The National Weather Service has downgraded the expected wintry weather to a Winter Weather Advisory today, local meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 2-12-24)

We’ll have the latest Tri-County forecast following this newscast.

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Binghamton Police are investigating a homicide after they received reports Friday of shots fired near Lewis Street and Henry Street. Police located a 20 year old male lying in the street with a gunshot wound, he was pronounced dead at the scene, the investigation revealed the the victim was shot while driving, causing the car to crash.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Adrienne Caldwell of Earlville for introducing dangerous contraband into the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Caldwell entered into the facility Wednesday for Arraignment on unrelated charges, during a search of Caldwell’s personal property, Officers located the contraband. Caldwell was charged & was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

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The Johnson City Police Department arrested a 15 year old suspect this Morning in connection with a stabbing of an 18 year at the Johnson City High School this morning. The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries & was taken to Wilson Hospital, The unidentified 15-year-old suspect was charged with 1st degree assault & criminal possession of a weapon & was being held at the Johnson City Police Department pending arraignment. The Johnson City High School was placed on lock-down.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 46 year old Antonio Andrial of Staten Island after Deputies responded Thursday to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of State Highway 28 and State Highway 30 in the Town of Middletown. Andrial is accused of operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and failing to stop at a stop sign. Andrial was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-12-24

The Town Hall in Unadilla was hit by a car Saturday Morning, the building has been closed until further notice. The Unadilla Town Board meeting Tuesday night has been moved to the Unadilla Fire Department at 6:30PM. Tax Payments and Dog Licenses may be mailed or put in the drop box labeled Tax Collector/Town Clerk. Correspondences can be email to the Town Clerk at unadillaclerk@stny.rr.com, or call 607-369-4433 extension 1 and leave a message.

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3 people were arrested by the Johnson City Police Department following the stabbing of a 16-year-old male Thursday. Police arrested 18 year old Tyheem Jordan, 18 year old Luke Lucas, and an unidentified 17 year old male, the 16 year old male victim was stabbed in the head and back & was taken to an area hospital and was in stable condition. Jordan. Lucas & the other teen were all charged with Attempted Assault, among other charges, Jordan and Lucas were remanded to the Broome County Jail, the 17-year-old was in police custody pending arraignment.

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Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that Michael Gibson of Binghamton pleaded guilty as a second time felony offender to 1st degree Rape, he admitted to having sexual contact with a victim less than 13 years old in 2023. Gibson is due back in court for sentencing on May 10, 2024, he faces a sentence of 15 years in State Prison, followed by 15 years of post-release supervision.

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Major Construction is underway at the Greater Binghamton Airport, on the airport’s terminal building including the demolition of existing restaurant, kitchen and interior hallways to allow for the construction of temporary waiting areas, new restroom facilities, and a walkway to a jet bridge, with future work on the new outdoor canopy and entrance portals beginning in the spring. The project received $32 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly Day parade & activities will be held this Friday, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-29-23)

Schunk also said that the Letters to Santa Mailboxes will also be set up again this year, for children who would like to send a letter to Santa, they will be outside the Roasted Coffee on Main Street in Sidney & Bob’s Diner in Bainbridge.

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Chenango Memorial Hospital is closing the long-term care unit located on the hospital’s second floor as of January 31st. CMH will no longer be accepting new residents and, over the next 2 months, they will work closely with our residents and their families to ensure their placement in other long-term care facilities. 19 residents are currently at the facility, and employees of the facility will be transferred to other positions across the Hospital’s departments. The hospital’s board and leadership team are currently exploring options for alternative uses for the second floor of the hospital.

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Bassett Healthcare Network’s board of directors announced that President and CEO, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, has decided to leave the organization at the end of the year. The Bassett Healthcare Network board has voted to appoint Staci Thompson, who is the Bassett Healthcare Network’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer, as Dr. Ibrahim’s successor, on an interim basis starting on January 1st. Over the coming weeks, Ibrahim and Thompson will work together with the Bassett Healthcare Network board of directors and executive leadership team to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

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Attorney General Letitia James today announced the takedown of a major drug trafficking ring that was distributing heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Dutchess counties. The takedown resulted in the indictment of 25 individuals charged with 164 crimes and recovered cocaine, heroin laced with fentanyl, which have a street value of approximately $350,000 plus 4 handguns, 2 large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and the seizure of over $50,000 in cash.

