WCDO Radio News

Attorney General Letitia James today announced another court victory against the National Rifle Association and former Executive Vice President & CEO Wayne LaPierre, and other top executives, The judgment will require LaPierre to pay $4.3 million back to the organization LaPierre had sought to overturn the 2024 judgment against him filed by James in 2020, the motion was rejected in State Supreme Court. LaPierre was also banned from serving as an officer or director of the NRA or any organization under the NRA's direct control for 10 years.

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

Attorney General Letitia James announced the sentencing of former New York State Police Trooper Christopher Baldner of Catskill for causing the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods on December 22, 2020. Baldner was found guilty on the charge of Manslaughter & was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 years in prison. On December 22, 2020 Tristin Goods was driving on the New York State Thruway with his wife and two young daughters, Trooper Baldner was on patrol and stopped the Goods family car for speeding. During the stop, Baldner deployed pepper spray into the interior of the car and Mr. Goods sped away, Baldner rammed his police vehicle into the rear of the Goods family's car twice, it skidded into the guard rail, flipped over, and came to rest upside down. The impact ejected Monica Goods from the car, causing her death.

79 year old Stanley Suchy of Stamford pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court today to sexual crimes against minors. In November, Suchy was indicted on 3 counts of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, and 1 count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, he agreed to plead guilty to Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, which includes a term of 10 years incarceration and 20 years of post-release supervision, registration as a sex offender as well as other fines and restrictions. Suchy admitted to multiple instances of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13 between 2010 & 2020. After pleading guilty, Suchy was remanded to jail to await sentencing on April 21st.

Another Community meeting will be held next week in Norwich among those bringing the "Turtle Island Festival" to the Chenango County Fairgrounds in July, Chenango County Historical Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 4-7-26)

Community members are encouraged to attend, on April 15th at 6:00 PM at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich campus at 20 Conkey Avenue in Norwich, more information is available at 607-334-9227.

The SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus will hold "Instant Decision Day" on April 15th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Follett Hall. People can meet with Representatives from academic departments & financial aid, more information is available at 607-334-5144.

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced an expansion of child care services at 11 SUNY community colleges in New York State. The services will include evenings and weekends, designed to align with the schedules of student-parents who are enrolled in high-demand programs. SUNY Broome is one of the Colleges participating in the program.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-16-26

The federal trial of Peyton Gendron of Conklin will be held in Buffalo, Judge Lawrence Vilardo made the ruling last week. Gendron's attorneys were seeking to move the trial, out of Buffalo, citing concerns over the ability to get a fair trial. Gendron shot 10 Black people shopping at a Buffalo Tops Supermarket on May 14, 2022, he has already been convicted on state charges, he faces the death penalty on Federal charges, the next trial should start this summer.

Thousands of unlawful vape and marijuana products were seized from a Conklin gas station as part of a compliance check by the Broome County Health Department. On March 9, members of the Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force assisted the Broome County Health Department with a flavored nicotine vape compliance check at the “One Dream” Sunoco gas station located at 976 Conklin Rd in the Town of Conklin, they seized approximately 4,000 unlawful flavored nicotine vapes along with THC products, The business does not possess a valid license to dispense THC products. The unlawful flavored vapes are not taxed. In 2019, New York raised the legal age to purchase tobacco and vape products to 21, and in 2020 the state banned the sale of flavored vaping products, other than tobacco flavor. The compliance check was generated via a tip from the Susquehanna Valley Central School District.

Former Area Congressman Chris Gibson has written his 3rd book, entitled "The Spirit of Philadelphia: A Call to Recover the Founding Principles", he told WCDO News what he has been up to since leaving Congress in 2017 & about his book published last week:

(Chris Gibson 5-29-25)

In Addition to the book, Gibson was appointed to President of Siena College from 2020 to 2023, the same college that he graduated from years ago. Gibson said that the new book which explores the deeper philosophical foundations of America’s success—common sense realism, self-governance, and the balance of rights and responsibilities, and how a renewal of those principles can guide us through today’s political division, civic apathy, and institutional dysfunction.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-29-25

The Chenango County Historical Society & the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on “An America250 Conversation.” and they will be seeking public input on how the County should celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year, Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 5-29-25)

The next community dialogue will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on May 29 at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus at 20 Conkey Ave. Registration is encouraged by emailing “info@chenangohistorical.org”.

Michael Beilby of East Meredith was resentenced in Delaware County Court for violating the terms of his felony probation supervision. On September 25, 2020, Michael Beilby killed 2 people in a motor vehicle crash, he was driving while using drugs and using his cell phone, he pleaded guilty to 2 counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide & was sentenced to a split term of 6 months incarceration, followed by 5 years of probation supervision, and he was required to not use any illegal drugs or alcohol. The Delaware County Department of Probation accused Beilby of cocaine use and he avoided mandatory drug treatment appointments. Beilby admitted to those allegations & Judge Rosa ordered that Beilby be returned to probation supervision and start attending sessions of the Adult Treatment Court..

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Quality Inn, State Highway 23, another will be held in Delhi from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at the SUNY Delhi Farrell Student & Community Center, donors are asked to book a time by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Commerce Chenango Career Expo will be held on January 17th at the SUNY Morrisville, Norwich Campus, 20 Conkey Ave., Norwich, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Several area businesses & Organizations have already signed up, reservations will be available until January 11th at files.constantcontact.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-8-24

State Police have arrested 3 people in connection with a shooting Saturday morning at 309 Main Street in Otego. Arrested were 32 year old Sara Baker of Davenport, for murderous intent, 51 year old Jovanni Salinas of Orlando Florida for Murderous intent, & 30 year old Tyler Culver of Otego for Reckless Endangerment, Criminal possession of a weapon, Possession of a firearm with a previous conviction, & Loaded Firearm, all 3 are being held pending future court action.

Attorney General Letitia James announced that Joshua Powell, a former National Rifle Association Executive Director of Operations and Chief of Staff to recently resigned NRA Executive Wayne LaPierre, has reached a $100,000 agreement with her office. Powell was 1 of 5 defendants in a lawsuit brought by the Office of the Attorney General against the NRA and senior management in August 2020. The trial of the claims against the NRA and the remaining defendants will begin today.

The State Department of Health released a report regarding tobacco related cancers from 2016 - 2020. Approximately 46,000 cases of tobacco-related cancers are diagnosed in New York State each year. Among the four cancers most closely related to tobacco, rates of esophagus, larynx and lung cancer have steeply declined, but oral cancer increased by 1.3%. Tobacco-related cancers make up 40% of all State cancer cases diagnosed annually. Also 22.5% of high school students reported use of e-cigarettes in the past 30 days; 6.8% of middle school students reported the same. The New York State Smokers' Quitline is available by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS or nysmokefree.com.

September is Suicide awareness Month, and 2 events will be coming this month to raise awareness & raise funds to combat the continuing suicide problem. Karen Heisig is the Director of the Greater New York Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, she talked about Tomorrow's Walk in Oneonta:

(Karen Heiseg 9-15-23)

Heiseg said Saturday's Oneonta Walk will be at the 6th Ward Booster Club Field, another will be on September 24th starting at SUNY Delhi at 12:00 Noon, people can register for the walks at AFSP.ORG/Oneonta or AFSP.Org/Delaware County, more information is also available at 315-664-0346.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

The Village of Sidney Police Department responded yesterday afternoon at about 2:50 PM, to the report of a unconscious female lying in the middle of Sunset Avenue. Police were advised that the female had been struck by a vehicle, 14 year old Anielle McEwan-Lomnicki was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City & was transferred to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where she remains in stable but critical condition with bleeding & pressure on the brain, an upper spine fracture & fractured ribs according to family, The driver, 31 year old Courtni Baker of Sidney left the scene and returned a short time later, she was charged with Aggravated DWI, with a BAC of .18 or higher, plus DWI, Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, Reckless Driving, Vehicular Assault & Escape for allegedly attempting to leave the Police Station, along with several other lesser charges. Baker was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court where she was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing which could result in more charges being filed.

State Police arrested 44 year old Rodney Oakley of Plymouth, for Scheming to Defraud, 5 counts of 4th degree Grand Larceny & 8 counts of Petty Larceny. State Police received a report last November that Oakley, who was the town Highway Department Superintendent, was allegedly using town money for his own personal use, it was determined that since December 2020 Oakley allegedly had been using town funds to purchase various car parts, tools and materials for his own personal use, he was issued an appearance for the town of Plymouth Court on February 22nd.

