WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-30-24

Chenango County Residents will be voting to fill the Family Court Judge position for the 1st time on Tuesday, Democrat Lisa Natoli told WCDO News why she feels that she should fill the position:

(Lisa Natoli 10-30-24)

Republican candidate Diane DiStefano is also running for the newly created positions & told WCDO News why she should be elected:

(Diane DiStefano 10-30-24)

More information about Chenango County Elections can be found at the County Board of Elections website at chenangocountyny.gov.

42 year old Dennis Fickeria of Margaretville pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance this week in Delaware County Court. In January, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Fickeria’s residence in the town of Middletown, they seized controlled substances and firearms, he was indicted for 38 counts related to illegal gun possession and drug sales, he admitted in court that he possessed Fentanyl with the intention of selling it, he faces 4.5 years in state prison, to be followed by 1 year of post release supervision, when sentenced on December 16th.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will be hosting a "Caregivers Support Group" for those assisting those with a variety of health issues, that can be overwhelming to loved ones who are caring for them, Hospice Spokesperson Sarah Green comments:

(Sarah Green 10-30-24)

Registration is requested by calling Hospice at 607-334-3556, the next session will be on November 7th in Norwich.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony on November 14th. Several County businesses will receive awards at the event, which will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium on Market Street in Oneonta.

Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.98 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024, an increase of 1.4%, or $82.7 million, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. 8 of the 10 regions in the state, saw collections rise. Aggregate growth in third quarter collections for the counties and cities outside of New York City was 1.5%, year over year, it was the largest increase so far this year.

Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi will again be hosting area veterans for a special Veterans Day breakfast event on Thursday, November 8. Veterans and their families are invited to attend the event, beginning with a breakfast at 8:15 am, followed by an assembly and special program in the high school auditorium at 9:00 am. Veterans who are interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling the high school office, 607-746-1308.

Voters in the 121st State Assembly District will have a choice on the ballot next Tuesday in who they want to send to Albany for the next 2 year term, Incumbent Republican Joe Angelino is seeking re-election for a 3rd term:

(Joe Angelino 10-29-24)

Democrat Vicky Davis is seeking the seat as well, she said that if elected, she would be in the majority, which would lead to more favorable outcomes for constituents:

(Vicky Davis 10-29-24)

November 5th is Election Day at your local polling place, more information is available through your County Board of Elections website.

Several Area Fire Departments responded to a Chimney Fire at 9 Ceperley Avenue in Oneonta early this morning. The Fire was reported shortly before 4:30 AM this morning, with fire on the 1st & 2nd floor, coming through the roof, mutual aid was received by the Oneonta Fire Department from West Oneonta, Worcester, Sidney, Franklin, Milford, Laurens & Otego, at about 5:30 AM, the Fire knocked down, the investigation into the cause of the fire in ongoing.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office added 2 new deputies following their graduation from the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy. Deputies Tanner Franklin and Michael Smith completed the Basic Police Academy program, followed by a six-week field training course, prior to last Friday's Ceremony.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-29-24

56 year old Claude Manon of Margaretville, was sentenced to 6 months of incarceration to be followed by 5 years of probation supervision for Grand Larceny. Manon was accused of stealing over $3,000 in cash from a home he was doing work in on February 1, 2024, in the Town of Middletown, if Manon violates the terms of his probation, he faces one and a third to four years in State Prison.

Otsego County Officials announced that they have a State of Emergency due to current drought conditions adversely affecting the water supply in the county, which increases the risk of wildfires. Otsego County residents are prohibited from burning any combustible materials outside, and they are prohibited in engaging in any activities that could allow for flames or sparks that could result in a wildfire. The Emergency order is in effect until November 2nd.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Kyle Packer of Edmeston following an investigation of a violation of a Court Order of Protection. Packer was charged with 2 counts of 3rd degree Burglary plus 4 counts of Criminal Contempt, where Packer is accused of entering the premises and violating a stay away order of protection, he was also found to have left 2 voicemails for the protected party, he was being held at the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar will be hosting a Public Safety Town Hall at 6:00 PM today for residents of Windsor and the surrounding communities. The Public Safety Town Hall will take place at the Village of Windsor Community House, Community members are invited to attend and hear the latest public safety updates, ask questions and discuss safety for residents and motorists.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 10-25-24

Bassett Healthcare Network announced the elimination of around 100 positions, the majority were administrative. Patient care would not be affected by the layoffs, which represent 2% of their total workforce.

On Saturday, from 10 am. to 2 pm. the Norwich City Police Department will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event. The DEA and Norwich Police will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs, they can NOT accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The Norwich collection will be at the rear of the City of Norwich Police Department at 18 East Main Street, Norwich. For more information and to find other collection sites, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

The Sidney American Legion announced that they will hold a fundraiser to help the victims of recent flooding in North Carolina. The event will be this Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Legion on Union Street, there will be dinner & music.

The Otsego County Board of Elections announced that Early Voting for the November 5 General Election will begins tomorrow through November 3 at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, on Market Street in Oneonta & at The Meadows Office Complex, at 140 County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Polls will be open from 9 am. to 5 pm. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Polls will be open from 12 to 8 pm. on Tuesday and Thursday. More information is available at the Otsego County Board of Elections at (607) 547-4247.

On Saturday "AK" McEwan Lomnicki has organized a Halloween Dog Costume Contest in Downtown Sidney, she told WCDO News about her event:

(AK 10-24-24)

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society, more information about animals up for adoption can be obtained by calling (607) 563-7780.

The New York State Veterans home is Oxford is hosting "Trunk Or Treat" Saturday where area children in costumes & their families can celebrate Halloween activities with the resident of the Vet's Home, Spokesman John Wiktor explains:

(John Wiktor 10-25-24)

More information is available at 607-843-3115.

The Norwitch Festival will be held in West Park in downtown Norwich tomorrow, with a variety of scheduled activities according to organizer Mindy Chawgo:

(Mindy Chawgo 10-25-24)

The event runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 pm Saturday.

Chenango County Public Health will hold a vaccine clinic for RSV, COVID 19 & the flu at the public health facility in at 5 Court Street Norwich Today, the clinic will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 PM for those who register at 607-337-1660.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-23-24

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office announced that the South Abington Police Department in Pennsylvania located & arrested Donald Shurock, who is being held in the Lackawanna County Jail pending his extradition back to New York. Shurock was wanted since last week, he had been located in a vehicle by a deputy, resisted arrested and fled the scene on foot, the Deputy was treated & released for injuries sustained in trying to arrest Shurock. Shurock is wanted on the initial warrant plus Assault of a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.

Hartwick College introduced the Baking Innovation Lab Tuesday during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new site on Dietz Street in Oneonta. Hartwick President James Mullen commented about the new facility:

(James Mullen 10-23-24)

Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek also commented:

(Mayor Drnek 10-23-24)

The Baking Innovation Lab is part of a Dietz Street development, which includes 64 units of affordable housing. The project received $1,470,000 in funding from the City’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.

The Otsego County Board of Elections announced that Early Voting for the November 5 General Election will begin October 26 through November 3 at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, on Market Street in Oneonta & at The Meadows Office Complex, at 140 County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Polls will be open from 9 am. to 5 pm. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Polls will be open from 12 to 8 pm. on Tuesday and Thursday. Otsego County voters are welcome to vote at either location. For more information, contact the Otsego County Board of Elections at (607) 547-4247.

The Delaware County Historical Association annual meeting will be held on Sunday, November 3rd at 1:00 PM in the large gallery at the Association's facility in Delhi. The annual Awards of Merit this year will go to the Walton Theatre Preservation Association, the Delaware County Diggers, Eli Taylor of Middletown & Scott Payne of Deposit

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 10-23-24

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors will have an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the new DPW Administration Building at 2 Bridge Street in Delhi at 12:00 PM Today. The new office building houses the DPW administrative staff along with the Planning and Watershed Affairs offices. Remaining on Page Avenue in Delhi is the DPW material storage yard, the fueling station, the bridge fabrication shop and the salt shed. The new patrol building in Bloomville will allow for greater access to roads in the northern part of the county for maintenance and snow removal. The new mechanics facility in the Town of Walton will be for car and heavy equipment repair.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41 year old Benjamin Bishop of Otselic for reckless endangerment, two counts of unlawful fleeing, and one count of resisting arrest. The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a road rage incident after a caller reported that Bishop's Van ran a vehicle off the road in Sherburne, additional calls described Bishop cutting off and tailgating other vehicles, he was located in Norwich, deputies attempted a traffic stop, he failed to comply, struck multiple vehicles and his vehicle became disabled, he fled on foot but was taken into custody after a taser was deployed. Bishop was also charged with numerous traffic citations & faces court action at a later date.

