WCDO Radio News

Delaware County Sheriffs department arrested 37-year-old Yurian Perez and 31-year-old Yuniel Brito, both from New Jersey, for Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Cultivation of Marijuana, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The charges are the result of a month long investigation into alleged marijuana growing operation at 9179 County Highway 21 in the Town of Franklin. The execution of a Search Warrant resulted in the seizure of lighting, ventilation and irrigation equipment, 328 plants, a crossbow, a metal knuckle knife& a vehicle. Both were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $75,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond. The investigation continues, and more charges against additional suspects are likely.

Fire Investigators have determined the fire that destroyed the Cooperstown Motel on Tuesday, August 9th was arson. Investigations by the state Office of Fire Prevention & Control, county Office Of Emergency Services, state Department of Financial Services and the Cooperstown Police Department determined that the fire began on the second floor of the abandoned motel. No further details are available at this time. Anyone with information about the person(s) responsible for starting the fire is asked to call the Cooperstown Police Department, at 547- 2500. All calls are confidential.

Disgraced & convicted former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will not be heading to Federal Jail august 31st, after a judge ruled that he can remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction of corruption charges. Federal Judge Valerie Caproni, granted Silver’s request for bail, even though she presided over Silver's original trial, and stated that she believes that Silver is guilty of using his political power to increase his net worth, even as the definition for his crimes has changed in a recent US Supreme court ruling.

State & Federal money is being designated to get broadband service to rural areas of upstate New York. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that he likens this situation to when electricity was slow to make it into rural areas 120 years ago:

(Lopez 8-26-16)

Lopez said that the state has kicked up their contribution in recent years to about 500 million dollars annually to get rural broadband to residents, up from only a 5 million dollar commitment annually in 2008.

Sidney Center Community members & students past & present are invited to the former Elementary school building tomorrow from 4:00 TO 7:00 pm, as a time capsule in cornerstones will be opened. Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 8-26-16)

The cornerstones were extracted as the Greater Maywood Society attempts to sell the former school buildings; they wanted the community to find out what was in the cornerstone time capsules before the structure was sold.

The Sidney chamber of Commerce has 2 events scheduled tonight & Saturday. Chamber Vice President Teri Schunk told WCDO News that the maps of those participating in Saturdays Village wide yard sales are available today:

(Teri Schunk 8-26-16)

Village yard sales will be held at Saturday various homes, as well as in the former Mirabito Fuel Group Parking Lot on Grand Street. Also, The Cruise in on Main Street tonight was originally scheduled as part of the Sidney Arts & Music Festival last month; Money raised will benefit the chambers efforts for this year's Jolly Holly days parade in December.

The Franklin chamber of commerce is hosting “New Old Franklin Day Saturday, with a variety of musical acts & exhibits featured, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Doodle Bugs will be on display, the Franklin Rail Road and Community Museum will be open. More information is available at FranklinNY.org.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host a Sidney Village Sale Day on Saturday. Spaces will be available at the Old Mirabito's Parking Lot, behind Trackside Diner at 44 Grand Street. A map of people who are participating will be at local businesses and at the Car Cruise In tonight on Main Street. All proceeds will support the Jolly Holly Day Parade.

The Brisben fire department & the Chenango County Red Knights Chapter 40 have teamed up for a fundraiser for fire chief Brian Burt Saturday. A motorcycle & car ride begins at 10:00 AM, entertainment & food will be available on the Ball Flats from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM. The money raised will benefit Brian Burt, who has inoperable cancer.

The Delaware county board of elections announced that they have sent out their annual yellow mail check cards. Officials said that the cards are returned to the Board, if there is a change of address, & they are not forwarded. Delaware County residents who do not receive the annual cards may be inactive as voters & will need to contact the Board at 832-5321

Governor Cuomo today announced 30 Smart Schools Investment Plans totaling $39 million have been approved as part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act. The Act supports investments in education technology that will equip students with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the global economy. Locally, the Oxford Academy will receive about $1 Million Dollars for High Tech Security & School connectivity project.

The State DEC seized more than 1,100 pounds of undersized lobsters from Price Chopper in 3 different inspections over the last 4 months. The case was sparked in March when short lobsters were found at 2 Price Chopper stores in Binghamton. The distribution center for Price Chopper in Schenectady, & a routine inspection Tuesday, determined that 820 lobsters, or 15% of the inventory, were under the legal size limit. Price Chopper faces fines of up to $100 for every shellfish involved.

