WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-3-24

19 year old Benjamin Wheeler of Norwich pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, Wheeler admitted that on August 6, 2024, he knowingly possessed a “Spikes Tactical” AR-15 style rifle at his apartment in Norwich, New York, The firearm was not registered to Wheeler, Sentencing for his conviction for possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle is scheduled for February 12, 2025, in Utica, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 10-years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 40 year old Whitney Bachanas of Milford on 3 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, following a recent animal abuse investigation. Bachanas was charged following an investigation in collaboration with Susquehanna SPCA, Cornell University Veterinary Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialties, she was originally charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty in September, and has been additionally charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, she was issued an appearance ticket for town of Milford Court.

Local Efforts are underway to collect a variety dry goods and ship them in Tractor Trailers to Boone North Carolina, just East of the hard his City of Asheville, which had massive amounts of destruction from Hurricane Helene, Jeff Dean is a Trucker from Bainbridge helping to organize the local collection effort:

(Jeff Dean 10-4-24)

Dean Said that their trailer will be behind Bob's Diner in Bainbridge starting Saturday through Friday October 11th, and then they will head south with the donations.

State Police held a graduation ceremony today for the Canine Handler Basic School. The ceremony was held at the State Police Academy in Albany. A total of 12 canine teams graduated, The canines and their handlers underwent 20 weeks of training at the New York State Police Canine Training Facility located in Cooperstown, In Troop C, Trooper Shane Jones, Canine Hedges were part of the Graduating class, Canine Hedges is named after Trooper Richard L. Hedges, who was killed in a traffic accident while on duty in 1942.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-3-24

On September 26, 2024, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant in the Town of Union. 43 year old Steven Whritenour of Endicott, was present during the execution of the warrant. During the search, Officers seized Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, 219 pills of s Controlled Substances, plus a Scale, packaging and cutting agent used to distribute narcotics & $170 of cash, Whritenour was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 5 Counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, he was transported to Central Arraignment and was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will have their annual Celebrity Dinner today at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, Spokesperson Sarah Greene Explains:

(Sarah Green 10-3-24)

More information about Hospice programs can be found at chenangohospice.org.

Otsego County Public Health is holding a rabies vaccination clinic today at the Otego Fire House for dogs, cats & ferrets. The Clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM tonight.

Congressman Marc Molinaro's constituent service team will hold mobile office hours from 11:00am to 1:00pm today, at the Village of Afton Community Center from 12:00pm to 2:00pm & at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room. Constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro's office to share comments and resolve issues they are having with federal agencies.

Commerce Chenango Announced recently that Unison has been selected as the Manufacturer of the year. A Manufacturing Appreciation Lunch will be held today starting at 11:30 at Lewis' Restaurant in Sherburne.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-6-24

State Police responded Wednesday night to a residence on Houck Road in the town of Masonville for a reported domestic dispute, called in by Drew Garnier. Troop C Commanding Officer Lucas Shuta commented today at a Press Conference at Troop C Headquarters:

(Major Shuta 9-6-24)

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith explained the timeline & procedures for the charges against Garnier:

(Shawn Smith 9-6-24)

Garnier was arraigned at Delhi Town Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional facility without bail.

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 4-count indictment against 41 year old Darcee Lewis of Oxford, for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 2 counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia. On August 14th, a search warrant was executed by the Village of Sidney Police Based on information provided by State Parole Officers, they located narcotics and drug paraphernalia, Lewis is accused of possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl with intent to sell, as well as scales, loaded needles, and packaging materials. Lewis was arraigned & was remanded on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

32 year old Evan Middleton of Johnson City, was sentenced today as a Second time Felony Offender to 12 years in State Prison followed by 3 years post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance On April 6, 2023, after the execution of a narcotics search warrant at Middleton's residence at 58 Massachusetts Ave in Johnson City, Middleton was found to be in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine, with the intent to sell.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Whitney Bachanas of Milford woman for animal cruelty after Deputies responded to County Highway 35 in the Town of Milford for a welfare check. Bachanas was charged with Abandonment of Animals, Failure to provide proper sustenance, Deputies located several animals abandoned, malnourished and mistreated. 2 emaciated dogs in critical condition were transported to Cornell University animal hospital. A 3rd dog was located deceased as well as a turkey and a quail. 2 quail were rescued for foster and rehabilitation. The Susquehanna SPCA, Cornell University and Farm Friends Network assisted in this rescue and investigation. Bachanas was issued appearance tickets and is set to appear in court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-6-24

Colorscape Chenango will take place this Saturday and Sunday, in East and West Parks, downtown Norwich, director Michele Erickson comments:

(Michele Erickson 8-26-24)

The performance schedule for all the live acts can be found on www.colorscape.org.

The Chenango Historical Society will be conducting 3 tours again this year during Colorscape Chenango, of 2 significant Norwich structures, Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 8-22-24)

More information about this & other programs can be found at chenangohistorical.org

The 2nd Annual Health Fair on the Bainbridge Village Green will be held in Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. it is being organized by Pastor Kenneth Simurra of the First Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge and United Presbyterian, East Guilford, he told WCDO News that he already has about twice as many organizations signed up for this year:

(Kenneth Simurra 8-12-24)

More information is available by email to ksimurra@msn.com.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that the 1992, 1994, and 2014 Binghamton Mets championship teams will be the 2024 inductees to the Binghamton Baseball Shrine, presented by IBM. The Binghamton Baseball Shrine induction ceremony will take place this Saturday at Mirabito Stadium ahead of the Rumble Ponies game against the Somerset Patriots.

Halfway to Hell, a tribute to AC/DC will be at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta Saturday Night, Director Geoff Doyle explains:

(Geoff Doyle 9-5-24)

Tickets are still available at foothillspac.org

On Saturday, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will hold its popular Study Buddy adoption events, from 11am to 6 pm, both dog and cat adoption fees will be waived; other fees may apply. The first 80 students to participate on September 7 will receive free donor-sponsored SQSPCA book bags. More information is available at (607) 547-8111or sqspca.org.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-4-24

State Police issued 10,949 tickets and arrested 225 people for DWI on Memorial Day weekend. The special enforcement period began on Friday, May 24, 2024, and ran through Monday, May 27th, in the Troop C Area, there were 770 total arrests, 11 for DWI, 192 for speeding & 234 violated the child restraint & seat belts laws.

31 year old Cachet Fernandez of Unadilla was convicted of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, on Monday in Delaware County Court, Fernandez appeared in Delaware County Court for a conference on his pending case, after the conference, he pleaded guilty to the indictment. Fernandez relocated from Delaware County to Binghamton, but never changed his address with the State Sex Offender Registry. Judge John Hubbard sentenced Fernandez to a 3-year conditional discharge, if he fails to keep his address current during that 3-year period, or violates any laws, he is subject to being re-sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of a three-year labor agreement with the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, which includes more than 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit in titles such as Forest Ranger, Environmental Conservation Officer, Park Patrol Officer and University Police Officer. The agreement, which runs until March 31, 2026, won the approval of 97 percent of PBA of New York State members who cast ballots.

An audit released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found Medicaid managed care organizations made as much as $1.5 billion in improper and questionable payments to providers who did not appear to be enrolled in Medicaid. 5 Managed care Organization were paid $916 million in claims for services by in-network providers whose IDs did not match with a Medicaid enrolled provider on the date of service, $832.5 million in claims were for services by providers whose Medicaid application was denied or had been withdrawn because they failed to meet Medicaid standards or the application was missing information. The full report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

Butternut Valley Alliance will hold its annual “On the Trail of Art” Festival Saturday & Sunday at the Texas Schoolhouse State Forest in New Lisbon. The trail will feature student artists from Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton and Morris Central schools, Butternut Valley Alliance Spokesperson Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 6-4-24)

Brenner said that Admission to the event is free, reservations & more information is available at Butternutvalleyalliance.org.

SFCU will be hosting their annual Hometown Day Parade in Sidney This Saturday, Spokesperson Anna Banks explains:

(Anna Banks 6-4-24)

The Parade starts at 1:00 PM at the Sidney High School parking lot down West Main to Main Street & on to River Street & it ends at Keith Clark Park.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Web Presence Seminar for Business owners and non-profit organization leaders will view their digital marketing efforts. The seminar will be conducted by Sean Griffin of Cornerstone Services TODAY, in the meeting room at the Business Center at 5 ½ Main Street in Delhi, starting at 10:00 am.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-15-24

Broome County Sheriff's deputies responded last Thursday to a report of inappropriate behavior and abuse of a juvenile female victim in the Town of Maine, where a family acquaintance had conducted several inappropriate physical and sexual interactions with a child. 74 year old Mark Turner of the Town of Maine was charged with 4 Counts of Sexual Abuse, he was arrested and taken into custody without incident and was being held for Court action at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

39 year old Timothy Jarczynski of Maryland pleaded guilty to DWI in Davenport Town Court & was sentenced to a 1-year conditional discharge. On September 28, 2022, a citizen called 911 to report an erratic driver on State Route 23, after following Jarczynski for approximately 10 minutes, he crashed into a ditch where a State Trooper determined that Jarczynski was impaired at the time of the accident. Jarczynski was sentenced to a 1-year conditional discharge and his license was revoked, he was ordered to attend a victim impact panel and successfully complete the impaired driver’s program, If he obtains a driver’s license, he will be required to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he owns or operates, he could still face 1 year in jail if he violates any of these conditions.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 23 year old Jarrett Griffin of Walton on an arrest warrant issued out of the Town of Tompkins Court. On April 4th, Deputies located Griffin and arrested him, Griffin is accused of making threats over texts and Facebook, he's been charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Harassment, he was processed, and turned over to the custody of the Delaware County Jail for future court action.

45 year old Katrina Lott of West Edmeston pleaded guilty to Driving While Intoxicated and was sentenced to 3 years of probation, in Deposit Town Court last week. On June 13, 2023, Lott was driving on County Route 8, when she lost control of her vehicle and drove into the ditch. A State Trooper responded to the crash scene and determined that Lott was likely under the influence of alcohol when open containers were spotted in the vehicle. Lott had a BAC of .16% - two times the legal limit.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-15-24

2 Law Enforcement officers were killed, and the suspect was also killed in an incident in Liverpool Sunday night. Syracuse Police Officers encountered a suspicious vehicle Sunday Night, they attempted a traffic stop & the vehicle took off, officers did get the License plate number, it was traced to a Liverpool address to stop the vehicle, Syracuse Police & Onondaga Sheriff's Deputies responded & were encountered by an armed male and an exchange of gunfire followed. One Syracuse Police Officer and one Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy were struck by gunfire. The armed suspect was also shot, all 3 were taken to Upstate University Hospital, all 3 succumbed to their injuries.

The Acco Brands plant in Sidney is being sold, Acco Officials said that the company signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell the building to a renewable energy company, if the building is sold in 2024, operations would continue in Sidney throughout much of 2024. CONVALT of Watertown is believed to be the purchaser as they announced on their website their plans to build their main factory, in Sidney with a targeted date of commercial operation in the 1st quarter of 2025.

24-year-old Kelvin Marfo of Delhi was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operator of a Motor Vehicle, plus other charges following an accident investigation. On April 6th Deputies responded to an iPhone Crash Detection for a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies found the motor vehicle accident, 2 of the occupants were transported for non-life-threatening injuries to a local hospital, while 2 others were treated by EMS. Marfo’s driving privileges were suspended for Failing to Answer a Summons, Marfo was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear before the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

Last Wednesday, Oneonta Police Department was called to investigate a reported gunshot wound by A.O. Fox hospital emergency room staff. Officers learned that 51-year-old John Walley of Otego was transported to the hospital by a third party in a private vehicle, which left before police arrived. Walley was interviewed briefly and stated that he was on Chestnut Street when he was injured by a bullet, no evidence at the scene was found, he was re-interviewed & has refused to cooperate. The case will be closed but may be re-opened should additional information be received and the victim agree to cooperate. Information may be submitted by calling the Oneonta Police Department at (607) 432-1111 or through the City Website.

The 4Towns Forward Community Yard Sale Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th in Afton, Bainbridge, Sidney & Unadilla. those who wish to participate & have their sale listed on the map must email 4townsforward@gmail.com, today is the deadline to get on the map.

Congressman Marc Molinaro's constituent service team will hold mobile office hours from 1:00pm to 3:00pm today, at the New Berlin Village Office, constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro's office to share comments and resolve issues they are having with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and Social Security Administration.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-20-24

Sidney & Several other Fire Departments responded to a house fire 2 Pearl Street East, at about 6:00 PM Monday Night, Sidney Fire Chief John Gilmore told WCDO News about the fire:

(John Gilmore 2-20-24)

Chief Gilmore said that the cause fire is under investigation by Sidney Fire Department as well as County & State Fire investigators. This Morning, Sidney Police Chief Eric Oliver told WCDO News that the deceased from the Pearl Street East Fire has been identified as 72 year old Juanita Meredith.

The Susquehanna SPCA & the Otsego County Sheriff's Department responded to the Town of Laurens for the report of a possible dog-abandonment case. Deputies discovered 5 dogs deceased in garbage bags and 4 who appeared to have abandoned, the 4 were removed & are currently being cared for at the Susquehanna SPCA, the 5 deceased animals were brought to Cornell University for forensic examinations. The Sheriff's Office is looking for the owner of the dogs, the investigation is continuing. Those who would like to donate the the SPCA to assist with the cost of this type of rescue can go to sqspca.org to make a donation.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nomination s for the 2024 Business of the Year Award, the Eugene A. Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award, and the 2024 Breakthrough Award. Nominations must be received by 3/15/24. The Nomination can be made online at form.jotform.com, the annual dinner & awards Ceremony will be held on April 25th at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 45- year-old James Simmons of Canandaigua for DWI and other charges following a traffic stop on February 11th. Deputies were patrolling on State Highway 17 in the Town of Colchester and observed a vehicle without a front license plate, a traffic stop was conducted & Simmons was charged with DWI, Aggravated DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator and Open Container of an alcoholic beverage, Simmons was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 18 yr old Arianna Blazek of Queens for driving while ability impaired by drugs. On December 11th, Deputies responded to a one car motor vehicle accident on Scotch Mountain Road in the Town of Delhi, Deputies determined that Blazek was impaired by drugs at the time of the accident. Deputies arrested Blazek last week following the results of a blood test, for driving while ability impaired by drugs, Speed not reasonable and prudent and unsafe tires, she was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 2-20-24

