WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-23-26

A Winter Storm watch will be in effect Saturday Night through Monday evening, local meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 1-23-26)

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a State of Emergency ahead of extreme cold and a massive winter storm set to impact areas statewide this weekend. We'll have the complete Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

Delaware County partnered with local towns and villages, fire departments and EMS & they deployed 10 weather stations across the county to monitor various weather conditions. The data being collected is transmitted through a third party contractor to a server used by the national weather service to help with forecasting, issuance of weather alters and tracking climate change. Delaware County Planning Director Shelly Johnson Bennett comments:

(Shelly Johnson-Bennett 1-23-26)

All of the stations can be viewed by the public at delcony.elements360.aem.eco, The site provides a map with each station’s location and a link to click on the individual stations, all of the statistics are gathered every 10 minutes by sensors at each site.

The Unatego Hall of Distinction will honor this year’s inductees tonight at the Unatego High School Cafeteria with a reception 5:30 & the induction during halftime at tonight's basketball game. The Inductees are William Mitchell, a 1973 graduate, who will be honored posthumously, he earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Illinois, followed by a career working with applied mathematics and numerical analysis, 1983 graduate Trisha Souders-Rubin became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in eating disorders in adolescents and adults & was a tenured faculty member at Georgetown University.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-23-26

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity Monday in the Town of Middletown. A Deputy encountered 49-year-old Amy Slater of Fleischmanns, Slater made admissions to the Deputy, regarding her setting her residence on fire. Multiple fire departments responded Upon conclusion of the investigation, Slater was arrested and charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief, Slater was arraigned and released pending her appearance in the Town of Middletown Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Otsego County officials are preparing for dangerously cold weather & severe wind chills in the coming days, and they are ready to open warming shelters if needed. The locations would be the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown will be open from 8 am. to 5 pm. on Saturday and Sunday, The Warming Station at 291 Chestnut St. in Oneonta, the Oneonta Armory at 4 Academy St. and SUNY Oneonta, More information will be available through the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services at 607-547-7588.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were assigned to serve a Delaware County Family Court Order of Protection, Shortly after locating, serving and explaining the provisions of the Order of Protection, the Deputies were contacted by the protected party who advised that the Order of Protection was being violated during the course of an active domestic incident. Deputies returned & arrested 33-year-old Jesse Emmett of Davenport, with Harassment and Criminal Contempt, he was processed and turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility for arraignment.

The next Jericho Arts Council show will be held Saturday night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesman Phil Wade Comments:

(Phil Wade 1-22-26)

People can reserve tickets for Saturday Nights show at 607-288-3882.

Christmas activities will get underway Saturday in the village of Afton, Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Sheryl Roush explains:

(Sheryl Roush 11-22-23)

More information is available at the Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

The Out of The Woodwork Players will hold their 1 act play "We Interrupt This Program" Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Town Hal Theater. A Holiday Gift Market will be open from 1:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Gallery, Food Donations for the Bainbridge Food Pantry will be accepted.

The Chenango County Historical Society will also have their annual Holiday Open House Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm at the Chenango County Historical Society at 45 Rexford St., Norwich.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-1-23

Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly parade tonight, no pre-registration is required to be in the parade. Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 12-1-23)

Santa will be set up at the Limitless Performing Arts Complex following the Holly Jolly Parade at their new location at 22 River Street.

The Unatego School District will induct 3 alumni into their "Hall of Distinction" today, Spokesperson Judy Pitel explains:

(Judy Pitel 12-1-23)

All are welcome to attend the festivities, which begin at 5:30 PM.

