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

31 year old Mathew Hall of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced in Broome County to 10 years in state prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision, and will be required to register as a sex offender, and a no-contact order of protection was issued for the victim. Hall was found guilty of rape after a Jury Trial in December from a sexual assault that occurred in the City of Binghamton in October 2024, where Hall engaged in sexual contact with a person who was incapable of consent due to being physically helpless.

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.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that 7 villages were designated in fiscal stress under his office's Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for their fiscal year ending in 2025. DiNapoli's office evaluates municipalities & school district each year for fiscal stress, no villages in the Tri-County Region were on the list this year. The report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 3-19-26

Delaware County DA Shawn Smith announced that the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court affirmed the Delaware County County Court conviction of Joshua Condon that resulted in a 20 year prison term & 10 years old post release supervision. Condon appealed the sentence for Criminal Sexual Act for abusing an 8 year old child, but after losing the appeal, Condon's original sentence will stand.

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.

Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 7 other attorneys general in suing to stop the merger of Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, 2 of the biggest owners of local television stations in the nation. The proposed merger would create the largest broadcast station group in the country and consolidate ownership of popular local television stations in media markets across the nation, the coalition argues that this merger would be illegal, could raise costs for consumers, and would degrade the quality of local news. The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring the merger illegal and preventing it from being completed.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-27-25

The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 3rd Judicial Department, has ordered a hearing on Gordon Mower Jr.'s motion to vacate his murder conviction, claiming that he received ineffective counsel when he was found guilty of killing his parents in 1996. The court found sufficient grounds to warrant a hearing on Mower's claims, the decision reverses a previous denial by the Otsego County Court. Mower was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Michael Fletcher & 36 year old Michelle Bremner, both of Westford, for numerous counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, plus Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia & False Personation following an investigation originating from a request for a welfare check on 3 children at a residence in the Town of Westford. Deputies located the defendants inside the residence, they provided false information in an attempt to hide their true identities as they were wanted on multiple active warrants, multiple items of drug paraphernalia were in plain view, and the Otsego County Child Protective Services were contacted for the children. Fletcher & Bremner were processed, arraigned & were remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await further court proceedings. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending.

40 year old Jorge Cortina of Binghamton was sentenced to 8 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision for his conviction of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 3 to 6 years in State Prison for his conviction of Criminal Possession of a Weapon and 364 days in the Broome County Jail for Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, with the sentences to run concurrently. Cortina was stopped in September 2024 in a motor vehicle in Binghamton by members of the Broome County Sheriffs Strategic Response Group, he was found to possess methamphetamine, a pistol, and a digital scale to weigh narcotics, he was found guilty of the charges in July in Broome County Court.

Election Day is just over a week away, with numerous local races to be decided by the voters. One of the area races is the Sidney Town Justice position, Greg McCann told WCDO News that he has many years in the court & in Law Enforcement:

(Greg McCann 10-27-25)

Jen Ruling is challenging McCann for the position, she told WCDO News about her experience with the court:

(Jen Ruling 10-27-25)

Election day is Tuesday November 4th, more information is available at the area County Board of Elections websites.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-27-25

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to an address in Walton to execute a bench warrant issued for 47 year old Luke Lupo, for his failure to appear in Court, 3 individuals were present, Lupo, 43-year-old John Whiteside Jr, and 45-year-old Melissa Knorr. Whiteside had active charges with Colchester Police for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Deputies observed drug paraphernalia, they applied for & received a search warrant, they uncovered Methamphetamine. Lupo, Whiteside, and Knorr were arrested, and were charged with 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Lupo was transported to the Delaware County Jail and held pending his arraignment, Whiteside was turned over to Colchester Police, he was held pending arraignment, Knorr was released on an appearance ticket.

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.

State Police, State Senator Oberacker and Assemblyman Angelino will honor the memory of Trooper Jill Mattice, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, at 10:30 AM at State Police Oneonta barracks on Oneida Street, Oneonta. State Police will announce the dedication of a portion of State Route 23 as the “Trooper Jill Mattice Highway.” Following a brief ceremony, they will proceed to the memorial site in the Town of Morris for the unveiling of the new highway sign. Trooper Mattice lost her life on January 20, 2010, when her patrol vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer on Route 23 in the Town of Morris.

STATE POLICE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT will increase patrols to combat impaired & reckless Driving through Halloween, beginning today through Friday. 46,212 Citations Were Issued This Time Last Year During the 2024 Halloween Enforcement Period.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-6-24

The American Association of State Troopers is nationally recognizing New York State Trooper Richard Albert as its 2024 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Albert. On June 16, 2023, as Trooper Albert was making a driver-side approach on a traffic stop of a recklessly speeding vehicle at 112 miles per hour on I-88 near Duanesburg, as he was approaching, he immediately came under fire and was struck in the left shoulder, he retreated for cover while returning fire, he called for back up. The suspect & the driver attempted to flee the scene but a passing tractor-trailer driver turned his vehicle into the path of the fleeing suspect vehicle, they then attempted to carjack a disabled pick-up truck at gunpoint, Trooper Albert continued his pursuit, the suspect fled into the woods, the driver was taken into custody, and Trooper Albert was transported to the hospital. the shooter was located deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.

The New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division unanimously voted in favor of the city’s eminent domain proceedings against the owners of the Binghamton Plaza. This ruling allows for Binghamton to take ownership of the Plaza and use the property as a space for redevelopment or additional greenspace connecting to the adjacent Cherie Lindsay Park and river walk, as well as fixing up sidewalks and other amenity and facility improvements.

State Police “Speed Week” enforcement crackdown continues through Sunday, State Police will deploy additional patrols, as Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State. Troopers will be using both marked & unmarked vehicles last year, State Troopers issued 20,952 total traffic tickets, about half were for speeding.

The Delaware County Chamber's annual Legislative Leadership Forum will be held June 17th, at 9:30 am, in the Okun Theatre on the campus of SUNY Delhi. Confirmed panel speakers include Congressman Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker, and State Assembly representatives Joe Angelino, Brian Maher, and Chris Tague. More information may be found under the Event tab at DelawareCounty.org.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-6-24

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Dinner & awards ceremony tonight, the Citizen of the Years goes to Kirk Gardner, owner of Superior Heating and Air Duct Cleaning of Sidney:

(Kirk Gardner 6-6-24)

The Non-Profit of the year is the Tri Town Theater, President & Artistic Director Cameron Kinnear comments:

(Cameron Kinnear 6-6-24)

And SFCU will be honored as the Business of the Years, President & CEO Jim Reynolds comments:

(Jim Reynolds 6-6-24)

The Annual Sidney Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards ceremony will be held tonight at Club 55 in Sidney.

27 year old John Macrabie of Otego, pleaded guilty to Sexual Misconduct, in Delaware County Court, he engaged in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old child in the Town of Walton in September, 2021. Macrabie will be required to register as a sex offender for at least 20 years, and he will also be placed on sex offender probation for 6 years, sentencing will be July 22nd.

32 year old Timothy Boulton of Binghamton was sentenced as a second time felony offender in Broome County Court to 5 1/2 years in New York State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. On November 9, 2023, after a traffic stop by the Binghamton Police Department, Boulton was discovered to be in possession of methamphetamine, and $5,545 in cash at the time of his arrest.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-9-24

The Norwich Police have arrested 42 year old Kevin Coleman of Norwich, in connection with the Monday Night stabbing that seriously injured a 29 year old man. Coleman was charged with Attempted Murder, 1st degree Assault & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Coleman was arraigned at Norwich City Court and was held without bail, pending further court action.

21 year old Leyska Rivera-Mateo of Binghamton was found guilty of 2nd degree Assault and Unlawful Imprisonment by a Broome County Jury yesterday in Broome County Court. Rivera-Mateo went to 404 McKinley Ave in the Village of Endicott on July 23, 2023, where she attacked a female victim, the victim sustained multiple fractures to her jaw. Rivera-Mateo is set to return to court for sentencing on August 8, where she is facing between 2 to 7 years in New York State Prison.

