Craig Ross Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to 1st-degree kidnapping and predatory sexual assault of a child, according to the Saratoga County district attorney, and faces 47 years to life in prison. Ross abducted 9 year old Charlotte Sena on September 30th from Moreau Lake State Park, as she was riding her bicycle while picnicking with her family, she disappeared and a search led to Ross 2 days later when state police troopers and an FBI SWAT team stormed a camper Ross was staying in. Rescuers found the girl alive in a cabinet. The guilty plea comes prior to a trial that was scheduled in April, Ross will be sentenced on April 17.

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The Coventry Fire Department EMS is looking to add to their numbers, they will hold a basic Life Support class tomorrow, Spokesman Kyle Button Explains:

(Kyle Button 2-23-24)

More information is available at coventryems.org or by calling 607-656-4060.

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Tri Town Theatre will perform the Tony award winning comedy, GOD OF CARNAGE, starting tonight in Sidney, George Wells of Tri-Town Theater told WCDO about this 2009 comedy:

(George Wells 2-15-24)

Tickets for TriTown Theatre’s production of “God Of Carnage” are on sale at TritownTheatre.com and will also be available at the door. The Shows are tonight & tomorrow night at 7:30PM and a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM at the Sidney High School auditorium, more information is also available on their Facebook page.

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The Sidney United Way will be holding a fundraiser in Sidney this Sunday at Awestruck Ciders, spokesperson Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 2-23-24)

The event will run from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Awestruck in Sidney Industrial Park.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-23-24

The case of Ganesh “Remy” Ramsaran of New Berlin will go national tonight on NBC’s Dateline. Ramsaran pleaded guilty last year to a reduced charge of Manslaughter fro the 2012 killing of his wife Jennifer Ramsaran. NBC Dateline will devote 2 hours of airtime to the the case entitled “The Perfect Life,” at 9:00 PM, More information and a preview for the episode can be found at nbcnews.com.

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Karim Dobson of Johnson City pleaded guilty as a second felony offender to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Broome County Court. On October 17, Dobson was found in possession of more than 4 ounces of fentanyl following a traffic stop on I-81 in the Town of Kirkwood. Dobson admitted to possession with the intent to sell, he is due back for sentencing on May 12, where he is expected to be sentenced to 6 years in State Prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision.

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The Jericho Arts Council present the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band Saturday Night in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre, spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 2-23-24)

Wade said that in the Gallery will be the works of Colette Aimee, tickets for the concert can be reserved by calling 607-288-3882.

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A Red Cross Blood drive is being held in Oneonta today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Quality Inn, on State Route 23. Appointments to give blood can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Local Photographer Ron Sager will have an exhibit & discussion of his photography at the Sidney Library Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, he told WCDO News about this exhibit:

(Ron Sager 2-23-24)

Sager will have another exhibit on March 2 at the 246 Main Street in Unadilla, with an exhibit & discussion specifically about Unadilla.

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The headliner for the Southern Tier Music Fest was announced on WCDO This Morning, Organizers Ed Curley & Teri Schunk comment:

(Ed Curley Teri Schunk 11-21-23)

Schunk said that General Admission tickets will be specially priced at $50 a ticket Black Friday through Cyber Monday, after that they will go back to $75 a piece, VIP Tickets are available for $175 dollars, Tickets can be found at southerntiermusicfest.com.

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State Police will participate in a special traffic enforcement initiative to crack down on unsafe driving behaviors through Thanksgiving weekend. The special traffic enforcement period runs from Wednesday through Sunday, and will focus on impaired and distracted driving as well as speeding and the Move Over Law. Temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended through 6:00 am on Monday, some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers for emergency repairs.

