WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS Monday 12-21-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing this morning, as phase 1 of COVID Vaccines are being administered around the state for health care workers, the Governor discussed the prioritizing of the vaccine distribution earlier today:

(Cuomo 12-21-20)

Over the weekend, 38,000 vaccines were administered, there were 350 Bassett Hospital employees received the COVID vaccines, more information about the vaccine program is available at ny.gov/vaccine.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 104 active cases of COVID-19 in Chenango County, with 11 hospitalized. Chenango County also confirmed there are 429 residents under quarantine, and 972 total cases, with 831 recoveries & 16 deaths.

Delaware County Public Health reported 7 new cases of COVID Sunday; they have 100 active cases with 4 hospitalized & 300 quarantined. Delaware County has had 596 positive cases, with 486 recoveries & 10 deaths.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 35 new COVID cases Friday with 16 hospitalized & 142 Active cases. Otsego County has had 1692 total confirmed cases, with 10 deaths.

There were many who did not or could not pick up their gifts at the "Operation Merry Christmas" Giveaway day over the weekend at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Hospital in Sidney. Those who could not make it to an extended giveaway earlier today are asked to call Dorene Ireland at 643-6334 to make arrangements for pick up prior to Christmas day.

The Festival of Lights opened up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta this past weekend. Visitors can drive through the park to see the colorful displays created by Oneonta area businesses & Organizations; the display is sponsored by First Night Oneonta & is open daily at Sundown.

The Oxford Lions Club & St. Paul’s Church in Oxford are teaming up to offer their annual "Free Will" Christmas Dinner this afternoon at 4:30at the St. Paul's Parish Hall on Main Street, the Free Christmas Dinner normally serves 200 people.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-21-20

Governor Cuomo announced Saturday's COVID 19 statistics, there were over 191,000 tests conducted, with 9919 positive tests, there were 6,208 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; 1,088 Patients in the ICU; 610 on Ventilators, there were 127 COVID-19 Deaths in Saturday, the total number of Deaths is 28,474.

Delaware County Public Health reported 23 new cases of COVID 19 Friday & 13 new cases Saturday, with 103 active cases, 3 are hospitalized and 316 are quarantined. Delaware County has had 589 total cases with 476 recoveries and 10 deaths.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Deputy for Driving While Intoxicated and Official Misconduct. 25 year old Anthony Shields of Colchester was arrested on December 17th by Sheriff’s Deputies for reporting to work in an alleged intoxicated condition. Shields recently graduated the Police Academy in November and was previously employed at the Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer since 2017. Shields was processed and released on appearance tickets reportable to the Delhi Town Court on January 26th & has been terminated from his position.

A Village of Bainbridge resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Lance Madsen of Bainbridge was arrested after a traffic stop in the Village of Bainbridge; he is accused of possessing Methamphetamine with intent to sell, as well as 2 other controlled substances which were not prescribed to him. Madsen was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Bainbridge Court on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's office reported that a disabled vehicle blocking the I-88 exit ramp in the Town of Sidney Wednesday evening resulted in a Norwich man being ticketed. 23-year-old Richard Finnegan is accused of operating the vehicle while his driving privileges were suspended for failure to answer a summons in the Town of Norwich Court. Finnegan was ticketed for aggravated unlicensed operation and for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and will appear in the Town of Sidney Court on a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 51 year old Joseph Bulwin following an investigation into a domestic dispute. Bulwin is accused of subjecting a victim to unwanted contact and threatened another victim under the age of 17; he was taken into custody with incident, arraigned and released to appear in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Robert Mohammed of Plymouth for DWI and false personation, following a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Oxford. Mohammed is accused of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol & providing a false identity to the investigating Deputy. Mohammed was released on an appearance tickets and is to return to the Town of Oxford Court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-19-20

Otsego County Department of Health is announcing a potential COVID 19 exposure at the Copper Fox at 7 Market Street in Oneonta.  Anyone who spent time at the bar between November 12th through November 17th should monitor for symptoms, if you have developed symptoms, get tested and isolate yourself.  The Copper Fox is closed for a minimum of 7 days and all staff will be tested, more information is available at 547-4231.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have had 518 total cases of COVID 19 since March.  They currently report 55 active cases, 3 hospitalizations & 363 quarantines, they have had 10 deaths, 458 recoveries & over 41,700 tests have been conducted.

Bassett Healthcare Network is tightening visitor restrictions at all of its hospitals and long-term care facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to rise regionally and statewide. Effective Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, only individuals considered essential to the medical care of a patient will be allowed at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown; A.O. Fox Hospital, in Sidney & Oneonta; Little Falls Hospital, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, and O’ Connor Hospital in Delhi.   Visitation is also suspended at the Bassett network’s two long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities – A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, and Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services in Herkimer.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two-car property damage accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester last Friday, where a vehicle and trailer driven by 32-year-old Stephen Depuy of Downsville was making a turn from State Highway 206 on to Hill Top Drive when his trailer was struck in the rear by a vehicle driven by 84 year-old Eugene Marner of Franklin.  Deputies charged Depuy with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and being an unlicensed driver.  Marner was ticketed for speed not reasonable and prudent.  Both drivers were released on traffic summonses directing them to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date to answer their charges.

