WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-23-21

The Sidney Police Department executed an arrest warrant on 37 year old Barry Bradt of Unadilla, following an investigation into a level 3 registered sex offender failing to register his address with the State Sex Offender Registry, as required by law. Bradt is accused of registering with the Sidney Police Department and the state Registry as living at an address in the Village of Sidney, while physically residing at an address in Unadilla. Bradt was charged with Failure to register change of address within 10 days & Offering a false instrument for filing, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court & he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5000 bail.

5 Broome County residents have died from COVID-19 within the last 6 days, according to Broome County Executive Jason Garnar on Wednesday. Garnar said that the County has 1,661 active cases, with 96 people hospitalized; the vaccination rate is 62% fully vaccinated, and he also said that Broome County Hospitals are expected to pause elective surgeries shortly.

State Police are recruiting in order to add to their numbers, with the Trooper exam to be administered from January to April of next year. A computer-based exam will be offered at 54 testing centers around the state, more information is available at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.

The Jericho Arts Council announced that they are accepting applications from artists who wish to participate in next year’s Regatta Row’s, featuring 12 Adirondack paddle chairs, and new this year story poles, Spokesperson Rachel Hares explains:

(Rachel Hares 12-23-21)

The Art will be displayed on Bainbridge sidewalks from April 27 until Memorial Day weekend, Proceeds from the May 28th Art Auction will go to the Jericho Arts Council to support our Artists & Musicians and to create future events. Artist applications and details are online at jerichoarts.com, applications are due by January 16th, and more information is available at 607-643-2211.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Arrested 24 year old Jake Vanwagner of Hobart for speeding & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Vanwagner was stopped by deputies Tuesday night, he is scheduled to appear at the Town of Davenport Court at a later date to answer the charges.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-23-21

State Police at Sidney were dispatched last night at about 7:00 PM, to a report of a domestic dispute at a residence on Lyons Street in the village of Unadilla. The responding trooper was confronted by 24 year old Mark Beilby, who was armed with a knife inside the home. Beilby did not comply with the trooper’s repeated commands to drop the knife and advanced at the trooper. The trooper discharged his issued firearm, striking Beilby, who was transported to Tri-Town Hospital then transferred to Wilson Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident.

The State Health Department continues to report an increase in COVID cases, with over 28,900 new cases Tuesday out of 271,000 tested, for a positivity rate of 10.66%. patient hospitalization are over 4400, patients in an ICU Bed are over 828 and the number of ventilators is 475, there were 57 deaths in Hospitals & nursing homes Tuesday from the virus.

Delaware County Public Health reported 70 new COVID cases on Tuesday & Wednesday, their positivity rate was at 9.3%. There are 279 active cases, 4 hospitalized and 520 quarantined, and an 83 death from COVID has been confirmed. 54.5% of County residents are fully vaccinated.

State Police will be holding a car seat check on December 23, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7 between Sidney & Unadilla. Certified Passenger Safety Technicians will install, inspect and/or check your child car seats for free. Appointments are preferred; at 561-7604, however, drive-ups will not be turned away.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-22-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended starting tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM, until Monday December 27th at 6:00 AM. Construction will also be suspended from Thursday December 30th to Monday, January 3rd to ease travel for motorists.   Motorists should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The American Red Cross & State Police announced that on Tuesday, December 28th, A blood drive will be hosted in memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner, who lost his life by a hit-and-run driver while conducting a traffic stop on I-81 in Broome County.  Blood Supplies are the lowest they have been during the holiday season, in 10 years, appointments are available at RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the free Blood Donor app or by calling 1-800 RED CROSS.  The Drive is being held on the 28th from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at 16 Crescent Drive in Kirkwood, More information is available at 607- 237-9747.

The Unadilla Fire Department announced that they are collecting items for the families who lost everything to a fire at 43 Watson Street in the village earlier this week.  The Unadilla Fire Department has posted a list of specific items on their Facebook Page; the items can be dropped off at the Firehouse at 77 Clifton Street.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state’s acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, has tested positive for COVID-19.  Dr. Bassett reported that she tested positive after being administered a rapid test, she is asymptomatic & is fully vaccinated and has received a booster shot.

Employees of Health Departments around the state have put in a lot of overtime during the pandemic, and have also been the target of threats of physical violence, Otsego County Sheriff Rich Devlin told WCDO news that the local health Department received such threats, and that is unacceptable:

(Sheriff Devlin 12-22-21)

Sheriff Devlin said that no arrests have been made so far for the threats to Otsego County Health Department staff.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that they are investigating a multistate outbreak of listeria infections connected to Fresh Express packaged salads, through the northeast states & into eastern Canada.  So far, 10 people have become ill, 10 have been hospitalized and 1 person has died across 8 states in the listeria outbreak. Fresh Express announced a recall Monday where they advised consumers not to eat, sell or serve a long list of its products with the codes Z324 to Z350 printed on the package.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-22-21

The State Health Department reports that the winter surge is continuing, after 214,165 were tested for COVID 19 Monday & 22,258 people were positive, for a 10.4% positivity rate.  Patient Hospitalizations went up by more than 300 to 4,328; almost 800 are in an ICU unit with 470 on ventilators, 57 died at hospitals & nursing homes Monday.

The New York State Education Department is canceling January regents’ exams for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   The education department will ask the Board of Regents to approve changes to diploma requirements to accommodate students who were scheduled to take the January exams.

Attorney General Letitia James said that her office has received complaints of price gouging on COVID 19 testing products around the state. A standard test kit at local pharmacies normally costs between $14 and $25 for a package of 2 tests, but some stores have sold the same product unlawfully for $40 up to $70, to report price gouging, go to formsnym.ag.ny.gov.

The Village of Bainbridge announced that due to a water main break near Lambrecht's Auction House on County Road 38, water service will be interrupted this morning starting at 7:00 Am, until the break is repaired.  Residents north of the Auction house on Route 38, Searles Hill Road, Bliss Road, Crest Drive and Williams Lane will be affected.  (The repair was completed at about 7:15 AM)

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-20-21

Norwich City Police responded to the report of a gunshot Saturday Night on Broad Street, and discovered an alleged meth lab at 134 South Broad Street and arrested 27 year old Tyler Mills. Mills was charged with resisting arrest, 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration, and criminal nuisance. A search warrant was executed at Mills residence, & the evidence of a meth lab was collected by officers, the investigation is continuing & more charges are expected.

Helios Care of Oneonta was selected as a Silver Winner in The John A. Hartford Foundation Tipping Point Challenge, a national competition focused on the submission of initiatives that have made positive, breakthrough change in the care of those with serious illnesses, CEO Dan Ayres comments:

(Dan Ayres 12-20-21)

Helios Care was recognized for its Palliative Care program, Ayres said that people can go to the website, helioscare.org & view the video that explains what they do & led to getting this prestigious award.

Governor Hochul announced that over 40 New Vaccine & Booster Pop up sites will be up & running this week around the state. The State Health Department & the Governor's Office are partnering with local health departments and community partners to launch more sites over the coming weeks. Sites are expected to be announced for the tri county area shortly, as this region has among the lowest vaccination rates in the state. Current Vaccine sites can be found at vaccines.gov/search.

Rural Health Network of South Central New York’s Getthere Call Center seeks volunteer drivers for a new program in the City of Norwich: Community Rides, starting December 29th. Volunteer drivers will provide local rides to healthcare, food, prescriptions, events, and other community locations on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, for seniors and others in need, those who want to sign up as a volunteer driver, should call 1-855-373-4040.

The Chenango United Way announced today that there are only 11 days left in their fundraising campaign, & they are at 95% of their projected goal of $425,000. More information about the current campaign or their services are available at chenangouw.com.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will have their next meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30 at the back of Bob's Diner. Chamber members are encouraged to attend.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-20-21

State Police have arrested 46 year old Charles Richter of Bainbridge, who was wanted in connection with an assault during a domestic dispute in Bainbridge. The victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment, Richter has been charged with Attempted Murder, 1st degree Assault, Criminal Contempt, Unlawful Imprisonment.

The State Health Department reported a surge in COVID 19 positive tests Sunday with 22,478 positives out of 267,422 Tests for an 8.41% Positivitiy rate, Patient Hospitalizations were at 3,880, Patients in ICU is up to 761, the number of Patients on ventilators is up to 448. There were 58 deaths in hospitals & nursing homes.

Delaware County Public Health reported 77 new cases of COVID 19 for Thursday & Friday, for an 8.9% positivity rate. There were 289 active cases, 7 hospitalized and 530 quarantined, 54.3% of Delaware County Residents were fully vaccinated.

State Police will be holding a car seat check on December 23, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7 between Sidney & Unadilla. Certified Passenger Safety Technicians will install, inspect and/or check your child car seats for free. Appointments are preferred; at 561-7604, however, drive-ups will not be turned away.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-19-21

Hospice Chenango announced their Triple Norwich Virtual Race Challenge for the month of August, which covers 700 miles between Norwich New York, Norwich Connecticut & Norwich Vermont, Hospice Chenango Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 7-19-21)

Race registrations begin today, at $27 per person, at hospicechenango.org, on their Facebook Page or call 334-3556.

Governor Cuomo announced today that state investigators will be on patrol at popular summer concert venues to crack down on underage drinking and the use of fake IDs to purchase alcohol.  Operation Prevent enforcement sweeps will be conducted at popular upstate concert venues; it is supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and led by investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles in cooperation with the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Parks Police, and local law enforcement.

Chenango County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is available for those who were impacted by the COVID pandemic & owe back rent.  The Program could pay rent in arrears as much as 12 months, and also help with utility arrears, more information is available at Family Enrichment at 373-3477 extension 1505 or at otda.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Historical Society is seeking community feedback in order to develop activities and programs that are relevant and interesting to broader audiences. CCHS is developing long-term plans to guide the organization’s thematic development, as well as clarifying educational and interpretive goals for the museum.  A brief survey is available at tinyurl.com/CCHSFeedback; all who respond to the survey will receive a free downloadable commemorative Chenango County Historical Society keepsake.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-19-21

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services reported flooding Saturday Night in Gilbertsville, Mt Upton and Morris, including Road Collapses on State Route 51 northbound between County Route 8 in Gilbertsville and the village of Morris.  Otsego County Acting Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones told WCDO News this morning that additional problems have cropped up in Unadilla:

(Victor Jones 7-19-21)

Jones said that Otsego County Board of Representatives Chairman David Bliss has implemented a State of Emergency for the Town of Butternuts, Pittsfield & Morris, Jones said that affected roads are Dimock Hollow, Nichols, Jones & Burlingame Roads, County Road 49 in the town of Pittsfield, plus Otsego County Routes 4 & 18, Lockwood Hill Road & he also said that the Gilbertsville & Morris firehouses were flooded, but crews got equipment out in time.  Delaware County reported issues with State Route 30 in Roxbury Sunday.

The State Health Department reported that they were back over 1000 positive cases of COVID, with  1142 positive cases, for a 1.5% positivity rate Saturday, with Hospitalizations, The number in ICU Beds & Those on Ventilators have remained about the same as the positivity rate continues to climb.  The percentage of adults over 18 with a completed vaccine series is up to 67.3%

State tax receipts exceeded the Enacted Budget Financial Plan forecast by $4.8 billion from April through June, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Tax receipts through June totaled $30.9 billion, almost $17 billion more than received in the same period last year, spurred in part by a $13.5 billion year-to-year increase in personal income tax receipts.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Thursday at the Union Grove Distillery in Arkville from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  The vaccination clinic is open to people over the age of 18.   No appointment or pre-registration needed, walk-ins only.  For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types; especially type O,  are urged to make an appointment to give now.   A blood drive is being held from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Walton Fire Department, at 59 West Street,  Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-17-21

Police in Cobleskill arrested 53 year old Raymond George for 1st degree manslaughter, for allegedly driving his vehicle into the Colonial Motel Tuesday, killing fellow Motel resident James Williams, following an argument.  Police reported that 2 dogs were also killed in the incident, 11 people were displaced due to the structural damage to the building.  George was arrested shortly after the incident nearby, Police determined that Williams had been sitting on a bench outside his room with his dogs, when he was struck; he was trapped in the wreckage and was pronounced dead at the scene. George was arraigned and ordered held without bail.  State Police, Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, the Schoharie County District Attorney’s Office and state corrections officials assisted with the investigation.

According to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 17,500, or 0.2%, to 7,459,100 in May 2021. By comparison, the number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.4% in May 2021.  New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 8.2% to 7.8% in May 2021.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Senior Financial Empowerment act, to try to streamline the reporting by seniors, of phone & Email scams designed to steal their personal financial information:

(Gillibrand 6-17-21)

Senator Gillibrand stated that Millions of seniors across the country are victims of financial scams and abuse every year, with scams related to COVID-19 alone costing consumers more than $460 million.  New York State seniors lose as much as $1.5 billion per year to financial fraud and abuse.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Joseph Santiago of Burlington following a traffic stop in the Town of Burlington on June 7th.   Santiago was charged with Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument & Criminal Possession Controlled Substance.  The Investigation revealed that Santiago, who was a passenger in the stopped vehicle, was wanted on an active bench warrant issued out of the Town of New Lisbon court, he was found to be in possession of numerous narcotics during the stop.  Santiago was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on the bench warrant; he faces action in Town of Burlington court June 21st.

The Otsego County Department of Health will be holding a Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID Vaccine clinic tomorrow.  The clinic will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department, for those 18 & older, no appointments are necessary; the clinic will be walk in only.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies return to Binghamton to play a 4 game homestand starting tonight against Portland, at the newly renamed Mirabito Stadium.  Team General Manager J.B. Bayne told WCDO News that the COVID guidelines have been changed, and fans can come out to the games like they did before the Pandemic.

(J.B. Bayne 6-17-21)

Information about the team's schedule, ticket prices, promotions & roster are available at BINGRP.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-17-21

Frontier Communications reported 2 work vans missing from their property at 2 Oak Avenue in the Village of Sidney on Monday; the vans were recovered Tuesday in a wooded area outside the village.  Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and State Police executed a search warrant of 5 Division Street in Sidney Wednesday; they arrested 47 year old Brian Kingsbury of Sidney & 24 year old Nikita Crumb of Sidney for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Both were arraigned in the Village of Sidney court, Crumb was released on her own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date, Kingsbury was remanded to the Delaware County Jail. The investigation is on-going and more arrests are expected.

State Police continue to investigate a fatal hit and run involving a vehicle that struck 2 bicyclists on Route 26 in Cincinnatus.   The deceased bicyclist is identified as 67 year old Kitt Warren of De Ruyter; the injured bicyclist is identified as 67 year old John Rutan of McGraw, who was taken to Upstate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.  2 other bicyclists were not injured and are identified as a 34-year-old female of Greene, and a 64-year-old male of Cincinnatus.  The operator of the vehicle did not stop; the vehicle was located by a Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputy in the Town of Willet. The investigation is on-going; more will be released when it is available.

State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Anjelia Sturtevant was last seen at her residence in the town of Roseboom on Monday night.    Anjelia was last seen wearing a pink camouflage pull over sweatshirt with a hood and may be carrying a white colored makeup bag with a gray pattern.  Anjelia is 5’ 2" and weighs approximately 190 pounds.  She has brown eyes and brown hair & multiple piercings. Anyone with information should call State Police at 561-7400.

Afton Fire fighters responded to a Commercial Building Fire at 175 Main Street last night, at the new Gavin's Pizza location that opened earlier that day.  Afton received assistance from Harpursville, Masonville, Bainbridge & Coventry.  Fire was located in the wall of the building, & was knocked down quickly; Mike Gavin told WCDO News that he hopes to be re-opening sometime next week.

Commerce Chenango will host their 2021 Gala This evening at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green said that awards will be given out to deserving area businesses & organizations:

(Kerri Green 5-21-21)

Green said that this will be the first in person social event for Commerce Chenango Members in over a year, due to the pandemic.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce's Third Thursday program continues with Assemblyman Joe Angelino.  The event will run virtually this morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, to register, go to delawarecounty.org.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year old Scott Sieger of Oneonta following an investigation into a Forged Check.   Sieger was charged with Forgery, criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Impersonation, for allegedly forging a stolen check in order to purchase a vehicle, he will appear in Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

The mobile screening coach will be in Oneonta at Damaschke Field in Neahwa Park Today, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm For "Pink in the Ballpark Night" with the Oneonta Outlaws to provide No Cost mammograms and Pap tests to women 40 and over.  More information or appointments can be made by calling the Cancer Services Program at 1-888-345-0225.

The Village of Sidney announced that the water will be shut off today from about 7:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on West Main Street between Sunset Avenue & Circle Drive.  Crews will be installing a new Water valve in that area at that time.

The Town of Unadilla reported that a few of their roads will be "briefly closed” today for chip sealing.  The affected roads are Butternut Road, Sand Hill Road, Lovers Lane, Rod and Gun Club Road & Leizear Hill Road.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-16-21

Sidney Police, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies & State Police arrested 2 people on Division Street in Sidney earlier this afternoon.  Sidney Police were processing the individuals & the arrests were related to the theft of 2 Frontier Communications Vans Sunday night from their Oak Avenue location in Sidney.  WCDO will have more details as they become available.

State Police continue to investigate a fatal hit and run involving a vehicle that struck 2 bicyclists on Route 26 in Cincinnatus.  Police said that 1 bicyclist died, who is being identified at this time as a 67-year-old male of De Ruyter, a 2nd bicyclist was transported to Upstate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, that person is identified as a 67-year-old male of McGraw.  2 other bicyclists were not injured and are identified as a 34-year-old female of Greene, and a 64-year-old male of Cincinnatus.  The operator of the vehicle did not stop, the vehicle was located by a Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputy in the Town of Willet. The investigation is on-going, more will be released when it is available.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Sabrina Johnson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle among several other charges.  Johnson is accused of possessing illegal narcotics during a traffic stop; she was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Pittsfield Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 27 year old Albert Quick of Oneonta following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident where the operator fled the scene in the Town of Milford on June 7th.  Quick was charged with DWI, Aggravated DWI, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident among other charges, after he allegedly fled the scene of the accident, he was later located in the Town of Hartwick. Quick was taken into custody and was later released on an appearance ticket for Town of Milford and Hartwick Courts on a later date.

The Village of Sidney announced that the water will be shut off tomorrow from about 7:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on West Main Street between Sunset Avenue & Circle Drive.  Crews will be installing a new Water valve in that area at that time.

Birthright of Sidney is now open, at their location in Suite 10 inside the Sidney Civic center.  Birthright's services are free, some of the services include pregnancy testing, counseling, agency referrals, plus baby food, clothing & diapers, more information is available at 563-4321.

The Town of Unadilla reported that a few of their roads will be "briefly closed"  tomorrow for chip sealing.  The affected roads are Butternut Road, Sand Hill Road, Lovers Lane, Rod and Gun Club Road & Leizear Hill Road.

The Sidney Alumni Association announced that they will hold their alumni weekend on July 16th through the 18th, after missing a year due to the COVID pandemic.  Spokesman Bryan Innes explains:

(Bryan Innes 6-16-21)

Innes said that the Saturday night social event will not be held, and they will leave activites up to the individual classes, more information is available at sidneyalumni.org.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-16-21

Attorney General Letitia James alerts New Yorkers to remain vigilant against a surge in telephone scams.  Scammers impersonate a utilities customer service representative and urge customers to buy gift cards and call back with the serial numbers to pay what they claim is a delinquent bill, and they threaten to cut off service. New Yorkers who have been targeted by this or any other scam are urged to file a complaint by submitting a Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau online complaint form or by calling (800) 771-7755.

State tax receipts through the first 2 months of State Fiscal Year were $4 billion higher than forecast in the Enacted Budget Financial Plan, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.   As of May 31, the General Fund held a balance of $14.4 billion, $4.7 billion higher than the state Division of Budget projections, and $7 billion higher than last year at the same time, largely due to the original COVID 19 shutdown.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-14-21

The Sidney Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating 2 Frontier Communications vehicles that were stolen.  Today, Sidney Police Department responded to the Frontier building at 2 Oak Avenue for a report of a burglary, officers learned that the 2 vehicles, assorted tools and equipment were taken from the property.   Police are looking for a 2008 Chevrolet Express Full-size van bearing a NYS license plate number of 64460JV & A 2012 Chevrolet Express Full-size van bearing a NYS license plate number of 74516MC.  Sidney Police believes the vehicles were taken sometime between Sunday night and early this morning, anyone with information is asked to contact the Sidney Police Department at 561-2301. Anyone who finds or observes either van should call 911 immediately.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33 year old Chad Ellis of Port Crane on an active Bench Warrant held by the Village of Sidney Police Department and a Delaware County Family Court Warrant held by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.   Ellis was located last Thursday, he was turned over to members of the Sidney Police Department for arraignment in the Village of Sidney Court, following his release, Deputies arrested Ellis on the Delaware County Family Court Warrant committing him to the Delaware County Correctional Facility for a term of 6 months or until payment of arrears is made to the Delaware County Support Collection Unit.

Utica Police & State Police reported that a Utica area woman stole & ambulance Sunday Morning in Utica and drove it to the Rochester area, before crashing it into the Irondequoit Bay.   Kunkel Ambulance Service alerted Utica Police, they alerted State Police the ambulance was heading west on the Thruway, a Monroe County scuba team was able to pull the ambulance up from the water just after 5:00 PM Sunday, The woman was rescued shortly after the ambulance went into the bay, She was taken into custody, her name has not been released & The investigation is continuing.

The 2021 New York State Fair will run from August 20th to September 6th in Syracuse, it will increase capacity to 100% and reopen many popular buildings with additional vendors.  In accordance with the State's evolving health guidelines, indoor spaces will be subject to capacity limits to allow attendees to be socially distanced within each building.  Attendees will be required to follow COVID-19 health guidance that is in effect at that time. Further details can be found at the State Fair website.

The Chenango County Fair will be on in August, Fair Spokesperson Mary Weidman explains:

(Mary Weidman 6-14-21)

Weidman said that more information is available at chenangocountyfair.homestead.com.

On Sunday, the Sidney Police Department responded to a domestic dispute on Riverview Drive, the officer entered the home & was attacked by a 17 year old male.  The officer was able to draw his Taser and after warning was forced to use it when the 17 year old male appeared to charge the officer a 2nd time.  The 17 year old male was then taken into custody without any further incident, the officer was not injured and the 17 year old male was evaluated by EMS at the scene and released. The 17 year old male was charged with Harassment & was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Sidney court at a later date.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce's Third Thursday program continues this week, with Assemblyman Joe Angelino.  The event will run virtually Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, to register, go to delawarecounty.org.

A.M. NEWS Monday 6-14-21

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested 55 year old Ralph Smith of Brisben for the felony Sexual Abuse; he is accused of subjecting a child less than 13 years of age to sexual contact, in the Town of Greene.   Smith was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance.  Anyone with information about this investigation should contact State Police at Sidney at 561-7400.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Randy Deese of Unadilla for violating a valid order of protection while incarcerated at the Otsego County Correctional Facility.  Deese was charged with 90 counts of Criminal Contempt following an investigation for continuously contacted the protected party in an order of protection.

The Unadilla Flag Day Parade will be held tonight beginning at 7:00 PM starting at the Elementary School. Anyone interested in being in the parade should contact Jeff Jones Jr. at 267-2494.

