WCDO Radio News

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar and Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti rallied in support of the family of Brennan Loveless, the 13-year-old boy hit by a vehicle on January 1, 2023, while riding his bike on State Route 7 near his home in Sanitaria Springs. 37 year old Bradley Law of Harpursville, fled the scene and staged a fake accident with a deer the following day in an effort to cover up the damage to the truck. Law was initially charged with criminally negligent homicide, but agreed to plead guilty to criminal possession of a firearm and attempted leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, for which he was slated to receive 2 concurrent sentences of 1 1/3 years to 4 years in prison. Law faced other unrelated charges, & was sentenced to 2 consecutive sentences, a total of 2 and 2/3 years to 8 years. The Loveless’ family was recently notified that Law is scheduled to be interviewed by the Parole Board soon, today Sheriff Akshar & DA Battisti urged residents to contact the State Parole Board and recommend a denial of parole for Law, online at doccs.ny.gov, the DIN number is 23B5664

The Otsego County Industrial Development Agency has sold 34 acres of land at the Oneonta Business Park to Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi. Meaghan Remillard of the Otsego IDA explains:

(Meaghan Remillard 8-18-25)

Remillard said that Sportsfield Specialties needed additional space to continue to expand the Delhi based business, they also have other sites in Deposit & in North Carolina.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 38 year old Christopher Romano of Otego on an Arrest Warrant from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Romano was located in the Town of Butternuts and taken into custody without incident, and he was turned over to Chenango County Sheriff’s to answer his warrant.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-18-25

36 year old Honesty Muller of Hamden appeared in Delaware County Court and was sentenced for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Muller was sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision, On October 29, 2024, Muller was pulled over by a Delaware County Deputy in Delhi, a search was conducted and methamphetamine was located in her wallet.

43 year old Thomas Mould of Stamford, appeared in Delaware County Court and was sentenced for Criminal Sexual Act, to 4 years in state prison and 8 years of post-release supervision. On June 23, 2024, State Police were dispatched for a domestic dispute in Stamford, in regard to Mould’s alleged molestation of a child under the age of 17. Mould was found at his place of employment and arrested, he gave a statement to police admitting that he did touch the victim and he knew that the victim was under the age of 17.

The Delaware County IRT will be held July 11th through the 19th at the Walton High school, featuring a variety of free services for Medical, Dental, Veterinary as well as mental health, Director of Delaware County Planning & Watershed Affairs, Shelly Johnson-Bennett said that most of the services are available without an appointment, but one service requires registration:

(Shelly Johnson-Bennett 7-5-23)

WCDO News conducted a full interview with Shelly Johnson Bennett recently about the event, you can hear that full interview following the 6:00 PM news tonight on WCDO.

58 year old Phillip Peterson was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury on 2 counts of attempted assault, for allegedly attacking his wife in the town of Franklin by punching her in the chest after open heart surgery & by throwing a TV at her in April. Peterson will be arraigned on the charges on July 10th.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 37 year old Daniel Pope of Laurens following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Morris. Pope was charged with 3 counts of Aggravated DWI for allegedly having a Child Less Than 16 Years Old in the vehicle, plus DWI, Operating a Vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher, 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent The 3 children in pope's vehicle sustained minor injuries in the accident and were treated and released at the scene by EMS, Pope was released on an Appearance ticket and for Town of Morris Court at a later date.

Congressman Marc Molinaro will host a round-table on mental health and substance use disorders with local public officials, mental health and substance use providers, hospital administrators, law enforcement, and school administrators today. The round-table will begin at 3:00pm at the Broome County Public Library at 185 Court St in Binghamton.

Preparations are continuing for the upcoming Chenango County Fair in August, Fair spokesperson Mary Weidman said that tickets are available ahead of time:

(Mary Weidman 6-30-23)

The Chenango County Fair will run from August 9th to the 13th at the fairgrounds in Norwich. More information is available at chenangofair.com.

27 year old Chad Underwood of Sherburne was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for Menacing, Aggravated Harassment and Making Terroristic Threats. Underwood was involved in a Domestic Dispute & a harassment complaint. Underwood was arrested, arraigned and held with no bail in the Chenango County Jail pending future court action.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning. The meeting will begin at 8:00 AM at the Sidney Golf Course, the guest speaker will be Glen Nealis of the Delaware County IDA.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-4-22

Attorney General Letitia James announced that Cross Tie Disposal of Kentucky and company Vice President Harold Young are charged in a 42-count indictment that includes 30 counts of Falsifying Business Records and 11 counts of Endangering Public Health, Safety or the Environment. Cross Tie was supposed to dispose of old wood beams that were coated with creosote at a regulated site in Erie County but instead dumped the ties, contaminated with 11 hazardous substances at a property in Chenango County. The railroad ties have been removed as part of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency’s Chenango County Rail Revitalization Services project in 2015 to repair and improve railroad tracks throughout the county.