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A Lawsuit was filed in Broome County Supreme Court against the Vestal School District where a former Vestal High School student alleges that economics teacher Robert Carr asked her to meet him, he allegedly kissed the victim numerous times, groped her inappropriately and continued to force sexual activity upon her until she moved to the state of Texas and changed her phone number. The lawsuit claims that School Officials did not take any action against Carr after learning of the accusations.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-29-23

On Tuesday, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 22 year old Nathan Williams Jr. of Endicott, at 68 Thorp Street in the City of Binghamton. Williams was wanted by the Endicott Police Department for Murder in connection with the shooting death of 25-year-old Molique Dawson in Endicott in July. The Metro SWAT Team of the Binghamton Police Department executed the search warrant and Williams was successfully taken into custody after a 5 hour standoff, Williams was transported to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility, arraigned at Central Arraignment and is currently being held without bail.

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Congressman Marc Molinaro announced over $3.5 million in federal funding will go to 9 airports for infrastructure improvements. Locally, the Greater Binghamton Edwin Link Field Airport will get about $1,000,000, the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott: $144,000, the Eaton Airport in Norwich: $144,000, the Sidney Municipal Airport: $144,000 & the Albert Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta: $113,000

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Long time Sidney resident Les Gregory passed away at the age of 100 on Monday, Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 pm., at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Funeral services will be at 11 am. Friday, at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty Street, Burial, with military honors, will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.

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The Oneonta City School District will hold a capital project public meeting tonight on their $30.4 million dollar project. The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM at the Oneonta High School Auditorium, voting on the project will be in December.

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Today is Election Day, with the polls open until 9:00 PM tonight. Locally, voters will decide on who fills a seat on the State Supreme Court between Deidre Hay & Cheryl Insinga. In the town of Sidney, the 2 biggest vote getters will sit on the Town Board between Kevin Greene, Paul Muratore & Bill Hunt, In the town of Guilford Susan McIntyre, Gilda Ward & Thomas Quiter are running for town Supervisor. Many candidates are running unopposed for a variety of positions across the WCDO listening area. Voters can go to their county Board of Elections websites to see the candidates in their local races.

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Attorney General Letitia James reminded New Yorkers that the Office’s Election Protection Hotline is available through 9:00 PM tonight, to help all New Yorkers who need assistance casting their ballots. The hotline is available at 866-390-2992, complaints can be submitted online at electionhotline.ag.ny.gov.

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The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for uninsured and under-insured individuals through the Bridge Access Program. This COVID-19 vaccine clinic is for 18 years of age and older, it will be held November 16th &17th, from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm at 5 Court Street Norwich. Appointments can be made at 607-337-1660.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that their annual Toys for Tots Campaign is underway, to get Christmas gifts to Delaware County children in need. New, unwrapped Christmas gift in a Toys for Tots collection box located in businesses & organizations throughout Delaware County.

(Ray Pucci 11-7-23)

The campaign runs through December 8. Chamber staff will pick up the toys from member businesses on December 8 and deliver them to Delaware Opportunities, to provide distribution of the gifts to Delaware County families. To sign up a family in need of Christmas gifts contact Delaware Opportunities at 607.746.1603.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42 year old Jason Ransford of South Kortright for Criminal Mischief. Sheriff’s Deputies received a vandalism complaint on October 31st, Ransford is accused of recklessly operated an off-road forklift causing damage to the property of another. Ransford was released on an appearance ticket and directed to appear at the Town of Stamford court to answer the charge.

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The Otsego County Solid Waste Department, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella announced that the Film Plastic Recycling Challenge is back, where area schools recycle plastic bags and other plastic film items which cannot be recycled through regular recycling programs. The challenge focuses on collecting clean, dry, plastic film to help keep it out of the landfill. The challenge November 15th until April 24th, Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.

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Governor Hochul’s office announced that work is officially underway to transform the Greater Binghamton Airport into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The project calls for the Redevelopment of the Airport Road approach, Construction of a new canopy and entry portals, Reconfiguration of the ticketing lobby, baggage claim area and relocation of rental car counters, New parking revenue control system & the Construction of a new Customs and Border Protection Facility.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-7-23

The State Office of General Services announced an auction of surplus vehicles, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property will be conducted on November 14. More information is available at ogs.ny.gov/nysstore, or call (518) 457-6335. The auction will be on Tuesday, November 14, at 9:30 am. at State Police Troop C headquarters on State Route 7.

