WCDO Radio News

Broome County's Festival of Lights returns tonight, after crews cleaned up Otsiningo Park following recent flooding and subsequent damage.  Officials said that that the New Year's Eve fireworks display should go on as scheduled at 7:00 PM; more information is available at the Spiedie Fest Facebook page.

State Police arrested 54-year-old Robert Trella on an arson charge following the investigation of a suspicious fire at 305 Pease Hill Road in the town of Barker Monday afternoon.  Trella lived in the home, no one else was inside at the time of the fire, he was arraigned and released on his own recognizance & will appear in court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-29-20

Governor Cuomo signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020, which prevents residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also extends the Senior Citizens' Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption from 2020 to 2021. The Act adds to New York State's efforts to protect tenants and homeowners from the economic hardship incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual Blood Drive in Honor of Trooper Christopher Skinner will be held today at the 5 Mile Point Fire Station in Kirkwood.  The Drive will be held from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, Trooper Skinner was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop on I-81 in Broome County in 2014.

19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado is holding a Facebook Live Town Hall at 7:00 PM tonight, to update constituents and answer their questions.  Interested constituents can submit questions in advance by going to the congressman's Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-9-20

State Police were dispatched early Monday Morning to a report of a fire on Welton Street in the town of Colesville.  60 year old Wendy Sutton died as a result of the fire, Harpursville, Windsor, Ouaguaga and West Colesville Fire Departments responded.   The fire is not believed to be suspicious & the investigation is ongoing.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-24-20

17 year old Alexander Borgreen of Oneonta pleaded guilty to 1st degree Burglary, for his role in the October 10th 2019 murder of Kenneth Robinson at his home in Worcester.  Borgreen is accused of going to Robinson's house to steal Money & drugs, Dylan Robinson is accused of fatally shooting his father, and the house was set on fire.  Borgreen faces sentencing at a later date, Nicolas Meridy pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder earlier this year for his role in the crime, and he was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison.

The New York State Association of Counties applauds Governor Cuomo for signing legislation to end the incineration of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFA chemicals.  Since the 1970s, PFA's have been used in firefighting foams because of their ability to produce fast-spreading foam. However, the “forever chemicals” accumulate in the body and the environment and have been linked to serious health effects, including birth defects, delayed development, liver and immune system damage, and cancer.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-11-20

50 year old Richard Millard of Vestal was sentenced to 6 years in prison for starting a fire that caused Home Central in Vestal, to burn down in February. Millard was charged with 2nd degree arson, he pleaded guilty in August in Broome County Court & was sentenced there Tuesday.

Fire Investigators in Otsego County believe that it was a spark from a lawn mower may have caused a fire that destroyed a barn in Fly Creek Tuesday. The barn was located on Hoke Road, near the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, it caught fire at about 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, No injuries were reported.

Construction is underway for the New Berlin Firehouse & Community Center, New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter has an update:

(Terry Potter 11-11-20)

Mayor Potter said that they are planning for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the conclusion of the construction.

Catholic Charities, other charities & the Village of Sidney are teaming up for another mass food distribution at the Sidney Fire Department Friday starting at 11:00 AM. Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities explains:

(Penny McKnight 11-5-20)

McKnight said that the September 17th Mass Food Distribution helped out about 1200 individuals from 500 families, with 12 tons of food given out.

A small explosion at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown Tuesday injured 2 construction workers.  the explosion occurred near the hospital’s receiving dock when a contractor was transporting equipment  in an exterior stairwell connected to a construction site, 1 workers suffered severe injuries & was reported to Upstate medical Center in Syracuse, a 2nd construction worker was treated at Bassett for his injuries.  The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Damage was minimal, hospital operations were not affected.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 10-27-20

Nicolas Meridy was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison in Otsego County Court Monday. Meridy was 1 of 4 people charged in the death of 53 year old Kenneth Robinson of Worcester, he pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder in August, in a plea bargain deal. 53-year-old Kenneth Robinson was shot and killed while being robbed in his Worcester home in October of 2019, his home was set on fire, 1 of those arrested was Robinson's son, Dylan Robinson, others arrested were 15-year-old Anias Soto, 16-year-old Alexander Borgreen for murder and burglary, 16-year-old Alexi Lottermann was charged with burglary.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Thursday to a disturbance at the Masonville Mirabito convenience store. 67-year-old Edward Sherman of Masonville was operating a motor vehicle while his driving privileges were revoked & that he had been operating an unregistered, uninspected, and uninsured motor vehicle. Sherman was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, among other similar charges, he was released and directed to appear in the Town of Masonville Court on a later date.

Otsego County Department of Health reported Monday that they had 6 more cases of COVID 19. Since October 1, 2020 84 cases have been reported, 35 have been in college students & 49 in county residents. Of those 49 cases 25 have been linked to 2 separate weddings. 7 cases have been associated with the first wedding and 18 cases with the most recent wedding. Otsego County has had 981 total confirmed cases, there are 39 active cases, 1 hospitalization, 7 deaths, 751 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta, and 30 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Delaware County reported 2 new cases of COVID-19 Monday & 1 death. The number of active cases is now 15. To date there have been 157 confirmed positive cases, with 119 people under mandatory quarantine, 11 people are at home and 4 people are in a hospital, 9 people have died and 133 have fully recovered.

DEA's next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, many local police departments also have drop boxes available year round to get expired medications or unused narcotics out of the waste stream or out of criminal hands.  A listing of local law enforcement agencies & fire Departments participating can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

Officials gathered in New Berlin to break ground at the site of the new fire house and Chobani Community Center, located on South Main Street in the village.  The fire station will have 6 garage bays, offices and rooms for training and storage and a space for community meetings.  The village received a $150,000 grant from the state, plus donations from Chobani for $650,000 & Preferred Mutual Insurance for $150,000.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-22-20

Otsego County Department of Health reports 5 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, and 10 cases reported over the past 5 days, 5 of those cases have been traced back to a recent wedding. Since October 1st The Health Department reports 12 cases related to 2 separate weddings. The County reports 942 total confirmed cases,  19 are active cases with 2 hospitalizations, 7 deaths,  746 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 21 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Sheriff's Department responded Friday to a crash where 3 people were transported to O’Connor Hospital.   The 2-car, head-on collision occurred on State Highway 28 in Delhi, at 10:45 AM,   87 year-old Robert Helt of Margaretville crossed into the opposing lane and struck an on-coming car being driven 54 year-old FaithAnn Hill of Delhi.  Helt was extricated from his vehicle by a homeowner and passerby immediately following the collision.  Hill and a passenger in her vehicle, 31 year-old Corinne Wheeler of Delhi were extricated from their vehicle by members of the Delhi Fire Department, all 3 were transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing their investigation of this accident.

State Police arrested 73 year old Darrel Rich for 1st degree assault, in connection with a shooting in the town of Fenton on Saturday. State police reported that a 58-year-old woman was shot and was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. Rich was processed and transported to Broome County Central Arraignment, the shooting remains under investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-12-20

The Masonville Fire Department responded to a barn fire in Masonville Sunday on State Route 206. The fire started around 4:30 PM Sunday, 16 fire departments responded, the barn was filled with Hay, no people or animals were injured, it was completely destroyed, Delaware County Emergency Services is investigating the cause.

9 Fire Departments & state Police responded early Sunday morning to a fire at Jones Road in the town of Otsego, that resulted in 1 fatality. 2 adults & 3 children escaped the blaze, 1 adult male went back in to the burning house to save a 77 year old male, who later died at Bassett Hospital, and the deceased has been identified as Robert Huestis. The cause of the fire is under investigation, no foul play is suspected.

State Police responded to a report of a structure fire with an entrapment at a residence on Jones Road in the town of Otsego, early Sunday morning. 39-year-old male, 32-year-old female and 3 children were able to escape the residence unharmed, but the male returned to the residence to assist a 77-year-old male out of the home, the 77-year-old male was transported to Bassett Hospital where he later died. Many area Fire Departments responded, the cause of the fire is under investigation, no foul play is suspected.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies  & Downsville Fire & EMS were dispatched to a roll-over accident on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester that was reported by “On-Star”.   19-year-old Parker Rosencranse of Roscoe lost control of his vehicle which ran off the roadway, into a ditch and overturned.  Rosencranse was arrested and charged with the DWI, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, unauthorized sticker, among other charges, Rosencranse was released on traffic summonses directing him to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date to answer the charges. Rosencranse & an unidentified passenger were not injured.

Chenango County Health Department announced that they will have 3 Drive-through rabies clinics this year.  The next one will be in Bainbridge at General Clinton Park Today from 9:00 to 11:00, one is also scheduled at the Sherburne Earlville High School bus garage on October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 and another will be held at the South New Berlin Fire Station on December 5th from 9:00 to 11:00, Pre-Registration is Required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9 or by calling 337-1673.

Chenango County Health Department announced that they will have 3 Drive-through rabies clinics this year.  The next one will be in Bainbridge at General Clinton Park on October 10th from 9:00 to 11:00, one is also scheduled at the Sherburne Earlville High School bus garage on October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 and another will be held at the South New Berlin Fire Station on December 5th from 9:00 to 11:00, Pre-Registration is Required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9 or by calling 337-1673.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 Norwich for allegedly stealing 8 Catalytic Converters from cars at a Norwich Dealership. 35 year old Paul Knuth Jr. & 36 year old Samuel Furlong were charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny, Criminal Mischief & conspiracy, for removing the Converters selling them, causing about $11,000 damage to the vehicles, both were issued appearance tickets for town of Norwich Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-17-20

Binghamton Police have arrested 28-year-old Macoley Saunders of Binghamton on charges of Attempted murder, criminal use of a firearm, Criminal possession of a firearm, Assault & Resisting arrest, plus charges relating to a domestic dispute in July. Saunders was located riding on the back of a motorcycle on Main Street in Johnson City. He led police on a pursuit on Route 17 going the wrong way in an attempt to evade police, Eventually, Saunders led police on a foot chase. A Binghamton K9 was able to take him down, a struggled ensued, and Saunders was able to fire one shot toward police officers before being disarmed. Saunders is currently being held in the Broome County Jail.

The Catholic Charities community food distribution will be held Today in Sidney. Those who would like to volunteer should arrive to the Sidney Fire department site on River Street by 8:30 AM Thursday, and the food giveaway begins at 10:00 AM. People are requested to come by car, but walk ups will also be allowed, more information is available at 604-4071.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Catholic Charities community food distribution Thursday in Sidney.  Those who would like to volunteer are advised to Carol Allen, at 563-8065, they should arrive to the Sidney Fire department site on River Street by 8:30 AM Thursday, and the food giveaway begins at 10:00 AM.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-16-20

Governor Cuomo announced that 6 states have been removed from the travel advisory requiring 14 day quarantines after arriving in New York State.  The Governor said that California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and Ohio Are Removed.  The Full list is at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Catholic Charities community food distribution Thursday in Sidney.  Those who would like to volunteer are advised to send an email to office@sidneychamber.org, they should arrive to the Sidney Fire department site on River Street by 8:30 AM Thursday, and the food giveaway begins at 10:00 AM.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-15-20

Delaware County is reporting no new positive test result for COVID-19 and 4 additional recoveries. The known active cases in the County as of today is 3, all 3 are isolated at home. To date there have been 117 confirmed positive cases of COVID19 in Delaware County, with 65 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 108 have fully recovered.

Utica Firefighters were called to a massive fire at the former CharlesTown Mall in Utica.    Firefighters from the Utica & surrounding Fire Departments responded at about 1:30 this morning, Utica city officials are advising residents in the eastern sections of the city to remain indoors with their windows shut due to the high winds whipping the smoke & ash around from the blaze.

The Otsego County District Attorney’s office announced that Nicolas Meridy of Oneonta has pleaded guilty in a plea bargain arrangement & will serve 22 years to life.  Meridy was arrested along with several others following the murder of Kenneth Robinson in Worcester & the arson fire at Robinson house after the fatal shooting, in October of last year.

Oneonta Fire Fighters responded to a garage fire on Railroad Avenue at about 4:00 this morning.  Early reports indicated that there were 3 vehicles inside; WCDO NEWS will have more information as it becomes available.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Department announced that an all-terrain vehicle accident in the Town of Walton early Friday afternoon has claimed the life of a Bronx teenager.   Deputies and Walton Fire & EMS, responded to Cayuga Trail Road in the Town of Walton, their preliminary investigation revealed that the 15-year-old victim lost control of the ATV, ran off the roadway & collided with a tree and was ejected from the vehicle.   The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, he was transported by LifeNet to UHS Delaware Valley Hospital where died of the injuries he sustained in the accident.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office responded to a 2 motorcycle, 1 car accident Saturday night on State Route 206 in the town of Walton.   Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Walton Fire Department and Emergency Squads were dispatched to a motorcycle – deer accident on State Highway 206 near the intersection of Davis Road. 64-year-old Bruce Gerken, and his wife, 58-year-old Deborah Gerken of Bainbridge were traveling on a motorcycle when they collided with a deer that ran into the roadway, Bruce Gerken lost control & he and his wife were ejected from the motorcycle, which then struck a vehicle driven by 56-year-old Debra Higley of Trout Creek.  Bruce & Deborah Gerken were taken to Wilson Hospital, Debra Higley & her passenger 62 year-old Luther Higley were uninjured.  Another motorcyclist traveling with the Gerkens, 74-year-old Richard King from Bainbridge lost control of his motorcycle while attempting to avoid the Gerken’s collision; he struck the guide wires, his Motorcycle overturned, fatally injuring King.  The accident remains under investigation

State Police arrested 24 year old Alexander Hartman of Binghamton for 2nd degree Burglary and 3rd degree Arson.  On August 9, Troopers and the Nanticoke Fire Department were dispatched to a garage fire, an investigation revealed that Hartman broke into a residence to steal items then started a fire in the garage.  Hartman was arrested and processed at the Binghamton barracks & he was later transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced over $290,000 in grant funding for fire departments across New York’s 22nd District.   The grant money is awarded through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will help local fire departments prioritize operations and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Locally the New Berlin Fire Department will get over $29,000; the South Otselic Volunteer Fire Department will get over $74,000.

17 fire Companies responded to a fire at the Zone Girls Camp in Gilboa yesterday.  Fire companies from 3 counties responded, no injuries have been reported, the fire is believed to have started in a kitchen, the investigation is ongoing.

50 year-old Richard Millard pleaded guilty to arson Monday for the fire at Home Central in Vestal on February 13th.  There were no injuries in the fire; the company will rebuild the warehouse.

The Cancer Services Program has a free mobile coach cancer screening event today at the Morris Fire Department from 9:00am to 2:00 pm to provide NO COST mammograms and Pap tests to women 40 or older.  More information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

Preferred Mutual Insurance Company presented the Village of New Berlin with a $150,000 donation to the New Berlin Firehouse project; which will be a  7,000 square-foot firehouse with 6 garage bays, offices, meeting rooms and training area, construction is slated to begin later this year.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Prospect Terrace Fire Company in Binghamton this afternoon, as she repeated her call for legislation to provide local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services like Fire Departments, Police Departments & other emergency Services, and offset lost revenues and increased costs from the COVID-19 emergency. Gillibrand also called for the Trump Administration to renew the $600 week unemployment to those unemployed due to the pandemic, those benefits along with provisions that keep people from being evicted, expire at midnight tonight.

The Village of Unadilla Board Meeting is tonight at 6:30 PM at the Firehouse 77 Clifton St. This meeting will be open to the public- social distancing will be observed and masks will be required.

Delaware County received 1 new case of COVID-19 Monday and is reporting 1 additional recovery. The known active cases in the County remains 4, the total number of positive cases is 87, with 31 people under quarantine, 4 people are isolated at home,  none are in the hospital, 6 people have died and 77 have fully recovered.

The murder & arson fire cover-up case of 16 year old Jeffrey Franklin of the town of Guilford, will be featured on the Investigation Discovery Channel tonight at 10:00 PM on the program "The Murder Tapes” Franklin was the disabled teenager killed by his parents Ernest & Heather Franklin, who then tried to cover up the boy's death by setting the family residence on fire, closely echoing the plot of the movie "Manchester By The Sea", the incident occurred back on February 28th 2017.

The Watershed Agricultural Council will be sponsoring their 4th annual blood drive from 12:00 to 5:00 pm today at the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street, Walton. Appointments are requested at redcrossblood.org.

There will be another Sidney Center meeting tonight at 6:30 regarding the proposed zoning changes.  The meeting will be held at the firemen’s field by the Sidney Center fire station.

Gabriel Truitt of Oneonta was sentenced to life in prison without parole in Otsego County Court this morning.  Truitt was convicted earlier this year on charges of 1st & 2nd degree murder plus arson, for setting a fire at Walling Avenue in Oneonta, former Oneonta Firefighter John Heller died in the fire while helping to evacuate people from the burning building.