WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-7-25

38 year old Taylor Church of Bainbridge appeared in Delaware County Court and pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, On January 3rd, State Police conducted a traffic stop on Church's vehicle, the license plates did not belong on the vehicle, a search uncovered heroin, cocaine a scale & ammunition, Church faces sentencing on October 28th.

25 year old Jacob Brown of Binghamton, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, in exchange for a sentence of 8 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision. On March 26th, Officers conducted a traffic stop on Bunn Hill Road in the Town of Vestal, During the course of the stop and subsequent investigation with assistance from K9 Coco, officers discovered a quarter pound of methamphetamine concealed beneath a child’s car seat, 3 children were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Brown admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with intent to sell, officers also seized $1,242 from suspected drug sales, Sentencing is scheduled for January 15th in Broome County Court.

Helios Care will hold a fundraising concert Friday Night beginning at 7:00 PM, at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, spokesperson Kathryn Dailey told WCDO about the performers donating their time for Helios Care:

(Kathryn Dailey 10-10-25)

The Grand Oneonta Opry Benefit concert will help fund a variety of programs throughout the year, more information is available at helioscare.org.

The Otsego County Department of Health invites all residents, families, and local partners to join Voices of Otsego: Forum on Community Health Needs and Priorities on Tuesday, October 14th, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Morris Central School. Otsego County Public Health Educator Abigail Mosenthin explains:

(Abigail Mosenthin 10-7-25)

Registration is required by this Friday at otsegocountyny.gov, or by calling (607) 547-4230.

The 2025 New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, will be held today at 11:00 AM to honor 126 firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. The Memorial was dedicated and unveiled in 1999, there will be 2,818 names on the wall after the ceremony.

On August 19th, Delaware County Deputies were dispatched to a 2-car accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Middletown, Deputies concluded that 1 of the drivers, 58 year old Jane Rudy of Pine Hill was intoxicated, at the completion of the toxicology results, Deputies arrested Rudy for DWI, Aggravated DWI with a BAC of more than .18%, Failure to Keep Right, among other charges, Rudy was released on appearance tickets for Town of Middletown Court.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a free rabies clinic for dogs, cats & domesticated ferrets today, from 5:30PM-7:30PM at the DPW garage at 1 Village Street in Deposit. Pre-registration or more information is available at 607-832-5200.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-17-21

The Otsego County Health Department reported 1 more COVID 19 death Thursday, bringing their total of deaths from COVID for this year to 48 & 67 deaths since the pandemic began. The Department reported 20 new cases Thursday with 173 active cases, 7 hospitalized & 5267 total cases since March of 2020.

The State Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 22 at 5:30 PM, to present the design plans for improvements to pavement, sidewalks and drainage on State Route 7 in the Village of Otego. The project will enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and improve resiliency along Main Street from the I-88 ramps to the Otsdawa Creek Bridge. The in-person event will take place at the Otego Fire Department at 5 River Street in Otego. To join online, open the project website at dot.ny.gov/Route7Otego and click on the "Attend Live Public Meeting", more information is available at 772-7333.

This weekend will be the 6th annual "Par for Paws" golf outing to benefit the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at the Otsego Golf Club in Cooperstown, beginning today and extending through Sunday. Golfers can mention that they are golfing in support of the SQSPCA, & a percentage of the fees will be donated to the shelter, more information is available at 547-9290.

The FCC has adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. To ensure that calls to 988 reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, area codes with a "988" Exchange, will need to transition to 10-digit dialing. Beginning October 24, in the 607 area, callers must dial 10-digits, the area code + telephone number, for all local calls, those who only dial the 7 digit phone number will not have their call completed, and a recording will remind the caller to hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a bat has tested positive for Rabies on Thursday in Cooperstown. Officials said that there was no human exposure; more information about rabies is available at 547-4230.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-17-21

State Police are investigating the intentional burning of a pride flag outside of a home in Gilbertsville.   The flag was hanging on the front porch of the home on Spring Street when it was set on fire sometime between September 9 and September 12.  The fire also caused minor damage to the paint on the front porch.  The homeowner also reported that another pride flag and a “Keep it Kind” lawn sign were stolen from the same property several weeks ago.  It is unknown at this time if the incidents are related.  Anyone with information is asked to New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $200 Million dollars in additional food assistance through the SNAP program will be available through the end of September.  All SNAP Recipients Will Receive Maximum Food Benefits for the Month, Governor Hochul also directed the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to continue working with the federal government to ensure these supplemental benefits will reach households in need throughout the fall.

A fundraiser to benefit the Chenango County Habitat for Humanity is being held today & tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 16 North Canal Street in Oxford, next to the Mirabito gas station.  Various items are for sale at local yard sales, more information is available at 843-6249; or chenangohabitat.org.

A Fundraising golf tournament will be held on Sunday to benefit the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, which is a nonprofit organization looking to reopen the historic theater as a performance venue.  The fundraiser begins at 1:00 PM at the Oneonta Country Club with 18 holes of golf, for more information call 434-1930 or visit OneontaTheatre.org and Friends of the Oneonta Theatre on Facebook.

Governor Cuomo signed additional Police reforms into law today, The legislation stipulates that Officers must report weapon discharge within 6 hours, Police departments and courts must track arrest data, including race and ethnicity & Require police officers to provide for the medical and mental health needs of any person under arrest or in custody who requires it.

Governor Cuomo Held his latest Coronavirus update this morning he outlined some changes to regions in Phase 3 of Reopening, and 2 things to do going forward:

(Cuomo 6-15-20)

The Governor said the number of Hospitalizations from the Coronavirus is down to 1608, the number of deaths Sunday was 25, one of the lowest numbers since Mid-March, bringing the state death toll to 24,579; there have been just fewer than 384,000 coronavirus cases since early March.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 621 positive Coronavirus cases since March, they report 49 deaths, 519 recoveries, and 195 are being monitored by the Health Department

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had no new Coronavirus cases to report since Friday, they've had 79 positive cases, 68 have recovered, 2 are in a hospital, 4 are recovering at home & there have been 5 deaths.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Local Sales Tax Collections across the state Dropped by more than 32% in the Month of May, from the previous year.  DiNapoli reported that Sales tax collections for counties and cities in May totaled $918 million, which was $437 million less than May of 2019, DiNapoli is one of many state leaders urging the federal government to make federal aid available to the states hardest hit by the pandemic.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance for New Yorkers adversely affected by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. About 750,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in the SNAP will receive the maximum allowable benefit for June to help them avoid food insecurity.  For more information, please visit Frequently Asked Questions for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Food Benefits.

After having the highest rate of coronavirus transmission in the country in March & April, New York now has the lowest rate of all 50 states, and they continue with a phased in approach to re-opening.  Governor Cuomo said that New York does not want to be in a situation like Oregon or Utah where they opened to quick, saw a spike in virus cases & is shutting everything down again:

(Cuomo 6-15-20)

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced that a decision has been made to prohibit overnight children’s camps:

(Zucker 6-15-20)

The state will allow for some low risk sports for children, with requirements regarding the number of spectators per child, the deadline to sign up for the New York State of Health Exchange has been moved to July 15th.

New York State Health Department now confirms about 327,469 Coronavirus positive tests Thursday, Hospitalizations have decreased sharply down to 8600; the state death toll is 20,828.

Governor Cuomo today announced the state's moratorium on COVID-related residential or commercial evictions through the end of June will be extended:

(Cuomo rent)

Governor Cuomo also announced the state's $25 million Nourish New York Initiative:

(Cuomo food)

The Governor said that the state is also asking any philanthropies or foundations that would like to help the state's food banks to contact COVIDPhilanthropies@exec.ny.gov.

State Police today announced that the Trooper entrance exam that was scheduled to be held this October has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications for the exam will be suspended until a new date is announced. Those who have already signed up will have their applications canceled and will be issued a refund; they will need to reapply once the exam is rescheduled.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that the Trump administration approved New York State’s request to operate the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  The program would permit New York State to provide benefits similar to SNAP benefits to more than 1.4 million children in the state who normally receive free or reduced price school meals and those who attend schools that offer free meals to all students.

Chenango County Public Health announced they have 102 Confirmed COVID 19 cases, with 42 quarantined, 4 Hospitalized, 79 recoveries & 4 deaths.

Broome County Health Department announced that they have 357 confirmed Coronavirus cases, they are up to 23 deaths, 231 recoveries, and 185 are being monitored by the Health Department.

New York State Empire State Development has updated their guidance on automotive sales, to allow for in-person showing of vehicles, by appointment only.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026.

The State Department of Labor announced that over $5.8 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid to 1.5 million New Yorkers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they also identified over 470,000 New Yorkers who have completed claims, but did not receive some of their benefits in previous weeks because they did not submit weekly certifications, which are required by Federal law.  The Labor Department is launching a new, streamlined process to submit backdated certifications and get their back pay faster and easier.

Local High School Seniors will be missing out on proms & graduation ceremonies this year due to the Coronavirus issue, but Sierra Boice of Sierra Rain Photography has decided to take free pictures at the senior’s homes, free of charge, in exchange for a food donations:

(Sierra Boice 5-6-20)

Boice said that she will start with Sidney High School Seniors first & then to other local districts, she can be contacted at 287-5976 or by instant message on her Sierra rain Photography Facebook page.

Delaware County Public Health is reporting 1 new case of COVID-19 Wednesday, giving the County 9 active cases.  To date there have been 74 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, 21 people are under mandatory quarantine,  12 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county, 3 are isolated in a hospital, 6 are recovering at home, 4 people are deceased and 49 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo today announced the impact of potential repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on health care coverage of New Yorkers and the state budget. If the repeal of the Affordable Care Act were enacted, an estimated 2.7 million New Yorkers would lose coverage and New York State would experience a direct state budget impact of $3.7 billion and a loss of nearly $600 million of federal funding that goes directly to counties, which they use to help lower property taxes, in the 4 county region, almost 40,000 families would be adversely affected.

State Police responded to a 1 car fatal crash in the Town of Cortlandville. Responding troopers observed a 2001 Honda Civic that had rolled over onto its roof 23 year old Ryan Card of Cortland was driving the vehicle, he failed to negotiate a curve & drove off the west shoulder, striking some trees then rolling over down an embankment. Card was pronounced deceased at the scene. 2 passengers suffered & were taken to Syracuse area hospitals with various injuries, the investigation is ongoing.

New York ranks 3rd on the list of Most Moved from States in 2016, according to the 2016 National Movers Study by United Van Lines. More residents were moving out of New York than into New York, with nearly 63% of moves being outbound. Residents moved due to factors including work, retirement, and family, high taxes, High utility costs & low wages, according to the study. The state that ranked worse that New York were New Jersey & Illinois, the state with the highest percentage of people moving in, was South Dakota.

Many new laws Took effect in New York for 2017. One new law said that New Yorkers would be offered an additional opportunity to document their decision to enroll as an organ and tissue donor. All applicants for health insurance offered through the state health benefit exchange will be provided space during the application process to register for the Donate Life Registry for organ, eye, and tissue donations.

On Saturday at 4:47 PM, Tioga County 911 received numerous calls regarding an explosion, On Sunday, a continued search of the named areas resulted in a blast site being located in the vicinity of Diamond Valley Road, Town of Tioga. Investigation at the scene indicated an unknown type of explosive substance was detonated in a field causing no damage but leaving a hole in the ground. The New York State Police and FBI Bomb Disposal Units processed the site with evidence collected for analysis. Collected evidence is being forwarded to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia for chemical testing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 687-3961.

State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 22-year-old Allyson Cheechalk-Buttman, who was reported missing by her mother. She left her residence on the morning of December 29th, and she may have traveled by bus to New York City, she was last seen wearing a light brown coat, green fleece, dark pants and black sneakers. She is a white female, 5’6”, 160 pounds, with brown-hazel eyes and medium brown hair. The public is asked to call the State Police at 775-1241 with information.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Anna Rodriguez of Binghamton for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in a stolen vehicle after a pursuit in the town of Sanford on Sunday afternoon. Troopers observed a vehicle traveling on State Route 17 in the town of Sanford at 94 miles per hour. The vehicle stopped briefly, then fled at a high rate of speed and crashed a short time later; Rodriguez was taken into custody & was treated for minor injuries at Wilson Memorial Hospital and released. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of marihuana, and numerous traffic violations. Rodriguez was arraigned in the village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on bail.

The Chenango Arts Council announced a continuation in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2017 Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Grant Program. $129,280 is available to non-profit organizations and artists who partner with an eligible non-profit for cultural initiatives in 2017, for grants up to $5,000 each. More information is available at chenangoarts.org or by e-mail to: info@chenangoarts.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced that State Police issued 11,946 tickets as a result of increased enforcement efforts during the Memorial Day Weekend 2016. State Troopers arrested 224 people for DWI and investigated 170 personal injury accidents, which resulted in 229 people injured. Three people were killed in three separate fatal motor vehicle accidents over the holiday weekend. Troopers issued a total of 11,946 tickets during the Memorial Day Weekend campaign, including 3,424 for speeding, 358 for distracted driving and 2, 173 for seat belt violations.

Oneida Healthcare and Bassett Healthcare Network announce their intention to pursue a partnership agreement aimed at enhancing the delivery of health care services in the Oneida region, with a strong emphasis on population health management and expanded access to primary care. The agreement will provide opportunities to exchange best practices that reduce costs and provide better outcomes for patients.

State Police & Oneonta Police arrested 30-Year-old Kurtis Breed of Oneonta for criminal tampering and criminal mischief. Breed is accused of throwing eggs & Hash Brown potatoes at the windows of 2 Oneonta Businesses, after those 2 businesses owners rebuffed his ideas for business dealings between those businesses & his business "Breed Fitness" of Oneonta. He faces court action later this month to answer to the charges.

Officials with Rock in the Park looking to add vendors for the July 9th event, which features a full line up of talent according to organizer Jason Hall:

(Jason Hall 6-1-16)

Vendors interested in setting up at Rock in the Park at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge can call 972-6526 for more information. This year's proceeds will benefit the Chenango County SPCA.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Jacqueline Graves of Otego, for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a controlled substance, use of a motor vehicle without an interlock device and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Graves crossing a road hazard on State Route 7 in Otego. Graves pulled away from police and ran a short distance before being grabbed by the trooper. Graves unlawfully possessed heroin and did not have a court ordered interlock device installed on her ignition. Graves was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $2000 cash bail or $4000 property bond, pending court action on June 9th.

State Police responded to a motorcycle accident on State Route 17C, in the Town of Owego. An investigation determined that 35-year-old Justin King of Owego was driving his motorcycle with his wife 34-year-old Tonya King as a rear passenger; he was unable to avoid a deer in the roadway and crashed after striking it. Both were transported to Packer Hospital in Sayre, Tonya King was pronounced dead due to head trauma. Justin King was treated for multiple minor injuries; Troopers reported that both were wearing helmets. The investigation is ongoing.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project will be performed today. I-81 northbound/State Route 17 westbound will be reduced to 1 lane between Exit 3 & 4S for pavement marking and overhead sign work for a long-term traffic pattern change at Exit 4. Exit 4S will be closed long term for the construction of a new ramp. Drivers will be detoured through side streets.

Local governments in New York had a nearly 9 percent increase in full and part-time employees in the past fiscal year, but the average salary dropped. The Empire Center for New York State Policy found the average salary for workers in county, city, town and village offices, in New York State, dropped last year: from $55,431 to $52,207

The New York State Police are urging parents to teach their children safety tips before they head back to school. Children are at greater risk during the back-to-school period because they tend to be thinking more about seeing old friends and new teachers than watching for cars and trucks. Others are going to school for the first time. To help protect children, State Police offer six pedestrian-safety tips:
Look all ways before crossing the street.
Cross only at corners.
Obey police officers, school crossing guards, and traffic signals.
Watch for turning cars.
Be especially alert in bad weather.
Play away from traffic
For more information go to troopers.ny.gov

The New York State fair began yesterday in Syracuse. Highlights this year include new midway rides, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Luke Bryan and Toby Keith in concert, a performance by ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham, hot air baloon rides, The Neverless Nocks motorcycle exhibition and the Dairy Cow Birthing Center. The New York State Fair runs through September 2nd. For more information go to nysfair.org

