WCDO Radio News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has elevated a recall of Alfredo sauce distributed in 41 states to its most serious classification after they say a supplier flagged an ingredient for possible Salmonella contamination. The Coffee Connexion Company of Tennessee voluntarily recalled the product on May 6 because it contains a dry milk powder ingredient that was recalled by the supplier due to potential Salmonella contamination. On June 4, the FDA designated the recall as a Class I event, the agency's highest risk category. The product was distributed in multiple states, including New York, The FDA's enforcement report does not indicate whether any illnesses have been reported in connection with the product.

Commerce Chenango and the Chenango Foundation announced that registration is open for the 3rd annual Chenango Women’s Leadership Conference at DCMO BOCES Campus in Norwich on March 16th. To register visit commercechenango.com.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 1-22-26

State Police arrested 23 Year old Garcia Pfister-Gumaer of Windsor felony weapon charges following a traffic stop. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on State Route 79 in the village of Windsor after observing vehicle and traffic violations, a Trooper observed signs of impairment. Pfister-Gumaer failed Field Sobriety Tests. Troopers located illegal drugs & numerous weapons with ammunition, he was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Disguised Gun, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Ability Impaired (Drugs) and Resisting Arrest, Pfister-Gumaer was held at the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45 year old Timothy Heady of Smyrna following a narcotics investigation. The Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Tuesday in the Town of Smyrna, they seized 1 pound of methamphetamine packaged for distribution & cash from suspected drug sales. Heady was taken into custody at the scene & was charged with multiple Counts of 2nd & 3rd Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, plus Tampering with Physical Evidence, He was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

The ‘Pink Patch Project’ at Broome County Sheriff’s Office presented a $3,864 donation to Traci’s Hope and the Tina Fund toward helping local families fighting cancer. The Pink Patch Project is a national campaign bringing law enforcement and the community together to raise breast cancer awareness and funding to help local families fighting cancer. In the first 3 years of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Pink Patch Project, they raised over $11,200 for local families battling cancer through contributions and sales of patches, badges, hats and other custom merchandise.

Congressman Josh Riley's team will be in Walton today to assists with constituents needs regarding Medicare, Social Security, veterans' benefits or any other issue involving a federal agency. The staff will be available from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the Ogden Free Library at 42 Gardiner Place, for those who can't attend, call (607) 242-0200 or visit riley.house.gov.

State Police & local Law Enforcement agencies responded today to a host of accidents related to the slippery roads in all of the local counties. Police agencies are reminding motorists to drive slowly now that wintry conditions have returned to the region.

The annual Shop With a Cop event is on December 14th this year in Otsego County, where members from the Sheriff's Office, Oneonta Police Department, Cooperstown Police Department, and NYS University Police at Oneonta will be Christmas Shopping with area students. Area schools will be selecting a student representative to participate, Kids will be given a gift card and paired with a member of local law enforcement to shop for Christmas presents for themselves and/or their family. for those wishing to donate, contact your local law enforcement agency or send a check to the Otsego County Deputy Sheriff's PBA, 172 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

The Village of Sidney announced that the Village Clerks office is closed Today in observance of Veterans Day. The office will reopen Wednesday. Also, Due to unforeseen circumstances Village brush pickup has been extended 1 more week, until this Friday.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-11-25

The Otsego County Sheriff’s announces the arrest of 31 year old Marcus Borggreen & 26 year old Destiny Grant both of Mt. Upton, following a trespass complaint in the Town of Westford. Deputies were dispatched to a residence for a report of 2 subjects, they were located inside the basement of the residence, and were detained and were in possession of MDMA, narcotic drugs, and several weapons. the pair are facing numerous drug & weapons charges & were transported to the Sheriff’s Office and were turned over to the Jail to be held for Arraignment.

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10 am. to 2 pm. local time. The event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way for the public to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Check to see if your local law enforcement agency is participating at DEATakeBack.com

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-25

State Police BCI, the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested 3 men following separate investigations targeting individuals using social media to entice minors to engage in sexual acts. State Police arrested 70 year old Ronald Wenzinger of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Attempted Rape Wenzinger was a Reverend at the United Methodist Church in Harpursville, he was turned over to the Broome County Jail for arraignment. State Police arrested 39 year old John Tedmark of Binghamton and 38 year old Juan Bolanoszul of Endicott, each for 2nd degree Attempted Rape, they were turned over to the Broome County Jail for arraignment. Anyone with information about crimes against children is encouraged to contact the State Police or their local law enforcement agency.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at 117 Walnut St in Binghamton Tuesday, they seized cocaine, heroin, A digital scale, A loaded handgun which was stolen in Georgia, they arrested Joel Ramos, Luis Masso-Deleon and Tyeheem Crawley, all of Binghamton on drug & weapons charges, they were being processed by the Binghamton Police Department.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-25

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of the fall foliage travel season throughout New York State & the ‘I LOVE NY’ Fall Foliage Reports will be available online Every Wednesday Beginning September 10. For more than 40 years, I LOVE NY has issued weekly fall foliage reports and, this year, Reports are available online at iloveny.com/foliage or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS.

31 year old Dustin Cole of Rotterdam pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Sell, and was sentenced to 4 years in state prison and 2 years of post-release supervision. On February 28, 2025, Cole was stopped by a State Trooper in Stamford, Cole failed Field Sobriety Tests. Police found Cocaine, a digital scale and several empty glassine envelopes, plus $2,141.00 in cash, Cole was sentenced to four years of incarceration and two years of post-release supervision, he was also ordered to forfeit the $2,141.00 to the District Attorney’s office. This money will now be used to fund additional drug investigations.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies clinched the first half Northeast Division title and a playoff berth, 2025 Eastern League playoff tickets and packages went on sale today, Each playoff package reserves seats for all 3 potential home playoff games. Tickets will be available online at bingrp.com, or by visiting the Visions Federal Credit Union Starting Gate Box Office. Group outings of 20 or more may be booked by calling the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Front Office at (607).722.3866.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-16-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Arrested 31 year old Abdi Ali of Norwich for Failure to Notify Law Enforcement of Address Change. The Chenango County Sheriff's Office received information that Ali, who is a level two sex offender and was last registered to an address in the City of Syracuse, moved to the Town of Norwich and failed to notify Law Enforcement of his address change within ten days. Ali was taken into custody without incident and was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail, The Sheriff's Office was then notified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that Ali is a person of interest with their agency, he was turned over to U.S. Immigration.

Delaware County Sheriff and current President of the NYS Sheriff’s Association, Craig DuMond, announced the roll out of the Sheriff’s Associations “Blue Envelope” Program, Sheriff DuMond told WCDO News how it works:

(Sheriff DuMond 1-17-25)

Sheriff DuMond said that any driver on the Autism Spectrum can ask for a blue envelop in person or by phone to a law enforcement agency or request to have one mailed to their home address, that they can fill out & have in their vehicles in case they are pulled over.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 37 year old Matthew Walsh of Sidney For 3rd degree Grand Larceny. Walsh was arrested last August on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to an identity theft investigation, earlier this week he was additionally charged with Grand Larceny, Walsh was located with the help is the Sidney Police Department, Walsh was turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility Centralized Arraignment where he was released on his own recognizance and directed to appear at the Village of Sidney court at a later date to answer for the charge.

A.M. NEWS Friday 1-17-25

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33 year old Gary Garbera of Oneonta following an investigation into a property damage motor vehicle accident on East Street in Oneonta. Garbera fled the vehicle and after a search of the immediate area, he was located and taken into custody without further incident. Garbera was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Felony DWI, Operating Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Numerous NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations, he was processed and released on an Appearance Ticket returnable to Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

Chenango County Residents are reminded that they have only a limited time to make any changes to their Medicare plan for next year. Nicole Ross of the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging explains:

(Nicole Ross 10-20-21)

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends December 7th, more information is available by calling 337-1770.

The Delaware County Substance Use Task Force announces the launch of DELcovery, a multi-platform hub of information for individuals and families interested in recovery from substance use disorders. The project is a collaborative effort of Delaware County Public Health & The Delaware County Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council, an introductory video produced by VECC Videography debuted this week, featuring Jen Cutting, who told WCDO News about the project:

(Jen Cutting 10-20-21)

More information is available at their Website: delcovery.org, they also have information on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok, or by calling Delaware County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council at (607) 746-8300.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-20-21

State Police issued 17,797 tickets and arrested 207 people for impaired driving during the special traffic enforcement detail over Columbus Day weekend. The initiative began on Thursday, October 7th and continued through Tuesday, October 12th. Statewide, law enforcement issued a total of 38,255 tickets, including 828 for impaired driving and 10,593 for speeding.

