WCDO Radio News

Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that the State of Emergency for bot the towns of Pittsfield & Laurens have been rescinded today. Motorists are urged to drive with caution in those towns as recovery efforts are continuing.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $21 million in additional funding through the NY SWIMS initiative to support 16 new projects across the state, bringing the total to 79 projects. In the Southern Tier, awards go to the Children's Home of Wyoming Conference for $2.8 million & the Town of Delhi's West Branch Center for $252,182

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-2-26

A EF-1 tornado has been confirmed in Otsego County Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, it touched down along Otsego County Highway 49 near Ketchum Road in Pittsfield & traveled 8.4 miles to Crawford Road & County Highway 10 in Laurens, it was on the ground for 18 minutes, with estimated wind speeds of 105 miles per hour. No injuries were reported, 4 structures were destroyed, the Towns of Pittsfield and Laurens are in a state of emergency.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-1-26

Over 600 NYSEG customers in Otsego County are without power today, following last Night's Storms, the Towns of Laurens & Pittsfield in Otsego County have a State of Emergency in effect due to impassable roads from downed trees & power lines. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

The Luszi’s Legacy Cornhole Tournament last weekend successful, the tournament raised $1,600 that will go directly to Pet Street Station Animal Hospital fund, to assist families deal with the bills for emergency or quality of life care for their senior pets.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-26-26

Most of the area School Districts will have their High School Graduation exercises today & tomorrow. Graduation ceremonies begin this afternoon at 5:00 pm for Gilbertsville Mount Upton grads, at 6:00 pm for AFTON, MILFORD, 6:30: in WINDSOR and 7:00 PM for UNATEGO, NORWICH, ANDES, MORRIS, LAURENS, DEPOSIT, EDMESTON, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK and 7:30 for CHARLOTTE VALLEY. Graduation ceremonies on SATURDAY start at 9:00 AM for HARPURSVILLE, at 10:00 AM for SIDNEY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DELAWARE ACADEMY, GREENE, WALTON, 10:45 AM for ONEONTA, 11:00 AM at OXFORD ACADEMY, SCHENEVUS; 1:00 PM for SOUTH KORTRIGHT and 7:00 PM for the BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD.

Butternut Valley Alliance announced the schedule for On the Trail of Art, will be held at General Jacob Morris State Forest, on Saturday from 11 am. to 6 pm. and Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm. BVA Board Chair Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 6-12-26)

An opening reception will be held tonight at 6:00 PM in Gilbertsville, BVA Executive Director Cassandra Miller explains:

(Cassandra Miller 6-12-26)

This year's On the Trail of Art features work by student artists from Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Morris, and Laurens Central schools alongside local artists with ties to the Butternut Valley.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-3-26

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the new Dietz Street Lofts in Oneonta, at about 2:00 PM this afternoon. mutual aid was requester from fire departments in Otego, West Oneonta, Laurens and Milford, Videos from scene showed flames on the roof of one of the buildings. WCDO News will have more information as it becomes available.

Butternut Valley Alliance announced the schedule for On the Trail of Art, to be held June 13-14 at General Jacob Morris State Forest. The exhibition will be open Saturday from 11 am. to 6 pm. and Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm. An opening reception will be held Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 pm. at Dunderberg Gallery in Gilbertsville. Attendance is free, but reservations for an admission time are encouraged and can be made at Eventbrite. On the Trail of Art features work by student artists from Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Morris, and Laurens Central schools alongside local artists with deep ties to the Butternut Valley.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 22 year old Jordan Kratochvil of Laurens, for Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Imprisonment, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Assault & menacing following an investigation into a physical domestic dispute with a firearm in Laurens. Deputies determined that Kratochvil struck the female victim multiple times in the head with an 8 month old child present, he unlawfully locked the victims inside their residence, and threatened to use a loaded semi-automatic rifle against them and others, he surrendered himself to Deputies and he was processed and turned over to Otsego County Corrections pending Arraignment

Norwich City Police arrested 21 year old Brayden Pollock of Plymouth along with a Juvenile, in connection to the damage at Angelino Fields on Borden Avenue on May 2nd. Norwich Police determine that both individuals came in separate vehicles & damaged property, amounting to about $2,500 in damages. Both were charged with Criminal Mischief, Pollock was issued an appearance ticket for Norwich City Court, the juvenile was ordered to return to Youth Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-7-26

