Joseph Swarts of Binghamton, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. On May 4, 2023, Swarts was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine after a traffic stop by the Binghamton Police, he admitted to possession with the intent to sell. Swarts will be sentenced to 3 years in State Prison and 2 years post-release supervision. Sentencing is scheduled for April 18th.
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25 year old Caleb Lane of Walton appeared in the Delaware County Court for sentencing on 1 count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. On August 25, 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that an individual account had downloaded a sexually explicit image of a child. Investigators with the State Police were able to track down the account to Lane, Searches of his computer included numerous images and videos. Lane had previously pleaded guilty on December 4, On Monday Lane was sentenced to 10 years of probation supervision subject to sex offender conditions, he was also ordered to register as a Sex Offender.
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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Monday in the Town of Chenango to meet with a domestic violence victim in the Town of Colesville. The female victim and her 2 young children fled their residence due to a physical dispute, Deputies utilized the Lethality Assessment Program and advocates from Crime Victims Assistance Center responded to provide victim safety and support services. 30 year old Timothy Backes of Windsor is accused of violating an order of protection & physically assaulting the victim, Deputies located Backes & charged him with 2 counts of Criminal Contempt, Aggravated Family Offense & Harassment, he was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility, he attempted to contact the victim to solicit funds for bail, violating the Order of Protection again, he was additionally charged with another count each of of Criminal Contempt & Aggravated Family Offense, & was remanded after arraignment on the new charges.
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The Bainbridge Lions Club has started a fundraiser to purchase their own camera to test children’s eyes at several area school districts, spokesman Cliff Crouch said that they previously borrowed the device, but they would like to get their own camera & continue the program more efficiently:
(Cliff Crouch 1-31-24)
Crouch said that last year they tested over 1400 students, donations can be sent to the Bainbridge Lions Club Treasurer Robert Evans, 167 Cornell Drive Bainbridge New York 13733.
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The State Labor Department has corrected their earlier “Warn” statement regarding the Acco Plant in Sidney. The Labor Department amended the closing date of the Sidney facility to April 8, 2025, earlier they state on their website that the plant would be closing in April 2024. The total number of employees at the plant is 290, the number of workers affected by the closing is 231.
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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-31-24
The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Michael Ide of Oneonta following a narcotics investigation. Ide was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, plus 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. On December 11th 2023, members of the State Division of Parole, Oneonta Police Department and the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of a residence in the Town of Oneonta, Officers seized methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, suboxone, plus $669 in US currency, digital scales, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia and a notebook containing drug sales records were also seized, Ide faces court action shortly.
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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a stolen pickup truck from Pennsylvania Monday, the driver failed to comply & a pursuit continued at high rates of speed, until the vehicle was stuck in mud in the Town of Maine. 21 year old Samuel Pierce of Candor was taken into custody, officers seized a loaded handgun & Pierce was charged with several counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Reckless Endangerment & 17 Traffic Violations. Pierce was wanted on a warrant from Tioga County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell. He was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility. 2 juvenile females who were with Pierce for part of the pursuit were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
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Oneonta Police responded last night to a report of a gunshot fired at 30 Center Street. An unidentified male was taken to Fox Hospital with a gunshot wound, the investigation is continuing.
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]]>The Bainbridge Lions Club will conclude their annual fundraising raffle Saturday, when they give away a Zero Turn Lawn mower & other prizes & McDowell & Walker in Sidney, Lions spokesman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News that the money raised goes to a good cause:
(Cliff Crouch 9-21-23)
Crouch said that people can still buy the raffle tickets at McDowell & Walker, Johns Garage or through a Lions club Member, the winners will be announced Saturday at 12:00 Noon at McDowell & Walker.
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The Delaware County Historical Association is accepting nominations for its annual Awards of Merit. Individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the preservation and presentation of local history, traditions and culture will be presented with awards at Association’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 5th. To submit a nomination, write a letter or e-mail detailing why the nominee or group is deserving of the award, more information is available at (607) 746-3849 or dchadelhi@gmail.com.
