WCDO Radio News

The Chenango United Way campaign will be ending on December 30th at 3:00 PM. Officials stated that they need about $21,500 to meet this year's state goal of $419,00. 22 programs and 17 food pantries and soup kitchens received funding last year; donations can be made in person or mailed to 83 North Broad St., Norwich 13815 or by phone at 334-8815.

A Broome County Grand Jury handed up a 5-count indictment against 60-year-old Mark Tanner, for allegedly burglarizing 4 Binghamton businesses and menacing a police officer. The Broome County DA’s office reported that Tanner unlawfully entered JR's Automotive Sales, Fairview Cleaners, Mr. Tire, and Broome Recycling, with intent to commit a crime. Tanner also displayed a weapon to responding police officers, with the intent to cause fear of physical injury, he faces court action shortly.

State police arrested 38-year-old Jillenia Murphy of Sidney for felony assault and arrested her husband 54-year-old Joseph Murphy of Sidney for 3rd degree assault. Troopers responded to the report of a dispute at a home on Oak Hill Spur Road in the Town of Afton, they accuse Jillenia Murphy of striking her husband with a curtain rod. The Murphy’s were arraigned in the Town of Afton court and were remanded to the Chenango County jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond; their next court dates are pending.

The sale of organic farm products is one the rise, according to state comptroller Tom DiNapoli. There was a 56% increase in sales between 2008 & 2014, with sales of $164 million dollars, followed by another 35% increase in 2015. New York has 917 organic farms, encompassing 213,000 acres.

Bassett Healthcare Network has been awarded a $297,419 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for up to four years to bring telehealth services to the school-based health care setting. The grant-funded project will benefit students enrolled in 18 of Bassett’s school-based health centers in Delaware, Otsego and Chenango counties. In addition to providing access to sub specialists, the school-based project will include diabetes care and education, obesity prevention programming and nutritional counseling, oral health care, behavioral health services, and asthma care and education. From July of 2015 through June of 2016, the program handled 33,522 visits; 32 percent of those were mental health visits, and 59 percent were medical visits; the dental component handled over 3,054 visits.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office is investigating Mylan Pharmaceuticals, the maker of EpiPens, after a review by the Office of the Attorney General revealed that Mylan might have inserted potentially anticompetitive terms into its EpiPen sales contracts with numerous local school systems. Mylan's EpiPen is the predominant epinephrine autoinjector, which is used where an individual suffers a severe allergic reaction, which could otherwise lead to death.

The Sidney chamber of Commerce has 2 events scheduled tonight & Saturday. Chamber Vice President Teri Schunk told WCDO News that the maps of those participating in Saturdays Village wide yard sales are available today:

(Teri Schunk 8-26-16)

Village yard sales will be held at Saturday various homes, as well as in the former Mirabito Fuel Group Parking Lot on Grand Street. Also, The Cruise in on Main Street tonight was originally scheduled as part of the Sidney Arts & Music Festival last month; Money raised will benefit the chambers efforts for this year's Jolly Holly days parade in December.

The Brisben fire department & the Chenango County Red Knights Chapter 40 have teamed up for a fundraiser for fire chief Brian Burt Saturday. A motorcycle & car ride begins at 10:00 AM, entertainment & food will be available on the Ball Flats from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM. The money raised will benefit Brian Burt, who has inoperable cancer.

Last weekend, a record amount of fans attended the Binghamton Senators’ Open House at Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday. The free event provided fans with guided tours and prizes all afternoon. B-Sens spokesman Rob Lipolis told WCDO News that the open house led to the largest number of season ticket sales in several years:

(Rob Lipolis 8-19-16)

Opening Night for the Binghamton Senators is slated for Saturday, October 15 at 7:05 PM; more information is available at 722-SENS or at binghamtonsenators.com.

Lawrence Harvey of Coventry was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 2nd degree menacing. Deputies & State Police responded to a dispute in the Town of Coventry where one of the participants was reported to be using a knife and a baseball bat. Harvey was subdued, arrested and was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge Court, he will return to Town of Coventry Court at a later date.

Almond Upton was found guilty in Broome County Court today of 1st degree murder for the death of State Trooper Christopher Skinner. The Jury deliberated for about 8 Hours until about 10:30 this morning, Upton intentionally ran down Trooper Skinner on May 29th 2014, while he was conducting an unrelated routine traffic stop on Interstate 81 North in the Town of Chenango. Upton will be sentenced in Broome County Court on November 10th.

A fundraising Golf Tournament will be held in Norwich next week, to raise money for the Chenango Toys for Tots Campaign. Terry Potter of Millenia Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 8-5-16)

Potter said that more infromation can be obtained at 607-316-2870.

On Saturday, from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the village of Gilbertsville will hold their annual Community Yards sales. More information is available at 783-2838.

On Saturday, in Downtown Oneonta, the annual City of the Hills Art & Music Festival will be held alongside the Oneonta Farmers Market and the Downtown Oneonta merchant sidewalk sales. Several area musical acts will perform & The Farmers Market will operate with its usual hours and the Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. more information is available at the Cityofthehillsartsfestival.com or visit the event page on Facebook.

Local sales tax collections across New York State only grew 1.7% in the first 6 months of 2016, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, growth slowed from 2.6% in the first quarter to 0.8% in the second quarter. The Mid-Hudson region had the strongest growth at 2.7%, collections declined in the Central New York region by 1.3% Local sales tax collections were generally lower due in part to lower tax revenue by lower gasoline and diesel fuel prices.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58-year-old Mark Babcock of Otselic for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, following a sealed indictment by a Chenango County Grand Jury. The Indictment alleged the sale of narcotics from Babcock’s residence; he was already in custody and is awaiting arraignment in the Chenango County Court.

The 5th annual Mount Upton Community Days will be held Saturday, with town wide garage sales, a chicken barbecue at the Methodist church, and a variety of events in Mount Upton Park on State route 8.more information is available at 316-9601.

The DCMO BOCES Board selected Perry Dewey as the new District Superintendent, to lead 16 component school districts in Delaware, Chenango, Madison and Otsego Counties. The decision is the result of review and interview sessions conducted over a seven-month period. Dewey will be leaving his position as Superintendent of Madison Central School, where he has served for over 4 years.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation that eliminates sales tax on feminine hygiene products. The bill exempts these products from all local and State sales tax, Feminine hygiene products have been taxable since the state sales tax was first instituted in 1965, even as a wide variety of other goods, such as dietary and family planning products, have been exempt. The new exemption is expected to save women purchasing tampons, and other similar products, an estimated $10 million a year.

State Senator Fred Akshar of Colesville announced his official candidacy for reelection at his First Annual "Spiedies with the Senator" event at Chenango Valley State Park. Akshar was elected in a special election last year to finish up the term, following the conviction of the late Senator Tom Libous.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Timothy Reid of Binghamton for allegedly speeding on State Route 12 in the Town of Oxford. Reid is also accused of driving with an open alcohol container, in possession of a loaded handgun, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, oxycodone, marihuana, drug paraphernalia and fireworks. Reid was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, he was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 property bond, Additional charges are pending.

4 people were arrested Tuesday by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division in relation to narcotics sales that led to the execution of search warrants and drug possession arrests made by Deputies earlier this year. Arrested were 27-year-old Antonio Felice of Walton, he is accused of selling heroin bundles and cocaine in the Village of Walton. Also arrested were 25-year-old Lucas Labumbard & 20 year old Anna Bubko of Margaretville, for allegedly selling Hydrocodone near the Margaretville Central School. 46-year-old John Coe of Deposit was charged for allegedly selling bundles of heroin in the Village of Deposit. All 4 are being held on bail in the Delaware County jail pending future court action.

State Police at Troop C announced that they are seeking Daniel McElroy on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, & failing to show at court after he was arrested. On December 23, 2010, the Town of Chenango Court issued a bench warrant McElroy's arrest, he has a large visible tattoo on the side of his neck, and anyone with information should contact the state police at 775-1241

The village of Morris will conduct its 36th annual community-wide Yard Sale Day on Saturday, July 16. The event will feature dozens of family sales, food tents, and vendors in the village park. Shop early for the best bargains.

A jury has been selected in the trial of Almond Upton. Upton is charged with first-degree murder in the May 2014 death of State Trooper Christopher Skinner. Upton was driving north on Interstate 81 in the Town of Chenango when he swerved from the left lane to hit Trooper Skinner who was standing outside his vehicle during an unrelated traffic stop. The trial will resume this morning.

The Annual Chenango County Republican Party "Lobsterfest" will be held this Sunday in Norwich, republican committee spokesman Tom Morrone explains:

(Tom Morrone 7-15-16)

More information is available at 226-3271.

The Annual 'ROCK IN THE PARK’ event will be held at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge tomorrow, Organizer Jason Hall explains:

(Jason Hall 7-8-16)

Gates will open at 11:00 AM, proceeds will be donated to the Chenango SPCA.

The 40th UNADILLA CARNIVAL OF SALES continues today & tomorrow, spokesperson Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 7-8-16)

Vendors will be lined up along Main Street & in the Community House Grounds, & there will be Village Wide Yard Sales

An all day event has been planned again this year for July 4th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Organizer Terry Potter told WCDO News about this year's "Fireworks Over The Fairgrounds":

(Terry Potter 7-1-16)

Potter said that the gates would open at 8:30 AM at the Fairgrounds in Norwich on Monday.

Governor Cuomo today announced that advance ticket sales for the 2016 Great New York State Fair go on sale today, online at etix.com, and in stores statewide. Advance sale tickets will offer fairgoers 40% savings on admission prices during any of the 12 days of the Fair and additional discounted prices for Wade Shows Midway rides.

State Police arrested 19-year-old Jason McCrady of Greene, for 3rd degree Assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment. This arrest occurred after troopers. McCrady is accused of punching, shoving & choking his girlfriend, causing injuries, he was also wanted on a bench warrant for aggravated harassment by State Police in Homer. McCrady was arraigned in the Town of Greene court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond, pending court action on July 12th.

The trial of Almond Upton is scheduled to begin on July 11th In Broome County. Upton is accused of intentionally running down State Trooper Christopher Skinner as he was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on May 29 2014, on I-81 in the town of Chenango, Trooper Skinner was killed instantly.

State Police CNET along with State Troopers & Norwich Police executed a search warrant following an investigation into Heroin sales in the Norwich area. 54 year old Antonio Totten of Norwich was found to be in possession of crack cocaine, $1803. in cash, wax envelopes containing heroin, brass knuckles, marijuana, and 2 cell phones. Totten was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon & Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Totten was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond.

The State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, State Troopers and Oneonta Police Department executed a search warrant at 510 Main Street in the City of Oneonta, following an investigation into heroin sales. Troopers seized 110 bags of heroin, $343 in cash, digital drug scales, 22 marihuana plants, 5 shotguns, 4 rifles, ammunition, 3 daggers, and marijuana cultivation equipment. 29 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a felon, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis. The Endangering Welfare of a Child charge is the result of a 5 year old child and 4 week old infant living in the residence where narcotics were found. Sherwood was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s department responded to a burglary in progress at 268 Round Pond Road in the Town of Smithville Thursday morning. A Sheriff’s Deputy and members of the Greene Police Department discovered a male suspect in the residence, at 11:15 AM, officers noticed smoke coming from the rear of the residence and called for fire department response. The suspect jumped through a window at the rear of the residence in an attempt to escape & suffered injuries. 26-year-old Adam King of Smithville was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City; he was released to the custody of the Sheriff's department. The fire was caused extensive damage to the residence, & is considered to be a total loss. King was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Arson & Criminal Mischief, and he was arraigned this morning in the Town of Smithville Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported burglary Tuesday at the Canasawacta Country Club, a suspect had stolen cash and a golf cart; a second golf cart had been stolen previously. Deputies discovered a golf cart in a ditch in the area of Owens Road in Plymouth. 21 year old Jeremiah Garbett of Plymouth was arrested, The stolen cash and both stolen golf carts were recovered, Garbett was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 to reappear at a later date.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on 1 count of 3rd degree Assault. Ann Myrick was charged, for allegedly knocking a 66-year-old victim to the ground in Bill’s Diner in Norwich, causing serious physical injury. Myrick was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

On Friday Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills announced the arrest of a recently paroled Village of Walton career drug dealer on new drug trafficking charges. the Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division arrested 33 year old Gerard Johnson, of Walton on a Sealed Indictment Warrant, Johnson was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for heroin sales in Walton, Johnson was arraigned on the new charges in Delaware County Court on Friday and was ordered held on $50,000 cash or $100,000 bail bond pending further court proceedings.

The Greater Chenango Cares IRT event will again be occurring in Norwich this summer. The 10 day initiative that will offer no cost medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care for children and adults in our region. The event is being led this year by the Chenango United Way and its volunteers and is occurring because of a partnership between many local health and human service organizations, local government agencies and the Department of Defense. The event will run from Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 24 and will be held once again at the Norwich High School. more information is available at 334-8815

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer introduced a bill to expand Brady background checks. Schumer introduced Brady Bill 2 after more than 2,000 advocates flooded his office Monday morning with phone calls. Senator Schumer's original Brady Bill has prevented more than 2.6 million gun sales to domestic abusers, violent felons, and people with dangerous mental illnesses; the new bill will expand background checks to all gun sales.

Commerce Chenango & NBT Bank presents the Hawaiian themed “Soiree in The Park” in East Park in downtown Norwich tonight. The Members only segment will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. An award will be presented to Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne who operate the former Rogers Education Center. entertainment starts at 7:00 PM and with The Lightkeepers. More information is available at chenangony.org

Yesterday's autopsy on a body found in the Chenango River this week, shows that the victim died from Drowning. Broome County officials have not yet identified the drowning victim, additional tests are pending.

A 2-year investigation by Environmental Conservation Officers uncovered an illegal venison sales operation in South Edmeston. Officers executed a search warrant at Farmers Place on County Highway 20 and found more than 3,600 pounds of illegal venison meat and products. 73-year-old Joseph Leonard was charged with Felony Illegal Commercialization of Wildlife, Felony Grand Larceny, Criminal Solicitation, and Illegal Scheme to Defraud, for allegedly selling venison to undercover investigators. 57-year-old Tamra Hoag was also charged with Illegal Commercialization of Wildlife and Illegal Scheme to Defraud, they were arraigned in the Town of Edmeston court and are due back in court on June 6th.

Another Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Norwich today, hosted by Commerce Chenango. the drive will be held at the Howard Johnson's at 75 North Broad Street in Norwich from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appointments can be made at 1-800-REDCROSS or redcrossblood.org.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that New York, and other States, reached an agreement to settle allegations against Wyeth, & Pfizer, to resolve allegations that Wyeth knowingly underpaid rebates owed under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program for the sales of Protonix Oral and Protonix IV between 2001 and 2006. Wyeth agreed to pay $784.6 million to the United States and the States. About $93.7 million of the settlement will resolve claims relating to New York’s Medicaid program, with the state receiving $55.6 million and the Federal government receiving $38.1 million.

State Police arrested 21 year old Thunder Libke of Coventry for obstruction of governmental administration and 2 counts of 2nd degree harassment, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of disorderly conduct on North Road, in the town of Coventry. The first trooper on scene saw Libke and another man arguing, Libke became aggressive towards the trooper, and attempted to strike him. Libke was arraigned in Town of Afton court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and Village of Sidney Police Department executed a “no knock” search warrant Wednesday at 104 Spreutels Lane in the Town of Guilford, following an investigation into the sales of cocaine and heroin in Chenango County and the Village of Sidney. Police Detectives located 280 packages of heroin, plus cocaine, digital scales, packaging material, and cash; they arrested Samuel Rivera for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Nuisance, & 2 counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia. Rivera was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. The investigation is still continuing and more arrests are expected.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at 174 Murray Street in Binghamton. 27 year old Angel Feringa was arrested on a variety of drug charges for allegedly possessing powdered heroin, 22 bags of packaged heroin, crack cocaine and $550 cash from drug sales, she was also wanted on an arrest warrant for Grand Larceny out of the City of Binghamton Court. 48 year Stacey Taylor was wanted on a Probation Violation warrant and was also arrested. Feringa and Taylor face arraignment today in the City of Binghamton Court.

Chenango County Farm Bureau has scheduled a public informational meeting to be held at the Oxford High School from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm Saturday, regarding solar company land leases on farms. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-25-16)

Vickers said that the Farm Bureau would present an attorney, an Environmental Scientist and an Accountant to discuss potential hazards of leasing land to solar companies; RSVP's are requested at 334-6061

Repairs are underway on the Utica Main Line railroad tracks in Chenango County, Steve Craig of Commerce Chenango & The Chenango IDA Explains:

(Steve Craig 3-22-16)

The $5.8 million dollar project will repair tracks that were washed out between Binghamton & Norwich during the 2006 flooding, trains should be running by the summer of 2017.

Governor Cuomo launched the Alcoholic Beverage Control E-Commerce Task Force, to develop a framework for regulating sales of alcoholic beverages through third party providers. The task force is led by State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley, it will hold an inaugural meeting on February 29th to begin gathering industry input on drafting legislation, the meeting will begin at 10:00 am at the Authority's New York City Office it will be webcast live at sla.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Rachel Cummings of Norwich in connection with a “One Pot” Meth Lab at the Norwich Motor Lodge. Deputies responded the report of the “one pot” meth operation in the dumpster, further investigation led to additional “one pots” behind one of the motel rooms. Deputies seized several “one pots”, laboratory equipment, and additional evidence, Cummings was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing Methamphetamine, and Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $1000 cash bail.

Ithaca is contemplating the creation of "safe" spaces for drug users, Mayor Svante Myrick announced he would consider a "supervised injection facility" where patients can safely inject drugs under clinical supervision as part of a plan to ultimately prevent drug use and sales, reduce overdose deaths and infectious disease, decrease rates of incarceration, expand access to treatment, and save taxpayers money. Other parts of the plan include creating a 24-hour crisis center, using police to get people into treatment and considering heroin-assisted treatment for those who have failed other drug treatments such as methadone.

35-year-old Anthony Thompson of Binghamton faces an animal cruelty charge for allegedly neglecting 7 dogs on a property in Chenango County. 7 pit bulls were saved from the property in North Norwich; all of the dogs are now in the state's custody & are being treated at an animal clinic in Norwich. Thompson is currently in custody & faces court action shortly.

Annual local sales tax collections declined in 30 of the 57 counties outside of New York City last year, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Total collections across the state grew by 3.6% in 2015, but the increase was nearly exclusively driven by New York City. Elsewhere, growth in local sales tax collections was a mere 0.7%. 10 counties experienced a decline of more than 3%, including Delaware County.