WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-10-26

Oneonta Firefighters responded this morning to a reported structure fire at 525 Main Street at the Oneonta veterinary Hospital. 3 on-duty firefighters arrived within minutes to find fire rapidly extending up the exterior wall of the building. Crews knocked down the fire, checked for extension, and searched the building to ensure the fire had not spread into the structure, off duty Firefighters were called back to assist.

The Otsego County Fire Fighters convention continues today & concludes in Otego Saturday with a variety activities, Otego Fire Chief Joe Hurlburt explains:

(Joe Hurlburt 7-10-26)

More information is available at the Otsego County Fire fighters Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-8-26

Otsego County Health Department announced that a Raccoon has tested positive for rabies. The animal was found in Westford, all of the animals that were exposed to the Raccoon are being treated, Officials urge residents to get all pets & farm animals vaccinated, those that are not vaccinated & are exposed will be euthanized. More information is available at 607-547-4230, or at the Health Department web page at otsegocountyny.gov.

The Otego Fire department is hosting a 3 day Otsego County Fire Fighters Convention Thursday through Saturday, G.X. Cramatte is one of the organizer, he told WCDO News that there is something for everyone:

(G.X. Cramatte 7-8-26)

The activities will be held at the American Legion Field on Willow Street in Otego, starting at 12:00 Noon each day.

The Otego Fire Department is hosting The Otsego County Fire Fighters Convention this Thursday through Saturday with a variety of events, G.X. Cramatte is one of the organizers, he told WCDO News about Thursday's schedule;

(G.X. Cramatte 7-6-26)

The events continue at the site on fair Street in Otego Friday & Saturday from 12:00 noon each day into the evening hours, with Fireworks on Saturday night.

The Place in Norwich has signed a contract with the Chenango County Department of Social Services to run the Summer Youth Employment Program, a program of New York State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The Place will receive funds to make this program possible for Chenango County youth. The program runs today through July 31st, providing youth ages 14 to 20 years of age, from eligible households with valuable work experience and a paycheck. For more information, call 607-336-9696 x106 or x103.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-3-26

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the new Dietz Street Lofts in Oneonta, at about 2:00 PM this afternoon. mutual aid was requester from fire departments in Otego, West Oneonta, Laurens and Milford, Videos from scene showed flames on the roof of one of the buildings. WCDO News will have more information as it becomes available.

The deadline has been extended for those in Chenango County to comment on the County Hazard Mitigation plan, Shane Butler of the County Planning Department explains:

(Shane Butler 6-3-26)

The link for the public comment period is at chenangocountyny.gov/416/Hazard-Mitigation-Plan---2026

State Police responded to a motorcycle crash with an injury on State Highway 7 in the town of Worcester Tuesday. 27 year old Jacob Sprague of Otego was traveling on Route 7 in the town of Worcester when he exited the roadway and struck a utility pole. Sprague was assisted by civilians in the area until EMS arrived. Sprague was transported by Lifenet to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. The investigation is on-going.

State Police Superintendent Steven James announced the Annual Trooper Awards, for bravery & service to New Yorkers. The Brummer Award, which is the Highest Award for Heroism, went to Trooper Thomas Stiehler of Troop G, who on July 4th 2025, responded to a shooting involving a teenage male and a structure fire one block from the Plaza, he entered the burning building to ensure all occupants had evacuated. He then entered the adjoining smoke filled residence, and removed a disabled woman, carrying her down several flights of stairs to safety. Locally, Trooper Timothy Murray at Troop C, who also volunteers as a firefighter and EMT with the Delhi Fire Department, responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident and provided life-saving care to a severely injured fellow trooper. State Police participated in the 1st National Top Trooper Competition in Texas, Sergeant Nicholas Trentanelli and Trooper Lindsey Rumenapp of Troop C, were both selected to participate following a statewide tryout process.

The Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development Grant opportunity for 2027 funding is now open, offering funding opportunities for non-profits, educational institutions, economic development agencies and municipalities to strengthen communities, expand workforce capacity & plan reconstruction projects. Theapplication deadline is June 15th, at southerntier8.org/how-to-apply.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-6-26

The Broome County Department of Public Works announced that a culvert replacement will be taking place along Old Route 17 in the Town of Sanford starting next week, the road will be closed from May 11th through August 14th, motorists will need to seek alternative routes, Detour routes will be posted for motorists to follow.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-3-26

The City of Norwich Police Department arrested 33 year old Chad Potter of Sherburne, following a multi-agency investigation into interference with public safety communications. The investigation began in March of 2021, when it was alleged that Potter unlawfully transmitted over a law enforcement radio frequencies on multiple occasions, interfering with police, fire, and EMS operations throughout Chenango County. Potter broadcast false statements, including one transmission of "shots fired, shots fired," Potter was interviewed and admitted to transmitting over the law enforcement frequency and making the false statements, & having flashing lights on his vehicle, he was charged with 2 counts of Obstruction of Governmental Administration & Making a Terroristic Threat. Potter faces court action at a later date.

State Police gave an update regarding I-88, which remains closed in both directions between Unadilla (exit 10) and Otego (exit 12) due to considerable erosion under the highway in the median impacting both eastbound and westbound lanes. Emergency repairs are underway. I-88 will remain closed until New York State Department of Transportation engineers determine the roadway is safe to reopen. A 9.5 mile detour is in place along State Route 7 to reconnect motorists back to the Interstate.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-20-26

Sidney Police Department responded to a 3 vehicle head on collision Thursday Morning at about 10:20 AM on State Route 8 & River Street. Upon arrival, officers determined that a commercial Box Truck traveling southbound on State Route 8, was involved in a head-on collision with 2 vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. 1 driver sustained injuries and was transported by Lifenet to Upstate Medical University Hospital for treatment. The other two drivers were treated at Tri-Town Regional Hospital and subsequently released. The Sidney Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Sidney Fire Department, Sidney EMS, State Police & DOT, among others, The cause of the accident remains under investigation at this time.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 40 year old Christopher Ashton of Otego for Sex Offender Failure to Notify Change of Address. The investigation revealed that Ashton, who is a level 1 sex offender, did not report a change of address to the State Sex Offender Registry within 10 days, he was arrested, processed and was released on an Appearance Ticket to the Town of Middlefield Court at a later date, he was being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility on a parole warrant.

Republican Candidate Terry Bernardo will hold a Meet & Greet with local voters, on Sunday from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM, at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in Sidney. Bernardo is running for the 51 State Senate District, seeking to replace Peter Oberacker, who has decided to run for Congress in the next election.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-20-26

State Police responded to Hancock High School Thursday morning for a report of shots fired. Police investigated & found no evidence of a shooting & no threat to the public.

Chenango County Health Department will hold a Rabies vaccination Clinic for dogs cats & Ferrets Saturday morning at 9:00 am, the clinic will be held at the Guilford Highway Department.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-16-26

The Walton Police Department & the Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced the arrested of Walton High School teacher Eric Scofield for dissemination of indecent materials to Minors. 2 counts of a Sexually motivated felony, 7 counts of tampering with physical evidence & 5 counts of official misconduct, following a complaint that Scofield was engaging in improper communications with students. Scofield was brought to the Delaware County Correctional facility pending arraignment on the charges.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-16-26

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Kyle Wedderspoon of Morris for Sex Offender Failure to Notify of Address Change within 10 days following a complaint received in Morris. Deputies were notified that Wedderspoon was no longer living at his registered address, he is a Level 1 Sex Offender, he had been living at a residence in the Town of Otego and failed to make proper notifications of his address change, he was taken into custody and processed at the Sheriff’s Office, he was released with an appearance ticket and is set to appear in the Town of Morris Court at a later date.

Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire at 57 Maple Street Saturday morning, 1st floor residents and visitors were able to leave the house safely, the 2nd floor apartments were under construction, the 1st floor apartment suffered water damage from fire operations, The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, Mutual aid was provided by Otego, West Oneonta and Franklin fire departments. no injuries were reported.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-19-26

The Guilford Fire Department will be holding a UTV Poker Run on April 26th at 11:00 AM as a fundraiser for the Department. Organizers Roger Barnhart & Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri-Roger 1-19-26)

The money raise will go for the construction of a new Fire Station for the Guilford Fire Department.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 year old Victor Quisquina of Virginia following the investigation of a property damage motor vehicle accident in the Town of Otego. Quisquina was charged with DWI and several related charges, and he did not possess a valid driver’s license, he was processed and released with Uniform Traffic Tickets/Appearance Ticket and is set to appear in court at a later date.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is assisting with a Missing Persons Report from Weehawken New Jersey. 20 year old Emilio Acosta left home on December 18th, he had 2 knapsacks and his ski helmet, he is familiar with the Roxbury area and his family reportedly used to go skiing at Belleayre Mountain. Acosta is 6'1", about 190 pounds with black hair & he was wearing a New York Yankees cream colored sweatshirt, Gray Sweatpants and black Timberland boots. Delaware County residents who may spot Acosta are asked to call the Weehawken Police Department at (201)863-7800.

