WCDO Radio News

Another American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 12 pm. - 5 pm., at the SUNY Oneonta Hunt College Union. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host their annual Meet the Ponies event at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton Tonight at 5 pm at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton. The event will begin with an autograph session at 5 pm and at 6:45 pm. the program will continue with an introduction of the 2026 coaching staff and players. The Rumble Ponies open the 2026 season on the road Friday against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The home opener is on Tuesday, April 7 against the Somerset Patriots at 6:07 pm. Season Tickets, Ballpark Passes, Flex Tickets, and Individual Game Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale by visiting Mirabito Stadium, by phone at (607)-722-3866, or online at bingrp.com.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 11-6-25

State Police have identified the woman who drive into a pong in Richfield Springs earlier this week as 39 year old Rachel Galesky of Richfield Springs. State Police were dispatched Tuesday Morning to the site of a pond at Skinner Road & US Route 20 after a passerby called 911 after observing what appeared to be a portion of a vehicle submerged in the pond. Troopers located the vehicle and discovered Galesky inside, they determined that she failed to stop at a stop sign and drove into the pond, The investigation is continuing.

The Village of Sidney announced the flushing of hydrants beginning Wednesday November 12th, between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. If your water becomes roily let your cold water run until the water is clear. Also, Brush pickup will conclude tomorrow, leaf pickup will continue until the first accumulative snowfall. More information is available at 607-561-2324.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-6-25

An 18-year-old male from Plainview is in custody after stealing a marked New York State Police patrol vehicle. Wednesday morning, Oneonta Troopers were notified of a burglary that occurred overnight at Accurate Auto and Truck Repair LLC in Davenport, where a State Police patrol vehicle that had been undergoing service & was taken from the premises. No weapons were inside the car at the time it was taken. The vehicle was located on I- 90 in Schodack, Rensselaer County, Troopers located the 18-year-old male inside and took him into custody without incident. The individual was arraigned in the Town of Schodack Court and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, He was turned over to investigators from Troop C, where he was additionally charged with Burglary and Grand Larceny, The investigation remains ongoing.

Bassett Healthcare Network's FoxCare Center is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross today, from Noon to 5 pm. at the Conference Room 1 at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Major's Inn "Joyful Traditions" Holiday Bazaar will be held this Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Inn in Gilbertsville, Executive Director C.C. Rowe told WCDO news about the event:

(C.C. Rowe 11-6-25)

Proceeds from the event will go to the Major's Inn Foundation, which funds restoration & maintenance at the facility, more information is available at 783-2967.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-26-23

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Matthew Romano of Unadilla for Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle following a property damaged motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta. Romano was found to be operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license, he was issued a uniform traffic ticket and taken into custody on a Oneonta City Court Bench Warrant, he was then turned over to Oneonta PD to answer his warrant.

2 Blood Drives are scheduled for this afternoon, 1 is being held at the Quality Inn on State Route 23 Southside in Oneonta, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, another is being held at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street also from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Appointments are requested at redcrossblood.org, 1-800 REDCROSS or with the Blood Donor app.

The State Division of Consumer Protection reminds shoppers of laws that protect consumers about holiday returns. The Department recommends that consumers carefully review and understand what to look for when reviewing return and refund policies. If the retailer does not post a return policy, the law requires the retailer to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date, with a receipt. For retailers that allow returns, State law does not require refunds to be given in any specific manner. Consumers having difficulty obtaining a refund are encouraged to file a complaint at dos.ny.gov/file-consumer-complaint

A.M. NEWS 12-26-23

Now that Christmas has passed, it's time to think about what to do with some of the items, and if they are recyclable, Tyson Robb of Delaware County Solid Waste explains:

(Tyson Robb 12-26-23)

