WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-16-21

The State Department of Labor announced today that the number of private sector jobs increased by 24,200, from October to November to over 7.6 Million, the highest numbers since before the pandemic began to affect the state 22 months ago. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 6.9% to 6.6% in November 2021.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of an Inmate of the Delaware County Correction Facility, on a warrant issued by the Chenango County Family Court. 42-Year-Old Timothy Byrne had just completed his sentence on unrelated charges, & he was turned over to Chenango County for a violation of the New York State Family Court Act & faces court action shortly.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies stopped a vehicle Sunday for speeding, and made contact with the driver, 62-year-old Edmund McNamara of Norwich. McNamara’s driver’s license was suspended, he was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator and Speeding, McNamara is scheduled to appear before the Town of Masonville Court at a later date to answer the charges.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $136 Million Dollars in federal funding for 59 airports across New York State. The funding was allocated through the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and can be used for a variety of infrastructure improvements. Locally, the Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta & the Sidney Municipal airport will receive $159,000.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-16-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 71 new cases of COVID 19 on Tuesday & Wednesday, 9.1% of those tested being positive. There are 296 active cases, 14 hospitalized and 482 quarantined. Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older today at 97 Main Street, Delhi. Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only, while Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with pre-registration required at apps2.health.ny.gov. Individuals receiving boosters, need to bring a copy of previous shot records to prove eligibility, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of $216.2 million in enhanced assistance for 88 local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts in every region of the State. This funding, provided through the State's BRIDGE NY initiative, supports projects that reduce the risk of flooding, improve resiliency of structures, facilitate regional economic competitiveness and prioritize projects that benefit environmental justice communities. The Southern Tier region will be funded for 9 bridges & 3 culverts in this latest round of funding.

The State Division of Consumer Protection and the State Department of Health today warned New Yorkers of a text message phishing scheme targeting those attempting to validate vaccine status to try to steal personal information. Phishing texts are fraudulent messages to trick the recipient into installing malicious software onto a computer or mobile device or designed to obtain data or sensitive personal information to commit identity theft. officials reminds New Yorkers: DON’T click on links embedded in an unsolicited message from an unverified source, DON’T send your personal information by text & DON’T post sensitive information online. More information is available at its.ny.gov/resources or dos.ny.gov.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing on the Local Law #3-2021 on October 25th at 7:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street. The proposed local law is for the Village to Opt-out of the Dispensaries and places of consumption for the newly passed marijuana legalization by the State of New York. Copies of the proposed Local Law are available in the Village Clerk’s Office in the Civic Center or on the Village of Sidney’s website at villageofsidney.org. Anyone unable to attend to make comments or ask questions can submit them in writing to the Village office by mail or dropped off directly to the office by 4:30 pm Monday, October 25th.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-12-21

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer came to Sidney late Monday afternoon to talk about the need for the region to get money from the Infrastructure Bill for local bridge projects:

(Schumer 10-12-21)

Schumer said that the work will also mean thousands of high paying union construction jobs will be needed for these projects statewide.

STATE SENATOR FRED AKSHAR HAS JOINED YES SAFE CHOICES FOR KIDS, LOURDES HOSPITAL AND THE BINGHAMTON RUMBLE PONIES TO HOST THE "WELCOME BACK TO THE BALLPARK" DOUBLEHEADER TONIGHT AT MIRABITO STADIUM. THIS YEAR, NEARLY 3 THOUSAND FREE TICKETS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL FAMILES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. THE EVENT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER IN A SAFE, DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT. THE RUMBLE PONIES TAKE ON THE PORTLAND SEADOGS IN A DOUBLEHEADER THAT BEGINS AT 5:30PM.

US SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER ANNOUNCED THAT NEW YORK AIRPORTS WILL RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING IF CONGRESS PASSES THE 1 TRILLION DOLLAR INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN. THE WARREN EATON AIRPORT IN NORWICH IS IN LINE TO RECEIVE 790 THOUSAND DOLLARS,WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR AIRPORTS IN SIDNEY, BINGHAMTON AND HAMILTON. THE PLAN ALLOCATES 937 MILLION DOLLARS FOR NEW YORK AIRPORTS.

