WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-3-21

State Police arrested 36 year old William Sabines of Preston after he was indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury Thursday. Sabines was charged with 2nd degree Murder, Concealment of a Human Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Sabines was arrested following an investigation into the disappearance of Jesse Donlin, formerly of Sidney, Unadilla and Afton locally. Donlin was reported missing in September of 2019 after failing to appear for a court appearance in Utica, the investigation ultimately led to Sabines arrest. Sabines was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond pending future court action.

Former New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett became the State Health Commissioner on Wednesday, replacing Dr. Howard Zucker, who had been the state Health Commissioner since 2015. Bassett takes over as the state's COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing across the state. Bassett was credited, along with Dr. Zucker & Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC with stopping a potentially deadly Ebola Outbreak after 1 case was found and contained in New York City in 2013.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the first 5 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in New York State. So far, the cases appear unrelated and have been confirmed through sequencing of the SARS-CoVID-2 virus. 1 case is from Suffolk County, 4 others are in New York City, 4 other states have also reported cases of the new COVID variant. On Thursday, Governor Hochul announced that the State has ordered 1 Million Testing Kits to Distribute to Local Health Departments & 40 New Pop-Up Vaccine Sites will be launched this month.

Oneonta Fire Department responded to a structure fire last night at Monser Brothers Tire & Auto on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. Fire fighters responded to the report of flames through the roof of the building late last night, Multiple fire departments also responded including West Oneonta, Laurens, West Laurens, Mount Vision, Franklin, Sidney, Worcester, Pindars Corners & Otego.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-8-21

Commerce Chenango and Morrisville State College-Norwich invites local businesses to participate in the 2021 Career Expo on November 9th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Attendees will be able to talk one-on-one with representatives of corporate, small business, government, and non-profit organizations. prospective Employers can register to participate at files.constantcontact.com, no later than October 20th.

State Police will team up with local law enforcement on special traffic enforcement efforts for the Columbus Day weekend, cracking down on speeding and impaired motorists. The Columbus Day campaign will run through Tuesday, as Troopers expect increased traffic volumes due to the holiday weekend and fall tourism. During last year's Columbus Day enforcement period, State Police and local law enforcement issued 44,016 total tickets, including 11,618 for speeding and 941 for impaired driving.

Organizers for the annual Boilermaker race in Utica will have more than 7,500 people will participate this year. Over 6800 will participate in person & about 435 will race virtually this year on Sunday.

The Otsego County Department of Health is offering a clinic for the COVID vaccines today between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Meadows Office Complex in Middlefield. Pre-registration is required, at otsegocounty.com.

Chobani and the Utica based non-profit Compassion Coalition donated & delivered $29,000 worth of food and supplies to help 4 local backpack programs in Central New York last week.  Chobani distributed more than 1,200 cases of their products to the Edmeston Central School, Unadilla Valley School District, Sherburne-Earlville Central School, and Norwich City Schools, to restock school food pantries, which helps to feed more than 200 children and their families throughout the year.  Chobani also announced that they are sending 200,000 Chobani products to those affected by Hurricane Ida; this follows a recent delivery of 100,000 products to Afghan evacuees in temporary housing across the country, and the US servicemen and women supporting them.

State Police arrested 24 year old David Kemp of Eaton for using a fake COVID 19 Vaccination card, after his employer turned him in.  Kemp could face 7 years in prison after being charged with possession of a forged instrument & the unauthorized use of a government agency’s seal on the fake card makes it a federal crime.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-5-21

State Police have identified the deceased individual shot by a Walton Police Officer as 66 year old Paul Weeden of Walton.  On Monday Morning, an officer from the Walton Police Department was dispatched to a mental health call on Griswold Street, the officer made contact with Weeden, who pointed what was believed to be a gun at the officer, the officer retreated, Weeden followed & ignored multiple commands to drop his weapon, he again pointed the suspected gun at the officer, who fired his weapon and struck Weeden.  The officer called for EMS and rendered emergency aid, Weeden was pronounced dead at the scene.  The investigation is continuing.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 24 new positive COVID tests Monday; they have 102 active cases, 6 hospitalized, and a 7 day rolling average positivity rate of 2.9%.  They have had over 5500 total cases & 69 deaths during this pandemic.

Funeral Services were held this morning in Utica, for long time area Congressman Sherwood Boehlert.  Boehlert served as the Oneida County Executive before running for Congress, where he served for 24 years before retiring in 2006.  Boehlert is survived by his wife Marianne, 4 children, and 6 grandchildren, Boehlert was 84.

Otsego County Department of Health reported its 69th death last week, with 115 active cases and 4 people hospitalized.  The 7-day rolling average positive rate was 2.8%.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-27-21

The State Health Department reported over 180,000 COVID tests were reported Saturday, with over 4300 positive tests, a positivity rate now down to 2.39%.  Hospitalizations were down to about 2300, patients in ICU beds declined to 548 & patients on ventilators are down to 317, there were 31 deaths & 55,911 Vaccine Doses were administered Saturday.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Cortland County DA’s office and State Police announced that former Pharsalia Town Supervisor Dennis Brown was sentenced to serve 2 to 3 years in a state prison. Brown pleaded guilty for 2nd degree Grand Larceny, for stealing $240,000 in public funds, he was ordered to pay $240,000, and he has already paid $125,000.  Brown charged personal items on the town’s credit card to pay for groceries, vacations, clothes, jewelry, home utilities, and work on his property.

Sidney Police Department located a man Monday who was wanted in the State of Arkansas.  34 year old Robert Herbert was arrested on a violation of parole warrant issued from the State of Arkansas. He was arraigned virtually as a fugitive from justice and remanded to the Delaware County Jail to await extradition to Arkansas.

State Police announced that 3 men, including State Trooper Kevin Krause worked as a team to try to save a bald eagle on I-88 in Sidney, after it was hit by a side view mirror of a car. The unidentified driver did attempt to avoid the bird and did stop; the eagle was taken by the New York State ENCON Officer to a Wildlife Center.  State Police told WCDO News today that the Wildlife Center did everything they could, including emergency surgery, but unfortunately, the eagle did not make it.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 6-15-21

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be hosting a live stream Energy Chat today at 12:00 noon on Facebook Live.  This 11th event of the series will feature a discussion about Smart Energy Choices with Community Energy Advisor Eileen Hanrahan from CCE Chemung County.  More information is available at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531 or online at ccedelaware.org.

Utica Police have arrested 32 year old Vanessa Armstead of Buffalo for criminal possession of stolen property, criminal trespass, burglary, grand larceny and criminal mischief, after allegedly stealing a Kunkel Ambulance, which ended up in the Irondequoit Bay near Rochester Sunday afternoon.  Armstead was involved in a separate crash on the Thruway on Saturday, and was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center for treatment, after she was released, she went to Union Station in Utica, but never got on a train, she is accused of stealing the ambulance from the station on Catherine Street Sunday morning, she drove to Victor New York & crashed the ambulance into the bay.   Armstead was rescued from the water and taken to shore; she was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Monroe County jail on $3,500 bail.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-14-21

The Sidney Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating 2 Frontier Communications vehicles that were stolen.  Today, Sidney Police Department responded to the Frontier building at 2 Oak Avenue for a report of a burglary, officers learned that the 2 vehicles, assorted tools and equipment were taken from the property.   Police are looking for a 2008 Chevrolet Express Full-size van bearing a NYS license plate number of 64460JV & A 2012 Chevrolet Express Full-size van bearing a NYS license plate number of 74516MC.  Sidney Police believes the vehicles were taken sometime between Sunday night and early this morning, anyone with information is asked to contact the Sidney Police Department at 561-2301. Anyone who finds or observes either van should call 911 immediately.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33 year old Chad Ellis of Port Crane on an active Bench Warrant held by the Village of Sidney Police Department and a Delaware County Family Court Warrant held by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.   Ellis was located last Thursday, he was turned over to members of the Sidney Police Department for arraignment in the Village of Sidney Court, following his release, Deputies arrested Ellis on the Delaware County Family Court Warrant committing him to the Delaware County Correctional Facility for a term of 6 months or until payment of arrears is made to the Delaware County Support Collection Unit.

Utica Police & State Police reported that a Utica area woman stole & ambulance Sunday Morning in Utica and drove it to the Rochester area, before crashing it into the Irondequoit Bay.   Kunkel Ambulance Service alerted Utica Police, they alerted State Police the ambulance was heading west on the Thruway, a Monroe County scuba team was able to pull the ambulance up from the water just after 5:00 PM Sunday, The woman was rescued shortly after the ambulance went into the bay, She was taken into custody, her name has not been released & The investigation is continuing.

On Sunday, the Sidney Police Department responded to a domestic dispute on Riverview Drive, the officer entered the home & was attacked by a 17 year old male.  The officer was able to draw his Taser and after warning was forced to use it when the 17 year old male appeared to charge the officer a 2nd time.  The 17 year old male was then taken into custody without any further incident, the officer was not injured and the 17 year old male was evaluated by EMS at the scene and released. The 17 year old male was charged with Harassment & was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Sidney court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Monday 6-14-21

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested 55 year old Ralph Smith of Brisben for the felony Sexual Abuse; he is accused of subjecting a child less than 13 years of age to sexual contact, in the Town of Greene.   Smith was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance.  Anyone with information about this investigation should contact State Police at Sidney at 561-7400.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-12-21

The City of Oneonta Police Department is investigating an incident that took place on April 10th at approximately 2:00am behind 10 Market Street in the City of Oneonta. Oneonta Police have posted a video of the incident on their Facebook Page, they are asking that anyone who can identify the males in this video or has any other information about this incident to contact Detective Harvey at 431-1344.

Village of Delhi Police Department arrested 29-year-old Carmine Yonnone of Delhi for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument and several traffic violations. Yonnone was issued appearance and traffic tickets returnable to the Delhi Town Court. Yonnone was turned over to the Oneonta Police Department on an Arrest Warrant issued by the City of Oneonta Court.

Broome County officials announced today that the Binghamton Black Bears will make their home at the Visions Federal Credit Union Veterans Memorial Arena next season. The team is in the Federal Prospects Hockey League & will start playing in October, following the departure of the Binghamton Devils, who are relocating to Utica.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to permanently implement a Universal School Meals program, which would provide free school meals for all students:

(Gillibrand 5-12-21)

Currently the United States Department of Agriculture provides free schools meals through COVID-19 waivers through the 2021-2022 school year only. Gillibrand said that her legislation would also encourage the use of local foods in school meal programs, Gillibrand is pushing for the inclusion of the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 in the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization currently being negotiated by the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Gillibrand is a member of that Committee.

Governor Cuomo today announced a series of pop up vaccination sites at passenger railroad stations upstate & the state's success at lower COVID rate bodes well for summer activities:

(Cuomo 5-12-21)

The State Health Department reported a 1.1% COVID test positivity rate for Tuesday, with Hospitalization, ICU Patients & patients on Ventilators at the lowest levels since last November.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-12-21

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31st.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-12-21

The City of Oneonta Police Department is investigating an incident that took place on April 10th at approximately 2:00am behind 10 Market Street in the City of Oneonta. Oneonta Police have posted a video of the incident on their Facebook Page, they are asking that anyone who can identify the males in this video or has any other information about this incident to contact Detective Harvey at 431-1344.

Village of Delhi Police Department arrested 29-year-old Carmine Yonnone of Delhi for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument and several traffic violations. Yonnone was issued appearance and traffic tickets returnable to the Delhi Town Court. Yonnone was turned over to the Oneonta Police Department on an Arrest Warrant issued by the City of Oneonta Court.

Broome County officials announced today that the Binghamton Black Bears will make their home at the Visions Federal Credit Union Veterans Memorial Arena next season.  The team is in the Federal Prospects Hockey League & will start playing in October, following the departure of the Binghamton Devils, who are relocating to Utica.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to permanently implement a Universal School Meals program, which would provide free school meals for all students:

(Gillibrand 5-12-21)

Currently the United States Department of Agriculture provides free schools meals through COVID-19 waivers through the 2021-2022 school year only.  Gillibrand said that her legislation would also encourage the use of local foods in school meal programs, Gillibrand is pushing for the inclusion of the Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 in the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization currently being negotiated by the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Gillibrand is a member of that Committee.

Governor Cuomo today announced a series of pop up vaccination sites at passenger railroad stations upstate & the state's success at lower COVID rate bodes well for summer activities:

(Cuomo 5-12-21)

The State Health Department reported a 1.1% COVID test positivity rate for Tuesday, with Hospitalization, ICU Patients & patients on Ventilators at the lowest levels since last November.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-12-21

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31st.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 3-18-21

State Health department announced that some restrictions are being lessened as COVID positivity rates continue to decline & vaccinations increase.  Indoor fitness classes can resume at limited capacity on March 22, at 33% with health screening and contact information required at sign-in.  Local health departments shall inspect before or within 2 weeks of the fitness center opening to ensure compliance.  Also, Beginning April 5th, the 11:00 PM curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted. The 11pm curfew for food and beverage establishments and the midnight curfew for catered events will remain in effect; both curfews will be re-evaluated in late April.

State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative Tuesday, in Otsego & Chenango Counties.  All 17 businesses were found to be in compliance in Greene, Oxford, Norwich, Sherburne, & Morris.  During the Underage Drinking Detail Initiative retail establishments are checking utilizing a trooper in plain clothes and one or several under aged operative who cannot lie about their age or give a fake date of birth.  When asked for ID, they must show their real ID.

22 year old Brandon Clark was sentenced to 25 years to life in Oneida County Court this week, for the murder of Bianca Devins in Utica in July of 2019.  Clark killed Devins & then posted the murder scene on social media, near the site of the Boilermaker run on Sunday, July 14th 2019.

Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 43 year old Michael Palmer of Binghamton after they executed a search warrant at his residence.  Police seized over $10,000 in cash, Fentanyl & drug packaging materials, Palmer was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence; he was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that an additional $15 million is available to help eligible New Yorkers facing a home heating emergency. Households that have already received emergency assistance from HEAP can apply for a 2nd round of benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their service disconnected when the statewide moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of March, the deadline to apply for both the regular and emergency HEAP benefits was extended until April 30. More information is available at otda.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-10-21

State Police responded last Friday to a fatal garage fire in the town of Bainbridge.  87-year-old Lloyd Darling of Bainbridge did not survive.  A trooper was dispatched to the fire in a garage on County Highway 38 called in by people passing by.  1 person attempted to put out the flames with fire extinguishers, the trooper used his fire extinguisher, Guilford, Bainbridge and Sidney Fire Departments put the remaining fire out.  The Chenango County Fire Bureau responded to the scene to investigate the fire, which does not appear to be suspicious.  The incident remains under investigation.

On March 2nd, State Troopers, Sidney Police, Sidney EMS and Sidney Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on I-88 in the town of Sidney.   38 year old Richard Robinson of Utica failed to negotiate a curve and drove into the median.  The vehicle continued along the median, then struck an earth embankment and became airborne, overturned and rolled.  Robinson was transported by LifeNet to Upstate Medical Center for a head injury.   The accident remains under investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 2 East Meredith juveniles for allegedly engaging in repeated physical and verbal harassment at the Charlotte Valley Central School in the Town of Davenport.  The Investigation revealed that from October of 2020 through February 4th, the 2 juveniles had repeatedly engaged in conduct that placed the victim in fear of physical injury.  Deputies charged the juveniles with harassment; they were issued juvenile appearance tickets directing them to report to the Delaware County Probation Department at a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-12-21

Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa is under fire, for saying to some state lawmakers in a ZOOM meeting that the administration "Froze Up" after being asked last summer for information by the US Department of Justice, regarding the death toll in the state’s nursing homes from COVID 19. Local State Assemblyman Joe Angelino is the Ranking Republican on the Assembly Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee, he told WCDO news of his reaction:

(Angelino 2-12-21)

The State Health Department has released updated statistics in the last week that greatly increased the number of deaths of Nursing home residents to over 12,700, by including those who died from COVID while in a hospital.  This Afternoon, DeRosa clarified her statements by stating that Governor's Office had asked State Lawmakers to wait for the administration’s response on Nursing Home deaths, so the administration could first resolve the Federal inquiry, she said that they were fully transparent with the Federal & then state inquiries in that order.  Some Lawmakers are calling for limiting the Governor's emergency powers & for the resignations of DeRosa; many have also been calling for the resignation of State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

State Police arrested 33 year old Carlos Smith of Utica, for torturing, injuring & failing to feed 6 dogs left at his former residence in the town of Davenport in December.  Smith was officially charged with 6 counts of failing to provide proper sustenance to animals; a warrant was issued for his arrest, which occurred late Thursday afternoon.

State Police located 15 year old Trevor Mallory in the City in Binghamton in good health; he was turned over to the custody of a family member.  Mallory was reported missing on February 2nd, where he was last seen leaving the town of Colesville in a vehicle.  State Police stated that tips from the public & and the sharing of Mallory’s picture on social media led to his reappearance.

Chenango County Public Health reported another COVID related death today, bringing their total to 49. The report 102 active cases, 280 quarantined & 20 hospitalized, their total number of cases is up to 2285.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-12-21

State Police updated their information regarding Thursday's crash of a garbage truck on State Route 17 in the town of Windsor.  The unidentified 64 year old driver from the Bronx was traveling at an unsafe speed, and made an unsafe lane change, he went through the guiderail and into the median, struck an earth embankment, the truck continued & the tractor became detached & overturned and came to rest in the median between the over passes for State Line Road.  The driver was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, the truck is registered to Lae Transport Corp in Newark, New Jersey, the investigation is continuing.

The next Delaware County Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative committee virtual meeting is Today at 1:00 pm. This meeting will be live-streamed on the Delaware County YouTube channel; the link will be shared 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting on the Delaware County Facebook page.  The live-stream video will remain available on the Delaware County YouTube channel after the meeting has ended, and a recording will be available on Facebook.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society has a new exhibition coming to its History Center at 183 Main Street. "Up from the Ashes, Oneonta Shaped by Fire" opens Today, the exhibition covers the history of Oneonta's early fire companies, the Oneonta Fire Department, & notable Oneonta fires,  it  will remain on display until May 1st, more information is available at 432-0960 or info@OneontaHistory.org.