WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-13-22

A Winter Storm is expected to reach the Southern Tier later this week, local meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what the computer models are showing:

(Rich Townsend 12-13-22)

WCDO will have further updates as we get closer to the storm.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 area men for several counts of Criminal possession of a weapon, after they posted a Facebook live stream Monday. 42 year old Nicholas Skiba of Johnson City and 23 year old Keith Hall of Chenango Forks were arrested, a handgun was seen in the live stream and Skiba was wearing Ballistic Body Armor, The Whitney Point & Chenango Forks schools were on lock out, along with Wilson Medical Center and Binghamton General Hospital. Sheriff's Deputies obtained a search Warrant for Skiba's cell Phone & Facebook page, they discovered the location of the 2 men at a residence on State Route 12 In Chenango Forks, they were taken into custody, Deputies seized 5 handguns, 4 rifles 3 shotguns 2 black powder pistols and large capacity magazines, the investigation is ongoing.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-13-22

The Morris Central School District residents will be voting on a Building project Today, Superintendent Jamie Maistros told WCDO News about the project:

(Jamie Maistros 12-13-22)

Voting will be today from 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM in the main lobby. Maistros said that the project would be paid from through 86% state aid and a capital reserve fund.

A New Year in Albany could lead to the State Legislature changing laws regarding parole and what terms that judges can sentence convicts to, Assemblyman Joe Angelino explains:

(Joe Angelino 12-9-22)

Angelino is one of the few Albany lawmakers who actually have had a career in law enforcement, he currently serves part time for the Sherburne Police Department.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-9-22

There could be some snowfall locally Sunday with a small amount of Accumulation possible, according to Meteorologist Rich Townsend:

(Rich Townsend 12-9-22)

The full WCDO Forecast will follow this newscast.

The State Department of Transportation announced that construction is complete on a $16 million project to replace the bridge carrying Front Street over Interstate 81 at Exit 5 in the Town of Dickinson. The project consisted of roundabouts placed at 2 intersections, along Route 11 and the upgrade of another intersection with new traffic signals.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce & 4 Towns Forward announced that they have a variety of activities today, tomorrow & Sunday, Chamber Spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 12-9-22)

More information about the Chamber if available at the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, or by calling 607-967-8700.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-9-22

Chenango Arts Council's Christmas Show is Saturday Night at the Martin W. Kappel Theater, Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 12-9-22)

More information about this show & future shows & exhibits can be obtained by calling 607-336-2787 or going to ChenangoArts.org.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will host the 15th Annual "Holidays in The Hamlet" event Saturday, group spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 12-9-22)

The event begins at 5:00 PM Saturday, more information is available on the Sidney Center Improvement Facebook Page.

The Mid-York Concert Band is presenting a Holiday Concert this Sunday at the Norwich high School Auditorium. Doors will open at 1:30 PM and the Concert starts at 2 PM, Director Doug Ernst explains:

(Doug Ernst 12-9-22)

The concert is free with a request for free-will offerings, more information is available at 607-263-2618.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-7-22

State Police released the names of the people involved Monday in a 2-vehicle crash in the town of Columbus; where a Van rear-ended a Tractor Trailer turning off of State Route 8. Police said that the passenger of the van, 22 year old Jasmine Morrison of Rome was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the van, 24 year old Tyler Stewart of Lee Center was airlifted to Upstate Medical Hospital in Syracuse, The driver of the tractor trailer, 38 year old Chad Alishaukas of Sherburne, was not injured. The investigation is continuing.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, announced that historic reforms are in place in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act:

(Gillibrand 12-7-22)

Gillibrand said that last year’s defense bill did make some important changes, but still left many critical powers with commanders, which she has been fighting to change for the last 10 years.

Tonight will be the 1st of 2 nights for Legally Blonde The Musical at the Forum Theater in Binghamton, Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment said that some tickets are still available:

(Tina Niles 12-7-22)

More information about tonight's show or future shows can be found at Broadway In Binghamton.com or by calling 607-772-1391.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society was awarded a $49,500 multi-year Support for Organizations Grant from the New York State Council of the Arts. The Support for Organizations Grant will help fund the full-time salary of GOHS' Executive Director, Dr. Marcela Micucci. More information about the Society is available at oneontahistory.org, at (607) 432-0960, or follow on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 12-7-22

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District is holding a vote on their $15.4 Million Dollar capital project today, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan explains:

(Tim Ryan 12-7-22)

Ryan said that they would use their $4 Million dollar capital reserve fund and state aid to pay for the project, the vote will be from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM on December 7th at the Greenlawn Elementary School in Bainbridge and the Guilford Elementary School.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-6-22

State Police responded to a crash Monday involving a pedestrian in town of Sherburne. Police reported that a vehicle was traveling west on State Highway 80 when a pedestrian who was standing in the roadway and wearing dark clothing was struck. The pedestrian has been identified as 30 year old Megan Mikalunas of North Norwich, she was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the vehicle, 57 year old Robert Allen of Oneida stopped and flagged down another vehicle to call 911. Sherburne EMS and State Police responded to the scene, the investigation is on-going.

State Police responded to a 2-vehicle crash Monday in the town of Columbus where 1 person was pronounced deceased on scene. A preliminary investigation revealed that a tractor trailer and a van were both traveling south on State Route 8. The driver of the tractor trailer was making a right turn when the van struck the rear of the tractor trailer. A female passenger in the van, from Rome, was killed, the male driver from Lee Center, was airlifted to Upstate Medical Hospital in Syracuse. The unidentified driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

The Bandera Family & Community Alliance announced Free Christmas Dinners again this year for Binghamton & Norwich residents, and this year they are adding a free Christmas Dinner for the Oneonta Community, Bill Bandera told WCDO News about their plans this Christmas:

(Bill Bandera 12-6-22)

Bandera the meals will be served at the American Legion Halls in each community, he said that they are looking for volunteers, More information for Volunteers sign ups can be found at banderachristmas.com, those who need a meal delivered can call 211 until December 22nd.

NBT Bancorp and Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. of Connecticut announced that they have entered into a agreement where Salisbury will merge with and into NBT. Chief Accounting Officer Annette Burns of NBT Bancorp told WCDO News what the merger means:

(Annette Burns 12-6-22)

The merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023 following the expected approval by the shareholders and required regulatory approvals.

Leadership Otsego announced they are accepting applications for their program to establish future leaders in the County. The 6 month program meets 1 day a month, Classes will primarily be held in Oneonta, applications will be accepted through January 13th, more information is available at 607-432-4500 extension 2.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-6-22

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that former Broome County DA Stephen Cornwell pleaded guilty in State Supreme Court to Grand Larceny, he was sentenced to 3 year conditional discharge, was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and will have to give up his license to practice law. Former Administrative assistant to Cornwell, James Worhach pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of Stolen property for illegally possessing criminal case files belonging to the office of the Broome County District Attorney's Office, he was sentenced to 1 year conditional discharge, he is still facing additional charges.

State Police investigated a tractor trailer rollover accident early Tuesday morning, that spilled medical supplies on State Route 17 between Hancock & Deposit. Clean up took about 2 hours, no injuries were reported, so far the driver has not been ticketed, the investigation is ongoing.

The Oxford and McDonough Communities are invited to the 38th annual Free Thanksgiving dinner, from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm. on Thursday. This year's dinners can be found at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish House at 32 Main Street, with Pick-ups in the rear entrance, there will be no dining-in this year.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies & local 1st responders were called to State Route 235 in Harpursville Wednesday night for the report of a car down an embankment with driver entrapment. The unidentified driver was extricated & taken to an area hospital, no other vehicles were involved & the cause off the accident is under investigation.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-10-22

The Bainbridge Guilford Central School District will host a free in-person breakfast for Veterans this Morning at the Greenlawn Elementary School in Bainbridge, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan comments:

(Tim Ryan 11-4-22)

The Breakfast will start at at 9:00 AM Today.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Alliance Church, on State Route 28. Appointments can be scheduled at the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Local Area Voters will be deciding on who they should send to Albany in the State Senate & State Assembly. In 51st State Senate District, Incumbent Peter Oberacker faces Democratic Challenger Eric Ball. In State Assembly District 121, incumbent Republican Joe Angelino is unopposed. The new 101st District covers Otego, Laurens, Morris, & Franklin locally, the candidates are Democrat Matthew Mackey & Republican Brian Maher, in the new 122nd District, covering Oneonta, Milford, Hartwick, Burlington, & New Lisbon locally, Democrat Dan Butterman, Republican Brian Miller & Working Families Party candidate Colton Mennig are running for the seat.

Broome County officials are investigating the death of an inmate in the Broome County Jail on Friday. 30 year-old Mitchell Lindow of Binghamton was being held on a murder charge when he was found deceased by Corrections officers conducting a head count, an autopsy was conducted Friday, no cause of death was determined.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-7-22

State Police announced that 9 people were arrested & drugs were seized after search warrants were executed at Budget Inn Motel on Route 23 Southside in the town of Oneonta Thursday & Friday. Items seized included methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, ecstasy, Suboxone strips & Packaging materials and scales, The investigation is on-going.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society's 16th Annual Live Benefit Auction will be held Today at the Quality Inn on Route 23 at 5:30 pm, more information is available at oneontahistory.org, or at 607-432-0960.

The 2022 New York State Cannabis Expo, Conference & Career Fair will be held this weekend at the Albany Capital Center Saturday from 6:00-9:00pm & Sunday from 10:00 am-5:00pm. Experts in the field are expected to speak to participants over the 2 day event regarding procedures & successes in other states where Marijuana has become legal for adult use.

2 Otsego County Blood drives are scheduled, the 1st will be in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street. Another Blood drive will be held Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Burlington Flats Baptist Church. Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting date is today, at Fred’s Inn, Route 12, Norwich. the event begins at 6:30PM.

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is asking the public to keep their eyes open for a Buffalo Turbine “water pump”, which was stolen from a building that was in the process of getting demolished on State Route 8 in the town of Masonville. The item was taken some time between July and October. The pump is red and is marked with a yellow “2”, Anyone with information is asked to contact New York State Police at (607)561-7400, a picture of the machinery can be found on the WCDO Facebook page.

State Police responded Friday to State Route 26 in the town of Maine for a report of a 1 vehicle crash. When a trooper arrived, the vehicle was upside down and the male driver was still inside. 65 year old Mark Truesdail was transported to Wilson Medical Center where he later died. An investigation revealed that Truesdail was south on State Route 26 when he left the roadway, went into a ditch, which caused the vehicle to go airborne and strike trees.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s 16th Annual Live Benefit Auction will be held next Friday, October 28 at the Quality Inn on Route 23 at 5:30 pm. The Society's live online auctions, starts today at 5:00 PM, with a variety of items that will not be at next Friday's live in-person auction, Offerings can be viewed at 32Auctions.com, more information is available at oneontahistory.org, or by calling 607-432-0960.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly $30 million has been awarded to help increase capacity at more than 400 existing state-licensed, registered, or permitted child care programs that are located in underserved areas of the state. In the Southern Tier, 12 awards will be issued, totaling over $620,000.

Otsego Express public transit routes will start charging fares again in November. Over the last 6 months, Otsego County subsidized fares for passengers and funded the program with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting date is set for October 26, 2022. The meeting will be held at Fred’s Inn, Rte. 12, Norwich, NY. Cocktails at 6:30pm (networking) Dinner at 7:00pm.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society's 16th Annual Live Benefit Auction will be held on Friday, October 28 at the Quality Inn on Route 23 at 5:30 pm. The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will be offering an online auction again this year, starting 1 week before the live auction, on Friday, October 21, at 5:00 pm through 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 27. Offerings can be viewed at 32Auctions.com, more information is available at oneontahistory.org, or at 607-432-0960, or email at info@oneontahistory.org.

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Franklin today from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at the Franklin Fire Department. Appointments can be sceduled with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Tomorrow On Tuesday, State Senator Fred Akshar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge and representatives of the State Department of Transportation will join local officials, family and community members to dedicate a portion of New York Route 17C the Patrolman David 'DW' Smith Memorial Highway in the Village of Johnson City. The dedication will begin at 11:00am at the Johnson City Police Department, Officer Smith served with the Johnson City Police Department for 18 1/2 years, in 2014, he was fatally shot after responding to a disturbance at a local business.

State Police are looking to identify 2 people in connection with a September 4th report of a wallet that was stolen from the Mount Upton Dollar General.. The wallet that was stolen from a cart, A woman is seen in surveillance video taking the wallet, a male is with her while at the store. The empty wallet was later found at a gas pump at Speedway at State Routes 7 and 8, & was turned in to the store by a patron, Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at (607)-561-7400, Pictures of the people in question can be viewed at the WCDO Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-29-22

State Police arrested 27 year old Gerard Bourgeois of Otego for 2nd degree Burglary & 3rd degree Arson, Police responded on Monday just before 8:00 PM to a report of a suspicious person in the area of Pleasant Valley Road in the town of Hartwick, troopers heard smoke alarms & observed smoke coming from a residence on Bunn Hill Road. The troopers notified area Firefighters & entered the home, they found an active fire at a gas stove, they could not turn off the stove due to the damage to the controls, & instead turned the propane tanks outside. Troopers responded to another report of a suspicious person near the Hartwick Restaurant on State Highway 205, when they located Bourgeois. Bourgeois was arraigned at Otsego County Centralized Arraignment and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond pending court action on October 12th.

Another Community Mass Food Distribution is being held Friday morning at the Sidney Fire Station at 11:00 AM on Union Street, Catholic Charities spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 9-30-22)

McKnight said that the mass food distribution started early last year, an average of 9 to 12 tons of food has been given away at each of the distributions.

Chenango County is experiencing a 40% increase in cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, with 26 new cases reported in the last month, 18 of the cases were Chlamydia and 7 were Gonorrhea, and 1 was a coinfection. More information about these & other sexually transmitted diseases is available at health.ny.gov, or cdc.gov or by calling the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 9-29-22

State Police arrested 22 year old Corey Sawyer of Norwich for allegedly stabbing 2 people in Chenango County. Sawyer was charged with 2 counts each of Attempted Murder & 2nd degree Assault and 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Troopers responded Wednesday to a residence on State Route 80 in the town of Otselic just before 1:30 AM, Sawyer is accused of stabbing 2 people with a knife during a domestic dispute, The victims were both taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital then later transported to Wilson Medical Center, with non-life-threatening injuries. 3 children under the age of 17 were at the residence when the incident occurred. Sawyer was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital due to injuries he sustained prior to Trooper’s arrival. He was treated and released, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $250-thousand cash bail, $500-thousand bond or $1-million partially secured bond. His next court date was set for October 4th.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum will have their annual raffle of a classic Car on October 12th. Those interested in winning the 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible need to register by the end of the day this Friday. Raffle Tickets can be purchased online at classiccarmuseum.org/mustang or by calling 607-334-2886.

The State DOT will hold a public hearing today at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances, reduce curvature in the roadway, The hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-27-22

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Brandon Hill of Oneonta after patrols responded to the report of a fight in progress on September 12th, at 954 State Highway 205 in the Town of Oneonta. Hill was charged with Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief & Disorderly Conduct, he was processed and was released on an appearance ticket, Deputies also arrested 34 year old Michelle Mead of Oneonta following the investigation into the fight & trespassing complaint, she was charged with Resisting Arrest & Obstruct Governmental Administration. Hill & Mead will appear in Town of Oneonta Court to answer to the charges on October 6th.

