WCDO Radio News

State Police arrested 38 year old Nathan Mower of Harpursville, for criminal possession of stolen property, and arrested 43 year old Kristina Shuldt of Windsor for criminal possession of stolen property, after investigating a theft of a safe and over $50,000 cash from a home in the Town of Windsor on August 3rd. Mower and Shuldt were arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and remanded to the Broome County jail with no bail set at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

State Police arrested 18 year old Nathaniel Shaffer-Groover of Kirkwood, 17 year old Joshua Goetz of Windsor, NY and 16 year old Conor Collins of Kirkwood for 2nd degree burglary. Troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Dunbar Road in the Town of Windsor, after a caretaker saw teenagers stealing from it and fleeing in a red pickup truck. The 3 teens are accused of stealing a TV, binoculars and bullets; they were arraigned in the Town of Windsor court and remanded to the Broome County jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

Assemblyman Pete Lopez of Schoharie formally announced his bid to seek the Republican & Conservative nomination for the 19th Congressional District being vacated by House of Representatives Member, Chris Gibson of Kinderhook. Assemblyman Lopez travels extensively around his Assembly district each year, he has served in the State Assembly since 2007.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today in Sidney. The screenings will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Sidney, 37 Pleasant Street in Sidney, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The State Comptrollers office has completed their 3rd audit since 2000 of the Town of Sidney; the town supervisor does not review bank statements or canceled check images to verify that only those disbursements approved by the board are made, & that the board did not perform annual audits of the supervisor’s records. The Audit found no improper disbursements or unreasonable payroll payments, but the opportunity exists for inappropriate disbursements without oversight. The audit also questioned the Town paying 2 vendors for disbursements being paid over $16,000 a year. The Comptroller’s report stated that the Sidney Town Supervisor should Continue to review bank reconciliations and canceled check images, Approve payroll before checks are electronically signed and Maintain control over his signature & Perform a cost benefit analysis to determine if the bookkeeper Should be performing disbursements duties currently performed by the two vendors. The Board should perform the required annual audit of the
Supervisor’s records.

The New York State Department of Labor released today preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2015. Between September and October 2015, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.1% to 4.8%, its lowest level since November 2007. Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate was 4.6%, Delaware County was at 4.7% and Otsego County registered 4.3% unemployment for October.

Chenango County will be held next week, sponsored by Opportunities for Chenango. OFC Spokesperson Donna Wood-Craig told WCDO News about the panelists for the discussion:

(Donna Wood-Craig 11-24-15)

The community talk will be held at the Guernsey Library on December 1st at 6:30 and is open to all interested parties.

State Police hosted the 7th annual State Intelligence Summit Wednesday & today in Lake George, along with Homeland Security, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the FBI. More than 250 leaders from federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies from Canada and the United States attended to hear from law enforcement representatives experienced in current trends in terrorism, intelligence gathering and sharing, major crime trends, and counter terrorism programs. The event also provided an opportunity for the attendees to receive training in crime analysis, cyber threats, and current narcotics trends. Last week's terror attacks in Paris and the State's response to the potential increased threat of terrorism in New York have been ongoing topics of discussion at the conference.

Oneonta Police along with the Delaware county sheriffs department executed a search warrant at 10 Meckley Avenue in Oneonta Wednesday, following an investigation regarding drug trafficking. Arrested were 30 year old Sophie Szczepanski of Oneonta, 43 year old Charles Haynes Jr. of Oneonta & 23 year old Orane Crawford or Queens for multiple counts each for criminal possession of a controlled substance, among other charges. Police recovered Crack cocaine, marijuana, hydrocodone pills & cash, all 3 were being held pending arraignment on Oneonta city court.

State Senator Fred Akshar is calling on state leaders to remember the upstate regions when they are budgeting for infrastructure projects:

(Fred Akshar 11-19-15)

Akshar and several area leaders held a press conference in Broome County yesterday at the site of a bridge in need of repair, previous studies have suggested that 30 to 40% of bridges need serious upgrades.

