WCDO Radio News

40 year old David Tyner pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court, in exchange for a sentence of 5 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision. On July 31, 2024, in Binghamton, Tyner was found in possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, the discovery occurred after Tyner was stopped by Binghamton Police for violating Traffic Laws while operating a motorized bicycle.

Initial results are in for yesterday's elections, in The Town of Sidney Eric Wilson wins re-election for Town Supervisor, the 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, go to Andrew Hinkley & Frank Selleck. The Sidney Town Justice winner is Jennifer Ruling. In Area Town Supervisor races, in Guilford Gilda Ward is the winner, in Unadilla George Denys wins easily, in the town of Colchester, the winner is Robert Hafele, in the town of Oneonta, the winner is William Rivera Jr.. The Cities of Norwich and Oneonta will have new Mayors, Robert Jeffery will be Norwich’s next mayor, in Oneonta the winner is Dan Butterman. In the race for Delaware County Treasurer, the winner is Carli Pinner.

The City of Oneonta is accepting applications for a firefighter civil service exam to be held on January 10, 2026. The application deadline is December 10, Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the Oneonta Civil Service Commission at City Hall at 258 Main Street and the starting salary for 2026 hires is $52,000. More information is available at oneonta.ny.us.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-4-25

Today is Election Day, with several important local races in the Tri County Region:

The Town of Sidney has several key races this year, Incumbents Town Supervisor Eric Wilson faces a challenge from Giffen Ott, 5 candidates are seeking 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, Incumbents Bill Heath & Frank Selleck are seeking re-election, they face challengers Andrew Hinkley, Richard DeCola & Jesse Wakeman. The Sidney Town Justice position race feature incumbents Greg McCann against challenger Jennifer Ruling

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There are Town Supervisor races locally, in Guilford it is a rematch between incumbent Sue McIntyre against Gilda Ward, in Unadilla George Denys faces a late challenge from Write In Candidate Ed Gross, in the town of Colchester, the candidates are Robert Hafele & Arthur Merrill, in the town of Oneonta, the candidates are William Rivera Jr. & Brett Holleran

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The Cities of Norwich and Oneonta will have new Mayors, in Norwich the candidates are Robert Jeffrey & Jason Miller, in Oneonta the candidates are Luisa Montanti & Dan Butterman

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In the race for Delaware County Treasurer, Ronda Williams faces Carli Pinner.

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Polls are open from 6am to 9pm today, more information is available at your County Board of Elections Website.

Many local races are on the ballot for Election day tomorrow, in the Town of Sidney, 5 people are running for 2 seats on the town Board, Incumbents Bill Heath & Frank Selleck are looking to keep their spots on the Board, first, Bill Heath:

(Bill Heath 11-3-25)

Frank Selleck wants to continue on the board, to continue his tenure:

(Frank Selleck 11-3-25)

Republican Andy Hinkley feels that the Town of Sidney has not shared in prosperity in many years:

(Andy Hinkley 11-3-25)

Former Marine Rich DeCola told WCDO that he feels that collaboration between the Town & Village of Sidney has been lacking:

(Rich DeCola 11-3-25)

Jesse Wakeman is a young businessman who feels that partisan politics has prevented Sidney from moving forward in recruiting business and building housing:

(Jesse Wakeman 11-3-25)

Also, Giffen Ott is challenging Incumbent Eric Wilson for Sidney Town Supervisor.

Tuesday is Election day for a number of important local races, in Sidney Giffen Ott is challenging incumbent Eric Wilson for Sidney Town Supervisor:

(Giffen Ott 10-31-25)

Eric Wilson Told WCDO news about the accomplishments of he Sidney Town Boar while he has been Supervisor.

(Eric Wilson 10-31-25)

Also, there are 5 candidates for 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board, with incumbents Bill Heath & Frank Selleck running for re-election against challengers Andrew Hinkley,

Richard DeCola & Jesse Wakeman.

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working, and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching "American Red Cross" in app stores.

The Friends of Afton announced the return of Afton’s Annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday December 4th at 5:00 pm. Floats and vehicles will line up at Corporate Park off Route 7, Walking groups, bicycles, and golf carts will gather at the Afton Edge Apartments.

