WCDO Radio News

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 annual Afton Christmas Parade will be held downtown tomorrow, spokesperson Kyle James explains:

(Kyle James 12-1-17)

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Afton; more information is available at their Facebook page, or by calling 208-5005.

The Jericho Arts Council will have a performance with teh Binghamton Madrigal Singers Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Spokesman Phil wade explains:

(Phil Wade 12-1-17)

Wade said that tickets atre avaialebl at the box office at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Tickets can be reserved by calling 288-3882.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “Jolly Holly Days” celebration this evening in Downtown Sidney. The annual Parade will start tonight at 6:00 PM, followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony, & Santa will be see area children at his headquarters at Whitaker Way.

The State Police CNET Team, State troopers, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and State DEC executed a search warrant at 163 Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Afton, following an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine. 36-year-old Matthew Mazepa, & 21-year-old Taylor Quackenbush of Afton were arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers seized crystal methamphetamine, marihuana, Digital scales, drug packaging material cash & cell phones. Mazepa was arraigned in Afton Town Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail. Quackenbush was issued Appearance Tickets for Afton Town Court and released.

Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a $1.7 million project to replace the State Route 28 bridge over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the town of Milford. The bridge opened to traffic today, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The new bridge is a two-span structure supported by steel and concrete beams. It has 12-foot travel lanes and eight-foot shoulders in each direction. Approximately 5,200 vehicles use the Route 28 bridge each day.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a one-car roll over with property damage on Case Hill Road in Treadwell on November 6th. Deputies determined that William Rathbun’s vehicle left the roadway, entered into a ditch & rolled over and stuck a utility pole, which caused a minor power outage. Rathbun was ticketed for failure to keep right, speed unreasonable and prudent, & possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Rathbun will appear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening starting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall. The Oneonta clerk's office announced that City Hall would be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on both Thursday & Friday this week.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that the annual Jolly Holly Days parade would be held on Friday December 1st in Downtown Sidney. Interested participants are asked to contact the Sidney Chamber Office at 561-2642.

State Senator Fred Akshar & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting to discuss the repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School at 221 Chenango Bridge Rd.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 36-year-old Harold Wilson of North Branch for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Wilson was observed traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester at a high rate of speed where he was stopped, Deputies determined that Wilson was driving with 13 active suspensions, he was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $750 cash bail or $2,500 secured bond.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Council's chambers at City Hall.

A forum is being held this evening for Franklin residents with candidates for the Town Council positions. The forum will be held at the Ouleout American Legion Post at 327 Main Street in Franklin beginning at 7:00 PM.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a cat from the town of Franklin tested positive for rabies. The stray cat attacked one person and a dog on September 20th, the individual delayed calling Public Health until September 24th, 2017; the cat was then sent for testing to Wadsworth lab on September 25. The person is receiving rabies Prophylaxis treatment. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations and will receive a booster. The next free rabies clinic will be on October 18, 2017, from 6PM-8PM, at the Delhi Fire Hall, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

A Pre-Trial Hearing was held in Chenango County Court today, regarding the murder & arson trial of Ernest Franklin of Guilford, who along with his wife Heather are accused of killing their son Jeffrey & setting the family residence on fire to cover it up. A Pre-Trial Hearing for Heather Franklin has not been scheduled, Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride has stated that the 2 will be tried separately, The Trial is expected to begin next year.

State Police arrested 24-year-old Adam Gager of Windsor on 7 counts of Falsifying Business Records. Police were advised of a theft of over $800 from the Mirabito gas station on Old Route 17 in the town of Windsor, Gager was an employee, He is accused of deleting items from the store sales records and using the money to purchase lottery tickets. Gager was arraigned in the town of Windsor court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

Delaware County Public Health announced their last Free 2017 Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets, which will be held on October 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall. Delaware County Public Health recently announced the 4th rabid animal of the year, which was a rabid bat with 1 human exposure. More information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

On Sunday, the Democratic Committee of Delaware County is hosting their 2nd Community Barbecue. The event will be held at the Hamden Town Hall Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Town Hall is located at 37029 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY 13782. 8 candidates running for the 19th Congressional District in the 2018 elections have been invited to participate. More information is available at dcnydems.org.

