WCDO Radio News

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the 2026 Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, eligible REDCs will compete for funding through the $150 million ACHIEVE competition to support high-impact regional projects to advance regional goals. Up to $60 million in Regional Council Capital Funds will be made available in the 2026 Consolidated Funding Application in addition to funding from more than 20 programs to facilitate projects that advance each region’s strategic plan and state priorities. more information is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-1-26

On Friday, State Police arrested Lieutenant Thomas Fellrath of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office on multiple charges following an investigation by the State Police & the Otsego County District Attorney’s Office. Fellrath is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Defrauding the Government, Official Misconduct, Fellrath is accused of possessing 10 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Herkimer County, At the time of his arrest, Fellrath was on-duty and driving an unmarked Otsego County Sheriff’s Office vehicle outside of Otsego County.

Governor Hochul announced the launch of Round 14 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which includes $445 million in grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 8 state agencies, Empire State Development is launching the Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program and the Small Manufacturer Modernization Grants Program. A 2nd round of the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program will make up to $5 million available for organizations that can assist with facility improvements and upgrades.

The Butternut Valley Alliance has announced a partnership with SFCU, to take the necessary measures to open a full-service branch in Morris. This development comes after the "Save Our Bank" task force was formed, as Community Bank NA had announced plan last year to close their Morris Branch. Butternut Valley Alliance Vice Chair Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-14-24)

Brenner said that the BDD process can take 6 to 12 months, meanwhile, SFCU plans to begin offering limited services with a representative assisting businesses and residents in opening accounts, The Alliance will try to find out Community Bank's plans with their former office in Morris, to see if it can become a new branch for SFCU.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-14-24

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested a Kirkwood man for 3 gas station robberies. The 1st Robbery was on May 9th, at the Speedway gas station on Route 7 in Sanitaria Springs, where a male with a black shirt wrapped around his hand, implying he had a weapon, and grabbed a cash register & fled the scene in a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck. The 2nd Robbery was at the Mirabito gas station on Old Route 17 in Windsor, Sheriff Deputies identified the suspect vehicle and potential suspect as 46 year old Clint Loomis of Kirkwood. On Friday, a 3rd Robbery occurred at a gas station in Greene, Loomis was located on Route 12 in the Town of Chenango, A Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Loomis resisted, a Taser was deployed but Loomis drove off, Tire deflation devices were set up, Loomis damaged his tires but continued to flee, eventually leaving the vehicle on foot, he was apprehended. Loomis was wanted on a warrant, & was charged with Robbery, Obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment, unlawfully fleeing Police, Resisting arrest & 26 traffic violations, he was being held for arraignment.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-14-23

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $57 million has been awarded to support 238 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Sportsfield Specialties will receive a $500,000 Grant & a $1.5 Million Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit, to expand its manufacturing operations in Delhi, by utilizing vacant property adjacent to its existing site. The proposed project will include a 60,000 square-foot manufacturing plant expansion with modern equipment, a new office complex, mechanical shop and storage, the Total Project Cost will be $27.5 Million.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-15-23

Governor Hochul today announced the launch of Round 13 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which will include core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development. The Councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities, More information is available at apps.cio.ny.gov.

The new "Bainbridge Athletics" will open this weekend at the site of the former Bainbridge Great American Store, owner Steve Cafasso told WCDO News what he has set up:

(Steve Cafasso 11-28-22)

The facility will open Saturday, more information is available at bainbridgeathletics.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-28-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $68 million has been awarded to support 74 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, The application for Empire State Development Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted, more information is available at apps.cio.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo launched Round 11 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources, The application period opened Monday, enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for assistance from dozens of state programs for job-creation and community development projects.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced today that he will not be seeking re-election in 2020, ending a 25-year career in the state Assembly and 34-year career dedicated to the communities

(Crouch 1-27-20)

Crouch represents the 122nd Assembly District parts of Chenango, Broome, Otsego, Delaware Counties, was first elected to the Assembly in November 1995, he has given his endorsement to former Norwich Police Chief & Veteran Joe Angelino:

(Crouch endorsement)

