WCDO Radio News

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced that John Ryan will be the next Binghamton Police Chief starting January 3. Ryan replaces long time chief Joseph Zikulski who was placed on administrative leave following an off-duty incident in Johnson City.

A.M. NEWS Monday 12-22-25

North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has bowed out of the race for New York Governor, after a recent Sienna College Poll showed her way behind GOvernor Kathy Hochul in the race for the Governor's Position. Stefanik additionally announced that she will not seek re-election to Congress next year.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a record level of $67 million is available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program to help farmers protect valuable and at-risk farmland. Round 20 will make funds available to projects addressing food security, climate resilience, and source water protection, nearly $6.4 million will be allocated to 9 of the State’s economic development regions, the maximum award for any project has increased to $3 million. Round 20 also continues the one-time incentive payment of 10% of the value of the agricultural conservation easement being required for projects that meet climate resilience or source water protection goals.

State Comptroller's Office conducted an audit of the Otsego County – Court and Trust Funds, the Key Finding was that the Treasurer, County Clerk and Surrogate’s Court Clerk generally maintained appropriate records and properly reported court and trust funds. However, $74,150 from 15 actions that improperly remained in the Treasurer’s custody that he should have turned over to the State Comptroller as abandoned property. The Treasurer should ensure that all money deemed abandoned property is paid to the State Comptroller in a timely manner.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in SIDNEY, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River St, schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-25

State Police BCI, the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested 3 men following separate investigations targeting individuals using social media to entice minors to engage in sexual acts. State Police arrested 70 year old Ronald Wenzinger of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Attempted Rape Wenzinger was a Reverend at the United Methodist Church in Harpursville, he was turned over to the Broome County Jail for arraignment. State Police arrested 39 year old John Tedmark of Binghamton and 38 year old Juan Bolanoszul of Endicott, each for 2nd degree Attempted Rape, they were turned over to the Broome County Jail for arraignment. Anyone with information about crimes against children is encouraged to contact the State Police or their local law enforcement agency.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at 117 Walnut St in Binghamton Tuesday, they seized cocaine, heroin, A digital scale, A loaded handgun which was stolen in Georgia, they arrested Joel Ramos, Luis Masso-Deleon and Tyeheem Crawley, all of Binghamton on drug & weapons charges, they were being processed by the Binghamton Police Department.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-4-25

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of the fall foliage travel season throughout New York State & the ‘I LOVE NY’ Fall Foliage Reports will be available online Every Wednesday Beginning September 10. For more than 40 years, I LOVE NY has issued weekly fall foliage reports and, this year, Reports are available online at iloveny.com/foliage or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, announced funding for New York State in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill includes funding for $1.25 billion to sustain the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the primary federal program builds more affordable housing; and $73 million in congressionally directed spending for affordable housing, community development, and transportation projects across New York.

Republican Congressman Mike Lawler announced he will run for reelection in his own Congressional District, and he will not seek the Republican Party Nomination in the next race for New York Governor. North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is expected to seek the Republican nomination, after her nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations was pulled over concerns about Republicans’ small margin for leadership in the US House of Representatives.

The second season of concerts at Gilbertsville’s Dunderberg Gallery will continue on July 24 with The John Colonna Trio, All concerts will begin at 7 pm. at the Dunderberg Gallery at 118 Marion Avenue in Gilbertsville.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market St, to donate blood, use the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-14-25

The State DEC and State Department of Health are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter for today due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. The advisory is in effect until midnight tonight for all of the WCDO listening area & contiguous Counties.

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.

The 6th Ward Booster Club of Oneonta is bringing back the "Tennis Court Dance" events held many years ago, John Nader is one of the organizers & he told WCDO News about bringing this old tradition back:

(John Nader 7-14-25)

The Tennis Court Dance will be on July 25th at the 6th War Booster Club on Scramling Avenue, the event is free & open to the public.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a rabies vaccination clinic is being held in Walton today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the 1st Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street. More information about rabies is available by calling Public Health at 832-5200.

Chenango Memorial Hospital announced that area students will have an opportunity to explore careers in healthcare through their “Career Days camp”, The program is a two-day, hands-on career exploration program for students entering grades 8 through 12. This year’s Career Days camp will take place Thursday, August 14 and Friday, August 15. The program is free of charge, but space is limited. Interested students must submit an application and a short essay by this Friday to be considered. For more information or to request an application, call (607) 337-4151.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office is currently offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified Corrections Officers interested in continuing their career as part of the BCSO Family, those interested should call 607-778-3076 or e-mail Recruitment Director Charles Woody at JoinBCSO@broomecountyny.gov

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Oneonta Fire Department responded at about 1:30 this morning to a structure fire at 5 Grand Street. An Occupant in 1 of the apartments reported a kitchen fire, crews found light smoke showing from the exterior of the building, they encountered heavy smoke and poor visibility on the 2nd floor, they located the involved apartment and quickly extinguished the fire. The Department reported that all 6 residents from the 3 affected apartments have been displaced and will remain so until repairs can be completed. 1 occupant was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital for evaluation, 1 resident's cat perished in the fire. Assistance was provided by the Sidney Fire Department FAST Team, West Oneonta Fire Department was on stand-by, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park will have an Installation Ceremony Saturday, Park president Doug Barnard explains:

(Doug Barnard 5-21-25)

Barnard also said that their Fundraising Golf Tournament will be held on June 7th at the Sidney Golf Course.

John Lewis of Bainbridge, will be inducted into the General Clinton Canoe regatta Hall of Fame this weekend, he has 40 70-mile finishes in both the C-1 and C-2 classes, he commented about the honor to WCDO today.

(John Lewis 5-21-25)

Lewis & the rest of the inductees will be honored in a ceremony at General Clinton Park Saturday afternoon at General Clinton Park. WCDO''s full interview with John Lewis will be played during our coverage of the the General Clinton Canoe Regatta on Sunday.

Broome County DA Paul Battisti announced that the County has received over $750,000 to strengthen law enforcement's ability to identify & address High Risk Domestic Violence. The funding allows for on scene crisis response by law enforcement and professional advocates to provide safe planning & support to victims, comprehensive care review sessions to address the needs of victims & implement a new system to ensure offender accountability through a coordinated response.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Many of the Southern Tier area schools had their budgets passed by voters on Tuesday, however not all of the results are in this morning. Locally, Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget 147-43, they also passed the bus proposition & the Sidney Luibrary budget, Bainbridge-Guilford School Budget passes 180-78, Franklin had their budget, bus & library votes passed, other local who schools who reported budget votes passing by substantial margins were Unatego, Oneonta, GMU, DEPOSIT, WALTON, Afton, UNADILLA VALLEY, Greene, Harpursville.

WCDO News Friday 3-7-25

State Police executed a search warrant in the town of Solon as part of an investigation which resulted in the removal of 41 animals, including 5 goats, 2 cows, a pig, 28 chickens, 4 ducks and a cat were in need of immediate medical care. 38 year old Kyle Heller was also found to be in possession illegally of firearms because he is a convicted felon. Heller was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon, Charges related to the animals are pending as investigators are waiting for the veterinary reports. Troopers were assisted by the Susquehanna SPCA, the Cortland County SPCA and the DEC, Heller was transported to the Cortland County Correctional Facility for centralized arraignment. The investigation is on-going.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 19 other attorneys general today filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for illegally firing thousands of probationary federal workers, including hundreds in New York. In the last week of February, 372 federal workers had filed for unemployment in New York. More than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees nationwide were fired in February, including workers at VA medical centers in New York. In Buffalo and Syracuse, more than 100 Internal Revenue Service employees have been fired at the height of tax season. The coalition is seeking a court order to stop further mass layoffs without notice and the reinstatement of all illegally fired federal workers who have been laid off since January 20, 2025.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce "Empower" series continues today at the Stonewall at the Meredith inn. Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 3-7-25)

The event runs from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm, This session will be led by John Mancuso of Authentic Communication Matters.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-18-25

Governor Hochul today announced preparations to call in the National Guard to staff the State Correctional Facility, if the Illegal Job Action staged by State Correction Officers; does not end tomorrow. The National Guard will be called in to protect correction officers who are currently on the job, individuals being held at Correctional Facilites as well as the surrounding communities. The Governor also directed Department of Corrections leadership and senior Administration officials to meet with leaders from the State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association to call for an end to the unlawful work stoppage. In March 2024, the union agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with the State of New York to improve working conditions for corrections officers.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 31 year old Skyler Smith of East Meredith for Criminal Possession of a Weapon. On Saturday Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Smith, who was found to be in possession of an illegal switchblade knife. Smith was additionally charged for a traffic violation and was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town Delhi Court at a later date to answer the said charges.

New York State is waiving registration fees for out-of-state snowmobilers on 2 weekends this winter - February 28th through March 2 and again March 7th through the 9th, so that snowmobilers can ride on over 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State. Outside of these free weekends, snowmobilers from out-of-state and Canada are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State, more information is available at iloveny.com/winter (https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/winter/).

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-18-25

Calling hours & Funeral arrangements have been announced for Binghamton Firefighter John Gaudet, who died fighting a fire at 1 Main Street last Wednesday evening. The Gaudet family will receive friends at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located in Binghamton, today from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, the funeral mass will be held Wednesday Morning at 11:30 AM at the same location. The official cause of death for Gaudet has not yet been announced, he served for 11 years with the Binghamton Fire Department.

On February 11th, State Police conducted an Underage Drinking detail in Otsego County. All of the businesses checked were in compliance and did not sell alcohol to an underage operative. The 14 businesses were in Worcester, Schenevus, Oneonta & Milford, During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plainclothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth (if asked).

A Go Fund Me Page has been set up for 40 year old John Gaudet, the Binghamton Firefighter who died fighting the blaze at 1 Main Street in Binghamton Wednesday Night. Gaudet left behind a wife & 3 children, the fund was over $100,000 already this afternoon.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-14-25

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that she will not allow a New York Doctor, who legally prescribed an abortion drug to a woman in Louisiana, to face murder charges in that state:

(Hochul 2-14-25

Governor Hochul said that they have sent out a law enforcement notice that certain out-of-state warrants are not enforceable in the State of New York, So if a Law Enforcement Officer pulls over a doctor, that person is protected under New York laws, and officers should not cooperate or enforce an extradition from another state.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are looking to fill several baseball related positions for the upcoming 2025 baseball season. The Rumble Ponies are hosting 2 upcoming Job Fairs at Mirabito Stadium, on February 15 and February 22, from 11 am. to 2 pm. each day, in the Administrative Office & the Team Store at Mirabito Stadium.

The State DEC announced that dates for the 34th annual Free Fishing Days program, which will be this Saturday & Sunday February 15 and 16, plus June 28 and 29, September 27 and November 11. While fishing during these days is free, all other regulations remain in effect. Outside of these free days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license to fish, more information is available at dec.ny.gov.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Sidney High School, donors are asked to book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

New York State Department of Health’s computer system improperly paid $16.2 million in Medicaid claims during a 6-month period that started in October 2023, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, the audit found 370 million claims were processed between October 2023 through March 2024, totaling nearly $49.6 billion.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will continue with their "EmpowHER" series on Friday, March 7, starting at 10:00 am at the Stonewall at the Meredith Inn. Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 2-6-25)

Pucci said that the session, will be led by John Mancuso of Authentic Communication Matters, The cost is only $25 per person and includes all program material and brunch. The Chamber’s EmpowHER series is sponsored by The Women Fund of the Community Foundation of South Central New York. Registration is requested by March 1st under the Events and Programs tab at DelawareCounty.org.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-16-25

Governor Hochul Delivered her State of the State Address to a joint session of the legislature Tuesday in Albany, local Assemblyman Joe Angelino comments:

(Angelino 1-16-25)

Angelino said that the Budget Address with all the details behind the Governor's agenda will be unveiled on January 21st.

John Pierre Regazzi was sentenced to a state prison term of no less than two years and no more than six years for violating the terms of his probation sentence. Law Enforcement responded in August of 2021, August 1st of 2024, October 11th of 2024 for a number of issues regarding Regazzi for Burglaries, Assault, & violating the terms of probation, in November, the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a one count Indictment charging Regazzi with Criminal Contempt. Regazzi was brought before Judge Rosa Wednesday for sentencing, where the DA"s office asked for the maximum sentence allowable under the law due to Regazzi’s latest violent charges and for his willful disobedience of the Court’s orders, from 3 different courts.

In light of California’s devastating wildfires and the increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters across the country, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for state-federal cooperation to ensure that New York is fully prepared to respond to wildfires and other threats. Gillibrand commented about reaching out to state officials to see what can be done in New York State:

(Gillibrand 1-16-25)

Gillibrand said that New York State is not immune from the perils of wildfires, following last years Catskill's Fires, New York City's battle against brush fires & the previous years poor air quality from the Canadian Wildfires.

The Transportation Security Administration officers confiscated a total of 23 handguns, at upstate New York Airports last year. All weapons were found during the routine screening of carry-on luggage. Locally, No firearms were intercepted at Greater Binghamton Airport or Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual State of the County Breakfast today at SUNY Oneonta's Morris Hall, starting at 8:00 AM.