More information is available at (607) 865-5805 or through your own County Solid Waste management Department.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 63 year old Kenneth Nilson of Oneonta following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta on December 9th. Nilson was charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC of .08% or more & failure to keep right, he was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will return this year to honor fallen State Trooper Christopher Skinner, who served for 13 years & was killed in a hit and run in 2014 while conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 81 in the Town of Chenango. This Year's Blood Drive will be TODAY at Five Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood, from 12 to 6 pm, appointments are available at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1(800) Red Cross or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The United States Marine Corps Reserve today announced the schedule for the 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Train. The holiday train will take to the rails Saturday, Locally, the train will stop in Oneonta at the Gas Avenue Rail Crossing, from 12:05 pm. to 12:40 pm. The train will be in Bainbridge at the Walnut Street Rail Crossing, from 1:30 pm. to 2:00 pm. The train's schedule ends at the East Binghamton Yard Entrance, 3:20 pm. to 4:00 pm.

Hill City Celebrations to Host Oneonta Festival of Lights in Neahwa Park and First Night Celebration at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. The Festival of Lights Begins on December 16 through January 1st. Organizers stated that anyone interested in building a display for the Festival of Lights should Email firstnightoneonta@gmail.com by this Thursday November 30th, with set-ups beginning December 7. More information will be available at hillcitycelebrations.com/festival-of-lights, or on their Facebook page.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives will be held today, 1 at the DCMO BOCES from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on State Route 206 in Trout Creek. Another Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, appointment can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

Gilbertsville’s Major’s Inn will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar This Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. The ballroom will be filled with handcrafted items, holiday decorations, vintage pieces, baked goods and more. Proceeds will go to the Major’s Inn Foundation, dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of the Major’s Inn, More Information is available at 607-783-2393 or 607-783-2967.

The State Department of Transportation will host a public information meeting at 5:30 pm. Tuesday, November 14, at the Oneonta High School, pertaining to a project to reconstruct the intersection of Maple Street & State Route 7 in the City of Oneonta. The project would replace an existing signalized intersection with a single-lane roundabout, plus new sidewalks, crosswalks and a multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians. A formal presentation by DOT staff will be followed by a question-and-answer and public comment period.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to man the Red Kettles prior to the Christmas holiday, at 2 Sidney Locations, spokesperson Marie Cole explains:

(Marie Cole 10-25-23)

Those interested in volunteering should call Cole at 607-435-5882 & leave a message.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-25-23

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Danielle Ashdown of Binghamton during the intake process at the Broome County Correctional Facility. On October 6th, Ashdown was arrested by Binghamton Police for a conditional discharge. A routine search uncovered 2 clear bags hidden on her person, containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, they also recovered 2 other substances. Ashdown was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 3 Counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, she was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be held today at Fred’s Inn, in Norwich, beginning at 6:00 pm. Members, farmers, and legislators will be present to discuss the future of agriculture & how green energy is affecting production.

Hartwick College officials announced that they are hosting 2 Candidate Forums prior to Election Day. The Hartwick Institute of Public Service announced that the forum for today features candidates running for election in Otsego County, on Wednesday, November 1, the institute will host candidates running for election in the City of Oneonta. Both events are scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Shineman Chapel House on the Hartwick College campus.

Operation Merry Christmas is underway & they are taking information regarding the needs of children from families that could use a helping hand this coming Holiday Season. Spokesperson Valerie McClain said that there are some changes this year:

(Valerie McClain 10-4-23)

More information is available at 607-431-8311 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook page, The Giveaway Day for the children that are signed up, will be held in December.