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, is asking for those who attended the original Woodstock Music & Arts festival at that site in 1969, to come forward & share their story. The Center is conducting its "Oral Histories Project" to document the memories of fans who attended the event. Curators from The Museum will be traveling around the country to interview those who attended. The Oral Histories Project began in 2020; over 18,00 stories have been documented. The museum is hoping to get about 4,500 more, More information can be found at Bethelwoodscenter.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-19-22

47 year old Matthew Coley of Roseboom was arrested In Montgomery County & has been turned over to the Otsego County Sheriff's Office. Coley was charged with 2nd degree Strangulation & 3rd Degree Assault following an investigation into a domestic incident in March of 2020. A warrant was issued for Coley arrest, he was picked up following a traffic stop & was arraigned at Otsego County Central Arraignment and released on his own recognizance.

The DCMO BOCES program along with Commerce Chenango, & The Delaware & Otsego County Chambers of Commerce have teamed up for mentor recruitment efforts. On January 6th, there will be and Orientation at SUNY ONEONTA in the Morris Hall Conference Center, interested participants are asked to RSVP by December 31st to attend the orientation session at docs.google.com/forms.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-20-22

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 17,400, to 8,061,000 in September, the 1st time the number has been over 8,000,000 since early 2020, prior to the start of the COVID 19 Pandemic. The State's unemployment rate decreased from 4.7% in August to 4.3% in September 2022.

Governor Hochul announced this week that over $15.5 million is being invested by the State to expand child care access at State University schools. The funding includes $10.8 million to address child care weaknesses across SUNY campuses that have kept parents continuing their education.

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.

What seemed like a slam dunk passing of legislation to cover Military Veterans for illnesses they received by exposure to burn pits while deployed all over the world, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told WCDO News how that bill failed in the Senate today:

(GILLIBRAND 7-28-22)

Between 2007 and 2020, 12,582 veterans claimed conditions related to burn pit exposure, they will wait to see if the legislation is passed in a slightly altered form in the coming weeks.

SUNY Board of Trustees approved the criteria for allocating $113 million in direct funding from State, to support campus programs designed to increase services to SUNY students, bolster enrollment at SUNY institutions, and support college completion rates. The additional $53 million will be used to hire new full-time faculty.

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 SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association will host the annual Alumni Weekend This Friday through Sunday. This is the first in-person weekend since 2019, due to the pandemic, 500 alumni and friends have already registered. Activities include the Cans ‘n Clams Picnic, a nature hike, a Brooks’ Barbecue lunch, and a cornhole tournament, there will be awards ceremonies for the Athletic Hall of Fame, Alumni of Distinction, and the Alumni Association Annual Award winners. For more information email britney.liddell@oneonta.edu.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced a follow up to an audit of the Village of Delhi. Auditors issued a report in January 2020 identifying areas of improvement related to disbursements, including payroll. In a follow-up review, auditors found the village has made progress in implementing a corrective action, with 2 out of the 3 recommendations fully implemented and the 3rd partially implemented.

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 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.

This Week is National Poison Prevention Week, the State Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of prevention measures to reduce the risk of poisoning. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Annual Report on Pediatric Poisoning Fatalities and Injuries pediatric poisonings involving children under 5 years of age resulted in 43 fatalities in 2020, a 26 percent increase from 2019. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at dos.ny.gov, more information about household poisons is available by calling 800-697-1220.

The city of Oneonta announced plans to close West Street between Chestnut and Center streets for 5 months, for a construction project, starting Monday. The project calls for the replacement of water mains, sewer mains, manholes, catch basins and fire hydrants as well as related infrastructure. Detours will be posted, Construction work will be done between 7 am. and 3:30 pm. on week days and is expected to be completed in August prior to the return of students to SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-28-22

Oneonta Police are investigating the circumstances regarding A SUNY Oneonta student found on a city Street on Thursday morning. SUNY Officials released a statement this afternoon stating that the unidentified male student was found unconscious at an off-campus location early Thursday morning and transported to Bassett hospital for exposure to extreme cold, the student died at Bassett Thursday evening. The Oneonta Police Department is investigating the incident, anyone with information can call Oneonta Police at (607) 432-1111.