The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court in ruling, that claims that a state commission that investigates ethical violations in New York was created unconstitutionally. The ruling follows a lawsuit from former Governor Andrew Cuomo after the State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government attempted to force him to forfeit $5 million he received for writing a book on his administrations handling of the COVID 19 pandemic, Cuomo stated that the commission formed by Governor Hochul lacks authority under the state constitution to prosecute him, the ruling upheld a lower court ruling in favor of Cuomo.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-9-24

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald announced that flu is no longer prevalent in the State for the 2023-24 influenza season. The declaration rescinds the masking requirement for health care workers who are not vaccinated against flu. McDonald declared flu prevalent in New York on December 6, 2023, which required health care personnel to wear a mask in health care settings, the masking requirements has been lifted.

45 year old Rondell Wright of Binghamton was found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Broome County Jury this week. On April 27, 2023, Wright was discovered to have a loaded and operable .38 caliber handgun in Binghamton, after a traffic stop of a vehicle with stolen license plates. Wright will be sentenced on August 8th, he is facing up to 15 years in State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision

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.

The Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court has ordered a New Trial of Scott Mawhiney of Deposit, who was previously convicted for shooting State Trooper Ryan Thorpe in 2021. Mawhiney's attorney argued that excluding a Psychiatrist testimony in the case regarding Mawhiney's anti-anxiety prescription led to an unjust conviction, a new trial date has not yet been announced.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce annual Dinner & Awards ceremony will be held this Sunday at Far View Farms on Rod & Gun Club Road starting at 3:00 PM. The Business of the Year is the Village Bountiful Community Market, the Good Neighbor award will go to Robert Gipson & the Commitment to Community Award will go to Mayor Jake Cotten.

A.M. NEWS Friday 9-29-23

The First Judicial Department Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court has denied Donald Trump's motion to delay his fraud trial, meaning that the New York attorney general Letitia James $250 million civil trial against Trump will proceed on Monday. Earlier this month, a New York appellate judge had issued an interim stay, pending a ruling by the First Judicial Department.

State Police are currently recruiting to add to their numbers, with over 10,000 already interested in a prospective career with the State Police, Troop C Recruiting Officer Trooper Lauren Warner explains:

(Trooper Lauren Warner 9-29-23)

Trooper Warner Said that anyone interested in Becoming a State Trooper can visit JoinStatePolice.Ny.Gov, the current deadline to apply is this Sunday October 1st.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-2-22

State Police were dispatched Tuesday Afternoon to a 2-vehicle crash on State Highway 12 in the town of Greene. A preliminary investigation revealed that 42 year old Maryann Zupo of Greene was traveling south on State Highway 12 and crossed into the path of another vehicle driven by 22 year old Shelby Rose of Norwich. Zupo was extricated by members of Greene EMS and life saving measures were unsuccessful, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Rose suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Wilson Medical Center for further medical care. The investigation continues.

A New York appeals court has upheld a new state law allowing absentee ballots to be reviewed before Election Day, saying it would would be “extremely disruptive” to change the rules with absentee voting already underway. The decision from the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court reverses a lower court ruling that declared New York’s early review of absentee ballots was unconstitutional. Early voting will continue through Sunday November 6th, Election Day is Tuesday November 8th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 58 year old Floyd Moseman of East Meredith for driving with a suspended New York State Driver’s license. On October 26th, Deputies responded to a report of a male walking in the middle of the road on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi, the investigation revealed that Moseman had operated a Motor Vehicle until it became disabled, then started walking, a check of Moseman’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were suspended in the State of New York. Moseman was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, he was released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 11-2-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Kristopher Duncan of Plattsburgh, pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in Broome County Court this week. Duncan admitted to firing an unlicensed and loaded handgun in a room at the Comfort Inn on Upper Front Street in the Town of Dickinson on June 11th. No one was injured in the shooting. Duncan will be sentenced in January.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-1-22

Norwich City Police arrested 20 year old Hunter Bishop following a reported home robbery last weekend. Bishop allegedly entered a family member's residence without permission, knocked down the victim, stole the vicitms purse & damaged property before fleeing the scene. Bishop was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, 3rd degree robbery; criminal mischief, harassment, and trespassing, he was arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 bail. He will appear back in court at a later date.

