WCDO Radio News

The 66th Annual Unadilla Flag Day Parade will be held this evening along State Route 7 through the village. Spokesman Dave Welch explains:

(Dave Welch 6-14-17)

Those wishing to participate should begin lining up at the Unadilla Elementary School at 5:30 PM; more information is available at 287-7393.

State Police arrested 38-year-old Joseph Wilms of Unadilla, for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Criminal Mischief & other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a report of an erratic driver on the Unadilla Community Field. Wilms is accused of driving on the field, causing damage to the grass, and then driving away, he was located in his driveway on Sperry Street; the arrest was a felony because Wilms has 2 prior DWI convictions. Wilms was arraigned in the Town of Unadilla Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, pending court action Friday.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford Elementary School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

A Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting will be held today, beginning at 6:30 PM at the Guilford Elementary School cafeteria, for students who will be 5 years old on or before December 1st. Parents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the BG Kindergarten program; more information is available at 895-6700.

Today, Law Enforcement Officers around the state will participate in Operation Safe Stop Day. During "Safe Stop," police officers are on board school buses and in marked and unmarked patrol units on selected bus routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints. Police issue tickets to drivers who pass stopped school buses. In the last four years, 35 students were hit by motorists passing stopped school buses in New York State.

The New York State Office of General Services will hold a surplus vehicle auction today, at the State Police Troop C Headquarters in State Route 7 between Sidney & Unadilla. More information about surplus items can be found at nysstore.com. The auction will begin at 9:30 AM.

37 year old Robert Stutzer of Stamford has been charged with arson & criminal Mischief in connection with an alleged arson at 2630 State Highway 7 in the town of Unadilla last Thursday. State Police reported that Stutzer was arrested shortly after the report of a fire at that location on February 16th, the investigation is continuing.

New York placed seventh nationally in the percentage of public high school graduates succeeding on Advanced Placement exams in 2016, moving up from eighth the year before, according to a College Board report released Wednesday. New York, which in 2008 led the nation and in 2012 was second, trailed other states that have surged ahead — including Massachusetts, which ranked No. 1 for the first time, with 31% of their high school graduates scoring a "3" or higher on last year's AP exam. Maryland ranked 2nd, followed by Connecticut, Florida, California & Virginia & then New York.

The Sidney Elementary School Universal Pre-K Applications are available for the 2017-18 School year. Children must be four years old by December 1, 2017 in order to be eligible. Parents interested in having their child attend UPK must call the Sidney Elementary main office at 561-7701 to request an application.

Governor Cuomo discussed his plans to strengthen the Upstate economy, with income tax cuts for middle class families, free tuition at SUNY & CUNY Schools for middle class families, and the continuing of the Regional Economic Development Councils.

(Cuomo 1-23-17)

Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor's 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.

The Unatego School District Board of Education will be deciding next month on the recommendations from a Facilities study on the district's buildings. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-23-17)

Richards said that the 2 Elementary school buildings are each about 90 years old & would require millions of dollars in renovations, however the need for the extra space is negated by the fact that the district population has decreased by 28% over the last 10 years.

THE UNADILLA CHAMBER of Commerce IS HOSTING THE 4 CHAMBER MIXER at Green's Long River Inn, Unadilla today. The Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm for members of the Unadilla, Sidney, and Bainbridge & Afton Chambers of Commerce.

About 100 area residents attended last nights Unatego School district Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Dave Richards, who told WCDO News of the 2 main concerns:

(Dave Richards 1-18-17)

Richards said that the Facilities committee has suggested closing the Otego Elementary School first, and then the Unadilla Elementary School in 4 to 5 years after that, the Unatego Board of Education is expected to vote on the Otego closure next month. Richards said that the district has lost 28% of their student population in the last 10 years, and the 2 buildings are over 90 years old and face millions of dollars in repairs & renovations.

An Afton Central School District bus slid off Lord Road in icy conditions this morning, No Injuries were reported, The Afton district delayed the opening of classes today by 2 hours.

Property tax levy growth for school districts will be capped at 1.26% for the 2017-18 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% percent; with certain exceptions, including a provision that allows school districts to override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget.