The Delaware County Business Alliance is now accepting applications for the 2026 Leaderful Delaware Emerging Leaders Program, designed for business and community leaders who are interested in becoming more engaged in shaping the region's future. The 5-session program dates are February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, and June 11, and will be conducted by former Alliance President Ray Pucci. More information is available at 1-607-746-2281.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-24-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the indictment of 18 year old James Tinebra of Plainview, A Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Tinebra for Burglary & Grand Larceny for stealing a State Police Vehicle from a repair shop in Davenport on November 5th at about 3:45 AM. Tinebra was located later in the day by the Schodack Police Department in Rensselaer County, where he is also facing separate charges.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services reported a fatal structure Fire Saturday Morning at 125 Lake Street in Cooperstown. Cooperstown Fire Department, with mutual Aid from surrounding communities entered the structure and found an 89 year old female, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the identity of the deceased has not been released pending family notification.

Broome County Sheriff's Office & area firefighters responded Friday to the report of a car crashing into a house in the Town of Union. Responding deputies found that the driver, an 82-year-old female, was attempting to back out of a residential driveway and mistakenly accelerated forward off the driveway and into the adjacent house, rupturing a natural gas line. NYSEG was alerted and the gas line was turned off, nearby residents were temporarily evacuated, The driver was transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center for minor injuries. No charges were filed.

Last week was Crash Responder Safety Week, and State Troopers joined the State DOT to focus on Move Over Law violations. Troopers from the Troop C Traffic Incident Management Unit teamed up with DOT crews on I-81 in Cortland County and I-88 in the town of Otego. On November 20th, Troopers issued 30 tickets on I-81 in Cortland County and 9 tickets on I-88 in the town of Otego, on November 21, Troopers issued 39 tickets on I-81 in Cortland County. New York State implemented the Move Over Law in 2010 to reduce crashes involving emergency responders stopped along the roadway. The law later expanded to include hazard vehicles, tow trucks, and highway workers. In 2023, the law expanded again, requiring drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle stopped on the roadway.

24 year old Deanna Eignor of Hobart pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Criminal Possession of a Firearm, back on January 12th, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Buena Vista in Delhi for a suspicious person & drug complaint involving 2 vehicles. Eignor was observed getting out of a vehicle with a backpack that contained a firearm. Co-defendant Kenneth Dillmann, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3½ to 7 years in state prison, Eignor is expected to be sentenced to 1 year in jail for this conviction at a later date.

The Unadilla Fire Department was alerted to a possible structure fire in the town of Unadilla on State Route 7 near the State Police Barracks, around 12:00 AM earlier today, Unadilla Firefighters were able to make an aggressive push into the residence and contain the fire to the room of origin. Crews were back and in service by 4:45am, Unadilla was assisted by Sidney Fire Department & EMS, and the Wells Bridge, Franklin, Otego & Sidney Center Fire Departments.

This Week is National Fire Prevention Week, and the Norwich Fire Department will have an Open House for the public today, with a wide variety of demonstrations, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Chief Papelino 10-8-25)

Chief Papelino said that the week included visits by the Fire Department to area schools, today's Open House will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at their 31 East Main Street location.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Jason Wilson of Otego for Sex Offender Failure to Update Change of Address, after Investigators were forwarded information originally received by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office that Wilson had a Facebook account that was not registered on the State Sex Offender Registry, under an alias, Wilson was located by deputies at his residence and taken into custody without incident, he was processed and was released with an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

A fundraiser to benefit the family of the Late Jason McGlone of the East Branch Fire Department, is being planned for September 13th at the East Branch Fireman's Park at 29 Bridge Street, Bill Manning is one of the organizers of the event:

(Bill Manning 9-12-25)

Manning said that the activities will begin at 1:00 PM on September 13th, Take State Route 17/I-86 to exit 90 East Branch, take old route 17 east to The park on Bridge Street.

