Back on February 15th, Sidney Central School District 8th grader Anielle McEwan-Lomnicki, better known as AK, was struck by a suspected Drunk driver while walking home from school. Since that time, AK has been at a Syracuse area hospital recuperating from her injuries, she returned home April 4th, on Wednesday, AK was a special guest on The Nate Lull Podcast, she said that she is grateful for the support she has received since returning home from the hospital:

(AK 1)

AK told Nate Lull that she has been working hard with her medical team to get back to her daily activities, she said that her favorite sport, basketball, is a major motivating factor for her:

(AK 3)

The full Nate Lull podcast interview with AK McEwan Lomnicki is available 24/7 on wcdosports.com, natelull.com or on any podcast app, WCDO will also air the interview in its entirety following the news at 10:00 AM Friday Morning.

——————————————

Several area fire companies responded shortly after 12:00 Noon today for the report of a Brush Fire in the vicinity of 237 Main Street in Delhi. The fire was under control in about 30 minutes, fire companies remind are residents that the gusty winds & low humidity make conditions favorable for brush fires, the state’s burn ban remains in effect until May 14th.

———————————————–

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at 75 Shelby Street in Johnson City, they arrested 39-year-old Michael Buchanan was arrested, on charges of Criminal possession of firearm, criminal possession of a Controlled substance, Police seized 4.5 grams of Fentanyl, 12.5 grams of Methamphetamine as well as scales, packaging materials, loaded handguns, including one reported stolen from the State of Kentucky plus 3 large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Buchanan was arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail pending further court action.

———————————————–

Broome County Sheriff’s Office announced that an Open Competitive Exam is scheduled for those interested in becoming Corrections Officers. The Deadline to file is May 12th & the exam will take place on June 30th. More information is available at the Sheriff’s Office page at gobroomecounty.com. or by calling 607-778-3076.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-13-23

The Virginia State Police charged 34 year old Michael Davis for abduction, and is now in Police custody. Davis was charged in connection with the April 5th abduction of Tatiana David Ithaca, which ended in a shootout with Police in Virginia, and with David deceased outside the Davis vehicle. Davis was shot by police after he opened fire on them as they responded when he crashed his vehicle following a 25 mile chase.

——————————————————————-

Hundreds of Firefighters were battling a brush fire on the Otsego County-Schoharie County border yesterday afternoon at about 3:00 PM. Firefighters stayed at the scene into the night, the fire is believed to have started from a spark from a train, and spread quickly due to gusty winds & dry weather conditions. A command post is being opened this morning at the Richmondville Elementary school, The fire stretched about 6 miles.

——————————————————————

Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42 year old Bobbi Jo Worden of Oneonta on charges of Burglary, Trespassing & Petty Larceny for allegedly stealing numerous items from an Oneonta Business, and for trespassing at that businesses numerous times. Worden was taken to the Otsego County Jail where she was held without bail.

————————————————

Recent Congressional candidate Josh Riley of Ithaca announced his campaign to run for Congress again, in what is expected to be the 19th District again. Riley lost to Marc Molinaro, who only just started as the 19th district Congressman in January, after beating Riley in last November’s general election by a thin margin.

——————————————–

Police in Virginia have not yet charged Michael Davis of Richmond Virginia, in connection with the April 5th abduction of Tatiana David in Ithaca. Police in Virginia stopped Michael Davis’s vehicle shortly after he crossed into Virginia, he fled the scene before crashing his vehicle about 35 minutes later, he shot at troopers who returned fire, Davis is still in critical condition in a Virginia hospital. Tatiana David was found deceased outside Davis’s vehicle, the results of the autopsy have not yet been released.

———————————————

Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced that 41 year old Jason Dufton of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to engaging in a Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in Delaware County Court. Dufton admitted that he engaged in sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old while he resided in the Town of Hancock, he will be sentenced to 7 years in state prison and 15 years of post-release supervision & he will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison & he must submit a sample of his DNA for the state’s DNA databank. Sentencing will be on May 30th.

