WCDO Radio News

State Police arrested 62 year old Frank Kovacs of Laurens, on a warrant for 8 counts of Rape, 3 counts of Criminal Sex Act, 3 counts of Sexual Abuse, Investigators received information pertaining to the rape and sexual assault of a child in Saratoga County from 2008 until 2011 in Clifton Park. Kovacs was arrested at his place of employment in Oneonta, and was transported to State Police in Clifton Park for processing. He was then arraigned at the Clifton Park Town Court where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail, a $250,000 bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond. In June 2025, Kovacs was arrested by State Police for rape and sex abuse charges following a Otsego County grand jury indictment, this arrest is a continuation of that investigation. Kovacs is also mayor of the village of Laurens.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 32 year old Frank Criscitello of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 years in State prison after pleading guilty in Broome County Court to Attempted Burglary. Back on March 9th, Criscitello broke into a Binghamton residence and stole money and jewelry, Binghamton Police tracked down the stolen jewelry to Criscitello and he was arrested.

Sidney Native Nancy Sue Burns passed away at the age of 85 on December 8th, Nancy Sue worked at the former Tri-Town News starting in 1975 & worked there for 43 years, rising to "Editor" of the weekly newspaper. A celebration of life for Nancy Sue will be held at a later date. In memory of Nancy Sue, donations can be made to the Chenango County Hospice in Norwich, more information is available at the CH Landers Funeral Chapel website.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 12-14-22

State Police at Norwich arrested 62 year old Thomas Brick of Chenango Forks, on 2 counts of Grand Larceny, Troopers were contacted by a victim who had made an agreement with Brick to complete home renovations but no work had been completed. The contract was made in May and the victim paid Brick $18-thousand but called the State Police after several months of no work. Brick was arrested and processed at SP Norwich. He was arraigned and scheduled for his next court date in the Greene Village Court on January 5.

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.

In CHENANGO COUNTY elections tomorrow, residents are voting for Sheriff between incumbents Ernie Cutting & Democratic Challenger Debra Cubbedge. County voters will also vote for County Clerk between Republican Brian Wessels & Independent Leonard Smith, Norwich City Voters will be voting for Mayor, between Democrat John Quattrocchi & Republican Brian Doliver, there are races for Alderman positions in wards 2 & 4. there are 3 candidates running for 2 seat on the Guilford Town Board between Republican Thomas Ives, Republican Matthew Retz & Libertarian Jennifer Caci

Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir made only a mild adjustment to the bail of Ernest Franklin of Guilford this week. Franklin's cash bail remained the same at $125,000, bond was reduced from $250,000 to $200,000 Thursday, Franklin is accused of planning the murder of his special needs son Jeffrey Franklin & setting fire to the family home to cover up the murder. Heather Franklin is currently out on bail; both will be tried separately next year, according to Chenango County DA Joe McBride.

The State DEC, the Chautauqua County DA's Office & and Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department announced that 34 year old Thomas Jadlowski of Sherman, surrendered to officers, he is accused of shooting his neighbor, 43 year old Rosemary Bilquist, while she was walking her dogs on November 22nd. Jadlowski was arraigned on a 2-count indictment for 2nd degree manslaughter & hunting after legal hours. Billquist died from a gunshot wound at a local hospital within hours of the incident.

104-year-old Frank Doolittle of Bainbridge will be presented with the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in Sidney on Saturday, Veteran’s day. Doolittle will receive his medal Saturday at 2:00 PM in a ceremony at the Thomas Z. Fagan Municipal airport from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney; Doolittle served in World War 2 in the US Civil Air Patrol.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-25-16
The National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2016 Induction Ceremony with Mike Piazza & Ken Griffey Jr. drew about 50,000 people to the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown Sunday. Mike Piazza went first; he discussed his most iconic moment as a New York Met, his late inning homer to give the Meets the lead in the first game At Shea Stadium after the 9/11 attacks:

(Mike Piazza on 9-11-)

Ken Griffey Junior's father, Ken Griffey Senior was an outstanding player in his own right. Junior discussed being able to play in Seattle with his dad briefly, and for his dad taking him the see the Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine of the 70's" as a young boy:

(Ken Griffey Jr. on Sr)

Griffey wrapped up his speech by putting on Hall of Fame Baseball cap, and turning it around backwards like he did during his playing days, at the last minute urging of Hall Of Famer Frank Thomas. Hall of Fame Weekend also feature the Saturday Awards Presentation, when Ford C. Frick Award winner the late Graham McNamee and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Dan Shaughnessy honored for their broadcasting & writing about Baseball.

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.

6 former players & managers will be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this weekend. Former managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa & Joe Torre will be inducted, along with former Pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine & slugger Frank Thomas, the ceremonies will be held at 1:30 Sunday afternoon at the Clark Gymnasium in Cooperstown.

National Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson announced yesterday, who will be inducted into the Hall in July:

(Jeff Idelson 1-9-14)

The Class of 2014 will be enshrined July 27th in Cooperstown as part of the Induction Weekend at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, joining Maddux, Glavine & Thomas will be legendary managers Bobby Cox, Joe Torre and Tony La Russa,

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.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 58-year-old Thomas Cohen of Plymouth, on an active Arrest Warrant for 2nd degree criminal contempt.  Cohen is accused of Violating an order of Protection issued for an unidentified victim in the town of Plymouth, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango county jail on $5,000 cash bail pending an October 3rd court appearance.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit announces the arrest of seven suspects in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the Village of Walton and the surrounding area. Deputies arrested 30 year old Edna Cering, 21 year old Brittany Bakker, 27 year old Ryan McGovern, 25 year old Robin Jordan, 23 year old Frank Mastrorocco, 30 year old Christopher Pashley & 29 year old Kimberly Pashley-Johns, all from Walton, on a variety of drug charges. All were remanded to the Delaware county jail, the investigations are continuing and more arrests are pending.

38 year-old Thomas Lancaster of Windsor was convicted of sexually assaulting 2 women, by a Broome County jury.  Lancaster was found guilty of 5 rape and sexual abuse counts, for assaulting a 32 year-old woman in the Town of Colesville in 2010, and a 21 year-old woman in the Town of Windsor back earlier this year.

State Police at Sidney arrested 43-year-old Thomas LaFever of Unadilla for Driving While Intoxicated.   The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on County Route 3A in Unadilla, LaFever was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Unadilla Court on December 10th.

State troopers in Oneonta arrested 41-year-old Frank Furlan of Laurens for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of  .18.  The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 28 in Milford; Furlan was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail.