WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 1-3-23

by wcdonews Posted on January 3, 2023

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-3-23

State Police announced today that a Davenport man who was reported missing since December 26th, has been found safe. Troopers searched for 78 year old Theodore Sikora of Davenport daily after receiving a report to check on his welfare. Troopers searched his home and the area surrounding it, local stores, hospitals and with relatives and friends, they thanked to public for the tips they received during the investigation.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34 year old Bradley Law of Harpursville in connection with a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident involving a pickup truck fatally striking Brennan Loveless on a bicycle on State Route 7 in the Town of Colesville on Sunday at 5:30pm. Law was charged with Criminally Negligent homicide & leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, he was taken to Broome County Central Processing last night & was remanded to the Broome County Jail Without Bail. Loveless was a student at the Harpursville Central School District, where their Crisis Response Team will be available for grieving students.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Nicholas Visser of Port Crane for 3rd degree Burglary, 3rd degree Grand Larceny & Conspiracy, following an investigation of a reported Burglary in the Town of Greene. Visser & 2 unknown male suspects allegedly entered a building on private property & stole nearly $40,000 in property, most of the stolen property was recovered at Visser’s property in the Town of Port Crane. Visser was processed and released on an appearance ticket. Visser is to appear in the Town of Greene Court at a later date. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted with the incident by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 year old Ryan Chesebro of Edmeston following a traffic stop on December 26th in the Town of Burlington. Chesebro was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle for allegedly operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with a suspended license, he was issued appearance tickets for Burlington Town Court at a later date.

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The Norwich Firefighters Association announced a record breaking year for Norwich Firefighters. In 2022 the Norwich Fire Department had the highest number of calls, with 3,383, breaking the record set the year before when they answered 3,283 calls.

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New York State of Health reminds New Yorkers that Open Enrollment for a health care plan is available. New Yorkers can go online to nystateofhelath.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777 for assistance.

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Governor Kathy Hochul Signed a bill Saturday that legalized natural organic reduction, also known as human composting. New York becomes the 6th state to give New Yorkers access to an alternative, green method of burial deemed environmentally friendly. The bill states that the remains must be delivered to a cemetery corporation certified as an organic reduction facility, suitably contained and ventilated, the deceased is placed into a reusable, semi-open vessel containing suitable bedding such as wood chips, alfalfa or straw, which is deemed ideal for microbes to work. At the end of the process, a heaped cubic yard of soil, equivalent to 36 bags of soil is produced, which can be used as fertilizer.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 1-2-23

by wcdonews Posted on January 2, 2023

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-2-23

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced this afternoon that a suspect was in custody in connection with a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident involving a pickup truck fatally striking a juvenile on a bicycle in the area of 1180 Route 7 in the Town of Colesville on Sunday at 5:30pm. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar held a Press Conference this afternoon to announce the arrest:

(Sheriff Akshar 1-2-23)

Sheriff Akshar said that Bradley Law was charged with Criminally Negligent homicide & leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, he is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:00 PM at Broome County Central Processing.

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State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in trying to locate a missing person. 78 year old Theodore Sikora of Davenport has not had any contact with his friends or family in over two weeks, he was last seen on December 23rd at a local gas station. Sikora does not have a cell phone. Troopers have checked with relatives, friends and local hospitals but have not been able to locate Sikora. Anyone with information is asked to contact New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27 year old Cory Meadow of Laurens following an investigation into multiple complaints of animal cruelty. Meadow was charged with torturing or Injuring Animals & Failure to Provide Sustenance, Meadow was processed & will appear in court to answer to the charges at a later date.

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New York lawmakers officially became the highest paid state legislators in the nation Sunday, after Governor Hochul signed it on Saturday. Lawmakers held a special session in December & voted to give themselves a $32,000 pay raise to $142,000 a year, California lawmakers are now the 2nd highest paid state lawmakers in country.

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Several Broome County Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 10 Dartmouth Street in Johnson City Sunday. The fire was reported at about 5:40 pm, Firefighters had the blaze under control in about 2 hours, there were no injuries reported & the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-2-23

The New York Collegiate Athletic Participation Compensation Act went into effect Sunday, college athletes can receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness without the risk of having to give up their scholarships or eligibility. The law also allows college athletes to hire attorneys and sports agents licensed in New York State.

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Another new law that went into effect yesterday was the Paid Family Leave law. The law adds siblings to the definition of family member for paid family leave.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

by wcdonews Posted on December 30, 2022

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

State Police & the State Attorney General’s Office are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in Cortland County Wednesday night, where a Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputy observed an SUV driving through a red traffic light in the Town of Cortlandville. The Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the SUV failed to comply, both the SUV and the patrol vehicle crashed, after failing to negotiate a turn onto the Interstate 81 on-ramp in Homer. A rear seat passenger in the SUV, 16-year-old, Salena Wallner was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV, a 15-year-old female, a 16-year-old female passenger and a 15-year-old female passenger were transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with serious injuries. The Sheriff’s Deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The SUV had been reported stolen from the William George Agency for Children’s Services in Tompkins County shortly before the accident.

