WCDO Radio News

In The City of Norwich, Residents will be voting for a new Mayor, as Shawn Sastri has declined to seek re-election, Republican candidate Brian Doliver told WCDO News that the drug problem & infrastructure are his top p[priorities if elected:

(Brian Doliver 11-2-21)

Democratic Candidate John Quattrocchi told WCDO News that as a lifelong Norwich resident, change is needed to grow the city:

(John Quattrocchi 11-2-21)

Voting will be held until 9:00 PM.

In the City of Oneonta, Residents will be voting for a new Mayor, as long time Mayor Gary Herzig decided to not seek re-election, Democratic Candidate Mark Drnek told WCDO news that his vision is to add people & jobs to Oneonta:

(Mark Drnek 11-2-21)

Republican Candidate Len Carson told WCDO News that he feels his public service & experience will help him as Mayor:

(Len Carson 11-2-21)

Both Drnek & Carson have been serving as Oneonta City Aldermen, voting will be until 9:00 PM.

Former Assembly Republican Minority Leader Brian Kolb pleaded guilty Monday to driving while ability impaired, relating to an incident on New Year's Eve 2019 in Ontario County. Police reported that Kolb was behind the wheel when he crashed his state-issued vehicle went into a ditch, he blamed the crash on his wife. Kolb stepped down from the position of Assembly Minority Leader days later, he did not seek re-election to the Assembly in November 2020.

On Wednesday, October 27th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a male subject acting irrational and driving at an extremely high rate of speed on State Highway 30 in the Middletown/Andes area. Responding Deputies located 29-year old James Lor of Margaretville, who is accused of operating the vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. Lor’s Driver’s license was revoked due to numerous previous DWI related suspensions. Lor was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of Cocaine. Lor was charged with Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, along with several other charges, Lor was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was released on his own recognizance, pending court action at the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-2-21

State Police, the Delhi Police Department, and the State University Police at Delhi responded to a fight Sunday at a large college party off campus on Scotch Mountain Road in Delhi. One person sustained stab wounds and was ultimately transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment. 3 others were treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is still under investigation but appears to be an isolated incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the altercation is asked to call New York State Police at (607)432-3934.

Delaware County Public Health reported 1 more COVID 19 death in their report covering last Thursday & Friday, bringing their total to 64. The County had a positivity rate of 4.86%, more than twice the state average, they had 39 new cases, 108 active cases & 6 hospitalized and 125 quarantined. 52.1% of eligible Delaware County Residents were vaccinated against COVID 19.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will be hosting two upcoming vaccination clinics for eligible individuals looking to receive a booster or third dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The clinics will be held from 8 am. to 2 pm. on both Saturday, November 6 and Saturday, November 13 in UHS Cardiology Norwich, located on the hospital’s first floor. For more information on vaccine availability in the Southern Tier, visit SouthernTierVax.org.

16 citations were issued during an “Operation Hard Hat” detail in Broome County. On October 28, 2021, Troopers monitored traffic in the active work zone on State Route 17 east to Interstate 81 north in the city of Binghamton. Road crews were replacing concrete pavement. During the detail, a trooper blends in with the workers and watches for risky and unsafe behavior. 5 Tickets were issued for speeding, 4 for cellphone use while driving, 2 for violating seat belt laws & 5 for other assorted violations.

Local sales tax collections totaled $5.2 billion in the third quarter (July-September of 2021), up $861 million (20%) from the same period last year and continuing the trend of exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to a report released today from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Statewide, every region saw solid growth in sales tax collections during the third quarter compared to the same period last year. Outside of New York City, the July-September period marked the fifth consecutive quarter that county and city sales tax receipts met or exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Statewide local sales tax collections in the third quarter of 2021 grew 8.6% ($409 million) over the pre-pandemic third quarter of 2019.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-30-21

Commerce Chenango will hold their annual Luncheon at Hidden Springs Brewhouse on September 9th in Norwich, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 8-30-21)