The Otego Historical Society will have their annual Cemetery Walk at the Otego Evergreen Cemetery Saturday Night at 7:30 PM. Local actors will tell stories about some of Otego's Descendants, interested participants can meet up at the Unatego Church on Route 7 in Otego at 7:00PM, refreshments will be available after and a $7.00 donation is suggested.

47 year old Nicholas Cartelli of Otego pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance last week. On January 3rd, Cartelli & a co-defendant possessed 1 or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances containing a narcotic, Cartelli admitted that he possessed Heroin in the Village of Sidney, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail to await his sentencing, which is set for August 5th, he will be sentenced to 4 years in state prison and 2 years of post-release supervision.

Broadway in Binghamton Announced their New Season of shows coming to the Forum Theatre starting in October, Spokesperson Murphy Fauci explains:

(Murphy Fauci 6-17-25)

The 1st show will be “Tina- The Tina Turner Musical October 30th & 31st, more information is available at broadwayinbinghamton.com.

A.M. NEWS 6-17-25

State Troopers, the Roxbury Constable, Roxbury Fire Department, & local EMS responded Saturday night to a 1 vehicle crash on Vega Mountain Road in the town of Roxbury. A Toyota SUV went off the roadway, hit several trees before going down the embankment. The operator and only occupant was removed from the vehicle and transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital but did not survive. The operator is identified as 34 year old David Oakley of Oneida, NY.

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing CR 18 in the Town of Stamford to through traffic at 7:00 am. daily June 17th and 18th , for culvert replacement/repair work. The road will be closed between the Village Line and Red Rock Road, approximately 600 feet north of Pearl Street. The road will be opened by the end of the day each day. The traveling public should use alternate routes.

There will be a Village Election for registered voters in the Village of Oxford today from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM at the Oxford Fire Station, on Main Street. Offices on the ballot are Mayor & 2 seats for Trustee.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-25-25

Norwich City Police arrested 31 year old Brennon Bennett of Norwich for Failure to register as a sex offender and on a parole violation. Bennett is a Level 3 Sex Offender, who is accused of using a fraudulent address with the Norwich Police Department, where he is required to check in on a regular basis, in compliance with State Parole and Sex Offender Regulations. Bennett was convicted of 1st degree Attempted Rape in 2017, he was released from the jail & was Paroled in December. Bennett was arraigned at CAP Court and held on without bail due to prior felony convictions.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 24 year old Amber Renwick of Otego, for 3 counts of Promotion of a Sexual Performance by a Child, 2 counts of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child plus Sexual Misconduct, following an investigation in to a cyber tip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In February of 2025, investigators received information from the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce of child sexual abuse material being disseminated from a Kik online social media account, Renwick did possess and send the child sexual abuse material to other users. The Sheriff’s Office & State Police Computer Crimes Unit executed a search warrant & she was taken in to custody, was processed and was being held for Arraignment. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending.

Celebrate Earth Day by planting native wildflowers at Rogers Center, On Saturday, the public is invited to plant an assortment of seeds which will expand pollinator habitat around the Rogers Center Three Sisters Garden. The planting will begin at 10:30 am until 12 noon across the street from the visitor parking lot, There will be educational material available for each flower variety in the pollinator mix.

A.M. NEWS Friday 4-25-25

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded last May to a motor vehicle roll over accident in Harpersfield. 25-year-old Isaiah Caballero of Oneonta, lost control of the vehicle, it left the roadway and struck a tree, 25 year old Nyheim Golden-Williams was killed in the crash. Deputies located cocaine & a loaded pistol that did not have a serial number. Caballero was arrested at the Ulster Correctional Facility Tuesday, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, Criminal Possession of a weapon and Vehicular Manslaughter, he was arraigned and was remanded back to the Ulster Correctional facility on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies also arrested 21-year-old Alexis Lotterman of Walton for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, she was a passenger in the vehicle and was also in possession of the narcotics and firearm, she was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 secured bond.

Recruit New York events are being held around the state to assist in Fire Departments & Emergency squads in holding open houses, in the hope of recruiting new members, Roger Barnhart of the Bainbridge Fire Department told WCDO News about a few local events on Saturday

(Roger Barnhart 4-25-25)

Masonville Fire Chief Matt Jones told WCDO about their event on Sunday:

(Matt Jones 4-25-25)

More information about participating fire department can be found at recruitny.org.

Several Area Fire Departments responded to a Chimney Fire at 9 Ceperley Avenue in Oneonta early this morning. The Fire was reported shortly before 4:30 AM this morning, with fire on the 1st & 2nd floor, coming through the roof, mutual aid was received by the Oneonta Fire Department from West Oneonta, Worcester, Sidney, Franklin, Milford, Laurens & Otego, at about 5:30 AM, the Fire knocked down, the investigation into the cause of the fire in ongoing.

New York State funding was allocated to improve facilities and response capabilities for volunteer fire departments around the state. Locally, the Oxford Fire Department will receive up to $1,000,000 to improve their facilities

Otsego County Officials announced that they have a State of Emergency due to current drought conditions adversely affecting the water supply in the county, which increases the risk of wildfires. Otsego County residents are prohibited from burning any combustible materials outside, and they are prohibited in engaging in any activities that could allow for flames or sparks that could result in a wildfire. The Emergency order is in effect until November 2nd.

A.M. NEWS Friday 9-27-24

The City of Oneonta Fire and Police Departments are currently investigating a fire that occurred at 47 Chestnut Street Thursday afternoon. Emergency responders were called to the scene at approximately 1:03 PM, finding smoke showing from a second story window above the Oneonta Theatre. A single fatality has been reported and the identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Oneonta Fire and Police Departments were assisted by the West Oneonta, Otego, Franklin, Sidney, Cooperstown, and Worcester Fire Departments; the cause of the fire is under investigation.

State Police arrested 21 year old Nathan Kurtz of Bainbridge for Driving While Intoxicated and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident. Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle that was disabled on County Road 48 and that it had left the scene of an accident. Troopers determined that Kurtz had driven the vehicle impaired and damaged a yard, he was transported to the Oneonta barracks where he was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert. Kurtz was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Otego Town Court on October 17th.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Downsville from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Downsville Fire Department, State Highway 30, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

State Police are warning people of another scam going around, where people receive a call allegedly from a police department and demanding money so that the caller is not arrested. The caller typically mentions something about the person needing to pay for a warrant or that they found drugs in packages shipped to their address and need to pay immediately so that they don’t go to jail. Police will not call residents & demand money over the phone, they definitely will NOT ask you to pay with Crypto or Google Play cards or gift cards. Do not ever wire money, send cash, use gift cards, or send cryptocurrency to someone who you don’t know.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 29 year old Eugene Buzie of Unadilla and his mother, 50 year old Maddie Brown of Otego, following an investigation where Buzie was charged with Predatory Sexual Assault, Incest, Rape, Criminal Sexual Abuse, Forcible Touching, Brown was charged with 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Buzie is accused of subjecting children under the ages of 13 to a variety of forms of continuous sexual abuse, Brown was aware of the abuse and failed to intervene. Both were arrested Friday & were lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment. Orders of Protections were requested on behalf of the victims. Additional charges are pending.

Sidney Fire Fighters along with assistance from surrounding Fire companies, responded to a fire at 5 East Main Street, shortly after 7:00 PM Friday Night. All residents were safely removed from the building, there was smoke & water damage, No injuries have been reported.

48 year old Edward Monk of Binghamton was sentenced last week in Broome County Court to 3.5 years to 7 years in State Prison for Attempted Arson & Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by Inmate. On December 9th, 2023 Monk set fire to 2 trucks at a Mirabito gas station on Upper Front Street. On March 15, 2024, while incarcerated at Broome County Jail, Monk threw a cup of urine at forensic workers and a corrections sergeant.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich is relaunching it's summer career exploration program for students entering 8th or 9th grade, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital spokesman Gary Root explains:

(Gary Root 7-8-234)

Root said that the 2-day day camp will take place on Thursday, August 15 and Friday, August 16, any students interested in attending must fill out an application and submit an essay by Friday, July 22, more information is available at 607-373-0570 or (607) 337-4151.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-8-24

On July 3rd, Norwich Police Department received an emergency call about a Burglary in progress on Westcott Street in the City of Norwich. Officers responded and took 26 year old Adam Ferguson of Norwich into custody, he was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief & Criminal Trespass. Police reported that the woman called & said that an unknown male was climbing a ladder from her backyard and was trying to enter her 3rd floor apartment & tried to force open a door & enter. Officers found Ferguson still on the ladder. Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach stated that Ferguson is on Parole for felony assault on a police officer in 2020, he was remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $25,000 bail.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Chad Walters of Bainbridge for failing to abide by the State Sex Offender Registry, by failing to report an address change & Failing to Complete the Annual Verification. Walters had relocated from the Town of Otego in the beginning of 2024. State Troopers located Walters last week, he was processed on an arrest warrant as well as the new charges and was being held in the Otsego County Correctional Facility for future court action.

Hill City Celebrations is holding its annual Hometown Fourth of July Festival in Neahwa Park, on Thursday, July 4, beginning with a parade on Main Street at 1 pm. Following the parade, family-friendly games, a bounce house, food and craft vendors, live music, and many other activities will be held all day in Neahwa Park. The night will culminate with a fireworks show, more information is available at hillcitycelebrations.com or following Hill City Celebrations on Facebook.

A.M. NEWS Monday 6-24-24

State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bryant said in a decision filed Thursday that the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision did not provide sufficient evidence to refute allegations that it has failed to follow the limits on solitary confinement enshrined in state law in 2021. State law limits solitary confinement in most cases to three consecutive days, or six days in any given 30-day period.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35 year old Nastassja Blasetti of Oneonta following a burglary investigation in the Town of Otego. It was reported to the Sheriff’s Office that Blasetti had broken into a residence and caused damage to items within, she was located, arrested & is being held at the Otsego County Jail pending arraignment, and an order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Unadilla from 12:30 pm. to 5:30 pm at the Unadilla Fire Department, 77 Clifton Street. Appointments can be Booked at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-6-24

The American Association of State Troopers is nationally recognizing New York State Trooper Richard Albert as its 2024 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Albert. On June 16, 2023, as Trooper Albert was making a driver-side approach on a traffic stop of a recklessly speeding vehicle at 112 miles per hour on I-88 near Duanesburg, as he was approaching, he immediately came under fire and was struck in the left shoulder, he retreated for cover while returning fire, he called for back up. The suspect & the driver attempted to flee the scene but a passing tractor-trailer driver turned his vehicle into the path of the fleeing suspect vehicle, they then attempted to carjack a disabled pick-up truck at gunpoint, Trooper Albert continued his pursuit, the suspect fled into the woods, the driver was taken into custody, and Trooper Albert was transported to the hospital. the shooter was located deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.

27 year old John Macrabie of Otego, pleaded guilty to Sexual Misconduct, in Delaware County Court, he engaged in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old child in the Town of Walton in September, 2021. Macrabie will be required to register as a sex offender for at least 20 years, and he will also be placed on sex offender probation for 6 years, sentencing will be July 22nd.

32 year old Timothy Boulton of Binghamton was sentenced as a second time felony offender in Broome County Court to 5 1/2 years in New York State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. On November 9, 2023, after a traffic stop by the Binghamton Police Department, Boulton was discovered to be in possession of methamphetamine, and $5,545 in cash at the time of his arrest.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-28-24

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that 29 year old Michael Bredin on the Town of Maryland, has been charged with 2nd degree Arson by the State Police & Otsego County District Attorney's Office. On March 31st, the Schenevus Fire Department, along with Oneonta City Firefighters, responded to a blaze at an apartment house on State Route 7, the fire was quickly knocked down, and investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. Bredin was arraigned Friday & faces court action at a later date.

About 30 residents from Morris and surrounding towns met at the Morris Firehouse on May 23 for a follow-up to the news that Sidney Federal Credit Union intends to establish banking services in the Village of Morris. The meeting was organized by the Butternut Valley Alliance, whose task force began working to find an alternate bank when Community Bank, N.A. ended 167 years of banking services in Morris on January 19, Maggie Brenner of the Butternut Valley Alliance explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-28-24)

Present at the meeting were SFCU president and CEO Jim Reynolds and Andrew Smith, SFCU’s vice president of sales and marketing, who gave updates on the status of the SFCU-BVA agreement and answered questions from the public. The meeting was recorded and is available on YouTube.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-28-24

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in Otsego and Delaware Counties recently. 11 businesses were checked for compliance, with 1 person charged with Unlawful Sale of Alcohol to a Minor, after selling alcohol to person under the age of 21, at Betty Beavers Fuel Stop on County Road 48 in the town of Otego. The businesses that passed were in Oneonta, Laurens, Hartwick, Milford, Otego, & Davenport. During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth.

