WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-10-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the unsealing of a 5 count Indictment against 34 year old John Pierre Regazzi of Delhi. Regazzi was indicted for 1st degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Act, assault, menacing & unlawful imprisonment involving the same unidentified victim.

State Police in Saratoga and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting at the State Police location on state Route 9 in Malta at about 1:40 PM Wednesday. An unidentified individual started firing a rifle at the barracks, troopers responded & the suspect is deceased. Two troopers suffered minor injuries. The investigation is continuing.

Agri-Mark Incorporated of Vermont has recalled 189 cases of Cabot Creamery 8-ounce premium butter, Consumers should not eat or use the recalled butter, which has an expiration date of September 9th. Agri-Mark officials said that they have recovered 99.5% of the potentially contaminated lot before it was sold to consumers, it was found to contain Coliform bacteria, Cabot products are sold in several states, including in New York.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-10-25

Broome County Sheriff’s Office & Binghamton Police conducted targeted enforcement last Friday as part of the State Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, they performed a total of 19 vehicle stops, among those arrested, 18 year old Isaac Decker of Chenango for speeding, DWI, Reckless Endangerment & several other charges after Decker caused a a 2-car motor vehicle accident at the Court Street roundabout. The Detail also arrested 42 year old Jesten Hyde of Conklin for a variety of drug charges, Hyde was found to possess 23 grams of methamphetamine. The initiative also resulted in drug charges against 38 year old Christopher Pierre of Endicott, for possessing cocaine, methamphetamine and a schedule 2 controlled substance.

28 year old Keisha Wright of Hancock appeared in Delaware County Court Tuesday & was sentenced to 1 year in jail for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. In October of 2023, a State Trooper located a stolen credit card in a store in Deposit they were able to identify Wright as the individual that dropped the card. The credit card was not used, & the owner had canceled it. Wright admitted in court that she possessed the stolen credit card & intended to use it. She was due to be sentenced to a 9 month prison term, but she failed to appear for sentencing, she was located, arrested & was returned Delaware County Court where Judge Hubbard imposed imposed an enhanced sentence

An Oneida County Grand Jury met Wednesday regarding the death of Midstate Correctional inmate Messiah Nantwi, who died March 1st. 15 staff members at both Midstate and Marcy Correctional are on leave or suspended in connection with the case. The Grand Jury will determine if there is evidence to indict them.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-17-23

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Leo Guerrero of the Town of Otsego, for criminal mischief & Harassment, following the report of a domestic dispute on March 5th. Guerrero is accused of taking the victim’s phone to prevent the victim from contacting 911 & subjecting the victim to unwanted physical contact, he was released on his own recognizance following arraignment and the issuance of an order of protection.

Joe Ermeti of Sidney announced his candidacy for Delaware County District Attorney, the position is on the ballot this year following the election of former District Attorney John Hubbard to the position of County Court Judge. Ermeti has been an attorney for more that 30 years of experience as an attorney, he has served as Town of Sidney Attorney, Village of Bainbridge Attorney, and Otsego County Assistant Public Defender, and operated his own law office in Sidney from 1993 until 2019. Ermeti will face will be running in the June 27th Primary against Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith

Former Otsego County Sheriff Donald Mundy has passed away. Mundy served as the Sheriff from 1993 until 2006, he also founded the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy in 1995 which still trains Law Enforcement Officers throughout the region, he also served as a New York State Trooper from 1963 to 1985.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will be performing at the Forum in Binghamton on Friday, May 5th with shows at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 24th, at ticketmaster.com or at the Broome County Arena Box Office.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-17-23

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 23 year old Caitlyn Crandall of Sidney after a warrant was issued for her arrest by the Delaware County Family Court. Deputies arrested Crandall Wednesday afternoon, she was arraigned at the Village of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on no bail, and was directed to appear in Family Court when it was next in session.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 3-16-23

