WCDO Radio News

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Detail in Chenango County, all businesses were in compliance; NONE of the locations checked sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21. 13 businesses were checked in Norwich & Sherburne, During these investigations, businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth, if asked.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

With extreme heat forecast in the Tri-County Region over the next few days, Cooling stations will be open at various location, in Delaware County, cooling stations will be at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the Andes Public Library, other locations may be announced, In Chenango County, designated emergency cooling centers include the Guernsey Memorial Library at 3 Court Street, in Norwich, the Sherburne Public Library, more information may be available from the Chenango County Clerk's Office. IN Otsego County, cooling centers include the Southside Mall, The Foxcare Center as well as the greater Plains & Wilber Pools in Oneonta or the Clark Sport Center in Cooperstown, more information is available at the State Department of Health

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31 year old Justin Cole of Bainbridge for Reckless Endangerment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following an investigation into a complaint received on May 31, regarding a firearm allegedly being brandished during an altercation in a parking lot adjacent in the Village of Sherburne. A preliminary investigation revealed allegations that a firearm and a knife had been brandished by two separate individuals during the incident. No individuals present at the scene wished to pursue charges, deputies obtained photographs depicting a firearm being brandished in the presence of bystanders, including children. Cole was issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.

The Friends of Rogers are hosting a Family Fishing Frenzy, today from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The event is for beginners, Registration is required, email erica@friendsofrogers.org and specify the number of poles needed. The Rogers Center is located on State Highway 80, in Sherburne.

The Sidney Historical Society will hold a Paint the Fence Day Saturday at the Prospect Hill Cemetery starting at 9:00 AM, volunteers are needed, more information is available by calling 237-4762 or 434-8258. supplies & lunch will be provided.

Another Sidney Community Clean-Up will be held at Keith Clark Park on Saturday, June 13. Starting time is set for 9:00 at the park pavilion. Volunteers will help variety of jobs throughout the walking trail areas. Some tools will be available, or volunteers may bring their favorite shovels, pruners or other gardening gear. Work gloves should be worn.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-4-26

State Police arrested 36 year old Salvatore Magro of Sherburne following an investigation into reports that underage victims were subjected to unwanted sexual contact while working with him. The investigation determined that over the last two years Magro engaged in a pattern of inappropriate sexual contact toward multiple teenage victims, while the victims were employed at Joe and Vinny’s Pizzeria on North Main Street in the village of Sherburne. Magro was taken into custody & was charged with Three counts of Forcible Touching, Four counts of Sexual Misconduct & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Magro was transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. The victims were issued Orders of Protection, Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, they can call State Police at (607)561-7400.

New York State Office for the Aging announced their 100 awardees from across New York State for Older New Yorkers' Day. Local awardees include Brian Danforth of Unadilla, Lois Aylesworth of Columbus, Robert Cuffney of Sherburne, Alice Blackman of Hamden, Lauren Monroe of Bovina Center & Pat and Walter Hogan of Cooperstown.

The Friends of Rogers are hosting a Family Fishing Frenzy, on Friday, June 5th from 4:30 - 6:30 PM. The event is ideal for beginners eager to learn more about the sport, Registration for this event is required, email erica@friendsofrogers.org and specify the number of poles needed. The Rogers Center is located on State Highway 80, in Sherburne.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-11-26

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

The annual "I Love My Park Day" is being held statewide tomorrow at a variety of locations. Locally, groups will help clean up Gilbert Lake State Park from 9am-12pm, at Glimmerglass State Park from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and at the Rogers Environmental Conservation Center in Sherburne from 1pm-4pm, For more information, visit ptny.org

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Samantha Kilts & 44 year old Kristopher Kovacks, of Smyrna, for Trespass, Criminal Mischief, and Petit Larceny after an investigation into a trespass complaint. It is alleged that Kovack and Kilts unlawfully went on the property of the victim, stole, and damaged items. Kovack and Kilts were arrested and released on appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-13-26

The Norwich Fire Department responded at about 5:00 AM This Morning to a blaze at 104 Mitchell Street, with reports of occupants jumping out of the building. Norwich Police arrived & discovered the 2 victims outside the structure, EMT 's arrived & transported the victims to the Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for burns & injuries, Norwich received assistance from Sherburne & Oxford fire departments, the investigation listed the cause as accidental caused by a chimney fire that extended through the home from an operating coal stove, there were no functioning smoke detectors , no firefighters were injured.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-3-26

The City of Norwich Police Department arrested 33 year old Chad Potter of Sherburne, following a multi-agency investigation into interference with public safety communications. The investigation began in March of 2021, when it was alleged that Potter unlawfully transmitted over a law enforcement radio frequencies on multiple occasions, interfering with police, fire, and EMS operations throughout Chenango County. Potter broadcast false statements, including one transmission of "shots fired, shots fired," Potter was interviewed and admitted to transmitting over the law enforcement frequency and making the false statements, & having flashing lights on his vehicle, he was charged with 2 counts of Obstruction of Governmental Administration & Making a Terroristic Threat. Potter faces court action at a later date.

