WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-17-22

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce announced that the annual Jolly Holly Days parade is returning this year, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-17-22)

More information is available at the Sidney Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

The Sidney Veterans Memorial Park had 2 brass eagle statues stolen from the park on River Street in Sidney, Park President Doug Barnard explains:

(Doug Barnard 11-17-22)

Barnard said the incident proves the need for an upgraded security system at the park, to try to prevent future theft or vandalism.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased by 3,700 to 8,063,000 in October. The State's unemployment rate increased .1% to 4.4% in October. The number of private sector jobs is back up to where it was prior to the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

The Tri-County Seniors is partnering with Delaware Opportunities to collect gift items for senior citizens in need this holiday season. The collections began this week & will run through Monday, November 28, with collection boxes at the Tri-County Senior Center in the Sidney Civic Center, Conklin Fashions in Bainbridge, Sidney Memorial Public Library and Trackside Dining in Sidney, and Jess F. Howes Building Supplies in Sidney Center. Suggested items to donate include calendars, stamps, scarves, gloves, books, crosswords, socks, toiletries, flashlights, small blankets, and gift cards, the items will be distributed to seniors through the Delaware Opportunities home meal delivery program.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-17-22

The Chenango County Health Department is holding a flu shot clinic tomorrow at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich, for those who are uninsured or under-insured, Health Department spokesman Isaiah Sutton comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 11-17-22)

Sutton said that people can still register through the Chenango County Health Department number at 607-337-1660, or through their website.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society's final installment of History After Hours will be Today, from 5:00 TO 7:00 pm, regarding the city's Holiday History. The event is free and open to the public. More information is available at oneontahistory.org or by calling (607) 432-0960.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive today in Delhi from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Appointments can be scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Walton resident for driving while intoxicated after Deputies observed a vehicle traveling at around 80 miles per hour on State Hwy 206 in the Town of Walton. 22 year old Dakota Nichols of Walton was charged with DWI, driving with a .08% or more of alcohol, & Speeding, Nichols faces court action at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-21-22

The Community Cultural Center in Sidney will host the 1st of a series of Comedy Nights this Saturday night, spokesperson Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 9-21-22)

Tickets are available online at cccsidneyart.booktix.com, by calling 607-604-4584 or at the door before the show Saturday night.

Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya announced this week at the business summit organized by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, committed to hiring 200 refugees at their Chenango County & Idaho Falls Idaho plants over the next 3 years. Ulukaya said that the US is expecting hundreds of thousands of refugees in coming years, including 100,000 people who have fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion. other companies committing to hiring refugees include Amazon, Tyson Foods, Hilton Hotels, Marriott International, Pepsi & Pfizer.

The State University in Oneonta was ranked 19th among public colleges in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of Best Regional Universities. Forbes annual survey placed SUNY Oneonta at 172 in the Northeast and 217th among all public colleges. Oneonta scored points for their students completing their degrees in 4.1 years; 74% of students graduate after 6 years, well above the national average; and 81% were employed and/or continuing their education six months after graduation; 81% were employed or continued their education 6 months after graduation.

Commerce Chenango will host its 1st annual Manufacturer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, October 6th at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, as part of Manufacturing Week. The ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award will be presented to Gladding Braided Products in South Otselic, the event that begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich. More information, or to register for this event, is availabel at commercechenango.com or email register@chenangony.org.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 9-21-22

State Police responded Monday to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on County Highway 7 in the town of Otego. 45 year old Jennifer Thayer of Otego was driving on County Highway 7 when she exited the roadway and struck a tree. Thayer was transported to A.O. Fox Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

The State DOT is advising motorists that the ramp from I-88 westbound to I-81 northbound in the Town of Chenango, will be closed today from 9:00 to 12:00 Noon for overhead sign inspection. A detour will direct traffic to I-81 Southbound for entry to I-81 Northbound at Exit 5.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office will be offering an Open House today for the public to see what goes on at the Delaware County Sheriff's Office & at the Correctional Facility, Sheriff Craig DuMond explains:

(Sheriff DuMond 9-21-22)

The Open House will be held this afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sheriff’s Office in Delhi. Also, Sheriff DuMond and members of his team will host “Coffee with the Sheriff’s Office” events in Walton, October 5th from 9:30-10:30am at TA’s Place, in Sidney October 12th from 9:30 to 10:30am at Trackside Diner, & in Hancock, October 19th from 10:00-11:00am at McDonald’s.