Law Enforcement from all over attended the funeral for Onondaga County Sheriff's Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, was being held today in Syracuse, Lieutenant Hoosock was killed by gunfire along with Syracuse Police officer Michael Jensen on April 14th in Liverpool. Jensen's Funeral was held in his hometown of Rome on Saturday. The suspect accused of shooting the officers 33 year old Christopher Murphy was also killed.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Jeremy Stimpson of Oneonta for Bail Jumping and on 2 Bench Warrants. Stimpson repeatedly failed to appear for court appearances for criminal cases in the Town of Otego and Town of Milford Courts, both courts issued bench warrants, Stimpson was located in the City of Oneonta by deputies and members of the Oneonta Police Department, he was processed and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $1,500 cash, $1,500 credit card, or $10,500 bond bail recommendations.

The State Department of Labor is partnering with The Business Council, Empire State Development and the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals in an annual Business Survey to get feedback on the state of the workforce and the business community's current needs. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, it can be found at survey.alchemer.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-22-24

33 year old Boyd Fenton was sentenced to to 7-15 years in prison, for setting fire to the horse barn at Tioga Downs on November 9th 2023. Fenton was sentenced in Tioga County Court on Friday, 30 racehorses died in the fire and a trainer was hurt when they tried to rescue horses from the flames.

14 individuals were arrested on charges ranging from graffiti, stealing a law enforcement body camera and disorderly conduct to obstruction and resisting arrest at the 4th annual “Smoke Weed Outside the Binghamton Police Station” event in downtown Binghamton. On Saturday, members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office assisted Binghamton Police Department in ensuring a safe public gathering on Hawley Street in front of Government Plaza. Some attendees began scrawling graffiti, blocking the flow of traffic on Hawley Street, Police began arresting participants for Obstructing Government Administration, disorderly conduct, petty larceny for stealing a law enforcement body camera and resisting arrest, all were processed and released on appearance tickets for the City of Binghamton Court.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-29-24

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 52 year old Timothy Wakefield of Smithville for Scheming to Defraud, with multiple counts of Grand Larceny, and Arson, following a nine month long investigation into a Chenango County business. Wakefield is accused of conducting numerous auctions and he allegedly had failed to pay the clients that the auctions were being held for. On December 19, 2023 while Detectives were still investigating the auction business of Wakefield, when the 911 Center received a call from Wakefield reporting a structure fire. The Office of Emergency Services ruled the fire to not be accidental. Last week, Chenango County District Attorney's Office presented evidence to the Chenango County Grand Jury, they indicted Wakefield, he was released and will reappear at a later date in the Chenango County Court.

This morning Broome County Sheriff's Office Road Patrol responded to an overturned tractor trailer on I-81 North in the Town of Barker. The investigation showed that the tractor trailer went into the median and partially overturned. No injuries were reported and all lanes have now been reopened after NYS Department of Transportation cleared the roadway.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Otego today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at 5 River Street, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 0.3% in January compared to the same month in 2023, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections totaled nearly $1.9 billion, up $4.8 million from the same time last year, with the increase led by New York City's 3.5% increase, County and city collections in the rest of the state had a decrease of -2.8%, as 27 of 57 remaining counties experienced year-over-year increases.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-21-24

Unadilla Fire Department was alerted for a house fire in the town of Unadilla Monday night with possible entrapment. Crews responded & it was quickly confirmed that all subjects were accounted for and out of the structure. One subject was transported to A.O. FOX Hospital, firefighters were able to halt the fire before it could spread to the rest of the residence. Unadilla received assistance from Franklin, Sidney Center, Wells Bridge, and Otego Fire Departments, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The American Red Cross will be holding 2 blood drives in Delaware County today, 1 drive will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Downsville Fire Department, another will be held from 12:30 pm. to 5:30 pm., at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, Appointments are available at RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-5-24

Early Saturday at 2:04 AM the City of Norwich Fire Department was dispatched for the report of a structure fire involving a “carport” at 19 Miller Street in the City, firefighters found a working house fire, a single occupant was located at a 2nd floor window, jumped from the window & was taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital & was transported to University Hospital in Syracuse, listed in critical condition. Norwich Fire Department was assisted by the North Norwich & Oxford Fire Departments, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino said that several tenants did escape, but 2 adult individuals were deceased. The investigation into the incident is still on going, with the City of Norwich Police Department, and the Chenango County Office Emergency Services Fire Investigation Unit.

