WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-14-25

4 people were injured in a 2 car crash on State Highway 206 near Bear Spring Mountain Tuesday at about 4:00 PM. Walton Fire and EMS were dispatched they found 2 vehicles with heavy front-end damage, 1 went over the guardrail and down the embankment, 2 patients were transported to Delaware Valley Hospital, 2 others were airlifted to trauma centers by LifeNet helicopters. The road was closed for several hours last night for accident reconstruction & clean up.

State Police arrested 31 year old Pierce Tobin of Oneonta for 2nd degree Assault following a violent incident at the Homer Folks Facility. On May 9th, Troopers, SUNY University Police, and the Oneonta Town Constable responded to a report of an assault, An investigation revealed that Tobin became aggressive after being informed by a staff member that he was not permitted to smoke. Tobin punched the staff member in the face and bit off a portion of the victim’s ear. The victim was treated at A.O. Fox Hospital. Tobin was taken into custody at the scene and was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $5,000 cash/credit or $10,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, The investigation remains ongoing.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that inflation refund checks up to $400 will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households across New York State. Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers starting in October and will continue through November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative in the FY 2026 State Budget, Visit ny.gov/inflationrefund for More Information.

New Yorkers will be voting on their school budget plans, & Board of Education seats soon, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan comments about their 25.5 million dollar budget, a 2.68% tax levy increase:

(Tim Ryan 5-14-25)

This year, Tuesday May 20th will be the day for school Budget Vote and School Board Elections statewide.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-14-25

On May 1st, 22 year old Seth Ostrander of Unadilla was arrested and charged with 2nd degree Attempted Murder and Criminal Use of a Firearm. State Police & Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on State Highway 8 in the town of Masonville, Troopers determined that a verbal argument had escalated into a physical altercation during which Ostrander discharged a shotgun in the direction of another individual. The victim was not struck by the gunfire and declined further medical treatment at the scene. Ostrander was taken into custody and arraigned at Delaware County Centralized Arraignment. The investigation is ongoing.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors announced today that the next board meeting, scheduled for today at 1:00 PM at the Charles Cook County Office Building, has been canceled.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-2-25

State Police are investigating a domestic dispute that occurred Thursday afternoon in the town of Masonville. 22 year old Seth Ostrander of Unadilla is being held for arraigment on a variety of felony charges, the investigation is continuing and more details are expected to be released shortly.

24 year old Jarett Griffin of Walton was indicted for multiple counts of criminal contempt & harassment Griffin is accused of violating an order of protection, making false accusations to the protected party’s employer in violation of the Order of Protection, he also allegedly engaged in a course of conduct which repeatedly alarmed or seriously annoyed the protected party, he faces up to 1 year of in jail if found guilty,

4 Towns Forward Community yard & Garage Sales, will be held Saturday, Teri Schunk of 4 Towns Forward explains:

(Teri Schunk 5-1-25)

The sales will be starting at 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the updated map can also be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

The Village of Sidney Spring Clean Up event will be next week, beginning on Monday and running through Friday. Village crews will pick up Brush Piled neatly at curb, along with leaves, grass clippings, weed stalks & hedge clippings, placed in open containers or clear bags, they must be at the curb by 7:00 AM Monday The Village will provide containers at the Village Garage on Sherman Avenue for Computers, TV's, Copiers, Fax Machines, Cell Phones, Radios, Microwaves, Gaming Devices, Console Televisions, Metal and non-Freon appliances, Tires without rims & Freon containing appliances on Friday or Saturday, May 9th & 10th, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-2-25

Helios Care will be holding their Spring “CAMP FORGET ME NOT” on Saturday at the RADEZ (RAY-DEEZ) Elementary School in Richmondville, to help children deal with grief due to the loss of a loved one, Spokesperson Meggan Sageese explains:

(Meggan Sageese 5-2-25)

More information is available at HELIOSCARE.ORG or by calling 607-432-5525, more of these sessions will be scheduled in the region shortly.