A recall of hundreds of frozen waffles and other toaster foods has been expanded, by TreeHouse Foods for possible listeria contamination. The company has recalled frozen waffles, Belgian waffles and pancakes sold in stores such as Dollar General, Target and Walmart. Consumers should throw away the products or return them to stores for a refund.

The State DMV warns customers to be cautious of car sales on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and similar sites. The advisory comes after a rise in stolen vehicles, including cars with altered ID numbers and forged titles. Investigations revealed that, as of October 15th there were 228 stolen vehicles worth $6.35 million recovered by the DMV, with 149 purchased by victims from these online platforms.

P.M. NEWS Monday 10-21-24

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has successfully negotiated with New York City to stop the acquisition of land in the County, Shelly Johnson Bennett of the Delaware County Planning Department told WCDO News why this is important to the County & The Watershed region:

(Shelly Johnson-Bennett 10-21-24)

Johnson Bennett said that scientifically based programs will allow for developing some land & still make sure that the water supply used by New York City will remain clean.

2 new laws went into effect in New York State over the weekend, that will impact how healthcare providers obtain consent to payment and collect payments from patients. Healthcare providers Must collect consent for payment separate from consent to receive healthcare services; & they are prohibited from requiring credit card pre-authorization or requiring a patient’s credit card be kept on file prior to the delivery of emergency or medically necessary services, & they Must notify patients of the risks of using credit cards to pay for healthcare services.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $27 Million Dollars in federal funding for the Delaware County Electric Cooperative, which provides electricity to over 5,000 families, farms, and local businesses in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties. The Delaware County Cooperative will lead a partnership composed of 6 small electric cooperatives across 3 states to increase grid resilience against outages caused by weather events and tree damage caused by invasive species. The Cooperative will deploy advanced software to enable proactive grid management, as well as hardware such as grid sensors and drones to provide real-time data and monitoring capabilities.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that the ballot drop box previously outside the Board of Elections Office at 97 Main Street in Delhi, has been removed. Officials stated that It was taken down by maintenance in response to a directive from the chair of the Board of Supervisors, Tina Mole, citing security issues and a contentious election. Anyone who received an absentee or early vote by mail ballot who prefers not to return it by mail can deliver it to the Board of Elections office during normal business hours, from 8:30AM to 4:00 PM, and during some extended hours during early voting being held at our Delhi Office, October 28 through November 3. Absentee/early mail ballots can also be delivered to any poll site on Election Day, November 5th.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that this is the last week to purchase tickets to attend the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Annual Commitment to Community Dinner on Saturday, November 2nd @ the Bainbridge Community Center. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are on sale at Bob's Diner until end of day this Friday. This year's honorees for Co-Citizens of the Year are Christine Smith and Michael Kauffman, Businesses of the Year: Bob's Diner and Payne's Cranes, the Business of Distinction: VIP Payroll and Tax Services & the Service Organization of the Year is the Bainbridge Fire Department.

A.M. NEWS Monday 10-21-24

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Brian Worden of Sidney following an investigation into medications not being taken properly in the Otsego County Correctional Facility. Worden was charged with Attempted Promoting Prison Contraband when he failed to take his prescribed medication properly and attempted to remove the medication from the medication room but was caught by a Correctional Officer, he was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

Chenango County Planning Director Shane Butler announced that there was a great turnout for our open house on the Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan Draft last week. Chenango County residents can Check out the plan at chenangocounty2050.com, residents can provide comments and feedback over the next few weeks, the next step is adoption by the County Board.

A new economic impact report finds that the annual GDP of New York State Parks and Historic Sites amounted to $3.7 billion in 2021, an impact that rivals the state's agricultural sector, which generated $3.3 billion during the same year. Park visitors generated $5.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in labor income, for every $1 million invested in parks results in $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP. Of the estimated 78 million visits in 2021, 47 million came from tourists not local to the area

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-16-24

State Police were dispatched Thursday night to a report of gunshots at Lantern Hill Mobile Home Park in Oneonta. An investigation revealed that a 40-year-old male of Oneonta, NY sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound after a dispute involving several individuals, he was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital by a private vehicle and was later transported to Bassett Hospital for further care. The vehicle carrying the victim was hit by gunfire during the incident. 34 year old Ishmael Seabrook of Oneonta was charged with 2 counts of Attempted Murder, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon & Reckless Endangerment, State Police were assisted by the Oneonta City Police Department, Seabrook was arraigned at the Otsego County Jail and was remanded without bail.

Delaware County Board of Elections will hold two days of in-person voter registration at the Delaware County Board of Elections, 97 Main Street, Suite 5, Delhi on Sept. 28 from 2 pm. to 9 pm. and Oct. 10 from 10 am. to 2 pm. For more information call 607-832-5321.

The Norwich Police Department reminds area residents that they will be hosting a Citizens Police Academy in October. The 6-week course will be two hours, one night of the week, Anyone interested in attending this course should email info@norwichpd.org. Class size will be limited to fifteen community members.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold a General Membership Meeting tomorrow morning @ 7:30 am in the Back of Bob's Diner. All are welcome to attend.

A.M. NEWS Monday 9-16-24

Bainbridge Guilford Superintendent Tim Ryan released a statement about an incident Friday evening as B-G was hosting a football game with Walton. During the game administration was notified that a student was overheard saying he had a gun at the game, law enforcement was notified, the student was located and was taken away from the game & Staff remained with the student until law enforcement arrived and took over the situation. Ryan stated that there was no fight at the game and there was no gun, there was no need to suspend or cancel the game or send everyone home. Law enforcement continued to meet with the student and his family, they left the premises and law enforcement officers remained at the game until the conclusion.

Broome County Sheriff Road Patrol deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident involving 2 vehicles Early Sunday morning on Morgan Road in the Town of Binghamton. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar identified the deceased as 29 year old Charles Burrell of Conklin, who was ejected from 1 of the vehicles, he said that the operators of the 2 vehicles were engaged in a continuing dispute over women & narcotics, they engaged in a road rage incident that ended with the fatality. 20 year old Cody Diffendorf of Kirkwood & 26 year old James MacDowall of Binghamton were each charged with 2nd degree manslaughter, both are in the custody of the Broome County Correctional facility pending future court action.

The Delaware County Planning Board announced that they plan to develop a Strategic Comprehensive Plan, to guide future growth, development, and preservation in the County. Fisher Associates will lead the planning process and public engagement efforts. Public Input Sessions will be today from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM at the Hobart Community Center & Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Walton Fire Hall, on West Street. The input gathered from the public survey and during these initial input sessions will be reviewed by Delaware County Planning and Fisher Associates, followed by additional opportunities for public review and comment.

Broadway In Binghamton announced that single tickets for the Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, will go on sale today at 10am. Tickets will be available at BroadwayInBinghamton.com, Ticketmaster.com, and in person at the Arena Box Office. AIN'T TOO PROUD will play at the Broome County Forum Theatre October 22 & 23 AT 7:30PM.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-25-24

On Friday, June 14, 2024, Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol attempted a routine traffic stop in Binghamton, the driver failed to comply and accelerated at a high rate of speed as patrols pursued, through Binghamton, Dickinson and Johnson City, where the driver jumped out of the moving vehicle & fled on foot. The passenger, 52 year old James Baker of Binghamton was taken into custody, patrols located the driver, 54 year old Lance Rosler hiding in an apartment nearby and placed him into custody. Officers seized methamphetamines in Rosler’s backpack, he was charged with Reckless Endangerment, 3 counts of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Hindering Prosecution, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy & Over 50 traffic violations through 3 jurisdictions, Baker was charged with Conspiracy & Hindering Prosecution, he is accused of filming the chase & convincing Rosler to keep the chase going. Rosler and Baker were processed, Baker was released on appearance tickets and Rosler remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2024. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in May 2024. Locally Chenango County had 3.2% unemployment, Delaware County 3.9% & Otsego County 3.7%.

45 year old Kareem Young of Binghamton was found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia by a Jury last week in Broome County Court. On January 5th, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit executed a narcotics search warrant at 25 North Street in Binghamton, Young possessed cocaine and implements of narcotics trafficking. Young faces sentencing on September 23rd, he is facing up to 15 years in State Prison

State Police will be holding a Child Passenger Car Safety Seat Check today & tomorrow, as State Law requires that all children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until they reach their 8th birthday. Troopers will be available from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Broome County Fairgrounds in Whitney Point.

