WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 12-31-24

A new state law beginning tomorrow, will make the cost of Insulin on insurance cheaper. The law eliminates co-pays for insulin covered by health insurance plans, making New York the 1st state to eliminate co-pays. The American Diabetes Association estimates that about 1.8 million adult New Yorkers have the illness, the measure is expected to save New Yorkers $14 million in 2025.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-30-24

Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced security measures are being taken this week by state agencies ahead of New Year's Eve. State Police will be at maximum staffing through the New Year’s holiday and there will be an increased presence of Troopers at critical infrastructure and transportation facilities statewide. State Police will monitor all mass gatherings and share intelligence with other law enforcement agencies to keep New Yorkers safe. Troopers will also be highly visible on interstates and state highways as part of a dedicated holiday traffic enforcement initiative targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-27-24

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Christopher Devins of Milford, for Sex Offender Failure to Report Change in Status, following an investigation in to a report of a Registered Sex Offender operating a Facebook account not listed on his sex offender registry, and doing so under a false name. Additionally, Devins was found to have prior convictions of violations of the sex offender registry, he was located by deputies at his residence in the Town of Milford and taken in to custody without incident, he was processed and turned over to corrections staff to await further court proceedings.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-26-24

Members of the Oneonta Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 88 Ford Avenue this morning at approximately 7:30am. The fire was quickly contained and all occupants were able to evacuate safely. Mutual aid was provided by West Oneonta Fire Department, Franklin Fire & Rescue, Otsego County Office of Emergency Services.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-24-24

The Unadilla Fire Department responded at about 4:40 PM Monday to a vehicle fire on the eastbound lane of I-88. Crews were on scene quickly & were assisted by State Police and DOT. WCDO will have more details as they become available.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-23-24

Some Wintry weather should be affecting the region tonight into tomorrow, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 12-23-24)

We'll have the rest of the WCDO Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-20-24

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is the chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, she announced 5 provisions of her legislation to protect service members from traumatic brain injuries, included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate this week:

(Gillibrand 12-20-24)

Gillibrand introduced the Act following a disturbing report showing that service members are sustaining crippling traumatic brain injuries as a result of repeated exposure to explosions from their own weapons and explosives, which is known as blast overpressure. The bill heads to President Biden's desk for approval.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-19-24

50 year old Kevin Harrington of Oneonta was sentenced to serve a 3-year term of federal probation and ordered to pay over $150,000.00 in restitution to his former employer, for his previous guilty plea to 2 counts of mail fraud. Harrington admitted that while he was the executive director at First Community Care of Bassett, he submitted fraudulent expense reports seeking reimbursement for the purchase of CPAP machines that were not purchased. Harrington was ordered to serve six months of home confinement and was fined $5,500.00.

Gene Schmidt & his family will once again host a Free Christmas Dinner 1 week from today at the Elks Lodge in Sidney, Schmidt told WCDO News that they could use some volunteers:

(Gene Schmidt 12-18-24)

Anyone who would like to volunteer can call Schmidt at 607-610-4030.

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 12-17-24

33year old Shawn Carman of Walton was sentenced to 2 years in State Prison to be followed by 2 years of post-release supervision in Delaware County Court, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Possession with Intent to Sell. Carman previously pleaded guilty to in October, he was arrested on March 13, along with 3 other individuals after a traffic stop, cocaine and suspected drug packaging were seized. A Delaware County Grand Jury returned an Indictment accusing Shaun Carman of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was also facing unrelated charges in the Village of Walton that were resolved as part of this plea deal and sentence.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-16-24

Norwich Police Department, in conjunction with New York State Parole concluded an investigation into the sale of narcotics, counterfeit currency and weapons. 28 year old Aaron Johnson of Norwich is charged with Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of a Narcotic Drug with intent to sell (Fentanyl), Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell (Methamphetamine) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Police were able to locate quantities of Cocaine, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, plus counterfeit U.S. Currency. Johnson was held without bail, pending further court proceedings.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-13-24