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The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for October. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in September to 4.2% in October , locally, Chenango County had 3.2%, Delaware County 3.7% and Otsego County 3.4% in October.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and State Police announced the arrest of Utica City School District Superintendent Bruce Karam and the former Utica Mayor and School Board President Louis LaPolla. Karam was using school money and resources to send election mailers in support of school board candidates that he favored and who determined his contract, salary and authority. He also is accused of using school resources to send invitations for a non-school related fundraiser for a purported charity run by LaPolla. LaPolla was allegedly aware that school resources were being used on his behalf. Karam also allegedly tried to cover up his actions by attempting to persuade school district employees to lie that the resources being used for a valid purpose.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-21-23

State Police Major Crimes Unit members were in southern Vermont searching an area of forest for the remains of Sara Anne Wood, about 30 miles east of Albany. Wood was abducted while riding her bicycle 30 years ago in a remote area of the Town of Frankfort, & was killed by Lewis Lent of Massachusetts, Over 80 officers from the State Police assisted in the search, which concluded on Thursday, No remains were found in the search.

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Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced that 34 year old Donald Kern of Sidney, was indicted for a Hate Crime by the Delaware County Grand Jury last week. The Indictment accuses Kern of Aggravated Harassment as a Hate Crime, he is accused pf threatening and spitting on an African American female from Sidney, threatened her with violence, & used racial slurs.

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State Police reported that they took 42 impaired motorists from the roadways in the month of October in Troop C. A total 28 of Driving While Intoxicated charges were administered, 4 of those were against someone who had a previous DWI conviction within the last 10 years, and 1 was for an individual who had 2 prior DWI convictions in the last 2 years, 7 were charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.

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The Broome County Corrections Academy will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, starting at 11:30 this morning. 25 graduates will officially earn the rank of Officer, after 3 months of training, learning defense tactics, studying law, Several recruits will also be recognized with individual awards.

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The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50-year-old Joellyn Bedford, of Norwich, for using a forged bank cashier’s check to buy a 2021 Ford Bronco worth $58,500. The Sheriff’s Office accuses Bedford of using a check with a false name to purchase the car, she then sold the vehicle to a dealership in Otsego County.

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Craig Ross Jr. has been charged kidnapping, 4 counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, plus sexual abuse, assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Ross was arrested after he allegedly abducted 9 year old Charlotte Sena Spetember 30th at Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County. Ross was indicted on the charges Friday, he was initially charged with 1st degree kidnapping when he was arrested days after the girl was riding her bike & went missing during a day at the park with family. Ross was found in a camper where he was staying, police found Sena in a cabinet, Ross is accused of raping the girl over the 2 day period. Ross pleaded not guilty in Saratoga County Court Friday, he is beign held in jail without bail since his arrest.

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State Police & The FBI arrested 43 year old Michael Hilliard of Horseheads November 11th, following an investigation into hazardous materials used for making bombs was found Hilliard’s residence. On November 6th, a local Highway Department employee found a possible explosive, the State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and FBI responded and made the explosive safe. On November 11th Hilliard was apprehended and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree (B Felony). He was arraigned and remanded to the Chemung County Jail. On November 12th, State Police executed a search warrant at Hilliard’s residence, they located several suspicious hazardous materials inside the residence & the immediate surrounding the residence was evacuated. State Police are working in conjunction with the FBI for the disposal of all hazards. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100.

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State Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 2019 or newer white Volvo semi-truck with damage to the front passenger side. Police said that 40 year old John Viviano of Sidney was pronounced dead at the scene, State Police at Troop E investigated the fatal car-pedestrian crash that occurred on I-86 near exit 38 in the village of Bath, Police beleive that a westbound vehicle on I-86 struck Viviano between Friday night & Saturday Morning, The vehicle did not stop, and State Police is requesting the public’s assistance to identify the vehicle, which may have significant front-end damage. Anyone with information, please contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100.

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The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 3 people last Wednesday in a major drug bust in Binghamton. arrested were 39-year-old Rayshawn Thompson, 38-year-old Derrick Brooks and 39-year-old Brandy Myers were charged with multiple felonies after the Task Force officers executed a search warrant at 24 Robinson Street. Officer seized a loaded handgun, fentanyl, Methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone Strips & $4,500 in suspected drug proceeds, packaging materials, all 3 were transported to the Binghamton Police Department, and were processed & were being held on various felony weapon & drug charges.

