WCDO Radio News

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.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Jon Squires of Norwich for 3 counts of Criminal Contempt Saturday, after Deputies responded to a complaint in Oxford. Squires allegedly violated an order of protection issued by the Chenango County Family Court. Squires was arrested and arraigned, he was released on his own recognizance and is to appear in the Village of Oxford Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-20-26

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded Monday to State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich for a reported motor vehicle versus bicycle crash. The preliminary investigation determined that a 69-year-old male from Oxford, NY was operating an E-bike on the southbound shoulder of the roadway when he entered the southbound lane and was struck by a vehicle operated by a 16-year-old male traveling southbound. The operator of the E-bike was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, where he remains in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Area School District budgets were passed yesterday, mostly by large margins. Sidney voters approved the budget, the purchase of 2 Diesel busses & the library budget, budgets and propositions passed in Franklin, GMU, BG, Unatego & Afton. Norwich School District voters voted against a plan to sell the Flanagan Field property, which would have allowed for a housing complex to be built there, Milford voters decided against a plan to eliminate seats on the School Board, in Oxford voters turned down a proposal for the purchase of zero emissions vehicles. ============================================

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-11-26

On Sunday morning at 9:14pm the City of Norwich Fire Department was dispatched for the report of a structure fire located at 6 & 6A Griffin Street in the City of Norwich. Firefighters found a working fire, crews entered the apartment building and found fire and smoke conditions within both apartments, they searched for occupants on all floors, they were able to bring the fire under control within an hour of arrival. Norwich Fire Department was assisted by the Sherburne, Oxford, North Norwich & Plymouth Fire Departments, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and involved improperly discarded ashes from a prior campfire with the remaining ashes placed in a garbage bag on the rear porch of the home. There were no reported injuries to firefighters. 2 occupants of the home were evaluated at the scene by EMS & were released.

The Oxford Village Tree Board will be holding its 33rd “Tree City USA” and Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, at 9 am at the LaFayette Park bandstand. Plans include a proclamation, Tree City USA flag and plaque presentation, and a giveaway of seedling trees and shrubs.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-13-26

The Norwich Fire Department responded at about 5:00 AM This Morning to a blaze at 104 Mitchell Street, with reports of occupants jumping out of the building. Norwich Police arrived & discovered the 2 victims outside the structure, EMT 's arrived & transported the victims to the Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for burns & injuries, Norwich received assistance from Sherburne & Oxford fire departments, the investigation listed the cause as accidental caused by a chimney fire that extended through the home from an operating coal stove, there were no functioning smoke detectors , no firefighters were injured.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced their annual award winners, with the Citizen of the Years going to Carol Allen, for her work with the Tri-County Senior Center & the United Way, she told WCDO that she was surprised to be chosen:

(Carol Allen 3-31-26)

The Business of the Years was USA Custom Pad, Owner Eric Wilson commented about receiving the award:

(Eric Wilson 3-31-26)

The Non Profit of the Years was the Sidney United Way, Executive Director Ray Baker comments:

(Ray Baker 3-31-26)

The Distinguished Citizen Award will go to businessman, & former Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, all will be honored at the Sidney Chamber Annual Dinner in June.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 3-31-26

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Travis Rifanburg of Oxford for Petty Larceny, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Promoting Prison Contraband, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Town of Guilford, Rifanburg had a revoked drivers license and an active warrant for his arrest, he was transported to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office to be held for Centralized Arraignment, he was turned over to Corrections where he was found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine. Rifanburg is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court and the Town of Guilford Court at later dates.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango and the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford recently finalized a long-awaited partnership which now allows residents of the home and their families to receive hospice care from the nurses and volunteers of the organization. Executive Director Kendall Johnson of Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango told WCDO news about the partnership:

(Kendall Johnson 3-13-26)

Johnson said that the contract was signed in January & Hospice has already served clients at the Vets home in Oxford. More information about Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County can be obtained by calling 607-334-3556.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-25-26

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Robert DeMuth of Oxford following an investigation into a stolen trailer and 3 snowmobiles from Norwich on February 6th. The Sheriff’s Office received a tip, they located 2 of the stolen snowmobiles in Norwich & the stolen trailer in Oxford. DeMuth was arrested Tuesday for Criminal Mischief following a domestic dispute, he was questioned & subsequently charged with Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Conspiracy, & Burglary for the February case plus the Thefts reported in Greene in November 2024. DeMuth was released on his own recognizance & is scheduled to appear in the Town of Greene Court and the Town of Norwich Court at later dates, more charges are anticipated & the investigation is continuing.

