WCDO Radio News

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department will host the 21st Earth Festival event from 10 am. to 3 pm. Saturday, at SUNY Oneonta, in the Chase Auditorium. Events include educational workshops, the repair Café, and activities for children, seed exchange, and a morning bird walk. County Officials will be there promoting recycling and waste diversion practices that the county has developed over the years for residents of the county.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-30-26

State Police announced that the missing person investigation involving 47 year old Lance Bogart of the Town of Tioga has concluded, as he was located deceased today in a creek near his residence. Bogart was reported missing 4 days ago, search efforts were conducted by State Police, including K9 units, drones and assistance from partner agencies, including DEC Forest Rangers. At this time, there is no indication of criminal activity. The investigation remains ongoing.

Broome County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 2 people in 2 separate motorcycle pursuits. On April 23, Broome County Sheriff’s Officers observed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed in Binghamton, Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the motorcycle operator led them on a chase throughout the area, eventually crashing on Pierce Creek Rd. 56 year old Donald Stocks of Johnson City was charged with Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and 10 additional traffic violations. In the 2nd Incident, on April 24th, Deputies observed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed in Binghamton, the operator failed to comply and fled into Kirkwood, Patrols terminated the pursuit, but a short time later, they found the bike disabled, 23 year old Osciano Swartz of Binghamton was taken into custody without further incident, he was charged with Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Reckless Endangerment, Obstructing Governmental Administration & 16 various traffic violations. Both men face court action shortly.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department will host the Earth Festival event from 10 am. to 3 pm. Saturday, May 9th, at SUNY Oneonta, Chase Auditorium. Earth Festival will include educational workshops, Repair Café, and activities for children, Otsego County will be there promoting recycling and waste diversion practices that they developed over the years.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-10-26

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Leon Marriott of Utica following a traffic stop in the Town of Edmeston. Deputies conducted a traffic stop, Marriott fled the scene & Deputies took him into custody after a brief chase, Marriott was charged with a number of traffic violations, plus unlawfully fleeing a Police Officer, Criminal possession of a Controlled substance, for the possession of Methamphetamine, he was was processed and later released with an Appearance Ticket for Town of Edmeston Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-26

DogWatch Hidden Fences of Otego & Nam Knights have teamed up to provide kits for service dogs around the state, today they donated one to the Sidney Police Department for use by Officer Royce Terry & K9 Chase. Aileen Howard of Dogwatch told WCDO News about the kits:

(Aileen Howard 2-4-26)

Officer Terry said that people have been very supportive of the K9 program at the Sidney Police Department, and they are still accepting donations for the program:

(Royce Terry 2-4-26)

K9 Chase is about 1 year old & is new to the Sidney Police Department and he is trained to locate drugs and other items as part of investigations.

North Country Stand Up Comedy returns to Sidney at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street Saturday Night, Spokesperson Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 2-4-26)

The Bittersweet Farm Brewery will have drinks available and Tickets for Comedy Night can be purchased at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page, or at the Door Saturday.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-26

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250, a national initiative centered around the 250th anniversary of the United States. These 2 organizations are inviting people of Chenango County to a session today to discuss this event, Jessica Moquin of the Chenango Historical Society explains:

(Jessica Moquin 2-4-26)

This community dialogue will take place at the James S. Flanagan Research Center, 43 Rexford Street in Norwich, to begin planning activities for the day-long festival for July 5.

The Sidney Police Department has added K9 Chase, to the department, he is handled by Officer Royce Terry & he is a 1 year old Dutch Shepherd. Officer Terry told WCDO news about his new canine partner, and how the community support by area businesses, private donations, & the Sidney Central School district has been outstanding:

(Royce Terry 10-16-25)

K9 Chase replaces K9 Riggs who was retired as a police dog this month, but will continue to live with Officer Terry's family, the program has no cost to taxpayers and Chase will be ready for his position in February.

The family of legendary Binghamton Native Rod Serling announced that "SerlingFest 2025" will be held from Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21, at the Broome County Forum Theatre. Tickets are available at rodserling.com or at the Forum on event day.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-13-25

18 year old Kenneth Santiago-Pepin of Johnson City, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and was sentenced to a state prison term of 6 years, followed by 5 years of post release supervision. On January 30th, Johnson City Police responded to 22 Sanford Street for a report of shots fired, Santiago-Pepin approached the residence, produced a handgun, and fired at the building multiple times, officers apprehended Santiago-Pepin after a brief chase on foot, Police found that he possessed a 2nd weapon.

