WCDO Radio News

28-year-old Devan Ellsworth of Norwich has been indicted for manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, for allegedly causing the death of his 20-month-old daughter in August in Norwich. Ellsworth was originally charged with assault following the August 27th incident, where first responders were called to Ellsworth’s home on Henry Street following the report of an unresponsive child, who died the following day in a Syracuse hospital. Ellsworth remains held in the Chenango county jail pending court action.

The Delaware County Board of Elections Office will be open extra hours in the days leading up to the General Elections on November 6th. Added Hours will be tomorrow, October 27th & Saturday November 3rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and Thursday November 1st until 7 p.m. for absentee voting. More information is available at 832-5321 or stop at the office at 3 Gallant Avenue, in Delhi, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, voters can view sample ballots at the Board of Elections website: www.co.delaware.ny.us/departments/elec/elec.htm

The 2nd annual “Scare Fest” will be held on Saturday at 12:00 Noon at the Otsego County Fair Grounds in Morris. Events planned are Hayrides, pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling and trick-or-treating on the fairgrounds from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. There will also be Food vendors, craft vendors & a face painting. more information is available at the Otsego County Fair Facebook page.

The Otsego County Democratic committee announced that they will hold their annual dinner and Silent Auction on September 8th at the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta. The special guest will be 19th congressional District candidate Antonio Delgado, who is running against Republican incumbent John Faso in November.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that 31 year old Brett Poyer of Port Crane pleaded guilty today to all charges, Poyer was due to stand trial in Broome County Court today. Poyer pleaded guilty to 2nd & 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and 3 counts of criminal use of drug Paraphernalia. Poyer was arrested for allegedly operating a Methamphetamine ring that sold Meth along the East Coast; he faces sentencing on October 18th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Deontre Samuels of Lebanon, Illinois, Thursday for Criminal Mischief and Harassment, following the report of a Domestic incident at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. It is alleged that Samuels engaged his female partner in a physical domestic dispute and also caused damage to the property of the victim. Samuels was arraigned at the Village of Walton Court, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2000 cash or $4000 bond, pending Action in Village of Walton Court at a later date.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast will be held at Delaware County FoodWorks+, 27905 State Highway 28 in Andes on Sept. 7 from 8:30 - 10 a.m. The guest speaker for September's event will be Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, The event Cost is $10 per person and it is sponsored by the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency. More information is available at delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281.

State Police & Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36 year old Christopher Pashley of Franklin & 23 year old Samantha Ryan of Walton, for allegedly taking property in the towns of Franklin, Unadilla and Sidney. Pashley was arrested for 2 counts of 3rd degree Burglary & 5 counts of Petty Larceny; Ryan was arrested for the Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Falsifying Business Records. Pashley is accused of stealing items, while Ryan allegedly sold them to Otsego Auto Crushers. Pashley was arraigned in the town of Unadilla Court; he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond. Ryan was released on an appearance tickets returnable to the town of Davenport Court on August 28th.

Due to some muddy conditions in the parking area of the Delaware County Fairgrounds, officials have decided to arrange for shuttle busses to bring people into the park from outside parking areas, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 8-15-18)

All of the scheduled events will go on as planned today; the information is available at delawarecountyfair.org.

The Chenango County Blues Fest is bringing the top blues acts from all over to the Chenango County fairgrounds Friday & Saturday, spokesman Eric Larsen comments:

(Eric Larsen 8-15-18)

Friday's line-up is free; Tickets for Saturday's events are still available at chenangobluesfest.org

State Police at Deposit arrested 22 year old Mark Rodriguez of Jersey City, New Jersey for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Reckless Endangerment & Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle. Rodriguez was arrested after he led troopers on a pursuit through several different jurisdictions, with 2 female occupants in the vehicle, including a 16-year-old. Rodriguez was arraigned in the village of Hancock Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,000 cash bail or $15,000 bond.