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 5-count indictment against 39 year old Jared Lambrecht of Walton. The Indictments accuse Lambrecht of Strangulation, 2nd degree Assault & 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a minor, for allegedly choking a female victim, causing stupor, loss of consciousness or physical injury, during an attack on a female victim on November 3rd, also the act was likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or moral welfare of 3 children. He faces 7 years in jail following by 3 year of Post Release Supervision on each of the Strangulation & Assault charges.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-12-24

The Village of Franklin will have a variety of events scheduled for the Holidays this Saturday, organizer Connie Martin explains:

(Connie Martin 12-12-24)

Martin said that businesses and churches in Franklin also have events & special sales scheduled throughout the day this Saturday.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-11-24

Governor Hochul has proposed giving out checks to New York State families next year, for either $300 or $500 coming to households. 8.6 million New York State households would be eligible. The deposits or checks will be sent next Fall of 2025.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-10-24

According to a recent survey for the New York State Quitline, 64% of Healthcare professionals throughout the state say that they feel that youth and young adults experiencing a vaping epidemic. Tony Astran from the New York State Quitline comments:

(Tony Astran 12-10-24)

Astran will be conducting a Webinar on the topic this Thursday, from 12:00 to 12:45 pm. The program is open to anyone interested in the subject, registration is free & available at nysmokefree.com/newsroom.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-9-24

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old John Crotts of Oneonta following a motor vehicle accident last week. Crotts was charged with Driving while intoxicated, Driving while ability impaired by drugs, Criminal possession of a controlled substance & Miscellaneous Traffic Citations, The investigation revealed that Crotts had been operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs he was arrested and later released after the issuance of appearance tickets for Town of Oneonta court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-6-24

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 26 year old Kayla Van Pelt of Otsego County, for Grand Larceny and Conspiracy. A larceny complaint was filed by a business in the Village of Sherburne, where Van Pelt and two other suspects acted together and stole over one thousand dollars in merchandise. Van Pelt was taken into custody at a residence in Otsego County, transported to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office to be processed, she was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sherburne Court at a later date. More arrests are expected to be made.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-5-24

The announcement was made this morning on WCDO, about the Southern Tier Music Fest in Sidney next Summer, Ed Curley is one of the organizer & he announced the

headliner & support acts:

(Ed Curley 12-5-24)

The Southern Tier Music Fest will be on July 5th at the Sidney Municipal Airport, the tickets can be found at southern tier music fest.com or Universe.com.

Gene Schmidt & his family will once again host a Free Christmas Dinner this year in Sidney, Schmidt gave WCDO News the details:

(Gene Schmidt 12-5-24)

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Christmas Dinner can call Schmidt at 607-610-4030.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-4-24

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect tonight through Friday Morning for much of the WCDO listening area, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 12-4-24)

The Advisory is in effect from 10:00 PM tonight through Friday morning at 4:00 AM. We will have the complete Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-3-24

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division arrested 2 Norwich Juveniles last week for 3rd degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Grand Larceny & Conspiracy in the 6th degree. On the morning of August 17, a business in the Town of Norwich was burglarized by the juveniles, property was damaged and merchandise was stolen. The Juvenile’s were brought to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for processing, they were arraigned in Chenango County Youth Court, the case was turned over to Chenango County Family Court, where the Juveniles were released into the custody of their parents/guardians.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-2-24

The Oneonta City Police Department is looking for 17 year old Alexandria Constable, who has been missing since November 13th. She is described as a white female, with black hair & brown eyes, about 5' 5" and 190 pounds, she may have traveled to the Binghamton area. Anyone with information on her location should contact the New York State Missing Persons toll free number at 1-800-346-3543, more information is available at criminaljustice.ny.gov.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 11-29-24

State Police and local law enforcement agencies are continuing with their Thanksgiving holiday Weekend traffic enforcement details. Police will be watching for drunk drivers, speeding, and distracted drivers, and they will be enforcing the state"s Move Over Law and seat belt laws.