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 2 people following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident. On Monday night, Deputies responded to a 1 car motor vehicle accident with injuries on State Highway 206, near Davis Road in the Town of Walton. 1 vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, Deputies made contact with the driver, 41-year-old Christine Falsetta of Sidney, she was charged with Driving while ability impaired by drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator and Moving from a lane unsafely, Falsetta was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court at a later date. Falsetta was released to a third party identified as 49-year-old Shawn Smith of Sidney, a check of Smith’s driver’s license revealed his was suspended, Smith was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle as well as Failing to turn in his License to DMV and Unlicensed Operator, he was released on the uniformed traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 19 year old Savon Turrell of Binghamton, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Turrell admitted that on May 3, 2022, he illegally possessed a loaded 45 caliber pistol. Binghamton Police responded to a report of shots fired with the suspects leaving the scene in a light-colored Dodge Caliber. Police tracked the vehicle to a house on Oak Street. Turrell was located & was arrested, no one was injured in the shooting. Turrell will be sentenced to 3 ½ years in New York State prison followed by 3 years post release supervision on May 19th.

Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that he will run for District Attorney this November. Smith became acting DA when previous District Attorney John Hubbard ran for and won the race for Delaware County judge in November. Smith is seeking the Republican Party nomination, he already has the endorsement from the County Conservative Party.

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York announced that their annual RECRUIT NY event will be held shortly across the state. Volunteer fire departments will open their doors to residents Saturday, April 22nd and Sunday, April 23rd, as part of the 14th annual RecruitNY weekend, to try to increase the numbers of firefighters. Individuals looking to find out if their fire department is participating in RecruitNY, can visit recruitny.org/participation-area.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 3-16-23

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 29 year old Bret VanValkenburg of Bainbridge following a Burglary Investigation in the Town of Laurens. Vanvalkenburgh was charged with 2nd degree Burglary & 3rd degree Grand Larceny, VanValkenburgh allegedly entered an occupied residence on June 29th 2021 and stole a set of car keys, & stole the victim’s Chevrolet Trax, which was found abandoned in the Village of Sidney. An Otsego County Grand Jury indicted Vanvalkenburgh, who was being held in the Delaware County jail on an unrelated charge, he was arraigned in Otsego County Court this week & bail was set at $1,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond and he was returned to the Delaware County Correctional Facility.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 19 year old Jeffrey Bullis following a complaint in the Village of Unadilla. Bullis was charged with Harassment & Trespassing on February 27th. Bullis was arraigned and released & will appear in the Town of Unadilla Court on a later date.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Jason Delong, on an outstanding warrant. Delong is a white male, 5' 11", 175 pounds with hazel eyes & brown hair, Tips may be submitted electronically using the Broome County Sheriff’s Office website gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or by telephone at (607) 778-1196.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that a flu shot clinic will be held Friday November 18th at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. The Flu Clinic is free for those 10 years of age & older who have no or limited coverage insurance, per-registration is requested at 337-1660.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department and the Otsego County Conservation Association are teaming up once again to promote the Otsego County Schools Plastic Film Recycling Challenge. The challenge promotes recycling of film plastics and is open to all public and private k-12 school buildings located in Otsego County. The challenge kicks off on America Recycles Day, November 15, and runs through April 14, 2023.

Attorney General: Letitia James (D)

19th Congressional District: Marc Molinaro (R)

51st State Senate District Pete Oberacker (R)

State Assembly

District 101 Brian Maher (R)

District 121 Joe Angelino (R)

District 122 Brian Miller (R)

DELAWARE COUNTY

County Court Judge: John Hubbard (R)

Proposition 1: Clean Air/ Clean Water Act passed.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-9-22

State Police announced that the body of Frederick Mayock of Springfield Massachusetts was found in Canadarago Lake in Otsego County yesterday. Mayock was reported missing after he went kayaking October 22nd.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 41 year old Billie Jo Browning of Unadilla, after Deputies responded on October 28th, to a 2-car property damage motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies arrested Browning for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, she will appear in the Town of Meredith court at a later date.

The Chenango County Historical Society announced that they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Raymond Corporation, at their annual Membership dinner at 5:00 PM tonight at Raymond in Greene. The event combines the annual Society membership meeting with an exclusive viewing of The Raymond Corporation’s recently unveiled centennial exhibit.