The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services announced that Deputies & 1st responders reported to a serious crash this morning on State route 28 between Delhi & Spring Valley Road. Officials ask that motorists try to avoid that area today for clean up & the accident reconstruction investigation, more details will be released when available.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 6-25-24

State Police responded Saturday to the Tioughnioga River in the town of Lisle regarding a possible drowning. The investigation determined that an 11-year-old male from Marathon, was fishing with friends and decided to jump in the water to swim when he went under the water and didn't resurface due to the strong current. At 7:15 pm., the victim was located deceased in approximately eight feet-deep water by the Broome County Dive Team. There were no signs of foul play, and the scene was consistent with an accidental drowning.

The National Weather Service has rated a Saturday tornado in West Winfield as an EF-1, with winds in excess of 100 MPH. Investigators determined that the tornado began near the intersection of Meeting House Road and Marriot Road and moved east southeast ending east of New York State Route 51." Several Structures were damaged during the tornado, with a canoe ending up draped over power lines

Today is is Primary Day, with the Polls open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Check with your County Board of Elections to see if there are any primary elections in your jurisdiction, Primary elections will be held at your regular poll site.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-24-24

Today in the deadline to register teams for the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Norwich next month, Co-Organizer Tom Revoir explains:

(Tom Revoir 6-24-24)

Teams can register at Macker.com, referees & volunteers should contact Revoir at the Norwich YMCA At 607-336-9622, extension 1029. The Macker Tournament returns to the streets of Downtown Norwich this year on July 13th & 14th.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds voters that tomorrow is primary day, with the Polls open from 6 am. to 9 pm. There are no Republican party Primaries in Delaware County, Democrats will vote for a town council seat in the Town of Roxbury, and for the Party representative in the race for 102nd Assembly District. Primary elections will be held at your regular poll site.

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office has released more information regarding a fatal accident on Sunday, at about 1:00 AM. Patrols responded to Bailey Hollow Road in Newark Valley after reports of a crash, where the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. The driver of the car was an unidentified 17-year-old, the driver & 3 passengers were taken to Wilson Hospital, 18 year old Connor VanZile of Newark Valley, succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.

Hill City Celebrations is holding its annual Hometown Fourth of July Festival in Neahwa Park, on Thursday, July 4, beginning with a parade on Main Street at 1 pm. Following the parade, family-friendly games, a bounce house, food and craft vendors, live music, and many other activities will be held all day in Neahwa Park. The night will culminate with a fireworks show, more information is available at hillcitycelebrations.com or following Hill City Celebrations on Facebook.

A.M. NEWS Monday 6-24-24

State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bryant said in a decision filed Thursday that the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision did not provide sufficient evidence to refute allegations that it has failed to follow the limits on solitary confinement enshrined in state law in 2021. State law limits solitary confinement in most cases to three consecutive days, or six days in any given 30-day period.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35 year old Nastassja Blasetti of Oneonta following a burglary investigation in the Town of Otego. It was reported to the Sheriff’s Office that Blasetti had broken into a residence and caused damage to items within, she was located, arrested & is being held at the Otsego County Jail pending arraignment, and an order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta announced that the Paula Cole Concert scheduled for this Friday Night has been canceled. Foothills Director Geoff Doyle told WCDO News said that the concert was canceled due to circumstances beyond their control and they are working to reschedule the show at a later date. Tickets will be refunded, more information is available at (607) 431-2080.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-12-24

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the recently signed PACT Act. Peter Potter of the VA in Albany told WCDO News that veterans can come to the Albany VA clinic where they are staffed to help eligible vets:

(Peter Potter 3-12-24)

Potter said that Veterans from all branches are eligible, they can go to VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to get additional information.

A presentation for the public will be held at the Sidney Library Smart Community Room, regarding the Flood Gauge project that was installed by & monitored by students at the Sidney Central School, after the 2006 flooding. Science Teacher Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 3-12-24)

Townsend said that they are also looking for additional sources of funding, as many of the other revenues streams & grants are no longer available. The presentation on the 27th will begin at 6:00 PM.