Last Night, The Unadilla Fire Department & several area Fire Departments responded to a fire in Unadilla at 1762 State Route 7, in that fire occupants escaped, the cause of that fire is also under investigation this morning.

State Police responded early Monday morning to a domestic dispute at 10 Debra Lee Drive, Apalachin. Troopers and EMS personnel provided lifesaving treatment to an injured male and female at the scene. The female died as a result of injuries sustained during the domestic dispute. The injured male was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he currently remains in stable condition. This incident remains under investigation.

Commerce Chenango announced that they will host a State Budget presentation on February 20th. The discussion will be held at the Commerce Chenango Offices at 15 South Broad Street starting at 3:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-6-24

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27 year old Cody Leonard of Binghamton for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Harassment, following a Domestic Dispute in November 2023. Shortly after the incident occurred, Leonard was incarcerated at the Broome County Jail on unrelated charges & an arrest warrant was issued. Leonard faces court action on the newest charges shortly.

The Broome County Sheriff's office arrested 35 year old Kasandra Wolfran of Port Crane for DWI, Aggravated DWI, Operating a vehicle with a suspended registration & Moving from a lane unsafely after a car-tractor trailer accident on Route 17 West in the Town of Union. Deputies responded Friday to a report of a motor vehicle accident, video footage recorded by the tractor trailer's camera revealed that Wolfran attempted to cut in front of the tractor trailer & her car was struck by the tractor trailer & they both headed for the median, where they struck & damaged the guardrail, with the tractor trailer dumping its load of aluminum spools. Deputies reported that Wolfran had a BAC of .18, more than double the legal limit, she was arrested, arraigned and released on an appearance ticket for Town of Union Court later this month.

35 year old William Polhamus of Harpursville appeared in Delaware County Court Monday for sentencing on 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. On July 4th, 2023, Walton Police responded to a physical domestic dispute in progress, where Polhamus physically assaulted a woman in front of a minor child, he then took another minor child and had drove off on a motorcycle, he then led Walton police in a chase, weaving through traffic, the chase was stopped & State Police located & arrested Polhamus, he was sentenced to 1 year in jail, he was ordered to pay a crime victim’s fee and was assessed the mandatory state surcharge.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced State University of New York campuses are investing nearly $10 million to provide 3,000 SUNY students with internships before graduation. SUNY Chancellor John King visited SUNY Delhi, where he met with students and business leaders to discuss internship opportunities and the ways SUNY can create a workforce development pipeline in Delaware County and across the state. All 29 campuses will increase the number of paid internship slots for undergraduate students.

The State Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Services announced today that the annual Winterfest, originally scheduled for February 10th, at Nathaniel Cole Park has been canceled. Officials stated that there was insufficient snow and ice to accommodate the usual scheduled activities.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-6-24

Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announced that Josie Valdes-Pica of Binghamton, pleaded guilty to Attempted Assault & 2nd & 3rd Degree Assault just before the start of jury selection. On November 7, 2022, Valdes-Pica struck a female victim multiple times with a metal baseball bat, he is facing 3.5 to 15 years in a State Correctional Facility, followed by 5 years post-release supervision. Sentencing is scheduled for May 3, 2024, in Broome County Court.

Broome County Sheriff's Office announced that a corrections investigation led to a an arrest of an inmate at the Correctional Facility. Investigators received information on a homemade instrument, Officers initiated a search of several cells, 19 year old Alixander Lavelle had the solid, sharpened piece of plastic from under the mattress in Lavelle’s cell, he was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, he was processed and will answer for his charges at the Town of Dickinson Court on a future date.

Local government sales tax collections totaled $23 billion in calendar year 2023, up 4.2%, from 2022, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. New York City's sales tax growth was 5.9% in 2023 for the rest of the state was 2.4%, much of the increase was attributed to the return of tourism to per-pandemic levels.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today the 6 designated Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: February 17 to 18, June 29 to 30, September 28, and November 11 for Veterans Day. During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.