Also today, Nick Libous, the son of the late State Senator Tom Libous announced his candidacy for the state Assembly’s 122nd district seat, seeking to replace Cliff Crouch, he commented about his candidacy to WCDO News:

(Nick Libous 1-27-20)

Libous is currently the Vice President of Wireless Construction Solutions, He also serves as a board member of the Southern Tier Lyme Support Group. The 122nd Assembly district includes residents in Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego County’s

State Senator Fred Akshar joined members of law enforcement, crime victims’ advocates, district attorneys, and local leaders from throughout the region, to call for action from state government leaders in Albany to fix bail reform changes that recently went into effect. Akshar commented at the beginning of the Press conference moments ago at the Broome County Sheriff's Department:

(Akshar 1-27-20)

Akshar supports a full repeal of the bail reform laws, if that does not happen, he has proposed legislation to amend certain parts of the bill to give Judges the power to make bail decision on the most violent charges included in the legislation that went into effect January 1st.

The Mayors of Sidney, Bainbridge & Unadilla have teamed up to send out emails to their constituents regarding village notices, activities & events, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 1-27-20)

Matviak said that residents in each village should call their Village Clerk's office to get their individual village's email requirement, the email information that residents will submit will not be used for other purposes, a test run will go out this Thursday and the email blasts will go out every Thursday starting February 6th.

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 46 year old Matthew Rolley of Norwich following an investigation into a 911 hang-up call of a man with a gun at a residence in the Town of Norwich. Rolley is accused of displaying a firearm in front of 3 people; one of victims was under the age of 17. Rolley was arrested, arraigned and released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the child involved; Rolley is scheduled to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The New York Association of Counties announced that County Officials will convene in Albany for the next 3 days for Legislative Conferences at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center. Workshops at the conference will cover a range of issues including drinking water safety, criminal justice reform, the opioid epidemic, early intervention, health insurance, the growing hemp economy, and more than a dozen more.

7 Individuals Have Been Identified for Testing for the Corona Virus, the CDC Determined 3 Cases were Negative, 4 Results are Still Pending, & so far, there are no Confirmed Cases in New York State. More Information about the coronavirus is available at health.ny.gov/diseases.

Governor Cuomo announced funding for a 10th round of the Regional Economic Development Councils and a 5th round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is included in the Executive Budget. So far, the State has invested more than $6.9 billion through the REDCs, funding more than 8,300 projects.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 51 year old William Macy of Bainbridge on 1 count of DWI, following a traffic stop on Sunset Avenue in the Village of Sidney. Macy was also charged with improper right turn at intersection, and moving from a lane unsafely. Macy was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to re-appear in the Village of Sidney Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 22 year old Joseph Bifaro of Walton on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Walton Court for Criminal Contempt and Harassment. Bifaro is accused of disorderly behavior during a court session at the Hamden Town Court, he was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and released on his own recognizance, and he will appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

State Police continue to investigate tips that will help locate the person or persons responsible for throwing 2 beagle mix dogs out of a moving vehicle on Wednesday, December 12th on I-81 in Marathon. Several local, state and national animal welfare agencies and private donors are now offering a total of $16, 500 reward leading to the conviction of the person(s) responsible after the case has gained national attention. The following agencies have contributed: the Animal Legal Defense Fund $10,000, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals $5,000, the New York State Humane Association $1,000 and a private donation $500. Anyone with information about the suspect(s) is asked to call SP Homer at (607)749-1614.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $763 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round 8 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Locally, the Southern Tier RDC, which covers Delaware & Broome Counties, will get 65.4 Million dollars for various projects, Central New York, which includes Chenango County, receives 88.2 million dollars, and the Mohawk Valley region, which includes Otsego County, receives in 85.4 Million dollars.

NY State of Health announced that enrollment reached 4.7 million at close of business on December 15th, the deadline for January 1st 2019 coverage. Enrollment volumes in Qualified Health Plans and the Essential Plan outpaced last year’s levels with over 83,000 more people enrolled compared to last year.

In 2018, The Raymond Corporation contributed to over 150 nonprofit and educational organizations with monetary contributions, forklift donations and voluntary participation. Raymond gave food donations to the local food pantries, supported causes ranging from cancer awareness, veterans rehabilitation and animal rescue, & Raymond and its employees supported such programs as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Breast Cancer Awareness, & Big Brothers and Big Sisters. More information is available at raymondcorp.com.

Charter Spectrum will pay a record $174 million and refund customers in New York $62 million in a settlement over claims it defrauded internet subscribers. The settlement announced Tuesday by the State Attorney General's Office is the largest consumer payment by an internet provider in U.S. history. Charter Spectrum has agreed to provide some premium cable channels for free to customers as part of the deal, customers will each receive between $75 and $150, and they will also get streaming services and premium channels, with a retail value of over $100 million, at no charge for about 2.2 million active subscribers.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening at 7:00 PM at City Hall. A Public hearing will be held regarding Sewers another will be held regarding fire prevention, the meeting is open to the public.

Emergency crews responded to a Tractor Trailer fire at about 12:00 Noon today. The fire was knocked down quickly & the westbound lanes of I-88 were re-opned quickly, WCDO news will have further details as they become available.

The Binghamton Devils donated over six barrels of non-perishable food to CHOW today with the help of team captain, Kevin Rooney. The food was collected from fans during the Put the Biscuit in the Basket food drive from November 28 to December 15, 2018. Totaling 1,415 pounds, the provisions will help feed Broome County families in need this holiday season.

Senator Fred Akshar will continue the second year of his district-wide "Akshar's All-Stars" student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at one Broome County school and three Chenango County schools. Each month, Senator Akshar recognizes local students selected by their school districts in the 52nd Senate District who have shown great leadership, compassion, school spirit or improvement amongst their peers. Senator Akshar will make presentations starting at 8:00 AM at the Harpursville High School, then at 9:00 AM at Afton High School, 11:00 AM at Bainbridge-Guilford High School and and at 1:15 pm at the DCMO BOCES Campus in Norwich.

The Regional Economic Development Council awards will include $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair held 50 years ago. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 50th anniversary event for next year, which is planned as a 3-day festival like the original event.

Governor Cuomo launched Round 8 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, kicking off the 2018 competition for more than $750 million in state economic development resources. The Consolidated Funding Application will open to applicants on May 1, enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for Projects. Round 8 will include up to $150 million in capital grants and up to $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits for projects and activities identified by the Councils as regional priorities.

NYSEG President & CEO Carl Taylor announced a $400,000 economic development grant for Binghamton University this afternoon. The latest award brings the total up to $1.2 million in funding which NYSEG has granted to the university, to help support 3 projects under the company’s economic development electric infrastructure programs. The goal is to help offset electric-related infrastructure improvements as well as to research, develop and promote energy-efficient systems.

State Police responded Wednesday night to a 2-vehicle collision on State Route 206, in the town of Bainbridge. A 2002 Mitsubishi operated by 18-year-old Maleek Smith of Staatsburg crossed into the opposite lane into the path of a Chevrolet SUV driven by 53-year-old Joseph Artuso of Syracuse. Smith was eventually air lifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was pronounced deceased due to accident related trauma. Artuso and his two passengers were transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney, NY where were treated for minor injuries and released. The investigation is continuing.

Planning is already underway for the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1969 Woodstock concert, and the Regional Economic Development Council awards includes $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The three-day concert held in August 1969 drew more than 400,000 rock music fans to Max Yasgur's farm in the town of Bethel. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 2019 anniversary event, they are also planning the event as a 3-day festival.

Governor Cuomo today unveiled the 3rd proposal of the 2018 State of the State: to invest $100 million to launch the 3rd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative which is aimed at transforming communities with a variety of economic development projects. The downtown areas will be selected by the state's Regional Economic Development Councils. Locally, in the 1st round, the City of Oneonta won a $10 million dollar award through the Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council; they are currently in the process of the downtown upgrades funded through that award.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $755 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. All 10 regions won money for their projects, the top 5 winning regions were Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, The Mid Hudson region & Long Island. Locally, the Mohawk regional Council, which includes Otsego County, receives $85.5 Million dollars for their projects, which includes a $525,000 award for Brewery Ommegang for their Hospitality Center in Cooperstown. The Southern Tier Region, which contains Delaware, Chenango & Broome Counties will receive 67. 3 Million dollars for their various projects.

