Several area Fire Departments responded to a blaze at Birdsong Farms on State Route 10 in the town of Delhi early this morning. The fire was called in at about 3:40 AM, Firefighters from Delhi, Walton & Trout Creek responded, traffic was detoured for several hours off of State Route 10, the fire was under control late this morning, with fire companies dismissed from service, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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The State Legislature continues their session in Albany, and Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that he doesn’t see any changes in the Bail Reform laws happening, even after a case on Long Island where 4 people were released after dismembering 2 bodies and scattered them over a wide area in public view:

(Joe Angelino 3-19-24)

Angelino said that New York is the ONLY state that doesn’t allow a Judge to decide the dangerousness of a defendant prior to release, he will continue to call for a review of Bail statutes.

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New York’s Move Over Law will soon be expanded to include all vehicles. Starting March 27th, drivers will be required to take precautions, including slowing down and moving over, to avoid a crash with all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Previously, the law dictated moving over for emergency vehicles parked on the side of a highway, from 2016 to 2020, 37 individuals were killed outside disabled vehicles in New York, nationally, nearly 300 drivers are struck and killed roadside every year.

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The Workforce Development Board is offering a free virtual job fair on Tuesday, April 2, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for all businesses and job seekers in local counties, including Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties. More information is available at working-solutions.org.

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit affirmed the decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of New York to dismiss the case against Delaware County by former County Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter, who unsuccessfully claimed that the County had violated her First Amendment rights; that she was denied due process as part of her 2019 dismissal; and The County’s actions were retaliatory as a result of her testimony during a Family Court proceeding.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 3-19-24

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of additional home heating assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers, as HEAP has extended the deadline for Regular and Emergency HEAP applications to April 12 and is now accepting applications for a second emergency benefit from eligible New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits. Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or call the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

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Tickets are still available for Little Women The Musical for the performances tonight & tomorrow night online at BroadwayInBinghamton.com, Ticketmaster.com, or by visiting the Arena Box Office. More information is available at 607-772-1391.

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2 American Red Cross Blood Drives are available in locally today. 1 blood drive will be held in Walton from 1:30 to 6:00 PM, at the Pines Brook Church, another will be held in Richfield Springs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Richfield Springs High School, to book an appointment go to RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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The Village of Sidney Mayoral & Village Board seat election results were released this morning, Sidney Village Clerk Lisa French told WCDO News the numbers:

(Lisa French 3-22-23)

French said that all ballots had to be turned in by 9:00 PM last night to be counted, including early & absentee ballots.

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The United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday that 30 year old Shelby Ortiz of Maryland, New York was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison and a 20-year term of supervised release, for distributing child pornography. Ortiz also will be required to register as a sex offender upon her release from prison. Ortiz pleaded guilty in October 2022, she admitted that she subjected a 7-month-old boy to sexual contact which was video recorded and sent to to a person living in Florida with whom she was participating in an online and telephone dominant/submissive sexual relationship. The case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security, the Oneonta Police Department, and the State Police

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office announced that 27 year old Brandon Morse of Edmeston was charged with cashing a stolen check last month was arrested again over the weekend for falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement. Morse is accused of lying to authorities about a man outside of his residence with a gun. Prior to the February arrest, Morse allegedly stole a $3,500 check from a local business and cashed it illegally. Morse was released with an appearance ticket and is due back in court at a later date.

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The Afton Sertoma Club presents Goofy Golf again this Saturday at the Afton Central school, Spokesperson Helen Kittle explains:

(Helen Kittle 3-22-23)

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, no pre registration is required.

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The 2023 Norwich St. Baldrick’s “Brave the Shave” fundraising event was held at the Norwich American Legion Post 189 Saturday, the fundraiser to support childhood cancer research raised $49,236 this year with the event. Donations for the 2023 Norwich St. Baldrick’s are being accepted at StBaldricks.org/events/norwich2023.

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Delaware County Board of Supervisors were notified that the federal civil rights suit filed against the County by former Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter, was dismissed by the U.S. District Court Monday. Scuderi-Hunter had filed the civil rights suit last year, claiming that the County had violated her 1st Amendment rights; that she was denied due process as part of her 2019 dismissal; and that the County’s actions were retaliatory as a result of her testimony during a Family Court proceeding. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Kahn, ordered the claims made by Scuderi-Hunter be dismissed on the basis that the claims had already been litigated and decided by the State Appellate Division in February 2022, she additionally appealed that decision, which was denied last June, she then sought an appeal from the State Court of Appeals which was also denied. Judge Kahn also dismissed Scuderi-Hunter’s claims that County Attorney Amy Merklen had a conflict of interest in carrying out her duties as assigned.

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The Village of Sidney Police Benevolent Association endorsed Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith in this year’s race for the the Delaware County District Attorney’s Position. The Association stated that they reached this decision following an increase in communication, transparency & compassion from the DA’s office & Staff since Smith became the Acting DA January 1st. Smith faces a primary in June from fellow Republican Joe Ermeti of Sidney, who announced his candidacy recently for the DA position.

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A.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-22-23

Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced that 71 year old Vincent Balsamo of Walton was arraigned on a sealed indictment in Delaware County Court Monday. The Indictment charges Balsamo with 2nd degree Manslaughter, 2nd degree Assault & Reckless Endangerment, for repeatedly choking, strangling & slapping & striking 52 year old April Kestner of Honesdale Pennsylvania at his residence in the Town of Walton in December 7th of 2022. Balsamo faces 5 to 15 years in jail on the Manslaughter charge, he was sent to the Delaware County Correctional facility on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond.

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The City of Oneonta announced that there will be one lane traffic at the intersection of Main Street and Gardner Place in order to tie the new sewer pipe into an existing sanitary sewer manhole. Temporary traffic signals with stop bars will be used to direct traffic and maintain a steady flow. For questions or concerns related to this project, please contact the Department of Public Works by emailing dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us, or calling 432-2100.

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The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect daily single lane closures along both directions of State Route 434 (Vestal Parkway) between Murray Hill Road in the Town of Vestal and Pennsylvania Avenue in the City of Binghamton, weekdays from 6:30 am. to 6 pm. through approximately October 15. The lane closures are necessary to facilitate construction of a multi-purpose pedestrian path.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to disabled vehicle on County Highway 26 in the Town of Hamden. During the course of the investigation Sheriff’s Deputies identified the driver as 21 year old Edwards Khali of Delhi, Deputies discovered that Khali’s vehicle was suspended due to an insurance lapse. Khali was charged with with Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended Registration & Unregistered Vehicle, he was released on an appearance ticket, and was directed to appear before the Town of Hamden Court at a later date to answer for the charge.

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Governor Kathy Hochul was picked Thursday in New York City as the Democratic party’s choice for the 2022 race for Governor. Hochul has more than $21 million in her campaign warchest, she earned 85.6% of the weighted vote at the Democratic Party convention Thursday, she will likely still face primary challenges from Congressman Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

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The 1st public meeting regarding the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative was held virtually Wednesday evening. There is an Open Call for New Proposals for project within the DRI boundary to submit for consideration by the Local Planning Committee, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green told WCDO News the timeline for projects:

(Kerri Green 2-18-22)

Green said that a Project Proposal Form can be found on the website: norwichdri.com. The Open Call for Proposals Informational Session will be held virtually on February 24th at 6:00 PM.

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Sidney Police arrested 44 year old Andrew Besuglow of Afton Tuesday on a drug charge, following a vehicle and traffic complaint received on December 3rd, where Besuglow was arrested for allegedly Driving while ability impaired by drugs, the substance was sent to the State Police crime lab for processing, where it was confirmed to be Fentanyl. Besuglow was charged with Criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance at appear back in court at a later date.

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The State’s 1st Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license. Additional free fishing days include June 25 and 26, September 24 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During free fishing days, residents and visitors can fish for free on any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has returned to in-person networking meetings when they host a Recruit & Retain Staff Networking Breakfast March 18th. The featured speakers for this event include: Glenn Nealis, director of Delaware County Economic Development; also a representative of DCMO BOCES & a business-services representative from the State Department of Labor, to register, visit delawarecounty.org or call 607-746-2281.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced the 4th annual Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner will return on Wednesday, April 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton. Tickets for this year’s dinner will go on sale Monday at 9:00 AM; Fans can also start purchasing game tickets at 9:00 AM on February 21st online at www.BINGRP.com. More information is available at 607-722-3866.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-18-22

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the State Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump must all appear for sworn testimony, and Donald Trump must produce additional documents in compliance with subpoenas from the Office of the Attorney General. The judge ordered the Trumps to appear for testimony within 21 days, and ordered Donald Trump to produce additional documentation within 14 days.

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The State Supreme Court, Appellate Division has ruled Delaware County was justified in terminating former Department of Social Services Commissioner, Dana Scuderi-Hunter and her petition to be reinstated and receive back pay was denied. In 2019, Delaware County filed charges against Scuderi-Hunter for misconduct, insubordination, and child endangerment. Under Civil Service Law, an independent Administrative Hearing Officer was brought in to review evidence, hear testimony, and make a recommendation to the Delaware County Board of Supervisors regarding the case, the Officer found significant evidence to support the charges and recommended immediate termination with no back pay.

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A Female State Trooper has filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to declare that former Governor Andrew Cuomo, top aide Melissa DeRosa and state police violated her civil rights. The trooper’s name was not disclosed in the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday filed in New York City, the trooper seeks attorney fees, damages for “severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” and a declaratory judgment that Cuomo, DeRosa and state police violated civil laws on the federal, state and city level prohibiting sexual harassment.

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NYSEG reports over 3000 customers are without power this morning, crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

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The Governor’s Office & the State Health Department announced that Wednesday’s COVID 19 Statewide Positivity was 2.19%, the Lowest Since October 30th, there were 3,065 COVID-19 Hospitalizations Wednesday, the Lowest Since November 30th, there were 46 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide in Nursing Homes & Hospitals.

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Chenango County Public Health announced their latest statistics regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.  They have had a total of 146 cases, with 134 recoveries, there are Currently 26 people Quarantined, there are no Active Hospitalizations, 6 deaths, they have conducted 10,803 tests.

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The Broome County Department of Health announced today that they are up to 680 cases of the Coronavirus, they report 51 deaths, 572 recoveries, 265 are being monitored by the Heath Department, they have conducted over 19,500 tests.

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The Board of Directors for the Delaware County Fair announced today, that the Annual County Fair in Walton is cancelled this year, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 6-30-20)

Craig said that they are going forward to plan for the 2021 Delaware County Fair in Walton in August of 2021.

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The New York State Department of Health announced that they have led a study on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19.  The study describes 99 cases of the syndrome and concludes the emergence of the condition in the State followed widespread COVID-19 transmission and often is associated with cardiac dysfunction in children up to the age of 21.   Of the 99 patients 36 had a pre-existing condition, the most common being obesity, Of the 99, there were two fatalities, the syndrome is compared to Kawasaki disease, and more studies will be conducted.

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Former Delaware County Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter has filed a lawsuit against the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and Chairperson Tina Mole for wrongful dismissal.  Scuderi-Hunter was suspended in early 2019, & was fired at the end of the suspension.

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The Sidney Central School District will receive over $52,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for a farm to school program.  The district will expand their efforts to procure locally sourced produce & food products from area farms, for school lunches & breakfast programs.

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Delaware County DPW announced that the New York City owned road around the Cannonsville Reservoir will be closed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on July 7th & 8th for paving.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes during the paving project.  The DPW also announced that oil & stone projects will begin on County roads in the northern part of the county starting on July 6th.

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Syracuse native & former area businessman Robert Raide died on June 18th in Canandaigua, he owned Raide Canvas Company in Syracuse & was the founder & Principal Owner of WCDO, which went on the air on May 8th 1982, until he sold it to the current ownership group that includes Craig Stevens, in 1986.  Raide was 76.

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The Village of Unadilla announced that the Village playground will be open from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. The playground equipment will be sanitized every day between 8-9 AM and 12:00-1:00 PM. This playground equipment will be closed during this time to allow the cleaner to dry.  Also, the Tennis Court is opened on 1 side at this time; they are working to open up both sides shortly. 

