WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-2-25

Country Club Auto Group in Oneonta presented a check for $10,000 to Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network on November 21 after dedicating a portion of their October sales to the Bassett Cancer Institute Expansion Initiative. Tom Armao presented the check at FoxCare Center's cancer clinic & he told WCDO News why they donated:

(Tom Armao 12-2-25)

Learn more about Bassett Healthcare Network's Bassett Cancer Institute expansion initiative by visiting bassett.org/MovingForward.

Broome County District Attorney's office announced today that Nicholas Neer of Binghamton, was sentenced in Broome County Court to 7 to 14 years of incarceration following his pleas of guilty to 3rd degree Burglary and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Neer’s convictions stem from an investigation earlier this year by the State Police and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office into a series of burglaries and thefts in the towns of Windsor, Union, and Kirkwood, they identified Neer as a key participant responsible for breaking into multiple properties and possessing stolen items tied to those incidents.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-2-25

New Yorkers can now apply for HEAP, eligible households could receive up to $996, depending on their heating method. The program's opening was delayed due to the 43-day federal government shutdown, Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and households can apply online, by mail or in person at local social services departments. Click dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program for more information.

New survey findings regarding Governor Hochul's distraction-free schools law have been released, they received over 350 responses from school administrators who implemented smartphone restrictions this year, 92% reported a smooth transition to the new policy, 83% of schools experienced more positive classroom environments and better student engagement & 75% of teachers reported that the distraction-free policy improved their ability to teach effectively.

The DCMO BOCES Board of Education reviewed a proposed capital building project plan at a recent meeting on a plan for renovation of the Robert W. Harrold Campus, the Alan Pole Campus in Norwich and the purchase of the former Masonville Elementary School to house programs for students. BOCES District Superintendent Michael Rullo told WCDO News of the main reasons for the projects:

(Michael Rullo 11-4-25)

Both the renovations and the purchase of the Masonville School site are subject to voter approval on February 3rd of next year, the BOCES buildings over more than 50 years old, with the most recent renovations approved in 2005. The projects would start in March of 2027 and conclude in 2028.

The City of Oneonta is accepting applications for a firefighter civil service exam to be held on January 10, 2026. The application deadline is December 10, Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the Oneonta Civil Service Commission at City Hall at 258 Main Street and the starting salary for 2026 hires is $52,000. More information is available at oneonta.ny.us.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-4-25

Today is Election Day, with several important local races in the Tri County Region:

The Town of Sidney has several key races this year, Incumbents Town Supervisor Eric Wilson faces a challenge from Giffen Ott, 5 candidates are seeking 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, Incumbents Bill Heath & Frank Selleck are seeking re-election, they face challengers Andrew Hinkley, Richard DeCola & Jesse Wakeman. The Sidney Town Justice position race feature incumbents Greg McCann against challenger Jennifer Ruling

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There are Town Supervisor races locally, in Guilford it is a rematch between incumbent Sue McIntyre against Gilda Ward, in Unadilla George Denys faces a late challenge from Write In Candidate Ed Gross, in the town of Colchester, the candidates are Robert Hafele & Arthur Merrill, in the town of Oneonta, the candidates are William Rivera Jr. & Brett Holleran

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The Cities of Norwich and Oneonta will have new Mayors, in Norwich the candidates are Robert Jeffrey & Jason Miller, in Oneonta the candidates are Luisa Montanti & Dan Butterman

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In the race for Delaware County Treasurer, Ronda Williams faces Carli Pinner.

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Polls are open from 6am to 9pm today, more information is available at your County Board of Elections Website.

