P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-22-25

Area Fire Departments responded to a blaze at the Hodge Family Farm in Oxford Sunday, the barn & indoor riding arena was destroyed, the family did get some animals out of the barn, 4 calves died in the blaze, various farm equipment was also lost. No injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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4 of 8 accused former corrections officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility pleaded guilty in Oneida County Court Monday morning, in connection to the death of inmate Robert Brooks last December. Nicholas Anzalone, Anthony Farina pleaded guilty to 1st degree manslaughter & they face a sentence of 22 years in prison, David Walters faced a charge of 2nd degree manslaughter and faces 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison, Michael Mashaw pleaded guilty to manslaughter and faces 3 to 9 years in State prison. $ others have decided to go to trial.

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Operation Merry Christmas sign-ups have begun for the 2025 Holiday Season, for children in the Sidney, Bainbridge, Unadilla and Afton areas. Spokesperson Lisa Striegler explains:

(Lisa Striegler 9-22-25)

The sign-up form is available on their Facebook page, the deadline to sign up is October 31st. Business that want to have a tree can also find the details on the Facebook page.

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State Police in Troop “C” are hosting a free child car safety checks today, performed by Troopers that are certified technicians, they make sure the child car seat is installed properly and make sure the child is in the right seat. The event will be held today from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Troop C Headquarters in Sidney.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-22-25

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45 year old Wayne Viera of Sherburne on Friday following the execution of a sealed indictment arrest warrant. Viera was charged with 2 counts of 1st degree Rape, 1 count of 2nd degree Rape, 2 counts of sexual abuse, Viera is a registered sex offender, who is accused of raping a juvenile female victim. Viera was arraigned in Chenango County Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $85,000 cash bail, $500,000 bond, This investigation remains ongoing.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Mark Cassaday of Oneonta, for Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Grand Larceny, he is accused of for stealing over $1,000 worth of items from the Home Depot, and for a residential burglary in the Town of Oneonta where he forced entry into a private bedroom & stole property, he was processed & was turned over to Otsego County Corrections to be held for arraignment.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an 18-year-old Sheldon Romain of Edmeston in connection with an animal cruelty investigation. Romain was charged with 2 counts of torturing, injuring, or failing to provide sustenance to animals, after 13 emaciated dogs were found in a home last Month, The Susquehanna SPCA has taken in the dogs, previously, the Sheriff’s Office also charged 41-year-old Kristin Natterer and 42-year-old Christopher Romain in relation to the case.

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State Police announced the introduction of the Autism Awareness – Visor Card Program, where drivers with autism can place a card on their visor that Troopers can use to assist with communication and reduce confusion or fear during interactions. Each patrol vehicle will be equipped with a card for use as needed. Members of the public will be able to download and print the card directly from the New York State Police public website, the Program will be rolled out statewide in the coming weeks, more information is available at troopers.ny.gov.

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