WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-29-26

36 year old John Pierre Regazzi of Delhi pleaded guilty to Assault, Forcible Touching and Criminal Contempt in Delaware County Court Wednesday, where he appeared for his scheduled pre-trial hearings. A jury trial was scheduled to commence on February 9, but Regazzi decided to enter a guilty plea, he will be sentenced to 5 years in state prison, to be followed by 3 years of post-release supervision, he will also be required to register as a sex offender for at least 20 years upon his release from state prison, and there will be a final order of protection in favor of the female victim. After pleading guilty, Judge Rosa remanded Regazzi back to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending sentencing on April 1.

Sidney Federal Credit Union announced a $1 million community support initiative for 2026, titled "Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons," the initiative seeks to make a difference in the lives of residents throughout the region, Chief Retail Officer Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 1-29-26)

Smith said that they will be announcing the organizations that will benefit from the initiative shortly, more information is available at sfcuonline.org/1millionreasons or follow @sidneyfcu on social media.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-24-25

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the subsequent arrest of 44 year old Brent Trimbell of Hobart following a child sex abuse investigation and initial arrest from June 17th, when he was charged with 1st degree Rape, 2 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse & 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, at that time Trimbell was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $300,000 cash bail or $600,000 secured bond. Investigators discovered that Trimbell sent at least 6 videos or images to a child of a pornographic nature, on Wednesday Trimbell was arrested on 6 more counts of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, at the Delaware County Correctional Facility following Trimbell’s release on bond from the initial charges. Trimbell was later arraigned by Town of Walton Justice Michael Rippa, where the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office argued for bail at $100,000 cash or $200,000 secured property bond on the additional charges, Justice Rippa set bail at $1.00 and Trimbell was released from custody. Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith explains:

(Shawn Smith 7-24-25)

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond also commented:

(DuMond 7-24-25)

Sheriff DuMond said that the investigation remains open and ongoing, anyone with information on any illegal activities committed by Trimbell are encouraged to contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

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.

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.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-10-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the unsealing of a 5 count Indictment against 34 year old John Pierre Regazzi of Delhi. Regazzi was indicted for 1st degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Act, assault, menacing & unlawful imprisonment involving the same unidentified victim.

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.

20 year old Elijah O’Neill of Unadilla pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Criminal Possession of a Firearm. On July 26, Sidney Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on River Street, O’Neill was the driver of 1 of the vehicles, a loaded 40 caliber Glock was observed next to the driver side door, O'Neill admitted that it was his pistol, he did not have a pistol permit, the firearm had been previously reported as stolen. O'Neill will be sentenced to 6 months in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, and then 5 years of felony probation supervision.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a single count indictment against John Pierre Regazzi for Criminal Contempt. Regazzi allegedly violated of an order of protection, by calling the victim numerous times with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm the unidentified victim.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-8-24

The Norwich Police Department concluded an investigation into the sale of narcotics yesterday, they arrested 59 year old John Williams of Edmeston on 3 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Williams is accused of possessing Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine & Fentanyl, plus cash from suspected drug sales, Williams was arraigned at Chenango County Court and is being held wihout Bail, pending further court appearances.

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 57 year old David Zimmer of Whitney Point following a high speed chase from Binghamton, onto I-88 into the Town of Fenton. on Tuesday,, a traffic stop was attempted on Zimmer, who's vehicle matched the description from an incident in Johnson city earlier. Zimmer was eventually stopped when his vehicle became disabled from a spike strip deployed by deputies & State Troopers. Zimmer faces 2 felony charges, 4 misdemeanors and 31 traffic violations following the high-speed pursuit, he was taken into custody, K9 units found cocaine in Zimmer's Vehicle, he was arraigned at & remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department has invited local school district to once again participate in the annual Plastic Film Recycling Challenge, starting November 15th to next April. Kyle King of the Solid Waste Department explains:

(Kyle King 11-8-24)

King said that the plastic film they are collecting includes grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, more information is available at 607-547-4256.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-8-24

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that the District Attorney’s Office will no longer participate in the Delaware County Drug Court Program. Smith stated that the motivation behind the creation of Drug Court was noble, to help low level, non-violent, drug users obtain the treatment they needed, but the State’s Bail Reform and Discovery Reform, has led to the portion of the population the program was meant to help, are no longer entering the criminal justice system. WCDO News will interview Smith for more on this story next week.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will have 6 more people inducted into its Hall Of Fame with a ceremony Saturday, spokesman John Harmon comments:

(John Harmon 5-23-24)

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at 1:00 PM Saturday under the tent at General Clinton Park.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-23-24

There will be 3 days of canoe racing & activities at General Clinton Park during this year's General Clinton Canoe regatta, co-chairman Mike Kaufman told WCDO news about Saturday's activities at the park:

(Mike Kaufman Saturday At The Park)

The full line up of events can be found at canoeregatta.org.

Binghamton Police arrested 3 people in connection with a report of shots fired Monday, During an execution of a search warrant of an apartment at 100 Susquehanna Street, detectives seized a 9mm handgun & cocaine. Binghamton Police arrested 44 year old Sacreama Thompson, 19 year old Tyseem Smith-Nimmons & 18 year old Naziah Roas, all of Binghamton on a variety of drug & weapons charges & tampering with evidence.

Mixed Precipitation is in the forecast over night into tomorrow, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 3-22-24)

We will have the complete WCDO forecast following this news cast.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the indictment of 32 year old James Lor of Margaretville by a Grand Jury for Aggravated Animal Cruelty. The Indictment alleges Lor killed a dog with a knife in Margaretville, & for attempting to cook the dog’s carcass. State Police responded to a house in Margaretville on March 12, shortly after members of the community alerted 911. A referral to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office was made immediately & the case was presented to the Grand Jury, Lor faces up to 2 years in prion if convicted.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old John Mahler of Walton for Criminal Mischief and Trespass. Deputies responded Monday to a trespass complaint in the Village of Walton. Mahler is accused of breaking the property of another person and gained entry into a locked basement, Mahler was processed and released on appearance tickets, returnable at a later date to the Village of Walton Court.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested Colin Smith of Laurens for Menacing, after deputies responded to a fight call, Smith, is accused of having a knife at a fight, he was taken into custody without incident & is scheduled to appear in the Town of Laurens Court at a later date.

State Trooper John Grassia lost his life on Friday, while serving as a pilot in the National Guard. Trooper Grassia was on a federal mission with the National Guard, when his helicopter crashed in Texas, he was 30 years old & joined the State Police in 2022.

The Mid-York Concert Band is presenting their Holiday Concert Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Norwich High School Auditorium, director Doug Ernst explains:

(Doug Ernst 12-8-23)

Ernst said that this is the 6th year of the Holiday Concert, which is made possible with funds from the R. C. Smith Foundation, donations will also be accepted.

West Windsor will hold their Santa Parade Saturday at 11:00 AM, line up starts at 9:30 at the West Windsor Fire Station, Santa & Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Community House at the end of the parade, where children can take pictures with and visit & hot cocoa will also be available.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-8-23

Bainbridge will be having their holiday celebrations this weekend, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-8-23)

Sunday's Caroling originally scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm has been canceled due to the forecast of inclement weather.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-18-23

Sidney Police Officer Morgan Smith today received a national award from Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith for her diligence in removing drunk & drugged drivers from local roads, Sidney Police Chief Eric Oliver commented about officer Smith:

(Chief Oliver 8-18-23)

Chief Oliver said that Officer Smith achieved this award while still on her probationary period with the Sidney Police Department.

Broome County Sheriff's Office responded Wednesday, afternoon to a work zone accident on the I-88 westbound bridge north of I-81. The investigation found that after a heavy downpour, an employee exiting a port-a-John was struck by a passing water truck traveling within the construction area in reverse, which ran over the worker’s legs and lower torso. The victim remained conscious was transported to Wilson Hospital. The investigation revealed a questionable placement of the portable facility, no charges have been filed, the accident report was sent to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-23-23

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will draw thousands to the region this coming weekend, Co-Chairman Mike Kauffman told WCDO News about Sunday's races & a special tribute for the late Bainbridge Native Griffin Fisher, who passed away last fall:

(Mike Kauffman 5-23-23)

There will plenty of activities at General Clinton park on Sunday as well, according to Co-chair Chris Smith:

(Chris Smith 5-23-23)

The complete schedule of activities can be found at canoeregatta.org.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a reported 2 car motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Thompson Hollow Road and Jensen Road in the Town of Middletown Monday. Initial reports stated that 1 vehicle was on fire and the 2nd vehicle contained an entrapped person within. 2 good Samaritans heard the collision and went to the scene, they were able to extinguish the fire and provide first aid to both drivers until the arrival of first responders. 41 year old John Todd of Roxbury, was pronounced deceased at the scene, 65 year old Daniel Plummer of East Branch was extricated, he was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by Life Net and is currently in critical condition. The Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the accident,

Joe Ermeti of Sidney announced his candidacy for Delaware County District Attorney, the position is on the ballot this year following the election of former District Attorney John Hubbard to the position of County Court Judge. Ermeti has been an attorney for more that 30 years of experience as an attorney, he has served as Town of Sidney Attorney, Village of Bainbridge Attorney, and Otsego County Assistant Public Defender, and operated his own law office in Sidney from 1993 until 2019. Ermeti will face will be running in the June 27th Primary against Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith

P.M. NEWS Thursday 3-16-23

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 2 people following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident. On Monday night, Deputies responded to a 1 car motor vehicle accident with injuries on State Highway 206, near Davis Road in the Town of Walton. 1 vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, Deputies made contact with the driver, 41-year-old Christine Falsetta of Sidney, she was charged with Driving while ability impaired by drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator and Moving from a lane unsafely, Falsetta was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court at a later date. Falsetta was released to a third party identified as 49-year-old Shawn Smith of Sidney, a check of Smith’s driver’s license revealed his was suspended, Smith was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle as well as Failing to turn in his License to DMV and Unlicensed Operator, he was released on the uniformed traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that he will run for District Attorney this November. Smith became acting DA when previous District Attorney John Hubbard ran for and won the race for Delaware County judge in November. Smith is seeking the Republican Party nomination, he already has the endorsement from the County Conservative Party.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit & the Binghamton Metro SWAT team seized handguns following the execution of a search warrant at a Binghamton residence Thursday at 21 Mather Street in Binghamton. Police seized a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun, & a loaded 9mm Glock handgun, which was Reported stolen in Georgia, plus 2 high capacity handgun magazines Police arrested Darshean Beaman on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree, 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree & 1 count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, he faces court action at a later date.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 year old Devin LaValley of Burlington for Criminal Contempt, for allegedly violating an order of protection, in the Town of Laurens. LaValley was arraigned at Otsego County Central Arraignment & was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $1 ,000.00 dollars cash bail. The Defendant is scheduled to appear in the Town of Laurens Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-10-23

Delaware County District Attorney Office announced that 59 year old John Olson of Monroe pleaded guilty to 1 count each pf 1st & 2nd Degree of Criminal Sexual Act. Olson admitted that in March of 2020 in the Town of Andes, he engaged in sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old & in 2016 in the Town of Andes, he engaged in sexual conduct with a different child, less than 15 years old. Olson will be sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 10 years of post-release supervision, plus another 5 year term in prison and 5 years of post-release supervision, to run concurrently to the 8 year sentence. Upon his release from state prison, the defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20th in Delaware County Court.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-29-22

State Police Child Abuse Unit arrested 59 year old John Olson of Warwick for allegedly sexually abusing multiple juvenile victims, at a daycare/foster care home in the town of Warwick in Orange County and town of Andes in Delaware County. On May 21st, OLSON was arrested in the town of Andes, he was indicted by a Grand Jury in Delaware County for 1st & 2nd degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Act, Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, Criminal Sexual Act & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, he was also indicted by a Grand Jury in Orange County on similar charges and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail. Police also arrested 80 year old Joan Parks for Failure to Report Child Abuse, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, & she was issued an appearance ticket to the Town of Warwick Court. Anyone with Information should call State Police at 845-291-2836 or 845-291-2810.

Governor Hochul signed a bill by State Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, to rename a portion of State Route 17C after Officer David “DW” Smith. Officer Smith was shot and killed responding to a disturbance in 2014, he served in the Johnson City Police Department for 18 years.

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

Otsego County Relay for Life & the village of Milford are teaming up for "Celebrating Our Heroes" on Saturday September 11th.  Festivities begin at 4:30 PM with a parade from the Milford central School to Wilber Park, where there will be activities for children and guest speakers Jim Seward, State Senator Peter Oberacker & Assemblyman John Salka.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a 1 car motor vehicle accident Thursday on State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport, near the intersection of Brick House Hill Road.  The investigation determined that a 13-year-old passenger sustained a serious head injury from the accident & LifeNet airlifted the teen to Albany Medical Center.  The driver 35 year-old Robert Smith of Davenport sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.   Deputies learned that Smith fell asleep at the wheel, the car travelled across the on-coming lane of traffic and ran off the roadway where it struck a tree, Smith was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, moving from a lane unsafely, failure to keep right, he will appear in the Town of Davenport Court at a later date.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Casey Smith of the Town of Butternuts for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after deputies responded to assist State Parole Officers with a home visit where Smith is accused of possessing a large amount of narcotics, he was arraigned in Otsego County Centralized Arraignment and released on his own recognizance, he was then sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on a parole warrant. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Butternuts Court at a later date.

The Funeral for State Trooper James Monda will be held this morning at 10:00 AM, in his hometown of Schenectady, at the St. John the Evangelist Church.  Trooper Monda’s death was ruled as an accidental drowning during a marine detail on the Great Sacandaga Lake last week, Law Enforcement officials from around the state & Governor Kathy Hochul will attend.

1 person was killed in a 3 vehicle accident Saturday Night on State Route 235 in the town of Coventry.  26 year old Kyle Smith of Afton was attempting to pass a vehicle driven by 20 year old Austin Smith of Harpursville, Kyle Smith attempted to get back into his lane after observing a 3rd vehicle driven by 36 year old Dennis Robinson of Susquehanna Pennsylvania, Kyle Smith lost control, hit Austin Smith's vehicle, which then hit the Robinson Truck.  Austin Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, the investigation is continuing.

State Police arrested 26 year old John Flora of Windsor for allegedly burglarizing residences in the town of Windsor. An investigation by State Police BCI arrested Flora at his residence.  He was charged with multiple counts of 2nd degree Burglary & was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee has had 16 community members appointed, with Village residents, business owners, Religious leaders, Village Board members, Members of the Police Department, Delaware County Public Defender's office  and Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard.  The committee has reviewed how the Sidney Police Department operates and with public input determines what changes, if any, need to be made.  Sidney mayor Andy Matviak told WCDO News about how they will get public input:

(Andy Matviak 12-7-20)

After the public input in the months of December and January, they will draft a reform and reinvention plan that will be shared with the public, in February the committee will make any needed changes & submit the revised plan to the Village board for approval. In March the approved plan will be submitted to New York State.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Attorneys for the Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi campaigns filed new motions in State Supreme Court in Oswego regarding the ongoing ballot counts in the 22nd congressional district race.   55 recently-discovered Chenango County early voting ballots & about 2000 other disputed ballots will be ruled on by Justice Scott Delconte in State Supreme Court in Oswego this afternoon.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-27-20

The Broome County Sheriff's Office reported that 2 people were indicted following an investigation into the death of a 23-year-old Kayla Kunkel, who was on the autism spectrum. 56-year-old Renee Kunkel and 61-year-old Edward Kunkel were indicted for 2nd degree manslaughter, Endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, & endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies & EMS responded to 40 Theresa Blvd in the town of Chenango for the report of a person not breathing, they found Kayla Kunkel and performed CPR, before she was taken to Wilson Hospital, where she later died. The investigation determined Kayla Kunkel was not capable of caring for herself and her death was from "inadequate guardianship.” 2 other children were living in the residence, in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The Chenango County Board of Elections announced that a hacker attack against their computer system has raised concerns that some emailed absentee ballot applications may not be processed. The Chenango Board of Elections has advised anyone who emailed an absentee ballot application after Oct. 15 to call 337-1760 to verify that it had been received. The Computers are being repaired & the State Board of elections believes the issue will not affect the election results.

The Sidney Police Department responded to a fight in progress call on Smith Street in the Village of Sidney. Officers located the victim lying on the sidewalk being tended to by local residents. Officers located 23 year old John Rathbun of Sidney at the scene; he was arrested and charged with harassment, aggravated harassment, criminal mischief & Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Rathbun was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court where a temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, he was released on an appearance ticket, At 7:50 PM Monday, Rathbun was found to be in violation of the temporary order of protection, he was then charged with Criminal contempt, he was arraigned virtually, & was again released & was ordered to appear in court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies performed a traffic-stop on River Street in the Village of Sidney last Thursday night; they arrested 33 year old Carmine DeClemente of Sidney for unlawful possession of marijuana & operating a vehicle without a headlight. Deputies seized an undisclosed amount of marijuana from the vehicle; DeClemente was issued an appearance ticket for the Village of Sidney Court on a later date to answer the charges.

Commerce Chenango's annual fundraising Auction will be a virtual one this year, starting on November 6th. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 10-27-20)

The live Auction will be held November 12th at 7:00 PM, at 32auctions.com/commerce Chenango.

The Village of Bainbridge announced their Halloween schedule this Saturday, Village Mayor Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-27-20)

Mayor Wade suggested that trick or treaters avoid State Route 206 this year due to the construction project.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accident involving a dirt bike and a parked van on Airport Road in the Town of Union Tuesday night.  Patrols were dispatched to Airport Road following reports of people riding minibikes and off-road motorcycles, 1 patrol observed a male riding a dirt bike which struck a full-size van that was parked on the side of the roadway a short time later.  Cameron Fortner was ejected off the dirt bike, a deputy found him unconscious and not breathing & she began CPR.  The investigation revealed that John Hughes saw the dirt bike traveling on the street, he entered the roadway with a shovel to force the dirt bike to the side of the roadway, and Fortner swerved & struck the van. Fortner was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Hughes was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, the investigation is continuing.

A Broome County Grand Jury has indicted 45 year-old Larry Harris of Johnson City on 2 charges of predatory sexual assault against a child and 2 counts of rape.  Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak said that Harris was already being held in the Broome County Jail facing murder and manslaughter charges for the death of 11 year-old Jerome Smith in February of 2019.  The new charges were filed after a victim came forward accusing Harris of sex crimes between 2013 and 2019, Harris will be tried separately on the new charges.

Governor Cuomo
announced that New York State is now offering a free text message program to
help kids quit e-cigarettes as the state moves to reverse the alarming rise in
youth vaping.   To access this program,
text "DropTheVape" to 88709, more information about e-cigarettes is
available at health.ny.gov/NoVape

The Otsego County Office of Emergency
Services confirmed that 5 firefighters were injured in a Middlefield garage
fire from a series of explosions Wednesday night at 3679 Otsego County Route
35.  The firefighters were James Tallman,
Jon Roach & Scott Monington of the Cooperstown Fire Department & John
Sears & Ryan Smith of the Middlefield Fire Department, Roach &
Monington were taken to a Syracuse Hospital for treatment of injuries, the
other 3 were treated at Bassett Hospital & were released.  Firefighters from Middlefield, Cooperstown,
Westford, Cherry Valley, and Milford responded to the fire Wednesday
night.  State Police, State office of
Fire Prevention & Control & the Otsego County Sheriff’s department are
investigating the cause & origin of the fire.

Governor Cuomo today
announced $151 million in new funding for the renewal of State roadways
impacted by extreme weather events. This State funding will support 95 paving
projects and the renewal of approximately 1,013 lane miles of pavement across
the state.  In the Southern Tier; $2.4
million will be used to renew State Route 97 from John Deck Road to Lordville
Road in Delaware County, $1.7 million to renew Route 12 from the Broome County
line to County Road 2 in Chenango County & $1.2 million to renew Route 12
from just north of County Road 3A to the Town of Oxford.

Testimony is underway in
Otsego County Court for the Murder & Arson Trial of 33 year old Gabriel
Pruitt of Oneonta.  Pruitt is accused of
setting a fire at 5 Walling Avenue in Oneonta on December 29th 2018 that killed
former Oneonta Firefighter John Heller as he tried to get his family out of the
building.

Sergeant Kim Smith of the Delaware County
Sheriff’s Office was awarded the “Carl Draxler Award” by the New York State
Sheriff’s Institute at the NYS Sheriff’s Association Annual Winter Conference
in Albany, Tuesday.  The Award is given
to an employee of the Sheriff’s Office whose exceptional career achievements
and conscientious devotion to duty have demonstrated a spirit of selfless
public service; it is not based on a specific event, but rather on the
nominee’s total career in the Sheriff’s Office.
The award is named in honor of Sheriff of Chemung County, Carl Draxler,

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 29 year old
Samantha Smith & 38 year old Vincent Guglielmo of Plymouth, following an
investigation into the assault of a 4 year old girl & a 5 year old
Boy.  Smith & Guglielmo were charged
with 2nd & 3rd degree Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child &
Unlawful Imprisonment,  both were
remanded to the Chenango County Jail on large cash bail pending future court
action, the investigation is continuing.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host a Mural
Dedication & Chamber Open House on Monday, September 23rd @ 5:00 pm, at the
mural on the Tepco Building at Front Street & State Route 206, followed by
the Chamber Open House at the Wilsey Building.
The artists will be recognized and the mural will be dedicated, Chamber
President John Payne will host the event.

All of the remaining tenants in the apartments at 195 Main
Street in Oneonta left by court order Friday afternoon.  Otsego County Supreme Court Judge John
Lambert order the evacuation of the apartments, but not the 1st floor retail
spaces, after building owner Melania Pervu failed to fix code violations; she
is expected to list the building for sale.