Delaware Valley Humane Society announced that on Saturday from 9-2 at the Sidney McDowell & Walker, pet photos can be taken with Santa Claus. The price of the pictures are by donation, proceeds will benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

Governor Hochul announced the annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state, will begin Today. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are requested, Drop off locations will be set up locally through December 15th at the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street and the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street, Oneonta.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-2-22

2 more recipients will be inducted into the Unatego Hall of Distinction Saturday, Committee member Judy Pitel told WCDO News who will receive the honor this year:

(Judy Pitel 12-2-22)

Pitel said that Greenman is currently a State Police Investigator at Troop C in Sidney, Dr. Jenouri is a Doctor in Rhode Island, the Induction Ceremony would be held at Halftime of the Unatego/ Seton Catholic Girls Basketball game at about 2:15 PM Saturday at the Unatego High School.

The new “Bainbridge Athletics” will open this weekend at the site of the former Bainbridge Great American Store, owner Steve Cafasso told WCDO News how the membership system will work:

(Steve Cafasso 11-28-22)

The facility will open Saturday, more information is available at bainbridgeathletics.com.

Norwich Theater Company will present "Elf the Musical" at the Martin W. Kappel Theater tonight & tomorrow night at 7:00 PM & Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at norwichtheatercompany.com, Service Pharmacy and Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 607-336-2787.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-2-22

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will have their Jolly Holly Days Parade & festivities tonight, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-2-22)

More information is available at the Sidney Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or by calling (607) 561-2642.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber Of Commerce announced that there will be a number of Christmas related activities Saturday, Chamber President John Hinman explains:

(John Hinman 12-2-22)

More information is available at 607-288-2392 or on the Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

Destination Oneonta announced that Festival of Trees will be held today & tomorrow, Director David Kropp told WCDO News about this weekends Holiday events in Oneonta:

(David Kropp 11-29-22)

Kropp also said the Santa will meet with children in his cottage after the parade & that the annual Tree Lighting will be held Thursday December 8th in the Muller Plaza in downtown Oneonta, starting at 5:30 PM.

"A Seussified Christmas Carol" will be performed Saturday at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre at 2:00 PM by the Out Of The Woodwork Players, member Denise Marshal Explains:

(Denise Marshall 12-2-22)

More information is available at the Out of the Woodwork Players Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-12-21

Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa is under fire, for saying to some state lawmakers in a ZOOM meeting that the administration "Froze Up" after being asked last summer for information by the US Department of Justice, regarding the death toll in the state’s nursing homes from COVID 19. Local State Assemblyman Joe Angelino is the Ranking Republican on the Assembly Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee, he told WCDO news of his reaction:

(Angelino 2-12-21)

The State Health Department has released updated statistics in the last week that greatly increased the number of deaths of Nursing home residents to over 12,700, by including those who died from COVID while in a hospital.  This Afternoon, DeRosa clarified her statements by stating that Governor's Office had asked State Lawmakers to wait for the administration’s response on Nursing Home deaths, so the administration could first resolve the Federal inquiry, she said that they were fully transparent with the Federal & then state inquiries in that order.  Some Lawmakers are calling for limiting the Governor's emergency powers & for the resignations of DeRosa; many have also been calling for the resignation of State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

2010 Unatego graduate Aaron "Frosty" Foster, who grew up in Wells Bridge, passed away unexpectedly Thursday in Tennessee.  Foster was a bluegrass musician, who currently had the #6 song on the Bluegrass charts, with Troy Boone, entitled "Country Fool". Foster was inducted in 2020 into the Unatego Central School District Hall Of Distinction, he was 28.

Major League Baseball announced today that all 120 Minor League Clubs offered an invitation to become Professional Development League (“PDL”) license holders, have officially agreed to accept. The Binghamton Rumble Ponies, selected as partners by the New York Mets, will provide both facilities and communities that are essential to the development of the next generation of big-league stars.  The Rumble Ponies will compete in a brand new League for the 2021 season and beyond. They will take part in the New Double-A Northeast League, and will be seeded in the Northeast division.

State Police arrested 33 year old Carlos Smith of Utica, for torturing, injuring & failing to feed 6 dogs left at his former residence in the town of Davenport in December.  Smith was officially charged with 6 counts of failing to provide proper sustenance to animals; a warrant was issued for his arrest, which occurred late Thursday afternoon.

