WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS Thursday 12-15-22

The Winter storm is ready to leave a significant amount of snowfall on the region today through early Saturday Morning, Local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what to expect:

(Rich Townsend 12-15-22)

The Governor's Office announced that the State DOT will be sending extra snowplows to the affected areas of this storm, WCDO will have the CDO Stormwatch this afternoon & again tomorrow with a list of school closings and postponements.

State Police arrested 19 year old Jeffrey Bullis of Unadilla, for Criminal Contempt, Stalking, and Criminal Trespass, after Troopers were dispatched to a report of a physical altercation at the House of Consignment on Main Street in Unadilla. State Police reported that Bullis violated an existing order of protection by entering the business, he is accused of grabbing and shoving a victim, causing the victim to strike a window and door frame, another person intervened & held Bullis down until troopers arrived. The victim went to Tri-Town Hospital for an evaluation of injuries that were sustained during the incident. Bullis was also evaluated at Tri-Town Hospital for a complaint of pain but was released and processed at Troop C, Bullis was issued appearance tickets to the Unadilla Town Court on January 23rd. The investigation is on-going, more charges are possible.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased by 19,600, or 0.2%, to 8,080,000 in November. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.3% in November.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that items from the World Champions Houston Astros is being displayed currently. Artifacts donated by the Astros include a Jersey worn by World Series MVP Jeremy Peña, wristbands & toothpicks from Manager Dusty Baker, a Glove used by outfielder Chas McCormick, spikes from Pitchers Justin Verlander & Ryan Pressly, and a ball thrown by Cristian Javier from the Game 4 combined no-hitter and signed by all 4 Astros pitchers as well as catcher Christian Vázquez.

State Police responded to the report of “shots fired” in the town of Andes, the investigation revealed that a 62-year-old female was injured when she accidentally discharged a semi-automatic rifle, suffering face and hand injuries. The responding trooper applied a tourniquet to subside the heavy bleeding to the victim’s hand, another officer from the Colchester Police Department applied a 2nd tourniquet until EMS arrived and the victim was transported to Bassett Hospital for treatment. Troopers reported that the rifle is not legal in New York State and was not New York Safe Act compliant, 58 year old Richard Geraghty of Andes, was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-15-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced he will be running for re-election in 2023. 4 years ago, Korchak lost the Republican primary, but won the election on the Libertarian ticket.

Unadilla Valley Central School District voters approved a $17.8 million capital project by a vote of 114 to 18. The renovations and improvements will be funded through state aid and an allocation from the district’s reserve funds. The project is expected to be budget neutral, with no anticipated impact on the tax levy.

Area United Way programs are seeing only about 60% of their stated goals for the 2022 year, with donations being accepted through December 31st, Elizabeth Monaco currently heads up the United Way in Chenango, Madison, Delaware & Otsego Counties:

(Elizabeth Monaco 12-15-22)

Anyone who would like to make a donation to one of the area United Way Programs can call 607-334-8815.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-30-22

Norwich Police & State Police responded Saturday evening to the report of a victim of an assault arriving at a downtown business asking for help. Police arrested 32 year old Jeffrey Sabines of Oxford, for 1st degree assault & criminal possession of a weapon, 44 year old Jason Lowe of Norwich, for 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and 4th degree conspiracy, 45 year old Daniel McCoy of Norwich, for conspiracy, and 37 year old Meredith Conkey of Norwich for obstruction of governmental administration & criminal possession of a controlled substance. Sabines was sent to the Chenango County Correctional facility without bail for violating his parole and for being a repeat offender, Lowe, McCoy, and Conkey were ticketed and released & will appear in Norwich City Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 32 year old Kody MacDonald with Criminal Contempt, for allegedly violating an order of protection from Delaware County Family Court. MacDonald is accused of contacting protected parties in the town of Colchester last week, he was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

The State Department of Health & the CDC recommend individuals get vaccinated and stay up to date with all recommend doses, as positivity rates for COVID 19 remain around 7 to 12%. Booster doses are free and available statewide, more information is available through your healthcare provider, your child’s healthcare provider, or go to cdc.gov to find out when you can get a booster.

Oneonta officials announced that Traffic on East Street on Graduate Drive near the 'S' curve, will be reduced to one lane tonight. The Oneonta Department of Public Works will be installing a water valve at 130 East Street on Graduate Drive, starting at 8:00 PM until the work is completed.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-30-22

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County is holding their annual Ornament sale through the end of the week, Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 11-30-22)

Green said that 3 styles of ornaments are available this year, more information is available at hospicechenango.org or by calling 607-334-3556.

The Susquehanna SPCA is conducting its year-end fundraiser where they are aiming to raise $100,000, with matching contributions from Beth and Gary Glynn, who will donate an additional $5,000 to the shelter for every $20,000 raised up to $100,000. Susquehanna SPCA Director Stacie Haynes told WCDO News how people can donate:

(Stacie Haynes 11-30-22)

Haynes said that currently they have about 25 cats in house at their Cooperstown facility along with 7 dogs, they are expecting another 30 animals to come in this week. The fundraiser runs through December 31st & the money will be used for normal operating expenses, more information is available at sqspca.org, or by calling 547-8111.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Smithfield Packaged Meats of Iowa, has recalled about 185,610 pounds of ready-to-eat bacon topping products. The bacon is being recalled because it may be contaminated with "extraneous materials, specifically metal," Consumers who have purchased these products are to return them to their place of purchase, or throw them out.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the graduation of Corporal Jeffrey Clark and his partner "K-9 Edge" from the K-9 Academy. After more than 3 months of training, the class graduated 10 handlers and their K-9 partners as certified in patrol techniques. Corporal Clark and Deputy K-9 Edge are now certified for patrol, with specific training in obedience, tracking individuals, locating discarded or secreted items, criminal apprehension and handler protection.  Corporal Clark and K9 Edge will return to the Academy this fall and further their training and certification in explosives detection.

