faculty and staff will join Graduating Seniors Commencement exercise Saturday. Class of 2022. More information is available at oneontabulletin.wordpress.com,

Chenango Arts Council will host a performance by Magician Michael Gray Saturday Night at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich. Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 5-10-22)

Tickets can be purchased at Chenangoarts.org, of by calling 607-336-2787.

On Saturday afternoon, the Regatta Row Street Fest will be held in downtown Bainbridge, Rachel Hares of the Jericho Arts Council explains:

(Rachel Hares 5-20-22)

A total of 18 musicians will be playing, the Canoe Paddle Chairs and the Garden Art Poles are still on display & will be auctioned off at the Regatta at 5:00 pm Saturday, May 28.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-28-22

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Nicholas McDonald of Oneonta following the investigation into a suspicious person complaint in the Town of Milford. McDonald is accused of possessing a catalytic converter that had been stolen from a vehicle in Milford, he was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, auto stripping, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, trespassing, resisting arrest, obstruction to governmental administration, possession of burglar tools and false impersonation, He was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending future court action.

The Annual Sidney Arbor Day Celebration will be held Friday at 10:00 am. at Keith Clark Park, Spokesperson Lorrie Roach comments:

(Lorrie Roach 4-28-22)

The winners of the annual Poster Contest will be announced that The Sidney Elementary school band be back to perform this year.

On February 24th, 2022, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the Town of Walton residence of Joseph Hahn, to assist members of the Delaware County Probation Department with a home visitation, where it was discovered that Hahn was found to be in possession of Suboxone without a prescription. this week, lab test results confirmed the substance was Suboxone, Deputies arrested Hahn and charged him with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Hahn was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

On April 7th, Sidney Police responded to a report of people fighting in the street on Bates Terrace. Police arrested 24 year old Nathanial Baron of Oneonta for 3 counts of Menacing & 29 year old Sean Alvarez of Sidney for 3 counts of Menacing & 3 counts of Reckless Endangerment, both were processed and released on appearance tickets to appear in Village of Sidney Court at a later date. The investigation is still open and more charges are expected to be filed.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-28-22

State Police arrested 40 year old Joshua Condon of Hartwick for Predatory Sex Assault Against a Child in 2 different counties, after it was reported to State Police that Condon raped and sexually abused two victims under the age of 13 on multiple occasions. Condon was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on no bail, it was also revealed that Condon raped a victim under the age of 13 in Delaware County, 34 year old Jessica Bresee of Hartwick was also charged after investigators discovered that she knew about the sex assaults and did not report them to police, she was charged with Criminal Facilitation in Otsego & Delaware Counties.

40-year-old Anthony Robertson was taken into custody in Binghamton, he was wanted on arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping in Massachusetts. Binghamton police and U.S. Marshals took Robertson into custody Tuesday, Robertson and 35-year-old Anwar Kelly of Binghamton fled on foot, they were apprehended after a brief chase. Police executed a search warrant on a vehicle and at an apartment at 83 Pennsylvania Avenue, they seized a loaded “ghost gun," a stolen handgun, a rifle and ammunition, plus fentanyl and cash. Robertson was turned over to the Marshals Service, Kelly was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to Broome County Jail.

The state Court of Appeals upheld a lower state court ruling that invalidated the newly redrawn maps for the State Senate districts and the state’s Congressional Districts. The court found that the maps that were drawn by the state legislature and signed by Governor Hochul were gerrymandered to benefit Democrats, a “Special Master” will be paid to redraw the maps, that is likely to be Jonathan Cervas, a professor at Carnegie Melon University, who recently set up districts in Pennsylvania.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-23-22

New York State plans to start testing wastewater in all counties across New York State for variants of the coronavirus and track changes in concentration. The sub-variant is responsible for an uptick in cases, making up about 42% in the state. State health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett and Governor Hochul stressed that vaccines continue to be a critical tool & people should take advantage of vaccines, and to contact their physician if they get sick, in order to avoid more serious illness.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 28 year old Robert Wehrenberg on a warrant for failure to appear in Otsego County Court. Wehrenberg previously failed to appear in Otsego County Court, a bench warrant was issued through Otsego County Court, he did make an appearance in court and was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility, & will appear in Otsego County Court at a later date.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the introduction of the "Rural Prosperity Act" today to stream line local governments ability to access federal programs that are spread out & inefficient:

(Gillibrand 3-23-22)

Senator Gillibrand said that currently, there are more than 400 federal programs dedicated to helping rural communities, spread across 13 departments, and over 50 offices and sub-agencies. This bill would cut federal red tape by establishing the Office of Rural Prosperity, a permanent office in the White House tasked with coordinating federal efforts to support and connect New York’s rural communities to federal programs.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-23-22

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said that she doesn’t expect to see a “steep surge” in COVID-19 cases as a new omicron subvariant grows more prevalent in the state. Dr. Bassett said that the BA.2 variant comprises about 42% of all New York State cases, the positivity rate of COVID tests on Monday was back up to 2.36%.

State Police arrested 42 year old David Hook & 41 year old David Alleyne, both of Delhi for Criminal Mischief, Auto stripping, Falsifying Business Records & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, after an investigation into the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles at a private residence in the town of Delhi. Hook allegedly took a stolen catalytic converter to Otsego Auto Crushers in the town of Davenport and signed a receipt that he was the owner of the stolen catalytic converter, Alleyne was found to be in possession of a stolen catalytic converter, Both men were issued appearance tickets and released & will appear in the Davenport & Delhi Town Courts shortly.

Fantasy sports contests like those operated by FanDuel and DraftKings were declared constitutional in New York on Tuesday by the state’s highest court. The state Court of Appeals reversed an appeals court’s decision last year that found daily fantasy sports violated the state constitution’s ban on gambling.

Chenango River Theatre’s 14th annual Winter Gala will be held at the Genegantslet Golf Club this Saturday from 6:00 – 9:30pm.  The evening includes both a Silent and Live Auction, according to Theater Director Zach Curtis:

(Zach Curtis 3-23-22)

Curtis said that they will also be announcing the schedule of shows this year, at Saturday night's event, Tickets for Saturday Night are available online at chenangorivertheatre.org or by calling 607-656-8778.

Delaware County Public Health reported that a raccoon in the Town of Tompkins has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon attacked and exposed one dog; no human exposures were reported. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations and received a booster. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832- 5200. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at delawarecountypublichealth.com.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-11-22

Another Winter Storm is expected to hit the region tomorrow, local meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO news what might happen:

(Townsend 3-11-22)

The National weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect overnight tonight into Saturday evening.

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Scott Mawhiney of Deposit filed an application in State Supreme Court requesting bail while he appeals his recent conviction in Broome County Court. Mawhiney was found guilty for attempted murder of a police officer & was sentenced to 30 years in prison, for shooting State Trooper Ryan Thorp in June of 2021, after Trooper Thorp responded to the report of a domestic dispute. The motion was argued before New York State Supreme Court Judge, who denied Mawhiney’s request. Mawhiney will remain in prison.

Several Fire Departments responded to the report of a fire at the Town of Windsor barn Thursday afternoon. The investigation revealed that the fire started in the bay area of a garage, with fire damage to the entire garage itself with most of the damage occurring in the bay area. Windsor, West Windsor, Harpursville, West Colesville, 5 Mile Point, Deposit fire departments responded, no injuries were reported.

As New Yorkers prepare to set their clocks forward one hour on Sunday, for Daylight Saving Time, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York is urging everyone to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. New York State currently leads the nation in home fire deaths in 2022, with 51 deaths & the the Firefighters Association reminds people to Test alarms at least once a month, If you have an alarm with a removable battery, be sure to check the batteries every six months, and change the batteries every year. Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan. For more information, go to fasny.com.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office announced Modified visitation procedures for inmate visitation beginning on Saturday, March 12th. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment for visitation by calling 607-337-1967, Monday through Friday during normal lobby hours. Visitation will be on Saturdays and Sundays ONLY, 2 visitors will be allowed per inmate, for 1 hour. All visitors and inmates will be required to wear a face mask in the facility.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for their annual Citizen & Business of the Years awards, Sidney Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(TERI SCHUNK 3-11-22)

Schunk said that Nomination forms need to be submitted by the end of next week., the awards will be announced in April & the winners will be honored at the Sidney Chamber's annual dinner in June.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-11-22

Sidney Police Department responded to a domestic dispute Tuesday, police arrested 38 year old Roberto Rincon of Sidney for Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, Rincon was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date.