A.M. News Wednesday 11-3-21

Yesterday was Election Day, The Delaware County Board of Elections did not announce a winner for the Sidney Town Supervisor’s race, between write-in candidates Eric Wilson & Kevin Greene, Officials told WCDO News it will take days or maybe even weeks to count & certify all of the write in votes across all 19 towns from this year's elections, there were 552 write in Votes Tuesday in Sidney Town Supervisors race. The winners for the Sidney Town board were Frank Selleck & Bill Heath, in the Town of Meredith, Town Council winners were John Janiszewski & David Briggs, the Town of Franklin Board seats go to Garret Sitts & Heather Ross, the town of Middletown Supervisor Will be Patrick Davis, the Town of Tompkins Clerk was Michelle Phoenix, in the Town Of Delhi, the supervisor will be Mark Tuttle, the Town Council winners were Margaret Baldwin & Matthew Kryston & the Walton Town Supervisor will be Joseph Cetta. In Chenango County, Sheriff Ernest Cutting was re-elected, The County Clerk winner is Brian Wessels, & the winners for the Norwich City Council are Fred Gee, William Loomis, Tom Revoir & Barry Christopherson. The winners for the Guilford Town Board were Thomas Ives & Matthew Retz, in Otsego County, the Board of Representatives winners were Ed Frazier, Jerry Madsen, Rick Brockway, Margaret Kennedy, Jennifer Mickle, Charles Varney, Keith McCarty, Clark Oliver & Donald Scanlon & the Town of Oneonta Supervisor will be Randall Mowers, while Karen Liddle & Sean Farrell Won the 2 Town of Oneonta Justice seats & Kimberly Fierke & Skylar Thompson Win the 2 Seats on the Oneonta Town Board. The town of Hartwick Supervisor will be Robert O’Brien while Christopher Briggs & Bruce Markussen win the seats on the Town Board. In the Town of Unadilla, the Town Justice winner is Joshua Palmer The Unadilla Town Clerk will be Terry Yoder & the Town Council winners were Ron Reed & Jessica Grow, in the town of Laurens, George Decker, Edwin Winslow were the winners of Town Board Seats. Across New York State, voters rejected the propositions, amending the apportionment and redistricting process, eliminating the 10 day advance voter registration requirement, & authorizing the no excuse absentee balloting. Voters approved the proposition to the Right to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment.

In the town of Sidney, 2 candidates are seeking to be elected Supervisor, and both are Write-In Candidates following the deaths of Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford a few months ago. Republican Eric Wilson has served on the Town board for many years and has been part of holding the line on Taxes:

(Eric Wilson 11-1-21)

Kevin Greene is seeking the Sidney Town Supervisor's position, he feels he can manage the town responsibly & seek not opportunities:

(Kevin Greene 11-1-21)

In the town of Sidney, there is a hotly contested race by 4 people for 2 seats on the Town Board; they include Democrat Bill Heath, whose main goal is to help the Business community grow:

(Bill Heath 11-1-21)

Republican Frank Selleck seeks re-election after serving on the board for 4 years; he wants to continue to work as a team with other board members:

(Frank Selleck 11-1-21)

Democratic Bea Bishop told WCDO News that the Town Board needs to improve communication with residents & help with their needs:

(Bea Bishop 11-1-21)

Write In Republican Candidate Paul Muratore hopes to get on the Town Board, to continue the work started by the late Supervisor Gene Pigford:

(Paul Muratore 11-1-21)

In the town of Sidney, Bill Hunt is running unopposed for another seat on the town board. Polls will be open tomorrow from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM state wide.

In Delaware County Elections of interest on Election day, in the Town of Meredith, 2 seats are open on the town board; the candidates are Democrat John Janiszewski, Democrat Michael Morgenfruh & Republican David Briggs. In the Town of FRANKLIN, there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the town board; Garret Sitts, Heather Ross, George Coulter & John O'Connor. In the TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN, Democrat Todd Pascarella & Republican Patrick Davis are running for Town Supervisor. In the town of DELHI; 4 PEOPLE Running for 2 seats on the board, for FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL there are 4 Candidates for 2 seats and in Walton, Lillian Brown & Joseph Cetta are running for Town Supervisor.

State Police arrested 60 year old Frank DiPasquale of
Sanford for DWI & Criminal Possession of Marihuana, after Troopers observed
DiPasquale failing to stop at a stop sign near Commercial Drive and Main Street
in the village of Afton.  DiPasquale was
processed and later released on appearance tickets to the town of Afton court
returnable on September 26th.

The 27th Chenango Bluesfest continues with a free
lineup tonight at the Fairgrounds in Norwich.
Blues fest organizer Eric Larsen said that the festival gets bigger
every year:

(Eric Larsen 8-16-19)

Tickets are required for
Saturday's all day line up; they can be purchased at the gate or online at
chenangobluesfest.org/tickets.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau announced that they have
teamed up with the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health for a
presentation Monday in Norwich, regarding safety issues with farm equipment,
Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers explains;

(Bradd Vickers 8-15-19)

The event will be free of charges & will be held at the
Norwich Fire House Monday at 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

The Sidney American Legion will hold a 100 Year Anniversary
open House Saturday, Spokesman Larry Halbert commented about the Legion’s
history:

(Larry Halbert 8-7-19)

Halbert said that the event is open to the Public & will
run from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM Saturday at the American Legion on Union Street
in Sidney.

State Police arrested 25 year old Eric Frank of Oxford for Assault & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Menacing and Reckless Endangerment, Troopers were dispatched to a residence on County Road 32 in Oxford for a report of a dispute. A complainant told troopers that Frank pointed a shotgun at the complainant then fired it in the air. He’s also accused of punching the complainant in the face then with the stock of the gun. Frank allegedly then struck the mailbox with his vehicle. Frank was arraigned in the town of Oxford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 property bond.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the guilty plea and admission of former State Senator George Maziarz, who pleaded guilty to Offering of a False Instrument for Filing, related to a pass-through scheme in which he used money from his campaign committee to funnel secret campaign payments to a former Senate staffer, Glen Aronow, who had left government service following charges of sexual harassment. The plea was entered today in Albany County Court.

The Chenango Arts Council presents Frank Ferrante’s' “An Evening with Groucho” at the Kappel theater Saturday Night in Norwich at 7:00 PM. Chenango Arts Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 3-2-18)

Tickets to the performance can be purchased online at www.ChenangoArts.org, in person at the box office during regular business hours—or over the phone by calling the box office at 336-ARTS.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office's Election Day Hotline, which will help troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters at the polls during the general election on Tuesday, November 7. The Attorney General urges voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls to call the office's hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday. Attorneys and staff in the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau will staff the hotline.

State Senator Fred Akshar will be chairing a key committee this year, that could lead to taxpayer savings & maybe increased votoer partiocicaption, Senator Aksahr explains:

(Akshar 2-14-17)

Senator Akshar said that Governor Cuomo & Attorney General Eric Schneiderman have weighed in on the issue, and they hope to get a compromise worked out this session:

State Police responded to a structure fire at 8 Lancaster Street in Cherry Valley early Monday morning. The Cherry Valley Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire, 86-year-old Frank Menento died during the fire. State Fire Investigators are assisting State Police with the investigation and a cause has not been determined yet.

57 year old John Guzy of Bainbridge was found guilty of 15 of 17 counts including 2nd degree murder, attempted murder in Chenango County Court Wednesday, by Judge Frank Revoir.  Guzy was found guilty of shooting and killing 26-year-old Derek Prindle of Afton, in October 2014 on route 7 in Bainbridge.  Guzy also shot & wounded Prindle’s father during a confrontation following a road rage incident that ended in front of Peak Fitness.

New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Eric Hesse Delivers Regional Budget Briefing this morning in Oneonta. Hesse will deliver the presentation at the Foothills Performing Arts Center at 24 Market Street at 9:00 AM

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office reached an agreement with Don’s Automotive Mall in Binghamton to resolve an investigation that revealed that the company was selling salvaged automobile airbags in violation of New York State law. Don's agreed that they would not sell any salvaged airbags without first complying with the law, New York requires anyone attempting to sell inflatable restraint systems salvaged from another vehicle to have it first certified according to standards established by a nationally recognized testing, engineering and research body approved by the DMV. Currently there are no approved standards from the State of New York, the sale of all salvaged airbags illegal.