State Police located 15 year old Trevor Mallory in the City in Binghamton in good health; he was turned over to the custody of a family member.  Mallory was reported missing on February 2nd, where he was last seen leaving the town of Colesville in a vehicle.  State Police stated that tips from the public & and the sharing of Mallory’s picture on social media led to his reappearance.

A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus in Sidney will hold a Blood Drive Monday from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Spokesperson Rebecca Brooks-White said that there is a shortage of many blood types:

(Rebecca Brooks White 2-12-21)

Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

Chenango County Public Health reported another COVID related death today, bringing their total to 49. The report 102 active cases, 280 quarantined & 20 hospitalized, their total number of cases is up to 2285.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-12-21

State Police updated their information regarding Thursday's crash of a garbage truck on State Route 17 in the town of Windsor.  The unidentified 64 year old driver from the Bronx was traveling at an unsafe speed, and made an unsafe lane change, he went through the guiderail and into the median, struck an earth embankment, the truck continued & the tractor became detached & overturned and came to rest in the median between the over passes for State Line Road.  The driver was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, the truck is registered to Lae Transport Corp in Newark, New Jersey, the investigation is continuing.

Stadiums and arenas can reopen with limited spectators on February 23rd, following the success of the Buffalo Bills testing program, Governor Cuomo explained during a recent COVID 19 briefing:

(Cuomo 2-12-21)

Under the new reopening guidelines, the Barclays Center will open when the Brooklyn Nets host the Sacramento Kings.

This weekend will be the first Free Fishing Weekend of the year, when anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license.  Tips on Ice fishing are available on the state DEC website, Participants are reminded to be socially distanced from others, wear masks & avoid sharing gear when possible.

Delaware County Public Health reported 17 news COVID cases Thursday out of 352 tests, they have 116 active cases, 22 are hospitalized & 309 are quarantined.

The next Delaware County Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative committee virtual meeting is Today at 1:00 pm. This meeting will be live-streamed on the Delaware County YouTube channel; the link will be shared 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting on the Delaware County Facebook page.  The live-stream video will remain available on the Delaware County YouTube channel after the meeting has ended, and a recording will be available on Facebook.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society has a new exhibition coming to its History Center at 183 Main Street. "Up from the Ashes, Oneonta Shaped by Fire" opens Today, the exhibition covers the history of Oneonta's early fire companies, the Oneonta Fire Department, & notable Oneonta fires,  it  will remain on display until May 1st, more information is available at 432-0960 or info@OneontaHistory.org.

Broome County Sheriff’s Department reported that a sergeant
on patrol observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Glenwood
Road, a traffic stop was attempted, the operator refused to comply.  A pursuit went onto Airport Road, through
Binghamton, onto State Route 7 & to I-88.
Deputies said that the operator, 25 year old Paul Frost of Johnson City
continued after the vehicle caught fire, Deputies and State Troopers attempted
to contain the vehicle and Frost swerved into the Sergeant's patrol car, lost
control and struck the concrete center barrier near exit 2. Frost was charged
with Criminal Mischief, unlawfully fleeing a police officer, plus 31 other
traffic violations, frost's occupants were released.  Frost was processed & faces court action
shortly.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital's Medical Neighborhood
Campaign is $20,000 closer to its fundraising goal thanks to a commitment by
Norwich Pharmaceuticals of North Norwich.
The company currently employs approximately 300 people, the fundraising
efforts will aid future expansion plans for the Chenango Memorial Hospital in
Norwich.

The Deposit Police Department is looking for Robert Kinzer on an outstanding warrant, he was last known to frequent the Church Street area in the Village of Deposit, he described as black male, 5'8" tall with brown hair & brown eyes, he is wanted on charges of Burglary, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, aggravated Family Offense, Menacing, Obstruction Of Breathing  & Unlawful Imprisonment, anyone with information can report it to the Deposit Police department through their Facebook page or by calling 467-2115. A Deposit Police Officer confronted and approached Kinzer Wednesday, Kinzer fled on foot into a wooded area.