The 14th annual Benefit Auction of the Greater Oneonta Historical Society takes place online at 32Auctions.com/GOHSBenefitAuction through Saturday. Society Executive Director Bob Brzozowski comments:

(Bob Brzozowski 11-19-20)

Bidding ends on Saturday November 21 at 5:00 PM, more information is available by email at info@OneontaHistory.org or by calling 432-0960.

People have been captivated by the story of the little owl that was transported to New York City from West Oneonta last week, on the Tree that is being set up for the Christmas holidays in Rockefeller Center.  Susan O'Hanley of the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society told WCDO News that they believe that the owl was on the tree through the whole process & made the trip to the city:

(Susan O'Hanley 11-19-20)

O'Hanley said that many have commented to the Society that the Owl should be brought back to West Oneonta, the Society members feel that the additional travel would be too stressful & that he will assimilate to the Owl population in the Hudson Valley.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-19-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 18 new COVID cases Wednesday, the number of cases in the county since March is up to 1128, with 58 active cases,  1 hospitalized,  8 deaths,  760 cases are now linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 at Hartwick College.

Delaware County Public Health had 3 new cases of COVID 19 to report Wednesday, with 53 active cases, 6 are hospitalized, and 197 are quarantined.  Delaware County has had 289 cases, 227 recoveries & 9 deaths.

Oneonta City School District was made aware of a positive COVID-19 staff member at the Oneonta Middle School, several staff members are close contacts to 2 additional positive COVID cases resulting in quarantines through the Thanksgiving break.  All Oneonta schools will go fully remote beginning today through at least Monday, November 30th.

The Norwich High School and Middle School will have remote instruction today, after the District discovered a positive COVID-19 student case at the high school, and a middle school teacher's family member had tested positive.  The buildings will be closed today for contact tracing and deep cleaning, and they are working with Health officials in order to re-open for in-person instruction on Friday.  The Gibson and Browne Elementary schools will remain open, and will follow the normal schedule.

Governor Cuomo, as well as the Governors of surrounding states, announced they will encourage residential colleges and universities in their respective states to provide testing for all students traveling home for Thanksgiving break to the maximum extent possible before they leave campus. Any student who tests positive will be encouraged to isolate on campus before they can travel or detail arrangements of their safe travel home with the local department of health.

Sidney Police responded to a 911 call of a domestic dispute at a business in the Village of Sidney Tuesday, they arrested 43 year old Anthony Fiorillo of Sidney for Criminal contempt, Harassment & Trespassing.  Fiorillo was arraigned in the Village of Sidney court & was released to appear in court at a later date.

State Police are appealing to the public to help locate the driver of a tractor trailer that sideswiped a troop car in Broome County Tuesday night at approximately 6:46 pm.  A trooper was assisting Broome County Sheriff’s with a traffic crash on Interstate 81 northbound near milepost 34.5 in the town of Lisle.  The marked State Police vehicle was on the right side of the road with all of its emergency lights activated when it was sideswiped by a tractor trailer without stopping.  The trooper was not inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.   Anyone that has any information contact State Police at 775-1241.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-12-20

State Troopers responded to tractor trailer incident that caused a large amount of damage in the town of Chenango Monday Night. Troopers responded to Trafford Road for a report of property damage involving a tractor trailer, the vehicle turned north off of Trafford Road onto Councilman Road because of road construction on Upper Front Street, the tractor trailer struck and uprooted a large tree, which became lodged in between the tractor and trailer. The driver continued on Councilman Road and turned onto Savitch Road, striking numerous power lines and damaging several power hookups to homes in the neighborhood. No injuries were reported.

State Senator Fred Akshar inducted local veteran and veterans advocate Sergeant Eric Fetterman into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame Class of 2020 for the 52nd District Wednesday. Eric Fetterman served in the Marine Corps in Operation Desert Storm, and has served in a variety of Marine related activities after his service, more information is available at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

Commerce Chenango’s first ever Lights, Camera, AUCTION online event goes live tonight at 32auctions.com/commerceChenango, Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 11-12-20)

The Commerce Chenango Lights camera Auction Live event gets underway at 7:00 PM, more information is available by contacting the Commerce Chenango office at

(607) 334-1400.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation designating a bridge on State Highway 206 in Downsville as the "Colchester Veterans Memorial Bridge." The legislation was requested by the Town of Colchester to recognize fallen veterans, The Governor signed the legislation on Veterans Day, the designation becomes effective immediately.

Hartwick College reported one new case of COVID-19 has been detected. There are 10 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1, 2020 is 67.

Chenango County Public Health continues to have COVID 19 positive tests. Today they reported 36 Active Cases, 4 hospitalizations, 241 Active Quarantines. They have had a total of 477 Confirmed Cases since March with 9 deaths, 415 recoveries and they have conducted over 40,000 tests

Otsego County Department of Health & Applebee’s is reporting a potential exposure at the Southside Mall Oneonta location. A team member who last worked on Monday, tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home. The restaurant closed for deep cleaning on Tuesday, a professional sanitation service disinfected. They re-opened Wednesday, they have safety protocols in place. The Otsego County Department of Health is asking any guests who dined at Applebee’s in Oneonta on November 5th from 11:00 to 4:00, November 6th from 4: to 11:00, November 7th from 11:00 to 4:00, November 8th from 4:00 to 10:00 & November 9th from 4:30 to 11:00 PM to monitor for symptoms through Monday, November 23rd if symptoms occur, contact your medical provider.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-12-20

State Police are searching for 17-year-old Brooke Irish of Auburn, who was last seen on November 8th in the town of Chenango. Irish is described as a white female, 5 foot 1 inch tall, weighing 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black shoulder length hair. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, cropped leggings with a design that has plaid and cherries on them, anyone with information should contact State Police at 775-1241.

Governor Cuomo announced that Effective Friday, bars, restaurants and gyms or fitness centers, as well as any State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment, will be required to close from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily. Restaurants will still be allowed to provide curbside, food-only pick-up or delivery after 10 pm., they can not serve alcohol to go. Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people, following the recent prevalence of COVID spread from recent Halloween parties.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual 2020 Small Business and Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Celebration on Zoom this afternoon at 4:30PM. The Chamber will honor Theresa's Emporium as the Small Business of the year, Pathfinder Produce & the Mobile Market as the Micro Business of the year, Custom Electronics as the Distinguished Business of the Year and retiring State Senator Jim Seward will be recognized with the Eugene Bettiol Jr, Distinguished Citizen of the year.

Delaware County Public Health announced that there were 5 more cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, with 11 hospitalized, 74 cases are active & 233 are quarantined. Delaware County has had a total of 256 cases since March with 9 deaths and 173 recoveries.

State Police announced that 44 year old Gregory Gale Jr. of Endwell has been located in good health, & is back with family. Gale is an autistic adult who had failed to return home from a walk to a local store in Endwell Sunday Morning

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-26-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing in Albany today, the state conducted over 82,000 tests on Sunday, with 1191 new positive cases statewide. The state remains at over 1000 hospitalized, with 1059, the highest numbers since May, there are 237 in ICU Beds, 118 are on ventilators, and there were 12 more deaths Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,742. The Governor talked about how they continue to attack the micro clusters when they pop up, keeping the cases in a much smaller area:

(Cuomo 10-26-20)

The Governor announced today that The RealReal is working with top fashion designers, who are going to design masks; the RealReal is going to make them available through their website, and the profits from the mask sales will go to charities. The campaign goes for five weeks at RealReal.com.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they have had 233 more positive COVID 19 cases since Friday, bringing them up to 3293. They are up 94 deaths, an increase of 11 since late last week, there are 2651 recoveries and over 4700 people are being monitored by the Health department.

With the Passing of Country Music Legend Jerry Jeff Walker, the idea has resurfaced to memorialize the Oneonta native in his hometown. Previous administrations have liked the idea, but could not appropriate the necessary $20,000 in funding, to put up a bandstand in Muller Plaza, but Long time area broadcaster & performer Doug Decker has started a GoFundMe page to get the necessary funds for the project:

(Doug Decker 10-26-20)

Decker is hoping that some local business owners may come forward as well & help make the Jerry Jeff Walker Bandstand possible.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Early Sunday morning, to a domestic dispute in the village of Downsville. Deputies arrested 33 year-old Amandamarie Herzog of Downsville for harassment, 2 counts of endangering welfare of child, 1 count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and 2 felony counts of criminal mischief. Herzog was arraigned virtually & was released in her own recognizance & will appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date, an order of protection was issued for the victim.

Unadilla Village officials have decided on how they will celebrate Halloween this year safely, during the existing pandemic, Mayor Jack Insinga explains:

(Jack Insinga 10-26-20)

Mayor Insinga said that trick or treating will be allowed between 4:00 & 7:00 PM Saturday, and they are advised to keep the festivities as local as possible.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic-stop on State Route 8 in Masonville on last Monday, October 19th, that resulted in the arrest of 39 year-old Thomas Kamp, of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, for 1 count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & speed exceeding 55 miles per hour. Kamp was directed to appear in the Town of Masonville Court on a later date to answer the charges.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-26-20

State Police responded Friday Afternoon to a fatal crash on State Highway 206 in Triangle. 21 year old Kimberly Burdick of Whitney Point was passing 2 vehicles when she came upon 2 motorcycles traveling eastbound, the operator of 1 motorcycle was able to take evasive action, swerve and lay his bike down, he was transported to Wilson Hospital for non-life threatening injuries and has since been released. The operator of a 2nd motorcycle 49 year old Shane Poklemba of Endwell was struck by the Burdick vehicle & was pronounced dead on scene. Burdick and two children in her vehicle were not injured. The investigation is on-going, Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Norwich Middle School and District Offices will be closed Today after a positive COVID-19 case was reported. The district's website reported that they are closing the school to allow for contract tracing and deep cleaning.

Otsego County Department of Health announed that they had 19 cases of COVID 19 reported over the weekend, 9 of the cases are college students. The County now has 975 total confirmed cases, with 36 active cases, 1 hospitalization, 7 deaths, 751 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 30 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County reported 4 new cases of COVID-19 Friday & 2 more on Sunday, the known active cases is now 16. To date there have been 155 confirmed positive cases, with 118 people under mandatory quarantine, 12 people are isolated and receiving care at home and 4 people are in the hospital, 8 people have died and 131 have fully recovered.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 10-1-20

Governor Cuomo reported that Clusters of COVID 19 cases increased several of the state’s numbers on Wednesday.  There were 1382 new cases diagnosed out of over 109,000 tests administered, which was a 1.27% positivity rate.  Patient Hospitalizations went up to 612, there were 141 Patients in ICU beds, 63 were on ventilators, and there were 11 deaths Wednesday, bringing the state death toll to 25,490.

The Broome County Health Department reported 83 more positive cases of COVID 19 since Tuesday, bringing their total to 1610 cases, they still report 82 deaths, 1285 recoveries and 1157 people are being monitored by the health department, following the latest cluster reported in Binghamton last weekend.

The town of New Berlin will hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13th at the New Berlin Town Office at 30 North Main Street, to discuss possible cuts to the town budget, including saving about $180,000 dollars by eliminating their Town Police Department.  Municipalities around the state are waiting to see if New York State will receive any federal aid because of the COVID 19 pandemic, New York has lost about 20% of their revenue stream since March.

Village of Delhi Police Department arrested 32-year-old Sheila Thompson and 32-year-old Kyle Alverson of Delhi, each of them being charged with Unlawfully Growing Cannabis and 6 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Thompson and Alverson were released with appearance tickets directing them to appear in Delhi Town Court to answer the charges at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies  & Downsville Fire & EMS were dispatched to a roll-over accident on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester that was reported by “On-Star”.   19-year-old Parker Rosencranse of Roscoe lost control of his vehicle which ran off the roadway, into a ditch and overturned.  Rosencranse was arrested and charged with the DWI, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, unauthorized sticker, among other charges, Rosencranse was released on traffic summonses directing him to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date to answer the charges. Rosencranse & an unidentified passenger were not injured.

With cold weather just around the corner, customers will be firing up furnaces and other appliances for the first time this season. NYSEG officials urge the public to recognize the potential signs of a natural gas leak and review the following safety tips about what do if a leak is suspected.

(Ridge Harris 10-1-20)

NYSEG officials report that you should leave immediately & call NYSEG at 1-800-572-1121 from a safe location, Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances, as those items may produce a spark that  might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-1-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, all 4 were SUNY Oneonta students, and also 3 cases were reported in SUNY students that had not previously been reported.  Otsego County reports 893 total confirmed cases, 17 are active cases with 1 hospitalization, there have been 7 deaths.   722 cases are linked to the SUNY Oneonta outbreak, 19 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Public Health reported no new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, they have had 121 positive cases since March with 7 deaths, 110 recoveries, currently they have 4 active cases with 1 hospitalization, and 31 in quarantine.

Delaware County Solid Waste Clean Sweep event will be held later in the year this year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Spokesman Tyson Robb explains.

(Tyson Robb 10-1-20)

Robb said that this will be the 24th year of the event, Online registration began today at cleansweepdelaware.eventbrite.com, and phone registrations will begin in November.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-30-20

Governor Cuomo announced that the state had an even 1000 new positive COVID 19 tests Tuesday, out of almost 98,000 tests administered. The state has a total of 458,649 positive cases since March, there were 9 deaths, bringing the state total to 25,470. The Governor also announced Tuesday that 1 state was added & 2 were removed from the state's traveler’s advisory list. Travelers from Colorado will now have to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New York, Arizona and Virginia were removed today, the full list is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

State Police responded to a report of a wrong-way driver on State Highway 17 in the city of Binghamton Tuesday. Broome County 911 received numerous calls of a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes which sideswiped a tractor trailer. Police said that an 86-year-old woman was traveling the wrong way in the passing lane directly into the path of a tractor trailer who took evasive action but was unable to completely miss the vehicle. No injuries were reported. The accident remains under investigation.

State Police arrested 54 year old Cristina Tilton of Mount Vision, last Friday for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & 3rd degree Assault, following the report of an accident involving a car & a motorcycle on Oneida Street and Country Club Road in the town of Oneonta. The driver of the motorcycle was 78 year old Donald Fredenburg of Oneonta, who was ejected off of his bike from the crash; he was airlifted by LifeNet to Wilson Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been treated and released. The investigation determined that Tilton began turning left on to Country Club Road and into the direct path of the motorcycle, Tilton had a BAC above the legal limit, & her license had been revoked, she was released on appearance tickets to the town of Oneonta court on October 6th.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his annual list of municipalities with fiscal stress. Delaware County was listed as having moderate stress; no other areas locally were on the susceptible to fiscal stress.

Bassett Hospital has cut back on elective surgeries & implemented emergency procedures, after they were notified of a few positive tests among Bassett Hospital staff. Rapid testing has been deployed to prevent a further spread of the virus among Bassett’s staff.

Reforms went into effect prohibiting businesses from charging a "pink tax," which is the practice of charging higher prices to women for similar consumer goods or services that are similar to those marketed to men. Violations of the law are subject to the court ordered enjoinment of such sales, restitution to consumers, up to a $250 fine for the first violation, and up to $500 fine for any subsequent violations.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Town of Tompkins man on charges for violating of an order of protection violation and animal cruelty. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were investigating a complaint of animal cruelty by a male residing in the Town of Tompkins, A 2nd complaint was then filed by a female victim alleging the male had violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party. Deputies arrested and charged 30-year-old Christopher Baird of Tompkins for criminal contempt, harassment & 4 counts of torturing and injuring animals. Baird was released on appearance tickets, returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

The State DEC announced that the State has expanded its Drought Watch to the Southern Tier region. Residents must monitor usage and avoid wasting water, by fixing dripping and leaking faucets and toilets, raise lawn mower cutting height as longer grass needs less water; water lawns less frequently and Sweep sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them. More water saving tips are available at the DEC's webpage.

The National Transportation Safety Board found violations were made by Prestige Limousine, The State DOT, The State Department of Motor Vehicles, and State Police related to the crash which killed 20 people on October 6th 2018 in Schoharie. The NTSB determined the probable causes of the crash were the total disregard for safety by Prestige Limousine by dispatching a limo with an out of service order. Other contributing factors were oversights made by the DOT and DMV, & the State Police had sufficient evidence to stop the company from operating prior to the crash but failed to take action. A criminal investigation led to charges for Nauman Hussain, the operator of Prestige Limo.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-27-20

The Broome County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Caleb Casteline of Apalachin for the fatal stabbing of Q-Quan Richardson of Binghamton, at a party in Endwell Wednesday.  Casteline was charged with 2nd degree murder and faces court action on the charge shortly.

The Delhi Village Police Department executed a search warrant on August 21st at 219 Main Street; they seized concentrated cannabis in a variety of forms, as well as LSD, cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, packaging materials & $1,500 cash from suspected drug sales.  Delhi Police arrested 20-year-old Alana Blaustein of Delhi & 22-year-old Connor Guiseppone of Delhi on a variety of drug charges, both were arraigned in Delhi Town Court where & were released on their own recognizance pending future court action.

State Police responded to a report of a tractor trailer rollover north of the Pennsylvania state line on I-81 at about 11:45 AM Wednesday.  A trooper responded & discovered that the tractor trailer struck the guide rail, continued off the roadway and overturned.  The driver was a 57-year-old male from Quebec who declined hospital treatment, the investigation is ongoing.

State Troopers were dispatched by Broome County 911 to a one-car crash near the intersection of Fox Farm and Reagan Roads in the town of Windsor Wednesday morning.  Troopers discovered that the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a utility pole, the driver was still in the vehicle and unresponsive.  The unidentified driver was pronounced deceased at the scene and an autopsy was ordered.

Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver started his prison sentence Wednesday at a federal prison in Otisville, where he will serve 6 1/2 years following a corruption conviction.  Silver left the Assembly in 2015, was convicted a short time later & various appeals & a retrial kept him out of prison.    Silver was convicted twice for administering political favors, as a new inmate, Silver will be tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine for 14 days.

Utica Firefighters were called to a massive fire at the former CharlesTown Mall in Utica.    Firefighters from the Utica & surrounding Fire Departments responded at about 1:30 this morning, Utica city officials are advising residents in the eastern sections of the city to remain indoors with their windows shut due to the high winds whipping the smoke & ash around from the blaze.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they are still at 223 total cases of COVID 19 since March, with 75 active Quarantines, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 201 recoveries, 7 deaths & over 21,600 tests have been performed.

The National Transportation Safety Board released documents this week regarding the Prestige Limousine crash in Schoharie on October 6th 2018.  The Board’s Investigators said that The ownership of Prestige Limo took great pain to register the vehicle in a many to avoid safety regulation & twice a year required inspections.  The vehicles brakes failed approaching a t intersection, it crashed into a gas station, killing 2 people in the parking lot & all 18 in the limo.   Nauman Hussain faces 20 charges each for manslaughter & criminally negligent homicide as the operator of Prestige Limousine.

The Otsego County District Attorney’s office announced that Nicolas Meridy of Oneonta has pleaded guilty in a plea bargain arrangement & will serve 22 years to life.  Meridy was arrested along with several others following the murder of Kenneth Robinson in Worcester & the arson fire at Robinson house after the fatal shooting, in October of last year.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a New York City man Tuesday following a property damage accident on County Highway 26 in the Town of Colchester.  23-year-old Evian Camacho of New York City had a suspended driver’s license, for failure to answer summonses in both Bronx and New York counties and for failure to pay a State DMV driver responsibility assessment.    Camacho was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and moving from a lane unsafely.  Camacho was released and directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date.

A variety of severe weather warnings have been issued throughout the region this afternoon, as severe weather pounded the region.  Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 8-27-20)

A Tornado watch remains in effect through 7:00 PM throughout the WCDO Listening area .

Otsego County Department of Health is investigating 9 cases of coronavirus reported Wednesday, 5 of the cases are SUNY Oneonta students. The other 4 cases have been associated with a gathering of high school students. All cases are have been investigated and contacts are being notified.  Currently, Otsego County now reports 128 total confirmed cases, with 15 active cases, 1 person is hospitalized.  The Otsego County Health Department is holding another free COVID 19 testing this morning from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON at the former "Greenies" site on state route 7 in Otego, This testing site is for Otsego County residents only who preregister by calling 547-4279.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 22 year-old Q-Quan of Binghamton, following an investigation into an altercation early Wednesday Morning.  Quan was taken to Lourdes and later Wilson hospital with stab wounds, he apparently was stabbed at a large gathering in the town of Union, The suspect fled the area, and anyone with information should call the Sheriff’s Office at 778-1196.

The Broome County Sheriff's department arrested 25 year old Keenan Johnson of the town of Chenango twice Tuesday.  Johnson reportedly had a dispute with his girlfriend, he was confronted by neighbors & displayed a handgun, he fled the scene, was located by deputies & was charged with Menacing and Criminal Possession of Marijuana before being released on an appearance ticket, he was arrested a short time after his release at the girlfriends residence, fled on a Motorcycle the chase was terminated due to public safety concerns.  Additional charges against Johnson are pending.

Johnson City Police arrested 25 year old Brandon Rose of Endicott has been charged with 2nd degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, after a police found a dead man in a crashed vehicle off Route 17 at Exit 70 North.  Police reported that the male victim had stab wounds & gunshot wounds, Rose is being held pending future court action.

The State Health Department announced that there were 608 new positives for COVID 19 Sunday, about 1% of all tested, bringing the state total since March up to 412,344.  There were 11 deaths reported Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,117.

New Yorkers are reminded that the 2020 CENSUS will determine congressional representation, & determine federal funding for a variety of programs, for the next decade.   Officials in Chenango County reported that they rank 42nd in the state in filling out the census, with only 53% responding, the deadline to file has been extended to October 31st, more information can be found at my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic safety check on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester Friday, During the detail, 42-year-old Kris Rose of Monticello was stopped for having an expired inspection, the investigation revealed that Rose’s license plates were suspended and switched from another vehicle & his driving privileges in New York were suspended.  Rose was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, along with several other violations, he was directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi's office announced that the Congressman will Host another Telephone Town Hall with local guests, on August 3rd at 5:00 p.m.  Constituents are encouraged to RSVP to brindisi.house.gov/live to receive the call or dial-in at 5:00 p.m. on August 3rd to 855-614-0159.

State Police arrested 29 year old Nathaniel Richardson of Unadilla for 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, plus Unlawful Imprisonment and Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute July 11th, in the town of Unadilla.  Richardson is accused of taking a cell phone away from the victim & holding the victim down, in the presence of 4 children.  Richardson was arraigned & was released & an order of protection was issued, which Richardson allegedly violated hours later. Richardson was located, was processed was released again pending future court action.

State Police arrested several individual allegedly involved in a Windsor Burglary in April, items stolen included a rowboat, propane tanks, several tools and household items. Police have arrested 23 year old Caleb Harris of Windsor, 46 year old Robert Harris of Windsor & 39 year old Jamie Klein of Kirkwood, all were processed & released pending future court action.

Delaware County received one new positive test result for COVID-19 Friday and no additional recoveries. The known active cases in the County as of today are 8.   To date there have been 92 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 62 people under mandatory quarantine and 10 people under precautionary quarantine, 7 people are isolated at home and 1 is in the hospital, 6 people have died and 78 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo held his Coronavirus earlier today; he said that the numbers continue to be good across the state, but the problems of people congregating in large groups is a problem:

(Cuomo 7-20-20)

The Governor said that the State had 716 people hospitalized with the virus, the lowest number in 4 months, there were 8 deaths Sunday, the state death toll is at 25,056, and there were 519 new cases diagnosed of the virus, bringing the number to 407,326.

State Police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash Saturday night on I-81 in Cortlandville.  The investigation reveals that 47 Michael Sipe of Johnson City was operating a homemade, unregistered motorcycle when he lost control, struck a guiderail and crashed.  Sipe was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & DEP Police responded July 7th to a 1 car accident near the intersection of State Highway 206 and Wilson Hollow in the Town of Colchester, the vehicle was not occupied, but Deputies located 33-year old Brian Hartwell of Bainbridge walking on State Highway 206.  Hartwell lost control of his vehicle and struck a highway sign and drainage ditch when he swerved to avoid a deer, he left the scene as he had been driving in violation of his conditional license.  Deputies discovered that Norwich Police Department held an arrest warrant for Hartwell for criminal contempt.  Hartwell was charged with a number of traffic offenses, & for the Norwich charge, he was turned over to the Norwich Police Department.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they have had 4 new cases of COVID 19 reported in last few days.  They have had 89 total confirmed cases, 10 active cases with 2 hospitalized, 74 recoveries, 5 deaths,

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 9 today between Page Road and Gardner Road in the Town of Greene, for the replacement of large twin culvert crossing under County Road 9.  This closure shall be in place from the stated date of closure until the twin culvert replacement project on County Road 9 is complete.  There shall be NO ON-SITE DETOUR. The traveling public is asked to seek alternative routes. Local traffic shall be allowed access to their homes, on each side of project.

Delaware County Public Health received no new reported case of COVID-19 Friday and no additional recoveries. The known active cases in the County remains at 4,   to date there have been 86 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 30 people quarantined.  4 people are isolated at home, none are in the hospital, 6 people have died and 76 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo today reiterated the need for people to be cautious & follow the social Distancing Guidelines & wear masks, as most of the Upstate Counties moved into Phase 3 of Reopening today:

(Cuomo phase 3)

The Governor also signed the into law today some reforms for Law Enforcement agencies to follow in the wake of the George Floyd Case in Minneapolis:

(Cuomo police)

The new laws allow for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers by repealing section 50-a of the civil rights law; Bans the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers; Prohibiting false race-based 911 reports; and Designating the Attorney General as an independent prosecutor for matters relating to the civilian deaths attributed to law enforcement.

Governor Cuomo also signed an Executive Order requiring local police agencies, including the NYPD, to develop a plan that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs in their community based on community input. Each police agency's reform plan must address policies, procedures, practices and deployment, including, but not limited to use of force.  Police forces must adopt a plan by April 1, 2021 to be eligible for future state funding and certify that they have Engaged their constituents in a public and open process on strategies and tools; Present a plan to the public for comment; & present the plan to their local legislative body for approval, If the local government does not certify the plan, the police force may not be eligible to receive future state funding.

State Police arrested 2 teenagers from Delaware County after they engaged in 2 separate vehicle pursuits with troopers.  A 16-year-old was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Grand Larceny, and 2 counts of Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a 17-year-old was arrested for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Grand Larceny.  Troopers were advised of an erratic driver on I-88 near Unadilla, Troopers attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to comply, accelerated off the Interstate at exit 10 and on to State Highway 7 in Unadilla.  Another trooper attempted to stop the vehicle on State Highway 7 when the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree, the juveniles fled on foot & were spotted in another vehicle on State Route 7, and they failed to comply but were taken into custody at the Speedway at State Routes 7 and 8.  The 1st vehicle was stolen from the town of Downsville, the 2nd from the village of Unadilla; both teens were virtually arraigned and were released to legal guardians.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a property damage accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester Thursday.  38-year-old Alan Moore of Walton apparently he fell asleep at the wheel on State Route 206, lost control of his vehicle, it overturned before coming to rest in a ditch.  Moore was not injured in the accident, he did not possess a New York Driver’s license and had 9 active suspensions, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, operating out of class among other charges, and he will appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Delaware County reported no new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries. To date there have been 79 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 17 people quarantined, 2 are in the hospital, 6 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 66 have fully recovered.

The Sidney Central School District announced that they will be hosting a car parade for the graduating class of 2020 on Friday June 12th, beginning at 11:00 AM at the Junior Senior High school.  The Parade will go down West Main Street to Main, River Union Street, onto Pearl Street & back to the School grounds for a drive through Barbecue.