The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held Saturday & Sunday in Downtown Norwich, Spokesperson Celeste Friend explains:

(Celeste Friend 9-8-17)

The event runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday & from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday, more information is available at 336-FEST or colorscape.org.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in the Madison County town of Georgetown on Tuesday afternoon. The Investigation revealed that the tornado had sustained winds of 90 miles per hour & was a part of the Storm system that traveled through Central New York Monday Afternoon. Damage in the area of the tornado included downed trees and Utility Poles there were no injuries were reported.

Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Town of Coventry resident on charges of Sexual Abuse & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 38-year-old Charles Crosby-Barrows was being held on unrelated charges at the Chenango County Jail, he is accused following an investigation of a reported sexual abuse of a juvenile female in 2016.

Governor Cuomo announced a coordinated effort by state agencies to crack down on underage drinking on college campuses and in college towns as the fall semester begins. The State Liquor Authority, Police Agencies & the State DMV will conduct statewide sweeps of locations holding liquor licenses, looking for fake IDs and illegal sales to minors. The combined enforcement effort will begin immediately.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21-year-old Kathleen Brown of Norwich for illegally entering a residence. Brown allegedly punched & grabbed an individual by the neck, and pulled a child from a family member, she then attempted to leave in a vehicle that did not have child safety seats. The driver, 22-year-old Lucas Cummings of Norwich was found to have a suspended driver’s license. Brown was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court for Criminal Trespass & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She was released & will appear in court at a later date. Cummings was issued a Ticket for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle & will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Franklin. 22-year-old Nicholas Thompson of Garnerville crossed over the opposing lane and drove off the roadway and struck a culvert. Thompson was transported to Fox Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident. Deputies charged Thompson with DWI & Failure to Keep Right. He was issued tickets returnable in Town of Franklin at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today. The clinic will run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall on River Street, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The next meeting of the Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention is being held today, at 6:00 PM at the Sidney Middle School Library.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators arrested a New York City woman on a Sealed Indictment Warrant, regarding the distribution of heroin from New York City into Delaware and surrounding counties. 24-year-old Courtney Williamson of Queens and 34-year-old Monica Iannarelli, of Brooklyn were charged by the Grand Jury with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance & 3 counts of Conspiracy. Williamson was arrested in April in the Town of Middletown; officers seized 83 bags of heroin and 30 bags of cocaine, she is being held in the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 bail. On July 28th, Iannarelli was apprehended in Brooklyn by U.S. Marshal’s and was turned over to Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies; she was arraigned on Monday and was held on $50,000 cash bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29-year-old Todd Tripp of East Meredith, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a report of an accident in the Town of Franklin. Tripp was will appear in Town of Franklin Court to answer to the charges at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health announced a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street. More information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

More people are starting to suggest a run at Governor Cuomo for the State's top job next year. Former Republican candidate Carl Palladino of Buffalo is expected to give it another shot, after losing badly to Cuomo once before. Actress Cynthia Nixon is expected to announce shortly that she is considering a run for the Democratic Party nomination in 2018, against Cuomo. Former State Senator Terry Gipson is also expected to announce challenge Cuomo next year, which is criticized by many in the Democratic Party as abandoning the Liberal base.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $4 million has been awarded for 11 agricultural water quality conservation projects, benefiting 16 farms in the Southern Tier. The funding allows farmers to address water quality challenges in priority watersheds while increasing productivity, reduce erosion, and limit the amount of harmful sediments and other deposits in New York's waterways.

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Davenport. 2 dogs were exposed to the diseased raccoon when they cornered and killed the animal. The dogs were up to date on their rabies vaccinations and each received a rabies booster. 2 people were also exposed and are receiving rabies post exposure treatment. This is the 3RD animal in Delaware County to test positive for rabies in 2017. Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of the free remaining rabies clinics in Delaware County, on August 9th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall, August 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall, an October Rabies Clinic will b held in Delhi; the date and time will be announced soon.

Delaware County Public Health announced today that 2 dogs in the Town of Walton came into contact with a raccoon that tested positive for rabies. There was no human exposure reported. 1 of the exposed dog’s rabies vaccinations was not up to date, the owner is working with Delaware County Public Health and Town of Walton officials to ensure the dog will be quarantined for 6 months. The other dog was up to date; it received a booster, and will not need to be quarantined. Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of free rabies clinics on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Delhi Fire Hall, on August 9th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Franklin Fire Hall, or August 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will announce a series of Town hall Meetings around the state, following a session in Syracuse last week. Gillibrand said that many people have registered concerns about losing the so-called "Obama-Care" in favor of the Republican backed proposals that could throw 22 million Americans off of Health insurance, according to the Congressional Budget office.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host "Summer Fest 2017" this Saturday at various locations in the village. Chamber Spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 7-17-17)

Various downtown businesses, plus the Jericho Arts Gallery will be open, there will also be a Golf Ball Drop, wandering musicians, a Movie in the Park, the festival runs from 2:00 until dark on Saturday.

The 4th Annual NYKE Association's Kite Festival will return to Laurens this weekend at Edgewood Mountain both Saturday & Sunday. Spokesman Mike Harter explains:

(Mike Harter 7-17-17)

Harter said that the entrance to the location is just shy of the Gilbert Lake Park Entrance on Crow Hill Road in the Town of Laurens, there will be signs posted guiding interested visitors to the site. More information is available at 434-2380.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary in progress in the Town of Norwich Saturday. 3 subjects were reported fleeing a residence and traveling behind neighboring properties. Deputies responded & located & arrested 25 year old Tiffany Vallance from North Norwich, 22 year old Faziem Jenkins from the City of Norwich, and 21 year old Russell Button of Plymouth. Jenkins and Vallance are accused of unlawfully entering the building while Button acted as a lookout, Jenkins and Vallance allegedly attempted to steal property of the owners. All 3 were charged with 2nd degree Burglary and Conspiracy; they were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5000 cash bail.

Governor Cuomo hosted the 2017 Adirondack Summer Challenge this weekend, promoting the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in Upstate New York. The 2017 Adirondack Summer Challenge welcomed more than 400 guests, showcasing outdoor activities available to visitors in the region, including hiking, golfing and horseback riding. In 2016, New York welcomed a record 239 million visitors who spent nearly $65 billion, generating a total economic impact of more than $100 billion for the third straight year. Tourism remains the state's 4th largest employer, & 2nd largest industry, supporting more than 914,000 jobs annually.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched Monday afternoon to a 1-car accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton. 34-year-old Christopher Pashley, of Franklin, informed Deputies that his vehicle veered off the right hand shoulder of the roadway and into the ditch when he fell asleep while driving. Deputies charged Pashley, with criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and a traffic summons for moving from lane unsafely, The Division of Parole was notified, & Pashley was then charged on a Parole Violation Warrant, he was released from Prison in December, 2016 after serving part of a 1-½ year prison sentence for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Pashley was arranged in the Town of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

The Oneonta Common Council is expected to vote for a new Police Chief at their next meeting on July 5th. Acting Chief Douglas Brenner has the endorsement of Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, the meeting on July 5th will be held in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City Hall at 7:00 PM.

The Oneonta Parks & Recreation Committee July meeting will be held today at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29 year old Alexis Seward of Otego, Saturday for 1 count each of Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, & resisting arrest, following a 1 car accident in Franklin. Seward’s vehicle went off the roadway and into a ditch, the investigation revealed that Seward’s driver’s license was revoked, due to a previous alcohol related charge, Seward then resisted the Deputy’s attempt to arrest her. Seward was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond, pending future Court action.

Chenango County sheriff's department arrested 35-year-old Patrick Bousson of Otselic, on a charge of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Bousson was charged following a complaint that he shot & killed a dog, he was taken into custody without incident, and he was processed and will appear in the Town of Otselic Court at a later date.

The Delaware County Department of public works announced that County Route 44 in the Town of Sidney would be closed to through traffic starting tomorrow morning, through Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM, for a culvert replacement project near Patent Line Road. The detour will be Covered Bridge Road to state Route 357 & back to County Route 44

The 1st "Rock In The Park" Golf Tournament will be held next month at the Afton Golf Course, as additional fundraiser to the Concert in Bainbridge. Organizer Jason Hall explains:

(Jason Hall 6-26-17)

For those who would like to sign up a team, they can call 607-972-6526.

Chenango County Sheriff's Narcotics Division arrested 20-year-old Cheyanne Moore of Oxford for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Friday. Moore is accused of possessing cocaine with intent to sell, following a traffic stop on County Road 29 in the Town of New Berlin. Moore was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. She is scheduled to reappear in court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to the Dollar General at State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich for a reported Robbery. An individual entered the store, stole merchandise, and displayed a large knife. The Sheriff’s Office located the suspect in a wooded area near the Norwich Motor Lodge, he was taken into custody, a large knife and stolen merchandise was recovered. 21-year-old Collin Berry was charged with 1st degree Robbery & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of North Norwich Court at a later date.

Several area fire departments responded to the call of a structure fire at 123 Main Street in Delhi this morning. Fire fighters from Delhi, Bovina, Franklin, Bloomville & Walton responded to the fire at the O'Neill's Shire pub, earlier this morning. WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

The Chenango County Sheriff's department responded to a multiple vehicle accident Sunday night at around 7:00 PM, on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich. 6 people were sent to area hospitals with a variety of injuries, Route 12 was closed for several hours for clean up & accident reconstruction.  More information is expected to be released shortly

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 54 year old Harold Nolan of Stamford today, for DWI, after deputies responded to a 1 car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi. Nolan lost control of his vehicle on State Route 28 and traveled through the ditch and into the yard of a nearby residence. Nolan will appear in Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Delaware County Deputies investigated a two car property damage motor vehicle accident in the Town of Bovina Friday. 78 year old Maria Aron of Bovina, was driving on East Bramley Mountain Road when she failed to stop at the stop sign and County Highway 6 and struck another vehicle operated by 30 year old Robert Poprawski of Livonia. Aron's vehicle continued across the roadway and through the parking area of Town of Bovina Highway Department and struck the side of a building before coming to a stop. Aron was issued traffic ticket for Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, returnable to the Town of Bovina Court on July 18th.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Job Fair at SUNY Delhi tomorrow afternoon, Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news that the Job Fair is also aimed at recent graduates looking to start careers:

(Ray Pucci 6-19-17)

The Job Fair will be held at SUNY Delhi’s Farrell Hall, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 17 year old male from Meredith, for Criminal Nuisance last Thursday, following an investigation into a report of an underage drinking party in the Town of Meredith. Deputies say the defendant is alleged to have endangered the safety and health of a considerable number of youth. The unidentified defendant was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Meredith Town Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22 year Justin Holmquist of North Norwich and 20 year old Cody Marshall of Sherburne for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Holmquist and Marshall were arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, for allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance in April.

Tickets are available for "Rock In The Park" on July 8th in General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. Organizer Jason Hall explains:

(Jason Hall 6-12-17)

Hall said that proceeds this year will benefit the Chenango SPCA & Sarcoma Cancer Research.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Dean Martin of Walton, on 1 count each of 3rd degree Assault & Menacing, after an investigation of a domestic incident in the town of Walton Saturday. Martin is accused of threatening an individual with a knife, & causing a physical injury with his fist. Martin was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 in bond, pending future court action in the Town of Walton Court.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured or underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney on Monday, June 19th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Appointments can be made at 888-345-0225 for your appointment

State Police responded Friday to a report of a 1-vehicle rollover fatal accident on State Highway 17 in the Town of Sanford. The investigation revealed that the operator of an Econoline van fell asleep at the wheel, the vehicle drifted off the road and overturned multiple times before coming to rest. 5 of the 7 occupants were transported to Wilson and Lourdes Hospitals to be evaluated for non-life threatening injuries, however, 1 Passenger; 70 year old Dennis Pitts of Rochester, was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital, he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is continuing.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments last Thursday regarding the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 49-year-old Louis Aulicino of Franklin, for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Morphine and Oxycodone from his residence between early November 2016, and late January of this year. Sheriff’s Investigators also arrested 46 year old Richard Mattice, of Delhi, on 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Hydrocodone in the Village of Delhi between July, 2016, and late January of this year.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will make several stops in Cooperstown today. Hochul Discusses New York State Agriculture at North East Association of State Departments of Agriculture Conference at the Otesaga Hotel celebrates the 78th Birthday of Baseball Hall of Fame & visits the Fenimore Art Museum this afternoon.

The 55th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held in Bainbridge this past weekend. The famous 70-mile races were held yesterday with numerous local paddlers finding success. Walton residents Bill & Brian Walley won the tough Aluminum class, and spoke with WCDO’s Craig Stevens after the race:

(Walleys 17)

In the 4 people 70-miler, the local team of Jeff Shultis of Otego, Al Nichols of Laurens, & Larry Harrison & Bob Wisse of Oneonta took 2nd place, losing by just 24 seconds. Shultis told WCDO that he felt that they should have rested more:

(Shultis 17)

The Team finished the 70-miler in just 7 hours, 51 minutes & 51 seconds.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Over 60 paddler Peter Heed of New Hampshire talk to WCDO’s Craig Stevens about how unique the Clinton Race really is:

(Heed 17)

77-year-old Don LaFever of Norwich & partner Rich Hall of Gilbertsville won the Men’s Recreation Class, LaFever spoke with Craig Stevens after the race:

(LaFever-17)

Over 1200 hundred paddlers competing in the 4 day event.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34 year old Cherie Ebert of East Branch on numerous charges stemming from a report of an underage house party on May 20th in the Town of Hancock where alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs were alleged to have been used and consumed by minors. Deputies charged Ebert with 15 counts of unlawfully dealing with a child, criminal nuisance, and 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, A 16 year old was also arrested and released on an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana. Ebert was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 bail.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will Celebrate Dairy Month at their next Breakfast this Friday, June 2, from 8:30 to 10:00 am in Franklin. The event will be held at The Tulip and Rose Cafe at 435 Main Street in Franklin, as part of the Chamber's First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast. Todd Heyn of New York Farm Bureau will be the featured speaker. To RSVP or to sponsor an event call the Chamber at 607-746-2281. Members can also register online at delawarecounty.org.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Steven Smith Jr. of Franklin Friday, for DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, making an unsafe lane change, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. The arrest followed a 1-car accident on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin. Smith was later released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

The 55th running of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held this past weekend, with the World famous 70-mile races from Cooperstown to Bainbridge held yesterday. Canadians Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise taking 1st place in the 33 boat Pro race. Craig Stevens spoke to the pair after the race:

(Lajoie-Blais 17)

The pair neat out 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer from Oneonta by more than 7 minutes, to take home the $3,000 prize. Ryan Zaveral of Mount Upton & his Partner Guy Rousseau from Quebec placed 9th overall, and Regatta Hall of fame inductee Al Shaver Jr. of Meridale took 12th place with his partner Bruce Lee of Port Crane.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In the men’s NYMCRA Stock Race, Scott Jordan of Otego & Jeff Newman of Unadilla took 1st place honors, Newman told WCDO how this 1st time team came together:

(Newman 17)

In the 70 mile Pro Race, Oneonta paddlers Trevor LeFever & Ben Schlimmer took 2nd place in the 2-person pro class, they told WCDO that it was difficult to keep pace with the 1st place finishers Steve Lajoie & Guillaume Blaise:

(Schlimmer & LeFever 17)

LeFever 7 Schlimmer finished with a time of 7 hours, 36 minutes & 24 seconds.
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In the 1 man pro race, Canadian Tom Pellerin of Quebec beat 3 time winner Nick Walton of Michigan by just 1 minute & 16 seconds, Pellerin said that it was his 1st time race the 1-man class at the Clinton Regatta:

(Pellerin 17)

2nd place finisher Nick Walton told WCDO”S Craig Stevens that he would have like to have seen lower water levels:

(Walton 17)

Over 1200 canoe racers participated in the Clinton Regatta this Memorial Day Weekend; participants came from 28 state & Canada to compete.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 46 year old Shawn Springett of Sidney for 2nd degree Burglary and Criminal Mischief. Deputies arrested Springett following an investigation in the Town of Afton, after it was found that he allegedly entered a residence without permission and broke the homeowners belongings. Springett faces court action shortly.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that a child safety seat check will be held today in Cooperstown. Technicians will be available at the parking lot of the Tops Market in Cooperstown from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 547-4230.

A Public meeting has been called for Thursday night for residents of the both the Village & Town of Unadilla, regarding lower cost energy through the Community Choice Aggregation. Unadilla Village Mayor Dave Welch explains:

(Dave Welch 5-9-17)

The meeting will be held at the Unadilla Fire Station Thursday at 7:00 PM, residents are encouraged to attend, and bring recent electricity bills.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 48-year-old Laura Fagan of Harpersfield Monday on 1 count of Promoting prison contraband. Fagan was being processed into the corrections facility on a separate charge, Corrections Officers found narcotic pills in her personal belongings. Fagan was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Delhi Court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old Hasan Siddiqi of Franklin last Wednesday on charges of Operating a motor vehicle without a headlight, failure to keep right, unlicensed operator, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree. Deputies say this arrest is a result of a traffic stop on State Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Siddiqi was arraigned in front of Judge Hall at Walton Village Court and was released on his own recognizance.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25-year-old James Blount of Walton, Friday on charges of failure to keep right, unsafe lane change, unlicensed operator, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, following an investigation of a 1-car accident in the Town of Franklin. Blount was later released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

The Animal Adventure in the town of Colesville named their calf this morning, following the end of voting at midnight Sunday. People who have followed the tail end of April the Giraffe's pregnancy voted, and decided to let Alyssa Swilley, the Lead Zoologist at Animal Adventure, pick the baby boy Giraffe's name, it was announced by their live stream that "Tajiri" was the name that was chosen, it is Swahili for "Hope". Animal Adventure's 5th season opens on May 13th.

The City of Oneonta Parks & Recreation Committee will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall; it is open to the public.

36-year-old Danielle Dunham of Morris was arrested for allegedly bringing drugs into the Otsego County Jail. Dunham was charged with Introducing Dangerous Contraband into Prison, Possessing Dangerous Contraband in Prison & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, for possessing Suboxone as she was being brought to the jail on a previous charge. Dunham was arraigned in the Town of Otsego Court and is being held at the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond, pending court action on May 17th.

People all over the world are weighing in on naming the baby boy Giraffe, born at Animal Adventure in the town of Colesville recently, where millions watched the birth live on their web-stream. Jordan Patch of Animal Adventure told WCDO News that the first round of voting ended last night where the names were paired down to a "Top 10":

(Jordan Patch 4-26-17)

People can vote on the Top ten names at nameaprilscalf.com, the name choices are Alyssa’s Choice, Apollo, Geoffrey, Gio, Harpur, Noah, Ollie, Patch, Patches, & Unity. WCDO will air the complete interview with Jordan Patch about Animal Adventure & April the Giraffe in the 8:00 hour on Friday morning.

The "Regatta Row 3rd Annual Street Art Festival will open Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in Downtown Bainbridge, where Adirondack style Chairs & Game tables, made in part with Canoe Paddles are being displayed. Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President John Payne comments:

(John Payne 4-27-17)

Nancy Kitchen is a member of the Jericho Arts Council, which is the lead organization for this project, she told WCDO that the idea for this project began about 5 years ago when a local artist participated in a juried Art Show in the Capital Region, and they wanted to bring something like that to Bainbridge:

(Nancy Kitchen 4-26-17)

The Chairs & Game tables will be auctioned off during the General Clinton Canoe Regatta on Saturday May 27th at 2:00 PM prior to the annual Regatta Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; the money raised will be used for future Jericho Arts Council events.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded Tuesday to a report of a 2-car accident in the parking lot of the Dutch Deli in Meridale. Deputies and State Troopers were advised that the operator of 1 of the involved vehicles was intoxicated and had fled the scene in his vehicle. Deputies observed the vehicle that fled the scene, had driven past their location, they stopped 49 year old Andrew Bright of Meridale, he was charged with DWI, Aggravated DWI with a Blood Alcohol Content Greater Than .18%, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and backing unsafely. Bright was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail pending future court action. The occupant of the struck vehicle was 19-year-old Kyle Oborn of Malta, who was not injured, and was not ticketed.

United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties will host its 8th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, May 19 at Ouleout Creek Golf Course in Franklin. Teams can register by contacting Susan Kurkowski at 432-8006 or Tim McGraw at 432-2022. All monies raised will go towards United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties.

The Otsego County Conservation Association will be holding their annual ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ Garage Sale on April 29 and 30 at the Farmers’ Market Building in Cooperstown. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on both days. Donations of items will be accepted at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market building in Pioneer Alley, today through Friday, Proceeds from the sale help support OCCA’s environmental programs, For further information, call 547-4488, or occainfo.org.

33-year-old Heather Franklin of Guilford has posted bail & has been released from the custody of the Chenango County Correctional facility. Franklin was released on Saturday, her husband Ernest remains in the County jail, both are accused of murder, arson and tampering with physical evidence, following a fire at their town of Guilford residence, where their adopted son Jeffrey was allegedly murdered & a fire was set to cover up the murder on March 1st.

The Broome County Sheriff's arrested 2 people wanted on warrant by the town of Afton, while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in a parking lot in Chenango Bridge Friday. 32-year-old Zachariah Burns is accused of possessing cocaine, and giving officers the name and date of birth of another person. Burns' was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Impersonation, he was also wanted on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Town of Afton Court. Another passenger was 19-year-old Salena Palmatier also is also accused of giving officers the wrong identity, she was charged with Criminal Impersonation, & was also wanted on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Town of Afton Court.

Former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston appeared in Binghamton City Court this morning, she pleaded guilty to 1 count of Official Misconduct, she was originally charged with 3 counts. Preston will pay a $1,000 fine. Preston was charged for using a Town of Conklin Credit card for her own purposes when she was a town supervisor between 2005 & 2012.