Delaware County Public Health & Friends of Recovery -Delaware Otsego announce Recovery Coach Academy & Ethical Considerations training next week in Delhi. Spokesman Kyle LaFever told WCDO News who they are looking for:

(Kyle LaFever 4-4-22)

LaFever said that the deadline to register is today, but that could be extended for the right interested candidate, the number to call for more information is 607-267-4435.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-4-22

Fire destroyed 3 commercial buildings in Worcester Friday Night into Saturday Morning. The buildings were not occupied when the fire broke out, several area fire departments assisted Worcester Firefighters with the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office assisted the US Marshals in executing an arrest warrant in the Town of Maryland on 59 year old Michael Hawkins for failure to register as a sex offender. Hawkins was convicted in 1997 for child molestation in Rhode Island, he faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Governor Kathy Hochul & the State Legislature failed to pass the state budget on time Friday. Negotiations over bail reform, to-go drinks and New York City casinos stalled the completion of the budget, If the budget isn’t passed today, paychecks for state government employees will be delayed, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

State Senator Fred Akshar was filing his petitions to run for the office of Broome County Sheriff at the Broome County Board of Elections office in Binghamton today. Akshar has collected over 3,100 signatures from registered Republicans in Broome County in support of his run for Broome County Sheriff, Akshar declined to run for re-election after serving in the State Senate for 3 terms.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-23-21

Chenango County Public Health confirmed 4 more COVID-19 attributed deaths in the county from COVID 19, bringing their total number of deaths to 91 spokesman Isaiah Sutton comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 11-23-21)

Chenango County continues to have COVID 19 numbers as high, or higher than the numbers they were getting in January of this year, there are 238 active cases, 1/3 of which are fully vaccinated, 5 are hospitalized and 582 are quarantined.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that over $81 million has been awarded to support 97 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Locally, in the Southern Tier, Buckingham Manufacturing will be able to purchase New equipment, The Delaware County IDA will expand the existing Andes food hub, “Catskills Harvest,” to include an advanced geothermal and solar powered carbon-neutral greenhouse & also for the Delhi Industrial Wastewater Pipeline to address environmental concerns , and Finback Brewery will re-develop a 320-acre farm in the Town of Walton into a brewery, taproom, orchard, and modern bed & breakfast.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for October, the State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 7.1% in September to 6.9% in October 2021. Locally, Chenango County had 3.7% unemployment, Delaware & Otsego Counties both had 3.9% unemployment in October.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced her bipartisan More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition in WIC Act today.

(Gillibrand 11-23-21)

In the first year of the pandemic, WIC providers reported a 2.5% increase in WIC participation, and more than 360,000 low-income New Yorkers continue relying on this social safety net to feed themselves and their families. To keep up with the growing need, Gillibrand’s bill would codify 2 waivers granted through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that simplified user access to WIC benefits by offering remote services, and it would also invest $60 million to modernize the critical safety net program.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-23-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 3 more COVID deaths, bringing their total up to 74 during this pandemic. Delaware County had 70 more positive cases of COVID 19 during the latest reporting period of Saturday through Monday, there are now 265 active cases, 12 hospitalized & 366 quarantined. 53.2% of the total Delaware County population are vaccinated while 73% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, 32% of the cases are in public schools among students & staff.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-5-21

Delaware County Public Health reported they 55th COVID-19 death on Monday.  Delaware County Public Health's reported 52 new COVID positive cases Saturday through Monday, they have 152 active cases, 6 hospitalized and 248 quarantined. The county has recorded 3,338 cases with 3131 recoveries since the pandemic began.

Chobani and the Utica based non-profit Compassion Coalition donated & delivered $29,000 worth of food and supplies to help 4 local backpack programs in Central New York last week.  Chobani distributed more than 1,200 cases of their products to the Edmeston Central School, Unadilla Valley School District, Sherburne-Earlville Central School, and Norwich City Schools, to restock school food pantries, which helps to feed more than 200 children and their families throughout the year.  Chobani also announced that they are sending 200,000 Chobani products to those affected by Hurricane Ida; this follows a recent delivery of 100,000 products to Afghan evacuees in temporary housing across the country, and the US servicemen and women supporting them.

Dylan Robinson was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in Otsego County Court on Monday, for the murder of his father, Kenneth Robinson in Worcester in October 2019.  Robinson & several others were accused of going to Kenneth Robinson's home to steal money & marijuana, it escalated to the killing of the elder Robinson & attempting to burn the house down to cover up the crimes.  Robinson was convicted after a 3 day trial in June.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 24 new positive COVID tests Monday; they have 102 active cases, 6 hospitalized, and a 7 day rolling average positivity rate of 2.9%.  They have had over 5500 total cases & 69 deaths during this pandemic.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are hosting a Pfizer booster clinic for those eligible, today from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the South Plaza location in Norwich. About 400 appointments are available, more information or registration is available at co.chenango.ny.us.

The death of 37-year-old Casie Weese of Glen Aubrey back in March has been ruled accidental.  Weese died of hypothermia, there was no trauma or sexual assault, Weese went missing March 1st, after she left her husband behind after their vehicle suffered a flat tire, she was found March 5th in a wooded area near I-86 & State route 434 near the Broome-Tioga County line.

The Arc Otsego has been awarded $60,000 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support The Arc Otsego’s guardianship* and recreation programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. More information about The Arc Otsego is available at arcotsego.org.

Delaware County IDA announced a $25,000 Business expansion loan for Greentopia farms of East Meredith.  The company started last year & has taken a former factory building & is growing mushrooms of various types for gourmet food applications, more information about their mushrooms is available at 718-483-4675.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 144 positive cases of the Coronavirus, there are 31 people quarantined, no one is hospitalized, 132 have recovered, there have been 6 deaths, they have conducted 9908 tests.

The Broome County Health Department is up to 661 Coronavirus cases, there have been 553 recoveries, 51 deaths, 149 are being monitored by the Health Department, and they have conducted over 18,700 tests.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19, no additional recoveries, but a 6th death was reported Thursday.  To date there have been 82 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 16 people quarantined.  There are no hospitalizations, 2 are isolated at home, and 74 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Department of Health reported one new positive COVID 19 test Thursday, bringing their total to 75 confirmed cases.  Currently there are no hospitalizations, 67 have recovered, there were 5 deaths, 16 people are quarantined, and 5,158 tests were performed.

State Senator Jim Seward opposes the state issuing
driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
The legislation would permit illegal immigrants to apply for standard
driver's licenses using forms of foreign identification, leaving county clerks
and employees at local Departments of Motor Vehicles unable to truly verify
authenticity:

(Seward 6-6-19)

The New York Association of County Clerks opposes
the legislation since they cannot vet documents from other countries.

Fire fighters responded Friday night to a fire at
630 Sutherland Road No. 2 in the town of Meredith.  Fire investigators determined that 78 year
old Bart Misiewicz tripped & fell while carrying a kerosene lamp, his house
was completely destroyed.  Fire fighters
from the Treadwell, Franklin, Delhi, Meridale, East Meredith and Pindars
Corners fire departments assisted, no injuries were reported.

Delaware County Public Health and Friends of Recovery
of Delaware Otsego in conjunction with Sidney Memorial Library are offering
free Narcan trainings to the public today. Each person will receive a Narcan
Rescue Kit after their training; Narcan is a nasal spray to reverse the effects
of opioids.  The event will be held at
the 6:00 pm at the Sidney Memorial Public Library- Smart Community Room at 8
River Street in Sidney.

Delaware County Public Health Free Rabies
Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets will be held today from 5:00 to
7:00 pm at Pindar’s Corners Fire Department, on State Route 23 in Davenport
Center.   More information is available
at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a
Board of Education Meeting Today in the District Conference Room at the Jr/Sr
High School at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00
PM with a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct.

State Police have charged 25 year old John Mehne of
Sarasota, Florida for 1st degree Burglary, Robbery, Aggravated Cruelty to
Animals & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property after they were dispatched
Tuesday to an accident on I-81.  Troopers
located a stolen Audi disabled in the driving lane and facing the wrong
direction with no operator.  Mehne struck
the guiderail & attempted to jump on the back of a van, and then he jumped
into the back of a pick-up, eventually escaping into the woods.  State Police received a call from a resident
on Duell Road reporting Mehne was in his chicken coop, Mehne picked up an ax
and began chasing the resident, then stole his ATV.  A short time later, troopers received a call
that a white naked male was in a chicken coop on Springer Road & Mehne was
taken into custody.  State Police accuse
Mehne of several area burglaries & for the killing of a dog, he was treated
at Binghamton General Hospital from a Police Dog Bite; he was arraigned &
was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.  The investigation is ongoing; anyone with
damage in Kirkwood should call police at 775-1241.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has
collaborated with the Walton Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware County
Industrial Development Agency to present a session on Walton's designation as
an "Opportunity Zone" by New York State.  The designation allows for incentivized
business development in Walton, today at Molto Espresso, 151 Delaware Street,
Walton from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