Norfolk Southern Railroad officials as well as Sidney Village DPW, expect the Main street railroad crossing in Sidney to be open later tonight. This after noon, the last coat of asphalt is being put down.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that $65,000 in grant funds he secured will go to local domestic violence programs. The funding was set aside in the 2016-2017 state budget, with $15,000 going to Opportunities for Otsego & $5,000 for Delaware Opportunities.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Arts & Music Festival will be held on MAIN STREET tomorrow. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(Steph Taylor 7-29-16)

WCDO will be broadcasting live during the Car Cruise in Portion of the event, Taylor said that the next Chamber event will be their annual Golf Tournament on August 4th.

A man injured in the July 13th house explosion & fire in Masonville, has died from the injuries sustained in that explosion. 31 year old Shayne Charles died Saturday at Upstate medical center's burn unit, calling hours will be held at C.H. Landers funeral home in Sidney Thursday from from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel.

The Sidney Arts & Music festival will be held this Saturday in Downtown Sidney. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(STEPH TAYLOR 7-26-16)

WCDO will be broadcasting live during the Cruise in Portion of the Arts & Music Festival Saturday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a domestic dispute in Andes Monday. 21 year old Joel Maldonado of Lydenhurst, New Jersey & 21 year old Preston Reed of Andes fell through a plate glass window during the altercation, Maldonado sustained a head laceration, he was taken to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, where he was treated and released. Deputies determined that 2 small children were in close proximity to the altercation, Maldonado was charged with 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Mischief, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 dollars cash bail, Reed was charged with 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On Monday, July 25, 2016 Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old John Mahler on a Parole Warrant issued by the State Division of Parole. Mahler was convicted in 2013 of committing burglaries in the Village of Walton; he was paroled in March, & was subject to Post Release Supervision until March 2019. Mahler is being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending further action by the Division of Parole.

A 2nd Sidney Rotary Club Grant has been awarded for local efforts in combating the Heroin crisis locally. The Recovery Coach Training Grant will allow for up to 25 people to be trained to assist those recovering from addiction, according to spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 7-26-16)

Keckeisen said that the efforts to create a coalition for the tri town area has been successful, the coalition will be called "the TRI-TOWN COALITION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE". Also, plans are being formulated to schedule Narcan Training with Joseph Filippone of Catholic Charities at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney in the fall.

Governor Cuomo announced the arrests of 5 people for illegally selling synthetic marijuana at stores in Syracuse and Binghamton. State Police seized more than 100 packets of suspected synthetic marijuana, the State Health Commissioner is issuing orders to immediately close the establishments found to be selling these illegal substances. In Binghamton Troopers arrested 62-year old Vijaykumar Hathi and 64-year old Deepa Hathi, owners of Friend’s Grocery at 46 Court Street in Binghamton. Both were charged with sale of synthetic drugs, & possessing of synthetic Marijuana.

FEMA released updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Otsego County for public comment. The maps and the associated Flood Insurance Study report will serve as the basis for floodplain management measures, flood insurance rates, and insurance purchase requirements& will help property owners make decisions about how to protect homes against future flood risk. FEMA and & the DEC will host a Flood Risk Open House meeting today from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Meadows Office Building, in Cooperstown.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the next 4-Chamber mixer to be held today at Highway 7 Bar & Grill in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 6 :00, members of the Sidney, Bainbridge, Afton & Unadilla chambers are urged to attend.

Congressman Chris Gibson was named by Speaker Paul Ryan to the House-Senate conference committee that will produce the final 2017 Defense Policy Bill, which authorizes funding for military programs. In addition to a 2.1% pay raise for our troops, the House version of the bill includes the POSTURE Act, legislation authored by Congressman Gibson to stop the Administration’s planned draw down of U.S. Land Forces in order to reestablish peace through strength. Speaker Ryan sited Congressman Gibson’s work on the Armed Services Committee, & his military background as reasons for the appointment.

State Police announced a "Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert" in the Southern Tier, for 78-year-old William Caloroso of Nichols, who is missing since Sunday. Caloroso is described as a white Male, 5’10", about 160 pounds with Brown Hair & eyes, he suffers from Alzheimer's disease and may be in need of medical attention. He was last seen on River Road in Nichols, at 8:30 PM last night, driving a 2010 dark blue Chevrolet Impala with New York license plate GDY-8262. He was wearing a flannel shirt, blue pants, and may be wearing a baseball hat that says Sidney on top. Anyone with information is asked to call State police at 561-7400 or at 911.

Area residents are once again receiving calls from people claiming to represent the IRS, who try to get personal information, in order to scam people out of money, Area Tax preparer George McLain explains:

(George McLain 7-11-16)

McLain said the IRS would never call & ask for that kind of information & that is also helpful to report such calls to law enforcement. More information is available by calling McLain at his Bainbridge office at 967-8858.

Hancock Fire and EMS responded to a report of flash flooding in the area of 5256 County Highway 28 Town of Hancock Saturday Night. A wedding with 130 people was in danger and subjects were advised to seek higher ground. The road covered in 1 to 1 ½ feet of rapidly moving water and impassible, swift water rescue resources by the Delaware County Emergency Services and the Deposit, Walton, and Sidney Swift Water Rescue Teams and boats, State Police responded. The water started to drop allowing responding personnel to gain access to the area of the wedding party. All 130 plus individuals were accounted for and safe on higher ground, they were assisted onto awaiting coach buses that had been provided for the wedding and driven to a safe location. Delaware County DPW cleared and reopened County Highway 28 shortly after. The bridge and lower part of Shea Road however were determined to be unsafe with extensive washouts noted. This area was closed off to travel.

Delaware County DPW will began oil & stone operations in the northern sections of the county today. Work will begin on County Route 9 & will continue on county routes 29, 30, 33, 12 & 10, work will then move south to routes 4, 27, 47, 20 & 67. The project is expected to take about 3 weeks to complete.

Sidney chamber of commerce arts & music festival is scheduled for July 30th in Downtown Sidney This year, Chamber President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Stephanie Taylor 7-11-16)

The Sidney Chamber can be contacted at 561-2642, their new website is at sidneychamber.org.

Blood donations are being accepted today at 2 locations. Today in Sidney, blood can be donated from 10 a.m. to 3 pm at Sidney Federal Credit Union at 42 Union Street & in Gilbertsville from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will be held over the Memorial Day Weekend in May again this year, with paddlers coming from all over the participate. Regatta Chairman John Harmon told WCDO News that there are a few new features this year:

(John Harmon 4-15-16)

Harmon said there will be plenty of action at General Clinton Park over all 4 days of the weekend, including the Midway, the Dundee Ales & Lagers music festival on Sunday & the 70 mile endurance races on Monday from Cooperstown to Bainbridge.

Tonight is Opening night for the Out Of The Woodwork Players Ambitious production of "Funny Little Thing Called Love" Local Theater veteran Rich Cooley told WCDO News about the project:

(Rich Cooley 4-15-16)

Tickets are still available at Cooley Jewelers at 77 Main street in Sidney today, or at the door prior to each performance at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, performances will be tonight & Saturday night at 7:00 PM & Sunday Afternoon at 2:00 PM. More information is available at 563-1311.

The Unadilla Chamber will have their Annual Dinner on Sunday, at the Unadilla United Methodist Church. the Annual Dinner social hour begins at 4:30 pm and dinner at 5:00 PM. The chamber will honor Wakeman Construction as The Business of the Year and Commitment to Community award will go to the Unadilla Food Pantry.

The Delaware County Home and Garden Show will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the American Legion Hall in Delhi. This annual event is hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and sponsors include Curtis Lumber, NBT-Mang Insurance, and Delaware County Economic Development. Exhibitor space is $100 for Chamber members and $150 for not-yet members. Contact the Chamber at 607-746-2281 or email RPucci@DelawareCounty.org for registration information.

State Senator Jim Seward disclosed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. Seward successfully underwent surgery on Wednesday at Albany Medical Center, the cancer was found in its earliest stages, is completely curable, and a complete recovery in anticipated. Seward will miss some senate activities, but is expected to be back up to full speed in a matter of weeks; his staff will keep full office hours & assist constituents as needed.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing competitive mixed martial arts in New York State. the Ultimate Fighting Championship announced that it will host a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12th. The UFC will be adding another live event in Upstate New York before the end of the year.