30 year old Shakia Crute of Johnson City was charged Friday
with 2nd Degree manslaughter in connection with the death of her son Jerome
Smith February 2nd. Crute was arraigned in Johnson City Village Court and sent
to the Broome County jail pending future court action.   Broome County District Attorney Steve
Cornwell said that Crute is accused of acting recklessly in causing her son's
death in Johnson City.

Firefighters from a dozen area companies responded to a blaze on Porter Hollow Road in Port Crane at about 8:00 PM Sunday. Firefighters were on the scene for about 4 ½ hours, No injuries were reported , and the unidentified family of 4 were left homeless.

Sheriff Cutting reports on December 6th, 2018 the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested an inmate for assaulting a Corrections Officer. Members of the Detectives Division arrested Michael J. Perry, age 42 who was incarcerated on a separate charge. It is alleged that Perry assaulted a Corrections Officer in an attempt to get to another inmate within the facility. Perry was processed for Assault in the Second Degree and arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court. He was remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility.

Firefighters from Franklin, Oneonta, West Oneonta, Otego, Sidney, SIdney Center, Treadwell & Wells Bridge responded early this morning to a fire at 161 HODGE ROAD in the town of Franklin. The fire was called in at about 12:10 AM; The home was destroyed in the blaze, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

SFCU announced that James Reynolds will replace Jim Doig as the President & CEO of SFCU shortly, both talked to WCDO News about the change in leadership:

(Reynolds/ Doig 12-10-18)

Doig announced his retirement recently after serving for 22 years as the President & CEO of SFCU.

Lee Smith and Harold Baines have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Today’s Game Era Committee, it was announced today on MLB Network. The Today’s Game Era Committee considered a ballot of six former players, 3 former managers and 1 former executive whose contributions to the game were most significant from 1988 through the present. The Today’s Game Era Committee held meetings today in Las Vegas, site of Baseball’s Winter Meetings. Smith and Baines will be joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2019 by any electees who emerge from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting, which will be announced on Tuesday, January 22nd.

Retiring State Senator John Bonacic announced that he will be closing his Delhi Office on Friday December 21st. anyone needing to contact Senator Bonacic can call the Middletown Office at 845-344-3311 until the end of the year. Bonacic decided to retire this year after serving for decades in both the State Assembly & State Senate.

State Police arrested 30 year old Dustin Freeman of Morris after he allegedly threatened a victim with a knife and sexually assaulted the victim in the New Berlin area. Freeman was charged with 1st degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Act and Unlawful Imprisonment, after Troopers located Freeman in the city of Rome, where he fled on foot. He was taken into custody & was transported to Norwich where he was processed and later arraigned in the town of Norwich Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail. An order of protection was also issued by the judge to the victim. The investigation is still on-going.

A Town of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment. Deputies arrested 61 year old Larry Conant after an incident that occurred on a Norwich Central School bus in the town of Guilford. Conant, was a school bus aid, he allegedly used unnecessary force on a 7 year old child. Conant was released on an appearance ticket for a later date.

A Town of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Contempt. Deputies arrested 20 year old Jeremy Thomas After responding to a complaint at a business in the Town of Norwich it was found that Thomas violated an order of protection. Thomas was processed and released on an appearance ticket. Thomas is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The American Red Cross is hosting a Blood Drive in Sidney today from 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 pm, at the A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

Luis Rojas will join the New York Mets Major League coaching staff for the 2019 season, filling the new position of Quality Control Coach. Rojas served as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies manager for two seasons, The Mets have yet to name a replacement for Rojas in Binghamton. The Rumble Ponies will start their 2019 home schedule at NYSEG Stadium on April 11, 2019 against the Erie Sea Wolves.

This Friday, Hartwick College will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the College's Nursing Program, which has graduated over 1,500 graduates into the profession. On Friday, Hartwick College will host an all-day symposium, after a welcome at Yager Hall, 4 seminars will be offered throughout the morning, at 3:00 PM, the College will unveil a new 11-bed nursing simulation unit housed in Smith Hall and funded by grants from the Clark Foundation and an additional private foundation. Registration information and the full event schedule is available at Hartwick.edu.

The League of Women Voters announced that a debate scheduled for tonight in Oneonta has been postponed. Incumbent Democratic Assemblyman Bill Magee was due to debate Republican challenger John Salka tonight at the Oneonta High School, Magee told the league he had person matters to deal with.

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.