WCDO Radio News

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire at 10 Luther Street Sunday morning at about 9:00 Am. all occupants escaped without injuries, there were no injuries to firefighters, the cause of the fire is under investigation, the structure was a total loss.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Samuel Layton of New Lisbon, for 3 counts of Reckless Endangerment, following an investigation into a shots fired complaint in the Town of Exeter. Layton is accused of firing a semi-automatic rifle in the direction of an occupied residence with a family of 3 inside, resulting in a rifle round impacting through the residence, he was located, arrested, processed, and turned over to Otsego County Corrections pending Centralized Arraignment

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-10-26

Oneonta Firefighters responded this morning to a reported structure fire at 525 Main Street at the Oneonta veterinary Hospital. 3 on-duty firefighters arrived within minutes to find fire rapidly extending up the exterior wall of the building. Crews knocked down the fire, checked for extension, and searched the building to ensure the fire had not spread into the structure, off duty Firefighters were called back to assist.

The Otsego County Fire Fighters convention continues today & concludes in Otego Saturday with a variety activities, Otego Fire Chief Joe Hurlburt explains:

(Joe Hurlburt 7-10-26)

More information is available at the Otsego County Fire fighters Facebook page.

The Otsego County Fire Convention gets underway today through Saturday at the American Legion Field on Willow Street, 1st Assistant Chief JR Hurlbert comments:

(JR Hurlburt 7-9-26)

The festivities begin today & run through Saturday night.

The Otego Fire department is hosting a 3 day Otsego County Fire Fighters Convention Thursday through Saturday, G.X. Cramatte is one of the organizer, he told WCDO News that there is something for everyone:

(G.X. Cramatte 7-8-26)

The activities will be held at the American Legion Field on Willow Street in Otego, starting at 12:00 Noon each day.

The Otego Fire Department is hosting The Otsego County Fire Fighters Convention this Thursday through Saturday with a variety of events, G.X. Cramatte is one of the organizers, he told WCDO News about Thursday's schedule;

(G.X. Cramatte 7-6-26)

The events continue at the site on fair Street in Otego Friday & Saturday from 12:00 noon each day into the evening hours, with Fireworks on Saturday night.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has approved funding for a countywide Fire Services Assessment to be conducted by Emergency Services Consulting International. The approval follows recommendations from the Delaware County Fire Advisory Board’s Recruitment and Retention Committee and an overwhelming majority of County Fire Chiefs regarding the challenges facing Delaware County’s volunteer fire service. The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 96 authorizing the transfer of $73,828 to retain ESCI to perform the assessment, which should take about 9 months to complete following project initiation and data collection.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-25-26

Several law enforcement agencies commented at a press conference in Binghamton today regarding the Fire at the Knight's Inn of Endwell June 22nd, State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Lucas Anthony discussed the investigation & released the names of those deceased in Monday's Fire:

(Captain Lucas Anthony 6-25-26)

State Police arrested 24 year old Tyler Russell of Endwell, Monday for 6 counts of 2nd degree Manslaughter & 1 count of Arson, he is being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail pending Grand Jury action.

The FBI & the Johnson City Police Department arrested 69 year old Robert Randesi of Johnson City on federal drug & weapons charges after the execution of search warrant at a warehouse style building in Johnson City. Officers located over 20 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, quantities of marijuana, approximately $24,000 in cash, several firearms including AR-15 style rifles, ghost guns, firearm parts and ammunition, plus machinist tools and metal fabricating equipment consistent with tools used to construct or mill firearms & their parts. Randesi is currently in the Broome County Jail, He faces court action for both state and federal charges.

The National Weather Service announced that they have already confirmed 6 tornadoes this year, after last Thursday's 2 confirmations in Cortland & in Yates County. The first tornado of 2026 in New York State was confirmed as an EF-1 in Cattaraugus County on March 31st, the 5 additional Tornadoes were in Upstate or Western New York Counties so far. Since 1990, the average has been 16.5 per year, with a record 25 tornadoes occurring in 1992.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-23-26

State Police arrested 24 year old Tyler Russell of Endwell, for 6 counts of Manslaughter and 1 count of Arson in connection with Monday's Fire at the Knight's Inn of Endwell, where 6 people died, 2 were hospitalized and over 70 were left homeless. Russell was processed and was turned over to the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. Additional information, including the identities of the victims, will be released at a later time.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-22-25

