WCDO Radio News

Utica University has announced its commencement speaker for the undergraduate ceremony in 2025 will be Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder and CEO of Chobani, Ulukaya will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Utica University, he emigrated from his native Turkey in 1994 to the US, he purchased a closed factory in Edmeston in 2007 with a small business loan, Chobani became he biggest seller of Greek Yogurt in the world by 2012. The undergraduate ceremony is set for May 9th at The Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-3-24

19 year old Benjamin Wheeler of Norwich pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, Wheeler admitted that on August 6, 2024, he knowingly possessed a “Spikes Tactical” AR-15 style rifle at his apartment in Norwich, New York, The firearm was not registered to Wheeler, Sentencing for his conviction for possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle is scheduled for February 12, 2025, in Utica, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 10-years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 40 year old Whitney Bachanas of Milford on 3 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, following a recent animal abuse investigation. Bachanas was charged following an investigation in collaboration with Susquehanna SPCA, Cornell University Veterinary Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialties, she was originally charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty in September, and has been additionally charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, she was issued an appearance ticket for town of Milford Court.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-17-23

Norwich City Police arrested 2 men on drug charges, after they pulled over suspects accused of possessing illegal drugs. Police seized methamphetamines and heroin, they arrested 40 year old Anthony Torres of Utica & 39 year old Matthew Lamb of Norwich, they were charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, both are facing court action shortly.

The State Department of Health announced updates to the State Physician Profile website. The updates are designed to provide the public with an improved user experience when researching doctors who are licensed to practice medicine in New York State or when filing a complaint against a physician. More information is available at health.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-17-23

Hartwick College President Darren Reisberg and SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle announced the One-Hart Nursing Collaboration between the 2 institutions. This partnership allows SUNY Oneonta Pre-Nursing students to transfer into Hartwick's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program after they complete their first 2 years at SUNY Oneonta. Hartwick President Darren Reisberg commented at a press conference Wednesday:

(Darren Reisberg 8-17-23)

SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle also commented Wednesday:

(Alberto Cardelle 8-17-23)

One-Hart program students begin their phase at Hartwick in the summer immediately following year 2 at SUNY Oneonta. One-Hart is open to SUNY Oneonta students who are first-time, matriculated first-year or transfer students who enter with fewer than 24 college credits, the students may also be eligible for Hartwick’s HartLand Promise initiative, which offers a tuition cost comparable to a 4-year public college or university.

A Class Action Lawsuit was filed by Gyms, Health Centers & spas Wednesday against the state and Governor Cuomo, after were not included in the Phase 4 re-opening following the COVID- 19 shutdowns in March.  Anna Banks of My Home Gym in Bainbridge said that their business was included in the lawsuit:

(Anna Banks 7-10-20)

Governor Cuomo said recently that the concerns about gym related business was mainly regarding their Air conditioning filtration systems, he said this week that filtration systems with a Merv 13 rating removed the COVID 19 virus from the air & more research was being conducted.

Otsego County Health Department announced today that they have 1 new case of the coronavirus, giving them a total of 81 so far.  No patients are hospitalized, 73 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 24 people are quarantined, and 26 people are being monitored after traveling from a state with a high rate of infection.

The Broome County Health Department announced that a person has tested positive for coronavirus following a large 4th of July gathering at 82 Front Street in Binghamton.  The Health Department advises that people that were at that event should self-quarantine until July 18th, and contact their healthcare provider if you develop symptoms including cough, fever and shortness of breath.  Testing is continuing at the drive-thru testing site at Binghamton University. Appointments can be made at 1-888-364-3065.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced that the 22nd District's share of Paycheck Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration exceeded 7,000 loans, totaling more than $650 million in aid, and saving nearly 100,000 jobs.  Congressman Brindisi encouraged any lenders or business owners in need of help to call his Utica office at (315) 732-0713.

21 year old Brandon Clark of Cicero was released from a
Utica Area Hospital & has officially been charged with 2nd degree murder,
for the death of 17 year old Bianca Devins of Utica last weekend.  Clark was remanded to the Oneida County Jail,
he is accused of Killing Devins, posting pictures of her body on 4chan & Discord
social media sites, discord followers & Clark himself notified police,
police found Clark stabbing himself in the neck.  Clark faces court action in Utica City Court
next week, Devin’s funeral mass is being held a church in Utica this afternoon.

The band "America" continues their 50th
Anniversary Tour Saturday Night with a concert at the Anderson Center at
Binghamton University, spokesman Chris Bodnarczuk explains:

(Chris Bodnarczuk 7-19-19)

Tickets & Information is available at Anderson.Binghamton.EDU.

New York State Police and the Utica Police Department are investigating a threat at Utica College earlier today. Staff and students at Utica College received an alert at about 11:00 AM today, that the campus was on lockdown because of the threat, everyone was ordered to stay where they were while the threat was investigated. There is no confirmation of any shots fired on campus, and there are no injuries reported. Law enforcement continues to investigate threat. Local, state, and federal law enforcement are on scene.

The State University of New York has established a task force to focus on food security issues at its 64 campuses. The SUNY system reported that 70% of its campuses have a food pantry for students or partnerships with community organizations that provide meals. SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson said the goal is for all campuses to have food pantries or arrangements with community groups that provide resources for food.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced her re-election campaign Saturday; she is running against Democratic State Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica for the 22nd Congressional District. Tenney was elected to the seat in 2016, replacing retiring Congressman Richard Hanna.

Former Syracuse University Collegiate basketball stand outs Roosevelt Bouie & Dale Shackleford visited Springbrook in Oneonta yesterday, to conduct a basketball clinic for the Springbrook Scorpions basketball team. Springbrook COO Seth Haight & Security Mutual Life Insurance COO Bruce Boyea coordinated yesterday's event, Haight comments:

(Seth Haight 9-13-17)

Bouie & Shackleford were teammates for 3 years at SU in the late 70's, Bouie made a name for himself for 16 years in the Italian Basketball league, Shackleford played professionally in Italy & Chile after college.

The 128th Commencement exercises will be held at the State University in Oneonta Saturday. The exercises will be held at the Dewar Arena, at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM.

The American Hockey League announced today that the league’s Board of Governors has approved the following division alignment and schedule format for the 2017-18 AHL season. The Binghamton Devils have been assigned to the "North Division” traditional Binghamton rivals will include the Rochester Americans, Syracuse Crunch, & Utica Comets.

The Chenango Industrial Development Agency announced Frontier Railroad Services, completed construction on the Utica mainline project this month, which means that the rail line between Binghamton and Utica is largely restored and close to a return to service. IDA President Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig 12-22-16)

Frontier Railroad Service’s work included bridge re-decking, washout repairs, culvert replacements, and a large number of tie replacements.

Governor Cuomo today announced the success of the state's 10th regional sustainability conference, which brought together over 400 community development experts, local elected officials and business leaders to share successful economic growth strategies in the Southern Tier. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul hosted the conference at Binghamton University, where she highlighted a handbook that serves as a resource for State grants information..

2 teenagers are accused of shooting an 11 year old in Johnson City Tuesday night. Police reported that the 17 and 16-year-old boys are charged with felony assault, the 16 year old was also charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. The 11 year old victim was treated at Upstate University Medical Center in Syracuse and later released, the injuries were not life threatening.

Following the investigation into a disabled vehicle on August 13th, in the village of Delhi. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Robert Avery of Utica On 1 count of Criminal Possession of Stolen property. Avery is accused of being in possession of a vehicle that was reported stolen in Utica August 7th, he was arraigned in Village of Delhi Court and sent to Delaware County Jail on $3000 cash or $6000 property bond bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced a $10,000 donation from the PGA TOUR to support the "SUNY's Got Your Back" program, a collaborative effort between the State University of New York and the State Police that funds comfort bags with personal care products for victims of sexual and interpersonal violence. The "SUNY's Got Your Back" program has already provided more than 4,000 comfort bags containing items such as toiletries, resource pages, and personal notes to victims and survivors of violence across the Empire State. Altogether, SUNY has assembled nearly 9,000 comfort bags since the start of the program.

Utica Police have arrested a man for allegedly stealing envelopes from the gift tables at 2 recent weddings. 40-year-old Joseph Ciszek of Whitesboro is charged with 1 count of grand larceny & 2 counts of Petty Larceny for the alleged thefts at weddings in July. Utica police released Surveillance pictures of a well-dressed couple, who were not invited to either wedding, Ciszek was located and was arrested as a result of tips from the community. Their investigation is continuing & more charges may be forthcoming.