2 American Red Cross Blood Drives will be held in Oneonta today from 10 am. - 3 pm., at the AO Fox Memorial Hospital Levine Center, another from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Quality Inn, State Highway 23. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced this afternoon the arrests of 3 inmates for having contraband in their housing pods at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility this week. Investigators recovered crack cocaine, synthetic cannabis, & suboxone strips, they arrested 36 year old Dreyshawn McDonald for Criminal Possession Controlled Substance & Promoting Prison Contraband, 41 year old Ryan Carney of Endicott for Promoting Prison Contraband & 35 year old Paul reed of Endicott for Promoting Prison Contraband. This sweep was the latest in a series of investigations into narcotics, drug and contraband smuggling at the Correctional Facility, which have led to 9 arrests and dozens of charges since the beginning of the year.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that tickets are now on sale for the “Meet the Ponies” annual dinner on Tuesday, April 4th at the Downtown Holiday Inn in Binghamton. Tickets are available to purchase until April 1st online at bingrp.com, by calling 607.722.FUNN, or at Mirabito Stadium, The Rumble Ponies open the 2023 season on the road against the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday April 6th, with the home opener on Tuesday, April 11th against the Somerset Patriots at 6:35 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-2-23

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 year old Ashley Williams of Laurens on 2 counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance. Williams was arrested following an investigation into a report of loose horses in the road in the Town of Laurens on December 11th of last year. During the course of the investigation, it was found that Williams did not provided proper care for her animals, Williams was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Laurens Court for a later date.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 20 year old Colin Leonard of Otego following an investigation of a personal injury motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta. Leonard was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving on the shoulder, Failure to keep right, Drivers view obstructed, and speed not reasonable & prudent among several other charges, he was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold their in person fundraising Auction Sunday at the Quality Inn on State Route 23 in Oneonta. An online auction with separate items can be found at 32auctions.com, more information is available by calling the Greater Oneonta Historical Society at 432-0960.

6ZERO7 Events announced their HOLIDAY SHOP AND SIP series from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM this Saturday at Main Street Social, next door to Main Street Grill & Bakery. The events will also be held on Saturday November 27th and December 4th. The series will feature locally made products, crafts, ornaments, novelties and more.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be holding COVID-19 vaccination booster shot clinics, that will be open to the public. O’Connor Hospital in Delhi is holding a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic on Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the Moderna vaccine only. Appointments are required at 746-0525. Also, the FoxCare Center in Oneonta is holding a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, that clinic will provide boosters for Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. No appointment is needed for the Oneonta clinic. More Information is available at bassett.org and the Bassett Facebook page.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 25 year old Wayne Redmond of New Berlin for Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers responded to a car in a ditch on West Street in the town of Oneonta. Redmond was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State Division of Consumer Protection has launched a data privacy consumer survey to give New Yorkers the opportunity to weigh in on data privacy issues and inform policymaking. The initiative follows the report that Facebook is secretly accessing personal information of users. The new survey asks respondents about the number of smart devices in each household, the operating systems being used, and whether they know how to access privacy settings on social media, apps and Internet browsers. New Yorkers Urged to Visit NY.Gov/DataPrivacySurvey to Participate in Statewide Data Privacy Conversation.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that the next free rabies clinic will be held today in Guilford. The clinic will run from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Guilford town Barn, more information is available at 337-1673 or at co.chenango.ny.us.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced today that the Assembly Minority had created a petition for constituents to sign urging the Assembly Majority to pass the Gold Star Families Education Bill to provide free college tuition and room and board to dependents of our military veterans who died in service to their country, th ebill failed to make it past a committee, but Governor Cuomo announced support for the Gold Star Families Program, and signed an Executive Order to establish it.

13 people in 7 states, including New York, have been sickened with salmonella since January; after consuming “Jensen Tuna" packaged in 1 pound bags or 20 pound boxes. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday, The company has issued a recall for 3 lots; z266, z271, and z272. The US Food and Drug Administration said the recalled tuna was probably not sold directly to consumers in grocery stores but was likely "used in food dishes sold by restaurants or retailers." Symptoms of salmonella, which begin 12 to 72 hours after consumption of contaminated food, include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover on their own after four to seven days. The FDA and the CDC said an investigation is ongoing.

Lori Bailey is a filmmaker, who spent her childhood years in Mineville New York in the Adirondacks, and much of her life in Oneonta. She directed the film “Garrow” about Adirondack Serial Killer Robert Garrow, who was once the target of the biggest manhunt in state history when he was killed in 1973; Bailey talked to WCDO News about this film:

(Lori Bailey 4-17-19)

Bailey said that “Garrow” will be shown at the Goodrich Theater at the State university campus in Oneonta on Saturday May 25th at 7:00 PM and Sunday May 26th at 2:30 PM, it will then be available after that on DVD.

34-year-old Daniel Butash of Endwell was indicted on charges of DWI, assault, aggravated vehicular assault and reckless endangerment, in connection with an incident where he drove the wrong way on State route 17, & head on into a patrol vehicle driven by Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy Kristy Botsford on February 1st. Botsford sustained knee and ankle injuries, and is still recovering from her injuries.

State Police arrested 39 year old Jamie Varieur of Glens Falls for Attempted Assault on a Police Officer and attempted Criminal Mischief, Criminal Impersonation and Obstructing Governmental Administration. Varieur is accused of attacking a trooper while heading to arraignment. Troopers originally received a complaint in March 2019 that a woman’s license was suspended after she failed to answer to a speeding ticket; she claimed she had never been stopped by a trooper for speeding. The investigation revealed that in November 2018, a trooper observed Varieur speeding on I-88, & she turned herself in to State Police Monday, & allegedly assaulted the trooper transporting her to the town of Sidney for arraignment. Varieur was pepper sprayed and eventually complied with troopers. Varieur was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $4,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Job Expo at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown today. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, it is open to the public; more information is available at 432-4500.

Republican Congressional Candidate George Phillips will be kicking off an 8-county tour this week that will stretch into May. The tour will include visits to all the counties of the 22nd Congressional District, The Broome County Kick-Off will be held today at 12:00 Noon at the Holiday Inn at 2 Hawley Street in Binghamton.

State Police arrested 37 year old Matthew Millard of Endicott for DWI with a reported B.A.C .22%. A trooper on patrol responded to a 911 complaint of a tractor trailer driving erratically on I-88, the trooper observed the tractor trailer travel into the shoulder several times. Millard was arrested for DWI & was released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Oneonta Court on August 7th.

Otsego County officials announced that an auction on tax foreclosed properties will be held in Oneonta on August 15th. Information about foreclosed property can be found at NYSAuctions.com, click on Otsego County, specific properties can be located by putting an address in the Search box. The Auction on the 15th will be held at the Oneonta's Holiday Inn on route 23 Southside.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will conduct the 88th annual Delaware County Dairy Tour. The stops on this free drive-yourself tour will include Granston Farm in Oneonta, the farm of Dan and Naomi Buel in Franklin and Creek-Crest Holsteins in Delhi.

55 Year Old John Morrissette of Otego was arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff's department for several charges; including felony DWI aggravated operating a motor vehicle with 0.18 percent BAC, following a traffic stop on Chestnut Street in Oneonta Sunday. Morrissette faces action in Town of Oneonta court on May 8th

Sidney will hold it's annual Arbor Day Celebration tomorrow at the Walking Trail Pavilion in keith Clark park, beginning at 10:00 am. A tree dedication planting will be part of the activities. A limited number of young sapling trees will be distributed.

The Arc Otsego, in partnership with Family Resource Network will be hosting a Family Forum presented by LIFEPlan CCO today from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Pm at the Holiday Inn Oneonta. The Forum will include a presentation by LIFEPlan CCO on how Medicaid Service Coordination will transition to Care Coordination on July 1st, & what individuals and families need to know about the CCO and enrollment process. Agency staff will be on hand to answer any questions; more information is available at 433-8417.

Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Randy Johnson, Phil Niekro, Tim Raines and Ozzie Smith will headline Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, May 25th to the 27th in Cooperstown. The 6 Hall of Famers will be joined by recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams for the Hall of Fame Classic, which features a pregame Home Run Derby 12:00 noon, followed by first pitch at 1:05 PM, of the 7-inning legends game on Saturday, May 26th at Doubleday Field. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Classic are on sale at 1-877-726-9028, or at baseballhall.org

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall; it is open to the public.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies invite fans to their annual Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner on Tonight at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton. Tickets are on sale, at the Box Office at NYSEG Stadium. Rumble Ponies players will arrive at 5:30 PM for the “Meet the Rumble Ponies” autograph reception. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM followed by an interview with returning Rumble Ponies manager Luis Rojas and introductions of the new coaching staff and players. The Rumble Ponies kick off the 2018 season at home on Thursday against the Portland Sea Dogs at 6:35 PM.

The Bainbridge Chamber of commerce announced holiday activities would be held Saturday & Sunday, Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-8-17)

Anyone who wants to participate in the Saturday parade is asked to show up at 4:00 at Pruyn Street.

The Chenango County Historical Society museum will be hosting their Holiday Open House on Sunday, from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. The CCHS Museum’s holiday bazaar will be open. More information about the society, the museum or Sunday’s event is available at 334-9227 or by email to director@chenangohistorical.org.

Breakfast with Santa will be held in Oneonta on Sunday morning for area children. The event will start on Sunday at 7:00 AM at the Hampton Inn at 225 River Street in Oneonta.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group's annual Holidays in the Hamlet event will be held Saturday with many activities planned, according to Group Spokesman Mike Sellitti:

(Mike Sellitti 12-8-17)

Sellitti said that the Group will also have photo gifts available for purchase and in time for Christmas, they also request canned goods donation for the Food Bank.

State Police arrested 29 year old Henry Macias of Laurens for felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, 3rd degree Assault, Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device, and other traffic violations. Troopers responded to the report of a domestic dispute with injuries in Laurens, Macias allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle; troopers located him in Oneonta. Macias was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond pending future court action; an order of protection was issued behalf of the victim.

Otsego County will hold their annual Tax foreclosure Auction Wednesday morning at the Oneonta Holiday Inn. 72 properties will be auctioned off starting at 11:00, those interested in bidding need to register, beginning at 9:00 AM. The list of available properties is located at nysauctions.com.

Approximately 150 rallied at Muller Plaza in Downtown Oneonta Monday night, in response the Charlottesville Virginia violence over the weekend. Representatives from the NAACP & area churches spoke to the group at last night's anti-racism rally.

Michele Frazier is expected to be appointed by Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig at tonight's Common Council Meeting. Frazier will finish up the term of former Alderman Paul Van Der Sommen, who resigned last month upon moving to the state of Florida. The Common Council Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall beginning at 7:00 PM.

Standard & Poor Global ratings has raised the City of Oneonta's Long Term rating to AA-, on the city's general obligation debt. The ratings review was issued in anticipation of the city's issuance of 4.2 Million Dollars in general obligation bonds next month. The improved rating will mean lower long-term interest rates & lower costs to taxpayers over the life of the bonds.

The next meeting of the City of Oneonta's Planning Commission will be tonight at City Hall. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

Former First Lady of Canada Margaret Trudeau will give the keynote speech at this year’s Women’s Fund Annual Breakfast on Thursday, June 22 at the Holiday Inn on Hawley Street in Binghamton. Trudeau’s speech will focus on her life as First Lady, Mother of current Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the loss of a son and her former husband, & living with bipolar disorder. Tickets to the program can be obtained at 772-6773 by June 15th for reservations.

