WCDO Radio News

The State DOT advises motorists that State Route 23 in the Town of Plymouth, just west of Ashcraft Road, has reopened to alternating single-lane traffic, controlled by a temporary signal, as work continues on a culvert replacement project. The roadway had been fully closed for approximately one week, with a signed detour, to allow crews to set the culvert in place. Construction began on June 29, and work is expected to continue for another four to five weeks, weather permitting. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-11-26

On Sunday morning at 9:14pm the City of Norwich Fire Department was dispatched for the report of a structure fire located at 6 & 6A Griffin Street in the City of Norwich. Firefighters found a working fire, crews entered the apartment building and found fire and smoke conditions within both apartments, they searched for occupants on all floors, they were able to bring the fire under control within an hour of arrival. Norwich Fire Department was assisted by the Sherburne, Oxford, North Norwich & Plymouth Fire Departments, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and involved improperly discarded ashes from a prior campfire with the remaining ashes placed in a garbage bag on the rear porch of the home. There were no reported injuries to firefighters. 2 occupants of the home were evaluated at the scene by EMS & were released.

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.

Chenango County Health Department announced a free rabies clinic in Plymouth today. The Clinic will be held from from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Plymouth Fire Department. For More information call 607-337-1673.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-17-26

This Weekend, Fire Departments around the state will be participating in the annual "Recruit New York" Campaign, in order to add to their ranks, local organizer Roger Barnhart explains:

(Roger Barnhart 4-17-26)

Departments participating locally include; PORT CRANE, PLYMOUTH, ANDES, TROUT CREEK, HARTWICK, MILFORD, MOUNT VISION, UNADILLA, & WEST ONEONTA, To find out what day & times local Fire Departments are participating, go to fireinyou.org/recruitny.

Greater Opportunities of Broome and Chenango County, recently won the bid from the Norwich School District to purchase Flanagan Field on Plymouth Street in Norwich, they plan to build a $9 million multi-unit apartment project for low-income housing at the site. The sale of the parcel has to be approved by voters in the Norwich School District when they vote on the district budget on May 19th in the Norwich City School District Office, 89 Midland Drive in Norwich.

AM NEWS TUESDAY 4-14-26

Walton Fire Department and Emergency Squad were dispatched Sunday at about 2:00 PM to a working structure fire on Fish Hollow Road in the Town of Hamden, that was called in by a passerby. Upon arriving, units found a 2 1/2 story farm house with smoke & flames showing, by 3:00 pm the fire was under control, the structure was a total loss and 1 nearby structure was saved, No injuries were reported to the 3 residents or firefighters, mutual aid was provided by several area Fire Departments.

Greater Opportunities of Broome and Chenango County has been awarded $9 million in grant funding for a new 20-unit residential housing project in Norwich. The development will be located at the former Flanagan Field on Plymouth Street, $8 million from the State Homes and Community Renewal Home-ARP and $1 million from a Chenango County Infrastructure Grant. The project calls for a 20-unit residential development that will be ADA compliant, Greater Opportunities will enter into a purchase agreement with the Norwich City School District to acquire the land after a survey is performed.

The CHENANGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE arrested 42 year old Jamie Button of the Town of Plymouth for Obstruction of Governmental Administration. During an investigation of an unrelated incident on December 27th, 2025, Button provided deputies with false information into the whereabouts of a wanted subject in order to prevent the apprehension of the subject. Button was taken into custody without incident, was processed and released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Otselic Court at a later date. The Obstruction charge is punishable by up to one year in jail or three years' probation, and a $1,000 fine.

A.M. NEWS 2-12-26

44 year old James McNeilly of Endicott, was sentenced in Broome County Court to a State Prison term of 3 to 6 years, he was sentenced as a second time felony offender based upon his prior conviction for Attempted Strangulation in 2016. The present conviction stems from an incident that occurred on July 21, 2025 where McNeilly attempted to enter the Broome County Department of Social Services building in the City of Binghamton with a metal knuckle knife. During the screening process by Broome County Security Officers, McNeilly placed an item into the screening bin.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-10-26

State Police arrested 30 year old Mark Lunsford of Norwich for Attempted Assault & Criminal Mischief after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute on County Road in the Town of Plymouth. Lunsford allegedly punched the victim & struck the victim in the head with a glass bottle, the fight was broken up by a 3rd party, Lunsford left the scene & was located in Norwich and arrested & was transported to the Chenango County Jail for Arraignment.