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Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will allow those who are living and donate a kidney or liver to receive reimbursement. The law is designed to get rid of any financial barrier that may be holding an individual back from donating an organ & it will reduce transplant wait times and address the organ shortage in the state.

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Over $22 million in grant funding was awarded to 76 communities across the state through Round 12 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, with an emphasis on Waterfront Revitalization, Brownfield remediation & Sustainable Community Planning and Zoning. The Village of Sidney will receive $700,000 dollars for their GreenPlain Community Park Plan, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 12-30-22)

Plans call for the construction of recreational amenities including a green soccer complex and event lawn, adjacent to the Susquehanna River. Broome County will receive funds for improvements at Grippen Park, The Ross Park Trail & the Roberson Museum.

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Elected officials will be sworn in for a new term on Sunday, January 1st. Governor Hochul will be sworn in at 2:00 PM Sunday at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, Sheriff-elect Fred Akshar and the Broome County Legislature will be joined by hundreds of family and friends for a special Joint Swearing-in Ceremony at the DoubleTree in Binghamton on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Akshar passed on running for re-election to the State Senate, in order to return to Law Enforcement.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-30-22

The new Minimum wage is set to go into effect on Saturday, Workers outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will see the minimum wage go from $13.20 to $14.20 an hour.

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A new provision of Brianna’s Law goes into effect Saturday in New York State. This legislation was signed into law in 2019, but a new provision requires operators of mechanically propelled boats to complete a boating safety course. Before, those born on or after January 1, 1988 needed the safety certificate. Beginning January 1, 2023, those born on or after January 1, 1983 need the boating safety certificate to operate mechanically propelled boats.

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1st Night Oneonta will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center New Year’s Eve. Hill City Celebrations will be hosting an alcohol free, family friendly celebration at the Foothills Performing Arts Center from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-29-22

by wcdonews Posted on December 29, 2022

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-29-22

The State Health Department continues to see a high positivity rate for COVID 19 testing across the state. The most recent test period had over 3600 positive tests out of 38,200 tested, for an 8.66% rate. Patient hospitalization have surged back up to over 3800. with 403 ICU patients & 179 on ventilators, and 128 deaths reported at hospitals & nursing homes.

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Schenevus Central School District Superintendent Theresa Carlin resigned during a special board of education meeting earlier this week. Carlin’s resignation takes effect on Saturday, she has served as the Schenevus Superintendent since 2018.

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Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is exploring the possibility of public transportation. A survey is currently available regarding what county residents have or need for transpiration, some County residents are using the GetThere mobility program, more information is available t For more information at gettherescny.org or 833-373-4040.

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The American Red Cross is Seeking Volunteers, to help with disaster relief. More information about becoming a Red Cross Volunteer is available at 607-223-9935.

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State Police are reminding state residents that if they get a fundraising call from someone claiming to be with the State Police, the call is a scam. State Police will never solicit funds by phone, email or social media, anyone who receives such a call should hang up.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-29-22

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that resources were deployed to assist Erie County recover from a historic series of storms. On Tuesday, Otsego County Special Operations Team members were activated to respond with equipment & personnel for a 72-hour deployment to assist with stranded residents or those in need of medical attention. On Wednesday, December 28, Otsego County Highway Department deployed 10 personnel with various pieces of equipment to assist with the clearing of roadways and impassable streets, they are expected to be working 12-hour periods each session into Monday

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today at the A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus, from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM, in the Conference Room N-112. The Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage due to the cancellation of blood drives and has issued an emergency request for all blood types. Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RedCross (1-800-733-2767).

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The New York Textile Act goes into effect in the new year. The Act aims to accelerate the growth of the animal and plant fiber growing, processing, and textile manufacturing industry in New York, it includes expanding annual farm recognition awards, state procurement process training for small businesses, It goes into effect January 1.

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The New York State Thruway re-opened to traffic yesterday in Western New York, as crews have cleared the roads after the recent 4 foot snowstorm. The City of Buffalo lifted it’s travel ban today, as crews from all over the state are assisting with removing cars that were stuck.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-28-22

by wcdonews Posted on December 28, 2022

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-28-22

State Police were dispatched Christmas day at about 12:30 PM to assist the Oneonta City Fire Department with a fully engulfed single wide trailer at the Oneida Village Mobile Home Park on Oneida Street. Fire personnel located a deceased male in the residence. State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene, the deceased man has been identified as 50 year old Aaron Blakeslee, who resided in the trailer. Oneonta Fire Department reported that 1 dog and 2 cats also died in the fire, there were no injuries to any firefighters. Investigators are working with the City of Oneonta Fire Department and State Fire Investigators to determine the cause of the fatal fire.

