WCDO Radio News

The Southern Tier Music Festival will be held tomorrow afternoon into the evening hours at the Sidney Municipal Airport, co-organizer Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 7-3-26)

The schedule can be located at southerntiermusicfest.com, General Admission tickets can also be purchased at the gate.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $21 million in additional funding through the NY SWIMS initiative to support 16 new projects across the state, bringing the total to 79 projects. In the Southern Tier, awards go to the Children's Home of Wyoming Conference for $2.8 million & the Town of Delhi's West Branch Center for $252,182

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-2-26

A EF-1 tornado has been confirmed in Otsego County Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, it touched down along Otsego County Highway 49 near Ketchum Road in Pittsfield & traveled 8.4 miles to Crawford Road & County Highway 10 in Laurens, it was on the ground for 18 minutes, with estimated wind speeds of 105 miles per hour. No injuries were reported, 4 structures were destroyed, the Towns of Pittsfield and Laurens are in a state of emergency.

There are maybe about a dozen VIP Tickets left for the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th in Sidney, featuring local musical acts & Headliner Jackson Dean, Teri Schunk is one of the organizers of the event & she talked to WCDO News today that the time is now to get the VIP Tickets:

(Teri Schunk 6-24-26)

Tickets and more information is available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

SUNY Delhi will receive $500,000 in new Direct State Tax Support in the new state Budget, the money will be used to support student-success initiatives, expand student services, maintain affordability and strengthen its impact in the Southern Tier region.

Some tickets are still remaining for the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th at the Sidney Airport, one of the Organizers Ed Curley visited WCDO today to talk about ticket availability:

(Ed Curley 6-11-26)

Country Star Jackson Dean is the headline with many other local bands performing throughout the day, the full line up & other information can be found at southerntiermusicfest.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-11-26

A Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Resulted in Convictions for 11 Drug Traffickers from across the Southern Tier, around the state and in Michigan. The 11 defendants involved in an organization distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and other drugs primarily from 2019 to 2021 through Broome, Tioga and Chemung Counties, they also unlawfully possessed firearms as felons or in furtherance of their drug trafficking. Law enforcement seized methamphetamine, & other drugs, over 65 firearms, cash and ATVs. Among those convicted 55 year old David Wemmer, 37 year old David Cobb & 50 year old Brandon Vanorman, all from Spencer, 38 year old Shawn McCabe of Windsor, 39 year old Philip Acciarito of Owego, , 44 year old Jennifer Patton of Spencer & 39 year old Eini Raupers of Candor.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $63.5 million infrastructure project targeting roadways across the Southern Tier and western parts of the state. Locally In Otsego County, a $5.5 million safety initiative will be spent on installing a new sidewalk and drainage system upgrades along State Route 28 in Cooperstown. Transportation officials warn local commuters to prepare for ongoing lane adjustments, reduced speeds, and alternating ramp closures throughout the construction zones.

$6.3 million of the $54 million distributed to SUNY schools are going to Southern Tier universities, SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. announced that $5.8 million of that money will go to Binghamton University while the remaining $500,000 will go toward SUNY Delhi, for student services and research performed by the universities.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-14-26

This Year's Memorial Day Parade in Sidney will be combined with the annual SFCU Hometown Parade, for the 250th year old our country, organizer Anna Banks of SFCU explains:

(Anna Banks 5-14-26)

people from all over the region who would like to participate can just show up at 8:00 AM on Monday Memorial Day.

41 year old Trevor Metterhauser of Pennsylvania was sentenced in a New York Federal Court room to 80 years in prison plus multiple fines for attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography, involving 2 toddlers, 1 in the Southern Tier & the other in Texas. As part of his guilty plea, Metterhauser admitted he conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit an a 4-year-old girl in New York & record the abuse, Metterhauser also traveled to Texas where he conspired with Carlos Ruiz to sexually assault a 2-year-old child and to record that abuse. Co-Conspirators Whitford and Ruiz have each pleaded guilty in connection with this case.

The Mid-York Concert Band has awarded a $1,000 Jones-Sterchak Memorial Scholarship to a student from Oneida County this year, Band Director Doug Ernst explains:

(Doug Ernst 5-12-26)

the free Mid-York Concert Band’s Spring Concert will be on Sunday May 17th at the Norwich High School Auditorium at 2:00 PM, in the Norwich High School Auditorium.

6 people are running for State Comptroller this year, including long time incumbent Tom DiNapoli, Republican Joseph Hernandez is a scientist & business man, and he wrapped up the Republican nomination for the position on the November Ballot, he toured the Southern Tier today & stopped at WCDO and said that one of his top goals is to crack down on fraud and abuse:

(Joseph Hernandez 5-8-26)

Hernandez said that he also would work to streamline the new York state pension fund, in order to get a higher return for those who receive a pension after working for New York State.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported today that despite median household incomes increasing in every New York County from 2019-2024, they did not keep pace with the cost of living when adjusting for the 23.1% inflation during that time period. The analysis shows that the inflation adjusted median household income increased by $1,688, or 2%, from 2019 to 2024, in 23 of the state’s 62 counties, real median household income decreased. Locally, 3 of the 10 largest percentage decreases in real household incomes were found in the Southern Tier Counties.

The next Southern Tier Music Fest Karaoke "Sing Off" will be held tonight from 6:00 - 10:00 pm at Club 55, Sidney. Contestants will be judged in 3 categories, There is a one time $10.00 entry free, entries can be sent to 4townsforward@gmail.com. 2 Adults & 1 Jr between ages 11 & 17 will be part of the Southern Tier Music Festival at the Sidney Airport on July 4th.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $25 million is being awarded to 133 farms in 23 counties across the state through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, for projects to help New York’s farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water quality, protect and enhance soil health, in the Southern Tier, more than $3.7 Million Dollars has been awarded to 33 farms.

The Competition will begin today from 6:00 to 10:00 PM for those interested in singing at the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th at the Sidney Airport, Festival Co-organizer Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 3-19-26)

Entry forms for the competition can be found on the Northern Star Facebook page or at Southern Tier Music Fest.com, the music festival will be held on July 4th at the Sidney Airport headlined by Jackson Dean.

The Competition will begin soon for those interested in performing at the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th at the Sidney Airport, Jeff Wood of Norther Star Productions told WCDO News that there will be 3 levels of a process of elimination auditions starting on March 19th:

(Jeff Wood 3-5-26)

Entry forms for the competition can be found on the Northern Star Facebook page or at Southern tier music fest .com, Tickets are still available at that website as well for the all day music festival on July 4th for the show headlined by Jackson Dean.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-19-26

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State will allocate an additional $150 million in financial assistance for municipalities outside New York City to assist in relieving immediate fiscal stress. This additional funding includes a $100 million increase in Temporary Municipal Assistance which will triple the amount of funding that all cities, towns and villages outside New York City receive from this aid stream. Southern Tier Municipalities will receive $8.2 million.

The 2026 Southern Tier Music Fest Valentine’s Promotion with discounted tickets started today, spokesperson Teri Schunk explained:

(Teri Schunk 2-12-26)

Performers on July 4th at the Sidney Municipal Airport include Matt Vroman, Jessie Kay Band, Rylee Lum Band, The Bennett Hall Band, The Matt Beadle Experience & headliner Jackson Dean, the tickets are available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

SFCU announced a $500,000 pledge in Impact Project loans this year, to help that non-profit help people with various repairs to their homes that they may not be able to afford, SFCU President Jim Reynolds told WCDO news about the loans & additional funding for the Impact Project:

(Jim Reynolds 12-10-26)

Reynolds said that SFCU will assist a different non profit each quarter this year to address a variety of issues that area residents & their members may be dealing with. The Impact Project was started by Jim Willard in Greene over 20 years ago to assist people in the Southern Tier make crucial home repairs that they couldn't afford:

(Jim Willard 2-10-26)

The Impact Project was started by Jim Willard, in 2004, Qualifying families in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego or Northern Broome County can also apply for loans through the program. See the Impact Project’s website for more details at theimpactprojectgreene.org.

State Police announced today that troopers issued 8,263 tickets during a special STOP-DWI traffic enforcement initiative conducted over Super Bowl weekend. The campaign ran from Friday, through Sunday, State Police increased patrols statewide. During the enforcement period, State Troopers arrested 177 drivers for DWI and investigated 822 crashes, including one fatal crash statewide. In the Southern Tier there were 11 DWI, 194 for speeding, 11 for Distracted driving, 27 for child restraint & seat belts violation, and 9 for the Move Over Law.

More acts have been added to the Southern Tier Music Fest in July at the Sidney Airport, spokesman Jake Cotten told WCDO News who has been added:

(Jake Cotten 2-9-26)

Tickets are on sale at southerntiermusicfest.com, VIP Tickets will be reduced February 12th through the 15th.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York is investing more than $68 million to assist nearly 1,300 low-to-moderate income households across the state. The grants awarded through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) provide individuals and families, including older adults and veterans, financial support to make accessibility upgrades, complete emergency repairs, replace manufactured homes, and receive rental assistance, as well as down payment assistance when purchasing a first home, awards by Region and Housing Units Impacted for the Southern Tier includes $12,775,091 for 191 homes, A list of the awards can be found at hcr.ny.gov/funding-awards.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-9-26

State Police responded Thursday afternoon to a crash involving an Amish buggy and a pick-up truck on County Highway 13 in the town of Pittsfield. An investigation at the scene determined that a pick-up truck operated by 26 year old Thomas Aitken of Morris struck the horse and buggy traveling in the same direction on the shoulder of the roadway. The buggy was occupied by 4 children, A 12-year-old female of New Berlin suffered injuries and was transported to Bassett Hospital, 3 other children, were evaluated at the scene but were not transported. The horse sustained fatal injuries, Aitken did not report any injuries and was issued a citation.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-30-25

Governor Hochul announced that improvements are scheduled to be made to more Than 4,120 Highway Lane Miles and over 3600 bridges will be Replaced, Rehabilitated or Improved Across the State. In the Southern Tier, 644 miles of highway, & 374 bridges will be upgraded.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $463 million has been awarded statewide through the State's Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Long Island, the Mohawk Valley, New York City and the Southern Tier were chosen as winners of the inaugural $150 million Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion competition, The Southern Tier was awarded more than $26.4 million to support 27 projects.

The US Marines announced that their Toys for Tots New York Holiday Train will go through the Southern Tier this Saturday, starting at the East Binghamton Yard, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, it will then head to Bainbridge at the Walnut Avenue Crossing, at about 11:50 AM, there will be free donuts, hot chocolate, kids' activities, music, giveaways, and more. The train will also stop at the Gas Avnue crossing in Oneonta, before heading for Cobleskill, and Delanson Saturday afternoon.

Starting today, for a limited time, there will be a discount on tickets for next Summer's Southern Tier Music Fest in Sidney, organizer Ed Curley explains:

(Ed Curley 11-28-25)

The Southern Tier Music Fest will be held next July at the Sidney Airport, more information available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

Governor Hochul today announced that 8.2 million checks have now been mailed to eligible New Yorkers under the state’s first-ever Inflation Refund Check program. Over the last two months, inflation refund checks of up to $400 have been mailed to those who meet eligibility criteria. The main phase of large-scale check mailing is now complete, checks will continue to be mailed in small numbers in the weeks ahead as the State Tax Department determines that additional taxpayers are eligible. In the Southern Tier, there will be over 251,000 beneficiaries, receiving over $66.7 Million Dollars.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that the Annual Toys for Tots will come through the Southern Tier, with a stop at the Walnut Street Crossing in Bainbridge at 11:50 Am on December 13th. The Train will stop for about 30 minutes, the following stop will be at Gas Avenue in Oneonta at about 1:10pm. there will be free donuts, entertainment, hot chocolate & activities for area children.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-31-25

Discounted tickets go on sale tonight for next year's Southern Tier Music Fest at the Sidney Airport, spokesman Ed Curley explains:

(Ed Curley 10-31-25)

The show will be held on July 4th next year, the tickets will be on sale at southerntiermusicfest.com.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-30-25

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a storm system forecast to bring widespread rain and gusty winds into Friday for parts of the Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions. Agency Preparations are underway for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the State DOT, DEC, the State Police and the utility companies, For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, For safety tips, go to dhses.ny.gov/safety.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-24-25

The State DEC announced a drought warning was issued in 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions and a drought watch was expanded to include 6 counties in the Susquehanna region. The counties added to the drought watch today are Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego, Madison, and Tioga. A drought watch or warning is now in effect for the entire state except for New York City and Westchester County. more information is available at dec.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-18-25

The Innovative Readiness Training for military medical professionals continues free of charge for area residents through this Wednesday at SUNY Broome, Southern Tier 8 spokesperson Jen Gregory explains:

(Jen Gregory 8-18-25)

It is recommended to get to the session early in order to secure a post for dental & vision appointments, sessions run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-14-25

The Military Medical free services, known as "Innovative Readiness Training", is available to all area residents, at the SUNY Broome Campus now through next week, it's the same program that has been held in recent years in Norwich & Walton, Jen Gregory of Southern Tier 8 explains:

(Jen Gregory 8-14-25)

The services are available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM through wednesday August 20th, including on Saturday & Sunday.

Over 2,000 people attended the 3rd annual Southern Tier Music Fest in Sidney at the Airport Saturday. About 400 walk up tickets were purchased due to the perfect weather conditions, there was 7 hours of music featuring headliner Uncle Kracker, plus a Queen & an AC/DC tribute band, Alyssa Crosby from “The Voice” and the 9-1-1 Band, the day ended with a Fireworks Display, Organizer Ed Curley told WCDO News that the even was deemed a complete success.