STATE POLICE at Troop C announced that 1 person was arrested during an Underage Drinking Initiative in Delaware County on Wednesday. Alcohol was sold to a minor at Smiley’s Convenience Store located at West Main Street, Sidney, an appearance ticket was issued to the clerk who sold alcohol to the minor. Several other businesses in Sidney, Walton, Franklin & Delhi were in compliance.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-8-22

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 47 year old Lance Johnson of Binghamton was found guilty on all counts in Broome County Court Thursday, for the fatal shooting of Alison Salisbury of Binghamton and for the shooting of Shannon Brooks of Conklin, on August 7, 2020. Johnson will be sentenced on October 7th.

Blood Supplies are still low, according to the American Red Cross, another blood donation opportunity will be held Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main Street in Delhi. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 16.7% in May compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.7 billion, up $242 million from May of last year. Every county also experienced double-digit growth in collections, at least partially due to recent high inflation, including soaring gas prices. Yates County saw the largest increase at 34.8% in May. Among cities that impose their own general sales tax, the City of Oneida came in at the highest at 30.9%.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Dezarae Yother of Morris after an investigation into a disabled vehicle in Pittsfield. Yother allegedly forged and attempted to use a stolen check to pay for services in Morris. Yother faces charges of forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of Stolen Property in Morris, and Inadequate Exhaust, Unsafe Tire, Improper Plates, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, and Operating without Insurance in Pittsfield.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-15-22

35 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a gun at a victim during a dispute and fired a shot in the victim’s direction. Sherwood was charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon, Sherwood is a convicted felon & is not legally allowed to possess weapons, he is being held in the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 6 people, for allegedly possessing guns and illegal magazines that are not compliant with the New York SAFE Act. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango, they arrested 39 year old Jeffrey Everetts of Sayre, Pennsylvania & 32 year old Nephrem Holt of Albany for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, another traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango resulted in the arrest of 4 men from Pennsylvania, 56 year old Robert Applegate II, 31 year old Robert Applegate III, 28 year old Glen Applegate, & 29 year old Trevor Sweigart, All 6 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 4:45 to 6:45 PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall. More information is available at 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Downsville from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Downsville Fire Department on State Highway 30. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-Red CROSS.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-14-22

The State Division of Consumer Protection assisted 21,855 New Yorkers with a variety of consumer protection matters in 2021, resulting in a record $2,918,025 being returned to consumers' wallets; the top five areas for complaints relate to errors in delivery, insufficient refunds, defective products, online scams, and COVID cancellations.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of an initiative to expand and create child care centers across all SUNY campuses for students and faculty. The initiative includes the distribution of $4.5 million in federal and state funding to support current centers, & a program to train the next generation of child care professionals, SUNY universities receiving funding locally include; SUNY Broome, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, & SUNY Oneonta.

The State Police are looking to recruit people to become part of the New York State Police Family. Troop C Commanding officer Jeffrey VanAuken told WCDO News that the process to join is easier than ever:

(Major Jeffrey VanAuken 2-10-22)

Major Van Auken said that the State Police currently have specialized units such as the Special Operation Response team, Underwater recovery Team, positions in forensics, canine handlers & even a snowmobile unit for extreme winter issues.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-14-22

Oneonta Police reported that the investigation into the death on January 27th, of 20-year-old, SUNY Oneonta Student Tyler Lopresti-Castro continues. There remains no indication of a crime being committed and the investigation is being conducted as a suspicious death. Lopresti-Castro left a party in the center city around midnight, cell phone data collected indicates he was on foot in the neighborhood where he was living in an apartment. Preliminary findings indicate alcohol and caffeine were present in Tyler Lopresti-Castro, but his actual blood alcohol concentration was unknown in the hours before his discovery. The public is encouraged to contact the Oneonta Police Detectives with any additional information at (607) 432-1111.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management announced Thursday the first 100 cannabis retail licenses will be awarded to those with previous marijuana convictions. Also, hemp farmers will be able to start growing cannabis in the summer, supply of products will be seen in the fall, and retail stores will be open by the end of the year.

The State Police are out all over the state this week looking to recruit people to become part of the New York State Police Family. Troop C Commanding officer Jeffrey VanAuken was in Kirkwood today, he told WCDO News that the process to join is easier than ever:

(Major Jeffrey VanAuken 2-10-22)

State Police currently have specialized units such as the Special Operation Response team, Underwater recovery Team, positions in forensics, canine handlers& even a snowmobile unit for extreme winter issues.

The Spring Concert Series at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney Begins this Saturday Night, with 3 other shows already scheduled, spokesperson Clarissa Walrath explains:

(Clarissa Walrath 2-11-22)

More information is available by calling 607-604-4584.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 year old Nicholas Simonds of Oxford for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.  Simonds was found to be in Possession of a large quantity of heroin, while also possessing several items that indicated that Simonds was distributing narcotics.  Simonds was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-10-22

State Police charged 61 year old Douglas Webb of Sherburne for Offering a False Instrument for Filing & Falsifying Business Records. Webb, who was a bus driver at the Sherburne-Earlville School District, was initially arrested last week by State Police for Forcible Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, the investigation revealed that on his application to become a school bus driver, Webb failed to disclose that he had a previous conviction on a charge of sexual abuse. Webb was released on appearance tickets to the Sherburne Village Court on February 17th.