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Rural Health Network of South Central New York will hold their 25th Anniversary Celebration Event next month. “Mash it Up on a Monday,” is open to the public by advance ticket sales only and will be held on Monday, October 16th, 5pm – 7:30pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased at rhnscny.org before October 6th.
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New Yorkers to take advantage of the year’s fifth Free Fishing Day on Saturday, September 23, when New York State waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license. Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. The final Free Fishing Day of 2023 will be held on Veterans Day on Nov. 11. During designated Free Fishing Days, residents and non-residents are permitted to fish in freshwater for free without a fishing license. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.
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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-21-23
The Small Business Resource Fair will be held today from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Sidney Community Cultural Center, Delaware County Chamber Of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:
(Ray Pucci 8-21-23)
Pucci said that the event is free & open to all businesses and entrepreneurs, who registered, more information is available at delawarecounty.org.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an Open House today at the Delaware County Sheriff’s office in Delhi, Sheriff Craig DuMond comments:
(Sheriff DuMond 9-21-23)
The Open House coincides with New York State Sheriff’s Week, the Open House will run from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the facility at Delview Terrace in Delhi.
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On Wednesday, State Police Traffic Incident Management Unit issued a total of 25 tickets in Broome County during an “Operation Hard Hat” detail. Troopers monitored traffic on State Route 17 in the town of Sanford where road crews were doing bridge work. Of the 25 tickets issued, 9 were for speeding, 6 for seatbelt violations & the rest for a variety of offenses.
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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Monday in the Town of Fenton for a Burglary complaint. The homeowner had found an unknown man in a 2nd floor room around 1:30 AM, the intruder left on foot, a laptop computer and several other electronics were missing from his residence, a downstairs window was left ajar with the screen ripped out. Deputies apprehended an individual with the stolen items in a drawstring bag, 24 year old Mitchell Paul of Binghamton, was charged with Burglary, Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Mischief, he was taken to Central Arraignment and is currently being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility. Later that morning Deputies responded to a separate Burglary complaint in the Town of Fenton, where various items were stolen, they discovered that those items were in Mitchell Paul’s drawstring bag, he was additionally charged with Burglary.
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Delaware County Public Health will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at The Cullman Center in Sidney today from 3:30PM-5:30PM. Parents and caregivers can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat technicians. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Be sure to bring your child/children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well, more information is available at 607-832-5200.
]]>19 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin is expected to plead guilty Monday in Erie County Court, for fatally shooting 10 people & injuring 3 others, in a racist attack on a buffalo Tops Supermarket in a predominantly Black Neighborhood May 14th. Gendron was charged in federal and state courts with multiple counts of murder and hate crimes, he is being held pending the court appearances.
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The Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 36 year old Thomas Wright of Oxford and 36 year old Troy Dibble of Oxford, on Burglary & Grand Larceny Charges, following an investigation of a burglary of a house on Patterson Street in Sidney. A car trailer, 2 ATV’s & a number of Tools were taken from the property, it was located in the town of Oxford and the 2 men were arrested. Wright was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court, he was released on $2000 bail to appear back in court at a later date, Dibble was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court, he was released on his own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date. Sidney Police Department were assisted by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police.
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The State Department of Agriculture & Markets announced that raw milk from the Nickol Dairy Farm in Otsego County was found to be contaminated with Listeria following an inspection. Department officials warned customers not to drink the unpasteurized raw milk, until more testing is complete. Customers who purchased milk from the farm should throw it away & are advised to contact the farm owners at 607-386-3951.
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Erin Insinga of Delaware Valley Humane Society is inviting area residents to the Sidney Great American store tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Insinga told WCDO News why she has organized this:
(Erin Insinga 11-18-22)
Saturday is the last day of Business of the Sidney Great American, the store operated at that location for 6 decades.
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The Community Cultural Center in Sidney will hold events tonight, tomorrow night & Sunday, spokesperson Amy Williams explains:
(Amy Williams 11-18-22)
Tickets for the Comedy Night Saturday are available at the door or online at cccsidneyart.booktix.com.
A.M. NEWS Friday 11-18-22
The Bainbridge Lions Club is selling raffle tickets through Saturday for 3 big prizes, Lions Club member Cliff Crouch told WCDO News about the Lions Club programs that will be funded, for those in need:
(Cliff Crouch 11-15-22)
Crouch said that the tickets are available at McDowell & Walker in Sidney, at John’s Garage in Bainbridge or through Any Lions Club member, the Drawing will be at McDowell & Walker Saturday at 12:00 Noon.
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The Tri Town Theater will perform “Oliver” tonight, tomorrow night & Sunday Afternoon, at the Sidney High School Auditorium, cast Members Sarah Norris & Jack Doyle comment:
(Norris Doyle 11-18-22)
Tickets are available at tritown.booktix.com for all 3 performances.
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The Norwich Family YMCA will be holding the 41st annual Turkey Trot 5K run and walk this Sunday, Organizer Shannon Gawronski told WCDO News how the Turkey Trot fundraiser benefits the YMCA & The community:
(Shannon Gawronski 11-18-22)
The Children’s run will begin at 12:00 Noon Sunday, the adult race begins at 12:30 pm, Registration is available on the Norwich Family YMCA Facebook page, and on their website, NorwichYMCA.com. Following the 5K will be an awards ceremony in the Norwich Family YMCA gymnasium.
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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society, the City of Oneonta and Otsego Now, will unveil a new historical marker for the D&H Roundhouse on Roundhouse Road in Oneonta, today at 12:00 Noon. The marker registers and documents one of the largest roundhouses in the nation, the public ceremony will be at the corner of Roundhouse Road and Fonda Avenue in Oneonta on the property of A Treffeisen & Son LLC.
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]]>Winter Weather is expected to effect our region through tomorrow afternoon, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:
(Rich Townsend 11-15-22)
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory tonight through 1:00 PM tomorrow.
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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28 year old Darrick Reynolds of Unadilla following a traffic stop in the Town of Morris November 10th. Reynolds was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Uninsured, Uninspected & Unregistered Motor Vehicle & Improper Plates Reynolds was taken into custody and turned over to Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, he will appear in court at a later date.
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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Duane Dye of Edmeston following a traffic stop in the Town of Edmeston. Dye was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Registration Suspended & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Dye was found to be operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with a suspended registration and suspended driver’s license, he will Appear in Edmeston Town court at a later date.
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The Bainbridge Lions Club is selling raffle tickets through Saturday for 3 big prizes, Lions Club member Cliff crouch explains;
(Cliff Crouch 11-15-22)
Crouch said that the tickets are available at McDowell & Walker in Sidney, at John’s Garage in Bainbridge or through Any Lions Club member, the Drawing will be at McDowell & Walker Saturday at 12:00 Noon.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli audited the State Department of Labor regarding their failure to replace its long-troubled Unemployment Insurance system, which contributed to billions of dollars in improper payments sent out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The audit recommended the Department recommended the replacement of the system, take steps to improve the verification process to stop fraudulent claims, Department officials generally agreed with the audit’s findings and recommendations.
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The State DEC announced that November 15th will be recognized as New York Recycles Day.. The DEC is working with SUNY partners to increase the ability to recycle items like glass, paper, and plastics, and to increase education to the public on best practices for recycling, more information is available at dec.ny.gov.