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The State Department of Public Service announced it has expanded its investigation into NYSEG and sister company Rochester Gas & Electric, for potential mismanagement of their utilities’ billing systems and protocols. The Department’s Consumer Advocate will host a series of public forums in affected areas starting in January to hear consumer concerns first-hand, after over 4700 customers complained of sudden spikes in their electric bills of about 60% on average earlier this year. Customers t should contact the Department’s Office of Consumer Services to file a complaint at dps.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Hamden man on charges stemming from a Menacing Complaint Tuesday. Deputies responded to a reported menacing complaint, Upon arrival Deputies interviewed 49-year-old Hayes Hathaway, deputies determined that Hathaway had pushed the victim from behind, displayed an axe while verbally threatening to cause harm to the victim and then terminated the victim’s electrical supply. Deputies charged Hathaway with 1 count of each of Menacing & Harassment, & was released & ordered to appear in Town of Hamden Court at a later date.

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Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package to crack down on pandemic fraud. The Legislation increases the award amounts given to individuals who report fraud related to a State of Emergency. Currently, private citizens can file civil lawsuits on behalf of the government to help recover defrauded money and may be rewarded a percentage of the money recovered. With this new law, whistleblowers may be eligible to receive additional money if the fraud was perpetrated during a state of emergency.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-28-22

Delaware County Emergency Services announced that crews from East Meredith, Pindars Corners, Stamford & Trout Creek Fire Departments were deployed to Erie County to assist with the disaster in Western New York. All were equipped with UTV’s & brought necessary supplies for a 72 hour deployment.

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The State Department of Health urges New Yorkers ages 6 months and older to get a flu shot, with the Department’s latest report showing an additional pediatric death, bringing the total to 5 so far this season. The Department’s new flu surveillance report shows a total of 217,094 positive influenza cases across all 62 counties in New York have been reported to date. Outside of New York City, week-over-week lab-confirmed flu cases are up 4 percent to 36,047, the report is available at nyshc.health.ny.gov.

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Cortland County Sheriff’s Officers responded to the Town of Homer for a motor vehicle accident, the driver, 20 year old Lucas Walley of Walton is accused of being intoxicated & driving off of the road. Walley was charged with Driving with .08 of 1% or More of Alcohol, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving Across Hazard Markings, he was processed and released on his own recognizance with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Homer Court.

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State Police remind motorists that they are continuing to crack down on speeders, distracted drivers, intoxicated drivers & aggressive drivers, through the Holidays. State police and local law enforcement agencies will continue to keep patrols on the roads through the New Year’s holiday weekend, they also remind drivers to obey the “Move Over” Law when emergency vehicles are responding to issues on the highways.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 12-27-22

by wcdonews Posted on December 27, 2022

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-27-22

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requires employers to list salary ranges for all advertised jobs and promotions in New York State. The law is similar to one already in effect in New York City, it goes into effect statewide next September.

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The Susquehanna SPCA took in 25 dogs from various rescues in the last week. The animals are being checked out by veterinarians currently & should be up for adoption shortly, more information is available regarding adoptions or their current fundraiser by calling (607) 547-8111.

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State Police at Troop C conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in Otsego County on December 21st. 14 businesses were found to be in compliance, in Worcester, Schenevus & Oneonta. During the Underage Drinking Initiative, retail establishments are checked using a trooper in plain clothes and one or several underage operative(s) who cannot lie about their age or give a fake date of birth (if asked). When asked for ID, they must show their real ID. All New York State driver’s licenses are horizontal if the license holder is over the age of 21; if the license holder is under the age of 21, they are vertical.

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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a report of an animal abuse in the Town of Hamden last week. The investigation revealed that the owner of the animals was 33-year-old Henry Baird of Hamden, Deputies arrested Baird for Over-driving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance, a search warrant was executed, which resulted in the seizure of Chickens, 2 Pigs, 2 Emu’s, a goat, and a Peacock, which were later secured by the Delaware Valley Humane Society. Baird was later released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Hamden Court at a later date to answer the charge.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-27-22

The State University of New York announced that the number of students applying to their school increased from roughly 97,000 applicants last year to over 204,000 from last year. SUNY implemented a new application system where Students were able to apply to up to 5 schools for free, they also launched an out-of-state tuition match program and is teaming up several other colleges in order to increase the interest in the SUNY system.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she has chosen Hector LaSalle of Westchester County, to be the new Chief Judge of the State’s Highest Court, the Court of Appeals. If approved, LaSalle would replace Judge Janet DiFiore, who retired after serving as the chief judge since 2016.

