WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-27-24

State Police were called yesterday afternoon to Old Barton Road in the town of Barton for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. A preliminary investigation determined that 77 year old Gloria Phillips of Barton was driving when 4 year old Joanna VanOstrand rode a tricycle into the roadway, it was determined that Phillips was unable to avoid VanOstrand and struck her. VanOstrand died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

41 year old Patrick Ladd of Walton, was convicted in Delaware County Court for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, with intent to sell, Ladd appeared Monday for a conference on his pending indictment, he then pleaded guilty to the charge, he admitted that he possessed 2 grams of methamphetamine and 13 bags of heroin in Walton on December 17, 2023, he also admitted that he planned to sell those drugs. Judge Hubbard ordered Ladd to serve 4 years in state prison and 2 years of post-release supervision. The defendant was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to begin serving his sentence.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Lori Devine & 45 year old Aaron Morgan of Sherburne for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, after an investigation into drug activity. Detectives accuse Devine and Morgan of selling Methamphetamine from their apartment in the Village of Sherburne. A search warrant was obtained & Methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging material, US currency, and other items were located & seized, Devine and Morgan were processed and were released on appearance tickets, they are due to appear in the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies responded in December to an address in the Town of Franklin to assist the Delaware County Probation Office with a search of a residence. Deputies secured a quantity of drugs & paraphernalia from 43 year old Ryan Vandeusen of Franklin. Vandeusen was on Probation at the time of the possession, Vandeusen was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia, he was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that beginning on Monday, April 1, New York State veterans and Gold Star Families will have free access to New York State parks, campgrounds, day use areas, historic sites, and recreation areas through the expansion of the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program. More information is available at parks.ny.gov.

.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-27-24

A presentation for the public will be held at the Sidney Library Smart Community Room, regarding the Flood Gauge project that was installed by & monitored by students at the Sidney Central School, after the 2006 flooding. Science Teacher Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 3-27-24)

Townsend said that they are also looking for additional sources of funding, as many of the other revenues streams & grants are no longer available. The presentation on the 27th will begin at 6:00 PM.

Scammers impersonating local banks and other financial institutions are contacting Broome County residents in an effort to obtain account numbers, PIN numbers and other personal information. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has received several new reports from residents who received phone calls, where the victims are asked to verify their account numbers and PIN, then the scammers transfer funds out of the victim’s account. Residents are reminded to never give out personal financial information over the phone, those who receive scam calls are urged to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at 607-778-1911.

More Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled today, 1 from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus, another in Oneonta from 1 pm. - 6 pm. at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

On Sunday night, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one car motor vehicle accident with entrapment on State Highway 357, in the town of Sidney. Deputies arrived on scene and observed that the vehicle left the roadway, struck an embankment, causing the vehicle to rollover, then coming to rest off of the roadway. Deputies made contact with the driver, 65-year-old Lawrence Peloso of Mount Upton. Deputies charged Peloso with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than 0.08%, Moving from lane unsafely, and Speed not Reasonable and Prudent, Peloso was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-20-23

ACCO Brands announced to their employees last week that they will be closing their Sidney manufacturing and distribution plant late next year. Kori Reed the Director of Communication at ACCO Brands in Ohio told WCDO News that there is no firm timeline for the closure, the process will take most of next year to fully execute.

State Police will continue to participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative through New Year's day. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” . State Police will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest 52 year old Donald Lane of Portlandville following an investigation in to a sex offender who failed to register a change of address with the New York State Sex Offender registry. Lane is accused of relocating from a residence in the Town of Oneonta to a new location in the Town of Milford without notifiying authorities, Lane was located in the City of Oneonta Tuesday & was taken in to custody, he was processed & was being held in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await an appearance in Otsego County Centralized Arraignment.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were on patrol in the Village of Walton Sunday and stopped a vehicle for multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. Deputies seized a quantity of narcotics and methamphetamine from the occupants and vehicle, Deputies arrested 40 year old Patrick Ladd of Walton for 5 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, & 43 year old Leslie McClenon of Walton was charged with several traffic violations & criminal possession of a controlled substance for possessing Methamphetamine with intent to sell, a 3rd occupant of the vehicle was released at the scene without charges at this time. McClenon was subsequently released on appearance tickets and directed to appear at the Village of Walton court at a later date. Ladd was held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility for centralized arraignment.

Fresh Express has issued a voluntary recall of a Fresh Express Spinach, 8 oz. size, with product code G332 and use-by date of December 15 and Publix Spinach, 9 oz size, with product code G332 and a now expired use-by date of December 14 due to a potential health risk from Listeria. Fresh Express is sold in a large number of grocery stores across the region, so far no illnesses have been reported and no other Fresh Express products are being recalled. Consumers who still have these products in their refrigerators are advised to discard them immediately.

The City of Norwich Police Department announced that their phone lines and internet are down at the Police station today Wednesday, and possibly tomorrow. They hope to have the services restored as soon as possible.

The storm which hit the region Sunday & Monday has claimed the lives of 4 New Yorkers so far. State Police said that an elderly woman in Catskill had her vehicle submerged in flood waters Monday, & she could not be reached by first responders due to the raging flood waters.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-20-23

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 5.1% in November compared to the same month in 2022, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.81 billion, up $88.6 million compared to the same time last year. County and city collections outside of New York City totaled $887 million, an increase of 4.4%, 55 out of 57 counties experienced year-over-year increases.

Congressman Marc Molinaro's constituent service team will hold mobile office hours from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm today at the Oneonta Town Hall. This comes after a home exploded in Oneonta December 9th, killing 1 person, injuring others, and damaging neighboring homes. Constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Congressman Molinaro's office to get assistance with issues they are facing.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $25 million in capital grants will be made available to help volunteer fire departments upgrade their facilities and equipment. The grants will be administered by the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, fire companies have until April 30 2024 to respond to the request for applications at dhses.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 8-3-21

State Attorney General Letitia James announced the results of a report from independent counsel Ann Clark & Joon Kim, regarding allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo:

(Letitia James 8-3-21)

Governor Cuomo issued a response Tuesday afternoon denying the charges in the report:

(Cuomo 1)

Cuomo said that his physical presence is a misunderstood cultural tradition in his family:

(Cuomo 2)

Governor Cuomo said that he is not stepping down; Attorney General James said that next steps are up to Governor Cuomo, the State Assembly, and the general public, but her office's investigation is considered to be over.  State Leaders from both parties are calling for the Governor Cuomo's resignation.

The Otsego County Health Department announced 2 COVID 19 Vaccination opportunities this week at the Otsego County Fair.  The shots will be available at the Walk up EMT tent today & Friday from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM. More information is available by calling the Otsego County Department of Health at 547-4230

The Catskill Symphony Orchestra announced its 2021-2022 Season is on, after a nearly 2-year hiatus. The Orchestra is partnering with Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center on Market Street in Oneonta to present 2 fall concerts & 2 spring concerts, including the popular annual Cabaret fundraiser.  For more information about the shows & tickets, visit catskillsymphony.org.

WCDO News has learned that a motocross rider at Unadilla Valley Motocross in New Berlin died as a result of his injuries sustained in an accident at the track Sunday.  Ed Ladd of Hudson Falls New York passed away from severe injuries at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, Ladd was an organ donor & there will be a "Hero Walk" in his honor At Wilson Hospital at 7:00 PM, those wishing to participate should be at the hospital at 6:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-3-21

The Otsego County Fair begins today at the fairgrounds in Morris, spokesperson Lisa Jones told WCDO News about changes with their new box office:

(Lisa Jones 8-2-21)

Today is Dollar Day, with Admission Only $1.00.  The fair runs through Sunday, more information is available at Otsegocountyfair.org.

About 175 people turned up to the Sidney High School last night for the Sidney Rotary Club Heroin & Substance Abuse Awareness Night. Sidney Police Chief mike Hood was one of the Panelists:

(Chief Mike Hood 2-11-16)

Chief Hood said that Sidney Police & other Law Enforcement agencies are being aggressive at trying to catch those trafficking heroin & opioids into the region, and also to try to get help for those who have become addicted to those drugs.

Governor Cuomo today announced a proposal, to be introduced this legislative session, which allows teens with HIV to receive treatment without requiring parental consent. Under state law, minors generally cannot consent to medical care. The Governor’s proposal adds HIV to the list of exceptions in order to increase treatment for minors that may be affected with HIV – preventing infection and ultimately saving lives. In 2013, there were 141 newly diagnosed HIV cases in New York State among 13 to 19 year olds, and 951 people in this age group living with the virus.

State Police are currently looking for 54-year-old Carolyn Weeks of Newfield in Tompkins County. Weeks was last seen leaving her workplace at the Titus Towers in Ithaca, Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 PM, she is described as a white female who is 5ft 7in tall, medium build, with long curly brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a tan winter medium length jacket, black scarf with a cream colored paisley pattern, as well as blue nursing pants and dark colored clogs. She drives a blue 2014 Kia Optima that has a New York registration of BXS1184. Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 347-4441.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction will be in the Otsego County, Tuesday, February 23rd, at SUNY College in the Hunt Union Ballroom. Seward is a member of the task Force; they will be getting input regarding the heroin epidemic. The forum will be held from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM.

State Liquor authority Officials Have Closed Down another Oneonta entailment & have denied their request for a liquor License. Therapy bar & grill is accused of serving alcohol to under aged patrons at their 99 Main Street location, therapy was operating under a temporary liquor license while waiting for permanent state approval. Therapy joins Choice Ultra & Legends Filling Station as Oneonta bars closed down for serving alcohol to minor last month.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker today declared influenza is prevalent across New York State. Health care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza must now wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present. So far this season in New York, 817 flu-related hospitalizations have been reported, and no reports of pediatric deaths from flu. Flu season occurs primarily from October through May, often peaking in February. It is not too late to get vaccinated and there are ample amounts of the vaccine available. This year’s strain covers the most common circulating strains for the flu.

Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies arrested of 4 Walton men on felony drug possession charges following a vehicle stop in Walton Tuesday afternoon. Deputies stopped a vehicle for traffic violations; they discovered and seized 82 bags of heroin, over $14,000 in cash, prescription narcotics, marihuana, a hypodermic instrument, drug paraphernalia & 4 State Public Benefit Cards. Charged were Nathan Williams, Adam Green, Patrick Ladd, and Eric Black, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Green was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Williams was additionally charged with Speeding, operating a Motor Vehicle with an Obstructed View and other violations. All 4 were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $150,000 cash bail pending future court action.

Oneonta Police have arrested another person in connection with an incident in Oneonta last month. Oneonta Police arrested 17 year old Future Clovis of Oneonta for 1st degree Robbery, 1st degree Burglary, Criminal use of a Firearm, 2nd degree Assault & Menacing, The investigation is still ongoing.

State Senator Fred Akshar has been appointed to the legislative task force to develop solutions to combat the growing heroin crisis. Members will solicit input from experts and other stakeholders about addiction prevention and treatment options, they will then develop recommendations used to draft legislation to address the issues raised.

New York state passed “Social Host” laws a few years ago, that made it illegal for parents to host parties where underage alcoholic drinking in their homes.  Dave Ramsey of the Delaware county alcohol & drug abuse council explains the law, as part of the recognition of April as “Alcohol Awareness Month”:

(Dave Ramsey 4-2-13)

Ramsey said that brain research in recent years shows that the brain does not reach its peak until around age 25, and the entering of alcohol to the brain prior to the age leads to cognitive difficulties and the stunting of an individual reaching their full potential.  More information is available by calling the council at 746-8300.

State Troopers arrested 45-year-old Edward Ladd of Binghamton for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .16%, twice the legal limit. The arrest followed a traffic stop on Interstate 88 for Failure to Move Over for an Emergency Vehicle; Ladd was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Fenton Court on April 18th.

State Troopers arrested 51-year-old Eve Pierson of Cooperstown for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. The arrest resulted from a 911 complaint of an erratic operator on State Route 28 in Milford; Pierson was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Milford Court on April 16th.

NYSEG reminds contractors and customers to call Dig Safely New York at 811 to have underground facilities marked before beginning any excavation work. Every year, there are dozens of incidents of third-party damage of NYSEG’s underground natural gas and electric facilities. These incidents can put people’s lives in danger, are costly and can interrupt essential utility service.  More information is available at 1-800-962-7962 or at www.digsafelynewyork.com (http://www.digsafelynewyork.com/).

Delaware County Deputies arrested 24-year-old Kyle Alverson of Delhi for 3rd degree Criminal Mischief, following an incident on Glen Burnie Rd in the town of Delhi, Alverson released on an appearance for April 9th, in the Town of Delhi Court.

Binghamton police arrested 31-year-old Bryan Coole of Binghamton following traffic stop.  Police confiscated 20 bags of heroin from Coole’s car during the traffic stop, he was charged with 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and is scheduled to be arraigned the City of Binghamton Court.

Democratic State Senator Malcolm Smith of Queens, New York City Councilman Dan Halloran and Republican County Chairmen Joseph Savino of the Bronx and Vincent Tabone of queens, were arrested today by the FBI, for allegedly hatching a scheme to allow smith to run for New York City mayor under the less populated republican line.  Smith Is accused of arranging for a real estate developer to fund bribes, and Halloran is accused of negotiating the payments to be $40,000, the developer was actually an undercover officer.  More arrested are anticipated shortly.  Smith previously served as the state senate majority leader, he scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Westchester County.

The Delaware county sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29 year old Patrick Ladd and 30 year old Walter Lewis of Pennsylvania, after the two men allegedly sold 73 bags of Heroin to a confidential informant under the supervision of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. The drug deal and subsequent arrest took place in the parking lot of the Downsville Country Store Friday; Both men were charged with one count each of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Both men were arraigned at the
Town of Colchester Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000.00 cash bail each.

The State Health Department announced that influenza is widespread, with laboratory confirmed cases in 52 counties.  The State Health Department recommends that everyone six months of age or older receive a flu vaccination. Children under six months cannot get a flu vaccination. Flu season generally runs from October through May. Over the last four years, there have been a total of 34 pediatric flu deaths in New York State and an average of more than 4,400 flu-related hospitalizations a year.  Additional information is available at the State Health Department web page at health.ny.gov (http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/).

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old Randolph Staats of Unadilla earlier Saturday morning, for allegedly shooting his gun close to homes in an intoxicated state in the Town of Maine.  Deputies reported that Staats faces charges from both the Sheriff's Office and Environmental Conservation Officers, he is being held in the Broome County Jail on $2,000 bail on charges of Reckless Endangerment, Discharging a Firearm within 500 feet of a residence, Discharging a Firearm from the roadway.

Norse Energy (http://online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=NEC.OS) Corporation of Norway has filed for bankruptcy protection in US Bankruptcy court in Buffalo last week, as the state moratorium on natural gas drilling left the company unable to drill in 133,000 acres of in Central New York.  The company stated that they were unable to pay their bills as they waited for the State DEC to wrap up work on their gas drilling regulations, and begin drilling again after a 4-year wait.  The company has 32 million dollars in debt, and listed no assets.

The United Way of Delaware/Otsego Counties will be distributing the final donations made to the Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee at the Delaware County Board of Representatives meeting Wednesday in Delhi. The United Way collected $112,500 with 51% of this being designated to assist Delaware County needs.  Organizations that will be receiving funding are the Delaware County Department of Social Services, Watershed Agriculture Council & the fire departments in Sidney Center, Trout Creek, Masonville & Franklin.

State Police at Sidney arrested 24-Year-Old Ryan Olsen of Guilford, for Petty Larceny and 4th degree Criminal Mischief. The arrest resulted from an investigation into the theft of five hens and damage caused to a chicken coop on Crest Drive in Bainbridge; Olsen was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Bainbridge Court today.

State Troopers arrested 23-year-old Joshua Vannamee of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment and 2nd degree Criminal Contempt. The arrest resulted from an investigation regarding harassing phone calls; Vannamee was arraigned in the Town of Fenton Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on $100 cash bail.

Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their annual Free Throw “Hoop Shoot” contest on Saturday, December 22nd, at the Boys & Girls Club of Sidney located in the Sidney Civic Center. Registration for the Elks “Hoop Shoot” will begin at 9:00am on the day of the event.  The free throw Contest is free and open to all Tri-Town area boys and girls age 8-13. Contestant eligibility and age groups will be determined by their age as of April 1st of 2013. More information is available by calling Steve Crawford at 563-2012.