65-year-old Gary Murphy of the town of Maryland was charged with 3rd & 4th degree grand larceny. And scheming to defraud for allegedly scamming residents in the town of Maryland and Laurens for getting paid for contracting work that he did not perform. Murphy was being held in the Herkimer County jail on separate charges, he was arraigned d& was returned to the Herkimer County jail pending court action on December 16th in Otsego County Court.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September 2015. Between August and September, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1%, Locally, the unemployment rate in Chenango county was down to 4.8%, Delaware county was at 5.2% and Otsego county’s rate was at 4.5%, all down significantly from September of 2014.

The State Attorney General's office announced a settlement agreement releasing $550 million belonging to New Yorkers that has been trapped in an escrow account during a decade-long dispute between the state and the major tobacco companies. The agreement unlocks the funds, and that have been tied up following the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which requires the companies to compensate the 52 states and territories for the public-health costs of smoking-related illnesses. half of these funds will go to New York State, one-quarter to New York City, and one-quarter to counties outside the city.

The next Chenango County free rabies clinic for Dogs Cats & Ferrets will be tonight at the Oxford Fire Station. The event will run form 5:30 to 7:00 PM; more information is available at 337-1673.

A candidate’s forum will be held in Sidney tonight at the Smart community room at the Sidney Library, featuring Delaware County Family Court Justice Candidates Gary Rosa & Porter Kirkwood, Organizer Amanda Heaney-Smith comments

(Amanda Heaney Smith 10-20-15)

The event will run from 6:30 to about 8:30 & will also feature the 4 candidates running for 2 seats on the Sidney Town Board.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference room at 7:00 PM to discuss the Superintendent Search.

Broome County Officials reported that 2 children pulled from a fire in Johnson City early this morning, have died. The fire at 145 Floral Avenue in Johnson City was reported at about 2:00 this morning. The identity of the victims has not yet been announced, the investigation is continuing. Johnson City Police announced this afternoon charged 38-year-old Dwight Burton with first-degree murder and first-degree arson.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & Walton Police arrested 17-year-old Dylan Groat of Walton for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, for allegedly stealing a dirt bike from Klinger’s Power Sports in Walton in December 2014, & selling that dirt bike in June of this year. Groat was arraigned in Colchester Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail.

Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a head on collision this morning at about 10:30, in the town of Colesville. The accident occurred at the intersection of Colesville Road and Johnson Road in Harpursville, Initial reports suggest that one of the drivers may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The Unidentified drivers were taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, tickets are pending.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office reached an agreement with Don’s Automotive Mall in Binghamton to resolve an investigation that revealed that the company was selling salvaged automobile airbags in violation of New York State law. Don's agreed that they would not sell any salvaged airbags without first complying with the law, New York requires anyone attempting to sell inflatable restraint systems salvaged from another vehicle to have it first certified according to standards established by a nationally recognized testing, engineering and research body approved by the DMV. Currently there are no approved standards from the State of New York, the sale of all salvaged airbags illegal.

Delaware County District Attorney Investigators and the Walton Police Department arrested 27-year-old Brandi Wyckoff of Walton for 2 counts of Forgery & 2 counts of offering a false instrument for filing. Wyckoff was arraigned in Delhi Town Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 Bail or $10,000 Bond. Pending future court action.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that he is sponsoring a pair of free senior scam prevention forums in Oneonta and Cooperstown on Friday. Senator Seward is partnering with the State Department of State to notify senior citizens, caregivers, and others about the alarming trend of senior targeted scams. The forums will take place on Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Elm Park Church, 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta & from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Village Offices, 22 Main Street in Cooperstown. The forums are free and open to the public.

On Saturday, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, & Norwich Police executed a no knock search warrant at 30 Classic Street in the Village of Sherburne. 50-year-old Frederick Harty of Sherburne was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to sell, Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Criminally Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. 46-year-old Tabitha Harty was also charged with Criminal Nuisance. Frederick Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail. Tabitha Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail. The Sheriff’s Office recovered heroin, scales, packaging material, and unlawfully possessed prescription pills.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 69-year-old Frank Viscardi of St. Johnsville following a motor vehicle accident on state highway 28 in the town of Milford. Viscardi lost control and drove off the shoulder, struck an embankment, traveled across a lawn & hit a garage, causing significant damage. Viscardi was charged with felony DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment of property, unlawful possession of marijuana, speed not reasonable, failure to keep right, driving on shoulder and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Viscardi will appear in the town of Milford court on October 27th.

Mel Brooks "The Producers" takes the stage at The Forum Theatre November 17th & 18th in Binghamton. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10:00 AM at The Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

37-year-old Dushon Goldwire of Binghamton has been indicted on a charge of attempted murder, in connection with a July 30th shooting in Binghamton. Goldwire is accused of attempting to shoot 26-year-old Michael Perez following a confrontation, Perez was not injured. Goldwire faces court action in Broome County Court shortly.

The sentencing of former State Senator Tom Libous has been postponed until after Libous completes another round of Chemo Therapy. U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti today scheduled Libous’s sentencing back to November 24th, from October 30th, Libous was found guilty of lying to the FBI regarding using his political influence to get his son Matthew into a politically connected White Plains Law Firm, he faces up to 5 years in prison. Matthew Libous is serving a 6-month sentence for tax fraud.

The next free Otsego County Rabies clinic will be held today in Otego. THE clinic will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Otego Fire Department.

The New York State Police will conduct graduation exercises for its 2015 Canine Handler Basic School at the State Police Academy in Albany Thursday afternoon. The 12 graduates include members from the New York State Police, Schenectady Police Department and Warren County Sheriff’s Office. State police officials stated that
Trooper Darrell Dening, & Canine Kin & Trooper Timothy Kressly & Canine Bryant will be assigned to Troop C.

At about 12:45 this afternoon, the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus in Masonville, was evacuated, after a note was found indicating a threat to the building. The School Resource Officer and the building principal contacted local law enforcement officials, who responded immediately. Students and staff were moved to the lower yard, where they remained until either their district transportation arrived. The building was declared safe for re-entry at 2:03 p.m.   The investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo today announced nearly $710,000 in state grants to 51 police departments and sheriffs’ offices across the state for the purchase of electronic fingerprinting equipment. This new equipment will replace existing devices that either malfunction or are obsolete. Locally, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office received $10,000 & the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office: $18,131 for two devices

On Sunday afternoon, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 63-year-old Patricia Carlson of Delhi for felony DWI, & felony aggravated unlicensed operation, following an investigation of a 1-car motor vehicle accident on Archie Elliot Road in the Town of Meredith. Carlson was additionally charged with unlicensed operator, operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage & failure to keep right, she was arraigned in Delhi Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail.

The Official launch & open house of the Otsego Now Regional Workforce Training Center initiative and announcement of significant grants, will be tomorrow morning in Oneonta. State Senator Jim Seward helped to secure the grants and guide the through the CFA process, for capital improvements to outfit the center. Seward is scheduled to attend the ceremonies beginning at 10:30 AM Tuesday at the Offices of Otsego Now at 189 Main Street on the 5th floor.

Oneonta Police arrested 47-year-old John Nack of Oneonta on felony drug charges. Nack was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance, for illegally possessing & selling heroin in August. Nack was arrested at the Otsego County jail where he was being held on other charges, he was arraigned in County Court and sent back to the County jail, pending later court appearances.

Early Saturday morning, Binghamton Police responded to a 911 call of gunshots near f Gerard Avenue & Murray Street. officers found a 20 year old male lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the chest, he was taken to an area hospital and was listed in critical condition over the weekend. Binghamton Police charged 26 year old Walter Andino Jr. of Binghamton for attempted Murder, he was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail, the . investigation is continuing and the Binghamton Police encourage anyone with information to call the Detective Bureau at 772-7080.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 24-year-old Anthony Leggiere of Oxford for driving while intoxicated following an investigation into a rollover motor vehicle accident on September 27th on County Road 10 in the Town of Preston. Leggiere was brought to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing and released on appearance tickets to a sober third party. Leggiere has a later date in the Town of Preston Court.

