WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-9-26

Governor Hochul announced $110 million in State funding to improve emergency communications systems and dispatching capabilities through 2 programs. Through the SICG-Formula Grant Program, $90 million is being awarded to support efforts to bolster communications networks, locally, Chennago County gets $968,000, Delaware County 1.16 Million Dollars & Otsego County gets 1.2 Million dollars. Also, The PSAP Operations Grant Program provides funding to support county 911 centers, with Chenango getting $310,000, Delaware & Otsego Counties get almost $320,000 each.

A.M. NEWS Friday 6-5-26

Broome County Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Health Department provided the public with the latest update on the outbreak of Salmonella that hit the Broome County Correctional Facility. After 11 days, operations at Broome County Correctional Facility have largely returned to normal, Over 120 IV hydration treatments were conducted, 10 individuals were hospitalized, 8 have returned from the hospital, with 2 still receiving treatment. Broome County Health Department showed a positive result for Salmonella in sample of a chicken salad meal served on May 24th, no other meals have tested positive. The Health Department identified multiple violations related to food preparation and storage that could have led to the outbreak. Several of the violations identified are repeat violations that have previously been cited to the food vendor, particularly those involving the cooling of food, The Health Department found no issues with water quality at the Correctional Facility.

Delaware County sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Logan Coss of Grand Gorge for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated and Obstructing Firefighter Operations. On May 25th, Deputies responded to assist the Grand Gorge Fire Department and Town of Roxbury Constable at the scene of a vehicle fire, Coss is accused of attempting to obstruct fire fighters and police who were on scene. Coss was released on appearance tickets for Town of Roxbury Court at a later date.

Delaware County has continued to transition operations of the senior meals program after Delaware Opportunities abruptly ceased operating on May 7th. Delaware County Office for the Aging has supported Senior meals both at congregate meal sites and through home meal deliveries. Congregate meal sites are now fully staffed and operational in Delhi, Hancock, Walton & Grand Gorge, the Margaretville senior meals dining center is open and located back in the Margaretville Methodist Church. The Sidney senior dining center has been temporarily relocated to the Sidney Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in Sidney, today that site will be operational to serve meals on site and prepare meals for home delivery. The County continues to work with the owners of the Sidney Senior Housing site to permanently relocate senior meals back to the senior nutrition site at 21 Liberty Street Sidney. Those interested in county employment, contact the Delaware County personnel office to inquire about these positions.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-8-26

Delaware County has been contracting with Delaware Opportunities, to provide nutrition services to Delaware County residents 60 years or older and their spouses. Thursday Night, Delaware Opportunities ceased all operations of senior meals effective immediately. The Delaware County Office for the Aging took over today. Delaware County officials will move forward with the plan to take senior meals service in house rather than waiting until 2027. Delaware County Office for the Aging will be operating these services, and no seniors will be left without meals or services they receive.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli audited the Town of Davenport, The audit found that the board did not conduct, or provide for, an annual audit of the supervisor’s financial records and reports for fiscal year 2024, the supervisor also did not properly maintain financial information for liabilities and fund equity in the balance sheet reports, hindering the board’s ability to monitor the town’s financial operations throughout the year.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing Coinbase and Gemini, 2 of the newest players in the prediction market industry, arguing that the companies' unregulated and unlicensed platforms are illegal gambling operations. By operating without licenses, the lawsuit says, Coinbase's and Gemini's prediction market businesses aren't paying the same taxes as licensed casinos and mobile sports-books, which are taxed by the state at a rate of approximately 51% of gross revenues. The lawsuit also claims that Coinbase and Gemini allow users as young as 18, the state law prohibits wagering by anyone under 21. The lawsuit seeks to bar the companies' platforms from operating in the state unless and until they obtain licenses from the state Gaming Commission.

Public trust in politics and government has reached historic lows in the United States according to recent polling numbers. Recent data shows that only 17% to 22% of Americans trust the federal government to do what is right, Recent Polls of New York State residents regarding local & State politics is also at a low 17% approval rate.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-9-26

The City of Norwich and Chenango County Emergency Operations Center have issued a travel advisory for motorists using state Route 12 for bridge work on the Route 12 bridge over the Canasawacta Creek at the Southern end of the City. Work began earlier this week & is expected to take about 2 weeks to complete, Motorists can expect delays, drivers are advised to seek alternate routes during the work period.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-3-26

The City of Norwich Police Department arrested 33 year old Chad Potter of Sherburne, following a multi-agency investigation into interference with public safety communications. The investigation began in March of 2021, when it was alleged that Potter unlawfully transmitted over a law enforcement radio frequencies on multiple occasions, interfering with police, fire, and EMS operations throughout Chenango County. Potter broadcast false statements, including one transmission of "shots fired, shots fired," Potter was interviewed and admitted to transmitting over the law enforcement frequency and making the false statements, & having flashing lights on his vehicle, he was charged with 2 counts of Obstruction of Governmental Administration & Making a Terroristic Threat. Potter faces court action at a later date.

