WCDO Radio News

It was 10 years ago today that Jiverly Wong killed 13 People & then took his own life at the American Civic Association on Front Street in Binghamton.  The Association announced that today is “Memorial Vigil Day” at the Memorial Tribute site near Association.  A memorial service was this morning at the Memorial Tribute Site, to honor the lives lost on April 3rd 2009, Matt Ryan was Mayor of Binghamton at the time of the tragedy & participated in putting together the tribute, he spoke at this morning’s event:

(Matt Ryan 4-3-19)

A Survivors Tribute will be held at 5:30 pm and a Vigil Service at 6:30 pm, also at the Memorial Tribute site at the corner of Clinton and Front Streets in Binghamton today. 

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State Police are warning the public of another phone scam.  Troopers in Oneonta have received reports of a phone scam that claims that the recipient’s son has been involved in an accident and in order to keep their loved one out of jail, they must obtain immediately obtain Google pre-paid cards and give them a code.  Then caller later requests more money.   The scammers try to scare you into cooperating, resist the urge to give them money.  If you receive a call like this and can’t make contact with the person who is allegedly injured or in trouble, call 911. as part of the plea deal, Franklin will receive between 7 and 11 years in prison with 10 years of probation when she is officially sentenced on June 7^th.  

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An elderly Oneonta resident, who was reported missing in January, has been found safe.  67 year old Chester Kucharski was reported missing after leaving Bassett Hospital in January,  Oneonta Police reported that Kucharski checked into the Super 8 Motel on Oneonta’s Southside, the clerk contacted Police.   Kucharski was last seen on a camera leaving Bassett Hospital on January 25th, he was referred to as a vulnerable adult.  Kucharski told police that he had gone to New Jersey & had no idea that he was the target of a search. 

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The Town of New Lisbon announced that they are applying for a Community Development Block Grant from the State Office of Community Renewal.  The town could receive $198,000 for rehabilitating 6 homes needing a variety of repairs.  A Public Hearing will be held on April 9th at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, more information is available at 965-8508 or 286-7244.

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Funding is available for qualified households located within 250 feet of the Goodyear Lake Shoreline, for septic system improvements; more information is available by calling the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

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The Delaware County Department of public Works announced that several roads that had temporary weight limits have had those limits lifted.  The roads include County route 7 from State Route 30 to the Sullivan County Line, County Route 23 from County Route 21 to Sidney Center, County Route 26 from State Route 10 to Downsville, County Route 35 from Sidney Center to state route 206 in Masonville, & County Route 67 from Route 10 to the village of Hancock.  The Limits are still in existence for County Route 10 from State Route 28 to County Route 12 & County Route 16 from State Route 10 to Treadwell.

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Antione Bourbon-Parme, also known as Anthony Cazzari has been arrested has been charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny, for allegedly stealing more than $18,000 by forging checks from the Cooperstown Food pantry, while serving as one of the Organization’s directors.  Bourbon-Parme was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 Cash Bail or $20,000 Bond pending court action on April 24th.

34 year old Heather Franklin opted to avoid a trial, & pleaded guilty to 1st degree manslaughter, 3rd-degree arson, and tampering with physical evidence, Tuesday in Chenango County Court.  Franklin admitted to planning the murder of her special needs son Jeffrey in the town of Guilford family home in March of 2017 & planning the burning of the home to hide the evidence of the murder. as part of the plea deal, Heather Franklin will spend 7 to 11 years in prison with 10 years of probation when she is officially sentenced on June 7^th.  Franklin’s husband Ernest was found guilty last month & will be sentenced in May,

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting today to review submit feedback and comment on the draft East Sidney Lake Master Plan and draft Environmental Assessment.   The public meeting will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sidney Town Clerk Building, at 44 Grand St., Sidney. The format of the meeting will include an open house discussion with project team members from 6 to 7 p.m. A formal project presentation and question and answer session will begin at 7 p.m. followed by another open house discussion from 8 to 9 p.m.  More information about the plan may be found at nab.usace.army.mil/ESL-Master-Plan-Revision.

