WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-12-22

30 year old Shelby Ortiz of the town of Maryland, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography in federal court. Ortiz admitted to having sexual contact with a 7-month-old boy and sending it to someone else electronically. Ortiz is scheduled to be sentenced in February & could face 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted. .

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fentanyl overdose that occurred at the jail last Friday. The unidentified 34-year-old inmate was found by a correctional officer, 1st aid was administered, the inmate was taken to Wilson Regional Medical Center for further medical attention. The investigation into the incident is continuing.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 26 year old Kynisha Atkinson of Oneonta following a recent traffic stop in the Town of Oneonta. Atkinson was found to be operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with a suspended registration on September 25th, she will appear in Town of Oneonta court at a later date.

The Binghamton Black Bears Hockey Team of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, will begin their new season this Friday Night at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, new team announcer Brooks Hill told WCDO News that the team looks poised to return to the playoffs this year:

(Brooks Hill 10-12-22)

Hill said that tickets are available on their website: binghamtonblackbears.com/tickets, or by calling 607-722-7367.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $246 million from FEMA to support counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness efforts across New York. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the programs with local stakeholders, locally Chenango & Otsego Counties will receive over $93,000, Delaware County over $85,000 and Broome County over $311,000.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 10-12-22

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Osman Mendoza-Garcia of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on October 1st, after Deputies responded to a 2-car accident on State Highway 10. The investigation found that Mendoza-Garcia was following another north bound vehicle that was attempting to make a turn, he was unable to stop. Mendoza-Garcia was driving with a suspended driver’s license, he was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Following too Closely, he was released with appearance tickets made returnable to the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 31year old Jesse Sklenarik of Oneonta, for Attempted Petty Larceny, after a trooper was dispatched to a report of a larceny in progress at Certified Auto. When the trooper arrived, an employee was holding down Sklenarik after he allegedly attempted to cut the catalytic converter off a vehicle on their property. Sklenarik was released on an appearance ticket to the Oneonta Town Court on October 18th.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum will have their annual drawing today, for someone to win a 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible, valued at about $30,000. Tickets have been sold for several months, the event is one of the key fundraisers for the museum, last year's winner was Rick Hulse of Cooperstown.

The New Bivalent COVID-19 BOOSTER Vaccines are available to anyone 12 and older, to provide increased protection against currently circulating variants. A booster clinic is being hosted by the Chenango County Health Department today at the Broad Street Methodist Church in Norwich, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, at the Unadilla Valley School on October 27th, and Afton School on November 3rd. Pre-registration is required on the County website, more information is available at 607-337-1660.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-26-22

Governor Hochul announced the start of the 2nd phase of a plan to allow 3rd parties to offer the Commercial Driver License road test, to both public and private entities. The program is being implemented to address the shortage of bus and truck drivers. Any qualified third party is now eligible to apply for certification through the DMV, New Yorkers can find more information at dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers.

Famed "Star Trek" star & Author George Takei is scheduled to be a speaker at SUNY Oneonta on October 24 at 7:00 PM at the Alumni Field House. Takei is the author of “They Called Us Enemy”, which is a New York Times Best Seller, in which he describes his experiences of growing up in internment camps in the United States as a Japanese American during World War II.

State Police and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services announced that a contingent of 50 State Troopers left Saturday morning for Puerto Rico to help the island nation as it recovers from the devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. The first wave of 50 Troopers, along with 69 New Jersey State Troopers, flew out of JFK airport at about 10 am. this morning bound for Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The flight was donated by Jet Blue Airlines.

The State DOT will hold a public hearing this Wednesday at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances & reduce curves, the hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested Amy Schermerhorn of New Berlin following a traffic Stop in the town of Pittsfield. Schermerhorn was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Operating a Motor Vehicle with .08% Blood Alcohol Content, She will appear in court at a later date.

Johnson City Police arrested 3 people in connection with the shooting of a man in the abdomen last week. Destiany Kleine-Hill, Justice Marimberga and David Van Patten were all charged with Attempted Murder, 1st degree Robbery & 2nd degree Burglary.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-26-22

Delaware County Public Health Services will be conducting a Monkeypox vaccine clinic on Wednesday, October 5, from 4:30PM to 6:00 PM, at 99 Main Street in Delhi. The two vaccine doses are given 28 days apart. This is a 1st dose clinic only. More information is available at 607-832-5200 To register for the clinic, go to delawarecountypublichealth.com.