The Hartwick College Art and Art History Department presents the 8th Annual Regional High School Art Show in the Foreman Gallery, featuring student artwork from 10 area high schools. The exhibition is on display to the public daily from 10 am to 6 pm through Tuesday, January 20, Participating schools include Charlotte Valley, Greene, Oxford Academy & Walton, The show features the work of 126 students and includes 109 pieces of art, including a collaborative wire sculpture created by 27 students.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-29-25

The Norwich Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 102 Gilmore Lane just south of the Walmart Saturday Night at about 6:12 PM, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Chief Jan Papelino 12-29-25)

Norwich Firefighters were assisted by the Oxford, North Norwich and Sherburne Fire Departments, Chenango County Office of Emergency Services, NYSEG, Norwich Water Department, Chenango County Sheriff's Office.

State Police arrested 29 year old Dylan Whitman of Oxford following an accident early Saturday on North Road in Oxford. Whitman was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, DWI, & Operating a Vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Whitman was also wanted on a criminal Warrant from Oneonta, and he faces court action shortly.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting Tuesday, morning at 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner. Chamber members are encouraged to attend.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-17-25

51 year old Lawrence Slater of Norwich pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated in Chenango County Court and was sentenced to 5-to-15-years in state prison. Slater had a BAC of twice the legal limit on April 12th, the ensuing crash killed 62-year-old Steven Biviano of Oxford, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Slater was taken to Wilson Hospital where his BAC was .18,

Commerce Chenango will hold their next "Business After Hours" event on Monday, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford. The event runs from 4:30 to 6:00 PM to coincide with Veteran's Day the following day.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-7-25

State Police arrested 20 year old Ashton Pratt and 30 year old Amy Mills both of Glen Aubrey, for 1st & 2nd Degree Assault, NY, on Tuesday, Troopers responded to a stabbing on State Route 26 in the town of Nanticoke, where a road rage incident between 2 vehicles escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in a 40-year-old male victim being stabbed. The victim reported that a male and female exited their vehicle, Mills is accused of grabbing the victim by his sweatshirt, while Pratt is accused of stabbing the victim in the upper body, they fled the area, The victim was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment; his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Through a collaborative effort among multiple State Police units, both suspects were located on Wednesday and were taken into custody without incident. Pratt and Mills were processed and transported to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Arraignment, The investigation is ongoing.

The 6th annual Oxtoberfest will be held from 10 am. to 4 pm., Saturday, at Lafayette Park in Oxford. The free event will include crafters, a variety of food trucks, music, entertainment, and a kid-zone with various activities.

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 Peila View Farms at 144 Kilroy Road in Oxford will hold their annual Autumn Family Fun will be held on Saturday & Sunday in conjunction with the Chenango County Health Department, from 11AM TO 5PM, Erica Curtis from the Chenango County Public Health told WCDO how the voucher system works for special needs children:

(Erica Curtis 9-19-25)

More information about the vouchers is available at 607-821-0707 extension 2942.

State Police arrested 47 year old Kelly Crandall of Oxford for Grand Larceny, after an investigation determined that while working at Mirabito on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich, Crandall stole over $2,000 from store deposits and an ATM machine. Crandall was arrested at her residence and was processed & she was released on an appearance ticket to the Norwich Town Court on October 16th.

The Autumn Family Fun Event will be Held at Peila Farms in Oxford on both days this weekend, free vouchers are available for families with children for special health care needs to enjoy the day's activities, those families can pre-register for the vouchers, Erica Curtis of the Chenango County Public Health explains:

(Erica Curtis 9-16-25)

Curtis said that children 2 and under will also enter free, the number to secure a voucher before the event is 607-821-0707 extension 2942.

