WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-10-25

62 year old Robert Trago of Hancock, was sentenced in Delaware County Court to 5 years of in prison for his conviction of 2nd degree Assault. In September of 2024, State Police were dispatched to the Town of Hancock for shots fired with injuries, Trago shot at his neighbor in the arm while he was walking his dog in front of Trago’s residence, The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center by helicopter but was later released after the bleeding stopped. State Police Forensic Identification Unit Lab was able to match the bullet recovered from the victim’s arm with Trago's firearm.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Downsville today from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Downsville Fire Department, State Highway 30, schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Uplift Collective of Sidney Center will host the annual Holiday in the Hamlet Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Center Fire Station. There will be free photos with Santa, kids craft, live music, they request that people bring a canned food donation for the Sidney Center Food pantry. More information is available at the Uplift Collective Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-5-25

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Adam Smith of Kirkwood after Deputies responded Wednesday to report of a man driving in circles on someone's lawn, firing a weapon & striking an electrical transformer & hitting another vehicle while leaving. On Thursday investigators learned that Smith was outside his residence armed with a weapon, he went back inside when officers responded, After a brief standoff, Smith was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was executed, they seized 2 unregistered handguns, 40-long guns and narcotics. Smith was charged with 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment, 5 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, he was turned over the Broome County Correctional Facility for Arraignment. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by State Police in this investigation.

The State DEC is now accepting applications for $851,255 in Volunteer Fire Capacity grants to help rural fire departments protect public safety and natural resources. The application deadline is December 22, 2025. Interested fire departments can obtain applications and additional information about the grant program, at (518) 402-8839, or at the DEC website at dec.ny.gov.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24 year old Austin Hitt of Schenevus for Arson, Burglary & Criminal Mischief, following an investigation into a reported residential fire in Schenevus. Hitt allegedly entered the residence unlawfully and intentionally set a fire inside, he was arrested and was held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending arraignment at Otsego County Central Arraignment and was later released.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-28-25

The Annual Norwich Chobani Holiday of Lights Parade, will start Saturday at 6:00 PM at the NBT building at 52 South Broad Street and ending on Fair Street in Norwich. Norwich BID Spokesperson Mindy Chawgo explains:

(Mindy Chawgo 11-28-25)

Over 100 businesses, churches, fire departments, and other groups will participate, At the end of the parade, Santa will be led to his igloo and kids will visit, Santa's hours will continue from 1 to 4 pm., on Saturdays, and after the tree lighting ceremony on December 4th.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, where people all over the country are asked to visit small businesses in their communities and do their holiday shopping locally. Small Business Saturday began by American Express in 2010, and it is promoted by Chambers of Commerce all over the country.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-28-25

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office & the City of Oneonta Police Department, arrested 41 year old Nakia Facey of Oneonta following the execution of a search warrant. Facey was found to be in possession of a firearm while being prohibited to do so due to a court order, he was taken into custody and was charged with Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Firearm & was being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services reported a fatal structure Fire Saturday Morning at 125 Lake Street in Cooperstown. Cooperstown Fire Department, with mutual Aid from surrounding communities entered the structure and found an 89 year old female, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the identity of the deceased has not been released pending family notification.

Broome County Sheriff's Office & area firefighters responded Friday to the report of a car crashing into a house in the Town of Union. Responding deputies found that the driver, an 82-year-old female, was attempting to back out of a residential driveway and mistakenly accelerated forward off the driveway and into the adjacent house, rupturing a natural gas line. NYSEG was alerted and the gas line was turned off, nearby residents were temporarily evacuated, The driver was transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center for minor injuries. No charges were filed.

40 Year Old Jeremiah Raub from New Milford Pennsylvania was sentenced in Broome County to 20 years to life for 2nd degree Murder, plus 20 years to life for Arson with sentences to run concurrently in a New York State correctional facility. Raub was found guilty at trial in August in connection with the fatal March 17, 2011, fire at 20 Milford Street in the City of Binghamton, Raub intentionally set a fire in a recycling bin at the residence, the fire caused the death of 17 year old Jeffrey Aissa, who was inside the home at the time of the incident.

22 year old Matthew Bartosik of Conklin was sentenced today to 50 years in jail for the January 3rd killing of his uncle, Michael Lewis, following a family argument. Bartosik shot his uncle several times, resulting in his death, he also shot his cousin, who survived the incident. When police arrived and tried to enter the house, Bartosik shot at the troopers and deputies. Bartosik was eventually apprehended and took a plea deal and was convicted for 2nd degree murder, 4 counts of attempted murder, 3 counts of attempted murder of a police officer, plus criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon & 1st degree assault.

Several Area Fire companies responded to a fire at 41 Circle Drive in Sanitaria Springs last night after 10:00 PM. All occupants were able to escape, No injuries were reported, WCDO news will have more information as it becomes available.

The State DEC announced that the State's most popular big game hunting season begins on Saturday, November 15 and continues through December 7th. The DEC is encouraging all hunters to take steps to remain safe, Most hunting-related injuries occur when hunters are climbing in and out of a tree stand. Hunters must wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing (either a hat, vest, or jacket which are visible in all directions) when pursuing deer or bear with a firearm, and should always follow the basic rules of firearm safety:

The Salvation Army in Sidney is looking for Bell Ringers to participate in their annual Red Kettle Fund drive, through December 24th. Bell Ringers will be located at the Sidney Price Chopper, to volunteer call 607-435-5882.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-12-25

Oneonta Firefighters, with assistance from other area fire departments responded to a blaze at Bordingers Welding and Fabricating on Winney Hill Road Tuesday afternoon. 1 person was taken to Fox hospital for smoke inhalation and was released. The fire caused extensive damage to the business, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-11-25

Several area fire departments responded to the report of a structure fire at Bordinger's Welding & Fabricating at 336 Winney Hill Road. The fire was reported at about 12:15 this afternoon, and people were able to escape the blaze. WCDO will have more information as it becomes available.

The City of Oneonta is accepting applications for a firefighter civil service exam to be held on January 10, 2026. The application deadline is December 10, Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the Oneonta Civil Service Commission at City Hall at 258 Main Street and the starting salary for 2026 hires is $52,000. More information is available at oneonta.ny.us.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-4-25

Today is Election Day, with several important local races in the Tri County Region:

The Town of Sidney has several key races this year, Incumbents Town Supervisor Eric Wilson faces a challenge from Giffen Ott, 5 candidates are seeking 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, Incumbents Bill Heath & Frank Selleck are seeking re-election, they face challengers Andrew Hinkley, Richard DeCola & Jesse Wakeman. The Sidney Town Justice position race feature incumbents Greg McCann against challenger Jennifer Ruling

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There are Town Supervisor races locally, in Guilford it is a rematch between incumbent Sue McIntyre against Gilda Ward, in Unadilla George Denys faces a late challenge from Write In Candidate Ed Gross, in the town of Colchester, the candidates are Robert Hafele & Arthur Merrill, in the town of Oneonta, the candidates are William Rivera Jr. & Brett Holleran

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The Cities of Norwich and Oneonta will have new Mayors, in Norwich the candidates are Robert Jeffrey & Jason Miller, in Oneonta the candidates are Luisa Montanti & Dan Butterman

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In the race for Delaware County Treasurer, Ronda Williams faces Carli Pinner.

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Polls are open from 6am to 9pm today, more information is available at your County Board of Elections Website.

State Police responded to I-88 in Afton for a crash involving a Department of Transportation vehicle and a pick-up truck. Troopers learned that a crew of 7 DOT workers were completing pothole repairs along the east bound lanes of I-88, an attenuator truck in the right lane warned drivers that there was roadwork ahead and that the right lane was closed, while a second attenuator truck was in the vicinity of the crew members. A Pick-up truck pulling an enclosed trailer with picnic tables crashed into rear of the second attenuator truck, The DOT worker that was operating the attenuator and the 20-year-old operator of the pick-up truck were both transported to Wilson Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Both eastbound lanes were closed during the removal of the vehicles. Troopers were assisted by Afton Fire, Bainbridge Fire, Sidney Ambulance.

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working, and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching "American Red Cross" in app stores.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45 year old Derek Jordan of Milford, 45 year old Keith Blush of Milford & 30 year old Ashley Goble of Milford, on a variety of drug & weapons charges, following an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Otsego County Probation Department. On October 9th, Otsego County probation Officers & Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Derek Jordan, who was taken in to custody on traffic offenses, During a search of Jordan’s residence, Blush and Goble were inside the residence, they were wanted by State Police and the New Hartford Police Departments on warrants. Officers observed a firearm, drugs and drug paraphernalia, Jordan and Blush were processed and turned over to the Otsego County Correctional Facility for arraignment, Goble was issued an Appearance Ticket to the Town of Milford Court, and she was turned over to New Hartford Police Officers. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending.

