WCDO Radio News

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have recruited the Maine-Endwell Little League World Series Champions to help them unveil their new uniforms on Wednesday, at 5:30 PM. Rumble Ponies officials will bring the 4 new team uniforms to the Maine-Endwell Middle School auditorium; they will be sported by members of the Maine-Endwell Little League team in a special presentation.

The City of Oneonta has 2 committee meetings scheduled for today. The Operations, Planning & Evaluation committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Financial/Human Resources committee will meet at 5:00 PM, both meeting are in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City Hall.

There are 2 scheduled Blood Drives in Oneonta today. One will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Hillside Commons at 150 Blodgett Drive, the other from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Heritage at the Plains, 163 Heritage Circle. download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

The Village of Sidney, along with officials with Delaware County & the Governors Office of Storm Recovery, will host a meeting on Wednesday December 14th at the Sidney High School Auditorium. Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that there are plans for 122 more Buyouts of flood damaged properties, among other items to be discussed:

(Andy Matviak 12-9-16)

The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:30 as the village continues to make plans for the buyouts, new townhouses & related infrastructure, The Senior apartments in civic center, which was officially sold last week, more information is available at 561-2320

Oneonta Police arrested 31-year-old Gregory Flanagan of Otego for allegedly stealing a Motorcycle worth $35,000, from an Oneonta garage in May of this year. Flanagan was charged with burglary, grand larceny & petty larceny. He faces court action on the charges shortly.

The Sidney Students against Destructive Decisions are hosting a community holiday party from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday, at the Sidney middle school gymnasium. The day will feature games, arts and crafts with elves, as well as being able to visit with Santa Claus. Pizza, hot cocoa, and cookies will be provided and will be available in the middle school cafeteria. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Gently used clothes and other items are available to the community in the middle school rubber room during the event.

Afton Central School has teamed up with NBT Bank to add financial education to its curriculum. The school is bringing NBT Bank's Strive® financial literacy programs to students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. NBT Bank Customer Service Representative Jennifer Cower will visit students today, The session will enhance the student’s math and science lessons.

State Police arrested 29 year old Jonathan Robinson of Laurens for 3rd degree criminal mischief, the arrest occurred after an incident in early September at the Morris Central School parking lot, where Robinson allegedly slammed his fists down on the hood of another driver’s vehicle after a dispute, causing over $750 worth of damage. Robinson was arraigned in the Town of Morris Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

The Oneonta Downtown Reviltaization Intitiative meeting will be held this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, with public particicaption requested, the meeting will be on the 2nd floor of the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

YES Safe Choices, from Senator Akshar and Lourdes Hospital will host more than 575 students from across the Southern Tier at their YES Ignites Training today at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel from 9:15 AM to 1:30 PM. YES LEADers are middle and high school students trained to provide substance abuse prevention education to elementary school students. By the end of the ‘16-’17 school year, more than 600 YES LEADers will present to over 6,000 elementary students in Broome, Tioga and Chenango Counties.

The City Of Oneonta announced that Minor Painting work in the middle level & the down ramp of the Municipal Parking Garage will begin Tuesday. The top Level, & the south bay of the middle level will be closed to traffic & parking, the up ramp tot eh top level will be closed at the Chestnut Street Extension, parking will be allowed in 2/3rds of the middle level & all of the bottom level. The work is expected to take about 4 days to complete.

The Oneonta Parks & Recreation Committee will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will be held in the common council chambers at city hall beginning at 7:00 PM.

The Next UNATEGO BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING WILL BE HELD this evening at 6:30 PM. THe meeting will be held at the MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN Wells Bridge in Room 93. The MEETING WILL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS CSE RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE REGULAR MEETING TO START AT 7:00 PM.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 3 Margaretville people on Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrants. Deputies and Investigators arrested 39 year old Christopher Fairbairn for allegedly selling heroin in the Town of Middletown. 69 year old Salvatore Esposito was arrested for allegedly selling Oxycodone & Fentanyl transdermal patches from his residence. 62 year old Karen Certain was charged for allegedly selling hydrocodone in Margaretville. While acting on the Warrant, Investigators discovered marihuana being grown outside Certain’s residence, they arrested 61 year old Robert Cline for Unlicensed Cultivation of Cannabis. All face court action shortly.

Lawmakers wrapped up their 2016 session Friday, State Senator Jim Seward Comments:

(Seward 6-20-16)

Seward also mentioned a $1.5 billion increase in school aid, eliminating the Gap Elimination Adjustment, provided resources to improve our upstate roads and bridges, and tax cuts for the middle-class.

The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council will hold a presentation today at 4:00 PM in the conference room at the Oneonta Hampton Inn. Professor Jeff Freedman of Albany University will discuss wind and solar energy possibilities for the city.

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of shots fired in the area of 117 Glenwood Road in the Town of Dickinson near the Binghamton City Line early Thursday Monring. 2 people were in a vehicle heading south on Glenwood Road when a suspect fired 5 or 6 shots at their vehicle, the driver attempted to leave quickly but struck several parked vehicles and came to rest in the middle of the roadway. No injuries were received. Troopers from the Special Operations Response Team have not located the shooter, the road is re-opened to traffic. State Police were assisted by the Binghamton Police Department and Broome County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation is ongoing.

Those who may have an idea for a business or a product, but don't know how to get started, are invited to "Pitch Night" at the Oxford high School Auditorium on March 24th at 7:00 PM. A Panel featuring members of Commerce Chenango & The southern Tier Startup Alliance will be on hand, according to organizer Steve Palmatier:

(Steve Palmatier 3-4-16)

Those wishing to present an idea should be prepared to give a 3 to 5 minute presentation; more information is available at 336-7727

NYSEG reports a power outage this morning & this afternoon affecting 649 customers in Otsego County. Affected areas include the towns of Butternuts, Gilbertsville, Mount Upton & Unadilla, Students at the Gilbertsville Mount Upton School District were dismissed early due to the power outage, Crews hope to have the power restored as soon as possible.

The American Red Cross will hold Blood Drives Saturday at 2 area locations. One blood drive will be from 8:00 AM To 1:00 PM At the Main Street Baptist Church at 333 Main Street in Oneonta. Another Blood drive will be from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM At the 1st congregational Church at Bridge & Main Streets in Sidney. All Blood Types are needed; appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Sidney High School Drama Club will Perform "Grease" at 7:30 PM tonight, Saturday at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM. The performance will be held at the Sidney High School Auditorium, tickets can be purchased at the High School Main Office or at the door prior to each performance.

Democrat Zephyr Teachout announced that she is a candidate for the 19th Congressional District, as incumbent Chris Gibson will not seek re-election & is instead considering a run for Governor. Teachout commented to WCDO News about the campaign:

(Zephyr Teachout 3-4-16)

Teachout will be at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, on Sunday, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for a Town Hall meeting & a Fundraiser.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WILL HOLD A BLOOD DRIVE AT THE LAURENS HIGH SCHOOL ON 64 MAIN STREET today, from, 3:00 TO 7:00 PM. ALL BLOOD TYPES ARE NEEDED AT THIS TIME. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, VISIT REDCROSSBLOOD.OR OR CALL 1-800 RED CROSS.

The City of Oneonta Police Department & State Police arrested a 45-year-old Joseph Chickerell of Otego on 2 counts of 4th degree grand larceny. The arrest came after an investigation into reported stolen utility trailers from two different sites in the City of Oneonta in early January and valued in excess of $1,000 each. Chickerell faces court action at a later date.

Oneonta city officials announced a public meeting would be held today at 7:00 PM in the Oneonta Middle school cafeteria, regarding the status of the citywide property revaluations that were conducted last year. Representatives from the firm that conducted the revaluation will be present along with the city assessor to let residents know when they can expect to be notified, how to interpret their notice and how to make inquiries. More information is available at 432-2397 or by email: rmaxwell@oneonta.ny.us

Oneonta city officials announced a public meeting would be held on February 24th in the Oneonta Middle school cafeteria, regarding the status of the citywide property revaluations that were conducted last year. Representatives from the firm that conducted the revaluation will be present along with the city assessor to let residents know when they can expect to be notified, how to interpret their notice and how to make inquiries. More information is available at 432-2397 or by email: rmaxwell@oneonta.ny.us

The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will hold their February Networking Luncheon today from 11:45am to 1:30pm At the Holiday Inn of Oneonta. The keynote speaker is Aaron MacLeod, the Director of Hartwick College’s New Center for Craft Food & Beverage. Assemblyman Pete Lopez will also speak on agriculture.

Otsego county public health will be at the Foxcare Center in Oneonta form 9:00 to 3:00 today, to provide bicycle helmet fittings for both adults & children. All bike helmets are $5 for those who qualify.

The Otsego County Sheriff's department arrested an Oneonta couple for allegedly using an elderly neighbor’s checking account to pay their bills. 29 year old Gordon Carr-Wisner, & 25 year old Rebecca Carr-Wisner were arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court, Rebecca was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff on $1,o00 cash or $2,000 bond and set to appear in the Town of Oneonta court on March 3rd, Gordon was remanded into custody with no bail and set to appear in court on March 10th.

Several pipes burst in the Walton high school and middle school buildings at the Walton Central School District. The school had vacation days scheduled through Wednesday, will use two snow days on Thursday and Friday to give the maintenance staff time to clean and repair. The pipe bursts were mainly in the high school offices, as well as the high school guidance office. There were a few cracked pipes in the middle school, but valves were turned off before the ice gave way, so no water released into the rooms. School will resume Monday, February 22nd.

