WCDO Radio News

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Keith Tompkins of Oxford for several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 9 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, after deputies observed a male, laying on the floor in the back of the vehicle, attempting to conceal himself by hiding under automotive parts. Tompkins had an active arrest warrant out of the Village of Oxford Court for Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer. Tompkins was in possession of over 2 ounces of crack cocaine, about 4 ounces of crystal Methamphetamine, 1,150 wax envelopes of Fentanyl, packaging material, digital scales, and over $2,000 in cash from suspected drug sales. Tompkins was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail. Tompkins is to appear in Chenango County Court at a later date.

The warm up act for Nate Smith at the Southern Tier Music Festival in July has been scheduled, one of the organizers Ed Curley visited WCDO This Mon ring & made the announcement:

(Ed Curley 12-22-23)

Ed was joined by Teri Schunk, they talked about new camping that will be available at General Clinton Park that weekend:

(Teri Schunk Ed Curley 12-22-23)

More information & tickets are available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

The Bandera Family and Community Alliance will be providing free meals on Christmas day at a variety of locations across the Southern Tier. Meals will be available for dine-in, take out from noon to 2 pm. at the Norwich American Legion, the Oxford American Legion, and the Sidney American Legion. For more information on the Bandera Family and Community Alliance, visit BanderaChristmas.com or the Bandera Family and Community Alliance Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-22-23

Area Resident Gene Schmidt announced that he & his family & volunteers will be serving Christmas dinner again this year, he told WCDO News that it will be at a different location:

(Gene Schmidt 12-6-23)

Schmidt said that people interested in volunteering can also visit his Facebook page & send an instant message this year.

Filmmaker Joseph Stillman will premier his latest movie: “Bear” this weekend in Oneonta, Stillman told WCDO News about his latest film:

(Joseph Stillman 12-18-23)

Stillman said that the movie was filmed around the Gilbertsville area, with local talent on both sides of the camera, The premier of “Bear” will be this today & Saturday at Foothills Performing Arts Center, at 5:00pm and 7:30pm both days, Tickets are available at the box office or at bearthemovieinfo.ticketleap.com/bear.

Norwich Firefighters responded early Thursday Morning to 137 Horstman Lane for a reported structure fire in a mobile home, they located a fire in the ceiling and roof area of the structure. Crews quickly extinguished the fire containing it to the room of origin along with ensuring all occupants were clear of the structure. Firefighters from New Berlin & North Norwich also responded, the cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported & all occupants safely evacuated without injuries.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-17-23

The Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park fundraiser at East Main Lanes in Sidney the last 2 weekends was a big success, Park President Doug Barnard told WCDO how much they raised:

(Doug Barnard 11-17-23)

Barnard said that the money raised will go for routine maintenance, upgrades and added security cameras at the park, the annual fundraising Golf Tournament will be held next June, more details will be released about that in 2024. More information about the park is available at svmpa.org.

The Nate Lull Scholarship held a recent fundraising event at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney, Lull told WCDO News hos much money was raised:

(Nate Lull 11-17-23)

The Nate Lull Scholarship Fund handed out $14,000 in scholarship last year to 8 students in the WCDO Coverage area.

The Sidney Community Cultural Center will have a comedy night tonight, spokesperson Amy William explains:

(Amy Williams 11-17-23)

More information about tonight's show, or other events, can be found at the Sidney Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

The Jericho Arts Council will have Rock Hearts Bluegrass coming to the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday Night at 7:00 PM. Concert goers can also check out the Collages & Clocks exhibit in the Gallery, reservations can be made at 607-288-3882, Tickets are available at the door prior to the show.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-17-23

Residents and businesses in New York's Southern Tier and Central New York regions are one step closer to better broadband service after hundreds of local and state leaders met for the 2nd Annual Upstate Rural Broadband Conference, in Binghamton this week. The daylong conference met to identify funding opportunities to speed-up the deployment of high-speed networks in the Southern Tier and Central New York regions.

The Festival of Trees Gala, sponsored by the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will be held this Saturday, from 5 PM - 10 PM at The Canasawacta Country in Norwich. The event features Live Music, a Silent Auction, Dinner, Dancing, and Cocktails. more information is available by emailing cmhfestival@gmail.com or at 607-226-5152 .

P.M. NEWS Friday 11-10-23

Deposit Fire Department responded Wednesday morning at about 4:00 AM to a house fire in the Town of Sanford. A motorist stopped at a house along North Sanford Road and told a resident about the fire in the woods down the road. Arriving crews found a house and garage fully involved, which led to a brush fire. Investigators believe that the fire started long before it was reported, both the house & garage were destroyed. The fire is still under investigation. Deposit Fire fighters were assisted by the Harpursville, Windsor, West Windsor, Afton Fire Departments, Broome Ambulance, State Police, with Masonville Fire Department covering the Deposit district during the incident.

The Foothills Performing arts Center will feature "A Tribute to Veterans" Saturday Night in the Bettiol Theater. The show features County Music Act Darryl Worley, the event is free for all US Military Veterans with their ID. More information is available at foothillspac.org.

The Southern Tier Music Festival will return to the Sidney Airport next summer, organizers Ed Curley & Teri Schunk visited WCDO to make the announcement:

(Teri-Ed 11-10-23)

More information will be released in the coming weeks, information will be updated at the Southern Tier Music Festival Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-10-23

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested 32 year old Boyd Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania after a fire at a barn at the Tioga Downs Casino complex Thursday. Over two-dozen racehorses died in the fire. Fenton has been charged with Arson, Burglary, Criminal Mischief & Assault, An investigation revealed that Fenton entered the barn and intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. 1 person who entered the burning barn in an attempt to save horses suffered second degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment. Fenton was arraigned and remanded to the Tioga County Correctional Facility.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-27-23

State Police and local law enforcement will be out in force through Halloween in order to crack down on impaired and reckless driving. The enforcement period begins today and runs through Tuesday, October 31st, the annual effort is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

The Heavy Metal Haul Out for the Delaware Valley Humane Society & conducted by Waste Recovery Enterprises, brought in a substantial amount of money for the Shelter, directer Erin Insinga told WCDO news how much was raised:

(Erin Insinga 10-27-23)

Insinga said that the money raised will go for the normal operation of the shelter, they hope to do the haul out for the 5th time next year with Waste Recovery Enterprises.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center will be the site of the Magical Masquerade Ball Saturday night, executive Director Geoff Doyle explains:

(Geoff Doyle 10-27-23)

Doyle said that there were still some tickets available at foothillspac.org, and there may be some tickets available at the box office prior to the show Saturday night.

Chenango Arts Council 2023/24 Season continues on Saturday as audiences will be treated to a spooky Halloween show guaranteed to be one of a kind, according to coucil spokesperson Mary Beth Miller:

(Mary Beth Miller 10-27-23)

Jekyll and Hyde will allow people to experience a silent movie as was it originally intended, as a community, on a big screen and with live music, more information or tickets are available at chenangoarts.org.

The 49th Festival of Bands will be held at the Norwich High School Football Field tomorrow with 8 field bands performing at the combination performance & fundraiser, Spokesman Paul Musk explains:

(Paul Musk 9-28-23)

Musk said that Concession will be available for those in attendance, as part of the fundraising efforts, More information is available at nysfbc.org, or by calling Musk at 336-7883.

.M. NEWS Friday 10-27-23

State Police were asked to check the welfare of a student at Schenevus Central School, The student left the school after speaking with school staff and was interviewed at home by Investigators. It was determined that the student was suffering from a mental health crisis and did have a firearm in his possession while at school. The student did not make any direct threats or display a weapon at any time. The juvenile was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds and appeared before a judge in Otsego County Supreme Court - Youth Part. Investigators applied for an Extreme Risk Protection Order and the juvenile was transported for a mental health evaluation.

Troopers located the work truck belonging to Barney and Sons Well Drilling in Laurens. It was located unoccupied on a dirt road in the town of Sidney. The investigation is on-going. Anyone who knows the person that took the truck or saw someone operating the truck either late at night on October 24 or in the early morning of October 25 is asked to call New York State Police at (607)561-7400.