On October 16 at 10:48 p.m., Otsego County requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a hunter reported missing by his spouse. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, Otsego County Emergency Services, Garratsville Fire Department, Laurens Fire Department, New York State Police, and New York State Park Police and staff all joined the search efforts in Gilbert Lake State Park. Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputy’s located the 67-year-old from Remsen deceased in a tree stand. Rangers used a rope system to help extricate the subject and turned them over to the county coroner, the cause of death has not been released.

State Forest Rangers assisted with Vestal Police and emergency crews in the Town of Vestal on October 15th in the search for a 86-year-old Janice Short, who was reported missing the previous afternoon. Short was known to go for walks on Tracy Creek Road. Vestal Police used a drone with heat detection capability and deployed a K9 unit with negative results. Rangers assigned linear searches of the roads and Tracy Creek, a neighbor found Short behind his house calling for help, after she had fallen into a bush, hurt her back, and saw the lights from searchers, but wasn’t strong enough or loud enough for them to hear. Rangers and Vestal Fire Department members carried the subject, she was checked out & was returned to family.

The Bainbridge Fire Department will have their annual Turkey Night Fundraiser on on Saturday at the Fire House, spokesman Tom Akshar explains:

(Tom Akshar 10-6-25)

More information is available at 607-245-6978.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident on I-81 in the City of Binghamton Thursday morning. Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol and emergency personnel responded to a 3-car accident on I-81 south at the off ramp of Exit 12, they found a U-Haul truck on fire with the driver entrapped in the vehicle, they attempted to extinguish the flames, the U-Haul operator was extricated and transported to Wilson Medical Center, but was was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The U-Haul was towing a vehicle, after merging from Route 17 and was approaching the off ramp of Exit 12 when an SUV attempted to merge across several lanes and struck the U-Haul, causing the operator to lose control and collide with a DOT attenuator truck. The identity of the deceased will be released pending notification of next of kin.

2 American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held in the Tri-County region today, 1 in Hancock from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Fire House, another will be in Morris from 1:30 pm. - 6 pm., at the Morris Central School, to Make an appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

24 year old Deanna Eignor of Hobart pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Criminal Possession of a Firearm, back on January 12th, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Buena Vista in Delhi for a suspicious person & drug complaint involving 2 vehicles. Eignor was observed getting out of a vehicle with a backpack that contained a firearm. Co-defendant Kenneth Dillmann, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3½ to 7 years in state prison, Eignor is expected to be sentenced to 1 year in jail for this conviction at a later date.

The Unadilla Fire Department was alerted to a possible structure fire in the town of Unadilla on State Route 7 near the State Police Barracks, around 12:00 AM earlier today, Unadilla Firefighters were able to make an aggressive push into the residence and contain the fire to the room of origin. Crews were back and in service by 4:45am, Unadilla was assisted by Sidney Fire Department & EMS, and the Wells Bridge, Franklin, Otego & Sidney Center Fire Departments.

This Week is National Fire Prevention Week, and the Norwich Fire Department will have an Open House for the public today, with a wide variety of demonstrations, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Chief Papelino 10-8-25)

Chief Papelino said that the week included visits by the Fire Department to area schools, today's Open House will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at their 31 East Main Street location.

This Week is National Fire Prevention Week, and the Norwich Fire Department will have an Open House Wednesday for the public, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Chief Papelino 10-6-25)

Chief Papelino said that the week also includes visits by the Fire Department to area schools, Wednesday's Open House will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the their 31 East Main Street location, with surrounding fire Departments and law enforcement agencies participating.

The Bainbridge Fire Department will have their annual Turkey Night Fundraiser on October 18th, spokesman Tom Akshar explains:

(Tom Akshar 10-6-25)

More information is available at 607-245-6978.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-3-25

Governor Hochul & the State DEC announced a statewide burn ban in effect due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions. The ban will be in effect until October 15th and will be re-evaluated prior to expiration. New Yorkers can help by complying with the prohibition on outdoor fires and by continuing to conserve water whenever possible.