The State DEC & Area Fire Departments announced that the annual Burn Ban will be from March 16th to May 14th this year. Open Burning of brush or debris is prohibited during that time-frame, to prevent wildfires & grass fires during the traditional driest time of the year.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-2-26

Following U.S. military operations in Iran, State Police are taking precautionary steps to protect communities across the state. Troopers are increasing their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. So far, there were no specific, credible threats to New York, residents are asked to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire at 57 Maple Street Saturday morning, 1st floor residents and visitors were able to leave the house safely, the 2nd floor apartments were under construction, the 1st floor apartment suffered water damage from fire operations, The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, Mutual aid was provided by Otego, West Oneonta and Franklin fire departments. no injuries were reported.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles will launch a new technology system, All DMV offices will close at 2:00 PM today, with online and phone services also unavailable during the transition. DMV operations are expected to fully resume on Wednesday.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-26-26

The State of Emergency continues in New York State today, following the snow storm that dropped about a foot of snow on average across the region. School & government offices are closed, State & County Officials advise the public to not drive unnecessarily until roads are plowed, Motorists should continue to monitor local conditions and check 511NY.org for the latest travel information as cleanup operations continue.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles will launch a new technology system, All DMV offices will close at 2:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 13, with online and phone services also unavailable during the transition. DMV operations are expected to fully resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18, People who need to renew a license or non-driver ID, or complete other transactions before February 13, are encouraged to use the online options on the DMV website.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced that starting Feb. 1, all visitors must arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled visitation hour to register and be processed by staff. A 5-minute grace period will be provided to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Visitors arriving 5 minutes or less from the top of the hour will need to wait until the next scheduled period. The Sheriff's Office stated these changes are intended to strengthen facility operations while ensuring safety and security for staff, inmates, and visitors.

State Police Organized Retail Theft Task Force has recovered more than $2.6 million in stolen goods statewide since launching new initiatives to curb retail theft in April 2024. Across 1,006 operations, State Police and local law enforcement partners have made 1,224 arrests and filed 2,146 charges, which translates to a 13% decrease in retail theft year-over-year in municipalities outside of New York City, for the 1st 6 months of 2025.

The Raymond Corporation will celebrate its 11th annual Manufacturing Day tomorrow by welcoming students to the Greene facility. Ryan DeLaney, VP of Operations told WCDO news about the event:

(Ryan DeLaney 10-8-25)

The event will be held in person, with about 125 people signed up, there were virtual sessions that were well attended during the Pandemic, with the shift back to in person tours in the last couple of years.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-8-25

A Chenango County Grand Jury handed up felony indictments recently, Shane Lum was indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and possession of cocaine, following a June 1st arrest in New Berlin. Also, Sherri Campbell was indicted for failing to register an address change, within the 10 days required by law for sex offenders, both will appear in Chenango County Court in the near future.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $25 million in State funding has been awarded to enhance safety, modernize operations, promote environmental resilience and enhance regional economic competitiveness at airports across New York. The funding includes the Greater Binghamton Airport / Link Field, which will receive $2.49 million to rehabilitate hangars.

The Future for Oneonta Foundation is partnering with Otsego 2000 to develop an operations plan for an Oneonta Farmers’ Market, based on the model that has been working successfully year round in Cooperstown for more than 3 decades, Ellen Pope of Otsego 2000 explains:

(Ellen Pope 5-1-25)

Pope said that are looking for an indoor location close to the Oneonta downtown shopping district, Further details about the building project and market development should be announced in the coming months.

State DEC announced that the regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1st, Spring turkey harvests average 16,000 to 18,000 birds, Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time, Licenses can also be displayed digitally using the HuntFishNY mobile app, licenses are also available in person at more than 1,100 Agents across the State, For more information about sporting licenses, dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-28-25

Chenango Sheriff Office arrested 47 year old Andrew Harris of Plymouth for Obstructing Fire Fighting Operations, Reckless Endangerment of Property, Unlawful Imprisonment. Harris was arrested after deputies determined he would not let fire department personnel extinguish a house fire in the Town of Plymouth. Harris was found standing in his driveway in close proximity to a fully involved house fire, he aggressive yelled at emergency personnel and failed to obey lawful orders, Deputies also determined that Harris committed crimes the night before against his girlfriend during a domestic incident, he was arraigned & released on his own recognizance.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand slammed the Trump administration’s massive cuts to funding for food banks, soup kitchens, Schools and to farmers who provide much of that food to those low income families across the nation & in the state:

(Gillibrand 4-2-25)

Last month, President Trump slashed $1 billion in federal funding used to purchase food for food banks and other organizations that provide meals, he is canceling another $500 million in already approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program. 1 in 7 New Yorkers are already going hungry, & that number is expected to get worse with the new cuts.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-2-25

Governor Hochul and State Leaders failed to pass a budget by the April 1st deadline. the main sticking point are changes to the state's Discovery laws passed in 2019 to speed up trials requiring prosecutors to turn over more evidence at a faster rate. To keep state operations going and to pay employees, a $1.7 billion dollar budget extender has been issued until Thursday.