Main Street Oneonta businesses are reminded to attend the 3rd information session, related to the Downtown Oneonta Improvement Fund this morning, at 9:00 AM, at the Otsego County Chamber offices located on the 5th floor at 189 Main Street. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the City of Oneonta Downtown Improvement Fund, which is a grant program developed for the City of Oneonta to provide property and business owners a flexible funding mechanism to improve properties located within the Downtown DRI boundaries. More information is available at 267-4010 Extension 103.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has declared a State of Emergency in Broome County because of flooding and damaged roadways. The emergency orders dictate No recreational use of waterways, & do not drive on flooded roadways. Broome County encourages residents to monitor the weather forecast and road conditions frequently & they can also register for New York Alert at NYAlert.gov. Garnar said that The State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

Julian VanCourt-Wels pleaded guilty to 1st degree Assault, after he accepted a plea deal from the Otsego County District Attorney’s office, back in December; VanCourt-Wels stabbed his girlfriend in the face multiple times at their Maple Street apartment in Oneonta. Vancourt-Wels will serve 10 years in a State correctional facility as part of the plea bargain arrangement.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 48 year old Roy Cullen of Arkville, on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, DWI, unlicensed operator, and moving from lane unsafely following a report of car into a tree in the Town of Middletown. Cullen was arraigned at Hamden Town Court, he was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to re-appear at Hamden Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Officials with the Delaware County Fair announced that the Hero's parade has been cancelled tonight due to the weather making it unsafe for large apparatus and marchers. Fair Spokesman Jason Craig comments:

(Jason Craig 8-14-18)

The Fair is still open for most other scheduled activities & events at the Fairgrounds today, the entire schedule is available at delawarecountyfair.org.

The interactive presentation, known as "Shawna Has a Secret” will be presented tonight at the Unatego Junior- Senior High School, mainly for the parents of Unatego Athletes. Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards comments:

(Dave Richards 8-14-18)

The presentation begins at 6:00 PM; it is brought to Unatego through the efforts of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addiction for Otsego County.

The next Otsego County Rabies Vaccination clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets, will be held tonight at NEAWHA Park Pavilion in Oneonta from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding of Norwich received 20 years to life in prison for 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree rape, in Chenango County Court Monday. Rundstrom-Wooding accepted a plea deal from the Chenango County District Attorney's Office for the rape & murder of 11 year old Jacelyn O'Connor on July 30, 2017. James Brower will be tried for his role in the case at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s department arrested 2 Otsego County residents on drug charges Friday, following the execution of a search warrant on a vehicle in the Town of Sidney. Investigators arrested 30 year old Lisa Hayslip of Oneonta and 30 year old William Katalinas of Unadilla for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Hayslip and Katalinas are accused of possessing heroin with the intent to sell. Deputies seized heroin, Suboxone, drug packaging paraphernalia and approximately $200 cash. Hayslip and Katalinas were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Sidney Court Wednesday. Additional charges will be filed shortly.

The Greene Fire Department announced that Chenango County road 2 between Route 12 and Route 206 is closed, Officials said that flash flooding washed out the road, make it impassable until further notice.

The 132nd Delaware County Fair gets underway at the fairgrounds in Walton today, spokesman Jason Craig comments:

(Jason Craig 8-13-18)

The Fair runs through Saturday night, this year's Saturday night concert is by country performer Terri Clark. Full details are available at delawarecountyfair.org.

State Police arrested 23 year old Daniel Shelton of Unadilla for DWI after Troopers were dispatched by Delaware County 911 to a report of a vehicle in the median on Interstate 88. Troopers learned that Shelton was traveling in a westerly direction when he veered to the right, struck a guiderail then crossed back toward the median. Shelton was arrested & was released to a sober third party and will appear in the town of Sidney Court on August 23rd.

The Otsego County health Department reported that a raccoon in the town of Mt. Vision, tested positive for rabies last week. The raccoon attacked a dog on Wednesday, 1 person came in contact with the raccoon while attempted the save the dog. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations, and required a booster that evening. The next rabies clinic in Otsego County will be Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Neahwa Park in Oneonta.

