WCDO Radio News

State Police are investigating the death of 59 year old Robin Bowman of Findlay, Ohio, who was found deceased on State Route 281 in Cortlandville on November 25th near railroad tracks. Police do not know why Bowman was in the area, they believe that she drove to the Cortland area. The exact cause of her death is still pending. The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Business Alliance announced that Todd Pascarella has been named as the organization's new President, replacing Ray Pucci, who has retired. Pascarella has been a Delaware County Chamber & Business Alliance member for many years, and served on the board of directors for 6 years including as the Board chairman, he is also the executive director of the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, which has been recently rebuilding and restarting the Delaware & Ulster Railroad and he was co-founder of Union Grove Distillery in Arkville, and once served as the mayor of the Village of Fleischmanns.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad will hold a Milford Fire Benefit Train on August 17th, with 100% of ticket sales donated to the Milford Fire Victims Fund. Railroad President Bruce Hodges explains:

(Bruce Hodges 7-29-25)

The fire on July 18th destroyed 4 buildings & damaged others nearby, the fundraising train ride takes off from 136 East Main Street in Milford, more information can be found at cooperstowntrain.com/milford-fire-benefit-train or on the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Facebook page.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced a targeted enforcement initiative focusing on illegal ATV, UTV and motorcycle use, after they received reports of All-Terrain Vehicles and motorcycles being operated illegally on public roadways, but on railroad tracks, railroad rights-of- way and on private property without permission. Captain Ben Harding addressed the issue at a Press Conference this morning:

(Captain Ben Harding 8-8-25)

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has released a guide on lawful use and operation of these vehicles, they can be accessed at the Broome County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, a copy is also posted on the WCDO Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-29-25

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad announced that they will hold a Milford Fire Benefit Train on August 17th, with 100% of ticket sales donated to the Milford Fire Victims Fund. Railroad President Bruce Hodges explains:

(Bruce Hodges 7-29-25)

The fire on July 18th destroyed 4 buildings & damaged others nearby, the fundraising train ride takes off from 136 East Main Street in Milford, more information can be found at cooperstowntrain.com/milford-fire-benefit-train or on the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Facebook page.

33 year old James Fulginiti of Oneonta, was arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff's Office for Unlawful Interference with Railroad/Train, Unlawful Propulsion of a Missile at Railroad Trains, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Menacing & Criminal Trespass, following a shots fired complaint on the Norfolk Southern Railway in the Town of Oneonta. On May 28th, Deputies were dispatched to railway near State Highway 7 and Corporate Drive in Oneonta, for the report of a man shooting a firearm at a train. Deputies located Fulginiti, he was taken into custody, he is accused of firing a BB Gun at the train conductor's window, breaking the glass, the conductor was not injured, he subject was transported back to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, he was processed & was turned over to Otsego County Corrections for Arraignment.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-1-25

Oneonta Police Department concluded their investigation into the report of a deceased female on the railroad tracks early Sunday. An employee of Norfolk Southern Railroad reported the deceased female, Officers from the Oneonta Police Department, State Police and Otsego County District Attorney’s Office & the Otsego County Coroner responded, Investigators learned a 61-year-old female from Pennsylvania became stranded in the Town of Oneonta Saturday, Her vehicle was towed to a garage and she was given a courtesy ride by the Tow Company to a local convenience store. Investigators later learned that the woman ha d history of mental distress. She was reported missing by family Saturday, about 10 hours later, video surveillance showed the woman walking on the railway, at about 3:49 am, moments later a train arrived & video depicts the female laying on the tracks at the time the train passes. The case is being ruled a suicide & the name of the deceased is not being released.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 10-9-24

Oneonta City Officials announced that starting today, Norfolk Southern Railroad crews will be rehabilitating the railroad interface at the Delaware Avenue railroad crossing. Norfolk Southern will be implementing a road detour for Delaware Avenue while work is taking place. For questions or concerns related to this project, please contact the Department of Public Works by emailing dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us, or calling 432-2100.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-12-24

State Police BCI is investigating the suspicious death of 2 individuals on Parsons Road in Chenango Forks. 63 year old Scott Cleary of Chenango Forks, was located deceased in his residence, 38 year old Matthew Lott of Chenango Forks, was located deceased a quarter mile north of the residence near railroad tracks. Cleary and Lott lived in the residence, The investigation is on-going, there is no threat to the community, More information will be released when available.

Sidney Village Officials announced that beginning Tuesday, through Thursday, the Village of Sidney DPW crews will be milling Siver, Loomis, Pineview, West Pearl, Hanni, West Main, Orchard and Railroad, officials ask that motorists not park on these streets Tuesday-Thursday.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce EmpowHER Program will be held today in Stamford, Chamber President Ray Pucci explains the purpose of this program:

(Ray Pucci 11-2-23)

The program will be held at Catskills Junction on Railroad Avenue in Stamford, starting with registration and networking at 9:30 am. Pucci said that currently, about half of all Delaware County Businesses are owned by women.

