WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-19-26

46 year old Arthur Cotten of Sidney, pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangerment & resisting Arrest in Delaware County Court, he was appearing for a conference on a pending indictment, he decided to pleaded guilty to the charges, relating to an incident on July 19, 2025, in the Village of Sidney, where he attempted to light himself on fire with gasoline in a garage near a propane tank, Sidney Police Officers Royce Terry and Jenna Nordberg, managed to get the fire extinguished without any person or property being seriously harmed. Cotten will be sentenced on April 28th

Another former corrections officer has pleaded guilty in the case connected to the beating death of Marcy Correctional Facility inmate Robert Brooks in December of 2024. Robert Kessler entered his plea in Oneida County Court, to a gang assault charge as part of a plea bargain deal in which he testified against his former colleagues David Kingsley, Nicholas Kieffer and Mathew Galliher. Kessler is scheduled to be sentenced to 4 years in State prison on May 14th.

37 year old Michael Brutvan of Binghamton, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree in Broome County Court and will serve a sentence of 17 Years to Life in a New York State Correctional Facility. On May 13, 2025, the Binghamton Police Department was dispatched to the Salvation Army located at 131 Washington Street for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located a male inside the establishment suffering from stab wounds to the shoulder and neck. The victim was later pronounced deceased. Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026, in Broome County Court.

The Competition will begin today from 6:00 to 10:00 PM for those interested in singing at the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th at the Sidney Airport, Festival Co-organizer Jake Cotten explains:

(Jake Cotten 3-19-26)

Entry forms for the competition can be found on the Northern Star Facebook page or at Southern Tier Music Fest.com, the music festival will be held on July 4th at the Sidney Airport headlined by Jackson Dean.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-26

DogWatch Hidden Fences of Otego & Nam Knights have teamed up to provide kits for service dogs around the state, today they donated one to the Sidney Police Department for use by Officer Royce Terry & K9 Chase. Aileen Howard of Dogwatch told WCDO News about the kits:

(Aileen Howard 2-4-26)

Officer Terry said that people have been very supportive of the K9 program at the Sidney Police Department, and they are still accepting donations for the program:

(Royce Terry 2-4-26)

K9 Chase is about 1 year old & is new to the Sidney Police Department and he is trained to locate drugs and other items as part of investigations.

North Country Stand Up Comedy returns to Sidney at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street Saturday Night, Spokesperson Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 2-4-26)

The Bittersweet Farm Brewery will have drinks available and Tickets for Comedy Night can be purchased at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page, or at the Door Saturday.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-4-26

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are collaborating on this summer’s “Turtle Island” festival, part of the local commemorations of America250, a national initiative centered around the 250th anniversary of the United States. These 2 organizations are inviting people of Chenango County to a session today to discuss this event, Jessica Moquin of the Chenango Historical Society explains:

(Jessica Moquin 2-4-26)

This community dialogue will take place at the James S. Flanagan Research Center, 43 Rexford Street in Norwich, to begin planning activities for the day-long festival for July 5.

The Next Sidney Chamber of Commerce meeting will be held this morning, beginning at 8:00 AM. The meeting will be held at Club 55 on Union Street, members & Directors are encouraged to attend.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-16-25

The Town of Colchester Police Department arrested 3 individuals following an investigation into a series of burglaries and larcenies. 21 year old Donavin Brock of Colchester was charged with Burglary, Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief, & Aggravated Harassment, 18 year old Tenlei Wood of Walton, was charged with Burglary, Grand Larceny, & Conspiracy and 40 year old Brooke Walley of Andes, was charged with Burglary, following the investigation by the Town of Colchester Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff's Office into multiple incidents involving stolen property, unlawful entry, and related crimes throughout the community. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be pending, the State Police Forensic Identification Unit assisted in the processing of the crime scenes.

The Sidney Police Department has added K9 Chase, to the department, he is handled by Officer Royce Terry & he is a 1 year old Dutch Shepherd. Officer Terry told WCDO news about his new canine partner, and how the community support by area businesses, private donations, & the Sidney Central School district has been outstanding:

(Royce Terry 10-16-25)

K9 Chase replaces K9 Riggs who was retired as a police dog this month, but will continue to live with Officer Terry's family, the program has no cost to taxpayers and Chase will be ready for his position in February.

The Annual Sidney Veterans Memorial Park fundraising Bowling tournament will be held November 1, 2, 8, & 9th at East Main Lanes in Sidney this year, Park President Doug Barnard explains:

(Doug Barnard 10-16-25)

Barnard said that a fundraising raffle will also be held, with the winners of 3 prizes to be announced on November 9th, Money raised will go for the upkeep of the park on River Street, all interested bowlers and sponsors can contact East Main Lanes, more information is available on the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Facebook page.

Stephen Filan pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon, stemming from the illegal possession of an assault rifle and related firearm components. On May 19th, Binghamton Police responded to a report of Filan in possession of a firearm, he was uncooperative, officers secured a search warrant and an Extreme Risk Protection Order to search Filan’s residence, which resulted in the recovery of a loaded, operable assault rifle with a 25-round magazine holding 24 rounds. Sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2026 in Broome County Court, Filan will be sentenced to 6 years in State Prison followed by 5 years of Post Release Supervision.

Sidney Village Library today announced that they are closed today due to unforeseen circumstances, they hope to reopen with normal hours & programs on Friday.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-1-24

State Police seized a large quantity of illegal drugs resulting from a traffic stop on I-81 Tuesday. Troopers on I-81 observed a speeding vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. 43 year old Eduardo Azcona of Corona, Queens was operating the vehicle with a suspended license, he attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody after an altercation and the assistance of a taser. Troopers executed a search warrant on the vehicle & seized of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, MDMA, fentanyl & cannabis, Azcona was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of Cannabis, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & Resisting Arrest, he was transported to the Cortland County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment.

The Broadway In Binghamton annual "Test Drive Your Seat" event is coming next week at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton, Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment explains:

(Tina Niles 8-1-24)

Among the shows featured this season, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", “The Cher Show”, “The Addams Family” & “Chicago”, more information is available at nacentertainment.com

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-1-24

Brian Canfield of Greene pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs in Delaware County Court Wednesday. Canfield appeared in Delaware County Court for a conference on his pending indictment, On February 17, 2024, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry observed a motor vehicle parked in the library parking lot after it was closed, with Canfield slumped over the steering wheel, and the engine was running, Canfield was under the influence of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl. Canfield will be sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision, he faces sentencing on September 23rd.

Congressman Marc Molinaro's constituent service team will hold mobile office hours today, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the Oneonta Town Hall, constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro's office to resolve issues they are having with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and Social Security Administration.

State Police are now accepting applications for the Trooper Entrance Examination, and testing for candidates will start on August 15th, Candidates can sign up to take the exam at joinstatepolice.ny.gov. Minimum qualifications needed to sign up for the examination, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, at least 20 years old and a maximum of 34 years old at the time of application.

Applications for the New York State Trooper Entrance Exam are now available through March 4, 2024. The most recent recruitment effort raised the maximum age to apply from 29 to 34, Military applicants may be eligible to apply up until the age of 42 & the State Police has also revised its tattoo policy, more information & a study guide is available at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.

Hartwick College officials announced that they are hosting 2 Candidate Forums prior to Election Day. The Hartwick Institute of Public Service announced that the forums are for Otsego County and Oneonta Common Council candidates. Tomorrow, candidates running for election in Otsego County will participate, on Wednesday, November 1, the institute will host candidates running for election in the City of Oneonta. Both events are scheduled for 6-8 pm. in the Shineman Chapel House on the Hartwick College campus.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-24-23

24 year old Zachary Rowe of Harpursville, appeared for arraignment on a 2-count indictment in Delaware County Court. On October 1st, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry arrested Rowe on a bench warrant, after being taken into custody, Sidney K9 Officer Riggs conducted a search of his personal property, Riggs quickly discovered and indicated the presence of narcotics, Sidney Police obtained a search warrant & seized $7,000.00 in illegal methamphetamine and fentanyl. The indictment charges Rowe with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, he was remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

Another American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800 RED CROSS.