Catholic Charities of Sidney and other local organizations will hold another Community Partnership Mass Food Distribution this Friday morning at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street. Catholic Charities spokesperson Penny McKnight told WCDO News that they need volunteers to assist on that day:

(Penny McKnight 9-27-22)

McKnight reminds those wishing to attend to not arrive before 11:00 AM, and to stay in their vehicles in order to have an efficient distribution.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-27-22

The National Weather Service investigators revealed that a tornado moved through the Walton area on Sunday September 25th. The tornado moved through between 6:38 and 6:41 pm. Tornado damage was located along Walton Mountain Road where trees fell in a convergent pattern, damage was also reported on Route 10 to an auto repair shop and the west branch of the Delaware River along South River Road. The Weather Service measured the tornado’s winds at EF0 to EF1.

The American Red Cross has scheduled blood donation opportunities today. One drive will be held in West Oneonta from 11:30 am. - 4:30 pm., at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 107 Balmoral Drive, another will be held at the DCMO BOCES on State Route 206 in Trout Creek, from 8:30 am. - 2:30 pm., Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The State DOT will hold a public hearing this Wednesday at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances & reduce curves, the hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting tomorrow morning. The meeting will begin at 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner. Chamber members are encouraged to attend & participate.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-19-22

The State DOT will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 28th at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances, reduce curvature in the roadway, The hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

State Police responded Friday to State Route 17 west to a crash involving several vehicles. In the 1st crash, vehicles were stopped on State Route 17 due to a construction barrel in the road, a vehicle was unable to stop and struck the rear of a vehicle, causing 2 vehicles to spin, 1 of them hit the guide rail, the other vehicle, struck a different vehicle and pushed it into 1 of the original vehicles. 2 drivers were taken to Wilson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, 2 other drivers were injured, & were treated at the scene.

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will continue work on a catch basin on County Route 14 in the Town of Franklin for the next 2 weeks. The work will take place in the hamlet of Treadwell just east of the intersection of County Route 14 and Case Hill Road. Traffic will be controlled with temporary Stop signs, the traveling public should expect minor delays during the work period.

Commerce Chenango will hold their next Business After Hours Event today. The event will run from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center on State Route 80 in Sherburne.

The State Legislature passed 2 bills this year to ease aggressive medical debt collection practices. The first bill bans medical liens and wage garnishment; the second regulates the billing of so-called "facility fees," and requires that patients be informed about those fees up front. 112 nonprofit hospitals sued more than 53-thousand patients across the state between 2015 and 2020, some provision will still exist to allow hospitals to sue patients in certain circumstances. 13 other states already have these laws in place.

Governor Hochul signed a bill by State Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, to rename a portion of State Route 17C after Officer David “DW” Smith. Officer Smith was shot and killed responding to a disturbance in 2014, he served in the Johnson City Police Department for 18 years.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-25-22

The New York State Fair official opening day attendance Wednesday was 49,112, about 11,700 more people than last year’s extended fair’s Day 1. The Opening Day attendance was still far less than the record-setting 74,000 attendees on opening day in 2019, the year before the pandemic. On average, the fair attracts over 57,000 people on opening days.

The State DOT is advising motorists that the off-ramp at Exit 19 on Interstate 88 westbound in the Town of Worcester, will close for approximately 60 days starting on Monday, August 29. The closure is necessary to facilitate a project to resurface the road and rehabilitate bridges. A variable message sign will alert motorists of the closure and direct them to Exit 20 and a signed detour utilizing State Route 7.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-24-22

The Deposit Fire Department and Eastern Broome Emergency Services responded to a house fire in the Town of Sanford, Oquaga Lake Road was closed between Old Route 17 and Hanson Road. No injuries were reported, the structure sustained significant fire damage. Mutual aid was provided by fire fighters from Windsor, West Windsor, Harpursville, Ouaquaga and Afton.

More American Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled locally today, one will be held in Walton from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Avenue, another will be held in Cooperstown, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church on Elm Street. Donors can schedule an appointment to give using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park Association had a successful fundraising Golf Tournament this year, and more fundraisers may be announced, as upgrades are being performed at the Park in Sidney at River Street near State Route 8. Association president Doug Barnard told WCDO News that they need more members & volunteers:

(Doug Barnard 8-23-22)

Barnard said that this year, the Space Force will be commemorated on a riser at the park & the Merchants Marines will be honored at another location within the park. More information about the Association is available by calling Barnard at 301-875-2598.

The State DEC has expanded its Drought Watch to about 2/3rds of the state's land, as dry weather conditions continue. The watch now includes all of the counties south of the Mohawk River Valley, & excludes those in the Adirondacks, Eastern Great Lakes, Westchester County & New York City. DEC Officials are encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 8-16-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 35-year-old Jason Johnson of Nineveh has been found guilty of attempted murder & several other charges for the shooting of State Trooper Becky Seager on June 9th , 2021. Troopers responded to East Windsor Road for a welfare check, Trooper Becky Seager was shot in the hip, which was followed by a 19-hour manhunt, Johnson was found the next day at State Route 79 near the Susquehanna River in the town of Colesville.

Delaware County Sheriff's office have arrested 47 year old James Amato of Colchester, back on July 12th, Deputies responded to a trespass in progress, where Amato is accused of entering a gated property after being told he was not allowed there. On August 10th, Deputies arrested Amato for Criminal Mischief & Criminal Trespass, he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Andes Court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-15-22

State Police responded to the report of a Car & Motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon on State Route 7 in Afton. 53 year old Julie Lawton of Binghamton crossed over the double yellow and struck the driver’s side of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was traveling the opposite direction. Lawton was airlifted to Wilson Hospital where she later died of her injuries.

The State DOT is advising motorists that starting Today, State Route 7 between Pleasant Hill Road and Hancock Road in the Town of Colesville, will be closed to traffic for a culvert replacement. The closure is expected to last approximately 7 days, weather permitting, traffic will be directed to I-88. For up-to-date travel information, call 511.

The State DOT is advising motorists that starting Monday, August 15, State Route 7 between Pleasant Hill Road and Hancock Road in the Town of Colesville, will be closed to traffic for a culvert replacement. The closure is expected to last approximately 7 days, weather permitting, Motorists should utilize the following posted detours, to I-88 in both directions. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Sidney Area 1st Responders were dispatched to the report of a tractor trailer going into a ditch in the south bound lane of State Route 8 South of Sidney This Morning. Crews emptied the contents of the trailer for several hours, the vehicle was being removed from the site earlier this afternoon.

State Police & Emergency crews responded to the report of a concrete truck rollover today on I-88 in the town of Unadilla. No tickets have been announced, more information will be released following the investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-8-22

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 16 in the Towns of Delhi and Franklin to through traffic beginning at 7:00 AM today, through this Thursday to replace several culvert pipes. The road will be reopened at the end of the day each day. The traveling public should seek alternate routes.

29 year old Danielle Migdal of Norwich has been identified as the person who died in a 2 vehicle accident in the Town of Davenport July 6th. Migdal was a passenger in a vehicle on County Highway 10, that entered the intersection of State Route 23, & was struck by a pick up truck, the accident is still under investigation.

The Sidney Police Department & State Police, participated Thursday in the "Go for the Gold" event at the Dunkin Donuts Location at the Speedway convenience store at State Route 7 and 8. This fund raising event benefits the Special Olympics of New York, the local effort raised $1,967 for the athletes of the Special Olympics.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-29-22

The 1st Chenango County Wine, Beer, and Food Festival presented by Commerce Chenango Tourism will be held Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich from 11 am. to 7 pm. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 7-29-22)

More information is available at Chenangowbffest.com, or on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today, from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, at the Quality Inn, on State Route. To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.