A new television ad campaign to promote New York State wines and further grow the Taste NY experience was launched this week. The 30-second ad was developed in response to input received at the State's Wine, Beer, and Spirits Summit where the Governor pledged to support New York's position as a leader in wine production and boost tourism to grow the economy Upstate. The ad, which features rave reviews from wine critics around the country, encourages wine enthusiasts to buy locally made and produced products. Read more at Taste.ny.gov

Individuals and small businesses can begin enrolling in health and dental plans on October 1. Enrollment can be done through the New York Health Benefit Exchange, and is part of President Obama's Affordable Care Act. The exchange is meant to assist more than one million uninsured New Yorkers enroll in health programs. There are 16 health plans and 10 dental plans to choose from. For more information, go healthbenefitexchange.ny.gov

A verification change was announced for STAR or School Tax Relief Program. Homeowners are now being required to verify their income with the state. Previously income was verified by the municipalities and towns. The state is asking those enrolled in the STAR Basic program to add one more step after an audit revealed potential waste and abuse. People enrolled in STAR Basic will be able to verify by phone, or online at tax.ny.gov. All paperwork must be submitted by December 31. The state will mail information this month to affected homeowners.

Civil Service Commissioner Jerry Boone announced today that New York State has hundreds of internships available, and reminded college students to apply for Fall semester internships before the application deadline on September 3. New York State created a website that allows students to view and apply for internship opportunities across an array of state agencies both downstate and upstate. The program is open to resident graduate and undergraduate students as well as students who attend schools in other states, but reside in New York. To apply, visit nysinternships.com.

State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah announced the name for the New York Health Benefit Exchange, ‘NY State of Health.’ Also announced were the insurers that will offer health and dental plans to individuals and small business owners when NY State of Health opens for enrollment on Oct. 1st. For more information go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has been awarded a $185.8 million federal grant to implement its State Health Benefit Exchange to make it easier for New Yorkers to obtain affordable health insurance coverage.  New York was 1 of 5 states to receive a Level 2 Exchange Establishment grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will help develop a marketplace for New Yorkers to get affordable health insurance.  Open enrollment in New York's Health Benefit Exchange will begin October 1st.

The 77,000 member Joint Landowners Coalition issued a statement regarding the potential for the DEC to miss the February 27th Deadline for the release of the regulations for Hydraulic Fracturing for natural gas.  Coalition CEO Dan Fitzsimmons told WCDO News that the idea of waiting for health studies before Hydrofracking starts is ill timed:

(Dan Fitzsimmons 2-5-13)

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens also was greeted by busloads of New Yorkers against Hydro-fracking, following his meeting with lawmakers in Albany Monday.  Martens said that he was not worried about missing the February 27th deadline, as he was waiting for a Health Department study on the possible effects from Gas Drilling by Hydrofracking.

Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced that new defibrillators are needed for emergency responders throughout the County. The last fund-raising drive to purchase them was conducted in 2000, in 2011; Public Health donated 4 new defibrillators to replace the most outdated models. It is estimated that each new defibrillator will cost approximately $2,000. Donations can be made payable to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at 280 Phoebe Lane, Suite One, Delhi, 13753 and designate "Defibrillator Fund" on the reference line.

O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney are now using electronic medical records instead of paper patient charts.  The hospitals are now connected electronically with Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown; the end result will demonstrate improvements in care coordination, efficiency in health care delivery, medication safety. All information for each patient is securely contained in one consolidated electronic record, making that information available no matter where the patient is seen for follow-up care within the Bassett Healthcare Network.

New York Farm Bureau officials testified at a budget hearing in Albany yesterday, regarding the Governor’s proposed agricultural portion of the Executive budget.  Farm bureau supports funding for animal health programs, programs to assist farm families directly, & the Governor’s plans to follow up on the Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit from last fall.  Farm Bureau is asking for the Legislature to consider increasing funding up to $1,000,000 for promotion and marketing activities for New York’s apple growers after last years crop losses from a spring frost, and for the restoration of marketing funding for maple producers & Christmas tree growers.