At 11:00 AM this morning, Governor Cuomo will announce the 2017 Regional Economic Development Council Awards. The event will be held at the Albany Capital Center.

Governor Cuomo today launched the 2nd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative to boost local economies, by investing $100 million into 10 additional downtown neighborhoods, as selected by each of the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils. The REDC's will solicit applications for the 2nd round, they must be submitted by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 14th. Last year, Oneonta was selected as a $10,000,000 dollar award winner.

This summer, the city of Oneonta, Along with Otsego Now & Empire State Development, will begin the process of updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. The plan has not been updated since 2007, a series of public outreach events will be scheduled, and the update process is expected to take about 12 year to complete.

As students prepare to graduate from High School or college, the push is on to try to keep the graduates establishing their career in New York, instead of moving south. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that there are some local jobs available this spring locally:

(Cliff Crouch 5-15-17)

The Cuomo administration has been pushing for jobs & companies of the future to start or move to New York, through the Start Up New York Program with tax breaks for those who establish near SUNY Schools, and through the Regional economic Development councils.

Governor Cuomo today launched Round 7 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off the annual competition for more than $800 million in state economic development resources. Since 2011, over $4.6 billion has been awarded to more than 5,200 projects that are projected to create and retain more than 210,000 jobs statewide.

The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta. The informational session will be led by Cynthia Spann and Vanessa Smith, from The Broome Developmental Disabilities Regional Office, Pre-registration ends later today at 267-3210.

Governor Cuomo discussed his plans to strengthen the Upstate economy, with income tax cuts for middle class families, free tuition at SUNY & CUNY Schools for middle class families, and the continuing of the Regional Economic Development Councils.

(Cuomo 1-23-17)

Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor's 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.

Regional Economic Development Council Grant money was awarded This Afternoon at the Egg in Albany. Governor Cuomo's initiative started in 2001, with the concept of letting local stakeholders compete for state money for their own economic development plans:

(Governor Cuomo 12-8-16)

Locally, the Southern Tier regional Economic Development council, which includes Broome, Delaware & Chenango Counties, will receive 60.4 million dollars this year, and the Mohawk valley Council, which contains Otsego county won a top 5 award of $81.9 Million dollars.

Oneonta police chief Dennis Naylor announced today that he has accepted a position at the Director of Research, Development & Training with the New York State Association of chiefs of Police. Naylor will continue to serve as Oneonta Police Chief through mid- January 2017.

Governor Cuomo announces The 2016 Regional Economic Development Council Awards today in Albany. The Event will be held at the Hart Theatre, Egg Center for Performing Arts, at 1:00 PM, it can be viewed live at governor.ny.gov

The New York Farm Bureau announced their disappointment today in Governor Cuomo's veto of a bill that would have established a food donation tax credit up to $5,000 annually per farmer. The bill would have helped offset the cost of labor, packaging and transportation to get the food to regional food banks. It has passed the legislature the last 2 years; in 2015 the governor vetoed the bill after lawmakers did not include money in the budget to cover the cost of the n order to implement the tax credits. New York's farmers donated approximately 13 million pounds of food to regional food banks through the Harvest for All program in 2015.

The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative will be today from 1:00 to 3:30 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. Oneonta received millions of dollars for downtown revitalization projects through the regional development councils, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig told WCDO News about today's meeting:

(Herzig 11-29-16)

All meetings are open to the public and there is a period for public comment on the agenda near the end of each meeting.

The City of Oneonta will be growing thanks to 10 million dollars in State money for economic development projects around the market street area. Mayor Gary Herzig comments:

(Gary Herzig 8-4-16)

Oneonta was one of a handful of small cities that received state assistance through the regional economic development councils.

The Mohawk Valley & Central New York Regional Economic Development Councils award winning projects are sparking economic activity in the 2 regions, Assemblyman Bill Magee's district overlaps into bight of those councils, and he described the projects already underway:

(Magee 5-5-16)

The Cuomo administration will once again award regional economic development awards later this year to keep promoting economic development projects forwarded by local leaders in each region.

Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the Regional Economic Development awards and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Award winners this morning, at an Albany Ceremony:

(Cuomo 12-10-15)

State Senator John Bonacic was pleased that Delaware county, which is part of the Southern Tier Regional Council, came up big today:

(Bonacic 12-10-15)

Locally, the Southern Tier & Central New York Regional Councils won the 500 Million Dollar Upstate Revitalization Initiative Awards, & the Mohawk Valley won the largest Regional Economic Development Award at 100.3 million dollars.

The push is on for the 10 sections of the state to compete for 1.5 million dollars in stated funding, in the 2015 regional econimic development zones competition. Each of the 10 Councils from around the state will make a presentation to the SIAT over a three-day period as part of the competition, so far, nearly $3 billion has been awarded through the REDC process to support over 3,100 projects statewide, which created or retained more than 150,000 jobs statewide. Later this fall, economic development grants will again be awarded through the REDC competition, with 3 councils receiving up to an additional $500 million to use over a 5-year period.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Sidney today, from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital. Those wishing to donate can do so with a download of the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Governor Cuomo today launched the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and Round 5 of the Regional Economic Development Councils kicking off the 2015 competitions for $1.5 billion and up to $750 million in state economic development resources, respectfully. This year, the 10 Regional Councils will compete for awards from up to $750 million in state economic development resources through Round 5 of the competition. Additionally, through the new Upstate Revitalization Initiative, 7 regions including the Southern Tier are competing for three $500 million awards spread out over 5 years.

Governor Cuomo is campaigning for state wide Broadband services, as many New Yorkers still don’t have access to the internet. The Broadband4All campaign calls for Matching private-sector investments, increased broadband speed, & Local input to guide development, through the Regional Economic Development Councils.

Governor Cuomo detailed his Upstate Agenda, which includes $10 billion in capital investments, at the Rochester Rotary and Rochester Business Alliance Luncheon.

(Cuomo 3-12-15)

Plans call for which another $10 billion in capital investments in the next state budget, to be awarded through another competition, similar tot eh regional economic development councils.

Governor Cuomo & state leaders announced the awards for the Regional Economic Development Councils today in Albany. Cuomo talked about how the successes of the councils activities over the last 4 years have helped lead New York’s resurgence:

(Cuomo 12-11-14)

Locally, the Southern Tier Regional Council, which includes Chenango, Delaware & Broome Counties, came in 3rd by receiving $80.8 Million dollars for their plans for economic development.

Governor Cuomo will announce the Regional Economic Development Award Winners has been moved to Thursday due to inclement weather. The event will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Thursday at the Hart Theatre in the Egg Center for Performing Arts in Albany.

Governor Cuomo announced $13.6 million in Community Renewal Funds for 44 projects in regions around the State, following yesterday's Regional Economic Development event. Winning entries came from the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the North Country. Locally, The Mohawk Valley Council will fund 21 projects, including: 7 in Otsego County, The Southern Tier Council will have funding for 9 projects, including Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi & The Town of Delhi to assist in the companies' expansion, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Microenterpise Program funds for Delaware County to assist in establishment of 15 agricultural microenterprises and create 22 jobs;

The state will award more than $700 million in grants and tax breaks next week to projects submitted by the 10 Regional Development Councils. The 4th annual event is December 10th at The Egg in Albany. In the first 3 years, the state awarded more than $2 billion to 2,200 projects across the 10 regions. The money has helped create and retain more than 100,000 jobs. The Southern Tier council has had success in the competition, getting $91.1 million in 2012 and $81.9 million in 2013.

In upcoming weeks, the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council will rank 179 project proposals vying for a share of $750 million in state funding. The Southern Tier region is competing against nine other economic development councils in the state. In 2013, the Southern Tier region, which includes Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties, as awarded $81.9 million in state funds for 87 projects. Projects will be scored during the review period. Scores are due to the state Aug. 15th. The state then makes a final determination on which projects will receive funding