WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 2 New York City men on felony marihuana possession charges following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Deputies stopped a speeding vehicle operated by 20-year-old Messiah Ortiz of New York City, a search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the seizure of 1 pound of marihuana and over $2500 cash. Deputies charged Ortiz and 26-year-old Michael Lewis of New York City, with Criminal Possession of Marihuana, they were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where they were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 secured bond pending future court action.

A charity Auction will be held November 19th in Oneonta to benefit the Leatherstocking Council of the Boys Scouts of America. District Executive Peter Miller told WCDO News of some of the auction items up for bidding:

(Peter Miller 11-9-16)

Online bidding & a complete list of auction items can be found at Leatherstocking Council.org, the auction will take place on Saturday November 19th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Morris conference Center at SUNY Oneonta.

A City of Norwich resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive of Justice complaint from New Jersey. 30-year-old Scott Russell was taken into custody and was brought to the Town of Norwich Court. Russell was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. He is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

Chenango county sheriffs deputies arrested 56-year-old Peter Constantinou of New Berlin for 3rd degree Assault & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation by Chenango County Child Protective Services and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Constantinou faces action in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

The elections are over and here are the Winners for 2016: in The U.S. Senate seat for New York, Democrat Charles Schumer beats Republican Wendy Long by a better than 2 to 1 margin. In the House of Representatives: in the 19th Congressional District Race, Republican John Faso defeats Democrat Zephyr Teachout & in the 22nd Congressional district Race Republican Claudia Tenney wins over Democrat Kim Meyers & 3rd party Candidate Martin Babinec. In area State Senate races, Republican incumbents Fred Akshar, Jim Seward & John Bonacic were re-elected. In State Assembly Races, Incumbents Bill Magee Donna Lupardo & Gary Finch defeated their opponents, Cliff Crouch & Pete Lopez were re-elected, they ran unopposed. Broome county voters elected Democrat Jason Garner over incumbent Debbie Preston. John Hubbard wins for Delaware County District Attorney, he was unopposed, Peter McCann wins the election for Morris Town Judge, and Randall Mowers was elected to the Oneonta Town Board

Voting continues today & this evening, as people decide on the Presidential campaign, one seat in the US Senate from New York, 2 local seats in the US House of Representatives, plus all of the seat in the State Senate & State Assembly. Several towns also have seats to fill. Polls are open until 9:00 tonight.

The Sidney chamber of commerce is currently promoting a "Passport" program in time for the Christmas holiday shopping season. Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Stephanie Taylor 11-8-16)

The Sidney Chamber of commerce is now located in their new offices at 85 Main Street in Sidney, they can be reached at 561-2642.

Several area fire departments responded to a barn fire at 643 Halbert Hill Road in Gilbertsville late Monday afternoon. The barn reportedly did NOT house any livestock, and was used to house equipment. Fire fighters from Gilbertsville, south new berlin, Morris, & mount Upton also responded, no injuries were reported.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Sabrina Johnson of South New Berlin for DWI and other traffic violations, following a 1-vehicle crash on County Route 41 in the Town of Columbus. Johnson was not injured in the crash; she was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Columbus Court on November 2nd.

Governor Cuomo hosted the New York State Tourism and Craft Beverage Summit Tuesday in Albany, where the state’s largest investment in tourism to date of $55 million was announced; dedicated to promoting New York’s attractions, drawing more visitors, creating jobs and further growing the both industries. Initiatives include new welcome centers in every region of the state that will feature Taste NY markets and offer locally-grown produce, and an additional $2 million in funding to promote special events specifically related to agritourism and the craft beverage industry

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of 5 public service announcements as part of a campaign to urge New Yorkers to join together in the fight against addiction. The statewide “Combat Addiction” campaign emphasizes the far-reaching effects of addiction and connects New Yorkers with information and support services through social media, public service announcements. The ads direct individuals to a #Combat Addiction web page, which includes informational sections for individuals, families, friends, medical practitioners, law enforcement, educators, and community organizations.

Chobani employees who become new parents will be given 6 weeks of paid time off to spend with their newborn, starting next year, according to Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya during a company meeting with employees at the New Berlin plant today. Ulukaya stated that he hopes this becomes a standard benefit at comapnies across the nation.

