WCDO Radio News

The Festival of Lights opened up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta this past weekend. Visitors can drive through the park to see the colorful displays created by Oneonta area businesses & Organizations; the display is sponsored by First Night Oneonta & is open daily at Sundown.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 14 new COVID cases reported Thursday, there are 16 hospitalized, 135 active cases & 1657 total cases & there have been 10 deaths & 840 cases associated with the 2 Oneonta colleges.

State Police arrested 38 year old Herbert Bidwell Jr., of Mount Vision for Burglary and Criminal Trespass, after Troopers responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a residence on State Highway 28 in the town of Oneonta.  The residents heard glass breaking and called 9-1-1,  troopers found Bidwell inside the residence, he had also entered another home nearby illegally,  He was also found in possession of suspected heroin. Bidwell was processed then transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 18 new COVID cases today, there are 16 hospitalized, there are 141 active cases. Otsego County is up to 1643 cases, there have been 10 deaths, and 840 cases are attributed to SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College.

The Oneonta City School District announced that they will be closed tomorrow for the Winter Storm. The District is in remote learning mode until January 19th, however, there will be no instruction tomorrow, it will be treated as a traditional snow day.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new COVID 19 cases, 17 are hospitalized & they report another death, giving them 9 since the spring.  Otsego County has had 1597 total confirmed cases, with 146 active cases, 840 of the cases come from the Oneonta colleges.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 25 new cases of COVID Friday, 27 on Saturday & 21 on Sunday.  There are currently 869 individuals on quarantine for being in close contact with a positive case.  Otsego County has had 1588 total confirmed cases, 170 active cases, 16 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, and 768 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22-year-old Sean Gillespie of Bovina on a warrant issued by the Town of Delhi Court.  Gillespie was wanted for Criminal Mischief, Grand Larceny & 2 counts of Petty Larceny, for allegedly removing catalytic converters from vehicles that were parked in the Town of Delhi.  Gillespie was located by the City of Oneonta Police Department; he was arraigned in the Town of Andes Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 20 new cases Thursday, Since December 1st there have been 203 confirmed cases reported, 745 are quarantined for being in close contact with a positive case.  Otsego County has had 1516 total confirmed cases, with 151 active cases, 17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, and more than half of the cases came from SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 21 year old Jessica Winans of Unadilla after a report of a motor vehicle accident on River Road in the Town of Sidney.  Upon arrival Troopers observed that Winans exhibited signs of intoxication during their interview.   Winans was charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more, operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone, as well as other charges. Winans was released to appear in the Town of Sidney Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-10-20

Otsego County Department of Health had 21 new COVID 19 cases reported Wednesday, giving the county 1496 total confirmed cases,  143 active cases,  17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths;  767 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Otsego County Department of Health reported 35 new COVID cases reported Tuesday, the county now reports 1475 total confirmed cases, 134 active cases,  17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths,  767 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

A traffic stop in the town of Norwich led the to the arrest of a man wanted for stealing a camper from Otsego County in October then abandoning it in Binghamton.   State Police arrested 46 year old Clint Payne of Beaver, Pennsylvania, for Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  On November 20th,  Payne came to the State Police Norwich barracks inquiring about another matter, when he drove off a trooper observed that Payne’s vehicle had multiple vehicle and traffic infractions, he was stopped & the trooper discovered that Payne was wanted for Grand Larceny in Otsego County & he was accused of possessing of methamphetamine.  Payne was processed in Oneonta, the Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing & Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Bidding ends tomorrow on the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Holiday Wreaths fundraiser, Chamber spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 12-3-20)

The highest bidders on each of the 22 wreaths will be notified, and the wreaths will be distributed at Bob's Diner in Bainbridge.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-3-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 16 new COVID cases reported Wednesday, they report 91 active cases, 11 are hospitalized, they've had 1340 total confirmed cases with 8 deaths, and 766 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College.

The City of Oneonta Common Council passed their $15.7 million dollar budget at their meeting Tuesday.  The Property tax increase is about 2%, the budget was much less than the previous year's budget due to lost revenue from the pandemic.

The tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center will be held virtually tonight. There will be no public viewing of the lighting ceremony, but New Yorkers can watch it on NBC at 8:00 PM.  Starting Thursday, December 3rd, the tree will open to the public with protocols in place to manage crowds.  This Year's tree came from West Oneonta.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new COVID 19 cases reported Tuesday, they now have had a total of 1325 cases,  there are 85 active cases with 8 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths with 765 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta and 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College.  Otsego County has had 292 positive tests in the last month; only 27 of the cases came from the 2 college campuses.