Governor Hochul and US Senator Charles Schumer announced that BAE Systems is investing $65 million to expand operations in the Village of Endicott, Broome County. The company will add a total of 150,000 square-feet to its existing site to make way for the addition of a new battery production line and lab space, and new office space. As a result of the expansion, the company has committed to creating up to 134 good-paying jobs onsite. For additional information, visit: jobs.baesystems.com/global/en.

On Monday at the DEP Offices on Smith Street in Kingston, community leaders gathered to announce a new initiative to improve wireless connectivity across the watershed. New York City DEP Commissioner Aggarwala discussed the project’s aim to build wireless infrastructure that will not only enhance DEP operations but also address the gaps in connectivity affecting local communities. The project will help fill in "dead zones" along critical roadways and ensure better communications for first responders, in areas where cell service is unreliable. The DEP's ability to create this infrastructure on their land will allow private wireless carriers to also utilize it to provide much-needed service boost to residents and businesses.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-26-24

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies received a complaint last week regarding a stolen vehicle from a driveway in the Town of Tompkins. Deputies were contacted by State Police, as they had located the vehicle parked at a residence in the Town of Bainbridge. 37 year old Aaron Howard of Walton was charged with Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle. 36 year old Courtney Condon of Walton was charged with Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.

The State Public Service Commission initiated a focused operations audit of Frontier Communications and directed the State Department of Public Service to issue a request for proposals to select an independent consultant to conduct the audit. The Department staff has had ongoing concerns related to Frontier's service quality performance, network reliability, and how it has been failing to report ongoing problems to state regulators, as required. The company has also allegedly failed to pay some of the resulting penalties to ratepayers or provide the required remedies in a timely fashion, they are also lagging on attachment transfers to new utility poles and necessary pole removals, which may delay the expansion of broadband and wireless infrastructure throughout its service territory.

The Village of Unadilla will have their 2nd annual Tree Decorating event at the Community House on December 13th, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 11-11-24)

Cotten said that interested businesses and organizations should contact him at 607-373-7370 before December 11th, a parade will follow the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 13th.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-11-24

The DEP and State Police helicopters are conducting aerial firefighting operations to assist local fire departments battling the Whitehouse forest fire raging across 384 acres in the mountainous New York City watershed between the Rondout and Ashokan reservoirs in Ulster County in the Catskills.

State Police at Troop C will be at the Spiedie Fest in Otsiningo Park. Troopers will have displays & demonstrations of their K9 unit, the Bomb Disposal Unit, drones, the Underwater Recovery Team, Collision Reconstruction Unit among many others. There is also a demonstration tentatively scheduled with the Special Operations Response Team and their Helicopter on Saturday, at noon and 2:00 pm, weather permitting. The Troop “C” Recruiter will also be there for those interested in signing up to take the State Police Exam.

Governor Hochul announced the opening of the application period for $50 million in funding for law enforcement agencies across New York State. The funding will allow police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City to purchase new technology and equipment to modernize their operations, More information is available at criminaljustice.ny.gov. Last year's efforts resulted in 378 Law Enforcement Agencies Outside New York City receiving funding for technology upgrades.

The Acco Brands plant in Sidney is being sold, Acco Officials said that the company signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell the building to a renewable energy company, if the building is sold in 2024, operations would continue in Sidney throughout much of 2024. CONVALT of Watertown is believed to be the purchaser as they announced on their website their plans to build their main factory, in Sidney with a targeted date of commercial operation in the 1st quarter of 2025.

The Utica Police Department has disclosed the identities of the deceased individuals involved in the Kingston Road incident Tuesday night. The 2 deceased individuals were 22 year old Sara Doody and 26 year old Donte Green both of Utica. Utica Police said that Green shot Doody in the head, shot his grandfather in the leg & when Police responded, he fire shots at the Officer and fled into a nearby resident & shot himself to death with a rifle. The 2 year old child of Doody & Green was removed from the scene and was brought to family members, Green's Grandfather is in an area hospital recovering from gunshot wounds to his legs.

A.M. NEWS Friday 4-5-24

New York lawmakers passed another extension for the state's budget on Thursday to ensure state workers get paid and operations continue, as negotiations continue. The extension will push the deadline to pass a budget to April 8th, local Assemblyman Brian Miller comments:

(Brian Miller 4-5-24)

Last year, lawmakers passed the budget almost 1 month later than the April 1st deadline.

The Guthrie Clinic will take over operations at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton Thursday. The take over includes all of Lourdes facilities, including the new clinic at the Oakdale Commons, a new name for the facility will be announced Thursday.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-26-24

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $157 Million Dollars in federal funding is coming to New York to reimburse the State Division of the Budget for the cost of emergency protective measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State utilized equipment, materials, and contracts to implement protective measures to reduce and prevent the spread of the virus, which allowed testing center operations to run smoothly & ensure that thousands of New Yorkers could be tested to minimize the spread of the virus. This funding was allocated through FEMA.