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State Police arrested 63 year old David Brown of Candor for 100 counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Owego with the assistance from the Troop C Computer Crimes Unit, conducted an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation and determined that Brown was in possession of numerous videos depicting child pornography. Brown is scheduled to appear in the Candor Town Court on December 4th.

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State Police arrested 31 year old Kevin Carter Jr. of Binghamton, for 3rd degree Robbery and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Troopers were dispatched to a reported robbery at Speedway in the town of Union. Troopers located Carter who was found to be in possession of metal knuckles. The investigation determined that Carter made a small purchase but when the register was open, he reached over the counter and forcefully took a sum of money, however, he left his wallet with his ID on the counter during the incident. Carter was transported to the Broome County Correctional Facility for arraignment.

A.M. NEWS Monday 11-20-23

State Police arrested 4 women after a theft at the Oneonta Walmart on October 20th. A Trooper was dispatched to a report of the women walking with over $1,000 in merchandise. Troopers were able to locate and arrest all 4 women all were charged with Grand Larceny, they are identified as 19 year old Miranda Cole of Norwich, 18 year old Shania Reynolds-Broyles of North Bellmore, 19 year old Nevaeh Moore of Brooklyn, & 19 year old Samantha Sawyer of New York City, all will appear in Oneonta Town Court on December 5, 2023.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 16 year old female juvenile for multiple charges following a warrant arrest on November 15th in the City of Oneonta. The juveniles was charged with 2 counts each for Resisting Arrest & Obstruction of Governmental Administration & 1 count each for Escape, Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, Assault & Felony Assault. she is accused of resisting arrest, assaulting staff of the Probation Office following arraignment at the Otsego County Office Building, she was released to a 3rd party & will appear in court at a later date.

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SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus Open House and Instant Decision Day will be today from 1:00 – 6:00 PM at Follett Hall. Participants can meet with Admissions staff & Financial Aid staff. More information is available at norwich@morrisville.edu or call 607.334.5144.

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In its first year, the Pink Patch Project at Broome County Sheriff’s Office helped raise money for local families fighting cancer. On Friday, Pink Patch Project Organizer Officer Jennifer McPeek, along with Sheriff Akshar, presented a $4,500 donation to the Community Foundation and the Tina Fund toward helping local families fighting cancer.

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State Police announced the arrest of 46 year old Craig Ross Jr., of Ballston Spa, for 1st degree kidnapping. Ross was arraigned & was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. Additional charges are anticipated. Ross is accused of kidnapping 9 year old Charlotte Sena Saturday evening as she was riding her bicycle at Moreau Lake State Park State Police located Charlotte last night, she was safe, in good health & was reunited with her family.

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SFCU announce that their Merger is complete with the former “Edge Federal Credit Union” in Liverpool as of yesterday, SFCU Senior Vice President Andrew Smith explains;

(Andrew Smith 10-3-23)

Smith said that the plans are also moving forward with the upcoming branch in Cicero, giving SFCU a substantial foothold in the Syracuse area market.

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The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office announced that The driver who was killed in a 1-vehicle crash on Route 8 in Bridgewater has been identified as 36-year-old Edward Cuevas, of Oneonta. Cuevas was driving on State Route 8 at about 8:15 on September 25 when the crash occurred, the cause remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at 315-765-2737.

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The Matthews Auto Group announced their 5th Annual Matthews Walk-A-Thon to benefit 10 children’s charities in Binghamton, Syracuse, Norwich, & other locations this Saturday, October 7th from 7:30AM to 6:30PM, Spokesperson Kathy Breno told WCDO about the Norwich Walk-A-Thon:

(Kathy Breno 10-3-23)

The Norwich & Vestal Walk-a-thon will be the only in-person events, the rest will be virtual, the Chenango County Child Advocacy Center in Norwich is one of the charities that will benefit from this effort. Walkers can register in advance at MatthewsWalkathon.Com or at Weiler Park on the day of the event. Matthews will distribute up to $150,000 to the charities based on the miles walked and the percentage of votes each charity receives during registration.