DCMO BOCES in Norwich is currently auctioning off 3 used school buses. The online auctions are open to the public at municibid.com and ends Thursday, September 29th.

Assemblyman Joe Angelino announced the launch of a $200 million Seed Fund Grant Program, which is targeted at helping small businesses recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. More Information and access to the application portal can be found at nyseedgrant.com. The program is in addition to the $800 million Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, which helped more than 35,000 small businesses with roughly $639 million since it began last year. Businesses may call 877-721-0097 for assistance from Empire State Development.

Norwich Police Department arrested Luis Franco of Brooklyn after they responded to a repport of an assault on September 22nd. The victim sustained broken bones, a fractured spine and a collapsed lung and was taken to a Binghamton Hospital, Franco was charged with Assault in the 2nd degree, he was arraigned and held on $25,000 cash bail.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-6-22

The Village of Sidney will be seeking community input with their Resilient Sidney program, next week, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak commented:

(Andy Matviak 9-6-22)

The Community meeting will be held on Wednesday September 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street, more information about the program is available at resilient-sidney.com/nyforward.

The Delaware Valley Humane Society Started their annual "Heavy Metal Haul Out" teaming up with Waste Recovery Enterprises, owner Sean LaRose told WCDO News what they are taking:

(Sean LaRose 9-6-22)

Delaware Valley Humane Society Director Erin Insinga told WCDO News that this fundraiser proved to be very successful last year:

(Erin Insinga 9-6-22)

Insinga said that the Items will be accepted at the collection bin at the Humane Society through the end of the month of September.

State Police responded Friday to State Route 17 west to a crash involving several vehicles. In the 1st crash, vehicles were stopped on State Route 17 due to a construction barrel in the road, a vehicle was unable to stop and struck the rear of a vehicle, causing 2 vehicles to spin, 1 of them hit the guide rail, the other vehicle, struck a different vehicle and pushed it into 1 of the original vehicles. 2 drivers were taken to Wilson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, 2 other drivers were injured, & were treated at the scene.

The Chenango County Weekly Wastewater Surveillance Data Report showed an increase in COVID 19 levels over the past 2 weeks, which changes the county's detection level to "HIGH". County Health Officials recommend that people should wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation, Get Tested if you have symptoms, more information is available by contacting the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

State Police were dispatched Saturday to assist Cherry Valley Fire with a hiker who had fallen from a waterfall down about 150-feet into a gorge. 1st responders hiked about a mile through a wooded area to locate the 32-year-old woman from Troy, she was pulled to safety and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where she was treated & released.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 32 year old Emily Wood of Morris for Aggravated Harassment, following a complaint in the Town of Morris. Wood is accused of sending threatening and unwanted text messages to the victim. The defendant is set to appear in the Town of Morris Court at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a 2-car accident on I-86 in the Town of Windsor. During the investigation, 39 year old Michael Morgan of Queens, failed a field sobriety test & was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Morgan was processed and released on tickets returnable to the Town of Windsor Court.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-6-22

Firefighters from Bainbridge, Guilford, Mount Upton, Masonville, Coventry, Franklin, Trout Creek, Afton and Sidney all responded to a structure fire at the Auto Plus Store at 4 Front Street Monday Night at about 9:00 PM. Investigators are trying to determine how the fire started, the store was closed when the fire broke out, no injuries among fire fighters were reported.

The fire at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve was contained on Sunday, according to the Governor's office. The State DEC Forest Rangers are leading the incident response in cooperation with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police and many other State and local partners. Response actions in the area will continue in the coming days with a smaller force of state and local experts as fire control efforts advance. More than 200 firefighters, bulldozer operators, pilots, and other professional staff and volunteers have been working to contain the fire.

The Town of Guilford announced that a repair to the water tank will begin today for customers of the Mt. Upton Water District. The repairs are expected to take 1 week to complete, back up tanks are in place & no disruption of service is anticipated, but water conservation measures are encouraged., more information is available at 607-895-9966.

The Out Of The Woodwork Players announced that auditions will be taking place soon for "A Suessified Christmas Carol". Auditions for will be held Saturday September 10th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Friday September 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, many roles are available for children, teens and adults. The performances will be held in December.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-31-22

State Supreme Court Justice Peter Lynch today suggested a prison sentence of 16 months to 4 years was appropriate for Nauman Hussain, the owner of Prestige Limousine, who operated the limo in the 2018 Schoharie crash that killed 20 people. In September 2021, Hussain pleaded guilty to 20 counts of criminally negligent homicide as part of a plea deal, he was sentenced to 2 years of probation and 1,000 hours of community service. Hussain's attorney decided to vacate that plea follow the judges suggestion, they will meet September 14th to discuss a date for a trial.

The Centers for Disease Control confirm that Sullivan County is the latest New York county to test positive for Polio, Sullivan County has a 62.33% polio vaccination rate, their residents are urged to get vaccinated. New York State reported the first polio case in the United States since 2014, when an unvaccinated Rockland County man was hospitalized after traveling in Europe in July. The CDC began testing Rockland County residents and water samples, polio has also been found in Orange County and New York City wastewater, and testing is continuing.

The Town of Guilford announced that a repair to the water tank will begin on September 6th, for customer of the Mt. Upton Water District. The repairs are expected to take 1 week to complete, back up tanks are in place & no disruption of service is anticipated, but water conservation measures are encouraged., more information is available at 607-895-9966.

The Out Of The Woodwork Players announced that auditions will be taking place soon for "A Suessified Christmas Carol". Auditions for will be held Saturday September 10th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Friday September 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, many roles are available for children, teens and adults. The performances will be held in December.

New York Motorists are reminded, as school gets ready to return in the coming weeks, that it is illegal to pass a New York School Bus that has its flashing lights on & is receiving or dismissing students. The 1st conviction can result in a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on a license, and up to 30 days in jail, a 2nd conviction within 3 years could result in a $600 to $750 fine, 5 points on a license, and up to 90 days in jail.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-31-22

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 44 year old Michael Carley of Johnson City and South Carolina pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Carley was stopped for a traffic violation, he was wanted on an unrelated warrant and was taken into custody, he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamines. Carley will be sentenced to 2 years in New York State and 2 years of post-release supervision on November 28th.

The State Health Department reported that the COVID 19 positivity continues to trend downward, down to 4.78%, the 7 Day Average Positivity rate to 6.35%, Patient Hospitalizations were down to 2,329, with 248 ICU patients, with 94 on ventilators.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of the New York Army and Air National Guards To support fire suppression efforts at the 150-acre wildfire currently burning in Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County. 2 Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters, capable of dropping 600 gallons of water at a time, began aerial operations, the Air National Guard have been deployed, the State DEC Forest Rangers are serving as Incident Commanders, with more than 200 wild-land firefighters and volunteers, local firefighters, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police Aviation, and State Fire also fighting the fire.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-19-22

18 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin was indicted by a Grand Jury for 1st Degree Murder today, for the murder of 10 people at a Tops Supermarket in Buffalo. Gendron is accused of purposely picking out the Tops Market due to the neighborhoods largely Black Population, 10 people were killed and 3 others were injured in the Saturday shooting 11of the 13 victims were Black. The Investigation is now being headed up by the FBI, more charges may be forthcoming.

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a package aimed at fighting domestic terrorism and closing loopholes in state gun laws and cracking down on social media platforms that host violent content. The announcement comes after the mass shooting in Hochul's hometown of Buffalo. The first Executive Order is designed to fight domestic terrorism and violent extremism on social media, the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will establish a new unit that focuses on domestic terrorism, the 2nd Executive Order will call on the State Police to create a dedicated unit to identify possible threats through social media analysis.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded May 8th, to Delhi for a reported domestic dispute in progress. 33-year-old Amanda Prevost and 30-year old Anthony Prevost were involved in a physical altercation, in the presence of a child less than 17 years of age. Deputies arrested Amanda and Anthony Prevost and charged them with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both parties were released on appearance tickets for Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased over the month by 23,600, to 7,937,300 in April. New York State's unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% to 4.5% in April, in April of 2021, the unemployment rate was 7.7%.

The Delaware Valley Humane Society Pop Out program continues tomorrow in Sidney, Society Director Erin Insinga said that the program has gone well so far:

(Erin Insinga 5-19-22)

Insinga said that tomorrow's Pop Out event will be at Curtis Lumber in Sidney from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with Smoke Out Barbecue donating 10% of food sales to the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-19-22

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the introduction of the Emergency Infant Formula Act, to try to increase domestic production and expand sourcing of formula in order to alleviate the current crisis and prevent future shortages.

(Gillibrand 5-18-22)

Senator Gillibrand said that following a recall at Abbott Nutrition, roughly 40% of formula nationwide is out of stock, compounded by supply chain disruptions as a result of the pandemic, The FDA gave Abbott the go-ahead to begin producing formula again at the Sturgis Michigan facility, but it will likely take many weeks to get shelves filled again at retail stores throughout the state.

The New York State Department of Health alerted New Yorkers that seasonal flu rates are rising statewide and recommended that the public take the same precautions as they follow with COVID-19 – stay home if you have any symptoms, consult your physician, get tested and get treatment, and wear a mask in indoor public spaces. The week ending May 7 saw statewide positive flu rates increase by 25 percent from the previous week, the 25th consecutive week widespread influenza has been reported.

The New York State Division of Human Rights has filed a complaint against Amazon, alleging the company engages in discrimination against pregnant workers and workers with disabilities by denying them reasonable accommodations. The Division also alleges that Amazon has policies that force pregnant workers and workers with disabilities to take an unpaid leave of absence rather than allowing them to work with a reasonable accommodation, more information is available at dhr.ny.gov.

Catholic Charities announced an "ALL YOU CAN EAT PASTA DINNER" at the Quality Inn on Route 23 in Oneonta today from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 5 to 12, under 5 are free, tickets can be purchased by calling the Sidney office at 607-604-4071. Volunteers are needed for tonight, more information about volunteering is available at 607-604-4071 or by emailing callen4@stny.rr.com.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-15-22

Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek announced that the Common Council meeting tonight will be back in the Chambers at Oneonta City Hall. Mayor Drnek will be delivering his first State of the City Address, masks will be required at tonight's meeting, which will also be broadcast at 7:00 PM on YouTube.com/cityofoneonta

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 12 and older on Thursday at 97 Main Street in Delhi. Pfizer 1st or 2nd doses will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for walk-ins only. Pfizer boosters will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for those who pre-register at apps2.health.ny.gov. For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the results of an audit of the Otsego County Industrial Development Agency regarding the Oneonta Rail Yards Acquisition. The audit stated that the agency did not adequately plan for the 2017 acquisition of the rail yards, which was acquired based on a $6 million to $20 million development plan, but without an interested developer. Auditors found no indication that the board of directors had significant discussions of the pros and cons of developing the property, they then learned that a large-scale timber operation would be the only type of local industry that could profitable at the Rail Yards property.

The Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties will be expanding into Chenango County with a new site being prepared in the City of Norwich. The new location will be located at at 24 East Main Street in Norwich, they hope to open up the facility sometime this spring, more information about the program is available at friendsofrecoverydo.org.

The Chenango Arts Council’s annual Chenango Student Art Show will take place from March 4th to March 31st, the exhibit will open with a reception and awards ceremony on Friday March 4 beginning at 5:30 pm. In addition to a number of awards for different categories, 2 scholarships will be awarded for Chenango County seniors intending to pursue a degree in the Arts. The exhibit will be displayed in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries, located at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich and on the Arts Council’s social media. More information is available at 607-336-2787.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-15-22

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services were requested to respond to a reported structure fire at 22 Maple Street in the Village of Gilbertsville Monday morning at about 9:15 AM. Firefighters from Gilbertsville, Morris, Mount Upton, Otego, Sidney, Wells Bridge and Otsego County EMS, all responded to the scene, 64 year old Louise Dubben was located deceased inside her residence. The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the New York State Police are leading investigation efforts. An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

The City of Oneonta Police Department has arrested 29 year old Elijah Vergari of Oneonta in connection with the NBT bank robbery that occurred at 1 Wall Street in the City of Oneonta on December 29th. An indictment was handed down by a Grand Jury for the arrest of Vergari, Vergari was delivered to the Otsego County Court Monday, he was arraigned for 3rd degree Robbery, Due to the existence of pending felony charges in Delaware County, bail was set for $10,000 cash bail and he was remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff. The Oneonta Police Department worked in conjunction with the New York State Police Forensic ID unit, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and NBT bank security services.

An Oneonta man died in a two-car crash on Route 365 in Westmoreland late Sunday night. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office stated that 20-year-old Joshua Parker of Utica, was driving westbound on Route 365 when he started to have car trouble and put his flashers on while trying to make it to a gas station, Parker's vehicle was hit from behind by 40-year-old Lance Johnson of Oneonta, who was transporting medical test samples to a lab. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. Parker was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center to be treated for injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening. The investigation is ongoing.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino is announcing his re-election campaign. Angelino is serving in his first term, He is the ranking Republican on the Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation. Angelino will be running in the new 121st Assembly District which includes the majority of Chenango and Broome counties, and portions of Madison, Otsego, Sullivan and Delaware counties.