WCDO Radio News

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Keith Tompkins of Oxford for several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 9 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, after deputies observed a male, laying on the floor in the back of the vehicle, attempting to conceal himself by hiding under automotive parts. Tompkins had an active arrest warrant out of the Village of Oxford Court for Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer. Tompkins was in possession of over 2 ounces of crack cocaine, about 4 ounces of crystal Methamphetamine, 1,150 wax envelopes of Fentanyl, packaging material, digital scales, and over $2,000 in cash from suspected drug sales. Tompkins was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail. Tompkins is to appear in Chenango County Court at a later date.

Bassett Healthcare Network and Helios Care are collaborating to provide hospice and palliative care to patients in Central New York. The State Department of Health has given approval for Helios Care to expand their services to include Herkimer and Chenango Counties to better serve within the Bassett Healthcare Network. Currently, Helios Care serves Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie Counties.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-12-23

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the Town of Smithville on December 8, that resulted in the arrest of 37 year old Troy Dibble of Smithville. Dibble was taken in custody, he was wanted on a felony arrest warrant for Reckless Endangerment, for allegedly firing numerous rounds from a handgun into a vehicle that was occupied. The investigation also uncovered Dibble's drug sales from within the residence, Office members recovered Heroin, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and numerous handguns. Dibble was charged with Criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a weapon, Criminally using drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest & several other charges, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on cash bail pending future court action.

Commerce Chenango announced that their next Business after hours event will be hosted today as a Leadership Chenango Business After Hours recruitment for the Class of 2024 Recruitment. The event will be held at the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, Norwich, from 4:00-6:00 PM

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will have their annual Light up a Life Tree Lighting ceremony this afternoon into this evening, Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 12-7-23)

More information about their programs are available at hospicechenango.org.

Otsego County is seeking full-time Dispatchers for their 911 Communication system. The position involves responsibility for receiving calls at the County Communications Center and dispatching law enforcement, fire and medical emergency personnel and equipment as needed, Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma is required, Candidates should have a clean criminal record, applications are available at otsegocounty.com/departments/personnel

Attorney General Letitia James & a coalition of 21 attorneys general, support a proposed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives rule that would ensure more gun sales are subject to background checks. Following the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the ATF proposed a new regulation to clarify what it means for a person to be "engaged in the business" of dealing in firearms, and therefore required to obtain a license and run background checks when selling guns, that rule would close loopholes that allowed for the unlicensed sale of firearms, including online and at gun shows.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-1-23

Unadilla will have their holiday celebration tomorrow at various locations around the village, Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 12-1-23)

Carey said that shops around the village will also be having special holiday sales throughout the day Saturday.

The Chenango County Historical Society will also have their annual Holiday Open House Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm at the Chenango County Historical Society at 45 Rexford St., Norwich.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-1-23

Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly parade tonight, no pre-registration is required to be in the parade. Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 12-1-23)

Santa will be set up at the Limitless Performing Arts Complex following the Holly Jolly Parade at their new location at 22 River Street.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-16-23

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 2.5% in October compared to the same month in 2022, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled nearly $1.8 billion, up $43.5 million compared to the same time last year. County and city collections outside of New York City totaled $880 million, an increase of 2.2%. 45 out of 57 counties experienced some year-over-year increase.

Otsego County Correctional Facility is seeking full-time Correction Officers. Applicants are encouraged To apply, as long as they have a High School Graduation or a GED, a New York State Driver's License, they must pass a background investigation and psychological test will be required following conditional offer of appointment. To Obtain an application for employment or to view additional vacancies visit otsegocounty.com/departments/personnel

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-16-23

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident on the I-88 West / I-81 South overpass in the Town of Chenango yesterday morning involving 6 different vehicles. The investigation found that a pickup truck was traveling westbound on the I-88 overpass when the vehicle hit a patch of ice and flipped onto its hood. The 2nd vehicle behind the truck was able to stop before a collision could occur, but the next four vehicles all hit the ice, were unable to stop and collided with the vehicle two and each other. The accident led to the closure of I-88 westbound near Exit 2 for several hours for cleanup. 2 of the drivers were transported to Wilson and Lourdes hospital respectively for minor injuries. The ice was caused by a parked construction site water truck that was leaking water onto the highway. No charges have been filed at this time.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for uninsured and under-insured individuals through the Bridge Access Program. This COVID-19 vaccine clinic is for 18 years of age and older, it will be held today & tomorrow from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm at 5 Court Street Norwich. Appointments can be made at 607-337-1660.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-14-23

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 45 year old Luke Lupo of Walton appeared in Delaware County Court Monday and pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Burglary. Lupo admitted that in April of 2022, he entered a building owned by Herman’s Trailer Sales and Service in Walton, and stole property, he will be sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision and ordered to pay restitution to the victim. Sentencing was scheduled for January 16, 2024.

22 year old Dakota Mann of Walton pleaded guilty to Criminal Contempt in Delaware County Court Monday. Mann admitted that he was aware of an order of protection prohibiting him from having contact with the protected party, he had contact with the victim and “engaged in a domestic dispute.” he will be sentenced to 1 year in the Delaware County Correction Facility upon sentencing on November 27th.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for uninsured and under-insured individuals through the Bridge Access Program. This COVID-19 vaccine clinic is for 18 years of age and older, it will be held November 16th &17th, from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm at 5 Court Street Norwich. Appointments can be made at 607-337-1660.

The Chenango County Historical Society has will hold their annual meeting & they will combine that meeting with the 25th anniversary of the Guilford Historical Society beginning at 5:30 pm on Today, at 124 County Road 36 in Guilford. Historical Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin comments:

(Jessica Moquin 11-14-23)

Moquin said that the Guilford Historical Society anniversary celebration includes traditional music performed by Katie Boardman.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-8-23

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 43-year-old Misty Cintron, and 50-year-old Brandon Hendricks, both of Sidney, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Cintron was also charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, Hendricks was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon. On November 1st, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant at Division Street, Cintron and Hendricks were present, officers seized over $1,000 in cash from suspected proceeds from drug sales, and 254 wax envelopes containing Fentanyl. Following arraignment on November 2nd, Cintron was released to reappear at a later date, Hendricks is being held due to the weapons possession charge.

44 year old Andre Gilliam of Binghamton was arrested after a search warrant was executed on Tuesday. The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force Tuesday executed a search warrant at 174 1/2 Castle Creek Road in the Town of Chenango, they seized Fentanyl, Scales and cutting agent used for the distribution of narcotics, plus $3,790 in cash from suspected drug sales. Gilliam was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 2 Counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, he was transported to the Broome County Correctional Facility for processing and to await arraignment at Central Arraignment.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 year old James Gay of North Norwich for Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, following a traffic stop for an equipment violation in the Town of Norwich. During the investigation of the traffic stop, James was exhibiting signs of recent drug use and failed the field sobriety testing. While being taken into custody James was found with a small amount of Methamphetamine. James was processed and released on appearance Tickets to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

John "JB" Bayne has announced his departure as the General Manager of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Team Officials said that Bayne will be replaced on an interim basis by Richard Tylicki, and the search for a new General Manager will begin immediately.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-8-23

Election Night Results are coming in, The State Board of Elections stated that in the State Supreme Court 6th District, Republican Cheryl Insinga was the winner by a 49 to 46% margin, The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that unofficially, in the town of Sidney race, Kevin Greene & Paul Muratore are the winners of 2 seats, The Chenango County Board of Elections stated that unofficially, in the Town of Guilford Superviser race, Sue McIntyre defeated 2 other candidates.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-24-23

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September 2023. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.9% in August to 4.0% in September, locally Chenango County reported 2.9% unemployment, Delaware County 3.4% & Otsego County had 3.0% in September.

Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $5.9 billion in the third calendar quarter of 2023 (July - September), an increase of 3.6%, or more than $205 million, compared to the same period last year, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This marks the second consecutive quarter of collections returning to lower pre-pandemic year-over-year growth rates. The full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

A free virtual job fair will be held Today, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for all businesses and job seekers in several counties, including Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties. During the last online job fair, 144 job seekers and 42 businesses or organizations with more than 2,000 job opportunities were in attendance, more information is available at working-solutions.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-25-23

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 24 year old Nathaniel Rowe of Coventry for 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 3rd degree Burglary, Grand Larceny & Petty Larceny. Rowe is accused of illegally entering a garage & stealing a vehicle & Several Firearms. Deputies located the stolen vehicle at a residence, just a few miles away from crime scene, Rowe was inside the residence with the stolen firearms. Rowe was on parole at the time of his arrest, he was processed and was held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility on his Warrant, he was ordered to appear in Town of Smithville court at a later date.

The Nate Lull Scholarship Foundation is hosting their next fundraiser event on Sunday, October 15th at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney from 11 AM to 5 PM. Pre-sale tickets for raffle items are available now at Awestruck for $10 per ticket. A portion of all sales from the event will go to The Nate Lull Scholarship, which is available to local seniors in the WCDO coverage area. Last year, the Scholarship fund handed out $14-thousand dollars. More information is available at natelull.com.

The Village of Unadilla will return to their full-scale "CARNIVAL OF SALES" tomorrow, Unadilla Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-7-23)

Carey said that this is the 1st Carnival of Sales with all of the activities scheduled, like they did prior to the COVID 19 pandemic, events run from 9:00 AM to 4 PM around the village of Unadilla.

State Troopers that are trained as child car seat technicians will be conducting 2 events this weekend to check the safety of child safety seats. Troopers will be available at Glimmerglass State Park Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM & Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Chenango Fire Company at 86 Castle Creek Road, Binghamton. Appointments are not required but are suggested by calling 561-7604.

The Oxford Fire Department was dispatched to a structure Friday early Friday morning. 1 silo was destroyed, an adjacent was was saved by firefighters from several other area fire departments, no injuries to firefighters were reported, the property was vacant at the time of the blaze. The Chenango County Office of Emergency Services is investigating the cause of the fire.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 6-27-23

State Police arrested 53 year old Robert Covello of Endwell, after they executed a search warrant regarding an unlawful surveillance investigation. While at Covello’s residence, Investigators observed items indicative of narcotics sales and use, suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of U.S. currency was seized. Covello has been charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Surveillance & Disseminating Unlawful Surveillance Images. Covello was processed & was transported to the Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Commerce Chenango announced that The Red Roof Inn is hosting the next Business After Hours Program today from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The Red Roof Inn is at 75 North Broad Street in Norwich, they will show the renovations to Commerce Chenango’s members. The Red Roof Inn was established in 2019 at the former Howard Johnson site in Norwich.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 1.1% in May compared to the same month in 2022. DiNapoli said that it was the 3rd consecutive month in 2023 of less than 2% growth. New York City's collections increased 3.3%, however, County and city collections in the rest of the state decreased 1.8%.

The Chenango County Dairy Day will be held tomorrow at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, spokesperson Karen Hoffman explains:

(Karen Hoffman 6-16-23)

Hoffman said that there will be no parade this year leading up to the start of the event due to road construction, The event runs from 10:30 to 2:00 PM at the Fairgrounds in Norwich.

The tickets sales are going well for the 1st Southern Tier Music Festival, to be held July 1st at the Sidney Airport, Ed Curley is one of the organizers of the event

(Ed Curley 5-18-23)

Curley said that anyone interested in getting the tickets for the show should go to Brownpapertickets.com

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed search warrants in Binghamton Wednesday, resulting in the arrests of Valentino & Dominick Mondolfi. Investigators recovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, pills and over $8300 cash from drug sales, assault rifles and items used to prepare drugs from sale. Valentino Mondolfi was charged with 8 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 4 counts of Criminal Using Drug Paraphernalia, Dominic Mondolfi is charged with 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Both will face court action shortly

Delaware County Public Health Services and Friends of Recovery- Delaware Otsego will be sponsoring a Science of Addiction and Recovery 1 day training on June 30, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 84 Main St. Delhi, New York, to register for this course, contact Friends of Recovery Coordinator Kyle LaFever at (607) 376-4388. The deadline to register is June 23,

Commerce Chenango will hold another local Hiring Event today from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM for students and 3:30 - 5:30 PM for adults. The event will take place at the High School on Midland Drive in Norwich. The Hiring Event is specifically for employers with immediate entry-level job openings, more information is available at 607-334-1401.

The Broome County County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-car motor vehicle accident on I-88 westbound near the Exit 3 on-ramp in the town of Fenton. Officers reported that a Honda sedan traveling westbound on I-88 left the highway, crashing into the Chenango River, at about 11:30 this morning, both occupants were removed from the river by Deputies and transported to Wilson Hospital for their injuries. The unidentified driver suffered serious life threatening injuries, the passenger sustained minor injuries. Traffic was closed for several hours today in the right lane of I-88 westbound for the accident investigation concludes.

The 29th Colorscape Festival will be held September 9 & 10 in in East and West Parks in Downtown Norwich. 107 artists have been accepted into this year’s show. There are 19 first-time exhibitors this fall, Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival organizers are also inviting all high school art seniors in Chenango and adjacent counties to apply for Colorscape's 2023 Francis K. Wilcox Emerging Young Artist Scholarship. 2 students will be selected to receive $350 cash awards plus a $100 gift certificate from Golden Artist Colors. The application form & more information is available at colorscape.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-5-23

The 4Towns Forward Community Yard Sales have been rescheduled to this Saturday, due to last Saturday's predicted rainfall, 4Towns Forward President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 5-5-23)

The events will be held at local homes in Afton, Bainbridge, Unadilla & Sidney, as well the old Bishop Lot in Unadilla, behind Bob's Diner in Bainbridge, at the Community Cultural Center or Market Square in Sidney or at the Afton School Parking Lot for renters or people who live outside the villages. The yard sales will run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Sunday will be the 2nd part of the 1st "Gilbertsville Hullabaloo" with a variety of sales & activities planned, according to co-organizer Tracie Owen Martinetti:

(Tracie Owen Martinetti 4-28-23)

Martinetti & Gina Gardner have organized the event, which they hope to make into an annual tradition, The event will take place from 10 am. to 3 pm. inside 5 Commercial Street, the site of the former Gilbertsville Value Way and bookstore. All money received for vendor fees will be remitted to Gilbertsville’s Village Improvement Society.

This Sunday & Sunday May 7th will be the 1st "Gilbertsville Hullabaloo" with a variety of sales & activities planned, according to co-organizer Tracie Owen Martinetti:

(Tracie Owen Martinetti 4-28-23)

Martinetti & Gina Gardner have organized the event, which they hope to make into an annual tradition, The event will take place from 10 am. to 3 pm. inside 5 Commercial Street, the site of the former Gilbertsville Value Way and bookstore. All money received for vendor fees will be remitted to Gilbertsville’s Village Improvement Society.

The Chenango County Community Baby Shower will be held later today at the Norwich YMCA as part of the Y's Family Healthy Kids Day. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 for new or expecting parents, with a variety of agencies & vendors to answer their questions, More information is available at 772-0517.

Commerce Chenango will hold another local Hiring Event on May 18, from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM for students and 3:30 - 5:30 PM for adults. The event will take place at the High School on Midland Drive in Norwich. The Hiring Event is specifically for employers with immediate entry-level job openings. The Deadline for registration is this Friday April 21st, more information is available at 607.334.1401 or via email at jostrander@chenangony.org.

Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at Thursday at 100 Robert Street in Binghamton. Police arrested 33 year old Daquan Brown of Binghamton, for criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia, police seized a handgun, ammunition, over $7,000 in cash from drug sales, and items used to package drugs for sale. Brown faces court action shortly.

35-year-old Bruice Jeffrey of North Norwich was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies Sunday after allegedly stealing more than $130,000 from an elderly person. The arrest followed an investigation into Jeffrey started by a claim from the Chenango County Social Services Department, he is accused of stealing from an elderly person's account for 7 years. Jeffrey was charged with 3 counts of grand larceny and petty larceny, he was released with an appearance ticket and is due back in court at a later date.

Governor Hochul announced that approximately $110 million was awarded to 86 projects through 2 grant programs to improve water quality across the state. Locally, Town of Chenango will get $10 Million for a new treatment technology at its Northgate facility to help meet State standards and improve water quality by reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the Chenango River and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

State Attorney General Letitia James released a list today of the top complaints her office has received in 2022. Over 5200 complaints were received regarding price gouging defective merchandise & poor customer service at retail establishments, over 3,000 were landlord or tenants complaints. over 2800 were about credit, banking & mortgage issues, over 2700 complaints were about consumer services organizations like COVID testing facilities, dry cleaners, restaurants or movers, and over 2500 for automobile sales & service.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-7-23

The Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 53 year old Robert Randolph of Endicott was sentenced after pleading guilty to felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance. Randolph was caught with large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl when police raided his motel room in Endicott in August of 2021, he was on parole from a previous conviction for selling methamphetamine. Randolph was sentenced to 5 years in state prison followed by 2 years of post-release supervision.

Commerce Chenango announced that they are looking for nominations for their Board of Directors. The requirements stipulate that a board member must be a Chamber member in good standing; Must agree to accept the responsibility of directorship; Must agree to represent the best interest of the membership of Commerce Chenango. Nominations should be received by March 15, 2023, at 5:00 pm, more information is available at 607-334-1400 or by email: info@chenangony.org.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is looking to sponsor children ages 9 to 12 to attend the 2023 New York State Sheriff’s Camp this summer. The camp will be held from Sunday, June 25th, to Saturday, July 1st, on Keuka Lake in Yates County. Parents with interested children can submit an application to smithkr@co.chenango.ny.us by March 10th.

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 9.2% in January compared to the same month in 2022, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Every county experienced some year-over-year growth in January collections, with Delaware County seeing the largest increase at 26%, followed by Schenectady and Cayuga counties.

Governor Hochul recently proposed banning Menthol favored Cigarettes in the Executive Budget proposal, Brad Morrison is the Tobacco Free Chenango Coordinator and he commented about the proposal:

(Brad Morrison 2-17-23)

Morrison said that if the proposal becomes law in New York State, they would be the 3rd state to ban menthol flavored cigarettes.

Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $22.1 billion in calendar year 2022, up 12.7%, or $2.5 billion, from 2021 due to strong sales statewide, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Every county saw some year-over-year growth in sales tax collections in 2022, Yates County had the strongest growth at 21.1%, followed by the counties of Lewis (14.9%), Montgomery (12.4%) and Schoharie (11.8%). Locally, Chenango had a 2.4% increase in Tax Collections, the full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-23-23

36 year old Jason Gerhard of Montrose Pennsylvania was found guilty in Broome County Court today for Criminal Possession of a Weapon. State Police responded to a home on Patch Road in the Town of Chenango last February, where Gerhard entered a residence without permission, he was in possession of an illegal handgun & was arrested, at that time, Gerhard was on probation for illegal possession of a .38 caliber revolver. Gerhard could spend 3½ to 7 years in State prison when he is sentenced on April 20th.

The Endicott Police Department arrested 44 year old David Scanlin for 3rd degree burglary, Grand Larceny and & 3rd degree Arson. Back on January 11th, Scanlin is accused of setting fire to a vehicle parked at J&K Auto Clinic, later that day, Scanlin is accused of stealing a vehicle on the lot at Tank's Auto Sales. Scanlin was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.