WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-1-23

Unadilla will have their holiday celebration tomorrow at various locations around the village, Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 12-1-23)

Carey said that shops around the village will also be having special holiday sales throughout the day Saturday.

Christmas activities will get underway Saturday in the village of Afton, Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Sheryl Roush explains:

(Sheryl Roush 11-22-23)

More information is available at the Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

The Out of The Woodwork Players will hold their 1 act play "We Interrupt This Program" Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Town Hal Theater. A Holiday Gift Market will be open from 1:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Gallery, Food Donations for the Bainbridge Food Pantry will be accepted.

The Chenango County Historical Society will also have their annual Holiday Open House Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm at the Chenango County Historical Society at 45 Rexford St., Norwich.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-1-23

Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly parade tonight, no pre-registration is required to be in the parade. Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 12-1-23)

Santa will be set up at the Limitless Performing Arts Complex following the Holly Jolly Parade at their new location at 22 River Street.

The Unatego School District will induct 3 alumni into their "Hall of Distinction" today, Spokesperson Judy Pitel explains:

(Judy Pitel 12-1-23)

All are welcome to attend the festivities, which begin at 5:30 PM.

The 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Train will be coming through the region Saturday. The holiday train will stop in Oneonta at the Gas Avenue Rail Crossing, from 12:05 pm. to 12:40 pm. The train will be in Bainbridge at the Walnut Street Rail Crossing from 1:30 pm. to 2:00 pm. The train's schedule ends at the East Binghamton Yard Entrance, 3:20 pm. to 4:00 pm.

Delaware Valley Humane Society announced that on Saturday from 9-2 at the Sidney McDowell & Walker, pet photos can be taken with Santa Claus. The price of the pictures are by donation, proceeds will benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

Governor Hochul announced the annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state, will begin Today. Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are requested, Drop off locations will be set up locally through December 15th at the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street and the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street, Oneonta.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-29-23

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly Day parade & activities will be held this Friday, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-29-23)

Schunk also said that the Letters to Santa Mailboxes will also be set up again this year, for children who would like to send a letter to Santa, they will be outside the Roasted Coffee on Main Street in Sidney & Bob's Diner in Bainbridge.

Chenango Memorial Hospital is closing the long-term care unit located on the hospital’s second floor as of January 31st. CMH will no longer be accepting new residents and, over the next 2 months, they will work closely with our residents and their families to ensure their placement in other long-term care facilities. 19 residents are currently at the facility, and employees of the facility will be transferred to other positions across the Hospital's departments. The hospital’s board and leadership team are currently exploring options for alternative uses for the second floor of the hospital.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s board of directors announced that President and CEO, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, has decided to leave the organization at the end of the year. The Bassett Healthcare Network board has voted to appoint Staci Thompson, who is the Bassett Healthcare Network’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer, as Dr. Ibrahim’s successor, on an interim basis starting on January 1st. Over the coming weeks, Ibrahim and Thompson will work together with the Bassett Healthcare Network board of directors and executive leadership team to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Attorney General Letitia James today announced the takedown of a major drug trafficking ring that was distributing heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Dutchess counties. The takedown resulted in the indictment of 25 individuals charged with 164 crimes and recovered cocaine, heroin laced with fentanyl, which have a street value of approximately $350,000 plus 4 handguns, 2 large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and the seizure of over $50,000 in cash.

A Lawsuit was filed in Broome County Supreme Court against the Vestal School District where a former Vestal High School student alleges that economics teacher Robert Carr asked her to meet him, he allegedly kissed the victim numerous times, groped her inappropriately and continued to force sexual activity upon her until she moved to the state of Texas and changed her phone number. The lawsuit claims that School Officials did not take any action against Carr after learning of the accusations.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-29-23

On Tuesday, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 22 year old Nathan Williams Jr. of Endicott, at 68 Thorp Street in the City of Binghamton. Williams was wanted by the Endicott Police Department for Murder in connection with the shooting death of 25-year-old Molique Dawson in Endicott in July. The Metro SWAT Team of the Binghamton Police Department executed the search warrant and Williams was successfully taken into custody after a 5 hour standoff, Williams was transported to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility, arraigned at Central Arraignment and is currently being held without bail.

Congressman Marc Molinaro announced over $3.5 million in federal funding will go to 9 airports for infrastructure improvements. Locally, the Greater Binghamton Edwin Link Field Airport will get about $1,000,000, the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott: $144,000, the Eaton Airport in Norwich: $144,000, the Sidney Municipal Airport: $144,000 & the Albert Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta: $113,000

Long time Sidney resident Les Gregory passed away at the age of 100 on Monday, Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 pm., at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Funeral services will be at 11 am. Friday, at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty Street, Burial, with military honors, will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-7-23

Today is Election Day, with the polls open until 9:00 PM tonight. Locally, voters will decide on who fills a seat on the State Supreme Court between Deidre Hay & Cheryl Insinga. In the town of Sidney, the 2 biggest vote getters will sit on the Town Board between Kevin Greene, Paul Muratore & Bill Hunt, In the town of Guilford Susan McIntyre, Gilda Ward & Thomas Quiter are running for town Supervisor. Many candidates are running unopposed for a variety of positions across the WCDO listening area. Voters can go to their county Board of Elections websites to see the candidates in their local races.

