WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-9-24

A Tornado Watch, flash floods & heavy downpours are expected today in the Tri-County Region, but not as heavy as initially anticipated, local Meteorologist Rich Towns send told WCDO News about how the remnants of Tropical Storm Debbie will affect the area:

(Rich Townsend 8-9-24)

Nyseg reported about 1900 customers were without power this afternoon in Broome & Delaware Counties from the storm, we'll have the Tri-County Forecast at the end of this newscast.

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34 year old Rashima Rollocks of Binghamton, pleaded guilty to 2nd degree Assault in Broome County Court. On June 19, 2023 Rollocks committed a violent assault on a seventy-five-year-old blind man inside his home in the City of Binghamton. Rollocks is scheduled to appear back in court for sentencing on November 7th, where she is expected to receive 7 years in New York State Prison followed by 3 years post-release supervision.

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The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Gary Garbera of Cherry Valley following a Grand Larceny investigation. Garbera is accused of stealing a vehicle in the Village of Gilbertsville. Garbera was processed and issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to Town of Butternuts Court.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children can receive double the benefits to spend at participating farmers’ markets, helping to supplement their food budgets and purchase healthy, local products. More information can be found at agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-9-24

38 year old Tristan Skeete of Brooklyn was sentenced to additional jail time for assaulting a fellow inmate at the Delaware County Correctional Facility. On February 20th, Corrections Officers of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fight occurring in one of the housing units at the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Upon arrival, officers broke up the fight between Skeete, & 2 other inmates, Corrections Officer Bryce Charles eventually deployed a taser to break up the fight. Skeete appeared in Delaware County Court this week & entered a guilty plea to 3rd degree Assault, he was sentenced to 7 months incarceration, a $25 Crime Victim fee and surcharge, and a $50 DNA fee.

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The 8th Annual Savannah Williams Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Golf event will be held this Saturday. The registration starts at 11:00 AM at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, the day will also feature the Beadle Brothers performing at the Pavilion at 5:30 PM. The Scholarship is named after Williams, who was a Norwich High School Graduate who was killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2016 while attending SUNY Geneseo.

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Chenango County Residents will be held this Saturday, for County residents who pre-registered. spokesman David Blackman told WCDO News what they will & will not take:

(David Blackman 8-9-24)

The collection will be held at the Chenango County Highway Garage at 79 Rexford Street in Norwich

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State Police responded last night to a fatal crash
involving a car and a tractor trailer on State Route 8 and County Road 35 in
the town of Guilford.   The passenger of
the vehicle, 73 year old William Brett of Kenoza Lake, was killed during the crash
and the driver, 78 year old Patricia House of Kenoza Lake was transported by
ambulance to Wilson Medical Center and is in serious condition.  The unidentified driver of the tractor
trailer was not injured.  The
investigation revealed that the tractor trailer was northbound on State Highway
8 when the House vehicle, traveling on Chenango County Route 35, went through
the Stop Sign, through the intersection and wound up underneath the trailer
portion of the tractor trailer.  The
investigation is continuing.

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The State Department of Labor released preliminary
local area unemployment rates for November.
The State’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.0% in November,
Locally; Chenango County had 3.9% unemployment, Delaware county 4.1% &
Otsego County 3.7% in November.

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Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 33 year
old Aaron Willey of Oneonta for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled
Substance. Wiley was arrested on December 23rd, after the issuance of a sealed
indictment from Otsego County Court. Willey allegedly sold crack cocaine in
Oneonta on 2 separate occasions; he was arraigned in the Otsego County Court
and was released on his own recognizance.

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State Senator Jim Seward announced that $323.6
million was awarded to the 4 regions that he represents through the Regional
Economic Development Council awards.
REDC grant award winners in Senator Seward’s district included $200,000
to establish the Otsego County Microenterprise Program; $50,000 to assist
Otsego County prepare a community energy plan & $800,000 for Springbrook to
revive the Ford Block in downtown Oneonta.

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Now that Christmas has passed, many area families
will be taking down their trees, Delaware county Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson
Robb told WCDO News that the trees can be recycled:

(Tyson Robb 12-26-19)

Delaware County will also accept other Christmas
time items for Recycling such as Corrugated cardboard, Magazines, Gift Wrap
Paper, the full list of recyclables is available at co.delaware.ny.us.

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The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood as Holiday travel and winter weather led to a decline in blood donations.  The next blood drive will be held in Norwich today from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Holy Family School for the Savannah Williams Memorial Blood Drive, to make an appointment download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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Governor Cuomo has proposed making the "New York Buy American" Act permanent.  The Act requires all structural steel and structural iron used in all state road and bridge construction projects with contracts worth more than $1 million to be made in America. The current law is set to expire April 2020.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 18 year
old Sebastian Swift, of Franklin for DWI following a motor vehicle accident
where Swift struck a parked vehicle on Center Street in Franklin.  Swift was processed and released with
appearance tickets made returnable to the Town of Franklin Court at a later
date.

