WCDO Radio News

Schoharie County Judge Richard Mott finished deliberations today, he found Cal Harris NOT GUILTY of killing his estrnaged wife Michelle Harris in September 2001. Harris was convicted twice before in Tioga County Court, the 3rd jury trial ended with a deadlocked jury.

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The Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Association will hold their dedication ceremony for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday at the State Route 8 & River street location. Association Spokesman Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-24-16)

Woytek said that Congressman Chris Gibson, Assemblyman Cliff crouch & Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak will maker remarks at the dedication Saturday, the Keynote Speaker is US Army Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is also a Sidney School graduate.

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The Annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held in July in Downtown Norwich again this year. Organizer Tom Revoir said that teams could start signing up now.

(Tom Revoir 5-24-16)

The Website is Macker.com; the team fee is $136 dollars this year.

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The statewide unemployment rate for April rose 1/10th to 4.9%, the State Labor Department has released the local unemployment rates for April. Chenango County equaled the state rate at 4.9%, Delaware County had a 5.5% rate & Otsego County had 4.6% unemployment.

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Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that the city of Oneonta has filed an application for 10 million dollars as part of Governor Cuomo's Downtown Revitalization initiative. The DRI would invest 10 million dollars each in 10 communities with development project needs; a copy of the Oneonta application can be viewed at oneonta.ny.us/city/government.

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Governor Cuomo announced that road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended from 6:00 AM Friday, to 6:00 AM Tuesday, May 31st, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. AAA predicts that of the more than 38 million people traveling more than 50 miles from home this weekend, an estimated 34 million of them will be traveling by car. Travelers are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511 or by accessing 511ny.org to check road conditions.

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The Otsego County Sheriff's department is continuing the investigation into Monday's Bank robbery at the Edmeston NBT bank branch. The suspect is described as a white male, in his mid-to-late twenties, 5 foot 7 to 5 foot ten, with a thin build, he was last seen wearing light-colored pants, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored shoes, a dark-colored knit hat and dark-rimmed glasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office at 547-4273.

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The Village of Sidney announced that work would be performed on the Main Street Bridge today from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. The bridge will be open for 1 lane for traffic during the work.

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The DCMO BOCES open house will be held today at the Harrold campus on Route 206 in Masonville & Tomorrow at the Chenango Campus in Norwich. Spokesperson Martha Ryan explains:

(Martha Ryan 5-24-16)

The open house in Masonville tonight runs from 5:00 to 7:30, there will be chicken barbecue, heavy equipment displays, building tours, and a car show this evening.

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The State DOT will hold a public meeting Today, regarding plans to rehabilitate a bridge on State Route 28 in the town of Milford, The meeting will be held at Milford Central School, the Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and a formal presentation will be conducted at 7 p.m. The bridge was built in 1985 and carries State Route 28 over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Main Line. The purpose of the meeting is to share and exchange information with the public regarding the project and its potential impacts, including proposed work zone traffic control options to manage traffic during construction.

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Red Cross Blood Drives will be held today in the region. In Bainbridge, the blood drive will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Greenlawn Elementary School, from 4:00 to 8:00 at the Harold BOCES campus in Masonville & in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the St James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street. Appointments are requested by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Law Enforcement Agencies in Otsego County have responded to a reported Bank Robbery at the NBT Bank Branch at 1 West Street in Edmeston at about 11:30 this morning. The Edmeston Central School District & Pathfinder Village were locked down and State Police & Otsego County Sheriff's deputies have been investigating. WCDO Will have more information as it becomes available.

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The Sidney Police Department arrested 43-year-old Jack Blanchard of Guilford for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. The arrest is the result of a 2-month investigation into the sale of Cocaine in the Village of Sidney. Blanchard was arrested on an Arrest Warrant Sealed Indictment issued by Delaware County Court. He was sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await arraignment on the charges.

