WCDO Radio News

State Police arrested 33 year old Shane Katalinas of Unadilla for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers were dispatched by Otsego County 911 to a report of a male slumped over the wheel of a vehicle on Winney Hill Road in Oneonta, Troopers found both Katalinas and a female passenger unresponsive but were able to wake them. Katalinas was arrested, he was transported to State Police in Oneonta where he was additionally evaluated by a New York State Police Drug Recognition Expert. Katalinas was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Oneonta Town Court on August 20, 2024, and released to a sober third party.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino will unveil the signage for the newly named 1st Lieutenant Stephen Doane Bridge spanning the West Branch of the Delaware River in Walton, Doane's actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own life. The unveiling will be at the Walton Veterans Plaza at 171 Delaware Street in Walton on Thursday, July 13th, at 11:00 am.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-7-23

Tonight, there will be a tribute to local 1st responders for their contributions to their communities, Afton Fair spokesperson Rhonda Barriger said that the Fair board was happy to work with Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment on this event:

(Rhonda Barriger 7-7-23)

Potter said that the 1st responders deserve this recognition for their service, especially after the last 3 difficult years during the pandemic:

(Terry Potter 4-28-23)

Tickets are $10 per person, 12 & under will get in free, the tickets can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested of 32 year old Darin Wignall of Binghamton, On the morning of June 29th, Deputies initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock, Wignall was found to have been operating a motor vehicle on a public highway while his driver's license had been suspended 14 times. Wignall was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle & Uninspected Motor Vehicle, he was released with an appearance ticket for Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society has a display exploring baseball’s Major Leaguers who played for Oneonta teams. “Oneonta – On the Road to Major League Baseball” opened Today and will run through September 1st at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street. The display will feature baseball cards of some of those players, including Frank Malzone, Don Mattingly, Curtis Granderson, and many more. More information about this & other programs can be found at oneontahistory.org.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-1-23

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Dinner at the Sidney Fire Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. The Chamber will be honoring Dr. Rohan Jayasena as the Citizen of the Years, He commented to WCDO about this honor:

(Dr. Rohan Jayasena 6-1-23)

Waste Recovery Enterprises will be honored as the Business of the Years, spokesman Sean LaRose comments:

(Sean LaRose 6-1-23)

Also, former Great American Food Store operator Kyle Westcott will be honored for the Commitment to Community Award tonight:

(Kyle Westcott 6-1-23)

Also, the Chamber will honor recent Long time Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak for a special Retirement Recognition.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 33 year old Christopher Snyder of West Winfield for driving with a suspended New York State Driver’s license. On Saturday afternoon, May 27th, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton, at 75 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Upon conducting a traffic stop, Snyder's driving privileges were suspended, he was arrested and was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, speeding and failing to surrender NYS License to DMV, Snyder released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Sidney’s Annual Arbor Day Celebration will be held tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM at Keith Clark Park, spokesperson Lorrie Roach explains;

(Lorrie Roach 4-27-23)

Roach said that a Japanese Red Maple tree will be planted in recognition of Mary Jane Plummer contributions to the community. Sidney has also been designated as a "Tree City USA" community for the 27th year.

Law Enforcement Agencies around the state are participating in "Operation Safe Stop Day" today, where police officers are checking to see if motorists are stopping for school busses with their flashing lights on, picking up or dropping off students. It is estimated that 50-thousand New Yorkers illegally pass stopped school buses each day that school is in session. Penalties for a first-time offense include a fine of up to 400 dollars, five points on a person's drivers license and possibly 30 days in jail.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-27-23

The family of Jorge Jimenez, who was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by former Syracuse University basketball coach Jim Boeheim in February 2019, has agreed to settle a lawsuit against Boeheim. Terms of the settlement will remain sealed, Jimenez was a passenger in a car that that skidded on Interstate 690 and hit a guardrail. Boeheim was driving home after a game when he swerved to avoid the car and hit Jimenez, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Boeheim was not charged by police investigating the crash.

The New York State Department of Health urges New Yorkers to take precautions to avoid illnesses spread by ticks in recognition of this week during Tick Bite Prevention Week. More Information is Available Online At health.data.ny.gov.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24 year old Garyn Huntley of Oneonta following an attempt to flee police during a traffic stop on March 20th in the City of Oneonta. Huntley was charged with Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of Motor Vehicle, Failure to Obey Police Officer, Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, Speeding among several other charges, he was released on an appearance ticket for Oneonta Court on April 6th.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Thomas Palmatier of Butternuts, following the investigation of an accident in the Town Of Morris. Palmatier was charged with 2nd & 3rd degree Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, among other charges, he was issued an appearance ticket for town of Morris Court at a later date.

The State Health Department continues to monitor the surge in COVID 19 cases statewide. Over 178,000 people were tested Monday with 7166 positive, just over 4% of all tested. Hospitalizations continue to increase, to 2580, the number in an ICU bed is just under 500 again & the number on Ventilators is 242, there were 31 deaths from COVID in Hospitals & Nursing homes Monday.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-24-21

State Police and local law enforcement agencies will participate in a special traffic safety initiative to prevent unsafe driving behavior during the Thanksgiving weekend today through Sunday. temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 6 am. through Monday, Nov. 29 at 6 am. The State Police will supplement regular patrols statewide with dedicated impaired driving patrols including Drug Recognition Experts, fixed sobriety checkpoints, underage drinking enforcement, speed enforcement, and the use of Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on handheld devices.

Raymond Corporation in Greene has had their manufacturing portion of their facility closed Thursday & today, after an employee tested positive for COVID 19.  The Company released a statement, reporting that a few additional tests are pending among those who had contact with the employee, The decision was made to shut down manufacturing operations to sanitize and disinfect in accordance with recommended protocols, the company stated that they will continue to work closely with local authorities and health care providers to protect the health of their employees.

The Arc Otsego presented Golden Artist Colors as 1 of the statewide recipients of The Arc New York 2020 Employer Recognition Award. Golden Artist Colors produces paints used by artists worldwide, there are 2 individuals who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities currently employed, and Golden Artists have been employing individuals with disabilities from The Arc Otsego since 2000.

Development Chenango Corporation has assisted County Businesses recently to make renovations or expand their operation, & they have announced a new loan opportunity for Chenango County businesses needing financial help due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green explain:

(Kerri Green 7-31-20)

Green said that more information is available by calling her at 334-1404 or by email: kgreen@chenangony.org.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they will have a testing site today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, at the Exeter Town Barn on State Highway 28 in Schuyler Lake.  The testing site is limited to people who are NOT sick, but want to be tested for the Coronavirus, The testing will be by a nasal swab.  The testing site will be drive up only, individuals are required to stay in their vehicle & wear a face mask.  Pre-Registration is required at 547-4279.

Operation
Merry Christmas has received many more requests for toys & children’s
clothing for underprivileged families this holiday season.  Program Spokesperson Dorene Ireland asks the
public to locate their trees in areas stores, take a tag & try to help with
this year’s efforts:

(Dorene
Ireland 12-3-19)

Some of
the Operation Merry Christmas Trees can be found at ACCO, Amphenol, Community
Bank in Sidney, NBT in Sidney, SFCU in Bainbridge and Sidney, the Sidney
Central School, Sidney Flowers & Gifts, Sidney Memorial Public Library,
Trackside Dining, & Village Variety in Unadilla. The giveaway day will be
on December 14th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus
in Sidney.

The
State Department of Health's AIDS Institute is hosting the 21st Annual World
AIDS Day Event today at the Empire State Convention center in Albany, In
recognition of World AIDS Day, which was observed on Sunday.   The public is invited to visit
community-based service organization booths and view the NAMES Project AIDS
Memorial Quilt in the Convention Center beginning at 9:00AM.  More information is available at
health.ny.gov.

Sidney High School was one of
562 high-achieving and high-progress schools as part of the 2018-19 Recognition
Schools, as announced by New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.

(Bill Christensen 6-20-19)

Sidney was one of just 234 high
schools statewide on the list, and the only high school in the immediate area
to be selected.  Of the 562 schools being
honored, 241 are located in New York City, 40 are public charter schools, and
280 are located in the rest of the state, 131 of those were also named as
Reward Schools last year.

Delaware County Sheriff’s
Deputies arrested 51-year-old Diane Dedominicis of Treadwell Tuesday for
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop on
Griswold Street in the Village of Walton.
Dedominicis was additionally charged with Speeding, Unlicensed Operator,
and she was released on tickets returnable to Walton Village Court at a later
date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 65-year-old
Michael Forde of Brooklyn Saturday, on a charge of Aggravated Unlicensed
Operation, Unlicensed Operator and Failure to Exercise Due Care to an Emergency
Vehicle, on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock.   Forde was released on an appearance ticket
and is scheduled to return to the Town of Hancock Court at a later date to
answer the charges.

United Way of Broome County’s 2-1-1 Susquehanna River Region
Information & Referral Contact Center is among a select group of
organizations to be accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral
Systems, in recognition of the quality of information and referral services it
provides to the Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga County
communities.   2-1-1 Susquehanna River
Region can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-901-2180.