P.M. NEWS Monday 11-7-22

Tomorrow is Election day, New Yorkers Statewide will be voting candidates to send to Washington, in the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Charles Schumer, he faces competition from Republican Joe Pinion & 3rd party candidate Diane Sare. Locally, voters in the 19th Congressional District will be choosing between a Republican Mark Molinaro of Duchess County, and Democrat Josh Riley of Tompkins county. Molinaro told WCDO News of his priorities:

(Marc Molinaro 11-7-22)

Riley told WCDO News about his position on some of the major issues:

(Josh Riley 11-7-22)

Polling places are open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

New York Voters are also going to be deciding on candidates to send to Albany tomorrow, for Governor, incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul faces Republican Lee Zeldin; for Attorney General incumbent Democrat Letitia James seeks re-election against Republican Michael Henry & for State Comptroller, incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli faces a challenge from Republican Paul Rodriguez.

In Delaware County, there is an election for County Judge between current District Attorney John Hubbard on the Republican line & for the Democrats, Andrew Van Buren. Hubbard told WCDO News that one of the changes he would like to enact, if elected, would be better communication between the County & Local Courts:

(John Hubbard 11-7-22)

Van Buren told WCDO News that people should be aware that the judge will have to follow the rule of law, whether they approve of the law or not:

(Andrew Van Buren 11-7-22)

The winner replaces Richard Northrup, who has decided to retire after many years of service on the bench & in the District Attorney's office.

Local Area Voters will be deciding on who they should send to Albany in the State Senate & State Assembly. In 51st State Senate District, Incumbent Peter Oberacker faces Democratic Challenger Eric Ball. In State Assembly District 121, incumbent Republican Joe Angelino is unopposed. The new 101st District covers Otego, Laurens, Morris, & Franklin locally, the candidates are Democrat Matthew Mackey & Republican Brian Maher, in the new 122nd District, covering Oneonta, Milford, Hartwick, Burlington, & New Lisbon locally, Democrat Dan Butterman, Republican Brian Miller & Working Families Party candidate Colton Mennig are running for the seat.

43 year old Ray Hyer of Unadilla was arrested in Ohio after he failed to appear in n Otsego County court earlier this year for sentencing on a criminal sexual act charge. Hyer was located in Sandusky, Ohio on October 21st, he was arrested and was extradited back to the Otsego County Jail, he faces additional charges on top of the original criminal sexual act conviction.

Broome County officials are investigating the death of an inmate in the Broome County Jail on Friday. 30 year-old Mitchell Lindow of Binghamton was being held on a murder charge when he was found deceased by Corrections officers conducting a head count, an autopsy was conducted Friday, no cause of death was determined.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-7-22

State Police announced that 9 people were arrested & drugs were seized after search warrants were executed at Budget Inn Motel on Route 23 Southside in the town of Oneonta Thursday & Friday. Items seized included methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, ecstasy, Suboxone strips & Packaging materials and scales, The investigation is on-going.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-25-22

With Election day 2 weeks away, WCDO News is talking with area candidates running for office, today we hear from John Hubbard & Andrew Van Buren, 2 men with lengthy experience in practicing law locally. Hubbard told WCDO News that he believes his experience in the District Attorney's office for 25 years would make him a good Judge:

(John Hubbard 10-25-22)

Andrew Van Buren told WCDO News that he decided to run when Mr. Hubbard was the only candidate early on, and he felt that his experience in a myriad of cases in his career would make him a good judge for Delaware County:

(Andrew Van Buren 10-25-22)

Hubbard is running on the Republican Party line, Van Buren is running as an independent but will be featured on the ballot on the Democratic party line, on November 8th.

The State Labor Department released their local unemployment rates for September. Locally, Chenango County reported 2.7%, Delaware County, 3.1%, Otsego County 2.8% & Broome County 3.3%. The State wide Unemployment rate was 4.3% in September.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced applications are now being accepted from small businesses that have successfully completed the pre-screening process to become certified for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. The refundable tax relief program targets COVID-19-related expenses such as disinfectants, HVAC equipment, Expenses related to increased outdoor activity and outdoor space expansions & Machinery and equipment to facilitate contactless sales. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023, more information is available at esd.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-25-22

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported harassment complaint in the Village of Walton. The caller was 45 year old Jason Culligan of Texas, it was discovered by Deputies that Culligan had an active arrest warrant out of Harris County Texas for Aggravated Assault. Deputies took Culligan into custody, he was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending future court action & extradition.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-22-21

The Broome County Health Department announced that they have reached 400 deaths from COVID-19 since March 2020. The department reported that the peak month was January of 2021 when 86 people died from the virus. Currently, there are 778 cases of COVID 19 in Broome County, with 73 hospitalized, The deadliest month was January 2021, where the county reports 86 deaths from the disease. Currently, there are 778 active cases of COVID-19 in Broome County. 73 people are hospitalized. More than 24,200 positive cases have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic.

Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard has announced the start of his campaign for Delaware County Judge in the 2022 election. The position will be on the 2022 ballot following the announcement of retirement by Judge Richard Northrup. Hubbard was elected District Attorney in November 2016 and was re-elected in 2020, he previously served as Chief Assistant District Attorney under Northrup for 10 years, after first joining the office in 2000 as an Assistant D.A.

The US Attorney's office announced that 35 year old Matthew Bormann of Sherburne pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, in federal court this week. Bormann admitted that on March 12th, during a visit at his home from his United States Probation Officer, he possessed at least 3500 images and video files of child pornography on a cellular telephone he was prohibited from possessing under the conditions of his supervised release, following a 2014 federal conviction for possession of child pornography. Bormann will be sentenced for this 2nd conviction & for violating the terms of his probation on March 2nd 2022.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds voters that Early Voting begins tomorrow at the Board of Elections Office in Delhi. Early voting will be held from Saturday through Sunday October 31st, those who vote early can NOT vote on Election Day. More information is available at Delaware County Board of Elections at 607 832-5321

Chenango County Public reported today that they have had 42 new COVID 19 cases since Friday’s report, and 2 more residents died from COVID complications.   The County now has 87 active cases, 405 are quarantined, and 5 are hospitalized.  Chenango County had had 724 total cases since March, with 13 deaths, 618 recoveries & over 47,500 tests conducted.

A traffic stop in the town of Norwich led the to the arrest of a man wanted for stealing a camper from Otsego County in October then abandoning it in Binghamton.   State Police arrested 46 year old Clint Payne of Beaver, Pennsylvania, for Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  On November 20th,  Payne came to the State Police Norwich barracks inquiring about another matter, when he drove off a trooper observed that Payne’s vehicle had multiple vehicle and traffic infractions, he was stopped & the trooper discovered that Payne was wanted for Grand Larceny in Otsego County & he was accused of possessing of methamphetamine.  Payne was processed in Oneonta, the Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing & Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

State Police arrested 26 year old John Flora of Windsor for allegedly burglarizing residences in the town of Windsor. An investigation by State Police BCI arrested Flora at his residence.  He was charged with multiple counts of 2nd degree Burglary & was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee has had 16 community members appointed, with Village residents, business owners, Religious leaders, Village Board members, Members of the Police Department, Delaware County Public Defender's office  and Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard.  The committee has reviewed how the Sidney Police Department operates and with public input determines what changes, if any, need to be made.  Sidney mayor Andy Matviak told WCDO News about how they will get public input:

(Andy Matviak 12-7-20)

After the public input in the months of December and January, they will draft a reform and reinvention plan that will be shared with the public, in February the committee will make any needed changes & submit the revised plan to the Village board for approval. In March the approved plan will be submitted to New York State.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Attorneys for the Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi campaigns filed new motions in State Supreme Court in Oswego regarding the ongoing ballot counts in the 22nd congressional district race.   55 recently-discovered Chenango County early voting ballots & about 2000 other disputed ballots will be ruled on by Justice Scott Delconte in State Supreme Court in Oswego this afternoon.