Oneonta Police responded last Tuesday to the area of 30 Center Street to the report of a male that had suffered a gunshot wound. A 36-year-old male was located and was taken to an area hospital, an assailant fled the scene prior. Oneonta Police were assisted by State Police, State University Police at Oneonta and the Otsego County Sheriff's Office in the search for a suspect & collecting of evidence. Oneonta Police were able to identify the suspect as Miguel Alcaraz, who was taken into custody & was charged with 2nd degree Burglary last Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Oneonta Police Department at (607) 432-1111.

Helios Care announced a fundraiser coming up on February 23 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. The Dine Out For a Cause event will be held at the Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe, 4 Clinton Plaza Drive, Oneonta, a percentage of the proceeds will go to raise awareness and support for Helios Care. More information is available at 607- 432-5525

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-5-24

Otsego County Sheriff's Office & Cooperstown Police Department announced that a deceased male was found Friday morning in the Susquehanna River, the deceased was identified as Matthew Sisson of Otego, who was missing for 7 days. Sisson left Bassett Hospital Friday January 26th, where he had been transferred from Fox Hospital in Oneonta with Appendix issues.

The Chenango County Department of Health is hosting a drive through Flu Shot Clinic Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. Pre-registration is required at apps2.health.ny.gov or by calling 607-337-1660.

An American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive at the Otego Fire house today from 12:30 to 5:30 P.M. Appointments can be made at downloading the the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800 RED CROSS or at redcrossblood.org.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-5-23

Bassett Healthcare Network announced enhanced sign-on bonuses for a variety of open job positions for the next 90 days. Spokesperson Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 10-5-23)

Bonus increases include up to $35,000 for registered nurses, Up to $20,000 for licensed practical nurses, clinical laboratory technicians, ultrasound technologists, radiology technologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists & Up to $15,000 for nursing assistants, emergency department technicians, physical therapy assistants, More information is available at bassett.org/careers.

The Otsego County Health Department will have a Rabies Vaccination Clinic for Dog Cats & Ferrets at the Otego Fire Department today. The clinic will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, more information is available at 607-547-4230.

United Health Services announced they will close their primary care office at 179 River Street in Oneonta on July 28. The UHS Pediatrics Oneonta office at that location will remain open, More information about other UHS Primary Care locations can be found at nyuhs.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-19-23

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the off-ramp from I-88 eastbound at Exit 2 in the Town of Fenton, will be closed from 8 pm. to 5 am. for 5 consecutive nights from Sunday, May 21 to Thursday, May 25. Drivers should follow the signed detour utilizing Exit 3 and State Route 7. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones.

Oneonta Fire Department last night responded to a fire at 7 Hubbell Avenue in Oneonta, they were assisted by West Oneonta, & Otego Fire Department As well as the FAST teams from Sidney, Franklin & Worcester. There were no injuries reported, but several pets died in the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded March 18th to a 2 car accident with injuries on County Highway 26, in the Town of Colchester. 1 vehicle had left the lane of travel, crossed over the double yellow line, and struck an oncoming vehicle head on. 49-year-old Andras Kasuba of Brooklyn was charged with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than 0.08%, aggravated DWI, plus 3 counts of Assault & several other charges. The driver of the other vehicle and 1 passenger were transported by Lifenet to Albany Medical Center and a 3rd passenger was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital, Kasuba was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Governor Hochul & U.S. Senators Schumer & Gillibrand announced that New York State will receive $100 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the American Rescue Plan to expand high-speed internet. The funding will allow them to connect about 100,000 homes and families to affordable, high-speed internet across the state, more information is available at fcc.gov/acp.

The American Red Cross continues to report low blood supplies, 3 Blood drives are being held locally today. A Blood Drive is being held at the DCMO BOCES on State Route 206 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, another in Cooperstown from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at St. Mary's Church, at 31 Elm Street & another at the Otego Fire House from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at 5 River Street. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org, at 1-800 RED CROSS or with the Red Cross Blood Donor App.