State Police released the names of the people involved in a 2-car Head-On crash in the Town of Columbus Saturday. 27 year old Bradley Prosser of Sherburne was the driver of the first vehicle that crossed into the opposing lane and crashed head on into a 2nd vehicle. Prosser was pronounced dead at the scene, he had a .23 BAC according to the autopsy report. Prosser’s passenger, 26 year old Tasha Carney of Edmeston suffered minor injuries from the crash. The driver of the 2nd vehicle was 46 year old Shannon Donnelly-Travis of Schuyler Lake; she was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, for a fractured arm and leg.

State Senator Fred Akshar continued the 2nd year of his "Akshar's All-Stars" student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at 4 school districts. At the Harpursville High School, Akshar recognized senior Colin LaDue for his leadership, dedication and many contributions to his school and community. At the Afton High School, Akshar recognized sophomore Logan Ives for her selfless devotion to charity and giving back to others in need. At Bainbridge-Guilford High School, Akshar recognized senior Tannar Cliffe for his kindness and dependability both in and out of school. At DCMO BOCES in Norwich, Akshar recognized senior Destin Foley for his energy and dedication to both his academic studies and to helping others in the classroom.

Firefighters from Sherburne & 2 other local departments responded to a fire at Crandall's Auto on Blanding Road in Sherburne last night at about 8:30 PM. No injuries were reported, the building was completely destroyed; investigators are trying to determine how that fire started.

The Chenango Arts Council's 2019 Grants for Teachers application deadline has been extended until this Friday, December 21st. The Program provides up to $500 to K-12 teachers in Chenango County who find innovative ways to integrate the arts into the regular school curriculum through projects that are not covered by the school budget. Teachers currently employed by a public or private school in Chenango County are eligible to apply; more information is available at chenangoarts.org/grants/grants-for-teachers. Awards will be made in February 2019.

A Free Christmas Dinner will be available in Sidney this year on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station, organizer Gene Schmidt comments:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-18)

More information about the free Christmas day Dinner is available at 607-610-4030; this year will be the 6th year that Schmidt & his family have offered the free Christmas dinner.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will tour several area business today. Hochul will Tour Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney this morning at 9:15, Corning Incorporated in Oneonta, at 10:30, and then at 1:30 this afternoon she will tour Chobani in New Berlin.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the state Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment Training today, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. New York State mandates ALL employers to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy as well as to train ALL employees on sexual harassment prevention. The Seminar will be held at the Otsego County Chamber/Otsego Now Offices at 189 Main Street on the 5th floor, in Oneonta.

Governor Cuomo announced his agenda for the 1st 100 days of 2019 on Monday. Among the items on his agenda: adopting a Progressive Tax System, Cut Middle Class Taxes, Protecting Affordable Health Care, Gender Equality, Combat Gun Violence, ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water, Pass the Child Victims Act & Legalize Adult Use of Recreational Marijuana.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 40 year old Brenna Talbot of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree following a traffic stop on County Highway 21 in the Town of Franklin. Talbot was additionally charged with unlicensed operator, operating without a headlight. She was released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Robert Green of Binghamton, Saturday, for felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Interlock Device, and other traffic violations, following a report of a car off the roadway on I-88 in the town of Afton. Green is accused of driving while intoxicated, with a suspended license, the DWI charge was a felony due to a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. Green was arraigned in the town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is on February 28th.

State Senator Fred Akshar continued his “Akshar's All-Stars” district-wide student recognition program last week. Akshar's 17th All-Star was TRACY HATTON from the Afton School District, Hatton was recognized for her incredible progress, growing from a timid and hesitant student to a confident, ambitious and hardworking student who is well on her way to becoming a special education teacher.

State Police arrested 38-year-old Joseph Wilms of Unadilla, for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Criminal Mischief & other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a report of an erratic driver on the Unadilla Community Field. Wilms is accused of driving on the field, causing damage to the grass, and then driving away, he was located in his driveway on Sperry Street; the arrest was a felony because Wilms has 2 prior DWI convictions. Wilms was arraigned in the Town of Unadilla Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, pending court action Friday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 24 year old Francisco Rodriguez of Hancock Monday, on charges of Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, and unsafe lane change. Deputies say this arrest is a result of a traffic stop on East Front Street in the Village of Hancock. Rodriguez was arraigned in front of Judge Buckley at Hancock Village Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

State Senator Fred Akshar and YES Safe Choices will honor 645 YES Leaders from Broome, Tioga and Chenango Counties at a special end-of-year Leaders Change Lives Recognition Reception at The McKinley on the Huron Campus at 1701 North Street in Endicott. Akshar will also award three Jill Kavanagh Memorial Scholarships to 3 YES Leaders.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Jason Thomas of Oneonta for felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & several other traffic violations. Thomas was observed failing to signal a turn at County Route 11A in the Town of Laurens. The arrest was a felony as Thomas has 2 prior convictions for DWI within the last 10 years. Thomas was arraigned at the Oneonta Town court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

The Otsego county office for the aging is extending the deadline for the nomination of county residents 60 & older, which deserve special recognition for their volunteering efforts. The deadline to submit nominations has been extended to February 1st; more information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.