The Delaware County Department of Economic Development will hold three public meetings to discuss the proposed “Bed Tax” for Delaware County in the lodging and accommodating businesses. The public meetings will be held in Delhi today, in Margaretville on October 7th and Hancock on October 12th. All meeting will be at the town halls and will begin at 6:00 PM. More information is available at 746-8595.

Otsego County's annual Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held today & tomorrow. The 1st event will be at the Unadilla Town Highway Building today & Waste from Otsego County small businesses is accepted and the 2nd event will be at the Meadows Office Building in Cooperstown on Saturday. No Pre-Registration is required, Saturday Participants are asked to arrive according to the first initial of your last name. More information is available at otsegocounty.com/depts/sw or by calling 547-4225.

Chenango County Suicide Prevention will hold a special event with documentary filmmaker Erin Davies tonight in Norwich, Spokesperson Ann Marie Troy comments:

(Ann Marie Troy 9-11-15)

The event will begin at 7:00 P.M. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich, more information is available at 334-8244 extension 228.

The Chenango Arts Council, Norwich Business Improvement District, and the Norwich Rotary Club announced that the Chenango Public Arts Initiative begins with a Gallery opening reception today from 5:30 to 8:00 pm; it is free and open to the public. The Gallery will be open both days of Colorscape Weekend this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and will stay on display until October 25. More information is available at 336-ARTS or email at: info@chenangoarts.org

A SUNY Delhi freshman from Wappingers Falls was found dead in a wooded area near the campus Tuesday. The unidentified student was found unresponsive by friends, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Delaware County Medical Examiner's office. No foul Play is suspected; a memorial service for the student is planned on September 25th in Hopewell Junction.

Thursday's Primary Day elections have been tabulated, In Delaware County; The Democratic Party Town of Middletown Supervisor Primary was won by Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party Primary had Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel winning for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position. In the Primary for Town of Walton Supervisor, Charles Gregory defeats Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, District Attorney Joe McBride wins the Republican primary, in the city of Norwich; Christine Carnrike won The Republican Primary for Mayor over incumbent Joe Mauirano.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency recently completed a renovation project at the Sidney Industrial Park to ensure the continued growth of Gravity Ciders. The company outgrew their Walton facility; they were looking for a new production and warehousing facility to keep up with the demand of their Awestruck Premium Hard Ciders. The IDA invested $32,000, to keep Gravity Ciders in Delaware County; more information is available at dcecodev.com or 832-5123.

The Delaware county department of corrections will hold the 5th Annual Andrew Brown Memorial Golf Tournament tomorrow, at the Hardwood Hills Golf Course in Masonville. Registration is at 7:30 AM, shotgun start is at 8:30 AM, and money raised will assist Delaware county residents being cared for by Catskill Hospice & Palliative care.

Today is Primary Day in New York State, for those who want to decide on a candidate to represent their political party in the November elections. In Delaware County, The Democratic Party will hold Primaries for Town of Middletown Supervisor between Patrick Davis & Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party will hold a Primary for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position between current Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel and Edward Pick & In the Town of Walton for Town Supervisor, the race is between Charles Gregory & Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, primary races of interest include the republican primary for District Attorney between incumbent Joe McBride and Zachary Wentworth. In the city of Norwich, there is a Republican Primary for Mayor between Incumbent Joe Mauirano & Christine Carnrike.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will operate a statewide Election Day Hotline during the primary election this Thursday, September 10. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, or by emailing the office at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. The Hotline will be available until 9:00 PM. .

The Board of Directors of The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce meet this morning at 9:00 AM at the Barnyard Swing Mini golf and Family Fun Center in Milford, to announce the 16th Annual Small Business of the Year award & the Breakthrough Business of the Year. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Small Business Banquet that will be held on Thursday, October 15th at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division obtained a Search Warrant for the residence of Michael and Toni Spencer of Walton; they seized 10 marihuana plants, processed marihuana, a video surveillance system, growing equipment, firearms and public assistance benefit cards. Investigators charged 47-year-old Michael Spencer, 39-year-old Toni Spencer and 18-year-old Bradley Jackson with Criminal Possession of Marihuana & Unlicensed Cultivation of Cannabis, for allegedly growing and possessing more than 16 ounces of marihuana. All three were arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested 44-year-old Shannon Hunter of Oxford and 45 year old William Miller of Gilbertsville. Deputies stopped a vehicle just off of State Hwy 12 in the Town of North Norwich, Shannon Hunter was found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia, the driver, William Miller was found to be in possession of Hydrocodone pills and drug paraphernalia. Hunter was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Miller was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, both were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $5,000 cash bail.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a late August hit and run accident that has resulted in the closure of the Corbett Bridge spanning the East Branch of the Delaware River in the Town of Colchester. A DOT supervisor discovered recent structural damage to the bridge located at the intersection of Corbett Road and New York State Route 30, a Subsequent inspection by engineers determined that the structural integrity of the bridge was compromised as a result of the accident and the bridge was immediately closed to all traffic. Officials anticipate the bridge will remain closed for an extended period of time for appropriate repairs, they believe the structure was struck by a large vehicle, anyone with information should contact Deputy Christopher Erwin at 287-4756.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a fatal ATV accident off of Apex Road in the Town of Tompkins. Troopers observed 36 year old Keith Stratton of Bellmore, New York deceased in a shallow creek by an overturned ATV. Troopers reported thar he had been at a family party at a home on Apex Road when he decided to take a ride on an ATV, without a helmet. Troopers beleive that he failed to make a right turn and overturned in a nearby creek & was killed on impact. Alcohol was a factor in the accident, he was pronoucned deceased at the scene.

Governor Cuomo today announced that law enforcement agencies in 17 counties participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative would receive $13.3 million to target gun violence and save lives. The initiative requires the use of proven strategies to reduce shootings and firearm-related homicides in communities served by 20 police departments in those counties. Locally, The Binghamton Police Department and Broome County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office will share $393,944.

State Police arrested 27 year old Jonathan Robinson of Oneonta for Resisting Arrest, 2 counts of Criminal Mischief & 3 counts of Harassment. The arrest resulted from a complaint of someone damaging a vehicle and making threats at a residence on County Highway 11 in the Town of Laurens. Robinson is accused of damaging 2 vehicles, threatening people from outside & physically resisting arrest. Robinson was arraigned in the Town of Laurens Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $200 cash bail pending future court action.

The Otsego County District Attorney's office announced the arrest of 54 year old Timothy Gregory of Unadilla for violating his probation. Gregory was convicted 2 years ago of criminal possession of marijuana, he was arrested again last week on similar charges. Gregory is accused of selling marijuana out of his home and business; he appeared in Otsego County Court Friday & was sent to the county jail without bail, pending court action on March 6.

On Friday, State Police arrested 2 Broome County residents on a variety of drug related charges. Arrested were 22 year old Joshua Diaz of Glen Aubrey, & 18 year old Angela Yager of Binghamton, after troopers stopped their vehicle in Johnson City. Troopers confiscated 36 wax envelopes of heroin, approximately 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, packaging material and other methamphetamine manufacturing materials. Both were arraigned & were remanded to the Broome County Jail.

The Chenango county district attorney's office announced the indictment of 2 men Wednesday. THOMAS ACKERMANN was indicted for 4th & 5th degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, SAMUEL ACKERMANN was indicted on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree. Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested the 2 town of Otselic residents for allegedly stealing firearms taken from the town of Smyrna.

State Police from Sidney arrested 29-year-old Robert Utter of Otego for criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal contempt & 2nd degree harassment. The arrest resulted from an Otsego County 911 report of a dispute, the investigation determined that during a dispute Utter allegedly punched and choked his wife. This conduct violated a valid order of protection that was issued against him by the Oneonta Court. Utter was arraigned in Town of Franklin Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $500.00 cash bail.