WCDO Radio News

Local Film-makers Joe Stillman & Jeri Wachter will be showing 5 of their Documentaries on uniquely American Stories on Friday & Saturday at Foothills in Oneonta, Joe Stillman told WCDO News about the films:

(Joe Stillman 2-2-26)

The films include the Jimmy Massey Story, about a former Marine speaking out on abuses during the Iraq War, another about former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark, another about poverty in Agriculture, another about COVID 19's effect on Americans & the 5th about 500 years of history being rediscovered in South Texas. Jeri Wachter said that both of them will be there both Friday & Saturday at Foothills, Veterans can attend free and how tickets can be purchased:

(Jeri Wachter 2-2-26)

More information is available at important films media.com. the films will be run from 2:00 PM through 10:00 PM both days.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Empire AI campus partnerships between SUNY’s university centers, university colleges, technology colleges, and community colleges to advance artificial intelligence research and education for the public good. The State University of New York at Albany is partnering with SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, and Hudson Valley Community College on 1 project, and The State University of New York at Binghamton is partnering with SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, Broome Community College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College om\n another project.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-2-26

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30-year-old Daniel Roe of Davenport, who is accused of subjecting a juvenile to sexual contact in May 2024. Roe was also alleged to have subjected another juvenile to inappropriate sexual conversations during the same time frame. Investigators arrested Roe on 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 1 count of Forcible Touching, 1 count of Sexual Abuse, Roe was arraigned & Orders of Protection were issued for the victims. Roe was later released on his own recognizance and was directed to appear at the Town of Davenport Court at a later date to answer the charges.

City of Oneonta announced that crews will be installing new Rapid Flashing Beacons at crosswalks at the new roundabout project. Motorists should expect temporary lane closures at various times over the next two weeks, at Main Street East, Lettis Highway South, Main Street West through the roundabout and at Pine Street.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-7-26

State Department of Transportation announced that major construction is complete on the $4 million roundabout project at The intersection of James F. Lettis Highway, Main Street & Maple Street in downtown Oneonta. The $4 million project began in the summer of 2025 and was funded through the Department's Highway Safety Improvement Program. It is the first of two projects in the City and Town of Oneonta, with a second project tentatively scheduled for the 2026 construction season to upgrade sidewalks and enhance the flow of traffic along State Routes 23 and 28 near the southern end of the Lettis Highway. In the coming weeks, some final touches will be added to the roundabout.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026 Tourism Promotion & Development Grant Program, for projects to attract visitors to Delaware County and enhance the overall tourism industry. The Applications Deadline is February 27, & should be mailed to Delaware County Department of Economic Development, 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4 in Delhi, 13753. The Grant program is funded through revenues raised through the Delaware County Occupancy Tax, more information is available at dcecodev.com.

Bassett's FoxCare Center in Oneonta is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross today from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm. at the Conference Room 1 at FoxCare Center in Oneonta. Appointments are available by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, walk-ins are also welcome

City of Oneonta Officials announced that Beginning next week (Monday–Wednesday), the contractor will install new street lighting in the area of the new roundabout at Main Street, Maple Street & The Lettis Highway. The following week, crews will complete electrical wiring and activate the lights. During this work, Main Street east from Grand Street and Lettis Highway south will be closed. There will also be short-term closures on Main Street west through the roundabout and Maple Street entering the roundabout. Posted detours will be in place, and all traffic will be restored once work is complete. Additional minor traffic disruptions are expected throughout January as rapid flashing beacons are installed at crosswalks and remaining signage is completed.

AM NEWS THURSDAY 12-18-25

51 year old Timothy Hoose of Berkshire, was found guilty of Grand Larceny following a jury trial in Broome County Court. The conviction stems from criminal conduct between September 2023, and January 2024, in the Town of Windsor, where Hoose, doing business as H&H Contracting, entered into a construction contract with the victim to build a garage structure on the victim’s property, the victim paid a $15,000 down payment, Hoose illegally used over $3,000 of those funds for purposes unrelated to the project. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2026, in Broome County Court, Hoose faces up to 7 years in State Prison.

Oneonta officials announced that crews will be working overnight from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM to complete paving and striping on the roundabout project. Closures will continue for portions of Route 7, Route 23, plus Maple & Pine Streets, Traffic will be detoured on side streets, and the intersection will reopen during the day in the Phase II traffic pattern. Striping work will also take place at night.

The Sidney Rotary Club announced that they will hold their 4th annual Golf Tournament on June 12th at the Sidney Golf & Country Club. More information is available by emailing to Office@sidneyunitedway.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-28-25

The State Department of Transportation announced that Phase I Detours will begin for the Roundabout Project in the City of Oneonta, on Monday, June 2nd and will be continuing for approximately 3 months, weather permitting. Access to the intersection will only be available from Lettis Highway northbound to Main Street eastbound and from Main Street eastbound to Lettis Highway southbound. Motorists are urged to follow separate signed detours for cars and trucks. Passenger vehicles traveling on Main Street will be detoured onto Otsego Street, Fair Street and Grand Street around the construction. Find full detour maps at the Oneonta Roundabout project website. dot.ny.gov/oneontaroundabout

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking detail in Otsego and Delaware Counties, all of the businesses checked were in compliance and did not sell alcohol to an under-aged operative. 12 Businesses complied, including Mirabito Quickway stores in Oneonta, Laurens, Hartwick, Colliersville, Otego, Unadilla & Davenport. During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth (if asked).

Governor Hochul announced that more than $50 million has been awarded to 50 projects through the State's Restore New York Communities Initiative. Locally, the Village of Cooperstown will get $1 million to demolish 217 Main Street, in favor of a 50-unit, 3-story apartment building. The Village of Franklin will receive $1 million to rehabilitate 3 vacant properties at 438-444 Main Street to be redeveloped into 5 new commercial businesses and a new apartment. The City of Norwich will receive $1 million for the former office building at 23 East Main Street to be repurposed for a childcare center, the 2nd floor will house Commerce Chenango offices with a reception area, The site’s emergency generator and location also position it for FEMA shelter designation, further strengthening community resilience.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-22-25

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will have 3 days of activities on and off the Susquehanna River, Co-Chairman Mike Kaufman told WCDO News about some of the activities on Saturday:

(Mike Kaufman Saturday)

Co-Chair Christine Smith told WCDO News about some of Saturday's entertainment:

(Christine Smith Saturday)

This year is the 63rd edition of the Regatta and WCDO will once again have coverage of the event, including full team coverage on Sunday for the 70 mile races.

Governor Hochul announced that contracts have been executed for 26 large-scale land-based renewable energy projects that, upon completion, will provide more than 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy, powering more than 670,000 homes throughout the State. The projects are expected to create more than 1,900 jobs and generate more than $6 billion in private investment statewide. Contracted projects include the High Bridge Wind, in Chenango County.

City of Oneonta announced that a new traffic pattern will go into effect starting Monday, June 2nd as part of Phase I of the State DOT's Reconstruction Project of the Main & Maple Street Roundabout project. There will be Road closures that will impact Main Street, Lettis Highway, and Maple Street where they intersect. Route 23 Northbound traffic may turn onto Route 7 Eastbound, Route 7 Eastbound traffic may turn onto Route 23 Southbound,all other routes through the intersection will be closed to traffic. Detours will be in place.

School Budget votes will be held tomorrow across the state, Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO news about their proposed budget:

(Eben Bullock 5-19-25)

The Unatego School District is also seeking approval on a new budget, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-19-25)

School Districts are also looking to fill Board of Education Seats, and in some cases capital projects and/or buss purchases around the state tomorrow.

The City of Oneonta announced a Traffic Alert regarding the Lettis Highway Lane Closures. Starting today, motorists can expect northbound lane closures on Lettis Highway (Route 23) between Fair Street and Main Street for approximately two weeks while drainage work is underway as part of State DOT's Oneonta Roundabout project. Drivers are reminded to slow down in work zones and obey all traffic control devices. Traffic updates can be found at 511, visiting 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Otsego County, in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, will host a public kickoff meeting on Thursday, May 29, to launch its Broadband Technical Assistance Project. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Meadows Office Complex, at 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-17-25

Governor Hochul announced that work is beginning on a $4 million project to transform the intersection of the James F. Lettis Highway and Main Street in Oneonta into a roundabout. Work on the project is getting underway this month with tree removal and other site preparation activities. Major construction will start in early to mid-July and will focus initially on the northern end of the intersection and the interior of the roundabout. During this phase, only the ramps to and from the Lettis Highway will be open to traffic traveling eastbound on Main Street. All other vehicular and pedestrian access will be closed. Detours for vehicles and pedestrians will be posted.

Governor Kathy Hochul launched the ConnectALL Deployment Program Request for Applications, or RFA, to secure internet service to unserved locations across New York State. ConnectALL will accept applications from April 15 through May 5 to fund projects deploying traditional fiber optic, cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial, licensed fixed wireless broadband service, and federally designated alternative technologies such as unlicensed fixed wireless and low-earth orbit satellite services. New York State is investing $1 billion to the program.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $16 million is being awarded through Round 7 of the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program to help 116 farms address the impacts of climate change. The selected projects will reduce greenhouse gases by an estimated 64,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the equivalent of eliminating over 14,000 cars from the road for 1 year, In the Southern Tier, $1.8 Million Dollars will be split up among 11 farms.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-14-23

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $57 million has been awarded to support 238 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Sportsfield Specialties will receive a $500,000 Grant & a $1.5 Million Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit, to expand its manufacturing operations in Delhi, by utilizing vacant property adjacent to its existing site. The proposed project will include a 60,000 square-foot manufacturing plant expansion with modern equipment, a new office complex, mechanical shop and storage, the Total Project Cost will be $27.5 Million.

The State Department of Transportation will hold their Public Information Meeting regarding the reconstruction of the State Route 7 & Maple Street intersection in Oneonta into a roundabout. The meeting will be held at the Oneonta High School starting at 5:30 PM, it will also be available for viewing online at dot.ny.gov/oneontaroundabout.

Governor Hochul announced $5 million is available to support animal shelters and humane societies in making infrastructure upgrades. The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, it provides matching grants to shelters and humane societies to offset the costs associated with capital projects. Shelters & Humane Societies must have their Applications in by 4:00 pm on January 29, 2024.

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.