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A new law goes into effect this weekend regarding Polling places. The new law allows registered voters to cast their ballot at the wrong polling place as long as they are in the correct county and State Assembly district. The law follows voter confusion over last year’s changes to the district’s around the state, which will change again in 2024 following legal challenges.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 12-26-22

by wcdonews Posted on December 26, 2022

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-26-22

Erie County Officials announced this morning that the death toll form the Christmas weekend snowstorm in the Buffalo region, has killed 36 people so far. 400 National Guard members have been sent to Buffalo to assist in the rescue & clean up, after 4 feet of snow fell, several miles of the New York State Thruway were closed in Western New York.

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More than 1,900 New Yorkers are set to receive benefits as part of the final round of payments from the state’s historic Excluded Workers Fund. Nearly $30 million will be sent before the end of the year. In total, more than 130,000 EWF applications have been approved and, minus administrative costs, the entirety of the $2.1 billion fund will soon be distributed to eligible New Yorkers. More information is available at dol.ny.gov.

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Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will protect consumers from scammers by requiring businesses give notice of potential scams when selling gift cards. The new Legislation amends the general business law to require that retailers selling gift cards also post a notice cautioning customers of gift card scams and providing information on what to do if they believe they may be a victim of such a scam.

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Attorney General Letitia James cautioned consumers and businesses of price gouging of children’s painkillers and fever reducers as demand increases for those medications due to this year’s “tripledemic” of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. The Attorney General is aware of reports of children’s medication being sold online and in stores at prices two or three times their retail value. New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to the Attorney General’s Office by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.

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A new law requires telemarketers to give customers the option to be added to their do-not-call list immediately after the telemarketer says their name and company. The new law passed in the Legislature this year and was signed by Governor Hochul, it goes into effect on March 6th of 2023.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-26-22

Oneonta Fire Department responded Sunday afternoon at about 12:30 PM, to a full involved Trailer fire at 24 Oneida Street. Oneonta was assisted by fire fighters from West Oneonta, Worcester, Franklin, Otego, Laurens & Milford Fire Departments, more details are expected to be released shortly.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-23-22

by wcdonews Posted on December 23, 2022

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-23-22

It will be a cold & breezy Holiday weekend throughout the Upstate region, local meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Townsend 12-23-22)

Those who must be outside for any length of time should bundle up in layers, keep hands & faces covered up, in order to avoid the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

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State Police arrested 51-year-old Lauren Brooks, of West Edmeston, following an investigation and subsequent indictment by the Steuben County Grand Jury, for contact he had with a minor child. The incidents of contact occurred while Brooks resided in the town of Corning from 2012-2016, he was arraigned for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and 298 counts of Criminal Sexual Act, 90 counts of 2nd degree Rape and 28 counts of 3rd degree Rape. Brooks was remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail $20,000 property bond. The investigation is continuing, and anyone who may have been a victim of Brooks and has not come forward, can contact the State Police at 607-962-3282.

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State lawmakers voted to give themselves a $32,000 pay raise in a special session Thursday, Local State Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that this was not the way to go about getting a pay-raise for lawmakers:

(Angelino 12-23-22)

The plan if approved would make them the highest-paid state legislators in the nation at $140,000 annually. The plan still has to be approved by Governor Hochul.

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Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 23-year-old Muhammad Aziz was sentenced to five years in New York State prison and five years post release supervision after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, back on June 15th, State Police executed a search warrant at Aziz’s residence in Johnson City, they seized cocaine and methamphetamine, along with an illegal and loaded .9 mm pistol. The DA’s Office also announced that 34-year-old Michael Perez was sentenced to two to four years in New York State prison after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, back on November 5th, 2021, Perez assaulted and threatened a United Health Services Security Officer with a knife outside of a UHS medical facility in Binghamton.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-23-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency for the entire State in advance of a significant winter weather. State Police advise motorists to drive only for emergency purposes Today & Tomorrow. The State DOT will be deploying heavy equipment to where it is needed, Emergency crews & Utility Company Crews are preparing for possible Power Outages.

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The Bandera Family & Community Alliance announced Free Christmas Dinners again this year for Binghamton & Norwich residents, and this year they are adding a free Christmas Dinner for the Oneonta Community, Bill Bandera told WCDO News about their plans this Christmas:

(Bill Bandera 12-6-22)

Bandera the meals will be served at the American Legion Halls in each community, in Norwich from 12:00 to 2:00 PM & in oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM, More information can be found at banderachristmas.

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Gene Schmidt & his family announced that they will again host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street:

(Gene Schmidt 12-14-22)

Schmidt said that this is the 10th year that he & his family have hosted this event, with the contributions from many area businesses & organizations.

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The Sidney Town Clerk’s office will be Closed Friday December 23rd and Monday December 26th for Christmas. The Office will reopen on Tuesday December 27th.

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