A Chenango County Grand Jury recently indicted Jason Chase was indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance, The indictment accuses Chase of possessing fentanyl with intent to sell in the Town of Sherburne in February.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Jason Chase of Norwich & 21 year old Danielle Froelich of Cincinnatus, following a traffic stop recently in Sherburne. Both were charged with various drug charges after packaged drugs and related materials were found during a traffic stop. Chase was wanted on an active warrant for a violent felony issued by Chenango County Court. Chase was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail and scheduled to appear in Town of Sherburne Court at a later date. Froelich was arraigned and released on an appearance ticket and is also scheduled to appear in Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

The State Department of Health has approved $8 million in funding for constructing a new Chase Memorial Nursing Home and Rehabilitation facility adjacent to the existing site in New Berlin. The Groundbreaking would be in the Spring of 2026, More information about the Chase Memorial Nursing Home and their affiliated facilities can be found at goodshepherdcommunities.org.

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.

Binghamton Police responded to the report Thursday morning of an bomb threat at the State Office Building, at the 17th floor Attorney General’s office. A K9 Unit along with the Endicott Police Bomb Squad searched the office and did not find a bomb. The building has reopened, the investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Binghamton Police Detectives at 607-772-7080.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-12-24

The Norwich Police Department investigated a stabbing on Rexford Street in the City of Norwich Wednesday at about 5:30 PM. Police arrested 40 year old Jason Chase of Marathon for 2nd degree Assault & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Norwich Police Department located the victim who had stab wounds to his neck and forearm, the victim was taken to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition, Officers located and arrested Chase at Gold Street in Norwich, the stated that during an altercation, Chase allegedly produced a “brass knuckle knife,” and stabbed the victim several times, he was arraigned & was being held without bail, pending further hearings.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-25-24

On Friday, June 14, 2024, Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol attempted a routine traffic stop in Binghamton, the driver failed to comply and accelerated at a high rate of speed as patrols pursued, through Binghamton, Dickinson and Johnson City, where the driver jumped out of the moving vehicle & fled on foot. The passenger, 52 year old James Baker of Binghamton was taken into custody, patrols located the driver, 54 year old Lance Rosler hiding in an apartment nearby and placed him into custody. Officers seized methamphetamines in Rosler’s backpack, he was charged with Reckless Endangerment, 3 counts of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Hindering Prosecution, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy & Over 50 traffic violations through 3 jurisdictions, Baker was charged with Conspiracy & Hindering Prosecution, he is accused of filming the chase & convincing Rosler to keep the chase going. Rosler and Baker were processed, Baker was released on appearance tickets and Rosler remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-29-24

32 year old Michael Kimball of Binghamton was found guilty of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief & Unlawful Fleeing A Police Officer In A Motor Vehicle, by a Broome County Jury Thursday. On February 26, Kimball led police from 3 different agencies on a chase through Binghamton and Port Dickinson while driving a stolen pickup truck. A relative of the owner of the stolen pickup truck tried to intervene by placing his own pickup truck on the street in order to stop Kimball from fleeing. The pursuit persisted, with Kimball apprehended in a wooded area, he faces sentencing on July 27th & faces up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in New York State Prison.

42 year old Mary Cutting of Sidney was sentenced to 6 years of incarceration to be followed by 3 years of post-release supervision, for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Village of Sidney. State Police performed 2 controlled purchases of illegal drugs from Cutting, A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 2-count indictment for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Cutting was sentenced to 3 years in prison with 2 years of post-release supervision, she requested multiple adjournments of her sentencing, she is accused of committing additional crimes during that time. Cutting was apprehended on April 8th, the DA's office moved to void the previous plea agreement & they requested the 6 year sentence.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-3-24

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested Richard Harmon when he failed to complete a traffic stop, after a short chase, Harmon's motorcycle ended up in a ditch, he tried to flee on foot, but was quickly captured after a brief physical struggle with the arresting officer. Deputies found 3 bags of meth, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, & 8 Separate Traffic Violations. Harmon was arrested a few days before on several drug charges, He was also arrested on January 12th, after he once again fled from officers on a motorcycle following a traffic stop, where he was also charged with possessing illegal drugs. Harmon was arraigned and released following the 1st 2 arrests, this time he was placed in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The FDA is warning New Yorkers about a recall of Flour from the Shawnee Milling Company of Oklahoma, they are recalling 5 pound bags of their "Food Club" brand All Purpose Flour. The product comes in a 5 lb., blue paper pack marked Best if Used by 03/07/2025, The flour has been recalled as an equipment breakdown during production could have allowed allergen cross-contact with the flour. FDA officials said that the products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office patrols responded to reports of suspicious activity in and around an apartment building in the Town of Union Friday. The investigation revealed that 31 year old Miguel Martinez had broken into a second-floor apartment through a bedroom window. The noises alerted a downstairs neighbor, who called 911. Broome County Sheriff’s Office patrols & State Police located Martinez nearby and placed him in custody without incident, he was charged with 2nd degree Burglary & was arraigned and remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement were informed of the arrest of the undocumented Martinez and will coordinate a transfer of custody at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Monday 3-25-24

The Norwich City Police Department has concluded the investigation into the armed robbery on May 23, 2023, at Holt’s Hemp Emporium. Varun Maharajh of Trinidad, also known as Kelvin Sihgh, is in Federal Custody in Florida, he was taken into custody on separate federal charges in November by the Indian River Sheriff’s Office, after a high-speed chase, he was charged with 7 counts in a federal indictment that alleges he knowingly attempted to export firearms and ammunition to the United Kingdom, as well as illegally and unlawfully possessing numerous firearms and ammunition. The Norwich Police Department is working with the Chenango County District Attorney’s and criminal charges are expected to be filed against Maharajh in the near future.

35 year old William Polhamus of Harpursville appeared in Delaware County Court Monday for sentencing on 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. On July 4th, 2023, Walton Police responded to a physical domestic dispute in progress, where Polhamus physically assaulted a woman in front of a minor child, he then took another minor child and had drove off on a motorcycle, he then led Walton police in a chase, weaving through traffic, the chase was stopped & State Police located & arrested Polhamus, he was sentenced to 1 year in jail, he was ordered to pay a crime victim’s fee and was assessed the mandatory state surcharge.

2 people were arrested following a traffic stop in Norwich regarding a stolen motorcycle, that led to a chase that ended in Unadilla. Norwich Police had attempted a traffic stop, the driver, Cody McCrady of Chenango Forks & passenger, Nichole Wiggins of Greene, fled. The pair were taken into custody in Unadilla. The investigation revealed that the Motorcycle was stolen from Manlius and the license plates were reported stolen from Johnson City. McCrady was charged with Reckless Endangerment, Criminal possession of stolen property, & criminal possess of a controlled substance, Wiggins was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Wiggins was released on an appearance ticket, McCrady was being for arraignment.

The Chenango Arts Council will present the Norwich Theater Company this weekend, with a Neil Simon Classic, according to spokesperson Mary Beth Miller:

(Mary Beth Miller 10-6-23)

Tickets can be purchased for any of the performances at chenangoartscouncil.thundertix.com.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 27 year old Chase Northrop of Morris as a Fugitive From Justice out of the state of Texas. The Investigation revealed that Northrop violated the terms of his probation which led to a warrant for his arrest, Northrop turned himself in to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office today where he was taken in to custody, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await extradition to Texas.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-14-23

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 27 year old Chase Northrop of Morris following a a probation check by the Otsego County Probation Department. Northrop was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon after he was found to be in possession of a firearm while being convicted of a felony prior, he was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Morris Court at a later date.

Norwich City Police arrested 27 year old Mark Andrews of North Pitcher Friday on a variety of charges after he failed to comply with Police & led them on a chase. Andrews was taken into custody & was charged 20 charges including aggravated unlicensed operation, Driving while under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, and resisting arrest. A Norwich Officer attempted to stop a Pick up truck with switched plates, with the pursuit ending at Hortsman’s Trailer Park in the Town of Norwich, Andrews barricaded himself in the vehicle until he was taken into custody, Andrews was also wanted on 2 warrants, & was allegedly operating the pickup while under the influence of Methamphetamines, & that Andrews’ license had been suspended 33 times. Andrews was arraigned was released.

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 38 year old Chad Ostrander of Grand Gorge was arraigned on a 5 count indictment for Attempted Assault of a Police Officer for trying to run down a police officer in Walton, Reckless endangerment for driving at more than 130 miles an hour during a police chase from Walton to Colchester, Criminal Mischief for kicking a door & engaging in a physical domestic dispute in front of a child. Ostrander pleaded not guilty to all 5 counts, & he was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail pending future court action.