The State Senate & State Assembly may vote on their own redistricting maps based on the 2020 census in the next week, after the Independent Commission failed to narrow the maps down below 2 possibilities. The Commission was set up to avoid the legislature making up their own district lines, following voter approval in 2014 of a ban on partisan gerrymandering of district lines for the State Senate, Assembly & Congressional seats.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-28-22

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded January 10th, to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton of an assault. 39-year old Daniel Johnson of Walton, allegedly assaulted another person during a Domestic Dispute, unlawfully imprisoned another, and left the location in a stolen vehicle. Deputies filed for an Arrest Warrant for Johnson, on January 20th, Binghamton Police located Johnson while conducting a traffic stop, he was arrested on the Parole Warrant, and was transported back to the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Johnson was charged with Menacing, Criminal Mischief, Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Unlawful Imprisonment, Grand Larceny, and Criminal Mischief, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail & remand without bail on the Parole Warrant.

SUNY Broome admitted the Windsor High School’s entire Senior Class of 2022 to the college in the Windsor/SUNY Broome College Express Partnership event last Wednesday. Windsor Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Scott Beattie told WCDO News that this is the classic Win Win for all parties:

(Scott Beattie 11-12-21)

Beattie said that this was the 3rd year of the College Express Partnership, Windsor's Class of 2020 became the 1st full class in history to be immediately admitted to SUNY Broome.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released his office’s annual report on the Wall Street Securities Industry. Wall Street’s run of prosperity extended into the first half of 2021 with $31 billion in pre-tax earnings, beating 2020’s outsized first half profits of $27.6 billion, even as job losses accelerated in New York City’s securities industry. DiNapoli said that State revenues in the first half exceeded initial projections by $5.2 billion, because of Wall Street and the increased income taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, however, the report shows that despite the profitability, jobs are being relocated elsewhere, New York will have lost about 9,000 securities jobs, bringing the total down to 175,000.

George Carnrike III has joined the leadership team at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. The Norwich native will serve as the hospital’s security supervisor, he has 10 years of law enforcement experience, including as a City of Norwich police officer until 2016.

A.M. NEWS Monday 10-25-21

Chobani is partnering with Swipe Out Hunger to help local colleges feed students in need. This collaboration will support efforts to stock food pantries or to establish students accounts in order to purchase hot meals. The partnership will also support efforts to provide food for students at SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, and several colleges in the Mohawk Valley. Chobani, Swipe Out Hunger and VICE News are also joining together for a virtual summit to raise awareness about food security and its impacts. To register for the summit, click chobanicollegehungersummit.com/event/register

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-16-21

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the suspension of the state hiring freeze through the end of the fiscal year, Following the release of the updated State Financial Plan projecting $2.1 billion in revenue above projections. Lifting the hiring freeze will enable state agencies to grow their work-forces after the number of workers in Executive Agencies declined by more than 10,000 between March 2020 and August 2021.

The Independent Redistricting Commission met Wednesday & released 2 proposed maps for Congressional Districts.  The newly created independent commission is tasked with drawing the lines for Congressional seats & state legislative offices.  The maps are being drawn based on the 2020 census; the meeting was recorded & can be viewed at nyirc.gov.

Binghamton University has reported 187 COVID-19 cases among on-campus students and staff over the past 2 weeks, that number is 15% of positive cases across the entire SUNY system.  SUNY officials reported a total of 1,259 cases during a 14-day period through Tuesday September 14th at its 64 campuses.  SUNY Binghamton reported 93% of their students are currently vaccinated; Students are required to get vaccinated by the end of the month or risk being unregistered from their courses.

The Friends of Rogers is hosting their 3rd Annual Electric Car Show on October 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne. The Friends of Rogers will also have the 2020 Tesla Model 3 on display, tickets for the raffle of the Tesla are available at the show or they are available online at friendsofrogers.org, the last day to purchase raffle tickets is October 15th at 6:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-16-21

Delaware County Public Health reports that Vaccinations rates have stalled at 49.6 & 85% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, 17% of the positive cases are Pre-K to 12th grade students & employees.  The County reports 59 new cases in the previous 2 days, with 195 active cases, 4 hospitalized & 369 quarantined.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-14-21

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to a fatal 2-car motor vehicle accident on County Road 36 in the Town of Guilford Monday.  Investigators reported that 22-year-old Dominique Brissett of Walkill was traveling north bound on County Road 36 and collided with an SUV operated by 23-year-old Rachel Feyh of Sidney.  Brissett was pronounced dead on the scene, Feyh was air lifted by Life Net to SUNY Upstate Medical in Syracuse, where she was listed in critical but stable condition. The investigation into the cause of the motor vehicle accident is still ongoing.