54 year old Donald Lane of Oneonta, was arrested Sunday for Sex Offender Failure to Update Change of Address following an investigation in to a sex offender failing to abide by restrictions by the State Sex Offender Registry. Lane is a level 2 sex offender, he failed to make the proper notifications regarding an address change, he also had a prior conviction of the failing to update the Sex Offender Registry, he was located in the City of Oneonta by deputies and taken in to custody following a brief foot pursuit, he was lodged him in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to Arraignment.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $135 million was made available to help communities across the State affordably undertake critical water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects. Locally, the City of Oneonta will receive $5.3 million in federal grant and low-cost financing for improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

Election Day is right around the corner & voters will be deciding on important races around the Tri-County Region, Oneonta will have a new Mayor as Mark Drnek is not seeking re-election, Republican Luisa Montanti is running for Mayor:

(Luisa Montanti 10-30-25)

Democrat Dan Butterman is running for Mayor, he said that there are 3 main areas of concern to deal with in Oneonta:

(Dan Butterman 10-30-25)

WCDO urges eligible voters to go to the polls on Tuesday November 4th.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will participate with the Shop with a Sheriff event will take place on Saturday, December 6, in Norwich. Sheriff’s Deputies will take approximately 30 children from across Chenango County shopping for gifts for themselves and their families. Each child will be provided with $200 to spend, Children are selected for participation by officials from each school district in Chenango County. For more information, call 607-337-1705, or stop by 279 County Road 46 Norwich.

The Sidney Police Department has added K9 Chase, to the department, he is handled by Officer Royce Terry & he is a 1 year old Dutch Shepherd. Officer Terry told WCDO news about his new canine partner, and how the community support by area businesses, private donations, & the Sidney Central School district has been outstanding:

(Royce Terry 10-16-25)

K9 Chase replaces K9 Riggs who was retired as a police dog this month, but will continue to live with Officer Terry's family, the program has no cost to taxpayers and Chase will be ready for his position in February.

City of Oneonta officials are asking city residents around the SUNY Oneonta campus to Boil their water before using. on Wednesday the water system lost pressure due to the isolation of a broken water main on East Dormitory Road near the intersection of Bugbee Road on the SUNY Oneonta Campus, which could lead to untreated water containing harmful microbes. For more information, contact the City Department of Public Works at (607) 432-2100, or the State Department of Health at (607) 432-3911.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-16-25

NYSEG will be holding a public statement hearing at SUNY Oneonta on Thursday, October 16th at 1:00pm in the Morris Conference Center, for the purpose of receiving comments concerning the proposed changes in the electric and gas delivery rates and practices and the proposed closure of certain walk-in office locations operated by the Company.

The Sidney Central School District's Homecoming will be held Saturday Night with a "Spirit Night" with a variety of activities, Spokesperson Rachel Swain explains:

(Rachel Swain 9-19-25)

Swain said that the Pep Rally starts at 5:30, Games will begin at 6:00 PM, cider & donuts will be provided by the Sidney Booster club.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta has brought back "The Idol Kings" following a great show last year, Foothills Director Geoff Doyle comments:

(Geoff Doyle 8-29-25)

Tickets can be purchased before the show or at foothillspac.org.

Norwich High School will hold its inaugural Hall of Distinction induction ceremony on Saturday at 4:30 PM in the senior high school. Committee member Anthony Testani told WCDO news who is being recognized:

(Anthony Testani 8-29-25)

The Hall of Distinction Committee is currently accepting nominations for future classes of honorees. Nomination forms can be found on the school district website norwichcsd.org, under the documents heading. Also, The Norwich High School Alumni Weekend Special will be held at the Norwich VFW Saturday night from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The Beadle Brothers will perform & money raised will go the the Norwich Volunteer Fire Association & the Norwich VFW.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office, Department of Health & The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee will host a Child Car Seat Safety Check Saturday at the Oneonta Home Depot on State Highway 28 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Certified Technicians will make sure that seats are installed properly & answer questionb particicpants in the Saturday event.

Otsego County, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and Vernonburg Group, will host a public community update meeting on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Morris Fire Hall, the meeting will be held in person and live-streamed online, with a recording available afterward on the project website: www.otsegocountyny.gov/broadband.php. The community session is part of Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project, aimed at accessing high-speed internet access for residents, businesses, and institutions across the region.