The Sidney Central School District has been notified that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. This person has not been on campus since Wednesday, December 2nd. The Delaware County Health Department is conducting the investigation and will notify anyone who they feel may have been exposed. The teachers and students impacted by the quarantine have been contacted, as they will transition to a remote learning environment.

The Walton Central School District will learn remotely today and Tuesday, after the Delaware County Health officials notified the district of a positive COVID-19 case involving a staff member, contact tracing will take place the next two days.

The Oxford Academy and Central School District is going remote today through Monday, December 14th, due to positive COVID-19 cases involving a staff member and a high school student.

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 13 new COVID 19 cases Sunday, bringing their total to 438 since spring.  There are 87 active cases, 5 are hospitalized & 246 are quarantined.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 14 COVID cases reported Saturday & 22 new cases Sunday.  Otsego County is up to 1418 total confirmed cases, 109 are active cases, 9 are hospitalized, and there have been 8 deaths since March.  Otsego County Department of Health is announcing a potential COVID 19 exposure at the American Legion 60 Main Street Cooperstown, from November 25th through November 30th, should monitor themselves for symptoms and get tested.

There is still confusion regarding different aspects of the
state’s new Bail Reform law, especially the "Discovery" Provision
that keeps police agencies from arresting suspected criminals if a lab report
is needed, Delaware County DA John Hubbard explains:

(John Hubbard 1-14-20)

Opponents to the Discovery portion of the bail reform bill
note that DA's offices & Law Enforcement agencies would need more personnel
to meet the 15 day requirement & some arrests might not even be made
initially, as it is often difficult to get certain lab tests performed in the
15 day time limit.

Dylan Robinson and Nicolas Meridy have been offered plea
bargains in Otsego County Court by Otsego County District Attorney's
office.   The pair was offered 22 years
in prison to life if they plead guilty for their roles in the fatal shooting of
Robinson's father Kenneth Robinson, in his Worcester home on October 10th.    Meridy & Robinson face additional court
action on March 9th.

The Otsego County Jail is expected to reopen in
mid-February.  The inmates were moved out
to other jails following a roof leak in November, where the prisoners were all
being kept, while renovations were underway in another part of the jail.

The next meeting of the General
Clinton Canoe Regatta committee will be held tonight in Bainbridge.  The meeting will be held at Galaxy Bowl in
Bainbridge.  The race Committee meeting
will begin at 6:30, the general meeting will begin at 7:30.

Oneonta Police Announced that 32 year old April Johnson has
died in an Albany Hospital.  Johnson was
hit by a car while trying to cross the Lettis Highway on December 30th.  No charges will be filed against the driver
of the vehicle, 41 year old David Shafer of Otego.

The Sidney Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic
stop Saturday on a vehicle for a traffic infraction. The vehicle failed to
comply and refused to stop. The officers followed the vehicle where it stopped
on County Route 4 in the Town of Sidney.
The 2 occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of
Methamphetamines, and they are accused of attempting to dispose of
evidence.   The investigation is ongoing
& Charges will be filed at a later date after evidence has been processed
by a State Police Crime Lab.

The Otsego County Chamber & Otsego Now will hold an
Access to Capital Workshop this afternoon in Oneonta.  The workshop will be held from 1:00 to 2:30
PM with the SBDC and SBA at Otsego Now/ Otsego County Chamber offices at 189
Main Street

Press
Conferences were held around the state today by sheriff’s District Attorney,
lawmakers & victim’s advocacy groups, against the state’s new bail reform
measures that go into effect January 1st, which were passed as part of the
state Budget.  Delaware County Sheriff
Craig Dumond called a press conference in Delhi today about that bail reform
bill, which will allow people arrested on a variety of non-violent & even
violent charges, to be released after arrest & arraignment on only an
appearance ticket.  Delaware County
District Attorney John Hubbard said that crime victim’s will have fewer rights
now than the criminals:

(John
Hubbard 11-21-19)

Sheriff
Dumond said that he was concerned that those who are arrested on drug charges
will not get the help they need to get clean, under this law:

(Sheriff
Dumond 11-21-19)

WCDO
News asked State Senator Fred Akshar if he thought that Governor Cuomo was
using this bill as a political negotiation ploy get something else passed:

(Fred
Akshar 11-21-19)

Jeff
Bishop, from State Senator Jim Seward’s office told WCDO News that Senator
Seward is proposing several bills to give discretion back to judges to make
bail decisions that are being removed with this new law.

