WCDO Radio News

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.

State Police at Troop C responded to the report of a Motorcycle and SUV accident at State 434 in Owego. Troopers & 1st responders attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased, the driver of the SUV was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City for evaluation and treatment. The investigation remains on-going. The identity of the motorcyclist will be released once notifications are made to next of kin.

Attorney General Letitia James today announced another court victory against the National Rifle Association and former Executive Vice President & CEO Wayne LaPierre, and other top executives, The judgment will require LaPierre to pay $4.3 million back to the organization LaPierre had sought to overturn the 2024 judgment against him filed by James in 2020, the motion was rejected in State Supreme Court. LaPierre was also banned from serving as an officer or director of the NRA or any organization under the NRA's direct control for 10 years.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $63.5 million infrastructure project targeting roadways across the Southern Tier and western parts of the state. Locally In Otsego County, a $5.5 million safety initiative will be spent on installing a new sidewalk and drainage system upgrades along State Route 28 in Cooperstown. Transportation officials warn local commuters to prepare for ongoing lane adjustments, reduced speeds, and alternating ramp closures throughout the construction zones.

$6.3 million of the $54 million distributed to SUNY schools are going to Southern Tier universities, SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. announced that $5.8 million of that money will go to Binghamton University while the remaining $500,000 will go toward SUNY Delhi, for student services and research performed by the universities.

New York State DEC announced new and continued investments to address extreme heat, new funding opportunities to create public cooling spaces, and expanded assistance to provide affordable cooling for New Yorkers at home. With heat waves and other extreme heat events more common, DEC is coordinating the implementation of the plan with NYSERDA and other state agencies Information about what the public can do during hot weather and how to?locate cooling centers?can be found at health.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-3-26

CHENANGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE arrested 30 year old Jordan Robinson of Smyrna for Harassment, Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Mischief and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Deputies responded to a residence in Smyrna for a domestic dispute, where Robinson allegedly subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact, damaged property, and attempted to prevent the victim from calling 911 in the presence of a juvenile. Robinson was Arraigned & was released on an appearance ticket, and an order of protection was issued for the victim. Robinson is to appear in the Town of Smyrna Court at a later date.

Attorney General Letitia James announced the sentencing of former New York State Police Trooper Christopher Baldner of Catskill for causing the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods on December 22, 2020. Baldner was found guilty on the charge of Manslaughter & was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 years in prison. On December 22, 2020 Tristin Goods was driving on the New York State Thruway with his wife and two young daughters, Trooper Baldner was on patrol and stopped the Goods family car for speeding. During the stop, Baldner deployed pepper spray into the interior of the car and Mr. Goods sped away, Baldner rammed his police vehicle into the rear of the Goods family's car twice, it skidded into the guard rail, flipped over, and came to rest upside down. The impact ejected Monica Goods from the car, causing her death.

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 26 year old Jazmine Meade of the Town of Dickinson, after a search warrant execution found narcotics & other drug paraphernalia on Monday. Members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at the Hillside Inn, as well a vehicle associated with Meade, officers seized 34.9 grams of cocaine, Suboxone strips, Narcotics packaging material, Digital scale, Cutting agent, Meade was charged with 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 3 Counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Child Protective Services was contacted for additional investigation.

The deadline has been extended for those in Chenango County to comment on the County Hazard Mitigation plan, Shane Butler of the County Planning Department explains:

(Shane Butler 6-3-26)

The link for the public comment period is at chenangocountyny.gov/416/Hazard-Mitigation-Plan---2026

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-3-26

The State DEC announced that on January 28th, in the Town of New Lisbon, Forest Rangers responded for a search for a missing 70-year-old after her husband called to report her missing. Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies followed her tracks to Butternut Creek, A Forest Ranger Laymon went to County Route 12, where the road crosses the creek, and spotted the missing subject standing in a cornfield. Otsego County Emergency Medical Services transported the patient to Bassett Hospital.

Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $24.4 billion in calendar year 2025, an increase of 4.5%, or $1 billion, from 2024, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Aggregate county collections outside of New York City grew 4%, or $443 million, in 2025 compared to the previous year. 52 of 57 Counties experienced an increase in collections, Chenango County had the highest growth at 11.8%, followed by Yates, Hamilton and Delaware at 10.7%.

The latest Sienna Institute Polling has Governor Kathy Hochul holding a commanding lead over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, 54-28%. Among registered Democrats, Hochul has an overwhelming 64-11% lead over Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado. 6 of the Governors proposals received 58-68% support, including eliminating state income tax on the first $25,000 earned in tips, ensuring immigration enforcement targeting those in the country illegally, cannot occur in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, & places of worship, increasing childcare funding & providing $30 million in payments to farmers to offset what Hochul calls rising costs due to tariffs (59-17%).

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that 62 year old Amber Sines of Sidney pleaded guilty in the Village of Sidney Court to Driving While Intoxicated, Sines was sentenced yesterday to 60 days in jail to be followed by 3 years of probation supervision, her license was revoked, and she will be required to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle she owns or operates if she re-obtains the privilege to drive. Sines was arrested last March by State Police after observing a vehicle sitting stationery at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Delaware Avenue in the Village of Sidney, the vehicle had an expired registration and inspection and she failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests at the scene and was placed into custody.

With the cold weather forecasted for this upcoming weekend, the Friends of Rogers Winter Living Celebration is RESCHEDULED and moving to February 14th from 11AM-3PM. The Rogers Center is located in Sherburne, more information is available at friendsofrogers.org.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 2-3-26

The DCMO BOCES Board of Education proposed capital building project plan will be voted on today until 8:00 PM, by residents of all of the school districts associated with the Pole Campus in Norwich & the Harrold Campus in Trout Creek, and they will also vote on the purchase of the former Masonville Elementary School to house programs for students. BOCES District Superintendent Michael Rullo told WCDO News of the main reasons for the projects:

(Michael Rullo 11-4-25)

Rullo said that the BOCES buildings are over more than 50 years old, with the most recent renovations approved in 2005. The projects would start in March of 2027 and conclude in 2028, if approved by voters today.

On January 31st, State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Detail in Otsego County, all 14 business were in compliance, NONE of the locations checked sold alcohol to a person under that age of 21. The detailed focused on Otsego County Businesses in Oneonta, Schenevus & Worcester, 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).

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-29-24

NYSEG reports that the number of power outages in the WCDO listening area this afternoon was down to around 250, down from about 850 this morning, all attributed to the high winds that came through the region last night. NYSEG crews hopes to have all the power restored shortly.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sabrina Johnson of Oswego County for 2nd degree Burglary, Attempted Grand Larceny, Criminal Mischief & Conspiracy, last November, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division received a Burglary complaint in New Berlin, the investigation found that Johnson and a co-defendant caused damage while burglarizing a residence, stole items from within the residence, and attempted to steal a car. Johnson was located at the Town of New Berlin Court and was taken into custody without incident, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on cash bail, she will return to Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 57 year old William MacDowall of Binghamton for Hindering Prosecution and Obstructing Governmental Administration, after hindering police from entering his residence to arrest his son, 25 year old Justin MacDowall, on an active felony bench warrant for Violation of Probation and an active arrest warrant for Strangulation. Justin MacDowall was charged with Resisting Arrest and Obstructing Governmental Administration in addition to the warrants, both men face court action shortly.

State Lawmakers approved the new Congressional redistricting maps on Wednesday in Albany. The maps were said to be very similar to the maps used in the 2022 elections with only a few changes.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds seniors that, for most localities, the deadline to apply for greater property tax savings through the Enhanced STAR property tax exemption is March 1. Basic STAR exemption recipients who turn 65 this year and meet the eligibility requirements should apply to their assessor for the Enhanced STAR exemption. For more information go to tax.ny.gov.

Attorney General Letitia James is leading an investigation into the February 22 AT&T outage that left many customers without service for up to 12 hours nationwide. New Yorkers affected by the service outage are encouraged to file a complaint online at att.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-29-24

Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is holding a follow up meeting tonight as a follow up to the “Re-Unite Bainbridge” meeting of a few years ago, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 2-29-24)

Payne said that the meeting will be at 6:00 PM in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater and the public is invited.

Commerce Chenango will host their next Economic Outlook Breakfast today at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Keynote Speaker will be NBT"S Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann, registration begins at 7:30, the program begins at 8:00 AM.

Alan Holmes of Binghamton was sentenced as a 2nd time felony offender to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. On June 7, 2021, Holmes was found in possession of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl following a traffic stop in Johnson City stemming from suspected drug activity in Endwell. Holmes admitted to possession with the intent to sell, he was sentenced to 6.5 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision.

Today's wintry mix of weather may wind up being less than originally anticipated, as far as final amounts of snow accumulations, Sidney Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 2-7-18)

Area Schools & Universities were closed today, schedules are expected to be back to normal tomorrow. Law Enforcement Agencies remind area motorists that roads are open, but conditions remain slippery throughout the WCDO Listening area, & many accidents have been reported, Motorists are urged to travel with extreme caution.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced that they will participate in Drug Take-Back Program, collecting leftover pharmaceuticals from the public free of charge through July. Locally, O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown are participating in this pilot program developed by the Product Stewardship Institute and the New York Product Stewardship Council. FoxCare Pharmacy in Oneonta will also begin collecting unused medications free of charge.

City of Norwich Police arrested 40-year-old Jay Perce for Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamines, Criminal Possession of Precursors of Meth, and Unlawful Disposal of Meth Laboratory Materials. Perce is accused of manufacturing illegal Methamphetamines using the 1 pot method; he was arraigned at Norwich City Court and sent Chenango County Jail without bail.

27-year-old Anderson Lee is now facing 40 counts of unlawful surveillance, for allegedly spying on co-workers at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown with hidden cameras. Lee is being held in the Otsego County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond pending future court action.

Voters in the Gilbertsville Mount Upton District passed 2 propositions Tuesday. Voters approved of a measure to purchase a full sized school bus, and for a plan to set up a capital reserve fund for future vehicle purchase.

State Police arrested 45 year old John Shapley from Afton, for 3rd degree Assault, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of a dispute at a home on Oak Hill Road in Afton. Shapley is accused of choking a man & grabbing his hair, which caused an injury. Shapley was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge Court and was released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued against him on behalf of the victim. Shapley’s next court date in the town of Afton is on February 19, 2018.

Governor Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment to add 36 different chemical compositions associated with Synthetic Marijuana, to the state's controlled substances list. The 36 compounds are already listed on the federal schedule of controlled substances but are only banned in certain New York State counties. Synthetic marijuana is marketed as K2, Spice, and AK-47, They contain plant material coated by chemicals, which are supposed to mimic the effects of naturally grown marijuana, making them both extremely unpredictable and potentially fatal.

State Police arrested 25 year old Nicholas Whitney of Windsor, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and 20 year old Monica Whitney of Windsor, for Criminal Mischief. The arrests occurred after troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a dispute in Windsor, Both suspects were issued tickets to appear in the town of Windsor Court on February 14.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at Trackside Dining, the meeting will begin at 7:45 AM.

State Police arrested 46 year old William Bateman of Edmeston, for 7 counts of 2nd degree Rape 2nd degree, 6 counts of Criminal Sexual Act, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, after troopers were advised of an incident in Otsego County. Bateman is accused of having sexual contact with a child less than 15 years old; he was arraigned in the town of Otsego Court and was released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Bateman’s next court date is on January 17th.

Area Citizens are being reminded to be aware of the latest scams that are being perpetrated by phone, emails or even in person. Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack explains:

(Jan Gorshack 1-11-18)

Gorshack said that if anyone has any questions regarding the latest scams, they can contact the Sidney police Department at 561-2301.

New York State Department of Health officials urged New Yorkers 6 months of age and over who have not yet received a flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Over the past week, cases of influenza rose by 37%, and new cases of influenza were reported in 61 of 62 counties & the first influenza-associated pediatric death was confirmed by the state's public health laboratory. As of January 6th, 11,280 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza have been reported and 3,606 people have been hospitalized with influenza in New York State. Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious flu complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the income tax filing season officially kicks off on Monday, January 29. 9.5 million New York taxpayers e-filed in 2017. Taxpayers with incomes of $66,000 or less are eligible to electronically prepare and file both their federal and NYS returns under the Free File program. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new record for the number of people arrested in 2017 attempting to use fake identification to buy alcoholic beverages under the legal drinking age. As part of the state's year-round Operation Prevent initiative, investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Liquor Authority work with state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct underage drinking and fake ID sweeps at bars, restaurants, concert venues, and alcohol retailers across New York State. In the Southern Tier there were 45 arrests for selling alcohol to minors last year.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will once again hold the Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally in General Clinton Park later this month. Event organizer Phil Canonaco comments:

(Phil Canonaco 1-11-18)

The Sleigh rally will be held weather there is snow or not on Saturday January 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, donations will be accepted on behalf of the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today, in the Guilford Elementary school at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM with a PUBLIC HEARING on the Smart Schools Investment Plan.

Negotiations are underway this week that could lead to advanced educational opportunities coming to Sidney.  Utica School Of Commerce vice President Don Reese Explains:

(Don Reese 4-29-14)

Reese said that should the negotiations this week end favorably, classes could begin as early as the first week of June at a Sidney Location.

This Friday Night, the 10th annual Tri-Town relay For Life will be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Helen Gregory of the American cancer Society told WCDO News about this year’s event:

(Helen Gregory 4-29-14)

The event runs Friday night through Saturday morning, this year’s goal is to raise $100,000 for the American cancer society.

The state Senate passed legislation to increase the criminal penalties of some methamphetamine-related crimes. The bill passed by a vote of 55 to 4, if enacted; it would toughen criminal penalties for possessing meth-making materials and for making meth. The same bill passed the senate last year, but failed to pass in the Assembly.

The State Senate passed legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from driving a school or passenger bus. Under the bill, the Department of Motor Vehicles would be barred from issuing, or renewing a commercial driver’s license, to operate a bus to people who are required to register as a sex offender. The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

New York environmental officials are looking for citizen scientists to help them assess water quality. The state DEC is recruiting volunteers to help with assessments of Lake Ontario and the Niagara, Genesee, Delaware, Hudson and Mohawk River watersheds. Data from the Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators project enhances the work of state scientists creating an inventory of water quality. Volunteer monitors visit stream sites once a year in the warmer months to collect samples. Training sessions are being held around upstate areas in May and June. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York State is being observed through May 3rd, in support of a national effort to strengthen preparation for the potential of emergencies caused by extreme weather events. New Yorkers should prepare to take appropriate steps before a severe weather event. There are three basic steps to preparedness, make a plan, prepare a kit with supplies and be informed.  For more information on personal preparedness in advance of severe weather, visit dhses.ny.gov (http://www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare).  For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, including daily public information statements, visit nws.noaa.gov.

The 6th Annual Hall of Fame Classic will be played Saturday, May 24th  & will feature representatives from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. Hall of Fame members Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the Memorial Day Weekend.  Former big league stars like Edgardo Alfonzo, Pedro Martinez, Hideki Matsui and Jim Thome are scheduled to participate in the Classic, The Cooperstown Game Day Parade, More information is available at baseballhall.org or 1-888-HALL-OF-FAME.

Residents in the town of Sidney will be voting for a new town supervisor in November, as incumbent Bob McCarthy is not running for a 2nd term.  Republican Gene Pigford is running for town supervisor, who told WCDO news about his ideas:

(Gene Pigford 9-18-13)

Pigford faces democrat & Sidney First Candidate Bill Heath for Sidney town supervisor on Election Day in November.

Governor Cuomo today visited the Village of Margaretville in Delaware County for a New York Rising Community Reconstruction Planning Committee.  Planning experts, community officials, and residents gathered to kick off the long-term rebuilding process following Tropical Storm Lee & Hurricane Irene in 2011 that devastated Margaretville. The New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program is designed to empower communities to create and implement their strategies to rebuild and prepare for future extreme weather.  The governor was also planning to attend a NY Rising meeting in Staten Island, which was heavily damaged from Super storm Sandy.

State Troopers in Deposit arrested 19-year-old Travis Decamp of Sanford, for driving while intoxicated with a reportable BAC result twice the legal limit.  The arrest followed an accident investigation on Old Route 17 in Sanford; Decamp was issued tickets returnable to the town of Sanford court on October 7th.

A total of $99,400 in cultural funding is available from the Chenango Arts Council for initiatives in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties. Funding is available for grants up to $5,000 through the 2014 Decentralization Program.  The grants provide support to community-based organizations, groups, collectives or artists. The deadline for the grant application is December 11th; Guidelines & applications are available at chenangoarts.org.

About 9,000 state workers could get a raise and a regular salary review if Governor Cuomo signs legislation proposed by state Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse.  The bill would affect state workers designated as managerial or confidential, who are not represented by unions, & who have not had a raise since 2008. The proposal calls for the state to create a commission to analyze salaries of non-unionized state workers and report recommendations about pay changes every four years. Governor Cuomo has until September 27th to sign or veto the bill.

New York’s 16 medical schools have more students this fall than last year, including the first in a pair of three-year programs that allow students to graduate faster and with less debt.  Associated Medical Schools of New York states that the 2,424 new medical students represent an enrollment increase of 120 over last year. More than half are state residents, nearly half are women and 3 percent are international students. Most programs last four years with annual tuition ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

Congressman Chris Gibson and his Watershed Advisory Group released a position overview on the State Health Department’s draft midterm revisions (http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/nycfad/) to the New York City Filtration Avoidance Determination. Gibson said that the current plan by the city to purchase land in the watershed region is unacceptable, with the money used for land purchases better suited for flood mitigation and upstate economic development.  Gibson also said that the reservoir should be set at levels that meet new York city’s drinking water needs without endangering watershed communities above & below dams, in order to prevent flooding.   The revisions were published by the DOH in late August, and are currently in a public comment period.