The State Department of Health today announced that New York State's youth smoking rate has reached an all-time low. As of 2020, less than 3% of high school students smoke cigarettes, down from 27.1% in 2000.  The Youth Tobacco Survey found that youth tobacco use was down across all tobacco product categories, including a drop in e-cigarette use for the first time.  New Yorkers of all ages can contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS or visit nysmokefree.com.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-14-21

Nationwide Opioid overdose deaths were a record 93,000 last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of more than 19,000 from 2019 or 29%.  Lockdowns and pandemic restrictions made treatment programs difficult to access in 2020, which likely contributed to the deaths.  New York State has had about 3000 overdose deaths annually since 2018.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras is encouraging students to get vaccinated ahead of the fall semester through a 30-day challenge he issued this week.  Malatras announced that students would need to be vaccinated to return to campus, with vaccines that have FDA approval.   SUNY Schools are looking to return everyone to dorms & classrooms in the 2021-22 school year, after a year of large numbers of infections on SUNY campuses, and remote learnings throughout the system.

Republican Kyle Van De Water has decided to run against Congressman Antonio Delgado again, after losing to him in 2020, when Delgado won with 54% of the vote, to Van De Water 42%.  The 19th Congressional District currently includes all of Delaware & Otsego Counties, as well as Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties & a part of Broome County, but it could look substantially different after redistricting based on the 2020 census.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-14-21

NYSEG reported about 310 customers were still without power this afternoon in Broome & Chenango Counties, after last night's storm, crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that this summer’s Induction Ceremony will take place at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, September 8th in front of limited crowds as an outdoor ticketed event on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center. The Induction Ceremony will be broadcast live exclusively on MLB Network. Planning continues to be adapted to guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the State of New York. The Hall of Fame’s 2021 Induction Ceremony will

honor the members of the Class of 2020: Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker. No candidates were elected for Induction in 2021.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced that the mass Vaccination site at the SUNY Broome Ice Center will be closing. Garner said that over 93,000 of the more than 190,000 Broome County Residents are fully vaccinated, about 1/4 of those received their vaccinations at SUNY Broome's Ice Center.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-9-21

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive at least the maximum allowable level of food benefits for June, a benefits distribution that will push more than $200 million in federal aid into the state’s economy. The supplemental benefits provided to individuals and households enrolled in SNAP have already infused more than $2.3 billion into New York’s economy since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Local government sales tax collections in April grew by 45.7% over the same month in 2020, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Collections totaled $1.5 billion, up $464 million from April of last year, as the state was in the beginning stages of dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic & shutting down to try to curtail the spread of the virus.    DiNapoli said collections last month were still strong, up by more than 10.2% when compared to April of 2019, which was well before the pandemic.

The public is invited to shop for gently-used items donated by SUNY Oneonta students following the campus' annual Move-Out Donation and Reuse collection, tomorrow at 9:00 AM at the ReUse Center, 23 Duane Street, Oneonta.  The college had designated collection spaces in each of the 10 active residence halls to collect the items students no longer wanted, Off-campus students donated directly to the ReUse Center Proper mask use and social distancing will be enforced at the event. More information about the Move-Out Program and other campus sustainability initiatives is available suny.oneonta.edu/sustainability/move-out.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-14-21

47 year old Kristina Hand of Morris was sentenced in federal court to 2 years of probation, she was ordered to serve 50 hours of community service & pay $34,000 in restitution, for stealing that amount from the Morris Central School District, while serving as school treasurer from 2014 to 2020.    Hand pleaded guilty to 2 counts of federal program theft, she admitted she stole about $24,000 by depositing checks payable to the school district into bank accounts that she controlled, and for stealing at least $10,000 more by using the school district’s Amazon account and credit cards to purchase personal items.

