WCDO Radio News

Wildfires have been reported on Long island, as well as another in the Adirondacks, the State's annual Burn Ban will start on March 16th & will run through Mid May. The DEC reports that the Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

State Police at Deposit responded Thursday to a fatal crash in the 4100 block of State Route 26 in the town of Nanticoke. Troopers, Maine Ambulance and Glen Aubrey Fire Department found that a Ford pick-up that had crashed, with the driver pinned underneath the tire. It was determined that the driver was already deceased by the time the first responders arrived. The driver is identified as 22 year old Sethe Menta of Lisle, Members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Collision Reconstruction Unit also responded to the scene.

Walton Fire Department responded Sunday afternoon to a structure fire in the Town of Walton. The call came in as a chimney fire with the homeowner concerned that it had extended into the wall behind the wood stove as there was black smoke and the sound of fire within the walls. At 4:45 pm the homeowner reported seeing flames upstairs and was unsure if it was coming from walls or chimney. Sidney Center and Trout Creek departments were moved from their station to the scene and Franklin Fire Dept was requested for a tanker. By 5:17 the fire was reported under control with units checking for extension and doing overhaul work. No injuries were reported.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will recognize several businesses and groups for their service to the county’s business community at its 2024 Business Awards celebration on October 16 at The Meredith Inn at Stonewall. Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 9-11-24)

The new businesses that will be honored include Bakers Grimm in Delhi, Bizzy Bees Learning Academy in Delhi, Catskills Junction in Stamford, Delhi Work Station, Galloping Horse Graphics in Hancock, The Hobart Exchange, The Lost Bookshop in Delhi, and The Walton Diner. Tickets for the dinner event are $60 per person. Reservations are required and may be made under the Events column at DelawareCounty.org.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Downsville from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Downsville Fire Department, State Highway 30, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-10-24

State Police responded Saturday Afternoon to a report of a single car crash with entrapment in the town of Franklin. 74 year old Gjeto Vulaj of Delhi was traveling south on County Highway 16 in a 2005 Jeep Wrangler, he went off the road into a ditch and his vehicle became engulfed in flames. Vulaj was trapped in the vehicle when a family member who was traveling behind him and another citizen attempted to remove him from the vehicle but they were unsuccessful. Vulaj was ultimately extricated by fire personnel from Franklin and Treadwell Fire Departments. He was transported to A.O Fox Hospital but did not survive. The family member who attempted to free Vulaj suffered smoke inhalation and burns. The investigation is continuing.

49 year old Keith Audette of Hamden was indicted for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs by the Delaware County Grand Jury last week. The Indictment alleges that on April 9th, Audette was driving in the Village of Walton while impaired by methamphetamines, he was previously convicted of operating a motor vehicle with .08 BAC in 2015 in Chenango County, where he was required to have an interlock device in any vehicle he operates. Audette was also charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle as well as driving without an Interlock Device, & he faces court action shortly.

37 year old Eric Black of Walton was indicted by the Delaware County Grand Jury last week on a 2 Count Indictment for Grand Larceny, he is accused of stealing 2 guns from his mother’s residence which were secured in locked storage cases. Black faces court action on the indictment shortly.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today from 5:30PM to 7:30PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street, Franklin. Dogs must be on a leash & under proper control. Cats and Ferrets should be in a carrying case, more information is available at Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200.

The Butternut Valley Alliance has announced a partnership with SFCU, to take the necessary measures to open a full-service branch in Morris. This development comes after the "Save Our Bank" task force was formed, as Community Bank NA had announced plan last year to close their Morris Branch. Butternut Valley Alliance Vice Chair Maggie Brenner explains:

(Maggie Brenner 5-14-24)

Brenner said that the BDD process can take 6 to 12 months, meanwhile, SFCU plans to begin offering limited services with a representative assisting businesses and residents in opening accounts, The Alliance will try to find out Community Bank's plans with their former office in Morris, to see if it can become a new branch for SFCU.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-14-24

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested a Kirkwood man for 3 gas station robberies. The 1st Robbery was on May 9th, at the Speedway gas station on Route 7 in Sanitaria Springs, where a male with a black shirt wrapped around his hand, implying he had a weapon, and grabbed a cash register & fled the scene in a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck. The 2nd Robbery was at the Mirabito gas station on Old Route 17 in Windsor, Sheriff Deputies identified the suspect vehicle and potential suspect as 46 year old Clint Loomis of Kirkwood. On Friday, a 3rd Robbery occurred at a gas station in Greene, Loomis was located on Route 12 in the Town of Chenango, A Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Loomis resisted, a Taser was deployed but Loomis drove off, Tire deflation devices were set up, Loomis damaged his tires but continued to flee, eventually leaving the vehicle on foot, he was apprehended. Loomis was wanted on a warrant, & was charged with Robbery, Obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment, unlawfully fleeing Police, Resisting arrest & 26 traffic violations, he was being held for arraignment.