State Police are investigating a Fatal Motor vehicle Collision on I-88 in the Town of Maryland, early Saturday morning. A vehicle exited the roadway, entered the center median, rolled over several times, ejecting 19 year old Douglas Alvarez of Mamaroneck, and coming to rest in the westbound lane of travel, it was then struck by another vehicle. Alvarez was transported to Albany Medical Center and later succumbed to his injures. 5 other occupants were transported to Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown with non-life threatening injuries. All 6 occupants are SUNY Cobleskill College students. The operator of the second, uninvolved vehicle was not injured. Alcohol was not a contributing factor to the accident. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oneonta Town Board will hold a special meeting this afternoon, to set up a public hearing on the Community Choice Aggregation. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the town hall in West Oneonta.

State Police arrested 34 year old Nathan Reigles of Gilbertsville for felony 2nd degree Assault. The arrest occurred after troopers investigated an assault on Saturday on Ives Settlement Road in the Town of Guilford, where Reigles allegedly struck another man with a pipe several times to the face and head. The victim was treated at Tri-Town Regional hospital and was released. Reigles was arrested & arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond, he faces court action on Thursday.

The Oneonta Parks & Recreation committee will hold their next meeting this evening. the meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at City Hall in the Common Council Chambers.

The Annual SFCU Hometown Day Parade has been cancelled this year, due to the Main Street Construction scheduled to begin this summer in downtown Sidney. SFCU officials stated that they were not able to replicate an alternate route in order to safely accommodate the numerous parade units that usually participate. the 29th Annual SFCU Hometown Day Parade will be held in June 2018.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested a Town of Smyrna resident for 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Deputies arrested 29 year old Brian Nemeth of Smyrna after an investigation of a domestic disturbance, it was found that Nemeth caused serious physical injury to the female victim and prevented her from calling 911. Nemeth was arraigned in the Town of Smyrna Court and was released on his own recognizance. Nemeth is to appear in the Town of Smyrna Court at a later date

The Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert for FRANKLIN CARNEY of Norwich was cancelled Sunday Afternoon. State Police said that the alert was cancelled following many reports of Carney located at Turning Stone Casino in Verona.

The Tri Town Relay For Life Captain's Meeting will be held this afternoon, at SFCU in Sidney at 5:30 PM. The annual Relay For Life will be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge on Saturday May 6th from 11am to 11pm. More information is available at relayforlife.org/tritownny or at 267-0014.

State Police arrested 26-year-old Zachary Fry of Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .26%, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle, and several other traffic violations. State police observed a vehicle speeding at 98 mph, in a 55 mph zone, while on Interstate 81 southbound in the Town of Chenango, the trooper attempted to catch up, the vehicle accelerated to about 115 miles an hour. Fry made a sudden stop partially just before the Interstate 81 & State Route 17 split & surrendered to the troopers without further incident. Fry was discovered with a loaded shotgun on the front passenger seat of his vehicle, he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with bail set.

Oneonta City mayor Gary Herzig announced today that the annual State of the City address would be held on April 4th at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting at City Hall. Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

State Police arrested 68-year-old David Hawkins of Bainbridge for Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .17% and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after troopers stopped to check on an occupied vehicle that was stopped partly in the roadway on Dingman Hill Road in the Town of Bainbridge. Hawkins is also accused of driving a vehicle that had a suspended registration and no valid insurance. Hawkins was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on April 3rd.

The Oneonta City Clerk’s office announced that following tonight’s 6:00 PM finance-Human Resources Committee meeting, there will be a workshop on:” Annexation”, presented by the New York Conference of Mayors attorney Wade Beltramo The focus of the meeting for the City of Oneonta officials will be the reservoir & the airport properties. Thee meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & is open to the public.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Tina Bremner of Afton for the felony of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Troopers responded to a report of a one-vehicle accident on State Route 41 in the Town of Afton. Responding troopers found the unoccupied vehicle, the driver was located walking on a nearby road, troopers determined that Bremner did not have permission to be driving the vehicle & a check of Bremner's driver’s license showed that she had 26 suspensions on 11 different dates. Bremner was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail with bail set. Her next court date is pending.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have unveiled their new mascot recently, and they are searching for help from their fans to name him. Introduced to the Southern Tier at Parade Day in early March, Fans can cast a vote for their favorite name at bingrp.com until April 3. After receiving over 1,000 submissions, the Rumble Ponies have narrowed down the list of possible names to 5, which are Bing, Buster, Ross, Rowdy, & Rumbleton. The final selection will be unveiled at the Meet the Ponies Dinner at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton on April 4th.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported that Ernest Franklin and Heather Franklin were indicted on Friday, by a Chenango County Grand Jury on charges of: 2nd degree Murder, 3rd degree Arson and Tampering with Physical Evidence, in connection with a fire at their residence on State Route 8 in the town of Guilford on March 1st. It was determined at autopsy that their adopted son, Jeffrey, was deceased prior to the fire. Investigators believe the fire was set to cover up the murder. Both defendants will be arraigned on the indictment in Chenango County Court at a later date.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that the next ReUnite Bainbridge Committee Meeting would be held Tonight, at Bob's Diner at 7:00 PM. Topics of discussion will be Summerfest, a Clambake in August & the Tri Town Relay for Life at General Clinton Park on May 5th.

State Police were dispatched to a report of 2 dead goats on property located at 674 County Highway 36, in the Town of Westford Monday. 45-year-old Stephen Pandelakis was charged after police discovered numerous dead animals on the property, including a dog, a cat, a pig, 2 goats, 6 chickens and 2 ducks. Pandelakis was charged with 2 felony counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, and 13 counts of Torturing, Injuring or Failure to feed an animal. Remaining chickens were surrendered & were taken to another person for proper care. Pandelakis was issued appearance tickets returnable in the Town of Westford Court April 4th.

Sidney High School and the Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention invite Sidney, Bainbridge and Unadilla community leaders, business people, parents, students, and school staff to a free Spaghetti & Meatballs Dinner from 5:15 PM to 5:45, followed by presentations starting at 6:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. Coalition President Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 3-22-17)

Local experts Mary Rosenthal of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, addiction expert Dave Ramsey, Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack will also speak. Pre-registration is encouraged in order to accommodate dinner provisions and door prizes, more information is available at 561-7707.

Delaware County Public Health will hold their next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics today in Delhi. The Clinic will be held at the Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extension from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported the arrest of 2 parents in connection with the death of 16-year-old Jeffrey Franklin on March 1st in the Town of Guilford. The Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Ernest Franklin & 33 year old Heather Franklin following the investigation of a fire at their residence on state Route 8. The autopsy showed that the fire did not cause Jeffrey’s death, and that he was deceased prior to the fire, investigators believe the fire was set to cover up the murder of Jeffrey. Both parents are charged with 2nd degree Murder, Arson and Tampering with Physical Evidence. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be filed.

State Police arrested 56-year-old Danny Baldwin of Cherry Valley, for Conspiracy. Troopers accuse Baldwin of conspiring by allegedly attempting to hire another person to intentionally commit murder. Baldwin was arraigned in town of Richfield Springs Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 property bond.

State Police responded to a car-pedestrian crash on Gilmore Lane in Norwich. 32-year-old Brandon Jones was driving a pickup when he got into a verbal dispute with his wife, who was a passenger. Police said that the wife exited the vehicle; the truck then struck her, causing serious injuries. She was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City. Jones was charged with 2nd-degree vehicular assault and DWI, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was sent to the Chenango County Jail on $7,500 cash bail or $20,000 bond pending court action on January 24th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a 1 car, rollover accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Tompkins. 30-year-old Adam Buteau of Deposit swerved to avoid a deer and went off the highway and crossed over the guide rail, the vehicle hit a number of trees & overturned, coming to rest on its roof. Deputies charged Buteau with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance plus a number of traffic other violations. Buteau was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

The Tri-Town Youth Club is moving from the Civic Center to the Sidney United Methodist Church starting Monday afternoon. Spokesperson Roni Haag explains:

(RONI HAAG 1-20-17)

Haag said that the hours for the club would be from 2:00 to 5:30 weekdays, starting Monday.

The Jericho Arts Council announced that the Atkinson Family Band would perform at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday night. More information, or ticket reservations can be made at 288-3882, the show will begin at 7:00 PM. The Doors open at 6:00 pm; General Admission tickets are $12.00, Seniors & Students $10.00 & Students under 10 $5.00

Many area fire departments responded to a fire on State Route 7 in the Wells Bridge area this morning. The fire started at about 7:00 AM at a 2 story structure across the road from the former Babcock's, firefighters from Wells Bridge, Unadilla, Franklin, Sidney, Oneonta, West Oneonta & Gilbertsville responded, traffic was detoured off of route 7 while firefighters tackled that fire. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.