WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-1-26

Over 600 NYSEG customers in Otsego County are without power today, following last Night's Storms, the Towns of Laurens & Pittsfield in Otsego County have a State of Emergency in effect due to impassable roads from downed trees & power lines. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

Broome County Sheriff's Office announced expanded support services at the Broome County Correctional Facility through a partnership with the Addiction Center of Broome County. Sheriff Fred Akshar commented at a Press Conference this afternoon:

(Sheriff Akshar 7-1-26)

Addiction Center of Broome County Executive Director Carmela Pirich commented:

(Carmela Pirich 7-1-26)

More information about their programs on a variety of issues can be found at acbcservices.org

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-1-26

About 480 NYSEG customers are without power this morning, following last Night's Storms, the Town of Pittsfield in Otsego County has a State of Emergency in effect due to impassable roads from downed trees & power lines.

38 year old Jennifer Hewitt of Bloomville, was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury, Counts 1 and 2 are for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, for unlawfully issuing a check from a different bank to Delaware National Bank of Delhi and then withdrawing more than $3000, to have insufficient funds in either account to cover her withdrawal on 2 occasions.

The Hartwick College new President Laurel Bongiorno, is the College’s 13th president, previously she has been an integral part of Hartwick’s leadership team since joining the College in 2022:

(Laurel Bongiorno 7-1-26)

Bongiorno has identified 3 priorities: building confidence and pride in Hartwick, advancing the Forward Momentum Plan, and ensuring a sustainable future for the College.

Another Sidney Community Clean-Up will be held at Keith Clark Park on Saturday, June 13. Starting time is set for 9:00 at the park pavilion. Volunteers will help variety of jobs throughout the walking trail areas. Some tools will be available, or volunteers may bring their favorite shovels, pruners or other gardening gear. Work gloves should be worn.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-4-26

State Police arrested 36 year old Salvatore Magro of Sherburne following an investigation into reports that underage victims were subjected to unwanted sexual contact while working with him. The investigation determined that over the last two years Magro engaged in a pattern of inappropriate sexual contact toward multiple teenage victims, while the victims were employed at Joe and Vinny’s Pizzeria on North Main Street in the village of Sherburne. Magro was taken into custody & was charged with Three counts of Forcible Touching, Four counts of Sexual Misconduct & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Magro was transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. The victims were issued Orders of Protection, Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, they can call State Police at (607)561-7400.

59 year old Brian Gill of Andes pleaded guilty to a social security fraud, in US District Court in January, Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, he was collecting social security disability benefits, while he was managing and personally engaging in physical labor for a tree services company he owned and operated. Gill faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, As part of his plea, Gill agreed to pay restitution to the SSA for the funds he fraudulently collected.

Chenango County can move forward with a round of repairs to the Eaton Airport, Chenango County Planning Director Shane Butler explains:

(Shane Butler 5-29-26)

Butler said that the are waiting on the paperwork from the FAA, the project could get stater in the fall or spring of 2027.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-28-26

After 7 weeks of being late, the state budget was passed in Albany last night, local Assemblyman Joe Angelino comments:

(Joe Angelino 5-28-26)

Angelino said that they have several more days to wrap up this year's session, and he expects numerous bills to hit the floor for votes in that time-frame.

Plans are going forward to unearth a Time Capsule buried in Unadilla in 1976 and have it opened this July 4th, as part of a celebration for the 250th anniversary of America. Gloria Meenan was one of the 10 year old students involved in the 1976 plans for what went into the time capsule, she told WCDO News about the origins of the plan:

(Gloria Meenan 5-28-26)

Plans call for the Time capsule to be opened on July 4th at 12:00 Noon in from of the Community House, items are being collected to a new time capsule to be buried & unearthed in Unadilla in another 50 years.

The 218th Session of the New York State Police Basic School held their graduation today at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. 175 Troopers graduated, 23 are training in Troop C, 8 are local from the Troop C area. The new Troopers will be starting May 30 and will be with a Field Training Officer for 10 weeks before getting their official permanent station assignment. The list of the graduates can be found at troopers.ny.gov.

State Police arrested 47 year old Brendan Murphy of Oneonta after he violated an Order of Protection & was charged with Criminal Contempt. Troopers responded to a report of a violation of an Order of Protection in Oneonta, the victim, who is a protected party, was invited inside Murphy's residence, a verbal argument turned physical, the victim left, called 911 & was transported to A.O. Fox Hospital for treatment. Murphy had a previous conviction for Criminal Contempt, elevating his charges to a felony. Murphy was processed & turned over to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-8-26

Delaware County has been contracting with Delaware Opportunities, to provide nutrition services to Delaware County residents 60 years or older and their spouses. Thursday Night, Delaware Opportunities ceased all operations of senior meals effective immediately. The Delaware County Office for the Aging took over today. Delaware County officials will move forward with the plan to take senior meals service in house rather than waiting until 2027. Delaware County Office for the Aging will be operating these services, and no seniors will be left without meals or services they receive.

27 year old Destiny Grant of Oneonta pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Attempted Burglary , she was arrested with several others for breaking into the Oneonta Tractor Supply, she was sentenced to 5 years felony probation supervision

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.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office and numerous local fire departments responded last Wednesday to a house fire at 803 Hill Avenue in the Town of Union. Firefighters found a fully involved fire, after extinguishing the fire, a victim was located inside the residence, deceased. The deceased victim was identified as 86 year old Joyce Bassos, There were no other occupants in the residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation, The preliminary investigation does not indicate any criminal action.

The Deposit Village Board has decided to discontinue their contract with the Broome County Sheriff's Office to have a dedicate law enforcement presence in Deposit. The move comes about 6 years after the dissolution of the Deposit Police Department. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar released a statement saying the\at the decision will make emergency response times in the Village unpredictable, they will respond to emergencies along with the New York State Police going forward.

The 4 Towns Forward Community Yard Sales will be held in Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge, Afton & Guilford Saturday with area residents selling items at their homes or in designated areas, organizer Teri Schunk Explains:

(Teri Schunk 4-23-26)

More information or the Maps of those participating can be found on the 4 Towns Forward Facebook page.

Governor Hochuls's Office announced that $237.7 Million Dollars was returned to New Yorkers in 2025. The Department of Financial Services Returned $134 million to Consumers and Health Care Providers, the Public Service Commission Helped Over 75,000 New Yorkers with Complaints in 2025, Collecting Nearly $66 Million for Consumers, the Department of Labor Recovered More Than $35 Million in Wage Theft and Collected $2.2 Million in Penalties. Also, the Division of Consumer Protection Helped Over 27,000 New Yorkers, collecting Nearly $2.7 Million for Consumers, New Yorkers Can File a Complaint at dfs.ny.gov/complaint.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-20-26

The Annual 4 Towns Forward yard sales will be held this Saturday, with numerous sales available in participating communities, according the Organizer Teri Schunk:

(Teri Schunk 4-20-26)

More information about this & other events can be found at the 4 Towns Forward Facebook page.

This Week is National Work Zone Awareness Week, a campaign today through Friday that promotes work zone safety statewide, urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect highway and roadside workers. After three straight years of decline, work zone crashes have increased, In 2025, there were 366 work zone crashes on NYSDOT-owned roads that resulted in 58 injuries and two fatalities. Beginning this week & running throughout the summer, State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct “Operation Hardhat” details in active work zones statewide. New York continues to expand its Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, where cameras are deployed, to deter speeding & aggressive driving, more information is available at ny.gov/workzone.

The Bassett Cancer Institute is inviting all cancer survivors to its annual Survivors Day Luncheon, on Sunday, June 7 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The event is free to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis, plus one guest. It will be catered by Brooks’ House of BBQ and held at Fenimore Farm & Country Village, on State Route 80 in Cooperstown, Registration will be open through May 29 and is required for all attendees. Those wishing to attend should call 1-800-BASSETT; for additional information and visit bassett.org/cancer-care.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold this year's Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the General Clinton Park during the Canoe Regatta on Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 AM in the awards tent near the finish line. This year's Inductees will be John Cassale of Southhampton, Massachusetts, Going for his Fortieth 70-mile finish, Pete Bauerle of Bainbridge, with 30 finishes, he also serves as the race historian and keeper of the museum, Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, with 32 finishes & Barb Mulkins of Bainbridge, for her involvement for over 20 years in many roles behind the scenes. More information is available at canoeregatta.org, also The Bainbridge Chamber will hold their next meeting Tuesday morning @ 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-20-26

51 year old Jason Gonzales of Laurens pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was sentenced to 5 years in state prison on each charge, to be followed by 2 years of post-release supervision. On December 6, State Police conducted a traffic stop in Sidney when a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign, the Trooper observed several hypodermic needles and scales, Gonzales was a passenger in the vehicle, he threw a plastic bag containing fentanyl out of the vehicle. Gonzalez was arrested, processed & released. 5 days later, another State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on River Road in Sidney, Gonzales was once again a passenger with drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Gonzales was taken into custody, he was searched, and fentanyl was found, he appeared in Delaware County Court & pleaded guilty, the sentences will run concurrently, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail to begin his sentence.

56 year old Paul Petrosky of Walton pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled substance in Delaware County Court, he admitted to selling methamphetamines. On December 19, 2024, a Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Petrosky for 2 counts each of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a temporary order of protection prohibiting Petrosky from having any contact with the child. Sentencing will be in May.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-10-26

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant has been awarded to the Village of Morris for $4.5 million as winners of the 4th round of the NY Forward program. Butternut Valley Alliance Chairperson Maggie Brenner told WCDO News what happens next:

(Maggie Brenner 4-10-26)

After the successful Morris Grant award, the alliance will try to acquire a similar one for Gilbertsville, as they continue to try to improve the region & make the Butternut Valley into a popular tourist destination.

New York State agency overtime costs increased 22.7% in 2025 for a total of $1.6 billion, while the number of overtime hours increased by 5.9%, according to the annual report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The size of the state workforce grew for a third straight year in 2025 increasing by 2.7%, Overtime hours and earnings have continued to surge at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, The figures were influenced by the strike by some Corrections employees that took place between Feb. 17, and March 10, 2025.

A.M. NEWS Friday 4-10-26

The Unadilla Fire Department responded Thursday Afternoon at about 2:10 PM to a reported brush fire in the town of Unadilla. 1st arriving crews encountered a large brush fire making it's way up a hillside, NYSEG crews responded to turn off power lines, Firefighters were able to contain the fire and then attack any hot spots following the power shut off. An estimated 4.1 acres burned with all crews being back in service around 5:30 PM. No injuries were reported.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-9-26

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that various Municipalities in the Mohawk Valley, received Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds, locally the Village of Morris will receive $4.5 million as winners of the 4th round of the NY Forward program. Morris will invest in sidewalks, streetscapes and housing to strengthen its downtown region in order to make the village a more popular tourist location.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-23-26

GE Aerospace has announced plans to invest over $11 million at their Facilities over the next 3 years, nearly $3 million at the company's site in Chenango County. Company Officials said that the latest investment will go toward upgrading new manufacturing and testing equipment, as well as building improvements. 2026 marks the company's second consecutive $1 billion investment by GE Aerospace, in 17 states & they expect to hire 5,000 workers.

4 Towns Forward & The Guilford Fire Department are holding a fundraising UTV Poker Run in April, to help raise founds for the Guilford Fire Department, Spokesman Roger Barnhart explains:

(Roger Barnhart 3-23-26)

T he Poker Run starts at 11:00 AM on April 26th at PAK Construction on Chenango County Route 36, Pre-register at the Guilford Fire Department or 4Towns Forward Facebook pages, form more information call 607-867-5309, or email 4townsforard@gmail.com.

The Chenango County Historical Society was recently awarded a donation by the Stewart’s Holiday Match program totaling $1,250, to support activities designed to share local history with children and families. Chenango County Historical Society collaborates with other community organizations to develop program offerings, including the Afton Arts & Crafts Festival, Colorscape Chenango, Chenango County Open Farm Day, Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport Day and the YMCA Healthy Kids Day, among many others.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-23-26

The Cooperstown Boys Basketball Team was crowned as the New York State Class C Champions Sunday after defeating “BERNE KNOX-WESTERLOW” 52 TO 43 in the title game at the Arena in Binghamton. WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull & Coach Greg Bonzkowski broadcast the Play by Play & made the final winning call on WCDO:

(Nate Lull 3-23-26)

The Victor capped off a 27-0 undefeated season, including the buzzer beater Saturday by Jackson Crissman in the state Semi Final game. This is the 2nd state title for the Cooperstown Boys Basketball Team, the 1st was 7 years ago.

59 year old Brian Gill of Andes, pleaded guilty to social security fraud in US District Court, Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, he was collecting social security disability benefits, while managing and engaging in physical labor for a tree services company he owned and operated. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, Gill faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. As part of his plea deal, Gill agreed to pay restitution for the funds he fraudulently collected to the Social Security Administration.

The 33rd Chenango Blues Festival in Norwich, NY on August 21st and 22nd as well as the Free Thursday show in East Park on August 20th. This year's Headliner will be Booker T. Jones, Tickets are available at chenango bluesfest.org.

A.M. NEWS Friday 2-13-26

Patrick Shea plead guilty to manslaughter and arson, he set a fire to keep warm inside a vacant structure at 1 Main Street in Binghamton on February 12, 2025, the fire led to the death of Binghamton Firefighter J.R. Gaudet, who died when the building collapsed on him. Shea is expected to serve 7 years in prison as part of a plea bargain arrangement.

State DEC announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York, where the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived. The next Free Fishing days will be this weekend February 14–15, as well as on June 27–28, September 26 for National Hunting and Fishing Day, and November 11 for Veterans Day. More information is available at the dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/decals.

A 2026 Candidates Forum will be held in Franklin Saturday at 3:00 PM, by Franklin Forward at 574 Main Street Franklin. Candidates scheduled to attend include 51st state senate candidate Michele Frazier and Assembly candidates Janet Tweed, Mary Finneran & Thomas Boomhower.

State tax receipts totaled $85.8 billion through three quarters of the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26, $2.3 billion higher than estimates released in the Division of Budget’s Mid-Year Update, according to the State Comptroller's Office. Collections were $5.9 billion higher than those through December 2024, Personal income tax receipts totaled $44.9 billion and were $1.5 billion above projections and $4.2 billion higher than the same period in SFY 2024-25, due to the impact of wage and financial market growth over the course of the year. The Full report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 61 year old Cathleen Mann of Burlington for 2nd Degree Grand Larceny and 57 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, following an investigation into a complaint in the Town of Maryland, where Mann is accused of writing fraudulent checks and unauthorized use of a debit card for an amount greater than $50,000, she was held for centralized arraignment and an order of protect was issued for the victim.

2 Projects in the Village of Sidney are moving forward, Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News that the Clover Lane Development Project is progressing:

(Ray Baker 1)

Mayor Baker also told WCDO News that the Demolition of the old Great American store will be happening soon in preparation for the Construction of the new Stewart's:

(Ray Baker 2)

Those interested in possible employment can got to the Indeed website for more details.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the re-opening of the State's Municipal Infrastructure Program Request for Applications, making up to $36 million available to support broadband infrastructure projects across the state through ConnectALL, which is the state’s broadband office. To date, the Municipal Infrastructure Program has funded $268 million to active projects in 24 counties that will build more than 2,300 miles of new fiber optic infrastructure and 68 new wireless hubs serving more than 96,000 homes and businesses around the state. Additional information on eligibility requirements and the application process is available at broadband.ny.gov/municipal-infrastructure-program.