The Chenango Historical Society will have their annual Holiday Open House and Museum Store Sunday from 10 am. to 4 pm at the Chenango County Historical Society on Rexford Street in Norwich, where people can browse the Museum Shop for unique gift ideas and exclusive merchandise. Society Executive Director Jessica Moquin told WCDO News that the launch of the annual "Parade of Trees" starts Sunday as well:

(Jessica Moquin 11-29-24)

The winner of the "Parade of Trees" will be announced on December 27th, More information is available at (607) 334-9227 or at ChenangoHistorical.org

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-27-24

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Midnight through 7:00 PM on Thanksgiving in Delaware, Otsego & Sullivan Counties, Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO news about this storm:

(Rich Townsend 11-27-24)

the higher accumulations are expected to be in the higher elevation, mainly to the Eastern part of the WCDO Listening area, we'll have our Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-26-24

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 23 year old Kristian Deloatch of Oneonta following a traffic stop Sunday in the Town of Oneonta. Deloatch was charged with Reckless Driving & Speed Over 55 mph, he is accused of driving at approximately 40 mph over the posted speed limit, he was issued an Appearance Ticket and scheduled to appear in the Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-25-24

All water systems in the state were mandated to complete a Lead Service Line inventory for all service connections. Sidney Village Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News that they had to send the letter out to residents, but there is no history of lead or copper piping used in the village of Sidney:

(Ray Baker 11-25-24)

Anyone who would like to have their water service lines tested anyway, can call Shane Nordberg at the Sidney Wastewater Treatment plant to find out about testing kits, the number of 607-561-2330. Baker said that test kits typically cost about $45.

Delaware Opportunities and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce are partnering with dozens of businesses and organizations across Delaware County to provide Christmas gifts to Delaware County children in need. New, unwrapped gifts may be deposited through Thursday, December 5. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News that the affiliation with Toys for Tots has ended, the program remains the same:

(Ray Pucci 11-25-24)

To sign up a family in need of Christmas gifts contact Delaware Opportunities at 607-746-1603. Sign-ups are available through this Friday, November 29th.

A.M. NEWS Friday 11-22-24

Over 23,900 NYSEG Customers were without power this afternoon throughout the WCDO Listening area. The heavy wet snow took down Tree limbs & power lines throughout the region, NYSEG crews are working to restore power as soon as possible. Meteoroligist Rich Townsend told WCDO News that the worst of this storm is over:

(Rich Townsend 11-22-24)

About 4 to 12 inches of snow has been reported throughout the region, with the higher elevation getinng the most wet snow, most schools were closed today & Fire departments & emergency squads have been responding to numerous accidents today due to the heavy wet snow.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-21-24

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from 4:00 this afternoon to 4:00 PM Friday, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 11-21-24)

We will have the complete Tri-County forecast at the end of this news cast.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-20-24

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon in much of the WCDO listening area, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains;

(Rich Townsend 11-20-24)

The National Weather service predicts between 4 to 8 inches mainly for Delaware & Sullivan Counties, we'll have the Tri-County Forecast following this newscast.

Masonville Connects is a local Non- Profit organization, aimed at helping people in and around Masonville, with a variety of events. Jennifer Cutting is the President of the organization, she told WCDO News that they are cooking up & delivering Thanksgiving meals next week:

(Jennifer Cutting 11-20-24)

Cutting said that they will deliver the meals on the 26th & 27th, they will also have a Pie Contest on the 25th at the Masonville Town Hall, and a Holiday Cookie exchange on November 30th, more information is available at masonvilleconnects@gmail.com.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-19-24

State Police responded at about 6:50 this morning to the report of a single vehicle crash on Broad Street in the village of Morris. An investigation at the scene determined that a 42-year-old male from Utica was operating an SYV when he crashed, he was pronounced deceased on scene. The roadway reopened shortly after 10:00 AM, the name of the deceased has not been released pending family notification.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-18-24

Lambrecht Auction in Sidney held their 2nd Annual Sidney EMS Charity event Saturday at their Sidney Location on Delaware Avenue. Jared Lambrecht told WCDO News this afternoon that they raised $50,800 for the Sidney Emergency Squad, that is in need of a new fully loaded ambulance, which costs about $250,000. Last year they raised $18,000 in their 1st charity auction effort for the Emergency squad.