A Business & Wellness Expo will be held Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Muller Plaza on Main Street in Oneonta, admission is free and more information is available at 917-579-7613.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-19-25

The Sidney Police Department, arrested 66 year old Mark O'Neill of Sidney following a week-long investigation for a hit and run motor vehicle accident that occurred on August 11th. O'Neill was charged with Reckless endangerment, Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, Failing to yield right of way to pedestrian in cross walk, he was released on an appearance ticket to appear in court at a later date.

The DCMO BOCES school district in Norwich is currently auctioning off 2 2018 International school buses. These vehicles have become popular for being converted into into campers, the online auctions are open to the public at municibid.com and ends on Tuesday, August 19th. All of the proceeds from these auctions go back to DCMO BOCES school district, for school supplies, educational programs, and more.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer met with Oneonta Job Corps students and staff Thursday, Schumer explained that the Trump administration is targeting Job Corps centers for closure & completely eliminate funding for the program. Schumer said the Senate Appropriations Committee has passed a bipartisan bill out of committee that protects funding for Job Corps for next year, and now is calling on the House to follow suit. The Oneonta Job Corps employs 120 people in Oneonta.

A Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday at the Afton Golf Course, to raise money for the Oneonta Soccer Club’s youth teams, spokesman Jon Philby explains:

(Jon Philby 7-23-25)

More information is available at the Oneonta Soccer Club Facebook page or email to jonathan.philby@Oneontasoccerclub .org.

The DCMO BOCES school district in Norwich is currently auctioning off 2 2018 International school buses. These vehicles have become popular for being converted into into campers, the online auctions are open to the public at municibid.com and ends on Tuesday, August 19th. All of the proceeds from these auctions go back to DCMO BOCES school district, for school supplies, educational programs, and more.

Norwich City Officials announced that Mitchell Street to Silver Street is closed to local traffic for the next couple of weeks due to NYSEG gas line replacement work. All businesses in this district will remain open and access to them will be available throughout the project.

The FBI has announced the indictment of 63 year old Henry Garcia of Vero Beach Florida for "Sending a potentially hazardous material" charge, by mailing a letter last year to the New York Attorney General's Office in Albany, containing what was believed to be a biological weapon. The suspicious white powder was not a hazardous substance, the charge filed against Garcia carries a maximum term of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-27-25

Graduations continue for area school districts this weekend. Gilbertsville Mount Upton Seniors graduate this morning at 9:00 AM, Tonight, Milford seniors graduate at 6:00 PM, Afton, Deposit, Edmeston, Hancock, Laurens, Franklin, Windsor, Otselic Valley, Morris, Schenevus & Norwich will hold Commencement exercises at 7:00 PM, Charlotte Valley begins at 7:30PM. Saturday Morning Commencement exercises will begin at 9:)) Am for Harpursvile , followed by Sidney, Greene, & Walton at 10:00 AM, Oxford Academy at 11:00 AM South Kortright at 1:00 PM & Bainbridge Guilford at 7:00 PM.

21st District North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik plans to run for New York Governor next year, Hudson Valley Congressman Mike Lawler is also expected to announce a bid for Governor this week & possibly force Stefanik into a primary. Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to seek re-election next year.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled in Oneonta today from 11:30 am. - 4:30 pm., at the Oneonta Elks Lodge 1312, 86 Chestnut St, Schedule appointments at the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Afton Central School's Adult Education Program will be offering free G.E.D instruction into the ONC BOCES District, Program Director June White explains:

(JUNE WHITE 6-24-25)

The Programs will be available to adults 21 and over in ONEONTA, FRANKLIN, MILFORD, MORRIS, CHARLOTTE VALLEY, COOPERSTOWN among others, more information is available by calling 607-639-2811.