The Tri Town Theatre's next Production will be the musical “Big Fish” this weekend, Cast Member George Wells talked about the show on WCDO recently:

(George Wells 3-12-25)

The shows will be Tonight & tomorrow night at 7:30 PM, with a Sunday Matinee on May 4th at 2:00 PM, at the Sidney High School Auditorium, tickets are available at tritowntheatre.com/bigfish.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-6-24

The Unadilla Town Highway Department will be repaving 3 roads starting tomorrow, Rodney Renwick of the Unadilla Highway Department explains:

(Rick Renwick 5-6-24)

More information is available at 607-369-5466.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 67 year old Michael Murphy of Rochester for assault after an investigation on April 29th at a residential facility in the Town of Delhi for a complaint of a staff member being assaulted by a patient. Deputies identified the patient as Murphy, who had allegedly struck the staff member. On May 1st, Deputies received a criminal summons for 3rd degree Assault from the Town of Delhi Court, Deputies learned that Murphy was at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown from an unrelated incident, Murphy was subsequently arrested and issued the summons and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at later date.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect regarding numerous car larcenies that took place at the in the Town of Conklin Saturday Night & early Sunday Morning. The suspect was captured on a home surveillance video and appears to be wearing a stocking over their head. It is believed the suspect is operating a dark colored SUV. Video of the suspect can be found at the Sheriff's Office YouTube page, anyone with information should contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at 607-778-1196

The Out Of The Woodwork Players will present "The Spitfire Grill" May 17th through the 19th at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesperson Denise Marshall explains:

(Denise Marshall 5-6-24)

Tickets are available at the Out of the Woodwork Players Facebook page, at 287-6132 or at the door before the show.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-6-24

Norwich Police Department received a call Saturday about an individual stealing from parked vehicles in the Norwich High School Parking lot, Officers located the suspect, 28 year old Matthew Maricle of Cincinnatus, in a stolen vehicle and a 30-mile vehicle pursuit ensued from Norwich to Mount Upton, where he ran the stolen vehicle into a ditch. Maricle was charged with Reckless Endangerment, Unlawful Fleeing of a police officer, Resisting Arrest & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. It was learned that Maricle had forcibly stolen the vehicle from an 81-year-old male in the City of Cortland, 3 days of being released from prison, Maricle will be held pending arraignment at Norwich City Court.

The Village of Sidney annual Spring Clean up will be the week of May 6th through the 10th, village crews will pick up Brush piled at the curb, as well as leaves, grass clippings, weed-stalks & hedge trimming in open containers or clear bags, all of the items must be placed by the curb by 7:00 AM today.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 4-17-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Gerald Johnson of Oneonta on an Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrant issued by the Delaware County Grand Jury. On April 16th, the Delaware County Criminal Investigations Unit and Road Patrol division, Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and State Police responded to a residence in the Town of Oneonta, Johnson was located and arrested in Lantern Hill Mobile Home Park in the Town of Oneonta. Johnson was charged with 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2 counts of Grand Larceny, and 1 count of Petty Larceny, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $30,000.00 cash bail Or $100,000.00 secured bond. Johnson is scheduled to appear in the Delaware County Court at a later date.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in identifying a white truck regarding 2 separate burglaries to a barn on Bryce Road in the Town of Sanford. Video of the truck in question can be viewed at the Broome County Sheriff's You Tube page. On March 19th, a rust-colored 1930 Farmall tractor was stolen, on April 10th, an orange Moped, Blue Yamaha dirt bike and various tools were stolen, the same white truck was at both burglaries. Anyone with any information is

asked to call 607-778-1196.

Tri Town Theatre will present "Rent" on the Sidney High School Auditorium stage in early May, cast members Olivia Hawkins & Owen Freidenstine visited WCDO and

talked about staging this ambitious production:

(Tri Town Theatre 4-17-24)

The show will be on May 3rd through May 5th, with curtain times at 7:30 Friday & Saturday Night, with a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM, tickets can be purchased at

TriTown.Booktix.com

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-17-24

Delaware County District Attorney's office announced that 28 year old Jessica Lopez of Sidney was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Delaware County Court Monday. Lopez appeared in Delaware County Court for an arraignment on drug related charges, she pleaded guilt after she admitted that she possessed fentanyl in the Village of Sidney on February 27, she intended to sell. Lopez will be sentenced to 6.5 years in state prison, and 2 years of post-release supervision on June 10th.

38 year old Tristan Skeete of Brooklyn was indicted by the Delaware County Grand Jury, on one count of Assault, On February 20, Skeete allegedly caused physical injury to another inmate at the Delaware County Correctional Facility, where he was being held as a federal inmate for violating the terms of his post-release supervision. Skeete can face up to 7 years in state prison.