3 people have been arrested after the discovery of illegal fireworks in their vehicle.  On June 27th, State Police arrested 29 year old Leon Tryon and 25 year old Garett Lavalley, both of Wolcott, NY.  They were each charged with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks.  A third person was charged with a violation level offense for Possessing a Firework or Dangerous Firework.   A trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in Kirkwood observed Tyron make a vehicle and traffic infraction. A stop was initiated and an investigation led to the discovery of $900 worth of illegal fireworks.  All 3 were processed and issued appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 15th.

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State Police arrested 35 year old Holly Cornell of Berkshire for Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks, after a trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in the town of Kirkwood initiated a traffic stop after a traffic violation, troopers located over $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks in Cornell’s possession, she was released on appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 7th.

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet by a Webcast at 10:30 AM Today, which can be heard at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.  The Siting Board agenda includes the Application of High Bridge Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need Pursuant to Article 10 to construct a Wind Powered Electric Generating Facility in the Town of Guilford.

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Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 and 1 additional recovery. The known active cases is now 0. To date there have been 82 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 17 people are quarantined, 6 people have died and 76 have fully recovered.

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The Otsego County Department of Health has 1 New case of the Coronavirus, giving them 76 total confirmed cases, no one is hospitalized,  69 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 11 people are quarantined, 5,589 tests have been performed.

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State Senator Jen Metzger announced that her staff will hold a Mobile Office event on Tuesday, June 30th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Delhi.  Appointments are required, they can be scheduled by emailing cordella@nysenate.gov More information is available by calling (845) 344-3311.

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A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Sidney today from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall Training Center on River Street.  All Blood types are needed; appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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The State Department of Transportation will host a virtual public hearing by videoconference with a phone-in option for the upcoming bridge replacement project in the Towns of Fenton and Barker in Broome County; and the Town of Greene in Chenango County.  The Hearing will be held today, at 5:00 pm at dot.ny.gov/NY79ChenangoRiverBridge 

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State Police arrested 25 year old Emily Ives of Morris for DWI, with a B.A.C of .14%.  Troopers were advised of lookout for a vehicle with out of state license plates driving erratically on Otsego County Road 48 in the town of Otego.  Troopers located Ives in a running vehicle in the town of Oneonta, she attempted to leave the scene unsuccessfully, and she was issued appearance tickets & was turned over to a sober third party.

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Mirabito Energy Products has committed $100,000 toward the construction of a new emergency department and walk in center at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich.  The pledge is the latest commitment to the Norwich hospital’s capital campaign kicked off their capital campaign in August, which is likely to continue through the end of the year.  More information is available at 337-4183 or by email to melissa.stagnaro@nyuhs.org.

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State Police at Norwich arrested 51 year old Eden Nelson of Greene for DWI following a report of an accident in the town of Greene, with 1 vehicle struck in a guiderail and the operator fleeing the scene.   Nelson was located, arrested & she was processed then released on appearance tickets to the town of Greene court on January 9th. 

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Governor Cuomo today signed legislation to ensure health insurers do not deny coverage for urgent and medically necessary procedures and treatments. The law expands prior authorization exceptions and requires insurance companies to cover additional services and procedures related to existing surgical or other invasive procedures, concurrent symptoms and associated side effects.   This new law will take effect in 90 days.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Eric Marks of Conklin on an outstanding warrant.  Marks is a White Male, 6’ 4”, 220 Pounds, with Brown Eyes & Hair, anyone with information on the location of Marks is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by calling the 778-1196.  

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance with 2 forced entry burglaries on December 9th at the Mirabito Convenience Store and Subway at 494 West Main St. and the Hancock Post Office.  Authorities asks that anyone with information regarding these burglaries to contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Investigators at (607)-832-5629.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 37 year old Hector Reiter of Otego for the felony Aggravated DWI, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operator, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop on Lower Main Street in the city of Oneonta after he observed Reiter operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner.   Reiter’s B.A.C was .21%, he was processed then transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.

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State Police at Sidney arrested 57 year old Thomas Brainerd of Unadilla forAggravated DWI with a reportable B.A.C of .26%.  Troopers were dispatched to a report of a two-car crash on State Highway 7 in the town of Unadilla.  An investigation revealed that Brainerd failed to yield to another vehicle while leaving a driveway, while intoxicated.  A passenger of the other vehicle was taken to AO Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus,  Brainerd was processed and released on appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on December 16th.

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