On August 13th, 27 year old Noah Cutting was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies following a larceny complaint of a stolen trailer in the Village of Sherburne, which was located damaged in Sherburne. Cutting was located after Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint, they located Cutting on scene and he was taken into custody, and was transported back to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for processing, he was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Village of Sherburne at a later date. On August 23, Cutting was arrested for Grand Larceny after an investigation into a larceny complaint in the Town of Plymouth. Cutting was located and taken into custody, he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $2,500 bail. He is to appear in the Town of Plymouth Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-13-25

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51 year old Thendara Hartwell of Plymouth for Making a Terroristic Threat and Falsely Reporting an Incident. On August 5th, the County's 911 Center received a call from Community Bank in Norwich stating that they received a bomb threat from an anonymous phone number. The Sheriff’s Office responded & evacuated multiple businesses, a State Police Explosives Detection Canine and bomb technician conducted a search of the entire premises and did not locate any signs of explosive devices & the businesses re-opened. After an investigation and execution of a search warrant, it was found that Hartwell made the threatening phone call from a blocked phone number and caused public alarm and inconvenience. Hartwell was taken into custody today & was arraigned & she was

remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,250 bail.

47 Year old Marc Kimble of North Norwich was arrested Monday by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Burglary and Grand Larceny, after Deputies responded to the Town of Plymouth for the report of a burglary, where a male subject had unlawfully entered the victims’ garage and stole property valued at over $1,000. After reviewing camera footage, Kimble was arrested in the City of Norwich & was taken into custody without incident. Kimble was transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing and was released on an appearance ticket to appear at the Town of Plymouth Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-21-25

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Thomas Kopech of Norwich Friday on an active Arrest Warrant from Town of Plymouth Court from an incident on May 31st, where Kopech allegedly broke into a residence in the Town of Plymouth and assaulted the victims inside the home. Kopech then fled the scene before Deputies responded which resulted in the warrant of arrest. Kopech was arrested without incident and arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. Kopec is to appear in court on a later date. Kopech was charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Criminal Obstruction of Breath/Blood Circulation & Unlawful Imprisonment.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $36 million has been awarded to 48 projects across New York State through the County Infrastructure Grant Program. Locally, The City of Norwich was awarded $1 Million Dollars to build 20 new housing units on Plymouth Street to serve residents 62 years old and older, as well as individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Funding for this project will allow for infrastructure expansions required to service these homes, including a new sanitary sewer, water supply system, and storm-water system, as well as streets, curbs, and sidewalks.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Kathleen Brown of Plymouth for Burglary & 3rd degree Grand Larceny, after receiving a larceny complaint of a vehicle. Brown is accused of taking a vehicle from a residence in the Town of Norwich without the owner's permission, she was located with the vehicle, by the City of Norwich Police Department & was taken into custody and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

Today is Primary Day in New York State, The Chenango County Republican Party Primary Elections will be held in the towns of Afton, Plymouth, Smithville and Smyrna. Sample ballots can be viewed at chenangocountyny.gov; or by calling the Chenango County Board of Elections at 607-337-1760. In Delaware County: Republicans will vote for a candidate for County Treasurer between Ronda Williams & Carli Pinner; In the Town of Sidney 4 Republicans are running for 2 seats on the Town Board, between Richard DeCola, Frank Selleck, William Hunt & Andrew Hinkley. Republican primaries are being held for Town Supervisor in Colchester, Hancock, & Meredith, more information is available at the County Board of Elections page at co.delaware.ny.us. There are no Democratic Party primaries in Chenango or Delaware Counties & there are no primaries in Otsego County this year.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-23-25

Tuesday is Primary Day in New York State, The Chenango County Republican Party Primary Elections will be held in the towns of Afton, Plymouth, Smithville and Smyrna. Sample ballots can be viewed at chenangocountyny.gov; or by calling the Chenango County Board of Elections at 607-337-1760. In Delaware County: Republicans will vote for a candidate for County Treasurer between Ronda Williams & Carli Pinner; In the Town of Sidney, 4 Republicans are running for 2 seats on the Town Board, between Richard DeCola, Frank Selleck, William Hunt & Andrew Hinkley. in the town of Colchester, 2 republicans are seeking the nomination for town supervisor between Robert Hafele and Arthur Merrill, in Hancock, Jerry Vernold & David Rubera are seeking the nomination for Town Supervisor, in the town of Meredith James Ellis and Richard Pagillo are seeking the nomination for Town Supervisor, More information is available at the County Board of Elections page at co.delaware.ny.us. There are no Democratic Party primaries in Chenango or Delaware Counties & there are no primaries in Otsego County this year.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-8-25

State Police arrested 69 year old Preston Branagan of Plymouth for Torturing or Injuring Animals- Failure to Provide Sustenance, plus Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Troopers learned of the case in March when it was determined that 2 dogs were not being cared for properly in Plymouth, they observed 1 dog on the premises that was deceased and decomposing, a 2nd dog was tied up on a chain with a collar and appeared uncared for and malnourished with no immediate access to food or water. That dog was surrendered to the Susquehanna SPCA for further care. Branagan was issued appearance tickets to the Plymouth Town Court on June 17.

State DEC announced that the regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1st, Spring turkey harvests average 16,000 to 18,000 birds, Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time, Licenses can also be displayed digitally using the HuntFishNY mobile app, licenses are also available in person at more than 1,100 Agents across the State, For more information about sporting licenses, dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-28-25

Chenango Sheriff Office arrested 47 year old Andrew Harris of Plymouth for Obstructing Fire Fighting Operations, Reckless Endangerment of Property, Unlawful Imprisonment. Harris was arrested after deputies determined he would not let fire department personnel extinguish a house fire in the Town of Plymouth. Harris was found standing in his driveway in close proximity to a fully involved house fire, he aggressive yelled at emergency personnel and failed to obey lawful orders, Deputies also determined that Harris committed crimes the night before against his girlfriend during a domestic incident, he was arraigned & released on his own recognizance.

Applications are now open for The Nate Lull Scholarship, close to 18-thousand dollars will be handed out to local high school seniors in the WCDO coverage area, Lull said that the deadline to is less than 2 months away:

(Nate Lull 3-24-25)

All of the information, including the eligibility requirements can be found at NateLull.com and click on the scholarship tab.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-24-25

The Norwich Police Department has arrested 20 year old Wyatt Gould of Plymouth following a Grand Jury indictment. Gould was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, Vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, driving while impaired by drugs, reckless driving and other charges, Gould is accused of operated an SUV on January 1st on Cortland Street, while under the influence of drugs, he went onto the sidewalk & fatally struck 68 year old James Wright of Norwich, who was out for a morning walk, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The State DEC announced the acquisition of more than 190 acres in the Chenango County town of Plymouth to Pharsalia Woods State Forest, which will permanently conserve Round Pond and surrounding wetlands and grows the forest to 9,469 total acres. Round Pond and the surrounding wetlands provide vital habitat for several rare plants and a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Pharsalia Woods State Forest is part of the 54,409-acre Pharsalia Woods Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society. Maps and additional information can be found at dec.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-10-25

State Police responded Friday to a crash on State Route 12 in the town of Greene, where a tractor trailer sideswiped a Ford that was waiting to turn into Chenango Sales, the tractor trailer continued & struck a Dodge Ram Pick Up head-on, the tractor trailer then continued into the Chenango Sales lot striking multiple unoccupied new vehicles. The driver of the Dodge Ram was transported to Wilson Medical Center, a passenger in the Dodge Ram was airlifted to Packer Hospital. The driver of the Ford was transported to Wilson, the driver of the tractor trailer was transported to a local hospital. DEC Spill Response cleaned up the oil and fuel that spilled. The investigation is on-going.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Natasha Meeks of the Town of Otselic for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Criminal Mischief. Last April the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a victim that items were stolen from a property in the Town of Plymouth, at the end of the investigation, the case was presented to a Chenango County grand jury, and Following the indictment, an arrest warrant was issued. Meeks turned herself into the Detectives at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office earlier this month, she was processed, arraigned in the Chenango County Court, and was Released in her own recognizance, she is scheduled to appear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office Detectives Division arrested 40 year old Benjamin Bishop of Otselic for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Criminal Mischief. On April 23rd, 2024, Road Patrol Division received a complaint from a victim that items were stolen from a property in the Town of Plymouth, Following the indictment by the grand jury, an arrest warrant was issued, On December 30th, County Detectives went to Otselic, Bishop attempted to evade a traffic stop, but was taken into custody without incident, he was arraigned in the Chenango County Court, and he is scheduled to appear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 year old Damion Spicer of Plymouth for 2nd degree Assault last week. Deputies were called for an assault in Sherburne, Spicer allegedly hit the victim several times in the face, causing serious physical injury. The victim was transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse to receive further treatment. Spicer was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail. Spicer is set to appear in the Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 year old Daniel Dungey of Oxford for 2 counts of Menacing, 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and 1 count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation. Deputies and State Troopers responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Plymouth, where a firearm was displayed. Law enforcement arrived and secured the scene. It was determined that during the physical altercation, Dungey displayed a loaded handgun and threatened the victims, in the presence of several children. Deputies and Troopers located multiple firearms inside Dungey’s vehicle on scene, he was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance & will appear in the Town of Plymouth Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-17-24

Norwich Police Department received an emergency call about a male at Flanagan Field Sunday Morning with a gun who had made comments about shooting police officers and then taking his own life. Multiple officers from the Norwich Police Department, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and State Police responded to the scene. 24 year old Tyler Hotaling of Norwich fled into the surrounding woods, police cordoned off the location while negotiations began. Hotaling was eventually charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident, after Norwich Police were able to convince Hotaling to surrender after an hour-long standoff. Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach reported that Hotaling was under the influence of methamphetamine and posed an extreme risk to the police officers and citizens in the Plymouth Street and Flanagan Field area, he was transported to a medical facility and his court case is pending with Norwich City Court.

A free rabies vaccination clinic will be held At the Plymouth Fire Department today for dogs, Cats & Domesticated Ferrets, the clinic will beheld from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Plymouth Fire Department, more information is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-19-23

The National Transportation Safety Board released information regarding the crash of a single engine Cessna Airplane on May 28th in the town of Plymouth at about 2:50 PM, the pilot, Shawn McMahon of Binghamton, was fatally injured. The plane flew 2 separate sky diving flights that day, a co-owner of the airplane reported that following the 2nd flight, McMahon determined that he had 40 gallons of fuel. During the accident flight, McMahon announced that the skydivers were away & he was descending rapidly, a follow up announcement was unintelligible. 1 eyewitness told investigators that an airplane flew near her house very low, with the engine sputtering & the pilot attempted to start the engine unsuccessfully & she heard the impact, another eyewitness heard the engine shut off earlier when the skydivers jumped, the engine restarted and the plane continued. The investigation is continuing.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-28-23

State Police arrested 47 year old Jason Nugent of Vernon for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle speeding on State Highway 23 in the town of Plymouth. The trooper learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Utica, Nugent was arrested & was arraigned and is scheduled to appear in court on July 26th. Nugent was then turned over to New Hartford Police regarding another case.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Brandon Cullipher Of Plymouth On May 31, for DWI, Driving with a .08% BAC or Greater, and Aggravated DWI for driving while a child under the age of 16 is in a motor vehicle. Cullipher was observed driving a vehicle with no affixed inspection sticker on the windshield, he is also accused of driving the vehicle with an open container, with passengers under the age of 16. Cullipher was taken into custody, processed and released on an appearance ticket, to appear in the Town of North Norwich Court at a later date.