Oneonta Fire Fighters responded to a fire Sunday morning on Columbia Street, several occupants escaped, the fire began on the 1st floor, The cause of the fire is under investigation, the house is uninhabitable.

Blood Supplies are still critically low, there will be 2 Red Cross Blood Drives locally today. A Walton blood drive will be held from 1:30 pm. - 6 pm., at the Pines Brook Church, Another will be held from 10 am. - 3 pm., at Springbrook, 105 Campus Drive in Oneonta, appointments are requested at RedCrossBlood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 62 year old Bert Mullineaux of Walton on January 9th. Deputies were dispatched to a 1 car motor vehicle accident on Bobs Brook Road in the Town of Tompkins, Deputies determined that Mullineaux's driving privileges are revoked for DWI since 2006, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, Moving from a lane Unsafely, and Speed not reasonable and Prudent, he will appear in Tompkins Town Court at a later date to answer those charges.

Fire fighters in Morris were able to quickly extinguish a trailer home fire Sunday night. Morris Firefighters were called to 422 Pegg Road just before 6:00 PM Sunday night, crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly, with only minor damage reported, no injuries were reported.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group annual meeting will be held tonight at 6:30pm at the Sidney Center Fire Hall. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. The Improvement Group Board is seeking new members and more involvement in order to continue bringing programming, events and improvement projects to the Hamlet of Sidney Center and for the Town of Sidney.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies were on patrol in the Village of Walton Sunday and stopped a vehicle for multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. Deputies seized a quantity of narcotics and methamphetamine from the occupants and vehicle, Deputies arrested 40 year old Patrick Ladd of Walton for 5 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, & 43 year old Leslie McClenon of Walton was charged with several traffic violations & criminal possession of a controlled substance for possessing Methamphetamine with intent to sell, a 3rd occupant of the vehicle was released at the scene without charges at this time. McClenon was subsequently released on appearance tickets and directed to appear at the Village of Walton court at a later date. Ladd was held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility for centralized arraignment.

The City of Norwich Police Department announced that their phone lines and internet are down at the Police station today Wednesday, and possibly tomorrow. They hope to have the services restored as soon as possible.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $25 million in capital grants will be made available to help volunteer fire departments upgrade their facilities and equipment. The grants will be administered by the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, fire companies have until April 30 2024 to respond to the request for applications at dhses.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-25-23

60 year old John Hussey of Walton, pleaded guilty in Walton Town Court for Driving While Intoxicated. On February 21st, a State Trooper responded to the report of a vehicle stuck in a ditch on Beebe Road, the Trooper found Hussey face down in the ditch, he was uncooperative & impaired, he refused to take a Field Sobriety Test and attempted to get into his vehicle, Hussey was arrested & taken into custody. Hussey was sentenced Thursday, he had his license revoked for 6 months, was assessed a fine and surcharge, and ordered the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, he will also be required to enroll in the Impaired Driving Program and the Victim Impact Panel.

Broome County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 2 people following a home invasion with shots fire Wednesday evening at Bradley Creek Road in the Town of Maine. Sheriff Akshar explained at a Press Conference this afternoon.:

(Sheriff Akshar 8-25-23)

Sheriff Akshar said that 2 people were arrested within 3 hours of the incident; 21 year old Jayvon Phillip & 31 year old Rozlyn Warthen of Binghamton were each charged with Attempted Murder, Attempted Burglary & Criminal Use of A Firearm, Phillip sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the incident and was being treated at a local hospital when he and Warthen were arrested. The investigation is currently open and active. If anyone has additional information related to this case, please call the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at 607-778-1196

A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Unadilla from 12 pm. - 5 pm. at the Unadilla Fire Department, 77 Clifton St, Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-23-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla, pleaded guilty to 4th degree Arson, on June 4, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney. Upon arrival, the Troopers discovered several broken and intact beer bottles, some of which contained gasoline, a victim stated that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. The Bottles were tested, the results confirmed the presence of Harris’ DNA on the bottles. Harris will be sentenced to five years of felony probation supervision when sentenced at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Nicholas Wayman of Bainbridge, after they responded to a Domestic Report in the Town of Delhi at the Victims place of work. The investigation revealed that Wayman had been involved in a Domestic Dispute while in a moving vehicle, having unwanted physical contact with the victim while in the presence of a child within the vehicle, the victim possessed an order of protection against him. Wayman was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Contempt, Harassment & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and other related violation, he was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date to answer the charges.

