WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-25-26

Several law enforcement agencies commented at a press conference in Binghamton today regarding the Fire at the Knight's Inn of Endwell June 22nd, State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Lucas Anthony discussed the investigation & released the names of those deceased in Monday's Fire:

(Captain Lucas Anthony 6-25-26)

State Police arrested 24 year old Tyler Russell of Endwell, Monday for 6 counts of 2nd degree Manslaughter & 1 count of Arson, he is being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail pending Grand Jury action.

Norwich Police Department executed a search warrant at 41 Cortland Street following an investigation into the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics. 39 year old Shawn Utter of Norwich, & 24 year old Brittany Cox were charged with several Counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Nuisance & Conspiracy, Officers seized cash from suspected drug sales, drug measuring equipment, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, various pills, & weapons, The Village of Sidney Police Department assisted on scene with their drug detecting K9 unit, Utter was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail pending further proceedings. Cox was processed and arraigned in Norwich City Court, where she was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail.

The FBI & the Johnson City Police Department arrested 69 year old Robert Randesi of Johnson City on federal drug & weapons charges after the execution of search warrant at a warehouse style building in Johnson City. Officers located over 20 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, quantities of marijuana, approximately $24,000 in cash, several firearms including AR-15 style rifles, ghost guns, firearm parts and ammunition, plus machinist tools and metal fabricating equipment consistent with tools used to construct or mill firearms & their parts. Randesi is currently in the Broome County Jail, He faces court action for both state and federal charges.

The State DOT announced the start of the $7 million Southside Oneonta Safety and Mobility Improvement Project, which will reduce traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian access along the State Route 23 and State Route 28 corridor. The project includes extended turning lanes, a new sidewalk and an additional pedestrian crosswalk, ADA-compliant curb ramps, plus 2 new bus stops for Oneonta Public Transit users, construction will be continuing through the fall of 2027.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-25-26

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Mark Andrews of Schenevus, for DWI, Refusal to take Breath Test, Failure to Keep Right, Driving on slopes and shoulders and Speed not reasonable and prudent following a 1 car property damage motor vehicle accident in the Town of Middlefield. Andrews was processed and released & will appear in Town of Middlefield Court at a later date.

This Week is National Fire Prevention Week, and the Norwich Fire Department will have an Open House Wednesday for the public, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Chief Papelino 10-6-25)

Chief Papelino said that the week also includes visits by the Fire Department to area schools, Wednesday's Open House will run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the their 31 East Main Street location, with surrounding fire Departments and law enforcement agencies participating.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-6-25

State Police responded Thursday morning to a motor vehicle crash on State Route 20 in Duanesburg. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 BMW driven by an unidentified 17 year old failed to make a complete stop as it turned left onto Route 20 & collided with a minivan driven by 63 year old Barbara Bryant of Schenevus, who was taken to an area hospital & succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. The driver and 2 passengers in the BMW, and a passenger in the minivan, 36 year old Robert Gaudino of Burlington Flats, were taken to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the BMW, was issued a traffic citation for failing to stop at a stop sign. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Bainbridge Fire Department will have their annual Turkey Night Fundraiser on October 18th, spokesman Tom Akshar explains:

(Tom Akshar 10-6-25)

More information is available at 607-245-6978.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-18-25

Governor Hochul today announced preparations to call in the National Guard to staff the State Correctional Facility, if the Illegal Job Action staged by State Correction Officers; does not end tomorrow. The National Guard will be called in to protect correction officers who are currently on the job, individuals being held at Correctional Facilites as well as the surrounding communities. The Governor also directed Department of Corrections leadership and senior Administration officials to meet with leaders from the State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association to call for an end to the unlawful work stoppage. In March 2024, the union agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with the State of New York to improve working conditions for corrections officers.

New York State is waiving registration fees for out-of-state snowmobilers on 2 weekends this winter - February 28th through March 2 and again March 7th through the 9th, so that snowmobilers can ride on over 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State. Outside of these free weekends, snowmobilers from out-of-state and Canada are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State, more information is available at iloveny.com/winter (https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/winter/).

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-18-25

Calling hours & Funeral arrangements have been announced for Binghamton Firefighter John Gaudet, who died fighting a fire at 1 Main Street last Wednesday evening. The Gaudet family will receive friends at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located in Binghamton, today from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, the funeral mass will be held Wednesday Morning at 11:30 AM at the same location. The official cause of death for Gaudet has not yet been announced, he served for 11 years with the Binghamton Fire Department.

On February 11th, State Police conducted an Underage Drinking detail in Otsego County. All of the businesses checked were in compliance and did not sell alcohol to an underage operative. The 14 businesses were in Worcester, Schenevus, Oneonta & Milford, During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plainclothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth (if asked).

State Police are warning people of another scam going around, where people receive a call allegedly from a police department and demanding money so that the caller is not arrested. The caller typically mentions something about the person needing to pay for a warrant or that they found drugs in packages shipped to their address and need to pay immediately so that they don’t go to jail. Police will not call residents & demand money over the phone, they definitely will NOT ask you to pay with Crypto or Google Play cards or gift cards. Do not ever wire money, send cash, use gift cards, or send cryptocurrency to someone who you don’t know.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old James Ebert of Schenevus following an investigation of a physical altercation. Ebert was charged with 2nd degree Assault, plus Menacing & 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after deputies responded recently to a fight in progress in the Town of Maryland. Ebert was processed & was issued an Appearance Ticket for Maryland Town Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-22-24

4 more members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame were inducted into the Hall Sunday in Cooperstown. Todd Helton, who played his entire career with the Colorado gave the 1st speech Sunday:

(HOF Helton 7-22-24)

Adrian Beltre got to the Major Leagues at the age of 19 and had a stellar career at 3rd base for a number of teams:

(HOF Beltre 7-22-24)

Jim Leyland had a legendary career as a manager in the major leagues, reaching the pinnacle as a World Champion Manager of the 1997 Florida Marlins, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame Sunday in Cooperstown, said that the game belongs to the fans:

(HOF Leyland 7-22-24)

Hometown Boy, to Hall of Famer, Joe Mauer had a Hall of Fame Career for the Minnesota Twins, and only the Twins, Catchers won only 7 batting titles in the history of the Game, Mauer did it 3 of those 7 times:

(HOF Mauer 7-22-24)

All 4 inductees had their plaques placed in the Hall of Fame Gallery in Cooperstown Sunday evening. 51 Hall of Famers returned for the ceremonies, an estimated crowd of 28,000 attended.

Sidney Fire Fighters along with assistance from surrounding Fire companies, responded to a fire at 5 East Main Street, shortly after 7:00 PM Friday Night. All residents were safely removed from the building, there was smoke & water damage, No injuries have been reported.

The Chenango County Health Department will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for Dogs, Cats & Ferrets tomorrow at the Village of Oxford DPW on Water Street. The clinic will be held from 9:00 Am to 10:30 AM, Pre-registration is required at 607-337-1673, a $5 donation is suggested.

State Senator Peter Oberacker will hold a fundraising Barbecue today, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event will be held at the Senator's headquarters on Route 7 in Schenevus.

A.M. NEWS Friday 6-28-24

Graduation Ceremonies will be held at several area School Districts today. Gilbertsville-Mount Upton will have theirs at 5:30, Milford at 6:00 PM, Sherburne-Earlville at 6:00 PM at Colgate University, Charlotte Valley & Windsor at 6:30 PM, at 7:00 PM, Graduation Exercises will be held for seniors of Afton, Andes, Edmeston, Franklin, Hancock, Norwich, Deposit, Morris & Otselic Valley.

On Tuesday morning, a State Trooper in Bainbridge attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the operator failed to comply, a short time later, the Trooper observed the vehicle had struck a pole, a tree, damaged a yard and the vehicle had caught on fire & the driver fled the scene, Troopers located 39 year old Peter Puglisi of Unadilla, in the afternoon at an address on County Road 38 in the town of Bainbridge. Puglisi was arrested and issued appearance tickets for Criminal Mischief and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Office in a Motor Vehicle, he is scheduled to appear in Bainbridge Town Court on July 15th.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect traffic crossovers and lane reductions between exits 18 and 19 on Interstate 88 in the towns of Maryland and Worcester, for pavement rehabilitation work, starting today through October 31st. Eastbound motorists will be crossed over to the westbound side and traffic will be reduced one lane in each direction separated by a concrete barrier.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-28-24

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that 29 year old Michael Bredin on the Town of Maryland, has been charged with 2nd degree Arson by the State Police & Otsego County District Attorney's Office. On March 31st, the Schenevus Fire Department, along with Oneonta City Firefighters, responded to a blaze at an apartment house on State Route 7, the fire was quickly knocked down, and investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. Bredin was arraigned Friday & faces court action at a later date.

About 30 residents from Morris and surrounding towns met at the Morris Firehouse on May 23 for a follow-up to the news that Sidney Federal Credit Union intends to establish banking services in the Village of Morris. The meeting was organized by the Butternut Valley Alliance, whose task force began working to find an alternate bank when Community Bank, N.A. ended 167 years of banking services in Morris on January 19, Maggie Brenner of the Butternut Valley Alliance explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-28-24)

Present at the meeting were SFCU president and CEO Jim Reynolds and Andrew Smith, SFCU’s vice president of sales and marketing, who gave updates on the status of the SFCU-BVA agreement and answered questions from the public. The meeting was recorded and is available on YouTube.

The Next Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will be held tomorrow morning. The meeting will be held at 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-18-24

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office announced that on Sunday, a reported missing person, 38 year old Nicholas Andrews of Preston was found deceased from injuries related to an ATV accident, in the Town of Preston area. Andrews was reported missing on March 14, after he had left his residence at approximately 6 PM on a white Polaris 4 wheeler. The Chenango County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Forest Rangers, State Search and Rescue Federation, and the Oxford Fire Department.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 47 year old Albert Deas of Schenevus following a traffic stop in the Town of Maryland. Deas was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, speeding and operating an uninspected vehicle, he was issued uniform traffic tickets and is set to appear in court at a later date.

Fire fighters in Morris were able to quickly extinguish a trailer home fire Sunday night. Morris Firefighters were called to 422 Pegg Road just before 6:00 PM Sunday night, crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly, with only minor damage reported, no injuries were reported.

The Oneonta Department of Public Works announced a water main break on Bugbee Road near Crestmont Terrace this morning. Traffic was closed in the immediate vicinity & water was shut off for surrounding residents. More information will be available for area residents at 607-432-2100.

An Otsego County ambulance was at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on I-88 Sunday in Schenevus when the ambulance was struck by a passing vehicle. The ambulance was parked on the shoulder of the roadway with its Emergency lighting activated. The crew was treating a patient from a previous accident in the rear of the ambulance when they were struck. Both providers were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 28 year old Frank Mazepa of Morris on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance. On January 8, Deputies assisted the SUNY Delhi Police Department on a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi, it was determined that the passenger in the vehicle was in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine and heroin. Mazepa was released on appearance tickets for the Town of Delhi court at a later date.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group annual meeting will be held tonight at 6:30pm at the Sidney Center Fire Hall. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. The Improvement Group Board is seeking new members and more involvement in order to continue bringing programming, events and improvement projects to the Hamlet of Sidney Center and for the Town of Sidney.

Firefighters from Windsor, West Windsor, Five Mile Point and Kirkwood responded to a structure fire at 24 Riley Road this morning just before 6:00 AM. 1 occupant safely escaped the fire, the investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office is continuing with an investigation into animal cruelty at a farm in the town of Butternuts earlier this week. Numerous animals were removed & were taken to the Susquehanna SPCA for evaluation & treatment, so far, no charges have been announced against the owner of the animals.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-22-22

State Police arrested 56 year old Francesco Carotenuto of Schenevus for 1st degree rape, he was previously arrested on charges for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child on September 8, 2022. After a further investigation, Investigators learned that Carotenuto forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with a victim several years ago. Carotenuto was in jail for the previous charges, he was processed and returned to jail.

The State Department of Health announced the launch of a dedicated long COVID website, and audio resources, providing a more comprehensive and more accessible destination for the State’s latest information, at health.ny.gov/diseases/long_COVID.

State Police arrested 56 year old Francesco Carotenuto of Schenevus for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child. An investigation revealed that Carotenuto was in possession of and promoting images consistent with child sexual exploitation via the internet. While at Carotenuto’s residence, Troopers observed seven adult dogs who did not have adequate food, water or shelter. The dogs were turned over to the care of the Otsego County SPCA. He was additionally charged with New York Agriculture and Market Law of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals, a misdemeanor. Carotenuto was arraigned at Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing and remanded to the jail on $20,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled at the Maryland Town Court on September 13, 2022.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 58 year old Loretta Washington of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison followed by 2 1/2 years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to attempted arson. Washington set fire to a doormat that was outside of an apartment last October in Binghamton, the fire was quickly extinguished and that there were no injuries.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-14-22

The Village of Sidney will be seeking community input with their Resilient Sidney program today, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak commented:

(Andy Matviak 9-6-22)

The Community meeting will be held tonight from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street, more information about the program is available at resilient-sidney.com/nyforward.

State Police arrested 35 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta for 2nd degree attempted murder after he allegedly fired a shotgun in a residential area Saturday in the town of Unadilla, that could have caused the death of another person. Sherwood was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail pending future court action.

The State Department of Labor has expanded its Virtual Career Center, online platform to help New Yorkers accelerate their career search. The Virtual Career Center uses artificial intelligence to match a job seeker's skills and experience with job opportunities, more than 250,000 jobs are listed at dol.ny.gov/virtual-career-center.

The Village of Sidney Police Department held an open house this afternoon, Sidney Police Chief Eric Oliver explains:

(Chief Oliver 5-17-22)

Chief Oliver said that visitors toured the Police Station & the Village Court at the Getman Building next to the Civic Center on Liberty Street in Sidney earlier today.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the new Delaware County Behavioral Health Clinic at 243 Delaware Street. The building was officially opened last November, the ribbon cutting was held off until COVID cases declined. the Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services & the office of Mental Health are housed in the new building.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-18-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak released a statement regarding the Payton Gendron statements made during an online class at Susquehanna Valley School District in 2021. Korchak said that the statement mentioned Murder & Suicide, District officials followed protocols & notified State Police, who escorted Gendron to an area hospital for a mental Health Evaluation. Korchak said that no direct threat was made in the statement, and there was no mention of firearms, Gendron was released & returned to school & graduation exercises without incident. Gendron faces Court action Thursday for multiple counts of 1st degree murder for the Buffalo Tops Supermarket mass shooting Saturday that left 10 dead & 3 injured.

2 more American Red Cross Blood drives are being held in the region today. Upcoming blood donation opportunities include one in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School, a drive will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS

School budgets overwhelmingly passed Tuesday throughout the region & the state. Locally, the Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget by a vote of 157-32, Corbin Curley and Kerri Green were elected to the school Board, At Bainbridge Guilford, the budget passed 220 to 76, Bus purchases passed in Afton, Andes, Bainbridge Guilford, Charlotte Valley, Cooperstown, Deposit, Franklin, Hancock, Laurens, Oneonta, Schenevus, South Kortright & Unadilla Valley. Capital Reserve Fund Propositions passed in Charlotte Valley, Downsville, Franklin, Greene, Hancock, Norwich, Oxford, Sidney, Unadilla Valley & Worcester.

Schenevus fire department responded to a reported brush fire shortly after 11:30 Wednesday Morning, near the intersection of State Highway 7 & Stone House Road in the Town of Maryland. Dry conditions, wind and steep terrain were contributing factors while firefighters from 18 different departments fought the blaze. An additional 8 departments were on standby. The Fire was under control at approximately 5:00 PM. Otsego County EMS reminds area residents that the statewide burn ban through May 14.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-25-22

Oneonta Fire Fighters, with assistance from Laurens & other area departments, responded to a fire this weekend at 452 West Street. No injuries have been reported, firefighters needed to return last night when the fire rekindled.

State Police arrested 27-year-old Vincent Cavalieri from Schenevus after he was involved in an incident that occurred on September 12 in 2020 in Camden. Cavalieri was off-duty from the Otsego County Sheriff's Department when he accidentally discharged his personally owned firearm in his pants pocket, resulting in the injury of a 10-year-old girl and her mother. Both victims were treated for minor injuries and released. Cavalieri was charged with Reckless Endangerment, he is currently employed as a police officer in Cooperstown. Cavalieri was arraigned in Oneida County Court and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear back in Oneida County Court Wednesday.

Sidney Police Department arrested an individual 29 year old Bret Vanvalkenburgh of Bainbridge Wednesday, who was wanted on 3 active bench warrants, 2 from 2 separate petty larceny investigations and one for an open fire during the burn ban. Vanvalkenburgh failed to appear in court on those charges, he was arraigned on all counts in Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed due to downed trees & power lines, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith gave WCDO News an update this morning:

(Matt Beckwith 4-20-22)

Beckwith said that The Norwich YMCA is operating a shelter, The Smyrna & Coventry Fire Departments are operating as "Warming Stations", The Norwich High School will be a warming shelter with showers available, Otselic Valley Central school will have overnight shelter, showers & food available, The Sherburne Earlville School has food available for pick up only, The Unadilla Valley School will be open until 7:00 PM for shelter, And NYSEG is making dry ice available at the Fire Departments in Afton, Bainbridge, Greene, Guilford, Norwich & Smyrna.

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that they have lifted the State of Emergency Declaration, they report that all roads are open, but they urge that motorists drive with extra caution. All Otsego County offices were open today, Emergency Shelters have been set up at the Oneonta Armory, Clark's Sports Center in Cooperstown, Affected Students at SUNY Oneonta are being sheltered in the Alumni Field House. The Schenevus Fire House has Dry Ice & Bottled Water, Otsego County is working to distribute those items at other locations as it becomes available.

The Susquehanna SPCA is assisting pet owners without power & heat through its Emergency Boarding Program. Those seeking emergency boarding of their pets will be required to provide all vaccination records, more information is available at (607) 547-8111, extension 108, or by e-mail dyoungs@sqpca.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed throughout the County. All County offices and Schools in Chenango County will be closed today, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith explains:

(Beckwith 4-20-22)

NYSEG crews continued to work through the night, but thousands are still without power, NYSEG representatives announced that it could take another 24 to 48 hours to fully restore power. The American Red Cross opened 2 overnight shelters last night, for those without power & heat. 1 location was the Deposit Fire Department on 2nd Street, another was at the Trinity Church at 118 Oak Street in Binghamton.

State Police, the Schenevus & Worcester Fire Department and Otsego County Emergency Services all responded to State Route 7 across from the Schenevus Central Schools on Wednesday afternoon, following the report of a car striking a tree. The driver, 30 year old Stephanie Robinson of Schenevus was airlifted by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center for serious injuries. She was the only person in the car, the crash remains under investigation.

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene of a fatal fire in Gilbertsville Monday Morning at 22 Maple Street. Members of the fire department located the resident of the home deceased inside, she has been identified as 64-year-old Lucinda Dubben, The investigation into the fire continues, State Police investigators said that foul play is not suspected.

The State Cannabis Control Board today approved the filing of proposed Medical Cannabis Program regulations for public comment that will implement certain provisions of the state’s new Cannabis Law, today's decision will shift the program from the State Health Department to the Office of Cannabis Management. The regulations allows for flexibility for pharmacists to provide their services remotely, Replaces a requirement that Registered Organizations maintain continuous video surveillance for 24 hours a day and Allows the Office of Cannabis Management to modify product testing requirements as necessary.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the 2022 Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program, spokesman Evan Bowker explains:

(Evan Bowker 1-26-22)

Bowker said that the grant program is funded through the Delaware County 2% Occupancy Tax, the deadline for application to the Department of Economic Development is 5:00 pm on Friday, February 25th. More information is available at dcecodev.com.

The State Labor Department released their December breakdown for unemployment in each County. Locally, Chenango & Delaware Counties had 2.8% unemployment, Otsego county had 3% unemployment, the statewide rate was at 6.2%.

Governor Hochul & Attorney General Letitia James announced that New York’s indoor mask mandate is back in effect just one day after a Nassau County judge ruled that it couldn’t be enforced. New York State filed an appeal Tuesday following the ruling, and Judge Robert Miller granted the state’s request for a stay of the the previous ruling that the governor and health officials lacked authority to require masks. The State Department of Education already sent a notice to schools Tuesday saying regardless of Monday’s ruling, masks would still be required. Another hearing on the mandate is scheduled for Friday.

The Greene Police Department, State Police & The Chenango County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting in Greene Tuesday Morning at around 8:00 AM. The hooting took place at 8 1/2 Jackson Street, the victim was listed in stable condition at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, an unidentified person has been arrested, the investigation is continuing.

Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that COVID test kits, one kit per person, are available today at the Schenevus Fire Department from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, and Thursday at the Cherry Valley Fire Department from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Hartwick Town Hall from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, and Thursday at the Unadilla Fire Department starting at 4:30 pm until gone.

Chenango County Health department continues to report a major increase in COVID 19 cases; they have 840 active cases, 1254 quarantined, with 10 patients hospitalized. Vaccine clinics can be located through the health department website or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Firefighters from area department responded Sunday night to a fire at a house an garage on Riverstone Road near Otsego County route 58 in the town of Oneonta. Otsego County Fire officials reported that Oneonta Firefighters received Mutual Aid from Milford, Pindars Corners, West Oneonta, Laurens, Otego & Schenevus departments; both structures were destroyed, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Colonial Bar and restaurant, Dos Rios & The Stone Fox all re-opened Friday, after being closed following accusations of sexual misconduct against a member or Members of the ownership group of the 3 establishments. The Binghamton Police Department is investigating claims, no arrests have been announced, and the restaurant group announced on its Facebook page that they have revised their management team, hired an outside law firm and a Human Resources firm.

The State Department of Health supports "Test to Stay" as a strategy that allows asymptomatic unvaccinated school-based close contacts, such as students, teachers or staff, to avoid school exclusion by testing negative through serial testing using rapid or antigen tests. Delaware County Public Health is allowing school districts to implement Test to Stay; It is the decision of each individual school district to implement the program, as early as today. Sidney Central School District will begin the Test To Stay Program today.

The City of Oneonta Fire Department announced that they responded to 3422 calls for service last year. 55 of the calls were for Fires, 2 for Over-pressure or ruptures, there were 2472 EMS calls, and 370 calls were canceled while in route, 336 False Alarms, 16 Natural Disasters & 6 Special Incidents among those calls.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Free Johnson & Johnson 1 shot Vaccine Clinic in West Park in Norwich Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.  No appointment is needed; the Clinic is first come first serve, with 40 doses available. More information is available at 337-1660.

The Unadilla Town Highway Department announced that they are paving 3 roads Tuesday.  Skyline Drive, Hutchinson Hill Road & Hulbert Hill Road will be closed to traffic, on & off during the day.

The town of Bainbridge Highway Department announced that Kelly Road, between State Routes 7 & 8 will be closed tomorrow for paving.  The road will be closed starting at 7:00 AM, until about 5:00 PM.

The Unatego Central School district will be asking for voter approval tomorrow on a $27.8 million dollar building project, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-17-21)

Dr. Richards said that the project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers.  Voting on the project & The Unatego Budget, and all state school budgets, will be tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

This Week is National EMS week, local state Senator Peter Oberacker said that volunteers are needed across the state at fire departments & emergency squads:

(Senator Oberacker 5-17-21)

Senator Oberacker is looking to submit legislation to make it easier to someone looking to volunteers for their local emergency squad, Senator Oberacker still volunteers with the Schenevus Emergency Squad.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-7-21

The State Health Department continues to see a decline in COVID cases across the state.  On Thursday, there were just under 195,000 tests administered, with 2370 positive, for a 1.2% positivity rate.  Hospitalization declined again to 2264, ICU patients’ decreases to 571, the number on ventilators declined to 354, there were 25 COVID deaths Thursday.

Chenango County Department of Public Works is collecting county resident’s old paint, Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 5-7-21)

More information about the program is available at 337-1790 during normal business hours.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced that starting May 24th, Cold In-Place Recycling will begin on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling Director of Public Works Shawn Fry at 337-1710.

Fire Fighters from Sidney & Unadilla responded this afternoon, at around 2:00 PM, to the report of a barn fire, on the Back River Road, near Carr's Creek.  The fire was fully involved; WCDO will have more details as they become available.

The Otsego County Department of Health is partnering with local high schools to bring the COVID 19 vaccine to the schools. Clinics will be open to students 16 and older, parents, staff and community members. To register go to otsegocounty.com.  Clinics are May 11 at Cherry Valley Springfield, May 13 at Richfield Springs Central School, May 17th at Schenevus, and May 18th at Morris Central School, all clinics are from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists of a milling and paving project on a portion of State Route 10/ Main Street beginning Monday, May 10th, in the Village of Delhi. Flaggers will be controlling alternating, one-way traffic on Route 10 from Sherwood Road to Meredith Street for approximately 5 days, weather permitting. Alternate side of the street parking will be established within the scope of the project during that time frame.