Late Wednesday Night into early Thursday Morning, State Troopers and members from the State DOT assisted with the closure of State Route 17 west between exits 67 and 66 to remove a large piece of machinery. Back on February 25th, a tractor trailer, which was not permitted properly, was pulling a large piece of machinery when it suffered a mechanical failure during transport. The weight of the machinery was too heavy to move and a crane from Rogers Industrial & Crane Specialists was brought in to move the load off the first trailer and onto another properly permitted trailer.

The Town of Sidney will hold an After Hours Open House today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Town Of Sidney Office Building at 44 Grand Street. Refreshments & tours of the facility will be offered, including the new DMV office.

Norwich Theater Company presents "Boeing, Boeing" in the Martin W. Kappel Theater, tonight & Saturday Night at 7 pm and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Mary Beth Miller of the Chenango Arts Council explains:

(Mary Beth Miller 3-11-22)

Tickets are available at norwichtheatercompany.org or at Chenango Arts Council’s offices at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 607-336-2787 or email info@chenangoarts.org.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-4-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a partnership with SUNY and Syracuse University in which 10 new testing sites will be opening on State University of New York campuses across the state and at Syracuse University the week of Jan. 3. More campus sites will open in the coming weeks as the project expands. SUNY testing sites to open later this week include Binghamton University & SUNY Oneonta.

Norwich has a New Mayor, Brian Doliver, who was sworn in last Friday, he told WCDO News that he has a busy schedule already, and he has State Money coming to help with their infrastructure issues:

(Brian Doliver 1-4-22)

Doliver replaces Shawn Sastri as Mayor, who declined to run for Re-election last November.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares is dropping a criminal charge against former Governor Andrew Cuomo for allegedly fondling an aide in Albany last year. Soares' decision comes just before Cuomo was due in court this week to answer to the misdemeanor charge, The Albany DA's decision follows other jurisdiction's prosecutors dropping similar charges against Cuomo. The Albany County charges were filed by the Sheriff's Office last October, Cuomo has denied those specific allegations.

The Otsego County Health Department reported 81 new COVID 19 cases on Monday, with 7 hospitalized 398 active cases, and a 12% seven day rolling average positivity rate. Officials remind Otsego County Residents to adhere to the Mask Mandates now in effect until February to try to stop the spread of the highly contagious Omicron Variant.

The Otsego County Department of Motor Vehicles announced that their office will be closed this week & will re-open on Monday January 10th. The office was closed due to COVID 19 issues among the DMV staff, residents can still perform transactions at dmv.ny.gov.

AM NEWS TUESDAY 1-4-22

State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining information about a burglary that occurred in the town of Hartwick, between the Sunday evening & Monday Morning. The suspect unlawfully entered a residence on Poplar Avenue and caused physical injury to an elderly victim, who was transported to Bassett Hospital and is in stable condition. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at (607)561-7400.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a plan to institute term limits for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller, in the 2022 State of the State Wednesday. Hochul said she will introduce a constitutional amendment to set limits of 2 consecutive terms for those statewide elected officials, & she will propose legislation to impose a ban on earned outside income for those elected officials, with an exception for academic positions that receive ethics board approval. The 2022 State of the State Address will be held in the New York State Assembly Chamber on Wednesday, January 5.

Delaware County Public Health reported 279 new positive cases of COVID 19 in their latest report covering Thursday through Monday, the positivity rate was up to 15.3%. Delaware County has 462 positive cases with 375 quarantined, there have been 85 deaths from the virus during the pandemic.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced that New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey filed a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to continue their lawsuit against the federal government for the Trump Administrations cap on the deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT. The petition asks the Supreme Court to review an October 2021 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that upheld the district court's rejection of the states' suit, which argues that the SALT cap was a politically motivated bid by the former federal administration to interfere with the policy choices of Democratic led states.