Delaware County Sheriff’s
Department arrested a Sidney Center woman at the Jackson County Sheriff’s
Office in Medford, Oregon.  32 year old
Chellie Warner of Sidney Center was wanted on a Bench Warrant issued by the Delaware
County Court for failure to appear for a scheduled conference and sentencing
following her guilty plea for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.  Warner was originally arrested by Delaware
County Sheriff’s Office in December 2017, on a Grand Jury Sealed Indictment
Warrant for various drug charges for selling Fentanyl laced Heroin.  Warner was returned to Delaware County
Wednesday she was remanded to the Delaware County jail without bail.

Changes in the length of the statute of limitations recently
passed in the New York Child Victim’s Act, have led to hundreds of lawsuits
being filed against members of the clergy & educators who have been accused
or convicted of rape or sexual abuse.
Former Afton Principal David Curtis now faces a lawsuit after he pleaded
guilty for sexually abusing a teenage student over 30 years ago; his accuser
has brought a lawsuit against him and the Afton school district.    Curtis pleaded guilty to Endangering the
Welfare of a child by Sexual Contact, under the terms of a plea bargain
arrangement in 1991.

The West Kortright Centre will
hold its third annual Barn Tour fundraiser this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM,
Tickets for this event are $20 in advance or $23 at the first barn, proceeds benefit
The West Kortright Centre’s arts and community programs, tickets & other
information is available at 278-5454 or at westkc.org.

34 year old Brock Likens of Greene was sentenced in a
federal court room to 78 months in prison for distributing, receiving and
possessing child pornography.  Likens
admitted that he knowingly received and distributed child pornography over the
internet using peer-to-peer file sharing software. An undercover law
enforcement officer downloaded 87 child pornography video files from Likens’
computer that he shared with others.  A
subsequent search of Likens’ house revealed that he possessed on various
devices, 31 video files and 24 images of child pornography.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that on Thursday September 19th, local law enforcement agencies joined forces in the Village of Sidney area to conduct a multi-agency traffic enforcement detail, which resulted in 43 traffic summonses.  Also, 36 year-old Mitchell Knapp of Masonville was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Violation of Probation.  Knapp was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he was held without bail pending further court action.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State
Police will target speeding and aggressive drivers during a special
weeklong traffic enforcement initiative. This year's "Speed Week"
enforcement crackdown started yesterday and runs through next Wednesday.
Troopers will also actively patrol highway work zones and will target drivers
who violate the "Move Over" Law.

State Senator Jim Seward announced Senate approval
of legislation to help increase safety for limousine passengers, following the
crash of a limo that killed 20 people in Seward's district in Schoharie last
October:

(Seward 6-7-19)

The package of 9 bills approved by the Senate would
increase insurance requirements for limousines, ensure drivers undergo drug and
alcohol testing & create a state hotline allowing the public to report
safety concerns.

The Director of the Delaware County Office for the
Aging, Wayne Shepard announced that he will retire on August 21st after serving
8 years with the agency. A new director is expected to be appointed shortly.

The City of Norwich Police Department will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Police will be accepting unwanted or expired prescription medications at the rear of the Police Department headquarters at 18 East Main Street, syringes or non-prescription medications will not be accepted.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments last Thursday relating to 4 separate narcotics trafficking investigations conducted by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Unit. Sheriff's Office Investigators and Deputies arrested 30-year-old Gregory Shamus of Delhi, 28-year-old Cody Warner of Trout Creek, 31-year-old Patrick Ford of Delancey, & 38-year-old Jennifer Fogliano of Masonville on Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrants on a variety drug charges. All of the defendants were arraigned today in Delaware County Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending further court action.

Governor Cuomo Announced a multi-agency enforcement initiative to target potentially illegal interstate charter and tour bus companies operating in the State to remove unsafe vehicles and drivers from the roads during the holiday season. The State DOT, DMV & State Police will increase the frequency of random roadside inspections of interstate charter and tour buses, their efforts have already resulted in 112 unsafe buses and 96 unqualified drivers being taken off the road after 1,115 roadside bus inspections performed since mid-September.

State Police Superintendent George Beach has promoted Captain William McEvoy to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C in Sidney. Major McEvoy started his career in 1984 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C; in 1989 McEvoy was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City. In 1991, he returned to Troop C, where he spent the majority of his years with the State Police, his most recent assignment was BCI Captain.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the "Opioid Crisis Enters the Workplace" presentation today in Oneonta. The event will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center starting at 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM. Local experts in the field of Drug Addiction, as well as Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig & State Senator Jim Seward will speak at this event.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the appointment of Pete Lopez to become Regional Administrator for Region 2. Lopez will oversee environmental protection efforts in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lopez has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2007.

Sidney Village Police arrested 22-year-old Christopher Schoonmaker of Sidney, following an investigation into illegal drug sales in Sidney. Schoonmaker was charged with criminal sale of marijuana, he was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $4,000 cash bail pending future court action.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling in the Drug Enforcement Agency to commit to providing New York State with 1 of 4 special heroin enforcement groups being delivered to states suffering from heroin abuse. Schumer said the recent numbers of heroin busts, overdoses and heavy local drug enforcement costs demand more federal resources as soon as possible. New York's heroin overdose death rate increased by 30 percent in 2015.

New York Correctional system workers who have died in the line of duty are being honored. 43 state prison system employees have died on the job since 1861, are being remembered today at a ceremony in Albany, also 5 employees are being honored for outstanding service at the Albany Training academy. Also, the agency's Canine Unit is being recognized today, for detecting contraband being smuggled into prisons.

State Senator Jim Seward announced senate passage of a package of bills to try to decrease heroin deaths and put drug dealers behind bars for selling opioids and synthetic drugs:

(SEWARD 6-14-17)

The package of bills would build upon existing laws by focusing on enforcement to hold drug dealers more accountable, improve regulation of synthetic opioids, and improve the state's treatment programs to help assist individuals with recovery, among other measures. The bills were sent to the Assembly for consideration.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency and ACCO Brands Corporation announced a project that will result in the creation of 25 new, full-time jobs at ACCO Brands’ Sidney facility. County Economic Development Director Glen Nealis explains:

(Glen Nealis 2-19-16)

The project will result in the creation of 10 jobs within a newly created call center facility at ACCO Brands’ administrative building, as well as 15 new production-related jobs generated through manufacturing and distribution operations. The IDA responded with a $20,000 loan to offset the investment of over $60,000 by ACCO Brands, with the potential for loan forgiveness contingent upon ACCO Brands meeting certain job creation benchmarks.

After a month long investigation, members of the State Police, Vestal Police Department and the United State Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant on 23 year old Kevin Hill of Binghamton, Police seized cocaine, marihuana, packaging material, a digital scale, weapons and $4,840.00 cash. State Police charged Hill with 2 counts of Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon & 1 count each for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Hill was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell has revealed a plan called “Operation S.A.F.E.” that would encourage those struggling with drug addictio into get help, without fear of arrest. Those suffering would be able to go to any local police agency seeking help; the law enforcement agencies would then redirect them to 1 of over 50 drug treatment facilities.

State Police arrested 22-year-old Joel Ramos for unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle & other traffic violations and 19-year-old Joenrique Torres, both from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for tampering with physical evidence. The arrests occurred after a pursuit that started when a Chevy HHR failed to stop for speeding and continued southbound on State Route 12 in the Village of Oxford, with Ramos driving at speeds up to 105 miles per hour. Torres is accused of throwing drug paraphernalia out of the car. The pursuit ended after Broome County Sheriff Deputies deployed stop sticks at the Broome and Chenango county line on State Route 12. Ramos and Torres were arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and were remanded to the Chenango County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond pending court action in the Town of Oxford today. The investigation is continuing & additional charges are pending.

The Sidney Rotary Club will be hosting a heroin-substance abuse awareness night Wednesday night at the Sidney high school. Sidney Rotarian Lorraine Keckeisen is one of the events organizers:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-8-16)

Registration is requested at 561-7712 or chaynes@sidneycsd.org. In addition to the raffles & door prizes, those in attendance can hear about the increasing problem of heroin & Opioid addiction in the region from substance abuse experts, Law enforcement officials & one woman has battled substance abuse.

Governor Cuomo today announced a series of comprehensive regulations to prevent the practice of so-called lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender "conversion therapy,” Governor Cuomo commented at an event in new York City over the weekend:

(Cuomo 2-8-16)

Multi-agency regulations announced today, ban public and private health care insurers from covering the practice in New York State, and also prohibit various mental health facilities across the state from conducting the practice on minors.

The Assembly Republican Conference released a report on heroin abuse, called the Heroin Elimination & Prevention Plan, following 7 forums across the state. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 1-26-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez Comments:

(Lopez 1-26-15)

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin deaths have quadrupled in the decade between 2002 and 2013, and according to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, New York accounts for about 20% of federal drug seizures every year.

