WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-1-25

Oneonta Police Department concluded their investigation into the report of a deceased female on the railroad tracks early Sunday. An employee of Norfolk Southern Railroad reported the deceased female, Officers from the Oneonta Police Department, State Police and Otsego County District Attorney’s Office & the Otsego County Coroner responded, Investigators learned a 61-year-old female from Pennsylvania became stranded in the Town of Oneonta Saturday, Her vehicle was towed to a garage and she was given a courtesy ride by the Tow Company to a local convenience store. Investigators later learned that the woman ha d history of mental distress. She was reported missing by family Saturday, about 10 hours later, video surveillance showed the woman walking on the railway, at about 3:49 am, moments later a train arrived & video depicts the female laying on the tracks at the time the train passes. The case is being ruled a suicide & the name of the deceased is not being released.

State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for February, The State's unemployment rate was 4.3% in February, locally, Chenango County had 4.6%, Delaware County 5.2% and Otsego had 5.4% unemployment in February.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced their 2025 Opening Day roster, with 4 of the top 6 Mets Prospects starting there in Binghamton, and some who excelled in the annual Prospect showcase the "Spring Breakout" game last Month, Team Spokesman Jacob Wilkins explains:

(Jacob Wilkins 4-1-25)

The Rumble Ponies will open the season on the road against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Friday, The home opener will be on Tuesday, April 8 against the Hartford Yard Goats at Mirabito Stadium at 6:07 pm.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-1-25

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58 year old Frederick Clarkson of McDonough for Strangulation, Criminal Mischief, Assault and Menacing, following a Domestic Dispute. Clarkson is accused of causing physical injury, menaced the victim with a blunt object, strangled the victim and took the victim’s phone preventing them from calling 911. Clarkson fled the scene prior to Deputies arriving and was later located in the City of Norwich and was taken into custody without incident, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on no bail.

State Police assisted the Susquehanna SPCA with securely removing several animals at properties located on Clark Lane and Pig Farm Lane in the town of New Berlin, after information was developed that the owner of the properties was violating a court order by possessing animals. 3 cows, 1 sheep, 3 dogs and 15 cats were removed and transported to the Susquehanna SPCA. Almost a year ago, over two dozen animals were located deceased and over 100 neglected animals were removed from the same property, 4 people were charged with numerous felonies and misdemeanors from the Agriculture and Markets Law, As a result of court proceedings, the owner of the property was not to own or possess any animals.

Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation will formally integrate into 1 company under the name “Toyota Material Handling North America” effective April 1. Raymond President Michael Field explains:

(Michael Field 1-10-25)

Toyota acquired The Raymond Corporation in 2001, people are still invited to apply for work at the facility as they plan more hiring of personnel, more information is available at careers.raymondcorp.com.

Binghamton Police Detectives arrested 19 year old Antonio
Jones of Taftville, Connecticut for 2nd degree Attempted Murder & 2nd
degree Assault in connection with the March 17th Shooting incident at 66
Chenango Street.  Jones is accused of
participating in the shooting incident, into a parked car; he missed the
intended male target and shot a female passenger, who suffered non-life
threatening injuries.   Jones was held in
Binghamton City Police Lock-Up for arraignment in City Court, he was remanded
to the Broome County Jail. Anyone with information is asked to contact
Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies Home Opener will be tonight at
NYSEG Stadium, Team Spokesman Eddie Saunders comments:

(Eddie Saunders 4-11-19)

Tickets for tonight's game are available at the NYSEG
Stadium Box Office or online at BINGRP.COM.

The State DOT announced that construction is resuming on the
$152 million 2nd phase of the 1-81/Route 17 Prospect Mountain reconstruction
project in the city of Binghamton. The project is reconstructing nearly 9 miles
of highway, replacing bridges and reconfiguring ramps to significantly improve
traffic patterns in one of the Southern Tier's busiest corridors. The
improvements will also enable the DOT to request federal designation of a
4-mile stretch of Route 17 as I-86.  The
project is reconstructing the interchange of I-81 Exit 4 and Route 7 by replacing
the viaduct bridge over the Railroad tracks and Broad Avenue. Additionally, 2
new bridges are being built over the Chenango River in the city of Binghamton.
The Work is scheduled to be complete by December 2020.

Fire damaged the Leatherstocking Market and Fuel store at
134 Delaware County Route 11 near Pindars Corners this morning.  Several area fire companies responded, no
injuries have been reported; the cause of the fire is under investigation, the
owners hope to have the store re-opened as soon as possible.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month &
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, for a high-visibility enforcement effort today
through April 15th. Law enforcement officers will intensify their efforts to
stop texting and other forms of distracted driving by issuing citations for
distraction violations. The “U Drive U Text U Pay” campaign aims to spread the
message about the dangers of distracted driving, and to remind drivers of the
consequences of their distracted actions.
According to NHTSA, between 2012-2017, nearly 20,000 people died in
crashes involving a distracted driver. In fact, there were 3,166 people killed
in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2017.

The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi
College Golf Course, will take place on Friday, May 10th this year.  The event serves as a primary fundraiser for
programs and services which provide assistance to Delaware County senior
citizens.  The entry fee this year will
be $65, Registrations for the tournament can be obtained by contacting the
Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that Pharsalia Town
Supervisor Dennis Brown faces criminal charges for allegedly stealing more than
$123,000 in town funds, to pay credit card bills and pad his salary an
additional $20,000 a year.  Brown was
charged with 2nd degree Grand Larceny, scheming to defraud, defrauding the
government, corrupting the government and public corruption for allegedly using
the town's credit card for vacations in Myrtle Beach and New York City, fees
for PayPal, Amazon and iTunes, and designer handbags, liquor and cooking
classes, & his home telephone, internet and electric bills.  The Comptroller’s inquiry into Pharsalia
began with an audit in 2018 which led to the criminal investigation.

The Greene Fire Department responded to a small fire at
Raymond Corporation in Greene.  The
preliminary investigation reported that a welding smoke unit caught fire, no
one was injured, employees returned to the building at about 9:30 pm. The
Greene Fire Department was assisted by the Oxford, Coventry Fire Departments.

The annual Take Back the Night March will be held in Oneonta
this evening.  The march begins at the
SUNY Oneonta campus at 6:30PM and ends in downtown Oneonta, it will conclude
with a candlelight vigil and musical performance is scheduled at Kim Muller
Plaza beginning at 8:00PM.

State Police at Deposit are investigating a fatal industrial accident the Courier Printing Corporation on Laurel Bank Avenue in Deposit today. The incident occurred at the loading dock. At this time, the name of the deceased is not being released. The investigation continues.

Sidney Village Superintendent of Public Works Mike Mercurio announced that Norfolk Southern railroad will be closing the Union Street crossing starting tomorrow for routine repairs & maintenance, the crossing will be closed until further notice by the railroad.

State Police at Norwich arrested 36 year old Michael Brown of Pitcher for 3rd degree Assault, Menacing & Harassment, after Troopers responded to a physical dispute where Brown is accused of threatening 3 women with a pocket knife. Brown sustained lacerations and was treated at Chenango Memorial Hospital, he was taken into custody and arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond and is to appear in the town of Pitcher Court on October 16th, an order of protection was issued to all 3 women.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 52 year old Jason Babcock of Sidney for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and several Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Babcock was charged after a traffic stop in the Town of Norwich, he was found to be in possession of approximately 6 grams of cocaine, marihuana, and an open container of alcohol. Babcock was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court; he is scheduled to appear back in court at a later date.

state Police at Oneonta arrested 46 year old Tracy Neves of Otego for DWI & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Troopers initiated a traffic stop following the report of a driver acting suspiciously in the town of Oneonta, Neves was intoxicated and in possession of hydrocodone pills, he was arrested and arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court, he was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on October 18th.

State Police arrested 37 year old Kelly French of Binghamton for DWI, after a trooper was dispatched to a vehicle on Interstate 88 driving the wrong way. French was located on the side of I-88 in Afton after she ran out of gas; she was issued appearance tickets for town of Afton Court on October 22nd.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 18 year old Dana Bitter of Oyster Bay on 1 count of driving while ability impaired by drugs. Bitter is accused of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs & that a passenger in Bitter’s vehicle was suffering from a drug induced overdose. The passenger was treated on scene and subsequently transported to Delaware Valley Hospital, Bitter was released on tickets returnable to Walton town court at a later date.

Sheriff’s Deputies and NYS DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden. 6 inspections were conducted, Deputies issued 15 summonses for various safety violations including defective brakes, unsafe tires, fuel leaks, uncovered load, inoperable lamps, steering gearbox loose from frame, insufficient warning devices, frame cracked, major oil leaks and a flat tire. 3 of the commercial vehicles were taken out of service.

State Police arrested 25 Year old John Corgan of New Berlin for DWI, after Troopers were dispatched to a 1 car accident on State Highway 8 in New Berlin. Corgan drove off the road into a field and then struck a building, He released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of New Berlin Court on October 17th.

The State DOT announced that a long-term winter traffic pattern on State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook in Afton will go into effect during this week. Traffic will be shifted from the westbound lane to the new portion of the bridge on the eastbound side over Kelsey Brook. Temporary traffic signals will control traffic.

Governor Cuomo will host the first-ever Catskill Summer Challenge with various State leaders competing tomorrow, including rafting, fishing, & biking. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News that this will shine an additional spotlight on the Catskills:

(Ray Pucci 6-29-16)

Tomorrow's Catskill Challenge will end with a reception and presentation of awards, Cuomo hopes to make this & the Adirondack Challenge an annual event that carries on beyong his tenure in Albany.

The Sidney Rotary Club will hold another forum this evening in order to get a local coalition together to try to stop Heroin & Opioid Abuse, organizer Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 6-29-16)

The forum will begin at 6:15 tonight at the Sidney High School and is open to the public.

The Candidates are now set following the 22nd Congressional District Republican Primary Tuesday. Claudia Tenney defeated 2 challengers to get the Republican nomination, Tenney will now take on Democrat Kim Myers of Vestal in the November election.

The Binghamton Mets announced that first baseman Dominic Smith will play for the US Team at the 2016 All-Star Futures Game on Sunday, July 10 at PETCO Park in San Diego. Smith is the 9th B-Met to be included in the game in the last 6 years.

Governor Cuomo today announced that lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, July 1, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Independence Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

John Faso defeated Andrew Heaney for the Republican Party nomination in the 19th congressional district primary yesterday. Zephyr Teachout defeated Will Yandik for the Democratic Primary. Faso will face Teachout to replace Chris Gibson in November.

23 Year old Andre Lee of Binghamton was convicted Tuesday afternoon of 2nd-degree murder, assault & criminal possession of a weapon, in the death of 19 year old Scott Wright on July 4, 2014. Wright died 3 days later; Sentencing for Lee is scheduled for September 21st.

Last year, Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the first annual Catskill Challenge to promote tourism in the region during the Ride the Catskills motorcycle ride. With the Catskill Challenge set to take place Thursday, cabinet officials will hop on their motorcycles and kick-off the festivities a day early with the second Ride the Catskills Today. At 10:00 AM, Ride the Catskills starts at the Windham Mountain Ski Resort, and concludes with a reception in Roscoe.

Delaware County Public Health will be providing a Car Seat Safety Event at the 8th Annual Children’s Festival at Delaware Opportunities, State Highway 10, in Hamden today from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 73% of car seats are not used or installed correctly; Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will be there to teach parents how to correctly install and use your child’s safety or booster seat. More information is available at 832-5200.

The Delaware County Public Health Services will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Masonville Fire Hall. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

State fair officials announced that the Rock band “Daughtry” fronted by singer Chris Daughtry provides the final 8:00 PM show of the 2016 Chevy Court concert season, on Sunday, September 4th. This year, the Chevy Court will have 23 free shows as part of the Fair's lineup of entertainment & activities. The state fair runs from August 25th to September 5th this year.

Governor Cuomo announced today that New York will not move forward with hydrofracking. The announcement follows a study on a possible health effects on Hydraulic Fratcuring for Natural gas. State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker doesn't recommend moving forward with hydrofracking until more studies are done, the state has hadf a moratorium in place for 6 years, ther process was used extensively in Western New York since 1979.

The state Gaming Facility Location Commission announced today, that the Southern Tier Casino License was awarded today to Lago in Tyre New York, in Seneca County. Plans call for a casino & hotel complex which has the backing of Wilmorite of Rochester, which has experience in casino operations. The casino site will be located off of exit 41 on the New York State thruway

The Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 25-year-old Anastatia Hallenbeck of Norwich Tuesday, following an investigation into the sales of heroin in the Norwich area. Hallenbeck was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, she was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 27-year-old Benjamin Intres of Plymouth for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and 2nd degree Harassment. Intres is accused of subjecting a female victim to unwanted physical contact, knocking the victim to the ground & choking her, during a domestic dispute. Intres was arraigned in the Town of Plymouth Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional facility on $2,500 cash bail; he faces court action in the Town of Plymouth Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced new regulations to include transgender health care services under New York State’s Medicaid program. The proposed regulations provide treatment for hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. Under the proposed regulations, hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery would be covered for persons who have referrals from medical professionals. Surgery would be covered for individuals who are a minimum age of 18 or 21 years old, depending on specific circumstances. The public will have 45 days to comment on the proposed regulation.

Former Governor George Pataki is considering a run for the White House. Pataki said he plans to decide next year whether to seek the GOP nomination. Pataki was governor from 1995 to 2006; he then launched a consulting firm and joined a New York City law firm.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $26.8 million in State Funding is being awarded to 38 rail and aviation safety, security and Economic development projects across the State. $17.8 million in funding will go for rail upgrades, locally, the Syracuse, Binghamton and New York Railroad Corporation of Cooperstown received $262,600, New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad of Cooperstown received $2.3 million for improving rails, ties and surfacing & the Central New York Railroad of Cooperstown received $3.1 million to rehabilitate railroad track in Delaware and Broome Counties.

The state Education Department released teacher evaluation scores. 95.6 percent of teachers were rated "effective" or "highly effective" during the 2013-14 academic year despite less than 40 percent of grade 3-8 students being graded "proficient" on their state-mandated tests the same year. 3.7 percent of New York teachers were deemed "developing" and just 0.7 percent were rated "ineffective." The teacher and principal evaluations are based 60 percent on classroom observations and measures agreed to by schools and local teachers unions. The remaining 40 percent is based on student test scores, including 20 percent based on state-mandated test scores

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a new scam app that allows homeowners to identify and avoid mortgage rescue scams. AG ScamHelp.com is a web based-app that allows users to search the name of any real organization offering mortgage assistance. The app will show that an organization is "Trusted" if it is part of the Attorney General's Homeowner Protection Program, or has been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It will also warn consumers of some of the hallmarks of mortgage rescue scams

Governor Cuomo announced that $48 million in grants have been awarded for transportation improvements across the State, which will leverage an additional $80 million in federal, state and local funding. The grants are funding projects that will improve transportation infrastructure and support economic development.  Grants are being awarded locally for the Eaton Airport in Norwich for a New maintenance Vehicle, for the Sidney Municipal Airport for Fuel farm upgrades, for New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corporation to Relocate interchange between CSX & NYS&W to NYS&W property to improve safety & service on both lines. Other local projects include the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society, for the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Rehabilitation. more information is available at governor.ny.gov.

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity and the Cornish family will attend a house dedication tomorrow, at state route 206 in West Bainbridge.  This will be a dedication for the 5th house completed by Chenango county habitat for humanity, the dedication ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. and an Open House will follow from 11 a.m. till 12-noon.  More information about Chenango County Habitat for Humanity is available at habitat.chenango.org

A $1.1 million federal grant will bring new pavement to Greater Binghamton Airport’s west apron. U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Richard Hanna announced the $1.1 million dollar grant from the federal Department of Transportation. The 168,000-square-foot asphalt apron is separate from the runways and taxiways. There, aircraft load and unload, and are boarded, parked and refueled. The pavement currently shows signs of distress and requires rehabilitation.

Newly retired people in Harpursville, Port Crane, Afton and Sidney can attend a series of workshops at the Eastern Broome Senior Center. The Positive Aging Academy will run from 12 to 2 p.m. Thursdays from October 3rd to November 7th at 27 Golden Lane in Harpursville. Register is accepted at 778-6206

A CHILD PASSENGER CAR SEAT CHECK WILL BE HELD TOMORROW FROM 10:00 AM TO NOON AT the Oneonta AAA at 195 ONEIDA Street.  Parents are reminded to bring the  INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR their SAFETY SEAT AND their vehicle  THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE OTSEGO COUNTY health department & SHERIFF'S Department.

New York added 22,700 private-sector jobs in August, but the unemployment rate rose as more people try to re-enter the workforce.   New York’s unemployment rate rose from 7.5 percent in July to 7.6 percent in August. The national rate was 7.3 percent in August. The number of unemployed New Yorkers rose from 717,400 to 729,700 between July and August.

New York electric customers will get a small credit on an upcoming bill, as the state Public Service Commission approved of a 1-time credit to electricity bills of up to $3.00, depending on usage.  Regulators reported that the credit steams from a settlement that included a $110 million dollar civil penalty against constellation Energy commodities Group, on grounds that the power producer manipulated wholesale energy sales in 3 regional markets.  The credit will be passed on as soon as utilities received the funds.

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergency responders remind resident to have a plan with family members as to where to meet following an emergency, they should also have a disaster kit with 3 days worth of food, a can opener, clothing, medications and hygiene items.  The Red Cross will hold an Emergency Preparedness Fair tomorrow at Binghamton University from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.