WCDO Radio News

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire at 10 Luther Street Sunday morning at about 9:00 Am. all occupants escaped without injuries, there were no injuries to firefighters, the cause of the fire is under investigation, the structure was a total loss.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-10-26

Oneonta Firefighters responded this morning to a reported structure fire at 525 Main Street at the Oneonta veterinary Hospital. 3 on-duty firefighters arrived within minutes to find fire rapidly extending up the exterior wall of the building. Crews knocked down the fire, checked for extension, and searched the building to ensure the fire had not spread into the structure, off duty Firefighters were called back to assist.

The Doors tribute band “Crystal Ship” will be at Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta Saturday, director Geoff Doyle comments:

(Geoff Doyle 7-10-26)

Tickets are available at foothillspac.org, or at the door Saturday.

State Police arrested 20 year old Isaiah Owens-Chamorro of Oneonta, for Criminal Mischief, after Troopers were dispatched to Thetford’s Auto Shop on Keith Street in the town of Oneonta. Owens-Chamorro’s vehicle had been impounded & was being stored there, he requested permission to retrieve personal belongings, instead, he drove the vehicle from the property without paying the tow bill and damaged a gate while leaving the premises. A trooper observed the vehicle on State Route 23 and conducted a traffic stop, Owens-Chamorro was taken into custody, and the vehicle was towed back to Thetford’s. Owens-Chamorro was processed and issued an appearance ticket to the Oneonta Town Court on August 4th.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm in Conference Room 1 at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta, Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS at redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Blood supplies remain critically low.

Days 3 and 4 of the 4 day Oneonta 250 celebration continues Saturday & Sunday; On Saturday, the traditional Hometown Fourth events will be held, Hill City Celebrations Board Chairman Sean Lewis comments:

(Sean Lewis 7-3-26)

Lewis said that More information is at hometown4th.com.

The weekend concludes from 1 to 5 pm. Sunday, July 5 with Huntington Park’s Festival Under the Big Tent, a re-creation of a Redpath Chautauqua event that took place in 1914 in Huntington Park. Huntington Library Director Alex Benjamin explains:

(Alex Benjamin 7-3-26)

America 250 Oneonta events are supported by the City of Oneonta, as well as local businesses, more information is available by visiting Facebook: Oneonta250.

Oneonta's 4 day Celebration of the Country's 250 Anniversary begins today, at 4 pm. with a First Thursday downtown event, on and around Main Street, Community Arts Network of Oneonta spokesperson Hope Von Stengel explains:

(Hope Von Stengel 7-2-26)

From 3 to 7 pm. on Friday, the Swart-Wilcox House Museum on wilcox Avenue in Oneonta will be celebrating the installation of the Lawrence Swart plaque by the Oneonta chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Swart was a Revolutionary War soldier who built the house over 200 hundred years ago, Spokesperson Helen Rees explains:

(Helen Rees 7-2-26)

Doors will open at 3 pm for tours, Susan Trump, a local folk singer and composer will lead a group of school children in a song originally written in 1990. More information is available at the Oneonta 250 Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-1-26

Over 600 NYSEG customers in Otsego County are without power today, following last Night's Storms, the Towns of Laurens & Pittsfield in Otsego County have a State of Emergency in effect due to impassable roads from downed trees & power lines. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

With extreme heat forecast in the Tri-County Region over the next few days, Cooling stations will be open at various location, in Delaware County, cooling stations will be at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the Andes Public Library, other locations may be announced, In Chenango County, designated emergency cooling centers include the Guernsey Memorial Library at 3 Court Street, in Norwich, the Sherburne Public Library, more information may be available from the Chenango County Clerk's Office. IN Otsego County, cooling centers include the Southside Mall, The Foxcare Center as well as the greater Plains & Wilber Pools in Oneonta or the Clark Sport Center in Cooperstown, more information is available at the State Department of Health

The Luszi’s Legacy Cornhole Tournament last weekend successful, the tournament raised $1,600 that will go directly to Pet Street Station Animal Hospital fund, to assist families deal with the bills for emergency or quality of life care for their senior pets.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-26-26

Most of the area School Districts will have their High School Graduation exercises today & tomorrow. Graduation ceremonies begin this afternoon at 5:00 pm for Gilbertsville Mount Upton grads, at 6:00 pm for AFTON, MILFORD, 6:30: in WINDSOR and 7:00 PM for UNATEGO, NORWICH, ANDES, MORRIS, LAURENS, DEPOSIT, EDMESTON, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK and 7:30 for CHARLOTTE VALLEY. Graduation ceremonies on SATURDAY start at 9:00 AM for HARPURSVILLE, at 10:00 AM for SIDNEY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DELAWARE ACADEMY, GREENE, WALTON, 10:45 AM for ONEONTA, 11:00 AM at OXFORD ACADEMY, SCHENEVUS; 1:00 PM for SOUTH KORTRIGHT and 7:00 PM for the BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD.

The State DOT announced the start of the $7 million Southside Oneonta Safety and Mobility Improvement Project, which will reduce traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian access along the State Route 23 and State Route 28 corridor. The project includes extended turning lanes, a new sidewalk and an additional pedestrian crosswalk, ADA-compliant curb ramps, plus 2 new bus stops for Oneonta Public Transit users, construction will be continuing through the fall of 2027.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-25-26

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Mark Andrews of Schenevus, for DWI, Refusal to take Breath Test, Failure to Keep Right, Driving on slopes and shoulders and Speed not reasonable and prudent following a 1 car property damage motor vehicle accident in the Town of Middlefield. Andrews was processed and released & will appear in Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

Former Delaware County Deputy Timothy Tryon pleaded guilty to 2 counts of Petty larceny, for stealing items from the Oneonta Walmart. Tryon was convicted June 18th in Oneonta Town Court, He was fined $500, ordered to pay restitution, and is no longer employed by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

Sidney Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire with smoke and flames visible Friday night at about 7:00 PM at 826 Circle Drive, heavy smoke was showing from the ridge of the roof. Sidney firefighters launched an aggressive interior and exterior attack and contained the fire to one apartment. Assistance was provided by Masonville, Unadilla, Sidney Center, Oneonta, Guilford & Harpursville fire departments, no injuries were reported, Sidney was back in service at about 8:30PM.

Oneonta is going “Four for the Fourth.” with a long weekend of activities to celebrate America 250, July 2 through July 5 at several sites across the city. Oneonta City Historian Mark Simonson told WCDO News that a few more activities have been added to Thursday July 2nd:

(Mark Simonson 6-19-26)

Simonson said that America 250 Oneonta may have additional events added, more information is available on Facebook at Oneonta250.

The Town Of Oneonta announced that the town pool should be opening for the season later this month, following inspections by the County Health Department. Renovations to the 50 year old pool have been ongoing since last year, the pool is free the town will offer free swim lessons to town residents.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-15-26

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40 year old Amy Gonzalez of the town of German for Harassment, Resisting Arrest & Obstructions of Governmental Administration. Deputies responded to an address in the Town of German for a domestic dispute, it was found that Gonzalez subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact. While deputies were taking Gonzalez into custody she resisted arrest. Gonzalez was taken into custody and transported back to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, she became uncooperative again. Gonzalez was released on appearance tickets to appear in the Town of German Court at a later date.

The Unadilla Flag Day Parade will be held on Main Street in Unadilla, this Sunday featuring marching bands, vintage tractors, antique vehicles, and dozens of local fire departments. The Parade starts at 3:00 PM from Unatego Elementary School to the Community House.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-12-26

State Police arrested 26 year old Ryan Gregory of Coram, Wednesday following a neighbor dispute that resulted in a man shot on Houghtaling Hollow Road in the Town of Meredith, Gregory allegedly shot the victim and 2 unoccupied vehicles. A 57-year-old male from Meredith sustained non-life threatening injuries and went to A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, he was later transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Troopers located Gregory at his local residence where he was in possession of firearms and refused commands to surrender, after several hours, Gregory surrendered and was charged with Attempted Murder, Criminal Use of a Firearm & Additional charges are likely. Gregory was processed then transported to the Delaware County Jail for Arraignment.

A live music event will be held Saturday June 6th at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, Board Member Doug Barnard & Director Amy Williams visited WCDO recently to talk about the show:

(Doug Barnard Amy Williams 6-5-26)

More information is available at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office & the Department of Health are holding 2 Car Seat safety checks Saturday. The 1st one will be from 10:00AM to 12:00 Noon at the Boys & Girls Club on River Street in Oneonta, The 2nd will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Home Depot on State Route 28, for more information, call 607-547-4230.

At approximately 2:03 pm Wednesday, the Otsego County 911 Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at Dietz Street Lofts, at 34 Dietz Street in Oneonta, Units arriving on scene found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. Mutual aid was requested to the scene, and the fire was quickly extinguished. No serious injuries have been reported. One individual was transported for evaluation for possible smoke inhalation. Some residents have been displaced and the American Red Cross is contacting them to ensure they have access to temporary shelter. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Numerous area Fire Departments also responded.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-3-26

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the new Dietz Street Lofts in Oneonta, at about 2:00 PM this afternoon. mutual aid was requester from fire departments in Otego, West Oneonta, Laurens and Milford, Videos from scene showed flames on the roof of one of the buildings. WCDO News will have more information as it becomes available.

Plans are getting firmed up for the Oneonta 250th Anniversary Celebration of American in July, committee spokesman Mark Simonson explains:

(Mark Simonson 5-29-26)

More information & updates are available on the Oneonta 250 Facebook page.

American Red Cross Blood drives will be held today & tomorrow in the Tri County Region, today, 1 is being held from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Roxbury Town Hall, at 56 Hillcrest Drive, another will be held on Saturday at the Southside Mall in Oneonta from 10 am. - 2 pm., Make appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

State Police arrested 52 year old Jonathan Menhennett of Oneonta after a dispute at a residence in the town of Oneonta. Menhennett allegedly menaced a victim & made threats with 2 knives, the victim sustained injuries but did not wish to be transported to a hospital. Menhennett was charged with 2 counts of Menacing, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, he was processed & was transported to the Otsego County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

State Police arrested 47 year old Brendan Murphy of Oneonta after he violated an Order of Protection & was charged with Criminal Contempt. Troopers responded to a report of a violation of an Order of Protection in Oneonta, the victim, who is a protected party, was invited inside Murphy's residence, a verbal argument turned physical, the victim left, called 911 & was transported to A.O. Fox Hospital for treatment. Murphy had a previous conviction for Criminal Contempt, elevating his charges to a felony. Murphy was processed & turned over to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment

US Senator Chuck Schumer introduced the "Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act” at Brooks Barbecue in Oneonta Monday. Schumer said that 4 companies own 67% of the pork, 60% of the chicken, and 85% of the beef,” leading no competition in the food industry, and higher costs for everyone. If passed through Congress and signed by the president, meatpacking conglomerates could control only one type of meat and the Federal Trade Commission would enforce the legislation. Schumer said the bill could brought to the floor for a vote soon.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-21-26

47 year old Thomas Grimsley of Oneonta man faces 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to predatory sexual assault for assaulting 2 children in Rensselaer County. Grimsley admitted to sexually abusing two children under the age of 11, after the children reported the abuse to State Police, he faces sentencing on July 20.

There will be 2 Oneonta American Red Cross Blood Drives today, one from 10 am. - 3 pm., at Springbrook on State Route 7, another from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The State DOT invites members of the public to view and discuss project plans and construction for the South-side Oneonta Safety and Mobility Improvement Project for State routes 23 and State Route 28. The improvements include extended turning lanes, addition sidewalks, full repaving, and updated pavement markings. The open house will be today at the South-side Community Room at 5006 State Highway 23 in Oneonta, 2 sessions will be held, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Construction is expected to start in June and continue through fall of 2027.

The Chenango County Historical Society, Madison County Historian’s Office, and Columbus Public House are partnering for the fourth annual “History Where You Eat” – Chenango County edition. Chenango County Historical Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 5-18-26)

People can visit the Columbus Public House today for International Museum Day om State Route 80, Two seatings will be offered, with the first at 4:30 pm. and the second at 6:30 pm. Reservations are required by calling (607) 847-8422.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-18-26

State Police arrested 40 year old Michael Sodomora of Richmondville for Reckless Endangerment, following a crash on May 12th. Troopers responded to Lowe’s on State Highway 23 in Oneonta for a report of a vehicle that struck the building. An investigation determined that Sodomora traveled through the Lowe’s parking lot at high rate of speed before striking the entrance of the building, traveling several feet inside and damaging a cash register counter and multiple shelves of merchandise. Sodomora and a 63-year-old female passenger from Pennsylvania were not injured, Sodomora was processed & turned over to the Otsego County Jail for arraignment.

The Oneonta Town Board has approved a 1 year moratorium to stop new data centers or cryptocurrency mining. The moratorium affects plans by Eco-Yotta from building a data center on County Road 9 in the Town of Oneonta, the plan requires State Approval to be implemented.

Am American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Quality Inn, on State Highway 23; make appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The State Department of Transportation reminds Oneonta area residents invites the public to an Open House on Tuesday May 19th to discuss project plans and construction for the Southside Oneonta Safety and Mobility Improvement Project. The project calls for improving safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian access on State Route 23 & 28, by extended turning lanes, additional sidewalks, full repaving, and updated pavement markings. Construction is expected to start in June and continue through fall of 2027. The open house will be held on Tuesday at the Southside Community Room at 5006 State Highway 23 in Oneonta, session will be from 11 am. to 1 pm. and 4 pm. to 6 pm.

The Town of Oneonta announced that they have received a $40,000 grant to plan improvements for the West End corridor. Empire State Development awarded the funding to support the Town of Oneonta West End Development Plan, which calls for businesses and homes, more information is available at townofoneonta.org.

27 year old Destiny Grant of Oneonta pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Attempted Burglary , she was arrested with several others for breaking into the Oneonta Tractor Supply, she was sentenced to 5 years felony probation supervision

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department will host the 21st Earth Festival event from 10 am. to 3 pm. Saturday, at SUNY Oneonta, in the Chase Auditorium. Events include educational workshops, the repair Café, and activities for children, seed exchange, and a morning bird walk. County Officials will be there promoting recycling and waste diversion practices that the county has developed over the years for residents of the county.

2 more American Red Cross Blood drives are being held today, 1 in Oneonta from 1:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the American Legion at 279 Chestnut Street, and another from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the O'Neil High School, in Walton. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 55 year old Donald Lane for Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Bail Jumping as well as on 2 Warrants, Lane was located by a Deputy in Oneonta, he had failed to appear in court for sentencing on previous felony charges, he failed to comply with verbal commands and attempted to flee on foot, he was apprehended & physically resisted arrest. Lane was then turned over to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await arraignment, he was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional facility without bail.

Norwich City Police arrested 21 year old Brayden Pollock of Plymouth along with a Juvenile, in connection to the damage at Angelino Fields on Borden Avenue on May 2nd. Norwich Police determine that both individuals came in separate vehicles & damaged property, amounting to about $2,500 in damages. Both were charged with Criminal Mischief, Pollock was issued an appearance ticket for Norwich City Court, the juvenile was ordered to return to Youth Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-7-26

State Police arrested 19 year old Derick Danielsen of Laurens after a couple driving in Laurens saw Danielsen follow them in his vehicle into the town of Oneonta, they reported that Danielson was pointing a handgun at their vehicle. The couple drove to the State Police Barracks in Oneonta to report the incident. Troopers located Danielson and his vehicle in Laurens, Troopers seized cocaine, ecstasy, oxycodone pills, Xanax, fentanyl, 150 THC vape cartridges, cash & a number of loaded weapons, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Menacing, he was processed & then transported to the Otsego County Jail for Arraignment.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-6-26

State Police responded Tuesday Night to a crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle at State Highway 28 and County Highway 48 in the town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that 76 year old Patricia Howard of Sidney, was operating an SUV on County Highway 48 and began making a left turn onto State Highway 28 when she failed to observe a Motorcycle driven by 57 year old Gabriel Mizrahi of Syosset, he was transported to A.O Fox Hospital & was airlifted to a trauma center but succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is on-going.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Oneonta today from 12 pm. - 5 pm., at Fox Care, make appointments by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.