3 American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held in the Tri-County Area today, 1 in Cooperstown from 12 pm. - 5 pm.,at the Cooperstown Fire Department, another in Roxbury from 8:30 am. - 1:30 pm., at the Roxbury Town Hall, and another in Oneonta from 12 pm. - 5 pm., at the AO Fox Memorial Hospital Levine Center, Schedule appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Gilbertsville-Mount Upton’s Board of Education announced that they have offered Heather Wilcox the position of Superintendent, at Monday night’s community forum presentations at the GMU Auditorium. Wilcox is a Gilbertsville native and GMU graduate who has spent the last 13 years with the school district, Pending the successful negotiation of a contract, the Board of Education will appoint Wilcox as GMU’s next superintendent during an upcoming Board meeting. Her anticipated start date is August 1st, 1 day after Annette Hammond is set to retire as GMU’s superintendent.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today at the Quality Inn on State Highway 23 in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, Appointments can be made at 1-800- REDCROSS, redcrossblood.org or on the Red Cross Blood Donor.

The Sidney Central School District announced the 13th annual Summer Enrichment & Summer Sports Camps, which will run from July 7th to July 31st, Monday through Thursday, The link to register will be found on our school district website. Registration is now open, and slots are limited, & will continue until filled or closed June 6th, more information is available at 607-561-7701.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Oneonta Fire Department responded at about 1:30 this morning to a structure fire at 5 Grand Street. An Occupant in 1 of the apartments reported a kitchen fire, crews found light smoke showing from the exterior of the building, they encountered heavy smoke and poor visibility on the 2nd floor, they located the involved apartment and quickly extinguished the fire. The Department reported that all 6 residents from the 3 affected apartments have been displaced and will remain so until repairs can be completed. 1 occupant was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital for evaluation, 1 resident's cat perished in the fire. Assistance was provided by the Sidney Fire Department FAST Team, West Oneonta Fire Department was on stand-by, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Many of the Southern Tier area schools had their budgets passed by voters on Tuesday, however not all of the results are in this morning. Locally, Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget 147-43, they also passed the bus proposition & the Sidney Luibrary budget, Bainbridge-Guilford School Budget passes 180-78, Franklin had their budget, bus & library votes passed, other local who schools who reported budget votes passing by substantial margins were Unatego, Oneonta, GMU, DEPOSIT, WALTON, Afton, UNADILLA VALLEY, Greene, Harpursville.

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.

33 year old Charles Larson of Oneonta appeared in Delaware County Court Tuesday and pleaded guilty to Driving While Intoxicated, Larson was sentenced to 3 years of felony probation supervision. On October 20, 2024, Colchester Police observed 2 speeding motorcycles, After conducting a traffic stop, Larson failed the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and he was arrested. On November 14, 2024, the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 5-count indictment against Larson for the latest DWI, he was previously convicted of DWI within the last ten years, Larson’s license was revoked for 6 months and any vehicle he operates for the next 12 months must have an Ignition Interlock Device installed, if he violates the terms he will be re-sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle where an occupant had an open container of alcohol, a search was conducted & Deputies located cocaine and other narcotics 24 year old Maxwell Kaufman of Downsville was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Obstructing Governmental Administration. 24 year old Treyton Hathaway of Oneonta was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a weapon. Kaufman was released on his own recognizance and Hathaway was turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.

State Police with the assistance of the Broome County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of possible human remains that were located behind the Windsor school bus garage on Main Street in the town of Windsor. The investigation is ongoing at this time.”

NYSEG is reporting that much of the power has been restored in the WCDO Listening area, Franklin still has the largest number of outages, with over 1300 earlier this afternoon, the Franklin school district was forced to cancel classes today due to the power outage.

Bassett Healthcare Network and the Oneonta World of Learning are hosting PaintFest at FoxCare Center in Oneonta on Saturday, March 22 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bassett Spokesperson Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 3-17-25)

Argo said that registration is requested through eventbrite.com, admission is free.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-12-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the conviction of Duane Kinne of Walton pleaded guilty to 6 counts of Unlawful Surveillance, for secretly installing a camera in a bathroom shower and using the recordings for his own gratification, plus 1 count of Criminal Sexual Act for admitting to performing a sexual act on a boy less than 13 years old. Kinne will be sentenced at a later date.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado was in Oneonta Tuesday, he announced that the Utica Center for Development was holding their grand opening of a new veterans resource center in the Oneonta Armory. The new location at 4 Academy Street in Oneonta, will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am. until 4 pm. More information is available at ucdevelopment.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-4-25

57 year old Paul Geer of Hancock was convicted by a jury in US District Court for 2 counts of coercing and enticing 2 separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and 2 counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children. Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, where he used his position of authority to coerce 2 students to travel with him to Maine and Toronto, Canada. where he raped or otherwise sexually abused each of the two children. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9th, where Geer is expected to be sentenced to many years in prison & pay fines up to $250,000, followed by a term of supervised release of up to 5 years after prison.