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New York will honor veterans on the year’s 6th and final Free Fishing Day of 2023 on Saturday, November 11th. On Free Fishing Days, the state waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 46 year old Sallie Cherry of Texas following an investigation in the Town of Hartwick on February 19th. Cherry was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Certain Ammunition Feeding Devices, Cherry was released on an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Hartwick Town Court at a later date.

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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Greater Binghamton Airport will receive $7 million for renovations of the passenger terminal and the associated vehicle approach, with upgrades to the passenger hold room, & the replacement of the airport’s outdated Air Conditioning equipment, & for the installation of 2 passenger-boarding bridges. The funding comes from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law. The Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse airports also received funding.

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The Chenango Memorial Hospital Emergency Room and walk in portions of the Hospital recently celebrated their 1st Anniversary, Dr. Kenneth Herman is the Emergency Department Medical Director & he told WCDO News how the upgrades have been received:

(Dr. Kenneth Herman 2-24-23)

Also, UHS Chenango Memorial was recently awarded a $20 Million state grant, to redesign primary and specialty care services over the next 5 years. Hospital officials said that they will be creating a new Infusion Center, dedicated Women’s Imaging Suite and Pre-Admission Testing Center as well as make other strategic investments in hospital-based services.

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The Jericho Arts Council announced that the Kevin Prater Band will perform Saturday Night at the Bainbridge Town Hall theater. Doors open at 6 pm and all performances are open seating. Tickets are available at the door or reserve a ticket by calling 607-288-3882. For further information or to see future events visit www.jerichoarts.com.

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A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Oneonta this afternoon, the drive will be on until 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at  RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-24-23

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Hayes Cutting Jr of Bainbridge, for 2nd degree assault, Tampering with Physical Evidence, unlawfully fleeing a police officer and resisting arrest, following the investigation into the assault of Norwich Police Officer with a motor vehicle on Monday in Norwich, while attempting to take Cutting into custody on an active warrant. State Police responded to the Town of Oneonta after a tip that Cutting was there, Cutting was found hiding in the ceiling of a building, he was held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility on a State Parole Warrant and will appear in the Town of Norwich Court for the new charges. The passenger in Cutting’s vehicle, Jesse Dann, had an unrelated warrant out for his arrest and was taken into custody.

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The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, and local Police agencies, arrested 32 year old Cody Dickson of the Town of Maine man on 17 charges. The Task Force executed a search warrant at 383 Kolb Road, they seized over $10,000 in methamphetamine, plus weapons, high capacity magazines and ammunition. Dickson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, plus Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Dickson faces court action shortly.

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Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchack announced that 26-year-old Kout Akol of Binghamton was sentenced for Manslaughter, Criminal Possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and endangering the welfare of a child, in Broome County Court, for the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Takecia Mitchell in Binghamton, Akol was sentenced to 25 years in state prison, followed by 5 years of post-release Supervision.

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Walton Fire Department responded Sunday afternoon to a structure fire at 3664 East Brook Road. Firefighters found that the garage was fully engulfed, and had spread to a nearby house mutual aid was requested from Delhi, Franklin, and Treadwell firefighters, The occupants escaped, 1 cat died from the blaze. Walton Firefighters returned Monday morning to extinguish hot spots. The house and garage were a total loss. A pellet stove is believed to have started the fire, which has been ruled as accidental.

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The Tri-County Seniors will hold an Open House today at their new location in the AO Fox Tri-Town Campus building at 43 Pearl Street in Sidney. The Open House runs from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, more information is available at the Tri-County Senior Center Facebook Page.

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The New York State Wrestling Tournament will be held this weekend, with several local wrestlers participating, WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull has more:

(Nate Lull 2-24-23)

For State Championship Wrestling Updates, follow Nate Lull on Twitter or go to WCDOsports.com.

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The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 32-year-old Stephen Moran of Binghamton was arraigned in Broome County Court Thursday, he was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, 2nd degree manslaughter, along with several other charges, he is accused of driving intoxicated at an excessive speed August 8th on the Vestal Parkway, his vehicle crashed into a vehicle occupied by Alfred and Paula Latessa, Alfred was pronounced dead at the scene, Paula succumbed to her injuries at an area hospital shortly after the crash.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced that a man missing from Delaware County was discovered illegally harvesting ginseng in the town of Middletown. The unidentified man was reported missing on August 31st after he failed to return home; an acquaintance found the man’s vehicle on a private logging road in the town of Middletown. The Sheriff’s Office K9 team located the missing person in good health, An Environmental Conservation Office seized the ginseng he was charged with harvesting ginseng without landowner permission, trespassing, and petty larceny.

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The Greater Binghamton Airport announced today that they will be offering additional flights to New York City shortly. Officials announced that Delta Airlines will be offering 2 flights a day to LaGuardia Airport, starting on January 9th. Tickets for the New York City flights will be sold starting tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-28-22

State Police are continuing their search to locate Frederick Mayock who was last seen on the Canadarago Lake boat launch with a kayak on October 22, 2022. Investigators are asking the public who live or have businesses near Canadarago Lake and near the boat launch on State Highway 28 to review security or surveillance footage that show a white kayak (pictured below). If anyone has video of the kayak from Saturday, October 22 between the hours of 9am and 8pm to please contact New York State Police at (607)561-7400.

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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.

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The “NorWitch” Fall Festival will be held in Downtown Norwich Saturday, sponsored by The Norwich BID, which will include the final Saturday in the Park with Chobani as well as a variety of Halloween themed events, according to spokesman Tracy Chawgo:

(Tracy Chawgo 10-28-22)

Chawgo said that the will be numerous vendors, a pumpkin painting contest, bounce house, hay rides, plus the annual YMCA Halloween parade set at 11:00 AM.

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Saturday is National Drug Take Back day nationwide. The DEA encourages people to get rid of unwanted or expired medication properly, in order to keep them out of the waste stream & out of the wrong hands, to find out where to get rid of medications, go to dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator.

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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.

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Commitment to Community Dinner will be held Saturday at the Sundown Golf & Country Club starting at 6:00PM. The Chamber will honor Barnard’s Hometown Hardware as the Business of the year, Lambrecht Auction as the Business of Distinction, the Citizen of the Year is Jennifer Lambrecht & the Service Organization of the Year – Bainbridge American Legion

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Broome County Sheriff David Harder has appealed the State Supreme Court’s Decision to force the county correctional facility to resume in-person visitation. A recent State Supreme Court ruling stated that the Broome County Correctional Facility must allow visitors to be able to see their jailed friends and family beginning on September 5th, as COVID did not have the same threat of transmission level as it did in the beginning. Visitation was suspended in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began closing down businesses, schools, government offices and organization worldwide & virtual visitation was permitted at the Broome County Facility.

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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.

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State Senator Peter Oberacker marked Women’s Equality Day by announcing Delaware County Undersheriff Kim Smith as the 2022 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 51st Senate District. Smith started as a part-time corrections officer with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. She was named as the Delaware County’s 1st female Undersheriff by Sheriff Craig DuMond in May of 2022. The complete list of 2022 honorees is available at nysenate.gov/women-of-distinction.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 55 year old Kevin Washington of Sherburne on an active Arrest Warrant Tuesday. Washington was arrested in Sherburne after being located by Detectives, he was taken into custody without incident. The Village of Sherburne Court issued the warrant after Washington failed to appear on previous charges, he was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and was released & was ordered to appear in court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-1-22

New York’s new gun laws are enacted today, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the state’s century-old pistol permitting process. The laws contain strengthened background checks and firearm safety and live-fire training for individuals seeking to obtain concealed carry permits; prohibit concealed carry permit holders from bringing their firearms into sensitive locations, including bars, libraries, schools, government buildings and hospitals, among others; and require renewal or re-certification of permits every three years, More information is available at gunsafety.ny.gov.

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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.

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The State DEC announced that open hunting seasons are starting up. Hunting season begins for Squirrel and Canada goose today, with early bear and antlerless deer seasons starting on September 10th, in certain wildlife management units. More information is available at the State DEC website.

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Avelo Airlines announced plans Wednesday to provide air service to the Greater Binghamton Airport, starting November 16th. The new airline will offer non-stop flights to Orlando and Ft. Myers Florida, at $79 one way, Avelo previously operated as Casino Express Airlines and Xtra Airways. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

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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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Governor Cuomo will be interviewed by investigators Saturday by the State Attorney General’s Office regarding several allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.  Cuomo acknowledge that he may make people uncomfortable but denied allegations of wrongdoing, many lawmakers have asked Cuomo to resign.

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NY State of Health announced that more than 111,000 New Yorkers have newly enrolled in Qualified Health Plan or Essential Plan coverage since January.  In addition, since March 31, 2021, when NY State of Health implemented the American Rescue Plan Act insurance provisions, more than 140,000 New Yorkers are benefitting from the increased financial assistance available. Of these 140,000 enrollees, 121,000 are low or moderate income.

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The Susquehanna SPCA in Otsego County will host their Ribbon Cutting & Open House at their brand new facility Tomorrow about 1 mile north of the old facility on State Highway 28 in Cooperstown, Director Stacie Haynes told WCDO News that they did a lot of preplanning to get this new facility right:

(Stacie Haynes 7-16-21)

The open house runs from 10:00AM to 4:00 PM, tomorrow, Haynes said that they started moving into the new facility earlier this week, more information is available at 547-8111.

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The Ron Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund concert fundraiser has been moved indoors to the Norwich American Legion on Sheldon Street in Norwich, due to expected wet weather.  The Concert is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm, tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.00, the money raised from this, and future concerts will go for a scholarship for area students interested in studying music in college, more information about the scholarship or the fundraiser is available at 244-5481.

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The Greater Binghamton Airshow is this weekend at the Greater Binghamton Airport on Saturday and Sunday, with the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as “The Thunderbirds”.  The airshow runs from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM both days, more information is available at binghamtonairshow.com

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-16-21

State Police arrested 49 year old Robert Coleman of McDonough and 43 year old Billie Harris of McDonough for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop, both Coleman and Harris were in possession of firearms; they cannot legally possess firearms since they have been previously convicted of a crime.  Both were arraigned, Harris was released on her own recognizance; Coleman was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

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The Unadilla Valley Central School District will host a 5K run/walk at 9:00 AM tomorrow for 14 year old Cooper Hine, who is a Unadilla Valley 8th Grader, who was seriously injured in an ATV crash in New Berlin recently.  Another fundraising chicken barbecue and Chinese auction will follow at the South New Berlin Fire Department.  Hine has been hospitalized at the Upstate Medical center in Syracuse.

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Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday at the Bloomville Fire Department, on Scotch Hill Road from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  The vaccination clinic is open to people over the age of 18, No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and more information is available by calling Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

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The Chenango County Relay For Life will be held on Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, at the East Main Park in Downtown Norwich.  More information is available on the Relay For Life Chenango County Facebook Page.

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The 45th Annual Deposit Lumberjack Festival runs today & tomorrow, activities include games, rides, a firework show, live music, parades, and the professional lumberjack competition.  The Festival will also host a mobile vaccination clinic, which is in partnership with the Broome County Health Department; more information is available at the Deposit Lumberjack Festival’s Facebook page.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold a Summer Walking Tours this Sunday, July 18th at 2:00 PM.  More information is available at the Society’s Facebook page or oneontahistory.org.

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Nationwide Opioid overdose deaths were a record 93,000 last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of more than 19,000 from 2019 or 29%.  Lockdowns and pandemic restrictions made treatment programs difficult to access in 2020, which likely contributed to the deaths.  New York State has had about 3000 overdose deaths annually since 2018.   

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SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras is encouraging students to get vaccinated ahead of the fall semester through a 30-day challenge he issued this week.  Malatras announced that students would need to be vaccinated to return to campus, with vaccines that have FDA approval.   SUNY Schools are looking to return everyone to dorms & classrooms in the 2021-22 school year, after a year of large numbers of infections on SUNY campuses, and remote learnings throughout the system.

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Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 23 year old Donovan Teague of Sidney, Wednesday following an investigation into a stolen bicycle.  Teague is accused of possessing small amounts of heroin and methamphetamine & was charged with Criminal mischief, Criminal possession of stolen property & 2 counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court & was released on his own recognizance, Teague was on parole, he was turned over to State Parole officers, who then remanded him to the Delaware County Jail.

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The Greater Binghamton Airshow is back returns this weekend to the Greater Binghamton Airport on Saturday and Sunday, with the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as “The Thunderbirds”.  Last’s event was cancelled due to the COVID Pandemic & the shutdown of large scale events.  The airshow runs from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM both days, to purchase tickets or for more information, go to binghamtonairshow.com

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Republican Kyle Van De Water has decided to run against Congressman Antonio Delgado again, after losing to him in 2020, when Delgado won with 54% of the vote, to Van De Water 42%.  The 19th Congressional District currently includes all of Delaware & Otsego Counties, as well as Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties & a part of Broome County, but it could look substantially different after redistricting based on the 2020 census.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-14-21

NYSEG reported about 310 customers were still without power this afternoon in Broome & Chenango Counties, after last night’s storm, crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

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New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for July. The agency is also working with the federal government to ensure this aid, which has brought in more than $2.5 billion in food assistance to New Yorkers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, will continue beyond July.  Nearly 1.6 million households in New York State will receive the supplemental benefits later this month, which will result in the state receiving roughly $200 million in federal assistance.

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Chenango County Public Health announced that their next COVID vaccination clinic will be today at Seeber’s Tavern in Smithville Flats from 3:00 to 6:00pm, a 1st dose Pfizer clinic for 12 years and older clinic will be held tomorrow at the former Label Shopper Store, in the South Plaza in Norwich from 4:00 to 6:00pm, More information is available at 337-1660.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold a Summer Walking Tour today at 7:00 PM, interested participants can meet at the History Center at 183 Main Street, for a tour of Main Street in the 1960s. On Sunday, a tour of the site of a the former lake at Neahwah Park at 2:00 pm, more information is available at oneontahistory.org.

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Governor Cuomo signed legislation expanding New York State’s definition of telemarketing to include marketing by text message. New Yorkers have protection against unwanted robocalls under state law, but texting was not previously defined as telemarketing, this legislation closes that loophole.

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(Lopez 3-28-17)

Lopez said that there were 3 different sets of numbers for state aid to school districts from the Governor, the assembly & the state senate, for the education portion of the budget, with is one of the largest portions of the state budget each year.
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The State Unemployment rate dropped 2 tenths to 4.4% in February, according to the State Labor Department. Local Unemployment rates were higher, with Chenango County at 6.3%, Delaware County at 6.6% and Otsego County at 6% in February.
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Otsego Now and State Senator Jim Seward have filed a Memorandum of Understanding along with entities from 9 counties today, calling on NYSEG to address energy infrastructure deficiencies. Seward stated that when prospective employers look to relocate, reliable energy infrastructure is near the top of their list, & NYSEG’s infrastructure has been eroding. Seward and the others are calling on the Public Service Commission to intervene.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Max Spangenthal of Manhattan Saturday for driving while ability impaired by drugs following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Spangenthal was additionally charged with failure to dim headlights, among other violations, he was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that for the first time in 14 years, the State would increase funding for the maximum Tuition Assistance Program or “TAP” award. With the increase, the State has allocated more than $1 billion for grants and scholarships for New York students who pursue higher education at a public or independent college or university in the State. Last year, TAP served nearly 400,000 students across the State.
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The State Office of Community Renewal has announced a $400,000 award to the city of Oneonta under the state HOME program. The city had submitted an application requesting funding to assist low to moderate-income homeowners & occupants to correct deficiencies in their homes. Those interested should contact Community development director Judy Pangman
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The Village of Sidney crews will be working on a tree removal tomorrow beginning at 8:00 AM. West Main Street from Pearl Street to Concord will be closed for most of the day, motorists are urged to take alternate routes around the work area.