Lawrence Faucett was convicted of criminally negligent homicide for the 2019 death of State Transportation Worker Dennis Howe, he has won his appeal to overturn the conviction. The State Supreme Court Appellate Division stated that Faucett’s claim that the guilty verdict did not have enough evidence or proof of blameworthy conduct to be convicted on the charge, Howe was struck by a tractor-trailer in his DOT vehicle in a work zone on State Route 17 near Owego. He died from his injuries a week later.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-1-22

State Police and local law enforcement will be out in full force this 4th of July Holiday weekend. The statewide “STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign,” starts today and will end on July 5. The July 4th Weekend is traditonally accompanied by higher rates of drunk driving, coupled with more traffic on the roads with people attending holiday gatherings. Temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended through Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM, to ease travel throughout the July 4th holiday weekend. Officials suggest that people Download the mobile app, “Have a Plan,” to find a safe ride home, it can be found at stopdwi.org/mobileapp.

Springbrook has finalized the purchase of the Ford Block buildings from 186 to 212 Main Street in Oneonta, the $8.9 million project will keep existing retail space on the lower floors while the upper two stories will be converted into 24 affordable, market-rate residential units, with 4 units reserved as integrated housing for people receiving services from the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Renovations will also revive the pass-through area from the municipal parking lot to Main Street.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-16-22

The CDC reports that COVID-19 sub-variants continuing to spread, with all but 1 county in New York State designated as medium or high-risk. The State Health Department recommends that people wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. 45 counties in New York are now designated as high-risk, up from 36 counties just a week ago, another 16 counties have been designated as medium-risk and only The Bronx remains at low-risk levels. The majority of the Northeast states are deemed medium or high-risk for COVID spread of the latest sub variants.

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced that the State Supreme Appellate Division Third Department upheld the conviction of Michael Gincerowksi Jr. for vehicular manslaughter & DWI. Gincerowksi was convicted 3 years ago for the striking and killing 16-year-old Constance Mazzarese while she was riding her bicycle along State Route 369 in the Town of Fenton, the court ruled that the original conviction & sentence in Broome County Court was the proper verdict & Punishment.

Another lawsuit is being filed to throw out the new redistricting maps that set the boundaries of State Assembly districts. The lawsuit has been filed by a bipartisan group of political activists that contends that the maps drawn by the legislature, it asks for a judge to throw out the Assembly Maps and move all of New York’s primary elections to the same day. Currently, the Assembly & Gubernatorial Primaries are scheduled for June, while the State Senate & Congressional primaries have been moved to August.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-16-22

18 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin has been charged with 1st degree murder, for the mass shooting Saturday at a Buffalo Tops Supermarket, 10 people were killed, 3 injured, Buffalo Police believe that Gendron drove to Buffalo specifically to shoot & kill black people in the supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood, Gendron allegedly posted a white supremacist manifesto online, he had previously received a mental health evaluation after making threats of violence in 2021 at Susquehanna Valley High School. Gendron is being held without bail pending court action on Thursday, more charges are expected as the investigation continues, the FBI is investigating.

State Police at Deposit arrested 21 year old Marcos Parker of Binghamton for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop on State Route 17E in the town of Deposit after observing a vehicle speeding. The trooper observed that the letters on the license plate were not raised, like they’re supposed to be. An investigation revealed that Parker had a fake license plate made, he was arrested and his vehicle was towed, he is scheduled to appear in the Deposit Town Court on June 13th.

Sidney Police arrested 44 year old Andrew Besuglow of Afton Tuesday on a drug charge, following a vehicle and traffic complaint received on December 3rd, where Besuglow was arrested for allegedly Driving while ability impaired by drugs, the substance was sent to the State Police crime lab for processing, where it was confirmed to be Fentanyl. Besuglow was charged with Criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance at appear back in court at a later date.

The State's 1st Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license. Additional free fishing days include June 25 and 26, September 24 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During free fishing days, residents and visitors can fish for free on any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has returned to in-person networking meetings when they host a Recruit & Retain Staff Networking Breakfast March 18th. The featured speakers for this event include: Glenn Nealis, director of Delaware County Economic Development; also a representative of DCMO BOCES & a business-services representative from the State Department of Labor, to register, visit delawarecounty.org or call 607-746-2281.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced the 4th annual Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner will return on Wednesday, April 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton. Tickets for this year's dinner will go on sale Monday at 9:00 AM; Fans can also start purchasing game tickets at 9:00 AM on February 21st online at www.BINGRP.com. More information is available at 607-722-3866.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-18-22

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the State Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump must all appear for sworn testimony, and Donald Trump must produce additional documents in compliance with subpoenas from the Office of the Attorney General. The judge ordered the Trumps to appear for testimony within 21 days, and ordered Donald Trump to produce additional documentation within 14 days.

