WCDO Radio News

Elected officials will be sworn in for a new term on Sunday, January 1st. Governor Hochul will be sworn in at 2:00 PM Sunday at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, Sheriff-elect Fred Akshar and the Broome County Legislature will be joined by hundreds of family and friends for a special Joint Swearing-in Ceremony at the DoubleTree in Binghamton on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Akshar passed on running for re-election to the State Senate, in order to return to Law Enforcement.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

The new Minimum wage is set to go into effect on Saturday, Workers outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will see the minimum wage go from $13.20 to $14.20 an hour.

Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 23-year-old Muhammad Aziz was sentenced to five years in New York State prison and five years post release supervision after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, back on June 15th, State Police executed a search warrant at Aziz’s residence in Johnson City, they seized cocaine and methamphetamine, along with an illegal and loaded .9 mm pistol. The DA's Office also announced that 34-year-old Michael Perez was sentenced to two to four years in New York State prison after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, back on November 5th, 2021, Perez assaulted and threatened a United Health Services Security Officer with a knife outside of a UHS medical facility in Binghamton.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-23-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency for the entire State in advance of a significant winter weather. State Police advise motorists to drive only for emergency purposes Today & Tomorrow. The State DOT will be deploying heavy equipment to where it is needed, Emergency crews & Utility Company Crews are preparing for possible Power Outages.

The Bandera Family & Community Alliance announced Free Christmas Dinners again this year for Binghamton & Norwich residents, and this year they are adding a free Christmas Dinner for the Oneonta Community, Bill Bandera told WCDO News about their plans this Christmas:

(Bill Bandera 12-6-22)

Bandera the meals will be served at the American Legion Halls in each community, in Norwich from 12:00 to 2:00 PM & in oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM, More information can be found at banderachristmas.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $102 million awarded to 64 projects through the Restore New York Communities Initiative. The Southern Tier was awarded more than $15.7 Million in support of 8 projects, including in the Village of Endicott with $6 Million for the IBM North Street Demolition Project: almost $3 Million Dollars for the City of Binghamton for the development of vacant site into a multi-story building with 102 rental units & $1.8 million dollars for the Town of Roxbury for the Inn at Kirkside, to re-purpose the historic site into a hotel/restaurant with an integrated educational program.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 32 year old Frank Criscitello of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 years in State prison after pleading guilty in Broome County Court to Attempted Burglary. Back on March 9th, Criscitello broke into a Binghamton residence and stole money and jewelry, Binghamton Police tracked down the stolen jewelry to Criscitello and he was arrested.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 area men for several counts of Criminal possession of a weapon, after they posted a Facebook live stream Monday. 42 year old Nicholas Skiba of Johnson City and 23 year old Keith Hall of Chenango Forks were arrested, a handgun was seen in the live stream and Skiba was wearing Ballistic Body Armor, The Whitney Point & Chenango Forks schools were on lock out, along with Wilson Medical Center and Binghamton General Hospital. Sheriff's Deputies obtained a search Warrant for Skiba's cell Phone & Facebook page, they discovered the location of the 2 men at a residence on State Route 12 In Chenango Forks, they were taken into custody, Deputies seized 5 handguns, 4 rifles 3 shotguns 2 black powder pistols and large capacity magazines, the investigation is ongoing.

The Binghamton Black Bears announced that the long standing Binghamton Hockey tradition, the Teddy Bear Toss, will be part of Saturday night’s game against the Delaware Thunder at the Arena. Fans are invited to bring teddy bears, or other stuffed animals, to the game and throw them on the ice after the Black Bears’ first goal, the bears will be picked up and donated to the Crime Victims Assistance Center, where they will be given to local children as gifts this Christmas. The game begins at 7 pm. at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, tickets are available at the box office, by calling 607-722-7367, or at ticketmaster.com.

Tonight will be the 2nd of 2 nights for Legally Blonde The Musical at the Forum Theater in Binghamton, Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment said that some tickets are still available:

(Tina Niles 12-8-22)

More information about tonight's show or future shows can be found at Broadway In Binghamton.com or by calling 607-772-1391.

Tonight will be the 1st of 2 nights for Legally Blonde The Musical at the Forum Theater in Binghamton, Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment said that some tickets are still available:

(Tina Niles 12-7-22)

More information about tonight's show or future shows can be found at Broadway In Binghamton.com or by calling 607-772-1391.

The Bandera Family & Community Alliance announced Free Christmas Dinners again this year for Binghamton & Norwich residents, and this year they are adding a free Christmas Dinner for the Oneonta Community, Bill Bandera told WCDO News about their plans this Christmas:

(Bill Bandera 12-6-22)

Bandera the meals will be served at the American Legion Halls in each community, he said that they are looking for volunteers, More information for Volunteers sign ups can be found at banderachristmas.com, those who need a meal delivered can call 211 until December 22nd.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-5-22

The Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 68-year-old Alan Geller of Binghamton was found guilty of Forcible Touching. Geller was a Physician's Assistant who was accused of groping a women patient inappropriately while conducting a physical examination in December of 2021. Geller faces up to 1 year in jail at sentencing.

The Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 42-year-old David Coffey pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon for having an illegal, loaded .40-caliber pistol in the City of Binghamton on May 25, 2021. Members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, executing a search warrant, found the gun and small amounts of methamphetamine at Coffey’s home on Clifford Street. Coffey had previously been convicted of Assault in Delaware County in 2003, & had previously was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Petty Larceny and Conspiracy for allegedly trying to cheat a Town of Chenango resident by paying for electronics with counterfeit funds. Coffey will be sentenced to 7 years in State prison plus 5 years post-release supervision in February.

The Bainbridge American Legion VA Clinic will be closing on December 1st, & Area Veterans can go to the Binghamton VA Clinic at 203 Court Street, or the the new VA Clinic located at the Fox Care Center, in Oneonta. Peter Potter of the Stratton VA Center in Albany said that the new Oneonta location is a better alternative:

(Peter Potter 11-28-22)

Potter said that Veterans should contact the Bainbridge clinic by Thursday & let them know where to transfer their records,

Norwich Theater Company will present Elf The Musical, at the Martin W. Kappel Theater December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Tickets can be purchased at norwichtheatercompany.com, Service Pharmacy and Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 607-336-2787.

A.M. NEWS Friday 11-25-22

26 year old Kout Akol of Binghamton was convicted for 1st degree manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence & endangering the welfare of a child, in Broome County Court Wednesday. Akol was arrested on July 3rd of 2021 for the stabbing death of 27 year old Takecia Mitchell in her Binghamton apartment. Akol faces up to 25 years in prison, he will be sentenced on February 23rd.

Tonight is the opening night for "Fiddler on The Roof at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. Tickets are still available for tonight & tomorrow nights shows at NAC Entertainment or through Ticketmaster.com, or at the Forum Theater Box Office.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-8-22

Several people were injured in a house fire at 83 Rush Avenue in Binghamton early this morning. several people were taken to area hospitals, Binghamton firefighters had the fire under control in about 45 minutes, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Broome County officials are investigating the death of an inmate in the Broome County Jail on Friday. 30 year-old Mitchell Lindow of Binghamton was being held on a murder charge when he was found deceased by Corrections officers conducting a head count, an autopsy was conducted Friday, no cause of death was determined.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-7-22

State Police announced that 9 people were arrested & drugs were seized after search warrants were executed at Budget Inn Motel on Route 23 Southside in the town of Oneonta Thursday & Friday. Items seized included methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, ecstasy, Suboxone strips & Packaging materials and scales, The investigation is on-going.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-28-22

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 32-year-old Stephen Moran of Binghamton was arraigned in Broome County Court Thursday, he was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, 2nd degree manslaughter, along with several other charges, he is accused of driving intoxicated at an excessive speed August 8th on the Vestal Parkway, his vehicle crashed into a vehicle occupied by Alfred and Paula Latessa, Alfred was pronounced dead at the scene, Paula succumbed to her injuries at an area hospital shortly after the crash.

The Greater Binghamton Airport announced today that they will be offering additional flights to New York City shortly. Officials announced that Delta Airlines will be offering 2 flights a day to LaGuardia Airport, starting on January 9th. Tickets for the New York City flights will be sold starting tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-28-22

State Police are continuing their search to locate Frederick Mayock who was last seen on the Canadarago Lake boat launch with a kayak on October 22, 2022. Investigators are asking the public who live or have businesses near Canadarago Lake and near the boat launch on State Highway 28 to review security or surveillance footage that show a white kayak (pictured below). If anyone has video of the kayak from Saturday, October 22 between the hours of 9am and 8pm to please contact New York State Police at (607)561-7400.

Oneonta Police Department responded to the Townhouse Motor Inn Saturday for the report of a man sleeping in the stolen motor vehicle. 39-year-old Terrence Mewborn of Binghamton, was found to be in possession of the stolen car, a loaded handgun and a variety of illegal drugs, he is also accused of obstructing the police investigation, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, Criminal Possession of a weapon, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Mewborn was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $50,000 cash or $500,000 bond.

Attorney General Letitia James today announced that 88 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event hosted by her office and the Binghamton Police Department. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts, working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. To date, Attorney General James has taken more than 3,600 firearms out of communities through gun buyback events since 2019.

The Binghamton Black Bears Hockey Team of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, will begin their new season Tonight at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton against Elmira. Team Announcer Brooks Hill said that the team is looking to improve on last year's accomplishments:

(Brooks Hill 10-14-22)

Tickets are available on their website: binghamtonblackbears.com/tickets, or by calling 607-722-7367.

Tickets for the “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” are still available for Saturday Night's Performance at the Forum Theater in Binghamton, Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 10-14-22)

Niles said that the show was well received & well attended last year & they decided to bring it back this season.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are hosting the first ever "Rock'n'Rumble", a special Binghamton University student and faculty concert at Mirabito Stadium on Friday, from 4:30 pm. to 8:30 pm. General admission tickets are on sale for only $2.50 in advance when purchased at the box office, $4 when purchased in advance online, and $5 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased online at BINGRP.com, by phone at 607-722-3866, or at the Visions Federal Credit Union Box Office. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is Saturday October 15th at 2:00 pm.

The Binghamton Black Bears Hockey Team of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, will begin their new season this Friday Night at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, new team announcer Brooks Hill told WCDO News that the team looks poised to return to the playoffs this year:

(Brooks Hill 10-12-22)

Hill said that tickets are available on their website: binghamtonblackbears.com/tickets, or by calling 607-722-7367.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Benedict of Binghamton, Stephen Parsons of Greene, and Melissa Johnson and Patrick Hill, both of Smithville Flats, for Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing a utility trailer and utility terrain vehicle in the Town of Kirkwood. The suspects & the stolen items were found in Binghamton, all 4 face court action shortly.

Broadway in Binghamton announced today that the individual tickets for Fiddler on the Roof, on November 8 & 9 at 7:30 PM at the FORUM THEATRE will go on sale today, at 10:00 AM. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Arena Box Office or through Ticketmaster. For more information visit BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-28-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 24 year old Derek McNeil of Binghamton was sentenced to 5 years in jail followed by 5 years post release supervision, following guilty pleas to 2nd degree assault & criminal mischief, for choking an 18 year old female in Binghamton in March, and breaking a window in May, causing $250 damage.

Norwich Police Department arrested Luis Franco of Brooklyn after they responded to a repport of an assault on September 22nd. The victim sustained broken bones, a fractured spine and a collapsed lung and was taken to a Binghamton Hospital, Franco was charged with Assault in the 2nd degree, he was arraigned and held on $25,000 cash bail.

Binghamton Police Department responded Monday to 314 Prospect Street for the report of a shooting. Officers located a 26 year old male who was shot in the abdomen, he was taken to an area hospital for emergency surgery. Police arrested Franklin Smalls of Binghamton for Attempted Murder and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, the investigation is continuing.

Broome County District Attorney office announced that Vernon Riddick pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon, for having an unlicensed and loaded .40 handgun on July 24th while driving erratically in Binghamton. Police said that Riddick fled in his car, he abandoned the car and ran on foot, Police confiscated that weapon from a trash can nearby. Riddick faces sentencing in December in Broome County Court.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-16-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 31 year-old James Lynch will spend 3 ½ to 3 years in prison after pleading guilty to 3rd degree attempted robbery, in Broome County Court. Lynch forcibly stole cash from a cab driver in Binghamton in January 28, The driver reported the robbery to Binghamton Police, who located Lynch & arrested him.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-15-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $230 million in awards will go to 9 upstate airports for revitalization projects. The Greater Binghamton/Edwin A Link Field Airport will get $32 million to fund 2 projects, one will entail a relocation of the General Aviation Terminal to integrate it with the Passenger Terminal, The 2nd project will construct a new, 3,000-square-foot General Aviation Customs & Border Protection facility south of the terminal.

The Annual "Test Drive Your Seat" will be held today & tomorrow at the Broome County Forum Theater in Binghamton from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 9-16-22)

Binghamton staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the upcoming season, more information is available at BroadwayinBinghamton.com or by calling 607-772-1391

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 58 year old Loretta Washington of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison followed by 2 1/2 years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to attempted arson. Washington set fire to a doormat that was outside of an apartment last October in Binghamton, the fire was quickly extinguished and that there were no injuries.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-14-22

The Village of Sidney will be seeking community input with their Resilient Sidney program today, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak commented:

(Andy Matviak 9-6-22)

The Community meeting will be held tonight from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street, more information about the program is available at resilient-sidney.com/nyforward.