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Several Law Enforcement agencies responded to the report of a bomb threat at the Greater Binghamton Airport Monday morning. No Bomb was found in a vehicle parked at the facility, the investigation revealed that the caller suffers from Mental Health issues, & was not taking her medication, she will not be charged. No flights were cancelled & only a few delays were reported.
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State Police arrested 24-year-old Melanie Suchy of Oneonta, for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .26%, plus Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and other traffic violations. Troopers responded Saturday to check on a vehicle that was off the roadway on County Road 48 in the Town of Oneonta. Troopers accuse Suchy of driving while highly intoxicated when she attempted to turn her vehicle around and became stuck on a snow bank, she also was found to unlawfully possess a small amount of marijuana. Suchy was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court today.
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Investigators arrested 34-year-old Michael Kilmer, of Delhi, for possessing contraband within the Delaware County jail. Kilmer is accused of possessing Marijuana & prescription tablets upon entering the jail Friday on unrelated charges. Kilmer was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Kilmer remains incarcerated on the previous charges and will be arraigned on the new charges in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time.
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An American Red Cross Blood drive is being held in Sidney today at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street. The Blood Drive will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at redcrossblood.org.
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The Greater Binghamton Airport and NYSERDA today announced that the airport is moving forward with an energy-saving improvement process on the strength of $350,000 award by NYSERDA through Governor Cuomo’s Regional Council Initiative. Binghamton is the first airport in the country to use a geothermal  system to heat an aircraft-parking ramp, which is expected to result in the avoidance of 103 tons of greenhouse  gas emissions annually.  The project is expected to be completed in March 2014.  more information on the regional councils is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Micah Smith of the Town of Greene on charges of Criminal Possession of Marihuana.  Smith was charged Saturday following a traffic stop in the Town of Greene for failing to stop at a stop sign.   Smith was found to be in possession of Marihuana and scales, deputies then responded to Smith’s residence and located over an ounce of Marihuana. Smith was taken into custody and processed and released on appearance tickets for a later court date.

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The Out of the Woodwork players are presenting the classic play “Our Town” from Thornton Wilder, this weekend at the Bainbridge town hall theater.  The play was almost cancelled until a last minute addition to play an important character, according to cast member Howard Hannum:

(Howard Hannum 10-30-13)

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UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation announced that  this year’s fundraising campaign set a goal of exceeding last year’s mark of $130,000.   Money raised by the Foundation has been used to renovate the facility and upgrade equipment.     Gifts can be made by accessing the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation Face book page and clicking on the “Donate Now” button, or by contacting the Foundation office at 337-4510.

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The Chenango county sheriff’s office arrested 30-year-old Alex Danyluk of Norwich Saturday, on charges of Petty Larceny, Trespassing, Criminal Mischief and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Danyluk is accused of stealing an LED Signal Light off a MRP Paving dump truck by cutting the wires back on October 18^th in the Town of Norwich, with his 2-year-old daughter present.  Danyluk was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced that $48 million in grants have been awarded for transportation improvements across the State, which will leverage an additional $80 million in federal, state and local funding. The grants are funding projects that will improve transportation infrastructure and support economic development.  Grants are being awarded locally for the Eaton Airport in Norwich for a New maintenance Vehicle, for the Sidney Municipal Airport for Fuel farm upgrades, for New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corporation to Relocate interchange between CSX & NYS&W to NYS&W property to improve safety & service on both lines. Other local projects include the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society, for the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Rehabilitation. more information is available at governor.ny.gov.

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Chenango County Habitat for Humanity and the Cornish family will attend a house dedication tomorrow, at state route 206 in West Bainbridge.  This will be a dedication for the 5th house completed by Chenango county habitat for humanity, the dedication ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. and an Open House will follow from 11 a.m. till 12-noon.  More information about Chenango County Habitat for Humanity is available at habitat.chenango.org

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Newly retired people in Harpursville, Port Crane, Afton and Sidney can attend a series of workshops at the Eastern Broome Senior Center. The Positive Aging Academy will run from 12 to 2 p.m. Thursdays from October 3^rd to November 7^th at 27 Golden Lane in Harpursville. Register is accepted at 778-6206

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A CHILD PASSENGER CAR SEAT CHECK WILL BE HELD TOMORROW FROM 10:00 AM TO NOON AT the Oneonta AAA at 195 ONEIDA Street.  Parents are reminded to bring the  INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR their SAFETY SEAT AND their vehicle  THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE OTSEGO COUNTY health department & SHERIFF’S Department.

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New York added 22,700 private-sector jobs in August, but the unemployment rate rose as more people try to re-enter the workforce.   New York’s unemployment rate rose from 7.5 percent in July to 7.6 percent in August. The national rate was 7.3 percent in August. The number of unemployed New Yorkers rose from 717,400 to 729,700 between July and August.

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September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergency responders remind resident to have a plan with family members as to where to meet following an emergency, they should also have a disaster kit with 3 days worth of food, a can opener, clothing, medications and hygiene items.  The Red Cross will hold an Emergency Preparedness Fair tomorrow at Binghamton University from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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