NYSEG is reporting additional success in getting power back on following yesterday's high winds knocking down tree limbs & power lines, area counties are back on, crews have shifted efforts to Sullivan County where about 1200 were without power this afternoon.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% in December 2023 to 4.5% in January 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 4.5% unemployment in January, Delaware County had 5.2% & Otsego County had 5.3%.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds are voters that the Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at your usual polling site from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Early Voting by Mail or Absentee ballot applications can be made through the state Board of Elections website at elections.ny.gov/request-ballot & Early Voting at Delaware County Board of Elections, will be from Saturday, March 23 to Saturday, March 30th. More information is available at 607-832-5321

The Food & Drug Administration announced that some types of ground cinnamon products sold at discount stores are being recalled because of elevated levels of lead. The Cinnamon in questions locally was available at stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, under the Supreme Tradition name, sold by Greenbriar International, of Chesapeake, Virginia, the cinnamon can be returned to the stores for a refund, or should be disposed of, the cinnamon with lead has been pulled from the shelves at the stores in question.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-12-24

Guilford Firefighters with assistance from other area departments responded to a report of a basement fire at 427 Ives Settlement Road, which was called in at about 4:30 PM Monday. The basement fire was knocked down quickly, Guilford received assistance from Bainbridge, Sidney & Oxford fire Departments.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-13-24

Village of Sidney Police Department announced that the owner of the deceased Dog found near Fox Street last Thursday, has been identified and the investigation suggests that the dog had succumbed to a terminal illness. The investigation continues as the Department evaluates whether criminal charges are warranted.

Norwich Police Department concluded an investigation into the Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the City of Norwich, they arrested 29 year old Austin Hutchins of Norwich for Criminal Possession of a Narcotic with Intent to Sell & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. On February 9th, Norwich Police Officers and Detectives took Hutchins into custody for an active Bench Warrant out of Oneida County, during this arrest, Norwich Officers located 7 bricks of heroin mixed with fentanyl, quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, over one thousand dollars in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Hutchins was released on an Appearance ticket to appear at Norwich Court at a later date, and was turned back over to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office on his warrant.

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Margaret Will of Windsor on an outstanding warrant and charged with Bail Jumping after failing to appear in court multiple times to answer for separate petty larceny charges in the Town of Windsor, she faces court action shortly.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 73-year-old Dennis Slater of Roxbury, after deputies responded to a Landlord/Tenant Complaint. Slater was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Trespass, & 1 count of Harassment of a Regulated Tenant, he is accused of intentionally entering his tenant's residence on multiple occasions without proper notice, Slater was processed and was held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility for Arraignment.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 26 year old Joshua Hunt of Unadilla for failing to abide by the State Sex Offender Registry. Hunt was charged with Failure to Notify a Change of Address & Failure to Update Registry Photograph, as required by sex offenders. Hunt relocated from his residence in the Town of Unadilla and did not notify authorities or give an updated photo within the required time frame. An arrest warrant was issued & Hunt was located by State Police and turned over to the Otsego County Sheriff's Office, he was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-13-24

Broome County Sheriff’s deputies responded Sunday to a report of a fight between two males with weapons at a Starbucks in the Town of Dickinson. Upon arrival, responding deputies found that the two men had been separated, 59 year old Daniel Ackley of Johnson City had been following a truck that he suspected was tailgating his wife earlier, as the other driver was placing an order at the drive-thru, Ackley pulled up beside and began yelling at the driver and threatened him with a hatchet, threatening decapitation, the other driver pulled to the front parking lot and exited his vehicle holding a hammer, Ackley struck the victim in the leg with his vehicle. The victim was then able to retreat inside while Ackley remained in the parking lot. Ackley was arrested without incident and charged with Menacing & Reckless Endangerment, he was processed and released on an appearance ticket to answer for his charges at the Town of Dickinson Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Jennifer Williams for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, following a disabled vehicle investigation. On February 20th, 2023, Deputies observed a vehicle with its hazards flashing On State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. During the course of investigation drugs and drug paraphernalia were recovered. On August 10th, 2023, a Sealed Indictment Warrant was issued for Williams arrest for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, last week Fallsburg Police Department located Williams and took her into custody, she was returned to Delaware County where she was held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

Delaware County Board OF elections announced that February 14th is the last day to make any changes to your party enrollment prior to the Presidential Primary election in April or the local, state and federal Primary election on June 25th. Any change of enrollment made between February 15th & July 5th will be effective July 5th. More information is available at elections.ny.gov, In-Person at Delaware County Board of Elections, 97 Main St, Delhi, OR at delcony.us/departments or 607-832-5321.