WCDO Radio News

37 year old Rondell Dowdell of Endicott, pleaded guilty this morning in Broome County Court, to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. On July 17, 2025, Dowdell was stopped in Vestal while operating an electric bicycle in violation State Traffic Laws, a Vestal Police Department canine alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search recovered approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, packaging material, and cash from suspected drug sales. Dowdell is scheduled for sentencing on October 14th, he faces 3 years in State Prison and 3 Years of post release supervision.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
Oneonta Fire Department responded to a fire at 10 Luther Street Sunday morning at about 9:00 Am. all occupants escaped without injuries, there were no injuries to firefighters, the cause of the fire is under investigation, the structure was a total loss.

State Police arrested 62 year old Dawn Hawley of Delancey for Stalking, after a victim located a tracking device in their vehicle. The victim believed that Hawley had placed the tracker in December 2025 but was unable to find it until last week, Hawley was processed and was issued an appearance ticket to the Hamden Town Court on July 22, 2026.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-22-25

Broome County 911 Center received multiple reports of a fire at the Knights Inn, at 2603 East Main Street in Endwell, at about 6:00 AM today, a total of 6 fatalities have been confirmed. Additional information, including the identities of the victims, will be released at a later time, 2 others were taken to Wilson Medical Center. over 70 residents have been displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. A temporary shelter has been set up at the Vestal United Methodist Church. Endwell Fire Department arrived to find heavy black smoke in the front of the building and flames showing from the rear of the building. The fire spread rapidly, and multiple Fire Departments, ambulance crews and police agencies arrived on scene to assist. The New York State Office of Fire, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, Broome County Mobile Crisis Response Team is on scene, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

State Police are reminding the public to follow State laws regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, and off-road electric motorcycles. E-bikes & E-scooters, Must be operated by riders 16 years or older, Helmets are required for riders ages 16 and 17, No sidewalk operation is allowed unless locally permitted, Riders must follow all traffic laws and yield to pedestrians, E-scooters limited to roads 30 mph or less. E-dirt bikes & off-highway electric motorcycles are Classified as off-highway motorcycles under State law, they are Not legal on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths, or parks unless fully registered, insured, and street legal, Most recreational models do not meet these requirements, Use is limited to private property with permission Parents or guardians may be subject to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child for non compliance.

Tomorrow is is Primary Election day around the State. Democrats will vote statewide for the Comptroller candidate between long time incumbent Tom DiNapoli and challengers Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle. Locally Democrats in the 102nd Assembly District will decide between 3 candidates, Thomas Boomhower, Janet Tweed & Mary Finneran. In the Republican Primaries locally, Peter Oberacker & Alexander Portelli are seeking the nomination to be on the ballot for the 19th Congressional District, in the 51st State Senate District, the Republican candidates are Chris Tague & Terry Bernardo, for Otsego County Sheriff, Incumbent Rich Devlin faces a challenge from Mike Stalter, In Afton, Jason Wicks is challenging long time Town Supervisor John Lawrence.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-22-26

State Police arrested 56 year old Joel Salinas of Bainbridge following a traffic stop on Chenango County Road 35 last Tuesday. Troopers observed a vehicle committing multiple violations, initiated a traffic stop, Troopers observed a sawed-off shot gun and other illegal weapons, Salinas was driving to sell the shotgun, the investigation resulted in the seizure of several other illegally possessed weapons. Salinas was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Sale of a Firearm, he was processed & transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

Sidney Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire with smoke and flames visible Friday night at about 7:00 PM at 826 Circle Drive, heavy smoke was showing from the ridge of the roof. Sidney firefighters launched an aggressive interior and exterior attack and contained the fire to one apartment. Assistance was provided by Masonville, Unadilla, Sidney Center, Oneonta, Guilford & Harpursville fire departments, no injuries were reported, Sidney was back in service at about 8:30PM.

State Police have released the name of the operator of a motorcycle involved in a crash early Wednesday as 39 year old Warren Loza of Vestal. The Investigation revealed that Loza collided with an SUV on State route 434 in the town of Owego, the operator told Police that they did not see the motorcycle coming & pulled out of the road into the lane of traffic, the SUV operator was taken to Wilson Hospital, Loza was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation remains on-going.

Another Sidney Community Clean-Up will be held at Keith Clark Park on Saturday, June 13. Starting time is set for 9:00 at the park pavilion. Volunteers will help variety of jobs throughout the walking trail areas. Some tools will be available, or volunteers may bring their favorite shovels, pruners or other gardening gear. Work gloves should be worn.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-4-26

State Police arrested 36 year old Salvatore Magro of Sherburne following an investigation into reports that underage victims were subjected to unwanted sexual contact while working with him. The investigation determined that over the last two years Magro engaged in a pattern of inappropriate sexual contact toward multiple teenage victims, while the victims were employed at Joe and Vinny’s Pizzeria on North Main Street in the village of Sherburne. Magro was taken into custody & was charged with Three counts of Forcible Touching, Four counts of Sexual Misconduct & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Magro was transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. The victims were issued Orders of Protection, Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, they can call State Police at (607)561-7400.

At approximately 2:03 pm Wednesday, the Otsego County 911 Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at Dietz Street Lofts, at 34 Dietz Street in Oneonta, Units arriving on scene found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. Mutual aid was requested to the scene, and the fire was quickly extinguished. No serious injuries have been reported. One individual was transported for evaluation for possible smoke inhalation. Some residents have been displaced and the American Red Cross is contacting them to ensure they have access to temporary shelter. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Numerous area Fire Departments also responded.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-12-26

State Attorney General Letitia James has released footage from the Vestal Police body-worn cameras that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Eslam Hegazy, who died on February 25th following an encounter with Vestal Police Department. The video shows Police instructing Hegazy to drop his knife repeatedly, a Taser was deployed at Hegazy, who still failed to comply, 2 officers shot at him, Hegazy was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The video can be accessed through a link at ag.ny.gov.

There will be a host of activities at General Clinton Park on Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend, during the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, co-chair Chris smith told WCDO about the Music Fest that day:

(Chris Smith 5-12-26)

Co-Chair Mike Kaufman told WCDO of an added incentive to increase the crowd size for the awards ceremony after the 70 mile canoe races:

(Mike Kaufman 5-12-26)

The General Clinton Canoe regatta runs from Friday May 22nd to Sunday night May 24, more information is available at canoeregatta.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-12-26

State Police announced that 18 year old Dalton Malmstrom of Nichols, who was reported missing Saturday, was found deceased in the Susquehanna River by the State Police Under Water Recovery Team and members of the K9 unit. Troopers were assisted by members of the Nichols Fire Department. Malmstrom was last seen leaving his residence in Nichols, at approximately 7:45 am. on Saturday.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-11-26

50 year old Paul Graham of Binghamton, was sentenced following his conviction for Assault, & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Graham was sentenced in Broome County Court to a term of 12½ years in State Prison with 5 years of post-release supervision. The conviction stems from an incident on January 4, 2025, when officers with the Binghamton Police Department responded to a disturbance, they found a male victim suffering from a puncture wound to his chest. The victim was transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center, requiring emergency heart surgery to survive the life threatening injury.

38 year old Gregory Rivenburg of Vestal, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to a felony Assault charge Rivenburg attempted to stab a victim on January 9, 2025, lost control of the knife, but then beat & choked the victim, Rivenburg was scheduled to begin trial but instead entered a guilty plea, the conviction will result in a 6 Year State Prison Sentence followed by 5 Years of Post Release Supervision. Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2026, in Broome County Court.

Governor Hochul & the State Department of Health announced $10 million to enhance dental care services at school-based health centers and improve oral health outcomes for children across the state. The program includes dental services offering preventive and restorative oral health care, including screenings, sealants, and treatments, Delivered directly at the schools.

The Oneonta Department of Public Works announced that Crews were working to repair a Water Main Break on Scrambling Avenue this morning. Once the repair is complete, water users may experience a change in water color and/or pressure, More information is available by calling the Department of Public Works at (607) 432-2100 or email dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-27-26

38 year old Eslam Hegazy of Vestal has been identified as the person who was shot by Vestal Police Wednesday, Hegazy threw a television set at officers and he failed to put down a knife & attempted to attack an officer, after they responded to the report of a mental health issue, Hegazy was taken to Wilson Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the case has been turned over to the State Attorney General's Office.

State Police at Homer responded On November 25, 2025, to a report of a deceased woman in the town of Cortlandville. The woman was identified as 59 year old Robin Bowman of Findlay, Ohio, Police have now determined that she had been living in her vehicle in the Cortlandville area prior to being located, the autopsy revealed that Bowman’s cause of death was exposure to the elements, causing hypothermia.

60 year old Allen Hurt of Endwell, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court for possessing narcotics with intent to sell in Broome County Court. As part of the plea, Hurt will be sentenced as a 2nd time felony drug offender to 7 years in State prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision. On January 2, 2025, investigators executed a narcotics Search Warrant at Hurt's residence, Police seized crack cocaine, cutting agents, packaging materials, a digital scale, and $1,159 in U.S. currency.

Voters in the 16 component districts of DCMO BOCES have approved a $44.4 million capital project. The project proposed repairs and upgrades to both the Harrold Campus in Sidney Center and the Pole Campus in Norwich, an addition to the Harrold Campus, and the purchase of the Masonville School site for student program expansion. DCMO BOCES Superintendent Michael Rullo told WCDO News about the timeline after the positive vote:

(Michael Rullo 2-5-26)

The components of the project were approved by about 2/3rds of the voters on average, More information is available at visit dcmoboces.com.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 2-5-26

State Police arrested a father and son in Broome County following the execution of a search warrant by the Troop C Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, Troop C Community Stabilization Unit, Vestal Police Department and the State Office of Cannabis Management. The search warrant is the result of a several months-long investigation at 448 Robin Lane in the Town of Vestal. Police seized 8 pounds of cannabis, 3 pounds of cannabis concentrate plus cash, Cell Phones and a PC Tablet, they arrested 22 year old Tyler Dickerson of Endicott on multiple counts of Criminal Possession of Cannabis, and 41 year old William Dickerson of Vestal on the Cannabis charges, plus Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Governmental Administration, Both men were processed and issued appearance tickets to appear at the Vestal Town Court on February 19.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-30-26

The City of Norwich has proclaimed today as Jan Papelino Day, with a ceremony today to honor his service as the Norwich Fire Department Chief from 2018, to today. Papelino talked to WCDO on his special day:

(Jan Papelino 1-30-26)

Papelino has served in the Fire Department since 1979, he also worked for 40 years with Unison in Norwich. Gerald Perry will take over as the Norwich Fire Chief.

State Police at Troop C responded today to the report of a vehicle with a windshield that shattered due to ice falling off of a tractor trailer on I-81. An investigation determined that a tractor trailer and a pick-up truck were traveling north on I-81 when a slab of ice flew off the tractor trailer and fell onto the pick-up behind it, the pick-up truck’s driver side front window and windshield were shattered, the driver tractor trailer did not stop, the operator of the pick-up truck, a 23-year-old male of Camden suffered hand and facial injuries, State Police remind Motorists to brush off snow and ice off their vehicles, The investigation is on-going.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced the full 2026 Promotional Schedule for the 2026 season today. There will be 15 giveaways, 12 firework shows, 7 specialty jerseys, 3 appearances and a newly introduced drone show. Individual game tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale Monday, at 9 am online and in-person at the Visions FCU Starting Gate Box Office at Mirabito Stadium. The Rumble Ponies kick off the 2026 season in New Hampshire on April 3rd before returning home on April 7th to take on the Somerset Patriots.

A.M. NEWS Friday 1-30-26

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 49 year old Kunga Gyamtso following an investigation of a sexual assault that occurred in the Town of Hartwick. Gyamtso is accused of subjecting a female victim to unwanted forcible sexual acts at his residence in the Town of Hartwick. Evidence was presented to the Otsego County Grand Jury which handed down an indictment for the arrest, for Rape & Criminal Sexual Act, Gyamtso was arraigned in the Otsego County Court and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on $40,000 cash bail or $400,000 partially secured bond. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Vestal Police Department. .

State Police will be hosting a free child car seat check on Sunday, February 1, between 10 am. and 1 pm. at the Delhi Fire Department located at 140 Delview Terrace Ext. Delhi. Techs will Make sure your child’s car seat is properly installed and the right fit for their age, height and weight, they will check the car seat if there are any recalls and check its expiration. State Law requires that all children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until they reach their 8th birthday. All children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat. for more information, contact Troop C at (607)561-7400 and ask for Traffic.