WCDO Radio News

23 Year old Kevin Perry of Laurens has been charged with 1st degree murder & criminal use of a weapon, for allegedly killing his parents in their home on New Road in the town of Laurens last night. The sheriff's office received a call from a relative who found Tim & Solveig Perry dead in their home, The Otsego County Sheriff's department alerted area law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for Perry's Pickup truck. Schoharie County sheriff’s deputies spotted the Pick Up truck, on I-88, Perry was apprehended following a high-speed chase, & a crash where Perry’s vehicle overturned at Exit 23. Perry was arraigned today in Town of Oneonta court, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested Matthew Bowden of Hancock for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, after a stop in Hancock for traffic violations. Deputies observed a strong scent of marihuana emanating from the vehicle; a search of the vehicle uncovered a quantity of marihuana. Deputies also discovered that Bowden’s operating privileges in New York State had been suspended. Bowden was released with appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $755 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. All 10 regions won money for their projects, the top 5 winning regions were Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, The Mid Hudson region & Long Island. Locally, the Mohawk regional Council, which includes Otsego County, receives $85.5 Million dollars for their projects, which includes a $525,000 award for Brewery Ommegang for their Hospitality Center in Cooperstown. The Southern Tier Region, which contains Delaware, Chenango & Broome Counties will receive 67. 3 Million dollars for their various projects.

NY State of Health officials announced that enrollment continues to increase as consumers approach the important December 15th deadline to enroll for coverage that starts January 1st. the Customer Service Center has answered more than 865,000 calls since November 1st - up 180,000 calls since last reported. Website and call volumes are expected to increase as the December 15th deadline approaches. Open Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan continues through January 31st, 2018. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits of several school district around the state, including the Oneonta City School Districts. The Comptrollers report regarding the Oneonta District said that the district ensured the accuracy of compensation and benefits provided to employees. Officials effectively segregated the multiple aspects of the payroll process and provided adequate oversight.

Bob Costas has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for excellence in broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Costas will be recognized during the Hall of Fame Awards Presentation on Saturday, July 28, as part of Hall of Fame Weekend next summer.

The State Health Department declared that influenza is now prevalent in the State, which puts into effect a regulation requiring that health care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present. New York has had 1,820 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in 54 counties and all 5 boroughs of New York City. There have been 612 influenza-related hospitalizations reported, and no reports of pediatric deaths from influenza. Over the last three seasons, there have been 19 pediatric influenza deaths in New York and an average of 11,183 influenza-related hospitalizations each season.

Norwich Police & Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested 3 people on various charges after the execution of a "no-knock" search warrant at 29 Silver Street Tuesday. Arrested were 50-year-old Alan Banks of Norwich for Criminal sale of a controlled substance & Criminal nuisance, 31-year-old Steven White of Norwich for Criminal sale of a controlled substance & 29-year-old Amanda Strozier of Norwich for Criminal nuisance. Banks and White are accused of selling cocaine; while Banks and Strozier are accused of allowing people to sells drugs at their Norwich apartment. Banks and White were sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail each, while Strozier was sent on $5,000 bail. All 3 will appear in Norwich City Court Thursday.

Governor Cuomo will advance legislation to add 11 fentanyl analogs to the state controlled substances schedule, giving law enforcement the ability to go after the dealers who manufacture and sell. The Governor is also directing the State Department of Financial Services to take immediate action to Advise Insurers Against placing arbitrary limits on the number of naloxone doses covered by an insurance plan. The Governor announced that a synthetic Fentanyl that is mixed with heroin is being sold illegally, which has a high risk for user to overdose, fentanyl-related deaths increased at 160% statewide.

A raid at Motel 88 in Oneonta netted Police 70 bags of heroin and crack cocaine, 33 year old Jason Chase of Cortland, was arrested for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance following a no knock search warrant.  Police discovered that Chase had 2 arrest warrants for Criminal Sale of a Controlled substance, and was also wanted by the New York State Division of Corrections and Community Supervision. Oneonta Police were assisted by City of Norwich Police Department, Chenango County Sheriff’s Department and the State Division of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Travis St. Denny of Norwich will be in jail for 10 years and plus post-release supervision for a guilty plea for 2 counts of criminal sexual act & 1 count of producing obscene materials to a minor. St. Denny was arrested earlier this year following a tip from a Child Abuse Hotline.

The State DEC has confirmed that a deer attacked a man in the city of Troy on Tuesday. Tony Remillard was taking out trash in his backyard when the 10-point Buck pinned him against a fence and hit him in the face with his antlers, before a neighbor came to his rescue. The dear ran off and died, it was tested positive for Rabies. Remillard is undergoing post-rabies exposure treatments.

State Assemblyman Cliff Crouch today encouraged families to take advantage of the "NY ABLE" program, which focuses on encouraging and assisting individuals and families to save private funds in accounts to help individuals with disabilities to maintain their health and quality of life. The account is exempt from tax on its earnings as long as the funds are used to pay for qualified expenses. More information is available at mynyable.org or call 1-855-569-2253.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a cat from the town of Franklin tested positive for rabies. The stray cat attacked one person and a dog on September 20th, the individual delayed calling Public Health until September 24th, 2017; the cat was then sent for testing to Wadsworth lab on September 25. The person is receiving rabies Prophylaxis treatment. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations and will receive a booster. The next free rabies clinic will be on October 18, 2017, from 6PM-8PM, at the Delhi Fire Hall, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older who are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at the Great American Food Store at 90 Main Street in Unadilla on Today, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Call toll-free 1 -888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Bryan Getchell on an outstanding warrant and they are asking area residents for assistance. Getchell is described as a White Male, 5’ 11" & weighing about 190 pounds, with Hazel eyes, & Blonde Hair, he is wanted for a Violation of Probation for a DWI Related charge. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/mostwanted or 778-1196 or 778-2923 or 778-2933.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Barbara Vazquez of The Bronx for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Vazquez using a cell phone while driving on Interstate 81 in the town of Kirkwood, When he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, she refused to stop & continued for another 5 miles before stopping for Police. Vazquez is accused of driving without a license, possessing a cocaine & marihuana. Vazquez was arraigned in the town of Kirkwood court and was released without bail required. Her next court date is pending.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at the Unadilla Great American Food Store on Thursday, September 28th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments or More information is available at 1 -888-345-0225.

State Police arrested 56 year old Rhonda Koban of Norwich for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .19%, plus other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop when Koban failed to keep right on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich. Koban was arraigned in the town of Norwich court and was released without bail required.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & a coalition of 16 Attorneys General filed a lawsuit to protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals grantees. The lawsuit details how the Trump administration has violated the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution by discriminating against DREAMers of Mexican origin, who make up 78 percent of DACA recipients; violated Due Process rights; and harmed States' residents, institutions, and economies. A copy of teh lawsuit is available at ag.ny.gov.

The State Office of General Services announced that a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction will be held today at 9:30 AM at the State Police troop C headquarters. Information on specific items and terms of sale is available at ogs.ny.gov, or (518) 457-6335.

Oneonta Police announced that 3 men wanted for an April Burglary have been arrested. Oneonta police responded to a domestic dispute on April 22nd. 1 of the victims was pistol-whipped & was treated & released from minor injuries at Fox Hospital. 34-year-old Teddy Faison of Oneonta was arrested in Monticello, he's been charged with 2nd degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail. Also charged was 19 year old Brian Scott of Utica, & 19 year old Nelson Navar of Utica, they were charged with 1st degree burglary & 1st degree robbery, they both face court action shortly.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Dorothy Ramsell of the town of Maryland, for 2nd degree Assault & Criminal Mischief, after troopers responded to a physical dispute at a home on State Route 7 in the town of Maryland. Ramsell allegedly threw a coffee mug at her boyfriend’s head & a stepladder at his vehicle, which smashed the windshield. The victim was treated at Fox Hospital for head pain and a laceration to his arm, and then released. Ramsell was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond, pending court action on September 12th. The court issued an order of protection against Ramsell on behalf of the victim.

Brandon Corey was sentenced today in Broome County for a knifepoint rape of a woman in the parking lot at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City in April 2016. Corey will serve 10 years in prison followed by 20 years post-release supervision, he was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that $75,000 in grants he secured will go to local domestic violence programs. The funding was set aside in the 2017-2018 state budget, locally, Opportunities for Otsego will receive $16,000, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties will also receive $16,000, Delaware Opportunities will receive $6,000 & Catholic Charities of Chenango County will get $5,000

Governor Cuomo announced 2 new actions to expand addiction treatment and recovery services for people across New York. A Request for Applications makes up to $4.5 million in funding available to develop nine Open Access Centers across the state and a Request for Information has been released that seeks input on the development of two pilot recovery high schools. These actions were announced at the grand opening of a new $8.4 million outpatient addiction treatment center in Rochester Tuesday.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 40 year old Nathan Jackson of Sherburne for 3rd & 4th degree Grand Larceny. Jackson was arrested after he allegedly stole numerous items from the victims residence over a month long period, totaling about $10,790.00. Jackson was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $1000.00 cash bail.

State Police arrested 73-year-old Csaba Fekete of Bainbridge, for 2 felony counts of Criminal Contempt in the 1st degree. Troopers were advised of 2 incidents where Fekete was allegedly sounding a loud alarm outside his home and then yelling at separate neighbors, which violated an order of protection. Fekete was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $20,000 cash bail. His next court date is pending.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 23-year-old Geraldo Rivera of Greene for 2nd degree Burglary. Deputies arrested Rivera following a report that he was found inside the victim’s residence by the victim. Rivera was arraigned in the Town of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit upheld New York State's denial of a water quality certification for the proposed Constitution Pipeline. The Pipeline would include construction of 100 miles of new natural gas pipeline across Central New York, crossing more than 250 streams and more than 80 acres of wetlands. In 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline but conditioned that approval on certification from New York State, the State DEC denied the certification on the grounds that they failed to provide sufficient information that the project would meet the state’s standards.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties; will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, near the front gate of the Delaware County Fair in Walton, tomorrow from 9:00 am to 2:00pm. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that New York has agreed in principle to join a state-federal $465 million settlement with Mylan Inc. New York led a coalition of states in the investigation that resolved allegations that Mylan knowingly underpaid rebates owed to Medicaid for the drugs EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr.® that were dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the settlement, New York will receive $38.5 million.

State Police arrested 60-year-old Lawrence Jaeger of Edmeston for felony Grand Larceny, after troopers were advised of a theft of funds from the Burlington Flats Fish and Game Club, in the town of Hartwick. An investigation determined that, while acting as the club treasurer, Jaeger had stolen just over $50,000 from the club funds, from June 2010 up until May 2017. Jaeger was arraigned in the town of Hartwick court and was released without bail; his next court date is on September 13th.

State Police arrested 29 year old Henry Macias of Laurens for felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, 3rd degree Assault, Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device, and other traffic violations. Troopers responded to the report of a domestic dispute with injuries in Laurens, Macias allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle; troopers located him in Oneonta. Macias was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond pending future court action; an order of protection was issued behalf of the victim.

Otsego County will hold their annual Tax foreclosure Auction Wednesday morning at the Oneonta Holiday Inn. 72 properties will be auctioned off starting at 11:00, those interested in bidding need to register, beginning at 9:00 AM. The list of available properties is located at nysauctions.com.

Governor Cuomo signed into law Monday, a measure that increases the minimum penalty against those who make bomb threats against community centers. The governor sited the events in Charlottesville Virginia, and a bomb threat against a Buffalo area Jewish Center in February as 2 reasons in favor of the new law, which lets prosecutors send those convicted of making bomb threats against community centers to prison for up to 1 year.

New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams of Brooklyn is the latest name to surface as a possible 2018 Democratic primary challenger to Governor Cuomo. The Brooklyn Democrat said that he has been approached about a run for governor. Williams, Actress Cynthia Nixon, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and former Hudson Valley State Senator Terry Gipson have also been mentioned as potential primary challengers to Andrew Cuomo

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare this weekend. The screenings will be offered outside the gates of the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton, this Saturday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Governor Cuomo announced executive actions designed to expand voter registration opportunities for New Yorkers. Executive Order #169, which directs every state agency to make voter registration forms available and to offer assistance in filling them out. The Governor also established the State Agency Voter Registration Task Force, to oversee administration of the state agency voter registration program in consultation with the State Board of Elections.

State DOT officials announced that that Interstate 86/ State Route 17 is closed between Nichols & Lounsberry to allow personnel to evaluate damage caused by Sunday night's storms & flooding. Also, Broome County emergency Services announced that The Town of Vestal is under a State of emergency due to flooding in several locations. Motorists that need to be in Broome County are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops, up to date travel conditions & road closures are available by calling 511 or at 511NY.org.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & a coalition of 11 state Attorneys General, today filed a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency for illegally delaying a rule meant to protect communities, workers, and first responders from dangerous chemical accidents. The Accidental Release Prevention Requirements or the "Chemical Accident Safety Rule" makes improvements to Congressionally-mandated protections against explosions, fires, poisonous gas releases, and other accidents at more than 12,000 facilities across the country, including over 200 in New York, that store and use toxic chemicals. In the suit filed today, the coalition is challenging the 20-month delay of the Chemical Accident Safety Rule's effective date.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation to include animal fighting as a designated offense for an eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant. Animal fighting often requires multiple individuals acting in concert, using telephones and web-based communications devices. Currently, the investigation of animal fighting activities does not qualify law enforcement to receive a warrant to conduct electronic surveillance. The legislation now authorizes the issuance of eavesdropping and video surveillance warrants for the investigation of animal fighting crimes.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties Mobile Screening Coach & Bassett Healthcare will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older who are uninsured or underinsured, at the Delaware County Fair in Walton, outside the gates on Saturday, August 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Appointments can be made toll-free 1 -888-345-0225.

There will be a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council tonight, the meeting will begin at 6:00 PM, and the council will establish budget guidelines for the 2018 city budget.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center. The Board will consider rezoning two parcels located at 139 West Main Street and 995 Circle Drive, from R-1 to R-3. A public hearing on the proposed rezoning will be scheduled at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Dean Martin of Walton, on 1 count each of 3rd degree Assault & Menacing, after an investigation of a domestic incident in the town of Walton Saturday. Martin is accused of threatening an individual with a knife, & causing a physical injury with his fist. Martin was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 in bond, pending future court action in the Town of Walton Court.

Applications are now being accepted for the operation of custom craft beverage production centers to provide space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine, or cider for home consumption. The State Liquor Authority will provide new licenses to facilitate the production, to both current craft manufacturers looking to expand or businesses seeking to open a stand-alone custom homemade craft beverage production center. Governor Cuomo signed legislation last year, creating the new license authorizing the creation of custom craft production centers where craft beverage amateur brewers and cider makers can utilize the expertise, space and equipment of existing facilities to produce craft beverages for personal consumption. More information is available at sla.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that over $3.1 million dollars in wages and interest during the first quarter, has been returned to 1,367 workers by the State Department of Labor. In addition, more than $125,500 in civil penalties have been assessed against employers in violation of prevailing wage law and 14 individuals or business entities have been debarred since the beginning of the year. Locally, 76 Southern Tier area workers were awarded over $168,000 in back wages through this effort.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured or underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney on Monday, June 19th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Appointments can be made at 888-345-0225 for your appointment

State Police responded Friday to a report of a 1-vehicle rollover fatal accident on State Highway 17 in the Town of Sanford. The investigation revealed that the operator of an Econoline van fell asleep at the wheel, the vehicle drifted off the road and overturned multiple times before coming to rest. 5 of the 7 occupants were transported to Wilson and Lourdes Hospitals to be evaluated for non-life threatening injuries, however, 1 Passenger; 70 year old Dennis Pitts of Rochester, was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital, he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is continuing.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments last Thursday regarding the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 49-year-old Louis Aulicino of Franklin, for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Morphine and Oxycodone from his residence between early November 2016, and late January of this year. Sheriff’s Investigators also arrested 46 year old Richard Mattice, of Delhi, on 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Hydrocodone in the Village of Delhi between July, 2016, and late January of this year.

Norwich Police unveiled 20 new officer body cameras to increase transparency and accountability while improving relationships between law enforcement and the community. Officers began utilizing the body cameras on patrol and in the field earlier this year. The cameras are always on and rolling footage, the officer maintains control over when the camera starts to record and save footage. Funding for the equipment was secured through a $50,000 Public Protection Grant by State Senator Fred Akshar in the State Budget.

24-year-old Brittney Ellis of Binghamton was arrested following a search of her residence. Police seized cocaine, packaging materials, when they executed a warrant, police said 2 children were in the residence at the time of the raid. Ellis was charged with 6 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 2 counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a child. Ellis was arraigned in Binghamton city court and sent to Broome County Jail.

Governor Cuomo announced $3 million in new funding to help eligible municipalities and rural electricity cooperatives purchase electric vehicles for use in their municipal use fleets. The initiative is part of the New York Power Authority’s Municipal Electric-Drive Vehicle Program, which provides financial assistance to facilitate the replacement of less fuel-efficient vehicles. This announcement supports Governor Cuomo's energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York 40 percent by 2030.

New York State of Health is holding information sessions at libraries throughout the state to reach uninsured New Yorkers. Certified in-person assistors will be available to answer questions and provide enrollment assistance during more than 200 information sessions at 77 libraries in February. a local session will be held in Walton at the Ogden Public Library on February 17th from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM.

Catholic Charities of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties is looking for volunteers to act as mentors for at-risk children ages 7-17. Spokesperson Tracy Martindale explains:

(Tracy Martindale 2-10-17)

More information is available by calling 604-4071 or 353-2198.

State Police arrested 22 year old Joshua Fuller of Windsor for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, after troopers were requested to assist the Binghamton Police Community Response Team with a traffic stop. Binghamton Police officers discovered over $20,000 dollars in cash & savings bonds that did not belong to Fuller or his passengers. Troopers determined that Fuller had recently stolen over $40,000 from a home while he was working for the owner. Fuller was arraigned in the Town of Union Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

State Police arrested 31 year old Sara Milford of Oneonta for Driving While Intoxicated & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and other traffic tickets. Milford is accused of speeding on Winney Hill Road in the Town of Oneonta, troopers located an open bottle of beer, discovered that Milford was driving with a suspended license, they also found 5 grams of marihuana. Milford was issued tickets to appear in the Town of Oneonta Court on February 21, 2017.

Broome County & the city of Binghamton announced that the Empire Road Race Series would begin on March 4th. The 10 race series will run through November 23rd, some of the races will coincide with the Parlor City 5K race during July Fest, and the Kelly LaBarre 5K race during Spiedie Fest. More information is available at empire road race series.org.