WCDO Radio News

The SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association invites the public to attend the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, tomorrow at 9:00 AM at the 9/11 Memorial in the quad outside of Fitzelle Hall at SUNY Oneonta. The ceremony will feature an Honor Guard, a presentation of flowers and a wreath, and music.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-10-25

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the fall foliage travel season throughout New York State & the ‘I LOVE NY’ Fall Foliage Reports will be available starting today on every Wednesday. Reports are available online at iloveny.com/foliage or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS.

Delaware County Public Health will have a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets Today, from 5:00PM-7:00PM, at Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main Street, If you need assistance pre-registering or have questions about the clinic, please call Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200.

Walton Fire Department responded Monday night at about 11:15pm to a reported structure fire at 30 Union Street in the village. All occupants were out of the structure when Firefighters arrived, they were able to remove pets from the residence. Walton Fire Department was assisted by Trout Creek, Delhi, Franklin Fire Department. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Delaware County Planning Board announced that they plan to develop a Strategic Comprehensive Plan, to guide future growth in the County. Fisher Associates will lead the planning process and public engagement efforts. The 2nd Public Input session will be held tonight from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM at the Walton Fire Hall, on West Street. The input gathered during the input sessions will be reviewed by Delaware County Planning and Fisher Associates, followed by additional opportunities for public review and comment.

Hartwick College in Oneonta launched their "The Life Balance College" concept starting this semester, that places student success at the forefront. Hartwick College President Jim Mullen explains:

(Jim Mullen 9-17-24)

More information about Hartwick College & their new approach can be found at hartwick.edu.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-17-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Jonathan Hynes of Stamford on an Arrest Warrant for 2nd Degree Assault following an investigation by the Otsego County Sheriff's Office for an incident that occurred in Worcester. On September 5th, Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies contacted and requested assistance from the Delaware County Sheriff's Office in locating a vehicle and driver which were involved in a hit and run motor vehicle accident and an assault, Delaware County Deputies were able to locate the vehicle and Hynes, he was arrested & was turned over to the Otsego County Sheriff''s Office.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled for today in Delaware County, 1 in Stamford from 1 pm. - 5 pm., at the Robinson Terrace Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center,another in Walton from 2 pm. - 6 pm., at the Pines Brook Church, Appointments are scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Sidney Alumni Association will be holding their annual Sports Hall Of Fame Inductions Weekend on September 20th & 21st, Spokesman Larry Halbert said that tickets are now available:

(Larry Halbert 9-11-24)

The Induction Ceremony Dinner will be on Saturday the 21st, tickets can be purchased at the Sidney Alumni website or by calling 607-316-2716.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will recognize several businesses and groups for their service to the county’s business community at its 2024 Business Awards celebration on October 16 at The Meredith Inn at Stonewall. Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 9-11-24)

The new businesses that will be honored include Bakers Grimm in Delhi, Bizzy Bees Learning Academy in Delhi, Catskills Junction in Stamford, Delhi Work Station, Galloping Horse Graphics in Hancock, The Hobart Exchange, The Lost Bookshop in Delhi, and The Walton Diner. Tickets for the dinner event are $60 per person. Reservations are required and may be made under the Events column at DelawareCounty.org.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Downsville from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Downsville Fire Department, State Highway 30, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame Announced that former Major League Manager Jim Leyland will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer in Cooperstown. Leyland took the Florida Marlins to a World Series title in 1997, he had several winning seasons managing the Pittsburgh Pirates & Detroit Tigers with 6 first-place finishes, 3 pennants, he won the Manager of the year Award 3 times. The Hall of Fame Weekend 2024 will be held July 19-22 in Cooperstown, with the Class of 2024 to be inducted at 1:30 pm. on Sunday, July 21, on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center. The Baseball Writers' Association of America will announce the results of its Class of 2024 Hall of Fame voting on January 23rd.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-4-23

11 Fire Companies responded Friday night a fire in Stamford. The buildings were on fire at 62 to 64 Main Street in Stamford, 2 historic buildings were lost, the fire displaced 30 residents and 2 businesses, 2 residents & 2 firefighters were injured, with non-life threatening injuries. The Red Cross & Churchill Gym helped displaced residents, the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Stamford Village Hall will accept donations today through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Locally, Waste Recovery Enterprises of Sidney is collecting donations of canned food & toiletries for the 11 families displaced, teh items can be dropped off at their location at Valley View Road & they will deliver them to Stamford.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Department of Social Services, announced that a homeless man that was living in a bus stop in the town of Dickinson, has returned home to his family. Earl Sutton had been living at the bus stop shelter where numerous people attempted to help him access various community services and find a permanent residence, but he refused any assistance. Sheriff Fred Akshar directed the Broome County Sheriff’s Office team to locate and contact Sutton's family, they found his Uncle James Sutton, in Toledo, Ohio, Officers found out that Earl Sutton had been missing for 2 years, earlier he had a bike accident that left him Mentally challenged, he had stopped taking his medication and disappeared. On September 8th, Earl Sutton went home to Ohio.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-12-23

In July, uniformed Broome County Deputies and members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force conducted a targeted enforcement within the Village of Endicott, focusing on the trafficking and distribution of weapons and narcotics. The targeted crime response during that month yielded a grand total of 20 felony arrests and 19 misdemeanor arrests were made, nearly all involving weapon and narcotics possession or distribution. 3 illegal shotguns and 1 illegal handgun were also confiscated during the targeted enforcement period in the Village of Endicott. During the same time frame, The Task Force also conducted 3 search warrants in the Village of Endicott, leading to a total of 17 felony charges and 10 Misdemeanors.

Delaware County Public Health has a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5PM-7PM, at the Stamford Fire Hall, more information is available at 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro announced $180,000 is being delivered to Margaretville Memorial Hospital to address the shortage of Emergency Medical Services personnel in Delaware County. The funding is available through the Department of Health and Human Services, Margaretville Memorial Hospital will expand EMS training opportunities through its partnership with Delaware County EMS and SUNY Cobleskill.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Jolene Hynes of Stamford, following a domestic incident investigation. On July 1st, Deputies responded to a 911 call for a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Harpersfield, Hynes was arrested for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, she also attempted to conceal and destroy evidence by throwing away narcotics and drug paraphernalia. After Deputies received the results from the State Crime Lab, Hynes was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Evidence Tampering, she was Hynes was released on Appearance Tickets for Town of Harpersfield Court at a later date.

After a summer of decreased donor turnout, the American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage, which has lead to an increase in Blood Drives locally into the fall, American Red Cross Spokesperson Meg Rossman comments:

(Meg Rossman 9-11-23)

Blood Drives are being held tomorrow at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, in Cooperstown at the Community Bible Church from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and in Oneonta at the Foothills Performing Arts Center from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, Appointments can be scheduled with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at Redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

State Police at Richfield Springs were dispatched to assist the Richfield Fire Department with a fire in a 2nd-floor bathroom at Richfield Springs Central School. An investigation revealed that a 15-year-old male intentionally lit a soap dispenser on fire, which caused property damage only. No injuries were reported. The juvenile was charged with 2nd degree Arson.

State Police responded to a report of a head-on collision involving an SUV and a Trailways bus on State Highway 23 in the town of Davenport. The only occupant of the SUV, a 65-year-old woman of Stamford, was pronounced deceased on scene. Her name is being withheld pending notifications to family. 5 people were on the bus, the driver is a 44-year-old woman of Astoria, and passenger who is a 59-year-old female of Hartwick were transported to Bassett Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. 3 other passengers were not injured, The investigation is on-going.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host their Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony tonight, with 3 awards to be given out, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 6-2-22)

This year’s Organization of the Year award goes to the Sidney Alumni Association, Spokesman Brian Innes commented:

(Brian Innes 6-2-22)

Chamber President Teri Schunk was chosen as the Citizen of the Years, the Business of the Years award goes to Gavin’s Pizza. The Annual Dinner will be held at the Sidney Fire Hall on River street starting at 5:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-25-22

The Community Partnership Mass Food Distribution will be held tomorrow at the River Street Fire Station in Sidney, Catholic Charities Spokesperson Jordan Fradenburgh explains:

(Jordan Fradenburgh 1-25-22)

People are asked to arrive no earlier than 11:00 PM in order to avoid traffic jams; the event is Sponsored By the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, United Way, & the Village of Sidney.

The results of the 78th Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame election will be revealed at 6:00 PM tonight live from the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery in Cooperstown. The event will be carried by the MLB Network, as Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch delivers the results. The Ballot features 30 players, including 13 new candidates and 17 returnees. Those announced tonight will join Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Miñoso, Buck O’Neil and Tony Oliva at the inductions in Cooperstown in July.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 1-25-22

The Associated Press is reporting this morning that Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has died while serving a prison sentence in a corruption case. Silver died Monday, he was 77, and he had been sentenced to more than six years in prison for using his clout in state government to benefit real estate developers. The conviction ended a four-decade career in the Assembly.

State Police will be hosting a car seat check event at the Deposit Fire Station today from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Appointments are preferred but drive-ups are welcome, call (607)561-7605 or email at shannon.hartz@troopers.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 40 year old Jeremiah Clark of Roxbury for possessing stolen property and falsifying business records. On November 7th, Deputies investigated a report of stolen scrap steel and copper from a building in the Town of Stamford, which were sold to Otsego Auto Crusher’s in Davenport. On January 14th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division assisted State Police with the execution of a search warrant on a residence in the Town of Roxbury, they charged Clark with Falsifying Business Records and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, he was arraigned at the Town of Roxbury Court and was released on his own recognizance. Clark is scheduled to appear at the Town of Roxbury Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-7-21

The 2021 National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place tomorrow at 1:30 PM on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Marvin Miller and Ted Simmons will be inducted, admission to the ceremony on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center is free…MLB Network will carry the Induction Ceremony live; it will also be simulcast at MLB.com. 34 Hall of Famers are returning to Cooperstown for the Induction Ceremony.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a neighbor dispute on July 31st, at 60 River Street in the Town of Stamford. 58-year-old Kenneth Utter and 69-year-old Janet Starkweather, both of Stamford, are accused of subjecting another person to unwanted physical contact, the victim’s harassment complaints were forwarded to the Town of Stamford Court, which was requested to issue a criminal summons for Starkweather and Utter. Deputies located and arrested Utter and Starkweather last week, they were charged with 1 count each of harassment, they were ordered to appear in the Town of Stamford Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-7-21

Governor Kathy Hochul signed four pieces of legislation, to establish a demonstration program to implement speed violation monitoring systems in work zones to keep workers safe and make construction contractors liable for the wages owed to their subcontractors. They also require the payment of prevailing wage to building service employees at high-end co-ops and condos and extend Shared Work Benefits.

Firefighters from several companies responded to the report of a Barn Fire at 723 Hotchkiss Road in Greene Late Sunday Night. Firefighters from Greene, Chenango Forks, Port Crane, Coventry, and Brisben responded, the barn was fully engulfed & was a total loss, and the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Sidney Resident Sheila Paul has decided to run for Sidney
Town Clerk, forcing a Primary for the Republican Party nomination later this
month against incumbent Lisa French, she told WCDO News about her decision to
seek this office:

(Sheila Paul 6-14-19)

The incumbent Lisa French told WCDO News why she feels that
she should be re-elected:

(Lisa French 6-14-19)

The Primary election for Sidney Town Clerk will be held on
June 25th, Polls will be open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM, and other Delaware
County Primary elections that day are for Hancock Superintendent of Highways
& A Stamford Town Council seat.

The Greene Fire Department was dispatched Thursday afternoon
to County Road 32 for a 1 car motor vehicle accident with entrapment.   First Responders found 2 patients with
injuries trapped in the vehicle, which were extricated, responders from the
Brisben & Oxford Fire Departments assisted, and the unidentified patients
were transported to an area hospital, the investigation is continuing.

The Chenango County Health
Department will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats &
ferrets Saturday.  The clinic will be
held at the South Otselic Fire Station from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation removing non-medical
exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children. The United States
is currently experiencing the worst outbreak of measles in more than 25 years,
with outbreaks in pockets of New York primarily driving the crisis. As a result
of non-medical vaccination exemptions, many communities across New York have
unacceptably low rates of vaccination; this new law will help protect the
public during this ongoing outbreak.

3 people were arrested on May 8, after a reported
abduction.  54 year old Anthony Davi of
Davenport was arrested for Reckless Endangerment, 19 year old Cassandra Davi of
Oneonta was charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident.  30 year old Charles Hall of New Lisbon was arrested
for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.
An investigation revealed that Cassandra Davi sent a text to her father
Anthony Davi, asking for help while she was in Hall's vehicle,  Anthony Davi called 911 he eventually located
Hall's vehicle and shot at the vehicle while on State Highway 23 in the town of
Kortright and left with his daughter.
Troopers located the Hall's vehicle, they determined that Cassandra Davi
was never in need of assistance & there was no abduction, but Hall was
impaired and was arrested.   All 3 were
released pending future court action.

Delaware County Sheriff's
Deputies, State Police and the Stamford Fire Department and Emergency Squad
responded to a 911 report of a fatal hit-and-run vehicle-pedestrian accident on
State Highway 10 in the Village of Stamford.
The Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim, 24 year-old
Shannon German of Stamford was lying in the roadway when she was struck by a
tractor trailer that continued traveling north following the collision.  State Highway 10 was subsequently closed to
traffic for several hours for the investigation.  The tractor trailer and driver was located in
the Schenectady area by State Police, who has been identified as 50-year-old
Peter Baldauf of Delancey, who did not see German lying in the roadway and
unknowingly struck her.  Baldauf has not
been charged in relation to the accident.

Constituents are invited to join
Senator Jen Metzger and Delhi Village Mayor Richard Maxey for coffee today at
Delhi Village Hall to ask questions, and address concerns in the 42nd Senate
District.  This event is free, and open
to the public, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, more information is available at
845-344-3311.

State Police observed a vehicle speeding in Stamford Friday;
a traffic stop was attempted; the driver failed to comply & reached speeds
over 100 miles an hour.  The vehicle left
on exit 77 in Windsor where another trooper met the vehicle at the end of the
off ramp and they stopped.   The driver
was an 18-year-old male from Bayside, Queens, who was found to be in possession
of smoking device containing suspected THC oil & a fraudulent Connecticut
driver’s license.  He was charged with
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument & Criminal Possession of a
Controlled Substance.  A 17-year-old male
passenger from Flushing, Queens attempted to dispose of a smoking device, he
was charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence & Criminal Possession of
a Controlled Substance.  Police said 3
other passengers were not taken into custody or issued any tickets.  The 18-year-old driver & A 17-year-old
passenger were arraigned at Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Chenango County Jury convicted Ernest Franklin of Guilford
for 2nd-degree murder, 3rd-degree arson, and tampering with physical evidence
in connection with the 2017 murder of his 16-year-old adopted son Jeffrey.  The Jury believed that Franklin killed Jeffrey
& set fire to the family home to cover up the murder, his wife Heather’s
trial will be held in Chenango County court later this year.

Tickets for the 2019 Hall of Fame Classic, scheduled for
Saturday, May 25, go on sale today to the general public online and by phone.
Hall of Fame members Rollie Fingers and Alan Trammell will be joined by
additional Hall of Famers and recently retired players representing all 30
major league teams for a seven-inning legends game at Cooperstown’s historic
Doubleday Field.  Tickets will be
available via phone at 207-9519 or at baseballhall.org.

