WCDO Radio News

State Forest Rangers & the Otsego County Sheriff's Office conducted a Wilderness Search On December 25 at 6:18 pm., the Sheriff’s Office called for assistance in the search for a patient who jumped out of an ambulance. The ambulance was transporting the 47-year-old unidentified Unadilla resident from Fox Hospital to Bassett Medical Center, Ambulance personnel pursued the patient but lost sight near Walnut and Linden Streets, they searched a wooded area, about 5 hours later, a civilian notified Rangers that someone was pounding on the front door of a house on Linden Street, a Deputy found the patient sitting at the bus stop shelter and drove the patient to the hospital.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-30-25

1 of the new laws going into effect on Thursday January 1st, is an effort to crack down on money laundering and "shell company" secrecy, the New York LLC Transparency Act stipulated that liability companies (LLC's) formed in or authorized to do business in New York must now disclose their "beneficial owners", or the actual people who own or control the company, to the Department of State. Existing companies have until the end of the year to file, while any new LLC's formed on or after January 1, 2026, January 1 have to submit the information within 30 days of formation.

Gene Schmidt of Unadilla & his family will once again offer a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sidney Elks Lodge from 1:00 to 4:00 PM:

(Gene Schmidt 12-4-25)

Schmidt said that do need some volunteers to help with preparation, serving and cleaning up, Those who would like to volunteer or donate can call Gene at 607-610-4030.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-17-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 38 year old Christopher Decker of Unadilla, following the report of a domestic dispute. Decker was charged with Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Unlawful Imprisonment, Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Harassment. Decker was being held at the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office pending Arraignment, he is scheduled to appear in Unadilla Town Court at a later date.

Unadilla's Holiday Festivities get underway today with a holiday market, at 5:00 PM, the tree lighting at 5:45 & the parade at 6:00 PM at the Community Lawn, down Main Street. Santa Claus will visit with children at the Bauer Community Center after the parade.

2 Holiday Parades are being held locally tonight & on Saturday, 4towns Forward President Teri Schunk told WCDO about tonight's "Holly Jolly" Sidney Festivities:

(Teri Schunk 12-5-25)

4 Towns Forward spokesman Ed Curley told WCDO about Afton's festivities on Saturday:

(Ed Curley 12-5-25)

More holiday parades are scheduled locally the following weekend in Bainbridge & Unadilla.

Gene Schmidt of Unadilla & his family will once again offer a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sidney Elks Lodge, Schmidt said that do need some volunteers to help with preparation, serving and cleaning up:

(Gene Schmidt 12-4-25)

Those who would like to volunteer or donate can call Gene at 607-610-4030.

With the Federal Government shutdown and the SNAP program closed down, area food pantries are extremely busy with existing clients & new clients coming in to get food for their families, Elaine Reed of the Unadilla Food Pantry comments:

(Elaine Reed 11-5-25)

The Unadilla Food Pantry is located at 172 Main Street in Unadilla, also the Mobile Food Pantry sets up at the corner of State Route 7 and 8 on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month, starting at 1:00 PM, they will be there this Friday for those in need.

40 year old David Tyner pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court, in exchange for a sentence of 5 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision. On July 31, 2024, in Binghamton, Tyner was found in possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, the discovery occurred after Tyner was stopped by Binghamton Police for violating Traffic Laws while operating a motorized bicycle.

Initial results are in for yesterday's elections, in The Town of Sidney Eric Wilson wins re-election for Town Supervisor, the 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, go to Andrew Hinkley & Frank Selleck. The Sidney Town Justice winner is Jennifer Ruling. In Area Town Supervisor races, in Guilford Gilda Ward is the winner, in Unadilla George Denys wins easily, in the town of Colchester, the winner is Robert Hafele, in the town of Oneonta, the winner is William Rivera Jr.. The Cities of Norwich and Oneonta will have new Mayors, Robert Jeffery will be Norwich’s next mayor, in Oneonta the winner is Dan Butterman. In the race for Delaware County Treasurer, the winner is Carli Pinner.

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.