Green said that the "Spirit of Chenango" award will go to long time area educator Grayson Stevens, the Excellence in Small Business Award goes to Build Block Building systems; the manufacturer of the year is Chenango Valley Technologies & Lamb's Quarters is the Non-Profit Agency of the Year.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties’ fall funding process has opened on its website, unitedwaydo.org; the 1-year funding application process is open to any 501 C-3 nonprofit organization serving Delaware or Otsego County families and addressing the issues of income (basic needs or financial stability), education or health in our community.   The due date for all Delaware and Otsego County applications is November 15th, Applications will be reviewed, and funding decisions will be announced in late February, 2022. More information is available at 334-8815, or by email to: cuwelizabeth@chenangouw.org.

The Sidney Central School District announced a plan for the school year that will include being in session 5 days per week for in-person learning for all grade levels. There will be no health screenings or temperature checks upon entering the building, but Face coverings will be required starting today, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News that the requirements are in line with Governor Hochul's recommendations, plus the district has an added bonus:

(Eben Bullock 8-30-21)

Bullock said that Face coverings for all students and staff are also required on district transportation, in hallways, entrances, exits, lobbies, restrooms & in all other congregate settings.  There will be no face coverings required while outside, Physical Distancing of at least 3 feet between students will exist in the classroom setting, whenever possible.  More information is available at 561-7700.

NYSEG officials determined that a raccoon made its way into a substation in Broome County last night, leaving about 10,000 Broome County Area residents without power.  NYSEG officials said that power was restored in about an hour.

Lawmakers could be called back to Albany as early as this Wednesday for a Special Session.  Lawmakers are expected to extend the eviction moratorium until next January, to alleviate financial pressure on both renters and owners due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-30-21

State Police arrested 32 year old Phillip Cosilmon of Preston for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance following a traffic stop in the village of Greene and the execution of a search warrant at his residence. State Police seized crystal methamphetamine, suboxone strips, cocaine, LSD, heroin, prescription pills & a large quantity of Cash, multiple firearms which included 4 assault rifles, a large quantity of ammunition and various stolen items.   Cosilmon was arraigned in the Coventry Town Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $150,000 bail.

State Police 35 year old Jovonne Best of Bainbridge for 2 counts of Aggravated Assault against a Police Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Driving While Impaired by Drugs and Obstructing Governmental Administration.   Officers responded to a report of a violation of an order of protection in the town of Bainbridge, a trooper was interviewing Best when she ran into the garage and got into a vehicle, accelerated in reverse and nearly struck the Investigator, struck the garage door frame, the debris struck the trooper, she also struck the State Police vehicle, she was pursued by Police into a cornfield, where she fled on foot & was arrested. Best was arraigned at the Bainbridge Town Court where she was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 property bond.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Casey Smith of the Town of Butternuts for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after deputies responded to assist State Parole Officers with a home visit where Smith is accused of possessing a large amount of narcotics, he was arraigned in Otsego County Centralized Arraignment and released on his own recognizance, he was then sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on a parole warrant. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Butternuts Court at a later date.

State Police responded to a report of a child involved in an ATV rollover accident Friday in the town of Decatur.  A 7-year-old boy who was operating the ATV when it rolled over, He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.  The accident remains under investigation, no signs of foul play were observed by Investigators on scene.

After a year of a high number of COVID cases on the State University Campus in Oneonta, Students are back on campus attending classes in person, and there is a high percentage of vaccinated students already, SUNY Oneonta spokesperson Kim MacLeod explains:

(Kim MacLeod 8-30-21)

Students in the SUNY System have a late September deadline to get vaccinated, or they could be unregistered from their courses.

The Funeral for State Trooper James Monda will be held this morning at 10:00 AM, in his hometown of Schenectady, at the St. John the Evangelist Church.  Trooper Monda’s death was ruled as an accidental drowning during a marine detail on the Great Sacandaga Lake last week, Law Enforcement officials from around the state & Governor Kathy Hochul will attend.

P.M. NEWS Friday 7-30-21

State Police and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols to target speeding from tomorrow through August 8th.  Statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's reported that unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 314 fatal crashes in 2020, compared to 230 fatal crashes in 2019, which was a 36% increase. The 314 fatal crashes last year resulted in 365 deaths including drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  The enforcement campaign is supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, during last year's Speed Awareness Week; law enforcement throughout the state issued 21,428 tickets for speeding and 30,273 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, such as impaired and distracted driving.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond was presented with a Certificate of Accreditation for the Sheriff’s Corrections Division at a meeting of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors in Delhi on Wednesday.  The Accreditation of the Corrections Division of the Sheriff’s Office finalizes the full and complete accreditation throughout all Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office; the most current accreditation stated that the corrections facility met or exceeded all 166 components for accreditation.

State Senator Peter Oberacker today announced legislation he sponsored designating baseball as New York's official state sport has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.    This bill was proposed by a Cooperstown Elementary School 4th grade class; Cooperstown is the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and is believed to be the birthplace of the sport.  New York State has previously designated an official gemstone, fossil, shell, bush, salt water fish and reptile.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation designating a portion of State Route 13 in Madison County as the "Assemblyman William 'Bill' Magee Memorial Highway."  Magee served in the state Assembly from 1990 until 2018, much of that tenure, he served as the Chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he passed away on December 24, 2020, he was 81.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-30-21

This week Delaware County Public Health reported 21 new cases of COVID 19; previously there have been a total of 8 breakthrough infections since June 1st.  Delaware County has 26 active cases, 2 Hospitalized & 36 quarantined, officials said that they have not received information from the state Department of Health that the Delta Variant is present in Delaware County, which is classified by the CDC as more likely to spread, cause reinfection or cause severe illness, as well as reduce vaccine effectiveness.  Currently only 47% of Delaware County residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue to wear a mask until they are fully vaccinated.

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types, especially type O.  Donors can Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.  A blood drive is being held today from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta.

Chenango County Public Health reminds area residents of upcoming COVID 19 Vaccination opportunities.  Today, a Johnson & Johnson one dose clinic is available at the Health Department, on SATURDAY a 1st dose Pfizer clinic for those 12 years of age & older will be at the former Label Shopper Store, in the South Plaza in Norwich from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, register for this clinic at the Chenango County Public Health vaccine page on their website.  The Chenango County Health Department now has COVID-19 vaccinations on August 6th, 13th, 20 & 27th; more information is available at 337-1660.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-26-21

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant Friday in Windsor, officer seized Methamphetamines, Fentanyl, weapons & drug paraphernalia.  Police arrested Shawn McCabe of Windsor on a variety of Weapons & Drug Charges, he was being held at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility pending arraignment.

Norwich city police are looking for a suspect in a stabbing in downtown Norwich Sunday evening.  Norwich Police said that a pedestrian was walking near American Avenue in downtown Norwich at about 5:25 PM, & was stabbed several times in the neck & chest during the robbery near American Avenue.  The victim was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City; Norwich Police officers are asking anyone with information about the attack to call them at 336-8477.  The Suspect is described as a White Male with a red backpack, wearing a Baseball cap, line at 607-336-8477.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new streamlined application process for the rent relief program to help eliminate potential barriers to funding. The new process relaxes documentation standards for both tenants and landlords and implements a streamlined process for submission of arrears documentation for multi-tenant landlords effective Tuesday.   The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will administer the program.

Bainbridge Fire Fighters responded to a car fire at the Mirabito's Saturday afternoon.  Firefighters found a Kia from North Carolina fully involved, the occupants were out of the vehicle & no injuries were reported.

The State HEAP Cooling Assistance Program, which provides up to an $800 benefit to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan, will be open until August 31st.   To apply, households must contact their local social services Department; more information is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.

A.M. NEWS Monday 7-26-21

State Police arrested 29 year old Anthony Masi of Sidney for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Masi was the driver of a motorcycle that crashed into an SUV near the intersection of State Highway 28 and the Lettis Highway on July 4th in Oneonta,  Masi was taken to Albany Medical Center, the other driver was not injured.  An investigation determined that the motorcycle was stolen.  Masi was charged by the Village of Sidney Police on July 19, he was turned over to the State Police. Masi was transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.  He was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash or $20,000 property bond.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office responded to a commercial bus fire earlierSaturday on State Route 28 in the Town of Otsego.  The bus passengers were heading to a wedding when the fire broke out.  No injuries are reported, the bus suffered substantial damage and was towed from the scene.  The Cooperstown and Hartwick Seminary Fire Departments responded, with Assistance by the Cooperstown Police Department and the State Police.

State Police responded to a report of a fatal skydiving incident in the area of County Highway 34 in the town of Westford.   A preliminary investigation revealed that 59 year old Karen Bernard of Wildwood, Florida jumped out of a plane to skydive when it appears she had a malfunction with her parachute,  the investigation continues.

State Police arrested 21 year old Noah Bascom of Hamilton for 3rd degree Assault and Overdriving, Torturing and injuring an Animal.  Bascom allegedly repeatedly struck a small dog with a wooden dowel.  He was also accused of striking a person in the face, causing injury.  The victim was taken to Community Hospital by a third party and received treatment.   Bascom was located at his residence in Hamilton and arrested.  He was released on an appearance ticket to the Earlville Village Court on August 11th.

Governor Cuomo announced that 4 mass vaccination sites will cease operations as part of the ongoing downscaling that will allow the State to focus on localized vaccination efforts. As part of the downscaling, the site at Binghamton University will cease operations following vaccinations TODAY.

The Bainbridge Fire Department responded to State Highway 7 for the report of a Single Engine Plane Crash last night.  The plane was tangled up in wires, & the person was able to get out of the plane. More information is expected to be released later today.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-20-21

Sidney Police Department, with the assistance of the State Police, arrested 29 year old Anthony Masi of Sidney on a number of charges.  Masi is accused of failing to comply with an officer attempting to conduct a traffic stop on July 4th; Sidney Police followed Masi into the Town of Sidney for several miles before ending the pursuit, which eventually ended with Masi crashing his stolen motorcycle into an SUV in Oneonta.  Masi was charged by Sidney Police with criminal possession of stolen property, Unauthorized use of motor vehicle, Unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, Reckless driving, Aggravated unlicensed operation, plus a number of other charges, Masi was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court, he was released on his own recognizance & he was turned over to State Police who took him into custody on an arrest warrant issued from another jurisdiction.

Chenango County Public Health announced their upcoming COVID 19 vaccine schedule.  On Wednesday, 2nd doses for homebound patients will be administered, on July 31st, a 1st dose Pfizer vaccine clinic will be held for 12 years of age and older at the former Label Shopper Store in the South Plaza in Norwich from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  Chenango County Health Department now has COVID-19 vaccinations in their clinics, appointments are requested at 337-1660, the clinics will be on July 23 & 30th for the J&J Vaccine, August 6th for the Moderna Vaccine & August 13th, 20th & 27th for the Pfizer Vaccine.

Governor Cuomo today announced that 4 mass vaccination sites will cease operations as part of the ongoing downscaling that will allow the State to focus on localized vaccination efforts. As part of the downscaling, the site at Binghamton University will cease operations following vaccinations on July 26.

Assemblyman Joe Angelino is urging voters to participate in an upcoming virtual hearing on legislative redistricting for the Southern Tier and Central New York on Monday, August 9 at 2:00 PM.  The input from these meetings will help the Independent Redistricting Commission in the redrawing of legislative and congressional district lines for 2022.  Those who wish to participate are encouraged to register at: nyirc.gov/meetings.