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Appointments
can be made starting today for the Dental & Veterinary portions of the
Greater Chenango Cares event to be held July 11th through July 20th at the
Norwich High School.  Elizabeth Monaco of
Chenango United Way is helping to put this event together & she said that
she needs many volunteers:

(Elizabeth
Monaco 6-3-19)

Monaco
said people should call 337-4129 for dental appointments and 334-9724 extension
3 for Veterinary appointments, Medical & Vision services will be offered on
a walk in basis, more information is available by calling the Chenango United
Way at 334-8815.

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Governor
Cuomo told reporters in Albany today that he doesn't believe it's feasible for
lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana this year.  Cuomo said that that there is insufficient
support in the state Senate, because there are disagreements about the
regulatory details and whether the bill should include provisions expunging
past low-level pot convictions.

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A
last minute bill has popped up in the legislature that would allow striking
workers to get unemployment benefits, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch
6-3-19)

The
legislature is scheduled to adjourn on June 19th this year.

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This
Friday from 8:30 to 10:00 AM will be the "Bagels and Benefits” Otsego
County Chamber Membership Orientation at the Chamber offices at 189 Main Street
on the 5th floor.    The orientations are
Free, but do require an RSVP to baheegan@otsegocc.com by this Wednesday June 5.

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Tickets
are on sale for the Chenango County Republican Committee's fundraising Lobster
fest.  This year's Lobster fest will be
held on Sunday July 21 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.  More information is available at 334-7693 or
226-3271.

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The
3rd Annual Savannah Williams memorial scholarship fundraising event will be
held this coming Saturday at the Canasawacta Country Club.  The event will feature Golf, Barbecue Food
& Live Music; more information is available by email
AlexanderSWilliams36@gmail.com

The
City of Oneonta is launching Round II of Downtown Improvement Fund applications
today, specifically for the creation of new, high-quality upper story housing
units. The Round II Information and applications will be available on the
City's website, oneonta.ny.us or by Delaware Engineering, at 432 8073,
Completed applications are due by July 12th.

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A
Norwich Mayoral Candidates Forum will be held today at 5:30 at Bohemian Moon
Restaurant.  Incumbent Christine Carnrike
& Challengers Jill Osterhout-Kraft & Shawn Sastri are expected to
participate.

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The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo's office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA's office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.

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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a coalition of 13 states; they are calling on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to reject deep cuts in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and anti-environmental riders in federal budget bills. The coalition charges that the EPA cuts and riders currently proposed by both houses will lead to more pollution, and an increase in damage to public health." The coalition is urging Congress to pass a final budget that fully funds EPA and omits any anti-environmental riders.

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Governor Cuomo called for reforms that mandate transparency in political advertising, require online platforms to maintain an archive of political ads, and protect our State elections from outside influence. The proposal will also calls for the streamlining of voter registration services, remove unnecessary barriers that prevent participation in elections and increase accuracy in the voting process. Governor Cuomo will discuss the Strategy to the legislature during his State of The State Address next month.

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Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans to certain small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations across New York, following the excessive rain on April 1st this year. The disaster declaration includes Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties; eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities qualify for the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. More information is also available at 800-659-2955, by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications are also available at sba.gov/disaster. Loan Applications must be completed and submitted to the SBA by August 13, 2018.

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Governor Cuomo is encouraging State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to begin planning to divest the state retirement fund from fossil fuels companies. DiNapoli said that the State's $200 billion Common Fund has been adding more investments into alternative fuel companies, but has not yet divested any funds from existing fossil fuel companies.

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The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced that the documentary “Reversing the Stigma” is now available to view on YouTube. “Reversing the Stigma” highlights the work being done in New York State to combat addiction and reminds viewers that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable. The film profiles multiple people in various stages of recovery, who share their stories and experiences. The state Office advises residents to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction, more information is also available at the State's Talk2Prevent website.

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State Police responded to a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield. 56 year old Joseph Moore of Stamford failed to keep right and collided head on with a dump truck. Moore's vehicle came to rest in a ditch, the dump truck tipped over onto the passenger side. Moore sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bassett Hospital, front seat passenger, 80 year old Joseph Moore Jr., of Stamford was also taken to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, backseat passenger 76 year old Erna Moore of Stamford, sustain serious injuries to her legs and body, she was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the dump truck 33 year old Roland Birdsall of Stamford, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bassett. The investigation by State Police is ongoing.