Governor Cuomo announced today that many of the upstate counties, including all of our local counties,  will move into Phase 3 of the Reopening tomorrow, he asked that people still use caution & follow the guidelines, so that New York Does not see a Spike in Coronavirus cases like most of the other states did:

(Cuomo 6-11-20)

Businesses that can re-open in Phase 3 include Food Services & Personal Care, as long as they follow the Health Department Guidelines, More information about Phase 3 can be found at forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries.

Maines Paper & Food Service of Conklin has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.  Maines recently laid off hundreds of workers from their Conklin facility, & they have been sued by several firms for failing to pay for received items.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they are up to 137 cases of the Coronavirus, with 6 deaths, 64 quarantines, 2 are hospitalized, & 124 have recovered.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State is Allowing Localities to Open Public Pools and Playgrounds at their Discretion Beginning Today, Social Distancing guidelines should be followed.

Commerce Chenango will host a webinar this afternoon, getting local businesses ready for a potential Phase 3 reopening shortly, Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango explains:

(Kerri Green 6-11-20)

The webinar will start at 4:00 PM; interested parties can register by email Register@chenangony.com, or by calling 334-1400.

In celebration of national Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, the Susquehanna SPCA is waiving adoption fees for all cats 6 years and older through Saturday, June 20th.   There are currently 11 senior cats awaiting adoption at the SPCA, ranging in age from seven to 14 years.  More information is available at sqspca.org or by calling 547-8111.

The State Senate passed State Senator Jen Metzger’s bill to designate a New York State Route 30 bridge in the hamlet of Downsville as the "Colchester Veterans Memorial Bridge.”  Colchester town officials originally requested the designation for the bridge, which crosses the east branch of the Delaware River, to memorialize the fallen veterans who have sacrificed their lives to their country.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday and 1 additional recovery, there have been 79 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 17 people quarantined, 2 of the confirmed active cases are in the hospital, 6 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 66 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Department of Health announced 3 more confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, bringing their total to 70. currently, no patients are hospitalized, 62 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 14 people are quarantined, over 4000 tests have been conducted.

State
Police responded to a 2-vehicle crash in the town of Chenango Saturday.  22 year old Mallory Neira of Owego lost
control of her vehicle & crossed into the opposing lane into a vehicle
driven by 82 year old Harold Sickles of Binghamton.   Neira was taken to Packer Hospital in Sayre;
Sickles was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his
injuries.   The accident remains under
investigation.

Delaware
County Sheriff Deputies received a complaint from the State Child Abuse Hotline
registry regarding alleged physical abuse to an 11 year old child.   Deputies arrested 55 year-old Yvette
Rivera-Wood of Sidney for Endangering the Welfare of Child, for allegedly
striking a child & causing injuries. Rivera-Wood was released on an
Appearance Ticket and is to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie Oneida Herkimer & Madison Counties Cancer Services program has been offering free testing around the region with the Basset Mobile Coach, Outreach Coordinator Cali Riese explains:

(Cali Riese 3-2-20)

The
Next Oneonta screening day will be Saturday April 4th at the Foothills
Performing Arts center during the Oneonta Living Healthier Expo, appointments
are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

A
Downsville man was arrested on Arrest Warrant for allegedly disseminating
“revenge porn” on social media.    Delaware
County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 44 year-old James Amato of Downsville for
Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image.  Amato was taken into custody by the Town of
Colchester Police & was turned over to Sheriff's Deputies to be arraigned
on the arrest warrant from the Village of Walton Court in November, 2019.

Delaware
County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 50-Year-Old Edmund Rajner of
Sidney Sunday for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, unlicensed operation of a
motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate, as
well as failure to signal a turn.  Rajner
was released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Village of
Sidney Court on a later date.

Governor
Cuomo announced that the state will begin testing for the Corona Virus at their
own Wadsworth labs in Albany.  Previous
samples were sent to the CDC, but now the FDA Approved of testing in Albany.

State
Police are searching for 37-year-old Casie Weese of Glen Aubrey, who was last
seen leaving a party with her husband in Apalachin Sunday morning at
approximately 1:30 a.m. but their vehicle ended up getting a flat tire a short
distance away from the party.  Weese was
last seen walking east in Main Street in Apalachin and has not been seen since.
Weese is 5 foot 5 inches and weighs approximately 100 pounds.  She has brown hair and brown eyes and was
last seen wearing a black and white checkered jacket, jeans and black boots.
Anyone with information should call 911 or the State Police at 687-3961.

Dr. Ed
Erickson will discuss the "Mythology of the 2nd Amendment” this evening in
Norwich.  Dr. Erickson will outline the
actual meaning & reasons behind the 2nd Amendment to form American Militias
in the 1770’s, in the event that the new country was attacked by another
country with an established Army.  The
discussion will be held this evening at Bohemian Moon 103 East Main Street in
Norwich at 6:30 PM.