WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 2-11-25

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services announced that the missing persons report regarding 34 year old Chelsea Nicholson of Oneonta was canceled as of 9:00 AM this morning, she was reported missing on Tuesday morning and was last seen driving a red Kia in Oneonta, she was reported to be safe by Oneonta Police & no other details were released.

Governor Hochul highlighted proposals to bring down costs of auto insurance rates and tackle fraudulent claims, limit damages paid out to bad actors and ensure that consumers, not insurance companies, are prioritized:

(Hochul 2-11-26)

Governor Hochul said that similar reforms against Auto Insurance fraud were implemented in Florida, where insurance premiums were reduced on average by 20%, she is hoping the the state legislature will pass these reforms this session.

The Susquehanna SPCA responded to the another call of farm animals left abandoned in Guilford last weekend, where the animals were surrendered to the SPCA by the owners, the SPCA acquired a farm last year in order to process and take care of these types of rescues, according to Director Stacie Haynes:

(Stacie Haynes 2-11-26)

Haynes said that they are able to take on these types of cases from a larger demographic area now that they have a farm & staff, and they passed an inspection under the new Companion Animal Care Standards Act for Shelters and Rescues, following a recent inspection, more information is available at (607)547-8111.

State Police announced this afternoon that missing teen Damian Mazza-Siragusa was found safe by Endicott Police today & he was checked out at a local hospital. The 17 year old was reported missing after leaving Deposit late Saturday Afternoon.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce had their Re-brand Launch Party at SUNY Delhi Monday, President Ray Pucci said that the new brand is the "Delaware County Business Alliance":

(Ray Pucci 5-20-25)

Pucci said that the organization will still act as an advocate for area businesses, and will offer the same programs as before. Their office will remain on Main Street in Delhi & for the time being the website will be at delawarecounty.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-20-25

State Police announced the annual “Buckle Up New York, Click It or Ticket” campaign officially kicked off Monday and runs through June 1. During this time, Police will have more patrols, conduct more traffic stops, and will maintain a zero tolerance policy for unbuckled drivers and passengers. Seat belts reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by 20%, an average of 200 New Yorkers die each year due to not buckling up.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar released the results of the first quarter of targeted public safety and crime response initiative conducted by their Strategic Response Group. The SRG’s Targeted Public Safety and Crime Response Initiative for the 1st quarter of 2025 resulted in 31 Narcotics Arrests, 24 Warrant Arrests, 2 Weapon Arrests, 18 Vehicle and Traffic Arrests, 209 Traffic Violations Issued. Since the SRG’s full-time activation in mid-June, their targeted crime response has yielded over 440 arrests across Broome County, which ranged from Narcotics charges to fugitives with outstanding Arrest Warrants, to Vehicle and Traffic arrests.

State Police responded to a report of “shots fired” in the village of New Berlin. An investigation determined that 39 year old Joseph Avery of New Berlin, discharged a gun unsafely within the village limits with the alleged intention of intimidating a person. Avery was located and was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Stalking, Prohibited Use of a Weapon, Avery was processed and transported to the Chenango County Correctional Facility for Arraignment.

State Police BCI, Troop C Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce arrested 40 year old Dustin Hummel of Oneonta, for possessing child pornography, possessing suspected illegal illicit substances and weapons related charges. During the execution of a search warrant, Hummel was found to be in possession of images consistent with child sexual exploitation, suspected illegal illicit substances, a defaced firearm and high-capacity magazines that are not New York State SAFE Act Compliant. Hummel has been charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, Hummel was processed and transported to the Otsego County Correctional Facility and remanded on no bail.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will have their next meeting tomorrow morning, beginning at 7:30 AM. The meeting will be held in the back of Bob's Diner.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-16-24

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 30 year old Dimitri Grassi of Greene for 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 1count of Criminal Sale of a Firearm and Manufacture, Transport, Disposition and Defacement of Weapons. Grassi is accused of selling a fully automatic firearm to an Undercover Detective, he also possessed and sold a weapon with a high-capacity magazine, with partially removed serial numbers. Grassi was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Grassi was later released and is to appear in the Town of North Norwich Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 52 year old John Standish of Owego for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon, after Investigators discovered that Standish was manufacturing ghost guns and was in possession of firearms that are not NY SAFE ACT complaint, high-capacity magazines and silencers and that Standish does not possess a pistol permit and cannot lawfully possess a firearm. Investigators learned that Standish was using 3D printers to illegally make parts for the ghost guns. Standish was arraigned & faces future court action.

18 year old John Koscinski of Utica was found safe, he was reported missing from SUNY Cobleskill, the State Division of Criminal Justice reported that Koscinski had been missing since Wednesday.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-18-24

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced early successes in the seizure of illegal guns under the anti-gun trafficking statute in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Gillibrand commented earlier today:

(Gillibrand 9-18-24)

Gillibrand said that the vast majority of the guns making their way into New York State are trafficked from out of state along the I-95 Corridor. The statute has also been used to charge 423 defendants in 33 states, and to secure at least 119 convictions nationwide so far.

A social Media Threat against the Sidney & Walton Central School District was posted on Instagram and Facebook, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told that 4 were quickly identified, placed into a safe space & their parents were contacted:

(Eben Bullock 9-18-24)

Bullock said that Sidney Police stayed on the school grounds for the rest of the school day, and they are investigating the post as a threat.

State Police in Troop “C” will be hosting a child car seat checks in Broome County this Saturday. Troopers will be at the "Touch A Truck" event at the Broome County Fairgrounds in Whitney Point from 10:00am – 2:00pm, Troopers who are trained child passenger safety technicians will be available to assist with car seat installation or answer any questions you may have, Appointments are preferred at (607)561-7604.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-18-24

30 Year old Giovanni Foster of Johnson City, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. On July 11, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit executed a narcotics search warrant at Foster's Apartment, they seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and a digital scale. Foster admitted to possession with the intent to sell & will receive 5 years in State Prison followed by 3 years post-release supervision when sentenced on December 12.

THE RAYMOND CORPORATION of Greene is hiring manufacturing associates for all shifts at their plant in Greene. Interested participants can come to Raymond today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM for an on-site Job Fair with interviews & on the spot offers for qualified applicants. More information is available at raymondcorp.com.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 35 year old Brian Worden of Oneonta following a disturbance call. Worden is accused of possessing a controlled substance when police showed up to a disturbance in the Meadows Office Complex Parking lot, Worden was arrested & was issued an appearance ticket.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-17-23

State Police BCI unit arrested 36 year old Ian Rotunno of Fenton, Thursday for multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Rotunno was found in possession of a loaded and illegal rifle when located by law enforcement after a 24 hour manhunt. An investigation revealed that the weapon is a “ghost gun”, plus he is accused of possessing 2 magazines that are not New York State SAFE Act compliant and were loaded with armor piercing ammunition. Rotunno was transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

P.M. NEWS Monday 4-10-23

The Broome County Sheriff's Office announced that a missing, nonverbal 15-year-old boy with autism was found safe by law enforcement and returned to his parents after leaving home & falling into a river in the Town of Fenton on Sunday. State Police responded to a report of the missing child in the Town of Chenango, who had been visiting family from Syracuse & he wandered off unnoticed, Broome County Sheriff’s deputies responded & found the teen within 10 minutes of the bulletin, on West Service Road in the Town of Fenton. The juvenile was wet, he was evaluated by EMS, & was returned to his parents.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited the Norwich Fire Department last week, Schumer supports renewing the ‘Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023' in the Senate, he also announced that the Village of Oxford Fire Department has been awarded a $226,200 SAFER to recruit more volunteers joining the Department.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-11-23

Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the controversial Bail Reform issue that went into effect under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, in her State of The State Address Tuesday in Albany:

(Hochul 1-11-23)

Local Assemblyman Joe Angelino served for many years as Chief of the Norwich Police Department, he has been a vocal opponent of the Bail Reform Laws since they were enacted, and constituents have told him that they do not feel safe:

(Angelino 1-11-23)

There have been some changes to the law since it first went into effect where more criminal defendants can be sent to jail before their trials, other changes allow judges to set bail for more gun crimes, hate crimes and repeat offenses.

Attorney General Letitia James today released a statement after the United States Supreme Court ruled to allow New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act to remain in effect pending appeal. The Supreme Court upheld a stay that was issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in December. The law strengthens requirements for concealed carry permits, prohibits guns in sensitive places, requires individuals with concealed carry permits to request a property owner's consent to carry on their premises, enhances safe storage requirements, and requires background checks on all ammunition purchases.

A new law regarding Pedestrian and bicyclist safety goes into effect today. The new law requires new drivers to learn about pedestrian and bicyclist safety awareness as part of their pre-licensing course.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that items from the World Champions Houston Astros is being displayed currently. Artifacts donated by the Astros include a Jersey worn by World Series MVP Jeremy Peña, wristbands & toothpicks from Manager Dusty Baker, a Glove used by outfielder Chas McCormick, spikes from Pitchers Justin Verlander & Ryan Pressly, and a ball thrown by Cristian Javier from the Game 4 combined no-hitter and signed by all 4 Astros pitchers as well as catcher Christian Vázquez.

State Police responded to the report of “shots fired” in the town of Andes, the investigation revealed that a 62-year-old female was injured when she accidentally discharged a semi-automatic rifle, suffering face and hand injuries. The responding trooper applied a tourniquet to subside the heavy bleeding to the victim’s hand, another officer from the Colchester Police Department applied a 2nd tourniquet until EMS arrived and the victim was transported to Bassett Hospital for treatment. Troopers reported that the rifle is not legal in New York State and was not New York Safe Act compliant, 58 year old Richard Geraghty of Andes, was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-15-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced he will be running for re-election in 2023. 4 years ago, Korchak lost the Republican primary, but won the election on the Libertarian ticket.

Unadilla Valley Central School District voters approved a $17.8 million capital project by a vote of 114 to 18. The renovations and improvements will be funded through state aid and an allocation from the district’s reserve funds. The project is expected to be budget neutral, with no anticipated impact on the tax levy.

New York Attorney General Letitia James took action today to maintain the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, after a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order last week. James said that the Act was passed by the State Legislature and was enacted this summer, with requirements for concealed carry permits, prohibits guns in sensitive places, requires individuals with concealed carry permits to request a property owner's consent to carry on their premises, enhances safe storage requirements, requires social media review ahead of certain gun purchases, and requires background checks on all ammunition purchases.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Kory Minshall of Burlington Flats in Morris October 1st. Minshall was pulled over and was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance for Methamphetamines, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, along with several other similar charges, he was also wanted on an active warrant out of Otsego County Family Court and had a suspended driver’s license. Minshall is being held in the Otsego County Jail on the Family Court warrant. He will appear in the Town of Morris Court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-12-22

State Police reported this afternoon that 13 year old Allison Burns of Stillwater was located and is safe. Burns was reported missing and was last seen yesterday at approximately 8:30 AM outside her home, she got into a blue Honda CRV, & police beleived that she may have been headed to the Southern Tier, more details are expected to be released shortly.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 62-year-old James Sullivan of Vestal pleaded guilty to felony charges of the criminal sexual act and 1st degree sexual abuse. Sullivan admitted that he engaged in sexual conduct with a male child under the age of 11 for a 6 year period, Sullivan will serve 7 years in prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision, when he is Sentenced in October.

The Raymond Corporation has been recognized as a Manufacturing Leadership Awards winner in the Operational Excellence category for its outstanding achievement at its plant located in Greene. The Award recognizes companies whose continuous improvement projects reduce costs, streamline processes, decrease waste, improve quality and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 41 year old Dezarae Yother of Morris after an investigation into a disabled vehicle in Pittsfield. Yother allegedly forged and attempted to use a stolen check to pay for services in Morris. Yother faces charges of forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of Stolen Property in Morris, and Inadequate Exhaust, Unsafe Tire, Improper Plates, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, and Operating without Insurance in Pittsfield.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-15-22

35 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a gun at a victim during a dispute and fired a shot in the victim’s direction. Sherwood was charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon, Sherwood is a convicted felon & is not legally allowed to possess weapons, he is being held in the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 6 people, for allegedly possessing guns and illegal magazines that are not compliant with the New York SAFE Act. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango, they arrested 39 year old Jeffrey Everetts of Sayre, Pennsylvania & 32 year old Nephrem Holt of Albany for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, another traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango resulted in the arrest of 4 men from Pennsylvania, 56 year old Robert Applegate II, 31 year old Robert Applegate III, 28 year old Glen Applegate, & 29 year old Trevor Sweigart, All 6 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Norwich Theater Company will hold auditions for ‘Boeing, Boeing” on Tuesday, At the Martin W, Kappel Theater in Norwich, Chenango Arts Council Spokesperson Mary Beth Miller told WCDO News about the characters in the show:

(Mary Beth Miller 1-31-22)

The show will run March 11th to the 13th at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich, More information is available at 607-336-2787.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded Wednesday to a 2 car motor vehicle accident at the intersection in the Town of Harpersfield. Deputies discovered only 1 vehicle at the accident scene, the 2nd operator fled the scene. Deputies identified the operator of the fleeing vehicle as 45-year-old Wayne Swart of Hobart, whose Driver’s License was revoked on 3 separate dates. Deputies arrested Swart Sunday and charged him with Obstructing Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without an Ignition Interlock Device, and several other related charges, Swart was released on appearance and traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Harpersfield Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-31-22

Oneonta Police Department is investigating the death of 20-year-old male Tyler Lopresti-Castro. On Thursday at about 6:50 am, City of Oneonta employees located a male, laying on the pavement near the Silas Lane Bus Garage. Lopresti-Castro was identified by his SUNY Oneonta ID and was suffering from extended exposure to subzero temperatures, he was taken to AO Fox Hospital, video showed Lopresti-Castro emerging from a wooded area behind the garage at about 2:15 am, he may have been walking in the area of River Street-River Street Service Road, Oneida Street or Chestnut Street, Anyone with information is asked to contact Oneonta Police at (607) 432-1111 or the State University Police at Oneonta at (607) 436-3550.

State Police arrested a 17-year-old high school student for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after the Bainbridge-Guilford School district notified State Police about a video posted to social media which showed a subject firing a rifle at a tree after making a general threat against Black people using a racial slur. The rifle possessed by the 17-year-old was not SAFE Act compliant, he was arrested and later arraigned as an adolescent offender in Chenango County Court. The Chenango County District Attorney determined that a hate crime did not occur, since the video was not directly sent to a specific person or group. The second individual in the video will not face any charges.

Firefighters from Morris, Oneonta & Others responded to a structure fire on Lake Street in Morris Friday night. The fire was at the site of the former Linn Tractor Company near the entrance to the Otsego County Fairgrounds, no injuries were reported.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they are up to 30 deaths from COVID 19 since last spring.  They have 227 active cases with 25 hospitalizations & 548 are quarantined, their total number of new cases is 31, the total number of cases is up to 1612.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported another potential COVID 19 exposure, at the 6th Ward Athletic Club, at 22 West Broadway in Oneonta, where a bartender tested positive for COVID-19.  Anyone who visited the bar on Saturday January 9th between 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM or Sunday January 10th from 12:00 Noon until 8:00 PM should monitor for symptoms for 14 days, those who develop symptoms should get tested and isolate immediately.  The 6th Ward will close today to clean and disinfect & they will open when it is safe to do so.

Oneonta City Police Department Chief Douglas Brenner will be retiring from the force after 4 years as chief & 15 years with the department.  Lieutenant Chris Witzenburg, will serve as interim chief until a new chief is appointed later this year.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-15-21

State Police arrested 38 year old Jesse Nickerson of Harpursville for Criminal Sex Act. Nickerson was arrested after an investigation revealed that he had sexual contact with another person less than the age of 15. Nickerson was arrested, processed then transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Delaware County Public Health reported 15 more new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, they report 11 hospitalizations, 168 active cases & 314 are quarantined.

Chenango County Public Health reported 88 new COVID 19 cases since last Thursday; they are up to 1108 cases, with 9 hospitalized, 138 Active Cases, 511 Quarantines and 16 deaths.

The state Legislature is expected to pass an emergency bill in a special session this week that would extend an eviction moratorium and strengthen a variety of laws for renters and homeowners due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Legislative leaders will pass the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act to keep people in their homes and help small landlords through May 1st 2021, Governor Cuomo said today that he will sign the bill into law.

35 year old Heather Prince of Mt Upton was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 2 counts of Petit Larceny, 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information & 2 counts of Identity Theft.  Prince is accused of taking 2 separate victim's credit card information while working at a local business & then she allegedly used the credit cards to make unlawful money transactions. Prince was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Monday 12-28-20

The Town of Sidney will be holding a Special Meeting and receive public comments and act on the proposed Annexation request from the Village of Sidney for 2 parcels totaling 5.6 acres along County Route 4 in Sidney.  The meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. at 44 Grand Street in Sidney.

Delaware County Public Health announced that the 11th & 12th patients have died of Covid-19 related complications.  County officials announced 40 new cases since last Thursday, Christmas Eve, with 86 active cases, 3 hospitalized, 252 quarantined.

Otsego County Health Department announced new COVID numbers Saturday, they report 114 Active cases, 29 new cases, 16 are hospitalized, and they have had 12 deaths reported.

Delaware County DPW announced that Bridge 136 over Dug Road/ Old Route 10 over Cold Spring Brook in the town of Deposit have been closed due to flooding.  Inspections are underway and the bridge will be re-opened when it is deemed safe.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-28-20

Local law enforcement agencies participated in a traffic safety saturation detail last Thursday, organized by the State Police.  21 law enforcement members were involved in the detail that took place in Sidney, Agencies involved included the State Police, Village of Sidney Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Delaware County Probation Department, State Parole officers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  A total of 21 traffic tickets were issued, there was 1 DWI, a violation of the Safe Act, 2 arrests for Criminal Possession of Methamphetamines, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and a probation violation.

A small explosion at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown Tuesday injured 2 construction workers.  the explosion occurred near the hospital’s receiving dock when a contractor was transporting equipment  in an exterior stairwell connected to a construction site, 1 workers suffered severe injuries & was reported to Upstate medical Center in Syracuse, a 2nd construction worker was treated at Bassett for his injuries.  The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Damage was minimal, hospital operations were not affected.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 388 COVID 19 cases, with 45 Active Cases, 263 in Quarantine & 6 Hospitalizations.  Chenango County has had 7deaths and they have conducted 35,774 tests.

Hartwick College reported 3 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday.  College officials confirm that there are 13 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is now up to 34.

The Bainbridge Rotary Club will hold their annual Pancake Day; take out only, on Election Day November 3rd, at the Back of Bob's Diner.  Rotary spokesperson June White said that it is part of the Rotary's effort to eradicate polio in the last 2 countries where it exists:

(June White 10-28-20)

White said that people must wear their masks and practice social distancing at the event next Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-28-20

Governor Cuomo announced that 98,413 test results were reported Monday, yielding 1,509 positive cases statewide.  The state has 1083 Hospitalized, there are 233 in ICU Beds, 120 are on ventilators, and there were 15 more deaths Monday, bringing the state death toll to 25,758.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 5 cases of COVID 19 reported today as well as another death related to the virus, giving the County 8 deaths since March, all were over 60.   The Current Otsego Numbers:  986 total confirmed cases, 40 active cases, with no one hospitalized, 751 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 32 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Delaware County Public Health reported 3 more cases of COVID 19 Tuesday, with 17 active cases, 4 of those are hospitalized, and 119 are quarantined.  The County reports a total of 160 cases, 134 recoveries, 9 deaths and over 23,500 tests have been performed.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-28-20

Governor Cuomo announced today that the residential tenant eviction protection has been extended to January 1st.  The state's Safe Harbor Act protects tenants from COVID-related residential evictions and foreclosures. Last week, the governor also announced an emergency moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for commercial tenants is being extended through October 20th.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 numbers Monday.  They have had 249 cases since March; currently there are 2 Active Cases, 1 hospitalization, 73 Active Quarantines 227 Recoveries, 7 deaths and over 28,600 Tests Performed.

The Broome County Health Department’s contact tracing team has interviewed a confirmed positive COVID19 case who reported having participated in the New York Off-Road Association Boondocks event in Pitcher. The confirmed positive individual was there September 19th & 20th.  The Broome County Health Department also reported that a positive COVID case was from a person who was at the Old Union Hotel at 246 Clinton Street in Binghamton on Monday, September 21 between 4:00 and 8:30 PM.  The Health Department asks anyone who was at either location during those periods to quarantine until October 6th, anyone exhibiting symptoms should immediately begin self-quarantine and contact a medical provider.

Hartwick College today reported no new cases of COVID-19 have been detected among students or staff.  The current number of active cases is down to 2, their total number of cases detected on campus since August 1, 2020 is 18.

Village of Delhi Police Department arrested 58-year-old Gary Stevens of Delhi for Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child and 1st degree Rape; he is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a child less than 11 years of age. Stevens was remanded without bail to the Delaware County Jail after his arraignment.   This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed in this case.

Governor Cuomo signed the "Safe Way Home Act" this
week, which provides survivors of sexual assault no-cost transportation from
medical facilities where they received initial care in the wake of an assault
to their home or a shelter.  This
legislation will go into effect after 90 days.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced that he secured key
language in a government funding bill to protect the Bainbridge VA clinic from
closure. Brindisi inserted a provision requiring the VA to conduct a market area
assessment before taking action on Bainbridge, in the recent government
spending legislation that the President signed last week.  This protection will allow Bainbridge to keep
its doors open and continue serving area veterans.

Norwich City Police have charged a 3rd person in connection with the beating on Lackawanna Avenue recently that left the victim with a skull fracture & blind in 1 eye.  30 year old Tyrone Lester Jr., of Norwich was charged with 1st-degree assault, he is accused of participating in the assault along with Jonathan Booker and Hannah Bard, all 3 face additional court action.

State Police and the Department
of Transportation announced the continuation of “Operation Hardhat,” to crack
down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving
through active work zones on state highways.
State DOT Region 9 Director Nick Choubah said that drivers are not
moving over as they should:

(Nick Choubah 8-28-19)

State Police Captain Jeffrey
VanAuken explained what the Move Over Law means:

(Captain Jeffrey Van Auken
8-28-19)

State Troopers are patrolling
active DOT work zones along Interstate-81 in Broome County and State Route 17
in Tioga County this week to enforce work zone speed limits and that motorist’s
follow the state’s Move Over Law.

President Trump has signed the
Family Farmer Relief Act, which eases the process of reorganizing debt for
farmers through Chapter 12 bankruptcy rules. 19th District Congressman Antonio
Delgado introduced the legislation in April with bipartisan support.  The legislation passed the House on July 26,
the Senate on August 2nd.

State Police and local law enforcement agencies will
increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic
infractions during the 4th of July holiday, through Friday, July 5th.  State Troopers will conduct sobriety
checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide in an effort
to keep New York highways safe during one of the busiest summer holidays for
travel.  Last year, the State Police
issued nearly 10,500 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July
weekend. Troopers arrested 216 people for DWI and investigated 165 crashes,
which resulted in four fatalities and 244 injuries.

Chenango Sheriff’s department arrested 50 year old Randolph
Browning of Virginia for Criminal Sexual Act, Possessing a Sexual Performance
by a Child, Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, and
Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Detectives arrested Browning Jr. following a complaint of an older man
looking for a room at a local Motel to bring a female victim under the age of
16. Detectives found that Browning had sexual contact with a child less than 16
years old and also possessed child pornography.
Browning is currently being held at the Chenango County Correctional
Facility on other charges and is awaiting his court date.

The Investigation of Scott Lisincchia revealed that he had
drugs in his system, at the time when he was the driver in Schoharie limo crash
that killed 20 people last October.
Lisincchia reportedly had marijuana and traces of an anti-seizure
medication in his system; he was one of the 20 killed in the crash.  The owner of the Prestige Limo Service that
Lisincchia worked for, Nauman Hussein, faces grand jury proceedings
tomorrow.  The National Transportation
Safety Board and state police are continuing to investigate the crash.

The State Education Department needs to improve its efforts
to ensure school districts are following state requirements for school safety
planning, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Tom
DiNapoli.  The audit found that the Department
did not do enough to make certain that the requirements under the Safe Schools
Against Violence in Education Act were being met by school districts, many of
the districts could not demonstrate they had adopted annual safety plans, held
public hearings on the plans, or appointed required personnel to safety teams
or trained employees on the plans.

23 year old Jamie Whitmore of Norwich was indicted by a
Chenango County Grand jury for 1st-degree rape, criminal sexual act, sexual
abuse & endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly performing sexual
acts with a 6-year-old victim.  Whitmore
was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail

32 year old Matthew Jones of Greene was indicted by a
Chenango County Grand Jury for 2nd & 3rd degree burglary, 2 counts of
Criminal possession of a weapon & grand larceny for allegedly breaking into
residences in the Town and Village of Greene in February.  Jones is accused of stealing a shotgun,
ammunition, a safe and $800 cash.  Jones
faces action on the charges at a later date.

Governor Cuomo Signed the new "Red Flag Bill” into law,
6 years after signing the New York Safe Act:

(Cuomo 2-25-19)

Cuomo attended a function today in New York City where he
urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to try to enact this legislation on a National
basis.

Governor Cuomo announced this
morning that school district that cancel classes due to the high winds today,
will not be penalized.  School districts
are allowed a certain number of snow days each year before their state aid is
subtracted; today will not be counted as part of that formula.

NYSEG reports that about 900 customers in Broome, Chenango,
& Delaware Counties are without power from the high winds in the
region.  Crews are trying to restore the
power as quickly as possible.   NYSEG
customers should call 1-800-572-1131 to report downed power lines or other
hazardous situations.

Lawmakers in Albany are expected to deal with further Gun
Safety Legislation shortly, to be added to the 2013 "SAFE ACT".  Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that he
does not feel that more gun legislation is needed, but he is in agreement on
one aspect of it:

(Cliff Crouch 2-1-19)

The SAFE Act was quickly rushed through the legislature in
2013 following the Sandy Hook School Shooting in Connecticut.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office released more information
regarding this morning’s 2-car crash involving Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy
Kristy Botsford.  The report stated that
Deputy Botsford was driving on State Route 17 westbound with her emergency
lights on assisting the Vestal Police Department in trying to stop a car that
was driving eastbound in the westbound lane.
Vestal Police said the suspect, Daniel Butash stopped his car on the
highway east of Exit 68, as police approached, he continued to drive the wrong
way, and he drove head-on into Deputy Botsford’s Patrol car.  Deputy Botsford became pinned inside her
vehicle, Emergency services used the ‘jaws of life’ to remove her from the car,
and she was taken to Wilson Hospital where she was listed in critical
condition, she suffered a fractured right femur among other injuries.  Butash was driving a 2018 Tesla and suffered
minor facials injuries and cuts to his body, he was also taken to Wilson
Hospital, and Charges against him are pending.

Members from Troop C's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit
assist the Chenango County Sheriff's Department with a milk truck rollover on
County Route 25 in the town of Columbus. The tanker actively dumped several
thousand gallons of milk after crashing just before 7am. The DEC spill
response, County DOT and local fire department are also on scene.

40 year old James Witt has been identified as the driver of
the tractor trailer that flipped onto its side on I-88 between the Unadilla
& Otego exits Monday afternoon.  Witt
traveled off the shoulder and traveled approximately 500 feet before striking
earth embankment and overturning on its side. Unadilla and Wells Bridge Fire
Departments responded & 1 eastbound lane of the I-88 was closed until about
4:30 this morning for cleanup & for the investigation.  Witt was transported to Wilson Hospital in
Johnson City complaining of head and rib pain.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

A meeting is planned for Friday between Oneonta city
officials and Melania Pervu, the owner of the former Oneonta Hotel.  The building houses apartments, it was deemed
unsafe by Oneonta officials in 2017, Pervu had a deadline of January 11 to
bring it up to code.

State Lawmakers are expected to pass legislation today on
the 46th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe versus Wade Abortion ruling
that states can’t ban abortion.  Governor
Cuomo called on the legislature to pass the bill & maybe go even further,
after years of having it blocked by the Republican led State Senate, which is
now held by Democrats:

(Cuomo 1-22-19)

The Reproductive Health Act would allow women in New York to
have the right to an abortion in the third trimester if a fetus is no longer
viable, or if a woman’s life or health is at risk. Abortion also would be
regulated in New York under public health law, instead of penal law.

The results of the 75th Baseball
Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame election will be revealed at 6:00
tonight.   Hall of Fame President Jeff
Idelson will announce the results on the MLB channel, tonight's announced
inductees will join Today’s Game Era electees Harold Baines and Lee Smith at
the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies on July 21st  in Cooperstown as part of the Induction
Weekend.

State Police at Sidney announced Monday afternoon that they
have located 23-year-old Cody Conkling of Sidney, who was reported missing by
family members Sunday afternoon.
Conkling was located safe, in good health and his family has been
advised.

State Police released the names of the people involved in a 2-car Head-On crash in the Town of Columbus Saturday. 27 year old Bradley Prosser of Sherburne was the driver of the first vehicle that crossed into the opposing lane and crashed head on into a 2nd vehicle. Prosser was pronounced dead at the scene, he had a .23 BAC according to the autopsy report. Prosser’s passenger, 26 year old Tasha Carney of Edmeston suffered minor injuries from the crash. The driver of the 2nd vehicle was 46 year old Shannon Donnelly-Travis of Schuyler Lake; she was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, for a fractured arm and leg.

State Senator Fred Akshar continued the 2nd year of his "Akshar's All-Stars" student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at 4 school districts. At the Harpursville High School, Akshar recognized senior Colin LaDue for his leadership, dedication and many contributions to his school and community. At the Afton High School, Akshar recognized sophomore Logan Ives for her selfless devotion to charity and giving back to others in need. At Bainbridge-Guilford High School, Akshar recognized senior Tannar Cliffe for his kindness and dependability both in and out of school. At DCMO BOCES in Norwich, Akshar recognized senior Destin Foley for his energy and dedication to both his academic studies and to helping others in the classroom.

Firefighters from Sherburne & 2 other local departments responded to a fire at Crandall's Auto on Blanding Road in Sherburne last night at about 8:30 PM. No injuries were reported, the building was completely destroyed; investigators are trying to determine how that fire started.

The Chenango Arts Council's 2019 Grants for Teachers application deadline has been extended until this Friday, December 21st. The Program provides up to $500 to K-12 teachers in Chenango County who find innovative ways to integrate the arts into the regular school curriculum through projects that are not covered by the school budget. Teachers currently employed by a public or private school in Chenango County are eligible to apply; more information is available at chenangoarts.org/grants/grants-for-teachers. Awards will be made in February 2019.

A Free Christmas Dinner will be available in Sidney this year on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station, organizer Gene Schmidt comments:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-18)

More information about the free Christmas day Dinner is available at 607-610-4030; this year will be the 6th year that Schmidt & his family have offered the free Christmas dinner.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will tour several area business today. Hochul will Tour Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney this morning at 9:15, Corning Incorporated in Oneonta, at 10:30, and then at 1:30 this afternoon she will tour Chobani in New Berlin.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the state Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment Training today, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. New York State mandates ALL employers to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy as well as to train ALL employees on sexual harassment prevention. The Seminar will be held at the Otsego County Chamber/Otsego Now Offices at 189 Main Street on the 5th floor, in Oneonta.

Governor Cuomo announced his agenda for the 1st 100 days of 2019 on Monday. Among the items on his agenda: adopting a Progressive Tax System, Cut Middle Class Taxes, Protecting Affordable Health Care, Gender Equality, Combat Gun Violence, ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water, Pass the Child Victims Act & Legalize Adult Use of Recreational Marijuana.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 40 year old Brenna Talbot of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree following a traffic stop on County Highway 21 in the Town of Franklin. Talbot was additionally charged with unlicensed operator, operating without a headlight. She was released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 48 year old Roy Cullen of Arkville, on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, DWI, unlicensed operator, and moving from lane unsafely following a report of car into a tree in the Town of Middletown. Cullen was arraigned at Hamden Town Court, he was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to re-appear at Hamden Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Governor Cuomo signed anti-hazing legislation to help keep students safe as they go back to school. The law prohibits certain physical contact or requiring physical activity in any organization's initiating ceremony to prevent the deaths or serious injuries of students during fraternity pledging ceremonies. The legislation was prompted by the death of Michael Deng, a Baruch College student who died after suffering a massive head injury as a result of a hazing ritual in 2013.

The world’s foremost ABBA tribute act is performing at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts at Binghamton University at 8:00 PM tonight. Spokesman Chris Bodnarczuk:

(Chris Bodnarczuk 8-13-18)

Tickets are available at the Anderson Center box office at 777-ARTS or online to Anderson.binghamton.edu.

Officials with the Delaware County Fair announced that the Hero's parade has been cancelled tonight due to the weather making it unsafe for large apparatus and marchers. Fair Spokesman Jason Craig comments:

(Jason Craig 8-14-18)

The Fair is still open for most other scheduled activities & events at the Fairgrounds today, the entire schedule is available at delawarecountyfair.org.

The interactive presentation, known as "Shawna Has a Secret” will be presented tonight at the Unatego Junior- Senior High School, mainly for the parents of Unatego Athletes. Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards comments:

(Dave Richards 8-14-18)

The presentation begins at 6:00 PM; it is brought to Unatego through the efforts of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addiction for Otsego County.

Delaware County Sheriff’s department arrested 2 Otsego County residents on drug charges Friday, following the execution of a search warrant on a vehicle in the Town of Sidney. Investigators arrested 30 year old Lisa Hayslip of Oneonta and 30 year old William Katalinas of Unadilla for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Hayslip and Katalinas are accused of possessing heroin with the intent to sell. Deputies seized heroin, Suboxone, drug packaging paraphernalia and approximately $200 cash. Hayslip and Katalinas were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $100,000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Sidney Court Wednesday. Additional charges will be filed shortly.

Governor Cuomo today announced the availability of up to $3.5 million for research and development proposals to accelerate the use of electric vehicles, reduce the cost of installing and operating charging stations, and provide recommendations on how they can be used for grid resiliency. NYSERDA will administer the solicitation, proposals could focus on How to reduce the impact of charging vehicles on the grid; how vehicles can be integrated into buildings to provide backup power; or How to remotely manage electric vehicle charging at peak times. There are about 23,000 electric vehicles registered in New York currently.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch reminded pistol permit holders that due to SAFE Act requirements, they must recertify all pistol permits 5 years after the date the license was issued. Last January, the State Police mailed approximately 350,000 letters statewide to remind pistol owners of the new recertification restrictions. As of right now, only about 175,000 people have responded. More information is available at troopers.ny.gov.

Vulto Creamery of Walton has been named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the widow of Richard Friedman of Vermont, Veronica Friedman. Mr. Friedman died November 2nd 2016 after suffering a massive stroke caused by the Listeriosis infection he suffered from eating the raw milk cheese manufactured by the Vulto Creamery, which was contaminated with Listeria. The Friedman’s purchased Vulto cheese last October and Friedman's symptoms caused him to go to the Emergency Room at Brattleboro Hospital on October 11th; he was later transferred & suffered a stroke and died at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital. 6 other people were hospitalized and 1 other person died in connection with the Vulto Creamery Listeria.

Governor Cuomo signed the Clean Water Infrastructure Act Wednesday; it is a $2.5 billion investment in drinking water infrastructure, clean water infrastructure and water quality protection across the state.

(Cuomo 4-27-17)

The bill became necessary following the Flint Michigan contaminated water issue, an investigation turned up issues with water in Hoosick Falls & on Long Island.

Today, Law Enforcement Officers around the state will participate in Operation Safe Stop Day. During "Safe Stop," police officers are on board school buses and in marked and unmarked patrol units on selected bus routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints. Police issue tickets to drivers who pass stopped school buses. In the last four years, 35 students were hit by motorists passing stopped school buses in New York State.

Outdoor enthusiasts and activists from across New York have gathered in Albany this week to urge state lawmakers to back plans for a 750-mile trail system. The proposal would include a plan to complete and connect two greenway trails crisscrossing the state from Manhattan to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo, resulting in a 750-mile paved biking and hiking route that could be marketed as a national tourist destination. The plan could cost $53 million, and would need to be approved by the Legislature.

Lawmakers held a press conference Wednesday to repeal the SAFE Act in the upstate counties, but leave it intact in New York City's 5 boroughs. State Senator Jim Seward co-sponsors the bill:

(Seward 3-2-17)

The legislation would reverse elements of the SAFE Act including gun licensing recertification requirements, storage mandates, firearm seizures and registries, and information collected on gun owners. The bill was introduced in January.