New York State had its single-day COVID-19 positivity rate dropped to 0.35%, a record low on Saturday.   The number of Test Results Reported was 110,437, with 383 Positive,  Patient Hospitalization were down to 630, Patients in ICU was at 170 & the number of ventilators was 95, there were 8 deaths.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-9-21

The Raymond Corporation of Greene is holding a Drive Through Job Fair Thursday, Friday & Saturday, and they are looking for a wide variety of talent to add to their operation, Executive Vice President Steve Van Nostrand comments:

(Steve Van Nostrand 6-9-21)

The Hours for the Raymond Drive Through Job Fair in Greene are tomorrow from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM & Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, more information is available at careers.raymondcorp.com.

The Afton Fair will return next month, after being cancelled last year by the pandemic, Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger said that a full slate of activities has been scheduled at the Afton Fairgrounds:

(Rhonda Barriger 6-9-21)

The Afton Fair will run this year from Thursday July 8th through the Sunday July 11th.

Sidney Police responded Tuesday to a residence on West Main Street for a report of a person refusing to leave the property. 40 year old Lloyd Hunt of Unadilla was located hiding in the basement, he refused to cooperate, implied that he had a weapon, after 20 minutes, officers took Hunt into custody without incident. Hunt was charged with Criminal trespass, Obstruction of governmental administration, Resisting arrest, he was out on Parole & State Parole officers issued a detainment warrant for Hunt, he was transported to the Delaware County Jail to be held pending an investigation by State Parole.

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.

On Tuesday, the State Legislature passed a bill to test for 40 emerging contaminants in drinking water by every New York water utility. Approximately 2.5 million New Yorkers have not previously had their water tested, approximately 2,000 small water utilities in New York have not been required to test for the 40 contaminants like strontium, chromium-6, and many others, the bill heads for the Governor's Desk.

Firefighters from Sidney, Sidney Center & Masonville responded to a structure fire at 26 East Main Street in Sidney Tuesday afternoon at about 4:00 PM, the fire was out in about an hour with minimal damage, no injuries have been reported.

Governor Cuomo proposed legislation to waive taxes on grants from the $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 10, Flexible grants up to $50,000 will be made available to eligible small businesses and can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program,

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-4-21

State Police issued a total of 9,214 tickets statewide during the Memorial Day Weekend enforcement campaign to combat drunk and impaired driving.  Troopers arrested 185 people for DWI and investigated 851 crashes, including 163 personal injury crashes and two fatalities. Troopers issued 3991 tickets for Speeding, 415 for Distracted Driving, 3100 Seatbelt violations & 177 violations of the Move Over Law.  In 2020, Police issued just over 8900 tickets over the memorial day Weekend.

One Day after State Senator Fred Akshar announced that he would run for Broome County Sheriff in 2022, Binghamton Mayor Rich David announced that he would consider a run for Akshar's Senate Seat in 2022.  David has been the mayor of Binghamton for 7 years.  David becomes the first person to suggest a run at Akshar's seat; meanwhile, Akshar is challenging Broome County Sheriff Department Captain Kate Newcomb.

The National Weather Service reported that a "large tree" fell on a house near the intersection of Neal Road and Route 26 in the Town of Pitcher Thursday Afternoon.  The Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded & no injuries were reported, several storms passed through the region yesterday afternoon & through the overnight hours.

Chenango County Sherriff’s Office Deputies arrested 48 year old Jeffrey Bolster of Sidney after investigating a complaint of 2 horses that were stolen from Guilford.  Good Samaritan’s found the horses & brought them to their home & contacted the Sheriff’s Office, deputies determined that Bolster owned the horses; a Veterinarian determined that the horses were receiving inadequate care and nutrition.   Bolster relinquished custody of the horses after being charged with Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance, & other similar charges, Bolster was issued an appearance ticket for Guilford Town Court at a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released the latest Municipal Audits, Locally; Otsego County officials adequately assessed the impact of the pandemic on financial operations while developing estimates for revenues and expenditures in their 2021 budget.  DiNapoli's Audit of the East Meredith Fire District stated that the board did not establish adequate controls over cash receipts and disbursements, did not segregate duties or provide oversight to ensure the treasurer accurately recorded transactions.   The Audit of the Franklin-Treadwell Fire District reported that district officials had good controls over disbursements, the board did not always provide adequate oversight of the treasurer's activities & their Board of Fire Commissioners did not properly segregate duties over disbursements that could lead to

inappropriate transactions.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-4-21

Delaware County Public Health announced their weekly COVID statistics Thursday.  They had 12 new cases in the last week, with 16 active cases, 3 hospitalized & 23 in quarantine.  Delaware County has had a total of 2397 cases since the pandemic started with 47 deaths & 2334 recoveries.

The Unadilla Cadette Girl Scout Troop is putting together Emergency packets for residents to fill out & put on their refrigerator, in Emergency personnel responding to any kind of emergency, Troop Spokesperson Nicole Seymour explains:

(Nicole Seymour 5-20-21)

Community members will be able to pick up the Girl Scouts Emergency Packets at the Unadilla Fire House on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, more  information is available at 760-8408.

The Afton Open Air Market will take place Saturday, from 9:00 AM to  3:00 PM  with free parking in the Suburban Propane Parking Lot.  50 local merchants are participating, there will be horse drawn carriage rides around Afton Lake, and a can & bottle drive to benefit the Afton area not for profit organization "HALos"

The Delhi Village Police Department responded Saturday to a report of a 44-year-old female who was unconscious and not breathing at an Elm Street residence in the Village of Delhi.  Police determined that her symptoms were consistent with an opioid overdose, they administered Narcan, EMT, arrived & transported her by ambulance to the O’Connor Hospital.  On May 25th, Delhi Village Police responded to a report of a man who had collapsed in his home on Bridge Street, police found a 69-year-old male who was exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose, & discovered that the man had recently used heroin. Officers administered Narcan and remained on scene with the patient until relieved by EMS.  Police believe that the 2 incidents were not related.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched Sunday morning to the Mirabito Gas Station in the Village of Greene where they located 31 year old Phillip Cosilmon of Smithville slumped over his steering wheel, with drugs & drug paraphernalia in plain view. Cosilmon was taken into custody and the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division conducted a search of the vehicle and seized 2 pounds of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, & other narcotics plus over $22,000 in cash, the narcotics seized had a street value exceeding $100,000.   Cosilmon was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail, pending action in Chenango County Court on May 17th. The investigation is still ongoing, and more charges are likely.

Governor Cuomo today announced that The State will adopt the CDC Mask Guidelines on Wednesday, when many of the state's previous restriction will be lifted:

(Cuomo 5-17-21)

Unvaccinated people & the immunocompromised should continue to wear a mask.  Masks will still be required on public transit, in schools & some communal settings. The updated guidelines will be available at health.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Free Johnson & Johnson 1 shot Vaccine Clinic in West Park in Norwich Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.  No appointment is needed; the Clinic is first come first serve, with 40 doses available. More information is available at 337-1660.

The Unadilla Town Highway Department announced that they are paving 3 roads Tuesday.  Skyline Drive, Hutchinson Hill Road & Hulbert Hill Road will be closed to traffic, on & off during the day.

The town of Bainbridge Highway Department announced that Kelly Road, between State Routes 7 & 8 will be closed tomorrow for paving.  The road will be closed starting at 7:00 AM, until about 5:00 PM.

The Unatego Central School district will be asking for voter approval tomorrow on a $27.8 million dollar building project, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-17-21)

Dr. Richards said that the project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers.  Voting on the project & The Unatego Budget, and all state school budgets, will be tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

This Week is National EMS week, local state Senator Peter Oberacker said that volunteers are needed across the state at fire departments & emergency squads:

(Senator Oberacker 5-17-21)

Senator Oberacker is looking to submit legislation to make it easier to someone looking to volunteers for their local emergency squad, Senator Oberacker still volunteers with the Schenevus Emergency Squad.

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.

The Statewide Positivity Rate for Saturday's COVID tests was down to 1%, the lowest since October 10th of last year, with the 7 day rolling average declining for more than 40 days.   Patient Hospitalizations Drop to 1,583, ICU Patients Drop to 392, Intubations Drop to 225 & there were 33 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Saturday.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-24-21

State Police arrested 33 year old Savannaha Odum of New Lisbon for the felonies Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after a trooper was dispatched to a report of a coin purse that was found in the parking lot of the Speedway gas station in Unadilla, with illegal drugs, the trooper was able to identify the owner & the type of vehicle that she was driving. Odum was located in the town of Unadilla, she was processed and released on appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on April 12th.

Delaware County Public Health reported 18 NEW COVID Positives tests Tuesday, they have 8 hospitalized, 121 active cases & 278 quarantined.

The Sidney Central School District reported positive COVID Tests for a 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th and 11th grade student. The cases in grades 4, 6, 10 and 11 will not require any contact tracing as they have not been on campus since Thursday, March 11th. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation. There will be no change to the instructional model.

This year, The Firemen's Association of the State of New York RecruitNY Weekend will be on April 24th & 25th will be unlike any before. In response to COVID-19, many firehouses across New York State are choosing to organize a virtual open house or conduct other digital outreach in an effort to attract new volunteers. Some firehouses may still elect to open their doors to the public. Individuals looking to find out if their fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit?recruitny.org/participation-area. For more information, contact your local volunteer fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website.

Regal Cinemas will reopen their movie facilities on April 2. Attendance will be limited to 25% to 50% capacity in about 500 locations, their closest location is at 900 Front Street in Binghamton.

State Police are investigating an attempted bank robbery in Cherry Valley Monday at around 2:00 PM at the NBT Bank at 16 Main Street in Cherry Valley. The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years of age and is approximately 5’5” – 5’7” in height. He was last seen walking on Lancaster Street in Cherry Valley. There was a white sedan in the area that may or may not have been involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at 432-3211.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-24-21

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a first dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Thursday at 97 Main Street Delhi, from 8: 00 AM to 5:00 PM. This vaccination clinic is open to all New York state residents or people who work in New York State, who qualify by being 50+ years of age, An eligible worker 18+ years of age, Those with qualifying medical conditions 18+ years of age, Registration is mandatory, at apps2.health.ny.gov.

The Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee will hold their final Zoom meeting tonight at 6:00 PM, and is open to the public. The link to the Zoom meeting is available at villageofsidney.org; the plan will be submitted to the state for approval before the April 1st deadline

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will be holding a virtual program to coincide with its History Center exhibition, "Up from the Ashes: Oneonta Shaped by Fire". The Zoom program will be held Tonight at 6:30 PM. The Zoom link can be found at OneontaHistory.org or Facebook.com/OneontaHistory or on Instagram "@OneontaHistorical Society". "Up from the Ashes" will remain on display at the History Center at 183 Main Street through Saturday May 1, more information is available at 432-0960.

Governor Cuomo announced a record $52.5 million is now available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program to help farmers across New York protect valuable and at-risk farmland. This is the highest level of funding being offered in the program's 25-year history. In addition, for the first time, the program will distribute funds to each of the state's 10 economic development regions, with $5 million being allocated to each region. More information is available at grantsgateway.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 31 year old Cameron Hart of Middletown earlier this month. Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed on March 5th in the town of Colchester, Deputies stopped the vehicle, a routine DMV inquiry revealed that Hart’s driving privileges were suspended. Hart was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation & speeding at 76 miles an hour in a 55 zone. Hart was released and directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date to answer the charges.

New York State Electric & Gas announced that crews recently started proactive tree trimming work in the towns of Chenango and Maine in Broome County to protect the electrical system from hazards caused by fallen branches and vegetation overgrowth. The trimming activity will extend 67.23 miles along Airport Drive, Bringham Road and Commercial Drive in the Town of Maine. In the Town of Chenango, crews will be working along Castle Creek Road, Dunham Hill Road, Kolb Road and W. Chenango Road. Trimming work is expected to be completed by April 1st.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-21-21

The State Health Department reported 4 new cases of the UK variant of COVID 19 has been reported in New York State. 2 of the cases were identified in Saratoga County and 2 in Suffolk County, there are 22 known cases of the variant in the state, The Wadsworth Lab is also continuously testing for other COVID-19 virus strains and so far, no other variants besides the UK strain have been found in New York.

Governor Cuomo updated the state's COVID-19 numbers today.  The State tested over 224,000 New Yorkers Wednesday, with over 13,800 testing positive, the positivity rate has been slowly declining, it was down to 6.1% Wednesday.  Hospitalization declined to just over 9,000, ICU patients declined slightly to 1560, and the number of patients on ventilators was down slightly to 1,011.  There were 174 deaths Wednesday from the virus.

Chenango County Public Health reported 3 more deaths from COVID 19 today.  The County has 192 active cases, 447 quarantined and 22 hospitalized & they now have 35 deaths from the virus since last year.

The Johnson City Police Department arrested 31 year old Mark Mongillo of Unadilla for several drug & weapons charges Tuesday.  Mongillo was charged after Police stopped a vehicle driving erratically on State Route 201, officers located a handgun & drug paraphernalia in the car, and he was also accused of driving with a suspended license Mongillo was processed and was remanded to the Broome County Jail.

DCMO BOCES and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce have partnered to offer a 4-week workshop for those interested in launching a micro-enterprise or freelance business.  Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 1-21-21)

Classes are Tuesday and Thursday, from 6 - 8 pm, starting March 2nd, both virtually and broadcast with live facilitation at the Chamber office at 5 ½ Main Street in Delhi.  Registration required by February 12th through Martha Ryan at DCMO BOCES at 335.1292 or dcmoboces.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-21-21

A New York Army National Guard medical evacuation helicopter based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, crashed Wednesday night in the Town of Mendon, while on a routine training mission.  3 Soldiers on board were killed, the incident is under investigation.

Otsego County Health Department reported 1 more COVID 19 death and 41 new cases Wednesday, following 80 new cases Tuesday.  The County has 270 active cases, 19 hospitalized; they have had 24 deaths since last year.

Delaware County Public Health reported 13 new COVID cases Wednesday, with 132 active cases, 16 hospitalized and 213 quarantined.

The Sidney Central School District reported 2 new positive COVID-19 cases.  The district has been notified that 1 staff member and 1 High School student have tested positive for COVID-19, they have not been on campus since Friday, January 15th. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

An American Red cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today, at the Foothills performing Arts Center on Market Street.  The drive runs from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, appointments are requested by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard will be closing at the end of the month, and selling its entire inventory at a discount, according a Facebook post by the owners Wednesday.  The mill is closing on January 31st and is selling its remaining stock, the owners posted that they will reassess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as it progresses.