On Saturday, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, & Norwich Police executed a no knock search warrant at 30 Classic Street in the Village of Sherburne. 50-year-old Frederick Harty of Sherburne was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to sell, Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Criminally Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. 46-year-old Tabitha Harty was also charged with Criminal Nuisance. Frederick Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail. Tabitha Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail. The Sheriff’s Office recovered heroin, scales, packaging material, and unlawfully possessed prescription pills.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 69-year-old Frank Viscardi of St. Johnsville following a motor vehicle accident on state highway 28 in the town of Milford. Viscardi lost control and drove off the shoulder, struck an embankment, traveled across a lawn & hit a garage, causing significant damage. Viscardi was charged with felony DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment of property, unlawful possession of marijuana, speed not reasonable, failure to keep right, driving on shoulder and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Viscardi will appear in the town of Milford court on October 27th.

A forum for 5 candidates for various Franklin town government positions will be held at 6:30 tonight at the Ouleout Valley American Legion at 327 Main Street in Franklin. The moderator will be Franklin Mayor Tom Briggs.

An estimated 48,000 baseball fans attended the annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown yesterday, to see 6 more legendary figures in the sport enter that Hall. 3 players were inducted into the hall this year; they were pitchers Tom Glavine & Greg Maddux and slugger Frank Thomas.

Greg Maddux pitched mostly for the Chicago Cubs & the Atlanta Braves, he was grateful to be inducted & join his boyhood heroes:

(Greg Maddux 7-28-14)

Tom Glavine spent most of his career with Atlanta as Maddux’s teammate, as well as 4 years with the New York Mets. Glavine reflected on what it took to get to the Hall & thanked those who helped him:

(Tom Glavine 7-28-14)

Frank Thomas played the bulk of his career with the Chicago White Sox & was known as the “Big Hurt” for hitting over 540 homer runs in his career. The imposing figure broke down early on when discussing his late father, but rebounded to thank 139 teammates, the 3 cities he played in and to deliver a message to kids:

(Frank Thomas 7-28-14)

Other inductees to the Baseball Hall Of Fame this weekend were writer Roger Angell and Texas radio broadcaster Eric Nadel & legendary managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa & Joe Torre

An estimated 48,000 baseball fans attended the annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown yesterday.

3 legendary managers were inducted into Baseball’s Hall Of Fame Sunday in Cooperstown. Bobby Cox managed the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves, where he had amazing success, which he attributed to the pitching of fellow inductees Greg Maddux & Tom Glavine as well as John Smoltz:

(Bobby Cox 7-28-14)

Tony LaRussa achieved managerial success in Chicago, Oakland and St. Louis; he said that he was uncomfortable getting all the credit for the work of his coaches & players:

(Tony LaRussa 7-28-14)

Joe Torre managed the Mets, Braves, Cards, Yankees & Dodger, he acknowledged that his League & World championships with the Yankees got him elected, and he sees a bright future continuing for the game of baseball:

(Joe Torre 7-28-14)

Other inductees to the Baseball Hall Of Fame this weekend were writer Roger Angell and Texas radio broadcaster Eric Nadel, Pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine & Slugger Frank Thomas.

Pre-trial hearings for Ganesh Ramsaran will be closed to both the public and the media, by Chenango County judge Frank Revoir.  Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer Ramsaran in December of 2012, her body was found about 2 months later in a wooded area in Pharsalia. Ramsaran's murder trial is scheduled to begin in September.

State attorney General Eric Schneidermann announced that almost 23 million records of New Yorkers have been exposed to 5,000 data breaches since 2006.  Schneiderman reported that 7.3 million records of New Yorkers were exposed in about 900 data breaches last year alone, including the highly publicized Target breach as well as Living Social. Schneiderman is urging businesses to identify and minimize data collection practices and create an information security plan that includes encryption. Consumers are advised to create strong passwords and update them frequently, and to closely monitor credit and bank statements each month.

Chenango county judge Frank Revoir has rejected a request from the defense attorney for Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin, to hold a hearing to reconsider the amount for bail.  Judge Revoir ruled that there was no basis for a hearing currently, Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer last December, her body was found in June in the town of Pharsalia.   Ramsaran remains held in the Chenango County jail.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that 19 companies have agreed to stop writing fake online reviews for businesses and to pay more than $350,000 in penalties. "Operation Clean Turf" found that companies flooded the Internet with fake consumer reviews on websites such as Yelp, Google Local, and CitySearch, by creating fake online profiles, which violated state laws against false advertising and illegal deceptive business practices.  The CEO’s of the 19 companies have agreed to stop the practice and will pay penalties ranging from $2500 to just under $100,000.