Work is beginning on restoring miles of track bed for the Utica Mainline railroad in Chenango County, which was heavily damaged in the 2006 floods. Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango & The Chenango IDA told WCDO News where the money is coming from to pay for the project:

(Steve Craig 4-7-16)

Craig said that they expect to see freight trains coming through Chenango County again in the spring or summer of 2017.

Governor Cuomo announced $20 million to support Binghamton University in its leading role as home to new NextFlex Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute. The state’s $20 million commitment, from the Southern Tier’s $500 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative, will support the retrofitting of space in the former IBM facility in Endicott, it is expected to create up to 200 academic and private sector jobs, & up to 1,000 new jobs over the five years of the Flex Tech Alliance Program.

Governor Cuomo announced the first 2 major projects awarded under the $5 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement program. The Broome County Cornell Cooperative Extension was awarded $500,000 for a one-stop Agriculture Development Center and a Taste New York Market in Broome County, and $627,055 was awarded to Cornell University for the Stocker Cattle Initiative to further training and research in this industry for Southern Tier farmers.

Repairs are underway on the Utica Main Line railroad tracks in Chenango County, Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango & The Chenango IDA Explains:

(Steve Craig 3-22-16)

The $5.8 million dollar project will repair tracks that were washed out between Binghamton & Norwich during the 2006 flooding, trains should be running by the summer of 2017.

Dr. Michael Laliberte, who was Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, was named SUNY Delhi president by the State University Board of Trustees Thursday. Laliberte will become Delhi’s 10th chief executive on July 21, succeeding Dr. Candace Vancko, who has served as SUNY Delhi president since August 1999.

HARTWICK COLLEGE HAS SUSPENDED ITS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND 5 UNIDENTIFIED PLAYERS AFTER AN INCIDENT IN A GAME AGAINST ST. JOHN FISHER. WCDO SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL HAS MORE….

(Nate Lull 11-12-15)

(text: HARTWICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MARK CARR AND 5 OF HIS PLAYERS ARE BEING PUNISHED AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF A 41-34 LOSS LAST WEEKEND. HARTWICK OFFICIALS DEEMED THAT ACTIONS BY THE TEAM IN THE CLOSING MOMENTS OF THE GAME WERE CONSIDERED TO BE UNSPORTSMANLIKE. ST. JOHN FISHER COLLEGE WAS LEADING THE GAME AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK BY TAKING A KNEE BUT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HARTWICK PLAYERS MADE HITS ON PLAYERS THAT WERE CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY. THE 2ND HIT ENDED WITH BOTH BENCHES CLEARING ONTO THE FIELD. THE TEAMS WERE QUICKLY SEPARATED. THE EMPIRE 8 LEAGUE SAID THEY SUPPORT THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION. A LARGE GROUP OF HARTWICK ATHLETICS SUPPORTERS PROTESTED THE SCHOOL’S DECISION AND IS HOPING THAT THEIR EFFORTS WILL CHANGE THE MIND OF HARTWICK ADMINISTRATION GOING FORWARD. FOR NOW- THE SUSPENSION WILL HOLD FOR THE HAWKS FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR THIS WEEKEND AGAINST UTICA COLLEGE. FOR WCDO SPORTS I’M NATE LULL)

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood today. 2 blood drives will be held in Delaware County today, one in Sidney from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street & in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Those looking to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. All blood types are needed.

Oneonta city police arrested 25 year old Michael Jason Jr. of Oneonta, for promoting a sexual performance by a child under the age of 17, & possession a sexual performance by a child. Jason was a student teacher at Afton Central School and a student at the State University College at Oneonta in June, his arrest was in conjunction with the New York State Police Computer Crime Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, police said, and was initiated by a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Jason was held Friday afternoon pending arraignment in Oneonta City Court.

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico announced the death of Trooper Donald Fredenburg, who was assigned to the State Police Academy for Basic School Training. Trooper Fredenburg collapsed Friday while participating in a daily physical training run with members of the 203rd Basic School. Trooper Fredenburg was administered a shock by a defibrillator; he was transported to Albany Medical Center where he died at approximately 7:30 am. Trooper Fredenburg was in his 2nd week of training at the New York State Police Academy, he resided in Utica.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested an 18 year old Takell Henry of Utica for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, following a traffic stop in the Town of North Norwich. During a narcotics investigation Henry allegedly sold crack cocaine to an undercover Police Officer, he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail pending future court action.

Cornell University and Owego’s Lockheed Martin, are among seven research teams, awarded project grants to develop technologies that will improve New York State’s electric grid. Governor Cuomo announced a total of $3.3 million will go toward seven smart grids. The governor said the smart grid technologies will use innovative methods to reduce the risk of power outages, lessen environmental impacts and energy consumption, as well as lower the cost of power delivery

A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that 88% Of the 1,488 New York voters surveyed, support the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use, only 9% were opposed. The legalization of marijuana for recreational use was supported 57-39%. The poll was conducted between February 6th & February 10th, with a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points.

New York transportation officials are setting up public hearings to discuss options for high-speed passenger rail service between New York City and Niagara Falls has been the long time goal of industry leaders, elected officials and transit advocates.  The public meetings will be held between March 4th and 14th in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Utica & Poughkeepsie.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Christopher Cox of Utica for 3rd degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.  The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division along with the City of Norwich Police Department closed out an investigation into the sales of Heroin in the County; Cox was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. buy levitra online with fast delivery (http://familycareintl.org/blog/1970/01/01/buy-levitra-online-no-prescription/)

Governor Cuomo announced that 63 programs from 36 SUNY campuses will receive more than $12 million in funding over the next three years to support workforce development in high-need career fields of Engineering, Healthcare, Renewable-Clean Energy, Biomedical-Biotechnical, Agriculture-Agriculture Business, and Information Technology. Locally, Binghamton University will get $1.7 million dollars, BCC will get $191,301, SUNY Delhi will get $70,000, Morrisville State College will get $253,000.

WCDO......EARLY DISMISSALS/CLOSINGS

MONDAY EARLY DISMISSALS

SIDNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
12:45AM - K-12

BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD SCHOOLS

12:10PM - GUILFORD
12:30PM - GREENLAWN
12:45PM - HIGH SCHOOL

AFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:00AM- 1 BUS EMERGENCY RUN

HARPURSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
12:30PM.... NO AFTER SCHOOL

GREENE SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:00AM - ELEMENTARY
11:30AM - MIDDLE AND HIGH

UNATEGO SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:20AM - ELEMENTARY
11:40AM - MIDDLE AND HIGH

WALTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:30AM - TOWNSEND ELEMENTARY
11:45AM - MIDDLE AND HIGH

DELAWARE ACADEMY SCHOOLS
11:30AM - K-12
BOARD MEETING POSTPONED UNTIL 11/5

MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT
NO AFTER SCHOOL OR CROP

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:15AM - MIDDLE
11:30AM - HIGH SCHOOL
12:30PM - ELEMENTARY

ONEONTA SCHOOL DISTRICT

12:15PM- MIDDLE AND HIGH

1:00PM- ELEMENTARY
NO AFTER SCHOOL OR ADULT ED CLASSES

UTICA SCHOOL OF COMMERCE IN ONEONTA
CLOSING AT 3:30PM AND NO EVENING CLASSES

DEPOSIT SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:30AM

CHARLOTTE VALLEY SCHOOLS
12:30PM

GMU SCHOOL DISTRICT
12:30PM

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OR CROP

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

ALL CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES WILL RECESS AT NOON.

PLEASE CONSERVE WATER AND PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES.

STUDENTS: MONITOR BU HOMEPAGE FOR UPDATES.

UNADILLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

1:05PM

HARTWICK COLLEGE

CLOSING AS OF 1PM TODAY. PLAN TO RE-OPEN AT NOON TUESDAY

MORRISVILLE STATE COLLEGE AND NORWICH CAMPUS

5:00PM
TUESDAY CLOSINGS AND DELAYS:

CHARLOTTE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

DELAWARE ACADEMY SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

UNADILLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

FRANKLIN SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

WALTON SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

GMU SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

HARTWICK COLLEGE- OPENING AT NOON

BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

AFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

NORWICH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED.... 12 MONTH STAFF DO NOT REPORT

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED TUESDAY. ALL AFTER SCHOOL AND CROP FOR WEDNESDAY 10-31 CANCELLED

GREENE SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

SIDNEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED........CAPITAL PROJECT VOTE POSTPONED