The State Supreme Court, Appellate Division has ruled Delaware County was justified in terminating former Department of Social Services Commissioner, Dana Scuderi-Hunter and her petition to be reinstated and receive back pay was denied. In 2019, Delaware County filed charges against Scuderi-Hunter for misconduct, insubordination, and child endangerment. Under Civil Service Law, an independent Administrative Hearing Officer was brought in to review evidence, hear testimony, and make a recommendation to the Delaware County Board of Supervisors regarding the case, the Officer found significant evidence to support the charges and recommended immediate termination with no back pay.

A Female State Trooper has filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to declare that former Governor Andrew Cuomo, top aide Melissa DeRosa and state police violated her civil rights. The trooper’s name was not disclosed in the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday filed in New York City, the trooper seeks attorney fees, damages for “severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” and a declaratory judgment that Cuomo, DeRosa and state police violated civil laws on the federal, state and city level prohibiting sexual harassment.

The Governor's Office & the State Health Department announced that Wednesday's COVID 19 Statewide Positivity was 2.19%, the Lowest Since October 30th, there were 3,065 COVID-19 Hospitalizations Wednesday, the Lowest Since November 30th, there were 46 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide in Nursing Homes & Hospitals.

The State DMV reminds New Yorkers that they have today only to renew their expired documents including vehicle inspections, vehicle registrations, and non-driver IDs. The expiration date of these documents was postponed by Executive Order during the Coronavirus public health emergency, but this extension will no longer remain in effect after today, November 3. The DMV encourages those who need to renew a driver license to do so online at dmv.ny.gov.

The Acting Justice of the Supreme Court John Lambert has reviewed the 2019 hearing that resulted in the termination of Dana Scuderi-Hunter as Delaware County Commissioner of Social Services. In 2019, Delaware County filed charges against Scuderi-Hunter of misconduct, insubordination, and child endangerment, an independent Hearing Officer was brought in to review evidence, hear testimony, and make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, recommending immediate termination. This year, Scuderi-Hunter filed a petition challenging the Hearing Officer’s recommendations. The final ruling of Judge Lambert states that the preliminary issues presented to the court have been resolved; the matter will be deferred to the Appellate Division, Third Department for disposition.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a violation of a temporary order of protection last week has resulted in the arrest of a Masonville man for criminal contempt charge. On October 22nd, Deputies responded to a disturbance at a Masonville business, 67 year-old Edward Sherman of Masonville had violated the terms of a temporary order of protection issued by the Town of Masonville Court. Deputies arrested Sherman for criminal contempt; he was arraigned virtually & was released on his own recognizance pending his appearance in the Town of Masonville Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-3-20

Today is Election Day, with a host of Offices to be decided by voters. There is the vote for President & Vice President, as well as all seats in the US House of Representatives, the New York State Senate & State Assembly. Polling places close at 9:00 PM.

The State Health Department reported that 96,101 tests were for COVID 19 were performed Sunday, with 1633 positive tests. 1151 people are hospitalized with the virus, 276 were in an ICU bed, with 116 on ventilators, there were 14 deaths Sunday.

Delaware County Public Health announced 2 new positive cases of COVID 19 Monday, with 30 active cases, 4 hospitalizations, 150 in quarantine, giving Delaware County a total of 182 cases since March. There have been 9 deaths, 143 recoveries & over 24,700 tests conducted. Public Health is requesting that if you were at T.A.’s Place on October 19th, 24th or 25th, Gramma D’s 10/23, 10/24, 10/25 or the Circle E Diner 10/24; to self-monitor and if you become symptomatic to call Delaware County Public Health, at 607-832-5200. 2 employees of T.A.’s Place in Walton have tested positive for COVID-1Tuesday 11-3-20 Coronavirus Update

The State Health Department reported that 96,101 tests were for COVID 19 were performed Sunday, with 1633 positive tests.  1151 people are hospitalized with the virus, 276 were in an ICU bed, with 116 on ventilators, all of the hospitalization related numbers are about double of what was reported October 2nd,  there were 14 more COVID deaths Sunday.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended through December 31, 2020; New Yorkers can apply for coverage online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment Assistor.

The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court has declared
that farm workers have the same right to unionize as all other workers in New
York State.  State labor laws excluded
farm workers from collective bargaining rights, that was ruled unconstitutional
Thursday.  The New York Farm Bureau said
that they will appeal to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals.

Filmmaker Lori Bailey grew up in the Adirondacks & in
Oneonta, she directed the film “Garrow” about Adirondack Serial Killer Robert
Garrow, who was once the target of the biggest manhunt in state history when he
was killed in 1973; Bailey told WCDO News that her film will be shown this
weekend in Oneonta:

(Lori Bailey 5-24-19)

Bailey said that her father went to school with Garrow in
Mineville New York, so the story held a special interest for her & her
family, the film is also available in DVD.

The 92nd Scripps National
Spelling Bee starting Sunday through next week & for the 3rd year in a row,
Bainbridge resident Melodie Loya will be participating.    Loya placed 18th and 25th in her two
previous years of national competition, and made it to the final 41of last
year’s 516 spellers.  The Scripps
national Spelling Bee will be held Sunday through next Friday at the Gaylord
National Resort & Convention Center in Fort Washington, Maryland.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-24-19

State Police and local law enforcement statewide will
increase patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving throughout
Memorial Day weekend. Troop C Commanding Officer Major Brian Shortall comments:

(Major Shortall 5-24-19)

The STOP-DWI enforcement period runs through Monday night,
Governor Cuomo announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge
construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended through
Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM, to accommodate increased travel throughout Memorial
Day weekend.

The State Department of Health should be doing more to insure that nursing homes are properly inspecting, maintaining and testing their medical equipment, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors found that while DOH completes its surveys on time and reports deficient practices to the public, as required, but they only looked at a small number of items in the facilities and could be missing equipment defects. In visits to 36 facilities, auditors found several pieces of poorly maintained equipment, including a transport wheelchair that was covered by rust, mold or mildew, and a suction machine, used to remove airway fluid, covered in dust. The full Audit is available at osc.state.ny.us/audits.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators arrested 49 year old Christopher Knipper of Harpersfield for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Falsifying Business Records. Knipper is accused of possessing a stolen motor vehicle that he took to a scrap yard where he had claimed ownership of the vehicle. He was arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash or $20,000 secured bond.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 33 year old Nicholas Andrews of Preston for criminal sale of a controlled substance & criminal possession of a controlled substance Friday, after deputies executed a Search Warrant. Andrews was arraigned in the Chenango County Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with $12,000 bail. Norwich Police Department and Chenango County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29 year old Shawn Banks of Oneonta for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, following an accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies discovered that Banks had his driving privileges suspended; he was also issued a summons for failure to keep right. Banks was released on tickets and is scheduled to re-appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

The State Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled that Actress Diane Neal of Hurley will be on the November ballot as an independent congressional candidate in the 19th District. The state Board of Elections last month rejected over 1,800 of the more than 4,100 signatures on Neal's petition, on Monday, the state Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled in Neal's favor in her challenge of the decision. Democrat Antonio Delgado is challenging Republican incumbent John Faso for the 19th Congressional District seat.

Empire State Development announced that Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney will construct a 5-megawatt solar farm on its industrial campus. The solar farm will utilize a large land site in the Village that would otherwise be unusable because it is located in a floodplain, will provide power to the rest of Amphenol’s operations and will promote stability of the electrical supply as the power generated goes back into the grid-especially during peak usage periods in the summer. The total project cost has been placed between $14 and $15 million. More information is available at esd.ny.gov.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 46 year old Robert Coleman of Smithville for DWI and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Sheriff’s Deputies were patrolling the area of State Hwy 220 in the Town of McDonough when Deputies came across a vehicle that had been involved in an accident. Coleman's vehicle left the roadway and struck an embankment, he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Coleman was processed on the charges and released until a later date in the Town of McDonough Court.

Governor Cuomo is nominating Justice Paul Feinman to serve as an Associate Judge on the State Court of Appeals. Justice Feinman is currently an Associate Justice on the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court and has served as a judge in New York for more than 20 years. Justice Feinman has been nominated to fill the vacancy created earlier this year by the tragic death of the Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam. If confirmed, Justice Feinman would be the first openly gay person to serve on the Court of Appeals.

