WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-7-22

The State Department of Health updated New Yorkers on its strategic response to the current monkeypox outbreak. In accordance with the CDC guidance, The Department released vaccine eligibility for the initial doses of the vaccine from the federal government, prioritizing communities with the highest level of need & they will continue to communicate with providers and local county health departments, expand access to resources, and encourages increased testing and treatment of suspected monkeypox cases. More information is available at at health.ny.gov/monkeypox.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives have hired former Schoharie County Administrator Steven Wilson, as the new Otsego County Administrator. Wilson begins serving in his new Position on August 8th.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects that will protect public health and the environment through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement programs. This announcement marks the latest action to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County announced their 2022 home made sale, which will be held later this year. Hospice Spokesperson Sarah Green told WCDO News what kind of home made items they are looking for:

(Sarah Green 7-7-22)

Items must be in to Hospice by September 1st, the sale will be held at the hospice location at 33- 39 Court Street in Norwich on October 15th from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-7-22

The Afton Fair will run today through Sunday this year, With Gillette rides all 4 days starting at 4:00 PM today, Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 7-7-22)

This year is the 133rd edition of the Afton fair, at the Fairgrounds, more information is available at 607-639-1525 or theaftonfair.com.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 28 year old Joseph Santi of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 years in prison, after he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance. The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant in June of 2021 and found Santi to be in possession of pills, methamphetamines, and fentanyl with intent to sell. Santi will also serve 2-years post-release supervision.

41 year old Bradley Cook of Oneonta was sentenced to 20 years in state prison and 15 years of post-release supervision, Cook was convicted on 2 counts of a first-degree criminal sexual act.

The application period is now open for New York State's entry-level law enforcement civil service exam, will be held in the fall. Qualified candidates can apply online until August 3rd. The exam is used to fill jobs for the DEC for Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee & Forest Rangers, in the Parks Department for Park Police Officer Trainees & in SUNY for University Police Officers. Approximately 400 entry-level law enforcement positions statewide will be filled over the next year.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-13-22

State Police have arrested a woman who allegedly stabbed a man inside Stewart's in Sherburne last night. State Police said that an Investigator walked into the Stewart's when he saw a man and a woman physically fighting. He attempted to separate the two when the woman stabbed the man. The Investigator restrained the woman and store employees called 911. The victim, identified as 56 year old Daniel Purdy of Sherburne was transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with serious but non-life threatening injuries. 25 year old Jessica Collins of Sherburne was charged with 1st Degree Assault, She was processed and transported to Chenango County Jail. State Police were assisted on scene by Chenango County Deputies, the investigation is continuing.

The State DEC reminds area residents that in spite of the fact that the Burn Ban ends Saturday, weather conditions are still favorable for the spread of brush fires. A Brush Fire spreads when conditions remain dry, with brisk winds & difficult terrain are prevalent.

The Raymond Corporation was recently honored by New York State Skills USA with a Distinguished Service Award for their support and contributions to career and technical education. Raymond received the award during the NYS Skills USA Championships showcase in Syracuse, last month, more information is available at raymondcorp.com.

New York State honored 49 police officers who recently sacrificed their lives in service to New York State. The 49 officers honored Tuesday in Albany represented 6 Police Agencies, the Police Officers Memorial in Albany now includes the names of 1,717 men and women from 150 police departments across New York State.

SUNY Delhi named Dr. Mary Bonderoff as the Officer in Charge, following the resignation of President Michael Laliberte, who took a similar position in Maine. The College is searching for a new President currently, SUNY Delhi Commencement exercises will be held tomorrow at 10:00 AM at the Track Field.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that Marcas Flindt has retired after 25 years as Public Health Director. Isaiah Sutton has been appointed the new Public Health Director by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, Sutton has served in Chenango County since 2005, he was Environmental Health Director since 2011.