State Police CNET officers & Oneonta Police Department executed a search warrant at 5357 State Route 7 in Oneonta's East End. Police arrested 35 year old Benjamin Bockus of Oneonta for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance, plus Criminal Possession of Marihuana, Criminal Nuisance and 2 counts of Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia. Police seized approximately 48 grams of cocaine, approximately 300 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, concentrated cannabis, 2.5 pounds of marihuana, 3 digital scales, cellular phones, drug packaging material and $7,985.00 in cash. Bockus was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

State Police at Troop C have released the results of their crackdown on impaired drivers over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 11 impaired driving arrests were reported by Troop C, while statewide, there were 217 impaired driving arrests in New York State on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce along with other agencies, is transforming the former Andel inn of Andes into an agri-business incubator, called the " Delaware County Foodworks Plus", Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 3-20-18)

The Inn was purchased last month by the Delaware County IDA for $320,000.

State Police arrested 25 year old Chad Darwesh of Schenectady for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Controlled Substances in Non-Original Container and several traffic infractions. Troopers observed Darwesh speeding on Interstate 88 in Otego, A passenger 30 year old Michael Horton of Schenectady, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Darwesh was arraigned in the town of Otego Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced that a $5,000 reward was issued for information leading to the arrest of 20 year old Valentino Mondolfi, who is a witness in the ongoing Broome County Court murder trial of Jabari Ashe. Mondolfi is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information is asked to call Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested 48 year old Michael Wright of Walton for DWI & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, after deputies observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the Town of Tompkins. Wright is also accused of driving with a revoked license; he was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail. Wright is to re-appear in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 21 year old Johnathan Ruland of Lancaster, Pennsylvania for DWI, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Ruland was stopped at a checkpoint on State Highway 7, in the town of Unadilla, troopers accused Ruland of possessing marijuana and cocaine & he was wanted on a warrant with the Village of Sidney Police. Ruland was arraigned in the town of Unadilla and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,500 bail. He is scheduled to reappear in the town of Unadilla on April 9th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 54 year-old Lorraine Hahn of the Walton for DWI in the Village of Walton, she was also issued a ticket for operating a motor vehicle with inadequate brake lights. Hahn was released on an appearance ticket and scheduled to appear before the Village of Walton Court at a later date.

The US Department of Justice announced the arrests of 37-year-old Joshua Carey of Stamford and 27-year-old Ariel Machia of Middleburgh for sexual exploitation of a 1-year-old, whom they used to produce child pornography. Both appeared in court last Friday & were detained pending further proceedings. The case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, with the assistance of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and State Police.

Retired State Trooper Robert Fernandez announced his intention to run for Otsego County Sheriff this year. Fernandez seeks to unseat current sheriff Rich Devlin, first in the Republican Primary later this year, prior to the November election.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency announced plans to purchase a former Inn on State Route 28 in Andes for $320,000. Plans call for the building to become an Ag-Business Incubator, the first of its kind in Delaware County.

Members of The New York State Sheriffs Association will visit the state capitol next Tuesday, to lobby lawmakers for funding to put at least 1-armed School Resource Officer in every single school in the state. The association is urging lawmakers to allocate money to protect students, following the latest school shooting in Florida, and multiple threats of possible violence to local school districts after that tragedy.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office announced that Benjamin Greiner of Binghamton was back in custody after it was discovered that he was wanted as a fugitive from Justice in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Greiner was booked back into the Otsego County Correctional Facility without bail pending extradition in Otsego County Court.

The City of Oneonta & the Otsego IDA are in the process of updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. A steering committee will be hosting a community open house on today at the Wilber Mansion from 3:00 to 7:00 PM for the public to review the plan & contribute ideas. More information is available at facebook.com/opportunity Oneonta.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced that he will not seek the Republican Party Nomination to run against Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo for Governor this year. Molinaro is the 2nd Republican in a week to back out of the race, after Harry Wilson said that he won't run for Governor, after more consideration. Assembly Minority Republican Leader Brian Kolb said he is launching a campaign. State Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse, is also considering a run.

Catholic Charities of Delaware County is starting a Youth Mentoring Program, and is seeking volunteers to participate in the program. Spokeswoman Diana Halstead explains:

(Diana Halstead 1-8-18)

Those interested must be at least 18 years old, have a reliable vehicle, and can commit to at least one year of participating, at a minimum of 6 hours a month, more information is available at 604-4071, or at the Catholic charities office on the 1st floor of the Sidney Civic Center.

New York was the Number 44 Growth State for 2017, according to statistics from U-Haul, tracking the past year's migration trends. Year-over-year arrivals of one-way U-Haul truck rentals increased by 4 percent while departures increased by 4 percent from New York's 2016 numbers. Texas was the No. 1 Growth State for the second year in a row. Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee rounded out the top five.

The City of Oneonta & the Otsego IDA are in the process of updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. A steering committee will be hosting a community open house on Thursday January 18th at the Wilber Mansion from 3:00 to 7:00 PM for the public to review the plan & contribute ideas. More information is available at facebook.com/opportunity Oneonta.

State Senator Jim Seward joined community, labor and business leaders to announce the launch of New Yorkers for Affordable Energy, which supports increasing access to natural gas for manufacturing facilities, power production, transportation, and other purposes to support New York's economy and quality of life:

(Seward 5-2-17)

Seward said that the Coalition partners includes the Otsego County IDA, Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, The Business Council of New York State, more information can be found at www.affordableenergyny.com.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said that she is ruling out a run for president in 2020, as she is focused on running for re-election for her US Senate seat in 2018. Gillibrand had to speak on the subject again yesterday in the North Country; she gave the same answer as she has since the beginning of the year, when reporters suggested that she could be a viable Democratic Party candidate for the Presidential race in 2020.

The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course, will take place on Friday, May 12th. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens. More information or to request an entry form please contact the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750.

NYSEG reports power outages throughout the region from last night's powerful storm, with crews working to restore power as quickly as possible. A state of emergency was declared in Broome County by County Executive Jason Garnar; Broome County had over 13,000 customers without power this afternoon, Chenango County had over 5100 without power, Delaware County had over 1600 & Otsego County had over 2300 without power.

Plans are continuing to get regular Rail service back to Chenango County soon. Chenango County IDA President Steve Craig comments:

(Steve Craig 4-10-17)

The section of the Utica Mainline through Chenango County has been closed since the 2006 floods wiped out major portion of track bed, the recent trial run of an engine showed that the track itself is ready to receive regular freight traffic.

Otsego Now announced today that their newly created local development corporation, “Oneonta Rail Yards” has closed on approximately 80 acres of land surrounding the rail yards in the City of Oneonta. Otsego Now plans to move aggressively towards shovel-ready status for any and all of the developable land, and will initiate environmental reviews of the property immediately. Otsego Now’s purchase of the rail yards property is tied to the kickoff of an update of the City’s comprehensive plan and downtown revitalization plans.

The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course on Friday, May 12th. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services, which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens. The field is limited to a maximum of 104 players; Entry forms with check must be received by April 30th. More information is available at the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750.

Bail was set in Chenango County Court Friday for Ernest & Heather Franklin of Guilford, they have been charged by a Chenango County Grand Jury with Murder & Arson for allegedly killing their 16 year old son Jeffrey & Setting fire to the family home on State Route 8 on March 1st to cover up the crime. Bail for Ernest Franklin was set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond; Bail for Heather Franklin was set at $125,000 cash or $250,000 bond.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Matthew Maclaury of Oxford for aggravated driving while intoxicated and DWI after a report of a 2-car accident on County Road 32 in the Town of Norwich it was found that Maclaury went off the roadway and struck a parked vehicle & that Maclaury was driving with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher. Maclaury will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the guilty plea of 44 year old Darin Cox of Johnson City, who is the owner and operator of Broome Taxi, for his fraudulent actions in obtaining over $3,000 from the Medicaid system by operating his business without the licensing necessary to operate a taxicab in Broome County. Cox pleaded guilty to 1 count of Grand Larceny, he faces a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.

The Otsego County IDA will hold a public hearing this morning on the State Eminent Domain Procedure Law at 11:00 AM at their offices at 189 Main Street, Oneonta. The purpose of the hearing is to outline and/or describe the proposed acquisition by the Agency of the parcels commonly known as the Ford Block at Market Street in Oneonta.

On Wednesday Oneonta Police assisted the Otsego County probation Department with items located during a routine visit of a person on probation. Officer confiscated 40 bags of heroin, Packaging materials, Scales & A small quantity of marijuana, police arrested 30 year old Daniel Londner of Oneonta for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Criminally using of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana, Londner was held pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court

After many years as the Chief of the Sidney Police Department, Mike Hood is stepping down next week, to be replaced by 23-year Sidney Police Department veteran Jan Gorshack. Hood Commented about his years as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Mike Hood 10-21-16)

Hood's last official day as Sidney Police Chief is October 28th, he will work part time for the Bainbridge Police Department & the Delaware County Sheriff’s department.

The Chenango County IDA announced significant progress in its Rail Revitalization project, which aims to restore service to the 45 ½ miles of the Utica Mainline track between the Madison and Broome County lines. Frontier Railroad Services of New Stanton, PA is nearing completion of the construction phase of the project, which repaired numerous washouts caused by floods in 2006 and 2011. Chenango County IDA Spokesman Steve Craig comments:

(Steve Craig 10-21-16)

Frontier is working with IDA's engineers at Stone Consulting on the final "punch list" of remaining tasks.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to health insurers outlining new insurance coverage requirements for substance abuse treatment. Under the new law, health insurers will be required to cover medication, including naloxone, for detoxification or maintenance treatment of substance use disorders under large group policies. Health insurers will also be required to provide coverage without preauthorization for inpatient substance abuse treatment in facilities that participate in their networks and are certified by the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Republican Congressional Candidate Claudia Tenney will be speaking at the Bainbridge Town Hall tonight at 6:30 PM. Tenney is the Republican candidate for the Congressional District 22 seat being vacated by Richard Hanna, she is facing Democrat Kim Myers & Independent candidate Martin Babinec. The public is invited to attend.

A Sidney Center man was ticketed Friday morning by Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies acting on complaints received from the Sidney School District regarding vehicles passing stopped school buses on County Highway 23 in the Town of Sidney. 21-year-old Matthew Stafford was issued 2 tickets for passing a stopped school bus on 2 separate occasions; he received 1 ticket for possessing more than one unexpired driver’s license. Stafford was released and ordered to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date to answer those charges. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office reminds the public that it is illegal and very dangerous to pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing, as the bus is picking up or discharging students.

State Police have announced that name of the person killed in an accident in Cortland County last week. 61-year-old Ronald Reed of Cortland crossed into the opposing lane with his vehicle, he struck a tractor-trailer driven by 48-year-old Michael Gross of Norwich. Reed was declared dead at the scene, Gross was transported to Upstate Medical in Syracuse for non-life threatening injuries.

The recent closing of a loan with Rock Valley Spirits brings the total amount invested by the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency in the Towns of Hancock and Deposit through the Millennium Pipeline Community Benefit Fund to $785,800. The IDA has used the Millennium Fund to support 11 businesses and community development projects, matched with nearly $3.9 million of private and public investment in the Towns of Hancock and Deposit, resulting in the establishment of 4 new businesses, and the creation/retention of 73 jobs.

A speed enforcement detail in Bovina Center by Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies led to the arrest of a parolee on a number of vehicle and traffic charges. 29 year old Joseph VanLeuvan of Big Indian was observed speeding, he was pulled over & he driving while unlicensed, & had 11 active suspensions for failing to answer summonses in various courts and his driving privileges had been revoked for several years. VanLuevan was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle & speeding, He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court & he was released in his own recognizance pending action in the Town of Bovina Court at a later date.

The Chenango Arts Council announced a continuation in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2017 Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Grant Program. The $129,280 is available to non-profit organizations and artists who partner with an eligible non-profit for cultural initiatives in 2017. Funding is available for grants up to $5,000 each to support Community Arts and Arts Education grants in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties. More information is available at chenangoarts.org The deadline for 2017 grant application is January 10th 2017.

Closing arguments began earlier today in Broome County Court in the Murder trial of Almond Upton of Florida. Upton was on trial for 1st degree murder for the intentionally running down Trooper Christopher Skinner, while he was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Chenango in May 2014. At the conclusion of closing arguments, the jury will begin deliberations.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the arrest and arraignment of 4 former employees of Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Cooperstown, who are accused of leaving a 94-year-old patient left in a recliner with substandard care for 41 hours over the Memorial Day weekend in May. Lorraine Caldwell, of Holland Patent, Amanda Gus of Hartwick, Sarah Schuyler of Mohawk and Donna Gray, of Sidney were charged with Falsifying Business Records, Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person & Willful Violation of Health Laws, all 4 were arraigned in Town of Otsego Court & were released on their own recognizance.

The state DOT Announced that sections of state highways 8 & 51 that were damaged by storms & flash Floods, are improved since yesterday. DOT Region 9 Spokesman Dave Hamburg told WCDO News today that Route 8 was opened late yesterday afternoon to alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals. The Route 51 Bridge at County Route 3 between Mt. Upton and Morris was opened to traffic this morning. Both areas are safe for travel and work at both locations continues.

The Progress continues on getting the Utica Mainline railroad running from Binghamton to Utica, through Chenango County, where service was disrupted by the 2006 floods Chenango County IDA Chairman Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig 8-3-16)

Craig said that the railroad expects to be serving customers again on that line in about a year.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Will is moving out of the Sidney Civic Center & Into New Offices on Main Street in Sidney as of September 1st. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Stephanie Taylor 8-3-16)

The Sidney Chamber Annual Gold Tournament will be held tomorrow at the Sidney Golf & Country Club, with room for another 1 or teams, also the recently rained out Cruise in has been rescheduled for Friday August 26th, and a Chamber open house at the new Office will be held on September 12th.

State Senator Jim Seward & Assemblyman Bill Magee announced a $1 million grant, with half coming from each legislative house, to help fund the 12-tower Otsego County emergency communication system. The System is expected to be completed later this fall.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Will hold a free rabies clinic today in Franklin. The Clinic will be held at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Governor Cuomo today announced DICK'S Sporting Goods will invest $100 million to build a regional distribution facility at the Broome County Corporate Park in the Town of Conklin. DICK'S investment is creating 466 full-time jobs over the next five years in the Southern Tier. Construction on the 650,000-square-foot facility will begin next month and is scheduled for completion in early 2018.

Chenango county fair returns to Norwich August 9th to the 14th, fair spokesperson Mary Weidman told WCDO News about new attractions this year:

(Mary Weidman 7-191-16)

Weidman said that Coleman Brothers would be back with rides on the midway at the Chenango County Fair Grounds, the midway opens each day at 1:00 PM.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at City hall in the Common Council Chambers. The Council will see a presentation from Sandy Mathes at Otsego County IDA regarding the Market Street Project.

The Constitution Pipeline denial by New York State DEC could have severe ramifications to the economy of the Southern Tier. Delaware county IDA Chairman Jim Thompson Commented:

(Jim Thompson 4-28-16)

Constitution pipeline officials stated a desire to appeal the New York State ruling to a federal court.

The Otsego Electric Cooperative announced that attorney Timothy Johnson of Edmeston, will be their new CEO. Johnson formerly served as legal counsel to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report of a Domestic Dispute Monday on Town Shed Road in the Town of Deposit. Deputies arrested 36-year-old Brian Curtis of Deposit for 3rd degree Assault, Criminal Mischief & 3rd degree Robbery, he was arranged in Town of Deposit Court & he was released on $500 cash bail and is to reappear in the Town of Deposit Court at a later date.

Sidney Flowers and Gifts are expanding their store at 67 Main Street in Sidney and The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci assisted with the ribbon cutting this morning, he commented about the explansion & the Sidney business community:

(Ray Pucci 4-28-16)

Sidney Flowers & Gifts will also host the Sidney Chamber's Business After Hours event from 5:00 to 7:00 PM today.

Delaware County Public health will hold a free rabies clinic today at the Pindars Corners Fire department on state route 23. The clinic runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM today.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer visited with Oneonta & Otsego county leaders today, vowing to work with them to get the region designated as a “Foreign Trade Zone”:

(Schumer 1-5-16)

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig said that Senator Schumer’s is receptive to their idea to get the Oneonta Railyards redevelopment moving in the right direction:

(Herzig 1-5-16)

Plans call for the Otsego County IDA to apply for the proper grants in order to get the Foreign Trade Zone designation, other proposed plans would also help the town of Richfield with their development plans in addition to the Oneonta proposed projects.

U.S Senator Charles Schumer will visit Otsego County today. Schumer is scheduled to meet with Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig as well as other county leaders to discuss economic development issues. More details are expected to be released this afternoon.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators today arrested 28 year old level three sex offender Brandon Reynolds of Walton, for failure to register his internet, e-mail and social media accounts. sex offenders in New York are required to register any and all internet accounts, social media accounts, screen names and e-mail accounts with the Sex Offender Registry. Failure to do so is a Felony. Reynolds is accused of maintaining an e-mail account which he failed to register. Reynolds had been incarcerated at the Delaware County Correctional Facility on a Parole Violation, he will be arraigned on the new charge in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time.

State Police arrested 20 year old Sierra Hendrickson of the town of Maryland for criminal mischief & aggravated harassment. Hendrickson is accused of harassing an employee of Monroe Mufflers in Oneonta at his place of employment & his home uninvited. Her conduct intensified when she allegedly caused $4,000 worth of damage to the vicitms parked car, she was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of a $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond. An order of protection was issued against her. Hendrickson’s next court date in the Town of Oneonta is on January 7, 2016.

Officials at the Broome County DMV offices announced the opening of a Mobile DMV service at the Eastern Broome Senior Center in Harpursville. The unit will provide basic DMV services including processing licenses and registration. The Harpursville Mobile DMV will be open Mondays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Plans also call for another Mobile DMV unit in Windsor on Thursday’s from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. More information is available at gobroomecounty.com/dmv.

State Troopers arrested 33 year old Eric Derrig of Waverly for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with heroin, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, & numerous Vehicle & Traffic charges following traffic stop on Route 17 in Owego. Derrig was found to be in possession of 643 bags of heroin, $354 in cash and a hypodermic needle. Derrig was arraigned & remanded to the Tioga County Jail without bail.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual State of the State Breakfast this morning. The event will begin at 8:00 AM at The Otesaga Resort Hotel of Cooperstown.

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

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

(Ann Marie Troy 9-11-15)

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

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

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

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

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

State Police reported that the body of 29-year-old Christopher Gonzalez was located in a wooded area off Guinn Ridge Road.  The cause and manner of death is undetermined, the body was removed for an autopsy at Lourdes Hospital.  Gonzalez was wanted for questioning in the Mayhood’s Sporting Goods burglary, his girlfriend, 25 year old Brandy Bousson of Norwich has been charged with 3rd degree Burglary, for her alleged involvement in the gun burglaries at the Mayhood's, she was arraigned & was remanded to Chenango County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail.

State Senator Jim Seward announced Friday a new leadership team has been established to carry out Otsego County’s economic development strategy.  Sandy Mathes, Jr is a past executive director of the Greene County IDA, he will team with Elizabeth Horvath of Cooperstown who will serve as the IDA’s chief operating officer.  Seward commented about the appointments in Oneonta Friday:

(Seward 1-13-14)

Both Mathes and Horvath will work from the Otsego County Office Building at 242 Main Street in Oneonta, which also houses the Otsego County Economic Development Corporation, Main Street Oneonta, and the recently formed Oneonta Conference and Events Coalition.

Delaware County Deputies arrested a 16-year-old Harlem youth Friday for 2nd degree Assault, the youth was charged following a physical altercation at the Youth Leadership Academy in Kortright.  The youth was arraigned & was remanded to the County Jail on $1,500 cash bail.

The 2nd Otsego County Economic Development Summit will be held today at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta from 7:00 AM to Noon.  State Senator Jim Seward hosts the event in cooperation with the Otsego County IDA, Otsego County Development Corporation, Otsego County Chamber of Commerce and Citizens’ Voice. Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Oneonta area will be able to view the summit on local cable channel 23.  A live webcast link will be available on Senator Seward’s website, senatorjimseward.com.

The New York Department of State today announced more than $2 million in Appalachian Regional Commission grant awards to 15 regional economic development projects in the Southern Tier. This year's Recipients include the Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board, Broome County: Southern Tier Regional Farmers Market & the Southern Tier Network Marketing.

A 3.8 Million dollars federal disaster award was made by the Economic Development Administration to the Delaware County IDA; to assist with Amphenol's plans to move to a new location on Delaware Avenue in Sidney.  Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 4-3-13)

Mayor Matviak said that this money is in tandem with the $10 million dollars in funding from the state, to move out of their flood prone site in Sidney to the new site adjacent to the Sidney K-Mart.  Plans call the new facility to be up & running in May 2014.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 21-year-old Ashley Miller of Pitcher for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Miller was found to be in possession of prescription medication that she did not have a prescription for, during a traffic stop in the town of pitcher.   Miller was taken into custody without incident, processed, and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Pitcher Court at a later date.

State Troopers of Oneonta arrested 24-year-old Jordan Nardolillo of Cheektowaga, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.   The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 28 in Oneonta,  Nardolillo was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 cash bail.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 19-year-old Cody Burkhart of Bainbridge on an active Arrest Warrant for the charge of 2nd degree Criminal Contempt.   Burkhart allegedly made a harassing phone call to the protected party of an Order of Protection issued from Chenango county court, he was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $2500 cash bail.  Burkhart is to appear in the Town of Bainbridge Court on a later date.

GED tests will be different in 2014, so those who have started to go for their GED should get it done as soon as possible.  June White is the director of the Afton central school adult continuing education program:

(June White 4-2-13)

White said that the Afton program is spread out through the tri-county region, more details are available at 639-2811.

A “Lunch and Learn” Energy Workshop for businesses and not-for-profit organizations will be offered on April 17th by Commerce Chenango from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich.  The workshop will provide an overview of the programs and incentives available to businesses and not-for-profit organizations to help them save money on their building and fleet energy expenses.   Pre-register for the workshop is suggested at RenewChenangoCounty.org or at 1-866-495-2959.