Fire fighters from New Berlin, Norwich North Norwich Sherburne, Edmeston Garrettsville & Mount Upton responded to a fire at the Ken Tuttle Jr. farm on Balcom road early Wednesday morning. Fire investigators believe that the fire started due to an electrical short. Livestock was removed, no injurious were reported.

State Police at Norwich arrested 20-year-old Jacob Burrell, 18-year-old Melissa Land, & 18-year-old Kayla VanPelt, 18, all of New Berlin, for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers were advised of a burglary at a home on Hemlock Hill Drive in the Town of Columbus in July. Burrell is accused of damaging a window to gain entry; all 3 allegedly entered & stole liquor. Burrell, Land and VanPelt were arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and were released; they face court action in the Town of Columbus shortly.

The Family of former State Assembly Minority Leader Clarence "Rapp" Rappleyea has announced calling hours & funeral services. Rappleyea died on September 4th at the age of 82, Friends are invited to call at the NorthEast Classic car Museum from 4:00 p.m. -8:00 PM today. A Celebration of Life for Rapp will be held at the Car Museum at 11:00 AM Saturday. Private burial services will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich. Another Celebration of Rapp's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday at the Terrace Gallery, at the New York State Museum in the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The family is requesting donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, or the Roger Follett Foundation, Inc., 35 West Main Street, Norwich, 13815.

New York State Electric & Gas are making headway in returning power to those who were affected by these weekends’ storms. In Chenango County NYSEG reported that power outages affected just under 700 this afternoon, the majority of affected customers were in New Berlin, Norwich & North Norwich. Otsego County had about 1000 customers without power, scattered through the middle & northern townships. Delaware County had all power restored this afternoon.

The Delaware County Fair opens today at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair Spokesman John Jackson told WCDO News that the new "Hay Hauling" event looks like it would become a staple at the fair:

(John Jackson 8-15-16)

The hay-hauling event will be held Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Delaware county fair.

NYSEG is reporting that hundreds are still without power this morning following the damaging weekend storms. Chenango County had over 1100 without power late this morning, mainly in Norwich, New Berlin & Preston. In Otsego County, over 1300 were without power, scattered mainly in the middle & northern sections, Delaware County had a little over 100 without power, mostly around Andes and Downsville. NYSEG opened a distribution center at the Norwich Fire Department and is handing out free bottled water.

The New York State Health Department today announced that the more than 2.8 million people signed up for health insurance through the end of the 2016 open enrollment period on January 31, 2016. The data show that enrollment in the Marketplace increased by 33 percent, or nearly 700,000 enrollees from the previous enrollment period; 92 percent of those enrolled through the Marketplace report that they did not have health insurance at the time they applied.

State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that OGS is hosting a free training seminar meant to familiarize local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations with the use of new state contracts. The all-day training is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at the Binghamton State Office Building. During the event, purchasing officials will receive a general overview on how to use new OGS contracts. To register for the training or learn more about upcoming training opportunities visit www.nyspro.ogs.ny.gov/roadshow.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested three individuals after they were caught in the act of trying to steal catalytic converters from Menards Garage in the Town of Oxford. Detectives conducted surveillance in Menards Garage, and at approximately 12:30 am Saturday, 3 suspects attempted to remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the lot. After a short foot pursuit, 27 year old Casey Towndrow & 20 year old Monica Towndrow were taken into custody. 27 year old Joshua Shurock was arrested a short time later as he attempted to pick up a co-defendant from an area near the scene. All 3 were charged with Criminal Mischief, Conspiracy & Attempted Petty Larceny. They are scheduled to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date. The City of Norwich Police Department and New York State Police assisted at the scene.

State police continue to investigate the November 1983 murder of 19-year-old Bessie Williams of Johnson City. Williams was reported missing when she did not return home after she picked up her paycheck at the Quality Inn Lodge and Convention Center in Endwell. In April 1985, State Police responded to a report of human skeletal remains in a wooded area in the Town of Barker, which were identified as Bessie Williams, State Police have been attempting to identify a suspect whose vehicle was towed in 1983, from a field bordering the wooded area, the suspect was described as an intoxicated white male, 25 - 30 years old, 5' 07 – 5'10", medium build with a noticeable "pot belly", wearing work boots, jeans and a blue wind breaker, in a late 70s white Ford hatchback, with unknown New York license plates. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police at 561-7497 and ask to speak with Senior Investigator Terry Shultz.