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Jury selection began today in Chenango County Court & the trial of Heather Franklin is expected to begin tomorrow.  Franklin is accused of planning the murder of her son Jeffrey Franklin with her Husband Ernest Franklin, and covering up the crime by setting the family house on fire in the town of Guilford in March of 2017.  Ernest Franklin was found guilty by a jury last month for his role in the crime; he faces sentencing at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36 Year old Philip Albergo of Meredith for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Required Ignition Interlock Device. Albergo is accused of operating a motor vehicle in the Town of Roxbury while having a revoked driver’s license due to a failure to submit to a chemical test. Albergo was being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility on an unrelated charge.

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State lawmakers are weighing in on the state Budget plan now in effect, State Senator Fred Akshar voted against the plan:

(Fred Akshar 4-2-19)

The recently passed budget totals 175.2 Billion dollars in spending for the new fiscal year.

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Johnson City Police Department identified 50 year old Shakeel Khan of Johnson City as the victim in the Saturday shooting homicide in the parking lot of his “Halal Bites” restaurant at Grand Avenue and Riverside Drive.  Khan was later pronounced dead at Wilson Hospital; Police are looking for a male suspect who was wearing dark clothing and a dark mask over his face.

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New York will become the next state to rise the legal age for buying cigarettes and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21.  Governor Cuomo announced that he supports raising the age to 21 for purchasing cigarettes; he is expected to sign the legislation shortly.   7 states and hundreds of small cities & municipalities have similar laws in place.

The City of Norwich will hold a public hearing tonight at 6:30 PM, on a proposal to fine city residents that feed feral cats.  The public hearing will take place at 1 City Court Plaza in Norwich.

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A Free 7-Week Smoking Cessation Course begins today from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the O’Connor Hospital, Board Conference Room in Delhi.   More information is available at 431-5692 or bassett.org/quit-today.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 60-Year-Old Thomas Anderson of Walton, Sunday on a charge of Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or more, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Speeding and Failure to Keep Right after a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton.  Anderson was issued appearance tickets, and is scheduled to appear in the Walton Town Court at a later date.

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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening.  The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

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Several Chenango County Fire Departments responded at about 10:20pm Sunday Night to a structure & vehicle fire at 2709 Chenango County Road 2 in Smithville Flats.  Mutual aid was received by Fire fighters from Greene, McDonough, Pharsalia, & several others, there were no injuries reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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A new State Budget plan was worked on over the weekend by Lawmakers in Albany, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News about some of the key aspects:

(Cliff Crouch 4-1-19)

The Budget totals 175.2 Billion Dollars for the 2019-202 fiscal year that starts today.

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The State DEC has issued a warning regarding rabies, following an outbreak in the eastern counties in the Eastern Adirondacks.  Officials remind people to not approach wild animals exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior, and contact the DEC or county officials as soon as possible.

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Johnson City police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man Saturday night in the Parking lot of Halal Bites on Riverside drive.  The victim was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries; the name of the deceased has not yet been released.  Detectives are looking for a male suspect who was wearing dark clothing and a mask.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Johnson City Police at 729-9321.

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Animal Adventure in Harpursville announced today that the Baby Giraffe born on March 16th has been named “Azizi” out of pool of 20 names to choose from.  The 2nd round of online voting has concluded & Proceeds from the naming contest will support the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the park’s annual Ava’s Little Heroes fundraiser and Animal Adventure Park

State Leaders announced an agreement on the State Budget, which holds spending growth at 2% and cuts taxes for the middle class, Governor Cuomo commented Sunday:

(Cuomo 4-1-19)

The 175.2 Billion dollar budget includes the permanent 2% property tax cap,  Education funding totals $27.9 billion; and State Medicaid/Health Spending: $19.6 billion; 3.6 percent growth.

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State Police are looking for the public’s assistance in locating a Binghamton man reported missing.  32-year-old Brandon Williams has not been heard from since March 5, he was last seen in the area of State Highway 38B and State Route 26 in the town of Maine.  Williams has previously gone missing for months at a time, He is not reported to have any medical issues or a danger to others.  Anyone with information should call 775-1241. 

31-year-old Chris Nugent of Deposit was apprehended at an apartment on Court Street in Binghamton earlier this week.  Nugent was wanted in connection with a gang assault case at the Johnson City McDonald’s in December, he was sent to the Broome County Jail.  Nugent was charged along 4 other Deposit man for gang assault in an attack that seriously injured 2 people.

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Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell & Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced a “State Of Emergency” in the county regarding Fentanyl.    Cornwell said that there were 10 fatal overdoses in Broome County this month, some of those attributed to Fentanyl, 6 of them in the last week & a half.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that about 100 times more potent than morphine.

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State lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled legislation designed to crackdown on robocalls, blaming the federal government for failing to act on the issue.  The legislation would require the use of software designed to block unwanted calls, spam calls or calls from robodials meant to scam people out of money.  The measure would apply to both landline and cellphones after a proliferation over the last several years of robocalls.

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Attorney General Letitia James filed the nation’s most extensive lawsuit against the manufacturers, Sackler Family, and distributors of opioids for their role in the opioid epidemic that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives and devastated families and communities. The lawsuit alleges that through years of false and deceptive marketing, and by ignoring their duties to prevent the unlawful diversion of controlled substances, these six national prescription opioid manufacturers, the Sackler Family, and four national prescription drug distributors are largely responsible for creating the opioid epidemic that has ravaged New York, causing widespread addiction, overdose deaths, and suffering.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced that they will be holding a job & Career Fair in Cooperstown on April 17th.  The Job Fair will be held at the Otesaga Hotel from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, more information is available at 432-4500.

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Oneonta Main Street Goes Blue tomorrow for colorectal cancer awareness. The event takes place at Muller Plaza from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM; it is sponsored by Cancer Services Program of the Central Region and Bassett Healthcare Network.  More information is available at the Oneonta Main Street Goes Blue Facebook page.

31-year-old Colyn Williams of Binghamton has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a woman and the couple’s 11-month-old son.  The woman and child sustained serious injuries, & were sent to a local hospital.  Williams has been charged with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. He was being held for arraignment in Binghamton City Court

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State Police arrested 26 year old Derek Zigon of Cherry Valley for Assault, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration and Petty Larceny.  Zigon allegedly stole beer from a  Convenience Store & fled,  Troopers & Otsego Deputies located Zigon, who shattered a window to gain entry into a residence on State Route 80, he resisted arrest, kicked 2 troopers, he was pepper sprayed and taken into custody & was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

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The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will be holding their next monthly meeting this evening.  The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM & will be held at the Maiorano Building at 7 Main Street in Sidney.  1 of the topics of discussion will be about trying to acquire grant money from the Drug Free Community Federal Grant program.  More information is available at 437-4274.

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State Police arrested 21 year old Tyler Green of Highmount for Grand Larceny.  State Police reported that last September 4th, troopers were dispatched to the Speedway on State Highway 23 in the town of Oneonta to a report that Green stole lottery tickets while employed there.  An investigation revealed that Green was taking lottery tickets, totaling $1976.  Green was located recently, by troopers from Margaretville and taken into custody.  Green was processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Oneonta Court on April 18th.

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Governor Cuomo announced that trout and salmon fishing season in New York State opens on Monday, April 1.  The DEC officials said that Anglers should visit the DEC website for the 2019 Coldwater Fishing Forecast for recommended trout and salmon fishing locations.

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23 year old Jamie Whitmore of Norwich was indicted by a Chenango County Grand jury for 1st-degree rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse & endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly performing sexual acts with a 6-year-old victim.  Whitmore was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail

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32 year old Matthew Jones of Greene was indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury for 2nd & 3rd degree burglary, 2 counts of Criminal possession of a weapon & grand larceny for allegedly breaking into residences in the Town and Village of Greene in February.  Jones is accused of stealing a shotgun, ammunition, a safe and $800 cash.  Jones faces action on the charges at a later date.