The 2025 Regional Spelling Bee Champion was won Saturday by Margot Fieni of the Oneonta City School District. Margot earned the title in the 16th round by correctly spelling "Burmese." she will have the chance to travel to National Harbor, Maryland in late May to compete against more than 200 other spellers from around the country and the world at the 100th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is looking for New Recruits and Experienced Police Officers, applications are being accepted now for Deputy Sheriff and Correction Officer positions at otsegocounty.com/departments.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-3-25

The US Northern District Court of New York's Asset Recovery Unit collected $39,262,324 in civil, criminal and forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2024. $14,085,025 was collected in criminal actions, $15,874,944 was collected in civil actions, and $9,302,354 was collected in asset forfeiture actions. The Northern District of New York also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice to collect an additional $18,995,733 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.

Gilbertville Mount Upton Superintendent Annette Hammond announced that she will retire following the completion of her 10th year as superintendent and 16th overall at GMU. Hammond became GMU’s middle/high school principal in August 2009, and was named superintendent in August 2015. The District will begin conducting a search for a new Superintendent shortly.

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IS HAVING A FREE ENERGY WORKSHOP today from 5:30 TO 7:00 PM, AT THE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CHENANGO OFFICE AT 99 NORTH BROAD STREET IN NORWICH. RSVP's are encouraged at 607-366-0833.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-22-25

State Police responded yesterday afternoon to at about 3:50 pm to a 3-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and County Highway 9 in the town of Oneonta. A preliminary investigation determined that a BMW was traveling on State Highway 7 when it struck a Toyota from behind while the Toyota was waiting to turn left onto County Highway 9, the Toyota was pushed into the path of a Chevrolet SUV and they collided head-on. The operator of the BMW, a 76-year-old male was pronounced deceased on scene, it is unknown at this time whether he died as a result of the collision or if he suffered a medical event. The operator of the Toyota, a 24-year-old male was transported to A.O Fox Hospital, The operator of the Chevrolet SUV, a 52-year-old male with 3 children were checked out on scene but not transported. The investigation is on-going.

American Red Cross Blood Drives are continuing, a drive will be held today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, appointments can be made at 1-800 REDCROSS, with the blood donor app or at redcrossblood.org.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-21-25

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the State Executive Budget proposal today in Albany, totaling 252 Billion Dollars, an increase of 3.6% over last year's budget. Hochul discussed 3 plans to assist working class families in the Budget proposal:

(Hochul 1-21-25)

The increase in the budget follows an 8% state revenue increase over the last year, the Governor also discussed the continuance of plans to build more housing & changing the formula for state aid to school district and to stay on top of the state's crumbling roads & infrastructure due to the tough winter weather.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59 year old Karen Bryant of Greene & 71 year old Nancy Nowalk of Greene in connection with the misconduct investigation by the Greene Central School District. The woman were arrested Saturday after Greene Schoo Officlas reported that a 9-year-old female student had been “physically attacked” on a school bus by a school employee while in the Town of Masonville on Wednesday, January 8th. Video evidence revealed that Bryant struck the student “multiple times”, while Nowalk, failed to report it to the district. Bryant and Nowalk have been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bryant was also charged with Harassment, they were released on appearance tickets for the Town of Masonville Court at a later date.

The American Red Cross announced that if local residents donate Blood this month, they can enter for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. There are 2 Blood Drives in Oneonta today, one from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Oneonta Elks Lodge on Chestnut Street and another from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the St. James Episcopal Church at 205 Main Street. Donations can be made with the Blood Donor app, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-redcross.