On Friday, Walton Fire and EMS were dispatched to a UTV accident, where the UTV had lost its brakes and hit a tree head on. There were 6 occupants at the time of the crash with no one wearing helmets. UTVs were brought to the remote scene and were used to transport EMS to the patients. All of the occupants were removed in a 45 minute span, 5 were removed by LifeNet helicopters or local Ambulance squads, The final patient had minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

The 5th Annual Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Company fundraising UTV ride & Poker Run will be held on this Sunday, spokesman Roger Barnhart told WCDO about the event:

(Roger Barnhart 9-17-25)

Registration begins at 10:00 AM for the ride beginning as 12:00 Noon, proceeds will benefit the Trout Creek Fire Company.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-22-25

Area Fire Departments responded to a blaze at the Hodge Family Farm in Oxford Sunday, the barn & indoor riding arena was destroyed, the family did get some animals out of the barn, 4 calves died in the blaze, various farm equipment was also lost. No injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The 15th Annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held this Saturday beginning at 12:00 Noon. There is no fee to participate, there will be entertainment, raffles, the Sidney Center Fire Department will be selling barbecue chicken, more information is available at 369-9074 or 607-610-4098.

The 5th Annual Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Company will be held on Sunday September 28th, spokesman Roger Barnhart told WCDO about the event:

(Roger Barnhart 9-17-25)

Registration begins at 10:00 AM for the ride beginning as 12:00 Noon, proceeds will benefit the Trout Creek Fire Company.

A section of I-81 was closed this afternoon following a Crash and fuel spill southbound at Exit 4 at about 1:00 PM. A multi-vehicle crash has caused a fuel spill on Interstate 81 southbound, at the Exit 12 ramp to Binghamton/Port Dickinson, State Route 7. Lane closures were implemented & the DEC , Local Police & Fire Departments responded. the latest information can be found at 511NY.

The 15th Annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held this Saturday beginning at 12:00 Noon. There is no fee to participate, there will be entertainment, raffles, the Sidney Center Fire Department will be selling barbecue chicken, more infromation is available at 369-9074 or 607-610-4098.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting tomorrow at 7:30 am at Bob's Diner, where minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting will be discussed, and various community updates and events will be shared.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-15-25

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced a 7 count indictment against 46 year old Arthur Cotten of Sidney. Sidney Police responded July 19th to a domestic dispute, where Cotten is accused of damaging a property and attempting to set it and responding officers on fire. The Indictment charges Cotten with Attempted Arson, Attempted Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Possession of Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Justice & Menacing.

A fundraiser to benefit the family of the Late Jason McGlone of the East Branch Fire Department, is being planned for September 13th at the East Branch Fireman's Park at 29 Bridge Street, Bill Manning is one of the organizers of the event:

(Bill Manning 9-12-25)

Manning said that the activities will begin at 1:00 PM on September 13th, Take State Route 17/I-86 to exit 90 East Branch, take old route 17 east to The park on Bridge Street.

Delaware County Public Health will have a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets Today, from 5:00PM-7:00PM, at Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main Street, If you need assistance pre-registering or have questions about the clinic, please call Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200.

A Nate Lull Scholarship Fundraiser will be held at the Colonial Ridge Golf Course, on September 20th and 21st, Lull told WCDO News about the event:

(Nate Lull 9-8-25)

To register by calling the Golf Course directly at 607-263-5291.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-8-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced an 8 count indictment Friday has been filed against 54 year old Joseph Bellows of Downsville, from the crash that occurred in Hancock on July 17th, that resulted in the death of East Branch Assistant Fire Chief Jason McGlone. Troop C Commanding Officer Major Lucas Shuta recounted the incident at Friday' Press Conference:

(Major Shuta 9-5-25)

DA Smith announced that counts against Bellows when the indictments were unsealed Friday:

(Shawn Smith 9-5-25)

DA Smith said that the most serious charge of 2nd degree Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in jail if Bellows is convicted.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-5-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced an 8 count indictment has been filed against 54 year old Joseph Bellows of Downsville, from the crash that occurred in Hancock on July 17th, that resulted in the death by electrocution of East Branch Assistant Fire Chief Jason McGlone. Bellows was charged with Speeding, Driving While Intoxicated, Using a Cell Phone while Driving, Criminal Mischief, Vehicular Manslaughter and 2nd degree Manslaughter. DA Smith said that the most serious charge of 2nd degree Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in jail if Bellows is convicted.