The
Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship is co-hosting a free
workshop and resource expo for agriculture and food and beverage businesses to
meet and network with potential sources of funding for their operations. The
workshop will include panel presentations covering both traditional funding
sources and newer, alternative models. The event will be held at SUNY
Cobleskill’s Bouck Hall Ballroom on December 3rd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Registration or more information is available
at cadefarms.org/events-1

A State
Police patrol vehicle was stuck by a tractor trailer Tuesday night in Tioga
County.  The trooper had just issued a
traffic ticket to a vehicle on State Route 17 in the town of Nichols & was
inside his marked patrol vehicle when a tractor trailer struck him from behind,
shearing off most of the driver’s side of the patrol car.  The tractor trailer did not stop & Troopers
and officers from Owego Police Department and Tioga County Sheriff’s Deputies
located and stopped the vehicle in Owego.
35-year-old Darvi Moreland of Florida was charged with DWI and several
vehicle and traffic tickets, he was arraigned in the town of Owego court and
remanded to the Tioga County Jail.   The
trooper was transported to Lourdes Hospital, treated and released.

The
Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will feature Dr. Samantha
Cole, a local Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as their guest speaker this
evening.  Her research reveals what's
happening with mental health and substance abuse issues in Delaware County.  Assemblyman Cliff Crouch is also expected to
attend the meeting, at the Sidney Public Library Community Room starting at
6:00 PM.

The Chenango County Fair continues at the Fairgrounds in
Norwich, spokesperson Mary Weidman comments:

(Mary Weidman 8-8-19)

The Chenango County Fair runs through Sunday in Norwich.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 33 year old
Tyler Swart of Stamford on an Arrest Warrant for Grand Larceny, following an
investigation into a stolen purse in the Town of Stamford in January.   Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies also
charged Swart with Tampering with Physical Evidence and Petty Larceny, from a
report of a stolen TV in the Town of Stamford in September of 2018.  Swart was arraigned & was remanded to the
Delaware County Correctional Faculty without bail pending future court action.

Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard announced
that a woman, who illegally received over $137,000 in benefits, has returned
that money to the Department of Social Services.  49 year old Sheryl Arduini failed to report
her family's entire income & received SNAP, Heap & other benefits that
she was not entitled too.  Hubbard said
that investigations led to 39 disqualifications which led to the return of over
$507,000 in benefits being returned to the county in the last year and a half.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced today that the 4
libraries in the 122nd Assembly District have received funding through the
State Library and State Department of Education for various construction
projects and improvements. The funding derives from a $34 million capital fund
set aside for public library construction and broadband internet projects that
was secured in last year's State Budget.
The 4 libraries awarded funding includes Guernsey Memorial Library in
Norwich, Mary Wilcox Memorial Library in Whitney Point, Sidney Memorial Public
Library& the Ogden Free Library in Walton.

State Attorney General Letitia
James Announced that the City of Oneonta is 1 of 4 recipients of a $200,000 grant,
to deal with abandoned or "zombie properties"   Oneonta has about 100 zombie properties
currently.

Governor Cuomo signed Brianna's Law Tuesday, to combat the
more than 200 boating accidents a year statewide.  The bill is named for 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck
of Long Island, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005.  Brianna's Law will require all operators of
power boats more than 10 years old to take an 8-hour course on boater safety.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to New York to supplement state, and eligible tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding on August 13th to August 15th. Federal funding is available to state, and eligible tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in 7 area counties, including Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties.

