WCDO Radio News

State Police advised that Christian Rojas-Martinez, age 22, of Bronx, NY was found deceased earlier today inside a body of water that was inside the area being search.  An investigation as determined that since January 19, Christian was staying at a home and was camping with six other men at 521 Old Ferris Farm Road, in the town of Roxbury.  On the evening of January 20, he wandered away from the location and did not return.  He was reported missing by his companions on January 21, at about 12:45 a.m.  The investigation is ongoing.      State Police were assisted in the search by two NYSP K-9s, NYSP Aviation, NYS DEC, NYS Forest Rangers, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Town of Roxbury Constable, and fire department and EMS personnel from Roxbury, Grand Gorge, and Hobart.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred at about 4:50 am that claimed the lives of 3 people.  Killed in the fire were 33 year old Debbie L Pfeiffer, 1 year old Benjamin Pfeiffer and 10 year old Amber Morrow.  The cause of the fire is still being investigated and autopsies will conducted on the victims on 01/23/18 at Lourdes Hospital.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Chenango County Bureau of Fire, Plymouth Fie Department, North Norwich Fire Department, City of Norwich Fire Department, Smyrna Fire Department, Sherburne Fire Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.  Further details will be released when they become available.

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Jury selection began today in the corruption trial of Joseph Percoco, who was a top aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Percoco is charged with taking $300,000 worth of bribes from 2 companies working with the state. Prosecutors say he used his relationship with Cuomo to win those companies favorable treatment.

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Governor Cuomo may be softening his stance against recreational marijuana against the state's increasing economic problems, which have been made more difficult by the new Federal Tax plans:

(Cuomo 1-22-18)

The Governor made those remarks during his budget presentation earlier this month, as a way to raise revenue for the state.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arrested 53-year-old Michael Rogers of Stamford for Forcible Touching & Resisting Arrest, following a report of a domestic incident in the Village of Stamford. Rogers is accused of forcibly touching another person and resisted arrest as Deputies were attempting to take him into custody. Rogers was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2500 cash bail or $5000 bond, pending future court action.

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Utica Police arrested 20-year-old Jason Nieves of Utica Saturday on a murder charge, for allegedly causing fatal head injuries to 7-month-old Emelina Sanchez. The infant was taken to an area hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, Nieves has been charged with 2nd degree murder.

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Leadership Otsego is now accepting applications for the class of 2018. There will be an Informational Session on Tuesday January 30th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Otsego Now and Otsego County Chamber offices located at 189 Main Street Suite 500, in Oneonta. More information is available by calling the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce at 267-4010 Ext 103.

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State Police arrested 59 year old Anthony Middletown of Cobourg, Ontario for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and other traffic violations, after a trooper saw Middletown using a cellphone while he was driving in the town of Conklin. Middletown had his li9cense suspended 12 times in New York on 11 different dates, he was arraigned in the town of Conklin Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

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Governor Cuomo announced the 38th annual Empire State Winter Games will kick off on Thursday, February 1 and will run until Sunday, February 4 in Lake Placid. More than 2,500 participants will compete in 17 different sports during the 3-day festival. The Games will kick off with an inaugural Torch Relay departing from New York City.

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Local state lawmakers reacted to Governor Cuomo's State of The State Address, which was delivered to a joint session in Albany Wednesday afternoon. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 1-4-18)

State Senator Jim Seward also commented:

(Seward 1-4-18)

The state budget will be due April 1st, current estimates predict a 4 to 6 billion dollar deficit built into that plan before is it even enacted.

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The Oneonta Police Department received the final autopsy findings regarding the investigation into the December 2nd, 2017 death of 18-year-old Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills. The report determined the manner of death was accidental, due to mixed drug toxicity from amphetamines, ethanol, Xanax & Marijuana. The investigation into the Michael's death is continuing.

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The Out Of the Woodwork Players will hold auditions for "The Wedding Singer" based on the Adam Sandler movie. Spokesman Will Drew comments:

(Will Drew 1-4-18)

Drew said that there would be performances on April 13th, 14th & 15th at the Town Hall Theater in Bainbridge. More information is available on the Players Facebook page.

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The Sidney Historical Association & the Sidney Memorial Public Library will co-sponsor a presentation on the restoration of the Andrew Mann Inn on State Route 7 in Sidney. Current Owner Kurt Reigel will discuss the buildings history & his current restoration efforts, on January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Library's Smart Community Room.

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Fire Fighters in Unadilla responded to a Fire at 42 Ontio Terrace in Unadilla Wednesday afternoon. The two story building was fully involved when crews arrived, Fire Fighters from Wells Bridge, Sidney, Franklin, Otego, Sidney Center responded, no injuries were reported, the investigation is continuing.

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State Troopers initiated a pursuit of a suspect in Binghamton Tuesday afternoon. 36 year old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey was wanted on an active warrant, he led police on a pursuit through the city's Southside, on Conklin Avenue, he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole, troopers tried to take Giacalone into custody, but he backed his vehicle away from troopers into a parking lot. Troopers approached the vehicle, Giacalone accelerated forward, striking one of the troopers, who shot Giacalone in the face, he then attempted to flee again. Giacalone was eventually taken into custody & was brought to Wilson Hospital and transferred to another hospital in Pennsylvania for treatment of gunshot wound to the face. The injured trooper was taken to Wilson Hospital for leg and facial injuries and was treated and released. State Police are asking the public for any witnesses or information related to this incident at 775-1241.

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Governor Cuomo delivered his state of the State address this afternoon to a joint session of the legislature in Albany, he asked lawmakers to cooperate, in a time of political divisiveness:

(Cuomo 1-3-18)

Both Houses of the legislature will get to work this week on the agenda, topping the list is dealing with a state budget that already has a 4 billion dollar deficit attached.

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51 YEAR OLD DONALD SAVASTANO, A PRIVATE CONTRACTOR FROM SIDNEY, IS THE LATEST NEW YORK LOTTERY MILLIONAIRE, HAVING WON WITH A "MERRY MILLIONAIRE" SCRATCH OFF GAME PURCHASED AT THE MIRABITO CONVENIENCE STORE IN MASONVILLE ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO. SAVASTANO WAS INTRODUCED AT THE STORE BY NEW YORK LOTTERY TV SPOKESWOMAN YOLANDA VEGA THIS MORNING, HE DESCRIBED THE DAY HE BOUGHT THE WINNING TICKET:

(DONALD SAVASTANO 1-3-18)

SAVASTANO WILL RECEIVE OVER $661,000 AFTER TAXES, HE SAID THAT HE PLANS TO CONTINUE TO WORK, AND REMAIN LIVING IN THE SIDNEY AREA.

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Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested 46-year-old William Shaver of Fish’s Eddy for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation after he was observed operating a tractor-trailer on State Highway 17 in an erratic manner. Shaver was found to have an active Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Hancock Court for resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless driving and failure to comply. Shaver was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court where he posted $1500 cash bail. Shaver is to reappear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 60-year-old Alice Pliauplis of Walton, following a report of an order of protection violation in the Town of Walton. Pliauplis allegedly engaged in threatening and harassing behavior toward a protected person for whom an Order of Protection was issued, she was charged with Criminal Contempt and was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court & was released on her own recognizance to reappear at a later date.

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The Binghamton Devils today announced that they would host a job fair at the Floyd L. Maines Arena on January 10th. The job fair will run from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, businesses interested in having a booth at the event should call 722-7387.

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State Police became involved in a pursuit with a suspect wanted on a warrant of arrest in the City of Binghamton yesterday afternoon at about 5:00 PM. The pursuit reached the intersection of Conklin Avenue and Alfred Street, troopers were attempting to apprehend the suspect when he intentionally struck a trooper with his vehicle, the suspect sustained a gunshot wound, and fled the scene. He was apprehended a short distance away and was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital for treatment. The trooper was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Both the trooper and suspect are in stable condition. State Police officials said that additional information will be released as this investigation continues.

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State Police responded Friday to a report of a 2 vehicle collision on State Route 28, in the town of Franklin. 31 year old James Crosby of Delhi drifted into the southbound lane of State Route 28 and struck a tractor trailer head on. 42 year old Jamie Dougherty of Oneonta was operating the Tractor-Trailer attempted to avoid being struck by Crosby, drifted off the road, striking a stone wall, and coming to rest in the woods. Doughtery was transported to Fox Hospital, Crosby was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is continuing.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce next meeting will be held at Trackside Dining this morning at 7:45am

The Broome County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that 7-year-old Connor Brown of Conklin has died. After he & his 8-year-old brother were playing outside and walked onto the ice.   Connor fell through the ice, his mother & brother tried to rescue him & also fell through the ice. Neighbors pulled the mother and brother to safety, but Connor had been swept under the ice by the current. The boy’s body was located just north of where he fell into the river by a Conklin fireman, he was transported to Wilson Hospital, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies are still investigating.

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A Federal grand Jury handed up a 7-count indictment Friday against 28-year-old Justin Crandall & his wife, 27 year old Jessica Crandall of Sidney. The 2 are accused of numerous sexual exploitation charges against a 17-month-old female between November 2016 & February of this year.   Police were alerted to the alleged crimes after a witness received an image from Justin Crandall depicting the toddler engaged in a sexual act; Jessica Crandall had been babysitting that child. Justin Crandall admitted to touching the child while on Methamphetamines, Jessica Crandall admitted that the abuse started in late last year. The couple could face up to 30 years in prison.

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About 1000 New York state troopers and officers from other law enforcement agencies attended the funeral of Trooper Brian Falb in Plattsburgh this morning.   Trooper Falb served in the state police for 18 years starting in 1998 died March 13th from complications from illnesses contracted while responding to the September 11th 2001 Terrorist attacks in New York City.

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Tomorrow is National Agriculture Day; with proclamations form all levels of Government noting the importance of the farming industry. Chenango Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-20-17)

Vickers noted that Agriculture is still the Number one industry locally, and for New York State.

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The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it would extend the hours of its call center today, to assist small business taxpayers filing their sales tax returns before the midnight deadline tonight. Call center representatives will be available for an additional three hours, until 7:30 PM. The Tax Department expects 80,000 sales tax returns to be filed today & several thousand will likely be submitted within only a few hours of the midnight deadline. Taxpayers with questions can call 518-485-2889 for help in filing their returns. Officials said that many of the questions could be answered at tax.ny.gov.

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State Police arrested 43-year-old Donald Hart of Bainbridge, for criminal Contempt & Harassment.   Troopers were advised of a physical dispute in the Village of Greene, where Hart grabbed the victim by the arm, which violated a valid order of protection. Hart was arraigned in the Village of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $ 2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that registration is now open for the sixth annual “I Love My Park” Day on May 6th at state parks, historic sites and public lands across the state. The event is an effort to enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and raise awareness and visibility to the entire parks system and its needs. This year’s event includes partnerships with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Park Service, with volunteer events planned at several locations in the Adirondack and Catskill regions and at 5 national parks in New York State.

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Investigators yesterday arrested 38-year-old Jamal Abrams of Delhi, for violating a Temporary Order of Protection. Abrams is accused of contacting the victim of an alleged assault by telephone from the Delaware County Jail, on 14 different occasions this month, Abrams was charged with 14 counts of Criminal Contempt, he remains incarcerated on the previous Assault charges, he will be arraigned on the new charges in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

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The State Attorney General Eric Schneidermann said that his office receives complaints from consumers about tax-related schemes, by scammers who are impersonating IRS officials and attempting to collect bogus tax debts, by phone calls or emails. The IRS and legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment or payment information over the phone. New Yorkers can report potential scams to the Attorney General's office at 1-800-771-7755. Scams or the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

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The stalking case of Cal Harris of Spencer in town of Oneonta court has been postponed to November 10th. Harris was originally due in court today following his arrest on June 10th, for allegedly stalking state police investigator Terry Schultz in front of the Schultz home, after the Investigator testified in Harris’s most recent murder trial in Schoharie County Court. Harris is charged with 4th degree stalking,

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Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary has been named a Special Prosecutor in the investigation of Broome County Executive Debbie Preston, is accused of using a Town of Conklin credit card for personal use, when she was the Conklin Town Supervisor. Broome County District Attorney Steven Cornwell recused himself from this investigation earlier this week, On Tuesday, Preston admitted that as Conklin Supervisor she bought personal items with a Town of Conklin credit card in 2011 but said she paid the balance on the card with her own money. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has been requested to perform a full audit of the town of Conklin’s book during Presto’s tenure.

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The State Police Academy Graduation was held this morning in Albany, with more that 200 new Troopers added to the ranks. One of the new Troopers hails from Guilford, according to State Assemblyman Cliff crouch:

(Crouch 10-13-16)

Also, Trooper Arron Whitney of Endwell graduated today, he commented about his achievement:

(Trooper Whitney 10-13-16)

Trooper Whitney will be assigned to Troop C, This year's class is the 204th to graduate from the State Police Academy.

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The state Department of Health overpaid managed care organizations nearly $19 million for the state fiscal year 2014-15, in part, because of a flaw in how it calculated premiums, according to an audit from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors warned that another $56.8 million was at risk of overpayment over the next three years due to the flaw. Additionally, DiNapoli’s auditors found the Department Of Health is missing out on millions in annual savings through reforms recommended by the state’s Medicaid Redesign Team. The department also failed to collect $38.6 million in actuarial costs, incurred since 2009, from managed care organizations. Officials agreed with DiNapoli's findings & have agreed to make corrections.

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State Police arrested 32-year-old George Puckey of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Menacing, after troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a disturbance with a knife at a home on Pulaski Street in the Town of Dickinson. Puckey allegedly threatened his roommates while holding a box cutter; he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson court and was remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond. His next court date in the Town of Dickinson is pending.

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Governor Cuomo announced a $10 million investment to support new and existing incubators that help early-stage and emerging clean energy companies across the state grow and succeed. Technologies developed by these growing clean energy companies will help New York meet the Clean Energy Standard and its commitment to 50% renewable sources by 2030. Through NYSERDA, funding is available to organizations that are interested in providing incubator services to early-stage clean energy companies, particularly in the Southern Tier. Up to $2 million will be available for each incubator.

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A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Walton today, from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM, at the United Presbyterian Church at 58 East Street. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients

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The Cullman Child Center of Sidney will have an open house for the community Thursday evening. The Open House will be held at the facility from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

State Police and the Broome County Sheriff’s Department arrested 36 year old Jamie Blewett of Norwich in connection with 2 bank robberies at 2 Peoples National Bank Branches in Broome County. Friday State Police responded to a bank robbery at the Peoples National Bank in Conklin, the suspect was described as a white female, wearing a dark brown wig, operating a silver minivan with New York Plates, heading to Binghamton. A Trooper spotted the vehicle a few minutes later in Binghamton, Blewett was taken into custody. Blewett’s description closely matched details of the bank robbery on May 1st at The Peoples National Bank in the Town of Chenango. Blewett was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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Governor Cuomo acknowledged that thousands of gallons of oil leaked out following a transformer fire at the Indian Point Nuclear power plant over the weekend into the Hudson River. There was no escape of nuclear waste material; the governor said that the DEC is mentoring the situation closely, as Indian Point is the closest nuclear plant to a major metropolitan area in the world.

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Over 30 fire companies responded to brush fires along the railroad tracks in the town of Dickinson Saturday. The fires were started by brakes from a passing train, Fire fighters said that they have that brush fire contained late Sunday Night, but they are still battling some hot spots.

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The State DOT announced that construction work will be performed requiring lane closures at various locations within the Prospect Mountain construction project today through Friday between 9:00 AM to 3 PM. Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for work zone infractions. Up-to-date travel information is available at 511 or visit 511NY.org.

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