Bainbridge-Guilford-Afton-Harpursville Head Wrestling Coach Brandon MacNaught has been named the 2015-2016 New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recognized MacNaught's work during the 15-16 season, he had the task of working with 3 different school districts for his combined team, yet the Bears are consistently one of the most successful teams in the area. They sent several wrestlers to the state tournament in Albany last year and won several tournaments as a team as well.

The Unadilla Elementary School PTO is sponsoring a back to school l bash tonight for Unatego students & their families from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Spokesperson Kim Gascon explains:

(Kim Gascon 8-31-16)

The event will be held at the Elementary grades 3 through 5 building in Unadilla today, rain or shine.

The next Tri-Town Coalition On Substance Abuse meeting is tonight at the Sidney High School Library at 6:00 PM, Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 8-31-16)

in addition to the Presentation By Megan Walradth of the Central Region Prevention Resource Center, the coalition will plan a future Narcan training session for tri town residents.

The Unadilla Youth for Christ organization will hold their 3rd annual 5K run this Saturday. The race begins at 10:30 from the Unadilla elementary school, registration & number pick up begins at 8:30. Participants are encouraged to run in costume, all proceeds benefit the youth for Christ teen center. More information is available at 432-0594.

On Saturday, between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Scoville-Meno Chrysler- Dodge-Jeep will partner with parents and teachers at parking lot of Unadilla Elementary located at 265 Main Street for a “Drive for the Kids®” fundraiser to help raise money during the Playground Celebration. Parents and guests will have the opportunity to earn a $10 contribution for the school from the Chrysler brand, by taking a test drive in a new Chrysler product, All test-drive participants will also be entered into the 2015 National Giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 toward any eligible Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, FIAT, or Alfa Romeo vehicle. More information is available at drive4kids.com.

A Town of Unadilla resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Deputies & State Police arrested 39 year old Jacob Conklin on an active Arrest Warrant during a routine traffic stop in the Town of Bainbridge, he is accused of stealing a 1997 Toyota from a driveway in Afton and scrapping it for cash at Gary’s U-Pull it in Binghamton. Conklin was arraigned in the Town of Afton court and is being held in the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail. Conklin is to reappear in the Town of Afton court on a later date.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today, in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, Scoville-Meno in Sidney will partner with parents & teachers at parking lot of Unadilla Elementary School for a “Drive for the Kids” fundraiser, to raise money during the Playground Celebration. Parents and guests can earn a $10 contribution for the school from the Chrysler brand, by taking a test drive in a new 2015 Chrysler vehicle from Scoville-Meno. More information is available at drive4kids.com.

The 2nd annual Youth for Christ 5K joker run will be held this weekend in Unadilla. Spokesperson Dorothy Davidson explained how the race was named as the "Joker" run:

(Dorothy Davidson 4-21-15)

Registration is from 8:30 to 10:00 AM Saturday at the Unadilla Elementary School, the race begins at 10:30, and goes from the school to the Youth For Christ Center at 16 Watson Street in Unadilla.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce has chosen Green's Long River Inn as the business of the Year, and Mike Knowlton as the "Good Neighbor" award winner. The Unadilla chamber dinner will be held on Sunday at the Unadilla Untied Methodist Church.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is participating in the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s educational campaign of “The Empty Chair.” The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee launched “The Empty Chair” educational campaign, which symbolizes the missing high school senior on graduation day. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will be putting out educational material this week in an effort to educate teen drivers and combat teen motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for people ages 16-24. More information is available at dmv.ny.gov/younger-driver.

The 2nd annual Youth for Christ 5K joker run will be held this weekend in Unadilla. Spokesperson Dorothy Davidson explains:

(Dorothy Davidson 4-21-15)

Registration is from 8:30 to 10:00 AM Saturday at the Unadilla Elementary School, the race begins at 10:30, and goes from the school to the Youth For Christ Center at 16 Watson Street in Unadilla.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will offer Greek yogurt as a meat alternative in school lunches nationwide this fall, after a successful 12-state test with Chobani and The Upstate Niagara Cooperative of Buffalo. The USDA decided to make Greek yogurt a permanent part of its national school lunch program after a 12 state pilot program concluded that the Greek Yogurt has ample nutritional value, and that there's sufficient demand from school children. Chobani became the #1 seller of Greek Yogurt; they recorded more than $1 billion in annual sales and they employ more than 2,000 people.

