WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-13-21

State Police have arrested 7 people linked to a crime spree across 4 local counties.  In July, State Police arrested Christopher Youngs of the town of Maryland & John Clark of Morris in connection with multiple burglaries in Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Madison counties.  State Police Investigators have lodged additional charges against Youngs and Clark, & they have also arrested 32 year old Joseph Santiago of Burlington Flats, 32 year old Charles Hall of Edmeston, 23 year old Kayla Van Pelt of Edmeston, 59 year old Henry Schmidt of Garratsville, 56 year old Samuel Madero of Morris, All 7 have been linked to over 40 cases between the State Police, local Sheriff’s departments and local police departments.  More charges are likely as investigators continue to work through the open cases.

Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich announced her Plans to Retire Sometime next summer.  Drugovich has led Hartwick College for 13 years, she received national news coverage for her program for an accelerated 3 Year Degree program; plus the development of 6 new undergraduate majors, a graduate-level program in Translational Biomedical Research Management, and soon, its Master of Science in Nursing Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing Education and the development of Hartwick’s Center for Craft Food & Beverage program. The College’s Board of Trustees has initiated a formal search to choose Hartwick’s 11th president.

Otsego County businesses and residents affected by severe storms and flooding on July 16 to the 19th may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration; the declaration includes Otsego County and the adjacent counties of Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties. The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Tuesday, at 12:00 noon at the Morris Fire Department at 117 East Main Street in Morris, until 6:00 PM.  Additional hours will be Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM & on Saturday, September 18th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Representatives will be available through Friday September 24th.  More information is available at 800-659-2955 or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

State Police arrested 22 year old Jessica Winans of Unadilla for the felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle as well as Driving While Intoxicated, following an accident on September 6th.  Troopers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that struck a tree on Plankenhorn Road in the town of Sidney.  Winans was the only person in the vehicle, she was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for the treatment of injuries to the face & ankle, and she was issued appearance tickets to the Sidney Town Court on September 23rd.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-13-21

On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation that would allow National Guard members to qualify as veterans under New York State law. Governor Hochul has also issued a Citation honoring members of the New York National Guard for their service during and after the events 9/11.  Over 6,700 New York State National Guard members were called to serve in response to and recovery from the attack on September 11th 2001.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 51 will be closed just north of Walters Road in the Town of New Lisbon, today through October 4th, for a culvert replacement.  Motorists should follow posted detours utilizing County Routes 12, 14 and 16. All properties along State Route 51 will remain accessible to local traffic between the diversions and the closure.  Up-to-date travel information is available by calling 511, visit 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and the Health Commissioner issued a determination requiring all teachers, administrators and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass.   The Governor also announced that the State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction regarding Facemasks, which closely echoes the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. More information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be showcasing its school-based health center at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, September 7, at 5:00 pm.  The event is being held in conjunction with the school’s annual open house, Bassett Healthcare Network President & CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim will offer remarks.   Available Care will include Annual physical exams, Immunizations, Diagnosis and treatment of both short-and long-term illnesses,   mental health services & Preventive dental care

CDO Workforce, serving Chenango, Delaware, Otsego counties, is partnering with Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Chenango, and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for the 2nd Virtual Career Fair, on Tuesday, September 14th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The free event will allow local companies and job seekers to connect one-on-one for immediate placement opportunities, especially in industries that are in high demand including Healthcare, Hospitality, Tourism, & Manufacturing, more information is available at 432-4800.

The Mid York Concert band is looking for area musicians to join, with rehearsals starting this month in Norwich, Band conductor Mark Sands explains:

(Mark Sands 9-3-21)

Anyone interested in joining the band can call sands at 334-4307, or email him: Midyorkcb@gmail.com, rehearsals will start Tuesday September 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Norwich Middle School band room.

The Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown has 4 male Beagle puppies up for adoption, and they have named the dogs after the 4 men being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame next week, Executive Director Stacie Haynes explains:

(Stacie Haynes 9-3-21)

Haynes said that next Thursday, the winning puppy will be announced.  Visitors can stop at the new facility on State Route 28 in Cooperstown; pictures of the pups are also available on their website sqspca.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-3-21

The operator of Prestige Limousine, 31 year old Nauman Hussain, has pleaded guilty to 20 counts of negligent homicide in connection with the fatal Limo crash in Schoharie in 2018.   Hussain will be placed on interim probation for 2 years, will serve 1,000 hours of community service, he will not serve jail time & he was ordered to pay an undisclosed amount of money in restitution to the families of the deceased.  The October 6th, 2018, crash killed 18 people in the limo including the driver, plus 2 pedestrian in the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Convenience store at State Routes 30 and 30A in Schoharie.

The Summer Fest/ Bainbridge Days event will be held today & tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 9-3-21)

The activities will start this afternoon at 5:00 PM, and continue on Saturday at 9:00 AM, with Events will be in the park and on Main Street.

The Friends of Recovery of Delaware & Otsego County announced the Rothenberger Run for Recovery event on Saturday at Neahwa Park in Oneonta, Spokesman Kyle LaFever explains:

(Kyle LaFever 9-3-21)

Registration for the virtual or in-person run is available at rothenbergerrun.itsyourrace.com/register; online registration will remain open until this morning at 9:00 AM. Day of registration will be held from 7:30am-8:30am in Neahwa Park on Saturday, September 4th. Packet Pickup will take place today from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, or at day of registration.

6zero7 Events presents the Afton Open Air Market, Labor Day edition featuring music, food and local vendors participating, organizer Melissa Matthews explains:

(Melissa Matthews 9-3-21)

The event will be set up at its usual location next to Suburban Propane on State Route 7 just outside of the village of Afton, Starting at 9:00 AM Saturday.

The remainder of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies series with Richmond has been canceled as COVID 19 testing and contact tracing continues. Fans with tickets to Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday’s games can exchange their tickets to go to any future Rumble Ponies home game this season.

Delaware County Public Health reported 63 new cases of COVID 19 in the last week, with 84 active cases, 6 Hospitalized and 122 quarantined.  Delaware County has had 2742 total cases, with 2606 recoveries & 52 deaths during the pandemic.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation extending virtual access to public meetings under the State's Open Meetings Law, which allows New Yorkers to virtually participate in local government meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, as long as the public has the ability to view or listen to the meeting and as long as the meeting is recorded and later transcribed. This change will reduce the need for congregation at public meetings while the Delta variant is prevalent, while ensuring public business can continue.

P.M. NEWS Friday 8-27-21

State Police responded to a crash between a motorcycle and vehicle on Conklin Road/ State Route 7 in the town of Conklin. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene, he has been identified as 21 year old Tristan Thor of Vestal. The investigation indicates that 44 year old Seth Delvillano of Binghamton was traveling north on Conklin Road when he crossed over into the southbound lane and struck the motorcycle head-on, the investigation is on-going.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 33 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, the highest number of cases reported since March. There have been 2 deaths this week from COVID-19. The County reported 93 active cases, with 4 hospitalized, the Delta variant is suspected in more than 95% of the current cases. Otsego County remains at a HIGH level of community transmission, the CDC & Otsego County Department of Health recommend everyone wear a mask indoors in public. They urge those who have not been vaccinated to do so as quickly as possible, sites can be found at otsegocounty.com or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

The “Share The Bounty” program will return in Sidney, after the program was forced to shut down due to the COVID 19 pandemic last year, Spokesperson Kate Porter explains:

(Kate Porter 8-27-21)

The first "Share The Bounty" Dinner will be on Thursday September 23rd, at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Center on Liberty Street in Sidney.

Chenango Arts Council is seeking memorabilia, yearbooks and other items from the years its 27 West Main Street location served as the Norwich City Middle and High Schools. Submitted items will be displayed in the gallery exhibit “Back to School”, and items will be returned once the show closes. Those interested in sharing their memorabilia will be please deliver it to the Council at 27 West Main Street, Norwich by September 10th, the exhibit will open with a public reception on Friday, September 17th at 5:30pm. The exhibit will run until October 1st. More information is available at 336-2787 or info@chenangoarts.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-27-21

The Chenango River Theater will be back with live performances today at the facility in Greene, Spokesman Bill Lelbach commented about the controversial topic of "Ben Butler":

(Bill Lelbach 8-27-21)

"Ben Butler" starts tonight & runs through September 19th at their facility in Greene, tickets for “Ben Butler” or the following show: “The Craftsman” are available at chenangorivertheatre.org.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that Family Farm Day is tomorrow. Participating farms in Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware Counties will be open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 41 farms & Farmers Markets are participating, a map of those farms is located at viewer.mapme.com/familyfarmday.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held at the Sidney Fire department Training center on River Street today from 11:00 to 4:00 PM. A Blood drive is also being held today at the Elm Park Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and a blood drive is also being held in Norwich today at the Broad Street Methodist Church from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration is available at redcrossblood.org.

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 54 new cases of COVID 19 in the last week, with 65 active cases, 4 hospitalized, 117 quarantined, they have had 2679 positive cases with 52 deaths since the pandemic began.

Delaware County's Board of Elections has received funding from a grant to change their system thanks. The Board is planning to create more access with a new early voting site at an undetermined location & they are working on securing a Technology Innovation and Election Resource Grant to purchase an absentee ballot scanner and additional software.

