WCDO Radio News

The 2017 Greater Binghamton Job & Career Fair is being held today. Many area employers will have representatives at the Job Fair, which is being held at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.

An American Red Cross Blood drive is being held today in Broome County, in honor of Trooper Christopher Skinner, who was fatally hit by a car during a traffic stop on I-81 in 2014. The Blood drives for the general public will be held today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, at the 5 Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood, the Binghamton State Office Building on Hawley Street & a Blood drive for State Troopers and their families will be held at the Trooper Barracks in Kirkwood. Those wishing to doante can make an appointment with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

Binghamton Police arrested 35-year-old Mike Rivera of Binghamton for 2nd degree attempted Murder, for allegedly stabbing his wife several times. Rivera was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail pending future court action.

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell announced that Joshua Taylor was sentenced in Broome County Court Tuesday, for the murder of James High in Binghamton in 2015. Taylor will spend 25 years to life behind in jail for the murder of High outside the Antler Lodge in July 2015.

State Police attempted to stop a Geo Tracker in Binghamton for multiple traffic violations, the operator of the vehicle failed to comply and a pursuit began to Windsor. The occupants threw auto parts into the path of pursuing law enforcement vehicles, their vehicle was eventually stopped with the use of tire deflation devices on Main Street in the village of Windsor, when the two occupants fled on foot & were arrested after a short chase. The vehicle operator was 23 year old Aaron Vogel of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, he was charged with the felony of Reckless Endangerment, Driving a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, and multiple traffic violations. The passenger, 20 year old Dylan Thompson of Montrose, Pennsylvania was charged with Reckless Endangerment and Resisting Arrest. They were arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The State DOT announced that construction on the I-86; I-81 & State Route 17 projects will be ramped up at several locations this week, starting this morning. Motorists are advised to check 511 for the latest traffic patterns in the Binghamton area.

The 8th annual Binghamton Train Show will held tomorrow at the American Legion on Robinson Street. The event is sponsored by Village Train & Hobby of Windsor, owner Jeff Olin comments:

(Jeff Olin 12-1-17)

Olin said that about 60 vendors would be set up Saturday; more information is available at 655-1700.

The Jericho Arts Council will have a performance with teh Binghamton Madrigal Singers Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Spokesman Phil wade explains:

(Phil Wade 12-1-17)

Wade said that tickets atre avaialebl at the box office at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Tickets can be reserved by calling 288-3882.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Delaware County Corrections Officers arrested several people who were allegedly conspiring with inmates to smuggle contraband into the Correctional Facility during visitation periods. arrested were Maureen Storrs of Delhi, Mary Ellen Chukoloski of Binghamton & Britney Fraser of Davenport on a vareity of drug charges & conspiracy. All three were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $40,000.00 cash bail or $80,000.00 bond. Deputies arrested inmates George Robinson of Delhi, Edward Reed of Binghamton, Gregory Shamus of Delhi, on a variety of charges including promoting prison contraband & conspiracy, they were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court on November 28, 2017 and returned to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

Village Train & Hobby of Windsor will host their annual regional train show in Binghamton this Saturday. Village Train & Hobby owner Jeff Olin comments:

(Jeff Olin 11-29-17)

More information about Saturday’s train show is available at 655-1700.

The Binghamton Devils announced that they would be participating in a fundraiser for the Toys For Tots Campaign tonight. Players from the Devils will be serving dinner from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Little Venice Restaurant in Binghamton, interested participants are asked to bring toys to donate tonight for Toys 4 Tots.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $20 million dollars will be awarded statewide to replace residential drinking water lead service lines as part of New York's Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program awards locally include the City of Binghamton, which will receive $663,000.

Governor Cuomo today announced a statewide holiday drive to benefit families in need across New York. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are being collected to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season. The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations that will be collecting donations from Monday, November 27 through Friday, December 15. Local Drop-off locations are the Binghamton State Office Building, at 44 Hawley Street, The Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street in Oneonta

State Police CNET & Binghamton Police executed a federal arrest warrant on Troy Clark of Whitney Point, as part of a federal indictment charging Clark with manufacturing Methamphetamines. Police discovered a meth lab with 30 “one pot” vessels, various methamphetamine laboratory components, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun & a Small amount of marihuana. Police arrested Orion Tanzini of Kirkwood, Brittany Clark of Whitney Point, Jamie Wilson of Whitney Point, Brian Mirra of Chenango Forks, along with Clark. A search warrant was also executed for Charles McNeilly, of Whitney Point, where police again seized meth making materials & arrested Thomas Cole of Whitney Point, Ashley VanOstrand of Whitney Point, along with McNeilly. All face court action shortly, the investigations are continuing and additional charges are pending.

