WCDO Radio News

NYSEG is reporting that much of the power has been restored in the WCDO Listening area, Franklin still has the largest number of outages, with over 1300 earlier this afternoon, the Franklin school district was forced to cancel classes today due to the power outage.

Bassett Healthcare Network and the Oneonta World of Learning are hosting PaintFest at FoxCare Center in Oneonta on Saturday, March 22 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bassett Spokesperson Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 3-17-25)

Argo said that registration is requested through eventbrite.com, admission is free.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-12-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the conviction of Duane Kinne of Walton pleaded guilty to 6 counts of Unlawful Surveillance, for secretly installing a camera in a bathroom shower and using the recordings for his own gratification, plus 1 count of Criminal Sexual Act for admitting to performing a sexual act on a boy less than 13 years old. Kinne will be sentenced at a later date.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado was in Oneonta Tuesday, he announced that the Utica Center for Development was holding their grand opening of a new veterans resource center in the Oneonta Armory. The new location at 4 Academy Street in Oneonta, will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am. until 4 pm. More information is available at ucdevelopment.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-4-25

57 year old Paul Geer of Hancock was convicted by a jury in US District Court for 2 counts of coercing and enticing 2 separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and 2 counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children. Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, where he used his position of authority to coerce 2 students to travel with him to Maine and Toronto, Canada. where he raped or otherwise sexually abused each of the two children. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9th, where Geer is expected to be sentenced to many years in prison & pay fines up to $250,000, followed by a term of supervised release of up to 5 years after prison.

The 2025 Regional Spelling Bee Champion was won Saturday by Margot Fieni of the Oneonta City School District. Margot earned the title in the 16th round by correctly spelling "Burmese." she will have the chance to travel to National Harbor, Maryland in late May to compete against more than 200 other spellers from around the country and the world at the 100th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is looking for New Recruits and Experienced Police Officers, applications are being accepted now for Deputy Sheriff and Correction Officer positions at otsegocounty.com/departments.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-3-25

The US Northern District Court of New York's Asset Recovery Unit collected $39,262,324 in civil, criminal and forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2024. $14,085,025 was collected in criminal actions, $15,874,944 was collected in civil actions, and $9,302,354 was collected in asset forfeiture actions. The Northern District of New York also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice to collect an additional $18,995,733 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.

Gilbertville Mount Upton Superintendent Annette Hammond announced that she will retire following the completion of her 10th year as superintendent and 16th overall at GMU. Hammond became GMU’s middle/high school principal in August 2009, and was named superintendent in August 2015. The District will begin conducting a search for a new Superintendent shortly.

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IS HAVING A FREE ENERGY WORKSHOP today from 5:30 TO 7:00 PM, AT THE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CHENANGO OFFICE AT 99 NORTH BROAD STREET IN NORWICH. RSVP's are encouraged at 607-366-0833.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-22-25

State Police responded yesterday afternoon to at about 3:50 pm to a 3-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and County Highway 9 in the town of Oneonta. A preliminary investigation determined that a BMW was traveling on State Highway 7 when it struck a Toyota from behind while the Toyota was waiting to turn left onto County Highway 9, the Toyota was pushed into the path of a Chevrolet SUV and they collided head-on. The operator of the BMW, a 76-year-old male was pronounced deceased on scene, it is unknown at this time whether he died as a result of the collision or if he suffered a medical event. The operator of the Toyota, a 24-year-old male was transported to A.O Fox Hospital, The operator of the Chevrolet SUV, a 52-year-old male with 3 children were checked out on scene but not transported. The investigation is on-going.

American Red Cross Blood Drives are continuing, a drive will be held today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, appointments can be made at 1-800 REDCROSS, with the blood donor app or at redcrossblood.org.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-21-25

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the State Executive Budget proposal today in Albany, totaling 252 Billion Dollars, an increase of 3.6% over last year's budget. Hochul discussed 3 plans to assist working class families in the Budget proposal:

(Hochul 1-21-25)

The increase in the budget follows an 8% state revenue increase over the last year, the Governor also discussed the continuance of plans to build more housing & changing the formula for state aid to school district and to stay on top of the state's crumbling roads & infrastructure due to the tough winter weather.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59 year old Karen Bryant of Greene & 71 year old Nancy Nowalk of Greene in connection with the misconduct investigation by the Greene Central School District. The woman were arrested Saturday after Greene Schoo Officlas reported that a 9-year-old female student had been “physically attacked” on a school bus by a school employee while in the Town of Masonville on Wednesday, January 8th. Video evidence revealed that Bryant struck the student “multiple times”, while Nowalk, failed to report it to the district. Bryant and Nowalk have been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bryant was also charged with Harassment, they were released on appearance tickets for the Town of Masonville Court at a later date.

The American Red Cross announced that if local residents donate Blood this month, they can enter for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. There are 2 Blood Drives in Oneonta today, one from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Oneonta Elks Lodge on Chestnut Street and another from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the St. James Episcopal Church at 205 Main Street. Donations can be made with the Blood Donor app, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-redcross.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-19-24

50 year old Kevin Harrington of Oneonta was sentenced to serve a 3-year term of federal probation and ordered to pay over $150,000.00 in restitution to his former employer, for his previous guilty plea to 2 counts of mail fraud. Harrington admitted that while he was the executive director at First Community Care of Bassett, he submitted fraudulent expense reports seeking reimbursement for the purchase of CPAP machines that were not purchased. Harrington was ordered to serve six months of home confinement and was fined $5,500.00.

64 year old Douglas Webb admitted in Chenango County Court to offering a false instrument for filing with the intent to defraud, he admitted to misleading Sherburne Earlville school officials on an application, where Webb allegedly did not disclose a 1987 conviction. Webb was originally indicted for offering a false instrument for filing with the intent to defraud, falsifying business records, plus 3 counts of forcible touching, and 3 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, while serving a bus driver for the district.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-19-24

50 year old Andras Kasuba of Brooklyn pleaded guilty to DWI & Aggravated Vehicular Assault, in Delaware County Court, on March 18, 2023, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash on Highway 26, Kasuba was the driver of one of the vehicles. 3 individuals needed extraction due to serious physical injuries sustained in the accident, Kasuba was intoxicated at the time of the collision and had caused the crash, he had a blood alcohol content of 2.5 times the legal limit. Kasuba was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Sheriff pending sentencing at a later date..

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 11-15-24

Broome County Sheriff’s Office Office arrested 51 year old Byron Bump of the Town of Colesville, for 1st & 2nd degree Rape, & Attempted Rape, Bump was relieved from his job as a school bus driver for the Chenango Valley School District, he is accused of sexually abusing multiple minors over a lengthy period of time, Anyone with information should contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office by calling 607-778-1196.

The Oneonta Board of Public Service has issued a "water supply emergency" and is recommending that water conservation efforts be implemented, as their main reservoir is 74 inches below normal. officials recommend taking short showers, repair leaks, more information is available at 607-432-2100. .

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-13-24

Last week, Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that his office would no longer be participating the the County's Drug Court, as changes like the State's Bail Reform laws & other factors have kept those that the program was meant to help, they are no longer entering into the criminal justice system and they can not get the help they need. Smith told WCDO News that at the very least, more decisions need to be made by the judges again:

(Shawn Smith 11-13-24)

WCDO News will be broadcasting the full interview with District Attorney Smith soon, and we will announce the broadcast dates shortly.

New York's annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need will begin next Monday, Donations of new unwrapped toys, new and gently used coats, and new school supplies are requested to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season. The local drop-off locations will collect donations from November 18 through December 13th at the Binghamton State Office Building - 44 Hawley Street, or at the Homer Folks Facility at 28 Hill Street, Oneonta

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM, at the SUNY ONEONTA, HUNT UNION HALL. Appointments can be made at rossblood.org, 1-800- RedCross or with the blood donor App.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-31-24

The Bainbridge Guilford School District will hold a Veterans Day breakfast next week, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan explains:

(Tim Ryan 10-31-24)

Veterans interested in participating can RSVP to the District office at 607-967-6321.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee, aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools from across New York State are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. The Delaware County Chamber will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. Winners from each of the local competitions across New York will be invited to take part in the state finals. More information is available under the Event and Programs tab at DelawareCounty.org.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 12 pm. - 5 pm., at the State University in Oneonta, in the Hunt College Union. to make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony on November 14th. Several County businesses will receive awards at the event, which will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium on Market Street in Oneonta.

Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi will again be hosting area veterans for a special Veterans Day breakfast event on Thursday, November 8. Veterans and their families are invited to attend the event, beginning with a breakfast at 8:15 am, followed by an assembly and special program in the high school auditorium at 9:00 am. Veterans who are interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling the high school office, 607-746-1308.

The Unatego Booster Club will hold the Alec Pitel Memorial "Sprintin for Spartans" 5k/5mile run this Sunday at 10:00 AM, Alec's wife Judy Pitel was honored that the Booster Club named this event after her late husband, who lost his life after years of battling Alzheimer's Disease:

(Judy Pitel 10-4-24)

The Event will be held on the grounds of The Unatego High School on Sunday, people can still register prior to the start of the run Sunday Morning. More information is available at the Unatego Booster Club Facebook page.

A Car Seat Safety Check will be held in Oneonta tomorrow at the Home Depot on Route 28 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event is co-sponsored by The Otsego County Health Department, Sheriff's Department, AAA & the Governor's Traffic safety Committee.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-4-24

On Tuesday, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force attempted to execute a narcotics search warrant at a residence and vehicle in the Town of Sanford. 39 year old Scott Lord of Deposit, fled the scene in a vehicle, leading law enforcement on a lengthy pursuit into Pennsylvania. As deputies and Pennsylvania State Police responded to seize the vehicle, Lord was found to still be in the vehicle and he fled the parking lot, striking a Broome County patrol car and another vehicle, Vehicle tire deflation devices were successfully deployed and Lord crashed into a creek. Lord was arrested for Attempted Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Reckless Endangerment, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, The Wayne County District Attorney has also announced several felony charges.

The Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame will hold their 12th induction ceremony this weekend, spokesman Rich Turnbull told WCDO News about this year's Hall of Fame inductees:

(Rich Turnbull 10-4-24)

The ceremony will be held Saturday Evening October 5th at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.

Edmeston Central School District went into lock-down today following a situation that district Officials Stated posed a potential threat to students if they were outside the school building today. Law Enforcement was notified & no one was allowed to enter or leave the school building. Law enforcement investigated & claimed that situation was safe & the lock-down was lifted.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled today, one in Oneonta from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, another from 9:30 am. - 2:30 pm., at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus on State route 206 in Trout Creek, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull has a fall golf tournament coming up this weekend at the Colonial Ridge Golf Course in Morris to support The Nate Lull Scholarship, Lull said he wasn’t planning on another Tournament, but the chance to add to the scholarship fund made was a no brainer:

(Nate 9-20-24)

The Phone Number to sign up again is 607-263-5291, and request to sign-up for the Nate Lull Tournament specifically when you call. The Nate Lull Scholarship has handed out $30,000 dollars over the last two years to local high school seniors.

State Police in Troop “C” will be hosting a child car seat check at the "Touch A Truck" event at the Broome County Fairgrounds in Whitney Point from 10:00am – 2:00pm, Appointments are preferred at (607)561-7604. Also, the Governor's Office announced a car seat check from 9 am. to 12 pm. at Visions Federal Credit Union, State Highway 12, Norwich.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-20-24

On September 18th, 2024 the Sidney Police Department began an investigation into a social media post that made a threat to several specific students of the Sidney School District. The same threat was also directed to several specific students of the Walton School District. Sidney Police Department has charged a 14 year old female with one count of Making a terroristic threat and four counts of Aggravated harassment, Due to the subject's age she was issued a juvenile appearance ticket to appear at the Delaware County Probation Department and released.

The Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction weekend starts today & continues on Saturday with the dinner & ceremony starting at 4:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street, spokesman Larry Halbert told WCDO about the Inductees:

(Larry Halbert 9-20-24)

This event is also a key fundraiser for the school’s athletic scholarship.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-19-24

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $2.3 billion in tax relief will go to nearly 3 million New Yorkers under the State’s School Tax Relief program. More than 2 million New Yorkers have already received their STAR tax relief and nearly 1 million more will receive their benefits in the coming weeks. Additional Information is available at ny.gov/STAR

Oneonta City Officials announced that On Sunday, beginning at approximately 8:00 am and continuing until approximately 4:00 pm, NYSEG crews will be shutting off electrical service to businesses and apartments on Main Street, Water Street, and Market Street. NYSEG will be contacting people in the affected areas by phone. For more information, call the Department of Public Works at 432-2100.

Emergency crews responded to an accident on I-88 yesterday afternoon at about 1:00 PM, between Oneonta and Otego. A tractor trailer went off of the road & tipped over onto its side, the driver was not injured.

The Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Alumni Association is planning the 4th Annual Fall Scholarship Fundraiser for Friday and Saturday, at the Hidden Springs Brewhouse, Norwich. There will be food & live music, The Alumni Association awards up to four scholarships annually for a graduating GMU senior to help with college or technical school expenses. More information is available by calling 607-888-1459.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-19-24

A social Media Threat against the Sidney & Walton Central School District was posted on Instagram and Facebook, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News that 4 were quickly identified, placed into a safe space & their parents were contacted, they also coordinated with the Sidney Police Department. Sidney Police stated that there was no credible information or evidence to support the threat being real & they remained at the school until dismissal, they are back at the Sidney District again today. Sidney Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 607- 561-2301.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 29 year old Antonio Almovdovar of Oneonta on multiple charges for Assaulting and throwing feces on Correction Officers. Almovdovar was charged with Assault, Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by an Inmate, on September 17th Almovdovar ignored lawful commands by corrections officers to cease his actions, he became combative and during a struggle, a corrections officer sustained an injury that required medical treatment at Bassett Hospital, the following morning, he began to again become disorderly and proceeded to throw bodily fluids on to another corrections officer, After consulting with the Otsego County District Attorney’s Office, a bail recommendation of $10,000 cash, $10,000 credit card and $100,000 surety bond was requested.

Otsego County announces an open-competitive examination for Deputy Sheriff, with the Examination Date on September 28, tomorrow, August 29th is the last day to file. Applicants must have a high school diploma or a New York State Equivalency diploma, application are available at otsego-portal.mycivilservice.com/exams

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-28-24

State Police & the Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced that a Delaware County Grand Jury has indicted 27 year old James Christ Jr. of Deposit for 2nd degree Murder, among other charges in connection with the death of a 3 year old child. The child’s mother, Marielys Ramos of Unadilla has been indicted on Reckless Endangerment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both are currently at the Delaware County Correctional Facility, pending arraignment. State Police arrested Christ in May, after they were dispatched to Fair Street in Deposit for the report of an unresponsive child, it was determined that Christ recklessly caused the death of the child.

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals of Hobart is hosting a Job Fair at the Quality Inn of on Route 23 in Oneonta today, from 3:00 to 6:00 6:00 Pm, with about 25 businesses also on hand looking for prospective employees, Mallinckrodt spokesperson Aneta Miller explains what kind of candidates they are looking for:

(Aneta Miller 8-28-24)

More information about careers at Mallinckrodt are available at mallinckrodt.com/careers.

The Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame will hold their 12th induction ceremony in October, spokesman Rich Turnbull told WCDO News about this year's Hall of Fame inductees:

(Rich Turnbull 8-1-24)

Tickets can be obtained through Turnbull at 607-334-1600 extension 1439, the ceremony will be held on October 5th at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.

President Biden has nominated former area Congressman & current Judge Anthony Brindisi to serve at the federal level in Utica based on the recommendation of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Brindisi has been on the New York State Court of Claims since 2022. This nomination is for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Brindisi will be to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, followed by full Senate confirmation.

Congressman Marc Molinaro's constituent service team will hold mobile office hours today, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the Oneonta Town Hall, constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro's office to resolve issues they are having with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and Social Security Administration.

State Police are now accepting applications for the Trooper Entrance Examination, and testing for candidates will start on August 15th, Candidates can sign up to take the exam at joinstatepolice.ny.gov. Minimum qualifications needed to sign up for the examination, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, at least 20 years old and a maximum of 34 years old at the time of application.

American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held locally today, 1 from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Charlotte Valley Central School, State Highway 23 in Davenport. 2 Blood Drives will be held in Oneonta, one from 11:30 am. - 4:30 pm., at the Neonatal Elks Lodge on Chestnut Street, another from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23, Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-28-24

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that 29 year old Michael Bredin on the Town of Maryland, has been charged with 2nd degree Arson by the State Police & Otsego County District Attorney's Office. On March 31st, the Schenevus Fire Department, along with Oneonta City Firefighters, responded to a blaze at an apartment house on State Route 7, the fire was quickly knocked down, and investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. Bredin was arraigned Friday & faces court action at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-28-24

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in Otsego and Delaware Counties recently. 11 businesses were checked for compliance, with 1 person charged with Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Minor, after selling alcohol to person under the age of 21, at Betty Beavers Fuel Stop on County Road 48 in the town of Otego. The businesses that passed were in Oneonta, Laurens, Hartwick, Milford, Otego, & Davenport. During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth.

The Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Team will be giving a special presentation for the public in the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Memorial Public Library Today at 6:00PM. Rich Townsend was a Science Teacher at Sidney at the start of the program in 2007, & is still guiding the program, he told WCDO about the presentation:

(Rich Townsend 5-28-24)

Townsend said anyone interested in donating to the project should email: rtownsend@sidneycsd.org. The presentation this evening is free & open to the public.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-21-24

School district across the state are putting up their budget proposals today for public approval, many district also have School Board Seats, capital projects & School Bus Propositions up for public vote. More information is available at most school district websites for locations & duration for the voting public.

The Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Team will be giving a special presentation for the public in the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Memorial Public Library on Tuesday, May 28th at 6PM. Rich Townsend was a Science Teacher at Sidney at the start of the program in 2007, & is still guiding the program, he told WCDO about donations that they have received recently & what the money will be used for:

(Rich Townsend 5-21-24)

Townsend said that the students have given several presentations about the flood monitoring program. Anyone interested in donating to the project should email: rtownsend@sidneycsd.org. The presentation on the 28th is free & open to the public.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-21-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Sean Gillespie of Delhi on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court to answer to a drug related charge, issued out of the Town of Delhi. On May 9th, Deputies were contacted by the City Oneonta Police Department, who advised that they who had taken Gillespie into custody, he was turned over to central arraignment processing at the Delaware County Jail to await arraignment.

The Tri Town Theatre will present the musical "Rent" this weekend at the Sidney High School Auditorium, about a group of people in New York City in the 80's, cast member Yana King visited with WCDO this morning & talked about the show:

(Yana King 5-1-24)

Tickets are available at tritowntheatre.com, the shows will be Friday & Saturday night at 7:30 PM with a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM.

A.O. Fox Hospital's FoxCare Center is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross today, from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, in Conference Room 1 at FoxCare Center in Oneonta. Another Blood Drive is being held at the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton School District, from 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Jeremy Stimpson of Oneonta for Bail Jumping and on 2 Bench Warrants. Stimpson repeatedly failed to appear for court appearances for criminal cases in the Town of Otego and Town of Milford Courts, both courts issued bench warrants, Stimpson was located in the City of Oneonta by deputies and members of the Oneonta Police Department, he was processed and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $1,500 cash, $1,500 credit card, or $10,500 bond bail recommendations.

Oneida County District Attorney's office & State Police announced that former Utica School Superintendent Bruce Karam was sentenced to pay $11,549 back to the Utica school district for the resources improperly diverted, he was ordered to serve 5 years probation and perform 250 hours of community service, he was also ordered to pay $150,000 by May 17, representing a reduction in his pension earnings from the date of his crime until his termination.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-19-24

Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 40 year old Carheem Felton of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court to 9 years in New York State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a weapon. On the 2nd of August 2022, Felton opened fire at another individual at the Northside Deli on Chenango Street in Binghamton. The Binghamton Police Department investigated the shooting and located Felton fleeing the scene while still in possession of the firearm.

State Police executed a search warrant on Center Street in the town of Oneonta relative to a child pornography investigation. An investigation determined that a 17-year-old at the residence obtained numerous images of child pornography on a cell phone, the suspect was arraigned in Otsego County Youth Part Court and released on charges of Possessing and Promoting a Child Sexual Performance. The investigation is ongoing.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department's Earth Festival will be held from 10 am. to 3 pm. Saturday, at Milford Central School, Spokesman Kyle King comments:

(Kyle King 4-19-24)

King said that more information is available at occainfo.org/calendar/save-the-date-earth-fest.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Oneonta from 12 pm. - 6 pm., at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 4-17-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Gerald Johnson of Oneonta on an Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrant issued by the Delaware County Grand Jury. On April 16th, the Delaware County Criminal Investigations Unit and Road Patrol division, Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and State Police responded to a residence in the Town of Oneonta, Johnson was located and arrested in Lantern Hill Mobile Home Park in the Town of Oneonta. Johnson was charged with 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2 counts of Grand Larceny, and 1 count of Petty Larceny, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $30,000.00 cash bail Or $100,000.00 secured bond. Johnson is scheduled to appear in the Delaware County Court at a later date.

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 45 year old Hayes Cutting of Bainbridge pleaded guilty to 1 Count of Aggravated Family Offense in Delaware County Court Monday. Cutting admitted that on January 28, 2023, in the Village of Sidney, he intentionally choked an 18-year-old female, he will be sentenced to a state prison for 1.5 to 3 years, he is currently serving a 5-year state prison sentence for unrelated assault charges.

Tri Town Theatre will present "Rent" on the Sidney High School Auditorium stage in early May, cast members Olivia Hawkins & Owen Freidenstine visited WCDO and

talked about staging this ambitious production:

(Tri Town Theatre 4-17-24)

The show will be on May 3rd through May 5th, with curtain times at 7:30 Friday & Saturday Night, with a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM, tickets can be purchased at

TriTown.Booktix.com

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-17-24

Delaware County District Attorney's office announced that 28 year old Jessica Lopez of Sidney was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Delaware County Court Monday. Lopez appeared in Delaware County Court for an arraignment on drug related charges, she pleaded guilt after she admitted that she possessed fentanyl in the Village of Sidney on February 27, she intended to sell. Lopez will be sentenced to 6.5 years in state prison, and 2 years of post-release supervision on June 10th.

Dave Johnson of Unadilla has organized a meeting in Unadilla tonight called “Introduction to Preparing for the Inevitable”, with a series of experts on what to do before your final days, Johnson told WCDO who the speakers will be:

(Dave Johnson 4-17-24)

The meeting will be held at the Unatego Elementary School Cafeteria from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Oneonta. The drive will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn on State Highway 23, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-23-24

Craig Ross Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to 1st-degree kidnapping and predatory sexual assault of a child, according to the Saratoga County district attorney, and faces 47 years to life in prison. Ross abducted 9 year old Charlotte Sena on September 30th from Moreau Lake State Park, as she was riding her bicycle while picnicking with her family, she disappeared and a search led to Ross 2 days later when state police troopers and an FBI SWAT team stormed a camper Ross was staying in. Rescuers found the girl alive in a cabinet. The guilty plea comes prior to a trial that was scheduled in April, Ross will be sentenced on April 17.

Tri Town Theatre will perform the Tony award winning comedy, GOD OF CARNAGE, starting tonight in Sidney, George Wells of Tri-Town Theater told WCDO about this 2009 comedy:

(George Wells 2-15-24)

Tickets for TriTown Theatre's production of "God Of Carnage" are on sale at TritownTheatre.com and will also be available at the door. The Shows are tonight & tomorrow night at 7:30PM and a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM at the Sidney High School auditorium, more information is also available on their Facebook page.

A Red Cross Blood drive is being held in Oneonta today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, on State Route 23. Appointments to give blood can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump is coming up February 17th, with their annual auction to be held this Sunday at 12:30 at the Milford Central School. Organizer Brenda Waters told WCDO News that they are raising money for 12 people this time with medical issues

(Brenda Waters 1-29-24)

Waters said that the Polar Bear Jump will be on February 17th at 12:30, the awards banquet will be held that evening at the Oneonta Elks club, all the information is available at pbjump.com.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-2-24

State Police received a cybertip of child sexual abuse material that was uploaded to a mobile messaging application in November, An investigation determined that 31 year old Bethany Crispell of Smithville, used a mobile messaging application to view and exchange child sexual materials. Crispell was charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child Under the Age of 17 and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, she was remanded to the Cortland County Correctional Facility and is due to appear in the Town of Smithville Court on February 6th.

Chobani announced that they are paying the debt for about 1,300 families who owed money for school breakfast and lunch. Chobani has donated $32,000 to eliminate school lunch debt across 11 school districts where their workforce resides, local districts where the school lunch debt was paid off include Cooperstown, Morris, Laurens, Edmeston and Schenevus.

Congressman Marc Molinaro announced his constituent service team will hold mobile office hours from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm on Wednesday, December 20 at the Town of Oneonta Town Hall. This comes after a home exploded in Oneonta, killing 1 person, injuring others, and damaging neighboring homes. Constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Congressman Molinaro's office to get assistance with issues they are facing.

The ABC Holiday Benefit will be held Saturday, @ 2:00 pm at the Bainbridge Guilford High School. Non-perishable food donations will be collected for Bainbridge & Sidney food pantries.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office will participate in the next Shop with a Cop event tomorrow. 36 children were selected by area school district to participate, they will shop with Deputies, officers from the Cooperstown & Oneonta Police Departments & SUNY Oneonta Police tomorrow.

The Unatego School District will induct 3 alumni into their "Hall of Distinction" today, Spokesperson Judy Pitel explains:

(Judy Pitel 12-1-23)

All are welcome to attend the festivities, which begin at 5:30 PM.

The 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Train will be coming through the region Saturday. The holiday train will stop in Oneonta at the Gas Avenue Rail Crossing, from 12:05 pm. to 12:40 pm. The train will be in Bainbridge at the Walnut Street Rail Crossing from 1:30 pm. to 2:00 pm. The train's schedule ends at the East Binghamton Yard Entrance, 3:20 pm. to 4:00 pm.

Governor Hochul announced the annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state, will begin Today. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are requested, Drop off locations will be set up locally through December 15th at the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street and the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street, Oneonta.

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.

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

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.