Commerce Chenango announced that 3 local museums are participating in the "MUSEUMS & MORE" event tomorrow. A variety of activities are scheduled tomorrow at the Bullthistle Model Railroad Museum, The Northeast Classic Car Museum & the Chenango County Historical Society, all in Norwich. More information is available at commercechenango.com.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of a pedestrian-train accident near the Crocker Hill Rd area in the Town of Fenton Tuesday. The Sheriff’s Office stated that 17-year-old Jakob McCloe of Port Crane was walking westbound on the Norfolk Southern Railroad Tracks near Crocker Hill Road, he was wearing noise-canceling headphones and was unable to hear the train approaching, the engineer attempted to signal multiple times to get McCloe’s attention, he was unable to stop the train, and at 8:53 am, McCloe was struck and killed and pronounced at the scene. McCloe was a student at the Chenango Valley School District.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold a walking tour of the site of the Former Roundhouse on Saturday, at 4:00 pm, Society Executive Director Marcela Micucci explains:

(Marcela Micucci 5-12-23)

The tour will be down Roundhouse Road, parallel to the railroad tracks and nearby the former location of the D&H Roundhouse, one of the world's largest, the tour leaves at 4:00 pm from the D&H Roundhouse Historic Marker at the corner of Fonda Avenue and Roundhouse Road.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will open its next special exhibition tomorrow, which will commemorate the history of the D&H Railroad in Oneonta, according to Society Curator Marcella Micucci:

(Marcella Micucci 4-21-23)

Micucci said that a variety of free programs will coincide with the D&H exhibition, including a tour of the historic D&H Red Caboose in Neahwa Park; a Walking Tour at the D&H Roundhouse remains on May 13th. The new exhibit opens tomorrow at the Society's location on Main Street in Oneonta, an opening reception will begin at 6:00 PM & will be open to the public.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will open its next special exhibition April 22nd, the exhibition will commemorate the bicentennial of the D&H Railroad's History in the town and city of Oneonta, according to Society Curator Marcela Micucci:

(Marcela Micucci 4-5-23)

Micucci said that a variety of free programs will coincide with the D&H exhibition, including a tour of the historic D&H Red Caboose in Neahwa Park; a Walking Tour at the D&H Roundhouse remains; The exhibits opens on April 22nd at the Society's location on Main Street in Oneonta, an opening reception will begin at 6:00 PM & will be open to the public.

The City of Norwich is receiving federal money for the upcoming water Main replacement project downtown, City Community Development Director Eric Scrivener told WCDO News that they will be working with other agencies to do the water main project followed by paving in the effected downtown areas:

(Eric Scrivener 1-26-23)

The Water Main will be replaced along South Broad Street, between Prentice and Mechanic streets, and a section of East Main Street between the Broad Street intersection and the railroad tracks

P.M. NEWS Thursday 1-12-23

The City of Norwich is receiving federal money for the upcoming water Main replacement project downtown, City of Norwich Community Development Director Eric Scrivener told WCDO News where the money is coming from for the $4 Million Dollar project:

(Eric Scrivener 1-12-23)

The planned project area includes 5,760 feet of piping on South Broad Street, from the Prentice and Broad Street intersection to the Mechanic and Broad Street intersection, and a 640-foot section of East Main Street between the Broad Street intersection and the railroad tracks, the water Main are about 140 years old.

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-22-22

Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions of Cross Tie Disposal of Kentucky, and its Vice President, Harold Young, for illegally dumping contaminated railroad ties treated with hazardous materials in Chenango County and creating fake receipts to conceal the illegal disposal. Cross Tie pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny and Endangering Public Health, Safety, or the Environment, while Young pleaded guilty to Endangering Public Health, Safety, or the Environment. Both Cross Tie and Young were sentenced in Chenango County Court to three-year conditional discharges, they will pay over $117,000 in penalties and fines.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-4-22

Attorney General Letitia James announced that Cross Tie Disposal of Kentucky and company Vice President Harold Young are charged in a 42-count indictment that includes 30 counts of Falsifying Business Records and 11 counts of Endangering Public Health, Safety or the Environment. Cross Tie was supposed to dispose of old wood beams that were coated with creosote at a regulated site in Erie County but instead dumped the ties, contaminated with 11 hazardous substances at a property in Chenango County. The railroad ties have been removed as part of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency’s Chenango County Rail Revitalization Services project in 2015 to repair and improve railroad tracks throughout the county.

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

(Cuomo 5-12-21)

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

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-12-21

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

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

(Cuomo 5-12-21)

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

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 5-12-21

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

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-30-21

The City of Oneonta Common Council will hold a special Zoom meeting Thursday evening, to discuss & possibly vote on their Police reform & Reinvention plan.  The Plan is posted on the City’s website.

Norwich Police & State Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a sexual assault suspect.  On March 23rd, an individual was attacked at around 2:30 PM while walking along the railroad tracks downtown.  The attacker forced the victim into the brush & attempted to remove clothing, when the victim managed to break free & ran for help.  The suspect is described as a white male, in his mid-20 with dirty blond hair, wearing a gray colored tank top & holding either a red belt or handkerchief, anyone with information is asked to contact Norwich police at 336-TIPS.

Otsego County Health department reported 18 new Positive COVID 19 tests results, giving them over 3800 total cases & 55 deaths since the pandemic began.  Chenango County today reported 120 active cases with 414 quarantined, they have had over 2700 cases so far.  In Delaware County, there are 132 active cases, 354 in quarantine and 1888 total cases with 45 deaths.

A Rochester woman becomes the latest person to accuse governor Cuomo with inappropriate advances.  Sherry Vill said that the governor kissed her several times, while he was examining her home for flooding in 2017.  Lawmakers from both parties are calling for the governor to resign following several accusations of sexually harassing behavior.

23 year old George Wang of Kansas pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in Otsego County Court.  Wang is accused of driving off of state route 28 in the town of Hartwick in front of the Tops Market & Striking a pedestrian last November, he then sped off.  Wand was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs & alcohol he is free after posting $300,000 bond, he is due back in court may 24th.

Trout Season begins in New York State tomorrow.  The State DEC is stocking 1.8 million trout in waters across the state.

The Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 3rd at 11:30 AM.  The hunt will be held outside & Masks are required, the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures.

The Murder Trial of Dylan Robinson of Oneonta will begin in Otsego County Court on April 14th Robinson is accused of murdering his father, along with several others, and then setting the house on fire  in October of 2019 in Worcester.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-30-21

The Sidney Police Department is partnering with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and Chenango Health Network for a medication take back day. Anyone with any unused, outdated or unwanted medication can safely dispose of it at the date, time and place listed below. Note: no sharps or needles will be accepted.  The event will be held at the River Street Fire Station from 2:00 to 7:00 PM today.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-1-21

Sidney Village Police responded Sunday night at about 11:00 PM to the report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks at the Main Street crossing.  Police stated that 27 year old Joshua Barnhart of Bainbridge attempted to turn into the parking area of Trackside Dining, got stuck on the tracks & vacated the vehicle, which was hit by a train a short time later.  No one was injured, Barnhart was charged with obstructing a railroad crossing, driving on the shoulder of a controlled access road & failing to report an address change to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The investigation is also continuing by Railroad Police, and more charges may be forthcoming.

The Federal EPA is planning to complete the clean-up of the GCL Tie & Treating plant in Sidney that closed over 26 years ago, and was included on the Federal Superfund site in 1994.  The plant was contaminated by creosote, which was used to treat railroad ties, the owners abandoned the business & the creosote contaminated groundwater.  The EPA will hold an online public meeting September 3rd at 7 PM at Eventbrite.com.

Oneonta Fire Fighters responded to a garage fire on Railroad Avenue at about 4:00 this morning.  Early reports indicated that there were 3 vehicles inside; WCDO NEWS will have more information as it becomes available.

The Franklin Railroad & Community Museum has been
raising funds this month for Helios Care, through a sports memorabilia auction
that ends Saturday.  The Museum at 572
Main St, Franklin will be open Saturday for bidding, and at 4:00 PM the highest
bidder on each item will be announced.
More information is available at 829-2692.

The Franklin Railroad & Community Museum announced that
they will raise money for Helios Care, with their Sports Memorabilia Auctions
this month & Bids can be placed by calling 829-2692. The Museum on Main
Street in Franklin will be open this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the
winning auction bids will be announced on December 29th.

The Franklin Railroad & Community Museum each December
raises money with an auction to benefit a local cause, this year; they have
chosen Helios Care, spokesperson Alicia Fish comments:

(Alicia Fish 12-4-19)

The Museum is located at 572 Main Street in Franklin, the
winning auction bids will be announced on December 29th.  Placing a bid can be performed by calling
829-2692.

NY
State of Health announced its partnership with food pantries for the third
holiday season to educate consumers about enrolling in affordable health
insurance. Food pantries across New York will have certified enrollment
assistors on-site throughout November and December to answer questions about
health coverage options and how to enroll in a health plan. This year, the
Marketplace is also offering eligible New Yorkers the option to receive
information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the
enrollment process.

Toys
For Tots & Norfolk Southern Railroad were unable to work out an agreement to
run its annual train through the southern Tier this year.  Last year, the train ran an abbreviated route
from Binghamton to Delanson, delivering about 18,000 toys to area organizations
for distribution.

Oneonta Police have arrested 27 year old Shawn Stilson of
Oneonta for Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment,  Reckless Driving and Driving the Wrong way on
a 1-Way Road.  Stilson is accused of
leaving the scene of a domestic dispute, driving his vehicle the wrong way down
Fairview Street, across Main Street & over the bridge & down to the
Railroad tracks below early Saturday.
The vehicle was removed, the bridge was fixed & was re-opened to
traffic Saturday afternoon, Stilson was taken to Bassett Hospital, he was
treated, released & faces court action at a later date.

Endicott Police announced that 77 year old Russell Darrow of
Brackney, Pennsylvania man was the pilot that was killed in a single engine
plane that crashed at Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott Monday.  Darrow crashed his single propeller plane on
the Norfolk Southern Railroad property between Industrial Park Boulevard and
Airport Road in Endicott at about 11:20 AM Monday.  Darrow was pronounced dead at the scene.
There was no one else in the aircraft.
The cause of the crash is being investigated by the National
Transportation Safety Board.