WCDO Radio News

The Chenango County Historical Society's 2025 Parade of Trees is continuing. Vote for your favorite tree by making an online donation at chenangohistorical.org/2025paradeoftrees. Whichever tree accumulates the greatest total, between virtual and in-person contributions, by the conclusion of the contest on December 31st, will be the winner. The winning tree’s earnings will be split evenly between the Organization and the Historical Society.

A.M. NEWS Friday 12-19-25

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Saturday to a motor vehicle accident in Walton. 36-year-old Robert Wickham of Walton, had left the scene of the accident, Upon completion of the investigation, Deputies arrested Wickham for DWI, Driving with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident, Fail to Keep Right and Speed not Reasonable and Prudent, among other charges, Wickham was released on appearance tickets was directed to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

Tickets for Jerry Seinfeld at the Broome County Forum Theatre on April 24, 2026 go on sale today. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM at Ticketmaster.com and at the Mirabito Box Office located at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

This weekend at the Otsego County Fairgrounds, will be the Holiday of Lights, where the whole fairgrounds transforms into a glowing Christmas village. People can Drive through the stunning light display, then park and walk into Santa’s Village for treats, cocoa, photos, The display will be available December 19 to the 23 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, online tickets can be found at qrco.de/HOLIDAYOFLIGHTS

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-5-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced an 8 count indictment has been filed against 54 year old Joseph Bellows of Downsville, from the crash that occurred in Hancock on July 17th, that resulted in the death by electrocution of East Branch Assistant Fire Chief Jason McGlone. Bellows was charged with Speeding, Driving While Intoxicated, Using a Cell Phone while Driving, Criminal Mischief, Vehicular Manslaughter and 2nd degree Manslaughter. DA Smith said that the most serious charge of 2nd degree Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in jail if Bellows is convicted.

The next Comedy Night will be held Saturday night at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, with a special guest in the Gallery before the show, according to spokesperson Tracy Marcellus explains:

(Tracy Marcellus 9-5-25)

There will also be Comedians from North Country Stand Up Comedy Saturday Night, according to spokesperson Amy Williams:

(Amy Williams 9-5-25)

Doors open at 7:00 PM, tickets are available at the door or at mikaelgregg.com.

A.M. NEWS Friday 9-5-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Christopher Romain of Edmeston and 41 year old Kristin Natterer of Edmeston, following an Animal Cruelty investigation. Romain was charged with 1 count of Torturing/Injuring/Failure to Provide Sustenance to Animals, while Natterer faces 11 counts. The Investigation revealed that the pair were housing numerous emaciated dogs at the residence The dogs were seized and the defendants were taken in to custody, were processed and issued Appearance Tickets returnable to the Town of Edmeston Court at a later date. All of the animals were turned over to the Susquehanna SPCA where they are currently receiving medical attention.

Chenango County Health Department reminds area residents that a free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets will be held Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. the clinic runs from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, pre-registration is required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic, more information is available at 607-337-1673.

The Tri County Chapter of New York State Women Incorporated is hosting an AMBA Blood Screening Clinic Saturday, at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street, from 6:00 to 10:00 AM. Interested Participants must have a prescription from their Doctor and appointments must be made at 1-800-234-8888.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-6-25

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a bomb threat Tuesday at about 1:00 PM that was made to Community Bank on State Highway 23 in the Town of Norwich. The building which included Community Bank, a Mirabito Gas Station, and Dunkin Donuts were quickly evacuated. Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and State Police responded and secured the scene, a State Police Explosives Detection Canine conducted a thorough search of the entire premises and did not locate any signs of any explosive devices, it was determined that there was no threat to the public and the businesses were back open at approximately 4:00 pm. The investigation to who made the threat is still ongoing.

52 year-old Terrell Heyward was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison today in Broome County Court. On January 11th, Heyward shot 54 year-old Sarah Hauer in the back of the head at the Woodburn Court apartment building on Exchange Street. The District Attorney's Office contended that Heyward was frustrated that his girlfriend, who was a friend of Hauer’s, wouldn’t see him. When Hauer told Heyward that his girlfriend was unavailable, he shot Hauer and fled these, leaving her to die.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-6-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 37 year old Mohamad Haidar of Decatur, following an investigation into repeated domestic violence. Haidar was charged with Predatory Sexual Assault, plus multiple counts of 1st degree & 3rd degree Rape, 1st & 3rd degree Criminal Sexual Act, Assault, Stalking, Labor Trafficking, unlawful inprisonment, Strangulation, Criminal possession of a weapon & Overdriving, torturing, failure to provide proper sustenance for animals. Investigators were contacted by victims who reported sustaining severe abuse for several years while living with Haidar, where they were forced to live at the residence and submit to extreme abuse which often resulted in serious physical injury. Haidar was taken in to custody without incident, a search warrant was executed & evidence was seized. The Susquehanna SPCA removed numerous animals. Haidar was processed and was lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility for Arraignment, the investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending. If anyone has any additional information, they should call 607-547-1634.

35 year old Natasha Reed of Hamden was indicted on 2 counts by a Delaware County Grand Jury for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Reed allegedly possessed over 500 milligrams of cocaine, on November 26, 2024, Deputies conducted a traffic stop and found Reed to have a suspended license, officers seized cocaine and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY FAIR opens today through Sunday at the fairgrounds in Norwich, with a wide variety of events, according to spokesperson Mary Weidman:

(Mary Weidman 8-6-25)

The full schedule of events can be found at chenangofair.com

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-28-25

Sidney Police Department received a fraud complaint, where teh vicitm was scammed by an elaborate scheme to defraud and had already lost $57,000. The scammers were able to gain the trust of the victim by posing as a Microsoft computer virus technician and a bank fraud technician, Police learned that the victim was being directed to withdraw another large sum of money by the scammers, Sidney Police & the State Police BCI unit set up a sting operation, which led to the arrested of 42 year old Xueyu Luo of New York City into custody. Luop was charged Grand larceny, Tampering with physical evidence, Scheme to defraud, Resisting arrest and Obstruction of governmental administration, Luo was processed & was transported to the Delaware County Jail to await arraignment, He was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date. The investigation is ongoing.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested Christopher Ingraham of Pittsfield, for Assault, Attempted Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol as well as several other related charges, following an investigation into a personal injury motor vehicle/ assault complaint in the Town of Pittsfield. Deputies determined that Ingraham struck 3 individuals with his vehicle attempting to break up a physical altercation, 2 were transported to a local hospital for their injuries, he was taken into custody without incident and was processed and was turned over to the Jail pending Centralized Arraignment.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 28 year old Gabriel Jensen of Oneonta for DWI, driving with a BAC of .08% or More of Alcohol, Failure to Keep Right, and other related charges, following the investigation of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Hartwick. Jensen is accused of operating the vehicle while intoxicated, he was processed and released on Traffic Tickets.

The Otsego County Fair returns tomorrow at the Fairgrounds in Morris, organizer Lisa Jackson told WCDO News about some of this week's highlights:

(Lisa Jackson 7-16-25)

More information about the Fair can be found at otsegocountyfair.org, or on their Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS Monday 7-28-25

The National Baseball Hall of Fame inducted 5 more members into the Hall in Cooperstown yesterday. The 1st speech was given by Billy Wagner, who was a small child who was right-handed and went on to become one of the best left handed pitchers of his time, he encouraged people to never give up:

(Billy Wagner 7-27-25)

The 2nd speech was delivered by Dave Parker the 2nd, whose Father, Dave Parker passed away about 1 month ago from Parkinson's Disease, he wrote a poem for his son to read on Induction Day:

(Dave Parker 2 7-27-25)

Willa Allen was married to new Hall of Famer Dick Allen, one of the most feared sluggers of the 60's & 70's who played in Philadelphia, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Chicago & Oakland:

(Willa Allen 7-27-25)

C.C. Sabathia was a star Pitcher for Cleveland, Milwaukee & the New York Yankees, he thanked the women in his life to get him to the Hall, and he encouraged everyone to do the same:

(C.C. Sabathia 7-27-25)

The Final Speech was delivered by Japanese star Ichiro Suzuki, who gave his speech in English, and he discussed turning dreams into goals and goals into achievement:

(Ichiro Suzuki 7-27-25)

The proceedings started an hour later at the Clark Sports Center Sunday due to rain, but thousands stayed on to see & hear the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductions

The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 27 at the Cummings Road intersection in the Town of Masonville starting today, for a large culvert replacement. This project is expected to take 6 weeks. The traveling public should seek alternate routes during this time.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-16-25

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a complaint regarding 2 vehicles driving recklessly, they located both vehicles and conducted traffic stops. Deputies determined that following a verbal dispute that had occurred, both parties then operated their vehicles in a reckless manner through the Village of Walton, onto State Highway 10 toward Delhi. Deputies arrested 19 year old Hazzie Halstead of Walton for Reckless Driving, Moving from Lane Unsafely and Speeding, plus a number of other lesser charges, 18 year old Aron Garcia-Northrup of Walton was charged with Reckless Driving & Moving from Lane Unsafely, both will appear at the Village of Walton and Town of Hamden Courts at a later date to answer the charges.

The Otsego County Fair returns this summer, at the Fairgrounds in Morris, organizer Lisa Jackson comments:

(Lisa Jackson 7-16-25)

More information about the Fair can be found at otsegocountyfair.org, or on their Facebook page, the fair will be from July 29th to August 3rd.

The Sidney Summer Music Series continues tonight at the Corner of Main & Division Street, Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 7-16-25)

The event is free and open to the public.

A.M. NEWS 7-16-25

The Chenango County Public Health Department and other county agencies are teaming up today for an Ice Cream Social in Norwich to celebrate those people working in the Human Services sector, Isaiah Sutton of Chenango County Public Health Comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 7-16-25)

The event will be held this afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Greater opportunities Office at 44 West Main Street in Norwich.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-10-25

State Police arrested 43 Year old Delbert Dewey of Sherburne for Arson & Criminal Mischief, On July 5th, Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle on fire in a driveway on Classic Street in Sherburne. The investigation revealed that Dewey intentionally started a fire inside the vehicle after having a disagreement earlier in the day with the residents on Classic Street. Dewey was later arrested and was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $15,000 cash bail, $30,000 bond, pending future court action.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Joseph Clary of Oneonta, for Sex Offender Failure to Update Change of Address. Clary was released from the Elmira Correctional Facility, he was to report to the Otsego County Department of Social Services to secure temporary housing which would provide an address that would be listed on his State registry. After 10 days, Clary failed to notify or report to the DSS, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office or his parole officer, he was located Tuesday in Oneonta by parole officers and taken in to custody, he was taken to the Otsego County Correctional Facility for arraignment. .

The Chenango County Health Department is asking County Residents to fill out an online health survey in the next few weeks, County Director of Health Isaiah Sutton explains:

(Isaiah Sutton 7-10-25)

Sutton said that the online survey can be found at chenangocounty.ny.gov, through August 31st. More information is also available at 607-337-1660.

The 3rd Annual Taste of Chenango will be held in Norwich later this month to highlight what the County has to offer, according to Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani:

(Sal Testani 7-10-25)

The event will be held at the Chenango County Fairgrounds on Saturday July 26th from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, they will accept donations for local food banks at the event.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-10-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Jacqueline Barkman of Oneonta for Grand Larceny, Burglary, Criminal Possession Controlled Substance & Criminal Trespass, following a larceny investigation at Walmart in the Town of Oneonta. Barkman was found to have removed over $1000 worth of merchandise without paying, she was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance, she was issued an appearance ticket to appear at a later date at Oneonta Town Court.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 58 year old Michael Mollo of Worcester, for DWI, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Reckless Driving, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Motor Vehicle Accident, as well as a host of other related charges, following an investigation into a property damage accident in the Town of Worcester. Mollo was found to be intoxicated and arrested, he was processed and released and is set to appear in court at a later date.

The Otsego County Department of Health & Bassett Healthcare Network, is launching the development of the 2025–2030 Community Health Needs Assessment. They are seeking input from residents, businesses, and organizations across Otsego County to help shape future health initiatives and improve the overall well-being of our communities. Community members can provide feedback by Completing an online survey at arcg.is, by Calling the Otsego County Department of Health at 607-547-4230 to have a paper copy mailed to you The Deadline for Feedback is April 16th, All responses will remain confidential, more information is available at 607-547-4230

The Great New York State Fair has announced more of its music lineup, the Festivities kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. The Fair’s 2025 Chevrolet Music Series will showcase more than 40 national recording artists, Concerts are daily at 1 pm. and 6 pm. at Chevy Court with an 8 pm. performance each evening at Suburban Park on the western end of the Fairgrounds, More information is available at nysfair.ny.gov/venue/chevy-court

“Popeye The Slayer Man” is a movie shot locally that gives a different spin on the old Popeye character, which will be premiering locally TONIGHT & will play in about a dozen movie theaters around the nation, Korey Rowe of Otsego Media is the Director of Photography, he told WCDO News about the movie:

(Korey Rowe 3-21-25)

Rowe said that the movie will premier for the public on march 21st at the Southside Mall Cinemas, it will also be available on Apple TV.

March is Maple Month in New York State, with special Maple related events scheduled state wide throughout the month. Maple Weekends are scheduled for March 22-23 and March 29-30 New York State Ranks Second to Vermont in Maple Production, which increased to 846,000 Gallons in 2024, Up Nearly 100,000 Gallons from 2023 Season

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-21-25

State Police with the assistance of the Broome County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of human remains located behind the Windsor school bus garage. An investigation has determined that the deceased individual is 68 year old Edward Crampton, who was reported missing in January after his family had not seen him since Thanksgiving. No foul play is suspected in his death.

23 year old Gage Pankiewicz of Walton was sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, in Delaware County Court this week. On September 4, 2024, deputies executed a search warrant in Walton on suspicion of drug trafficking. A forcible entry was made, and deputies arrested Pankiewicz, among other suspects. During the search, methamphetamine, fentanyl, packaging materials, scales, and a rifle were seized. If Pankiewicz fails to abide by the terms of his probation, he faces up to 2 1/2 years in state prison.

29 year old Tyler Long of Sidney was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison in Delaware County Court this week, for failing to abide by the terms of the Sex Offender Registry. Long had previously pleaded guilty to Failure to Register an Internet Account. Last July, the Delaware County Probation advised Sidney Police Department that Long had 6 separate unregistered email accounts that he failed to report to the Probation Department, Long’s probation supervision was terminated, and Long was sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 3 years.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Sunday to a weapons complaint in the Town of Maine. Deputies located a female victim bleeding from her neck and proceeded with medical aid until Emergency Medical Services transported her to UHS Wilson hospital. 27 year old Shamirah Hauer of Port Crane, had been assisting the victim with putting in hair extensions for nearly an hour before she began to strike the victim with her fists and a pair of scissors, a 3rd party stopped the assault, Hauer left the scene, the male witness called 911. Vestal Police and State Police assisted & Hauer was taken into custody without further incident, she was charged with 1st degree Assault,m she was arraigned & was being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The Tri County Senior Center at 43 Pearl Street in Sidney, will have an open House this evening to showcase the array of activities & programs that they offer, that senior may be interested in, Spokesperson Carol Allen explains:

(Carol Allen 3-18-25)

The Open House will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with the entrance in the right rear of the former Hospital building, more information is available at 563-8065.