Attorney General Letitia James reminded New Yorkers that the Office's Election Protection Hotline is available through 9:00 PM tonight, to help all New Yorkers who need assistance casting their ballots. The hotline is available at 866-390-2992, complaints can be submitted online at electionhotline.ag.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for uninsured and under-insured individuals through the Bridge Access Program. This COVID-19 vaccine clinic is for 18 years of age and older, it will be held November 16th &17th, from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm at 5 Court Street Norwich. Appointments can be made at 607-337-1660.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that their annual Toys for Tots Campaign is underway, to get Christmas gifts to Delaware County children in need. New, unwrapped Christmas gift in a Toys for Tots collection box located in businesses & organizations throughout Delaware County.

(Ray Pucci 11-7-23)

The campaign runs through December 8. Chamber staff will pick up the toys from member businesses on December 8 and deliver them to Delaware Opportunities, to provide distribution of the gifts to Delaware County families. To sign up a family in need of Christmas gifts contact Delaware Opportunities at 607.746.1603.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42 year old Jason Ransford of South Kortright for Criminal Mischief. Sheriff’s Deputies received a vandalism complaint on October 31st, Ransford is accused of recklessly operated an off-road forklift causing damage to the property of another. Ransford was released on an appearance ticket and directed to appear at the Town of Stamford court to answer the charge.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella announced that the Film Plastic Recycling Challenge is back, where area schools recycle plastic bags and other plastic film items which cannot be recycled through regular recycling programs. The challenge focuses on collecting clean, dry, plastic film to help keep it out of the landfill. The challenge November 15th until April 24th, Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.

Governor Hochul's office announced that work is officially underway to transform the Greater Binghamton Airport into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The project calls for the Redevelopment of the Airport Road approach, Construction of a new canopy and entry portals, Reconfiguration of the ticketing lobby, baggage claim area and relocation of rental car counters, New parking revenue control system & the Construction of a new Customs and Border Protection Facility.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-7-23

The State Office of General Services announced an auction of surplus vehicles, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property will be conducted on November 14. More information is available at ogs.ny.gov/nysstore, or call (518) 457-6335. The auction will be on Tuesday, November 14, at 9:30 am. at State Police Troop C headquarters on State Route 7.

New York will honor veterans on the year's 6th and final Free Fishing Day of 2023 on Saturday, November 11th. On Free Fishing Days, the state waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-18-23

71 year old Michael Murray of Sidney, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court last week. Murray admitted that in October 2021, he possessed images and videos of child pornography on two cell phones and possessed images and videos of child pornography in two email accounts he controlled. Murray had a previous conviction in New York related to the production, possession and distribution of child pornography at the time of these federal offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2024, in Federal Court in Albany, he could face a term of 144 months in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years to life, he will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond was a guest at WCDO this morning, he talked about the upcoming Open House this Thursday at the Delaware County Sheriff's office in Delhi:

(Sheriff DuMond 9-18-23)

The Open House coincides with New York State Sheriff's Week, the Open House will run from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the facility at Delview Terrace in Delhi.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35 year old Aaron McIntyre of West Oneonta, following the investigation into a trespass complaint in Town of Milford. When the officer attempted to take the defendant into custody, he then resisted arrest, he was then found to be in possession of 2 different controlled substances. McIntyre was charged with Criminal Possession of a Control Substance, 2 Counts Resisting Arrest & Trespassing & was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Milford Court on a later date.

Local sales tax collections in New York state grew by 4% in August compared to the same month in 2022, according to a new report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections totaled $1.78 billion, up $67.9 million compared to the same time last year, New York City had a mild increase of 1.2%, upstate counties saw a 5.6% increase in August

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting tomorrow in Bainbridge. Tuesday's meeting will be held @ 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner, chamber members are encouraged to attend.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a juvenile is facing 3rd degree Assault and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, following an incident which occurred at the DCMO BOCES in the Town of Masonville. On September 7th, Deputies responded to the BOCES campus, a physical altercation had occurred where the victim was physically injured, and pressure had been applied to the victim’s throat. Deputies arrested and charged the Unadilla juvenile, The juvenile and the parents were issued juvenile appearance tickets and were directed to report to the Delaware County Probation Department at a later date to answer the charges.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-18-23

The Broome County Sheriff's office arrested 29 year old Dustin Smith of Endicott, after methamphetamine and fentanyl were found during the intake process at the Broome County Correctional Facility. Smith was brought to Central Arraignment at the Broome County Correctional Facility on Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance charges, a routine search uncovered 3 bags containing Methamphetamine & fentanyl. Smith was charged with 2 Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, & 3 Counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court & he remains at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

State Police responded to an incident involving a motorcycle and a riding lawnmower at Hawleyton Road, in the town of Binghamton. 74 year old Danny Shepard of Binghamton was operating a riding lawnmower in the area of the roadway and front yard of his residence, 28 year old Justin Tarbox of Binghamton, was operating a motorcycle on Hawleyton Road, they collided & Shepard was pronounced dead at the scene. Tarbox was transported to Wilson Hospital, The incident remains under investigation.

70 year old Rudolph Pacheco of Staten Island was arraigned on a sealed indictment in Delaware County Court on September 15. The Delaware County Grand Jury handed up a 9 Count Indictment accusing him of Vehicular Manslaughter, Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Assault, Aggravated DWI, Reckless Driving, and Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Crash that resulted in death. Pacheco is accused of operating a motor vehicle on August 2, in the Town of Middletown, with a BAC greater than .18, he struck 2 elderly pedestrians, Pacheco fled the scene until he was stopped 12 miles away. One of the pedestrians was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second one was transported to the Emergency Room to receive treatment for non-life threatening injuries. Pacheco was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail, $250,000.00 secured bond, and $500,000.00 partially secured bond, a conference is scheduled for October 10, at 1:00 P.M.