Binghamton Police Department responded Monday to 314 Prospect Street for the report of a shooting. Officers located a 26 year old male who was shot in the abdomen, he was taken to an area hospital for emergency surgery. Police arrested Franklin Smalls of Binghamton for Attempted Murder and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, the investigation is continuing.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-8-22

The Delaware County Fair will get underway next week August 15th through the 20th, in Walton, Spokesman Jason Craig told WCDO News that the preparations are coming together quickly:

(Jason Craig 8-8-22)

The full schedule of events for the fair can be found at delawarecountyfair.org.

Sidney Area 1st Responders were dispatched to the report of a tractor trailer going into a ditch in the south bound lane of State Route 8 South of Sidney This Morning. Crews emptied the contents of the trailer for several hours, the vehicle was being removed from the site earlier this afternoon.

Fire Companies from Broome and Chenango Counties responded early this morning to a house fire at 101 Sapbush Road in the Town of Barker at about 3:30 AM. Fire Fighters from Chenango Forks, Whitney Point, Lisle, Greene, Smithville among others were called to the scene, occupants in nearby houses were evacuated, no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Police responded to the report of a Bomb Threat at the Heath Sciences Building on Corliss Avenue in Johnson City Friday. The threat is being investigated by the University Police Department & local law enforcement agencies & the FBI, the threat was deemed not credible & the building was opened again on Saturday. The investigation is continuing & no arrests have been announced.

The State Health Department reported on the latest COVID Statistics Friday, the Positivity rate was almost 8.5% with 6502 positive cases in more than 74,000 Tests. There were 2550 people hospitalized statewide with 224 patients in an ICU, with 81 on Ventilators, there were 20 more deaths reported in Hospitals & Nursing Homes, 73,028 have died from COVID since 2020.

Broome County DA's office announced that 42 year old Matthew Bowden of Deposit, pleaded guilty to felony Criminal Contempt. In 2021, Bowden Violated a court order of protection by harassing the protected party named in the order. He was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in New York State Prison.

State Police & Emergency crews responded to the report of a concrete truck rollover today on I-88 in the town of Unadilla. No tickets have been announced, more information will be released following the investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-8-22

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 16 in the Towns of Delhi and Franklin to through traffic beginning at 7:00 AM today, through this Thursday to replace several culvert pipes. The road will be reopened at the end of the day each day. The traveling public should seek alternate routes.

The Chenango County Fair will feature the Saturday Night Showdown, at 7:00 PM, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 8-8-22)

Potter Said that the Roping qualifiers Saturday afternoon is a free event, the finalists will qualify to compete in the Saturday Night Showdown, Tickets are available at The Fair Office, Norwich Copies on East Main Street Norwich or at brownpapertickets.com , more information call 607-334-9198

State Police announced that they removed 36 impaired drivers off the roadways in the month of July. Troop "C" encompasses seven counties including Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego counties.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-13-22

The Delhi Police Department responded to the report of a potential Active shooter incident at the Delaware County Courthouse, at about 10:30 this morning, which led to a lock-down & evacuations of downtown businesses and the Delaware Academy, according to Delhi Police Chief Mike Mills:

(Delhi Police Chief Mike Mills 7-13-22)

Chief Mills said that his department received assistance from State Police, Delaware County Sheriff's Office & SUNY Delhi University Police, he also said that there was no panicking among those who had to clear out the area downtown, The village was re-opened as normal by early this afternoon.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 988 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code contacting 988 will be connected to one of New York's 988 crisis centers. In 2020, NYS received 142,827 calls, a 13 percent increase in just one year.

The Tops supermarket store in Buffalo, which was the site of a mass shooting that killed 10 people on May 14th, will reopen to the public this Friday. The store has been closed & underwent extensive renovations since the shooting, 18 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin is being held on 10 counts of 1st-degree murder, 2nd-degree murder as a hate crime and 3 counts of attempted murder as a hate crime, he is being held without bail pending future court action.

The Susquehanna SPCA is looking to find homes for 12 dogs that would do best in families without small children or other pets. Their “Singles Night: Meet Your One and Only Pet” will be held on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 at the shelter on State Route 28. More information about adoptable animals at the shelter can be found at sqspca.org/available-animals.

Tioga Downs Casino Resort President and CEO Jeff Gural has been nominated by President Joe Biden to join his administration, as the chair of the Public Buildings Reform Board. The Board is an independent agency used to identify opportunities for the Federal government to significantly reduce its inventory of civilian real property, which would cut costs. Gural is expected to accept the nomination.

39 year-old Isaac Anzaroot of Brooklyn was arrested today by the Binghamton Police Warrant Division. Anzaroot is the owner of numerous properties in the city, he was wanted on 12 bench warrants and 2 arrest warrants related to housing code violations & for failing to appear in court to answer those violations. The Binghamton Code Department condemned the First National Bank building at 95 Court due to fire alarm system issues, which forced many of Anzaroot's tenants to locate elsewhere.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-13-22

The State DOT will be installing a new water main on State Route 7; Main Street in Otego, starting today, to facilitate a pavement, sidewalk and drainage project. Work will result in a short interruption of water service to village residents beginning at 10:00 AM, for about 3 hours.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office issued a follow up report on a 2019 audit of the Hancock Fire Department. The audit included recommendations for rental payments, disbursements made by the Treasurer and collections from the clothing organization, ambulance corporation and fundraising activities. Auditors revisited the department this year, the department has had 1 of 10 recommendations implemented, 3 were partially implemented and 6 were not implemented.

Commerce Chenango & the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a 5:05 Business After Hours event at Forged Brewery in at 1732 state Route 41 in Coventry today. Registration is available at the Commerce Chenango website events page.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-6-22

Norwich City Police arrested 42 year old Todd Jackson of Norwich for allegedly setting a dumpster on fire at a Norwich senior living facility in the early morning hours on Saturday, April 30th. The fire damaged the dumpster & surrounding fences, The Norwich Fire department quickly extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. Jackson was arrested Thursday for 2nd & 3rd degree criminal mischief and 5th degree arson, he was arraigned in Norwich City Court and held on $10,000 bail.

The Bainbridge Rotary Club is sponsoring their 19th Bike A-Thon tomorrow at General Clinton Park. The proceeds from pledges will be used to purchase a refrigerator unit at the Bainbridge Community Center, more information is available at 607-226-7744.

University of Maine Chancellor's office announced that Michael Laliberte will be the next president of the University of Maine at Augusta starting August 1st. Laliberte has served as President of the SUNY Delhi since 2016, where he added 19 new degree programs to address local and state workforce issues and oversaw $42 million in transformative capital projects.

The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is returning to Norwich this summer after a 2 year break due to the COVID 19 pandemic, with the tournament at the Norwich High School, Organizer Tom Revoir said that certified referees are needed:

(Tom Revoir 5-6-22)

Those who would like to register a team to play in this summers Macker Tournament can go online by June 20th at Macker.com, sponsors can call Tom Revoir or Jamey Mullen at the Norwich YMCA at 336-9622.

The Cullman Child Development Center in Sidney is holding a free event this Saturday to test area children’s hearing, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 5-6-22)

The screenings will be held this Saturday At the Cullman Center in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for those who register at cullmancenter.org, or at 563-7529.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 45 year old Chad Jackson of Binghamton, was found guilty of 2nd degree burglary, On March 28, 2020, Jackson broke into a room at the Del Motel on Upper Court Street in Kirkwood and stole items from a person inside. He is facing up to 15 years in prison and faces sentencing August 8th.

The Jericho Arts Council presents the Roy Orbison Tribute "Only The Lonely" Saturday, @ 7:00 pm at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Doors open at 6:00 pm, Tickets will be available at the door or reserve ahead of time at 607-288-3882. This Saturday The Fine Arts Show will be featured in the gallery. Check jerichoarts.com for a listing of future events.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-28-22

The Chenango County District Attorney's Office announced that Cody Coleman of Smithville Flats was sentenced to 20 years in prison & 5 years post-release Supervision as part of a plea deal for 1st-degree manslaughter for the death of 16 year old Amelia Wakefield 2 years ago. Coleman pleaded guilty for the fatal shooting of Wakefield with a shotgun on May 3rd, 2019 at his residence in Smithville Flats.