Oneonta City Mayor Gary Herzig will deliver the annual State of the City address tonight at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting, Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2017 Job Fair on Today at the Holiday Inn, State Route 23, Oneonta. The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Oneonta City mayor Gary Herzig announced today that the annual State of the City address would be held on April 4th at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting at City Hall. Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

The Oneonta City Clerk’s office announced that following tonight’s 6:00 PM finance-Human Resources Committee meeting, there will be a workshop on:” Annexation”, presented by the New York Conference of Mayors attorney Wade Beltramo The focus of the meeting for the City of Oneonta officials will be the reservoir & the airport properties. Thee meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & is open to the public.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have unveiled their new mascot recently, and they are searching for help from their fans to name him. Introduced to the Southern Tier at Parade Day in early March, Fans can cast a vote for their favorite name at bingrp.com until April 3. After receiving over 1,000 submissions, the Rumble Ponies have narrowed down the list of possible names to 5, which are Bing, Buster, Ross, Rowdy, & Rumbleton. The final selection will be unveiled at the Meet the Ponies Dinner at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton on April 4th.

The City of Oneonta announced today that due to a lack of agenda items, today's meeting of the Operations, Planning and Evaluation has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 10th.

The Afton & Bainbridge Guilford Yes Leaders are teaming up for an Opioid Awareness Program tonight in the Afton School District. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Fred Akshar 3-16-17)

Hundreds are expected to attend the event tonight, which will start with a free pizza dinner at 5:30 followed by the program at 6:00 PM; more information about the program is available at yes safe choices.org.

The American Red Cross is urging all eligible donors throughout the state to give blood following the recent winter storm, which forced 56 regional blood drives to cancel and blood donations centers to shut down, causing about 1,480 donations to go uncollected. Officials said that there is a critical need for type O negative donors. Upcoming Blood drives will be held in Oneonta on Monday from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at SUNY Oneonta, on March 27th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Southside Oneonta Holiday Inn, & March 28th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Oneonta Elks Club, on Chestnut Street. Blood donations will be collected in Sidney on March 28th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge, & in Walton on March 28th at the Pines Brook Church, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. More information is available at redcrossblood.org.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 2017 Job Fair on Tuesday, April 4th at the Holiday Inn, in Oneonta. The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Businesses interested in participating can call 432- 4500 extension 207.

Governor Cuomo today announced the State Police and local law enforcement agencies would conduct a Thanksgiving holiday crackdown and enforcement initiative in an effort to deter unsafe driving behaviors. The Thanksgiving traffic enforcement will take place Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 27, 2016 and DMV investigators will be checking IDs at bars and taverns across New York over the course of the holiday week.

Oneonta Police & State Police arrested 25 year old Allen McMullen and 37 year old Donald Starr of Davenport Center for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Both men were arrested after police served a search warrant at the Townhouse Inn on Main Street; police discovered heroin, cocaine & $2,373 in cash.

The annual charity auction to benefit the Leatherstocking council of the Boy Scouts of American, will be held this Saturday in Oneonta, or online prior to Saturday's event. Council District executive Peter Miller explains:

(Peter Miller 11-18-16)

The auction will be held at the Morris Conference Center on the SUNY Oneonta campus from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, the list of items up for auction can be viewed at Leatherstockingcouncil.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced that non-essential lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, September 2, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day holiday weekend. The construction suspension is in keeping with Governor Cuomo's Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The American Red Cross, Broome County Executive Debra Preston and City of Binghamton Mayor Richard David are supporting 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who responded following the tragic events of Sept.11. A special Red Cross blood drive sponsored by Preston and David will be held on Thursday, September 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Binghamton, 2-8 Hawley Street. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Each year tens of millions of Americans and people around the world observe the anniversary of 9/11 by performing good deeds that help people and communities in need.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28 year old Nicolas Martinez of Oneonta for the 3rd degree Assault & criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, after troopers investigated a domestic dispute report from a home on Deer Haven Road in the Town of Oneonta. Martinez allegedly struck and choked the victim, causing injury; he was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $200 cash bail or $400 property bond.

Delaware County Deputies investigated a one-car personal injury rollover auto accident Thursday in the Town of Davenport. 43-year-old William Wehrenberg of Davenport lost control of his vehicle on a corner on Parks Hill Road, he went off the road into an embankment causing the vehicle to overturn when reentering the roadway. Wehrenberg was issued traffic tickets for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, Suspended Vehicle Registration, Operating without Insurance in Effect, Failure to Keep Right and Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent. All tickets are returnable to the Town of Davenport Court on June 28th. Wehrenburg & a passenger were taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta.

