WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 10-19-22

Over 300 members of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers local 1529 voted to approve a new 3 year Contract from Amphenol of Sidney this afternoon. Union Representative Kevin Weidman told WCDO News the issues of sick leave, & wage increases were included and the 2 tier system has been altered & will be phased out. 3rd shift workers will return to work at the Sidney facilities at 11:00 PM tonight.

Governor Kathy Hochul joined Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli in honoring 218 new New York State Troopers as they graduated today from the 211th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Today's graduation increases the State Police ranks to 4,742 sworn members. 29 of the new Troopers will report to Troop C in Sidney.

Delaware County Deputies were dispatched On April 29th to a report of a burglary at Herman’s Trailer Sales in the Town of Walton, followed by additional reports of larceny and burglary from the same location, The Investigation revealed that rare antiques and jewelry stolen from the Herman's property were sold for cash at a pawn Shop in Utica. Items were recovered from Utica, Sidney Walton, Unadilla & South New Berlin, Deputies arrested 39-year old Francis Lupo of Walton & 44-year-old Luke Lupo, of South New Berlin Petty Larceny, criminal mischief & Burglary Charges, and 33-year-old Mistyblue Decker of Hancock for criminal mischief and petty larceny. All 3 were released & will appear in Walton Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 48 year old Wayne Brostek of Schenevus following a traffic stop in the Town of Milford on October 5th. Brostek was charged with Operate out of interlock restriction, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Operating Without Insurance among several other similar charges, Brostek was issued uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Milford Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 23 year old Anna Genao of Franklin for Aggravated Unlicensed Operator charges as well as other violations following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident involving property damage and personal injury in Davenport on October 13th. Genao & other occupants were transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, after an investigation, Deputies arrested Genao, she was processed and released, & will appear in Town of Davenport Court at a later date.

The Board of Directors of Commerce Chenango announced the selection of Sal Testani as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. Testani is a Norwich native , he has more than 16 years of experience as a senior leader with both MeadWestvaco and ACCO Brands in Sidney, & he will assume his new role on November 1. Testani will appear at today's Commerce Chenango Open House at their South Broad Street Norwich office.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county residents that the GENERAL ELECTION is Tuesday November 8, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Those who need an absentee ballot must have the application in to the County Board Office by October 24th, and they may also apply on the state portal at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov; by oct6ober 24th. More information about absentee voting or early voting is available at the County Board's Delhi Office or by calling 607-832-5321.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 10-19-22

State Attorney General Letitia James released a report on the role of online platforms like 4chan & Twitch in the Buffalo mass shooting at a Tops grocery store where 10 Black individuals were killed and 3 others were injured. James' Office reviewed thousands of pages of documents and social media content to examine how the alleged shooter Payton Gendron of Conklin used online platforms to plan, prepare, and publicize his attack. The report also said that the platforms lacked of oversight, transparency, and accountability in allowing hateful and extremist views to proliferate, leading to radicalization and violence. Gendron faces numerous state & federal charges in connection with the shooting, and could face the death penalty if convicted on the federal charges.

Commerce Chenango will host an open house today as part of "Support Your Local Chamber Of Commerce Day, Commerce Chenango Director of Communications & Tourism Audrey Robinson comments:

(Audrey Robinson 10-13-22)

Robinson said that the event is also open to the public at their South Broad Street Norwich location, beginning at 4:00 PM.

$13 million has been awarded to protect clean water across New York State and help New York's farmers continue their work to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the Southern Tier over $1.5 million dollars will be sent to 5 entities to oversee the projects, the details can be found at agriculture.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-8-22

The Gus Macker Tournament returns to Norwich after a 2 year break due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Co-Organizer Tom Revoir visited the WCDO Studios this morning, and he is looking for volunteers for a variety of roles:

(Tom Revoir 6-8-22)

The Gus Macker Tournament runs from July 8th to the 10th at the Norwich High School Complex this year. The Deadline to register a team is June 20th at Macker.com, Prospective sponsors of volunteer can call the Norwich YMCA at 336-9622 and speak with Revoir or Jamey Mullen.

Sidney Village Officials announced that due to a water main repair, the village is shutting of water in the downtown area through 6:00 PM. The Main Street Bridge is closed for repairs, Chambers & O'Hara announced that their Main Street entrance is closed, but patrons can enter the lot from the driveway on Bridge Street about 200 yards from the Traffic Light.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society announced that they will open its exhibition, on Saturday, June 18th, entitled “Remembering Oneonta in the 1960's” at the Oneonta History Center at 183 Main Street. The exhibit will explore the decade of the 1960s as one of expansion, modernization, and social and cultural growth in Oneonta, exploring themes like social activism, college life, retail and shopping, sports, local government, & Urban Renewal, More information is available at oneontahistory.org or at the Oneonta History Center pages on Facebook or Instagram.

New York State now has Early Voting, for Delaware County registered voters it will take place at the Board of Elections Office, 3 Gallant Avenue in Delhi. Hours for Early Voting for the June 28th Primaries will start Saturday June 18 & run through Sunday June 26th. The polls for the Primaries for in person voting will be from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm on June 28th, more information is available at 607 832-5321.

32 year old Anthony Schorer of Burlington was sentenced to 10 years probation in Otsego County Court. Schorer pleaded guilty to a 2nd degree criminal sexual act against a child, State Police originally arrested Schorer on January 4th and his brother, 33 year old Timothy Schorer of Hartwick on January 11th, he is due in court on June 24th. The alleged crimes happened between 2003 and 2010, the victim was between the ages of 5 and 11 years old.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-8-22

The State Department of Health today announced the 1st confirmed orthopoxvirus case outside of New York City, following testing at the Wadsworth Lab in Albany. The Sullivan County health department is treating the case as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway. The State Health Department 9 confirmed monkeypox cases, including 8 in New York City. For more information on monkeypox, go to health.ny.gov/Monkeypox.

Broome County Transit premiered their new fully electric buses that the county will be transitioning to in the coming months. The Busses are manufactured by Nova Bus of Plattsburgh, Broome County will be the only county in the state to transition to an all-electric public transit system.

Delaware County Public Health Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets Today from 4:00 TO 6:00 PM, at Arkville Fire Hall. For questions or more information call 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-2-22

State Police announced that 1 person was arrested during an Underage Drinking Initiative in Chenango and Otsego Counties. The initiative took place on May 28th & Alcohol was sold to a minor at Smithville General Store in Smithville Flats. An appearance ticket was issued to the clerk who sold alcohol to the minor. Other businesses were in in South Otselic, Norwich, Oxford, Greene & Morris.

Sidney Federal Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to selected graduating members this year, Vice President Sales and Marketing Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 6-2-22)

SFCU Scholarship recipients were Kayla Houck of Downsville, Hannah Sulas of Schenevus, Sariah Vesterfelt & Christina Ritter of Walton, Autumn Madugno of Bainbridge-Guilford, Zoe Gifford of Deposit, Anna Dewey of Sidney, Madison Felter of Hancock & Sebastian Quarella and Skyler Nowalk of Greene.

Development Chenango Corporation announced the next phase of the ‘Hotel Norwich’ initiative. Last year, Development Chenango purchased 14 to 16 South Broad Street, Norwich, for the purpose of developing a boutique hotel. Development Chenango sent out a formal “Request for Qualifications” to identify a developer and operator, the DCC Board of Directors awarded the project to Mike and Dan O’Reilly, owners of Principle Design Engineering, they have 1 year to secure the funding necessary to get the project started.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county voters to Register to vote for the June 28th Primary Election, tomorrow June 3rd is the last day to register in person or postmark a registration form for the June 28th Primary Election. Republican and Democratic Parties have primaries for Governor this year. Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at delcony.us, call 607-832-5321 or stop in at 3 Gallant Avenue in Delhi. Delhi NY.

The 73rd annual Sherburne Pageant of Bands takes place today through Saturday. Over 30 school districts are scheduled to participate in Saturday’s main event on main Street in Sherburne at 1:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-2-22

18-year-old Payton Gendron of Conklin was charged Wednesday by an Erie County Grand Jury with domestic terrorism motivated by hate and 10 counts of 1st-degree murder. Gendron has been in custody since the May 14th shooting at a Buffalo TOPS Supermarket, the 25-count indictment also contains charges of murder and attempted murder as a hate crime and weapons possession.