State Police and multiple agencies responded Sunday Afternoon at about 4:35 PM to a 1 vehicle crash off Interstate 81 south at the exit 1 off ramp in Kirkwood. The driver, 40-year-old Andrew Morley of Windsor, was transported to Wilson Hospital with serious injuries. A 14-year-old male passenger of Windsor was pronounced deceased after being transported from the scene & a 12-year-old female passenger of Windsor, was eventually taken to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Center of Excellence at Binghamton University to announce her bipartisan "Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2022" , which incentivizes private-public partnerships by empowering the Secretary of Commerce to designate “Manufacturing Communities,” which would be eligible for federal financial and technical assistance. The bill would also help strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base and help local businesses cut through bureaucratic red tape to address ongoing pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.

Governor Hochul signed an executive order forbidding New York Businesses from doing business with Russia, including canceling its investments there. The state will not permit its own investment activity to aid Russia as it attacks Ukraine, Governor Hochul also said New York will welcome Ukrainian refugees in response to Russia’s invasion. New York is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States.

Several area Fire Departments responded to a fire at about 6:35 Sunday Night in Hamden on State Route 10. Hamden fire fighters were assisted by fire departments from Walton, Bovina, Delhi, Franklin, Oneonta, the fire was quickly extinguished, damage was minimal & the cause of the fire is under investigation, no injuries were reported.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-28-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to end the state mask requirement in schools starting Wednesday. The number of children testing positive for COVID is declining to levels not seen since before students returned from summer break; in the past six weeks, the State established 261 #VaxForKids sites, and distributed 4.8 million COVID test kits to schools.

The Governor's Office & the State Health Department reported that the downward trend in COVID positivity rates declined on Saturday. Over 97,000 people were tested, with 1671 Total Positives, for a positivity rate of 1.71%. Patients hospitalization were down to 1,911, Patients in ICU were down to 342, the number on ventilators was 191, there were 20 new deaths reported by healthcare facilities Saturday.

Delaware County Public Health reported 42 new positive cases of COVID 19 for the week of February 19th through the 25th. COVID related deaths were up to 15 for the year.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-9-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the end of the indoor mask mandate in New York State effective tomorrow. Previously, the state had required masks to be worn inside businesses where vaccination status was not being checked. The mandate will remain in effect at homeless shelters, healthcare centers, state-run nursing homes, schools and childcare centers, and correctional facilities. Statewide COVID-19 Cases Down 93% Since January 7th Peak, the COVID-19 Hospitalizations is down 63% since the peak on January 12th, the positivity rate for COVID 19 tests decreased to 3.67% on Tuesday

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the reintroduction of the STOCK Act 2.0 earlier today. The original STOCK Act strengthened disclosure rules and prevented public servants, including members of Congress, their families, and their staff, from using their access for self-enrichment. The STOCK Act 2.0 would impose additional disclosure requirements and restrictions for high level officials to ensure that members of Congress and public servants aren’t lining their pockets with taxpayer dollars.

Edmeston Fire Fighters responded to a structure fire Tuesday evening at 9:00 PM. The fire was reported near State Route 80 and Dinky Joe Road, the structure was completely destroyed, no injuries have been reported & the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Chamber Alliance of New York State, a statewide association of over 70 Chambers of Commerce, has elected Kerri Green, President and CEO of Commerce Chenango, to its Board of Directors. Green officially began her term last month, she has been with Commerce Chenango since August 2019. The Chamber Alliance of NYS is an association of Chambers of Commerce dedicated to providing members with education and insight into the latest trends and issues, as well as a forum with Chambers to connect and collaborate throughout the State.

20 year old Makahi Bryant of Brooklyn, was sentenced today in a federal court in Binghamton unemployment fraud. Bryant made thousands of dollars in illegal transactions when he was a student at SUNY Delhi, he admitted that he obtained 2 debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits by the state of California, he illegally made over $13,000 in transactions using the debit cards for cash or other items. Bryant was sentenced to 3 years probation, 60 hours of community and he was ordered to pay restitution to California.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-9-22

The City of Norwich recently won a 10 Million Dollar Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant, to help transform the downtown area & boost the city’s economy. The Local Planning Committee will have its next meeting through ZOOM this afternoon at 3:00 PM, more information is available by calling Commerce Chenango at 334-1400.