State lawmakers are looking to get every person counted in
the state, by the US Census this year, assembly Speaker Carl Heastie comments:

(Heastie 1-10-20)

Those interested in becoming a
census taker can contact go online to 2020census.gov.

Governor Cuomo has reportedly backed off a bit on his
controversial Bail Reform Law, where people are being released on appearance
tickets, instead of being remanded to jail, for a number of violent offences,
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 1-10-20)

State Senator Jim Seward also comments:

(Seward 1-10-20)

Many violent offenses & sexual offenses were on the bail
reform law, hundreds of people were released from prisons around the state for
such offenses,  Law Enforcement agencies
& District Attorneys are calling for the Governor to rescind this law and
start discuss related reforms to the criminal justice system,

Members of the Governor's staff are beginning to go around
the state to give presentations on the State of the State Address; Lieutenant
Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the Address at the Agriculture Development
Center at 840 Front Street Binghamton, at 3:00 PM today.

The Unatego Hall of Distinction Committee has selected 2
alumni to be honored for induction this year, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave
Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-10-20)

This year’s induction ceremony will take place during the
Dan Wickham Wrestling Tournament on Saturday with a reception at 5:00 PM in the
Jr/Sr. High School Auditorium, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 pm in the High
School Gym.

The Class of 2020 will be inducted into the General Clinton
Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame during the 58th annual event in May, spokesman Greg
Davie told WCDO news who will be inducted:

(Greg Davie 1-10-20)

The Induction ceremony will be held on Saturday May 23rd at
General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

Governor Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to
begin enhanced monitoring of hospitals through the Health Emergency Response
Data System to ensure hospitals have the capacity, guidance and resources to
combat the recent surge in flu hospitalizations.    The latest flu report shows another sharp
increase, Last week 1,964 New Yorkers were hospitalized, up 34% percent from
the previous week & 10,085 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to
the State Department of Health, a 9% increase from the week prior.

State Police have identified the deceased from yesterday's fatal crash in Greene as 68 year old Kathy Rogers of Greene.  Troopers were dispatched to State Route 12 at about 9:40 Monday morning after the report of a vehicle crossed the opposing lane, went off of the road, overturned & caught fire.  The investigation is still pending.

Governor
Cuomo will deliver his annual State of the State Address in Albany tomorrow
afternoon.  The Governor has proposed
about 2 dozen proposals in the weeks before the speech, which will outline his
legislative agenda for the year.  The
legislature will be in session through mid-June.

The
Delaware County Board of Supervisors is expected to name a new Commissioner for
the Department of Social Services, at their next meeting Wednesday in
Delhi.  Sylvia Armano has been serving on
an interim basis since the suspension of former commissioner Dana
Scuderi-Hunter in July.

The
Unatego Hall of Distinction Committee has selected 2 alumni to be honored for
induction this year.  This year’s
induction ceremony will take place during the Dan Wickham Wrestling Tournament
on Saturday, January 11 with a reception at 5:30 PM in the Board Room at the
Jr/Sr. High School followed by the ceremony at 6:00 pm in the High School
Gym.  Inductees will be Steve Hall, a
1983 graduate who went on to become a successful mechanical engineer, owning 2
US Patents, and Aaron Foster, a 2010 graduate who has gone on to a successful
guitar playing career in the Bluegrass Genre.

State
Police at Norwich arrested 47 year old Robert Smith of Sidney for Driving While
Intoxicated, after a trooper on County Road 35 in the town of Oxford observed
Smith driving erratically and initiated a traffic stop.  Smith's B.A.C. was .14%, he was processed and
turned over to a sober third party.

State Police arrested 31 year old Corey Burns of Bainbridge for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, after a trooper was dispatched to a gas station in Afton after a concerned citizen called 911.  The trooper located Burns in his vehicle, he was arrested, processed then released to a sober 3rd party.