Broome County Sheriff's Office announced that an Open Competitive Exam is scheduled for those interested in becoming Corrections Officers. The Deadline to file is May 12th & the exam will take place on June 30th. More information is available at the Sheriff's Office page at gobroomecounty.com. or by calling 607-778-3076.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-13-23

The Virginia State Police charged 34 year old Michael Davis for abduction, and is now in Police custody. Davis was charged in connection with the April 5th abduction of Tatiana David Ithaca, which ended in a shootout with Police in Virginia, and with David deceased outside the Davis vehicle. Davis was shot by police after he opened fire on them as they responded when he crashed his vehicle following a 25 mile chase.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-29-23

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that Taykwann Browne of Brooklyn pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon, for illegally possessing a gun in Binghamton in January. The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force assisting New York State parole, located Browne who had absconded from parole supervision and had an active homicide warrant in New York City, Browne drove off, leading police on a chase through the City of Binghamton, he crashed the car and fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by police. Browne will be sentenced to 7 years in State prison followed by 5 years post release supervision on June 30th, he still faces action in New York City.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 22 year old Vanessa Brewer of Unadilla following a traffic stop in the Town of Oneonta on January 30th. Brewer is accused of operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with a suspended driver’s license, she was ordered to appear in the Town of Otego Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-3-23

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 5 people recovering tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics and illegal weapons. On Wednesday, Task Force members executed a search warrant at 127 Washington Avenue in Endicott, seizing 32.8 Grams of Fentanyl, plus black tar heroin; Suboxone strips; drug paraphernalia, Methadone Pills; weapons and $2,137.00 in suspected drug proceeds, they arrested Chase Tiffany of Binghamton & Paul Reed of Endicott. On Thursday, Task Force members conducted a traffic stop on I- 81 in the Town of Chenango, they seized 1,100 grams of Fentanyl, Forged identity documents & $1,994.00 in suspected drug proceeds, they arrested Adolofo Del Rio De Jesus of the Bronx, Franklin Valdez of the Bronx & Carlos Valdez of North Providence, Rhode Island, who is a previously deported felon originally from the Dominican Republic, All were transported to the Central Arraignment at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that 21 year old Brandon Carlson of Endwell was sentenced to 2 1/3rd to 7 years in jail and pay $45,000 in restitution, after pleading guilty to vehicular assault & attempted criminal possession of stolen property. On October 11th last year, Carlson stole a truck and led New York State Troopers on a high-speed chase, which ended when Carlson struck a car that caused a serious physical injury to the other driver, Carlson was found under the influence of methamphetamine during the incident.

The 7th annual Friends of Rogers Wild Goose Chase 5k Trail Run/Walk will be onsite at Rogers Center this year on Saturday, September 10th. The event is sponsored by Commerce Chenango, NBT Insurance Agency, Chobani and Proforma, Registration is open, at runsignup.com.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-7-22

Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 21 year old Brandon Carlson of Endwell pleaded guilty to vehicular assault, operating a motor vehicle while impaired causing injury, attempted criminal possession of stolen property, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & driving while ability impaired by drugs. Carlson was arrested after he stole a pickup truck and led state police on a high-speed chase, Carlson struck another vehicle that resulted in serious physical injury to the other driver. Carlson was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash. Carlson is expected to be sentenced to 2 1.3 to 7 years on prison when sentenced in September.

40-year-old Anthony Robertson was taken into custody in Binghamton, he was wanted on arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping in Massachusetts. Binghamton police and U.S. Marshals took Robertson into custody Tuesday, Robertson and 35-year-old Anwar Kelly of Binghamton fled on foot, they were apprehended after a brief chase. Police executed a search warrant on a vehicle and at an apartment at 83 Pennsylvania Avenue, they seized a loaded “ghost gun," a stolen handgun, a rifle and ammunition, plus fentanyl and cash. Robertson was turned over to the Marshals Service, Kelly was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to Broome County Jail.

Norwich Police arrested a Texas man following a high speed chase Late Wednesday Night. Norwich Police arrested 46 year old Ronald Alexander Jr. of Pharr, Texas for criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, Unlawful Fleeing Police, reckless endangerment, & Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Pharr faces court action shortly, the investigation is ongoing.