WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-15-25

Norwich City Police arrested 4 Norwich residents on a variety of charges Friday. Police Detectives were investigating an animal abuse case at 7 Park Street, a search warrant was issued & executed, Officers located methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug-packaging materials, plus a gun, metal knuckles, and several other weapons. The animals were removed & turned over to local veterinarians. City Code Enforcement officials condemned the residence due to unsafe conditions. Arrested were 27 year old Kathryn Schultz, 36 year old Jordan Bates, 23 year old Hunter Bishop & 47 year old Marc Kimble on a variety of drug, weapons & Animal Cruelty charges, all 4 were arraigned were remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.

Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that Reginald Morris was sentenced following his guilty pleas to Attempted Assault and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act. Morris was sentenced to 1 ½ - 3 Years on his plea to Attempted Assault and 7 Years incarceration followed by 10 years post release supervision on his plea to Attempted Criminal Sexual Act. Morris will be required to register as a Sex Offender. The convictions stem from 2 separate incidents, on August 16, 2024, Morris approached a woman and attempted to forcibly engage in sexual conduct with her. The victim was able to resist and escape, and Morris was later taken into custody, and while incarcerated at the Broome County Correctional Facility, Morris intentionally damaged property and violently resisted corrections officers who attempted to restrain him, he bit an officer on the knee, causing injuries.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in an animal cruelty investigation in the area of Foster Lane in the Town of Otego. On September 6, a gunshot was heard in the area. Shortly afterward, the pet’s owner discovered their animal had been shot. The animal was immediately taken to a veterinary facility and is currently receiving ongoing medical care. Anyone with information should call the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office at 607-547-4273.

Mohawk Valley Gives, an annual one-day on-line fundraiser, returns on September 19, 2025, Hosted locally by the Community Foundation of Otsego County, Mohawk Valley Gives this year will provide more than 80 participating Otsego County nonprofits a fundraising opportunity by using a secure online platform. Community Foundation Director Jeff Katz explains some can start to donate earlier than Friday:

(Jeff Katz 9-15-25)

Katz said that Members of the community can visit givemv.org/info/otsego to browse all the nonprofits and give online to the organizations and causes that matter to them most.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-20-25

State Police arrested 37 year old Jason Lagano of Port Crane, for 2nd degree Assault, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Noxious Matter. On May 8, Troopers were notified that a victim was seeking care at UHS Wilson Medical Center for injuries sustained at a residence in Afton, after being pepper sprayed and struck with an object which caused fractures to both of the victim’s arms. Troopers were not able to immediately locate Lagano and a warrant was issued for his arrest, he was located Thursday by the Broome County Sheriff’s Department and turned over to Troopers, he was processed & was Arraigned & released on his own recognizance, He’s scheduled to appear at Afton Town Court on July 1.

The 25th annual CHENANGO COUNTY DAIRY DAY, will be held tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. The event will include kids games, face-painting, farm machinery, farm animals & a kiddie tractor pull.

The West Kortright Center is bringing back " Kidstock", with Music, Art and activities for all, this Sunday from 11am til 3pm, with a suggested donation of $25. More information is available at (607) 278-5454

The Delaware County Historical Association and the 144th New York Reenactment Group will hold a Civil War Re-Enactment Saturday & Sunday at the Association's grounds at 46549 state Highway 10 in Delhi The weekend will feature two full-scale battle reenactments, Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for active or retired military, and free for children 12 and under. For more information, call 607-746-3849

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-2-24

Two Delaware County campgrounds sustained damages when straight-line winds, also known as a micro-burst, rolled through Cooks Falls on Sunday June 30th around 10:30 AM. Delaware County Spokesperson Shelly Johnson Bennett told WCDO news about the damages:

(Shelly Johnson-Bennett 7-2-24)

Johnson Bennett said that the deceased woman has been identified as Carol Luistro of Edison New Jersey, there were a few other people who suffered minor injuries, she also said that the National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team investigated the affected areas Sunday evening, they reported that it was part of a band of thunderstorms that impacted eastern Delaware and western Sullivan Counties on Sunday morning.

People waited in line Saturday on main Street in Oneonta to purchase tattoos, with the money going to the Delaware Valley Humane Society, Shelter Director Erin Insinga said that the response & the donation was overwhelming:

(Erin Insinga 7-2-24)

Insinga said that there are 2 more fundraisers this Saturday July 6th, one is a Bake Sale for All Animals Matter from 9:00 Am to 3:00 PM at Tractor Supply in Sidney & the other a a bottle & Can Drive for the Delaware Valley Humane Society, where people can drop off bottle & cans Saturday at the Shelter in Sidney from 9:00 Am to 2:00 PM, local pick ups can be arranged by calling the shelter at 607-563-7780 or by messaging them on their Facebook page, the recyclables will be hauled away by Krazy

8 Redemption.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-11-23

The Town of Oneonta has adjusted the restricted area to the public to properties close to the area around Saturday's explosion & fire at Richards Avenue in Oneonta's West End. Residents within the affected area will be allowed to secure their homes from the outside only, Town of Oneonta Code Enforcement will be on scene with NYSEG to assist residents, the Code Enforcement Office phone number is 607-432-8606. The phone number for town hall is 607-432-2900. A representative from Mobile Crises Assessment Team is at the Oneonta Town Hall today and Wednesday at starting at 10:00 AM for anyone who needs assistance, their phone number is 315-732-6228.

The Jericho Arts Council is now looking for artists to participate in next year's Regatta Row 2024. Spokesperson Rachel Hares explains:

(Rachel Hares 12-11-23)

The chairs will be displayed in Bainbridge from April to Memorial Day Weekend, when they are auctioned off during the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, applications and details are available online at jerichoarts.com, more information is available at 607-643-2211.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-11-23

On Saturday at approximately 5:30 pm; The Otsego County 911 Center received multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion and residential structure fire on Richards Avenue in the Town of Oneonta. The Oneonta Fire Department and multiple mutual aid departments responded. Upon arrival, they found multiple structures with severe damage and an active structure fire. Deputies and members of various fire departments assisted residents in the immediate area with a precautionary evacuation. Once the fire was extinguished, 60 year old Desmond Moan was found deceased. A neighboring resident received medical attention for minor injuries sustained during the explosion, the initial investigation determined the cause of the fire at 18 Richards Avenue was a result of human error.

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 Tioga County District Attorney’s Office announced that 32 year old Boyd Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania was arraigned on a 105-count indictment for setting a fire at Tioga Downs that killed 30 horses, destroyed the barn, injured a trainer, he was indicted for arson, assault, burglary, 38 counts of criminal mischief, 30 counts of interference with or injury to domestic animals; 31 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; aggravated cruelty to animals; bail for Fenton has been set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 property and $250,000 secured bond.

Delaware County Officials are aware of a complaint filed in the Northern District of New York by The Reporter. Officials can not make any comment at this time as the matter is in pending litigation, but officials deny all claims against the County as well as any individual named as a defendant in that matter, and will vigorously defend the action. The County was sued last week by the Reporter, as they claim that the action by the Board of Supervisors to remove The Reporter as the County's official paper for the publishing of legal notices, was in retaliation for coverage of county affairs by the Reporter's staff.

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 44 year old Laura Davis of Big Indian was indicted for Drugged Driving by the Delaware County Grand Jury on December 7th. The Indictment alleges that on March 3rd, Davis was driving in the Village of Walton while her ability to operate that motor vehicle was impaired by a stimulant, she was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Controlled Substance Outside of its Original Container.

The 29th Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will return to downtown Norwich September 9 & 10, spokesperson Celeste friend explains:

(Celeste Friend 8-7-23)

Information on all 2023 performers can be found at colorscape.org. The Festival has been recognized as one of the country's top 100 classic and contemporary craft shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s responded to a report of a suspicious person in a vehicle located at the intersection of Scotch Mountain Road & Arbuckle Hollow Road, in the Town of Delhi. Deputies observed 78-year-old Dante Musci of Delancey lying in the back seat of the vehicle, he had traveled along Arbuckle Hollow Road and was involved in a property damage auto accident and had left the scene. Musci was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage auto accident, Operating a Motor Vehicle while impaired by drugs and driving while intoxicated, he was released and will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Congressman Marc Molinaro announced over $27 million in federal funding for community development projects in New York's 19th Congressional District. The City of Norwich will receive over 1.2 Million Dollars for Sanitary Sewer System Repairs& the Town of Oneonta will receive $4.2 Million Dollars for installation of 7,000 linear feet of sewer and water lines and associated laterals, meters, and hookups.

A.M. NEWS Monday 8-7-23

A Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Benjamin Moyse of Delhi on 11 charges. Count 1 alleged that, while a 10th grade teacher at Delaware Academy, Moyse intentionally aided a person under 16 years of age to commit the felony crimes of possessing and disseminating child pornography. The Grand Jury also charged Moyse with 5 separate counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for knowingly engaged in a course of conduct likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or moral welfare of 5 separate children at Delaware Academy. Moyse was also charged with 2 counts of Official Misconduct, for failing to follow the school’s policy and procedures when students and parents repeatedly reported to him that students were being sexually abused & for failing to report child abuse or maltreatment by his students and his students’ parents.

U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Amphenol has agreed to pay the United States $18 million dollars to resolve allegations for violating the False Claims Act. Amphenol admitted to filing false claims for electrical connectors to the U.S. government, that failed to fully comply with government regulations and contract specifications as well as the failure to meet required testing standards and other manufacturing and program requirements, between 2012 and 2017.

State Police arrested 65 year old Kenneth Powers & 28 year old Chelsea Gouse of Bedford Pennsylvania, for 22 counts of Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals & failure to provide proper sustenance. Troopers went to an apartment in Richfield Springs on another matter on July 19th, and discovered 22 animals inside living in crowded and filthy conditions. 10 dogs, 10 cats & 2 rabbits were removed & surrendered to the Susquehanna SPCA and were treated for various medical conditions, Powers and Gouse were processed and were issued appearance tickets to Richfield Springs Village Court on August 15th.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Worcester today from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at the Worcester United Methodist Church, 111 Main Street, another Blood Drive will be held in Hancock from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Father Rausch Memorial Hall, 316 West Main Street, To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

On Friday, State Police were at a property on County Road 29 in New Berlin, investigating another matter, when they discovered 61 dogs, 11 birds, and 3 cats, all of which were in questionable health, and many were being sold on Craiglist, according to Delaware Valley Human Society Director Erin Insinga, who responded to this New Berlin location, she said that people should either adopt animals at shelters & Humane Society or from licensed reputable breeders:

(Erin Insinga 5-4-23)

Insinga said that all of the animals from the New Berlin location, are being checked out by area veterinarians and the State Police announced that the investigation is ongoing.

Broome County Sheriff's Office announced 3 more arrests for contraband in the County Jail recently. On April 21st, investigators searched a housing unit and a medical unit and identified several inmates who were hiding contraband in their cells. They recovered A Heroin-like substance that tested positive for Fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, A bladed “shank” weapon, & a pen stolen from a Corrections desk The bladed weapon was found in 21-year-old Jason Marimberga’s cell, the Heroin-like substance was found in 46-year-old John Turner’s cell, and the hard plastic pen was found in 38-year-old Joseph Schultze’s cell. All 3 were charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, & were processed and will appear in the Town of Dickinson Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's office announced the arrested of 71 year old Vincent Balsamo of Walton for Criminal sale of a Weapon. On Wednesday, April 19th members of the Criminal Investigation Division received information that Balsamo had illegally purchased a rifle from another person, which was in violation of a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, as well as a Pistol License Suspension Order. Balsamo intentionally disobeyed the court while out on a secured $150,000 property bond in connection with an indictment for Reckless Endangerment, Assault and 2nd degree Manslaughter. Balsamo was charged with Criminal Purchase or Disposal of a Weapon and 3 counts of Criminal Contempt, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arressted 21 year old Dakota Mann of Walton on several charges after members of the Delaware County Correctional facility conducted a jail search, they located a hand-made braided rope inside Mann's assigned garment, he is accused of ripping other assigned garments into smaller strips and used the strips to braid the rope. Mann is also accused of of violating an order of protection by contacting a protected party 132 times in April while incarcerated. Mann was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt, he was arraigned & was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail in connection with another Criminal Contempt Charge that Mann was previously being held on.

Family Planning of South Central New York has been awarded the Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, the $1.8 million dollar, 5 year grant by the State Department of Health will be used to enhance and expand medically accurate, age appropriate, evidence based programs in specifically Broome, Chenango, and Cortland Counties.

The American Red Cross announce blood drives in Otsego County. 1 drive will be held in Cooperstown from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Cooperstown High School, another will be in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23. To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced 2 Job
fairs to be held next week.  The 2019 Job
& Resource Fairs in Grand Gorge will be held on April 10th and at the DCMO
BOCES campus in Masonville on April 11; Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 4-5-19)

More information is available by calling the Chamber at
746-2281 or online at delawarecounty.org

The Chenango Arts Council announced the return of its annual
Chenango Area Student Art exhibition today.
Mary Beth Miller of the Chenango Arts Council comments:

(Mary Beth Miller 4-5-19)

Miller said that 6 entries will be submitted to Congressman
Anthony Brindisi’s office for a chance to appear in the 2019 Congressional Art
Show in Washington, DC.  The exhibit is
scheduled to run through April 19th at the Arts Council's Mariea Brown and
Raymond Loft Galleries in downtown Norwich, More information is available at
336-ARTS.

The Out Of The Woodwork Players Present "Ann of Green
Gables" tonight, Saturday Night & Sunday at the Bainbridge Town Hall
Theater.  Spokesman Will Drew explains:

(Will Drew 4-5-19)

Show times are 7:30 pm tonight & Saturday & Sunday
afternoon at 2:00 pm.

The 9th annual "Spay-ghetti Dinner and Silent
Auction" for "All Animals Matter", will be held Saturday from
4:30 to 7:00 pm at the Norwich VFW at 61 East Main Street, Norwich.  This year's event will also feature adoptable
dogs and cats from the Delaware Valley Humane Society of Sidney.   Proceeds will benefit "4 Paws Friends
Club."

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Hancock couple for allegedly possessing stolen Snowmobiles from Pennsylvania & possessing drugs packaged for sale. Deputies recovered 4 stolen snowmobiles in Hancock and Deposit, they arrested 28 year old Matthew Mason of Hancock, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for allegedly possessing the stolen snowmobile trailer and 4 snowmobiles, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Deputies had also arrested 43 year old Tammy Moore on 2 separate occasions once for Aggravated DWI, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & later for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Moore was returned to the County Jail after posting bail on the 1stset of charges. A search warrant was executed at the Mason and Moore home; deputies seized marihuana plants, processed marihuana & drug paraphernalia.

Oxford Central School will be hosting a Robotics Competition called "Robo-Rave" in the High School Gymnasium Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Over 20 teams will be competing. Robo-Rave is a program designed to teach students how to design, build, code & program Robots to perform a variety of tasks, Oxford High School Science Teach Mark Muller explains why he wanted to bring Robo Rave to Oxford:

(Mark Muller 4-6-18)

Muller said that Saturday's event is the first Robo Rave event in New York State, Robo rave is associated with NASA, who brought a team of engineers to Oxford to speak & teach at the event, which is free & open to the public. More information is available at oxac.org.

State Police arrested 38 year old Michael Sullivan of Agawam, Massachusetts & 30 year old Gabrielle Graham of Pittsfield, Massachusetts for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Sullivan was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers received a complaint of a disabled vehicle on I-88 in the town of Afton; they located marijuana and a smoking pipe with residue. Sullivan and Graham were arraigned in the town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for April 23, 2018 in the town of Afton Court.

The 8th Annual "All Animals Matter" dinner & silent Auction Saturday from 4:30 to 7:00 PM at the Norwich VFW. Money raised will benefit the "Krista Bartle 4 Paws Friends Fund, more information is available at 435-7788.

The Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame Committee announced that it will induct Brian McGrattan and Larry Kish as the class of 2018. There will be a pregame ceremony prior to Friday’s game against Syracuse. McGrattan played a total of 196 regular-season games over the course of three seasons in Binghamton with the Senators from 2002-2005, he recorded 25 goals and 22 assists for 47 points, his 551 penalty minutes in 2004-05 is the most in a single season in AHL history. Kish coached several teams in Binghamton from 1975-1982 winning the AHL’s Coach of the Year in 1981. More information about tickets for tonight's game is available at binghamtondevils.com or 722-7367.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Department Investigators and County Probation Officers searched a residence in the Town of Davenport in June, which resulted in the seizure of Marijuana, allegedly belonging to 20-year-old Rumael Soler, who was not home at the time. The Town of Davenport Court issued an Arrest Warrant for Soler, who was arrested Tuesday when he appeared in town of Davenport Court on an unrelated matter. Soler was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, & Harassment in connection with a separate incident. Soler was arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court on both charges, and released on his own recognizance, to re-appear in that Court at a later time.

The Oneonta Police Department reminds area residents to make sure to be safe, with their homes & belongings. Police remind residents to lock up doors and windows of all vehicles and structures, Remove valuable items & cash from vehicles and never leave them in plain site, park in open well-lit areas with good visibility & Call the police if you witness suspicious activity.

Former Syracuse University Collegiate basketball stand outs Roosevelt Bouie & Dale Shackleford visited Springbrook in Oneonta yesterday, to conduct a basketball clinic for the Springbrook Scorpions basketball team. Springbrook COO Seth Haight & Security Mutual Life Insurance COO Bruce Boyea coordinated yesterday's event, Haight comments:

(Seth Haight 9-13-17)

Bouie & Shackleford were teammates for 3 years at SU in the late 70's, Bouie made a name for himself for 16 years in the Italian Basketball league, Shackleford played professionally in Italy & Chile after college.

Sidney Central School District & area law enforcement investigated a social media post with threatening implications early this morning, Sidney Superintendent Bill Christensen explains:

(Bill Christensen 9-13-17)

Christensen said that the Students schedule was maintained, all after school activities went on as planned & they are waiting for the conclusion of the investigation by Police regarding the origin of the original post.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47-year-old Dale Kowatch of Arkville for Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, the arrest followed a warrant issued by the Town of Middletown Court for Kowatch, he was arraigned and released upon his own recognizance, scheduled to appear before the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.