State Police Responded to an apparent Murder Suicide in the town of Stamford Tuesday, after 57 year old Christopher German of South Kortright failed to show up for work in Cooperstown. Troop C BCI Captain Scott Heggelke Explains:

(Capt Scott Heggelke 11-7-18)

Captain Heggelke said that the incident occurred after 9:00 PM Monday; The Delaware County Coroner's Office ordered the bodies removed for autopsies, which were being performed at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton this afternoon, the official cause and approximate time of death is expected to be in the final Autopsy report, which may be released later today.

The Trial for Ernest Franklin of Guilford has been delayed again, until early next year. Franklin & his wife Heather are accused of killing their developmentally disabled son & setting fire to their house to cover up the murder in the town of Guilford in March of 2017. Ernest Franklin is being held without bail pending the start of his trial; Heather Franklin was released on bail.

The results are in from the State Board of Elections in the U.S. Senate seat, Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand by a 2 to 1 margin over Republican Chele Farley, in local Congressional races, in the 19th District, Democrat Antonio Delgado defeats incumbent John Faso by about 3%. In the 22nd District: Democrat Anthony Brindisi defeats incumbent Claudia Tenney. In State Office races, Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo defeated all challengers to win a 3rd term as Governor, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli easily defeats all challengers for another term., and the new Attorney General will be Democrat Letitia James. In the race for the 6th District State Supreme Court seat, Republican Joe McBride wins. In area State Senate races, in the 42nd district, Democrat Jennifer Metzger wins over Republican Ann Rabbitt for the seat previously held by the retiring John Bonacic, in the 51st district, Republican Incumbent Jim Seward wins re-election for a 17th term, in the 52nd district , Incumbent Republican Fred Akshar was unopposed. In local State Assembly Races, in the 121 District: Republican John Salka defeats longtime incumbent Bill Magee, in the 122 District: Incumbent Cliff Crouch easily defeats Conservative Nicholas Libous, in the 123rd District: Democratic incumbent Donna Lupardo was unopposed & in the 102nd District: Democrat Aidan O’Conner wins by a slim margin over incumbent Republican Christopher Tague. Rich Devlin is re-elected as Otsego County Sheriff & David Harder is re-elected as Broome County Sheriff.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will partner with the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs today to offer all military veterans free admission to the home of baseball in Cooperstown. More information is available at baseballhall.org or 888-HALL-OF-FAME or 547-7200.

State Senator Fred Akshar has come under fire for his relationship with Jessica Williams, who has worked for Akshar, his predecessor Tom Libous & is now working for the state Senate Republicans staff and she has received large percentage pay increases since 2011. Akshar spokesman Emmanuel Priest told WCDO News that Williams' is involved with Senator Akshar, and the increasing salary was commensurate with the work she has been tasked with doing. Akshar has been a State Senator since 2015, when he won a special election to fill Libous's seat.

470 New York State municipalities have adopted tobacco-free outdoor area policies, 2 recent examples are the Town of Stamford and Village of Delhi in Delaware County. Both municipalities recently worked with Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, spokesperson Linda Wegner comments:

(Linda Wegner 7-6-18)

The use of tobacco products is prohibited on any present and future parks, recreation areas, trails and events under the jurisdiction of the Town of Stamford & the Village of Delhi, Tobacco products are defined as any manufactured product containing tobacco or nicotine including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, Snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, e-cigarettes and vape pens.

The 7th & Final "Rock in the Park" will be held tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, organizer Jason Hall explains:

(Jason Hall 7-6-18)

The show is scheduled to begin at 12:00 Noon tomorrow, with the headliners "Tusk-A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac" going on stage in the early evening.

The Norwich Fire Department announced that Jan Papelino was unanimously voted to become the fire chief by all six members of the city council. Papelino was an assistant fire chief and volunteer for 39 years & will succeed the recently retired former chief, Tracy Chawgo.

The Induction Ceremony for this year's General Clinton Hall of Fame will be taking place this SaturdayHall Of Fame Committee member Greg Davie explains:

(Greg Davie 5-23-18)

The ceremony will start with a meet and greet 5:30 PM, at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

The State DOT will host an open house public information meeting this evening at 6:00 PM at the Colesville Town Hall on Welton Street in Harpursville regarding the Dilly Road culvert replacement project. The proposed work zone traffic control will require an approximate 2 week closure of Dilly Road at the intersection of State Route 7. Traffic will use a three-mile, six-minute detour. Dilly Road accommodates an average of 60 vehicles daily. The project is in the preliminary design phase. Construction is currently scheduled for the 2019 construction season.

After 2 confirmed Rabies case, Delaware County Public health announced that Rabies clinics in Delaware County will be held today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Town of Stamford Garage, June 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Town of Tompkins Highway Garage, in Trout Creek & June 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Town of Walton Highway Garage.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and local Fire Departments and Emergency Squads responded to a fatal all-terrain vehicle accident on a riding trail in Town of Stamford at about 12:30 AM today. The accident was discovered and reported by other ATV riders, the deceased has been identified as 27 year old Daniel Reed of Stamford, who lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently overturned, Reed was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. Deputies believe excessive speed and failure to wear a seat belt were contributing factor, the investigation is continuing.

State Senator Fred Akshar announced over two dozen funding grants to support local volunteer fire departments and emergency services squads totaling $125,000. The grants will go toward a variety of projects depending on the needs of each department. Locally, the Bainbridge Fire Department, Colesville Fire Company, Greene Emergency Squad, Brisben Fire Department, Town of Hancock Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Hancock Fire Department, &  Windsor Emergency Services all received $5,000.

Delaware County Public Health will be sponsoring a free EPA Certified Lead Renovator 8-Hr. Training Course on Thursday, October 26th at the Walton Town Hall. ConTrax, LLC is conducting the class, which is sponsored by Delaware County Public Health, Free Tuition offered on a first come basis, with preference given to Delaware County Residents, businesses, rental property owners, home improvement contractors and Their employees. Registration is underway at 607-588-6640, or email INFO@CONTRAXLLC.COM. More information is available at contraxllc.com

The City of Oneonta Clerk's Office announced 2 Committee meetings for today. At 5:00 PM, the Finance/Human Resources committee will meet, at 7:00 PM, the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals will meet, both meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall.

State Police Major William McEvoy invites the public to help celebrate 100 years of service by attending the Centennial Open House at Troop C in Sidney on October 7th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will have demonstrations from the K-9 unit, Helicopter Rescue, Underwater Recovery Team, Special Operations Response Team, & the Centennial Mounted Unit, and much more. There will be historical displays, firearm displays, vintage Troop cars, motorcycles, along with hands-on patrol car displays, McGruff the Crime Dog, tours of Troop Headquarters and the new Forensic Center. There is no admission; parking will be done at off-site parking on Delaware Avenue and Union Street in Sidney, with Shuttle buses running from that site.

Several area fire companies responded this morning to the report of a fire with explosions of hazardous materials, at 178 Howe Lane in Afton off of State Route 41 in Afton. Afton, Bainbridge & Sidney Fire Department responded to the blaze, which was reported at about 11:15 AM, at Pit Stop Auto Repair. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo announced that nearly $37 million in grants and interest-free loans have been approved by the State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the state. Locally, the Village of Stamford will receive $6.2 million, for the construction of a new water storage tank and control building to replace the Village's old tank, undersized water distribution mains with new mains at several locations throughout the Village.

The Oneonta Common Council is expected to vote for a new Police Chief at their next meeting tonight. Acting Chief Douglas Brenner has the endorsement of Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, tonight's meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City Hall at 7:00 PM.

Several area fire departments responded to the call of a structure fire at 123 Main Street in Delhi this morning. Fire fighters from Delhi, Bovina, Franklin, Bloomville & Walton responded to the fire at the O'Neill's Shire pub, earlier this morning. WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 54 year old Harold Nolan of Stamford today, for DWI, after deputies responded to a 1 car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi. Nolan lost control of his vehicle on State Route 28 and traveled through the ditch and into the yard of a nearby residence. Nolan will appear in Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Job Fair at SUNY Delhi tomorrow afternoon, Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news that the Job Fair is also aimed at recent graduates looking to start careers:

(Ray Pucci 6-19-17)

The Job Fair will be held at SUNY Delhi’s Farrell Hall, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22 year Justin Holmquist of North Norwich and 20 year old Cody Marshall of Sherburne for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Holmquist and Marshall were arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, for allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance in April.

37 year old Robert Stutzer of Stamford has been charged with arson & criminal Mischief in connection with an alleged arson at 2630 State Highway 7 in the town of Unadilla last Thursday. State Police reported that Stutzer was arrested shortly after the report of a fire at that location on February 16th, the investigation is continuing.

State Lawmakers are considering a new law to make attacks against Police, Fire fighters or EMT's as "Hate Crimes", State Senator John Bonacic supports that measure:

(Bonacic 2-22-17)

Bonacic predicted that the bill would easily pass the Senate, but he was not sure if it would pass the Assembly. The bill was forwarded after an unprecedented number of attacks against Police, Firefigthers & EMT's around the country in recent years.

25 years after the “The Simpson” Homer at the Bat” episode aired, featuring Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith & Wade Boggs, the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that they would pay tribute to that episode on Saturday, May 27. Boggs and Smith will join in a roundtable discussion from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. outside the Library entrance to the Hall, A brief ceremony Inducting Homer Simpson will be followed with the official ribbon cutting on a SIMPSONS-themed exhibit display in the Museum. THE SIMPSONS will also be honored prior to the Hall of Fame Classic legends game taking place that afternoon at Cooperstown’s historic Doubleday Field. More information is available at baseballhall.org or 888-HALL-OF-FAME or 607-547-7200.

The 9th Hall of Fame Classic will be held at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown on Saturday, May 27th, as Hall of Famers and recently retired players suit up for the annual seven-inning legends game. First pitch for the Hall of Fame Classic is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., with the Home Run Contest beginning at noon. Hall of Famers Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will reprise their role as team managers, with the full roster of Hall of Famers and Classic players, Following the Classic, the Hall of Fame will host its Night at the Museum program, where former players will greet fans throughout the Museum on Saturday evening. Tickets for the Classic and Night at the Museum will be available starting Monday, March 6 at baseballhall.org or at 1-877-726-9028.

Governor Cuomo today announced a proposal to modernize laws to make it easier for charitable organizations to raise funds through gaming, including raffles and other types of games. This proposal will help veterans’ organizations, fraternal and service organizations, churches, volunteer fire departments and other non-profits to raise funds for their organizations. The State Gaming Commission will conduct public hearings to gather input from charitable organizations on any additional improvements to New York charitable gaming laws and regulations.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a snowmobile accident in the Town of Stamford & the discharge of gunshots by a property owner during an argument with snowmobiler. Deputies accuse 37 years old Willem Joosse of Hobart intentionally drove a snowmobile into a horse enclosure, until the property owners confronted him. Joose allegedly threatened to run over the owners, 57-year-old Joseph Laskowski retrieved a shotgun, and fired shots into the air. Deputies arrested Joosse for snowmobiling while intoxicated, criminal mischief, menacing, trespassing and operating an unregistered & uninsured snowmobile. Deputies also charged Laskowski with Menacing, both subjects were issued appearance tickets and were released, they will return to Town of Stamford Court at a later date.