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The Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that DeJoghn Llamas pleaded guilty to Attempted Assault and was sentenced to 7 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision. Llamas admitted that he slashed a 61-year-old woman in the face with a knife during an argument at a Binghamton residence in October of 2022.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-3-23

9 year old Charlotte Sena, who went missing Saturday evening while on a bike ride at a park, has been found. State Police reported Monday night that the girl was located and in good health and that a suspect is in custody. State Police said they identified an individual as being in the area of the Moreau Lake State Park around the time Charlotte went missing Saturday & the investigation is continuing.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 1 car motor vehicle accident with injuries on September 26th, where the vehicle was found to have rolled over and the operator was found to be suspected of operating the vehicle in an intoxicated state. 19 year old Samantha Hanneman of New Jersey was charged with driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration over .08, Failure to Keep Right, Move from Lane Unsafely, No Seatbelt, and Speed not Reasonable and Prudent. Hanneman was released to a family member on appearance tickets and directed to appear at the Town of Middletown court at a later date to answer the charges.

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The Next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held today at General Clinton Park Office, the meeting will start at 6:30 PM.

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The Sidney Town Board will hold its Budget Workshop at 6:30 pm this evening. The meeting will be held in the Board Room at the Town Building, located at 44 Grand Street.

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On Sunday Morning, September 24th, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies observed a speeding vehicle traveling on Meredith Street in the Village of Delhi. Deputies identified the driver as 21 year-old Blaise Atanga of White Plains, his driver’s license was revoked in the State of New York. Deputies arrested Atanga for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, along with other charges, he was released on the traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date to answer the charges.

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The National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect this evening & into tomorrow morning, Local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what the latest models are showing for this storm:

(Rich Townsend 4-18-22)

The Winter Storm warning is in effect from 6:00 PM tonight until 12:00 Noon tomorrow.

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The Binghamton Black Bears have made the playoffs with Game 1 of a prospective 3 game series tonight at the Arena against Danbury, Black Bears Spokesman Rob Lippolis told WCDO News that its been quite a while since there has been playoff hockey in Binghamton:

(Rob Lippolis 4-18-22)

Some tickets are still available for tonight’s game at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 607-722-7367.

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The State Health Department have included Broome and Tioga counties in an “orange zone” designation for counties at high risk of transmission of the latest strains of the COVID-19 virus . 10 counties have been designated orange, The Broome County Health Department reported 677 new confirmed cases of the virus since the middle of last week, with 31 people hospitalized on Friday & a 7 day positivity rate of 9.5%.

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The State DEC are reported sightings of the invasive Southern Pine Beetle, which is native to the southeastern U.S. They are known as destructive pests and pose a significant risk to New York’s pine forests. The DEC said that infestations are spreading and most recently were found in Saratoga County, as well as several locations in the Hudson Valley. DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation said they will be closely monitoring multiple State Parks.

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The US Census Bureau reported the top 5 states where Former New York residents have moved to over the last 2 years. The number 1 state that New Yorkers relocate to is New Jersey, nearly 60,000 people moved out of New York into Jersey. Florida was the in the 2nd position, followed by Pennsylvania, California & Connecticut.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies on patrol in Delhi observed a vehicle fail to stop for a stop sign, failing to signal a turn & traveling through a parking lot to avoid the intersection. Deputies identified the driver as 18 year old Mikaela Duran on Brooklyn, Duran had a BAC measured at .15%. she was charged with DWI & driving with a BAC of .08%, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol under age 21, as well as several other infractions, Duran was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-18-22

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services & the Worcester Fire Department have determined the cause of the recent fire in Worcester was accidental. It was determined that the fire originated from an electric appliance that was in use at Hidden Memories at 143 Main Street, the fire destroyed 3 downtown buildings.

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The Otsego County Department of Health will be offering an Additional Booster Dose Vaccination Clinic at the Otsego Meadows Complex Today. A registration link can be found on the Health Department Tab at otsegocounty.com, registration for the clinic is mandatory.

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