The State Budget plan will not be ready by the midnight deadline tonight. Governor Kathy Hochul announced this afternoon that she will submit a 1 week budget extender and will work with legislative leaders to get a final budget plan in place by April 10th.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their Legislative Leadership on April 12th at the Old Schoolhouse Inn in Downsville. The event will run from 9:00 to 11:00 Am & Will feature congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker & assembly-members Joe Angelino, Brian Maher & Chris Tague. Registration is available at delawarecounty.org.

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Another 6 county virtual job fair will be held on April 12th, involving Chenango Delaware & Otsego Counties. The Job Fair will run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, More information is available at 315-207-6951 extension 133 OR working-solutions.org.

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The New York State Cannabis Control Board provisionally approved 99 more Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses, increasing New York’s total to 165. 2 of the new dispenaries will be in the Southern Tier.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-3-23

Bassett Healthcare & Helios Care are teaming up to bring Author Sallie Tisdale for a town hall event Thursday at 6:00 PM at the Bassett Medical Center’s Clark Auditorium, to talk about Advance Directives, Bassett Spokesman Tim Schaffer explains:

(Tim Schaffer 4-3-23)

Schaffer said that the event will also be available through ZOOM, the links can be found at bassett.org or through the Bassett Facebook page.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of $2.2 million through the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund to help connect New Yorkers to addiction services. The “Connections to Care” initiative will provide up to 11 grants for eligible providers to connect individuals in high-need and under served populations to long-term recovery. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can call 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY.

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The Next Meeting of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held tonight. The meeting begins at 6:30 pm in the back room at Bob’s Diner.

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This Year’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held from Friday Night to Sunday Night on Memorial Day Weekend, Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO news about the change this year:

(John Harmon 4-15-22)

Also, the next class of 2 contributors & 4 paddlers will be inducted into the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame next month in Bainbridge. Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Greg Davie told WCDO News about this year’s Inductees:

(Greg Davie 4-15-22)

The inductees are scheduled to be honored at General Clinton Park on Saturday, May 28th at 1:00 pm under the Main Entertainment tent at General Clinton Park during this year’s Regatta.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce held their 3rd Friday Eat & Meet breakfast in Hamden today, With Featured Speaker Katie Blaine of GetThere New York, a program of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Blaine told WCDO News of new programs to go along with existing programs to get Delaware County Peiople transported to & from their Delaware County Jobs:

(Katie Blaine 4-15-22)

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci commented:

(Ray Pucci 4-15-22)

GetThere seeks to improve transportation access and coordination in the region. Those who would like to volunteer, can call 855-373-4040.

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The Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative’s Local Planning Committee Meeting announced a 4th meeting will be held virtually on ZOOM on Monday, April 25th at 3:00 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to continue the Committee’s discussion and review of potential projects for inclusion in Norwich’s Strategic Investment Plan. The meeting is open to all members of the public, with time reserved at the end of the meeting for public comment. The ZOOM link can be accessed on the WCDO Facebook page.

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The New York Cannabis Control Board approved the first batch of 52 adult-use cannabis cultivation licenses allowing already established hemp farmers to begin growing marijuana for recreational use. Approval for the farmers comes two months after Gov. Hochul signed legislation creating a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license that ensures existing hemp growers would get first crack at getting seeds in the ground. The new conditional cultivator licenses are good for up to two years and will allow New York growers to manufacture and distribute cannabis flower products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023. A 45-day public comment period will begin on May 4 and then the board will review the regulations.

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The State Health Department reported rising coronavirus infections in the state appear to be driven by 2 new versions of the Omicron BA.2 variant, which has been driving up the state’s positivity numbers to 4.7% as of Thursday. The 2 new viruses are about 25% more contagious than previous BA.2 variant, which was more contagious than any previous variant of the coronavirus, One of the subvariants has a mutation that has been shown to help evade the body’s immune defenses. The severity of the 2 new strains is yet to be determined.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies responded on Sunday to a residence on Knapp Road in the Town of Sherburne for a reported Shooting. Deputies located 39 year old Joseph Hubbard of Poolville, deceased inside of the residence from a gunshot from a rifle. There were also two other adults and children inside the residence at the time of the incident. The parties involved were known to each other. There is no danger to the public and all parties involved have been identified and the investigation is ongoing, with assistance from State Police.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-15-22

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 3rd Friday Business & Breakfast event today in Hamden, the event will run from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at the Hamden Inn & Lounge.

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The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held in Norwich this Saturday, in the East and West Parks downtown. Children up to age four will be let into West Park at 10 a.m. to search for eggs, and children between the ages of five and eight will be let into East Park at 10:30 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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The American Red Cross continues to report the need for blood donations. A Blood Drive is being held in Sidney today from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the American Legion at 22 Union Street. Prospective Donors can make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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The Broome County Health Department reports an increase in opioid overdoses in 2022 compared to numbers in the previous year. For the first quarter of 2022 there has been 21 suspected fatal overdoses and 147 reported non-fatal overdoses. In 2021 Broome County reported a total of 54 total suspected fatal overdoses and 516 reported non-fatal overdoses.

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Mark Drnek won the race for Oneonta Mayor Tuesday, he told WCDO news of how the first weeks of his administration will go:

(Mark Drnek 11-3-21)

Drnek said that he has about 8 weeks to transition into the mayor’s position, with help from outgoing mayor Gary Herzig.

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Brian Doliver was elected Tuesday as the next Mayor of the City of Norwich, he told WCDO News that there a lot of big issues to deal with right from the start:

(Brian Doliver 11-3-21)

Doliver said that he will also reach out to former Norwich Mayors Christine Carnrike & Joe Mauriano, who he served with a member of the Norwich Common Council.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society is planning an online Auction November 12th, and they will also return with an in person Auction November 19th, as their 2 main Fundraisers this year. Spokesman Bob Brzozowski told WCDO News that they hope to bounce back this year after just doing an online auction last year, due to the pandemic & shutdown:

(Bob Brzozwski 11-3-21)

The online auction can be found at 32auctions.com, the in person auction will be held November 19th at the Quality Inn on State Route 23 in Oneonta, more information about both auctions are available by calling the Greater Oneonta Historical Society at 432-0960.

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that they will be receiving artifacts from the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. Artifacts will include Spikes worn by Braves Game 6 starter Max Fried, a Batting helmet worn by World Series MVP Jorge Soler, a Bat used by Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in Game 6 & the Jersey worn in Games 1 and 2 by Braves manager Brian Snitker.

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The Friends of Afton announced the return of Afton’s Annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday December 4th at 5:00 pm. Floats and vehicles will line up at Corporate Park off Route 7, Walking groups, bicycles, and golf carts will gather at the Afton Edge Apartments.

A.M. News Wednesday 11-3-21

Yesterday was Election Day, The Delaware County Board of Elections did not announce a winner for the Sidney Town Supervisor’s race, between write-in candidates Eric Wilson & Kevin Greene, Officials told WCDO News it will take days or maybe even weeks to count & certify all of the write in votes across all 19 towns from this year’s elections, there were 552 write in Votes Tuesday in Sidney Town Supervisors race. The winners for the Sidney Town board were Frank Selleck & Bill Heath, in the Town of Meredith, Town Council winners were John Janiszewski & David Briggs, the Town of Franklin Board seats go to Garret Sitts & Heather Ross, the town of Middletown Supervisor Will be Patrick Davis, the Town of Tompkins Clerk was Michelle Phoenix, in the Town Of Delhi, the supervisor will be Mark Tuttle, the Town Council winners were Margaret Baldwin & Matthew Kryston & the Walton Town Supervisor will be Joseph Cetta. In Chenango County, Sheriff Ernest Cutting was re-elected, The County Clerk winner is Brian Wessels, & the winners for the Norwich City Council are Fred Gee, William Loomis, Tom Revoir & Barry Christopherson. The winners for the Guilford Town Board were Thomas Ives & Matthew Retz, in Otsego County, the Board of Representatives winners were Ed Frazier, Jerry Madsen, Rick Brockway, Margaret Kennedy, Jennifer Mickle, Charles Varney, Keith McCarty, Clark Oliver & Donald Scanlon & the Town of Oneonta Supervisor will be Randall Mowers, while Karen Liddle & Sean Farrell Won the 2 Town of Oneonta Justice seats & Kimberly Fierke & Skylar Thompson Win the 2 Seats on the Oneonta Town Board. The town of Hartwick Supervisor will be Robert O’Brien while Christopher Briggs & Bruce Markussen win the seats on the Town Board. In the Town of Unadilla, the Town Justice winner is Joshua Palmer The Unadilla Town Clerk will be Terry Yoder & the Town Council winners were Ron Reed & Jessica Grow, in the town of Laurens, George Decker, Edwin Winslow were the winners of Town Board Seats. Across New York State, voters rejected the propositions, amending the apportionment and redistricting process, eliminating the 10 day advance voter registration requirement, & authorizing the no excuse absentee balloting. Voters approved the proposition to the Right to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment.

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The New York State Cannabis Control Board will hold their next meeting today, at 1:00 pm. virtually. The public is able to observe this meeting at players.brightcove.net. Videos and transcripts of the meeting will be posted at cannabis.ny.gov.

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The Town of Oneonta will hold a public budget hearing tonight at 7:00 PM at the town hall in West Oneonta, the town board will also discuss a law to over-ride the State Tax cap.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at 8:00 am, it will be held at Trackside Dining on Main Street.

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On October 21st, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling at 68 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone on State Highway 8 in Masonville. 52-year-old Jack Mason of Whitney Point, was stopped, his license was revoked due to failure to answer a prior summons from the Sidney Town Court. Mason was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operator of a Motor Vehicle, Speeding, Failure to Use a Turn Signal, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Stop Lamps. Mason was later released on traffic tickets to Masonville Town Court at a later date.

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The Associated Press is reporting today that New York Attorney General Letitia James will announce her intentions to run for Governor. James’s term as Attorney General led to the resignation of Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a recent hypothetical Siena College poll among Democrats placed James a distant 2nd to current Governor Kathy Hochul, and slightly ahead of Andrew Cuomo.

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Delaware County Public Health Announced Another Death From COVID 19, bringing their total to 64 since the pandemic began. The County reports 30 new cases with a 4.9% positivity rate for tests conducted Tuesday & Wednesday, they have 103 active cases, 3 hospitalized & 123 quarantined, and 52% of Delaware County Residents are vaccinated against COVID 19.

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Norwich Police arrested a Texas man following a high speed chase Late Wednesday Night. Norwich Police arrested 46 year old Ronald Alexander Jr. of Pharr, Texas for criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, Unlawful Fleeing Police, reckless endangerment, & Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Pharr faces court action shortly, the investigation is ongoing.

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Otsego County sheriff’s deputies arrested 52 year old Timothy Arnold of Edmeston for 1st-degree disseminating indecent material to minors and failure to notify an account change for a sex offender. Arnold was arrested Tuesday following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, he is accused of requesting nude pictures and he allegedly solicited sex from a minor, he also failed to register his social media accounts to authorities which is required by paroled sex offenders.

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The Center to Advance Palliative Care has announced that Helios Care of Oneonta, was awarded a “Silver” designation in the “Tipping Point Challenge”. Alicia Fish of Helios Care told WCDO News that it is a high honor to be considered:

(Alicia Fish 10-28-21)

Helios won their award for its project: “Choices: Innovative In-Home Palliative Care Program for the Rural Under-served Population.”

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-28-21

The State Attorney General’s Office announced the indictment of Trooper Christopher Baldner, for 2nd degree Murder, 2nd degree Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment. The indictment alleges that Trooper Baldner, while on patrol along the State Thruway in Ulster County in December, used his police vehicle to ram a car occupied by the Goods family, causing the car to flip over, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. Additionally, the indictment alleges that, in September of 2019, Baldner similarly endangered the lives of 3 passengers by using his police vehicle to ram their car. Baldner was arraigned and was remanded, Baldner a bail hearing will be held today.

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The State Cannabis Control Board has announced that their next meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 3, at 1:00 pm virtually. The public is able to observe this meeting at players.brightcove.net. Videos and transcripts of the meeting will be posted on at cannabis.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic today at 97 Main Street, Delhi from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The vaccination clinic is open to people over the age of 18. Boosters will be available at this clinic as well as first or 2nd dose vaccines. The CDC issued recommendations for a single booster dose six months or more after initial series for people 65 years of age and older, those who live in long-term care settings, those with underlying medical conditions, those who work or live in high-risk settings, as well as First responders, Education staff, Food and agriculture workers, Manufacturing workers, Corrections workers & U.S. Postal Service workers. For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

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The Village of Sidney is sending out surveys to residents about ideas they may have for land usage behind the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak visited the WCDO Studios this morning:

(Andy Matviak 10-21-21)

The virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, November 11 at 5:30 PM, on Zoom, login information will be posted at resilient-sidney.com/events. Village of Sidney residents will receive a mailed newsletter providing more information; Sidney Residents can also call 561-2320.

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Commerce Chenango will be holding a Career Expo in Norwich next month, area employers are invited to sign up to participate as soon as possible, according to Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green:

(Kerri Green 10-21-21)

The 2021 Career Expo November 9th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich campus, more information is available at commercechenango.com.

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According to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 14,800, or 0.2%, to 7,524,900 in September 2021. New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 7.4% to 7.1% in September 2021.

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The Food & Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention are investigating an outbreak of salmonella linked to whole, fresh onions, distributed nationwide by ProSource Produce of Idaho, the contaminated onions were imported from Mexico. ProSource has agreed to recall red, yellow and white onions imported from Mexico with import dates from July 1 to Aug. 27th, The CDC reported there are at least 11 persons infected with Salmonella in New York State.

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The Unadilla Library and Unadilla Community House will be holding a 100th anniversary celebration this Saturday. The event is open to the public & will run from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM Saturday.

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Norwich Republican mayoral candidate Brian Doliver will be holding a meet and greet this Saturday, October 23, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Deja Brew in Norwich. Doliver faces Democratic Candidate John Quattrocchi on Election Day.

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The State Department of Transportation is looking to hire & train drivers for snowplows for the coming winter season, Drivers & other DOT positions can be found at ny.gov/programs/nysdot-employment-opportunities.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-21-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 2 more COVID Deaths for the period of Tuesday & Wednesday, bringing the COVID Death Toll to 62. Delaware County reported 30 new cases, for a 9.28% positivity rate, they have 125 active cases, with 5 hospitalized & 220 quarantined. 51.7% of Delaware County residents are vaccinated.

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Former State Senator Jen Metzger, who was recently appointed to the state’s Cannabis Control Board will be the featured speaker for the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s virtual Third Thursday, this morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. to Register go to delawarecounty.org/chamber-events to get the link to the ZOOM presentation free.

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Norwich City Police Arrested 49 year old Gary Hackett of Norwich Monday for Criminal Sale of a A controlled substance. Hackett is accused of selling Methamphetamines in Norwich, he was arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail, pending court action on Thursday in Norwich City Court.

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This Saturday, the Sidney Police Department will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day. Village residents can dispose of their expired, unused or unwanted prescription medication between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, in the lobby of the Sidney Police Department on Liberty Street, no hypodermic needles, liquids or inhalers will be accepted.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today signed 2 pieces of legislation boosting transparency in state and local government. The first piece of legislation requires documents that are going to be discussed at open meetings to be made available on request or posted on the government’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The second piece of legislation requires the MTA to publish its data in formats that are easily accessible and can be easily downloaded and used by the public.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new centralized website for New York State COVID-19 data. This website includes new data as well as a reorganization of previously released data to make it easier for the public to access, read and understand. In addition, more COVID-19 data is now being made available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society has released “Voices of the Pandemic,” a new interview series recording the reactions of Oneonta’s institutional leaders to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The interview series is free and accessible at oneontahistory.org. More information about the Society is available at 432-0960.

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The New York State Cannabis Control Board will hold a public meeting at 1:00 PM this Thursday, virtually. The public can view the meeting at players.brightcove.net, Videos and transcripts of the meeting will be posted at cannabis.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS 10-19-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 33 new COVID cases Saturday through Monday, with a 9% positivity rate for those tested, they report 133 active cases, 11 hospitalized and 280 quarantined, they had had 60 COVID deaths. 51.6% of the County residents are fully vaccinated.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of $20.7 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements at 24 public-use airports across New York. In the Southern Tier; $1.5 million toward installation of energy efficient lighting and replacement of the revenue control system at the Greater Binghamton Airport in Broome County. $200,000 will go for energy efficiency Jet Hangar improvements, including high-efficiency heating and LED lighting and general hangar rehabilitation activities at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport in Chenango County.

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning. The Chamber meeting will begin at 7:30 am at the back of Bob’s Diner, Chamber members are urged to attend.

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