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Schoharie County Judge Richard Mott did not reach a verdict in the 4th Cal Harris Murder trial Friday. Judge Mott had deliberated for about 12 hours on Thursday & Friday; he had not reached a decision on whether Call Harris murdered his estranged wife Michelle on September 11th, 2001. Deliberations will continue on Tuesday.

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Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage in the House of an amendment he authored in support of former Navy and Marine Corps personnel and other Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service aboard vessels off the coast of Vietnam and now have serious illnesses that are directly connected to that exposure. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act ensures those Veterans is granted presumptive coverage for Agent Orange exposure. The House bill introduced by Congressman Gibson has 320 cosponsors from both parties, while the Senate version introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has 41 bipartisan cosponsors.

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The 2016 Ed Wessels Canoe Regatta was held; Saturday with impressive finishes from local paddlers, who are training for this weekend’s General Clinton 70- miler. The Wessels Chairman Ed Curley told WCDO News of the most exciting finish of a 1 second photo finish in the pro class:

(Ed Curley 5-23-16)

Other top finishers included Bob & Ryan Zaveral of Mount Upton winning the Men’s Under 50 Amateur class. Mike Bachman of Bainbridge & Rich Hall of Gilbertville taking the C-2 Stock class & Dale Persons of Bainbridge & Melissa Swislosky of Mount Upton winning the mixed C-2 Pro class. WCDO Will have full coverage of Wednesday’s new Pine Ridge Grocery Dash for Cash Race and The General Clinton Canoe regatta this weekend.

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The New York State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed and will require lane closures in the City of Binghamton. Beginning tomorrow, through Thursday, from 9 AM to 3:00 PM, I-81northbound/State Route 17 westbound will be reduced to 1 lane between Exit 3 and 4S for the removal of concrete barrier. The right two lanes will be closed. On Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, I-81 northbound/State Route 17 westbound Exit 4S will be closed temporarily for the removal of concrete barrier. A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the ramp closure. All work will be performed weather permitting.

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The Village of Sidney announced that work would be performed on the Main Street Bridge on Tuesday May 24th from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. The bridge will be open for 1 lane traffic only during the work.

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24-year-old James Spain of Walton pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct, for allegedly performing sexual acts with an under-aged female. Spain was released on his own recognizance; Sentencing is scheduled for July 18th.

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The ReUnite Bainbridge meeting will be held today, at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner. The Agenda includes an Update on the Bainbridge Summer Fest, The BG School Booster Club Bon Fire, Annual Golf Tournament, Musicians on Main Streets, Updates on Popcorn Wagon and Weather Vanes

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Governor Cuomo today announced $500,000 in federal funding has been awarded to the New York State Academy of Fire Science in the Southern Tier. The funding will support a crude oil training simulation for first responders. This marks the third consecutive year that the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control has been awarded this funding. The Academy trains over 6,000 emergency services providers from across the state in over 130 courses per year.

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The Bainbridge Village Planning Board Meeting originally scheduled last week, has been rescheduled for this evening. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm in the Bainbridge Village Clerk's office at 33 West Main Street & is open to the pubic.

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It's not looking to promising for New York State to have a budget passed by tonight's deadline. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the whole budget process has been out of the public's eye & the rank & file Lawmakers again this year:

(Lopez 3-31-16)

Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO news this morning that he doesn't see a budget passed by midnight:

(Cliff Crouch 3-31-16)

Crouch said that 1of the key sticking points in this year's budget negotiation is the phased in minimum wage proposal, increases in revenue expected from New York City, he expressed disappointment in the closed process, and the lack of discussion about leadership term limits after many former legislative leaders faced charges & conviction for corruption.

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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul & State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey unveiled a $2.2 million project that will transform the popular beach area at Chenango Valley State Park Wednesday. The project will expand the sand beach area and create multiple swim areas that provide a range of appropriate depths for all ages. Water circulation and quality will be improved through hydro-engineered technology and aeration, which pushes and circulates water from the bottom of the swim area.

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The 4th murder trial of Cal Harris begins today in Schoharie County Court. After 2 jury convictions in Tioga County court, 2 successful appeals, and a move to Schoharie County and a hung jury, Harris has requested that the Judge Richard Mott decide his fate after all the testimony is given. Harris is accused of killing his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

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The New York State Court of Appeals has upheld smoking restrictions in state parks, unanimously rejecting arguments from a smokers' rights group that parks officials exceeded their authority and smoking limits should be left to state lawmakers. Judge Eugene Fahey writes that lawmakers gave responsibility to the parks department authority to provide for public health and welfare within the park system. The parks office oversees 179 parks and 35 historic and other sites, they said that the smoking restrictions apply to less than 5% of their 330,000 acres.

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The Unadilla Youth for Christ organization will hold their 3rd annual 5K run this Saturday. The race begins at 10:30 from the Unadilla elementary school, registration & number pick up begins at 8:30. Participants are encouraged to run in costume, all proceeds benefit the youth for Christ teen center. More information is available at 432-0594.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring two conferences on Epigenetics and Breastfeeding today with keynote speaker Larry Noble. The 1st conference is at the FoxCare Center from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, the 2nd at SUNY Delhi’s Okun Theatre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

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The American Red Cross will have another area blood drive today in Chenango County, from 10:00 to 3:00 today at the NBT Bank Branch at 52 South Broad Street in Norwich. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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The city of Oneonta commission on community relations & human rights will meet tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

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The Otsego County Medical reserve corps will hold a meeting today for those looking to volunteer their expertise in the event of a disaster. Stefan Dunham heads up the corps:

(Stefan Dunham 3-31-16)

Dunham said that a meeting is today at 5:00 PM in Cooperstown at the Meadows Office Building, EMS Classroom b. More information is available at 547-6477 or dunhams@otsegocounty.com

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This morning at 8:30 AM until 9:30, The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Eye Opener Continental breakfast at The Hampton Inn in Oneonta on behalf of Catholic Charities for Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The Dispute Resolution Center of Catholic Charities is currently recruiting potential candidates to become trained volunteer mediators for their program.

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The 4th murder trial for Cal Harris began today, with an expected jury selection, followed by Cal Harris asking to waive the right to a jury trial, & requesting that the presiding judge Richard Mott decide his fate at the conclusion of testimony.   Judge Mott approved the request & Testimony will begin Thursday. Harris was convicted by juries twice in Tioga County Court for the murder of his estranged wife Michelle on September 11th 2001, both convictions were overturned on appeal, the 3rd trial was moved to Schoharie County, which ended with no decision reached by the jury.

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The American Cancer Society Relay For Life will hold an informational Team Captain meeting on April 4th at 5:30pm at the United Methodist Church at 12 Liberty Street in Sidney. The annual event will be held on May 14th at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, More information is available at 563-8841 or 563-9634, or relayforlife.org/tritownny .

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The Otsego County Medical reserve corps is looking for volunteers predominantly from the medical profession, in case of any kind of disaster. Stefan Dunham heads up the corps:

(Stefan Dunham 3-28-16)

Dunham said that a meeting is scheduled for Thursday march 31st at 5:00 PM at in Cooperstown at the Meadows Office Building, EMS Classroom b. More information is available t 547-6477 or dunhams@otsegocounty.com

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Members of the State Assembly are looking to create a new state program modeled on the successful CHIPS program, to repair and maintain drinking water, sewer, storm water management and gas line infrastructure, with the Safe Water infrastructure Action Program.   area assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

(Lopez 3-28-16)

The program would provide annual funding to all municipalities in the state to allow them to identify and swap out old, deteriorating pipes, water mains and gas lines to better maintain the state’s infrastructure. Lopez said that much of the infrastructure is aging, and in some cases, dates back to the Civil War.

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The city of Oneonta will have a committee meeting today, of the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals.   The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the common Council Chambers at city hall.

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The next "ReUnite Bainbridge" meeting will be tonight at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner. Bainbridge residents are asked to attend & present ideas and suggestions. Tonight's agenda includes updates on Community Block Party & Community Calendar Sale & the Meet the Artists Street Fest.

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Governor Cuomo announced that trout and salmon fishing season will open on April 1. Ahead of the season opening, anglers can start planning their first outing on the I LOVE NY website, which features information on freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing and highlights ideal locations for fishing.

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A blood donation opportunity is today in Oneonta from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, on Route 23 Southside. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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New York Farm Bureau will hold their 59th State Annual Meeting today & tomorrow at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Delegates from 52 county Farm Bureaus will gather to debate and vote on public policy resolutions, there will be educational opportunities for members, recognition of distinguished leaders past and present, a benefit auction for the NYFB Foundation for Agricultural Education and special remarks from agricultural leaders. Elections will also be held for state director positions.

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Businesses in New York have benefited from the economic recovery, but workers in the state have not benefited as much, according to a Fiscal Policy Institute study. The report states that New York businesses saw profits rise by an average of 61-percent between 2001 and 2013. But workers in the state saw wages increase less than half as much, just 29 percent, in the same time period.

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The fourth Cal Harris' fourth murder trial is expected to begin March 28, and the trial will be moved from the Schoharie County Court to the state Supreme Court in Schoharie County. Judge Richard Mott was assigned to the case in a decision by the state's Third Judicial District. The 3rd trial was presided over by Schoharie County judge George Bartlett, it ended in a mistrial, and Harris was convicted twice in Tioga County Court for murdering his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

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The anti-bullying "Sweethearts & Heroes" presentation with professional MMA fighter and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Tom Murphy will be presented to Oxford Academy Middle school students Wednesday. Beginning at 12:15 & again at 1:40 PM. Oxford Middle School principal Kathleen Hansen explains:

(Kathleen Hansen 12-8-15)

Principal Hansen also said that Broome County Area Native Rick Yarosh will gives a message about overcoming adversity and turning a negative situation into a positive one, Yarosh is familiar to many area residents, he is a retired sergeant with the U.S. Army from Windsor, who was injured in Iraq with burns over most of his body, more information is available at sweetheartsandheroes.org or on their facebook page.

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area performer & music teacher Dana LaCroix has been volunteering with the Garden Groove Project in Binghamton where urban children learning about gardening and growing food. LaCroix decided to get her music students involved in a project to raise money for the Garden Groove Project, she told WCDO news ABOUT IT:

(Dana LaCroix 12-8-15)

LaCroix also said that the The Garden Groove Kids will perform at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party, at 70 River Street, Oneonta this Saturday, December 12th, at 1:00 pm. The event is organized by First Night Oneonta, where download cards will be on sale to help raise funds for this project. more information is available at GardenGroove.org.

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Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sacred Heart Parish Center on Liberty Street in Sidney, for anyone interested. Schmidt said that so need volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 11-8-15)

Schmidt said that last year theyserved about 250 dinners on Christmas day.

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Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the Employee Training Incentive Program, that will incentivize employers to provide skills training for their employees that upgrades, retrains or improves the productivity of their workforce, by providing tax credits to help offset the cost of training. Tax credits will be awarded for costs associated with eligible training programs for current and new employees or for internship programs for current students, recent graduates, and recent members of the armed forces, and are issued after training is completed. The Application can be accessed at apps.cio.ny.gov.

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New York Farm Bureau members along with the Food Bank Association of New York State announced today that 11.6 million pounds of food and farm products have been donated by New York Farm Bureau members this year through the month of November. That translates to nearly 10 million meals being provided to New Yorkers in need. And with a month to go in the donation effort, the large number is expected to climb. In addition, the New York Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee gave a $200 contribution today to the Food Bank Association of New York State.