The Otsego County fair is underway through this Sunday at the fairgrounds in Morris. Country Music performer Keith Anderson will be on stage tonight, Fair spokesperson Lisa Jones comments:

(Lisa Jones 8-1-18)

The full schedule for all of the events is available at otsegocountyfair.org.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office was alerted of an alleged abduction last night at about 9:30 PM in Smithville Flats. This morning, the victim, 20 year old Katelyn Nielsen of Smithville Flats, the suspect 46 year old Calvin Burlingame of Newark Valley & his vehicle were all located in Broome County. Deputies reported that Nielsen was unharmed, the investigation is continuing, anyone with information can call 337-1863.

Oneonta officials invite Main Street businesses to an information session related to the Downtown Oneonta Improvement Fund on Friday at 8:30 AM at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce offices at 189 Main Street in Oneonta. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Improvement Fund, which is a grant program to provide property and business owners a flexible funding mechanism to improve properties located within the Downtown DRI boundaries. The deadline for any signage applications is August 31. RSVP's are requested by this Thursday at 267-4010 Extension 103 or by e-mail baheegan@otsegocc.com

The Otsego County fair is underway today through this Sunday at the fairgrounds in Morris. Entertainment this year includes Country Music performer Keith Anderson, a Monster Truck Show and the Burpee Petting Zoo, the full schedule is available at otsegocountyfair.org.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is having its 32 Annual Golf Tournament, to be held on Thursday, August 9th, at the Oneonta Country Club. Shot gun starts at 10:00a.m. Registration starts at 9:00am. Interested participants can Register Online at otsegocc.com.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, whis is a leading expert on human aggression & violent crime, will address area school officials & law enforcement officials at the Sherburne Earlville High School tomorrow, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood comments:

(Sheriff Hood 7-19-18)

The discussion will be held from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, more information is available by email Naylor.c.j74@gmail.com.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27 year old Shane Tweedie of Hamden for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Menacing, Reckless Endangerment & 2 counts of Harassment, following a report that Tweedie allegedly threatened to stab 2 people with a knife, leaving the scene & leading to a manhunt. Tweedie was arraigned at the Town of Delhi Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000.00 cash bail.

The 171st Chenango County Fair will be held at the Fairgrounds in Norwich next month, with a wide variety of Activities, according to spokesperon mary Weidman comments:

(Mary Weidman 7-19-18)

The Chenanngo County Fair runs from August 7th through the 12th this year.

State Police arrested 34 year old Gabriel McKown of Guilford for 2nd degree Burglary. Troopers began an investigation after a complainant in Union reported that McKown had unlawfully entered their residence without permission on several occasions. McKown was arraigned in the town of Union Court. He was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $2,000 cash bail or $5,000 bond.

State Police at Deposit arrested 55 year old Thomas Leonard of Hancock for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. A trooper on patrol observed Leonard operating a vehicle with an expired registration and what appeared to be a photocopy of an inspection sticker. After a traffic stop was initiated, an investigation led to the trooper locating drugs in Leonard’s possession. He was subsequently arrested and arraigned in the village of Hancock Court. Leonard was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Solid Waste Facility Director Susan McIntyre and staff at the Center, on State Highway 10 in Walton, for a public open house on Saturday, August 11 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. There will be guided tours of the compost facility and recycling center where people can see how solid waste is handled through the sustainable practices of composting, recycling and resource recovery. Reservations are NOT required. For more information visit delawarecounty.org.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Will hold a celebration of the county’s Sustainable Success today with a networking reception at 5:45 PM at The Oneonta Municipal Airport; for a Summer Soiree followed by dinner and awards.

470 New York State municipalities have adopted tobacco-free outdoor area policies, 2 recent examples are the Town of Stamford and Village of Delhi in Delaware County. Both municipalities recently worked with Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, spokesperson Linda Wegner comments:

(Linda Wegner 7-6-18)

The use of tobacco products is prohibited on any present and future parks, recreation areas, trails and events under the jurisdiction of the Town of Stamford & the Village of Delhi, Tobacco products are defined as any manufactured product containing tobacco or nicotine including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, Snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, e-cigarettes and vape pens.

The 129th Afton Fair begins today at the fairgrounds, organizer Rhonda Barriger told WCDO News about events on the weekend:

(Rhonda Barriger 7-6-18)

This Year’s Afton Fair will run today through Sunday, the full schedule is available at theaftonfair.com.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 71 year old Phyllis Brown of Denver, New York for DWI, failure to maintain lane and failure to notify DMV change of address. The arrest was the result of a civilian report that Brown was driving erratically in the Village of Margaretville, nearly causing multiple collisions in the opposing lane of travel. Brown was released and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

Norwich Police and the Chenango County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of 37 year old Andres Figueroa & 46 year old Lourdes Medina of Norwich on charges of Criminal sales of a controlled substance & criminal nuisance. Police investigated narcotics sales starting in May & they executed a 'No-knock' search warrant at a North Broad Street apartment. Figueroa and Medina were sent to the Chenango County Jail, Figueroa on $50,000 bail and Medina on $20,000 bail, pending action in Norwich City Court on Wednesday.

33 year old Sean Martin of Binghamton was sentenced Monday in Chenango County Court to 90 days in jail & 5 years post-release Supervision, for driving drunk during a 1 vehicle crash that killed his brother. Martin pleaded guilty in April to vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated, in connection with the September 24th 2017 crash on State Highway 41 in the Town of Greene

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28 year old Tara Doring of Franklin, on 1 count of criminal obstruction of breathing, 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, 1count of harassment & 1 count of trespassing, Doring is accused of being was involved in a physical altercation with another individual while four young children were present. Doring was arraigned and was released on her own recognizance, she is scheduled to reappear at the Town of Kortright court at a later date.

The 129th Afton Fair will be held next month at the fairgrounds, organizer Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 6-26-18)

This Year’s Afton Fair will run from July 6th through the 8th.

The City of Oneonta is applying for grant assistance through the State DOT Aviation Capital Grant Program for the purposes of replacing the airport’s existing aircraft fuel farm with two new 12,000 gallon tanks in a new location remote from the terminal building. The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is seeking public support for the project; more information for those wanting to assist can call the chamber at 267-4010.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Department Investigators arrested 37 year old Amber Potts of Margaretville, on a Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrant issued by Delaware County Court. Potts was charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Hydrocodone on 3 occasions, from her Village of Margaretville residence. Potts was arraigned and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility with no bail; more arrests and additional charges related to this investigation are anticipated.

State Police arrested 53 year old John Nitz of Streamwood, Illinois for DWI, Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and several other traffic tickets. Troopers were dispatched to a 2-car motor vehicle accident in the town of Pittsfield, where a vehicle towing a camper struck a truck parked on Texas Hill Road and never stopped. Nitz was arrested and arraigned in the town of Morris Court; he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Harpersfield for a report of horses in the roadway. Deputies found several horses without proper feed and water, as well as a downed horse that had to be euthanized by its owner. It was further determined that the horses had not received any veterinary care for an extended period of time. Deputies arrested 46 year old Eric Palmatier, 24 year old Francis Thomas, 20 year old Amanda Thomas and 19 year old Erica Palmatier, all of Harpersfield, with failure to provide proper food and drink to animals and failure to provide proper sustenance to animals.

Walton Town Supervisor Charles Gregory has died of a heart Attack, according to the Delaware County Board of Supervisors Clerk’s Office. Gregory became Walton Supervisor in 2016; he previously served as a Walton Village Trustee and served in the Walton Fire Department.

The Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 45 year old Shannon Callahan of Binghamton was indicted by a Grand Jury on a number of charges including Attempted 2nd degree Murder, 1st degree assault plus a weapons charge, for allegedly slashing his girlfriend's throat with a Box Cutter during a domestic dispute on May 22nd in Binghamton. Callahan faces arraignment on the charges shortly, he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds returns to the Chenango County Fairgrounds on July 4th, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 6-20-18)

Tickets are available locally at Blue Ox Store, or at the gate the day of the show.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 37 year old Heather Koncelik of Worcester on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers arrested Koncelik after she was found to have heroin and suboxone in her possession in the town of Worcester. Koncelik was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder announced that confidential tips provided by the residents of the southern tier have led to the capture of Noah Venth-Costick. On Wednesday morning, the Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division received information that Venth-Costick was hiding out in a residence in Afton. The Warrants Division observed a vehicle enter the driveway which was occupied by Venth-Costick, he was arrested without incident, and he was transported to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility where he is being held without bail.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Robert West of New Berlin for allegedly sending messages of a sexual nature to the child by Snapchat. West has been charged with 2nd-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, & 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. West was arraigned in North Norwich town court and sent to Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail.