An unidentified 16 year old has been arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of a 9 year old. The teen was arrested and arraigned in the Town of Laurens Court, he was released to an adult & an order of protection was issued for the victim, the teen faces action today in Town of Laurens Court & Otsego County courts.

The State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction has been scheduled in Binghamton on Wednesday, November 15. Information on specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov, more information is available at (518) 457-6335. Next Wednesday Auction will begin at 9:30 AM at the Department of Transportation at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton

66-year-old Ronald Cook of Utica was scheduled to be arraigned back in Oneida County Court this afternoon. Cook was on the run from Law Enforcement from last Wednesday to Saturday, when he removed his GPS Ankle bracelet & failed to visit with his parole officer. Cook served jail time for the rape of a Binghamton woman in 1990, he was arrested at a Binghamton restaurant Saturday afternoon & was turned back over to Oneida county officials.

The Broadway Theater League & NAC Entertainment present The Cyndi Lauper award Winning musical "Kinky Boots" tonight & tomorrow night at the Forum in Binghamton. Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 11-14-17)

Tickets for "Kinky Boots" are available at ticketmaster.com.

Binghamton Police arrested a 66-year-old Ronald Cook of Utica at the Little Venice Restaurant in Binghamton Saturday afternoon. Cook is a Level 3 sex offender who removed his GPS ankle bracelet and didn't report to his parole officer Wednesday, sparking a state wide manhunt.  Cook was convicted of raping a 24-year-old woman in Binghamton in 1990; he was also convicted in 1988 of first-degree sexual abuse and impersonating a police officer.

The State Department of Corrections is asking the public to be call 911 if they spot 66-year-old Ronald Cook of Utica. Cook is a paroled Level 3 Sex offender who is accused of removing his GPS ankle bracelet. Cook was last seen in Rome Wednesday, wearing a bright yellow windbreaker, he is described as a white male; 5' 9" tall, weighing about 240 pounds, with gray hair and hazel eyes. Cook was convicted of raping a 24-year-old woman in Binghamton in 1990; he was also convicted in 1988 of first-degree sexual abuse and impersonating a police officer.

The State Office of General Services announced a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction has been scheduled in Binghamton on Wednesday, November 15. Information on specific items and terms of sale are available at ogs.ny.gov, more information is available at (518) 457-6335. Next Wednesday Auction will begin at 9:30 AM at the Department of Transportation at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton

An Autopsy performed at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton has determined that Kenneth Faulkner of New Rochelle died from a Cocaine Overdose. Oneonta Police had picked up Faulkner where they had warrants to search Faulkner & an apartment in Oneonta, following a drug investigation. Faulkner struggled with Oneonta Police officers & swallowed a packet believed to contain Cocaine, EMT's brought him to Fox Hospital, and he died a few hours later, after the Police struggle Thursday night. The investigation into the incident is continuing by the Oneonta Police Department & the Otsego County District Attorney's office.

36 year old Jennifer Grenchus of Vestal pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in Broome County Court on Friday. Grenchus was impaired by drugs on April 24th, when police responded to the parking lot of Tom's Cards and Gifts at 184 Main Street in Binghamton where they found that Grenchus hit 47 year old Ronald Richardson of Binghamton along Main Street and dragged his body underneath for several yards, before she turned into Tom's parking lot, Richardson died at the scene. Grenchus will be sentenced February 6.

Oneonta Police Detectives arrested a 52- year-old man from New Rochelle Thursday afternoon following a 2-month investigation into narcotics trafficking. Search warrants were obtained for the suspect's person and for an 85 Ford Avenue. The suspect was transported to the City's Public Safety Building. A 2nd warrant was served that permitted officers to conduct a body search, the suspect became combative, officers observed that the suspect placed a substance believed to be cocaine in his mouth, which was swallowed after a struggle with 4 officers. EMT’s responded, the suspect was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta, where he died at 7:40 PM. The body was taken to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton for an autopsy and toxicology screening. The suspect's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident remains under investigation by the Oneonta Police Department under the supervision of the Otsego County District Attorney's Office.

Tomorrow, local Special Olympics athletes and coaches will join the Law Enforcement Torch Run in carrying the "Flame of Hope" to start the 6th Annual Binghamton Polar Plunge. Last year the Binghamton Polar Plunge raised over $21,000 with all proceeds helping to fund training and competition local Special Olympics athletes. This year, the Plunge for Special Olympics will be held at Bowman Lake State Park at 745 Bliven Sherman Road in Oxford; Registration will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, & the Plunge will start at 1:00pm. More information is available at PolarPlungeNY.org/Binghamton.

The African Children’s Choir will be performing at the Binghamton First Assembly Church Tonight at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour, that has performed all over American & Canada since April. Tour Leader Keira Carnie explains:

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir performance tonight is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

Broadway in Binghamton presents "A Gentleman's Guide To Murder" for 2 performances this Sunday at 3:00PM & 7:30PM at the Broome County Forum in Binghamton. Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 10-27-17)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

The African Children’s Choir will be performing at the Binghamton First Assembly Church Friday Night at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour, that has performed all over American & Canada since April. Tour Leader Keira Carnie explains:

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir has been performing for over 30 years, and has performed for Queen Elizabeth at her Golden Jubilee, and has performed with Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey & Keith Urban. Friday Nights show is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

The State office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services announced the opening of the new Voices Recovery and Community Outreach Center at 340 Prospect Street in Binghamton. The center will provide free support and services for people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder and for their families.

27-Year-old Jihad Ray of Binghamton pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in Broome County Court, in connection with the shooting of Brandon Hernandez of Binghamton on April 22nd. Ray pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree, a class B felony, in Broome County Court on Wednesday. Ray faces sentencing on December 14th, where he will be sentenced to 18 years in prison with an additional five years of parole.

The Broome County Task Force announced that 2 people were arrested in a drug bust in Kirkwood, with officers seizing crystal meth, packaged heroin with fenantyl, cocaine, Marijuana & suboxone and $3800 in cash. 32-year-old Sean Donahue of Kirkwood and 31 year old Victoria Morgan of Binghamton were sent to the Broome County jail after being charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Broome Sheriff's deputies arrested 27-year-old Tajharay Pugh of Binghamton following a chase from Binghamton into the Town of Fenton. Pugh was charged with Unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, Unlawful possession of marijuana, Resisting arrest, Reckless driving and multiple traffic violations. Deputies reported that Pugh wouldn't pull over when deputies tried to stop his vehicle on Henry Street in Binghamton Saturday night, he was chased into the town of Fenton where he exited the vehicle and attempted to flea on foot & was tased. Pugh faces court action shortly.

Governor Cuomo today announced 169 conditional awards to agencies in 47 counties across the state, that will provide support services and operating funding for at least 1,200 units of supportive housing for homeless persons with special needs, conditions or other challenges. The awards are part of the $2.6 Billion, 5-Year plan to develop 6,000 units of Supportive Housing, in the Southern Tier, funding will go to the YWCA Binghamton, Family Enrichment Network in Broome County & Catholic Charities of Chenango County

Governor Cuomo announced $23 million in grants to support 12 essential drinking water and waste-water infrastructure projects throughout the Southern Tier. These grants are part of a $255 million statewide investment, funded through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, as well as the new Inter-municipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program. The Cities of Norwich & Binghamton, and the towns of Oxford & Roxbury will be receiving a portion of those funds for water infrastructure upgrades.

Governor Cuomo's office announced that the New York Mets will be moving their Triple A minor league team form Las Vegas to Syracuse, after the team bought the Syracuse Chiefs franchise. The acquisition puts the Mets top 2 level farm teams in upstate New York, as Double A Binghamton has been affiliated with the Mets since the early 90's. The Washington Nationals have had their Triple A team in Syracuse for several years, and they will need to relocate.

The Inaugural Season of the new Binghamton Devils will be this weekend at the Floyd L. Maines Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The Devils will take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Saturday at 7:05 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the Arena Box Office or at binghamtondevils.com.