CHENANGO SPCA IS HAVING A "PAWS AND PINTS" FUNDRAISER AT HIDDEN SPRINGS BREWHOUSE IN NORWICH ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 7TH FROM 1 TO 7PM. THE EVENT WILL FEATURE A PET PARADE, LIVE MUSIC, A MAGICIAN AND FOOD TRUCKS. PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT CHENANGO SPCA AND HELP OFFSET OPERATING EXPENSES.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-4-21

Delaware County Public Health will have a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall. For more information call 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Over the past 7-10 days the Chenango County Public Health Office has seen a rise in COVID cases. The cause of this rise can be attributed to a mix of unvaccinated individuals and a decrease in prevention efforts. Active cases have gone from single digits to 28 with 69 people quarantined and 2 hospitalized.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-2-21

Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced their annual winners of their Citizen of the Year’s award, the business of the year award, the Non-Profit organization of the year & the new "Better Together" award.  The Citizen of the Year’s award went to Delaware Valley Humane Society Director Erin Insinga:

(Erin Insinga 6-2-21)

The Business of The Year’s Award went to East Main Lanes, owner Rosemary Fisher comments:

(Rosemary Fisher 6-2-21)

The Non Profit award winner is the Sidney Library, and the Better Together award goes to Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock:

(Eben Bullock 6-2-21)

The Sidney Chamber is tentatively planning their annual Dinner in September.

US Senator Chuck Schumer visited with Chenango County Business Leaders at the Commerce Chenango Office in Norwich Yesterday, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green commented about that meeting:

(Kerri Green 6-2-21)

Green said that they are looking forward to see what benefits Chenango County can receive following the Pandemic & subsequent shutdown of many businesses for much of the last year.

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in Otsego and Delaware Counties.  13 establishments were checked and all 13 were found to be in compliance, including 8 area Mirabito Quickway stores.  During the Underage Drinking Initiative, retail establishments are checked utilizing a trooper in plain clothes and one or several under aged operatives who cannot lie about their age & must show their real ID if asked.

Chenango County Public Health announced a COVID 19 Pfizer Vaccine Clinic to be held today at the Former Norwich label Shopper in the South Plaza in Norwich from 2:00 to 7:00 PM.  Registration is required at co.chenango.ny.us/Public-Health.  More information is available at 337-1660.

State Senate Minority Republicans are proposing a package of bills to change parole laws in the state, local State Senator Peter Oberacker comments:

(Oberacker 6-2-21)

Assembly Minority Republicans unveiled the "Restore Order" package of bills to address bail reform, Local Assemblyman Joe Angelino comments:

(Angelino 6-2-21)

The package of bills follows increases in violent crimes reported in cities around the state in the first 4 months of this year, compared to last year.  The State Legislature will conclude their 2021 session in the coming weeks.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-26-21

Governor Cuomo announced that the State Fair will be open all 18 days this year in Syracuse, with some restrictions:

(Cuomo 4-26-21)

The Governor also said that Stadiums can go from 20 to 33% capacity, Office can increase from 50 to 75% capacity, Casinos can increase from 25 to 50% capacity & Gyms & Fitness Centers from 33 to 50% capacity.

The Broome County Department of Health reported 120 new COVID cases with 2 more COVID deaths on Friday. Broome County has had a total of 333 deaths from the Virus; they have had 17,311 cases since the pandemic began.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department reported that on Saturday, on Prescription Drug Take Back Day, they collected 1,920 pounds of old & unused medications. The event is scheduled every year to keep the unused medications out of the waste stream, but also to keep them from getting into the wrong hands.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging restaurant owners to apply for a $28.6 billion federal restaurant relief program. The restaurant grant program will let restaurant owners apply for funds to cover coronavirus-related losses; the maximum grant for per restaurant is $5 million.

The Village of Sidney’s annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony will be held this Friday at 1:00PM at Keith Clark Park. A Commemoration Sugar Maple will be planted, the Sidney Shade Tree Commission has conducted the Arbor Day tree planting tradition since 1994 & Sidney has been designated as a "Tree City USA" community for 24 years.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-26-21

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced that the state will move forward with using the 1 dose Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine. The vaccines were re-examined after 8 women out of 8 Million doses developed blood clots, with 1 death reported.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-9-21

US Senators Chuck Schumer & Kirsten Gillibrand announced today the breakdown of stimulus package money to New York Residents & to local governments, Senator Gillibrand commented:

(Gillibrand 3-9-21)

In the stimulus bill, Broome County gets 36.9 Million dollars, Chenango County 9.1 million, Delaware County 8.5 million & Otsego County 11.5 Million dollars, the state gets $12.6 billion in direct fiscal relief, New York cities will get $6.14 billion, counties will receive $3.9 billion, and smaller cities, towns and villages will receive $825 million. New York State will also receive $358 million from the state and local fund for building out broadband infrastructure.

Governor Cuomo announced today that there will be more people eligible for COVID Vaccines in the coming weeks, at a press conference in Syracuse this morning:

(Cuomo 3-9-21)

Eligible New Yorkers will be able to schedule appointments at state vaccination sites by utilizing New York's 'Am I Eligible' website or by calling the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they are able to vaccinate those individuals that are homebound and unable to get out of the house and travel to a vaccination clinic.   Homebound residents or family should email their contact information to covidvaccine@otsegocounty.com; include person's name, physical address and phone number. More information is also available by calling Otsego County Office for the Aging at 547-4232.  Daily updates regarding COVID 19 or the vaccines can go to otsegocounty.com.

The sentencing of Anais Soto of Oneonta in Otsego County Court has been delayed a 2nd time, Soto pleaded guilty to a 1st degree burglary charge in connection with the robbery & murder of Kenneth Robinson in Worcester, and the subsequent arson of Robinson's home in October 2019.  A new sentencing hearing for Soto was scheduled for May 10th.  Others arrested in connection with the Robinson case included his son, Dylan Robinson, plus Alexander Borgreen, Alexis Lotterman of Walton & Tatiana Febo of Downsville; Nicolas Meridy has already been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for his role in the case.

36 year old John Adams of Oneonta has been sentenced to 6 months in prison for downloading child pornography.  Adams must register as a sex offender after his prison term concluded he will also be on probation for 10 years and was ordered to pay $3,000 in fines and fees.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-9-21

Governor Cuomo announced that over 146,000 New Yorkers were tested for COVID 10 Sunday with, just over 5300 testing positive, or 3.6% positive.  4,830 Patients are Hospitalized Statewide, with 1,005 Patients in the ICU; 669 on ventilators, there were 64 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

The Otsego County Health Department announced that they had 30 new cases of COVID 19 Monday, they have 202 active cases, 6 hospitalized, they had 1 new death from the virus,  they have had 1350 cases of COVID since January 1st with 34 deaths since the beginning of the year, and 53 deaths total since last year.

The Sidney Central School District has been notified that a 10th grade student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student has not been on campus since Wednesday, March 3rd. 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

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-8-21

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing today in Albany, he said that the Hospitals need extra help in ramping up the vaccinations of 1A & 1B workers, starting Monday, they will get that help:

(Cuomo 1-8-21)

The Governor said that there were over 243,000 COVID tests administered Thursday, with over 18,700 positives, 8500 hospitalizations, over 1400 in an ICU & 912 on ventilators, there were 161 deaths Thursday from the virus.

The Broome County Health Department continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases, with more than 1100 new cases since start of the New Year. They are up to 9090 cases and 189 deaths from the virus, 58 of the deaths have come since the end of November. The county has had over 7400 recoveries and they are monitoring over 220 people.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York has administered approximately 430,000 vaccine doses, New York hospitals had previously jumped from administering an average of 10,000 doses per day to approximately a high of 50,000 per day on Wednesday & Thursday. Hospital staffs are in the first phase for getting the COVID 19 vaccines.

A new session of Congress is underway but the seat for the New York 22nd District in the House of Representatives remains empty. Oswego County Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte continues to review challenged ballots, the most recent tally had Republican Claudia Tenney with a slim lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi, there will be no Representative in the 22nd district until Judge DelConte renders a final decision on the disputed ballots.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to read the fine print for details about fees and expiration dates, and to spend the gift cards in a timely fashion. If gift cards expire, the money would get turned over to the Office of Unclaimed Funds. New Yorkers should visit osc.state.ny.us to see if they are owed money from unused Gift cards or for other reasons. The state currently has 16 Billion Dollars in unclaimed funds.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-8-21

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding President Donald Trump be removed from office immediately following a violent protest in Washington D.C. Wednesday.

(Schumer 1-8-21)

5 people were killed, many were injured & there were over 50 arrests after rioters supporting President Trump breached the US Capitol building to defy the election results as members of congress validated the electoral votes Wednesday.

The Sidney Central School District reported 2 new COVID 19 cases, they report 2 middle school students are presumed positive, they have not been on campus since Monday, January 4th. The Delaware County Health officials have conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.