WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-29-23

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 48 year old Aaron Vandusen of Unadilla for Criminal Use of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, & Criminal Contempt. On November 29th, Otsego County 911 received a call regarding a male subject who had suffered a gunshot wound in a vehicle, it was determined that Vandusen had fashioned a homemade pistol even though he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction, he was attempting to enter a vehicle and dropped the homemade firearm which discharged in to his abdomen & groin area. He was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. State Police and Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Vandusen's residence Thursday for an unrelated complaint, he was arraigned in Otsego County Centralized Arraignment and released on his own recognizance pending future court action.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-26-23

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Matthew Romano of Unadilla for Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle following a property damaged motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta. Romano was found to be operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license, he was issued a uniform traffic ticket and taken into custody on a Oneonta City Court Bench Warrant, he was then turned over to Oneonta PD to answer his warrant.

28 year old Devon Ireland of Unadilla pleaded guilty to Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors, in Delaware County Court, he admitted that he was sending sexual messages to a person he believed to be a minor, Ireland is a registered sex offender, it was later revealed that the person he was messaging was an adult, decoying as a child. Ireland will be sentenced to 1 year in jail, he will be required to pay fines and surcharges & he will provide a sample of his DNA for the state data bank. Ireland was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending sentencing on January 29.

The Unadilla Fire was dispatched to a possible structure fire in the town of Unadilla on Kilkenny Road, at about 4:15 Saturday afternoon. Additional personnel were called in from Franklin, Wells Bridge, and Sidney Fire departments, it took approximately 25 minutes to get the fire knocked down.

The Green Giraffe in Unadilla is collecting items in a collection box at their store, which will be brought to the Unadilla Food Pantry, owner Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 12-5-23)

The Green Giraffe is located at 179 Main Street in Unadilla, more information is available at (607) 369-3234

The next meeting of the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will be held this morning at 8:00 am, the meeting will be held at the Bauer Community Center, Main Street, Unadilla.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-1-23

Unadilla will have their holiday celebration tomorrow at various locations around the village, Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 12-1-23)

Carey said that shops around the village will also be having special holiday sales throughout the day Saturday.

A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Unadilla Fire Department, 77 Clifton Street. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at Redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-red-cross.

Sidney Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire with possible entrapment at approximately 5:44 am Friday at 50 East Main Street, lot 19 in the village of Sidney. All residents were out, Sidney Fire units had the fire extinguished within 15 minutes, The fire was determined as accidental in nature, starting in a bedroom. Sidney was assisted by firefighters from Bainbridge, Unadilla, Wells Bridge, Sidney Center and Sidney Fire Department Auxiliary.

28 year old Devon Ireland of Unadilla appeared in Delaware County Court today and was arraigned on a sealed indictment. Ireland was charged with Attempting to endanger the welfare of a child, plus 1st & 2nd degree Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors & Ireland is a registered sex offender, he was accused of engaging in a sexually explicit online conversation with a person that he believed to be a 14-year-old child, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child, he attempted to meet the 14 year old in Masonville, and discovered that the child was actually an adult male using a “decoy” account. Ireland was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail. The case is scheduled for a conference on October 23, 2023, at 1:00 P.M.

A Halloween Pets Costume Parade will be held Friday @ 6:30 pm at the Bishop lot in Unadilla, the parade starts at 7:00 pm to the Unadilla Public Library. Fees collected will benefit Delaware Valley Humane Society.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-12-23

The Norwich Fire Department will hold an Open House tonight at the Norwich Fire House, as part of Fire Prevention Month, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino comments:

(Chief Jan Papelino 10-12-23)

The Norwich Fire Department “Open House” will run this evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

2 people were arrested following a traffic stop in Norwich regarding a stolen motorcycle, that led to a chase that ended in Unadilla. Norwich Police had attempted a traffic stop, the driver, Cody McCrady of Chenango Forks & passenger, Nichole Wiggins of Greene, fled. The pair were taken into custody in Unadilla. The investigation revealed that the Motorcycle was stolen from Manlius and the license plates were reported stolen from Johnson City. McCrady was charged with Reckless Endangerment, Criminal possession of stolen property, & criminal possess of a controlled substance, Wiggins was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Wiggins was released on an appearance ticket, McCrady was being for arraignment.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce annual Dinner & Awards ceremony will be held this Sunday at Far View Farms on Rod & Gun Club Road starting at 3:00 PM. The Business of the Year is the Village Bountiful Community Market, the Good Neighbor award will go to Robert Gipson & the Commitment to Community Award will go to Mayor Jake Cotten.

A.M. NEWS Friday 9-29-23

The First Judicial Department Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court has denied Donald Trump's motion to delay his fraud trial, meaning that the New York attorney general Letitia James $250 million civil trial against Trump will proceed on Monday. Earlier this month, a New York appellate judge had issued an interim stay, pending a ruling by the First Judicial Department.

Delaware County Clean Sweep will be held this Friday & Saturday for those who have registered to participate, Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson Robb explains:

(Tyson Robb 9-20-23)

Robb said that on Friday, businesses & Municipalities will bring their items from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, then farmers will bring their materials from 12:15 to 2:00 PM, household will participate from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Saturday.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that a bat has tested positive for rabies in Burlington Flats today. There was 1 human exposure, that person is undergoing post exposure vaccinations. More information about rabies is available at 547-4230 or on the Health Department page at otsegocounty.com.

A.M. NEWS 9-20-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla was sentenced to a 5-year term of probation supervision for 4th degree Arson in Delaware County Court. On June 4th, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney, Troopers discovered beer bottles, some with gasoline, the victim told Troopers that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. Investigators obtained DNA Swabs from Harris, Harris's DNA was on the bottles, he was arrested & Harris pled guilty to Arson. Harris was directed to immediately report to the Delaware County Department of Probation.

The Unadilla Historical Society is having a Fall Open House tonight at the Village & Town Museum at 133 Main Street in Unadilla. The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 PM & is open to the public.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-19-23

State Police arrested 48 year old Theresa Price of Utica for 3rd degree Grand Larceny. Troopers were advised last week that Price took a used vehicle for a test drive from a car dealership, told them she’d like the vehicle checked out by her mechanic but never returned. An investigation revealed that on September 15, the vehicle was traveling on Interstate 90. Price and the vehicle were located at a truck stop in the town of Pembroke. She was arrested and was processed and was turned over to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a juvenile is facing 3rd degree Assault and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, following an incident which occurred at the DCMO BOCES in the Town of Masonville. On September 7th, Deputies responded to the BOCES campus, a physical altercation had occurred where the victim was physically injured, and pressure had been applied to the victim’s throat. Deputies arrested and charged the Unadilla juvenile, The juvenile and the parents were issued juvenile appearance tickets and were directed to report to the Delaware County Probation Department at a later date to answer the charges.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-18-23

The Broome County Sheriff's office arrested 29 year old Dustin Smith of Endicott, after methamphetamine and fentanyl were found during the intake process at the Broome County Correctional Facility. Smith was brought to Central Arraignment at the Broome County Correctional Facility on Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance charges, a routine search uncovered 3 bags containing Methamphetamine & fentanyl. Smith was charged with 2 Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, & 3 Counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court & he remains at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-30-23

Several Area Fire companies responded to a fire this afternoon at 2050 State Route 206, in Masonville. The Fire was reported shortly before 1:00 PM & was fully engulfed when the first firefighters arrived. Fire Companies from Masonville, Sidney, Sidney Center, Bainbridge, Deposit, Trout Creek, Hancock, Walton, Unadilla & The Franklin FAST team were called in to the structure, which was located right near the intersection of 206 & State Route 8. WCDO will have more details as they become available.

The Johnson City Central School District announcing the resignation of middle school principal Daniel Erickson of Greene. Erickson was arrested in July after he allegedly attempted to lure a 16-year-old former student through social media, to perform sexual acts with him. He was remanded to Broome County Jail and released on bail on July 12.

A.M. NEWS Friday 8-25-23

Otsego County Residents will have 2 opportunities to properly dispose of Household Hazardous waste today & tomorrow, County Solid Waste Spokesman Kyle King told WCDO News what they are accepting:

(Kyle King 8-25-23)

King said that the 1st event is in Unadilla at the Town Highway building this morning from 8:00 to 11:00 AM, the 2nd event will be at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, no pre-registration is required, more information is available at Otsegocounty.com.

A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Unadilla from 12 pm. - 5 pm. at the Unadilla Fire Department, 77 Clifton St, Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-23-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla, pleaded guilty to 4th degree Arson, on June 4, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney. Upon arrival, the Troopers discovered several broken and intact beer bottles, some of which contained gasoline, a victim stated that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. The Bottles were tested, the results confirmed the presence of Harris’ DNA on the bottles. Harris will be sentenced to five years of felony probation supervision when sentenced at a later date.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported that a bat found in the town of Unadilla has tested positive for rabies. County Residents are reminded to keep their pets up to date with vaccination & boosters against rabies, more information is available at 607-547-4230, or at their website at otsegocounty.com

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 55 year old Troy McDonald of Unadilla following a traffic stop on July 23rd. McDonald was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle while Registration is Suspended, he was issued Uniform Traffic Ticket returnable to the Town of Unadilla Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a raccoon located in Unadilla has tested positive for rabies. Anyone seeking information on rabies can call the Health Department tat 547-4230, or go to otsegocounty.com for more information. All county residents are encouraged to get their pets vaccinated as soon as possible & to keep their pets updated against rabies.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced that their annual Diner & Awards ceremony will be held on October 1st at 3:00 PM. The dinner will be held at Far View Farms, the Business of the year award will go to the Village Bountiful Community Market, The Good Neighbor Award will go to Robert Gipson & the Commitment to Community Award will go to Mayor Jake Cotten.. More information is available at 369-2614.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is seeking Nominations for their annual business awards, that will be presented at their annual dinner in October. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news about the award categories:

(Ray Pucci 7-25-23)

Pucci said that all nominees must be Delaware County Chamber of Commerce members, Nominations may be submitted to by Email to info@DelawareCounty.org, the deadline to submit nominations is July 31, the annual Dinner will be October 18th in Delhi.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-25-23

NYSEG reports that almost all of the power has been restored following yesterday's storms. downed trees at State Route 7 & The I-88 Access road in Unadilla were also cleared & the road was re-opened last night.

A noon time thunderstorm caused problems around the region earlier today. 1 tree was down at Route 7 & The I-88 Access Road by Exit 10 in Unadilla, traffic was diverted away from the area, also NYSEG reported about 400 customers were without power in Bainbridge, Afton & Guilford, at around Noon, another 655 were without power in Unadilla after a transformer blew at about 1:20PM, that forced the Unadilla Town Court to postpone tonight's expected Court session.

Sidney Federal Credit Union broke ground on its first Syracuse-area branch at 8062 Brewerton Road in Cicero, SFCU Spokesman Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 7-20-23)

Principle Design Engineering based in Norwich are the architects of the build, Construction will begin as soon as permits are approved by the town of Cicero and plans are to complete the project by late 2023 or early 2024. Membership currently stands more than 67,000 strong and assets total more than $865 million.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-20-23

Fire fighters from Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge, Masonville & Trout Creek, responded to the report of a Tractor Trailer fire at about 4:30 this morning on I-88 in Sidney. I-88 Eastbound was closed down for firefighting & clean up, The driver was not injured, the tractor was carrying a load of wood pellets, no injuries among fire fighters were reported.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Calvin Bulluck on an outstanding warrant for Burglary & a Parole Violation. Bulluck is described as a Black Male, 5'11" about 200 Pounds with brown eyes & black hair, Anyone with information on the location of Bulluck is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com or by calling their tip line at (607) 778-1196.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-19-23

Sentencing was delayed in Chenango County Court for William Sabines of Oxford, Sabines pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide, concealment of a human corpse and attempted criminal possession of stolen property, in connection with the burning & dismemberment death of Jesse Donlin of Unadilla & Sidney in 2019, & hiding Donlin's vehicle in Chenango County. Sabines was originally scheduled to be sentenced last Friday.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-17-23

Otsego County Department of Health reported that a bobcat in the town of Unadilla tested positive for Rabies Saturday. Officials said that 1 dog was exposed but was vaccinated, it received a booster shot & was treated for wounds suffered from the bobcat. 4 people are also undergoing post rabies exposure treatment, DEC officials were looking a for 2nd possibly rabid bobcat in Unadilla. Otsego County residents can call the health department at 607-547-4230 or visit otsegocounty.com for information regarding rabies.

Sidney Police Department arrested 33 year old Jesse Terry of Unadilla Wednesday, for criminal possession of stolen property, unlawful fleeing a police officer, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving while under the influence of drugs & resisting arrest amon other charges. Sidney Police received an alert about a stolen vehicle out of Oneonta, the vehicle was observed at a car wash, with State Police assisting the traffic stop, Terry did not comply and rammed the Sidney Police car, police pursued along West Main Street, the pursuit ended at the Circle Drive Apartments, where Terry hit 1 of the apartment buildings with the vehicle, he fled into an apartment building and was taken into custody, he was treated at the hospital & was later arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail. More charges are pending.

The Village of Unadilla will return to their full-scale "CARNIVAL OF SALES" tomorrow, Unadilla Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-7-23)

Carey said that this is the 1st Carnival of Sales with all of the activities scheduled, like they did prior to the COVID 19 pandemic, events run from 9:00 AM to 4 PM around the village of Unadilla.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 24 year old Jamie Sophie of Unadilla after an investigation of a motor vehicle accident on June 25th on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies found a vehicle left the roadway and collided with a front porch of a residence, Sophie had been operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated state, he was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and inadequate brakes, Sophie was ordered to appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is this weekend at the Norwich High School, organizers are looking for scorekeepers and other positions, according to organizer Tom Revoir:

(Tom Revoir 7-5-23)

Those interested should contact Tom Revoir at 607-336-9622 extension 29.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-5-23

Morris Fire Fighters responded to a blaze at a vacant house at 50 South Broad Street Saturday at around 5:15 pm. Mutual aid was received from fire fighters in West Laurens, South New Berlin, Gilbertsville, Pittsfield, Edmeston, Unadilla and Otego, the cause of the fire is under investigation, no injuries were reported.