Identity thefts in New York surged during the pandemic with more than 67,000 complaints filed statewide in 2020, which was 85 percent more than the previous year and more than four times the annual total from a decade earlier, according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Credit card fraud was the most common type of identity theft reported last year, with nearly 25,000 New Yorkers victimized.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-14-21

About 1,300 members of SUNY Oneonta’s graduating class will be recognized tomorrow during 2021 commencement exercises that include virtual and in-person components, including an opportunity to cross the stage and hear their name called.  The virtual ceremony is a full commencement program that will air Saturday, with 4 ceremonies based on academic major: School of Economics and Business at 9 a.m.; School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies at 11 a.m.; School of Liberal Arts at 1 p.m.; and School of Sciences at 3 p.m.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-11-21

2 men arrested for 4 gas station robberies in the same day in April of 2020 were sentenced in Otsego County Court.  42 year old Bryan Ruple was charged with Burglary & robbery & was sentenced to 7 years in jail in a plea bargain arrangement, and 41 year old Derrick Gray, 41, was charged with robbery and attempted robbery, he was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison, in Otsego County Court.

Governor Cuomo announced on Monday that SUNY and CUNY students must be vaccinated before they can return to in-person classes in the fall, The Governor is also calling on private universities to do the same.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-27-21

Governor Cuomo visited SUNY Binghamton today and he announced that beginning Thursday, all New York State mass vaccination sites will be Open to eligible New Yorkers 16 and older, for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar urged Broome County Residents to take advantage of this change:

(Garnar 4-27-21)

The Governor also announced the mass vaccination site located at 10 Gannett Drive in Johnson City will move inside the building at the same address, to allow for increased capacity and will be less impacted by any adverse weather conditions.  The Governor stated that the metrics that the state is following will allow for re-opening to continue:

(Cuomo 4-27-21)

The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. Additionally, all vaccine providers are encouraged to likewise allow walk-in appointments and for eligible New Yorkers.

The Online Learner’s Permit for class D & M driver’s licenses is now available online to New Yorkers, Following a successful pilot program launched last year.  The new service allows people to take the learner’s permit at home, which will cut down on the number of people in DMV offices statewide; more information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

The U.S Census Bureau announced that New York State will lose 1 seat in the House of Representatives, due to the continuing population shifts away from the Northeast, to southern & western States.  New York will have 26 representatives in Congress after redistricting; New York is one of 7 state losing Congressional seats, following the 2020 census.

Sales tax revenue for local governments declined by 3.9% in the 1st quarter compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Sales tax collections from January through March totaled $4.3 billion, which was $173 million less than the first quarter of 2020. Collections for the first quarter of 2021 increased compared to the first quarter of 2020 in every region outside of New York City, with increases ranging from 2.4 percent in the Southern Tier to 9.8% in the North Country.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-23-21

This year, The Firemen's Association of New York will have their annual Recruit New York Weekend this Saturday & Sunday.  Many firehouses across New York State will hold virtual or in-person recruitment efforts, locally, fire Departments in Coventry, West Oneonta, Laurens, & West Laurens are participating in the recruiting effort.

Starting today, walk-in appointments will be available at 16 mass vaccination sites for New Yorkers ages 60 and up.  The closest site to the Tri-County region is SUNY Binghamton.

The number of COVID Hospitalizations statewide is 3,567; the Lowest number of Hospitalizations since November 29, 2020. There were 811 Patients in the ICU; Lowest ICU Patients Since December 3, 2020 & 499 on ventilators, there 45 COVID-19 Deaths in the State Wednesday.

The Otsego County Department of Health will be holding a first dose only vaccination clinic on April 29th at the Meadows Complex in Cooperstown.  This clinic will be using the MODERNA Vaccine, to vaccinate individuals age 18 and older.  Registration can be found on the Otsego County Department of Health Website at otsegocounty.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-22-21

Governor Cuomo announced today that People ages 60 and older in New York state don't have to make COVID vaccine appointments anymore.  The Governor announced that that age group can walk into any mass vaccination site starting Friday and get a shot, the closest site will be at SUNY Binghamton.

Friends of Rogers started their 2nd annual Electric Car Raffle today March 19th, which features a prize of a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The raffle runs through October 15th, the winner will be announced on October 21st. at Rogers Center and will be open to the public. More information is available at FriendsofRogers.org & click on “Win a Tesla.”

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-19-21

The state-run mass vaccination site at SUNY Oneonta opened today with Bassett Healthcare Network staff, state Staff, the National Guard and Otsego County Public Health on hand.  Anyone currently eligible under state guidelines can find the link to register at bassett.org, or at the 'Am I Eligible' App or website or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).