AFTER A 5 YEAR INVESTIGATION, TWO BINGHAMTON MEN HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, INCLUDING ONE FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER. STATE POLICE ARRESTED 25 YEAR OLD TIMOTHY ELLIS AND 26 YEAR OLD DUSTIN BUCKLEY. BOTH ARE CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH A HOME INVASION BURGLARY THAT OCCURRED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2010 IN THE TOWN OF BARKER, NEAR BUFFALO. TROOPERS SAY A 50 YEAR OLD WOMAN WAS ASSAULTED AND SEVERLY INJURED, SUFFERING BLINDNESS IN ONE EYE AND PARTIAL HEARING LOSS. ELLIS IS CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE ATTEMPTED MURDER AND FIRST DEGREE BURGALARY. BUCKLEY IS FACING A FIRST DEGREE BURGALARY CHARGE. BOTH MEN ARE BEING HELD IN THE BROOME COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT BAIL.

DELAWARE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NEW YORK CITY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, ARRESTED A BROOKLYN MAN TUESDAY. 31 YEAR OLD DONULD RUDD WAS ARRESTED BY MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK CITY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT UPON HIS RELEASE FROM RIKERS ISLAND CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. RUDD WAS THEN TURNED OVER TO DELAWARE COUNTY DEPUTIES IN KINGSTON, NY AND ARRESTED AGAIN ON A WARRANT ISSUED BY DELAWARE COUNTY COURT IN NOVEMBER OF 2014 AFTER HE FAILED TO APPEAR FOR HIS COURT HEARING. A FORMER BINGHAMTON RESIDENT, RUDD OWES MORE THAN 12 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN RESTITUTION ASSOCIATED WITH 2010 CONVICTIONS FOR CRIMINAL MISCHIEF. RUDD IS BEING HELD IN THE DELAWARE COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY WITHOUT BAIL.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said she doesn't want to run for president or governor here in New York. Gillibrand has built a national profile in recent years, working on top-tier issues such as combating sexual assault in the military and allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly. Gillibrand would be a formidable Democrat should she enter the race for governor which is open once again in 2018. A strong campaign fundraiser, she would likely face competition for the Democratic nomination from Attorney General Eric Schneiderman should Gov. Andrew Cuomo not run for a third term.

18 year old Dayne Feehan didn’t know much about being a professional before this year. Now, he and a fellow Windsor High School student have received recognition for their management decision-making skills. Feehan and 17 year old Matthew Colosi competed June 29-July 2 in the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Chicago. They placed in the top 15, roughly in the top 2 percent of competitive FBLA chapters, in the Management Decision Making Competition

A man who was caught driving drunk did not have a license, according to the Otsego County Sheriff's Office. 41 year old Zacharias Fuller of Schenevus, was arrested after a one-car accident on Race Street in the village of Schenevus. He was charged with DWI, as well as aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He also faces several other misdemeanors and traffic violations. Fuller will appear in the Town of Maryland Court at a later date

An estimated 40,000 people are expected to attend the Chenango County Fair in Norwich. The fair runs until Sunday. This year, more than ever, fair-goers will get a lesson in agriculture, which is one of the cornerstones of the county. Read more at chenangocountyfair.homestead.com

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS REMINDS ELIGIBLE BLOOD DONORS OF A BLOOD DRIVE TO BE HELD AT THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN WALTON TODAY, FROM 11:30 AM TO 5:30 PM. DONORS OF ALL BLOOD TYPES - ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH TYPES A, B, AND O NEGATIVE ARE NEEDED. VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG OR CALL 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The state Senate passed legislation to make all honorably discharged military veterans eligible for a high school degree. “Operation Recognition,” already allows veterans of World War II, Korea and the Vietnam wars to get diplomas, the legislation would expand eligibility to other veterans who didn’t complete their formal education. The bill was sent to the Assembly.

Governor Cuomo announced that the state DMV has investigated 13,000 possible cases of identity fraud since facial recognition technology was implemented three years ago. These investigations have resulted in more than 2,500 arrests and more than 5,000 individuals facing administrative action.  Research showed that about 50% of the subjects identified had one valid license while having a second record that was suspended or revoked, 20% of the subjects had suspended or revoked licenses, 30% of the subjects had multiple valid licenses.

Vision 21 is looking to start an incubator operation in the tri town area with a location in the Village of Sidney.  The operation would offer office space to small and start up companies that cannot afford large overhead.  More information is available at 267-8541.