—————————————————-

The State Department of Corrections announced that disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been moved to the Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome New York. Weinstein was convicted of rape in 2020, he was sentenced to 23 years in state prison, he was also found guilty of sex crimes in California & was sentenced there to 16 years in prison. New York State Correctional officials moved Weinstein to Mohawk, following a heart procedure shortly after. His lawyers have also said that he suffers from diabetes and vision issues.

———————————————–

It’s been almost a year since 12 year old Aliza Spencer of Binghamton was fatally shot while walking with her father & brother April 21st in Binghamton. Aliza’s Father Fred Spencer held a press conference & asked people to come forward with information into the shooting, A reward of $32,000 is being offered, many area residents have donated to increase the reward, so far there have been no arrests in the case.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-11-23

State lawmakers passed another budget extension for another week Monday, making sure that state workers get paid. State lawmakers will not be paid themselves until a budget is passed, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Sticking points in the negotiations include bail reform & the Governor’s plans for more housing statewide. The Legislature would have through April 17 to either pass a budget or extend the process again.

—————————————————————————-

Broome Count District Attorney office reported that William Effner of Walton pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Effner admitted he possessed methamphetamine with the intent to sell in the Town of Nanticoke in December, he will be sentenced to 4 years in state prison and 2 years of post-release supervision in June. Effner was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in 2019 in Delaware County.

—————————————————————————————–

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will have their home opener tonight at Mirabito Stadium. The Rumble Ponies will take on the Somerset Patriots at 6:35 PM, tickets are available at bingrp.com

———————————————

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame will add a few more names this year, Committee spokesman Greg Davie Told WCDO News who will be inducted:

(Greg Davie 4-11-23)

The ceremony will be held on Saturday May 27th at 1:00 PM at General Clinton Park.

——————————————

State Police were called Tuesday afternoon to Castle Creek Road in the town of Chenango for a report of a car versus motorcycle fatal accident. The preliminary investigation determined that 31 year old Joseph Portorsnok of Binghamton, was turning left onto Castle Creek Road when he entered the path of a motorcycle, driven by 20 year old Kaitlynn Eaton of Castle Creek, who collided into Portorsnok. Police said that Eaton died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

—————————————————–

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 38 year old Jeremiah Raub of New Milford Pennsylvania was released on $150,000 bail. Raub was charged with murder and arson in connection with a fatal house fire on Milford Street in Binghamton in 2011 that killed 17 year old Jeffrey Aissa, he was arrested by Binghamton Police last Month. Raub was placed on a pre-release program and will be monitored by Broome County Probation through a GPS ankle monitor, His next court date is scheduled for May 15th, the investigation into the fire remains active.

—————————————-

Commerce Chenango will host “Preventing Targeted Violence to Keep Communities Safe” on April 26th at the Colonia Theatre, 35 South Broad Street, Norwich. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani told WCDO News that Wes Mills at Norwich Central School District & Joseph Testani, a retired FBI agent will provide training to Commerce Chenango Members:

(Sal Testani 4-7-23)

Testani said that the Registration for the event will begin at 10:00 AM on the 26th, with the presentation starting at 11:00 AM, those interested should register by April 19th at info@chenangony.org or call 607-334-1400.

———————————————-

An Easter Egg Hunt for Kids will be sponsored by the Maydole Hose Company of the Norwich Fire Department and the Norwich Business Improvement District Saturday. The event will be held at East & West Parks in Norwich, at 10:00 AM the West Park event will be held for children up to age 4, & there will be a 10:30 AM start time at East Park for Ages 5 to 8.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-7-23

State Police released their update on the reported abduction of Tatiana David in Ithaca Wednesday. A witness reported that David was forced into a white SUV by the suspect, 34 year old Michael Davis of Richmond, Virginia against her will. An endangered adult alert was issued by State Police, They said that the victim and the suspect were in a previous relationship and have a 4-year-old child together. At 9:25 pm, Davis’s vehicle was detected crossing into the State of Virginia, Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle, at which time Davis fled the scene, leading Virginia State Police on a pursuit which ended when the suspect vehicle crashed in a wooded area at 10:05 PM. Davis began firing at Virginia State Police, who returned fire, Davis was critically wounded and was taken to an area Hospital and is in critical condition, Tatiana David was located deceased outside the vehicle at the crash location with an apparent gunshot wound, her autopsy was scheduled last night, the results will be released shortly, the investigation is continuing.

——————————————————————–

Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility announced that 26 year old Tymel Platt of Binghamton is facing 6 felony charges for smuggling Cocaine and Fentanyl within the facility. The Corrections Criminal Investigations Unit acted on information that Platt was in possession of contraband, his body was scanned which revealed an item hidden on his person, they recovered 2 smaller packages, with Cocaine & 4.1 grams of Fentanyl, which is capable of killing 205 people. Platt was charged with 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 2 Counts of Promoting Prison Contraband, Platt was incarcerated on assault charges, he will be arraigned at a later date in the Town of Dickinson Court.

————————————————————–

The United Way of Mid Rural New York officially expanded into Madison County on April 1st, making the local United Way chapter a 4 county chapter. Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco told WCDO News that the move into Madison County will present different challenges than the recent expansion into Delaware & Otsego Counties did:

(Elizabeth Monaco 4-7-23)

Monaco said that the 1st fundraising effort in Delaware & Otsego Counties, brought in almost twice the amount than the previous year, but the circumstances in Madison County will not lend itself to doubling the fundraising in the 1st full year.

———————————————————

The Jericho Arts Council will present the music of the Corvettes tonight, at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesman Phil wade comments:

(Phile Wade 4-7-23)

The Gallery features the work of Rachel Hares & Mark Picone tonight, Doors open at 6:00, the show begins at 7:00 PM, tickets can be reserved at 607-288-3882.

——————————————————-

Police in Virginia reported that 34 year old Tatiana David of Ithaca, who was abducted from Ithaca yesterday morning, has died following a shootout with Police on I-95 in Springfield Virginia. Virginia State Police said that a trooper spotted the Jeep Cherokee that was the suspected kidnapper’s vehicle Wednesday Night, Police pulled the Jeep over & the trooper made contact with the driver and returned to his patrol car, the Jeep sped off and police pursued for about 20 miles, state police positioned vehicles around the Jeep to force it to stop. Virginia State Police said that the driver 35 year old Michael Davis began firing shots as troopers approached the Jeep, Troopers returned fire, Davis was shot and suffered life-threatening injuries, Tatiana David was shot and killed during the incident.

————————————————–

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 Sidney Chamber of Commerce Announced their annual award winners at their meeting Wednesday Morning, Dr. Rohan Jayasena was chosen as the winner of the “Citizen Of The Years” award, he told WCDO News of his reaction:

(Dr. Jayasena 4-6-23)

The Chamber also chose Waste Recovery Enterprises as the “Business of the Years” award winner, and Kyle Westcott, who formerly owned the Sidney Great American Food Store, was named as the winner of the Commitment to Community Award.

————————————————————–

Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced that 33 year old Andelis Santiago of Hartford Connecticut, was convicted on 1 count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Town of Hancock Court. Santiago was alleged to have been speeding on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock, State Police initiated a traffic stop, & he failed to stop his vehicle for approximately 8 miles, until he drove off the road. Santiago was fined $1,400, plus a $50 DNA fee for submitting a sample for the State DNA databank, he was also ordered to attend a Victim’s Impact Panel and successfully complete an Impaired Driver Program & he must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, he could face a year in jail if he fails to comply.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-6-23

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic dispute Monday, 30 year old Stephen Pudiak of Port Crane is accused of placing a gun at his girlfriend & also allegedly choking the women, in front of her 3-year-old daughter, she snuck away from their residence to file charges with the Broome County Sheriff’s Office when Pudiak fell asleep. Deputies made contact with Pudiak and took him into custody without issue, they seized weapons that he was not allowed to possess, he was taken to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Central Arraignment and charged with 5 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing & menacing.

————————————————————————————

26 Year old Brandin VanTassel of Walton, was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court for Criminal Contempt. VanTassel previously pleaded guilty to Criminal Contempt in February, with a 6 month sentence & 5 years’ probation supervision, he contacted the protected party again in violation of the order of protection, Delaware County Court Judge Gary Rosa ruled that as a result of the new conduct, the Court was not bound by the original plea agreement, VanTassel was re-sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

——————————————————–

Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $70 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Village of Sidney received $565,312 short-term interest free financing and $887,469 in grants for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment facility upgrades.

———————————————————-

Bassett Healthcare & Helios Care are teaming up to bring Author Sallie Tisdale for a town hall event Today at 6:00 PM at the Bassett Medical Center’s Clark Auditorium, to talk about Advance Directives, Bassett Spokesman Tim Schaffer explains:

(Tim Schaffer 4-6-23)

Schaffer said that the event will also be available through ZOOM, the links can be found at Bassett.org or through the Bassett Facebook page.

——————————————-

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Announced their annual award winners at their meeting this morning, Sean Larose is the General Manager of Waste Recovery Enterprises, which won “Business of the Years” award:

(Sean Larose 4-5-23)

Kyle Westcott, who formerly owned the Sidney Great American Food Store, was named as the winner of the Commitment to Community Award:

(Kyle Westcott 4-5-23)

Dr. Rohan Jayasena was also honored as the Citizen of the Years by the Sidney Chamber, all will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner in June.

———————————————————

State Police And the Division of Criminal Justice Services released a Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert today. 34 year old Tatiana David from Ithaca was last seen this morning at about 7:20 AM and may have been abducted. David is described as a black woman about 5’9″ tall and about 180 pounds, with black hair & brown eyes, she was last seen with 35 year old Michael David, who was driving a white Jeep Cherokee, they may be headed through this area heading for New York City. Police said that Davis is a black man, 6’4″ tall about 200 pounds with black hair & brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call 911, or 607-561-7400.

——————————————————

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Tanya McGreal on an outstanding warrant, she was last known to frequent the Colesville Road area of the Town of Colesville. McGreal is a white female, 5’5″ about 135 pounds, with brown hair & brown eyes, she is wanted for 3rd degree burglary. Anyone with information on the location of McGreal is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or at (607) 778-1196.

——————————————————————

The State Comptroller’s Office audited the state Department of Health, reporting that they need to make sure that they get the drug rebates that it is entitled to under federal regulations. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said that the largest portion of money left on the table was $109.4 million in rebates, following an error on 490,875 claims that incorrectly showed that no Medicaid payment had been made, making them ineligible for rebates, another mistake with Magellan resulted in missing out on $9.6 million in rebates.

——————————————————–

2 local Fire Departments will hold their annual “Recruit New York” event on April 29th this year, Roger Barnhart of the Bainbridge Fire Department explains:

(Roger Barnhart 4-5-23)

The Statewide Recruit New York Event will be held on April 22nd this year.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-5-23

Delaware County District Attorney Office announced that 46-year-old Justin Valk of Davenport, was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury for allegedly murdering his wife Stephanie Valk on or about July 29- August 1, 2022, in the Town of Davenport. In addition to the 2 Murder counts, Valk was charged with Reckless Endangerment & Assault. Valk will be arraigned on the Grand Jury Charges in Delaware County Court on April 10, he is being held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility.

———————————————————————————–

40 year old Derek Wignall of Hancock appeared in Delaware County Court Monday and pleaded guilty to Criminal Contempt, for allegedly violating an order of protection. After arraignment, Wignall pleaded guilty to the charge, he admitted that he disobeyed the order of protection by threatening violence against the protected party, he will be sentenced to serve 6 months in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, and then 5 years of felony probation supervision. Wignall was committed to the custody of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department following his guilty plea, Sentencing is scheduled for May 15th.

—————————————————–

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will have their next meeting this morning at 8:00 AM. The meeting will be held at the Beez Kneez at 21 Union Street.

——————————————————-