Sidney Police Department arrested 62-year-old Thaddeus David of Oneonta, and 37-year-old Lisa Dougherty of Sidney, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, following a traffic stop Thursday night. Police officers located and seized 100 packets of heroin; David and Dougherty were arraigned in Sidney Village Court. David was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail, Dougherty was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 secured bond. Sidney Police Officers were assisted by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, K-9 “Ozzie”, Delaware County Probation, State Police and State Parole division.

Oneonta Police Detectives, State Police BCI, & the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department arrested 39 year old Ernesto Santiago of Oneonta for 1st degree Robbery, 1st degree Burglary, Criminal use of a Firearm & Menacing. The charges followed an investigation from an incident in early January in the city of Oneonta, the investigation is still ongoing.

The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 pm Classes are taught by Matthew Wilson, current Norwich Middle School art teacher and practicing local artist. All classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council’s art classroom #107, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-2787 or chenangoarts.org.

State Police responded to the report of a Loading Dock Accident at Stericycle on Lower River Street in Oneonta Thursday Morning. Troopers reported that John Murphy of Oneonta was killed at 5:19 AM; Workers were backing up a truck to offload material when Murphy became stuck between the trailer and the loading dock, causing him to be crushed. Murphy was killed instantly, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

22-Year-old Cassandra Goodspeed of Oneonta was arrested for allegedly possessing 9.6 pounds of marijuana following a burglary investigation. Goodspeed was charged with Criminal possession of marijuana & Criminal possession of a controlled substance, following a Police investigation of a Burglary at 73 Center Street Monday. Police seized concentrated cannabis, & 9.6 pounds of marijuana, & $2,377 in cash. The investigation into the burglary is ongoing.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision & the State Department of Civil Service will be holding an exam for its latest correction officer recruitment effort. While the exam will be held on April 9th, the application deadline for this examination is February 24th. Those interested must be 21 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a resident of New York, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Those interested in applying for the position of correction officer trainee, one may apply online or download the examination information and applications at the Department of Civil Service website at cs.ny.gov/exams, more information can be found at doccs.ny.gov/.

Delaware County Deputies arrested and charged 37 year old Julia Coan of Oneonta Sunday, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and felony Aggravated DWI with a Child. Coan was arrested following a one-car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith involving Coan who is accused of driving in an impaired condition with a child less than seventeen years old within her vehicle. Deputies were assisted in their investigation by a Sidney Village Police Department. Coan was issued tickets and released on her own recognizance to return to the Town of Meredith Court on February 3rd.

The Windsor Central School District will hold a Drug Awareness Night tonight at the Middle and High School. More information is available at 655-8250.

State Police arrested 35 year old Andrew Adams of Oneonta for 2nd degree Assault, 4 counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated with children under the age of 16, 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Driving while ability impaired by drugs, plus harassment & several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after an Otsego County 911 report of an erratic driver on Interstate 88 westbound who crashed into a guide rail near mile marker 33 in the Town of Sidney. Adams had his four children ages 8-12 in his car with him, with No injuries were reported. Adams also became disorderly and punched at troopers during processing. Adams was arraigned at the Town of Sidney court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 property bond. His next court date in the Town of Sidney is on February 26th.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Jeremy Morris of Oneonta & 24 year old Amanda Tolbert of Oneonta on a variety of charges in Cooperstown on January 13th. Morris was driving without a license, when he was stopped deputies found hypodermic needles, drug packaging materials, two firearms & ammunition, he was also accused of selling heroin in Oneonta. Morris was charged with Possession of a hypodermic instrument, Criminal possession of a weapon, Criminal contempt, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, & Criminal sale of a controlled substance, he was returned to the Otsego County Jail on $50,000 cash bail and $100,000 bond. Tolbert was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument & she was wanted on an active Family Court arrest warrant. Tolbert was arraigned in the Town of Otsego Court and taken to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

The Windsor district will hold a Drug Awareness Night this Wednesday, January 27th at the Middle and High School. To reserve your seat and to choose your small group sessions for the Windsor event, call 655-8250. The Deposit district will do hold a Drug Awareness Night on Thursday, February 4th. To reserve your seat and to choose your small group sessions for the Deposit event, call 467-8509

36 year old Rafael Figueroa, of Saugerties was convicted Friday of felony drug trafficking following a trial in Delaware County Court. The jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before reaching its verdict, Figueroa was found guilty of 3 felony charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for trafficking of cocaine into Town of Middletown. Figueroa was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending sentencing.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department along with other law enforcement agencies arrested 45 year old Harry Edmond of Oneonta on a variety of drug charges. Edmond is accused of selling marijuana and crack cocaine; He attempted to flee when officers executed a search warrant. Officers seized 9 1/2 pounds of processed marijuana, a small quantity of crack cocaine, an electronic digital scale, a stun gun and $16,852 in cash. Edmond was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of marijuana, criminally using drug paraphernalia & criminal possession of a weapon.