WCDO Radio News

Binghamton Police & Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak are investigating claims of sexual harassment regarding an owner of the Colonial Restaurant on Court street. The Colonial, and 2 other Binghamton restaurants; Dos Rios Cantina & The Stone Fox Bar & Pizza closed down Friday after the accusations hit social media & The investigations began, Protesters marched outside the Colonial Saturday night. Anyone with information regarding the alleged improprieties should call the detective division at 607- 772-7080.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund will invest $2 billion in an index focused on reducing the risks of climate change and capitalizing on the opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The decision is part of the State Comptroller's Climate Action Plan to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

A.M. NEWS Monday 12-13-21

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has decided to remove the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce as the tourism promotion agent for the County, even as visitor spending & sales tax revenue has increased in recent years, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci told WCDO News Friday that the Chamber Board fears that the decision will hurt the county economy:

(Ray Pucci 12-13-21)

Pucci also said that the chamber has been transparent with their finances, and recent audits showed no issues, Delaware County board of Supervisors Chairperson Tina Mole was unavailable for comment on the Chamber Decision on Friday.

Delaware County Public Health reported another COVID 19 death in their report for Thursday & Friday, the county has had 80 deaths from the pandemic. They had 82 new cases 396 active cases, 6 hospitalized 451 Quarantined, their positivity rate was 10.4%.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 49 year old Gladys McLaughlin of Oneonta following the Execution of an Arrest warrant on November 30th. McLaughlin was charged with Resisting arrest, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, & Harassment, she was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 50 year old Aaron Chianta of Oneonta following the Execution of an Arrest warrant on November 30th. Chianta was charged with Resisting arrest, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, he was released on an appearance to appear in the Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-10-21

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office stated that they were notified this morning by a local school district regarding the social media threat to unnamed schools, regarding possible gun violence at 12:15, but no specific date or school was named. This incident is currently being investigated by not only the Sheriff’s Office but multiple police agencies within and outside of Otsego County. The threat has been received by students at various schools in the area and statewide, the threat appears to be false. Officers communicated with school officials and were present in the areas of all of the schools this morning. Officers will continue to show a police presence & the investigation is ongoing.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced today that the annual Toys For Tots Campaign was wildly successful. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 12-10-21)

Toys for Tots works with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. The Toys for Tots program was created in 1947 and has distributed 584 million toys to date to 265 million children.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-10-21

Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 41 year old Jeremiah Butler of the town of Maryland, following an investigation into a November 13th motor vehicle accident in the Town of Middlefield. Butler was charged with Felony DWI, operating a Motor Vehicle with a BAC of .08 of higher, failure to keep right, speed not reasonable & prudent along with other charges, Butler was released on an appearance tickets for Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older on Saturday, at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus. Johnson & Johnson and Moderna 1st or 2nd shots will be available for walk-ins only, Moderna boosters will be available from 10AM-11AM registration is required at apps2.health.ny.gov. Please bring a copy of your previous shot records to prove eligibility for the booster. For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200

The Otsego County Health Department announced another COVID 19 death in their most recent report released Tuesday. The County had 48 new cases, 208 active cases, 8 are hospitalized, and the 7 day rolling average for positivity rate was 8.5%. Otsego County has had 878 COVID deaths since the pandemic started, 66 of them this year.

Former Broome District Attorney Steve Cornwell's case will be handled by a special prosecutor, instead of by current DA Michael Korchak. The 2 indictments accuse the former DA of public corruption and larceny during his 4-year term in office, Korchak spent 4 years as the chief assistant DA under Cornwell before taking office in January 2020 after a heated election between the 2 prosecutors.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Afton Central School for children 5 and older today in the old gym at Door 13, on Sands Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Registration is available at apps2.health.ny.gov or go to co.chenango.ny.us/public-health and click on the COVID vaccine and scheduling button.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-15-21

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will hold their annual holiday season "Light Up A Life" ornament sale, which will culminate with a special event in December in Norwich, Spokesperson Sarah Greene explains:

(Sarah Greene 10-15-21)

More information about the ornaments can be found at hospicechenango.org, or by calling their offices at 334-3556.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $5 million in additional funding to provide Substance Use Disorder services to incarcerated individuals as part of a new bill mandating County Jails to drug treatment. The new legislation mandates the establishment of programs to provide medication assisted treatment for incarcerated individuals to provide them with the opportunity to treat their addiction & lessen the likelihood that they may suffer a drug-related overdose upon their reentry into society.

The Trial of Donald Reese ended in Chenango County Court, with the jury deciding that Reese was NOT guilty of 1st & 3rd degree rape. Reese was a former Chenango County Sheriff's Department Corrections Officer who was accused of committing rape on September 11, 2019, or a woman he had been dating at the time. Otsego County Court Judge John Lambert presided over the case with Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl prosecuting. Reese resigned from his position after his arrest by Norwich City Police.