State police arrested Charles Walsh of Sidney on charges of assault, criminal nuisance & unlawful possession of a firearm, & criminal possession of marijuana following an investigation into a domestic dispute in the village of Sidney. Walsh is accused of striking a person & burning a telephone cord to prevent that victim from calling police. Walsh was arraigned & remanded to the Delaware county jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 57 year old David Bailey of Sidney on charges of sexual abuse, & endangering the welfare of a child. Bailey is accused of inappropriately touching a child, and sending inappropriate messages to the same child on social media, he was arraigned & was sent to the Delaware County jail on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond pending future court action.

17 year old Michael Stimpson of Laurens was indicted by an Otsego County Grand Jury on 4 counts of 1st degree sexual abuse. Stimpson is accused of inappropriately touching a child under the age of 11; he faces arraignment on the charges shortly.

The 129th Afton Fair will be held next month at the fairgrounds, organizer Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 6-14-18)

This Year's Afton Fair will run from July 6th through the 8th.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor local businesses at their 2018 Business Awards today at 5:30 pm at Delaware County FoodWorks+, in Andes. This year's Business of the Year is the Delaware County Broadband Initiative, which is collaboration by Delaware County Electric Cooperative, Delhi Telephone & Margaretville Telephone Company. The New Business of the Year is Catskills Regional Harvest, the Tourism Award goes to Delaware and Ulster Railroad & Business Advocate of the Year is JIM DOIG President, SFCU. More information is available at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested 48 year old Jason Lupo of Delhi for 3rd degree Assault, following a domestic dispute. Lupo was arranged in Town of Delhi Court and released to reappear at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 911 call of a domestic dispute April 29th at the East Branch Motel in Hancock. Deputies were notified that the victim had escaped from the suspect and was now locked in another room of the motel, she was removed from the scene and transported to Delaware Valley Hospital where she was treated for her injuries and later released. Deputies found 31 year old Donald Ostrander of Deposit in a wooded area, he was charged with Burglary, Strangulation, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Menacing, Unlawful imprisonment, Criminal mischief & assault, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail pending further court action.

The Office of General Services will collect worn and tattered flags at various locations statewide so that they can be properly retired, they will be disposed of as part of the Memorial Watchfire hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 103, on Sunday, May 27th, 2018 at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. More Information is available at cnyvva103.org/watchfire

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 25 year old Damian Bouton of Oneonta; following a dog complaint in the Town of Laurens. Bouton abandoned a brindle pit-bull mix, the animal is now in the care of the Pittsfield Vet Clinic. Bouton will appear in the Town of Laurens Court on Thursday to answer to the charge of Abandonment of an Animal.

Dutchess County Executive & leading Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Marcus Molinaro released his 2017 tax returns over the weekend. Molinaro & his wife earned $174,048 last year, most of it as the Dutchess County executive, and from a rental property. Currently he is the only remaining Republican looking to challenge Andrew Cuomo for Governor this year. Democratic candidate; actress cynthia Nixon released her tax returns Friday, she earned about 1.5 Million dollars last year, through investments & acting & royalties, she gave $53,000 to various charities. Governor Cuomo's returns showed that he had $212,000 in income and a combined tax bill of $55,000 in 2017; He gave $11,000 in charitable contributions.

Republican Annie Rabbitt announced her campaign for the 42nd State Senate District today, seeking to replace the retiring John Bonacic. Rabbitt has served as County Clerk of Orange County, also in the New York State Assembly, on the Warwick Town Board, Greenwood Lake Village Board and as President of the Greenwood Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Delaware County will be held tomorrow at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton. The events will run from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, more information is available at relay for life.org/Delaware county NY.

Retired state trooper Bob Fernandez recently announced that he is running for Otsego County Sheriff this year, on Saturday, he will kick off his campaign at the Oneonta Veterans Club on Chestnut Street starting at 1:00 PM. The event is free; more information is available at fernandezforsheriff.com