The state Department of Health has never put to use any of the money generated through distinctive license plates and a license application check-off box to support New York’s organ donation campaign, according to an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The “Life Pass It On” Trust Fund, had a balance of more than $1 million and it has not been used since its inception over a decade ago. DiNapoli recommends that the Department of Health establish and implement fund management controls to ensure that special revenue funds are utilized for their intended purposes, Regular monitoring of fund activity; and Communicating with DMV regarding revenue deposits and possible collaboration of marketing/promotional efforts. A copy of the report is available at osc.state.ny.us.

State Police arrested 41 year old Jerry Stone Jr. of New Berlin for aggravated DWI, with a B.A.C result of .24% and other traffic tickets after a crash. Troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of a two vehicle crash on County Road 34 in the Town of Norwich. Stone was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the town of Norwich Thursday.

A state appeals court has ordered a new trial for 41-year-old Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin, who was previously convicted for the murder of his wife Jennifer in 2012. The state Appellate Division's Third Department cited legal errors such as a failure by the defense to object to the prosecution's description of DNA evidence and testimony during the trial, and that Ramsaran’s attorney gave a "confusing and inept summation" to jurors at the end of the trial. The case will be sent back to Chenango County Court for a new trial.

The State DEC has unveiled 2 new tools that will help rookie and veteran freshwater anglers improve their skills. DEC has developed a new instructional manual entitled "The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing." The new manual is part of a series of publications DEC has produced recently designed to get more people involved in the sport of fishing in New York State. The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing manual can be downloaded at DEC.NY.GOV.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State of New York is on track to reduce the number of new HIV infections to just 750 by the end of 2020 and achieve the first-ever decrease in HIV prevalence. The number of New Yorkers with HIV at detectable levels decreased by approximately 10 percent between 2013 and 2014, and as a result, two-thirds of those with diagnosed HIV now have virus levels that are undetectable. The information comes from the latest data produced by the New York State Department of Health and also shows that the number of new HIV infections has fallen to fewer than 2,500, a record low.

Binghamton Senators Executive Vice President of Operations, Tom Mitchell, addressed the media Wednesday at the Arena, he squashed rumors that the team was being relocated to Canada, that the team has added several new staff positions in the front office, and the office setting itself will be completely renovated, he said that Discussions are currently taking place with Broome County to extend the lease 6 years through the 2021-22 season.

Governor Cuomo’s START-UP New York program is under fire, following the release of a report that claims that New York State has spent over 50 million dollars to advertise the program, that has only created 408 new jobs in the past two years. The program calls for incentives such as a ten-year tax-free location to the state by existing or new businesses, the program started slowly in its first year, last year is created 334 jobs. Empire State Development officials released a report Friday, they expect the program to create more than 4,100 new jobs by the end of 2020.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office investigated a 2 car fatal motor vehicle crash on County Road 29 in the Town of New Berlin. Vehicle 1 was operated by 19-year-old Matthew Collins of Plymouth, when it crossed the center line into the path of vehicle 2 being operated by 65 year old John Mckernan of New Berlin, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Collins was not injured; he was charged with Failure to Keep Right and will appear in court at a later date.

The State DOT announced that construction work for the Prospect Mountain construction project would require lane closures in the City of Binghamton. Today Front Street southbound will be reduced to 1 lane for the construction of new bridge piers adjacent to Front Street, also State Route 17 will be reduced to 1 lane between Exits 72 & 71 for overhead sign work & the installment of pavement markings associated with a new, temporary traffic pattern change, which is needed to enable the replacement of the Route 17 West Bridge over Glenwood Road.

Governor Cuomo hosted the first-ever Catskill Summer Challenge highlighting the attractions and activities in the Catskills with the goal of driving tourism and boosting the region’s economy. The event kicked off at the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts, Actor Robert De Niro who is a longtime Catskills resident also joined the Governor at the event:

(DeNiro 6-30-16)

The Catskill Challenge is patterned after the Governor's Adirondack challenge, as a way to increase tourism, Cuomo said that they are going to increase the advertising budget by an additional 5 Million dollars and release new ads highlighting the region:

(Cuomo 6-30-16)

Cuomo said that plans also call for the Woodstock site to be placed on the register of state and national historic places, which would increase tourism.