The Latest vote count in the 22nd Congressional District has now swung back to give Republican Claudia Tenney the lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi.  All of the Counties have to certify their vote totals, State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte ordered each of the 8 counties in the congressional district to submit a final, unofficial count to the court by yesterday afternoon, the next court action is expected next Monday December 7th, when Judge DelConte is expected to rule on

2000 disputed ballots.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-1-20

Governor Cuomo today announced New York's annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state begins today.  Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are being sought to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season.  The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state through Wednesday, December 16.  COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of those dropping off donations including masks, social distancing, and access to hand sanitizer.  The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley St., Binghamton & the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street Oneonta.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 19 new COVID cases Monday, bringing them to 1314 total confirmed cases since March.  There are 89 active cases, 4 are hospitalized there have been 8 deaths, 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 to Hartwick College.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 27 cases reported Thursday & Friday & 22 cases reported over the weekend, past 2 days.  Otsego County is up to 1295 total confirmed cases with 97 active cases,  4 are hospitalized there have been 8 deaths,  764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Otsego County Department of Health reported 13 new COVID 19 cases Wednesday, they have had 1249 total confirmed cases, 113 active cases, 6 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, and 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 73 cases are linked to Hartwick College.

Rockefeller the Owl was released back into the wild early this morning.  The owl made the trip from West Oneonta to New York City on the tree that will be the official Rockefeller Center Christmas tree this year, the owl was found by workers & was turned over to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, it is expected to acclimate itself to the local Owl Population.

Oswego State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte has ordered an injunction stopping the review of ballots in the 22nd Congressional District race between Anthony Brindisi & Claudia Tenney.  Judge DelConte stated that any new motions need to be filed by the campaigns’ attorneys by 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 30th; however, the State Board of Elections set a deadline of November 28th for county boards of elections to certify and transmit their election returns to the state.  Tenney was leading Brindisi by about 200 votes when the counting of absentee ballots was stopped.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-25-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 21 new COVID 19 Cases reported Tuesday, 42 recent cases are linked to the Copper Fox in Oneonta, the department also reports a Potential exposure to COVID at the Red Jug Pub on Friday November 20th, patrons at that time should monitor for symptoms until December 4th.  Currently, Otsego County has had 1236 total confirmed cases, with 115 active cases, 6 hospitalized; there have been 8 deaths since March.  764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Oneonta City School District announced that they have learned of a 5th staff member COVID 19 positive case & 1 confirmed case in a student. All District schools will go fully remote until Tuesday, January 19th & then return to hybrid instruction on January 19th.  81 students are in quarantine & 27 staff members are also in quarantine.   Meal distribution will continue to take place at the designated meal distribution points on Wednesdays.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-24-20

17 year old Alexander Borgreen of Oneonta pleaded guilty to 1st degree Burglary, for his role in the October 10th 2019 murder of Kenneth Robinson at his home in Worcester.  Borgreen is accused of going to Robinson's house to steal Money & drugs, Dylan Robinson is accused of fatally shooting his father, and the house was set on fire.  Borgreen faces sentencing at a later date, Nicolas Meridy pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder earlier this year for his role in the crime, and he was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-24-20

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 30 new cases of COVID 19 Monday, they have had a total of 1215 cases, with 109 active cases, 5 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, and 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

The SUNY Oneonta COVID Response Team gathered feedback and answered questions about the college’s Draft Re-opening Plan for spring 2021 at 2 virtual town halls last week.   SUNY Oneonta Acting President Dennis Craig told WCDO News that the plan is largely in place but will be amended as needed:

(Dennis Craig 11-23-20)

Over 750 staff, faculty, students and their parents participated. The recordings of both town halls are available at suny.oneonta.edu/covid-19 regarding the spring 2021 reopening plan.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new cases of COVID on Saturday & 17 cases Sunday.   Otsego County now has had 1185 total confirmed cases, 93 active cases, 4 hospitalized, 8 deaths, 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Otsego County Health Department had 14 new COVID 19 cases reported Thursday & they continue to investigate a cluster of cases linked to the Copper Fox. Otsego County had had 1142 total confirmed cases, 75 active cases with 1 hospitalized.  There have been 8 deaths, 762 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-19-20

Otsego County Department of Health is announcing a potential COVID 19 exposure at the Copper Fox at 7 Market Street in Oneonta.  Anyone who spent time at the bar between November 12th through November 17th should monitor for symptoms, if you have developed symptoms, get tested and isolate yourself.  The Copper Fox is closed for a minimum of 7 days and all staff will be tested, more information is available at 547-4231.

Bassett Healthcare Network is tightening visitor restrictions at all of its hospitals and long-term care facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to rise regionally and statewide. Effective Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, only individuals considered essential to the medical care of a patient will be allowed at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown; A.O. Fox Hospital, in Sidney & Oneonta; Little Falls Hospital, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, and O’ Connor Hospital in Delhi.   Visitation is also suspended at the Bassett network’s two long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities – A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, and Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services in Herkimer.

The 14th annual Benefit Auction of the Greater Oneonta Historical Society takes place online at 32Auctions.com/GOHSBenefitAuction through Saturday. Society Executive Director Bob Brzozowski comments:

(Bob Brzozowski 11-19-20)

Bidding ends on Saturday November 21 at 5:00 PM, more information is available by email at info@OneontaHistory.org or by calling 432-0960.

People have been captivated by the story of the little owl that was transported to New York City from West Oneonta last week, on the Tree that is being set up for the Christmas holidays in Rockefeller Center.  Susan O'Hanley of the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society told WCDO News that they believe that the owl was on the tree through the whole process & made the trip to the city:

(Susan O'Hanley 11-19-20)

O'Hanley said that many have commented to the Society that the Owl should be brought back to West Oneonta, the Society members feel that the additional travel would be too stressful & that he will assimilate to the Owl population in the Hudson Valley.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-19-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 18 new COVID cases Wednesday, the number of cases in the county since March is up to 1128, with 58 active cases,  1 hospitalized,  8 deaths,  760 cases are now linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 at Hartwick College.

Oneonta City School District was made aware of a positive COVID-19 staff member at the Oneonta Middle School, several staff members are close contacts to 2 additional positive COVID cases resulting in quarantines through the Thanksgiving break.  All Oneonta schools will go fully remote beginning today through at least Monday, November 30th.

The 75-foot Norway spruce from West Oneonta is getting set up at Rockefeller Center in New York City. It will be illuminated on December 2nd, but there will be no public viewing of the tree lighting ceremony because of the pandemic. The tree lighting will instead be broadcast nationally on NBC.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that he & his wife Connie will voluntarily quarantine for 14 days, after Connie was possibly exposed to COVID-19 while substitute teaching at Cooperstown Elementary School.  A teacher at Cooperstown tested positive for the Virus, leading to remote learning for Elementary School students through the end of the month.  So far, Mayor Herzig & his wife have not experienced any symptoms of the virus, and are waiting for test results.

Otsego County Department of Health had 6 cases reported today of COVID 19.  They report 1110 total confirmed cases, with 43 active cases, 1 hospitalized, 8 deaths, 756 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig signed the new mask ordinance into law last night following a public meeting during the Common Council meeting.  The law requires masks be worn at all time in all public spaces downtown in Oneonta and when you cannot social distance. This includes retail, service businesses, organizations and in any public space when social distancing cannot be maintained.  The local law does not apply to private residences.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-17-20

SUNY Acting President Dennis Craig announced that the college's COVID Response Team with more than 50 college employees, students and parents shared its Draft Re-opening Plan for the Spring 2021 semester with staff & students & parents recently.  President Craig Told WCDO News of the timeline to bring back students on the spring:

(President Craig 11-17-20)

President Craig said that 2 Town halls are planned, 1 on Wednesday afternoon for faculty & staff, & another 1 Wednesday Evening for students & parents.  The full document is at suny.oneonta.edu/covid-19, the COVID Response Team is adding items into the draft plan by the December 10th deadline to SUNY.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 6 new cases of COVID 19 Monday.  The County is up to 1104 total confirmed cases, they have 47 active cases with 2 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, 756 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next meeting tonight at 7:00 PM through Zoom.  The Council recently approved an amended Mask Law, after a previous one was vetoed by Mayor Gary Herzig.  A public hearing will be held tonight on the bill; Mayor Herzig is expected to act on it after the hearing.

Otsego County Department of Health had 12 cases of COVID 19 reported over the past 2 days, the number of community cases with no identifiable exposures are rising. Otsego County is up to 1098 total confirmed cases, with 44 active cases, 2 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, 756 are linked to SUNY Oneonta & there are 65 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

The 14th annual Benefit Auction of the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will take place online this year at 32Auctions.com/GOHSBenefitAuction. Society Executive Director Bob Brzozowski comments:

(Bob Brzozowski 11-13-20)

Bidding begins this Sunday at 12:00 noon and ends on Saturday November 21 at 5:00 PM. A sampling of items up for auction can be viewed at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, more information is available by email at info@OneontaHistory.org or by calling 432-0960.

SUNY Oneonta’s COVID Response Team hosted 2 online town halls recently, 1 for employees and another for students and their parents, to report on planning for the spring 2021 semester. Recordings and transcripts of both town halls are available at suny.oneonta.edu. Acting President Dennis Craig formed the COVID Response team earlier this month to lead spring semester planning, with 50 faculty and staff members, administrators, students and other stakeholders, A video by President Craig regarding the potential for in-person classes in the spring is also available at suny.oneonta.edu.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 6 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, they now have 46 active cases, no one is hospitalized, there have been 1078 total confirmed cases, 8 deaths, with 756 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 65 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Otsego County Department of Health & Applebee’s is reporting a potential exposure at the Southside Mall Oneonta location. A team member who last worked on Monday, tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home. The restaurant closed for deep cleaning on Tuesday, a professional sanitation service disinfected. They re-opened Wednesday, they have safety protocols in place. The Otsego County Department of Health is asking any guests who dined at Applebee’s in Oneonta on November 5th from 11:00 to 4:00, November 6th from 4: to 11:00, November 7th from 11:00 to 4:00, November 8th from 4:00 to 10:00 & November 9th from 4:30 to 11:00 PM to monitor for symptoms through Monday, November 23rd if symptoms occur, contact your medical provider.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-12-20

State Police are searching for 17-year-old Brooke Irish of Auburn, who was last seen on November 8th in the town of Chenango. Irish is described as a white female, 5 foot 1 inch tall, weighing 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black shoulder length hair. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, cropped leggings with a design that has plaid and cherries on them, anyone with information should contact State Police at 775-1241.

The 75-foot tall, 11-ton Norway Spruce that will be the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, will be cut down From State Route 23 in West Oneonta this morning and will be hoisted by a huge crane onto a 115-foot long trailer at 8:00 AM The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is donated by Daddy Al’s General Store, The tree will be brought into Manhattan and erected at Rockefeller Center on Saturday.

Hartwick College reported no new cases of COVID-19 were reported, they still have 9 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is 66.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-11-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Tuesday. The County has 39 active cases, no one is hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, of the 1072 total confirmed cases, 755 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 64 cases are reported in Hartwick College students .

Otsego County Department of Health reported 8 new cases reported Monday, bringing them up to 1068 total confirmed cases, with 42 active cases, no hospitalizations & 8 deaths. 755 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 63 confirmed cases are in Hartwick College students.

Catholic Charities of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties is selling paper "Bricks" at their Sidney office for their "Keeping Our Communities Warm 1 Brick at a Time" fundraiser, Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities explains:

(Penny McKnight 11-9-20)

More information about the program is available at 604-4071 or stopping at the Sidney office in the Civic Center at 21 Liberty Street.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-9-20

Otsego County Department of Health reports 7 cases of COVID 19 over the weekend, they have had 1060 total confirmed cases, 38 active cases, and 0 hospitalized & 8 deaths.   755 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 62 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

State Police arrested 49 year old Timothy Young of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of Marijuana and Driving While Intoxicated, Obstructing Governmental Administration and Reckless Driving. Troopers observed Young exit the parking garage ramp on Market Street in the city of Oneonta and make several vehicle and traffic violations.  Troopers initially made a vehicle and traffic stop in the Clinton Plaza where Young stopped but then drove off toward Chestnut Street and into a parking garage.  Young was taken into custody, Young was allegedly in possession of 5 pounds of marijuana, and his B.A.C was .14%.  Young was processed and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail.

Hartwick College in Oneonta reported 3 new cases of COVID-19, they have 28 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected since August 1st is 61.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 3 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday. The county has had 1042 total confirmed cases, 45 are active cases, there are no hospitalizations, 8 deaths, 754 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, & 57 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Otsego County Department of Health reported 14 new cases of COVID 19, 2 are in college students, and there is a cluster of 10 cases related to a residential group home in Oneonta. Otsego County reports 1039 total confirmed cases with 47 active cases, 0 hospitalized, 8 deaths, and 754 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 56 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students