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to a cooking fire Thursday night in an apartment at 7 Raymond Avenue. The fire was extinguished quickly; substantial damage to the Kitchen area was reported. The unidentified male occupant of the apartment was taken to Fox Hospital.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York will hold their 12th Annual Women’s Fund Breakfast Thursday at 7:30 am at The Holiday Inn, on Hawley Street, Binghamton. The morning will feature keynote speaker Anzala Alozie, who is the vice president of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Reservations are requested; Limited seating is still available at 772-6773.

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce announced today that Long time Sidney Fire Department member & former Chief Ray Baker is this year's choice for "Citizen of the Years” Baker told WCDO News he was quite surprised to get the honor at this mornings chamber meeting:

(Ray Baker 4-6-16)

This year's Sidney Chamber "Business of the Years" award goes to the Cullman Child Care Center, Director Amy Williams comments:

(Amy Williams 4-6-16)

Baker & the Cullman Center will both be honored at the Sidney Chamber Of Commerce's annual dinner in June.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced that the The CASH Coalition of Otsego and Delaware Counties can still prepare and file state and federal income taxes for free, for taxpayers who made under $62,000.00 in the 2015 tax year. The program is available for use on any home computer or public computers at CDO Workforce Offices, in Oneonta, Sidney or Delhi, at the SFCU branch in Delhi. Also, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available for individuals and families who made under $54,000 in the 2015 tax year, They offer free tax preparation and filing by trained individuals under the supervision of volunteer site coordinators, apointments are required by calling Catholic Charities at 432-0061. More information is available at United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties at 432-8006.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that the recently adopted State budget includes $200,000 for the City of Oneonta to help offset public safety costs generated due to being a SUNY host community.

(Seward 4-5-16)

Senator Seward’s legislation includes a formula to distribute state aid to municipalities hosting four-year SUNY schools, the bill been referred to the Senate Finance Committee & Companion legislation has been introduced in the State Assembly.

The city of Oneonta announced today that the citizens campaign for the environment will be conducting a home to home canvass in the city from 4:00 to 9:00 PM Mondays through Fridays now through the month of June. More information is available at 432-6450.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Job Fair today from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The Job fair will be held at the Holiday Inn, on State Route 23, Oneonta

Governor Cuomo announced that he is deploying the Department of Financial Services' Mobile Command Center to help eligible New Yorkers prepare and file their taxes for free. The unit will be making stops at locations throughout Upstate New York between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Locally, the event will be held today in Oneonta at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

The city of Oneonta will have a committee meeting today, of the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals.   The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the common Council Chambers at city hall.

A blood donation opportunity is today in Oneonta from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, on Route 23 Southside. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Budget negotiations continue among lawmakers in Albany with Conference Committee activity beginning next week. State lawmakers are dealing with a budget surplus this year, Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 3-10-16)

Crouch said that the surplus includes 1 time settlement money, which he hopes will be used for infrastructure projects upstate, where 40% of the bridges are in need of repair or replacement.

Nearly a thousand people will come to Broome County this summer to take part in the 98th annual New York State American Legion Convention, as well as the 96th annual New York State Auxiliary Convention and the 42nd annual Sons of the American Legion Convention. The conventions will take place from Thursday, July 13th through Saturday, July 16th; The Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, along with the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena will serve as the headquarters for the Legion Convention.

The city of Oneonta announced that a special meeting of the legislative Committee has been scheduled for today. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City hall; the committee will discuss proposed changes to the City charter.

Nominations for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce "Citizens of The Years" & "Business of the Years are due today to the Chamber office. The award winners will be announced in April and will be honored at the Annual Dinner in June. More information is available at Sidneychamber.org or by calling 561-2642.