A new Sienna College poll released today showed that New York Voters were not as likely to vote to re-elect their State Senator and Assembly member this year. 48% of the 803 registered voters polled said they would vote to re-elect their senator. 37% said they'd prefer someone else and 14% were undecided. Voters said they are prepared to re-elect Assembly members by a 42 to 38% margin with 20% undecided. All 63 State Senators and 150 Assembly members are up for election November 8th.

Recently re-signed infielder Jose Reyes of the New York Mets will be playing for the Binghamton Mets at home at NYSEG Stadium tonight. B-Mets Spokesman Jim Weed explains:

(Jim Weed 6-30-16)

The B-Mets will be playing New Hampshire, game time tonight at 6:35, tickets are available at the NYSEG Stadium box office or through BMETS.com.

Governor Cuomo announced $1.3 million in funding for 17 projects to improve and expand State Park hiking trails and outdoor recreational access projects across New York. The trails projects are part of the Governor’s commitment to improving parks through the NY Parks 2020 Plan. In The Southern Tier; Chenango Valley State Park will $75,000 to resurface five miles of existing Lily Lake and Chenango Lake perimeter pedestrian trails as well as improve surfacing and drainage and update directional and interpretive signage on 13 miles of upland bicycle/pedestrian trails.

Chenango County Public Health will host another free rabies clinic tonight in New Berlin. The clinic will run from 5:30 to 6:30 at the New Berlin Firehouse, more information is available at 337-1673.

The village of Unadilla will hold their annual Flag Day parade &they will follow that with a dedication of their new veterans memorial tonight. Unadilla Village Mayor Dave Welch explains:

(Dave Welch 6-14-16)

Mayor Welch said that those interested in being in the parade should begin lining up between 5:30 & 6:00 PM, the parade should start at 7:00 PM and the ceremony will begin at approximately 7:45 PM.

The Delaware county sheriffs department responded to a 3-car personal injury accident in Stamford yesterday. 23-year-old Kevin Matthew of New City crossed the double yellow line on State Route 23, striking a vehicle operated by 37-year-old William Eklund of Stamford. The force of the collision forced Eklund's vehicle to hit a parked car, which was occupied by 62-year-old Margaret Smith of Otego. All involved were taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for treatment, Mathew was ticketed for failure to keep right, speed not reasonable & Prudent, he will face court action on June 27th.

Governor Cuomo & state leaders announced an agreement on legislation to improve rail safety measures across New York State. The agreement includes a series of initiatives that will reduce the risk of train-motor vehicle collisions at grade crossings across the State. The new initiatives will require coordinated, frequent inspections of traffic control devices at highway-rail crossings and impose penalties on railroad companies and repeat offender drivers who continue to disobey the law and ignore important safety requirements.

The New York State Office of General Services will hold a surplus vehicle auction today at Troop C State Police Headquarters on State Route 7 starting at 9:30 AM. information on specific items and terms of sale, please visit www.nysstore.com.

The American Red Cross has scheduled blood drives today. Upcoming blood donation opportunities are in New Berlin from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Golden Artist Colors, at 188 Bell Road, another is in Norwich from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Norwich VFW Post at 61-63 East Main Street. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at 1-800 RED CROSS or at Red Cross Blood.org.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Aaron Cleveland of New Berlin for 2nd degree Criminal Contempt. An office was sent to a Village of New Berlin residence to investigate a separate crime, The deputy discovered that Cleveland was the subject of a temporary order of protection from Town of New Berlin Court, Cleveland was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail pending future court action.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York will hold their 12th Annual Women’s Fund Breakfast Thursday at 7:30 am at The Holiday Inn, on Hawley Street, Binghamton. The morning will feature keynote speaker Anzala Alozie, who is the vice president of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. Reservations are requested; Limited seating is still available at 772-6773.

The Deposit Girls Softball team capped off a championship season on Saturday in Glens Falls with a state title. WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull has the story....