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 31 year old Derek Wignall of Hancock, pleaded guilty to Criminal Contempt. Wignall violated an Order of Protection by contacting the protected party while incarcerated on an unrelated matter, he was placed back into custody upon discovery of the violation of the Order of Protection. Judge Rosa ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be undertaken by the Delaware County Probation Department. If found to be appropriate, Wignall will be placed on probation supervision for a five-year term.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-23-23

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call placed at a Fast Trac gas station in the Town of Fenton from a victim reporting that she had been assaulted and held hostage on Ballyhack Road in the Town of Fenton before escaping. 39 year old Steven Fish of Fenton is accused of threatening the victim with a machete, sexually and physically assaulting the victim, who was treated at a local hospital. Fish was charged with 1st Degree Rape, Criminal Sexual Act by Forcible Compulsion, Unlawful Imprisonment & Menacing, he was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility.

Binghamton Police Department announced the names of the couple who were found after a fire was extinguished at 56 Howard Avenue. The investigation revealed that 64-year-old Patrick Angeline shot his wife, 62 year old Wanda Angeline, multiple times before starting the fire. He later shot himself inside of the home. The investigation is continuing, Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at (607) 772-7080.

The American Red Cross will hold 2 more local Blood Drives today. 1 drive will be held in Walton from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, another will be held in Cooperstown from 9 am. - 2 pm., at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Delhi. This is the first animal in Delaware County to test positive for rabies in 2023, 1 dog was bitten by a the rabid raccoon, there were no human exposures. According to the owner of the exposed dog, the raccoon was not acting sick or appeared to be rabid. Vaccination records of the dog indicated the animal was not up to date on its rabies vaccinations & will have a 6-month quarantine following State Department of Health guidelines. Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of any of the free remaining rabies clinics in Delaware County, in Sidney on May 8th from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at the Sidney Fire Hall: 74 River Street, or in Hancock on May 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30PM at the Hancock Town Hall, at 661 West Main Street.

Les Gregory of Sidney will turn 100 years old on Sunday, there will be Celebration for Gregory on Saturday at the Sidney Fire Station, Mr. Gregory told WCDO News of how he made it to 100 yeas of age & how he is humbled by all the attention he has received:

(Les Gregory 3-31-23)

Area resident Larry Halbert has known Les Gregory since he was a boy & he told WCDO News about Mr. Gregory:

(Larry Halbert 3-31-23)

Halbert said that Gregory served in the Army Air Core, which turned into the Air force, over 28 years, he operated his own insurance business, volunteered in the Sidney & other Fire Departments for over 70 years, he created the Delaware County Arson Task Force and is a long time Sidney Rotary member. Halbert said that every Sidney household will get a copy of the Walton Reporter this week, which spotlights Les Gregory's life. WCDO will air the full interview with Les Gregory following the 6:00 PM News tonight, and again tomorrow immediately following the WCDO Birthday Club at 9:30 AM.

Catholic Charities of Sidney and other local organizations will hold another Community Partnership Mass Food Distribution this Friday morning at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street. Catholic Charities spokesperson Penny McKnight told WCDO News that they need volunteers to assist on that day:

(Penny McKnight 9-27-22)

McKnight reminds those wishing to attend to not arrive before 11:00 AM, and to stay in their vehicles in order to have an efficient distribution.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-27-22

The National Weather Service investigators revealed that a tornado moved through the Walton area on Sunday September 25th. The tornado moved through between 6:38 and 6:41 pm. Tornado damage was located along Walton Mountain Road where trees fell in a convergent pattern, damage was also reported on Route 10 to an auto repair shop and the west branch of the Delaware River along South River Road. The Weather Service measured the tornado’s winds at EF0 to EF1.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-20-22

Attorney General Letitia James and the State Department of Taxation and Finance announced the arrest and arraignment of 60 year old Carl Carro of Walton, for failing to pay more than $75,000 in New York state taxes over the past 6 years, he was previously arrested for operating a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Carro is charged with multiple counts of Criminal Tax Fraud, Offering a False Instrument for Filing and Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Tax Returns, if convicted, he faces 10 to 20 years in state prison. Carro was arraigned in the village of Sidney court and was remanded pending a bail hearing.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has a few tickets remaining for their annual Dinner on June 2nd At the River Street Fire Station. Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 5-20-22)

This year, the Chamber fill honor Gavin's Pizzeria as the Business of the Year, The Sidney Central School District Alumni Association as the organization of the year, & Schunk herself was voted as Citizen Of The Year.

The American Red Cross Continues to hold local blood drives, the next one is in West Oneonta today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the West Neonatal Fire Department. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Village of Sidney Police Department held an open house this afternoon, Sidney Police Chief Eric Oliver explains:

(Chief Oliver 5-17-22)

Chief Oliver said that visitors toured the Police Station & the Village Court at the Getman Building next to the Civic Center on Liberty Street in Sidney earlier today.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the new Delaware County Behavioral Health Clinic at 243 Delaware Street. The building was officially opened last November, the ribbon cutting was held off until COVID cases declined. the Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services & the office of Mental Health are housed in the new building.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-18-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak released a statement regarding the Payton Gendron statements made during an online class at Susquehanna Valley School District in 2021. Korchak said that the statement mentioned Murder & Suicide, District officials followed protocols & notified State Police, who escorted Gendron to an area hospital for a mental Health Evaluation. Korchak said that no direct threat was made in the statement, and there was no mention of firearms, Gendron was released & returned to school & graduation exercises without incident. Gendron faces Court action Thursday for multiple counts of 1st degree murder for the Buffalo Tops Supermarket mass shooting Saturday that left 10 dead & 3 injured.

2 more American Red Cross Blood drives are being held in the region today. Upcoming blood donation opportunities include one in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School, a drive will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS

The Chenango County Historical Society is seeking community feedback in order to develop activities and programs that are relevant and interesting to broader audiences. CCHS is developing long-term plans to guide the organization’s thematic development, as well as clarifying educational and interpretive goals for the museum.  A brief survey is available at tinyurl.com/CCHSFeedback; all who respond to the survey will receive a free downloadable commemorative Chenango County Historical Society keepsake.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-19-21

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services reported flooding Saturday Night in Gilbertsville, Mt Upton and Morris, including Road Collapses on State Route 51 northbound between County Route 8 in Gilbertsville and the village of Morris.  Otsego County Acting Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones told WCDO News this morning that additional problems have cropped up in Unadilla:

(Victor Jones 7-19-21)

Jones said that Otsego County Board of Representatives Chairman David Bliss has implemented a State of Emergency for the Town of Butternuts, Pittsfield & Morris, Jones said that affected roads are Dimock Hollow, Nichols, Jones & Burlingame Roads, County Road 49 in the town of Pittsfield, plus Otsego County Routes 4 & 18, Lockwood Hill Road & he also said that the Gilbertsville & Morris firehouses were flooded, but crews got equipment out in time.  Delaware County reported issues with State Route 30 in Roxbury Sunday.

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types; especially type O,  are urged to make an appointment to give now.   A blood drive is being held from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Walton Fire Department, at 59 West Street,  Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

The Unadilla Valley Central School District will host a 5K run/walk at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, for 14 year old Cooper Hine, who is a Unadilla Valley 8th Grader, who was seriously injured in an ATV crash in New Berlin recently.  Another fundraising chicken barbecue and Chinese auction will follow at the South New Berlin Fire Department on July 17th.  Hine is hospitalized at the Upstate Medical center in Syracuse.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Walton resident June 19th on Delaware Street in the Village of Walton.  Deputies observed a speeding vehicle traveling north on Delaware Street, they stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as 28-year old Kassondra  Pierce of Walton,  A routine DMV inquiry revealed that Pierce’s driving privileges and vehicle registration were suspended due to an insurance lapse.  Pierce was charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle, speeding, operating an uninspected motor vehicle as well as other charges, her vehicle was towed from the scene & she was released to appear in the Village of Walton Court on a later date.

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage, Donors of all blood types; especially type O are urged to make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  Blood drives this week include Today in Sidney at the Fire training Center on River Street from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, Today in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on market Street & tomorrow in Morris from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at the Episcopal Church, at 162 Main Street.

The Watershed Agricultural Council will be sponsoring their 4th annual blood drive from 12:00 to 5:00 pm today at the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street, Walton. Appointments are requested at redcrossblood.org.

There will be another Sidney Center meeting tonight at 6:30 regarding the proposed zoning changes.  The meeting will be held at the firemen’s field by the Sidney Center fire station.

Firefighters in Norwich fought a blaze at 20 Brown Street Sunday afternoon at around 3:35 PM.  1 occupant escaped firefighters from North Norwich & Plymouth assisted the Norwich Fire Department, no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 49 year old Jonathan Brooks of Walton after stopping an uninsured vehicle in the Village of Walton.   Brooks is accused of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; his driving privileges were also suspended because of his auto insurance not being in effect.  Brooks was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle among other charges, he was ordered to appear in Village of Walton Court at a later date.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Friday night to a shooting on Light Road in Harpursville.  An investigation revealed that 38 year old Timothy Wilcox shot his estranged wife, 35 year old Meghan Wilcox then turned the gun on himself, and a 16-year-old teen was at the house at the time of the incident and was not injured.  Meghan Wilcox was transported Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where she is in critical condition, Timothy  Wilcox was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City and later flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse & was in critical condition, he is employed as a peace officer with the Broome County Security Division.   The investigation is on-going.

Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested Garrett Hunter for 3 Counts of Burglary, plus Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Grand Larceny, among other charges for allegedly breaking into the Mirabito Gas Station in Sherburne on 2 separate occasions.  Hunter is accused of stealing a loaded handgun from a vehicle in Sherburne, & breaking into a victim’s residence in Smyrna.   Hunter was located hiding inside of the victim’s residence by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail, further charges may be filed, the investigation is continuing.

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in Walton today, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street.  Appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Sidney Center will have their annual "Holiday In The
Hamlet" celebration Saturday starting at 5:15 with Santa Claus, the event
will be held at the Sidney Center Fire station.

The Chenango County Health Department will hold their last
Rabies vaccination clinic tomorrow in Norwich.
The clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets will be held from 9:30 to 11:00
AM at the Norwich Fire Station, More information is available at 337-1673.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next
networking breakfast this morning from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Feather &
Stone Restaurant at 38 West Street in Walton.
The featured speaker is State Senator Jen Metzger.

The Friends of Afton Parade Committee will hold the annual
Afton Christmas Parade Saturday.  The
Parade line-up will be at Corporate Park on Route 7 at 4:00 pm, the parade
starts at 5:00pm & Santa will be in the NBT Bank after the parade. Food and
hot beverages provided by the Chamber of Commerce and VFW, located inside the
VFW. Community bonfire located in the First Baptist Church Parking lot after
the parade. More information is available at 208-5005, or the "Friends of
Afton" Facebook page.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced their
"Community Heroes Awards”, presented to Chamber members who have changed
their communities for the better.  The
2019 Delaware County Heroes are George Bergleitner, of Delaware County Real
Estate of Stamford,   Eric Wedemeyer,
founding broker of Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties, & Patty Wood of
the Walton Town Council.  A reception
will be held on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 - 7 p.m., at the Delaware County
Historical Association at 46549 State Highway 10, Delhi, more information is
available at delawarecounty.org or at 746-2281.

Starting this Friday, November 1st The Otsego County
Planning Department & Solid Waste, Televisions, monitors, and commercial
grade electronics will be charged at $12 per unit at the Oneonta Transfer
Station.  All other electronics will
remain free.  Officials said that the
change is to help cover rising recycling costs related to electronics, more information
is available at 547-4256.

The New Berlin Art Forum presents the Navy band Commodores
for a free concert Wednesday night at the Unadilla Valley Central School
Auditorium.  Forum Spokesperson Margaret
Murray said that the show is free but tickets are required for this Jazz
Concert:

(Margaret Murray 10-29-19)

Murray said that she will take
ticket reservations through 3:00 PM Wednesday 263-2115, Tickets are also
available at The New Berlin Library & the New Berlin Service Pharmacy.

47-year-old Andrew Menke has died following a Saturday
Afternoon Fire in his 3rd Floor Apartment above the Little Venice Restaurant in
Binghamton over the weekend.  Menke was
discovered in the hallway at 111 Chenango Street, he was taken to Wilson
Medical Center, and He was moved to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.  Fire damage was confined to the third-floor
apartment where the blaze originated. The restaurant sustained some water
damage, but was able to re-open Sunday.
The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies
responded to a 4 vehicle accident in Walton Monday.  19 year old Nathan Plante of Margaretville
was driving on State Route 10 when he veered into opposing lane to avoid
hitting vehicles that had stopped in front of him for construction.   Plante first hit a vehicle in the opposing
lane driven by 76-year-old James Zimmerman of South Carolina, then he hit a
vehicle stopped in his lane driven by 37-year-old Jarred Robinson of Walton,
Robinson's vehicle then hit a vehicle driven by 59-year-old Robin Wagner of
Tonawanda.   Robinson’s passenger Scott
Fitch was airlifted to Wilson Hospital for a spinal injury.  Robinson was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital
for a leg injury and Plante was also taken to Delaware Valley Hospital for
possible internal injuries.  Plante was
issued traffic summonses for “speed not reasonable and prudent” and failure to
keep right, he’ll appear in the town of Walton Court at a later date.

State Police are
searching John Clark of Oneonta for failing to appear in Town of Oneonta Court
earlier this year.   Clark was taken into
custody last May after troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at the
Lantern Hill Trailer Park, where he is accused of punching a victim in the
face.   Anyone who has information on
Clark’s whereabouts should call State Police at 432-3211.

The Otsego County District Attorney's
office announced the names of the Juveniles allegedly involved in the murder of
53 year old Kenneth Robinson of Worcester last week.  15 year old Dylan Robinson, the victim’s son,
has been charged with 2nd degree Murder & Robbery, along with 16 year old
Alexander Borgreen & 15 year old Anais Soto, all of Oneonta.  16 year old Alexis Lotterman of Walton was
charged with Robbery.  32 year old
Nicolas Meridy was charged with murder & Robbery in connection with the
Robinson Murder, he faces action in Worcester town court today.

The Chenango County Health Department
will hold their next free Rabies vaccination clinic today in Oxford.  The clinic will be held at the Oxford Fire
Station from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, for dogs, Cats & domesticated Ferrets, more
information is available at 337-1673.

The Delaware County Fair continues tomorrow with a variety
of events, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig Saturday)

The 133rd Delaware County Fair ends Saturday night after the
Fireworks display.

The 27th Chenango Bluesfest continues with a free
lineup tonight at the Fairgrounds in Norwich.
Blues fest organizer Eric Larsen said that the festival gets bigger
every year:

(Eric Larsen 8-16-19)

Tickets are required for
Saturday's all day line up; they can be purchased at the gate or online at
chenangobluesfest.org/tickets.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau announced that they have
teamed up with the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health for a
presentation Monday in Norwich, regarding safety issues with farm equipment,
Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers explains;

(Bradd Vickers 8-15-19)

The event will be free of charges & will be held at the
Norwich Fire House Monday at 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

The Delaware County Fair Continues with another full day of
activities today, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig Friday)

The Delaware County Fair runs through Saturday night,
concluding with a fireworks display at the Fairgrounds in Walton.

Sidney Village Police arrested 3 people following an
investigation into arson on Cartwright Avenue Tuesday.  Sidney Police said that the fire was set in a
doorway & was quickly extinguished by occupants before it could
spread.  24 year old Elizabeth Hall of
Sidney, 19 year old Allyssa Wright & were charged with arson, reckless
endangerment, conspiracy & endangering the welfare of a child, Hall &
Wright were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on
$10,000 Cash Bail or $20,000 Bond, an unidentified 12 year old female was also
charged with arson, conspiracy & reckless endangerment, she was released on
a Juvenile appearance ticket.

An Internet Safety Awareness & Prevention of Child
Exploitation Conference will be held in Walton tomorrow, featuring a survivor
of Human Trafficking, plus presentations by the National Center for Missing
& Exploited Children, & the State Police.  The conference will be held at the New Hope
Church in Walton Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, more information is available
at832-5334.

Delaware County Public Health will host a Free Rabies
Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets today at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at
Delhi Fire Hall 140 Delview Terrace Extension.
More information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or
delawarecountypublichealth.com

39 year old Jason Phoenix of Walton was arrested by State
Troopers for DWI with a BAC that was almost twice the legal limit.  Phoenix was stopped during a road check on
Lower Main Street in the town of Oneonta, Phoenix was arrested, and he was ordered
to appear in the town of Oneonta court on May 7th.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce
& the Sidney Emergency Medical Services have announced that Jeff
Joyner,  the CEO of Fox Hospital and the
Fox Tri Town Campus will be discussing the relationship with Sidney and the
surrounding area with Fox hospital, & the expected growth of FOX services,
on May 14th at 8:00 AM at Sidney Country Club.
The Sidney Chamber is asking for interested members to RSVP as soon as
possible at 561-2642.

Oneonta police arrested Gabriel Truitt Tuesday afternoon; he
was recently indicted on charges of arson and murder in connection with a
December 29th fire at 5 Walling Avenue that claimed the life of former
firefighter John Heller.  Oneonta Police
obtained a search warrant for Truitt's Sister in Law residence, right next door
to the Police Station at 95 Main Street, he was found hiding in the basement,
and was taken into custody without incident.
Truitt was taken to the Otsego County jail, he faces arraignment this
morning.

State Police released the names of the people involved in a 2-car Head-On crash in the Town of Columbus Saturday. 27 year old Bradley Prosser of Sherburne was the driver of the first vehicle that crossed into the opposing lane and crashed head on into a 2nd vehicle. Prosser was pronounced dead at the scene, he had a .23 BAC according to the autopsy report. Prosser’s passenger, 26 year old Tasha Carney of Edmeston suffered minor injuries from the crash. The driver of the 2nd vehicle was 46 year old Shannon Donnelly-Travis of Schuyler Lake; she was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, for a fractured arm and leg.

State Senator Fred Akshar continued the 2nd year of his "Akshar's All-Stars" student recognition program on Tuesday by recognizing students at 4 school districts. At the Harpursville High School, Akshar recognized senior Colin LaDue for his leadership, dedication and many contributions to his school and community. At the Afton High School, Akshar recognized sophomore Logan Ives for her selfless devotion to charity and giving back to others in need. At Bainbridge-Guilford High School, Akshar recognized senior Tannar Cliffe for his kindness and dependability both in and out of school. At DCMO BOCES in Norwich, Akshar recognized senior Destin Foley for his energy and dedication to both his academic studies and to helping others in the classroom.

Firefighters from Sherburne & 2 other local departments responded to a fire at Crandall's Auto on Blanding Road in Sherburne last night at about 8:30 PM. No injuries were reported, the building was completely destroyed; investigators are trying to determine how that fire started.

The Chenango Arts Council's 2019 Grants for Teachers application deadline has been extended until this Friday, December 21st. The Program provides up to $500 to K-12 teachers in Chenango County who find innovative ways to integrate the arts into the regular school curriculum through projects that are not covered by the school budget. Teachers currently employed by a public or private school in Chenango County are eligible to apply; more information is available at chenangoarts.org/grants/grants-for-teachers. Awards will be made in February 2019.

A Free Christmas Dinner will be available in Sidney this year on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station, organizer Gene Schmidt comments:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-18)

More information about the free Christmas day Dinner is available at 607-610-4030; this year will be the 6th year that Schmidt & his family have offered the free Christmas dinner.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will tour several area business today. Hochul will Tour Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney this morning at 9:15, Corning Incorporated in Oneonta, at 10:30, and then at 1:30 this afternoon she will tour Chobani in New Berlin.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the state Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment Training today, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. New York State mandates ALL employers to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy as well as to train ALL employees on sexual harassment prevention. The Seminar will be held at the Otsego County Chamber/Otsego Now Offices at 189 Main Street on the 5th floor, in Oneonta.

Governor Cuomo announced his agenda for the 1st 100 days of 2019 on Monday. Among the items on his agenda: adopting a Progressive Tax System, Cut Middle Class Taxes, Protecting Affordable Health Care, Gender Equality, Combat Gun Violence, ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water, Pass the Child Victims Act & Legalize Adult Use of Recreational Marijuana.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 40 year old Brenna Talbot of Walton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree following a traffic stop on County Highway 21 in the Town of Franklin. Talbot was additionally charged with unlicensed operator, operating without a headlight. She was released on tickets returnable to Franklin Town Court at a later date.

The number of Animal Cruelty cases or cases of animal hoarding have spiked recently in the Southern Tier, which creates a difficult situation for area Shelters. Erin Insinga of the Delaware Valley Humane Society told WCDO News that if you know of those situations, the first call is to your local sheriff's department:

(Erin Insinga 12-12-18)

Insinga said that the animals are removed by law enforcement, they get checked by vets and can then be adopted following a brief process, and more information is available at 563-7780.

A Free Christmas Dinner will be available in Sidney this year on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station, organizer Gene Schmidt said that donations & volunteers are needed:

(Gene Schmidt 12-12-18)

Schmidt said that he can be reached at 607-610-4030. This year will be the 6th year that Schmidt & his family have offered the free Christmas dinner.

Almond Upton of Florida has died in Prison, where he was serving time for the murder of State Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 In Broome County in May of 2014. Upton was serving his sentence in the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora. Upton claimed he was in a manic state at the time he intentionally ran over Trooper Skinner, who was ocnducting an unrealted traffic stop, Upton was found guilty & was sentecned to life in prison, he died Sunday & the cause of death has not yet been released.

The Department of Environmental Protection announced plans to build a $34 million hydroelectric facility at Cannonsville Reservoir, which should produce enough electricity to power more than 3,500 homes each year. DEP officials announced that they will host 2 public meetings on Friday, one at 9:00 AM at the Deposit State Theater, at 148 Front Street in Deposit, & at 12:30 PM at the Upper Delaware Council office, 211 Bridge Street in Narrowsburg. More information is available at nyc.gov.

Residents in South New Berlin are voting today on a proposed $1.1 million project to purchase property and construct a new fire department building. Voting will be held from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM at the South New Berlin Firehouse.

Voters in the Unadilla Valley School District will vote Thursday on a capital improvement project involving heating, parking lots, roof replacement, and auditorium improvements, among many other projects. The project would be paid for through a Capital Reserve Fund & State Aid, the $10 million dollar project vote will be held from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM in the District Office lobby Thursday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 21 year old Rebecca Kole of Delancey, for moving from a lane unsafely, DWI, and other charges, following an investigation into a Motor Vehicle accident in the Town of Walton. Kole was later released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear at Walton Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The City of Oneonta and the Otsego County Conservation Association will be co-sponsoring a talk on the emerald ash borer on today, at 6:30pm. The insect is highly destructive; the first one was discovered in the town of Unadilla in 2014. The free talk will take place at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, 189 Main Street, Suite 500; it is free and open to the public. More information is available by calling OCCA at 282-4087.

The City of Oneonta has listed a number of items available for public auction. The items can be viewed & bidded on at publicsurplus.com/sms/oneonta,ny

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27-year-old Jonathan Howard of Walton Thursday for leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle accident, making an unsafe lane change, and obstructing government administration. Howard is accused of leaving the scene of an alcohol related crash in an attempt to elude arrest by law enforcement. Howard was later released on appearance tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

A free Christmas dinner will be offered in Sidney on Christmas day at the Fire House on River Street, organizer gene Schmidt explains:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-17)

Schmidt said that those wanting to volunteer for the set up on Saturday or serving on Christmas, can contact him by email to KrautGene@yahoo.com this week.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds Sidney Center voters that that the polling site from District 1 & 3 this year, has been changed. Voters in those voting districts will go to the new Sidney Center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

Otsego County Farmers will have 2 opportunities to drop off used agricultural film plastic for recycling under a special program offered by the County Solid Waste Department, the County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Collection dates are this Saturday, November 11, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, November 16 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested. Registration & more information is available at 282-4087, or occainfo.org/recycling-agricultural-plastics.

Area HazMat teams were called to 54 South Street in Walton this morning, for a reported gas leak at the Waste-water treatment plant. State Route 10 was closed from the village of Walton to the Beerston area, and there were some evacuations. WCDO NEWS will have more details as they become available.

A public education session will be held at the Unadilla Fire Station tonight, where residents of the Village and Town of Unadilla can learn about Community Choice Aggregation, which is a new residential bulk electricity-purchasing program. Unadilla Mayor Dave Welch comments:

(Dave Welch 5-11-17)

The session will be held at 7 PM at Fire Station on Clifton Street. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions and electricity bills. More information is available at megacca.org to learn more.

During Trauma Awareness Month in May, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure that blood is available for patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs by donating blood. A Blood drive will be held in Sidney today from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at SFCU on Union Street & in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School. Donors of all types are currently needed, Donation appointments can be scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A Public meeting has been called for Thursday night for residents of the both the Village & Town of Unadilla, regarding lower cost energy through the Community Choice Aggregation. Unadilla Village Mayor Dave Welch explains:

(Dave Welch 5-9-17)

The meeting will be held at the Unadilla Fire Station Thursday at 7:00 PM, residents are encouraged to attend, and bring recent electricity bills.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual Awards Gala at the Castle on the Delaware, in Walton on Wednesday, May 17th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Several awards will be handed out at the Gala, to register and pay online visit delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old Hasan Siddiqi of Franklin last Wednesday on charges of Operating a motor vehicle without a headlight, failure to keep right, unlicensed operator, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree. Deputies say this arrest is a result of a traffic stop on State Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Siddiqi was arraigned in front of Judge Hall at Walton Village Court and was released on his own recognizance.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Melissa Bishop of Delhi, for operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration, Operation of an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, and Speeding, following a traffic stop in the Town of Walton. Bishop was issued tickets returnable in person to the Town of Walton Court at a later date, and subsequently released upon her own recognizance.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Mount Vision Fire Department station to announce a special state grant to help fund construction of a new fire station. The Announcement will be held at 7:00 PM at the Mount Vision Fire Department at County Highway 11B.