State Police & Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a tractor trailer with scrap metal crashing & landing on its side Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred at about 1:00 PM, on I-88 near and Interstate 81 in the town of Chenango. Some of the scrap metal wound up on an embankment near the Comfort Inn Hotel the unidentified driver was treated for back pain, no tickets have been issued.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today an uptick in COVID 19 cases in the County over the last week. The Broome County Health Department had 105 new cases in Thursday, the total number of active cases is up to 780, up by 140 in the last week, the 7 day rolling average positivity rate was back up to 6%, and hospitalizations doubled in the last week back up to 92, the percentage of Broome county residents fully vaccinated was 59%.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-15-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the State Environmental Facilities Corporation has approved more than $44 million for drinking water and wastewater projects, with grants, interest-free and low-cost financing. Drinking Water Projects will include the Village of Walton; Clean Water Projects will go to the City of Binghamton and Village of Johnson City.

Candidates running for office in Norwich and Chenango County will meet with their prospective constituents at a public candidates' forum, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 17th at the Norwich American Legion Hall at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich.

Commerce Chenango announced that the effort to strengthen broadband across Chenango County will be getting a $1.9 million assist from the New York State Office of Community Renewal. The Chenango County Board of Supervisors accepted the Community Development Block Grant recently through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or "CARES" Act. Funds will be used to bolster wireless internet in the City of Norwich and the Town of New Berlin, plans call for the installation of wireless antennas atop already existing tall structures within the municipalities.

Sidney Police Department responded early this morning to the area of Great American for a report of a person causing a disturbance. Upon arrival officers located 38 year old Bobbi Worden, who is alleged to have caused damage to a vehicle, she became combative when officers attempted to take her into custody. Worden was charged with Criminal mischief, Resisting arrest, Obstruction of governmental administration, she was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sidney Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-19-21

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Joseph Henahan of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court yesterday, to 10 years in State Prison followed by 15 years of post-release supervision, after being found guilty of 1st degree attempted rape , for trying to arrange a sexual encounter with an 8 year old through social media. The FBI & State Police assisted with the investigation.

The Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight in the East Park in Downtown Norwich with a free show starting at 7:00 PM tonight, with Friday Night's concert at the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich, the Friday show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance. Blues festival Spokesman Eric Larsen told WCDO News that they have a full line up of great acts & all safety protocols are in place:

(Eric Larsen 8-19-21)

Larsen said that the Main show will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds Saturday, tickets will be only be available at chenangobluesfest.org/tickets.

Otsego County's annual Household Hazardous Waste Days will be this Friday & Saturday, for County Residents to properly dispose of items free of charge. Accepted Items this year includes enamel paints, pesticides, Antifreeze, batteries & more. Items can be dropped off Friday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM at the Unadilla Town barn & Saturday at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown, residents are asked to arrive by name, A through H will go from 8:00 to 9:30 AM, I through Q from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, and R through Z from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, more information is available at 547-4225.

State Senator Fred Akshar will continue his district-wide Recovery and Reopening Tour at 4 locations in Greene today. Akshar will stop at the Ball Flats, The Silo Restaurant, The Greene Bowlodrome & Chenango Sales; to discuss how the state can better assist them recover from the crippling pandemic. Business owners who would like a visit from Senator Akshar are encouraged to sign up online at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov to add their business to the Tour. Senator Akshar's staff will then contact them to schedule a visit.

Catholic Charities Sidney office is taking pre-registration through tomorrow for their School Supplies & Backpack Program for the 2021-2022 school year. Households who have children enrolled in the Sidney Central School district and meet our income requirements may qualify for FREE school supplies and backpack, call 604-4071 for more information.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that State Route 206, between the Village of Walton and Lower Third Brook Road, was closed to traffic for several hours Tuesday morning as a result of a tractor trailer accident. At approximately 9:30 am., Tuesday morning, Deputies, members of the Walton Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Squad and State DOT workers responded, the driver, 59 year-old Rogelio Rodriguez, of Decatur, Indiana, was driving an empty milk tanker when he momentarily took his eyes off the road causing the truck to strike the guide cables and a tree. Rodriquez was not injured in the collision.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a Downsville man is facing a charge of criminal contempt following a report of a domestic dispute in the Town of Colchester. On Tuesday evening, Deputies responded in the Town of Colchester, 53 year-old Michael Colao, of Downsville violated the terms of an order of protection issued by Delaware County Family Court. Colao was charged with criminal contempt, he was released & will appear in the Colchester Town Court on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year-old Shawn Zimmerman, of Gloversville, for endangering the welfare of a child and forcible touching, Zimmerman is accused of inappropriately touching a juvenile female in the Village of Stamford. Zimmerman was arraigned in the Town of Harpersfield Court where he was issued a temporary order of protection prohibiting him from having contact with the victim, he was released in his own recognizance pending a future appearance in that court.

Due to an increased spread of COVID-19, Chenango County is requiring mandatory face masks in all County Buildings and Offices at the start of business on Monday, August 16, 2021. All employees and members of the public (vaccinated and unvaccinated) fall under this requirement. It is also at this time recommended that Chenango County businesses, organizations and schools immediately implement a face mask requirement for their vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, patrons and students.

Otsego County is currently at a SUBSTANTIAL level of community transmission, and is on the verge of becoming HIGH level of community transmission. CDC & Otsego County Department of Health recommends everyone to wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others. This week there have been several cases of individuals having a repeat COVID-19 infection. This occurs when someone is infected with COVID-19 and 90 or more days later tests positive again for COVID-19. These repeat infections are mostly occurring in unvaccinated individuals. This reinforces that immunity from natural infection diminishes after 90 days. It is important if you have had COVID-19 and are not vaccinated please consider getting vaccinated to prevent a reinfection. In Otsego County. there are 82 active cases, 19 new cases reported today, with 5 hospitalized, there have been 2614 total cases in 2021.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-12-21

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal motorcycle crash Tuesday night in West Corners at Glendale Drive & Campville Road at 11:44 pm. 42-year-old Jason Krissel of the Town of Union was ejected off of his motorcycle & was pronounced dead, Krissel applied the brakes aggressively at the intersection, after traveling at a high rate of speed. The investigation is continuing.

The State Education Department today released a health and safety guide to help schools and school districts as they plan for the 2021-22 school year. The guide provides strategies, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, to position schools and districts to manage the risks for students and staff from COVID-19. The health and safety guide, as well as other back to school resources, are available on the Department’s Back to School website.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Center in Oneonta remains closed today due to a water outage. Officials say all patients with scheduled appointments will continue to be contacted by their provider’s offices. Pharmacy patients are encouraged to call the Cooperstown clinic at 607-547-5127 for medication assistance.

PM NEWS THURSDAY 8/5/21

AN ENDICOTT MAN WAS ARRESTED FOLLOWING A BANK ROBBERY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AT THE NBT BANK BRANCH ON ROBINSON STREET IN BINGHAMTON. 24 YEAR OLD NYQUAN WILLIAMS WAS CHARGED WITH ROBBERY IN THE FIRST DEGREE AND CRIMINAL USE OF A FIREARM. WILLIAMS WAS SPOTTED RIDING A BICYCLE AND AFTER A BRIEF STRUGGLE, HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. OFFICERS RECOVERED 60 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH AND A LOADED HANDGUN. POLICE THEN EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT WILLIAM'S RESIDENCE AND FOUND SEVERAL PIECES OF EVIDENCE RELATED TO A JULY 2ND BANK ROBBERY AT THE NBT BANK BRANCH IN JOHNSON CITY. JOHNSON CITY POLICE HAVE CHARGED HIM WITH ROBBERY IN THE FIRST DEGREE AND CRIMINAL USE OF A FIREARM IN THAT JULY BANK ROBBERY. IN TOTAL, WILLIAMS IS FACING FIVE CHARGES. POLICE ARE STILL INVESTIGATING BOTH BANK ROBBERIES.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SIDNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT CHILDREN. CHILDREN MUST BE 5 YEARS OLD ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1ST 2021 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR KINDERGARTEN THIS YEAR. A CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE, IMMUNIZATION RECORDS AND PROOF OF RESIDENCY MUST BE PRESENTED. PARENTS SHOULD CALL TAMMY OSBORNE AT 561-7728 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING DEPUTY SHERIFF EXAM IN DELAWARE COUNTY. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE DELAWARE COUNTY PERSONNEL OFFICE IN DELHI NO LATER THAN 4:30PM ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11TH. INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON LINE AT DEL CO NY DOT US. THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY TEST WILL BE GIVEN ON SEPTEMBER 18TH.

WORK CONTINUES TODAY ON THE CATCH BASIN REPLACEMENT NEAR THE ONEONTA CITY HALL PARKING LOT. SOUTH MAIN STREET IS CLOSED AND MOTORISTS ARE ASKED TO DRIVE WITH CAUTION THRU TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING THE ONEONTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE AT 432-2100.

.M. NEWS 8-5-21

The mobile screening coach will be at the Morris Fairgrounds during the Otsego County Fair Today, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with free mammograms and Pap tests to women 40 and over. Appointments can be made by calling the Cancer Services Program at 1-888-345-0225.

IN LIGHT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S REPORT ON GOVERNOR CUOMO, A DOWNSTATE ASSEMBLYMAN IS URGING ASSEMBLY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN HIM ON 2 PIECES OF LEGISLATION. ASSEMBLYMAN MIKE LAWLER FROM ROCKLAND COUNTY WANTS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE MARIO M. CUOMO BRIDGE BACK TO THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE. AND HIS SECOND PIECE OF LEGISLATION WOULD ESTABLISH CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR RETALIATION AGAINST STATE EMPLOYEES.

Chenango Sheriff's office arrested a Village of Sherburne man for Rape in the First Degree and Rape in the Third Degree. The Detectives Division arrested Jason L. Fowlston, age 44 of the Village of Sherburne for multiple counts of Rape in the First Degree and Rape in the Third Degree. The arrest stemmed from acomplaint received involving an alleged forcible rape of a person under the age of 17 multiple times, over the course of several months. Fowlston is currently at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office awaiting arraignment.

The City of Oneonta will continue work on the catch basin replacement near the exit of the City Hall parking lot on South Main St through Friday, August 6th. Work will begin around 7:00am and conclude by 3:30pm. South Main St will be closed to local traffic only. Please use caution and obey all temporary traffic control devices. For more information, please contact the Department of Public Service at 432-2100 or dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us (mailto:dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us).

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 8-3-21

State Attorney General Letitia James announced the results of a report from independent counsel Ann Clark & Joon Kim, regarding allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo:

(Letitia James 8-3-21)

Governor Cuomo issued a response Tuesday afternoon denying the charges in the report:

(Cuomo 1)

Cuomo said that his physical presence is a misunderstood cultural tradition in his family:

(Cuomo 2)

Governor Cuomo said that he is not stepping down; Attorney General James said that next steps are up to Governor Cuomo, the State Assembly, and the general public, but her office's investigation is considered to be over.  State Leaders from both parties are calling for the Governor Cuomo's resignation.

The Deadline is approaching on August 13th for Sidney Central School District to get a free backpack with school supplies, from Catholic Charites in Sidney, spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 8-3-21)

More information is available by calling the Catholic Charities Sidney Office in the Civic Center at 604-4071.

The Otsego County Health Department announced 2 COVID 19 Vaccination opportunities this week at the Otsego County Fair.  The shots will be available at the Walk up EMT tent today & Friday from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM. More information is available by calling the Otsego County Department of Health at 547-4230

WCDO News has learned that a motocross rider at Unadilla Valley Motocross in New Berlin died as a result of his injuries sustained in an accident at the track Sunday.  Ed Ladd of Hudson Falls New York passed away from severe injuries at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, Ladd was an organ donor & there will be a "Hero Walk" in his honor At Wilson Hospital at 7:00 PM, those wishing to participate should be at the hospital at 6:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-3-21

The Otsego County Fair begins today at the fairgrounds in Morris, spokesperson Lisa Jones told WCDO News about changes with their new box office:

(Lisa Jones 8-2-21)

Today is Dollar Day, with Admission Only $1.00.  The fair runs through Sunday, more information is available at Otsegocountyfair.org.

Delaware County Public Health will have a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at The Sidney Fire Station.  More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-16-21

Governor Cuomo will be interviewed by investigators Saturday by the State Attorney General's Office regarding several allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.  Cuomo acknowledge that he may make people uncomfortable but denied allegations of wrongdoing, many lawmakers have asked Cuomo to resign.

The Susquehanna SPCA in Otsego County will host their Ribbon Cutting & Open House at their brand new facility Tomorrow about 1 mile north of the old facility on State Highway 28 in Cooperstown, Director Stacie Haynes told WCDO News that they did a lot of preplanning to get this new facility right:

(Stacie Haynes 7-16-21)

The open house runs from 10:00AM to 4:00 PM, tomorrow, Haynes said that they started moving into the new facility earlier this week, more information is available at 547-8111.

The Greater Binghamton Airshow is this weekend at the Greater Binghamton Airport on Saturday and Sunday, with the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as "The Thunderbirds".  The airshow runs from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM both days, more information is available at binghamtonairshow.com

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-16-21

State Police arrested 49 year old Robert Coleman of McDonough and 43 year old Billie Harris of McDonough for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop, both Coleman and Harris were in possession of firearms; they cannot legally possess firearms since they have been previously convicted of a crime.  Both were arraigned, Harris was released on her own recognizance; Coleman was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

The Unadilla Valley Central School District will host a 5K run/walk at 9:00 AM tomorrow for 14 year old Cooper Hine, who is a Unadilla Valley 8th Grader, who was seriously injured in an ATV crash in New Berlin recently.  Another fundraising chicken barbecue and Chinese auction will follow at the South New Berlin Fire Department.  Hine has been hospitalized at the Upstate Medical center in Syracuse.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday at the Bloomville Fire Department, on Scotch Hill Road from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  The vaccination clinic is open to people over the age of 18, No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and more information is available by calling Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

The Chenango County Relay For Life will be held on Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, at the East Main Park in Downtown Norwich.  More information is available on the Relay For Life Chenango County Facebook Page.

The 45th Annual Deposit Lumberjack Festival runs today & tomorrow, activities include games, rides, a firework show, live music, parades, and the professional lumberjack competition.  The Festival will also host a mobile vaccination clinic, which is in partnership with the Broome County Health Department; more information is available at the Deposit Lumberjack Festival's Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-13-21

Officials with the Delaware County Fair announced that their Secretary’s office and fair store was broken into and vandalized, Fair Spokesman Jason Craig comments:

(Jason Craig 7-13-21)

Craig said that the Fair Board of Directors is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. The Walton Police Department is investigating and anyone with information can call them at 865-5400 or send us a Facebook message or email to delcofair@gmail.com.

The Ron Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund Annual Tribute and Reunion Fundraising Event will be taking place this Saturday at the Hidden Springs Brewhaus on County Road 31 in Norwich from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm.  Organizer & Local musician Bruce Beadle explains:

(Bruce Beadle 7-13-21)

Beadle said that Tickets are on sale for $15 each pre-sale at the Hidden Springs Brewhaus, The Blarney Stone Pub, Taylor's Country House, Rita's Tavern, the Norwich VFW and the Artist's Palette, tickets will also be available at the gate for $20.  Beadle said that Palmer was a well-known local musician who toured & recorded With the Late Harry Chapin in the 70's, more information about the scholarship or the fundraiser is available at 244-5481.

Attorney Danielle Fogel of Onondaga County announced that she is running for Supreme Court Judge in New York's 5th Judicial District as the Republican candidate.  Fogel's announcement follows former Democratic Congressman Anthony Brindisi's announcement that he will run for the seat.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David announced his intentions today to run for the 52nd District State Senate seat in 2022.  The State Senate Seat will be available next year after current State Senator Fred Akshar's announced that he would run for Broome County Sheriff, instead of for re-election to the State Senate.

Chenango County Public Health announced that a 2nd dose Pfizer clinic will be held today at the former Label Shopper Store in the South Plaza in Norwich.  The Clinic will run from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 337-1660.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-13-21

State Police are investigating multiple burglaries at seasonal residences in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties. 23 year old Christopher Youngs of the town of Maryland and 27 year old John Clark of Morris have been charged with 2nd degree Burglary and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for burglaries in Otsego and Delaware counties.  Youngs was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond.  Clark was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.  The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information should contact State Police at Troop C in Sidney at 561-7400.

State Police arrested 33 year old Johnny Rivera of South Glens Falls for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, following an accident on Delaware County Road 4 in the Town of Sidney.  A trooper found an unoccupied Rent-A-Center Van that crashed into the guide rail, which had been reported stolen from Glens Falls, Rivera was walking away from the scene, he was taken to Tri-Town Hospital for the treatment of injuries then he was arraigned in Sidney Town Court & was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on July 22nd.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded last Thursday to a reported violation of a temporary order of protection in East Branch, 51 year-old Thomas Newman  of Hancock is accused making written contact with the protected party & for allegedly swerving his vehicle towards the protected party, who was walking along State Highway 30.  Newman was charged with 2 counts of criminal contempt & 1 count of harassment, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on Cash Bail pending court action.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-23-21

The trial of Dylan Robinson was turned over to the Jury in Otsego County Court today and they have determined that Robinson is guilty of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree burglary, he was found not guilty on the arson charge.   Robinson was accused of acting with 5 others in killing his father, Kenneth Robinson after robbing him, and then setting the father's house in Worcester on fire in October 2019.

The investigation into an Otsego County Correctional facility suicide of an inmate is ongoing.  The inmate was found unresponsive in his cell on Saturday, corrections officers used a defibrillator and performed CPR until emergency responders arrived, and the inmate was taken to Bassett Hospital & was pronounced dead, the State Commission of Correction and the State Attorney General’s Office are reviewing the death.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the DEC are launching a new loyalty program starting with the 9-month online reservation period for the 2022 camping season. The 2 offices manage 120 campgrounds with 15,000 campsites statewide, Camping reservations can be made online at newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging families to take all necessary steps to secure the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan:

(Gillibrand 6-23-21)

Approximately 3.5 Million New York households are expected to receive benefits without need for further action; more information is available at childtaxcredit.gov.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-23-21

The Local Primary elections results are in:

The Republican primaries in Chenango County: The County Clerk Primary winner is Brian Wessels, the towns of Columbus Supervisor Primary winner is Diane Scalzo, Guilford Town Council Primary winners are Mathew Retz & Thomas Ives, the McDonough Town Clerk Primary winner is Shirley Cook, the Smithville Highway Superintendent Primary winner is Vincent Witkowski, the Town of Norwich Highway Superintendent Primary winner is Barry Christopherson, the City of Norwich Ward 4 Alderman Primary winner is William Loomis.