The New York Lottery celebrated its 50th Anniversary this afternoon with a series of activities on Albany’s Empire State Plaza, hosted by Lottery spokeswoman Yolanda Vega. The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.27 billion in fiscal year 2016-2017 to help support education in New York State. The Lottery’s contribution represents approximately 14% of total state aid to local school districts.

New York spends more money per student than any other state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In fiscal year 2015, New York spent $21,206 per pupil, almost double the national average of $11,392. In New York, $8,758 goes toward instruction, or teacher salaries. That's the highest number in the nation. Only California spends more money on Education than New York.

The Friends of Rogers announced a Family Fishing day for tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Rogers Environmental Education Center on State Route 80 in Sherburne. More information is available at 607 674-4733.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services announced a new, multi-year program to train counseling professionals to better enable them to deliver treatment for those with gambling addictions. Many individuals seek private practitioners for help to address problem gambling and this new training program ensures that private practitioners are knowledgeable about problem gambling and will increase access to treatment and support services. New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling, can find help and hope by calling the State’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY .

Governor Cuomo today announced New York state parks, historic sites and campgrounds hosted another successful season, with 65.3 million estimated visits in 2015. Park attendance increased 5% from 2014 to 2015, it was boosted by a variety of factors, including national exposure for Letchworth and Watkins Glen State Parks, which were ranked first and third best state parks in the nation by USA Today; and favorable weather throughout the summer and late into the fall.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined the Federal Trade Commission, the other 49 states, and the District of Columbia in announcing the successful conclusion of the largest multistate charity fraud action to date. 2 nationwide sham cancer charities are being dissolved and their president is banned from profiting from any charity fundraising in the future. Cancer Fund of America and Cancer Support Services and their leader, James Reynolds, claimed to help cancer patients, but instead, the majority of donations benefited the operators, their families and friends, and employee fundraisers. The complaint was filed in May 2015, targeting 4 sham charities run by Reynolds, which bilked more than $187 million from donors, including nearly $3 million in New York State.

The state learned that hundreds of faulty bolts were discovered within the reactor at the Indian Point Unit 2 Plant, the latest in a series of incidents that raise concerns about the management, maintenance and equipment standards at the plant. Governor Cuomo stated that there was no immediate danger to public health and safety, but the Governor said that he believes that the plant should NOT be re-licensed.

New York State’s unemployment rate dropped 1/10th to 4.8% in February. Locally, Chenango County's rate was 5.8%, Delaware County at 6.5% and Otsego County at 5.6%.

Former New York state Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver was disbarred Tuesday by the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court in Manhattan. Silver was convicted for abusing his power while serving as Speaker of the State Assembly from 1994 until last year. He faces sentencing in a couple of weeks.

State Police were on the lookout for a Dodge Magnum driven by 27 year old Elvis Guzman of Cincinnatus, following the report of a violent domestic dispute. Trooper Michael Gardner observed the Guzman vehicle & he refused to stop. After a brief pursuit, Guzman purposely drove off of State Route 79 and into a field that led down a steep embankment and into an ice-covered lake in the town of Barker. Trooper Gardner with the help of a passing motorist, tied a rope to his belt and entered the ice-covered water & pulled Guzman out. Guzman's vehicle was located & removed, Guzman was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where he refused medical attention, he was issued numerous traffic tickets to the Town of Barker court & he was then turned over to the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department for a possible felony assault charge.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of the New “New York Broadband Program’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal", which is now accepting applications for the Request for Proposals issued on January 8th . The $500 million program provides funding for high-speed Internet access to unserved and underserved areas across the state, Applications may now be submitted through the New York State CFA Portal, and are due Friday, April 15th. Applicants must be able to complete projects by December 31, 2018. Subsequent rounds of funding will be announced throughout 2016.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a statement on today’s decision by the Appellate Division, in the office’s lawsuit against Trump University: Schneiderman said that the decision was a victory in the state’s effort to hold Donald Trump and Trump University accountable for defrauding thousands of students. The state Supreme Court had already determined that Trump and his University are liable for operating illegally in New York as an unlicensed educational institution. The state’s fraud case will move forward on behalf of 5,000 consumers who paid out millions of dollars for tuition to Trump & Trump University.

54 recruits began their first day of training today, as the Department of Environmental Conservation opened the 20th Basic School for Uniformed Officers. The 27-week training academy will prepare the recruits for careers as Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers. The EnCon Officers & Forest Rangers are full-fledged State Police officers and are often called upon to assist in police work.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig & City Manager Meg Hungerford will be presenting the annual state of the City Address at the March 1st Common Council Meeting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall, more information is available at 432-6450.

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced proposed revisions to the state’s solid waste regulations to increase protections for public health, safety, natural resources and the environment. The proposed changes include measures to regulate previously unregulated facilities, activities, and waste streams within the state’s existing solid waste management program. The regulations will also increase oversight of construction and demolition debris and historic fill, reducing the potential threat of these waste streams to water quality and the environment throughout the state.

There will be a Republican primary in the 52nd Senate District. The state Board of Elections officially certified the primary between Denver Jones and incumbent Senator Tom Libous, following a legal battle over the validity of Jones’s signatures for the ballot. The state Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled Jones had at least 1,000 valid signatures of registered Republicans in the district.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that his office will operate a statewide Election Day hotline to help ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast an effective ballot during today’s primary elections. Voters can report issues or problems at polls by calling 800-771-7755.

One man was killed and 4 other people were critically injured in a serious two-car motor vehicle accident in the town of Colchester on Thursday morning, The crash occurred at about 10 AM on County Highway 7, Delaware County deputies & state police responded, the male driver of one of the vehicles was killed, 4 occupants in the other vehicle, were critically injured & transported to trauma centers in the Hudson valley region. The names of those involved in the accident are being withheld until notification is given to the families, the investigation is continuing.

A mid-level appeals court reversed a lower court’s decision to throw out petition signatures of a Republican state Senate candidate. The state Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled the lower court erred in rejecting the petitions of Tioga County businessman Denver Jones, who is seeking to unseat State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton. On August 1st the state Board of Elections determined 743 of the 1,713 signatures Jones submitted in July were invalid due to residency issues and other problems. The new order states a total of 203 signatures are reinstated, giving Jones more than required 1,000 signatures. The decision is not final, the case was sent back to the lower court for further proceedings.

The Delaware County Department of Corrections announced that the 4th annual Andrew Brown Memorial Golf Tournament would be held tomorrow at Hardwood Hills gold Course in Masonville, with a tee time of 8:30 AM. Organizers announced that the money raise with this years tournament will go to the family of Johnson City Police officer David Smith, who was shot & killed in the line of duty on March 31st.

Governor Cuomo's campaign will not appeal a ruling allowing Zephyr Teachout to remain in the Democratic primary. A state appeals court rejected the campaign's argument that Teachout has spent part of the past five years in Vermont. A lower court had already ruled Teachout could stay on the ballot for the September 9th primary. Teachout teaches at Fordham University Law School in New York City. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found 85 percent of state Democrats said they know too little about Teachout to have any opinion of her.

State police arrested 24-year-old Ivan Potocnik of Laurens for DWI & leaving the scene of a property damage accident.   Potocnik is accused of hitting a parked car on county route 10 in Laurens & driving away from the accident, he was stopped by state troopers a short time after the incident.  Potocnik faces court action shortly.

The Norwich Police are investigating the theft of bottles of liquor from a city business Friday night between the hours of 7:00 to 7:30pm. The two males entered the store and hid bottled liquor in their clothing, then left the store, fleeing the scene in a black GM 4 door sedan car with the old New York State white license plates with blue letters & numbers. Anyone with information can report it at npdtips.com; or at 336-8477 or 334-1212.

New York voters have responded to a poll to chose a theme for this year's New York State Fair.  The winning entry was: "Sharing the Bounty and Pride of NY." After the results of a facebook poll was tabulated.  The fair is scheduled to run for ten days at the end of august until Labor Day in September.

Governor Cuomo nominated Sheila Abdus-Salaam to serve on the New York State Court of Appeals. Justice Abdus-Salaam has served as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, since April 2009. She was elected Justice of the state Supreme Court in 1993 and was re-elected in 2007. The nomination moves onto the state senate for approval.