WCDO Radio News

More than 150 new Troopers were honored this morning for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 207th session of the Basic School of the State Police Academy during graduation exercises in Albany, New York. David Schulte of Oneonta was one of today's graduates:

(Trooper Schulte 11-14-18)

Trooper Schulte will be assigned to Troop C in Sidney.

The Great American Smoke Out is being celebrated on Thursday, November 15th and is an awareness day to promote tobacco use abstinence. Dee Cisneros of the Advancing Tobacco Free Communities said that they can help companies help their employees quit tobacco:

(Dee Cisneros 11-14-18)

Advancing Tobacco Free Communities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties can be reached at 518-255-5364.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Jarred Robinson of Walton, for disorderly conduct, trespass, obstructing government administration and resisting arrest following a report of a male subject causing fights and refusing to leave the Feather and Stone Bar in the Village of Walton. Robinson physically resisted Deputies during arrest, he was arraigned at Hamden Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $400 bail or $1000 bond pending future court action.

Unadilla Valley Central School District confirms that they went into a lock-down late Tuesday morning after an alleged threat reported in the Otselic Valley School District. Unadilla Valley went on a lock-down after 2 students reported an audio recording of a threatened act of violence against a school, was allegedly made by a Unadilla Valley student. Chenango County sheriff’s Deputies responded, the student who made the threat was located and a search of that student’s locker revealed no weapons or contraband & the lockdown was lifted about 30 minutes later. The investigation is continuing.

The City of Oneonta is set to unveil the draft vision, goals and recommendations for the Oneonta Comprehensive Plan Update at an open house today from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Oneonta High School cafeteria. The event will build on feedback and information gathered during the first open house held in January. For those unable to attend the Open House, an opportunity to provide feedback will be available at opportunityoneonta.com.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down several Sealed Indictments Thursday relating to 3 separate narcotics trafficking investigations conducted in the Sidney and Hancock areas by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division.   Arrested were 36 year old Angela Huggins of Sidney, 36 year old Mark Tubbs of Sidney & 30 year old Lisa Hayslip of Oneonta for selling illegal drugs in Sidney.  4 people from Fish’s Eddy were charged, 23 year old Samantha Wren, 33 year old William Weyrauch, 29 year old Seth Appley & 29 year old Lacey Benson for allegedly selling a variety of illegal drugs in Fishes Eddy, Benson faces an additional charge of Promoting Prison Contraband, for allegedly introducing secreted hypodermic instruments into the Delaware County Correctional Facility following her arrest.  All were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending further court action.

State Police at Norwich are looking for the public’s help in locating a 43-year-old woman from Greene who is in need of medication. Arzou Hami was last seen on Sunday, October 7th exiting a vehicle near State Highway 369 in Port Crane. Hami has also identified herself as Michelle Girard. She was last seen wearing white capris, slip-on shoes, a dark shirt and carrying two suitcases, she is white, approximately 5’7, 165 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at 561-7400.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and the City of Norwich Police Department conducted a traffic stop on 29 year old Logan Dalrymple of Sherburne, whose vehicle and person were subject to a search warrant. Officers seized methamphetamine packaged for sale and Suboxone strips. Dalrymple was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a controlled substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Promoting Prison Contraband, she was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail, the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

Governor Cuomo today announced $45 million in state grant funding has been awarded to 57 counties and New York City for emergency communications. This funding enables local governments to expand their emergency response capabilities to enhance public safety operations. Locally, Chenango County receives $534,000, Delaware County $497,000 & Otsego County $796,000.

The Afton Community Theater will present "DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" tonight at 7:00 PM & Sunday at 2:00 PM. The production will be located at the Afton School District Auditorium on Academy Street in Afton.

The Otsego County Office fore the Aging & the Foxcare Center in Oneonta are teaming up for their Annual Info Fair from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Gabrielle Argo of Foxcare explains:

(Gabby Argo 10-12-18)

More information is available at 547-4232.

The Raymond Corporation hosted more than 250 high school students today, as part of their National Manufacturing Day commemoration. Students from more than 20 area schools learned about career opportunities within the science, technology, engineering and math fields, Raymond CEO Mike Field commented about this event:

(Mike Field 10-12-18)

Raymond Corporation has experienced continued growth over the last 7 years, they have held this event for students for the last 4 years now, and more information is available at raymondcorp.com or at the Raymond Facebook page.

Youth across New York State have declared tomorrow, October 13 as the 2nd annual “Seen Enough Tobacco Day” to protect young people from the billions of dollars of tobacco promotions in places where adolescents and young adults can see and be influenced by them. Reality Check youth in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties are posting lawn signs and banners with tobacco-free messages to educate the public. Community members are encouraged to visit SeenEnoughTobacco.org and sign the online petition.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 22-year-old Dane Edwards of Deposit on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Village of Deposit Court for 3rd degree Assault, involving an incident earlier this year in Deposit. Edwards was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear at the Village of Deposit Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Presents Memories of Patsy Cline tonight, Jericho Arts Council spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-12-18)

Tonight's show begins at 7:00 pm, tickets are available at the door, and they can also be reserved by phone 288-3882.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group announced a fundraising event coming up this weekend. The annual Crock-pot Cook-off and Lucky Day Auction will be held on Sunday, beginning at 12:00 noon at the Sidney Center Fire Hall.

The NYS Smokers' Quitline, recently launched a fully updated, redesigned and mobile-ready website www.nysmokefree.com Linda Wegner of the Advancing Tobacco Free Communities - Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties commented about the 24/7/365 website:

(Linda Wegner 8-23-18)

The NYS Smokers’ Quitline is a service of the NYS Department of Health, at 1-866-NY-QUITS, which is still free of charge, & is available 7 days a week starting at 9:00 AM each day.

The Walton Central School district board of education held another emergency meeting Wednesday night, they appointed Larry Thomas as interim Superintended replacing Roger Clough, who is out of paid administrative leave following accusations of misconduct. The Walton School Board is also working to hire new principal at the High School & Middle School, & an Assistant Principal from both school, after Rob Knuschke, Andy Gates & Mark Lamoreaux all resigned recently to accept other positions in other school districts.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that expands the benefits available to eligible crime victims, who have not been physically injured, to include reimbursement of crime scene cleanup and domestic violence shelter costs. The change will allow victims of hate crimes or domestic violence cases to apply for compensation for these expenses from the state Office of Victim Services. Under current law, crime scene cleanup and shelter costs incurred by crime victims were excluded.

State Police arrested 57 year old Cornelia Dawson of Massachusetts for Aggravated DWI with a reportable B.A.C. of .21%, as well as several other traffic tickets, after Troopers monitoring I-88 in Oneonta Dawson's vehicle cross into the shoulder several times. Dawson was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court and released on her own recognizance.

The Town of Sidney Offices, including the Court, has been moved into the New Sidney office building at 44 Grand Street. Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford comments:

(Gene Pigford 7-10-18)

The next Town of Sidney Board meeting will officially be held in the 44 Grand Street location in Sidney. The moves were precipitated by the sale of the Sidney Civic Center to 2+4 Management Company, who have built senior apartments on the 2nd & 3rd Floors, which forced offices to move to the 1st floor, or out of the building into new locations.

Otsego County Sheriff's department arrested 36 year old Ryan Biggs of Gloversville following an accident in Worcester Sunday. Biggs is accused of driving mentally & physically disabled people in an ARC vehicle while intoxicated, he was charged with DWI & endangering the welfare of an incompetent or disable person, he was released & faces court action at a later date.

A Cortland man was found guilty by an Otsego County Jury for selling heroin & cocaine in the city of Oneonta recently. 34 year old Jason Chase was found guilty after the jury deliberated for about 40 minute, he was returned to the Otsego County Jail pending sentencing on August 3rd on 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28 year old Aaron Dumond of Denver New York for Tampering with Physical Evidence & Conspiracy, after a reported Assault in Roxbury in May. Dumond allegedly altered and concealed physical evidence; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond pending future court action.

State Police at Deposit arrested 25 year old William Caiati of Tompkins, for Aggravated Family Offense, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment. A trooper responded July 4th to a domestic dispute, where 1 victim reported that Caiati placed his hands around her neck, restricting breathing and she was shoved to the ground and injured her wrist, Ciaiti is also accused of disabling the victim's phone. A second victim reported that he allegedly punched her when she attempted to intervene. Caiati left, but was located by phone & turned himself in, he was arraigned in the town of Deposit and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail. An order of protection was also issued.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28 year old Kevin Matthews of Worcester for Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle. Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle that was taken without the owner’s permission, Matthews allegedly took the vehicle on July 4th, another vehicle in that driveway sustained damage. Troopers observed the vehicle on I-88 in Richmondville, they arrested Matthews for Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs and other charges. Matthews was later turned over to troopers at SP Oneonta where he was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle. He was arraigned in the Decatur Town Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1000 cash bail or $2500 bond.

State Senator Jim Seward joined officials from local domestic violence prevention programs Monday to announce state grants totaling $45,000 to help support key community services. The funding awards included: Opportunities for Otsego - $15,000; Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties - $15,000; Delaware Opportunities - $7,500 & Liberty Resources in Chenango County - $7,500.

Thousands attended the Calling Hours & Funeral Services over the weekend for Trooper Nicholas Clark. Troopers & officers from various law enforcement agencies paid their respects, along with friends and family members, at the services held at Alfred University. Trooper Clark died in the line of duty last Monday while responding to the report of a suicidal man who had barricaded himself inside a home in Steuben County.

The American Red Cross is now facing an emergency blood shortage following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations; with hundreds fewer blood drives than a typical week and a resulting decline in donations. All eligible donors are urgently needed to give now to help replenish the blood supply. Locally, blood drives are being held today in from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the SFCU main branch in Sidney; in Gilbertsville, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, at the Christ Episcopal Church, In Delhi Wednesday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the State University of New York Delhi O’Connor Center for Community Engagement, at 2 Main Street & Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 41861 State Highway 10

Norwich City police arrested an area couple for allegedly assaulting a child. Police were notified by the Chenango County Department of Child Protective Services, The child had been taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Emergency room with injuries to the head & face, police arrested 31-year-old Marrianne Ray and 31-year-old Scott Ray of Norwich for 2nd degree Assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Both were arraigned in Norwich City Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $75,000 cash bail, they will reappear in Norwich City Court at a later date.

The trial of Dean & Adam Skelos continued Friday, with former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos taking the stand. Dean Skelos was convicted in his first trial for exchanging political favors in order to get his son Adam High Paying No-Show Jobs, a new trial was ordered after the US Supreme Court changed the definition of Corruption, leading to new trials for Skelos & Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York's maple industry hit a 74-year record in 2018 with the production of 806,000 gallons of maple syrup. The maple industry in New York has grown by nearly 50 percent in the last five years and continues to maintain the state's standing as the second leading producer of fresh maple syrup in the nation. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York's maple production constituted about 19 percent of the national total. New York producers also benefited from a long season in 2018 which lasted 52 days, compared to 43 days in 2017

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Otsego County today at Opportunities for Otsego in Oneonta at 2:00 PM. Senator Seward will announce special state grants he secured to help fund local domestic violence prevention programs. Representatives from Opportunities for Otsego, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties, Delaware Opportunities, and Liberty Resources of Chenango County will join Senator Seward for the announcement. Senator Seward will also detail several legislative accomplishments from the past year to combat domestic violence and sexual harassment.

State Senator Fred Akshar has come under fire for his relationship with Jessica Williams, who has worked for Akshar, his predecessor Tom Libous & is now working for the state Senate Republicans staff and she has received large percentage pay increases since 2011. Akshar spokesman Emmanuel Priest told WCDO News that Williams' is involved with Senator Akshar, and the increasing salary was commensurate with the work she has been tasked with doing. Akshar has been a State Senator since 2015, when he won a special election to fill Libous's seat.

State Police arrested 45 year old Brett Brooks of Sidney, Wednesday, for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs. Troopers were dispatched to a 2 car Accident on State Highway 7 near Valley View Drive in Unadilla. After an investigation, Brooks was arrested and arraigned in the town of Unadilla Court, he was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on August 13th.

Governor Cuomo today announced $30 million is available statewide to support conservation easement projects on dairy farms. The Farmland Protection Program for dairy builds on New York State's continued land preservation efforts. In May, the State announced nearly $38 million is available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program to help Farmers across New York protect valuable and at-risk farmland. The application deadline is August 31, and the Request for Proposals is available at agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html.

470 New York State municipalities have adopted tobacco-free outdoor area policies, 2 recent examples are the Town of Stamford and Village of Delhi in Delaware County. Both municipalities recently worked with Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, spokesperson Linda Wegner comments:

(Linda Wegner 7-6-18)

The use of tobacco products is prohibited on any present and future parks, recreation areas, trails and events under the jurisdiction of the Town of Stamford & the Village of Delhi, Tobacco products are defined as any manufactured product containing tobacco or nicotine including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, Snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, e-cigarettes and vape pens.

The Franklin Farmers' Market & the Stage Coach Run Art Festival will be hosting a free children's rock painting activity Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Children and Families are invited to use paints provided for artistic expression on the rocks. The Franklin Farmers' Market is located at 25 Institute Street, Franklin, every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Stage Coach Run Art Festival runs Saturday & Sunday at various locations in Franklin & Treadwell; more information is available at stagecoachrun.com.

Governor Cuomo announced that advance sale tickets for the 2018 Great New York State Fair will be available Monday, July 9, including new discounts to make the Fair more affordable. The New York State Fair is operated by the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, it runs from August 22 to September 3 this year in Syracuse.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 71 year old Phyllis Brown of Denver, New York for DWI, failure to maintain lane and failure to notify DMV change of address. The arrest was the result of a civilian report that Brown was driving erratically in the Village of Margaretville, nearly causing multiple collisions in the opposing lane of travel. Brown was released and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo signed the New York Democracy Protection Act Wednesday, which calls on all political advertising in print, TV & radio to disclose the organization or individual paying for that ad. The Act also amends the definition of "political communication" to include paid Internet and digital advertisements, it ensures foreign entities cannot form an independent expenditure committee and purchasing political ads to influence elections; Requires all digital ad buyers to register as an independent expenditure committee, Requires paid independent political online ads to clearly display that the ad was not authorized by any candidate; and Directs the State Board of Elections to create an online archive of all political communications in order to make them transparent and accessible to the press, fact-checkers, political opponents and the public.

Hartwick College will host a Rural Prosperity Forum on Infrastructure, presented by the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office and Congressman John Faso. The Topics of discussion will include innovative partnerships that have been developed to overcome challenges in rural areas and exploring best practices to build and support economic development. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday at the Shineman Chapel House on the Hartwick College campus, the public is welcome to attend.

A Chenango County jury found Jeremy Coates of Norwich guilty of the murder of David Green in Oxford in 2016. Coates and his girlfriend Melissa Crispell robbed Green, Coates beating him 20 times with various weapons, Crispell pleaded guilty to robbery last May, in a plea deal in exchange for her testimony against Coates, Sentencing for Coates is scheduled for June 1st.

The "Seen Enough" Tobacco Presentation will be held at the Sidney Library This evening, Linda Wegner is the Program Director of Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties:

(Linda Wegner 4-18-18)

Wegner's special guests at the presentation will be Former Sidney Business Owner Whit Whitaker & his wife Rosemary; the program will start at 6:30 PM at the Sidney Memorial Public Library.

Chenango Links & the Chenango Arts Council present the Documentary "UNFRACTURED" at the Martin W. Kappel Theater tonight, which follows the story of Biologist Sandra Steingraber, who helped get Hydraulic Fracturing banned in New York State, she talked to WCDO News about her efforts & the movie:

(Sandra Steingraber 4-18-18)

The movie director was Chanda Chevannes of Toronto Canada, she told WCDO News about the film:

(Chanda Chevannes 4-18-18)

Both Steingraber & Chevannes will be at the screening of "Unfractured" tonight in Norwich, the movie starts at 7:00 PM, more information is available at chenangolinks.com or unfractured.com.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce & the Otsego-Delaware Job Service Employer committee is co-hosting a free “Opioid Crisis in the Workplace” discussion, with featured speaker, attorney Theresa Levine of Coughlin & Gerhart. The event will be held from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Otsego Chamber offices at 189 Main Street in Oneonta.

Delaware County Public Health is hosting a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic today for dogs, cats and ferrets. The Clinic will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Pindars Corners Fire Hall on State Highway 23, in the town of Davenport, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has declined to over-rule New York State’s denial of the construction of the Constitution pipeline. The DEC ruled that the pipeline failed to meet certain requirements, the federal agency will not over rule the state’s decision. The Constitution pipeline was proposed to run from Northeast Pennsylvania, through Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties into Schoharie County, carrying gas would could have been tapped into by businesses and communities along the route.

State Police arrested 42 year old William Caputo of Raleigh, North Carolina for DWI and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a 1 vehicle collision on Russell Road, in the town of Walton. Caputo is accused of driving while intoxicated when he drove off the roadway and stuck a tree, Caputo was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for anxiety and chest pains, he refused to submit to a test to measure his blood alcohol content. Caputo was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.

The Sidney United Way recently named ACCO Brands as the recipient of the 2017 “Community Matters” award. The Community Matters Award is presented to an individual or organization that has provided significant support for our local United Way and the Sidney Community. ACCO's Brands 2017 campaign raised more than $30,000 to help support the work of the Sidney United Way.

The Binghamton Pond Festival for local hockey enthusiasts will take place over the next 3 weekends starting today. Events will take place at Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks. There is no charge to attend, area Hockey teams are invited to register to participate, and the full schedule of events and registration information is available at bingpondfest.com.

Chenango County Judge Frank Revoir has found Wayne Spratley of Greene not guilty of all 6 charges he was facing, in connection with a shooting incident in downtown Norwich in July 2015. Spratley was found not guilty Thursday of attempted 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree assault, attempted 2nd-degree murder & criminal use of a firearm.

Hartwick College will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights heritage Sunday & Monday on campus and throughout Oneonta. On Sunday, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Citywide Birthday Celebration will be held at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. On Monday, “The Changing Faces of the Civil Rights Movement: Who’s in and Who’s Out.” will be held at the Dewar Union from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.