State Police responded to a report of a head-on collision involving an SUV and a Trailways bus on State Highway 23 in the town of Davenport. The only occupant of the SUV, a 65-year-old woman of Stamford, was pronounced deceased on scene. Her name is being withheld pending notifications to family. 5 people were on the bus, the driver is a 44-year-old woman of Astoria, and passenger who is a 59-year-old female of Hartwick were transported to Bassett Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. 3 other passengers were not injured, The investigation is on-going.

A law introduced after the murder of Utica teen Bianca Devins has passed in the State Senate and Assembly. Bianca’s Law would create criminal and civil penalties for disseminating personal images of crime victims. In 2019, Bianca Devins was murdered by Brandon Clark in Utica, he posted photos of her body on social media, which were spread on various platforms and sent directly to members of her family. The law is headed to Governor Hochul’s desk for approval..

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host their Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony tonight, with 3 awards to be given out, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 6-2-22)

This year’s Organization of the Year award goes to the Sidney Alumni Association, Spokesman Brian Innes commented:

(Brian Innes 6-2-22)

Chamber President Teri Schunk was chosen as the Citizen of the Years, the Business of the Years award goes to Gavin’s Pizza. The Annual Dinner will be held at the Sidney Fire Hall on River street starting at 5:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-5-22

3 Buildings & 4 Vehicles were destroyed in Saturday's early morning fire on Main Street in Worcester. Firefighters were able to remove one person from 1 of the buildings, Otsego County & State Fire investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire.

State Police will participate in a national crackdown on distracted driving as part of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The enforcement effort, called Operation Hang Up, will include increased patrols and checkpoints targeting drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel. This year’s enforcement detail will run from Monday, April 4, through Monday, April 11.

Norwich Police Department conducted a traffic stop on State Street Sunday, that resulted in the arrest of2 Norwich men on Drug Charges. Arrested were 30 year old Brett Adams of Norwich & 22 year old Brendan Smith of Norwich for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Adams and Smith were arraigned at Norwich City Court. Brett Adams was held on $1,000 cash bail, and Brendan Smith was released on his own recognizance to appear in court at a later date.

Volunteer fire departments across New York will open their doors on Saturday, April 23rd, and Sunday, April 24th as part of the 13th annual RecruitNY weekend. RecruitNY is an initiative designed to help increase membership in local volunteer fire departments. Tom Vail of the Afton Fire Department told WCDO about their open House on April 23rd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in conjunction with the annual Recruit New York program:

(Tom Vail 4-5-22)

Individuals looking to find out if their fire department is participating in RecruitNY can visit: recruitny.org.

The 3rd meeting of the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 12th at 3:00 PM. Norwich received a $10 Million Dollar award, Topics discussed during this meeting include an overview of program status, DRI project evaluation criteria, and a review of projects submitted as part of the City’s DRI application & those received through the Open Call for Project Proposals.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Saturday to the State Hwy 10 and Falls Mills Rd in the Town of Delhi for a report of a male subject walking in the roadway. A 2nd call stated that a male subject had been struck by a passing motorist in that same vicinity. Deputies & Delhi Fire Department & EMS located 18 year old Damyan Bonilla of Chester New York, who was taken to O’Connor Hospital with injuries & he was later transferred to Bassett Medical Center for further treatment. Deputies determined that Bonilla was walking on State Route 10, he was struck by a vehicle, the investigation in on-going.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-5-22

Commerce Chenango's annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will be held This morning at 7:30 AM at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Keynote speaker will be Economist Ken Entenmann.

Congressman Antonio Delgado announced that 11,131 petition signatures were delivered to the New York State Board of Elections for Delgado's reelection in New York's 19th Congressional District. New York's 19th Congressional District is expected to include all of Delaware County and parts of Broome, Chenango, & Otsego counties.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a statement following the Legislature's passage of an extender bill to fund state operations, after they failed to come to an agreement on a budget plan: DiNapoli stated that the budget extender bill will ensure that more than 60,000 state employees will be paid this week, but there may be a delay.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-4-22