(Nate Lull 6-13-16)

In other high school sports news this weekend Sidney's Mallory Stillman finished in 4th place in the 100-meter dash in Division 2 at the New York State Track & Field championships. Stillman also helped the Sidney Girls 4 by 100 meter relay team to an 11th place finish at the meet.

State Police arrested 55 year old Cal Harris of Spencer, for 4th degree stalking. The arrest occurred after an investigation determined Harris had verbally threatened an off duty New York State Police member and his family while standing in front of the member’s residence in the Town of Oneonta. Harris was located and arrested shortly after leaving the member’s residence. Harris was arraigned in Town of Oneonta court & was released on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings. At arraignment, an Order of Protection directing Harris to refrain from having any contact with the victim or his family, & Harris was ordered to surrender all firearms in his possession. Harris was recently aquitted at his 4th murder trial, which was held in Schoharie County Court, he was convicted twice before for killing his wife Michelle in 2001.

The Village of New Berlin will be celebrating their Bicentennial on later today & all day Saturday, New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter explains:

(Terry Potter 6-9-16)

Potter said that a video with a full line up of events has been posted on the New Berlin New York Village Bicentennial Celebration Facebook page; it has also been shared on the WCDO Facebook page.

Overdose deaths related to heroin and prescription opioid abuse reached record highs in New York State in 2014, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli’s report noted heroin overdose deaths reached a record high of 825 in 2014, a jump of 159 deaths, or 24% over 2013, and is nearly 25 times the number recorded in New York 10 years earlier. Only Massachusetts had more heroin overdose deaths, & only Connecticut had more prescription opioid deaths than New York.

The Village of New Berlin will be celebrating their Bicentennial on Friday & All day Saturday, New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter explains:

(Terry Potter 6-9-16)

Potter said that a video with a full line up of events has been posted on the New Berlin New York Village Bicentennial Celebration facebook page.

Governor Cuomo announced $10 million has been awarded for airport capital project improvements across the State. This funding from the Governor’s Aviation Capital Grant Program will support safety, infrastructure, and economic development projects across the State. The Sidney Municipal Airport, will receive $675,000 for the Construction of a New Conventional Hangar

State Police arrested 27-year-old Kyle Johnson of New Berlin, for aggravated family offense, 3rd degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment & criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a dispute on County Route 18, in the Town of Morris. Johnson is accused of choking & punching his wife in front of their children; he also allegedly would not allow her to contact police or to leave the residence. Johnson was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond, pending court action on Wednesday.

Delaware county tourism is experiencing resurgence, as it becomes a vacation getaway for New York City Residents like it was for much of the 1900's, Delaware county chamber of commerce president Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 5-3-16)

Pucci said that the most recent tax revenue numbers suggest that the tourism will continue to pick up & the Catskill region will be highlighted in June with Governor's Cuomo's Catskill challenge initiative.

Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour, hits the stage in Binghamton the next 3 nights. Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment told WCDO news where tickets are available:

(Tina Niles 5-3-16)

Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour, There are Tickets still available for each performance, more information on Riverdance and other shows are available at 778-6626 or BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is scheduled to be sentenced today in a Manhattan Federal Courtroom. Silver was convicted late last year on Corruption charges where he collected about 5 million dollars in kickbacks while serving as the Assembly Speaker.

2 Broome county residents have been charged with 2nd degree murder after a New York City man was found dead in Binghamton. A grand jury has handed up an indictment against Ariana Edwards and Bradley Miles, in connection with the murder of Michael Thomas in August 2015. Thomas, of New York City, was found dead in September inside an apartment at 11 Mather Street. Miles will be arraigned on the charges in Broome County Court Thursday.

The State Inspector general’s office announced that 27-year-old Timothy Green of South New Berlin pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Grand Larceny in Chenango County court. Green will serve six months in jail and five years under probation supervision. He received pay of more than $39,000 for hours he never worked, at the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

State Police arrested 23-year-old Nicholas Degristina of Burlington Flats, for DWI & other traffic tickets, after troopers responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Otsego County Route 18 at State Route 80 in the Town of Pittsfield. Degristina is accused of failing to yield the right of way at a stop sign and crashing into a New Berlin Police. The Police Officer was transported to the Chenango Hospital for abrasions to his head and hands. Degristina was not injured; He was issued tickets for Town of Pittsfield Court on February 15th.