School District will ask for voter approval of their budgets next Tuesday State Wide, with many also adding propositions for building projects or vehicle purchases, and also for Board of Education seats. Locally Bainbridge Guilford Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that they were able to keep the tax levy increase under the state cap:

(Tim Ryan 5-13-22)

Ryan said that the BG Budget totals $21.4 million dollars, voting will be from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM at Greenlawn Elementary & Guilford Elementary Schools on Tuesday.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-13-22

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 1 car property damage automobile accident on County Highway 14 in the Town of Franklin on May 5th. Deputies determined that the vehicle crossed over the dividing lines, entered into the oncoming lane of travel, struck guardrails, causing it to become disabled. 53-year-old Dorian Stewart of Unadilla was operating the vehicle with a suspended license and in an intoxicated state, she was charged with failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Stewart was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court at a later date

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will reopen the doors soon to the History Center at 183 Main Street in downtown Oneonta, after a 4 month closure for renovations, Director Marcela Micucci explains:

(Marcela Micucci 5-2-22)

The Grand Re-opening will be Tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, they will unveil the Small Community, Big Ideas: Greater Oneonta exhibit, with interactive and digital features and a variety of previously unseen objects from Society’s archives, to register for the free event, go to eventbrite.com..

Delaware County Public Health Services and Friends of Recovery- Delaware Otsego will be sponsoring a Recovery Coach Academy & Ethical Considerations training, April 11th through April 16th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Delhi. The academy is for individuals who want to become a personal guide and mentor for people seeking or already in recovery. For more information or to register by phone call (607) 267-4435. The deadline to register is April 4th, the location is expected to be announced shortly.

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested 24 year old Austin Kuczek of Newfield for 2 counts of Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors, for allegedly sending inappropriate images to juveniles. Kuczek was formerly a member on the Newfield Town School Board and a teacher’s aide in the Ithaca City School District. He is currently the Recreation Director in the Town of Newfield, he was released on appearance tickets to the Newfield Town Court at a later date.

The US Air Force Band will be performing a free concert in Oneonta next week, spokesman Gene Schmidt explains:

(Gene Schmidt 3-8-22)

Schmidt said that proof of vaccination is required for next Wednesday's concert at Foothills.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 3-8-22

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Felix Hartman of Unadilla for Burglary, 3rd degree assault, Attempted Rape, forcible touching Stalking & Criminal Impersonation for an incident in the Town of Unadilla Friday evening. Hartman claimed to be with a fire department, he allegedly sexually assaulted the victim, who sustained an arm injury & was treated & released at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta. Several hours later, State Police received an additional sexual assault complaint in the Town of Otego. Hartmann was located by Troopers at his residence, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond. An order of protection was issued, more charges are expected.

The DRI program in Norwich will hold the 2nd Local Planning Committee meeting virtually today at 3:00 PM as they plan what to do with the $10 Million Dollar Award from the state. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 3-8-22)

The meeting is open to all members of the public, with time reserved at the end of the meeting for public comment, the ZOOM link can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

Former Oneonta Mayor David Brenner passed away Friday at the age of 90. Brenner served on the Otsego County Board of Representatives for many years, in 1985 he was elected Mayor of the City of Oneonta, a position he held for 12 years. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street in Oneonta. The funeral service will be 11 am., Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main St., Oneonta,

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-17-22

A Flood Watch & a Wind Advisory has been issued by the National Weather service, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO news what he sees in the forecast through tomorrow morning:

(Rich Townsend 2-17-22)

Local residents can check river & stream levels on the WCDO Website at wcdoonline.com/river.htm

State Police, the Schenevus & Worcester Fire Department and Otsego County Emergency Services all responded to State Route 7 across from the Schenevus Central Schools on Wednesday afternoon, following the report of a car striking a tree. The driver, 30 year old Stephanie Robinson of Schenevus was airlifted by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center for serious injuries. She was the only person in the car, the crash remains under investigation.

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene of a fatal fire in Gilbertsville Monday Morning at 22 Maple Street. Members of the fire department located the resident of the home deceased inside, she has been identified as 64-year-old Lucinda Dubben, The investigation into the fire continues, State Police investigators said that foul play is not suspected.

The State Cannabis Control Board today approved the filing of proposed Medical Cannabis Program regulations for public comment that will implement certain provisions of the state’s new Cannabis Law, today's decision will shift the program from the State Health Department to the Office of Cannabis Management. The regulations allows for flexibility for pharmacists to provide their services remotely, Replaces a requirement that Registered Organizations maintain continuous video surveillance for 24 hours a day and Allows the Office of Cannabis Management to modify product testing requirements as necessary.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society received 2 grants recently, which are being used to renovate the museum in Downtown Oneonta, Executive Director Marcela Micucci told WCDO News how the grants are being used:

(Marcela Micucci 2-17-22)

Micucci said that they received a 2021 New York “SHARP” Action Grant and the Community Foundation of Otsego County Grant to help fund the fabrication of of the permanent exhibition, “Small Community, Big Ideas: Greater Oneonta”, more information about the Greater Oneonta Historical Society is available at oneontahistory.org. or on the Society's Facebook and Instagram pages

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-17-22

During the Superbowl Weekend STOP – DWI campaign Troopers in Troop “C” removed 9 impaired drivers off the roadways. The enforcement initiative ran from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14. The STOP – DWI campaign is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and utilizes increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 12 and older today at 97 Main Street in Delhi. Pfizer 1st & 2nd doses will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for walk-ins only. Pfizer boosters will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for those who pre-registered at apps2.health.ny.gov; more information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-2-22

A Winter Storm Watch will be effect starting later tonight, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what he sees happening locally:

(Rich Townsend 2-2-22)

The Winter Storm Watch will be in effect starting at 1:00 AM Thursday through Friday Afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

At the meeting Tuesday night in Bainbridge, the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee approved of a big change in the schedule of the annual event, Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 2-2-22)

Harmon said that the idea to shorten the Regatta had come up several times in the past, but it was never able to come to fruition until this year. This Year's General Clinton Canoe regatta will be May 27th to the 29th.

The Oneonta Common Council unanimously approved a motion Tuesday, to submit an application for a SAFER grant to help with additional staffing for the Oneonta fire department, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek comments:

(Mark Drnek 2-2-22)

Mayor Drnek said that if the grant is approved, the money would be used to hire up to 8 full-time firefighters, then the city would hold a civil service exam on March 19 for prospective firefighters, the application deadline is February 16.

Republicans in both the state Senate & State Assembly are looking to repeal or dramatically change the Bail Reform legislation that passed during the Cuomo Administration 2 years ago. Assembly Republican Minority Leader Will Barclay said that the state's own numbers show that the outcome has been opposite the desired effect:

(Assemblyman Will Barclay 2-2-22)

Locally Assemblyman Joe Angelino & State Senator Fred Akshar are among the few former law enforcement officers in the legislature, both have expresses a desire to be at the table when drafting a change in the Bail Reform laws during this session.

Tuesday's COVID 19 testing numbers continue to show a decrease in the percentage of positive cases, according to the Governor's office & The State Health Department. Over 177,000 New Yorkers were tested, with over 9300 positive cases, for a positivity rate of 5.25%. Patient Hospitalizations dropped sharply to 6628, ICU Patient numbers declined by 46 to 1094, Patients on ventilators decreased by 26 to 641, 136 deaths were reported in Hospitals & Nursing homes Tuesday.

The Sidney Police Department is now accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer position. This position is not currently open. We are looking for a qualified lateral transfer to fill an anticipated opening this spring. Anyone who meets the specified qualification is encouraged to apply. Applicants can contact Chief Eric Oliver for more information at 607 561-2301.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-2-22

Oneonta Police have been investigating the contents of Tyler Lopresti-Castro's Cell Phone as they try to recreate his final steps Thursday morning when he was found by City Employees at the Silas Avenue Bus garage. Oneonta Police are seeking assistance owners of surveillance cameras covering the center-city streets west of East Street, the Chestnut Street or River Street corridors, Winney Hill Road, Oneida Street, Route 205, State Highway 28 to County Highway 48, between midnight to 2:15 am. on January 27th. The public is encouraged to contact the Oneonta Police Department at (607) 432-1111.

Stacie Haynes, Executive Director of the Susquehanna SPCA for Otsego County, has become Board President for The New York State Animal Protection Federation. The purpose of the Federation is to safeguard the well-being of all animals through legislative and policy initiatives in New York State. This organization also speaks on behalf of animal-related organizations while acting as a resource of information.

State Lawmakers released their proposed redistricting maps this week, the state will lose one seat in the House of Representatives based on population shifts in the 2020 census. Redistricting wound up back in the hands of the legislature, after the Independent Redistricting Commission failed to come up with a plan, which they were required to do based on the 2014 public referendum that took redistricting away from lawmakers. 22nd District Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced that she will seek to win the new 23rd District.

The next meeting of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce will be held this Morning. The meeting will be held at Trackside Diner beginning at 8:00 AM, chamber members & Directors are urged to attend.