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.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Dinner Banquet Sunday, Unadilla Chamber president Jackie Carey comments:

(Jackie Carey 10-3-25)

Chris Tuttle is the new owner of Village Variety, he told WCDO news he was pleased to be honored:

(Chris Tuttle 10-3-25)

The Annual Dinner Banquet on Sunday, at Far View Farm, 175 Rod and Gun Club Road, Unadilla.

Operation Merry Christmas sign-ups have begun for the 2025 Holiday Season, for children in the Sidney, Bainbridge, Unadilla and Afton areas. Spokesperson Lisa Striegler explains:

(Lisa Striegler 9-22-25)

The sign-up form is available on their Facebook page, the deadline to sign up is October 31st. Business that want to have a tree can also find the details on the Facebook page.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual dinner & Awards Ceremony on Sunday October 5th, at Far View farm Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey said that tickets are still available:

(Jackie Carey 9-19-25)

Carey said that the Business of the Year Award goes to Village Variety & the Committment to Community award goes to Cat Johnson.

Operation Merry Christmas has opened sign-ups for the 2025 holiday season. The program is available to under-privileged children 10 and younger in the Sidney, Bainbridge, Unadilla and Afton areas. The sign-up form is available at facebook.com/omcsidney, or by email omcsidney@gmail.com. The deadline to sign up is October 31st.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-9-25

Mohawk Valley Gives day will be held online on September 19th, to help raise funds for about 80 non-profits in Otsego County, Jeff Katz is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County, whose organization is participating in the event again this year:

(Jeff Katz 9-9-25)

One of the organizations that will benefit on the Mohawk Valley Gives event is the Unadilla Community Food Pantry, Elaine Reed is one of the Directors of the organization, she told WCDO that the benefit will go toward filling their pantry & help them hold events like the Resource fair that they held Monday:

(Elaine Reed 9-9-25)

More information about participating non-profits can be found at givemv.org/inf/otsego, you get get additional information at 607-286-3750.

The Unadilla Community Food Pantry is having a resource Fair Monday at their location at 172 Main Street in Unadilla, Pantry Co-Director Elaine Reed explains:

(Elaine Reed 9-5-25)

Various organizations and agencies will be sending representatives to the Resource Fair Monday, the event is free & open to the area public.

The Otsego County Hazardous Waste Collection days will be held This Morning in Unadilla & Saturday in Cooperstown, Spokesman Kyle King explains:

(Kyle King 8-15-25)

More Information is available at otsegocountyny.gov or at 607-547-4226.

The 2026 property tax levy growth will be capped at 2% for local governments that operate on a calendar-based fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This figure affects tax cap calculations for all counties, towns, and fire districts, as well as 44 cities and 13 villages. DiNapoli’s office calculated the 2026 inflation factor at 2.64%, The tax cap, limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with certain exceptions. The law also includes a provision that allows municipalities to override the cap.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-15-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the unsealing of an indictment that charged 44 year old Chad Walters of Unadilla, with 1st degree Rape, for allegedly forcibly raping a physically incapacitated female at the victim’s home in Sidney in 2024. The case was presented to a Grand Jury, a warrant for Walters arrest was issued, Sidney Police attempted to locate him, he was found in Texas, he was taken into custody, and was returned to New York by Sidney Police Detective Sergeant Dionne and Officer Wheeler. Walters was returned to Delaware County Court and the indictment was unsealed, Walters was arraigned on the rape charge & he was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Sheriff on $50,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond.

The Unadilla Carnival of Sales will be held tomorrow throughout the village, Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-11-25)

Activities will continue in Unadilla Sunday with the Cullman Child Development Center Derby Day from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 7-11-25)

More information about the derby day is available at ccdcderbyday.com.

The Town of New Berlin announced a ROAD CLOSURE today, on Homesville Hill Road. Motorists in the area are advised to use County 34 as an alternate route. The repairs will go on between 6:00 am. to 3:00 pm. today. Also, Unadilla officials announced that Kilkenny Street from Clifton Street to Village line will be closed from 6:15 am to approximately 2:00 pm today.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that RHP Jonah Tong and OF Carson Benge have been selected to participate in the 2025 All Star Futures Game on Saturday, July 12 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Tong is the New York Mets #4 prospect, Benge is the Mets #3 prospect, who was promoted to Binghamton on June 23.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-30-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Tyler Clark of Unadilla for Criminal Contempt, Harassment, Criminal Mischief & Trespassing following an investigation into a complaint in the Town of Unadilla. Clark is accused of entering the victim’s property, in violation of a valid order of protection, and intentionally caused damage to the Victim’s vehicle, he was subsequently arrested and held at the Otsego County Jail to await arraignment.

Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigations released its report on the death of a man who died following an encounter with the State Police in Otsego County. On December 22 in 2021, a trooper responded to a call reporting a suicidal individual at an apartment in Unadilla. When the trooper arrived, he saw Mark Beilby Jr. holding a knife to his chest in the kitchen. The trooper tried to persuade him to drop the knife, Beilby refused, threw kitchen knives at the trooper, and the trooper shot Beilby in response, he was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. After an investigation, which included footage from body-worn cameras, legal analysis and interviews, the investigations office concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the trooper’s actions were justified under New York law, criminal charges will not be pursued against the officer.

The Annual Unadilla Flag Day Parade will be held this Saturday at 7:00 pm, it will go down Main Street in the Village of Unadilla, there will be an Ice cream social and bounce house after the parade in front of the Community House.

41 year old Brandon Empie of Unadilla pleaded guilty in the Town of Davenport Court Tuesday to 1 count of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs. On April 30, 2023, State Police were dispatched to State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport for a disabled vehicle, 2 individuals were found to be unresponsive in the vehicle, Empie became responsive and failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, it was determined that he was impaired by drugs, he faces sentencing at a later date.

State Police will be hosting a car seat check today, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7 between Sidney & Unadilla. State Police car seat technicians will check if the seat is installed properly or if there are any recalls with the current seat you have. If possible, bring the child that will be sitting in the seat to make sure they are in the correct seat for their age, weight and height. Call Troop C with any questions at (607)561-7604.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 53 year old Tanya Nelson of Afton following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Unadilla. Nelson was found to have struck another motor vehicle while at the Speedway on State Highway 8, she was found be intoxicated by alcohol and arrested, for DWI, Operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or highers and following too closely, she was processed and released with & was ordered to appear in court at a later date.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 53 year old Robert Smith of Sidney, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol, and Operating a Motor Vehicle against Interlock Restrictions, and several other violations following a Traffic Stop in the Town of Unadilla. Smith was found to have a revoked driver’s license in New York State, he was processed and released & will appear in 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).

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Many of the Southern Tier area schools had their budgets passed by voters on Tuesday, however not all of the results are in this morning. Locally, Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget 147-43, they also passed the bus proposition & the Sidney Luibrary budget, Bainbridge-Guilford School Budget passes 180-78, Franklin had their budget, bus & library votes passed, other local who schools who reported budget votes passing by substantial margins were Unatego, Oneonta, GMU, DEPOSIT, WALTON, Afton, UNADILLA VALLEY, Greene, Harpursville.

The Cullman Child Development Center will continue this year with their Summer series locally with events designed to be educational for area children, this year they added an old fashioned Soapbox Derby race to be held in July in Unadilla, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 5-15-25)

Corbin Curley is on the Summer Series Planning board & he told WCDO that he will be building a derby car with his son for the Derby Day:

(Corbin Curley 5-15-25)

The event will be held Sunday July 13th on Clifton Street in Unadilla, more information is available at ccdcderby.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-15-25

The Binghamton Police Department announced the identification of the victim from the stabbing at the Salvation Army on Tuesday as 57 year old Kevin Ray of Endicott. Michael Brutvan was charged with 2nd degree murder for the death of Ray, police responded at about 5:15 PM to a report of a stabbing at the Salvation Army, Ray with stab wounds to his shoulder and neck and succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital..

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-14-25

On May 1st, 22 year old Seth Ostrander of Unadilla was arrested and charged with 2nd degree Attempted Murder and Criminal Use of a Firearm. State Police & Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on State Highway 8 in the town of Masonville, Troopers determined that a verbal argument had escalated into a physical altercation during which Ostrander discharged a shotgun in the direction of another individual. The victim was not struck by the gunfire and declined further medical treatment at the scene. Ostrander was taken into custody and arraigned at Delaware County Centralized Arraignment. The investigation is ongoing.