The State Department of Health announced that more than 1600 people in 1 week have been hospitalized with flu symptoms, the highest number registered since 2004, with the biggest increases reported in Central New York & in the Capital Region. The state Health Department stated that Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious influenza complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death. Officials strongly suggest that New Yorkers get their flu shots as soon as possible.

A ceremony will be held later today for the Unatego Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-19-18)

The recipients met with students throughout the day today, a reception will begin in the High School Cafeteria at 5:30, Dr. Prendergast, & Karen Moore Barbour will be inducted in the High School gym between the JV and Varsity Basketball games at about 7:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Alexander Rogers of Otego, for Criminal Mischief. A State Parole Officer advised troopers that Rogers had intentionally damage his GPS monitoring ankle bracelet while attempting to remove it. Rogers was issued a ticket returnable to the town of Otego Court on January 25, he was turned over to the custody of the parole officers.

55-year-old David Schaffer of Pharsalia was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff's Department for Sexual Abuse, Forcible Touching & Endangering the welfare of a child. Shaffer is accused of performing sexual acts with a child under the age of 13 in Pharsalia; Shaffer was arraigned in Village of Smyrna Court and will reappear in court at a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the results of the audit of the State Commission of Corrections, which is the state agency in charge of the oversight and inspection of 561 state and local correctional facilities and jails across the state. The audit said that the commission is not tracking or analyzing incidents and inmate complaints that may indicate problematic trends at those facilities, Auditors also found the Commission is not routinely inspecting the state’s 54 prisons. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us

The New York Mets announced today that former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow will be invited to Spring training with the New York Mets in February. The 30-year-old athlete is preparing for his 2nd professional baseball season, he hit .226 with 8 homers & 52 Runs Batted In in 126 games last year at Class A Columbia and Port St. Lucie.

The Unadilla Town Board will hold a special meeting today at 4:00 PM at the Unadilla Town Hall on State Route 7. The board will consider adopting a resolution adopting the Community Choice Aggregation program, Education & Outreach Plan, & the Customer Opt Out letter, for a lower cost Electrical plan. A copy of the resolution is available at the Town Office prior to the meeting, which is open to the public.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Labor Law Seminar on today at the chamber’s offices on Main Street beginning at 8:00 AM. The presentation focuses on Labor and Employment Law for small employers, including the newly enacted paid family leave policy.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that Binghamton University has broken ground on the Southern Tier High Technology Incubator, marking the start of construction on a major economic development project in downtown Binghamton. The incubator was endorsed as a priority project by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council and awarded $7 million to support the construction of the $19 million facility, which will provide a unique entrepreneurial ecosystem for emerging high-technology companies and is expected to enable more than 900 jobs within the next nine years.

Governor Cuomo announced the Farm to Fork Solutions Forum to focus on helping New York State food and beverage manufacturers grow their business. FuzeHub will host the forum and connect businesses with technical experts to identify solutions to overcome challenges to growth. To date, FuzeHub has assisted more than 450 manufacturing companies across New York. The Farm to Fork Solutions Forum will be held today at Rochester Institute of Technology from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.

As baseball’s best begin their quest for postseason celebrations, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate an unforgettable 2014 with a little help from its Otsego County friends and neighbors. The Hall of Fame will host Community Day on Sunday, Oct. 5, with all Otsego County residents admitted to the Museum free of charge during normal Museum hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum will host programs throughout the day as well as a 1:30 p.m. Cider and Donuts Reception featuring Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark and Museum President Jeff Idelson, who will share details on upcoming Museum initiatives and take questions from visitors.

New York State Assemblyman Cliff Crouch is among the inaugural class for the Unatego Hall of Distinction, which will be inducted during Homecoming activities tonight. Crouch graduated from Unadilla High School in 1963 & has served in the state Assembly since 1995. Crouch was selected for the inaugural class, along with Irmabelle Sheldon, Richard Licht and Perry Secor, who will be inducted posthumously. The induction of the first class will be during halftime of Unatego’s Homecoming football game tonight.