WCDO Radio News

The Delaware County Business Alliance will recognize several businesses and groups for their service to the county’s business community at its 2025 Business Awards celebration on August 20 at Stonewall Estate in DeLancey. Alliance President Ray Pucci told WCDO News about this year's winners:

(Ray Pucci 7-21-25)

Tickets for the dinner event are $95 per person. Reservations are required and may be made under the Events column at DelawareCounty.org.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-21-25

Warren County 911 received a call from 45 year old Luciano Frattolin of Canada, reporting his 9-year-old daughter Melina Frattolin was missing, with a possible abduction, in Lake George. As the case progressed, law enforcement identified inconsistencies in the father’s account of events and the timeline he provided. The girl was found dead in Ticonderoga, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office has turned the investigation over to State Police. Luciano Frattolin, has been arrested and is currently being held at the Essex County Jail, Luciano Frattolin, the father of Melina Frattolin, was charged with second-degree murder and concealing of a corpse, The investigation is ongoing,

SFCU announced that they are opening a new Branch in Morris, with a ribbon cutting this week, SFCU's vice president of sales and marketing Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 7-21-25)

Smith said that the new branch is open at 132 Main Street in Morris.

Binghamton Police Department & the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force conducted 2 search warrants in Binghamton, investigators found a loaded handgun, plus fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, $301 from drug proceeds, and items used for packaging and weighing narcotics. Police arrested Michael McCary of Binghamton, Rashee Shuler from Binghamton, Elizabeth Reid of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, Amanda Goodwin from Castle Creek, Arijana Makic of Johnson City, Christopher Johnson of Binghamton & George Smith of Manhattan, all face court action shortly.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-12-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the conviction of Duane Kinne of Walton pleaded guilty to 6 counts of Unlawful Surveillance, for secretly installing a camera in a bathroom shower and using the recordings for his own gratification, plus 1 count of Criminal Sexual Act for admitting to performing a sexual act on a boy less than 13 years old. Kinne will be sentenced at a later date.

The Tri Town Theatre announced their next Production will be the musical "Big Fish" in May. Cast Member George Wells talked about the show on WCDO this morning:

(George Wells 3-12-25)

The shows will be on May 2nd & 3rd at 7:30 PM, with a Sunday Matinee on May 4th at 2:00 PM, tickets are available at tritowntheatre.com/bigfish.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-27-23

Today is Primary Day, the race with a lot of local interest is the Delaware County Republican Party Primary for the nomination for District Attorney. Long time area Attorney Joe Ermeti faces current Acting County District Attorney Shawn Smith for the County Republican endorsement. Smith already has the Conservative party nomination & will be on the ballot for Delaware County District Attorney in the November General Election.

State Police arrested 48 year old Leslie George Jr. of Waddington, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property plus 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. A trooper was dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle facing the wrong direction on East Hubbell Hill Road in the town of Middletown. The trooper found the pick-up truck unoccupied but discovered that the truck had been previously reported as stolen. George returned to the scene and told the trooper he had run out of fuel and was picked up by a passerby, he was arrested and found to be in possession of drugs, he was and arraigned & released & was ordered to re-appear in court at a later date.

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

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

Voters in OTSEGO COUNTY have races for the County Board of Representatives in Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 & 13; there is a race for Oneonta Mayor between 2 Common Council members: Mark Drnek & Len Carson. In the town of Oneonta, in the Supervisors’ race, Randal Mowers faces Teresa DeSantis, there are 4 people running for 2 town justice positions & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the Town Board. In the Town of Hartwick Supervisor's Race, candidates are Bryan LoRusso & Robert O'Brien & there are 5 candidates for 2 seats on the town council. In Unadilla, Dwight Mott & Joshua Palmer are running for Town Justice, Terry Yoder & Kelly Moore are running for the Unadilla Town Clerk's Position & for the Unadilla Town Council, BARBARA NOLAN, RON REED, JESSICA GROW, & Write In Candidate Sheri Kinsella are running for 2 Seats. For the Laurens Town Board, George Decker, Edwin Winslow & Mark Peterson are running for 2 seats.

Delaware County Sheriff’s department announced that
indictments were handed down by a Grand jury against 2 area women on drug
charges.  43-year-old Crystal Smith of
Endicott and 31-year-old Anna Kellam of Hancock were charged with criminal sale
of a controlled substance independently of each other, in Hancock.  Kellam was already being held in the Delaware
County Jail on an unrelated charge, she is accused of selling prescription
drugs illegally in Hancock on 3 occasions. Endicott Police arrested Smith last
week on a warrant for allegedly selling Suboxone in Hancock on two
occasions.  Kellam is being held on
$15,000 bail, Smith was being held in the Delaware County Jail without bail.

The Chenango County Planning
board 239 subcommittee approved a measure on the town of Guilford’s Renewable
energy law this morning, Town of Guilford Supervisor & County Planning
Board member George Senek comments:

(George Senek 8-13-19)

Senek said that the next
Guilford town board meeting will begin at 7:00 PM Wednesday at the town hall,
where the board will review the SEQR environmental Application; they may act on
it, and possibly act on the Renewable Energy Law.  The Energy law proposal follows a proposal by
Calpine to erect up to 30 wind turbines in the town of Guilford.  A Group known as the Concerned Citizens of
Guilford opposes the plan and is questioning the legality of the process the
town is using with its renewable energy law.

There is still a lot of work to be done before The High
Bridge Wind Farm Turbines are built in the town of Guilford, after last week’s
open forum where town citizens asked question about the project directly to
Calpine representatives, who are seeking to put up to 30 turbines there,
Guilford Town Supervisor George Senek comments about the timeline:

(George Senek 7-22-19)

Senek said that he thought that last week’s meeting was a
positive step; subsequent meeting will be posted at the town’s website guilfordny.com,
or at their Facebook page.

2 of yesterday’s 6 inductees into the National Baseball hall
Of Fame, spent time pitching for the New York Yankees.  Mike Mussina pitched 10 years for Baltimore before
coming to New York; he said that he had to be convinced to come to the big city
by then Yankee Manager Joe Torre:

(Mike Mussina NY)

Mariano Rivera spent his entire 18 year career pitching for
the New York Yankees, setting the record for saves by a relief pitcher; he
talked about New York fans in his speech yesterday:

(Mariano Rivera NY)

Mussina & Rivera were inducted into the Baseball Hall Of
Fame with Pitchers the late Roy Halladay & Lee Smith, and Designated hitter
Edgar Martinez & Harold Baines.

Supplies are needed & pets are ready for adoption, at
the Delaware Valley Humane Society in Sidney, Director Erin Insinga and a few
children from Dewitt Drive in Sidney stopped up to visit WCDO this morning,
they raised $100 selling lemonade & donated it to the Shelter.  Erin Insinga told WCDO news where the shelter
is & how to follow what they are doing:

(Erin Insinga 7-22-19)

The full interview with Erin
& the Dewitt Drive children is available on the WCDO Website & WCDO
Facebook page.

6 players were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of
Fame Sunday at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown:

The inductions started with the induction of 2 starting
Pitchers, 1st up was Mike Mussina who played 18 years for the Baltimore Orioles
& The New York Yankees, who won 270 games without putting up some of the
gaudy statistics that other Hall of Famers did:

(Mike Mussina 7-22-19)

The 2nd starting pitcher inducted Sunday was the late Roy
Halladay, who died in a small plane crash in November 2017; on the baseball
field among his achievements, he authored only the 2nd no hitter in post season
baseball, his wife Brandy struggled through the speech, but believed her
husband would have said the following in his speech:

(Brandy Halladay 7-22-19)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

This year, 2 Designated Hitters were inducted into the
Baseball Hall of Fame, 1st up was Harold Baines, who was known for his quiet
leadership over his lengthy career, he simply followed the advice of his late
Father:

(Harold Baines 7-22-19)

Edgar Martinez played his entire career with the Seattle
Mariners, he was so prolific as a DH, that the Annual Award is named after him;
he said that it was a long wait to get in the Hall Of Fame, but it was worth
it:

(Edgar Martinez 7-22-19)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The last 2 to give their speeches for induction into the
Baseball Hall Of Fame were two of the greatest “Closers” in baseball
History.

Lee Smith pitched for a number of teams in his career &
when he retired, he had more saves than any one on baseball history, and he
said in life & in baseball, it is important to be dependable &
reliable:

(Lee Smith 7-22-19)

The final speech of the induction ceremony in Cooperstown
Sunday was delivered by New York Yankee Great Mariano Rivera, who joked about
always being “Last”  & thanked
friends, Family, Teammates & even the President of his home country of
Panama for being with him on this big occasion:

(Mariano Rivera 7-22-19)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Officials estimated that about 55,000 fans attended Sunday’s
Hall of fame Inductions in Cooperstown.

In addition to the induction of great baseball players Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez & Tim Raines, Long time Executive John Scheurholz & Former Commissioner Bud Selig were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown Sunday: Schuerholz said that he was honored to be picked against all odds:

(John Scheurholz 7-31-17)

Former Commissioner Bud Selig was asked after the ceremony about the thing he was most proud of regarding his 22-year tenure as Commissioner:

(Bud Selig 7-31-17)

On Saturday the Hall of Fame inducted J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Claire Smith, the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award winner was Rachel Robinson and Oakland A's Broadcaster Bill King, who was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 2 men Friday, in connection with a Town of Delhi burglary and a traffic stop in the Town of Kortright. 37-year-old Patrick Burnside of Bloomville and 43 year old George Robinson of Delhi, were charged with 2nd degree Burglary, 3rd degree Grand Larceny plus Conspiracy & Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument. Robinson was also charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle as Deputies observed him operating a motor vehicle in Kortright with a suspended license. Both men are accused of entering a Town of Delhi residence on July 17th and stealing a safe containing cash and jewelry valued at $6,000, they were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on Bail pending further court action. The Investigation is continuing.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 2 vehicle crash on County Road 3 & King Road in the Town of Smithville at about 6:45 this morning. A 2013 Hyundai operated by 19 year old Breanna Christian of Norwich, failed to stop at a stop sign at County Road 3, her vehicle was struck by a dump truck operated by 47 year old Brad Sparling of Walton. After striking Christian’s vehicle, the dump truck overturned spilling its load. Both operators were transported to UHS Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. Christian is listed in critical condition and Sparling was treated for minor injury.

The 100th anniversary of the New York State Police is being commemorated today at the Cavalry Club In Manlius, where State Police Superintendent George Beach & Troop D Commanding officer Mark Lincoln dedicated an historical marker, where the first troopers officially began their training in 1917. The State Police were officially established on April 11th 1917 as a full service Law Enforcement Agency by then Governor Charles Whitman.

The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session on Thursday, April 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta. The informational session will be led by Cynthia Spann and Vanessa Smith, from The Broome Developmental Disabilities Regional Office, they will discuss what self-direction is, what can be included in self-directed supports and services, and provides an overview of the process of becoming truly self-directed. Pre-registration by Tuesday, April 25th is requested; more information or pre-registration is available at 267-3210.

Area residents are receiving Scam phone calls from people claiming to be from the IRS. Area tax Preparer George McLain said that his office has received more calls from concerned taxpayers in the last few weeks about this scam:

(George McLain 4-11-16)

Those who have concerns can contact law enforcement, or can call the IRS directly regarding their status.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Robert Smith of Oneonta, for 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Troopers responded to a report of 2 children running in the middle of the road unattended, the 4 and 6-year-old brothers were located by troopers near the Dairy Queen on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. The 2 boys had been left under the care of their father Smith, who was found sleeping at his home, unaware that his children had left. Smith was arraigned in the Town of Oneida court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $200 cash bail or $400 property bond pending court action.

Tomorrow is Election day, with quite a few interesting races in an "Off Year” In the State Senate race in the 52nd district; Republican Fred Akshar & Democrat Barbara Fiala are running to fill the seat left vacated by the conviction of long time Senator Tom Libous.
Delaware County will have a Family Court Judge for the first time; the candidates are Democrat Gary Rosa & Republican Porter Kirkwood. In Chenango County, for District Attorney, incumbent Joseph McBride faces Zachary Wentworth. Several Town Races will be decided by voters Tuesday, in the Town of Sidney; Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley, Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath are running for 2 seats on town board
In the Town of Franklin, for town Supervisor, incumbent Jeffery Taggart faces Epifanio Bevilacqua & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the town board: Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard and Donald Smith. In the Town of Harpersfield for Town Supervisor, incumbent Jim Eisel faces a challenge from Edward Pick Jr. Eisel is chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; a Pick Victory would mean a change at the top of Delaware County Government. In the race for Town of Guilford Supervisor, George Seneck faces Jeffrey MacCormack & for Town of Oxford Supervisor Frederick Lanfear faces Lawrence Wilcox.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 42-year-old Mark Barrett of Smithville for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle and Moving from lane Unsafely. Barrett was charged following an accident on State Highway 235 in the Town of Coventry, where he is accused of swerving off of the road, striking a guide rail, crashing in a creek & fleeing the scene of the crash. Barrett was arraigned in the Town of Coventry Court and ordered to the Chenango County Jail on $5000 bail and $10,000 Bond, he faces action in Coventry Town Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Sheriffs department 28 year old Jared Smith of New Berlin was arrested for violation of unlawfully growing of Cannabis. Smith was charged following a complaint of marihuana plants growing in the backyard of a residence in the Village of New Berlin, following a complaint from an area business. Smith was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

Former New York Governor George Pataki is indicating he may run for president. Pataki, who served for 3 terms from 1995 to 2006, met recently with David Koch, the billionaire businessman and GOP backer. Pataki was a relatively unknown state lawmaker when he beat 3 term Governor Mario Cuomo in 1994. He easily won reelection in 1998 and 2002, but endured slumping popularity ratings in his final term, and chose to not run again.

The unofficial election results are in from the county boards of election:

In Delaware County:

In the town of Sidney, Republican Gene Pigford wins the Supervisor position; winning town council seats were Democratic incumbent Pete Cordes, & Republican John Woodyshek

In the Town of Franklin, Republicans David Grant & Garrett Sitts win board seats,

In the Town of Masonville, Republican Michael Spaccaforno is re-elected Supervisor. Steven Roff and Betty Scott are elected to the town board.

In the town of Davenport, Dennis Valente was re-elected as supervisor. Republicans kitty Ballard and William Hansen won town board seats.

In deposit, Victor Davis and Carl Clark win town board seats,

In the town of Meredith: James Ellis is the new Supervisor,

In Otsego County:

Dan Crowell wins the election for county treasurer,

2 seats on the Town of Oneonta board were won by democrats Patricia Jacob & Andrew Stammell. Republicans Sean Farrell & Bruce Smith won the 2 town justice seats.

In the Town of Unadilla, Republicans Roger Cecce, George Banta, won 2 seats on the town Council

In the Town Of Butternuts, the supervisor is Charles Eckleman

The Otego town supervisor is Joseph Hurlburt.

In Chenango County,

In the Town of Afton, Republicans Robert Tallmadge, and Chris Warren win seats on the town board,

In the Town Of Guilford, for the 2 seats on the Town Council; Republicans Tomas Ives & Barbara O’Dell win.

In New Berlin, Robert Star is the supervisor, Wendy Rifanburg & John Parks are the winners for town board seats.

In the town of Oxford Lawrence Wilcox is the supervisor; Ronald Charles and John Hoffman win board seats.

In the Town of Coventry, the Supervisor is George Westcott, for Town Justice, Republican Joseph Agunzo wins

On the Town Council, Republicans Robert Boudreau & John Wicks win 2 seats on the board.

Some of these results could change pending the counting of absentee ballots.

Today is Election Day, with some contentious local elections garnering most of the attention.
In Delaware County, in the town of Sidney, 2 candidates are looking to replace controversial supervisor Bob McCarthy, they are Democrat Bill Heath & Republican Gene Pigford.
For the Sidney Town Council, 4 people are vying for 2 seats; they are Democrats Pete Cordes, & Paul Muratore and Republicans John Woodyshek & Jodi Proffitt.
In the Town of Franklin, 3 candidates are running for 2 seats on the town board, they are Republicans David Grant & Garrett Sitts & for the “Better Franklin” line, the candidate is Patricia Tyrell. In the Town of Masonville in the Supervisor’s race, Republican Michael Spaccaforno faces a challenge from Masonville First candidate Marie Sroka.
In Otsego County:
2 seats on the Town of Oneonta board will be decided with 4 candidates running: democrats Patricia Jacob & Andrew Stammell & republicans Brett Holleran & Fred Volpe. For the 2 town justice seats, the 3 candidates are independent Dawn Oliver & Republicans Sean Farrell & Bruce Smith.
In the Town of Unadilla 3 candidates are vying for 2 seats on the town Council, they are Democrat Jakkie Bickos & Republicans Roger Cecce, George Banta
In the Town Of Butternuts, supervisor candidates are Democrat Charles Eckleman & Republican Linda Grover.
In Chenango County, in the Town of Afton, 4 candidates are running for 2 seats they are Democrats Alan Steinberg, Rich Cuthbertson & Republicans Robert Tallmadge, and Chris Warren. In the Town Of Guilford, 2 seats are open on the Town Council; the 4 candidates are Democrats Kenneth Fogerty & Dolores Fuller & Republicans Tomas Ives & Barbara O’Dell
In the Town of Coventry 2 people are running for Supervisor, with George Westcott getting both the Republican & Democratic Party nomination, the Liberty Party candidate is Gwendolyn Hinman. For Town Justice, Democrat A. Bruce Warren faces Republican Joseph Agunzo, in the Town Council race, 2 seats are open, candidates are Democrat Jeffrey Vance, Republicans Robert Boudreau & John Wicks, for the Liberty Party, the candidate is George Broeg.
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Voters across the State will see several propositions on the ballot today, they include measures to allow 7 casinos to The Catskill & southern tier regions, another would allow judges in some courts to serve until the age of 80.

Former Governor George Pataki, former Comptroller Carl McCall and union and business leaders will head the New York Tax commission set up by Governor Andrew Cuomo, to find ways to cut $2 to $3 billion dollars in taxes over the next few years.  Cuomo commented at a press conference in Westchester County Wednesday:

(Cuomo 10-3-13)

The Commission’s recommendations will be due by December 6th for inclusion in the Governor’s 2014 State of the State message.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY arrested 3 people on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy, making a false written statement and Petty Larceny.  Charged were 25-year-old Vanessa Furgison, 40-year-old Brian Smith and 30-year-old Heidi Moore, for allegedly stealing a prescription bottle from a victim’s purse while visiting that person’s residence in the village of new Berlin.  All 3 were issued appearance tickets for town of New Berlin court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 56 year George Pliauplis of Walton on A County Court Arrest Warrant for failing to appear as scheduled on May 14th.  He was arraigned before Judge Becker and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he will be held until further court proceedings.

The 51st general Clinton canoe regatta was held this past weekend, with the 70-mile endurance races on Memorial Day.  The high river made for faster times for all paddlers, Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, was excited to get his 20-th finish with his 15 year old son Buddy.

(Duke Fisher News 2013)

It was Buddy’s first 70-mile race, and he told WCDO why he chose this year to do it:

(Buddy Fisher News 2013)

The 2nd class of the Canoe Regatta Hall Of Fame was inducted on Saturday, including Ken “Doc” Benson, who was a 40-year regatta volunteer & Coordinator.  His Daughter Tracy Smith reacted to the honor:

(Tracy Smith News 2013)

Over 1200 paddlers from 22 US states & Canada participated in the 4-day regatta.

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Pro canoeists Andy Triebold of Michigan and Steve Lajoie from Quebec won their 5th consecutive pro 70-mile race at the general Clinton Canoe Regatta yesterday.  Lajoie said why he thinks they are so successful:

(Steve LajOIE News 2013)

Both paddlers told WCDO’s Craig Stevens that they planned to race with each other in the future:

(Triebold-Lajoie News 2013)

The pair finished the race in 6:36:55, just 19 seconds slower than the all time record set by Serge Corbin & Bruce Barton in 1990.