Broome County 911 Center received multiple reports of a fire at the Knights Inn, at 2603 East Main Street in Endwell, at about 6:00 AM today, a total of 6 fatalities have been confirmed. Additional information, including the identities of the victims, will be released at a later time, 2 others were taken to Wilson Medical Center. over 70 residents have been displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. A temporary shelter has been set up at the Vestal United Methodist Church. Endwell Fire Department arrived to find heavy black smoke in the front of the building and flames showing from the rear of the building. The fire spread rapidly, and multiple Fire Departments, ambulance crews and police agencies arrived on scene to assist. The New York State Office of Fire, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, Broome County Mobile Crisis Response Team is on scene, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Tomorrow is is Primary Election day around the State. Democrats will vote statewide for the Comptroller candidate between long time incumbent Tom DiNapoli and challengers Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle. Locally Democrats in the 102nd Assembly District will decide between 3 candidates, Thomas Boomhower, Janet Tweed & Mary Finneran. In the Republican Primaries locally, Peter Oberacker & Alexander Portelli are seeking the nomination to be on the ballot for the 19th Congressional District, in the 51st State Senate District, the Republican candidates are Chris Tague & Terry Bernardo, for Otsego County Sheriff, Incumbent Rich Devlin faces a challenge from Mike Stalter, In Afton, Jason Wicks is challenging long time Town Supervisor John Lawrence.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-22-26

State Police arrested 56 year old Joel Salinas of Bainbridge following a traffic stop on Chenango County Road 35 last Tuesday. Troopers observed a vehicle committing multiple violations, initiated a traffic stop, Troopers observed a sawed-off shot gun and other illegal weapons, Salinas was driving to sell the shotgun, the investigation resulted in the seizure of several other illegally possessed weapons. Salinas was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Sale of a Firearm, he was processed & transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

Sidney Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire with smoke and flames visible Friday night at about 7:00 PM at 826 Circle Drive, heavy smoke was showing from the ridge of the roof. Sidney firefighters launched an aggressive interior and exterior attack and contained the fire to one apartment. Assistance was provided by Masonville, Unadilla, Sidney Center, Oneonta, Guilford & Harpursville fire departments, no injuries were reported, Sidney was back in service at about 8:30PM.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-15-26

Masonville Fire Departments responded to a barn fire Thursday at about 3:00 PM on State Route 8. 8 other Fire companies from surrounding communities also responded, Route 8 was closed off to traffic for several hours as crews worked to set up water supplies and utilized tankers from other departments. The barn was a total loss, no injuries were reported.

The Unadilla Flag Day Parade will be held on Main Street in Unadilla, this Sunday featuring marching bands, vintage tractors, antique vehicles, and dozens of local fire departments. The Parade starts at 3:00 PM from Unatego Elementary School to the Community House.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-12-26

State Police arrested 26 year old Ryan Gregory of Coram, Wednesday following a neighbor dispute that resulted in a man shot on Houghtaling Hollow Road in the Town of Meredith, Gregory allegedly shot the victim and 2 unoccupied vehicles. A 57-year-old male from Meredith sustained non-life threatening injuries and went to A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, he was later transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Troopers located Gregory at his local residence where he was in possession of firearms and refused commands to surrender, after several hours, Gregory surrendered and was charged with Attempted Murder, Criminal Use of a Firearm & Additional charges are likely. Gregory was processed then transported to the Delaware County Jail for Arraignment.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-11-26

A Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Resulted in Convictions for 11 Drug Traffickers from across the Southern Tier, around the state and in Michigan. The 11 defendants involved in an organization distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and other drugs primarily from 2019 to 2021 through Broome, Tioga and Chemung Counties, they also unlawfully possessed firearms as felons or in furtherance of their drug trafficking. Law enforcement seized methamphetamine, & other drugs, over 65 firearms, cash and ATVs. Among those convicted 55 year old David Wemmer, 37 year old David Cobb & 50 year old Brandon Vanorman, all from Spencer, 38 year old Shawn McCabe of Windsor, 39 year old Philip Acciarito of Owego, , 44 year old Jennifer Patton of Spencer & 39 year old Eini Raupers of Candor.

Delaware County Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage free rabies vaccinations clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets, the next one will be today from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Margaretville Fire Hall, Pre-registration is suggested at health.ny.gov/go2clinic.

Otsego County Emergency Services reported that Milford Fire Fighters responded to a fire on Lee Drive Monday Night. Multiple fire crews from the surrounding area assisted, 2 people were in the residence, 1 suffered minor injuries, a vehicle was damaged, the Red Cross responded to assist the displaced residents, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31 year old Justin Cole of Bainbridge for Reckless Endangerment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation into a complaint received on May 31, regarding a firearm allegedly being brandished during an altercation in a parking lot adjacent in the Village of Sherburne. A preliminary investigation revealed allegations that a firearm and a knife had been brandished by two separate individuals during the incident. No individuals present at the scene wished to pursue charges, deputies obtained photographs depicting a firearm being brandished in the presence of bystanders, including children. Cole was issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.

