76WEST – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-5-17

wcdonews — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 21:27:42 +0000

The Oneonta Police Department is investigating the death of State University student Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills Saturday, preliminary reports suggest that a combination of drugs & alcohol led to a cardiac arrest, which led to the death the 18-year-old. Michaels was found passed out at a fraternity at 34 Academy Street in Oneonta early Saturday, he was taken to Fox Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The full toxicology report is not expected for another 4 weeks, the investigation is ongoing. State University of Oneonta announced that they are offering additional counseling services to students affected by the Michael’s death.
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Tri Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will have a new name as of January 1st, following the recent decision to have the hospital affiliated with Fox Hospital in Oneonta, rather than Bassett hospital in Cooperstown. State regulations stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care facility, Fox is about 23 miles from the Sidney facility. The new name will be A.O. Fox Hospital- Tri Town Regional Campus; services that are available will be unchanged with the new name.
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New York Farm Bureau & the Food Bank Association of New York State announced that New York farmers donated 9 million pounds of fresh food and farm products this year through the month of November. 7 million meals were provided to New Yorkers in need, and with less than a month to go in 2017, the number is expected to climb even more during the holiday season.
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NYSEG reported that 1,193 customers without power in Delaware County, due to a utility pole that caught fire in Delancey this morning. The majority of the power outages were reported in Delancey, Delhi and Hamden areas. NYSEG reported that crews have restored power to those affected in Delaware & Otsego Counties.
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Governor Cuomo announced the 76West Clean Energy Competition is now accepting applications from clean energy companies for its 3rd round of funding. 76West is part of the “Southern Tier Soaring,” strategy to generate economic development & NYSERDA administers the 76West Competition, which will accept applications through April 16th. 20 finalists will be selected and brought to the Southern Tier next spring to meet with prospective local partners, industry leaders, potential sources of funding, and other resources within the region. 6 winners will receive a total of $2.5 million in prizes; the Winners will be announced later next year.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37-year-old Tabatha Pusen of Kirkwood Sunday, on charges of DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana & various traffic violations following a traffic stop in the Town of Walton. Pusen was additionally charged with speeding at 70 miles an hour in s 55 zone, operating with an out headlight, She was released on tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.
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Long time Otsego County Area entrepreneur Eugene Bettiol Sr. passed away at the age of 85. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. at Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Contributions may be made to the Foothills Performing Arts Center.
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The Commerce Chenango Business After Hours Holiday Celebration will be held today at the Norwich NBT Bank. Participants are asked to help Catholic Charities “Roots and Wings” food pantry by bringing a non-perishable food item, NBT is also accepting new, unwrapped toys for the local Toys-for-Tots Program.
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The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have a regular meeting on today, beginning at 5:30 pm at The Meeting Place, 187 Main Street, Unadilla. All directors and members urged to attend.

WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 10-3-17

wcdonews — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 18:44:51 +0000

19-year-old Dylan Cumpston of Delhi was arrested Saturday by Oneonta Police following the report of a stabbing. Cumpston was charged with 2nd-degree assault & 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon, after Police responded to Fox Hospital, where staff treated the victim of a stabbing following a fight on Columbia Street. The unidentified victim was treated and released from Fox Hospital, Cumpston was arraigned Sunday in Oneonta City Court, the investigation is ongoing.
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New York State received only 84 cents back for every dollar that it sent in taxes to the federal government in 2016, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York received $55 billion in Social Security payments, $47 billion for Medicare and more than $46 billion for Medicaid plus Billions of federal dollars for transportation, education and veterans benefits programs. New Yorkers paid almost $255 billion in taxes to the federal government. DiNapoli’s report stated that most states received $1.18 back for every $1.00 sent to Washington.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 38-year-old Nelson Gardner of Walton, following an investigation into a domestic incident in the Town of Walton. Gardner is accused of choking a woman while her while children were in the residence, he was charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court & was released on his own recognizance, he was ordered to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.
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23-year-old Edward Ferrall of Lynbrook Long Island was arrested early Saturday morning by Oneonta police, for 1st degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, menacing and resisting arrest. Oneonta Police responded to 236 Main Street at about 2:25 AM, Police found the victim of a Head Injury, who was taken to Fox Hospital, and was transferred to Albany Medical Center. Ferrall was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and released on $5,000 bail, the investigation is ongoing.
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The State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit is hosting its 2nd annual Campus Sexual Assault Seminar this week in Albany. More than 270 participants registered for the seminar, which continues through tomorrow at the State Police Academy on the in Albany. The stakeholders attending the conference include members of the law enforcement community, campus public safety officials, campus administrators, faculty and staff, victim advocates, medical professionals, prosecutors and attorneys.
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The Deposit Chamber Of Commerce will hold their annual Octoberfest this weekend, Chamber President Nick Barone explains:

(Nick Barone 10-3-17)

The event will be hold on Front Street in Downtown Deposit Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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22nd Congressional District Democratic Candidate Heath Phillips announced today that he would no longer be a candidate for the 2018 election. Phillips cited unexpected family issued as the reason to drop out of the race for the seat currently occupied by Republican Claudia Tenney.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the State Police conducted an enhanced traffic enforcement detail Friday in Stamford & Walton. 53 traffic summonses were issued and resulted in 8 arrests for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; 2 possession of alcohol by a person under 21; 2 possession of an open alcoholic beverage container, plus Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs; Criminal Possession of Marijuana; criminal possession of a forged instrument; Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Jack Oflynn of Pearl River for unlawful possession of marijuana and driving while ability impaired by drugs following a traffic stop on Main Street in the Village of Delhi. The defendant was additionally charged with operating with an out headlight, failure to keep right, and was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the State will provide additional support for the Southern Tier’s growing clean energy sector by officially launching its first incubator in this region for use by 76West winners and other clean energy technology companies. The new facility in Binghamton will provide space, technical support and other assistance for clean technology companies, including the winners of the recent 76West competition and similar entrepreneurs.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-30-16

wcdonews — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 20:04:39 +0000

State Police arrested 32-year-old Curtis Commesso of Bainbridge for reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal contempt, after troopers were advised of a domestic dispute on I-88 in the Town of Fenton. Commesso allegedly drove recklessly by another vehicle that was occupied by his ex-girlfriend, their young child and others, he swerved in front of the victim’s vehicle, and the behavior violated a court order of protection. Commesso was arraigned in the Town of Fenton Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, pending future court action.
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New York state’s Medicaid system made approximately $6.8 million in inappropriate payments, including $3.5 million for separately billed medical services that should have been covered by managed care plans, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Additionally, auditors identified 15 Medicaid providers who were charged with or found guilty of crimes that violated the laws or regulations of a health care program. So far, about $2.4 million of the overpayments were recovered. The report is available at osc.state.ny.us/audits.
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A New York state environmental conservation officer was hospitalized after being shot while investigating illegal hunting in Columbia County. State police say 2 En-Con officers were checking out reports of trespassing with shots fired Tuesday afternoon; Officer James Davey was shot in the pelvic area by 54-year-old Alan Blanchard of Gallatin. Davey underwent surgery at MidHudson Regional Hospital and is listed in stable condition. Blanchard was charged Tuesday night with assault. He was being held Wednesday in county jail without bail.
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The Otsego County Sheriffs department arrested 59-year-old Rhonda Wing of Morris for DWI Saturday after she crashed her car in the Town of Pittsfield. Wing was arraigned at the Pittsfield Town Court and is expected to reappear December 21st.
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The State Assembly held a public hearing in Albany today regarding the rapid increase in student debt by college graduates. Statistics compiled by the state comptroller’s office shows that student loan debt has doubled in the last decade. Last year, New York residents had an average of $32,200 in student debt, which is well above the national average of about $25,500.
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Delaware County Deputies arrested 46-year-old Ronald Walley of Walton, for DWI, failure to keep right and speed unreasonable and prudent, following a 1-car rollover accident on County Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Walley was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court on December 28th.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Christmas Parade this Friday night in downtown Sidney. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor said that this year’s theme is “A Country Christmas:”

(Steph Taylor 11-30-16)

Taylor said that they will also hold their house decorating contest again this year, with 30 local homes winning the “Spirit Award” More information is available at the new Chamber office at 85 main street in Sidney.
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The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will have their next meeting today; The Sidney High School Student Teen Institute team will present their recent experiences at the State Prevention Network’s Conference. Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 11-30-16)

Tonight’s meeting runs from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Sidney High School Library & is open to the public.
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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will be in Cooperstown & Binghamton this afternoon. At 12:00 PM Hochul will tour Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown & at 2:00 PM she will announce the 76West Clean Energy Business Competition Winners at Binghamton University.
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State DEC will hold a public scoping meeting for a study on flood-damage reduction needs today. the meeting will be held in the Sidney Memorial Public Library at 6:30 PM in the Smart Community Room. The Public is invited to attend.
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The State DOT announced that bridge work on State Route 30/206 northbound and southbound over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the town Colchester will require intermittent road closures in both directions starting today through December 2 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Crews will be setting bridge girders for the new bridge. Motorists will encounter traffic stoppages intermittently for 10 – 15 minutes several times during the work hours daily. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.
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American Red Cross blood drives will be held at both local BOCES campuses today. One blood drive will be held at the Harold campus on state route 206 in Masonville from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, another blood drive will be held at the Norwich BOCES campus from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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The Lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which came from Oneonta this year, will be seen on the big screen at the Foothills Performing Arts center tonight. Center Spokesman Bill Youngs explains:

(Bill Youngs 11-30-16)

The tree was removed recently from the Eichler property at Country Club Road in Oneonta; it will be let in the televised ceremony tonight & will be on display until January 7th.
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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 2-1-16

wcdonews — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:19:33 +0000

State Police investigated a 1-vehicle rollover accident on I-86 in the Town of Windsor late Thursday night. 22-year-old Andrew Fuerteperez of The Bronx drifted off the roadway in his SUV & rolled over into a ditch. The rear seat passenger, 19-year-old Darien Frias of The Bronx was ejected, as he did not have his seat belt on. He was transported to Wilson Hospital with skull fractures & died from his injuries Friday. The front seat passenger, 19-year-old Samantha Figueroa of The Bronx suffered a shoulder injury, Fuerteperez was transported to Wilson Hospital with a head laceration, he was treated & released. The investigation is continuing.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office conducted an audit of Otsego County’s rising costs for those needing temporary housing. Officials house individuals in motels for $50 a night and families in the Shelter for $75 a night per individual without a discount for families. DiNapoli’s office recognized that external factors contributing to the difficulty in finding reasonably priced permanent housing within the County, such as the decline in the economy, 2 local colleges with students using off-campus housing and the increase in tourism due to the baseball camps in the Cooperstown and Oneonta areas. The Comptrollers recommendations include collecting relevant data necessary to monitor The program’s performance, Evaluate the use of the Shelter to determine if it’s meeting their goals in a cost-efficient manner & Contact neighboring counties to identify critical differences in the strategies employed for temporary housing.
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Governor Cuomo announced that 76West is now accepting applications for innovative, clean-energy businesses to locate or create jobs in the Southern Tier. The competition includes 4 years of annual $1 million grand prizes, to create jobs, attract entrepreneurs and support the Governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy. Each year, 76West will distribute a total of $2.5 million in prizes, consisting of a $1 million grand prize, one $500,000 award and four $250,000 awards. Additional support and services may also be available, including mentorship and incubator space.
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The Catskill Area Hospice has announced that their annual Celebrity party will be held on Friday, July 1st featuring Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. The event will take place at the 6th Ward Athletic Club field in Oneonta, tickets for the general public go on sale February 12th at CAHPC.org.
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State Senator Republican are expected to battle the Governor Again this year on the “Dream Act” State Senator John Bonacic comments:

(Bonacic 2-2-16)

The Dream Act was proposed by Governor Cuomo Last year & passed in the State Assembly but failed to gather support in the State senate.
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The Oneonta Parks & Recreation Committee will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common Council Chamber in City Hall.
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The American Cancer Society Relay for Life team captain meeting will be held tonight at the United Methodist Church in Sidney at 5:30 PM. This year’s Tri-Town Relay for Life will be held on May 14th at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, more information is available at 563-9634.
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The annual Delaware County Fair dinner was held Saturday at the Walton fire house. Fair Board member Danny Hodges said that they have a headliner for the Saturday night concert this year:

(Danny Hodges 1-30-16)

Hodges said that they expect to announce the opening act for the Saturday night Frankie Ballard concert shortly.
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Congressman Chris Gibson’s name continues to be mentioned as a possible Republican Gubernatorial candidate; Gibson told WCDO News that if he plans to run, he has to make a decision soon in order to raise enough money to go against Governor Cuomo large campaign fund:

(Gibson 1-30-16)

Gibson was in Walton Saturday for the annual Delaware county Fair dinner. Gibson declined to run or another term in Congress
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State Police Arrested 22 year old Anthony Viviano of Deposit for driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marihuana and other traffic tickets. The arrest occurred after troopers received a report of pickup truck possible being driven by an intoxicated person on State Route 79 in the Town of Colesville. The trooper located the pickup truck a short distance away in a ditch, Viviano was found to unlawfully possess about seven grams of marihuana. He consented to a test of his blood for drugs at Wilson Hospital, the lab results are pending. Viviano was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Colesville Court on February 3rd.
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There will be a Red Cross blood drive at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, in Sidney today. Donation time will be between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You may make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RedCross. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
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