Another discussion will be held tonight at the Deposit Elementary School regarding the problem of heroin. Deposit principal Theresa Rajner explains:

(Theresa Rajner 1-26-15)

The event will begin at 6:00 PM tonight.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will host the Four Chamber Mixer meeting today at 6:00 pm, with the meeting at 7:00 PM at Green’s Long River Inn, on Route 357, Unadilla. Members of the Unadilla, Afton, and Bainbridge & Sidney Chambers will attend.

The next area American Red Cross blood drive will be held in Unadilla today. The Blood Drive will be held from 1:30 to 6:30 PM at the Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church at 254 Main Street.

6 Sidney area residents were arrested on drug trafficking charges Friday evening by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Sidney Village Police Department and State Police, following a 5 month investigation, and the execution of a search warrant Friday. Arrested were 43 year old Gabriel Bonacci, on 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for Heroin, 27 year old Rene Hurlburt of Unadilla, for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for Cocaine. Also arrested was 64 year old Donna Bonacci of Sidney for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to sell for the intended sale of cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs & marihuana. Police also charged 53 year old Belinda Davis of Sidney on 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for allegedly selling Oxycodone, 32 year old Randal Babcock of Sidney for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for allegedly selling Xanax & 34 year old Chad Walters of Mount Upton for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. All werearraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail, additional arrests & drug charges are pending.

YES! Safe Choices for Kids, from Senator Libous and Lourdes, will host over 500 students from across the Southern Tier at their YES! Ignites Training today at the Binghamton DoubleTree from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. YES! Leaders are trained to provide substance abuse prevention education to elementary school students, from Afton, Bainbridge-Guilford, Chenango Valley, Norwich, Windsor & other Broome & Chenango County school districts. Senator Libous will kick off the opening session with introductory remarks.

Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have their next regular meeting at Unadilla Fire Station this morning at 8:00 AM. Unadilla Mayor Dave Welch will give update on Bishop Lot. Chamber members are encouraged to attend.

Saturday night, the annual Unadilla Flag Day Parade will wind its way along Main Street. The Parade forms at Unadilla Elementary School and starts at 7:00 PM to the Community House on Main Street, Unadilla

The Unadilla highway department announced that the Work should continue on Monday & Tuesday on Sheep Pen Road. Rain postponed the paving project last week; the road will be closed during the project, starting at 6:00 AM each day.

Sidney Village Police department arrested 6 people following a lengthy narcotics investigation. Charged were 37-year-old Richard Swislosky of Sidney, 30-year-old Stacey Dibble of Bainbridge, 56-year-old Bradley Winner of Mount Upton, 44-year-old Louella Schoener & 31 year old Rebecca Schoener of Greene and Mary Cutting of Unadilla on a variety of drug charges. All were arraigned in Delaware county court & were remanded to the Delaware county jail without bail pending future court action.

State Senator Tom Libous hosted the annual YES Safe Choices for Kids function, to honor more than 515 area students at their annual Reception.   1 of the 3 winners of the Jill Kavanagh Memorial YES LEADS Scholarship was Shawna Stevens of Afton High School:

(Shawna Stevens 5-27-14)

State Senator Tom Libous also comments:

(Libous 5-27-14)

YES Leaders are middle and high school students who present to local elementary school students about the dangers of substance abuse, the importance of self-esteem and making healthy choices, More information about YES and YES LEADS is available at YesSafeChoices.org.

Legislation was introduced in the state Senate that would prohibit smoking at school bus stops. The bill would prohibit smoking within 15 feet of a designated school bus stop, during the morning and afternoon hours, when children are picked up and dropped off from school. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that 2nd hand smoke increases the likelihood of smoking-related illnesses.

The Tri Town Theater is celebrating its 50th Anniversary season by performing the Musical "Kiss Me Kate” at the Unatego High School Auditorium tonight & tomorrow night at 7:30 PM & A Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM.   Tickets are available at Glad Tidings in Sidney, Hometown Hardware in Bainbridge & The Green Giraffe in Unadilla.