In the Delaware County Republican primaries: the Colchester Town Council Primary winners are Daniel Pinner & Julie Markert, the Walton Highway Superintendent Primary winner is Jeffrey Offnick.

In the Republican Primaries in Otsego County, the Hartwick Town Supervisor Primary winner is Bryan LoRusso, the 2 Town Council winners are Jonathon Horth & Cindy Carr, the Highway Superintendent winner is Frederick Koffer. The Milford Town Justice Primary Winners were Matthew Kane & Deborah McMullen, The Oneonta Supervisor Primary Winner is Randal Mower, The Otego Town Clerk Primary winner is Terry Horan, the Unadilla Town Clerk Republican Primary Winner is Terry Yoder; there is a tie in the Town Council Republican Primary.  The only Local Democratic Primary was for The County Representative position in District 3, the winner is Caitlin Ogden.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-17-21

Police in Cobleskill arrested 53 year old Raymond George for 1st degree manslaughter, for allegedly driving his vehicle into the Colonial Motel Tuesday, killing fellow Motel resident James Williams, following an argument.  Police reported that 2 dogs were also killed in the incident, 11 people were displaced due to the structural damage to the building.  George was arrested shortly after the incident nearby, Police determined that Williams had been sitting on a bench outside his room with his dogs, when he was struck; he was trapped in the wreckage and was pronounced dead at the scene. George was arraigned and ordered held without bail.  State Police, Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, the Schoharie County District Attorney’s Office and state corrections officials assisted with the investigation.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Joseph Santiago of Burlington following a traffic stop in the Town of Burlington on June 7th.   Santiago was charged with Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument & Criminal Possession Controlled Substance.  The Investigation revealed that Santiago, who was a passenger in the stopped vehicle, was wanted on an active bench warrant issued out of the Town of New Lisbon court, he was found to be in possession of numerous narcotics during the stop.  Santiago was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on the bench warrant; he faces action in Town of Burlington court June 21st.

The Otsego County Department of Health will be holding a Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID Vaccine clinic tomorrow.  The clinic will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department, for those 18 & older, no appointments are necessary; the clinic will be walk in only.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies return to Binghamton to play a 4 game homestand starting tonight against Portland, at the newly renamed Mirabito Stadium.  Team General Manager J.B. Bayne told WCDO News that the COVID guidelines have been changed, and fans can come out to the games like they did before the Pandemic.

(J.B. Bayne 6-17-21)

Information about the team's schedule, ticket prices, promotions & roster are available at BINGRP.com.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-17-21

Frontier Communications reported 2 work vans missing from their property at 2 Oak Avenue in the Village of Sidney on Monday; the vans were recovered Tuesday in a wooded area outside the village.  Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and State Police executed a search warrant of 5 Division Street in Sidney Wednesday; they arrested 47 year old Brian Kingsbury of Sidney & 24 year old Nikita Crumb of Sidney for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Both were arraigned in the Village of Sidney court, Crumb was released on her own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date, Kingsbury was remanded to the Delaware County Jail. The investigation is on-going and more arrests are expected.

State Police continue to investigate a fatal hit and run involving a vehicle that struck 2 bicyclists on Route 26 in Cincinnatus.   The deceased bicyclist is identified as 67 year old Kitt Warren of De Ruyter; the injured bicyclist is identified as 67 year old John Rutan of McGraw, who was taken to Upstate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.  2 other bicyclists were not injured and are identified as a 34-year-old female of Greene, and a 64-year-old male of Cincinnatus.  The operator of the vehicle did not stop; the vehicle was located by a Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputy in the Town of Willet. The investigation is on-going; more will be released when it is available.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce's Third Thursday program continues with Assemblyman Joe Angelino.  The event will run virtually this morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, to register, go to delawarecounty.org.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year old Scott Sieger of Oneonta following an investigation into a Forged Check.   Sieger was charged with Forgery, criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Impersonation, for allegedly forging a stolen check in order to purchase a vehicle, he will appear in Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-29-21

State Police arrested 29 year old Anthony Masi of Sidney, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Forged Instrument, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle on James F. Lettis Highway, Masi failed to comply. Masi was spotted by troopers operating at a high rate of speed in the village of Unadilla. Masi’s vehicle lost a front tire and his vehicle became disabled on Willow Street in the village of Sidney. Masi refused to comply with trooper’s commands and resisted arrest. He was ultimately taken into custody with the assistance of a New York State Police K9. Masi was transported to AO Fox Memorial Hospital. Masi was issued appearance tickets to the town of Oneonta court on April 6th, he was issued an appearance ticket for the misdemeanor of Resisting Arrest to the village of Sidney court on April 22nd. After processing, Masi was released to a sober third party.

State Police arrested 34 year old Jason Manderville of Oneonta for Menacing & Petty Larceny, after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute on Oneida Street in the town of Oneonta. Manderville allegedly threatened a victim with a chainsaw, he was located in a wooded area behind his residence and arrested, & he was processed and virtually arraigned & was released on his own recognizance and order to appear in the town on Oneonta court on April 6, 2021. The victim was issued a stay away order of protection. Later on the same day State Police arrested Manderville for Arson and Criminal Contempt, after Troopers, Oneonta Fire Department and Oneonta EMS were dispatched to a house fire where troopers arrested Manderville a few hours earlier. Troopers located Manderville in a wooded area near State Highway 205 and he was taken into custody. Manderville was arraigned on the new charges & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested a Schenevus man following a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Davenport early Thursday morning. Deputies responded to County Highway 12, they located the driver, 54 year-old Dennis Thompson of Schenevus, who was walking away from the accident scene. Investigation revealed that Thompson was intoxicated at the time of the accident and lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. Thompson was subsequently arrested and charged with the misdemeanor offenses of aggravated driving while intoxicated with BAC of .18% or more and common-law driving while intoxicated, as well as the offenses of moving from lane unsafely and speed not reasonable and prudent. Thompson was issued traffic summonses and was released pending his appearance and arraignment in the Town of Davenport Court on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a vehicle and traffic violation on State Highway 17 in the Town of Deposit on Wednesday morning resulted in the arrest of Pennsylvania man. Deputies observed a vehicle being operated with an inoperable tail light. Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as 25-year-old Nicholas Dunlap of Starlight, Pennsylvania. A routine driver’s license inquiry revealed that Dunlap’s New York State driving privileges were suspended in 2019 for an insurance lapse. Dunlap was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, and insufficient tail lamps. Dunlap’s vehicle was towed from the highway and he was released after being directed to appear in the Town of Deposit Court on a later date to answer the charges.

The Virtual Town Hall with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 8th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. This event is complimentary but registration is REQUIRED, cca.commercechenango.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-29-21

Governor Cuomo, & state leaders announced an agreement on legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. The bill would establish the Office of Cannabis Management to implement a regulatory framework that would cover medical, adult-use and cannabinoid hemp. The bill would also expand New York State's existing medical marijuana and cannabinoid hemp programs. The legislation provides licensing for marijuana producers, distributors, retailers, and other actors in the cannabis market, The legislation has the potential to create Tax collections of $350 million annually, & itr is expected to create 30,000 to 60,000 new jobs.

UHS Chenango Memorial is hosting a pop-up Vaccine Clinic in Afton, in collaboration with Commerce Chenango and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire. The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at the First Baptist Church, 30 Caswell Street in Afton. Anyone who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine can contact Commerce Chenango at commercechenango@gmail.com or by phone at 373-1485 to schedule an appointment.

Delaware County Public Health reported 19 new COVID cases Friday, out of 375 tests. they report 11 hospitalized, 132 active cases & 354 quarantined.

35 year old Kenneth Fink of New Berlin man was arrested Friday on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Chenango County Court following a Sealed indictment. The Chenango County District Attorney's Office presented an Arson case to the Chenango County Grand Jury, Fink was indicted for 3rd degree Arson, Fink was arraigned in the Chenango County Court and released until a later Court date. It is alleged that On March 1, 2020, Kenneth R. Fink set fire to his residence located at 4322 State Highway 80 in the Town of Columbus.

Sidney Police Department responded to a larceny complaint last Monday at a local business. 2 people who were caught on security video committing the crime, Sidney Police Department arrested 30 year old Terence Barrows of Solvay & 46 year old Kimberly Barrows of Illinois, on a variety of charges, Terence Barrows was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Village of Sidney Court at a later date. Kimberly Barrows was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County jail to await extradition to Illinois.

State Police, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Computer Unit arrested 43 year old Charles Rowe of Norwich, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. He was arrested following the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Rowe was arraigned virtually and remanded to the Chenango County Jail.

