Massena NY Radio: WMSA Host Sandy Cook Arrested

Sandy Cook

It would be hard to find somebody in Massena NY and the rest of St. Lawrence County who doesn't recognize the name Sandy Cook.

The larger than life Cook has been the WMSA 1340 AM morning show host for 42 years. His chatty show, The Extravaganza, is one of the longest-running radio shows in New York State. His folksy radio style, tailor-made for small-town America, made him a household name not only in Massena but throughout St. Lawrence County.  It was rare when he didn't know a name offered for his Birthday Club announcements.

The Seawall News reports then it came to popularity, Cook was to Massena and area residents what Max Keeping was to Ottawa and the valley: A legend.

WMSA 1340 AM (910 watts)

When Cook celebrated his 40th year at WMSA, the Malone Telegram told readers, "It is reassuring to hear Sanford T.’s voice in the morning" and that Cook told his audience "everything we need to know to begin our day. Sandy lets us know about school activities, tells students and seniors what is for lunch each and the schedule for upcoming sporting events."

But after police raided his home Friday afternoon and took the veteran radioman and his house mate away in handcuffs, Cook's sterling reputation took a beating. His career may be over. Win, lose or draw, it is almost impossible to recover a soiled reputation in a small town.

Cook, 60, and Edward Slade, 24, were charged with cocaine and heroin possession.