WCDO Radio News

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-24-26

Primary election results have been released, Democrats voted for incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli in a landslide over 2 challengers, Locally Democrats in the 102nd Assembly District chose Janet Tweed over 2 other candidates. In the Republican Primaries locally,New York's 19th Congressional District, Peter Oberacker won the Republican primary, advancing to the November general election to face incumbent Josh Riley, in the 51st State Senate Republican Primary, Chris Tague was the winner, for Otsego County Sheriff, Incumbent Rich Devlin & Mike Stalter were in a virtual tie with some votes still to be counted, In Afton, Town Supervisor John Lawrence wins the Republican Primary.

Today is Primary Election day around the State. Democrats will vote statewide for the Comptroller candidate between long time incumbent Tom DiNapoli and challengers Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle. Locally Democrats in the 102nd Assembly District will decide between 3 candidates, Thomas Boomhower, Janet Tweed & Mary Finneran. In the Republican Primaries locally, Peter Oberacker & Alexander Portelli are seeking the nomination to be on the ballot for the 19th Congressional District, in the 51st State Senate District, the Republican candidates are Chris Tague & Terry Bernardo, for Otsego County Sheriff, Incumbent Rich Devlin faces a challenge from Mike Stalter, In Afton, Jason Wicks is challenging long time Town Supervisor John Lawrence.

Tomorrow is is Primary Election day around the State. Democrats will vote statewide for the Comptroller candidate between long time incumbent Tom DiNapoli and challengers Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle. Locally Democrats in the 102nd Assembly District will decide between 3 candidates, Thomas Boomhower, Janet Tweed & Mary Finneran. In the Republican Primaries locally, Peter Oberacker & Alexander Portelli are seeking the nomination to be on the ballot for the 19th Congressional District, in the 51st State Senate District, the Republican candidates are Chris Tague & Terry Bernardo, for Otsego County Sheriff, Incumbent Rich Devlin faces a challenge from Mike Stalter, In Afton, Jason Wicks is challenging long time Town Supervisor John Lawrence.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-22-26

State Police arrested 56 year old Joel Salinas of Bainbridge following a traffic stop on Chenango County Road 35 last Tuesday. Troopers observed a vehicle committing multiple violations, initiated a traffic stop, Troopers observed a sawed-off shot gun and other illegal weapons, Salinas was driving to sell the shotgun, the investigation resulted in the seizure of several other illegally possessed weapons. Salinas was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Sale of a Firearm, he was processed & transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-13-25

Firefighters from Binghamton & surrounding communities responded to a fire at 1 Main Street in Binghamton late last night, 3 firefighters were reportedly injured, and were sent to Wilson Hospital, 1 firefighter, John Gaudet succumbed to his injuries, he had served with the Binghamton Fire Department for 11 years. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

54 year old Dale Kowatch of Margaretville was sentenced to 9 months of incarceration for Driving While Intoxicated. On July 5th, 2024, State Police observed a vehicle weaving in and out of the double yellow lines on State Highway 28, a traffic stop was conducted & Kowatch admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages, he failed field sobriety tests, Kowatch had a prior conviction for DWI, making new charge a felony, punishable by jail time.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 2-13-25

35 year old Lawrence Painter of Sidney, pleaded guilty to Criminal Contempt in Delaware County Court. On November 27, 2024, a woman lodged a complaint at the Sidney Village Police Station and reported that Painter went to her apartment and hit her in the face, he also violated an order of protection. Painter was located & arrested, he pleaded guilty this week & Painter will serve one year in the Delaware County Correctional Facility. Sentencing is currently set for April 22, 2025.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber
will hold their annual reception this Sunday at 1:00 PM at the Silo Restaurant
in Greene.  The Chamber will honor
McDowell & Walker as the Business of the year, Hickory & Doc as the
Startup Business of the year & Friends of Afton as the Organization of the
year.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be coming up later
this month, with activities at General Clinton Park & in the Susquehanna
River from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day, Regatta chairman John Harmon
said that he needs some volunteers to help out:

(John Harmon 5-3-19)

Harmon’s' Number is 237-6008,  His email is JHarmon80@outlook.com, the
Regatta weekend is May 24th though the 27th this year.

The Town of Bainbridge will be holding their annual Spring
Clean up Day tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the town Highway Garage on
Lawrence Road.  Residents can drop off
tires, white goods & electronics, more information is available at
967-3781.

The Grand Oneonta Opry Show will
be held this Saturday night at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta,
to raise money for Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care.  John Thompson of the Driftwoods told WCDO
News that his band will back up several area musical acts at Saturday's show:

(John Thompson 4-16-19)

Alicia Fish of Catskill Area
Hospice & Palliative Care told WCDO News about some of their programs that
will be supported by this fundraising concert:

(Alicia Fish 4-16-19)

More information about the show
is available by calling 431-2080; tickets can be purchased at the Foothills Box
Office or online at eventbrite.com.

The Tioga County District
Attorney’s Office has indicted 37 year old Lawrence Faucett of Ulster
Pennsylvania, for failing to move over & crashing into a New York State DOT
vehicle, which led to the death of DOT employee Dennis Howe.  Faucett pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent
homicide for the March 13th crash.

State DOT officials announced that 45 year old Dennis Howe
of Candor has died, Howe was the driver of a DOT Vehicle that was hit by 37
year old Lawrence Faucett who failed to move over on March 18th on I-86 in the
town of Nichols in Tioga County.  The
investigation is ongoing, and Faucett may face charges.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau is hosting an Agricultural
Celebration Wednesday at the Silo Restaurant in Greene, from 11:00 AM until
2:00 PM, to celebrate National Agriculture Day.
Chenango County farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-19-19)

Vickers said that this year’s
theme is "Agriculture: Food for Life” & the keynote speaker will be
New York State Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture &
Markets; Dave Valesky.

Village elections are being held across the state today.  Locally, in Sidney incumbent Mayor Andy Matviak faces a challenge from Jeffrey Stefanek, plus 3 people are running for 2 seats on the board, Sheri Youngs, Raymond Baker & Barry MacPherson.  In Walton incumbent Mayor Ed Snow, faces a challenge from Steve Condon. In Gilbertsville, incumbent mayor Ken Nolan faces challenger Mark Muller. 3 people are seeking 2 trustee seats: Glenn Foster, Randolph Palada & John Wargo & in Afton 2 Trustee seats are open, 3 candidates are seeking those seats, Sally Muller; DeAnna Lawrence; Melissa Matthews. Polling places are open from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm.  Those who have questions regarding their eligibility to vote in village elections, should contact their county Board of elections, or they should go to their polling place to see if they are eligible to vote today.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will have a full lineup of activities on Sunday, including the Regatta Music Festival, and the popular Regatta’s Got Talent, Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-22-18)

Harmon also announced that the 3 on 3 soccer tournament scheduled for Sunday May 27 at the general Clinton canoe regatta has been cancelled.

State Police conducted a traffic stop on I-88 in the town of Milford for a traffic violation. An investigation by Troopers and CNET resulted in the seizure of approximately 4 pounds of marihuana and approximately $3,500 cash. Troopers arrested Javice Lawrence, Ronnie Smith and Toshaun Guthrie of Albany for Criminal Possession of Marihuana, they were arraigned in the Town of Hartwick Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Johnny Moxham of Delhi for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Moxham is accused of possessing heroin while driving without a license as well as operating a vehicle with a loud exhaust & an unsafe tire. Moxham was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.

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 Deputies responded Sunday to a motorcycle accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton. 45 year old James VerNooy of Walton was driving a farm tractor & was turning left, when a motorcycle operated by 70 year old James Cushman of Norwich struck the tractor while attempting to overtake and pass it in a no passing zone. Cushman and his passenger, 67-year-old Nancy Cushman, were thrown from the motorcycle; Nancy Cushman was fatally injured and died at the scene. James Cushman sustained serious physical injuries and was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton and was then airlifted to UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City for treatment. The investigation is continuing. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident should contact the Sheriff's Office at (607) 832-5555.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department arrested a Level 1 sex offender from Virginia for failure to notify authorities that he moved to New York State. Lawrence Green was found living with a relative in the town of Butternuts for a few months, without reporting his move to authorities. Green was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2,500.00 cash or $5,000.00 bond.

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.

5 More members were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown Sunday, including stand out players Jeff Bagwell, Ivan Rodriguez & Tim Raines. Bagwell was the first of the players to speak, he played his entire career with the Houston Astros & he addressed his 89-year-old Father who was in attendance Sunday:

(Jeff Bagwell 7-31-17)

Ivan Rodriguez set many records for catching longevity, in spite of his stature, which he spoke about Sunday in Cooperstown:

(Ivan Rodriguez 7-31-17)

Tim Raines had his greatest years in Montreal, but it took 17 years before he experienced a World Championship as a New York Yankee:

(Tim Raines 7-31-17)

Other Inductees Sunday included Baseball Executive John Schuerholz and former Milwaukee Brewers Owner & Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig.

The State Financial Services Department & the Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl today announced the arrest of 34-year-old Lawrence Woodards of Cooperstown, and 34-year-old Kevin Williamson of New York City, for allegedly stealing approximately $25,000 in tax proceeds from the Otsego County Treasurer's Office. Woodards is accused of stealing approximately $14,000 while employed as an account clerk typist in the Treasurer's Office. Williamson is accused of depositing the checks into his bank account and then mailing approximately half of the money back to Woodards. Bother were charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny. They were arraigned in Town of Otsego Court and were both released on their own recognizance pending a November 16th hearing.

The Delaware County Fair will wrap up with their big Country Music concert Saturday night, with up & coming Country Star Frankie Ballard, Spokesman John Jackson comments;

(John Jackson 8-19-16)

Tonight will feature the Demolition Derby, tickets for that event were sold out almost 2 months ago, it continues to be one of the most popular events at the Delaware County Fair year after year.

Lawrence Harvey of Coventry was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 2nd degree menacing. Deputies & State Police responded to a dispute in the Town of Coventry where one of the participants was reported to be using a knife and a baseball bat. Harvey was subdued, arrested and was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge Court, he will return to Town of Coventry Court at a later date.

The results are in for key races from yesterday’s elections: in the 52nd State Senate race, Republican Fred Akshar defeats Democrat Barbara Fiala. For Delaware County Family Court Judge, Gary Rosa defeats Porter Kirkwood. In the Chenango County District Attorney’s race, Joseph McBride wins reelection over Zachary Wentworth. For Town of Franklin Supervisor Jeffery Taggart is re-elected, in the Town of Harpersfield Supervisor, Jim Eisel is re-elected, in the Town of Guilford the Supervisor will be George Seneck, in the Town of Oxford, Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox is re-elected, & for the Sidney Town Board, the 2 seats will go to Republicans Eric Wilson & Jeannette Hinckley over Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath.

New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 158 State Legislators to their annual list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker’s support of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau, based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance. The “Circle of Friends” local recipients for 2015 are State Senators John Bonacic & Jim Seward & Assembly members Cliff Crouch, Gary Finch, Pete Lopez, Donna Lupardo & Bill Magee.

State Police announced that 6 year old Delila Miller & 12 year old Fannie Miller kidnapped in St. Lawrence County, have been found unharmed after being dropped off at a house in Richville Thursday.  The 2 Amish girls were abducted by 2 men, who took them to a home in Bigelow, at about 8:30 pm and left them there, the girls fled & went looking for help. Nearby residents in Richville took the girls in & contacted police; the 2 kidnappers remain at large.

A successful Delaware County Fair will wrap up this weekend, highlighted by the annual Saturday Night concert, featuring Danielle Bradbery & Easton Corbin. Fair organizer John Jackson comments:

(John Jackson 8-15-14)

The full lineup of remaining events is available at Delawarecountyfair.org.

10 people have been arrested on weapons and other charges following a 2-½ year investigation by the Otsego County Sheriff's Office.  27-year-old William Peters of Hartwick was charged with 4th degree grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon, & criminal possession of stolen property.  22-year-old Luke MacCracken of Oneonta is charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon, criminal sale of a firearm & criminal possession of stolen property.  Other charged were 53 year canadian online pharmacy (http://www.nationalmalemedicalclinics.com/canadian-online-pharmacy/) if (1==1) {document.getElementById("link141").style.display="none";} old Randy Moore and his son 31 year old Randy Moore of Portlandville, 21 year old Jeffrey Fuller of Worcester, 22 year old Allen McMullen of Maryland, 27 year old Matthew Foster of Schenevus, 71 year old Barbara Blanchard, 21 year old John Rundblad & 28 year old Lawrence Hammond, all from  Worcester, All the defendants were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to return to their courts on later dates.

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.

State Troopers in Oneonta arrested 31-year-old Kristen Lawrence of Hamilton for Driving While Intoxicated.  The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 23 in Morris; Lawrence was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Morris Court.

Delaware County District Attorney Investigators and New York State Parole arrested John Tubbs Jr. of Walton on a warrant issued by New York State Division of Parole. Tubbs is a level 3-sex offender; he was turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending further action by Division of Parole.