The 6th annual Binghamton Porchfest takes place Sunday, from 12:00 Noon to 7:00 PM, featuring performances from 164 local and regional bands, staged on 58 residential front porches, yards, and in the neighborhood surrounding Recreation Park. The full schedule of performances and an interactive map can be found at binghamtonporchfest.com.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-14-21

Nationwide Opioid overdose deaths were a record 93,000 last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of more than 19,000 from 2019 or 29%.  Lockdowns and pandemic restrictions made treatment programs difficult to access in 2020, which likely contributed to the deaths.  New York State has had about 3000 overdose deaths annually since 2018.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras is encouraging students to get vaccinated ahead of the fall semester through a 30-day challenge he issued this week.  Malatras announced that students would need to be vaccinated to return to campus, with vaccines that have FDA approval.   SUNY Schools are looking to return everyone to dorms & classrooms in the 2021-22 school year, after a year of large numbers of infections on SUNY campuses, and remote learnings throughout the system.

Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 23 year old Donovan Teague of Sidney, Wednesday following an investigation into a stolen bicycle.  Teague is accused of possessing small amounts of heroin and methamphetamine & was charged with Criminal mischief, Criminal possession of stolen property & 2 counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court & was released on his own recognizance, Teague was on parole, he was turned over to State Parole officers, who then remanded him to the Delaware County Jail.

The Greater Binghamton Airshow is back returns this weekend to the Greater Binghamton Airport on Saturday and Sunday, with the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as "The Thunderbirds".  Last’s event was cancelled due to the COVID Pandemic & the shutdown of large scale events.  The airshow runs from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM both days, to purchase tickets or for more information, go to binghamtonairshow.com

Republican Kyle Van De Water has decided to run against Congressman Antonio Delgado again, after losing to him in 2020, when Delgado won with 54% of the vote, to Van De Water 42%.  The 19th Congressional District currently includes all of Delaware & Otsego Counties, as well as Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties & a part of Broome County, but it could look substantially different after redistricting based on the 2020 census.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-14-21

NYSEG reported about 310 customers were still without power this afternoon in Broome & Chenango Counties, after last night's storm, crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for July. The agency is also working with the federal government to ensure this aid, which has brought in more than $2.5 billion in food assistance to New Yorkers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, will continue beyond July.  Nearly 1.6 million households in New York State will receive the supplemental benefits later this month, which will result in the state receiving roughly $200 million in federal assistance.

Chenango County Public Health announced that their next COVID vaccination clinic will be today at Seeber’s Tavern in Smithville Flats from 3:00 to 6:00pm, a 1st dose Pfizer clinic for 12 years and older clinic will be held tomorrow at the former Label Shopper Store, in the South Plaza in Norwich from 4:00 to 6:00pm, More information is available at 337-1660.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation expanding New York State's definition of telemarketing to include marketing by text message. New Yorkers have protection against unwanted robocalls under state law, but texting was not previously defined as telemarketing, this legislation closes that loophole.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-8-21

NYSEG crews continue to work to try to restore power to thousands of customers in the Southern Tier, following last nights storms that knocked down trees & power lines. Over 10,000 were without power in Broome County this afternoon, about 190 were without power in Delaware County, over 100 in Chenango County had power outages this afternoon, power has been fully restored in Otsego County.

State Police in Troop C are continuing with their crackdown on drunk & drugged drivers throughout the region. Troopers removed 46 impaired drivers from local roadways in the month of June, Troop C encompasses Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga and Tompkins Counties.

The annual NBT Bank Summer Concert Series begins Tonight at 7:00 PM. Blues musician Ana Popovic & her band will perform tonight, Tonight's show has been moved to the Norwich High School auditorium, due to rain in the forecast.

19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado has secured federal funding for road projects in Otsego and Schoharie Counties through the recently passed “INVEST in America Act”. Some of the new funding will go for a Roundabout at the intersection of Main Street, Maple Street & the Lettis Highway in Downtown Oneonta, with 3.2 million dollars in federal funding available, the bill has passed in the House of Representatives, but still requires passage in the US Senate.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-8-21

State Police announced that following a multi-agency investigation spanning two years, 78 people involved in 2 Central New York drug rings have been indicted on more than 355 criminal charges. Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment in Syracuse Wednesday, she said that more than $2 million in drugs, including cocaine & heroin mixed with fentanyl, plus 15 guns and $490,000 in cash were seized. The investigation was a join effort by the AG’s Organized Crime Task Force, the drug task forces in Oneida and Madison counties, and more than a dozen other agencies.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations of Delaware County businesses in varying categories for its Annual Awards Ceremony in October. The categories are: Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Tourism Property of the Year, and Business Advocate of the Year. Nominations must be received by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 ½ Main Street, Delhi 13753 or info@delawarecounty.org by August 15th. More information is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

The Afton Fair gets underway today, and runs through Sunday. Rides, Food, Live entertainment, parades, Stock Car races, clowns agricultural exhibits & fireworks are among the highlights of this year's Afton Fair. The full schedule of events & activities are available at theaftonfair.com.