Unadilla Fire Department responded Monday afternoon at approximately 3:14 PM, to a 2 vehicle accident involving a school bus. Fire Department units & an ambulance responded to the scene, it was determined that the incident was minor in nature, every student on the bus was evaluated by EMS personnel. no injuries were reported.

Delaware County sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Logan Coss of Grand Gorge for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated and Obstructing Firefighter Operations. On May 25th, Deputies responded to assist the Grand Gorge Fire Department and Town of Roxbury Constable at the scene of a vehicle fire, Coss is accused of attempting to obstruct fire fighters and police who were on scene. Coss was released on appearance tickets for Town of Roxbury Court at a later date.

At approximately 2:03 pm Wednesday, the Otsego County 911 Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at Dietz Street Lofts, at 34 Dietz Street in Oneonta, Units arriving on scene found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. Mutual aid was requested to the scene, and the fire was quickly extinguished. No serious injuries have been reported. One individual was transported for evaluation for possible smoke inhalation. Some residents have been displaced and the American Red Cross is contacting them to ensure they have access to temporary shelter. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Numerous area Fire Departments also responded.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-3-26

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the new Dietz Street Lofts in Oneonta, at about 2:00 PM this afternoon. mutual aid was requester from fire departments in Otego, West Oneonta, Laurens and Milford, Videos from scene showed flames on the roof of one of the buildings. WCDO News will have more information as it becomes available.

The Madison County District Attorney, State Police, University Police at SUNY Morrisville and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced that an arrest has been made in connection with a shooting on the SUNY Morrisville campus that left a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the neck back on November 3rd of 2025. The victim was not a student, and was taken to Upstate Medical Hospital for emergency surgery. A Madison County grand jury indicted 19 year old Kido Simon on 6 counts, including attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal use of a firearm. Simon was a student at SUNY Morrisville at the time of the shooting, he is being held at Madison County Jail on bail set at $1,000,000 cash, $1,500,000 bond and $2,000,000 partially unsecured bond. Simon’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 3 at the Madison County Courthouse. 1 other person is wanted in connection with this case who remains at large.

Delaware County Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of any of the free rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets in Delaware County. Pre-registration is suggested for all clinics at health.ny.gov/go2clinic. The next clinic will be today in Franklin from 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street.

State Police arrested 40 year old Shawn Kerwin of Windsor for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger Less than 16 (Leandra’s Law). troopers were dispatched early Monday to a vehicle fire on Old Route 17 in the town of Windsor. An investigation revealed that Kerwin got a flat tire but decided to continue driving, he saw sparks coming from the tire area which ultimately caused the vehicle to catch fire. He and his passenger, a teenager, were able to safely get out of the vehicle without any injuries. Kerwin failed Field Sobriety Tests, He was processed then transported to the Broome County Jail for Arraignment.

2 more American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today 1 in Margaretville from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Fire Department, another in Deposit from 8 am. - 1 pm., at the Deposit Central School, make appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

There will be a host of activities at General Clinton Park on Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend, during the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, co-chair Chris smith told WCDO about the Music Fest that day:

(Chris Smith 5-12-26)

Co-Chair Mike Kaufman told WCDO of an added incentive to increase the crowd size for the awards ceremony after the 70 mile canoe races:

(Mike Kaufman 5-12-26)

The General Clinton Canoe regatta runs from Friday May 22nd to Sunday night May 24, more information is available at canoeregatta.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-12-26

State Police announced that 18 year old Dalton Malmstrom of Nichols, who was reported missing Saturday, was found deceased in the Susquehanna River by the State Police Under Water Recovery Team and members of the K9 unit. Troopers were assisted by members of the Nichols Fire Department. Malmstrom was last seen leaving his residence in Nichols, at approximately 7:45 am. on Saturday.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-11-26

On Sunday morning at 9:14pm the City of Norwich Fire Department was dispatched for the report of a structure fire located at 6 & 6A Griffin Street in the City of Norwich. Firefighters found a working fire, crews entered the apartment building and found fire and smoke conditions within both apartments, they searched for occupants on all floors, they were able to bring the fire under control within an hour of arrival. Norwich Fire Department was assisted by the Sherburne, Oxford, North Norwich & Plymouth Fire Departments, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and involved improperly discarded ashes from a prior campfire with the remaining ashes placed in a garbage bag on the rear porch of the home. There were no reported injuries to firefighters. 2 occupants of the home were evaluated at the scene by EMS & were released.

State Police Superintendent Steven James announced the Annual Trooper Awards, for bravery & service to New Yorkers. The Brummer Award, which is the Highest Award for Heroism, went to Trooper Thomas Stiehler of Troop G, who on July 4th 2025, responded to a shooting involving a teenage male and a structure fire one block from the Plaza, he entered the burning building to ensure all occupants had evacuated. He then entered the adjoining smoke filled residence, and removed a disabled woman, carrying her down several flights of stairs to safety. Locally, Trooper Timothy Murray at Troop C, who also volunteers as a firefighter and EMT with the Delhi Fire Department, responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident and provided life-saving care to a severely injured fellow trooper. State Police participated in the 1st National Top Trooper Competition in Texas, Sergeant Nicholas Trentanelli and Trooper Lindsey Rumenapp of Troop C, were both selected to participate following a statewide tryout process.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-5-26

A collaborative operation between The US Attorney's Office, the Broome County District Attorney's Office, the FBI & the Broome County Sheriff's Office led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illicit drugs and 20 firearms over the past year in Broome County. Operation Clean Sweep led to the seizure of 475 grams of fentanyl, 63 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.3 kilograms of liquid methadone, 350 grams of crack cocaine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 2.6 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms, and 400 pounds of marijuana and THC products. It also led to the seizure of 20 firearms that were illegally possessed.

The State Burn Ban is in effect for 1 more week. The law stipulates no open burning of brush or debris due to the higher possibility dry & windy conditions that could spread fire quickly, more information is available at the DEC website.

A free Rabies vaccination clinic will be held today at the Sidney Fire Hall. the clinic will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, pre-registration is requested at health.ny.gov/go2clinic.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-29-26

Hundreds of UTV riders showed up Sunday for the UTV ride & Poker Run through the woods in the town of Guilford, to raise money for the building of a new fire house for the Guilford Fire Department, organizers Teri Schunk & Roger Barnhart told WCDO News about the fundraiser:

(Teri Schunk-Roger Barnhart 4-29-26)

The Amount raised through the UTV ride participants, poker players & money raised from food located at PAK Construction in Guilford has not bee tabulated yet, it should be announced shortly.

Chenango County Health Department announced a free rabies clinic in Plymouth today. The Clinic will be held from from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Plymouth Fire Department. For More information call 607-337-1673.

The Butternut Valley Alliance is accepting artist submissions for the annual "On the Trail of Art" forest exhibition, to be held June 13-14 at General Jacob Morris State Forest. Artists are invited to submit weatherproof work for outdoor display along a forest trail transformed into an immersive gallery. Artists may also contribute work to BVA's online auction. Submissions can be made at butternutvalleyalliance.org or by emailing info@butternutvalleyalliance.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-28-26

41 year old Frank Giacalone of Walton, pleaded guilty to Felony Driving While Intoxicated in Delaware County Court, The plea was entered as part of a negotiated disposition where it is anticipated that Giacalone will be sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison. State Police responded to the report of a vehicle hit a fire hydrant on Mead Street in the Village of Walton, then backed up and drove away. A Trooper observed a piece of the vehicle’s front bumper near the fire hydrant, found the vehicle matching the description, missing a portion of its front bumper, Giacalone failed field sobriety tests & was arrested, he'll be sentenced at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office and numerous local fire departments responded last Wednesday to a house fire at 803 Hill Avenue in the Town of Union. Firefighters found a fully involved fire, after extinguishing the fire, a victim was located inside the residence, deceased. The deceased victim was identified as 86 year old Joyce Bassos, There were no other occupants in the residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation, The preliminary investigation does not indicate any criminal action.

The Guilford Fire Department will be holding a UTV Poker Run on April 26th at 11:00 AM as a fundraiser for the Department. Organizer Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri SCHUNK 4-24-26)

The money raise will go for the construction of a new Fire Station for the Guilford Fire Department.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-17-26

This Weekend, Fire Departments around the state will be participating in the annual "Recruit New York" Campaign, in order to add to their ranks, local organizer Roger Barnhart explains:

(Roger Barnhart 4-17-26)

Departments participating locally include; PORT CRANE, PLYMOUTH, ANDES, TROUT CREEK, HARTWICK, MILFORD, MOUNT VISION, UNADILLA, & WEST ONEONTA, To find out what day & times local Fire Departments are participating, go to fireinyou.org/recruitny.