The Sidney Central School District will be holding 2 COVID-19 at-home test kit distributions, with a drive-thru service at the Jr./Sr. High School horseshoe parking lot. The distributions dates will be Today from 11:00am-1:00pm and Thursday, from 11:00am-1:00pm. Anyone unable to make the distribution times and need at-home test kits, should call the Elementary Main Office (607) 561-7701 or the Jr./Sr. High School Main Office (607) 561-7703.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies on Patrol on State Highway 97 in the Town of Hancock last Friday observed a pick up truck driving in a reckless manner in the parking lot of a commercial facility. At the conclusion of their investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies determined that the operator, 21-year old Porter Crawson, of Long Eddy was operating his motor vehicle while both his driver’s license and registration were suspended. Crawson was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Operating with a Suspended Registration. Crawson was later released on traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

An off-duty sheriff’s deputy and his 21-year-old son were killed and the deputy’s wife was in critical condition Tuesday after the three were shot inside their home. Off-duty Onondaga County Deputy Isaac Eames was found shot to death inside his home in the town of Clay at about 7:30 a.m. Monday, the deputy’s wife, 46 year old Karen Eames and son, 21 year old Troy Eames were also shot inside the home and were taken to Upstate University Hospital. Troy Eames died later Monday and his mother was listed in critical condition, The investigation is continuing.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-5-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today delivered her 1st "State of The State" address in Albany, she outlined what her administration plans to do this year:

(Hochul 1-5-22)

The 1st proposal submitted to the legislation calls for Term Limits for Governor, Lieutenant Governor Attorney General & State Comptroller, Hochul also called for a new tougher ethics mechanism to keep lawmakers & state leaders accountable, after years of corruption in Albany.

The State Health Department continues to report surging COVID cases from the Omicron Variant. On Monday over 236,000 New Yorkers were tested, with over 53,000 positive, for a positivity rate of 22.5%. Patient Hospitalizations surged by almost 850 to 10,411, the number in ICU beds went up to just over 1300, 625 of them are on Ventilators, there were 99 deaths in nursing homes & hospitals from COVID Monday.

At the Tuesday Night General Clinton Canoe Regatta meeting, preliminary discussions were held regarding moving the 70 mile races from Monday to Sunday, with the Sundays races moved to Saturday and run before the scout races & there will be a C4 Pro Class this year, Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO News about the proposal:

(John Harmon 1-5-22)

Harmon said that the Regatta would end Sunday night with no activities on Monday at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, the final decision on moving the race will be made at our February 1st meeting after approval from the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 24-year-old Joseph Belmar of Bronx, Tuesday for 1 count of Promoting Prison Contraband. An investigation conducted by members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Corrections, Road Patrol, and Criminal Investigations Division determined that Belmar, a Federal inmate currently boarded at the Delaware County Correctional Facility, attempted to introduce a quantity of prescription medication that he was not authorized to possess into that facility. Belmar was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Delhi Court and remains incarcerated on the unrelated Federal charges.

Chenango County Heath Department continues to see a rapid increase of COVID 19 cases attributed to the Omicron Variant & low vaccination rates. The county has 546 active cases, 721 quarantined, 12 hospitalized and they have had 6931 confirmed cases since the pandemic began. Officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinated, locations of clinics can be found at co.chenango.ny.us or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-5-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 10 SUNY campus-based COVID-19 test sites will open beginning Thursday with a 2nd round of sites slated to open next week. COVID testing sites will begin at Binghamton University Community Testing Site, Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM & the SUNY Oneonta Community Testing Site at the Emergency Services Building, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Appointments can be scheduled at app.squarespacescheduling.com. Each site will maintain capacity for approximately 225 appointments per day and up to 50 walk-ins.

Delaware County Public Health announced a Portal to report at-home positive covid-19 tests, at delcony.us/coronavirus/ReportTest and on delawarecountypublichealth.com. The portal asks for basic demographic information and test kit information. Most home tests give results in about 15 minutes. If you are positive isolate yourself. If you are infectious, you’ll want to reduce the risk of passing it on to someone else. Positive individuals should let close contacts about their potential exposure risk.

State Police are looking to identify a man & woman who, on December 31, shortly before 3:00 pm., took a pick-up truck without the owner’s permission, from the Norwich Walmart’s parking lot near the Garden Center. Troopers located the truck on January 2 in the town of McDonough, it appears that truck was abandoned after it ran out of gas. Anyone with information should contact State Police at (607) 334-3296, pictures of the suspects are located at the State Police Troop C website.

The next meeting of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce will be held this morning. The meeting will begin at 8:00 AM at Trackside Dining on Main Street, chamber members & directors are urged to attend.