WCDO Radio News

UHS Chenango Memorial will host their career exploration program again this year, where Area students will once again have an opportunity to explore careers in healthcare through a summer program hosted on Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7. The program is free of charge, but space is limited. Interested students must submit an application and a short essay by Thursday, July 2 to be considered. For more information or to request an application, email brian.day@nyuhs.org or call (607) 337-4151.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 32 year old Skyler Smith of Davenport following a traffic stop. Deputies observed a vehicle being operated in the dark with no operable lights, the driver was a 16-year-old juvenile, operating with a permit. The passenger was Smith, who was actively on Probation, was intoxicated and was in possession of an open container and narcotics. Smith was arrested for 1 count each of Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, & several traffic violations, Smith was processed and released on appearance tickets.

After 3 previous attempts, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a New York State Real Property Tax Law amendment that would provide a tax break to individuals building residential property on vacant lots in the City of Norwich, City of Norwich Mayor Brian Doliver told WCDO news about the law:

(Mayor Brian Doliver 1-6-24)

Mayor Dolliver said that Norwich, like so many communities, has a shortage of homes, and they would like to turn vacant lots into new homes to increase the population of the city & increase tax revenue as well.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that the 40 year old Dorothy West of Arkville pleaded guilty to Driving a Motor Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs, she was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, she is also required to attend an Impaired Driver Program, and her license is revoked for at least 6 months. On March 17th, 2024, State Police responded to a welfare check at the Dollar General in Margaretville, with a driver asleep in a car. West failed testing at the scene & was found to be impaired by drugs.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-6-25

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Counter Terrorism in partnership with State Police, conducted training exercises at more than 900 locations statewide in 2024 to increase public vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity. This included assessing more than 200 infrastructure locations, Counterterrorism experts from more than 80 law enforcement agencies completed exercises assessing the ability of businesses to recognize and report suspicious activity, Public Should Report Suspicious Activity to Law Enforcement at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697)

41 year old Brian Canfield of Greene appeared in Delaware County Court for sentencing for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Back on February 17th, Sidney police observed a vehicle parked and running with headlights on at the Sidney Memorial Public Library after the library was closed, a male was slumped over in the driver’s seat. Canfield failed the Standard Field Sobriety Testing, & drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle, Canfield admitted that he was under the influence of Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl. Canfield was sentenced to 5 years’ felony probation, if he violates the conditions of his probation, he is subject to being re-sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in State Prison.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the unsealing of an indictment against 35 year old Darl Ellis Jr. of Binghamton, after a Grand Jury indicted Ellis. The indictments charged Ellis with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Obstructing Governmental Administration, he is accused of possessing cocaine, if convicted, he faces up to five and a half years in State Prison. Ellis was arraigned before the Delaware County Court, bail was set at $10,000 cash or $100,000 bond. The case is set for a pre-trial conference on November 4, 2024.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that this is the last week to purchase tickets to attend the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Annual Commitment to Community Dinner on Saturday, November 2nd @ the Bainbridge Community Center. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are on sale at Bob's Diner until end of day this Friday. This year's honorees for Co-Citizens of the Year are Christine Smith and Michael Kauffman, Businesses of the Year: Bob's Diner and Payne's Cranes, the Business of Distinction: VIP Payroll and Tax Services & the Service Organization of the Year is the Bainbridge Fire Department.

A.M. NEWS Monday 10-21-24

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Brian Worden of Sidney following an investigation into medications not being taken properly in the Otsego County Correctional Facility. Worden was charged with Attempted Promoting Prison Contraband when he failed to take his prescribed medication properly and attempted to remove the medication from the medication room but was caught by a Correctional Officer, he was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that 60 year old Eva Witteman of Binghamton was re-sentenced to 1.5 years in state prison and 1 year of post- release supervision after admitting to a violation of probation in Delaware County Court Monday. Witteman was sentenced to probation last week for her conviction of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Brian Mulder of Union Grove Distillery in Arkville, will appear on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners: Master Distiller program. 3 distillers from across the United States compete to become Master Distiller. Mulder’s TV debut with Moonshiners: Master Distiller is scheduled to air tonight at 10:00 pm on Discovery Channel. Union Grove will host a screening party for the episode on Saturday at 7:30pm.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-8-24

The Southern Tier Music Festival will be held at the Sidney Airport on July 6th, featuring headline Nate Smith, organizers Ed Curley & Teri Schunk visited WCDO this morning to give an update:

(Ed Curley - Teri Schunk 4-8-24)

more information is available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

The Delaware County Chamber will Host their annual Legislative Forum, on Monday, April 22, starting at 9:30 am, in the Okun Theatre at SUNY Delhi. Confirmed panel speakers include State Senator Peter Oberacker, Assembly representatives Joe Angelino, Brian Maher, and Chris Tague. The event is free and advance registration is encouraged, at DelawareCounty.org.

Brian Mulder of Union Grove Distillery in Arkville, will appear on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners: Master Distiller program. 3 distillers from across the United States compete to become Master Distiller. Mulder’s TV debut with Moonshiners: Master Distiller is scheduled to air on April 16th at 10:00 pm on Discovery Channel. Union Grove will host a screening party for the episode a few days later on Saturday, April 20th at 7:30pm.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-2-22

State Police announced that 1 person was arrested during an Underage Drinking Initiative in Chenango and Otsego Counties. The initiative took place on May 28th & Alcohol was sold to a minor at Smithville General Store in Smithville Flats. An appearance ticket was issued to the clerk who sold alcohol to the minor. Other businesses were in in South Otselic, Norwich, Oxford, Greene & Morris.

Sidney Federal Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to selected graduating members this year, Vice President Sales and Marketing Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 6-2-22)

SFCU Scholarship recipients were Kayla Houck of Downsville, Hannah Sulas of Schenevus, Sariah Vesterfelt & Christina Ritter of Walton, Autumn Madugno of Bainbridge-Guilford, Zoe Gifford of Deposit, Anna Dewey of Sidney, Madison Felter of Hancock & Sebastian Quarella and Skyler Nowalk of Greene.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host their Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony tonight, with 3 awards to be given out, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 6-2-22)

This year’s Organization of the Year award goes to the Sidney Alumni Association, Spokesman Brian Innes commented:

(Brian Innes 6-2-22)

Chamber President Teri Schunk was chosen as the Citizen of the Years, the Business of the Years award goes to Gavin’s Pizza. The Annual Dinner will be held at the Sidney Fire Hall on River street starting at 5:00 PM.

In CHENANGO COUNTY elections tomorrow, residents are voting for Sheriff between incumbents Ernie Cutting & Democratic Challenger Debra Cubbedge. County voters will also vote for County Clerk between Republican Brian Wessels & Independent Leonard Smith, Norwich City Voters will be voting for Mayor, between Democrat John Quattrocchi & Republican Brian Doliver, there are races for Alderman positions in wards 2 & 4. there are 3 candidates running for 2 seat on the Guilford Town Board between Republican Thomas Ives, Republican Matthew Retz & Libertarian Jennifer Caci

State Police will increase patrols, conduct sobriety
checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide through
Friday, to insure the safety of motorists over the 4th of July holiday.  Troop C Commanding Officer Major Brian
Shortall said that State Police will also rigorously enforce the "Move
Over Law"

(Major Shortall 7-3-19)

Troopers will also be looking for distracted motorists who
are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the
wheel.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced
that 57 Past Hall of Fame members will return to Cooperstown on July 19th
through the 22nd, for the induction of the Hall of Fame Class of
2019. This year’s inductees are Harold Baines, Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina,
Mariano Rivera and Lee Smith, this year’s class also includes the late Roy
Halladay, they will all be inducted on Sunday, July 21st at the
Clark Sports Center complex beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The State Labor Department
announced the unemployment rates for local counties today, for the month of
December.  Chenango County had 4.4%,
Delaware County was 4.2% & Otsego County was at 4.0%, the statewide rate
was 3.9%.

Students in Greece New York alerted Police regarding a plot
to attack Islamberg in the town of Deposit with explosive devices.  The Greece Police Department arrested
20-year-old Brian Colaneri, 19-year-old Vincent Vetromile of Greece,
18-year-old Andrew Crysel of East Rochester & an unidentified 16 year old
following an investigation at Odyssey Academy.
Police seized 23 firearms & 3 homemade bombs, the 3 older suspects
were charged with 3 counts of 1st degree criminal possession of a weapon or
explosive and one count each of conspiracy, they were being held at the Monroe
County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, Mariano Rivera and the late
Roy Halladay were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday on
MLB Network, with Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson announcing the results.
The inductees will join the “Today’s Game” Era electees Harold Baines and Lee
Smith at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies on July 21st in Cooperstown.

Johnson City Police Department announced that 29-year-old Corey Robinson is being detained in Marietta, Georgia, he is suspected of murdering 46 year old Erika Smith Cunningham, who was found dead at 92 Crocker Avenue Sunday morning. An arrest warrant was issued on Thursday and Robinson was taken into custody a few hours later. Robinson will be charged with 2nd degree murder, Extradition proceedings have begun, Robinson is expected to be returned to Broome County in about a week.

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.

The 55th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held in Bainbridge this past weekend. The famous 70-mile races were held yesterday with numerous local paddlers finding success. Walton residents Bill & Brian Walley won the tough Aluminum class, and spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Walleys 17)

In the 4 people 70-miler, the local team of Jeff Shultis of Otego, Al Nichols of Laurens, & Larry Harrison & Bob Wisse of Oneonta took 2nd place, losing by just 24 seconds. Shultis told WCDO that he felt that they should have rested more:

(Shultis 17)

The Team finished the 70-miler in just 7 hours, 51 minutes & 51 seconds.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Over 60 paddler Peter Heed of New Hampshire talk to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about how unique the Clinton Race really is:

(Heed 17)

77-year-old Don LaFever of Norwich & partner Rich Hall of Gilbertsville won the Men’s Recreation Class, LaFever spoke with Craig Stevens after the race:

(LaFever-17)

Over 1200 hundred paddlers competing in the 4 day event.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Steven Smith Jr. of Franklin Friday, for DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, making an unsafe lane change, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. The arrest followed a 1-car accident on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin. Smith was later released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 35 year old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on an arrest warrant issued by Stamford Town Court for criminal mischief. The arrest is follows an investigation into an assault in a parking lot on January 19th, where Bennett allegedly attempted to assault Stamford Firemen on the scene & damaged the windshield of a Stamford Fireman’s personal vehicle, causing damage of more than $250 dollars. Bennet was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Tickets for the 2017 National Baseball Hall of Fame Classic over the Memorial Day Weekend, are now available online and by phone. Hall of Fame members Wade Boggs, Goose Gossage, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will be joined by recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams for a seven-inning legends game on Saturday, May 27 at Cooperstown’s historic Doubleday Field. Tickets are now on sale via phone at 1-877-726-9028 or at www.baseballhall.org.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY arrested 3 people on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy, making a false written statement and Petty Larceny.  Charged were 25-year-old Vanessa Furgison, 40-year-old Brian Smith and 30-year-old Heidi Moore, for allegedly stealing a prescription bottle from a victim’s purse while visiting that person’s residence in the village of new Berlin.  All 3 were issued appearance tickets for town of New Berlin court at a later date.

State troopers in Sidney arrested 23-year-old Brian Smith of Vestal, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, following a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Afton.  Smith was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Afton Court on January 28th.