This weekend will be the final New York State Maple Weekend & the Rogers Environmental Education Center will have their Maple Magic Weekend Celebration in Sherburne on Saturday and Sunday, from 12PM-3PM both days. The evaporator will be boiling in the Sugarshack, which will be open for syrup samples and educational demonstrations, The event will also feature live acoustic music with traditional maple folk songs. Rogers Center is one of the state's 4 environmental education centers, at 2721 state highway 80, Sherburne.

The final two weekends in March have been designated as New York State Maple Weekends, & the making maple syrup will be highlighted this year at Rogers Environmental Center during their Maple Magic Weekend Celebration in Sherburne on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 12PM-3PM on both days. The evaporator will be boiling in the Sugarshack, which will be open for syrup samples and educational demonstrations, The event will also feature live music, the Rogers Center is one of the state's 4 environmental education centers, at 2721 state highway 80, Sherburne.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-13-26

The Annual St. Baldrick's head shaving fundraising event will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, the annual event raises funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation in their effort to find a cure for cancer through research. More information is available at stbaldricks.org/events/norwich2026.

Chenango Health Network & Bassett Medical Center Research Institute, are calling on residents of Norwich and Sherburne to participate in a Community Health Survey, Kimberly Lorraine of the Chenango Health Network explains:

(Kimberly Lorraine 2-23-26)

The results will be used to develop and evaluate future diabetes prevention efforts. The deadline is February 28th, For more information, visit chenangohealth.org or call 607 337-4171.

The Winter Living Celebration will be held at the Rogers Center in Sherburne Saturday, featuring horse drawn sleigh rides, cross cut saw demonstration, and cross county skiing and snowshoeing from 11am to 3 pm. More information about this & other events can be found at friendsofrogers.org.

With the cold weather forecasted for this upcoming weekend, the Friends of Rogers Winter Living Celebration is RESCHEDULED and moving to February 14th from 11AM-3PM. The Rogers Center is located in Sherburne, more information is available at friendsofrogers.org.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 2-3-26

The DCMO BOCES Board of Education proposed capital building project plan will be voted on today until 8:00 PM, by residents of all of the school districts associated with the Pole Campus in Norwich & the Harrold Campus in Trout Creek, and they will also vote on the purchase of the former Masonville Elementary School to house programs for students. BOCES District Superintendent Michael Rullo told WCDO News of the main reasons for the projects:

(Michael Rullo 11-4-25)

Rullo said that the BOCES buildings are over more than 50 years old, with the most recent renovations approved in 2005. The projects would start in March of 2027 and conclude in 2028, if approved by voters today.

Chenango Health Network & Bassett Medical Center Research Institute, are calling on residents of Norwich and Sherburne to participate in a Community Health Survey, which is designed to gather comprehensive, confidential information to assess the community’s health status and needs. Kimberly Lorraine of the Chenango Health Network explains:

(Kimberly Lorraine 1-21-26)

The results will be used to develop and evaluate future diabetes prevention efforts. The survey is now open until February 28th, For more information, visit chenangohealth.org or contact Kimberly Lorraine at 607 337-4171or kimberly@chenangohealth.org.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Zackery Kulas of Syracuse following an extensive investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred in the Town of Sherburne on July 4, 2025. Kulas has been charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He is currently being held at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office pending arraignment. It is alleged that Kulas was operating a motor vehicle eastbound on State Highway 80 in the Town of Sherburne when his vehicle struck 59 year old Jeffery Maxson of Sherburne as he was walking along State Highway 80. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by State Police, the Syracuse Police Department, and the City of Norwich Police Department during the investigation.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 36 year old Michelle Bremner of Bainbridge for an active bench warrant from the Village of Sherburne Court. Deputies discovered that Bremner was wanted on warrants from the Town of Norwich Court through the State Police, she was arraigned & was released, she was then taken into custody on another warrant out of Delaware County and custody was transferred to State Police.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-29-25

The Norwich Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 102 Gilmore Lane just south of the Walmart Saturday Night at about 6:12 PM, Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino explains:

(Chief Jan Papelino 12-29-25)

Norwich Firefighters were assisted by the Oxford, North Norwich and Sherburne Fire Departments, Chenango County Office of Emergency Services, NYSEG, Norwich Water Department, Chenango County Sheriff's Office.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-5-25

State Police responded Thursday afternoon to State Route 12B in the town of Sherburne for a report of a 2-car accident. An investigation determined that a tractor trailer, driven by 57 year old Jacob Relyea of Bridgeport encountered a white-out snow squall, lost control and crossed over into the southbound lane, colliding head on with a sedan driven by 32 year old Danica Jones of Earlville, she was pronounced dead at the scene, Troopers administered a Standard Field Sobriety Test and Relyea showed no signs of impairment, he was issued tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, The investigation is ongoing.

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Open announced that Kelsea Ballerini will be performing at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott on Friday, June 26th next year. Ballerini has enjoyed several hits in her young career and in February she debuted as a coach on the 27th season of The Voice. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Open runs from June 22 to June 28. Tickets go on sale on November 14 at 10:00 AM online at Ticketmaster.com.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-28-25

Chenango County Health Department reported that a raccoon found along State Highway 80 between Sherburne and Columbus was tested by the Wadsworth Laboratories, and was found to have rabies. Residents and visitors in the area are advised to not pick up or handle any stray or wild animal, If your pet or livestock is behaving strangely contact your veterinarian immediately. Make sure all your dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock are vaccinated against rabies. For more information, contact the Chenango County Health Department, (607) 337-1673

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 Sherburne residents on multiple drug-related charges Friday in Sherburne. Deputies observed Jessica Baum, who was known to have an active warrant inside a vehicle, with Jason Wheeler, a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, packaging materials, and digital scales. Baum and Wheeler were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia & Conspiracy, they were arraigned, Baum was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Sherburne Village Court at a later date. Wheeler was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail and is also scheduled to appear in Sherburne Village Court at a later date.

The Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center is hosting its annual Animals of Halloween on Saturday, from 3-6 PM. The free, event features animal actors on the Rogers Center trails, performing skits which pay tribute to New York wildlife. Each tour concludes at the outdoor amphitheater, with live music by a campfire, Registration is not required, and donations are suggested to support the Rogers Center on State Route 80, Sherburne.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-22-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45 year old Wayne Viera of Sherburne on Friday following the execution of a sealed indictment arrest warrant. Viera was charged with 2 counts of 1st degree Rape, 1 count of 2nd degree Rape, 2 counts of sexual abuse, Viera is a registered sex offender, who is accused of raping a juvenile female victim. Viera was arraigned in Chenango County Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $85,000 cash bail, $500,000 bond, This investigation remains ongoing.

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

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 48 year old Jason Fowlston of Sherburne for Overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, after a report that he physically abused a dog in his home. A brief investigation uncovered evidence that Fowlston repeatedly kicked the dog, he was issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will hold their annual "Celebrity Dinner" on September 25th, at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Spokesperson Sarah Green explains:

(Sarah Green 8-12-25)

RSVP's are requested by September 17th at 607-334-3556 or at hospicechenango.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-12-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26 year old Cassandra Davi and 31 year old Taylor Micha, both of Edmeston, after Deputies observed a suspicious vehicle that was parked at a business in the Village of Sherburne for an extended amount of time. Davi and Micha were found to be in possession of fentanyl, packaging material, and scales, they were taken into custody and transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Both face charges, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing Governmental Administration & Loitering, both were arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on cash bail.

The Norwich Police Department & Sherburne Police Department announces the apprehension of 42 year old Derek Balcom of Norwich, following a coordinated investigation and arrest operation. Balcom was charged with 2nd degree Assault, Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, Resisting Arrest, & Obstruction of Governmental Administration, On July 2nd, Balcom is accused of unlawfully entered the premises of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and stole a side-by-side UTV, on July 4th, he allegedly entered the property of a local business, obtaining keys to fleet vehicles before fleeing the scene. Balcom was located today in Sherburne, he fled from officers and fought with law enforcement, resulting in injuries to a Norwich Detective. Balcom was arraigned and is being held with no bail.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-10-25

State Police arrested 43 Year old Delbert Dewey of Sherburne for Arson & Criminal Mischief, On July 5th, Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle on fire in a driveway on Classic Street in Sherburne. The investigation revealed that Dewey intentionally started a fire inside the vehicle after having a disagreement earlier in the day with the residents on Classic Street. Dewey was later arrested and was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $15,000 cash bail, $30,000 bond, pending future court action.