The latest Sienna Poll has Governor Cuomo ahead of Republican challenger Marcus Molinaro by a 50 to 28% margin, with Working Families Party candidate Cynthia Nixon at 10% and 3 other candidates with a combined support of 4% & 8% were still undecided. The latest Siena College poll also has incumbent US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand ahead of Republican challenger Chele Farley by a 61 to 29% margin. In the race for Attorney General, Democrat Letitia James leads Republican Keith Wofford 50 to 36%.

The Sidney Central School District conducted a Lockdown Drill Yesterday; Sidney Superintendent Bill Christensen explains how the drills work:

(Bill Christensen 10-2-18)

The Lockdown drills are now performed several times a year in each district, following the uptick in school shootings over the last decade nationwide.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Department arrested 56 year old Raymond Champlin of Harpersfield, on 6 counts of Forcible Touching and 6 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Champlin is accused of forcibly touching a 14 year old female victim; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond pending a return to Town of Harpersfield Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32 year old Matthew Hubbard of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and other Vehicle and Traffic law violations. The arrest occurred during the course of an investigation into a disabled vehicle on State Highway 206 in the Village of Walton. Hubbard was released on traffic tickets, and is scheduled to appear at the Village of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The League of Women Voters announced that a debate scheduled for tonight in Oneonta has been postponed. Incumbent Democratic Assemblyman Bill Magee was due to debate Republican challenger John Salka tonight at the Oneonta High School, Magee told the league he had person matters to deal with.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 2 New York City men on felony marihuana possession charges following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Deputies stopped a speeding vehicle operated by 20-year-old Messiah Ortiz of New York City, a search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the seizure of 1 pound of marihuana and over $2500 cash. Deputies charged Ortiz and 26-year-old Michael Lewis of New York City, with Criminal Possession of Marihuana, they were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where they were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 secured bond pending future court action.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Maxx Waters of Afton for 3rd degree Assault & harassment. Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on Hilltop Drive in the Town of Afton, where Waters allegedly engaged in a physical dispute with 2 other victims, with one of the victims receiving a laceration to the head. Waters was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Court on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond. His next court date is on December 8, 2016.

A charity Auction will be held November 19th in Oneonta to benefit the Leatherstocking Council of the Boys Scouts of America. District Executive Peter Miller told WCDO News of some of the auction items up for bidding:

(Peter Miller 11-9-16)

Online bidding & a complete list of auction items can be found at Leatherstocking Council.org, the auction will take place on Saturday November 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Morris conference Center at SUNY Oneonta.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Amber Joy of Morris for 4th grand larceny; Joy is accused of stealing religious items from the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, on Main Street in the Village of Morris, valued at $240. Joy was arraigned in the Town of Morris Court where she was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date is pending.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive of Justice complaint from New Jersey. 30-year-old Scott Russell was taken into custody and was brought to the Town of Norwich Court. Russell was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. He is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

Chenango county sheriffs deputies arrested 56-year-old Peter Constantinou of New Berlin for 3rd degree Assault & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation by Chenango County Child Protective Services and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Constantinou faces action in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

The elections are over and here are the Winners for 2016: in The U.S. Senate seat for New York, Democrat Charles Schumer beats Republican Wendy Long by a better than 2 to 1 margin. In the House of Representatives: in the 19th Congressional District Race, Republican John Faso defeats Democrat Zephyr Teachout & in the 22nd Congressional district Race Republican Claudia Tenney wins over Democrat Kim Meyers & 3rd party Candidate Martin Babinec. In area State Senate races, Republican incumbents Fred Akshar, Jim Seward & John Bonacic were re-elected. In State Assembly Races, Incumbents Bill Magee Donna Lupardo & Gary Finch defeated their opponents, Cliff Crouch & Pete Lopez were re-elected, they ran unopposed. Broome county voters elected Democrat Jason Garner over incumbent Debbie Preston. John Hubbard wins for Delaware County District Attorney, he was unopposed, Peter McCann wins the election for Morris Town Judge, and Randall Mowers was elected to the Oneonta Town Board

The Otsego County Chamber of commerce announces that their Education Committee will host a discussion supporting Tourism on Wednesday, November 9, from 8:30 10:00 AM. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, more information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.