State Police arrested 34 year old Jason Manderville of Oneonta for Menacing & Petty Larceny, after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute on Oneida Street in the town of Oneonta. Manderville allegedly threatened a victim with a chainsaw, he was located in a wooded area behind his residence and arrested, & he was processed and virtually arraigned & was released on his own recognizance and order to appear in the town on Oneonta court on April 6, 2021. The victim was issued a stay away order of protection. Later on the same day State Police arrested Manderville for Arson and Criminal Contempt, after Troopers, Oneonta Fire Department and Oneonta EMS were dispatched to a house fire where troopers arrested Manderville a few hours earlier. Troopers located Manderville in a wooded area near State Highway 205 and he was taken into custody. Manderville was arraigned on the new charges & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested a Schenevus man following a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Davenport early Thursday morning. Deputies responded to County Highway 12, they located the driver, 54 year-old Dennis Thompson of Schenevus, who was walking away from the accident scene. Investigation revealed that Thompson was intoxicated at the time of the accident and lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. Thompson was subsequently arrested and charged with the misdemeanor offenses of aggravated driving while intoxicated with BAC of .18% or more and common-law driving while intoxicated, as well as the offenses of moving from lane unsafely and speed not reasonable and prudent. Thompson was issued traffic summonses and was released pending his appearance and arraignment in the Town of Davenport Court on a later date.

UHS Chenango Memorial is hosting a pop-up Vaccine Clinic in Afton, in collaboration with Commerce Chenango and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire. The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at the First Baptist Church, 30 Caswell Street in Afton. Anyone who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine can contact Commerce Chenango at commercechenango@gmail.com or by phone at 373-1485 to schedule an appointment.

35 year old Kenneth Fink of New Berlin man was arrested Friday on an active Arrest Warrant issued by the Chenango County Court following a Sealed indictment. The Chenango County District Attorney's Office presented an Arson case to the Chenango County Grand Jury, Fink was indicted for 3rd degree Arson, Fink was arraigned in the Chenango County Court and released until a later Court date. It is alleged that On March 1, 2020, Kenneth R. Fink set fire to his residence located at 4322 State Highway 80 in the Town of Columbus.

Sidney Police Department responded to a larceny complaint last Monday at a local business. 2 people who were caught on security video committing the crime, Sidney Police Department arrested 30 year old Terence Barrows of Solvay & 46 year old Kimberly Barrows of Illinois, on a variety of charges, Terence Barrows was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Village of Sidney Court at a later date. Kimberly Barrows was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County jail to await extradition to Illinois.

New York State is moving on to the next phase of people for vaccinations against the COVID virus. All of those eligible in Phase 1A have not been completed due to he slow rollout of vaccines, New York is already starting to vaccinate those in Phase 1B this week, using the State Fairgrounds, doctors' offices, county health departments and about 1,200 pharmacies to get doses to those in Phase 1B. More information is available at am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

Sidney Village Department of Public Works announced this afternoon that there is a water leak near the intersection of Circle Drive & Manatee. Water will be shut off to all of the area apartments complexes on Circle Drive, repairs are expected to be completed by 6:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-11-21

Governor Cuomo updated New Yorkers on the state's COVID-19 pandemic numbers. On Saturday, over 246,000 New Yorkers were tested for the virus, with 15,355 testing positive, that was 6.22% of all tested. Hospitalizations went down slightly to 8,484, the number in ICU beds was 1436, with 892 on Ventilators, and there were 151 deaths Saturday from the virus.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 25 new cases of COVID 19 Saturday, with 154 active cases & 15 Hospitalized. The Department announced a potential COVID 19 exposure at Nancy’s Bar in Schenevus, anyone who was at the bar between 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on January 1st should monitor for symptoms, & if symptoms develop, get tested and self-isolate, more information is available at 607-547-4231

Sidney Fire Fighters were called to a kitchen range fire at 23 Sharon Street Sunday night at about 6:30 PM. The kitchen was severely damaged; the Sidney Fire Department was assisted by the Bainbridge and Masonville Fire Departments.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 19 year old Dakota Hall of Fleischmanns for 2nd degree murder following a domestic dispute in Fleischmanns Thursday night.  Deputies, State Police & EMT's responded at about 10:50 PM Thursday night to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was taken to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and died for injuries sustained in the attack.  Dakota Hall was taken into custody without incident by Deputies for allegedly stabbing his brother; Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.  The investigation is ongoing.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that their contact tracing team interviewed a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, that individual reported having visited the Greene Community Fitness Center at 7 South Canal Street in Greene between October 11th & 14th during the infectious period.   Any individual frequenting this establishment during the time indicated below should closely monitor themselves for COVID symptoms, those who exhibit symptoms should self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.  Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 statistics today.  Currently they have 47 Active Cases, 230 Quarantines with 2 hospitalizations.  They have had 347 Total Confirmed Cases, 253 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths & they have conducted over 33,900 tests, more information is available at 337-1660.

Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.

Early voting begins tomorrow around the region.  Area Counties have different times & locations for early voting from tomorrow through November 1st, contact your county Board of Elections for specific dates & times.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Broome County Health Department announced that they have 103 new COVID 19 cases and 55 recoveries, the county's active cases up to 646.  There was another death reported, bringing the county's death count up to 89, the number of people hospitalized went up by 5 to a total of 19.  The total number of cases is up to 3060, 2325 have recovered.  The County has a 3.7% positivity rate; it's over 9% in the state designated "Yellow" zone.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 10 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday; they are investigating a cluster of cases that originated at a wedding that has now spread into the community.  Current COVID numbers, they report 952 total confirmed cases, 27 active cases with  2 hospitalizations, they've had 7 deaths,  747 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta &  Hartwick College reported 2 more cases of COVID-19 have been detected, they have 3 active cases on campus; the total number of cases is 24.

