WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-29-22

A joint investigation with State Police Investigators at Sidney and Binghamton has led to the arrest of 32-year-old James Blackman of Afton. Troopers received a report accusing Blackman of inappropriate behavior with children, the investigation revealed that Blackman allegedly raped and sexually abused 2 children under the age of 11 on multiple occasions in Chenango County. Blackman was charged with 2 counts of Predatory Sex Assault Against a Child, 4 counts of Criminal Sex Act, 2 counts of Sex Abuse, and 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Blackman was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Jail.

Helios Care will hold their annual Daffodil Jazz Brunch fundraiser Saturday in Franklin, Helios Care Spokesperson Alicia Fish explains:

(Alicia Fish 4-26-22)

More information is available at helioscare.org/daffodil, or by calling 432-6773.

Hartwick College is sponsoring the "Hawks Town Fever" street fair in Oneonta this Saturday, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM On Main Street between Chestnut Street and Ford Avenue. The event will include carnival games, zip lines, live music, food trucks, The event is free and open to the public.

The Oxford Village Tree Board will be holding its 35th "Tree City USA" Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday at 9:00 am at the LaFayette Park bandstand. Plans include a proclamation, Tree City USA flag presentation, and a giveaway of seedling evergreen trees and a variety of seedling shrubs. More information is available at treeboard.oxfordny.com or (607) 843-2512.

SUNY Broome is holding their Spring Open House this weekend on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the SUNY Broome Ice Center. SUNY faculty and staff will be present to talk to prospective students & their families, Registration is required at sunybroome.edu/open-house

“Beatles For Sale” will play at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Saturday Night, the Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets will be available at the door or reserve at 607-288-3882. Also, The Fine Arts Show will be featured in the gallery, more information is available at jerichoarts.com.

A State DEC patrol caught 30 teenagers holding a party with alcohol on Friday, April 22, at the Charles Baker State Forest in Sherburne. The group included teens ranging in age from 15 to 19 years old, including an unidentified 18-year-old from Norwich, who allegedly had 3 cases of beer, who was charged with underage possession of alcohol in a State Forest.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-29-22

The HALos Board of Directors announced their Open House at their facility at 146 Main Street in Afton tomorrow, Spokesperson Joyce Humphrey comments:

(Joyce Humphrey 4-26-22)

More information about HALos is available by calling (607) 639-4256.

Broome County Health Department is encouraging County residents to Shed the Meds during Saturday's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The DEA Take Back Day encourages people to get rid of expired & unwanted prescription medication properly, before they can get into the wrong hands, or into the waste stream. Residents will be able to dispose of the meds at the Broome County Health Department in Binghamton.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that starting Today, eastbound traffic on I-88 will be crossed over to the westbound lanes from just west of Exit 19 in Worcester to Exit 21 in Richmondville. The crossover will result in one lane of travel in each direction, the on-ramp at Exit 20 eastbound will close, followed by the westbound off ramp at Exit 19. The crossover and ramp closures are expected to be in place for approximately 5 months. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-27-22

The State Police BCI Unit seized methamphetamine, illegal firearms and weapons from a home in the town of Union earlier this week. On Sunday, Troopers were dispatched to an argument with “shots fired” on Spring Street. 20 year old Carson Vanco of Endicott, was in possession of an assault rifle, a disguised homemade gun, brass knuckles, plus methamphetamine and components to make methamphetamine. Vanco was charged with 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, manufacturing Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

NYSEG will be raising electric & natural gas rates starting this Sunday, after a rate increase request was approved by the Public Service Commission, who authorized the 3-year rate hike plan in November 2020. NYSEG's customers will pay more than $43 annually in higher electricity bills, their gas customers will pay about $14.40 more per year.

Broome County Leaders & the Broome County Health Department are encouraging Broome County residents to help Shed the Meds during Saturday's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The DEA Take Back Day encourages people to get rid of expired & unwanted prescription medication properly, before they can get into the wrong hands. Residents will be able to dispose of the meds at the Broome County Health Department.

The Jericho Arts Council Regatta Row display of Adirondack chairs and the new "Story poles" will be on the streets of Downtown Bainbridge for the next several weeks, organizer Rachel Hares explains:

(Rachel Hares 4-27-22)

The chairs & poles will be Auctioned off on Saturday May 28th at General Clinton park during this year's Canoe Regatta, the money raised will go the Jericho Arts Council to support future exhibits and activities, more information is available at 607-643-2211.

Fergie Jenkins and Ozzie Smith will be the managers On May 28th at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field, for the Hall of Fame Classic legends game. The Classic will feature a 8 Hall of Famers, in the 12th edition of the popular seven-inning contest at Doubleday Field. Tickets are on sale by calling at 1-888-325-0470 or at baseballhall.org/hofclassic. Less tickets will be available due to the ongoing renovations at Doubleday Field.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-27-22

State Police responded to a Mercy Flight Helicopter crash in the town of Elba in Genesee County Tuesday afternoon at around 1:00 PM. Mercy Flight Bell 429 helicopter was on a training mission during the time of the collision. Mercy Flight pilot, 60 year old James Sauer of Churchville 60 year old Stewart Dietrick of Prosper, Texas were pronounced deceased at the scene. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will be assisting in this investigation. The investigation is continuing into the cause of the accident.

Dr. William LeCates will leave his position as president and chief operating officer of Bassett Medical Center and northern region executive for Bassett Healthcare Network, His last day will be April 30. LeCates has been a physician for 20 years, LeCates will remain on Bassett’s medical staff and serve as an advisor to Bassett President & CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim.