WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage is Especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood, American Red Cross Spokesperson Meg Rossman comments:

(Meg Rossman 7-13-26)

Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, a blood drive is being held in Sidney Tuesday from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the American Legion Post 183, 22 Union Street.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-10-26

Oneonta Firefighters responded this morning to a reported structure fire at 525 Main Street at the Oneonta veterinary Hospital. 3 on-duty firefighters arrived within minutes to find fire rapidly extending up the exterior wall of the building. Crews knocked down the fire, checked for extension, and searched the building to ensure the fire had not spread into the structure, off duty Firefighters were called back to assist.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-9-26

Governor Hochul announced $110 million in State funding to improve emergency communications systems and dispatching capabilities through 2 programs. Through the SICG-Formula Grant Program, $90 million is being awarded to support efforts to bolster communications networks, locally, Chennago County gets $968,000, Delaware County 1.16 Million Dollars & Otsego County gets 1.2 Million dollars. Also, The PSAP Operations Grant Program provides funding to support county 911 centers, with Chenango getting $310,000, Delaware & Otsego Counties get almost $320,000 each.

The Otego Fire department is hosting a 3 day Otsego County Fire Fighters Convention Thursday through Saturday, G.X. Cramatte is one of the organizer, he told WCDO News that there is something for everyone:

(G.X. Cramatte 7-8-26)

The activities will be held at the American Legion Field on Willow Street in Otego, starting at 12:00 Noon each day.

The Otsego County Fair will be held at the Fairgrounds in Morris this year, spokesperson Lisa Jones told WCDO some of this year’s highlights:

(Lisa Jones 7-8-26)

The Otsego County Fair runs from August 4th to August 9th this year.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-8-26

Former Oneida County Corrections Officer Thomas Eck appeared in Oneida County Court on Tuesday, he had pleaded guilty to offering a false instrument for filing, for his role in the beating death of inmate Messiah Nantwi at the Mid State Correctional Facility, Eck was sentenced to 1 year in jail, he was the 15th Corrections officer in Oneida County to be prosected in connection with the death of Nantwi & Robert Brooks. The 2 cases have led to proposed legislation, the Duty to Intervene Act, making it a felony to not intervene while one of your fellow officers is beating an inmate.

The Village of Unadilla has a few events lined up this week, starting with amusement park rides for the kids, according to Unadilla Chamber President Jackie Carey:

(Jackie Carey 7-7-26)

Carey said that the Summer Concert series begins Thursday night, and the Carnival Of Sales will be held on Saturday. More information is available at the go Unadilla Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-7-26

Chenango County Household Hazardous Waste Collection day will be Saturday August 8th, at the Chenango County Highway Garage on Rexford Street in Norwich, spokesperson Kari Wilcox told WCDO News what they can and can not accept:

(Kari Wilcox 7-6-26)

The deadline to sign up is August 3rd, to register call 607-337-1792, more information is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

The Sidney Village Clerk's Office at the Sidney Civic Center is closed for emergency repairs, Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News what the interim plans are:

(Ray Baker 7-6-26)

Village employees came to work this morning to find ceiling damage to the office, WCDO News will have updates regarding changes in schedule for the Village clerk's office when they are announced.

The Otego Fire Department is hosting The Otsego County Fire Fighters Convention this Thursday through Saturday with a variety of events, G.X. Cramatte is one of the organizers, he told WCDO News about Thursday's schedule;

(G.X. Cramatte 7-6-26)

The events continue at the site on fair Street in Otego Friday & Saturday from 12:00 noon each day into the evening hours, with Fireworks on Saturday night.

The Chenango County Historical Society and the Chenango County Historian’s Office are hosting the “America’s Potluck & Turtle Island Festival” from 4–8 pm. on July 5 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Historical Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin told WCDO what people can expect to see:

(Jessica Moquin 7-3-26)

The event is part of the local commemorations of America250, made possible by the NY 250 Commission, the Community Foundation for South Central New York and UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital.

The Nate Lull Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Tournament is held This Sunday at Ouleout Creek Golf Course in Franklin, Lull told WCDO about the latest tournament:

(Nate Lull 7-3-26)

This year's tournament will be raising money for the 2027 edition of the scholarship, where the goal is to surpass last year's fundraising efforts, about 60 teams will be participating.

On Saturday, July 4 The Unadilla Time Capsule on the Community House front lawn, will be opened up after a parade, Jill Sholtes was 1 of the 4th Graders in 1976 who participated in the planning the Time Capsule, and is 1 of Saturday;s organizers, told WCDO about the Capsule:

(Jill Sholtes 7-3-26)

Sholtes said that 23 of the 1976 4th Graders will be there Saturday, after the parade from the Unatego Elementary School to the Community House, The Time Capsule will be opened at 12:00 Noon. A new Tricentennial time capsule for 2076 is being organized by the Rotary Club of Unadilla. Anyone is invited to contribute an item to be opened on July 4, 2076.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-2-26

State and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving statewide ahead of and during the July 4th holiday weekend. This campaign began Monday & will run through Sunday, July 5. Law enforcement officers across New York will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer. To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 am. Thursday, July 2, through 6 am. Monday, July 6, some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-1-26

Over 600 NYSEG customers in Otsego County are without power today, following last Night's Storms, the Towns of Laurens & Pittsfield in Otsego County have a State of Emergency in effect due to impassable roads from downed trees & power lines. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

The Nate Lull Scholarship winners were announced, Lull told WCDO that there were 8 winners out of over 200 Applicants:

(Nate Lull 6-30-26)

Lull said that the was the 4th year old of the Scholarship, which has handed out about $65,000 so far to graduating seniors.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-29-26

The State Police Troop C Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team & Community Stabilization Unit conducted a traffic stop Saturday on a vehicle on State Route 206 in the town of Downsville after observing Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The operator of the vehicle was Maurice Stewart, who was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Police seized cocaine, methamphetamine, 2 cell phones & Cash, Stewart was processed & was transported to the Delaware County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-26-26

State Police arrested 41 year old Donatello Lazarati of Baldwinsville for Bail Jumping and Criminal Contempt, following a violation of a court order issued following his arraignment on a previous Grand Larceny charge. Lazarati was prohibited from leaving the United States and was directed to surrender his passport. Lazarati failed to comply with those conditions, State Police were notified Thursday that Lazarati was attempting to leave the United States and purchased an airline ticket to Qatar at John F. Kennedy International Airport, he was arrested at the airport, brought back to Troop C, and was processed in and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $35,000 cash, $50,000 credit or $250,000 partially secured bond.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-25-26

Several law enforcement agencies commented at a press conference in Binghamton today regarding the Fire at the Knight's Inn of Endwell June 22nd, State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Lucas Anthony discussed the investigation & released the names of those deceased in Monday's Fire:

(Captain Lucas Anthony 6-25-26)

State Police arrested 24 year old Tyler Russell of Endwell, Monday for 6 counts of 2nd degree Manslaughter & 1 count of Arson, he is being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail pending Grand Jury action.

There are maybe about a dozen VIP Tickets left for the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th in Sidney, featuring local musical acts & Headliner Jackson Dean, Teri Schunk is one of the organizers of the event & she talked to WCDO News today that the time is now to get the VIP Tickets:

(Teri Schunk 6-24-26)

Tickets and more information is available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-23-26

The deadline to sign up a team for the Gus Macker Basketball tournament in Norwich has been extended, according to organizer Tom Revoir:

(Tom Revoir 6-23-26)

To register a team, go to Macker.com, find the Norwich link and sign up by Thursday at midnight, the Norwich Tournament will be July 11th & 12th.

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.

Oneonta is going “Four for the Fourth.” with a long weekend of activities to celebrate America 250, July 2 through July 5 at several sites across the city. Oneonta City Historian Mark Simonson told WCDO News that a few more activities have been added to Thursday July 2nd:

(Mark Simonson 6-19-26)

Simonson said that America 250 Oneonta may have additional events added, more information is available on Facebook at Oneonta250.

A 2nd Fundraiser has been scheduled for Luszi's Legacy Saving Senior Paws. Their 1st fundraiser raised $4,000 in a fund for a Norwich Area veterinary clinic, to be used to help people deal with the cost of treating an elderly pet, program founder Anett Slater told WCDO News about the Cornhole Tournament in June 20th in Norwich:

(Anett Slater 6-10-26)

The Luszi's Legacy Cornhole Tournament at the Canasawacta Country Club begins at 12:00 Noon on Saturday June 20th, interested teams can sign up at the Facebook page, by calling 607-244-3638 or they can register in person on the day of the event.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-18-26

NYSEG reported a high of over 14,400 customers without power across the western Counties of the state, following strong thunderstorms earlier today, crews have been working to restore power as soon as possible, much of the area was also under a Tornado watch, which expired at 3:00 PM, only about 250 NYSEG customers lost power in the Tri-County region.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-17-26

The Cullman Child Development Center's Summer series will host 2 events for area children in July, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 6-17-26)

Williams said that interested participants for the Soapbox derby should begin registering this week, at ccdcderby.com.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-16-26

Discounted single-day admission tickets for the Great New York State Fair are being offered for a limited time. The Spring Into Summer ticket sale will run from Thursday, June 18, through Monday, June 22, giving people their final chance to buy tickets for $6. Admission is still free for children under 12 and seniors 65 and older. The fair will open Aug. 26 and continue through Labor Day, with all concerts included in the admission price, Tickets are available at etix.com.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-15-26

Masonville Fire Departments responded to a barn fire Thursday at about 3:00 PM on State Route 8. 8 other Fire companies from surrounding communities also responded, Route 8 was closed off to traffic for several hours as crews worked to set up water supplies and utilized tankers from other departments. The barn was a total loss, no injuries were reported.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-12-26

The Chenango County Airport day will be held tomorrow at the Eaton Airport, Shane Butler is an organizer for the annual event:

(Shane Butler 6-12-26)

The event will run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday, more information is available at chenangocountyny.gov.

Some tickets are still remaining for the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th at the Sidney Airport, one of the Organizers Ed Curley visited WCDO today to talk about ticket availability:

(Ed Curley 6-11-26)

Country Star Jackson Dean is the headline with many other local bands performing throughout the day, the full line up & other information can be found at southerntiermusicfest.com.

A 2nd Fundraiser has been scheduled for Luszi's Legacy Saving Senior Paws. Their 1st fundraiser raised $4,000 in a fund for a Norwich Area veterinary clinic, to be used to help people deal with the cost of treating an elderly pet, program founder Anett Slater told WCDO News about the Cornhole Tournament in June 20th in Norwich:

(Anett Slater 6-10-26)

The Luszi's Legacy Cornhole Tournament at the Canasawacta Country Club begins at 12:00 Noon on Saturday June 20th, interested teams can sign up at the Facebook page, by calling 607-244-3638 or they can register in person on the day of the event.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-9-26

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith & Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond held a Press Conference this morning regarding the Conviction obtained against Brent Trimbell of Hobart. D.A. Smith announced that Trimbell pleaded guilty to 2 counts of 1st degree rape, resulting in expected prison terms of 13 years followed by 20 years for Supervised release for each count and he will have to register as a sex offender, Trimbell also pleaded guilty to Forcible Touching, which will result in a 1 year prison term, the jail terms are expected to run concurrently:

(Shawn Smith 6-9-26)

One of the victims, Lilly Temple, spoke at the press conference, urging similar crime victims to notify law enforcement to bring down the predatory offenders:

(Lilly Temple 6-9-26)

Delaware County Sheriff also commented at this morning's press Conference:

(Sheriff DuMond 6-9-26)

After pleading guilty, sentencing was adjourned until August 25, 2026. The defendant was remanded into federal custody because he still faces charges alleging that he coerced or persuaded a child to produce sexually explicit content. Those charges remain open and are being handled by the United State Attorney’s Office.

Commerce Chenango will host their 3rd Annual Pickleball Tournament at Weiler Park in Norwich this Saturday from 9:00 Am to 6:00 PM, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani stopped by WCDO today to explains Pickleball:

(Sal Testani 6-8-26)

The deadline to sign up is today at commercechenango.com or by calling (607) 334-1400.

A live music event will be held Saturday June 6th at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, Board Member Doug Barnard & Director Amy Williams visited WCDO recently to talk about the show:

(Doug Barnard Amy Williams 6-5-26)

More information is available at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office & the Department of Health are holding 2 Car Seat safety checks Saturday. The 1st one will be from 10:00AM to 12:00 Noon at the Boys & Girls Club on River Street in Oneonta, The 2nd will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Home Depot on State Route 28, for more information, call 607-547-4230.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-5-26

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Anthony Alessi of Walton for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal possession of a controlled substance, following a traffic stop at a check point in Town of Colchester,  Alessi is accused of being impaired & was found to possess cocaine, he was processed and was released on appearance tickets for Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Clear Path for Veterans IS A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION helping out veterans with a variety of programs, Sean Sejersen is a Peer Mentor with Clear Path For Veterans, and a veteran himself, he told WCDO News about the program:

(Sean Sejerson 6-5-26)

A benefit will be held at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, Sejersen will be there explaining their services & accepting donations, a portion of the proceeds from Awestruck will also be donated.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-4-26

37 year old Emily Cecere of Binghamton pleaded guilty to 3rd Degree Burglary in Delaware County Court Tuesday. On May 9, Troopers were dispatched to 148 2nd Street in Deposit for a report of a stolen vehicle, after a customer reported to the business owner that Cecere was outside of the business entrance, she was no longer employed at that location. Cecere was operating a tow truck from her former employer, Troopers located Cecere and the tow truck, she admitted to taking the tow truck and using the passcode to access the building to get the keys, she was arrested, was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury on May 14th, and pleaded guilty, she will be sentenced on July 21st.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-3-26

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the new Dietz Street Lofts in Oneonta, at about 2:00 PM this afternoon. mutual aid was requester from fire departments in Otego, West Oneonta, Laurens and Milford, Videos from scene showed flames on the roof of one of the buildings. WCDO News will have more information as it becomes available.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-2-26

Magic City Productions announced that "Happy Together" tour of oldies acts coming to Binghamton in July, Promoter Stu Green explains:

(Stu Green 6-2-26)

Tickets go on sale Friday Morning at 10:00 AM at Ticketmaster.com or at the Mirabito Box Office at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, the show will be on July 29th.