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State Senator Jim Seward announced state grants of $50,000 each for Charlotte Valley, Franklin & Unatego School Districts. Franklin and Unatego will use the grants to assist with general education and classroom needs. Charlotte Valley will use the funds to help with costs associated with a parking lot improvement project to correct drainage problems and enhance safety.

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A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich today in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood today from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says that state-funded debt is projected to grow to $63.7 billion shortly, which averages out to more than $3,100 per New Yorker. DiNapoli is calling for reforms that include voter approval of borrowing and better capital planning for infrastructure projects. New York's annual debt service payments are projected to exceed $8.2 billion by 2022.

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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.

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State Police and local law enforcement will participate in the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign beginning today. Through Saturday, December 30th. State Police will also be conducting an enforcement period over New Year's Eve, from Sunday, December 31st to Monday, January 1st. Police will set up DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the "Move Over Law," & they will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.

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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.

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The Chenango United Way is currently at 70% of their goal and will be closing their 2017 campaign on December 31st. Chenango United Way Spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco explains:

(Elizabeth Monaco 12-15-17)

Contributions can be made at 334-8815 during normal business hours through the remainder of the year.

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A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood at a special blood drive in Savannah's memory on Thursday, December 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School at 17 Prospect Street in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District

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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.

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Downsville Central School District officials reported that 6 students suffered minor injuries & were taken to area hospital as a precautionary measure, after a crash Thursday morning. Investigators believe that a truck lost control while making a turn on Route 30 in the town of Hancock, and hit a district school bus carrying 31 students. The investigation is being conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff's department.

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The Sidney American Legion announced that they would be holding their annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday December 16th. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 11-29-17)

The Sidney American Legion is located at 22 Union Street; more information is available at 237-4762.

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Commerce Chenango is still accepting new, unwrapped toys to fill the Toys for Tots box in their lobby, at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich. Toys for children age's newborn through 12 years old will be accepted through December 19th. Families needing assistance this holiday season may call 607-371-3567 or 607-244-8124.

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The case of 59-year-old Perry Webb of New Lisbon will head for Grand Jury action, following last night's court action in Town Of Hartwick court. Webb is charged with 2nd degree murder for the death last Friday night of Arthur Bellinger, at 393 Wheat Road in New Lisbon, and the beating of another man on the same evening. Webb continues to be held at the Otsego county jail without bail.

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State Police are continuing with their “Speed Week” enforcement details through Tuesday. During "Speed Week", Troopers will be using both marked & Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the operation, the unmarked vehicles allow Troopers to blend in & still identify motorists who are violating laws. Speeding is a contributing factor in nearly 1/3rd of all fatal crashes, with more than 42,000 people killed each year nationwide, while hundreds of thousands are seriously injured. Troopers will also be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating New York’s Move Over law, during the current enforcement.

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The 1st Oneonta Pridefest will take place this Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in downtown Oneonta. Pridefest 2017 will begin with a rally at 10:00 AM Sunday in Muller Plaza, with speakers discussing issues facing the LGBT community, they will then march down South Main Street to Neahwa Park, where a variety of activities are planned. More information is available at the Oneonta Pridefest Facebook page.

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The Otego Parent Teacher organization will hold a Community Carnival tomorrow at the Otego Elementary School. The event will be the last school district event at the building, which is slated to close at the end of the school year, following the recent decision to close the building due to rising costs & diminished enrollment. The Otego community is urged to attend the event, which runs form 12:30 to 4:00 PM.

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The 22nd Annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tournament will be held next month in Norwich, organizer Tom Revoir said that the deadline for siging up a team is approaching;

(Tom Revoir 6-9-17)

More information is available at macker.com/local/norwich-ny, or by calling the Norwich Y at 336-9622.

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After getting rained out on Monday, May 29th, Bainbridge officials have decided to hold a rescheduled Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony Tomorrow. The Parade will form at the Greenlawn Elementary School at 10:00 A.M. on June 10th. Military veterans should report to the Greenlawn Cemetery not later than 10:00 AM, as services at the Cemetery will begin at 10:15 A.M. The Parade will start at 10:30 AM. Final Memorial Day Ceremonies with commence at the Village Green.

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Saturday will be Chenango County Airport Community Day at the Eaton Airport in Norwich. A variety of activities are planned, more information is available at 337-1640.

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The 37th annual Algonquin Antique Auto Show will be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge Sunday. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, vehicles will be judged in 24 categories.

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A Special Fundraiser will be held Saturday from 2:00 to 10:00 PM in Norwich, to benefit the Savannah Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. Spokesman Rick Runyon told WCDO news that 2 scholarships have already been announced, & he explained the criteria for those receiving the scholarship:

(Rick Runyon 6-9-17)

The event will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich featuring a chicken Barbecue, Pig Roast, & Live music from 3 area bands. Savannah Williams was a Norwich High School Graduate who was killed in a car accident last year, while attending SUNY Geneseo.

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The Chenango Arts Council will host 2 events this weekend. Today, at 5:30 p.m., the Council will introduce selected works of artist Erich Kennedy in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries within their facility at 27 West Main Street in Norwich. On Sunday, the Council, & the Wild Owl Cafe at 28 South Broad Street in Norwich will team up for a Sunday Music and Poetry Morning beginning at 11:00 AM. More information is available at 336-ARTS, or email info@ChenangoArts.org.

A memorial ceremony will be held tonight in Norwich for Norwich High School Class of 2016 Graduate Savannah Williams, who died in a 2-vehicle crash in Geneseo Tuesday. Kaitlyn Jackson was a friend of Williams and was also class president, she told WCDO News that tonight’s Memorial would begin at 6:00 PM at the Norwich High School Track:

(Kaitlyn Jackson 12-22-16)

Jackson said that the event would then move over the Chenango County Fair grounds. Police in Geneseo said that Williams was a current SUNY Geneseo student, she drove her car into the path of the tractor-trailer, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

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State Police arrested 45-year-old Joseph Leonard of Delhi for Assault & Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute at a home in the Town of Delhi. Leonard allegedly punched and choked a victim, which caused injuries. Leonard was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was released, an order of protection was issued.

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Governor Cuomo announced that underage drinking sweeps conducted by DMV investigators this year resulted in the seizure of 862 fraudulent licenses and the arrest of 818 individuals for underage drinking, both single year records. Through the year-round Operation Prevent initiative, DMV investigators work with state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct underage drinking and fake ID sweeps at bars, restaurants and concert venues across New York. The previous record of 751 seized ID documents and 758 arrests was set in 2015.

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The Chenango Industrial Development Agency announced Frontier Railroad Services, completed construction on the Utica mainline project this month, which means that the rail line between Binghamton and Utica is largely restored and close to a return to service. IDA President Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig 12-22-16)

Frontier Railroad Service’s work included bridge re-decking, washout repairs, culvert replacements, and a large number of tie replacements.

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Governor Cuomo today announced the success of the state's 10th regional sustainability conference, which brought together over 400 community development experts, local elected officials and business leaders to share successful economic growth strategies in the Southern Tier. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul hosted the conference at Binghamton University, where she highlighted a handbook that serves as a resource for State grants information..

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 42 year old Daniel White of Delhi Wednesday on charges of DWI, driving with a BAC of .08% or greater, speed not reasonable and imprudent, failure to stop for a stop sign, and for making an unsafe lane change following an investigation of a 1 car accident at Brick House Hill Road and County Highway 12 in Davenport. White allegedly failed to stop for a stop sign due to excessive speed, he left the roadway and struck a utility pole. White was released on tickets returnable to Davenport Town Court at a later date.

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2 people have been arrested after State Police discovered a meth lab on State Route 206 in the Town of Triangle Tuesday. Police arrested 37 year old Thomas Parker of Berkshire and 35 year old Stephanie Keller of Whitney Point, Police seized methamphetamine oil, marijuana plants, 1 active & 2 spent one-pot methamphetamine labs, hazardous materials & $1,970 in cash, Both have been charged with criminal possession of controlled substance and unlawful manufacturing of meth, They were arraigned in the Town of Triangle Court and taken to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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State Police arrested 52-year-old Richard Fidurski of Binghamton for Promoting a Sexual Performance of a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, after an investigation by the members of the New York State Police Computer Crime Unit. Fidurski was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

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State Police responded Wednesday to a 2 vehicle fatal collision involving a tractor-trailer and a car, on I-81 in the Town of Virgil. 59-year-old Roger Brooks of Virginia was driving a tractor-trailer; he struck a Toyota Corolla that was stopped in the driving lane, with the lights off, the tractor-trailer overturned off the shoulder of the roadway. The Toyota was driven by 40-year-old Rashida Brown, of Freeport, Long Island; Police said that she ran out of gas. Brown was transported to Cortland Regional Medical Center where she died from her injuries, No tickets have been issued. The investigation is continuing.

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Police in Geneseo identified the victim a fatal crash Tuesday between a car and a tractor-trailer, as 18-year-old Savannah Williams of Norwich. Police said that Williams was a SUNY Geneseo student, she pulled off of Court Street, into the path of the tractor-trailer that was traveling on State Route 63. The tractor struck Williams' car, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured,

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The Sidney Central School District named Kerrie Johnston as the new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Special Programs. The Board of Education approved the appointment at its December 20 meeting. Johnston will supervise curriculum and instruction, school improvement, principals, special programs, and special education, starting in February.

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