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Governor Cuomo announced the latest round of ReCharge NY power allocations in support of more than 7,800 jobs and $1.4 billion in capital investments statewide. The New York Power Authority Board of Trustees approved more than 16.7 megawatts of low-cost power allocations to 23 enterprises throughout the state. The program currently provides power to 770 businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies season gets underway in New Hampshire next week on April 4th, and the home opener at NYSEG Stadium Will be on April 11th, team spokesman Eddie Saunders comments:

(Eddie Saunders 3-27-19)

Saunders said that they believe it will be advantageous for the interest & attendance for the Big League Team in New York & for the Binghamton team, to now have their Triple A Affiliate in Syracuse.

State Police arrested 2 people for Grand Larceny, following an investigation at Wahl to Wahl Auto in Middlefield, where the business was missing several catalytic converters.  Employee Shawn Campbell allegedly stole several catalytic converters over several months, and he is accused of selling them with Jesse Stefanelli.  Campbell & Stefanelli were processed and released on an appearance tickets to the town of Middlefield Court on April 1st.

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A presentation for the public will be hosted by the Unatego Central School District Board of Education this evening at 7:00 pm, on a future capital building project. The meeting will be in the high school cafeteria at 2641 State 7 in Wells Bridge.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will honor Pathfinder Village of Edmeston as the Distinguished Business Award Winner, & funeral director Les Grummons as the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr., Citizen of the Year Award Winner at its annual gala later this year.  Pathfinder & Grummons will be honored on May 2nd at 5:45 p.m. at Foothill Performing Arts Center in Oneonta.

———————————————————– The State Office of General Services announced that surplus vehicle auctions have been scheduled through the month of June.  For information on specific items and terms of sale, please visit www.nysstore.com or call (518) 457-6335.  The Southern Tier event will be held on Thursday, May 9th, at 9:30 AM at the Department of Transportation location at 241 Colesville Road, B

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 63 year old Alan Brown of East Meredith for Criminal possession of a controlled substance & promoting Prison Contraband, Brown is accused of possessing cocaine while being processed into the Delaware County Jail on unrelated charges.   Brown was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000.00 cash bail. Brown is to reappear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.  

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There is 1 week to go to get a State Budget finished on Time, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 3-25-19)

The state budget is due to be passed April 1st, and is expected to be around 175 Billion Dollars.

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Rockland County ranked 1st among New York’s Counties in a ranking from Smart Assets on effective spending by County Governments of the Tax Dollars that they collect.  Otsego County ranked 2nd in that ranking, Delaware County ranked 26th & Chenango County was 35th.  The source can be found at smartasset.com/taxes.

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The City of Norwich will hold a public hearing on April 2nd at 6:30 PM, on a proposal to fine city residents that feed feral cats.  The public hearing will take place at 1 City Court Plaza in Norwich.

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A presentation for the public will be hosted by the Unatego Central School District Board of Education at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, on a future capital building project. The meeting will be in the high school cafeteria at 2641 State 7 in Wells Bridge.

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A  Free 7-Week Smoking Cessation Course will start on Tuesday April 2nd at the O’Connor Hospital Board Room in Delhi.  The weekly class will run from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, registration, or more information is available at 431-5692 or bassett.org/quit-today.

State Police issued 13,038 tickets and arrested 259 people for impaired driving during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend impaired driving crackdown. The STOP-DWI initiative started on Friday, March 15 and continued through Monday, March 18th.  During the 2018 campaign, Troopers issued nearly 12,959 total tickets and arrested 243 motorists for impaired driving.

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Governor Cuomo reiterated that he will not sign a new State Budget Plan unless there is a permanent 2% Tax Cap.  He made the announcement yesterday on Long Island; the budget is due April 1st.

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The next Bainbridge United meeting will be held this evening.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at Bob’s Diner, Bainbridge residents are urged to attend & participate.

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