State Police arrested 19 year old Derick Danielsen of Laurens after a couple driving in Laurens saw Danielsen follow them in his vehicle into the town of Oneonta, they reported that Danielson was pointing a handgun at their vehicle. The couple drove to the State Police Barracks in Oneonta to report the incident. Troopers located Danielson and his vehicle in Laurens, Troopers seized cocaine, ecstasy, oxycodone pills, Xanax, fentanyl, 150 THC vape cartridges, cash & a number of loaded weapons, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Menacing, he was processed & then transported to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-20-26

51 year old Jason Gonzales of Laurens pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was sentenced to 5 years in state prison on each charge, to be followed by 2 years of post-release supervision. On December 6, State Police conducted a traffic stop in Sidney when a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign, the Trooper observed several hypodermic needles and scales, Gonzales was a passenger in the vehicle, he threw a plastic bag containing fentanyl out of the vehicle. Gonzalez was arrested, processed & released. 5 days later, another State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on River Road in Sidney, Gonzales was once again a passenger with drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Gonzales was taken into custody, he was searched, and fentanyl was found, he appeared in Delaware County Court & pleaded guilty, the sentences will run concurrently, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail to begin his sentence.

State Police arrested 62 year old Frank Kovacs of Laurens, on a warrant for 8 counts of Rape, 3 counts of Criminal Sex Act, 3 counts of Sexual Abuse, Investigators received information pertaining to the rape and sexual assault of a child in Saratoga County from 2008 until 2011 in Clifton Park. Kovacs was arrested at his place of employment in Oneonta, and was transported to State Police in Clifton Park for processing. He was then arraigned at the Clifton Park Town Court where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail, a $250,000 bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond. In June 2025, Kovacs was arrested by State Police for rape and sex abuse charges following a Otsego County grand jury indictment, this arrest is a continuation of that investigation. Kovacs is also mayor of the village of Laurens.

State Police arrested 54 year old Sherry Ashmore of Laurens for felony Grand Larceny, following a report from the Oneonta Walmart Sunday. Ashmore is accused of taking over $1,000 worth of merchandise out of the store without payment, Walmart employees attempted to stop Ashmore but she fled on foot. Troopers located Ashmore in Burger King and she was arrested, was processed and was released on an appearance ticket to the Oneonta Town Court on May 19, 2026.

American Red Cross Blood Drives are continuing today & Saturday, as Blood Supplies continue to be very low. Today in Oneonta, from 1 pm. - 5 pm., a blood drive will be held at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, and another will be from 3 pm. - 7 pm., at the Laurens High School, On Saturday, a blood drive will be held in Gilbertsville from 10 am. - 2:30 pm., at the Christ Episcopal, book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Laurens today from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Fire Department, 34 Main St., schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

State Police responded Saturday to 438 County Highway 11, Lot 30 in the town of Laurens for to assist at a fully engulfed fire. West Laurens Fire, West Oneonta Fire, Mount Vision Fire and Laurens Fire were already on scene attempting to get the fire under control. It was determined that the resident, 62 year old Roger Delong was still inside and was later located deceased. Investigators from New York State Fire and the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services responded to the location and will determine the cause of the fire.

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.

Area Lawmakers are urging residents to attend meetings on October 7th & 8th by the Public Service Commission, regarding requested rate increases by NYSEG. The Commission is tasked with deciding on Utility Company rate increase requests, the hearings will be at at 1:00 and 6:00 PM at Binghamton City Hall & public comments will be taken. Interested individuals can also submit written comments or use the toll-free 1-800-335-2120 Opinion Line to voice their views on the proposed rate and practice changes. In July, NYSEG filed its “Powering New York” plan regarding replacing the state's aging power grid, in which they claim that the rate increases are needed in order to make upgrades.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-2-25

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 29 year old Toren Gray of Laurens, for 16 counts of 1st degree Obscenity, 91 counts of Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, 89 counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, following an investigation from a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators learned that child sexual abuse material was disseminated from a local social media account, they obtained search warrants for Gray's accounts and located over 300 images. Sheriff’s Office investigators and the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a search warrant at Gray's residence, he was taken in to custody, processed and was held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility for Arraignment. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending.

Am American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Oneonta at the Quality Inn today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Another is being held in Laurens from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Laurens Fire Department, All blood Types are needed and supplies remain low, make an appointment with the Red Cross App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

The FBI has announced the indictment of 63 year old Henry Garcia of Vero Beach Florida for "Sending a potentially hazardous material" charge, by mailing a letter last year to the New York Attorney General's Office in Albany, containing what was believed to be a biological weapon. The suspicious white powder was not a hazardous substance, the charge filed against Garcia carries a maximum term of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-27-25

Graduations continue for area school districts this weekend. Gilbertsville Mount Upton Seniors graduate this morning at 9:00 AM, Tonight, Milford seniors graduate at 6:00 PM, Afton, Deposit, Edmeston, Hancock, Laurens, Franklin, Windsor, Otselic Valley, Morris, Schenevus & Norwich will hold Commencement exercises at 7:00 PM, Charlotte Valley begins at 7:30PM. Saturday Morning Commencement exercises will begin at 9:)) Am for Harpursvile , followed by Sidney, Greene, & Walton at 10:00 AM, Oxford Academy at 11:00 AM South Kortright at 1:00 PM & Bainbridge Guilford at 7:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-17-25

State Police arrested 61 year old Frank Kovacs of Laurens after an Otsego County grand jury indictment. Kovacs has been charged with 2 counts of 1st degree Rape and 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Act. Kovacs is currently serving as the Mayor of the Village of Laurens in Otsego County. An investigation began in December of 2024 when a victim reported that over a decade ago, they had been sexually assaulted by Kovacs for several years, in multiple locations by means of forcible compulsion, intimidation and coercion when the victim was a teenager. Kovacs was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash, $10,000 credit or $100,000 bond.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 47 year old Eric Bormann of Laurens, on 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Harassment. Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Laurens, Bormann was also found to be in possession of a semi-automatic handgun without a State Pistol Permit, he was issued an Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Laurens Town Court at a later date.

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking detail in Otsego and Delaware Counties, all of the businesses checked were in compliance and did not sell alcohol to an under-aged operative. 12 Businesses complied, including Mirabito Quickway stores in Oneonta, Laurens, Hartwick, Colliersville, Otego, Unadilla & 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 (if asked).

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Gary Garbera of Laurens for 3 counts of Attempted Criminal Contempt, following an investigation in to a report of an inmate at the Otsego County Correctional Facility violating a valid order of protection, he attempted to contact the protected party of the order 3 times by phone, he was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Middlefield Court.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in  Laurens today from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Laurens High School, 55 Main Street; appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a raccoon in the town of Laurens, tested positive for rabies. All people & animals exposed to the raccoon are receiving medical care. More information about rabies is available at 607-547-4230 or at the Health Department's page at Otsegocountyny.gov.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 59 year old Robert Solberg of Milford Saturday, for Criminal Contempt. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested Solberg following an investigation into a violation of a temporary order of protection and a trespassing complaint, where he was found to have entered the residence of the protected party, he was turned over to the Correctional Facility to await arraignment. State Police and the Otsego County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-30-24

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Carol Bishop & 34 year old Timothy Bishop of Laurens following an investigation into an animal cruelty complaint. At the conclusion of the investigation, both were charged with 14 counts each for torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance, they were processed & released on appearance tickets for the Town of Laurens Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a skunk tested positive for rabies from the town of Laurens Tuesday. 3 unvaccinated dogs were exposed & will be quarantined, there was no human exposure, more information about rabies is available at 607-547-4230.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that they have sent personnel to assist in the fighting of the Catskills area wildfires in Ulster, Sullivan & Orange Counties. Otsego County deployed 5 Hand-crews, totaling 25 firefighters, to assist in Greenwood Lake, with fire fighters from Milford, Otego, Unadilla, & West Laurens Fire Departments, as well as Otsego County Emergency Services Deputy Fire Coordinator Jeremy Hilton. An extended appreciation is warranted to the Cherry Valley, Garrattsville, Gilbertsville, Morris, Mount Vision, Richfield Springs, West Exeter & Worcester Fire Departments for also offering additional personnel for deployment.

More American Red Cross Blood drives are being held today, the 1st at 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School, another from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Stamford Central School, another from 3 pm. - 7 pm., at the Laurens High School, Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800- red cross or using the blood donor app.

Several Area Fire Departments responded to a Chimney Fire at 9 Ceperley Avenue in Oneonta early this morning. The Fire was reported shortly before 4:30 AM this morning, with fire on the 1st & 2nd floor, coming through the roof, mutual aid was received by the Oneonta Fire Department from West Oneonta, Worcester, Sidney, Franklin, Milford, Laurens & Otego, at about 5:30 AM, the Fire knocked down, the investigation into the cause of the fire in ongoing.