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Otsego County, Tomorrow from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Hunt Union at SUNY Oneonta, where he will host a roundtable discussion to solicit input from area stakeholders on the heroin epidemic. The roundtable forum is one of several being conducted around the state, Freshman Senator Fred Akshar will also participate, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend and observe the proceedings.

The Binghamton Mets announced that the annual "Welcome Back B-Mets" Dinner is Wednesday, April 6 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Binghamton. B-Mets players and mascots will arrive at 5:30 PM for the "Meet the Mets" autograph reception. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM followed by a special baseball program with team and manager introductions. Tickets may be purchased by calling 723-METS or in person at NYSEG Stadium during normal business hours. The Binghamton Mets are set to open their 25th season on Thursday, April 7 at 6:35 PM at NYSEG Stadium against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The State DOT announced that sign and traffic signal work would be performed today & tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the intersection of Chestnut and Main Street, City of Oneonta. Motorists are advised to be alert for workers who may be in the intersection. Flag personnel will guide motorists through the intersection when workers are in the roadway.

Oneonta city officials announced a public meeting would be held on February 24th in the Oneonta Middle school cafeteria, regarding the status of the citywide property revaluations that were conducted last year. Representatives from the firm that conducted the revaluation will be present along with the city assessor to let residents know when they can expect to be notified, how to interpret their notice and how to make inquiries. More information is available at 432-2397 or by email: rmaxwell@oneonta.ny.us

NYSEG reports approximately 480 customers in Chenango County were without electricity this afternoon due to a failure at the Cincinnatus Substation. Power was out in South Otselic, Georgetown, Pitcher and Pharsalia areas, NYSEG officials reported that they expect power will be restored shortly.

The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will hold their February Networking Luncheon today from 11:45am to 1:30pm At the Holiday Inn of Oneonta. The keynote speaker is Aaron MacLeod, the Director of Hartwick College’s New Center for Craft Food & Beverage. Assemblyman Pete Lopez will also speak on agriculture.

Otsego county public health will be at the Foxcare Center in Oneonta form 9:00 to 3:00 today, to provide bicycle helmet fittings for both adults & children. All bike helmets are $5 for those who qualify.

First responders were called to 8129 State Route 23 in the town of Davenport yesterday morning at about 10:15 AM for a report of a vehicle that drove into a structure. State police reported that the unidentified driver of the vehicle suffered a medical emergency, swerved off the road, then crossed back across oncoming traffic and hit the house. The driver and a passenger were transported to Fox Hospital in Oneonta; no one was in the house at the time of the accident. The investigation is continuing.

State Police arrested 25 year old Ian Kosciusko of Worcester for sexual abuse. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of an incident that occurred on September 11, at the Holiday Inn on State Route 23, in the Town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that an employee had unwanted sexual contact with an adult victim, Kosciusko was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, An order of protection was issued by the court.

State Police arrested 27 year old Megan Madore of Stamford, for felony DWI following a traffic stop for driving with a loud exhaust while on State route 28 in the Town of Oneonta. The arrest was a felony because she has a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. Madore was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on August 4th.

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston announced details of the upcoming auction of tax foreclosure properties in the County. The auction is Saturday, August 1st, at the Holiday Inn, on Hawley Street in Binghamton at 10:00 AM; Auction bidders must register between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM that morning. 130 properties are being auctioned off, as is, last year the county sold 120 properties, netting $805,000.

3 committees of the Oneonta Common Council will meet today. The facilities, technology, operations -community improvement committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the finance & administration committee will meet at 5:00 PM, the zoning & housing board of Appeal will meet at 7:00 PM. All of the meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council will hold their next meeting today at the Oneonta Holiday Inn at 7:00 PM. Residents of the town & city of Oneonta are encouraged to attend; the topic is the possible savings in taxes by consolidating the town of Oneonta into the City of Oneonta.