Saturday in the Park with Chobani concludes tomorrow starting at 9:00 AM in West Park in Norwich, which will coincide Halloween themed events around Norwich Saturday, for the annual "Nor-Witch Festival". Norwich BID Spokesperson Mindy Chawgo explains:

(Mindy Chawgo 10-27-23)

More information is available at Saturday in the Park with Chobani on Facebook or by calling 607-226-2211.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-20-23

State Police responded Wednesday night to a 1-vehicle crash on County Road 39 in the town of Bainbridge. 39 year old Naqwain Johnson of Schenectady drove his vehicle off the roadway and struck a tree, Sidney EMS responded however, Johnson did not survive, the passenger, 38 year old Shelly Courcelle of Schenectady, was transported to an area Hospital, The investigation is on-going.

28 year old Devon Ireland of Unadilla appeared in Delaware County Court today and was arraigned on a sealed indictment. Ireland was charged with Attempting to endanger the welfare of a child, plus 1st & 2nd degree Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors & Ireland is a registered sex offender, he was accused of engaging in a sexually explicit online conversation with a person that he believed to be a 14-year-old child, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child, he attempted to meet the 14 year old in Masonville, and discovered that the child was actually an adult male using a “decoy” account. Ireland was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail. The case is scheduled for a conference on October 23, 2023, at 1:00 P.M.

Sidney Fire Fighters responded this morning to the report of a trailer fire at 50 East Main Street at about 6:00 AM. The trailer was fully involved, all occupants escaped, WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

The process for the new nickname at the Sidney Central School District is in the next phase. The 2nd survey, which allows people to submit their favorite nickname, is now open. The survey will require a person's name, email address, your connection to the Sidney CSD, and the option to select a nickname, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock comments:

(Eben Bullock 10-20-23)

The survey link is available on Facebook, and at sidneycsd.org/nicknamechange. The survey will remain open through Tuesday, October 31. Only one submission per email is allowed.

The Jericho Arts Council will have a bluegrass concert and a gallery exhibit Saturday night, Council Spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-20-23)

The concert & Gallery will be at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, reservations for tickets to see Danny Paisley are available at 607-288-3882.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-20-23

The Binghamton Black Bears next home game will be Saturday Night at the Arena, with a fundraiser coinciding with the game, according to spokesman Brooks Hill:

(Brooks Hill 10-20-23)

Hill said that the jerseys will be auctioned off to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, more information about tickets is available at binghamtonblackbears.com

This Saturday night, The Grand Oneonta Opry is coming to Foothills Performing Arts Center at 6:00 PM, with several local acts backed by the Driftwoods. The show is a fundraiser for Helios Care, Director of Development & Marketing Kathryn Dailey comments:

(Kathryn Dailey 10-20-23)

To Purchase tickets, go to helioscare.org/events.

The Tri Town Theater will be performing “The Music Man” at the Sidney High School Stage starting tonight, continuing on Saturday Night & Sunday Afternoon, performers George Wells commented about the show:

(George Wells 10-20-23)

Tickets for all of the performances can be purchased at tritown.booktix.com.

The Oxtober Festival will take place from 10 am. to 4 pm. on Sunday, October 22, at LaFayette Park in Oxford. Activities include pumpkin carvings, a scarecrow contest, music from the Nate Gross Band, food trucks, a kid zone, vendors and more. The events was rescheduled after it was postponed earlier this month due to inclement weather.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-15-23

The Norwich Chapter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will hold a fundraising raffle today & tomorrow at Hidden Springs Brewery in the town of Norwich. Organizer Jamie Burchill explains:

(Jamie Burchill 9-15-23)

Burchill said that they are already gearing up for next year’s St. Baldrick’s event in March, last year they raised of $50,000 dollars with the event, to raise money to fight Childhood Cancer.

Sidney Village Police arrested 33 year old Codey Miner of Sidney for burglary, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child, preventing an emergency call and menacing 2nd degree. Miner released on own recognizance &will appear back in court later this month.

The annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held tomorrow at 12:00 Noon. A chicken barbecue will also be set up at the Sidney Center Fire House, Registration is from 9:00 to 11:45 A.M.

The City of the Hills Festival will be held this weekend in Downtown Oneonta. The event will be held both Saturday & Sunday with arts, music & food available, it is free to attend & is sponsored by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta.

An AMBA Blood Screening Clinic is being held Saturday by The Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women, at the Sidney Elks Club. The money raised from the $10.00 sponsor fee are used for local high school scholarships. Call 1-800-234-8888 for an appointment, prescriptions from your health care provider are required.

Delaware Valley Humane Society & Waste Recovery Enterprises have teamed up for the 4th consecutive year for the Heavy Metal Haul Out, Humane Society Director Erin Insinga said that they will do the fundraiser differently this year:

(Erin Insinga 8-23-23)

More information about the fundraiser or adoptions is available at 563-7780.

September is Suicide awareness Month, and 2 events will be coming this month to raise awareness & raise funds to combat the continuing suicide problem. Karen Heisig is the Director of the Greater New York Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, she talked about Tomorrow's Walk in Oneonta:

(Karen Heiseg 9-15-23)

Heiseg said Saturday's Oneonta Walk will be at the 6th Ward Booster Club Field, another will be on September 24th starting at SUNY Delhi at 12:00 Noon, people can register for the walks at AFSP.ORG/Oneonta or AFSP.Org/Delaware County, more information is also available at 315-664-0346.

The Rock Band Jimkata returns home for a show at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Saturday Night, Spokesman Geoff Doyle explains:

(Geoff Doyle 9-15-23)

Doyle said that a few tickets were still available at the box office or at foothillspac.org. for Saturday Night's show.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

The Village of Sidney Police Department responded yesterday afternoon at about 2:50 PM, to the report of a unconscious female lying in the middle of Sunset Avenue. Police were advised that the female had been struck by a vehicle, 14 year old Anielle McEwan-Lomnicki was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City & was transferred to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where she remains in stable but critical condition with bleeding & pressure on the brain, an upper spine fracture & fractured ribs according to family, The driver, 31 year old Courtni Baker of Sidney left the scene and returned a short time later, she was charged with Aggravated DWI, with a BAC of .18 or higher, plus DWI, Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, Reckless Driving, Vehicular Assault & Escape for allegedly attempting to leave the Police Station, along with several other lesser charges. Baker was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court where she was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing which could result in more charges being filed.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a bat from Otego tested positive for Rabies. 1 vaccinated cat was exposed & will recieve a rabies booster, there was no human exposure. More information about rabies is available at 547-4230 or at otsegocounty.com.

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 3 people died and another was hospitalized after they were hit by a car in Newark Valley Wednesday afternoon. According to the Sheriff’s Office, an 18-year-old man was driving south on State Route 38 around 11:20 am Wednesday and hit 4 pedestrians walking on the shoulder. 66 year old John Stephens, 25 year old Kurtis Acker & 52 year old Doreen Wood were killed, a 27-year-old woman was flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse in critical condition. All 4 pedestrians were from Newark Valley.

Commerce Chenango announced that their annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will beheld on March 2nd at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Key Note Speaker will be Ken Entenmann of NBT Bank, more information is available at commercechenango.com

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

19 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin was sentenced to life in prison without parole yesterday, for the mass shooting of 10 people in May of 2022 at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo. Gendron pleaded guilty in November to 15 charges, including murder, attempted murder & Domestic Terrorism motivated by Hate in a state court room, today Gendron faces Federal Court action, if convicted on the federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

State Police arrested 44 year old Rodney Oakley of Plymouth, for Scheming to Defraud, 5 counts of 4th degree Grand Larceny & 8 counts of Petty Larceny. State Police received a report last November that Oakley, who was the town Highway Department Superintendent, was allegedly using town money for his own personal use, it was determined that since December 2020 Oakley allegedly had been using town funds to purchase various car parts, tools and materials for his own personal use, he was issued an appearance for the town of Plymouth Court on February 22nd.

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, is asking for those who attended the original Woodstock Music & Arts festival at that site in 1969, to come forward & share their story. The Center is conducting its "Oral Histories Project" to document the memories of fans who attended the event. Curators from The Museum will be traveling around the country to interview those who attended. The Oral Histories Project began in 2020; over 18,00 stories have been documented. The museum is hoping to get about 4,500 more, More information can be found at Bethelwoodscenter.org.