The Peila View Farms in Oxford announced that they will hold their annual Autumn Family Fun will be held on September 20th & 21st this year, in conjunction with the state Health Department. More information is available at 607-821-0707 extension 2942.

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Detail in Chenango and Otsego Counties. All of the businesses except one were in compliance, which was Ye Olde Shanty on South Canal Street in Oxford, where a 73-year-old employee was issued an appearance ticket for Prohibited Sale of Alcohol to a Person Under 21. 10 other businesses were in compliance in Norwich, Oxford, Greene, Smithville Flats and Morris.

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 7-3-25

State Police arrested 52 year old Lawrence Slater of Norwich, after a Chenango County Grand Jury indictment. Slater was operating a vehicle on April 12th and crashed into an on-coming vehicle driven by 62 year old Steven Biviano of Oxford, who was pronounced dead at the scene, on State Highway 12 in the town of Oxford. Slater was operating the vehicle with a BAC of .18%, he was charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, Felony DWI & Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, he was was arraigned in Chenango County Supreme Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail, or $50,000 bond.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Joseph Amaro of Cooperstown & 43 Year Old Cricket Miller of Oxford, for charges related to a recent vehicle pursuit following an attempted traffic stop in Norwich. Amaro drove erratically, and Miller threw items at a patrol vehicle, causing several thousand dollars’ worth of damage. The pursuit ended in Ilion in Herkimer County, after Amaro’s vehicle struck a uniformed member of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, causing injuries. Amaro was charged with Obstruction, Conspiracy, Resisting Arrest, 2nd degree Assault Criminal Mischief, Unlawful Fleeing & Reckless Endangerment, as well as 74 Vehicle and Traffic Law citations, Miller was charged with Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment, Obstruction & Resisting Arrest, plus 8 citations for violating Vehicle & Traffic laws. Both were arraigned & remanded to the Chenango County Jail pending future court action.

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.

There will be a Village Election for registered voters in the Village of Oxford today from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM at the Oxford Fire Station, on Main Street. Offices on the ballot are Mayor & 2 seats for Trustee.

There will be a Village Election for registered voters in the Village of Oxford Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM at the Oxford Fire Station, on Main Street. Offices on the ballot are Mayor & 2 seats for Trustee. Area Primary races will be decided on June 24th, check your county board of elections website for more details.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-13-25

45 year old Cruz Garcia of Fleischmanns pleaded guilty in Delaware County court Tuesday to Strangulation, he is now clear to be deported. Garcia initiated a violent encounter against a female victim in 2023, a 3 count Indictment was returned for Strangulation, Unlawful Imprisonment, and 1st degree Rape, the victim was transported to a hospital because of the injuries sustained. Garcia has been incarcerated since his arrest for this incident, , which occurred while Garcia was released on separate unrelated felony charges of DWI in Orange County, plus Garcia lacked legal status in the United States and was wanted by Immigration, on a 3rd unrelated conviction, Garcia will be deported & a sentence of time served was deemed appropriate.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 46 year old David Burkholder of Oxford for Failure to Notify Law Enforcement of an Address Change, Burkholder is a level 1 convicted sex offender and failed to register his new address within 10 days of his move. Burkholder was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail with no bail. Burkholder is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The Oxford Fire Department responded to a barn fire on Friday night at about 8:30 PM on State Route 12, Coventry, Greene and Norwich fire departments assisted, all of the animals were evacuated.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-30-25

State Police announced that 61-year-old Michael Crandall from Oxford, succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash between his motorcycle & a school bus Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Chenango County routes 35 & 32 in the town of Oxford. Crandall was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, the school bus had 8 children on board, a 12-year-old child was evaluated at Chenango Memorial Hospital, no other children reported injuries. The unidentified school bus drive & an aid were evaluated at the scene and did not need further treatment, The crash remains under investigation.

Chenango Sheriff office arrested 38 year old Nicholas Partis of Cortland for Grand Larceny, after a complaint was filed by a local business. Deputies were dispatched to a local business, they obtained a license plate number and vehicle description. While deputies were reviewing camera footage, the Village of Oxford Police Department located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Deputies responded to Oxford and positively identified Partis, he was arrested & was released on an appearance ticket and is due to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.