State Police arrested 62 year old Delos Decker of Bainbridge for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Reckless Endangerment & Criminal Mischief, Decker was involved in a road rage incident on March 19th, He’s accused of shooting at a vehicle, causing damage to the other vehicle’s rear window to shatter then leaving the scene. A tip led investigators to Decker. After an investigation, Decker was arrested by members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Decker was arraigned virtually and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $15,000 bond.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-5-21

It's been a year since Nasir Azmat of Franklin was charged with 40 counts animal cruelty, for having dogs trained for illegal dog fighting housed in deplorable conditions on his property, the dogs were removed to area shelters.  Erin Insinga of the Delaware Valley Humane Society was one of those tasked with removing the dogs & getting them checked up & re-trained to be able to re-home the animals, she gave WCDO an update on the pit bulls & 1 German Shepard, known as the "Franklin 20":

(Erin Insinga 2-5-21)

The COVID 19 pandemic shut down the ability for The Delaware County District Attorney’s office to bring the case before a Grand Jury, Azmat pleaded “not guilty” to all charges on February 27th in Franklin Town Court.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new COVID cases reported today. The Department reported that the daily count of active cases has been steadily declining for the past 2 weeks, the county’s positivity rate was 1.7% Thursday & the 7 day average is 2.7%. Otsego County reported that there were 743 cases reported in January, 6% were college students, 4% were healthcare workers, 13% reside in a residential care facility and 12% are students or staff in k-12 school. There were 11 deaths related to COVID in January, 27% were nursing home residents, 18% were adult home residents, 18% were group home residents and 36% were living at home.

Chenango County Public Health reported their latest COVID 19 numbers today, they had 29 new positive cases, with 25 hospitalized, 139 active cases & 370 quarantined, there have been 1964 recoveries & over 71,600 tests performed.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has investigated a few instances where people have shot & damaged Fiber Optic cables that County residents rely on for Internet, Television & general Information sending & receiving, Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond comments:

(Sheriff DuMond 2-5-21)

Sheriff DuMond said that most of the instances have occurred affected Delhi Telephone & Margaretville Telephone Companies, but the damage disrupted customers all over the county, including various emergency services, including the Sheriff's Department.

Chenango County Health Department recommends that this Sunday, people should refrain from rational Super Bowl Parties, Spokesman Isaiah Sutton explains:

(Isaiah Sutton 2-5-21)

Sutton said that people should also continue to follow the recommendations for social distancing, wearing masks, & indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences is still limited to no more than 10 people in New York State.

Delaware County Public Health reported 13 new COVID cases Thursday out of 264 tested,  there are 16 hospitalized, 90 active cases & 278 quarantined.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-28-21

State Attorney General Letitia James today released a report on her office's ongoing investigations into nursing homes' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. James said that a larger number of nursing home residents died from COVID-19 than the State Department of Health's published nursing home data reflected and may have been undercounted by as much as 50%, and that the Government guidance requiring the admission of COVID patients into nursing homes put all residents & staff at increased risk.  State Assemblyman Joe Angelino comments:

(Angelino 1-28-21)

State Senator Peter Oberacker said that he thinks that The Governor Executive powers need to be scaled back or rescinded & that Health Department Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker needs to resign:

(Senator Oberacker 1-28-21)

The investigations also revealed that nursing homes' lack of compliance with infection control protocols put residents at increased risk of harm, and facilities that had lower pre-pandemic staffing ratings had higher COVID-19 fatality rates. Attorney General James is conducting ongoing investigations into more than 20 nursing homes that had Insufficient personal protective equipment, insufficient COVID-19 testing for residents and staff,  & Governor Cuomo's state reimbursement model for nursing homes gave a financial incentive to owners of for-profit nursing homes to increase their own profit instead of investing in higher levels of staffing and PPE.

Chenango County Public Health reported 2 more COVID 19 deaths today, bringing their total up to 39.  The County reports 179 Active Cases, 512 Quarantines & 17 Hospitalizations.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved of the purchase of property to begin the construction of new Department of Public Works facilities.  Delaware County Public Works Commissioner Sue McIntyre comments:

(Sue McIntyre 1-28-21)

McIntyre said that the projects will be going out for bid shortly; she said that the existing Page Avenue structure in Delhi is beyond the point of repair at a reasonable cost to County Taxpayers.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-28-21

Chenango County Public Health administered 615 doses of Moderna vaccine; they began with the first eligible groups, which included doctors, nurses, as well as law enforcement, fire personnel, EMS & adult care facilities.  Clinics were also held at the Broad Street Methodist Church & Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford.

The Sidney Central School District reported 2 positive COVID-19 cases, 1 teacher and 1 Kindergarten student have tested positive. The last time the student was on campus was Wednesday, January 20th.  The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time. The exposure has been minimized in this case

Delaware County Public Health reported 15 new COVID cases Wednesday; they report 20 hospitalizations, 163 active cases & 329 quarantined.

Otsego County Health Department reported 20 new COVID cases Wednesday, with 17 hospitalized & 1 new death reported.  The County has had 9 deaths since January 1st & 28 since last spring.