State Police continue to search for the two prisoners who escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, 34-year old David Sweat and 48-year old Richard Matt were reported missing from the facility early Saturday. Approximately 300 leads have been developed since the escape was reported; State Police continue to investigate leads and tips that have been generated by this investigation. Contact 911, your local law enforcement agency, or the New York State Police to report any information related to this investigation at 1-800-GIVETIP or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State has kept 7,521 dangerous drivers off the road since implementing tougher DWI regulations nearly three years ago. In September 2012, Since the implementation of the tougher regulations, the DMV has reviewed 8,450 applications for re-licensing from individuals with three or more alcohol or drug-related driving offenses on their record, . They denied 7,521 individuals from receiving a license either permanently or for an additional five years; they also denied an additional 3,579 drivers due to three or four alcohol or drug-related convictions but no serious driving offense in the last 25 years.

Governor Cuomo announced that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has commended the State's program that trains law enforcement officers to administer naloxone, to reverse heroin and opioid overdoses. 1,400 police officers from 54 counties have attended the State's training, and emergency responders have used the naloxone to save the lives of 38 New Yorkers who had overdosed. Governor Cuomo also announced a new public awareness and education campaign featuring a website, combatheroin.ny.gov.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has awarded $197 million to New York State, to help finance improvements to water projects to protect public health and the environment. The money will be used to upgrade sewage plants and drinking water systems throughout the state. This funding, which is awarded annually, is in addition to the $340 million NY recently received for Hurricane Sandy resiliency projects

New York City will buy homes and businesses in flood zones in the watershed areas. The one-two punch of tropical storms Irene and Lee in 2011 has prompted an additional $70 million of spending by the city to combat flood hazards. City officials said the programs would protect the water while helping the towns that participate. The city agency will earmark at least $15 million, through 2017, to buy vulnerable homes and businesses, including those not eligible under the FEMA flood buyout program. The city also will provide $17 million to the Catskill Watershed Corporation, which implements protection programs, for flood hazard mitigation in those communities.

The U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment introduced by area Congressman Chris Gibson that increases funding to combat the heroin epidemic plaguing Upstate New York communities. The amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill increases the account for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force by $4 million. The Task Force supports multi-jurisdictional investigations to target drug traffickers.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and more than 4,200 national, tribal, and community law enforcement partners will hold another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day tomorrow.  Americans can take their pills to one of over 5,600 collection sites across the country between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the service is free and anonymous. The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov (http://link.rushprnews.com/c/443/af408235670c694d0adc387d0c51374638b951c789df93ab4aee75a3d160f28c), clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they enter their zip code, or they can call 800-882-9539 (tel:800-882-9539).

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a “no knock” search warrant at a residence in the Village of Sherburne and a vehicle parked at the Big M in Sherburne.  The Narcotics Division arrested 31-year-old Dustin Norris of Sherburne, who was found to be in possession of a substantial amount of heroin & cash. The recovered heroin was found in close to proximity to two young children in the vehicle. Several needles, packaging material, and paraphernalia were also located at his residence.  Norris was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail.  The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are pending.

State officials say New York hunters killed 1,358 black bears during the 2013 hunting season, the second-highest number on record.  Figures released by the DEC show hunters killed a record 636 bears from the Southeastern hunting area and a near record 342 from the Central-Western area. The agency said the high numbers reflect a growing bear population. The DEC released a draft bear management plan for public comment in January. It proposed several changes, including expanding the area open to bear hunting to encompass all of upstate New York.  Go to dec.ny.gov

State environmental regulators remind New Yorkers that residential brush burning is prohibited in towns, with less than 20,000 residents until May 14th, because of increased risk of fires during spring months. The DEC said wildfires can start and spread due to open burning of debris and dried out foliage. The open burning of debris is the largest cause of wildfire in the state. People who violate the regulation are subject to both criminal and civil law enforcement, with a minimum fine of $500 for the first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC

The Otsego County Sheriff's Dept. arrested 47-year-old Rich Compitello of Worcester after officials seized $35,000 in drugs from his residence.  Compitello was charged with criminal possession of marijuana,  criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon and unlawfully growing of cannabis by an unlicensed person. Deputies & agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency seized 6 pounds of marijuana, 10 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, a digital electronic scale, a blackjack, a dagger, $1,688 in cash and several loaded high-powered rifles and shotguns. An additional 17 marijuana plants and more than a pound of loose marijuana, as well as a loaded .22-caliber rifle, were seized from a separate building. Compitello was sent to the county jail on $2,500 bail to re-appear February 20th.

US Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the Drug Enforcement Agency to amend and approve regulations that would allow pharmacies to host community take-back drug programs. Schumer says a bill pending in New York would certify participating pharmacies and community groups to take back prescription medication. But before it can become reality, the DEA will need to amend regulations under the 2010 Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act.