Eight Catskill fire towers will be lighted by lanterns placed in the observation cabs, at 9pm Saturday night in a quiet tribute to the historic sites. The lights will burn for about a half hour at 8 towers including Mount Utsayantha in Stamford and Hunter Mountian in Hunter. The towers, erected in the 1900's in response to a series of devastating forest fires, were used to sight fires into the late 70's before many fell into disrepair and were closed or removed. The fire towers that remain have been maintained by volunteers. For more information on the Fire Tower Lights, you can contact the Catskill Center at (845)586-2611.

The Rock in the Park Toys for Tots fundraiser held August 10th at General Clinton Park was a big success, according to event co-organizer Jason Hall.

(Jason Hall)

The event featured 3 live bands including former drummer for Lynyrd Skynryd, Artimus Pyle, who also donated one of a kind posters to auction off for the cause. Chenango County Toys for Tots organizer, Denis Rifanburg said this will help a lot of local children this year. Hall and his wife Erica are Bainbridge residents who formed the event to give back to their local community.

The last of the 2013 Concerts on the Green will take place tonight in Bainbridge at 6:30 with the Old Time Band. St. Peter's Episcopal church will have a pie sale beginning at 6pm. Bring your chairs or blanket to the village green and enjoy the show. In case of inclement weather, the music and pies will be at the Town Hall Theatre.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies, acting on a complaint from security officers at Covidien Healthcare in Hobart, arrested a former Covidien employee for the theft and possession of Hydrocodone tablets from that manufacturer.  26-year-old Wayne Morse of Hobart was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Petty Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Morse was issued Appearance Tickets in the Town of Stamford Court on June 11th.

Last week’s fire at the Cooperstown All Star Village baseball camp in Oneonta is considered suspicious, fire damaged 4 separate buildings at the site early Friday morning.  Employees have been cleaning up the sites in preparation for the camp opening on June 8th; about 5,000 are expected to participate in programs at the camp this summer.

The 51st general Clinton canoe regatta was held this past weekend, with the 70-mile endurance races on Memorial Day.  The high river made for faster times for all paddlers, Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, was excited to get his 20-th finish with his 15 year old son Buddy.

(Duke Fisher News 2013)

It was Buddy’s first 70-mile race, and he told WCDO why he chose this year to do it:

(Buddy Fisher News 2013)

The 2nd class of the Canoe Regatta Hall Of Fame was inducted on Saturday, including Ken “Doc” Benson, who was a 40-year regatta volunteer & Coordinator.  His Daughter Tracy Smith reacted to the honor:

(Tracy Smith News 2013)

Over 1200 paddlers from 22 US states & Canada participated in the 4-day regatta.

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Pro canoeists Andy Triebold of Michigan and Steve Lajoie from Quebec won their 5th consecutive pro 70-mile race at the general Clinton Canoe Regatta yesterday.  Lajoie said why he thinks they are so successful:

(Steve LajOIE News 2013)

Both paddlers told WCDO’s Craig Stevens that they planned to race with each other in the future:

(Triebold-Lajoie News 2013)

The pair finished the race in 6:36:55, just 19 seconds slower than the all time record set by Serge Corbin & Bruce Barton in 1990.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 3 people on drug charges in Binghamton, Investigators discovered that “Jamell Shannon” had given them a false name; he has now been identified as 29-year-old Jamell Fisher.   Fisher is wanted in Connecticut for 1st degree Assault, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Use of Firearm, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm & 1st degree Reckless Endangerment in connection with an October 2011 shooting.    Fisher was charged as a Fugitive from Justice, False Personation, and 2nd degree Forgery, he was arraigned in the City of Binghamton Court and was remanded to the custody of the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility pending future court action.

Delaware county public health announced a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets at Davenport Fire Hall has been rescheduled for tonight at the Stamford Highway Garage on Railroad Avenue tonight from 6:00 PM to 8:00 Pm.  More information about rabies vaccinations is available at 832-5200 or at delawarecountypublichealth.com