A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-15-22
Oneonta police announced that 50 year old Taver Brown of Oneonta died last Thursday morning in a bicycle accident in Huntington Park. Brown died from head & neck injuries in the bicycle crash, he was not wearing a helmet, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Attorney General Letitia James, as part of a coalition of 40 attorneys general, today secured $391.5 million from Google for misleading millions of users about its location data tracking. A multi-state investigation found that Google failed to notify users that location tracking services were automatically turned on for web and app activity. Millions of consumers with Google accounts who used Google’s apps, such as Google Maps, Google Search, Google Chrome, and other Google apps, were unaware that their location was being tracked.
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An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held today, from 12:00 PM from 5:00 PM at the State University of Oneonta, at 101 C Hunt Hall. Appointment can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting this morning. The meeting will be held at the back of Bob’s Diner at 7:30 AM.
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]]>Delaware County Sheriff’s Department arrested 19 year old Dakota Hall of Fleischmanns for 2nd degree murder following a domestic dispute in Fleischmanns Thursday night. Deputies, State Police & EMT’s responded at about 10:50 PM Thursday night to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was taken to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and died for injuries sustained in the attack. Dakota Hall was taken into custody without incident by Deputies for allegedly stabbing his brother; Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action. The investigation is ongoing.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a head-on collision in the Town of Franklin on Wednesday afternoon. Deputies reported that at about 5:30 PM, they responded with EMT’s to the accident on County Highway 21 near Leland Hull Road. Deputies determined that a vehicle driven by 50 year-old Jeffrey Lewis of Walton crossed over the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by 62 year-old Wayne Knorr of Laurens, causing the Knorr vehicle to overturn several times. Knorr was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a head injury; Lewis was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital also for the treatment of a head injury. Lewis’ driving privileges were revoked as a result of previous alcohol related offense, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device, failure to keep right and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released to appear in Town of Franklin court at a later date. Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident.
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The Chenango County Health Department announced that their contact tracing team interviewed a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, that individual reported having visited the Greene Community Fitness Center at 7 South Canal Street in Greene between October 11th & 14th during the infectious period. Any individual frequenting this establishment during the time indicated below should closely monitor themselves for COVID symptoms, those who exhibit symptoms should self-quarantine and contact their medical provider. Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 statistics today. Currently they have 47 Active Cases, 230 Quarantines with 2 hospitalizations. They have had 347 Total Confirmed Cases, 253 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths & they have conducted over 33,900 tests, more information is available at 337-1660.
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The Prospect Hill Cemetery Association Board is looking to receive a grant to help with repairs to the wall near East Main Street, they have decided to apply to Southern Tier Tuesdays.com and see if we could a $2,000 Grant. Association President Debra Tompkins-Cornett explains how people can help by voting once a day for 5 days, starting this Sunday:
(Debra Tompkins-Cornett 10-23-20)
Prospect Hill Cemetery has been nominated along with 11 others for the Grant; people can go to southerntiertuesdays.com to vote beginning this Sunday.
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Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.
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Early voting begins tomorrow around the region. Area Counties have different times & locations for early voting from tomorrow through November 1st, contact your county Board of Elections for specific dates & times.
A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20
Broome County Health Department announced that they have 103 new COVID 19 cases and 55 recoveries, the county’s active cases up to 646. There was another death reported, bringing the county’s death count up to 89, the number of people hospitalized went up by 5 to a total of 19. The total number of cases is up to 3060, 2325 have recovered. The County has a 3.7% positivity rate; it’s over 9% in the state designated “Yellow” zone.
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The Oneonta City School District have switched middle and high school students to remote learning yesterday & again today after being notified of a teacher testing positive. NO student or any faculty/staff member is deemed a “close contact” to the affected teacher, according to a district letter; all elementary buildings will open as normal. Middle & High School students are scheduled to return on the previous hybrid schedule Monday.
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Otsego County Department of Health reported 10 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday; they are investigating a cluster of cases that originated at a wedding that has now spread into the community. Current COVID numbers, they report 952 total confirmed cases, 27 active cases with 2 hospitalizations, they’ve had 7 deaths, 747 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College reported 2 more cases of COVID-19 have been detected, they have 3 active cases on campus; the total number of cases is 24.
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Delaware County Public Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, with 12 active cases, 3 hospitalizations, & 73 in quarantine. Delaware County is up to 149 cases since March with 8 deaths and 129 recoveries.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their “Commitment to Community” Annual Dinner Saturday Night. The guest Speakers will be Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney. The Chamber will honor their Citizen of the Year award winner Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year; My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club.
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The Baristacrats Coffee Bar of Afton is teaming up with Gavin’s Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney on Sunday; they will be donating a percentage of the day’s sales to the Afton VFW Building Project. Baristacrats owner Alexis Van Buren explains:
(Alexis Van Buren 10-23-20)
Van Buren said that The Afton VFW building needs renovations; the building was built in 1898. Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730. The combined effort will be held at Gavin’s Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.
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DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, many local police departments also have drop boxes available year round to get expired medications or unused narcotics out of the waste stream or out of criminal hands. A listing of local law enforcement agencies & fire Departments participating can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.
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]]>Governor Cuomo announced Thursday’s COVID 19 numbers across the state; they conducted 131,993 tests with 1,194 positives. Hospitalizations increased again to 779 people, the number of ICU patients went down slightly to 168, and the number of Patients on Ventilators went up by 11 to 78. There were 6 deaths Thursday; the state death toll is 25,561.
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The Broome County Health Department announced that they had another 88 Positive COVID 19 cases today, giving the County 2238 total cases since March, and 628 cases since October 1st. They report 659 active cases with 10 hospitalizations, there have been 83 deaths, over 1500 recoveries.
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Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 267 COVID 19 positive cases since March. Currently there are 11 active cases, 1 Hospitalization and 126 active quarantines, there have been 7 deaths, 236 recoveries & over 30,700 tests performed.
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NYSEG announced today that crews continue to make significant progress across the Oneonta Division, after strong winds and heavy rain disrupted service to thousands of customers on Wednesday. The company expects to restore 95% of customers in the Oneonta Division by 6:00 p.m. today and achieve total restoration by the end of the day. Currently, approximately 920 customers are without power in the company’s Oneonta Division which includes Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego counties.
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The 27th annual “Pit Run” will be held virtually this year, as COVID guidelines prohibits large gatherings like the Pit Run normally attracts. Race Committee Member Rob Lishansky told WCDO News how the race will work:
(Rob Lishansky 10-8-20)
Registration runs through October 15th at pitrun.org, money raised will go to the Rick Parisian foundation for area scholarship. Lishansky is also featured on the Nate Lull Podcast #69, about this year’s virtual Pit Run.
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The Chenango County Health Department announced a Drive-Through Rabies Clinic will be held tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The clinic will run from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Pre-Registration is required at 337-1673, a $5 donation is requested.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that their Citizen of the Year award winner this year is Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year is My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club. The Commitment to Community Annual dinner to honor the award winners will be held at Club 55 in Sidney on October 24th at 6:00 PM.
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Local Boy Scout Troop 9934 is having a drive through recruitment night tonight in Sidney. The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Keith Clark Park.
A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-9-20
Delaware County Public Health reported no new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, with 6 active cases all recovering at home, and 101 are in quarantine. The county has had 129 total cases since the spring, with 8 deaths & 115 recoveries.
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Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Davenport on Monday night that resulted in the caller being arrested and charged with falsely reporting an incident. Deputies determined that the caller, 26 year-old Brittany Cole of Davenport called 911 following a verbal dispute and falsely reported being physically assaulted during the domestic dispute. Cole was charged with falsely reporting an incident; she was processed and issued an appearance to Davenport Town Court at a later date.
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Today is the last day New Yorkers can register to vote in the 2020 General Election. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the State and the county, city or village in which you are registering for at least 30 days before the election; and be at least 18 years old on or by November 3rd. More information is available at elections.ny.gov.
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