Dave Johnson of Unadilla has organized a meeting in Unadilla tonight called “Introduction to Preparing for the Inevitable”, with a series of experts on what to do before your final days, Johnson told WCDO who the speakers will be:

(Dave Johnson 4-17-24)

The meeting will be held at the Unatego Elementary School Cafeteria from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

The Town & Village of Unadilla will hold their Spring Clean-Up days today & tomorrow from 6:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Items can be brought to the Town Highway Garage at 216 County Highway 3, Information about the accepted items can be found at villageofunadilla.com.

The Broome County County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-car motor vehicle accident on I-88 westbound near the Exit 3 on-ramp in the town of Fenton. Officers reported that a Honda sedan traveling westbound on I-88 left the highway, crashing into the Chenango River, at about 11:30 this morning, both occupants were removed from the river by Deputies and transported to Wilson Hospital for their injuries. The unidentified driver suffered serious life threatening injuries, the passenger sustained minor injuries. Traffic was closed for several hours today in the right lane of I-88 westbound for the accident investigation concludes.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that Johnathon Aldrich of Binghamton will serve 14 years behind bars and 5 years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to attempted murder, burglary, robbery & other charges for a home-invasion robbery and attempted murder in Binghamton on July 31st, 2022. Aldrich admitted that he and another person forcibly entered a residence on Bevier Street, threatened the occupants 7 stole money & handguns, also a gun was fired , no one was injured, Aldrich was apprehended by State Police and the firearms were recovered.

The 29th Colorscape Festival will be held September 9 & 10 in in East and West Parks in Downtown Norwich. 107 artists have been accepted into this year’s show. There are 19 first-time exhibitors this fall, Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival organizers are also inviting all high school art seniors in Chenango and adjacent counties to apply for Colorscape's 2023 Francis K. Wilcox Emerging Young Artist Scholarship. 2 students will be selected to receive $350 cash awards plus a $100 gift certificate from Golden Artist Colors. The application form & more information is available at colorscape.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-5-23

The 4Towns Forward Community Yard Sales have been rescheduled to this Saturday, due to last Saturday's predicted rainfall, 4Towns Forward President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 5-5-23)

The events will be held at local homes in Afton, Bainbridge, Unadilla & Sidney, as well the old Bishop Lot in Unadilla, behind Bob's Diner in Bainbridge, at the Community Cultural Center or Market Square in Sidney or at the Afton School Parking Lot for renters or people who live outside the villages. The yard sales will run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Out Of The Woodworks Players will perform the Noel Coward Comedy "Blithe Spirit" this weekend, about a Seance that goes awry, Spokesperson Sue Atkinson comments:

(Sue Atkinson 5-5-23)

"BLITHE SPIRIT" will be performed tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM & Sunday Afternoon at 2:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, tickets are available at the door prior to showtime.

The Village of Sidney Spring Clean Up will be held next week from Monday to Friday, village crews will pick up Brush Piled neatly at curb, plus leaves, grass clippings, Weed Stalks & Hedge trimmings in open containers or clear bags. All items must be out to the curb by 7:00 AM Monday, more information is available at 561-2329

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-1-23

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Tyler Newman of Unadilla following a motor vehicle accident on April 24, 2023 in the Town of Unadilla. Newman was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated DWI, Refusal to Take Breath Test, Speed not reasonable and prudent among other charges, on County Highway 3 in Unadilla. Newman will appear in Town of Unadilla Court on May 8th.

Johnnie Hardwick of Binghamton will spend 12 years in jail following a hold up at Weis Markets in Binghamton last October. Hardwick was approached by a store employee & pulled a knife and threatened to stab the employee. Hardwick has previous convictions of Sexual Abuse and Attempted Robbery, he is classified as a persistent violent felony offender under state law.

State Police are warning New Yorkers of a computer scam. Police report that when logging on to a computer, a message is displayed on the screen that states to contact Microsoft due to a virus, the victim then contacts the phone number provided and speaks with a person who identifies themselves as a representative of Microsoft’s Security Office. The victim is then told their bank account information has been compromised. Anyone who receives a message to reach out to "Microsoft" support should not call & should never provide any personal information as it can be used to steal personal information.

The Otsego County Chamber Announced their Spring 2023 Award Recipients. Geoff Doyle of the Foothills Performing Arts Center wins the Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award, Casella Waste Systems is the Business of the Year Award winner, Creekside Industries wins the Breakthrough Business of the Year Award, Connie Herzig is the Volunteer of the Year Award winner & recent State Assembly Candidate Dan Buttermann wins the Leadership Otsego Distinguished Alumni Award. The Chamber's Awards Dinner on will be on May 24, for more information, go to members.otsegocc.com.

