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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-2-25

Country Club Auto Group in Oneonta presented a check for $10,000 to Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network on November 21 after dedicating a portion of their October sales to the Bassett Cancer Institute Expansion Initiative. Tom Armao presented the check at FoxCare Center's cancer clinic & he told WCDO News why they donated:

(Tom Armao 12-2-25)

Learn more about Bassett Healthcare Network's Bassett Cancer Institute expansion initiative by visiting bassett.org/MovingForward.

39 year old Michael Davis pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to 1st Degree Assault stemming from a violent attack, on October 22, where Davis acted with the intent to cause serious physical injury to another individual by means of am unidentified instrument, Davis will serve 7 years in state prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision, Davis is scheduled to be sentenced in Broome County Court on March 3, 2026.

The Chenango Arts Council will host the "Night Before Christmas" free movie & Popcorn event tonight at 7:00 PM, the Tinsel-Town Free movie will be held on the 9th with "It's a Wonderful Life, and the 16th with "Scrooge" all moviees will be at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in downtown Norwich.

25 year old Jacob Brown of Binghamton, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, in exchange for a sentence of 8 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision. On March 26th, Officers conducted a traffic stop on Bunn Hill Road in the Town of Vestal, During the course of the stop and subsequent investigation with assistance from K9 Coco, officers discovered a quarter pound of methamphetamine concealed beneath a child’s car seat, 3 children were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Brown admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with intent to sell, officers also seized $1,242 from suspected drug sales, Sentencing is scheduled for January 15th in Broome County Court.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center will have their annual "Shocktoberfest" Saturday with a variety of activities according to spokesman Geoff Doyle:

(GEOFF DOYLE 10-10-25)

More information about Shocktoberfest & other events is available at foothillspac.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-7-25

A Chenango County Grand Jury Indicted Zackery England for criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell (fentanyl), possession of methamphetamine, and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Prosecutors said England also attempted to discard fentanyl by throwing it into bushes during a July 23 incident in Norwich. England will appear in Chenango County Court for arraignment shortly.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-30-25

Local government sales tax collections totaled $11.9 billion in the first half of 2025, an increase of 3.7% compared to last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. 86% of counties experienced a year-over-year increase in first-half collections, with Hamilton County seeing the highest growth at 14.6%, followed by the counties of Delaware (12.9%), Orleans (12.1%) and Chenango (11.7%). Nearly 75% of cities outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax experienced growth in the first half, with Norwich having the largest increase at 19.3%.

The Chenango County Historical Society is inviting interested parties to take part in this year's “Parade of Trees,” ahead of the Holiday Open House on December 7, Society President Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 7-30-25)

Moquin said that the “People’s Choice” contest, will return with both in-person and virtual visitors voting for their favorite decorated tree by making a donation to that organization’s tree. The winning tree campaign’s earnings will be split evenly between the organization and the Historical Society, more information is available at ChenangoHistorical.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-21-25

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Thomas Kopech of Norwich Friday on an active Arrest Warrant from Town of Plymouth Court from an incident on May 31st, where Kopech allegedly broke into a residence in the Town of Plymouth and assaulted the victims inside the home. Kopech then fled the scene before Deputies responded which resulted in the warrant of arrest. Kopech was arrested without incident and arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. Kopec is to appear in court on a later date. Kopech was charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Criminal Obstruction of Breath/Blood Circulation & Unlawful Imprisonment.

SFCU announced that they are opening a new Branch in Morris, with a ribbon cutting this week, SFCU's vice president of sales and marketing Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 7-21-25)

Smith said that the new branch is open at 132 Main Street in Morris.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-30-25

Norwich City Police Department conducted a no-knock search warrant at 35 Pleasant Street as part of an investigation methamphetamine and fentanyl sales. 10 people were arrested on various drug & Criminal Nuisance charges. Arrested were 55 year old Todd Diamond, 66 Year old Charles Bates, 34 year old Todd Diamond, 52 year old Loreen Diamond, 27 year old Andrew Palmer, 24 year old Stephanie Donnelly, 58 year old Howard Grome, 37 year old Travis Foster, 42 year old Matthew Tiedemann & 29 year old Richard Garreau, all of Norwich. The arrests followed a months-long investigation into drug activity, investigators successfully conducted controlled purchases of the drugs, a search warrant executed Thursday which led to the discovery of a methamphetamine lab inside the home. The State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team was called in to collect hazardous materials, Norwich Fire and Codes Department condemned the property.

17,000 Canadians have been evacuated as active wildfires have charred hundreds of thousands of acres in the country. Forecasters expected that the smoke from the wildfires in Saskatchewan & Manitoba will likely affect the Northeast & south to the Carolina's over the next few days. The fires have burned over 800,000 acres recently in Canada

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-30-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Richard Terrell of Afton following an investigation into the report of a stolen UTV from the Town of Harpursville. The investigation led Detectives to the Town of Afton, they were able to recover the stolen UTV from that location, the UTV sustained significant damage Terrell was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Terrell was taken into custody without incident and arraigned & was held without bail and is to appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year, according to a report released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Chenango County saw the highest quarterly growth at 11.8%, followed by Delaware County at 10.4%, & Broome County was 4th at 9.8%. 14 of 18 of the cities outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax experienced year-over-year growth in the first quarter. Norwich had the largest increase at 14.5%.

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.

4 Towns Forward Community Yard/Garage Sales will be held on Saturday, May 3rd starting at 9:00 am until 2:00 pm, spokesperson Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 4-1-25)

Schunk said that for those outside the towns, space in the downtown areas can be reserved by email to dnabinger10@gmail.com, the annual event will be held rain of

shine.

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.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 57 year old Terry McConnell of Guilford Thursday, after he allegedly causing a disturbance at the Town of Norwich Court. McConnell was charged with criminal contempt following the March 13 incident, McConnell initially entered the courtroom and began acting disorderly, after being told to leave, McConnell allegedly exited but returned shortly afterward. McConnell again acted disruptively and refused to comply with orders. McConnell was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket to return to Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23 year old Michael McWeeney of Afton for Criminal Contempt, Burglary, Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. McWeeney was arrested following an investigation in to stolen firearms, he is accused of unlawfully entering a structure where he stole several firearms,he also violated an order of protection. All firearms were recovered by the Sheriff’s Office. McWeeney was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional facility on cash bail.

Commerce Chenango's 2nd annual Women's Leadership Conference will be held today at the Canasawacta County Club in Norwich, about 225 are expected to attend, the keynote speaker will be Barbara Schindler of Golden Artists Colors.

The Cullman Child Development Center in Sidney will have their annual Summer educational series for area Children, with a Soap Box Derby day in Unadilla on Sunday July 13th, Unadilla Mayor Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 3-25-25)

Cotten said that the events will start at 12:00 Noon and will follow that Unadilla Carnival of Sales to be held that Saturday July 12th.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-18-25

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January 2025. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.4% in January, locally, Chenango County had 4.4% unemployment, Delaware County 4.9% & Otsego County 5.3%.

State Police are continuing with their St. Patrick’s Day special detail through today. Drivers can still expect to encounter DWI patrols, sobriety checkpoints, State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers, and they will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors details during the campaign. Last year, Troopers arrested 132 people for DWI, issued 124 tickets for distracted driving and 5,576 tickets in total.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-27-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35 year old Cody Borawa of Afton for Aggravated Harassment and Stalking. The investigation determined that over the course of 6 months Borawa attempted to contact the victim through emails, fake phone numbers, text messages, phone calls, third party contact through family & friends, and social media accounts after repeatedly being told to have no further communication with the victim. Borawa was released on an appearance ticket for the above charges and is to appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Historical Society launches the 2025 museum season with special Saturday hours from 10 am. to 4 pm. on March 1. The Community Gallery will host the works of a well known Chenango County Author & Illustrator, according to Historical society director Jessica Moquin:

(Jessica Moquin 2-27-25)

Bloom has published more than 20 books for children, including translations in Danish, French, German, and Korean. The 2025 museum season also features the launch of a new digital engagement experience, with an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. More information is available at ChenangoHistorical.org about this and other museum programs.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Jason Chase of Norwich & 21 year old Danielle Froelich of Cincinnatus, following a traffic stop recently in Sherburne. Both were charged with various drug charges after packaged drugs and related materials were found during a traffic stop. Chase was wanted on an active warrant for a violent felony issued by Chenango County Court. Chase was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail and scheduled to appear in Town of Sherburne Court at a later date. Froelich was arraigned and released on an appearance ticket and is also scheduled to appear in Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

41 year old Robert Wilson was sentenced in Broome County Court to 8 years in State Prison followed by 3 years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Last July, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit executed a narcotics search warrant in Binghamton, officers seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, packaging materials, a digital scale, and $7,796 cash from suspected drug sales.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested Jesse Moore of North Norwich for Criminal Mischief, Harassment, & Assault, for allegedly injuring 2 people during an altercation on February 3rd. Moore was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Jail.

The State DEC announced the acquisition of more than 190 acres in the Chenango County town of Plymouth to Pharsalia Woods State Forest, which will permanently conserve Round Pond and surrounding wetlands and grows the forest to 9,469 total acres. Round Pond and the surrounding wetlands provide vital habitat for several rare plants and a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Pharsalia Woods State Forest is part of the 54,409-acre Pharsalia Woods Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society. Maps and additional information can be found at dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-10-25

State Police responded Friday to a crash on State Route 12 in the town of Greene, where a tractor trailer sideswiped a Ford that was waiting to turn into Chenango Sales, the tractor trailer continued & struck a Dodge Ram Pick Up head-on, the tractor trailer then continued into the Chenango Sales lot striking multiple unoccupied new vehicles. The driver of the Dodge Ram was transported to Wilson Medical Center, a passenger in the Dodge Ram was airlifted to Packer Hospital. The driver of the Ford was transported to Wilson, the driver of the tractor trailer was transported to a local hospital. DEC Spill Response cleaned up the oil and fuel that spilled. The investigation is on-going.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41 year old Shawn Taylor of Utica on a variety of drug charges following a a month-long investigation into drug sales, Taylor is accused of traveling to Chenango County from Utica and selling Crack Cocaine. On January 17th, 2025 a search warrant was executed in the City of Norwich on Taylor and his vehicle, a quantity of packaged Crack Cocaine was located. Taylor was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for processing. Taylor is currently being held without bail at the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

46 year old Andre Gilliam of the Town of Chenango was sentenced to 5.5 years in State Prison followed by 3 years of post-release supervision after being found guilty by a Broome County Jury of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. On November 7, 2023, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit executed a narcotics search warrant on Castle Creek Road, Town of Chenango, they seized fentanyl, a cutting agent, a digital scale and nearly $4000 cash from suspected drug sales.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-2-25

The Norwich Police Department is investigating a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian death that occurred on Cortland Street in the City of Norwich on January 1st, at approximately 8:00 AM. The victim was 68 year old James Wright, who was walking on the sidewalk of Cortland Street when he was struck, he succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The driver of the vehicle in question is a 19-year-old-male who did not sustain any injuries, the investigation is ongoing, and the Norwich Police Department was assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team, as well as the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

The New York State Cannabis Industry made more than $1 Billion in Retail Sales in 2024, the Revenue Boost by Over 50%, so far there are 275 Licensed Dispensaries and 500 Supply-Side Licenses that Contributed to the retail sales increase.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Christie Coon of Afton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, in the Town of North Norwich recently. Coon was found to have a suspended New York State drivers license and was in possession of Methamphetamine, she was transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing and was released on an appearance tickets for North Norwich Court at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving a female with facial injuries in the Town of Chenango. 49 year old Benjamin Engbrecht of Chenango was charged with 2nd and 3rd Degree Assault, Menacing, Reckless Endangerment, Resisting Arrest & Obstruction of Governmental Administration, he was taken to Central Arraignment & he was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.