WCDO Radio News

Oneonta's First Night 2016 kicks off at 6:00 pm tonight with a PARADE down Main Street Oneonta. Officials said that 7:00 pm; entertainment starts at venues such as the Foothills Performing Arts Center, the First United Methodist Church, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society and the Main Street Walkway & a FIREWORKS DISPLAY at 10:30 pm!

The Oneonta Family YMCA will host the 17th annual Frostbite 5K today. Race-day registration and number pick-up will be from. 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Oneonta YMCA. The race starts Market Street near the Sidney Federal Credit Union at 1:00 PM and ends at 1:45 PM, more information is available at 432-0010 or racewire.com.

31-year-old Daniel Mitchell of Sidney has been charged as the 4th person in connection with an alleged marijuana transaction that operated out of the Wal-Mart parking lot in Oneonta. Mitchell was arrested for allegedly leaving $250 in the unlocked pickup truck of Wal-Mart employee Jason Foster, who was arrested with his wife Alice for allegedly growing marijuana at their New Lisbon home, & selling marijuana it in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Mitchell was taken into custody by Sidney police and charged with conspiracy, he was sent to the Otsego County jail pending court action in town of Oneonta court January 21st. 28-year-old Joseph Lukeman of Mount Vision was also arrested in connection with the case for allegedly removing marijuana from the Foster home after the investigation by police was underway.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood today. Appointments can be made with the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS. A Blood drive will be held in West Oneonta today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the West Oneonta Fire Department.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council would be held Tuesday at 3:30 PM at the common Council Chambers at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the ambulance contract with the town of Oneonta. A previously announced Common Council Meeting for Wednesday has been canceled.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 34-year-old Edwin Palacios of Fredericksburg, Virginia for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC result of .21%. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Oneonta; Palacios was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1500 cash bail.

The Otsego County Chamber announced that the Fun First Night New Year's Parade would begin Thursday night at 6:00 PM. The Parade will begin at the corner of Elm and Main Streets in downtown Oneonta.

The Otsego county Sheriff's department arrested 3 people on drug charges. 33-year-old Jason Foster of New Lisbon is accused of selling marijuana from the Oneonta Wal-Mart parking lot, while also working at the store. Foster was charged along with his wife Alice for felony possession of marijuana after 12 ounces of marijuana and 11 pot plants were seized from their home, along with a scale, rifles and equipment used to grow marijuana indoors and outdoors. 28-year-old Joseph Lukeman of Mount Vision was charged with evidence tampering and criminal possession of marijuana after he allegedly removed a quantity of marijuana from the Fosters' home after the investigation began.

The Oneonta Family YMCA will host the 17th annual Frostbite 5K on December 31st. Race-day registration and number pick-up will be from. 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Oneonta YMCA. The race starts Market Street near the Sidney Federal Credit Union at 1:00 PM and ends at 1:45 PM, more 432-0010 racewire.com/register.

American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood for hospital patients in need. Healthy donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. The next blood drive will be today in Oneonta at Interskate 88 On state route 23 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

State Police arrested 27-Year-old Michael Tenace of Oneonta for criminal contempt, after troopers were advised that Tenace allegedly showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment, which violated a prior court order of protection. Tenace was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond.

State Senator Jim Seward announced a $70,000 legislative grant to support improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport. Senator Seward announced the grant during a ribbon cutting for the first-phase of renovation work performed at the airport terminal by students at the Oneonta Job Corp Academy. New upgrades at the airport include: a new conference area; ADA compliant bathroom facilities; and exterior painting. The grant will fund additional interior improvements such as: security and fire alarm systems; entry gate detection loops; computers; and conference room area displays. Otsego Now will also be studying additional improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport after receiving a $50,000 grant through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

The ONEONTA COMMON COUNCIL will hold their next meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Oneonta Municipal Airport in Oneonta this afternoon, with local officials with the Oneonta Airport Commission and the Oneonta Job Corps to unveil improvements at the airport. Senator Seward will also announce additional funding to support future upgrades.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Drive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.

The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's New Year's Eve Celebration.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced that they will be constructing drainage improvements along the southbound lane of West Street between Hartwick Derive & Ravine Parkway beginning Monday morning at 7:00 AM. The project will continue for the week, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, 1 lane traffic will be maintained with occasional interruptions, more information is available at 432-6465.

The State University at Oneonta announced that 20-year-old Brandon Negron of New Windsor is no longer enrolled at the college. Negron was arrested earlier this week in connection with a threat of violence on the University campus on Yik Yak. Negron faces charges of making a terrorist threat, and aggravated harassment, following the joint investigation by University Police, Oneonta Police & State Police.

area performer & music teacher Dana LaCroix has been volunteering with the Garden Groove Project in Binghamton where urban children learning about gardening and growing food. LaCroix decided to get her music students involved in a project to raise money for the Garden Groove Project, she told WCDO news ABOUT IT:

(Dana LaCroix 12-8-15)

LaCroix also said that the The Garden Groove Kids will perform at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party, at 70 River Street, Oneonta this Saturday, December 12th, at 1:00 pm. The event is organized by First Night Oneonta, where download cards will be on sale to help raise funds for this project. more information is available at GardenGroove.org.

The State University Police at SUNY Oneonta arrested 20 Brandon Negron of New Windsor in connection with a threatening message posted to the Yik Yak social media platform Saturday. Negron is SUNY Oneonta student, he was charged with making a terrorist threat, & 2nd degree aggravated harassment, following a joint investigation by Oneonta Police Department and State Police. Police were notified Saturday evening of the threatening post, which threatened violence for today, police searched Negron's residence and no weapons were found, Negron was arraigned this morning in Oneonta City Court and released on bail. He remains enrolled at SUNY Oneonta while the college follows its student conduct process.

Various Oneonta committees will hold meetings today. The FTO-CIC committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance -Administration committee at 5:00 PM and the Parks & Recreation Committee at 7:00 PM. All 3 committees will meet in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 63-year-old Patricia Carlson of Oneonta following a Motor Vehicle Accident, for aggravated driving with a blood alcohol content of .18% or greater. Lab tests confirmed Carlson's BAC to be .32%, 4 times the legal limit. Carlson was arraigned at Delhi Town court and was released on her own recognizance.

Foothills Performing Arts Center will feature "Ornament" tonight in downtown Oneonta. Foothills Director Bill Young’s comments:

(Bill Youngs 12-4-15)

The doors open at 6:00 with food available prior to the Show at 7:00 PM. More information is available at 431-2080.

Destination Oneonta Annual Tree Lighting Event is scheduled this evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Main Street. There will also be a Meet and Greet at the Welcome Center for the incoming and outgoing City, Town and County Representatives, Main Street will be closed beginning at 4:00 pm.

The Toys for Tots Train will be in Bainbridge Saturday. Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce President John Payne Comments:

(John Payne 12-4-15)

Donations for Toys for Tots will be accepted at that time, The Train will leave at about 12:40, it will then arrive in Oneonta at about 1:30.

Oneonta Police & State Police arrested 27-year-old Jason Cousins from Unadilla for Burglary, Attempted Robbery, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Assault, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Menacing, following a home invasion in Oneonta. Cousins is accused of displaying a stolen handgun, taking property & striking & injuring 1 of the victims. Cousins fled the scene and was apprehended and taken into custody, the investigation is continuing.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce hosts the NBT Bank Holiday Open House today from 5:00 TO 7:00 pm at NBT Bank’s Wall Street Oneonta Branch location.

The Oneonta Airport Commission Work group will have their next meeting today. That meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the Airport.

The City of Oneonta Police Department arrested 41 year old Kindell Worley of Oneonta for 2nd degree Burglary & 4th degree Grand Larceny. The arrest follows the report of a stolen vehicle from October 26, 2014, Worley is accused of entering a residence, stealing items including the keys to a vehicle and then driving the vehicle outside of Oneonta where it was abandoned. Worley was arraigned in Otsego County Court and was released on his own recognizance.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season. To make an appointment to donate blood, people can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM at Hartwick College.

Oneonta Police Detectives arrested 24-year-old Montaville Richardson of Oneonta on charges of 1st degree rape, 2nd degree burglary, following an investigation into a sexual assault that in the City of Oneonta last Thursday. The investigation revealed that Richardson allegedly entered the home of an acquaintance without permission and performed sexual acts with the victim without her consent. Richardson was held at the City of Oneonta Police Department until arraignment at the City of Oneonta Court.

The City of Oneonta Police Department is proudly hosting its 3rd annual toy drive for needy children in our community. If you would like to donate a toy for a boy or girl aged 1-15, we will gladly accept! Please drop off all toy donations to the Oneonta Police Department at 79 Main Street by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15th. All proceeds will be turned over to the Salvation Army for distribution.

State police has arrested an Oneonta man on two felonies counts. 57-year-old Richard Lindsley was charged Wednesday morning with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon, a loaded firearm, said troopers who were responding to a domestic dispute. He will face court action at a later date.

The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 6:30; the council will continue discussing the 2016 city budget.

The American Red Cross is continuing with blood drives in Oneonta & Oxford today. A blood drive will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Saint James Church at 305 Main Street in Oneonta, and the Oxford Blood drive will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the New York State Veterans Home in oxford

State Police and Oneonta Police Department arrested 33-year-old Godfrey Little of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Police executed a Search Warrant, they Seized crack-cocaine, a set of digital scales, drug packaging material and over $22,000 cash and a Chevy Malibu, Little was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash/$20,000 property bail.

Oneonta Police along with the Delaware county sheriffs department executed a search warrant at 10 Meckley Avenue in Oneonta Wednesday, following an investigation regarding drug trafficking. Arrested were 30 year old Sophie Szczepanski of Oneonta, 43 year old Charles Haynes Jr. of Oneonta & 23 year old Orane Crawford or Queens for multiple counts each for criminal possession of a controlled substance, among other charges. Police recovered Crack cocaine, marijuana, hydrocodone pills & cash, all 3 were being held pending arraignment on Oneonta city court.

The town of Oneonta planning board completed the required environmental review process & the review of the proposal full-build-out of the remaining acreage at the Oneonta Business Park. The site plan provides for up to 3 buildings, 170 parking spaces & space for warehousing, distribution and small-scale manufacturing.

The city of Oneonta will have 3 different meeting held today at city hall. At 4:00 PM, the Airport commission will meet in the Common Council Chambers at City hall; the City Planning commission will meet at 7:00 PM, also in the Common Council Chambers. Also the Environmental Board will hold an informal workshop at 7:00 PM that will be held in the basement Conference room

State Police arrested 45 year old Ronald Brennan of Oneonta for aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .25%, plus unlawful possession of marihuana and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after troopers observed Brennan driving without license plates in the Town of Milford. Brennan is accused of driving and unregistered and uninsured Honda Civic while intoxicated, he was found to unlawfully possess marihuana. Brennan was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Milford court on December 1st.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season. Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB. All those who come to donate a blood drive will be held in Oneonta from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Country Club Auto Group, 55 oneida street, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common council chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta's City Hall.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured, today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Family Planning of Oneonta, 37 Dietz Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's Spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration.

State Police arrested 25 year old Jon Speller of Oneonta, for criminal trespass, after troopers responded to a complaint from a woman sleeping at the Budget Inn on State Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta, who complained that she woke up to Speller crawling through her outside window and entering her room without permission. Troopers located him sleeping in another room when he was arrested. Speller was arraigned at the Town of Oneonta Court and released on his own recognizance. His next court date in the Town of Oneonta is on December 10th.

The Oneonta Veteran's Club is inviting all veterans and the public to a ceremony Wednesday at Neahwa Park's Veterans Memorial Walkway at the east end, under the American Flag. The ceremonies will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 26-year-old Michael Manning of Laurens for felony DWI and unlawful possession of marihuana. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 205 in the Town of Oneonta. This arrest was a felony because he has two prior convictions for DWI within the last ten years. Manning was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on November 17th.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announces: SMART OTSEGO BUSINESS, INTRODUCTION TO THE GLOBAL MARKET PLACE SEMINAR on November 12th. Registration is available at otsegocc.com or 432-4500. The event is open to the public; All Classes will be held at SUNY Oneonta at Morris Hall starting at 8:00 AM with registration, Class begins at 8:30, ending at 10:30a.m.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig has called for a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council today. The meeting will begin at 5:30 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City hall; the purpose of the meeting is to continue to discuss the city's 2016 budget.

The city of Oneonta plans to pave the top course on Clinton Street between West Street and Chestnut Street, starting this morning. Work will take place between 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM today & tomorrow, Clinton Street will be closed to through traffic. Parking on affected streets will be prohibited, and vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense. More information is available at 432-2100.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 38-year-old Richard Swislosky of Sidney on Wednesday on a Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrant. Swislosky was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff's Office on October 8th and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, following an investigation by the Sheriffs department, Probation Department & the Village of Sidney Police Department for allegedly trafficking heroin in Sidney and Oneonta. A Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Swislosky on those charges and 2 additional charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling heroin in the Sidney area prior to his October 8th arrest. Swislosky was arraigned on the new charges & was remanded back to the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail pending further court action.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Dax Marshall of Oneonta for aggravated driving while intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .18%, more than twice the legal limit. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop for speeding on East End Avenue in the City of Oneonta. Marshall was issued tickets for City of Oneonta court.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight at City Hall. The meeting will get underway at 7:00 PM & is open to the public.

Oneonta Police Department arrested 23-year-old Jeremiah Vonberg of Oneonta for 1st degree Rape & Criminal Possession of a weapon. Vonberg was arrested following an investigation of an incident on October 17th. Vonberg was held pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta court,