Terry DeCutler of Sidney & Nicholas DeCutler of Unadilla were sentenced in Otsego County Court, to 20 years to life in prison, for the murder of Kaleb O’Neill in Oneonta on Memorial Day last year. The DeCutler brothers both pleaded guilty to 2nd degree Murder, for the fatal stabbing of O’Neill in an alley near Dietz Street in downtown Oneonta.

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In the new State Budget Plan, there is an Increase in the State excise tax on cigarettes and little cigars. Effective September 1st, the State excise tax on cigarettes will increase by $1.00 per pack of 20 cigarettes. Also, effective September 1, 2023, the New York State excise tax on little cigars will increase by $1.00 per pack of 20 little cigars. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $7 million for 15 providers across New York State to support medication for addiction treatment. The funding is being distributed through the State’s Opioid Settlement Fund, Awardees are providers certified by either various state agencies including the the Office of Mental Health, & the Department of Health. Each provider is receiving an award of up to $500,000. In the Southern Tier, awardees include the United Health Services Hospitals. More information is available at oasas.ny.gov/treatment.

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As the number of scam phone calls remain high for New Yorkers, there are 3 area codes that are more likely to be a from a scammer. New York City area codes 332, 347 & 646 have a high percentage of scam calls, Local law enforcement agencies remind the public to never give out personal financial information to a phone call that you did not initiate, and do not call back numbers from potential scammers who leave a voicemail.

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The Delaware County Chamber has released a New Toolkit for Businesses, called the “Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit, for businesses, nonprofits, and government units about hiring individuals with criminal records. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news about eh toolkit:

(Ray Pucci 5-9-23)

Pucci said that the program is modeled on a successful plan implemented in Oklahoma and has been adapted for Delaware & Sullivan Counties, the free download is available on the Resources tab of delawarecounty.org.

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The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is seeking participants for an upcoming Electric Vehicle Car Show on Saturday, June 3 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Damaschke Field in Oneonta. Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Spokesperson Susan O’Handley explains:

(Susan O’Handley 5-9-23)

EV Owners are invited to participate at no charge. Sponsorship levels and registration information can be found at doas.us/ev-2023. All are encouraged to register by May 20^th.

A.M, NEWS TUESDAY 5-9-23

Opening statements began in Schoharie County Court Monday, in the trial of Nauman Hussain. Hussain is the owner of Prestige Limousine, he is charged with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the 2018 crash in Schoharie that killed 17 passengers, the driver and 2 people in a gas staion in Schoharie, where the vehicle’s safety is in question.

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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a vehicle in the Chenango River Friday off of I-88 near Exit 3. The updated report stated that 21 year old Colby Degnan went off the highway into the Chenango River, he & passenger Colleen Bobola escaped the vehicle as it started floating down the river & was sinking, Bobola was able to make it to shore, the currents swept Degnan further down the Chenango River. Deputy Mark Hamilton tied a rescue line around his waist before jumping into the river, Hamilton brought Degnan back to shore, but he was unresponsive, CPR was performed, Degnan was transported to Wilson Hospital where he remains in critical condition, Bobola was taken to Wilson Hospital for minor injuries and released. The Broome County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating the accident.

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New York Mets right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco will be making a rehab start with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies tonight against the Hartford Yard Goats at Mirabito Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets to Tonight’s game by at BINGRP.com, by calling 607-722-3866, or in person at the Box Office at Mirabito Stadium.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Is planning “Hometown Day” on June 10th, which will begin with the SFCU parade, followed by events in Keith Clark park, Sidney Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 5-8-23)

Those who would like to be vendors, or who would like to volunteer to help out, email to office@sidneychamber.org.

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The 26th Annual Norwich Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament returns to Norwich, on July 8 & 9, at the Norwich High School Complex, Organizer Tom Revoir told WCDO News that registration will continue for several more weeks & they need volunteers & especially, they need referees:

(Tom Revoir 5-8-23)

Teams can Register at macker.com, and interested parties who can referee can contact Tom Revoir at 336-9622 extension 29.

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Former long time area Assemblyman Gary Finch passed away Friday at the age of 79. Finch retired from the Assembly in 2020 after serving for 10 terms in the Assembly, part of his district was in Chenango County.

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New York Mets right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco will be making a rehab start with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Tuesday against the Hartford Yard Goats at Mirabito Stadium. First pitch is at 6:05 PM. Fans can purchase tickets to Tuesday’s game by visiting www.BINGRP.com, calling 607-722-3866, or in person at the Visions Federal Credit Union Starting Gate Box Office at Mirabito Stadium.

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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that a proposed change to Medicare wage payments, could bring about $43 million for UHS hospitals locally. Schumer said that almost $4 million alone could go to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich.

A.M. NEWS Monday 5-8-23

All levels of the City of Oneonta municipal parking garage will be closed until further notice. Routine visual inspection has revealed some additional structural deterioration. City officials are taking precautionary measures until the entire garage can be reevaluated by the City’s structural engineering consultant. The Trailways bus terminal may remain open with no impact to regular operations. Parking restrictions will be lifted in the City’s Dietz Street Lot. There is additional public parking available in the Damaschke Field and Neahwa Park Large Pavilion parking lots & The City is working to establish a downtown shuttle bus to downtown.

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Norwich Police arrested 36 year old Thomas Wright for criminal contempt, resisting arrest, tampering with physical evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance, burglary and grand larceny charges. Police received information Thursday that Wright was hiding in an apartment at 46 Henry Street, he was eventually taken into custody. Wright was turned over to the State Police.

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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:30PM-7:30PM, at Sidney Fire Hall. More information about rabies is available by calling 607-832-5200 or at delawarecountypublichealth.com

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Alexa Woolfolk, she is described as a white female, 5’3 tall, 145 pounds with brown hair and eyes, she is wanted on an outstanding warrant for probation violation and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Anyone with information to her location is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at (607) 778-1911.

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The state DEC is not doing enough to ensure rechargeable batteries are recycled as required by law, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Rechargeable batteries can contain toxic metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel and silver, and lithium-ion, all of which can pose a threat to the environment and human health and safety if they are not properly recycled. If they’re just put in the garbage and enter the waste stream, they can end up in landfills and their chemicals can leak into public water systems, lakes and streams. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite or explode if they are damaged in the waste stream and were the cause of a six-alarm fire on a trash barge in December 2021.

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Catholic Charities in Sidney announced that their free Backpack with School Supplies giveaway will be available again this year, spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 6-30-22)

Preregistration begins July 11th by calling the Sidney Office of Catholic Charities at 607-604-4071, or by stopping by their office in the Sidney Civic Center.

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The Norwich DRI Local Planning Committee will be holding their next meeting on Tuesday, July 12th at 3:30 PM in the Community Room at Commerce Chenango at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich. At this meeting, the LPC will officially vote on the final slate of projects to be recommended for DRI funding and included in Norwich’s Strategic Investment Plan. This meeting is open to all members of the public, with time reserved at the end of the meeting for public comment. The meeting will also be available through ZOOM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-30-22

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a proclamation calling lawmakers back to Albany for a special session Today, after the Supreme Court deemed New York State’s concealed carry law unconstitutional because it required proper cause to carry a handgun outside a person’s home.

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The State Health Department is reporting a slow increase in COVID 19 cases, with over 5800 positives tests out of over 72,000, for a 7.8.% positivity rate Tuesday. Patient Hospitalization have gone back over 2000 statewide, ICU patients were back up to 186, with 73 on ventilators, there were 12 deaths in hospitals & nursing homes.

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State Police arrested 19-year-old Edward Gaydos for allegedly breaking into Smoker’s Choice in Oneonta. On June 26, state police were called to the scene around 2:30 AM, Gaydos was charged with 3rd-degree burglary, He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on July 7.

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The Chenango County Historical Society in Norwich has extended Saturday hours through October 8^th and they are seeking volunteers. More information & a volunteer application can be found at ChenangoHistorical.org.

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Max Scherzer pitched 4 2/3rds innings for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in Hartford Connecticut last night, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, with 1 walk and 8 strikeouts on 80 pitches in his 2^nd & last rehab start, he spoke to reporters after the game:

(Max Scherzer 6-30-22)

Scherzer is expected to get back to the New York Mets & start his next game next Tuesday.

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U.S. Marshals & Norwich Police arrested 32 year old Ryheem Miller of North Carolina, who was wanted on drug charges in his home state. Miller had been hiding from authorities in Norwich for a few weeks, he was located at a residence on Columbia Street & was taken into custody. Miller was arraigned in a Federal Courtroom in Binghamton & he will be extradited back to North Carolina shortly.

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State Police are warning the public about another phone scam, where the caller pretends to be with the State Police and asks for your personal information. The Caller may even say that there is a case pending against the victim of the scam call. State Police remind residents that they do not make such calls, and to never give any personal information to a person that you did not call yourself.

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The Sidney Town Clerk and Assessor’s office will be closed on Fridays from July 1st until the end of August. Summer hours for the Town Clerk will be Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, The Assessor’s hours are Mondays 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. More information is available at 607-561-2334.

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CDO Workforce announced a recruitment event in Norwich next month. Securitas & GE will be teaming up for the event at the CDO Workforce Norwich location at 1 O’Hara Drive on July 14th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, appointments can be made at 334-2201.

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Binghamton Police Department is investigating the discover of a deceased individual after a body was discovered near the Rockbottom Dam last weekend. So far their is no indication of foul play, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Chenango River Theatre will present the “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” starting July 15th at the Theater in Greene, Spokesman Zach Curtis explains:

(Zach Curtis 6-29-22)

The show will run through August 7th, tickets are $30 at chenangorivertheatre.org or 607-656-8499. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM with Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-29-22

Governor Kathy Hochul easily defeated Tom Suozzi & Juumanne Williams for the Democratic party Nomination for Governor in Yesterday’s Primary, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado also won the primary Tuesday. Lee Zeldin defeated 3 Republicans others on Primary day to win the party nomination in the race for Governor. Primaries for Congress & The State Senate will be held August 23rd.

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The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task arrested 50-year-old David Rexer of Endicott for attempted murder, conspiracy, and attempted arson, Rexer is accused of conspiring with a 2nd person to commit arson on a home with people inside in the Village of Endicott. Rexer was sent to the custody of the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that New York Mets Pitcher Max Scherzer is making his 2nd rehab start with the Rumble Ponies tonight at 7:05, following last nights postponement in Hartford. Last Night’s Watch Party has been moved to tonight, Fans can purchase tickets today at the Mirabito Stadium Box Office.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 66 year old Dzemil Mujanovic of Meredith for Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Contempt. Deputies received information June 17th that Mujanovic was in possession of several long guns that he failed to surrender to Sheriffs Deputies as stipulated in a Family Court Order of protection. Deputies determined that Mujanovic was in possession 7 long guns, which were taken from his residence, he was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Meredith Town Court at a later date.

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The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament will be held in Norwich again this summer, following the cancellation of the event the last 2 years due to the pandemic, Organizer Tom Revoir told WCDO News that they still need volunteers for a variety of tasks:

(Tom Revoir 6-28-22)

The Gus Macker Tournament was also moved to the Norwich High School Complex this year, July 8th through the 10th.

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Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced that 32 year old Kyle Finch of Binghamton, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison after failing to register as a sex offender for the second time. Finch failed to provide an address change to local law enforcement from 2019 through 2021, as required by state law, Finch was convicted in 2016, in Chenango County, of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, he was designated as a Level 2 Sex Offender.

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State Police reported that an 18-month-old died after she was hit by an SUV in the driveway of her home in Schuyler Monday morning. After arriving at the scene, state police determined that the mother was unloading groceries from her vehicle while her daughter was playing on an outdoor play set, when she went to move the vehicle, the toddler ran out in front of it, the mother rendered aid and called 911. The child was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. State police say the mother will not be charged.

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Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds will be returning to the Chenango County Fairgrounds on July 4 after a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Organizer Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment told WCDO News that they are happy to be getting this event going again:

(Terry Potter 6-28-22)

The event will begin at 4:00 PM on Monday July 4th, Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com, more information is available at the Millennia Entertainment Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 6-28-22

The 1st of 2 Primary Elections of 2022 will be held today with Polls until 9:00 PM. The Democratic and Republican primaries for New York Governor are on the ballot, Democrats also vote for Lieutenant Governor. State Assembly Primaries will also be held around the state today. Congressional & State Senate Primaries will be held on August 23rd.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 24-year-old Sean Parkes of Oneonta on an active Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Court, following a Domestic Dispute Investigation. On June 24th, Deputies were dispatched to the Town of Davenport, to check the welfare of 2 individuals involved in an altercation, they arrested Parkes, he was transported to Oneonta Police Department for processing.

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Southern Tier 8 Regional Board is holding the first-ever Upstate Rural Broadband Conference with national and state and regional leaders working to identify ways to speed-up the deployment of high-speed Internet in Central New York and the Southern Tier. The event is today from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Doubletree Hotel, 225 Water Street, Binghamton.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Sidney today from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, at the Sidney Elks Lodge at 104 River Street. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 1 car property damage motor vehicle accident on Calhoun Hill Road in the Town of Andes. The Driver, 52-year-old Sasha Catus of Bronx, exhibited signs of impairment, he was charged with DWI, Driving With a BAC of .08% or greater, failure to keep right, operating a motor vehicle while on a mobile phone, and operating a vehicle without wearing a seat-belt. Catus was released on appearance tickets for the Town of Andes Court on a later date.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will be holding a special watch party at Mirabito Stadium tonight as Max Scherzer makes his 2nd rehab start with Binghamton on the road against the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Fans will be able to watch on the Mirabito Stadium jumbo-tron, with gates opening at 6:00 PM and first pitch at 7:05 PM. Tickets are $3, they can only be purchased in person at the Visions Federal Credit Union Starting Gate Box Office at Mirabito Stadium.

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The Afton Fair will run from Thursday July 7th through Sunday July 10th this year, Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 6-27-22)

This year is the 133rd edition of the Afton fair, at the Fairgrounds, more information is available at 607-639-1525 or theaftonfair.com.

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Catholic Charities announced another Community Mass Food Distribution, to be held on July 19th in Sidney, spokesperson Penny McKnight said that volunteers are needed to assist with the distribution:

(Penny McKnight 6-27-22)

The Mass Food Distribution will be held at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street starting at 11:00 AM.

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The 1st Primary Elections of 2022 will be held tomorrow around the state, with Polls open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The Democratic and Republican primaries for New York Governor are on the ballot. For the Democratic primary only, the primary race for lieutenant governor is on the ballot. State Assembly Primaries will also be held tomorrow in New York State. Congressional & State Senate Primaries will be held on August 23rd.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the initial intake tool to help small businesses determine their eligibility for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. The $250 million Program will support small businesses that made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations or to increase public safety in response to COVID-19. If deemed eligible by the screening tool, a link to the application will be provided when the program application opens, more information is available at formrouter.apps.esd.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-27-22

Governor Hochul is bringing state lawmakers back to Albany on Thursday to consider gun safety legislation in response to the Supreme Court striking down key portions of the state’s licensing law. The court on Thursday overturned the state law that required that people applying for a concealed carry permit demonstrate a specific need to have a gun in public. New York officials are considering restrictions on concealed carry in “sensitive locations,” such as government buildings and bars. They’re also looking at implementing specific training for permit applicants, among other options.

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$178.8 million has been awarded to 75 communities across New York State for projects that promote environmentally friendly modes of travel and make it easier and safer to walk, bike or hike. Locally, $5,000,000 will go to the City of Oneonta to construct sidewalks and shoulders for pedestrians and bicycles along State Routes 23 and 28.

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The Chenango County Heath Department is hosting a free COVID booster clinic at 33 Borden Avenue in Norwich today from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. No Appointment is necessary, more information is available at 607-337-1660.

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New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer will make a second rehab start with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Tuesday as they face the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford.

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