Attorney General Letitia James announced that Cross Tie Disposal of Kentucky and company Vice President Harold Young are charged in a 42-count indictment that includes 30 counts of Falsifying Business Records and 11 counts of Endangering Public Health, Safety or the Environment. Cross Tie was supposed to dispose of old wood beams that were coated with creosote at a regulated site in Erie County but instead dumped the ties, contaminated with 11 hazardous substances at a property in Chenango County. The railroad ties have been removed as part of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency’s Chenango County Rail Revitalization Services project in 2015 to repair and improve railroad tracks throughout the county.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has lifted a 3-month pause on a new law that will require nursing homes to meet minimum standards for staffing and patient care. The law creates minimum staffing ratios and requires that nursing home residents get at least 3.5 hours per day of direct nursing care, it was approved in 2021 in response to the nursing home crisis during the pandemic, when thousands of Nursing Home residents died from the virus.

New York State has reverted to calling the "TASC" program back to it's original name "GED", for those interested in earning their High school Diploma, local Program director June White told WCDO News of the programs origins & of their current programs:

(June White 4-4-22)

White said that a home study course call "GRASP" is available for those who can't attend classes in person, more information about the GED programs is available by calling White at the Afton Central School at 639-2811.

Another Area Middle School student is heading to the National Spelling Bee in Washington in May, Martha Ryan of the DCMO Boces told WCDO News that local funds are needed to send Daanya Butt to DC:

( Martha Ryan 4-4-22)

Daanya Butt is a middle school student at the Oneonta Central School District, she recently won The Daily Star Spelling Bee, BG Student Melodie Loya went to the National Spelling Bee twice. More information is available by calling 334-7526.

Delaware County Public Health & Friends of Recovery -Delaware Otsego announce Recovery Coach Academy & Ethical Considerations training next week in Delhi. Spokesman Kyle LaFever told WCDO News who they are looking for:

(Kyle LaFever 4-4-22)

LaFever said that the deadline to register is today, but that could be extended for the right interested candidate, the number to call for more information is 607-267-4435.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-4-22

Fire destroyed 3 commercial buildings in Worcester Friday Night into Saturday Morning. The buildings were not occupied when the fire broke out, several area fire departments assisted Worcester Firefighters with the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office assisted the US Marshals in executing an arrest warrant in the Town of Maryland on 59 year old Michael Hawkins for failure to register as a sex offender. Hawkins was convicted in 1997 for child molestation in Rhode Island, he faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Governor Kathy Hochul & the State Legislature failed to pass the state budget on time Friday. Negotiations over bail reform, to-go drinks and New York City casinos stalled the completion of the budget, If the budget isn’t passed today, paychecks for state government employees will be delayed, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

State Senator Fred Akshar was filing his petitions to run for the office of Broome County Sheriff at the Broome County Board of Elections office in Binghamton today. Akshar has collected over 3,100 signatures from registered Republicans in Broome County in support of his run for Broome County Sheriff, Akshar declined to run for re-election after serving in the State Senate for 3 terms.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-16-22

The State Comptroller's Office conducted an audit of the State Department of Health, they found that the Department was unprepared to respond to infectious disease outbreaks at nursing homes, even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York. A lack of funding for public health forced the Department to operate without critical information systems and staff that could have identified and helped limit the spread of COVID-19 at nursing homes, also the department did not provide the public with accurate COVID-19 death counts and became entangled in the undercounting of those deaths as Governor Cuomo took control of information provided to the public. The Auditors believe that the actual number of nursing home residents who died is still uncertain.

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

(Gene Schmidt 3-16-22)

Schmidt said that proof of vaccination & masks are required for tonight's concert at the Foothills Performing Arts center on Market Street in Oneonta.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on Main Street in Delhi last Friday with a non-functional headlight. Deputies stopped the vehicle, the driver was identified as 19-year-old Skylar Pesout of Sidney Center, Deputies charged him with DWI and driving with blood alcohol content of .14%. Pesout was also issued Traffics Tickets & was released on an appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date to answer the charges.

Commerce Chenango Tourism announced their Inaugural "Wine Beer Food Festival" on July 30th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green told WCDO News about the new venture on the WCDO Morning show this morning:

(Kerri Green 3-16-22)

More information is available at chenangowbffest.com, as well as their Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages.

The Afton Community Theater & the Tri-Town Theater are teaming up for "Into The Woods" later this month in Norwich. Cast Members Sarah Norris and Mikaela Sepulveda talked about the characters they portray in this musical, on the WCDO Morning show this morning:

(Sarah Mikaela 3-26-22)

The show will be at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich on Friday & Saturday Nights, March 25 & 26th with a Sunday Afternoon Matinee on March 27th, Tickets are available at tritown.booktix.com more information is also available on their Facebook Page.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-16-22

Norwich City Police officers conducted a traffic stop on Mitchell Street Friday Morning, the driver left the vehicle & ran, & was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. Norwich police charged 23 year old Dylan Keenan of Bridgewater for criminal possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of governmental administration and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, plus Keenan was wanted on several outstanding warrants from different police agencies. Police confiscated methamphetamines packaged for sale, Keenan was processed & was was released on an appearance ticket, but was turned over to State Police for additional processing on the warrants.

The New York State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for January 2022. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% in December 2021 to 5.3% in January 2022. Delaware & Chenango Counties reported at 4% Unemployment, Otsego had 4.1% unemployment in January.

Jake Cotten was elected as Unadilla’s new village mayor over challenger Christopher Price in village elections Tuesday, by a vote of 117 to 82. Democrat Paul Baldwin and Republican Joseph Paliotta won trustee seats on the Unadilla Village Board. In Otego, Democrat David Clapper & Republican James Salisbury were elected to the village board.

.M. NEWS Tuesday 3-15-22

Village Elections are being held across the state today. In Unadilla, 2 men are running for Mayor, Jason Cotten & Christopher Price are seeking the seat, incumbent Jack Insinga declined to seek re-election, also in Unadilla 4 people are seeking 2 seats on the village baord, Republicans Joseph Paliotta & Eric Harkins, and Democrats Paul Baldwin & Dwight Mott are the candidates. In Otego, Republicans James Salisbury & Joseph Stanton are seeking Re-election to the village board, while Democrat David Clapper Jr. is also in the race. Polls are open from Noon until 9:00 PM today.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies stopped a vehicle on State Highway 10 last Tuesday in the Town of Delhi with an expired vehicle inspection sticker. 29-year-old Christina Hood of Delhi had her driving privileges suspended for Failure to Answer a Summons in the Town of Delhi Court, and the vehicle she was operating had a suspended registration. Hood was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle & Operating with a Suspended Registration, unlicensed operator and uninspected motor vehicle. Hood was released on Traffic Tickets, to appear in the Town of Delhi at a later time.

The City of Norwich Police Department & New York State Parole performed a home check Friday morning at 6 Lee Avenue in Norwich. Police discovered Methamphetamines, suboxone & an illegal rifle, Norwich officers arrested 34 year old Michael Pierce and 30 year old Jordann Maroney for criminal possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, Pierce was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Pierce and Maroney were arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched February 15th to a Harassment Complaint in the Town of Meredith. 48-year old Zacharias Fuller of Richfield Springs had electronically communicated with the victim and made threats to harm the victim. Deputies submitted a request for a criminal summons and an order of protection to Town of Meredith Court, which was issued. Deputies learned that Fuller was being held on unrelated charges at the Otsego County Correctional Facility, he was charged with Aggravated Harassment & he remained incarcerated in Otsego County, and will appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-15-22

State Police arrested 32 year old Richard Hildebrandt of Mastic Beach for Driving While Impaired by Drugs. Troopers were dispatched to the parking lot of Mountain Side Residential Care, they located Hildebrandt, he failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, further investigation revealed that numerous unlocked vehicles were rummaged through in the Margaretville area prior to Hildebrandt’s arrest. Many of the stolen items were located in Hildebrandt’s vehicle. Hildebrant was additionally charged with Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Petit Larceny, & Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree. He is scheduled to appear in the Middletown Town Court on April 14th.

Delaware County Public Health will host a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Colchester Highway Department on River Road in Downsville. More information is available at 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The next Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce meeting will be held this morning at the back of Bob's Diner, the meeting will begin at 7:30 AM.

New York City DEP is repairing a leak in their Delaware water supply system which will require the Delaware Aqueduct to be shut down for approximately 5-8 months beginning in October. The repair project that will completely shut off water diversions to NYC from their Delaware River basin reservoirs. More information is available at state.nj.us/drbc.