This Spring, as you start to clean out your garage, barn or basement, it's important for Delaware County Residents to remember to set items aside for the Clean Sweep event this fall, according to County Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson Robb:

(Tyson Robb 5-1-23)

Robb said that specific dates for registration & for the event itself will be announced shortly.

On April 22, Broome County Sheriff’s Office patrol responded to motor vehicle accident at State Route 12 and 12A in the Town of Chenango, 50 year old Jennifer Chamberlain of Binghamton was talked out of the vehicle by a deputy as gas was spilling onto the pavement, fire fighters responded to the crash and leak. Chamberlain attempted to make a turn, but veered wide left, crossing lanes of traffic. Her vehicle jumped over a raised curb and continued over a mulch bed striking several signposts and bushes before coming to a stop in the gas station parking lot. The broken signposts had ruptured the vehicle’s gas tank. Chamberlain's BAC was .27%, over 3 times the legal limit, she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated DWI with a BAC of 0.18 or more, Speed Not Reasonable & Prudent, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation among other charges, she was arraigned and released on an appearance ticket for Town of Chenango Court.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Delhi. This is the first animal in Delaware County to test positive for rabies in 2023, 1 dog was bitten by a the rabid raccoon, there were no human exposures. According to the owner of the exposed dog, the raccoon was not acting sick or appeared to be rabid. Vaccination records of the dog indicated the animal was not up to date on its rabies vaccinations & will have a 6-month quarantine following State Department of Health guidelines. Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of any of the free remaining rabies clinics in Delaware County, in Sidney on May 8th from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at the Sidney Fire Hall: 74 River Street, or in Hancock on May 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30PM at the Hancock Town Hall, at 661 West Main Street.

19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro announced his schedule for visits around the district. Today, Congressman Molinaro visits the Otsego- Northern Catskills BOCES at 12:15, & Fox Hospital in Oneonta at 1:30pm & the Oneonta Town Council at 3:15pm on Monday the Congressman will visit SUNY Binghamton at 2:30pm.

Chenango County Hospice has started their annual Spring Fundraising plant sale, Hospice Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 3-31-23)

Green said that order should be in by May 3rd & the Pick up day at various locations around Chenango County will be May 9th.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-31-23

The State Police announced that they are aware of swatting incidents that have occurred across the state. "Swatting is when a caller states that there is an active shooter in a school, so far all of the reports were unfounded. Local law enforcement agencies are working with State Police and Federal officials to investigate the threats.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that Adam Baldwin of Binghamton was sentenced to 30 months in jail for receiving shipments of methamphetamine, which he provided to a 3rd party in exchange for payment. The drugs were sent to an Alexandria Bay UPS store. Law enforcement intercepted 2 of the packages in October 2021, they contained 1,070 grams of pure methamphetamine. Baldwin was also sentenced to a 3 year term of post-release supervision.

The Town of Unadilla announced their Spring Clean up will be held this Friday starting at 6:30 Am until 2:00 PM. The town will accept, Appliances, Scrap Metal, Electronics, 4 tires per residence, more information is available at town of unadilla.org.

The Annual Town of Sidney Republican Dinner will be held Saturday at 6:00 PM at Club 55 in Sidney. Prominent Republicans attending include 19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker as well as local officials, more information is available at 563-1993.

The 9th Annual Youth For Christ "Joker 3.6 Mile Run And 1.1 Mile Walk" will be held Saturday, starting at 10:30 AM at 16 Watson Street in Unadilla, more information or registration available at 607-432-0594, money raised will go for the Teen center in Unadilla.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-27-23

The United States Attorney's Office in the Northern District announced that 51 year old Dennis Nelson, who is currently incarcerated in a Federal Prison in Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to mailing Bomb Threats in 2018 and 2019, while incarcerated in State of New York correctional facilities to U.S. District Judge Thomas McAvoy in Binghamton, then Congressman Anthony Brindisi & and to United States Senator Charles Schumer. Nelson faces a term of imprisonment of 84 months, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when sentenced.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Philip Garcia of Endicott, pleaded guilty to felony Arson. Garcia admitted that on May 2, 2021, in the Village of Endicott, he intentionally damaged property by setting a fire on a stove inside a Hillside Court apartment and the interior of a motor vehicle, by lighting objects inside the car on fire, after a domestic dispute with a 31-year-old female in the Village. The fire in the apartment was put out by residents with minimal smoke damage. The Endicott Fire Department responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the car fire. The vehicle sustained interior damage. Garcia, who has a criminal history dating back to 1992, will be sentenced to 5 years in New York State prison followed by 2 1/2 years post release supervision on June 9, 2023.

A free virtual job fair will be held on Wednesday, April 12th, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. All businesses and job seekers from across a 6-county region are invited to attend: including from the local counties of Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego. More information is available at working-solutions.org.

The Town of Unadilla announced their Spring Clean up will be held this Friday starting at 6:30 Am until 2:00 PM. The town will accept, Appliances, Scrap Metal, Electronics, 4 tires per residence, more information is available at town of unadilla.org.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-27-23

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the nomination of Dr. James McDonald to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health. Dr. McDonald is originally from Cohoes and received his bachelor's degree from Siena College. He joined the New York State Department of Health in July of 2022, serving as medical director of the Department's Office of Public Health. He later was appointed Interim Director of the Center for Community Health and began serving as Acting Commissioner of Health on January 1 of this year.

The American Red Cross has 2 area Blood Drives today, 1 in Cooperstown from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Clark's Sports Center, & another in Delhi from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Delhi Alliance Church, Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Vaccination Team will be at Hidden Springs Brewhouse at 170 County Road 31 in Norwich, from Noon to 4:30 pm. on Saturday administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. UHS Spokesman David Finney said that the time to get vaccinated is now:

(David Finney 5-13-21)

Anyone wishing to reserve a spot can do so by calling 337-4239. To schedule an appointment at one of UHS Chenango Memorial’s upcoming vaccine clinics, call the CMH COVID Vaccine Line at (607) 337-4888. More information about COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the Southern Tier is available at SouthernTierVax.org.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation protecting New Yorkers' COVID-19 stimulus payments from being garnished by debt collectors. All relief payments to New Yorkers under these federal acts will be protected. This legislation also creates a carve-out for claims brought by individuals who have an interest in the relief payments to ensure that these funds can be collected to pay child and spousal support and to collect payments in situations involving fraud.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Level 3 Sex Offender in Delhi Wednesday afternoon for violating the Sex Offender Registration Act. 48 year-old Lyman McCann was charged with failing to report a change of address as required by the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act. McCann is designated as Sexually Violent Offender, he reported a Walton address to the Sheriff’s Office following his release from jail in March, after serving the maximum sentence for sodomy, robbery and unlawful imprisonment, McCann had not been living at the address since April, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending a County Court bail hearing and appearances in the Town of Delhi Court.

The Town & Village of Unadilla will have their Spring Clean-up Day today. Town residents can bring accepted items to the Town Highway Garage on Martin Brook Road; Village residents can put those items to the curb by 7:00 AM, Accepted Items include White Goods, there will be a $15 charge if those items contain Freon, a maximum of 4 tires, off of the rims will be accepted, no tractor or large truck tires are accepted, and no regular garbage will be accepted.

Delaware County Sheriff's office announced that a tip from a community member has resulted in the arrest of a sex offender for failing to register a social media screen name. Investigators arrested and charged 20-year-old Tyler Dibble of Hamden with failure to register an address change, he is a level 3 sex offender & he is accused of failing to report a FACEBOOK screen name within 10 days as required by the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act. Dibble was issued an appearance ticket directing him to appear in the Town of Delhi Court on a future date.

State Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his latest Community Survey.  More than half of those surveyed viewed New York's Vaccine distribution as fair to good, more than 70% have had the vaccine of plan to get it, more than 75% believe that the Governor's Emergency Powers should end very soon, 54% opposed continuing to defer rent and evictions, while support for legalizing marijuana was evenly split. The full results are available on Senator Akshar's website.

The Town & Village of Unadilla will have their Spring Clean-up Day this Thursday.  Town residents can bring accepted items to the Town Highway Garage on Martin Brook Road; Village residents can put those items to the curb by 7:00 AM Thursday.  Unadilla Town Highway Superintendent Rodney Renwick told WCDO news what they are accepting:

(Rodney Renwick 5-10-21)

Renwick said that tires must be off of the rims, & no regular garbage will be accepted.

Delaware County Public Health announced a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets on Tuesday May 18th, from 6:30PM-8:30PM at The Deposit Town Clerk’s building at 3 Elm Street; more information is available at 832-5200 or go to delawarecountypublichealth.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-10-21

60% of New Yorkers who are 18 years of age or older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days.  All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department responded to a car & ATV accident on County Road 32 Thursday.  Robert Favorito was hit by a car as he attempted to cross the road on a sharp turn on County Road 32, near River Road Auto, in the Town of Norwich, at about 1:20 PM Thursday, Favorito was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sidney Fire Department responded Saturday afternoon at about 4:30 PM, to a fire reported at the Gravel residence at 25 Pearl Street.  The fire started in the basement & was knocked down quickly.  Franklin, Unadilla & Wells Bridge Fire Departments responded, smoke damage was reported.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Long Island man Monday following their investigation of a domestic dispute.  Deputies and State Police responded to a domestic dispute involving weapons in the Town of Davenport, they arrested 32- year-old Abdessamad Ellouzi of Cedarhurst, for criminal possession of a weapon & menacing, for allegedly possessing and threatening family members with a dangerous instrument.  Ellouzi was arraigned by teleconference in Sidney Village Court and was released; he will appear in Town of Davenport court at a later date.

Bainbridge Town Spring Clean-Up Day is tomorrow from 9:00 am - Noon at the Town Highway garage on Lawrence Road. Residents can drop off tires, white goods and electronics. No garbage, hazardous waste or yard debris and no early drop offs!! The fee for tires up to a size 16" is $3.00, 17 - 20" $4.00 and $8.50 for tractor tires. There will also be a $10.00 fee for any appliance that contains Freon.

New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will begin accepting reservations on Monday June 8th for check-in beginning June 22 on State Campgrounds.  The department says campers should follow CDC social-distancing guidelines, Park Police and staff will patrol campgrounds to make sure campers are following the safety measures.  No walk-up reservations allowed; congregate restroom facility will be opened with reduced capacity and cleaned following Department Of Health protocols; more information is available at parks.ny.gov/covid19.

The Town of Masonville announced that they will have a free giveaway of masks & Hand Sanitizer tomorrow for Town Residents, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, while supplies last, the event will be held at the Masonville Town Hall.

Delaware County is reporting 1 new case of COVID-19, 1 additional recovery & 1 more Death. To date there have been 76 confirmed positive cases, with an additional 18 people under quarantine, 1 person is in the hospital, 6 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 64 have fully recovered.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a registered Level II Sex Offender following a sexual abuse investigation in the Town of Davenport.  45-year-old Richard Bennett of Davenport was charged with  sexual abuse & endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly subjecting a female child under the age of 17 to sexual contact, Bennett was served with an order of protection was issued by Deposit Court & was released on an appearance ticket to Town of Davenport Court at a later date.  Bennett was mandated to lifetime registration as a Level II Sex Offender as a result of his 2006 conviction in Otsego County Court for 3rd degree rape, a crime that also involved a victim under the age of seventeen.

State Police arrested 49 year old Wayne Johnson of Unadilla for Aggravated DWI with a child as passenger and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.  Troopers responded to a complaint about a vehicle in the ditch off Lilley Hill Road in the town of Butternuts.  Troopers located Johnson walking on Robert Williams Road with 2 children; Johnson was released on appearance tickets to the town of Butternuts court on June 25th.

The Sidney United Way is offering free personal pandemic safety kits to area small business owners to distribute to their employees as they reopen. Each kit includes several masks, a pair of gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and tissues. Business owners may pick up one kit for each employee plus a bottle of hand sanitizer on again today, at SFCU in Sidney between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, SFCU in Bainbridge between 10:00 and 4:00, in Afton at the RINKER INSURANCE AGENCY between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm & in Unadilla at HOUSE OF CONSIGNMENT between 10:00 and 4:00.  These items are being made available through the Sidney Area COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Governor Cuomo today had former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg teleconferenced into his daily Coronavirus briefing, Bloomberg said that his Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bloomberg School of Public Health at John Hopkins University, Vital Strategies & “Resolve To Save Lives” are teaming up with others, to for a "Tracing Army" to investigate those who came in contact with the latest people to test positive for the Coronavirus:

(Mike Bloomberg 4-30-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica discussed the issue of Child Care and summer camps, as Phase 1 is implemented to send back the first group of workers, who have children at home:

(Mujica 4-30-20)

New York State now has over 304,000 cases of the Coronavirus, with over 11,500 hospitalized, and another 306 deaths Wednesday bringing the state death toll to 18,321.

Chenango County Public Health announced today that they are up to 96 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, they've had 3 deaths, 67 recoveries 7 people are hospitalized & 68 are quarantined.

Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 282 positive Coronavirus cases; they have 21 deaths, 164 recoveries, and 194 in quarantine.

The Village of Sidney announced that May 4th "SPRING CLEAN UP"  Curbside pickup of bagged leaves, bagged lawn debris and brush must be out by Monday May 4th. Due to Covid-19 and safety, there will be no drop-off of electronics, appliances, metal and tires this year. Village residents may take electronics, appliances, metal and tires, free of charge (year round) to the Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center located at 32230 State Hwy 10 Walton, and they need make an appointment for drop off at 865-5805.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 38 year old Dennis Lafferty of Unadilla for violating an order of protection earlier this month.  Deputies received a complaint from an Otsego County domestic violence victim earlier this month, reporting receiving a phone call from the Delaware County Correctional Facility where the victim’s alleged abuser was being housed for the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, Lafferty allegedly violated the terms of an order of protection issued by the Hartwick Town Court last November, by making calls to the protected party following his incarceration on April 13th.  Lafferty was charged with 4 counts of criminal contempt & he remains incarcerated in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, pending a court appearance in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date.

The Annual Re-dedication Ceremony at the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park originally scheduled for May 23rd has been canceled for this year.  Also the June 7th Annual Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Association Golf Tournament has been canceled for this year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced today that its Board of Directors has voted unanimously to cancel 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events as a result of health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Class of 2020 – consisting of Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker – will be inducted on Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Cooperstown, alongside any new members elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi will hold Telephone Town Hall this afternoon at 5:00 PM regarding the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic.  To receive a call, go to brindisi.house.gov/live or call (315) 732-0713.

The Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will their next meeting today at 6:00 PM through Zoom.   Today's Presenter is Amanda Decker of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County,  more information is available at 437-4274 or 265-9273.

Tri Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will have a new name as of January 1st, following the recent decision to have the hospital affiliated with Fox Hospital in Oneonta, rather than Bassett hospital in Cooperstown. State regulations stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care facility, Fox is about 23 miles from the Sidney facility. The new name will be A.O. Fox Hospital- Tri Town Regional Campus; services that are available will be unchanged with the new name.

Governor Cuomo announced the 76West Clean Energy Competition is now accepting applications from clean energy companies for its 3rd round of funding. 76West is part of the "Southern Tier Soaring," strategy to generate economic development & NYSERDA administers the 76West Competition, which will accept applications through April 16th. 20 finalists will be selected and brought to the Southern Tier next spring to meet with prospective local partners, industry leaders, potential sources of funding, and other resources within the region. 6 winners will receive a total of $2.5 million in prizes; the Winners will be announced later next year.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37-year-old Tabatha Pusen of Kirkwood Sunday, on charges of DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana & various traffic violations following a traffic stop in the Town of Walton. Pusen was additionally charged with speeding at 70 miles an hour in s 55 zone, operating with an out headlight, She was released on tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have a regular meeting on today, beginning at 5:30 pm at The Meeting Place, 187 Main Street, Unadilla. All directors and members urged to attend.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will hold their next meeting this evening. The meeting will be held at the Fire Hall beginning at 6:30 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the Taste New York Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge, with 2 locals in a 1st Place tie. Brewery Ommegang from Cooperstown and Roscoe New York Beer Company were declared the winners in a tie following a blind taste test in New York City Wednesday afternoon.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of a legislation to accelerate the availability of ridesharing locally during the upcoming July 4th holiday period. Seward is the co-sponsor of the bill that would allow transportation network companies to begin operating in upstate counties on June 29th, the original bill had ridesharing beginning July 9th. Companion legislation has been introduced in the state assembly.

The Town of Unadilla Highway Department will have their Spring Clean Up today from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Items will be accepted at the Town Highway Garage on County Highway 3, they will accept white goods, scrap metal, electronics, waste oil & up to six tires, more information is available at 369-5466.

The Town of Unadilla Highway Department announced that they would have their Spring Clean Up on Thursday May 18th this year, from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Items will be accepted at the Town Highway Garage on County Highway 3, they will accept white goods, scrap metal, electronics, waste oil & up to six tires, more information is available at 369-5466.

A public education session will be held at the Unadilla Fire Station tonight, where residents of the Village and Town of Unadilla can learn about Community Choice Aggregation, which is a new residential bulk electricity-purchasing program. Unadilla Mayor Dave Welch comments:

(Dave Welch 5-11-17)

The session will be held at 7 PM at Fire Station on Clifton Street. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions and electricity bills. More information is available at megacca.org to learn more.

State Police arrested 69-year-old Leroy Bigelow of Little Falls, for Criminal Sexual Act, 2 counts of Sexual Abuse and 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bigelow is accused of having sexual contact with 2 different victims less than 11 years old while in the Town of Guilford. Bigelow was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $50,000 cash bail.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 34 Year old Jodi Babcock of Unadilla, on a Sealed Indictment Warrant charging her with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Babcock was arrested at the Chenango County Correctional Facility where she is being held on another drug charge. Babcock is accused of selling heroin in the Village of Sidney on two occasions; she was remanded back to the Chenango County Correction Facility on $30,000 cash bail and $60,000 bond. The Sidney Police Department was assisted by the New York State Police.

State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit arrested 25-year-old Matthew Kimball of Utica; on 1 count of Sexual Abuse, following an investigation of an incident that occurred on March 11, 2016, at Motel 6, on Upper Front St., Town of Chenango. Kimball was arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court and released on his own recognizance pending further court action. The suspect and victim are students who are currently enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College; anyone with information on the case can call state police at (315) 366-6106.

The annual Paint the Town Purple event in conjunction with the Tri-Town Relay for Life is tomorrow. American Cancer Society Local spokesperson Helen Gregory explains:

(Helen Gregory 5-6-16)

This Year's Tri-Town Relay for Life will be held on Saturday, May 14th in the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

The Copes Corners Park Committee of the Town of Butternuts is seeking vendors for its second annual Spring Fest, to be held at the park on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. Vendor registration forms are available on the park's website, copescornerspark.org or at 783-2905 or 783-2518. The event will feature family activities throughout the day, and it will conclude with a concert by Tumbleweed Highway, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The village of Sidney is holding their annual spring clean up events. Friday & Saturday, computers, phones, radios, TV’s metal, & appliances tires without rims will be collected from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each day at the village Garage on Sherman Avenue. Village crews will collect brush, leaves, grass clippings & hedge trimmings that are placed by the curb by Monday morning at 7:00 AM. More information is available at villageofsidney.org.

A rally against the proposed CONSTITUTION Pipeline is scheduled in downtown Oneonta later today.  The rally will be in front of Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta at 5:00pm. The rally is in response to the Paradigm Liaison Services meeting inside Foothills for local government and business leaders.

The town of Unadilla is hosting a Spring Clean up at the town highway garage on Martin Brook Road, from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM today.  Accepted items include electronics, metal without rubber, white goods, clean waste oil, and tire.  More information is available at 369-5466 or 369-4433.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45-year-old Robert Bowers of Fenton following an investigation into a fight in the Town of Fenton.  Deputies reported that after the fight was broken up, Bowers returned to his trailer, grabbed a shotgun. & fired one round through his ceiling.  Bowers was charged with 1-Count of  2nd degree Reckless Endangerment & 1 Count of Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, he was processed at the Broome County Sheriffs Office and released on two appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Fenton Court at a later date.

State troopers from Sidney  arrested 43-year-old Crezette Harris-Shoulders of Mansfield, Ohio for Improper Log Book. The arrest was the result of a report of a tractor-trailer blocking State Route 206 in Bainbridge, the Investigation revealed the tractor trailer had run out of fuel, State Police assisted with traffic control until the vehicle could be refueled,  Harris-Shoulders was issued a Ticket returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on May 13th.

The town of Unadilla is hosting a Spring Clean up at the town highway garage on Martin Brook Road, on Thursday may 2nd.  The event will run from 6:30 AM  to 4:00 PM.  Accepted items include electronics, metal without rubber, white goods, clean waste oil, and tire.  More information is available at 369-5466 or 369-4433

29-year-old Kevin Buie of Endicott pleaded guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter and 2nd degree assault, in connection with a crash that left killed 35-year-old Jonathan Pratt and seriously injured 35-year-old Joseph Dirig in downtown Binghamton last September.  Buie is being held in the Broome County Jail pending sentencing on June 19th.