DEA's next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, many local police departments also have drop boxes available year round to get expired medications or unused narcotics out of the waste stream or out of criminal hands.  A listing of local law enforcement agencies & fire Departments participating can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

Binghamton police have identified the body found Sunday along the Susquehanna River, as 72-year-old Susan Wayman of Binghamton & formerly from Sidney. Wayman was reported missing about a month ago, the death has been ruled non-criminal; Wayman was identified following an autopsy, she graduated froom Sidney High School in 1965.

Delhi Police stopped a motor vehicle for speeding Saturday on Meredith Street, Police discovered that the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of marihuana, counterfeit money and suspected stolen property. Arrested were 20-year-old Maleik Garland of Queens, 22-year-old Chadwade Chambers, 26-year-old Michael Stevens Jr. & 22-year-old Taijih Bryant, all of Brooklyn, all 4 were arraigned, Garland was being held in the Delaware County jail pending future court action, the others were released on appearance tickets.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department is investigating the death of a man found in a barn near Emmons that Oneonta Fire fighters responded to Monday night. The unidentified man was found in a barn at 130 Riverstone Road, where a fully-involved barn fire was reported at about 11:20 pm Monday Night. Firefighters from Schenevus, Milford and Pindars Corners assisted the Oneonta Fire department. An autopsy has been ordered & the investigation is ongoing, and Susquehanna SPCA took a dog and four horses to the shelter from the property.

Governor Cuomo today announced that up to $5 million in 2nd round census funding will be made available to nonprofits that are participating in the State Complete Count Census campaign. The funding will help fund nonprofits in their efforts to reach at-risk and hard-to-count communities and ensure they are counted during the 2020 Census. Applications may be submitted for a 30 day period that ends on March 26; nonprofits can apply for pre-qualification ny.gov/2020-census.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch joined senators, Congressman Tom Reed & members of the Assembly Minority Conference Monday at a press conference in Albany to show their opposition to the Green Light Law:

(Crouch 2-25-20)

The Green Light Law allows illegal immigrants the right to obtain driver's licenses, it has raised Homeland Security concerns due to it blocking law enforcement's ability to view DMV files and the records of illegal immigrants who have broken the law, which is preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct investigations.

The Green Light Law allows illegal immigrants the right to obtain driver's licenses, it has raised Homeland Security concerns due to it blocking law enforcement's ability to view DMV files and the records of illegal immigrants who have broken the law, which is preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct investigations.

US Senator Chuck Schumer &
Congressman Anthony Brindisi joined Major League Baseball officials, New York
Mets executives, Binghamton Rumble Ponies owner John Hughes, and other elected
officials for a summit on how to keep the Rumble Ponies in Binghamton Monday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred wanted to eliminate more than 40 minor league
teams, including the Rumble Ponies. Schumer & Brindisi have urged Major
League Baseball to follow-up on a promise made to provide the team with a list
of needed improvements for their stadium.

School Budget Votes will be held state wide tomorrow.  Locally, Sidney & Schenevus school
district budget decreased their spending from last year, most have had slight
to mild increases, local districts are close to 2% Property Tax Cap.  Capital Projects will be voted on by voters
in Sidney, Unatego & Afton tomorrow.

30 year old Christopher Bonno has been charged with 4th
degree arson, 3rd degree Burglary & resisting arrest following the report
of a barn fire at 3973 State Highway 23 in the town of Plymouth at about 8:00
PM Saturday night.  Smoldering hay was
extinguished, no injuries were reported.

State DEC officers arrested 3 people on 146 counts in connection with the illegal shooting of 8 deer in the town of Milford last month.  Charged were 20 year old Wayne Shutters of the Town of Maryland, 19 year old Joziah Underwood of Schenevus,and a 16-year-old youth, of the town Maryland,

Oneonta City Firefighters responded to a blaze at 14 Church
Street at about 6:00 PM last night.  Damage
was contained to the 2nd floor & attic, 1 resident escaped without injury,
& no firefighters were injured.  The
cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be replacing a water main valve today, on Upper Clinton Street from Monroe Avenue to the dead end.  Residents will experience a water outage during work.  Water will be shutdown after 9am and expected to be down for a few hours.  For additional questions, please call the Department of Public Service at (607) 432-2100

8 people were left homeless following a fire on Main Street in Worcester Tuesday night. Fire was visible from the rear of the home when firefighters first arrived, all residents escaped without injuries. Fire Fighters from Oneonta, Schenevus, East Worcester, and Westford fire departments responded, with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Otsego County Solid Waste Department reminds residents that animal carcasses/body parts from wildlife shall be accepted at the Oneonta and Cooperstown Transfer Station with the following conditions: Individuals shall double bagged material using 3ml contractor’s bags, Individuals must clearly state to scale operator you have carcasses for disposal, Individuals should not place carcasses/body parts in curb side pick up & Fees will be charged at scale rate for disposal. More information is available at 547-4225 or otsegocounty.com/depts/sw.

26 school districts have been designated as fiscally stressed under State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, which is a decrease from 59 districts that were listed in stress last year. None of the local schools were listed in significant stress, however 3 of the 7 are in “moderate fiscal stress” are local, they included the Norwich City School District, Harpursville central School & Schenevus central school. 17 schools were listed as “susceptible to fiscal stress”, which included Unatego & Oxford Academy. The highest percentages of stressed school districts were in Central New York with 8.3% and the Southern Tier 8.1%.

Firefighters in Downsville responded to a fire in a garage that exploded due to the storage of fireworks. Fire investigators believe that the fire started with the lighting of a torch, which spread to the nearby garage. The building was a total loss; fire fighters from Walton, & East Branch assisted Downsville firefighters.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the newly created Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program. Applications for grant assistance must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 31st. More information is available at 832-5123; by email us at ecodev@co.delaware.ny.us or at their office at 1 Courthouse Square in Delhi.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at 74 Park Avenue on Wednesday. Investigators seized crack cocaine, heroin, 40 envelopes of heroin packaged for sale, suboxone strips and $917 in suspected drug sales. Police charged 46-year-old Floyd Crockett of Binghamton with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, Crockett is being held at the City of Binghamton Police Department awaiting arraignment.

On Friday Norwich Police Department concluded an investigation into the sale of cocaine in the City of Norwich; they arrested 29 year old Heather Pollock, of Norwich for criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. Pollock faces court action shortly.

RECRUIT NY LOCAL FIRE CO. PARTICIPANTS

Chenango County

Afton Hose Company            15 Spring Street

Afton, NY            (609) 639-1040                     April 23

Brisben Fire Department            2716 State Highway12

Oxford, NY            607-656-8130                                 April 23

City of Norwich fire            35 East Main Street

Norwich, NY            607-244-5806                                 April 24

Greene Fire Department            8 N Canal St

Greene, NY            607-656-9798                                 April 23

Delaware County

East Meredith Fire Department            6192 County Route # 10

East Meredith, NY      607-278-5444                     April 23

Hobart Fire Department            80 Cornell Ave

Hobart, NY            (607) 588-9135                     April 23

Stamford Fire department 111 Main Street

Stamford, NY            607-222-4927                                 April 23-24

Walton Fire Department            61 West Street

Walton, NY            607-434-1731                                 April 23

Otsego County

Cooperstown Fire Department            24 Chestnut Street

Cooperstown, NY      (607) 547-2761            April 23

East Worcester Hose Company #1        70 Main Street

East Worcester, NY            1-607-397-8889            April 23

Hartwick Co # 2 (Hartwick Seminary)            4877 St Hwy 28

Cooperstown, NY      607-547-8091                     April 23

Mount Vision Fire Department            179 Co Hwy 11B

Mount Vision, NY      (607) 433-0997            April 23-24

Schenevus / Maryland                                  40 Main Street

Schenevus, NY            607-638-9017                     April 23

West Laurens            2766 State Highway 23

West Laurens, NY      607-263-2211                     April 23-24

WEST ONEONTA FIRE DEPT            2865 CO.HWY.8

WEST ONEONTA, 607-432-1310             April 23

Westford Volunteer Fire Dept.    PO Box 24

Westford, NY              (607) 638-9776            April 23

Worcester Fire Dept     36 Church Street

Worcester, NY            607-397-8032                     April 23

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the scene of a brush fire on East Terry Clove road in the Town of Hamden Saturday. 54-year-old Joseph Kilanowski had been burning wood debris on his property when the fire grew beyond his control and spread into a nearby wooded area. The Delhi Fire Department responded to the scene,  Kilanowski was charged with “Negligently Causing a Forest Fire”, he was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear April 15th, in the Town of Hamden Court.  Officials remind area residents that the annual New York State burn ban is in effect through May.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 22-year-old Jean Marie Marullo of Schenevus for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the town of Milford; Marullo was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Town of Milford Court on April 23rd.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s investigated a 1-car motor vehicle fire Friday on Catskill Turnpike road near ELK Creek road in the town of Meredith. The car belonging to 32 year old David Alleyne of Delhi started smoking while he was operating the vehicle. Alleyne then attempted to extinguish the fire with water but was unable to do so and exited the vehicle before it became fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New Yorkers would save more than $500 million on health insurance premiums in 2013 because the Department of Financial Services cut rate increase requests by insurers. Health insurers requested weighted average increases of approximately 12.4 percent, but DFS, cut the average increase to 7.5 percent. Additional Information is available at governor.ny.gov.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 55-year-old Mitchell Farwell on charges of 2nd degree Harassment and Resisting Arrest.    Farwell was charged following an investigation into a noise complaint in the Town of Norwich, he is accused of pushing the responding Deputy during his investigation and then attempted to prevent an arrest from being made. Farwell was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the custody of the Sheriff on $500 cash bail.

Firefighters responded to a fire at 1065 Delaware County Highway 11 in Davenport Friday that destroyed a 2 story home.  The Layton family escaped without injury, but they lost family possessions a few pets in the blaze.  Firefighters from Davenport, East Meredith, Meridale, Oneonta, West Oneonta, Schenevus, Otego, Stamford and FAST units of Franklin and Worcester responded.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 19 year old Joseph Daring of New Berlin on a 2nd degree harassment charge.   Daring is accused of grabbing of an unidentified victim by the neck during an argument.  Daring will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.