WCDO Radio News

.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-21-23

Acting State Police Superintendent Dominick Chiumento today honored 232 new State Troopers as they graduated from the 213th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The ceremony was held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Today’s graduation increases the State Police ranks to 4,781 sworn members. 26 of the new Troopers will be assigned to Troop C in Sidney.

The State Labor Department announced that the number of private sector jobs increased slightly in November, to 8.26 million. The state's unemployment rate increased from 4.2% in October to 4.3% in November , the statewide labor force participation rate increased to 61.7%.

Part of the Bail Reform Controversy in New York State over the last few years is that there is no drug court, and people arrested for drug offenses can not be held on bail, Current Assemblyman & former Norwich Police Chief Joe Angelino told WCDO News of the consequences of these changes:

(ANGELINO 12-21-23)

Angelino said that there is an anti-police bias among many of his colleagues in the New York City Dominated Assembly, and he said he is waiting for the pendulum to swing back again in favor of law enforcement agencies.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 60 year-old John Necci of Portlandville after deputies conducted a traffic-stop for Speeding Sunday on State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport. Necci was traveling at about 80 miles per hour in a posted 55 mile per hour zone, Deputies stopped Necci, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and Speeding, he was released and directed to appear in the Davenport Town Court on a later date to answer those charges.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-21-23

32 year old Kyle Oakley of South Kortright pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Burglary in Delaware County Court. Oakley was charged following an investigation of forced entry into a seasonal residence during March of 2022. A Deputy responded to the crime scene on March 8, 2022, after the homeowner reported damage to his front door, the Deputy recovered a sweatshirt which was sent to the State Police Crime Lab for DNA extraction, Oakley was subsequently arrested by the Sheriff’s Department. Oakley was sentenced to a 5-year term of felony probation supervision, he was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution to the homeowner, if he violates probation supervision, he faces a possible resentencing of up to 2 and 1/3 to 7 years in state prison.

Attorney General Letitia James sued SiriusXM Radio for trapping consumers in subscriptions and maintaining deliberately long and burdensome cancellation processes. An investigation found that SiriusXM forces its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription, then deliberately draws out those interactions as part of its strategy to prevent subscribers from canceling. Through this lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks restitution, penalties, and disgorgement from SiriusXM for violating New York's business laws.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar & Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced that after a comprehensive review of the medical provider at the Broome County Correctional Facility, they have rectified over $250,000 in Broome County taxpayer-funded overpayments. The investigation revealed that PrimeCare did not routinely provide the Broome County Sheriff’s Office with the costs incurred for services rendered as part of their monthly invoices as required, The net value of services not rendered by PrimeCare totaled $257,874; and The staffing matrix did not reasonably reflect the mix of nursing hours actually being provided. Sheriff Akshar & Executive Garnar said that Prime Care agreed to make all the corrections, they would meet the staffing requirements listed in the contract; provide monthly itemized invoices & would repay the outstanding $257,874 by crediting deductions in its monthly invoices over a 12-month period.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for October. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in September to 4.2% in October , locally, Chenango County had 3.2%, Delaware County 3.7% and Otsego County 3.4% in October.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and State Police announced the arrest of Utica City School District Superintendent Bruce Karam and the former Utica Mayor and School Board President Louis LaPolla. Karam was using school money and resources to send election mailers in support of school board candidates that he favored and who determined his contract, salary and authority. He also is accused of using school resources to send invitations for a non-school related fundraiser for a purported charity run by LaPolla. LaPolla was allegedly aware that school resources were being used on his behalf. Karam also allegedly tried to cover up his actions by attempting to persuade school district employees to lie that the resources being used for a valid purpose.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-21-23

State Police Major Crimes Unit members were in southern Vermont searching an area of forest for the remains of Sara Anne Wood, about 30 miles east of Albany. Wood was abducted while riding her bicycle 30 years ago in a remote area of the Town of Frankfort, & was killed by Lewis Lent of Massachusetts, Over 80 officers from the State Police assisted in the search, which concluded on Thursday, No remains were found in the search.

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 34 year old Donald Kern of Sidney, was indicted for a Hate Crime by the Delaware County Grand Jury last week. The Indictment accuses Kern of Aggravated Harassment as a Hate Crime, he is accused pf threatening and spitting on an African American female from Sidney, threatened her with violence, & used racial slurs.

State Police reported that they took 42 impaired motorists from the roadways in the month of October in Troop C. A total 28 of Driving While Intoxicated charges were administered, 4 of those were against someone who had a previous DWI conviction within the last 10 years, and 1 was for an individual who had 2 prior DWI convictions in the last 2 years, 7 were charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.

The Broome County Corrections Academy will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, starting at 11:30 this morning. 25 graduates will officially earn the rank of Officer, after 3 months of training, learning defense tactics, studying law, Several recruits will also be recognized with individual awards.

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office arrested 50-year-old Joellyn Bedford, of Norwich, for using a forged bank cashier's check to buy a 2021 Ford Bronco worth $58,500. The Sheriff's Office accuses Bedford of using a check with a false name to purchase the car, she then sold the vehicle to a dealership in Otsego County.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-26-23

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Garrett Huffman of Nineveh after they received a complaint of an assault to an elderly couple. Huffman was acting as a Home Healthcare Aid for the elderly couple, he allegedly assaulted them & forced them to turn over debit card and signed checks, he then stole the victim's vehicle and fled the area. The victims were taken to an area hospital, in serious condition. Detectives tracked Huffman into Pennsylvania and then later back into Broome County, a felony Arrest Warrant was issued, he was found in Broome County & was taken into custody without incident. Huffman was charged with Robbery, Assault, Strangulation, 3rd & 4th Degree Grand Larceny, criminal mischief, endangering a vulnerable elderly adult among other charges, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Corrections Division on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond. Huffman is due to appear in the Town of Afton Court on a later date.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand discussed her bipartisan legislation to expedite provisional FDA approval of drugs intended to treat ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other life-threatening diseases.

(GILLIBRAND 10-26-23)

Gillibrand’s Act would create a quicker approval pathway to get promising treatments to those who need them, & who's lives may not continue during the normal FDA drug approval period, the bill has a sponsor in the US House of Representatives.

Delaware County Sheriff Office announced that 2 Walton juveniles were arrested regarding an Environmental Conservation complaint. On October 17th, Deputies located a vehicle parked in the roadway in the Town of Walton, unoccupied and nobody around the vehicle, they located hunting equipment in plain view inside the vehicle, they located multiple juveniles in a field nearby along with a recently killed deer. The Department of Environmental Protection seized the deer and the juveniles were turned over to the care of their parents. This week Deputies arrested the 2 juveniles, ages 16 and 17 of Walton, for multiple violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law, the juveniles were directed to appear at Delaware County Probation to answer the charges.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced that tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM, Broome County Law Enforcement Academy will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton. This year, 38 graduates representing 17 law enforcement agencies will officially earn the rank of Officer or Deputy Sheriff.

U.S. Marshalls arrested a Brooklyn man this morning in the City of Binghamton after attempting to escape authorities in New York City. 26-year-old Thomas Nimmons was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshal’s Binghamton Division, he was wanted on a parole warrant as well as a federal arrest warrant for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. He is currently a suspect in an ongoing homicide investigation by the New York Police Department. Nimmons was taken into custody by the Binghamton Metro SWAT team after a search warrant was executed at 77 Mary Street. He was transported to the Binghamton Police Department and turned over to members of the NYPD shortly after.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-26-23

State Police and other emergency responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash at about 4:45 Wednesday afternoon, with a rollover on State Highway 23 near Interskate 88 in the town of Oneonta. A preliminary investigation indicates that the operator of a Chevrolet Silverado rear-ended a Dodge Durango. The Silverado rolled after impact with the Durango. The operator of the Silverado, was a 42-year-old male of Grand Gorge, A 7-year-old passenger was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center for a head injury. The operator of the Durango, a 38-year-old female of Bloomville was transported to Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. The crash remains under investigation.

State Police at Oneonta are looking for the public’s assistance in locating a work truck that was taken without permission from Barney and Sons Well Drilling which is located on County Highway 10 in the town of Laurens. The truck is a pump hoist, and is described as 2021 Ford F550 White Utility Truck with a red crane attached to the roof. It was stolen sometime late Tuesday or early Wednesday, Anyone with information is asked to call New York State Police at (607)561-7400.

Broome County Sheriff's Office released more details after a manhunt that ended in Tompkins County on Wednesday. On Tuesday, at 6:00 PM, Broome County deputies and State Police responded to a domestic disturbance in Whitney Point, the couple left the scene in a U-Haul van, a deputy observed it on State Route 12 in the Town of Chenango & recognized 30 year old Christopher Borges of Binghamton, who was wanted by Binghamton Police for Robbery. The deputy attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the driver, 20 year old Abigail Galusha of Endicott failed to comply. The pursuit continued onto I-81, state route 79, and ended in Tompkins County, when the vehicle went off the road and over an embankment. Galusha was taken into custody, she was wanted on multiple warrants, Borges fled into the woods. Around 10:00 AM Wednesday, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible sighting of Borges near the abandoned van, deputies took Borges into custody, he was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment, charged with Kidnapping, Criminal Contempt, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Erica Gonzalez on an outstanding warrant, she is described as a Black Female, 5'4" 240 pounds with black hair & brown eyes, she is wanted on a charge of criminal contempt. anyone with information on the location of Gonzalez can submit tips to gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by calling the Broome County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (607) 778-1196.

Oneonta Fire fighters were dispatched last night to a fire 15 Fonda Avenue. The fire was reported at about 7:45, with several area departments on standby, the fire was quickly extinguished and more details are expected later today.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-19-23

41 year old Paul Thayer of Utica was sentenced in Delaware County Court for his conviction of Attempted Dissemination of Indecent Materials to a Minor. On May 2nd, Thayer drove from Utica to the Village of Walton to meet a person he believed to be a 14 year old boy after sending the boy numerous text messages soliciting sexual acts. Thayer admitted he believed the boy was 14, the boy was actually a fictitious entity controlled by an organization dedicated to catching sexual predators, Judge Hubbard sentenced him to a 3-year term of probation supervision, which will include specific sex offender terms and conditions.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Bobbi Jo Worden of Oneonta for allegedly for throwing toilet bowl contents onto corrections officers 2 separate times while incarcerated at the Otsego County Jail. Worden was charged with Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by an Inmate . The officers were treated at Bassett Hospital and released. Worden was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Middlefield Town Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Health Department has lifted the BOIL WATER ORDER issued for the Village of Afton, issued Saturday. The Village of Afton’s water supply currently meets the minimum standards for Public Water Supplies, Based upon repeat sampling results, Residents may now resume normal water activity, more information is available at the Environmental Division of the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1673.

A free Health & Wellness Fair will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the Bainbridge Village Green. Reverend Kenneth Simurro of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge & The United Presbyterian Church of East Guilford is helping to organize the event & he told WCDO news of some of the key participants:

(Rev. Kenneth Simurra 9-19-23)

Reverend Simurra said that the other participants include the Bainbridge Fire Department, and the Lighthouse Cancer Support Group among many others, there will also be a bake sale & winter clothing and personal hygiene giveaway. A blood drive will be held at the Town Hall. More information is available by email to healthfairbainbridge@gmail.com.

The Unadilla Historical Society is having a Fall Open House tonight at the Village & Town Museum at 133 Main Street in Unadilla. The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 PM & is open to the public.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-19-23

State Police arrested 48 year old Theresa Price of Utica for 3rd degree Grand Larceny. Troopers were advised last week that Price took a used vehicle for a test drive from a car dealership, told them she’d like the vehicle checked out by her mechanic but never returned. An investigation revealed that on September 15, the vehicle was traveling on Interstate 90. Price and the vehicle were located at a truck stop in the town of Pembroke. She was arrested and was processed and was turned over to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment.

Broome County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop Saturday on Court Street in Binghamton. The Deputy stopped 28 year old Matin Avdel of Johnson City, the Deputy noticed a clear plastic bag filled with pills and powder in a fanny pack Avdel was wearing, he admitted to possessing illegal substances on both his person and in the vehicle he was driving. Avdel also identified a weapon hidden in his hoodie pocket. Avdel was charged with Criminal Possession of a Loaded Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 4 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Deputies recovered Oxycodone, MDMA, Amphetamines, A loaded pistol, Avdel was taken into custody and arraigned in Binghamton City Court. He is currently being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Small Business Resource Fair will be held this Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Sidney Community Cultural Center, Delaware County Chamber Of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 8-21-23)

Pucci said that the event is free & open to all businesses and entrepreneurs, registration is available at delawarecounty.org.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning in Bainbridge, the meeting will be held @ 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner, chamber members are encouraged to attend.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-6-23

The Great New York State Fair drew over 932,000 people this year, an increase from last year's 878,000. The full recap of this year's fair is available at nysfair.ny.gov.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced a further expansion of visitation hours at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility effective immediately. Sheriff Akshar expanded visiting hours to 30 hours per week earlier this year, the latest increase brings the visitation time to 47 hours each week. The visitation expansion coincides with increased staffing levels at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility after a successful hiring campaign for new and transferring Corrections Officers. The hours are explained at the Broome County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will recognize several businesses and groups for their service to the county’s business community at its 2023 Business Awards celebration on October 18 at Bluestone Restaurant in Delhi. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci said that 2 businesses have been chosen as the "Business of the Year:"

(Ray Pucci 9-6-23)

Pucci said that the 2023 Community Connector Award will go to the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency, there will be 8 new businesses that will be recognized as the Chamber’s Rising Stars, the Awards celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 18, coinciding with National Chamber of Commerce Day, at Bluestone Restaurant at 85 Scotch Mountain Road in Delhi. Tickets for the dinner event are $50 per person. Reservations are required and may be made under the Events column at DelawareCounty.org.

The State Comptroller Office continues its initiative to help New Yorkers access their unclaimed funds. With $1.5 million in lost money returned every day, the Comptroller’s Office holds over 49 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $18.4 billion as of August. Staff members from OSC will be attending community events throughout the state to provide information and assistance on unclaimed funds, more information is available at ouf.osc.state.ny.us.

A free virtual job fair will be held on Tuesday, September 26th from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for all businesses and job seekers in the following counties: Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego, more information is available at working-solutions.org.”

Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Justine Luckie on an outstanding warrant for criminal possession of a Controlled Substance, Luckie is described a white female, 5'8" tall about 135 pounds with brown hair & brown eyes, Anyone with information is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by calling the Broome County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (607) 778-1196 or Warrants Division at (607) 778-2923 or (607) 778-2933. Thank you.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 9-6-23

19th District Congressman Marc Molinaro will host a Senior Resource Fair today from 11:00am to 2:00 pm in Binghamton. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Broome County Office For Aging, Broome County Health Department, Broome County Sheriff's Office, Southern Tier Independence Center, Visions Federal Credit Union, among others. The session will be held at the American Legion Post 1645 at 177 Robinson Street in Binghamton.

Delaware County Sheriff's arrested 75 year old Alan Donner of Roscoe for Criminal Mischief. On August 26th, Deputies responded to a Criminal Mischief Complaint in the Town of Colchester, Donner had intentionally damaged another person’s vehicle following a verbal altercation while at the Mobil Gas Station in Downsville, Donner was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The next meeting of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce will be this morning. The meeting begins at 8:00 AM at the Sidney Golf & Country Club.

On Friday, State Police were at a property on County Road 29 in New Berlin, investigating another matter, when they discovered 61 dogs, 11 birds, and 3 cats, all of which were in questionable health, and many were being sold on Craiglist, according to Delaware Valley Human Society Director Erin Insinga, who responded to this New Berlin location, she said that people should either adopt animals at shelters & Humane Society or from licensed reputable breeders:

(Erin Insinga 5-4-23)

Insinga said that all of the animals from the New Berlin location, are being checked out by area veterinarians and the State Police announced that the investigation is ongoing.

Broome County Sheriff's Office announced 3 more arrests for contraband in the County Jail recently. On April 21st, investigators searched a housing unit and a medical unit and identified several inmates who were hiding contraband in their cells. They recovered A Heroin-like substance that tested positive for Fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, A bladed “shank” weapon, & a pen stolen from a Corrections desk The bladed weapon was found in 21-year-old Jason Marimberga’s cell, the Heroin-like substance was found in 46-year-old John Turner’s cell, and the hard plastic pen was found in 38-year-old Joseph Schultze’s cell. All 3 were charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, & were processed and will appear in the Town of Dickinson Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's office announced the arrested of 71 year old Vincent Balsamo of Walton for Criminal sale of a Weapon. On Wednesday, April 19th members of the Criminal Investigation Division received information that Balsamo had illegally purchased a rifle from another person, which was in violation of a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, as well as a Pistol License Suspension Order. Balsamo intentionally disobeyed the court while out on a secured $150,000 property bond in connection with an indictment for Reckless Endangerment, Assault and 2nd degree Manslaughter. Balsamo was charged with Criminal Purchase or Disposal of a Weapon and 3 counts of Criminal Contempt, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arressted 21 year old Dakota Mann of Walton on several charges after members of the Delaware County Correctional facility conducted a jail search, they located a hand-made braided rope inside Mann's assigned garment, he is accused of ripping other assigned garments into smaller strips and used the strips to braid the rope. Mann is also accused of of violating an order of protection by contacting a protected party 132 times in April while incarcerated. Mann was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt, he was arraigned & was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail in connection with another Criminal Contempt Charge that Mann was previously being held on.

Family Planning of South Central New York has been awarded the Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, the $1.8 million dollar, 5 year grant by the State Department of Health will be used to enhance and expand medically accurate, age appropriate, evidence based programs in specifically Broome, Chenango, and Cortland Counties.

The American Red Cross announce blood drives in Otsego County. 1 drive will be held in Cooperstown from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Cooperstown High School, another will be in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23. To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-11-23

Recent Congressional candidate Josh Riley of Ithaca announced his campaign to run for Congress again, in what is expected to be the 19th District again. Riley lost to Marc Molinaro, who only just started as the 19th district Congressman in January, after beating Riley in last November's general election by a thin margin.

Police in Virginia have not yet charged Michael Davis of Richmond Virginia, in connection with the April 5th abduction of Tatiana David in Ithaca. Police in Virginia stopped Michael Davis's vehicle shortly after he crossed into Virginia, he fled the scene before crashing his vehicle about 35 minutes later, he shot at troopers who returned fire, Davis is still in critical condition in a Virginia hospital. Tatiana David was found deceased outside Davis's vehicle, the results of the autopsy have not yet been released.

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 41 year old Jason Dufton of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to engaging in a Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in Delaware County Court. Dufton admitted that he engaged in sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old while he resided in the Town of Hancock, he will be sentenced to 7 years in state prison and 15 years of post-release supervision & he will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison & he must submit a sample of his DNA for the state's DNA databank. Sentencing will be on May 30th.

The State Department of Corrections announced that disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been moved to the Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome New York. Weinstein was convicted of rape in 2020, he was sentenced to 23 years in state prison, he was also found guilty of sex crimes in California & was sentenced there to 16 years in prison. New York State Correctional officials moved Weinstein to Mohawk, following a heart procedure shortly after. His lawyers have also said that he suffers from diabetes and vision issues.

It's been almost a year since 12 year old Aliza Spencer of Binghamton was fatally shot while walking with her father & brother April 21st in Binghamton. Aliza's Father Fred Spencer held a press conference & asked people to come forward with information into the shooting, A reward of $32,000 is being offered, many area residents have donated to increase the reward, so far there have been no arrests in the case.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-11-23

State lawmakers passed another budget extension for another week Monday, making sure that state workers get paid. State lawmakers will not be paid themselves until a budget is passed, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Sticking points in the negotiations include bail reform & the Governor's plans for more housing statewide. The Legislature would have through April 17 to either pass a budget or extend the process again.

Broome Count District Attorney office reported that William Effner of Walton pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Effner admitted he possessed methamphetamine with the intent to sell in the Town of Nanticoke in December, he will be sentenced to 4 years in state prison and 2 years of post-release supervision in June. Effner was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in 2019 in Delaware County.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame will add a few more names this year, Committee spokesman Greg Davie Told WCDO News who will be inducted:

(Greg Davie 4-11-23)

The ceremony will be held on Saturday May 27th at 1:00 PM at General Clinton Park.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-7-23

State Police were called Tuesday afternoon to Castle Creek Road in the town of Chenango for a report of a car versus motorcycle fatal accident. The preliminary investigation determined that 31 year old Joseph Portorsnok of Binghamton, was turning left onto Castle Creek Road when he entered the path of a motorcycle, driven by 20 year old Kaitlynn Eaton of Castle Creek, who collided into Portorsnok. Police said that Eaton died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 38 year old Jeremiah Raub of New Milford Pennsylvania was released on $150,000 bail. Raub was charged with murder and arson in connection with a fatal house fire on Milford Street in Binghamton in 2011 that killed 17 year old Jeffrey Aissa, he was arrested by Binghamton Police last Month. Raub was placed on a pre-release program and will be monitored by Broome County Probation through a GPS ankle monitor, His next court date is scheduled for May 15th, the investigation into the fire remains active.

An Easter Egg Hunt for Kids will be sponsored by the Maydole Hose Company of the Norwich Fire Department and the Norwich Business Improvement District Saturday. The event will be held at East & West Parks in Norwich, at 10:00 AM the West Park event will be held for children up to age 4, & there will be a 10:30 AM start time at East Park for Ages 5 to 8.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-7-23

State Police released their update on the reported abduction of Tatiana David in Ithaca Wednesday. A witness reported that David was forced into a white SUV by the suspect, 34 year old Michael Davis of Richmond, Virginia against her will. An endangered adult alert was issued by State Police, They said that the victim and the suspect were in a previous relationship and have a 4-year-old child together. At 9:25 pm, Davis's vehicle was detected crossing into the State of Virginia, Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle, at which time Davis fled the scene, leading Virginia State Police on a pursuit which ended when the suspect vehicle crashed in a wooded area at 10:05 PM. Davis began firing at Virginia State Police, who returned fire, Davis was critically wounded and was taken to an area Hospital and is in critical condition, Tatiana David was located deceased outside the vehicle at the crash location with an apparent gunshot wound, her autopsy was scheduled last night, the results will be released shortly, the investigation is continuing.

Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility announced that 26 year old Tymel Platt of Binghamton is facing 6 felony charges for smuggling Cocaine and Fentanyl within the facility. The Corrections Criminal Investigations Unit acted on information that Platt was in possession of contraband, his body was scanned which revealed an item hidden on his person, they recovered 2 smaller packages, with Cocaine & 4.1 grams of Fentanyl, which is capable of killing 205 people. Platt was charged with 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 2 Counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, Platt was incarcerated on assault charges, he will be arraigned at a later date in the Town of Dickinson Court.

The United Way of Mid Rural New York officially expanded into Madison County on April 1st, making the local United Way chapter a 4 county chapter. Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco told WCDO News that the move into Madison County will present different challenges than the recent expansion into Delaware & Otsego Counties did:

(Elizabeth Monaco 4-7-23)

Monaco said that the 1st fundraising effort in Delaware & Otsego Counties, brought in almost twice the amount than the previous year, but the circumstances in Madison County will not lend itself to doubling the fundraising in the 1st full year.

The Jericho Arts Council will present the music of the Corvettes tonight, at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesman Phil wade comments:

(Phile Wade 4-7-23)

The Gallery features the work of Rachel Hares & Mark Picone tonight, Doors open at 6:00, the show begins at 7:00 PM, tickets can be reserved at 607-288-3882.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-20-23

The Village of Sidney mayoral Race will be held tomorrow, with 2 candidates vying for the position, Ray Baker told WCDO News of his background with a number of local Organizations:

(Ray Baker 3-20-23)

Current Deputy Mayor Vic Tartaglia is also running for Sidney Village Mayor:

(Vic Tartaglia 3-20-23)

Both men are looking to replace long time Mayor Andy Matviak, who declined to seek re-election this year after serving as mayor for 12 years.

Former Assistant to Former Broome County District Attorney James Worhach was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison. Worhach served under previous DA Steven Cornwell, In January, Worhach pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny after admitting he stole more than $1,000 from 2016-2019 from the Broome County government. Worhach was also ordered to pay $5,727.75 in restitution to Broome County plus a fine of $1,000.

A State DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officer is credited with saving an elderly couple from their burning car in Downsville on March 7th. En Con Officer Doig noticed flames shooting out near the exhaust and gas tank of the vehicle, he notified Delaware County 911, approached the vehicle & safely removed 2 elderly individuals from the car. Officer Doig grabbed his patrol car fire extinguisher, and put out the fire. The Downsville Fire Department arrived a short time later and determined the vehicle had a leaking gas tank and could have become engulfed in flames at any moment. The couple were unaware the car caught fire, there were no injuries reported.

Broome County Sheriff's Office welcomed 27 new Corrections Officers at a ceremony at SUNY Broome Community College, including 7 women. The 27 officers was the largest group of new Corrections Officers in the history of the Sheriff's Office, freshman Sheriff Fred Akshar stated that it was a priority to bolster the number of Corrections officers as soon as possible, when he took office in January.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that masks are no longer required for patients, visitors, or staff members across most areas of the health system. 1 exception is in Bassett’s skilled nursing facilities at A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Valley Residential Services, and Valley Health Services, where masks will still be required for all employees and visitors. Long-term care facilities continue to follow stricter guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) based on community transmission rates to protect residents.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-20-23

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 48 year old Charles Bodie of Edmeston for 2nd degree Rape, Criminal Sex Act, Dissemination of Indecent Material to Minors, Obscenity, & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bodie is accused of engaging in sexual relationship with a minor for several months, allegedly sent indecent material to the minor while he was employed outside of the State, and then Homeland Security was requested to assist. Bodie was located and arrested & he was returned to New York, he was turned over to investigators and was being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await arraignment. Additional charges are expected.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 71 year old Vincent Balsamo of Walton on an Indictment Warrant for Manslaughter. The arrest was a result of a 3-month investigation, Balsamo was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, 2nd degree assault and reckless endangerment for a domestic incident that resulted in the death of 52 year old April Kestner of Honesdale Pennsylvania at his residence in the Town of Walton in December 2022. Balsamo was being held pending future court action.

Charlotte Bennett has filed a complaint in State Court claiming that the State is liable for Cuomo's alleged sexual harrassment of her & against the actions of Cuomo's top aides for failing to take corrective action after she reported the abuse. Bennett had previously filed a lawsuit against Cuomo, who has denied the allegations.

The Oxford Girls Basketball team finished the 2022-23 season with an appearance in the Class-D state championship game on Sunday in Troy. The Blackhawks fell to Hammond from Section 10 in the title game but earned an exciting semifinal victory on Saturday over Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons from Section 2. Madalyn Barrows was the star of the weekend for Oxford as she tallied 43 points, 19 rebounds, 12 steals & 10 assists over the two games. She did all this while being sick and only being able to eat crackers and drink pedialyte. The Blackhawks finish the season at 22-6 and they were the first Chenango County Girls Basketball team to make the state finals since B-G did in 1999. For more information make sure to check out Sports Director Nate Lull on Twitter.