WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-8-22

The Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship Foundation announced today that they will retire the annual "Pit Run" event. The Pit Run began in 1994, shortly after the death of Investigator Parisian of the State Police, when he attempted to stop an armed robbery in an Oneonta Grocery store. The foundation will continue to operate by raising money for a scholarship available to graduates of the Oneonta School District

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed COVID 19 infections in deer in 13 additional states, including New York. White-tailed deer on Staten Island have been found carrying the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus, marking the first time the variant has been reported in wild animals.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-8-22

Governor Hochul & the State Health Department reported 3,795 new COVID Cases Statewide Sunday, Lowest number since November 8th. New Cases are Down by More than 40% Over Past Week, Statewide COVID-19 Hospitalizations Down Nearly 30% Over Past Week, there were 90 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Sunday.

State Troopers in Troop “C” responded to 95 traffic related incidents in their 7 County region, during the winter storm that hit the area between February 3rd and February 5th . In Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties, troopers responded to 13 disabled vehicle complaints, 28 crashes with property damage and one crash that resulted in an injury.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-22-21

Organizers for the Annual "Pit Run" announced that it will be held on October 3rd in Oneonta.  The 28th Pit Run will take place as an in-person event, and they will be adhering to CDC and DOH guidelines as they unfold.  An option to participate virtually will also be available.  Money raised from the event goes for scholarships in the name of Former State Police Investigator Rick Parisian of Oneonta, who died while trying to stop an armed robbery.  More information & registration is available at runsignup.com.

State Attorney General Letitia James is proposing a $26 billion agreement to give relief to those struggling with opioid addiction.  James said that the move would resolve claims against some of the nation's biggest opioid distributors over their roles in creating and fueling the opioid epidemic.   New York communities that have been affected will get up to $1.5 billion to fund prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.  The agreement also requires industry changes to end the opioid epidemic and preventing similar situations from occurring in the future.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation raising the age of consent to be married in New York State to 18. This new measure builds upon legislation eliminating child marriage that the Governor signed in 2017 by removing the ability for 17-year-olds to be married with parental and judicial consent.  The legislation takes effect 30 days after becoming law and will apply to licenses issued after that date and marriages that had not been solemnized prior to that date.

State Police Superintendent George Beach has promoted Captain William McEvoy to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C in Sidney. Major McEvoy started his career in 1984 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C; in 1989 McEvoy was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City. In 1991, he returned to Troop C, where he spent the majority of his years with the State Police, his most recent assignment was BCI Captain.

The State Education Department should improve its process to investigate serious complaints against nurses and more actively monitor professional misconduct, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The investigations of “priority 1” complaints against nurses, which includes offenses such as sexual misconduct, practicing under the influence of alcohol or physical abuse, are supposed to be completed within 42 days. Auditors found that on average it took 228 days to complete such investigations, SED officials acknowledged the risks noted by DiNapoli’s auditors and cited steps to address them. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us//audits.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday October 13th, is the last day to postmark a registration form to vote in the November 7th General Election. Also, October 13th is the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2018. In Delaware County this year, Offices up for Election include Supreme Court Justice, County Sheriff, County Clerk, County Treasurer and many town offices. Officials also stated that the Sidney Center poll site change: Districts 1 & 3 voters will vote at the New Sidney Center Fire Department Building. Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded at co.delaware.ny.us/departments/elec/elec.htm or by calling 832-5321

On Saturday October 14th Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, from 9AM-12PM. The free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats, which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard, may be replaced. more information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the "Opioid Crisis Enters the Workplace" presentation today in Oneonta. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center starting at 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM. Local experts in the field of Drug Addiction, as well as Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig & State Senator Jim Seward will speak at this event.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the appointment of Pete Lopez to become Regional Administrator for Region 2. Lopez will oversee environmental protection efforts in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lopez has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2007.

This Sunday will be the 24th Annual Pit Run in Neawah Park in Oneonta. The race is held each year in memory of State Police Investigator Ricky Parisian, who was killed in the Line of Duty attempting to stop an armed Robbery in Oneonta. The Pit Run begins on the Main Street Bridge between Market and River Streets, passes through the SUNY Oneonta campus and ends at Neahwa Park. The Pit Run also offers a 5K race, a 2-mile stroll, and kids' fun runs. Additional race information can be found at http://pitrun.org.

State police at Troop C in Sidney held their annual Memorial Service today, to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Troop C Commander Major Donald Faughnan comments:

(Major Faughnan 5-20-14)

Major Faughnan noted that 4 troopers died in the line of duty in the last year, he also noted that it was 20 years ago today, that Investigator Rick Parisian died while trying to stop an armed robbery at an Oneonta Supermarket.