The Bainbridge Girl Scout unit 365 is having their annual community giveaway this Saturday.  Gently used items can be dropped off tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM or Saturday at 8:30 to 9:00 AM, then from 9:00 AM until noon, residents are invited to come in an take any items free.  The drop off and giveaways will all be held at the Greenlawn elementary school, more information is available at 267-2378.

State police arrested Bradley Falkenmeyer of Bainbridge for 2nd degree burglary and 2 counts of criminal possession of a weapon.   The arrest followed an investigation of a theft of firearms on Kilkenny Road in Unadilla in August.   The stolen firearms were recovered; Falkenmeyer was arraigned at the Otsego town court and remanded to the Otsego jail on $10,000 cash bond.

The Sidney central school district will have their last sign up night for the Odyssey of the Mind tonight.  Those wishing to sign up can do so tonight at 6:00 PM in the Sidney Elementary School Cafeteria; more information is available at 604-4032 or by Email at sidneyodyssey2014@gmail.com (mailto:sidneyodyssey2014@gmail.com).

The annual Unadilla Flag Day parade will be held tonight.  Unadilla Fire department Captain Mike Gray explains:

(Mike Gray 6-14-13)

The Unadilla Flag day parade is one of the first & oldest Flag Day parades in the entire country, those who want to be in the parade should arrive at the Unadilla elementary school by 6:00 PM tonight.

WCDO......EARLY DISMISSALS/CLOSINGS

MONDAY EARLY DISMISSALS

SIDNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
12:45AM - K-12

BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD SCHOOLS

12:10PM - GUILFORD
12:30PM - GREENLAWN
12:45PM - HIGH SCHOOL

AFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:00AM- 1 BUS EMERGENCY RUN

HARPURSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
12:30PM.... NO AFTER SCHOOL

GREENE SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:00AM - ELEMENTARY
11:30AM - MIDDLE AND HIGH

UNATEGO SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:20AM - ELEMENTARY
11:40AM - MIDDLE AND HIGH

WALTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:30AM - TOWNSEND ELEMENTARY
11:45AM - MIDDLE AND HIGH

DELAWARE ACADEMY SCHOOLS
11:30AM - K-12
BOARD MEETING POSTPONED UNTIL 11/5

MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT
NO AFTER SCHOOL OR CROP

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:15AM - MIDDLE
11:30AM - HIGH SCHOOL
12:30PM - ELEMENTARY

ONEONTA SCHOOL DISTRICT

12:15PM- MIDDLE AND HIGH

1:00PM- ELEMENTARY
NO AFTER SCHOOL OR ADULT ED CLASSES

UTICA SCHOOL OF COMMERCE IN ONEONTA
CLOSING AT 3:30PM AND NO EVENING CLASSES

DEPOSIT SCHOOL DISTRICT
11:30AM

CHARLOTTE VALLEY SCHOOLS
12:30PM

GMU SCHOOL DISTRICT
12:30PM

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OR CROP

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

ALL CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES WILL RECESS AT NOON.

PLEASE CONSERVE WATER AND PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES.

STUDENTS: MONITOR BU HOMEPAGE FOR UPDATES.

UNADILLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

1:05PM

HARTWICK COLLEGE

CLOSING AS OF 1PM TODAY. PLAN TO RE-OPEN AT NOON TUESDAY

MORRISVILLE STATE COLLEGE AND NORWICH CAMPUS

5:00PM
TUESDAY CLOSINGS AND DELAYS:

CHARLOTTE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

DELAWARE ACADEMY SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

UNADILLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

FRANKLIN SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

WALTON SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

GMU SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

HARTWICK COLLEGE- OPENING AT NOON

BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED

AFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

NORWICH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT-CLOSED.... 12 MONTH STAFF DO NOT REPORT

MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED TUESDAY. ALL AFTER SCHOOL AND CROP FOR WEDNESDAY 10-31 CANCELLED

GREENE SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED

SIDNEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT- CLOSED........CAPITAL PROJECT VOTE POSTPONED