Starting Monday, August 16th, the Susquehanna SPCA monthly rabies clinics will be first come, first serve, at the new location on State Route 28 Cooperstown.  Pet owners are reminded to bring the pet's previous rabies certificate, so that the veterinarian can look at it to determine if your pet is eligible for a 3-year vaccine.  Rabies clinics will be held on August 16th, September 13th, October 4th, November 15th & December 13th, more information is available at 547-8111 ext. 111.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-20-21

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services continues to assess damage to area roads from the flooding over the weekend, Acting Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones told WCDO News that some roads are open & passable, but still in rough shape, and they are looking to Albany for help:

(Victor Jones 7-20-21)

Jones said that State Route 51 from the Village of Morris, South near the Butternuts/Morris town line is inaccessible; State Route 51 at the bridge in front of the Gilbertsville Fire Department is down to 1 lane but is open to all traffic.  In the Town of Morris, previously closed roads are passable, In the Town of Pittsfield:  Cobb Road up until the section that runs into 42nd & Broad is open, but the extension from that intersection is not passable.  Hawks Road remains closed.   Otsego County Route 4 from State Route 23 in the Town of Morris to State Route 51 in the Village of Gilbertsville remains closed on the northern end, in the Town of Unadilla, damaged roads are passable.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40-year-old Bradley Cook of Oneonta on a warrant from a sealed indictment, Cook is charged with 2 counts of criminal sexual act for allegedly having sexual contact with the child under the age of 11.  Cook was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond he returns to court August 13th.

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types, especially type O are urged to make an appointment, Blood drives are being held today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge, or from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, in Oneonta.  Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-19-21

Governor Cuomo released his Executive Budget Proposal today with a presentation in Albany.  The Governor said that he is looking at 2 scenarios from the incoming Biden administration of either 6 Billion dollars in Federal funding coupled with a reduction in state spending by 9 Billion, or 15 Billion dollars in federal aid to make up for lost 2020 revenue from COVID:

(Cuomo 1-19-21)

The Governor also said that they will include revenue adding components to the budget in the form of allowing sports betting & by legalizing marijuana.  The State has until April 1st to pass its budget for the new fiscal year.

Governor Cuomo reported today that New York's health care distribution sites have administered 79% of first COVID Vaccine doses received from the federal government, and 77% of first and second doses.  The Governor said that the Southern Tier was at 97% which was the highest rate in the state.  A new COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available at ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

COVID 19 statistics have been released, on Monday; there were 9,236 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide with 1,614 Patients in the ICU; 1,049 Intubated, all were increases from Sunday's numbers.  Over 177,000 tests were conducted, with 12,512 positives, that was just over 7% of all tested, there were 167 deaths from the virus.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year old Scott Sieger of Oneonta for Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen property, following an investigation into a missing credit card.  Sieger was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

The Delaware County Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative committee held a virtual meeting on Monday, and it is available for viewing on the Delaware County YouTube channel.  The committee has created a follow-up survey for Delaware County residents that may be completed online at surveymonkey.com, it can also be printed from the Delaware County website and copies can be obtained from local Town Clerk’s offices. All surveys must be received by February 2nd; Responses to the survey are anonymous, and completely voluntary.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 1-19-21

Governor Cuomo will unveil his executive budget proposal today, virtually from Albany.  The Presentation will begin at 11:30 at Governor.NY.Gov.

Members of Governor Cuomo’s Administration will Open State Vaccination Sites.  Today at 1:00 PM, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will open the State Vaccination Site at the Binghamton University Foundation, 10 Gannett Drive in Johnson City. More information is available through am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Delaware County Public Health reported a 21st person has died of Covid-19 related complications.  The County reported 5 new COVID cases Monday with 123 active cases, 15 hospitalizations & 230 quarantined.

Otsego County Health Department reported 26 new cases of COVID Monday with 17 hospitalized & 205 Active cases.  Otsego County reports 363 positive cases since January 1st, there have been 4 deaths since January 1st.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold a General Membership Meeting This morning at 7:30 AM.  The meeting is being held in the back of Bob's Diner.

The annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta Kick off Meeting to start planning for this year's event will be held this evening.  The meeting begins at 7:00 pm at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge.