WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-23-26

The results are in for the Otsego County Solid Waste Plastic Film Recycling challenge, where students were encouraged to recycle bread-bags and similar plastics, Otsego County Waste Management & Recycling Coordinator Kyle King told WCDO News who the winners were:

(Kyle King 4-23-26)

King said that each winning district will get an ice cream social Sponsored by Stewart's

The 4 Towns Forward Community Yard Sales will be held in Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge, Afton & Guilford Saturday with area residents selling items at their homes or in designated areas, organizer Teri Schunk Explains:

(Teri Schunk 4-23-26)

More information or the Maps of those participating can be found on the 4 Towns Forward Facebook page.

Governor Hochuls's Office announced that $237.7 Million Dollars was returned to New Yorkers in 2025. The Department of Financial Services Returned $134 million to Consumers and Health Care Providers, the Public Service Commission Helped Over 75,000 New Yorkers with Complaints in 2025, Collecting Nearly $66 Million for Consumers, the Department of Labor Recovered More Than $35 Million in Wage Theft and Collected $2.2 Million in Penalties. Also, the Division of Consumer Protection Helped Over 27,000 New Yorkers, collecting Nearly $2.7 Million for Consumers, New Yorkers Can File a Complaint at dfs.ny.gov/complaint.

The Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond reported to the Board of Supervisors meeting this week, that the road patrol division responded to 18,518 total calls for service in 2025, arrests were up 6.2% last year from 2024, traffic tickets increased by 5.4% and motor vehicle accidents saw an increase of 37.66%. The office's Criminal Investigations Division investigated 740 cases last year, including 69 where warrants were requested, making 64 arrests. The corrections division saw a 28% reduction in the number of inmates processed into the jail in 2025.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-23-26

State Police arrested 23 year old Bradley Scymanski of Newark Valley after a road rage incident that resulted in shots fired. Scymanski was charged with Attempted Assault, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Use of a Firearm & Reckless Endangerment, An investigation determined that on Wednesday afternoon, a road rage incident between 2 vehicles occurred on East Main Street in the town of Union, when Scymanski allegedly discharged a firearm at the other vehicle, No injuries were reported. Scymanski was located and taken into custody without incident, he was processed & then turned over to the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment, where he was remanded without bail.

State Police in Troop C conducted an “Operation Hard Hat” detail Wednesday along State Route 17 in the town of Windsor. The detail coincides with National Work Zone Awareness Week, 65 citations were issued; 34 for Speeding, 8 for Seat-belt compliance, 4 for Operating an electronic device, 9 for Failure to move over and 10 for other assorted violations.

Broome County officials announced today that they have received $854,370.00 in New York State funding through the STRIVE II program to cut down on domestic violence. This funding will support a coordinated countywide effort to improve outcomes for victims of domestic violence and strengthen public safety.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-16-26

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 4 Count Indictment against 36 year old William Weil of Bainbridge last week. Weil was indicted for Aggravated DWI, Felony DWI & Endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly driving intoxicated with a child in his vehicle in Delhi on January 22nd, the DWI is a felony as Weil was convicted of DWI within the last 10 years. Weil faces action on the indictments shortly.

Recruit New York will be held on the weekend of April 18th & 19th this year, Fire Departments & Emergency squads will hold open house events and try to recruit more people to join their local volunteer fire department of emergency squad. More information about fire departments participating can be found at fireinyou.org/recruitny/participants.

NYSEG reported this morning that about 600 customers were without power this morning, following windy conditions Sunday & overnight. The highest number of outages were in the Downsville & Andes areas, crews had restored power by late this morning.

DCMO BOCES is inviting local businesses and industry professionals to participate in connecting our soon-to-be graduates on Applications Day on Tuesday, April 14, from 12:00-2:00 PM at the Robert W. Harrold Campus. Interested Businesses can find out more by calling 607-865-2514.

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced an expansion of child care services at 11 SUNY community colleges in New York State. The services will include evenings and weekends, designed to align with the schedules of student-parents who are enrolled in high-demand programs. SUNY Broome is one of the Colleges participating in the program.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-16-26

The federal trial of Peyton Gendron of Conklin will be held in Buffalo, Judge Lawrence Vilardo made the ruling last week. Gendron's attorneys were seeking to move the trial, out of Buffalo, citing concerns over the ability to get a fair trial. Gendron shot 10 Black people shopping at a Buffalo Tops Supermarket on May 14, 2022, he has already been convicted on state charges, he faces the death penalty on Federal charges, the next trial should start this summer.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Warren McKee of Milford for Dissemination of Indecent Material to Minors, following an investigation in to a report of a suspect engaging in sexual online communications with a subject he believed to be a juvenile. Investigation revealed that McKee utilized text messaging and instant messaging from a social media platform to solicit sex from the juvenile. McKee was located at his residence and taken in to custody without incident, he was processed and issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Milford Court at a later date.

Thousands of unlawful vape and marijuana products were seized from a Conklin gas station as part of a compliance check by the Broome County Health Department. On March 9, members of the Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force assisted the Broome County Health Department with a flavored nicotine vape compliance check at the “One Dream” Sunoco gas station located at 976 Conklin Rd in the Town of Conklin, they seized approximately 4,000 unlawful flavored nicotine vapes along with THC products, The business does not possess a valid license to dispense THC products. The unlawful flavored vapes are not taxed. In 2019, New York raised the legal age to purchase tobacco and vape products to 21, and in 2020 the state banned the sale of flavored vaping products, other than tobacco flavor. The compliance check was generated via a tip from the Susquehanna Valley Central School District.

The State DEC & Area Fire Departments announced that the annual Burn Ban is in effect now to May 14th this year. Open Burning of brush or debris is prohibited during that time-frame, to prevent wildfires & grass fires during the traditional driest time of the year.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-3-26

The weather in the region took an unexpected turn this afternoon, causing issues with after school activities & travel, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Townsend 3-3-36)

Multiple accidents are being reported throughout the region by law enforcement agencies, they advise motorists to slow down & leave extra time to get to your destination. Also, With all of the postponements of sectional semi final basketball games, the Boys & Girls Class C Basketball games will be held at Delaware Academy in Delhi & TC3 in Dryden tomorrow. All of the Boys & Girls Class D semi finals will be held Wednesday at SUNY Delhi.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 20 year old Kyle Ruiz of Hartwick, for Promotion of a Sexual Performance by a Child & Obscenity, following an investigation in to multiple Cyber Tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Investigation revealed that Ruiz used multiple usernames to solicit sexual content from other users on various social media platforms. In January investigators executed a search warrant at the Ruiz residence, Following the examination of multiple seized devices, additional information contributed to arrest. Ruiz turned himself in today & was held in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Arraignment.

30 year old Andrew Weiskopff of Johnson City was arrested on 4 counts of Assault, plus Reckless Endangerment, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident & reckless driving. Weiskopff is accused of striking 2 victims with his vehicle in front of Tully’s in Vestal last Thursday. Both female victims were taken to an area hospital, Weiskopff was located at he returned to his residence, and he was taken into custody without issue, He was also issued two traffic tickets for varying offenses, Weiskopff was remanded to the Broome County Jail

The State Department of Motor Vehicles announced that their department helped New Yorkers recover more than $13.6 million in stolen vehicles, titles, parts and services during 2025. The department reported that 384 Stolen Vehicles were Recovered in 2025 Worth $10.4 Million, and an Additional $3.2 Million Recouped in Titles, Repairs and Refunds, That number is an increase from $11 million recovered in 2024.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-3-26

On Thursday Night, Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol observed a stolen vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on State Route 17 in the Town of Vestal, A pursuit followed, to I-81, to I-88 into the town of Fenton & back through Binghamton into Johnson City, the pursuit ended when a tire fail off, the driver, 28 year old Romario Robinson of Binghamton, was taken into custody. 28 year old Shelby Medovich of Harpursville exited a nearby restaurant & interfered with the investigation of Robinson, she is accused of being a participant in the theft of the vehicle. Robinson and Medovich were charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Conspiracy, Robinson faced additional traffic violations both were processed, arraigned & were released on their own recognizance pending future court action.

The Raymond Corporation will host an On-Site Job Fair in Greene On March 3, from 12:00pm to 6:00 pm. Job seekers interested in manufacturing and warehousing careers will be able to complete on the spot interviews and tours. Raymond intends to make offers to qualified job seekers within (1) business day from time of interview.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-12-26

Broome County District Attorney's office announced that the 4 Binghamton residents arrested last week have been indicted by a Broome County Grand Jury on multiple felony weapons charges following an investigation into reports of gunfire near the Wittman Lane Watershed on February 4th. Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port Dickinson Police Department responded following a report that 4 males were observed walking toward the dam, followed by reports of multiple gunshots in the area. Officer arrested the 4 who were processed & released on bail, Indicted this week were 23 year old Samear Wallace, 21 year old Jahliek Walker-Coates, 21 year old Isaiah Johnson and 25 year old Johnathan Ayala, they face court action on the indictments shortly.

The CHENANGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE arrested 42 year old Jamie Button of the Town of Plymouth for Obstruction of Governmental Administration. During an investigation of an unrelated incident on December 27th, 2025, Button provided deputies with false information into the whereabouts of a wanted subject in order to prevent the apprehension of the subject. Button was taken into custody without incident, was processed and released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Otselic Court at a later date. The Obstruction charge is punishable by up to one year in jail or three years' probation, and a $1,000 fine.

A.M. NEWS 2-12-26

44 year old James McNeilly of Endicott, was sentenced in Broome County Court to a State Prison term of 3 to 6 years, he was sentenced as a second time felony offender based upon his prior conviction for Attempted Strangulation in 2016. The present conviction stems from an incident that occurred on July 21, 2025 where McNeilly attempted to enter the Broome County Department of Social Services building in the City of Binghamton with a metal knuckle knife. During the screening process by Broome County Security Officers, McNeilly placed an item into the screening bin.

Congressman Josh Riley's team will be in Walton today meeting with constituents that need assistance with federal agencies for issues with Medicare, Social Security, veterans' benefits. Riley's team will be available from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at the Ogden Free Library at 42 Gardiner Place. for those who can not attend, call (607) 242-0200 or visit riley.house.gov.

Blood Supplies are still very low after a challenging winter and an active Flu season, Meg Rossman of the American Red Cross urges people to make & keep their blood donation appointments, and they have sweetened the deal this month:

(Meg Rossman 2-12-26)

Another Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Oneonta today from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market St, book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-8-26

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that the Trump administration unfreeze the grants that provide child care assistance to thousands of families in New York, she said that she will work with State Officials to keep the services going:

(Gillibrand 1-8-26)

The Trump administration froze $10 billion in funding for child care subsidies, social services, and cash support for low-income families in five Democrat-controlled states---including New York. The administration is claiming widespread fraud throughout these states, Gillibrand said that they did not provide any evidence of fraud in New York.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Derrick Gray of Middlefield for Criminal Contempt. Gray failed to obey a lawful court order issued by a judge to respond to the Otsego County Probation Department to receive a GPS ankle monitor, the Otsego County Court issued a bench warrant for Gray's arrest, he was arrested on December 25th and was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility without bail, he was charged with violating a court order and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Otsego Court, he was returned to the correctional facility.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging disaster loan recipients in New York to apply for additional funds to protect their homes and businesses from future storms. Loan recipients have up to two years from their loan approval date to request an increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damages to cover the cost of improvements. To learn more about mitigation options visit sba.gov/mitigation. To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955.

Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin announced his plans Wednesday to run for re-election on the November Ballot for a 6th Term as Sheriff. Devlin has 36 years in law enforcement, including 19 years as Sheriff. Also, 25-year veteran of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office Michael Stalter is challenging Devlin, both are running as Republicans.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-8-26

The Number of Flu cases is trending down in New York State, according to the State Health Department. The last Week of 2025 had 49,000 new cases reported, down 32% from the week before, there have been just under 240,000 for the entire flu season, Locally, there were 350 new cases of the flu reported in the Tri-County Area.

State Police arrested 42 year old Francisco Ortiz of Deposit Monday for Felony Assault following a domestic dispute. Troopers were dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute in a vehicle traveling on Interstate 88 in the town of Colesville. Ortiz is accused of striking a victim in the face and crushing the victim’s arm in the middle console of his vehicle, as well as breaking a door at the victim’s residence in Afton. The victim was transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney for treatment to injuries, Ortiz was located in Deposit and arrested, He was transported to the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment, and he was issued appearance tickets to the Afton Town Court on January 20 for the damage he caused to the victim’s door.

Governor Hochul delivers the official 2026 State of the State Address on January 13th, Among the topics Hochul will discuss includes centers on youth safety for online platforms, & AI, free school meals, rural revitalization, workforce training, expanding Teen Mental Health First Aid, middle-class tax relief, increased minimum wage, and investments in housing and education.

A Public Hearing will be held by the Village of Sidney Planning Board Today at 5:00 pm, at Civic Center, on Liberty Street. The hearing is in reference to a major realty subdivision of Clover Hill Lane requested by owner of Parcels located East of County Rt. 4 and West Main Street. A regular meeting of the Village of Sidney Planning Board will follow the hearing.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-5-26

The State Comptroller's Office audited the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency, which found that officials did not properly monitor projects and maintain a transparent website, auditors recommended that Agency officials improve their monitoring efforts over job performance, sales and tax exemptions, mortgage recording tax exemptions and capital investments. Agency officials did not verify whether project owners met agreed-upon job creation and retention goals, they did not obtain affidavits or other documentation to substantiate the claims by project owners, instead, the board relied on the good faith of the project owners to report benefits and comply with project agreements.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced that starting Feb. 1, all visitors must arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled visitation hour to register and be processed by staff. A 5-minute grace period will be provided to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Visitors arriving 5 minutes or less from the top of the hour will need to wait until the next scheduled period. The Sheriff's Office stated these changes are intended to strengthen facility operations while ensuring safety and security for staff, inmates, and visitors.

Former Broome County Family Court Judge Rick Miller has lost an appeal of a lawsuit that found he had sexually harassed his secretary. Miller had appealed a jury verdict in July that found that he had created a hostile work environment through sexually explicit comments, demands and threats. The jury awarded his former secretary Rachel Gallagher $200,000 dollars in compensatory damages. Federal Judge Glenn Suddaby denied Miller’s motion for a new trial, he granted Gallagher’s request to have Miller pay her attorney fees.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the new year will bring new affordable health care laws. Effective on January 1, 2026, Health insurers will be required to cover medically necessary EpiPens and cap out-of-pocket costs at $100 per year, breast cancer screening and imaging, and the cost of scalp cooling systems to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-5-25

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer late Friday night on I-88 near Exit 3 in the Town of Fenton. The tractor trailer operated by 54 year old Vicky Chadwick of Pennsylvania went across the median, into opposing lanes and went over the embankment on its side in a drainage ditch. Deputies broke the windshield of the tractor trailer cab, extracted Chadwick, began CPR until EMS arrived on the scene to continue lifesaving actions, Chadwick was declared deceased at the scene.

31 year old Zachary Mattice of Bloomville was arrested by Delhi police in connection with a reported sexual assault. Delhi Police Department reported that Mattice was charged with 1st-degree rape, 1st sexual abuse, Forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment, he faces court action shortly.

36 year old Ariel Devers of Margaretville was charged with making a terroristic threat agains the Delaware County Department of Social Services, threatening to shoot up the County Office Building in Delhi. Devers was taken into custody by Delhi Police and was held at the Delaware County Jail pending arraignment.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 44 year old Jimmy Tatum of Rockingham, North Carolina for 2nd degree Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation & Harassment, after Deputies responded to a residence in Cooperstown for a physical domestic incident with serious burns and other injuries. Tatum also accused of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after the Domestic Dispute, and was additionally charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator and other vehicular charges, Tatum was turned over to Corrections staff to await arraignment on the warrant.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 44 year old Elizabeth Nash of Sidney for Felony Bail Jumping, she is accused of failing to appear in court on 5 occasions, she was located and arrested & was turned over to Otsego County Corrections pending Arraignment.