WCDO Radio News

Sidney SSAD program & Catholic Charities are teaming up again this year for a 5K/10K Walk run and the Color run, Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities comments:

(Penny McKnight 10-14-22)

The event will be held Sunday at the Sidney High School from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. People can sign up online to participate at runsignup.com.

The Sidney Central School District Observatory will be open tonight from 9:00 to 10:00 PM, Weather Permitting. Several Telescopes will be available for viewing, the observatory is located behind the high school.

The American Legion of Bainbridge is sponsoring a Flu Shot Clinic today at the Bainbridge Town Hall. The clinic will run from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. All individuals must have proper Identification, A Medicare Card or other proof of valid Health Insurance, more information is available at 607-423-2167.

The Sidney Central School District announced that their Observatory will be open on Friday Night October 14th from 9:00 to 10:00 PM, Weather Permitting. Several Telescopes will be available for viewing, the observatory is located behind the high school.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-30-22

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 2 people Monday following a traffic stop in the Town of Colchester. Deputies observed a vehicle with no taillights on, a traffic stop was conducted & 21-year-old Bushra Turki of Seattle, Washington was driving, the passenger was 26-year-old Mady Sy of the Bronx. Turki's license was suspended, the vehicle had an invalid registration & inspection and did not have insurance. A search of the vehicle was conducted, Deputies located a large quantity of Marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Deputies charged Turki for Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device, Unlicensed Operator, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating without Insurance, along with several other charges, he was released to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date. Sy was charged with 1 count of Unlawful possession of Cannabis.

The Jericho Arts Council will have "Memories Of Patsy Cline" at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Saturday night at 7:00 PM, spokesman Phil Wade comments:

(Phil Wade 9-30-22)

The Gallery will also be open featuring the works of Branden Hurd.

The State DOT will hold a public hearing today at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances, reduce curvature in the roadway, The hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Jason Gray of Bainbridge after violating a court protection ordered. Gray was charged with Criminal Contempt, following an investigation into a violation of an Order of Protection by contacting the protected party through electronic means, the defendant is scheduled to appear in the Town of Unadilla Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-19-22

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is re-establishing its Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program and is now accepting applications. The program is designed for high school students ages 14-18 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement, Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond explains:

(Sheriff DuMond 9-19-22)

Sheriff DuMond said that applications or more information is available through Deputy Collin Roche at collin.roche@co.delaware.ny.us or at (607)-237-1641.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting tomorrow morning. The meeting will begin at 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner. Chamber members are encouraged to attend & participate.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-19-22

The State DOT will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 28th at 5:30 pm. to discuss plans to enhance safety at 4 sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin and Norwich. The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances, reduce curvature in the roadway, The hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium. More information is available at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-13-22

Residents of the Sidney Central School District are voting today on an 8 Million Dollar project dealing with outdoor spaces, playgrounds, Tennis Courts & parking. Voting today from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the Sidney High School Cafeteria, the project would be paid for by State Aid, a Capital Reserve Fund, with no affect to taxpayers.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Board of Education voted to honor former soccer coach and technology teacher, Peter Feltham, by naming the soccer field after him, BG Board of Education President Keith Hanvey explains:

(Keith Hanvey 9-13-22)

Coach Feltham was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing treatments. The dedication will be this Friday, People can visit with Coach Feltham at 5:00 PM followed by the dedication at 6:00 PM, followed by the varsity boys’ soccer game at 7:00 PM. Coach Feltham was instrumental in starting the soccer program at B-G 30 years ago and has been involved with the program ever since.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office completed an audit of the Milford Central School District, which found that the board and district officials did not properly manage fund balance in accordance with statute. The District's Surplus fund balance exceeded the 4% statutory limit by $600,000, or 5.4%, the Milford board and district officials did not develop and adopt a written multiyear financial plan or fund balance policy.

The Out Of The Woodwork Players will hold auditions for "A Suessified Christmas Carol", tomorrow from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Friday September 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, many roles are available, the performances will be held in December.

The Bainbridge Guilford Central School District Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for tonight, has been postponed, the next meeting will be held on Thursday August 25th at 6:00 PM at the Guilford Elementary school.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-18-22

Governor Hochul announced that the VaxtoSchool campaign will begin soon, in order to get children vaccinated against COVID before the start of school. The latest COVID Positivity rates were just under 8%, the 7 day average was down to 5.72%, Patient Hospitalization were 2,509, with 249 ICU Patients, 96 on Ventilators, there were 24 deaths reported from nursing homes & hospitals.

Sidney Federal Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to selected graduating members this year, Vice President Sales and Marketing Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 6-2-22)

SFCU Scholarship recipients were Kayla Houck of Downsville, Hannah Sulas of Schenevus, Sariah Vesterfelt & Christina Ritter of Walton, Autumn Madugno of Bainbridge-Guilford, Zoe Gifford of Deposit, Anna Dewey of Sidney, Madison Felter of Hancock & Sebastian Quarella and Skyler Nowalk of Greene.

The 73rd annual Sherburne Pageant of Bands takes place today through Saturday. Over 30 school districts are scheduled to participate in Saturday’s main event on main Street in Sherburne at 1:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-2-22

18-year-old Payton Gendron of Conklin was charged Wednesday by an Erie County Grand Jury with domestic terrorism motivated by hate and 10 counts of 1st-degree murder. Gendron has been in custody since the May 14th shooting at a Buffalo TOPS Supermarket, the 25-count indictment also contains charges of murder and attempted murder as a hate crime and weapons possession.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-27-22

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta festivities begins tonight with the Generation Gap Races, youth races & activity at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, Regatta Chairman John Harmon said that the biggest change this year, is having no activities on Monday, Memorial Day:

(John Harmon 5-27-22)

Harmon said that they are expecting a large turnout this year, after being shut down the last 2 years from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Today & tomorrow, Sidney Central School District Alumni will join retiring band director Gregg Norris on stage for 2 evenings of music. Both concerts begin at 7:00 pm in the Sidney High School Auditorium and are free and open to the public. Tonight's concert will highlight the regionally known jazz program, Saturday evening will feature the Concert Band program. Sidney Alumni from as far back as 1973 are scheduled to participate.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has a few tickets remaining for their annual Dinner on June 2nd At the River Street Fire Station. Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 5-20-22)

This year, the Chamber fill honor Gavin's Pizzeria as the Business of the Year, The Sidney Central School District Alumni Association as the organization of the year, & Schunk herself was voted as Citizen Of The Year.

The Mid-York Concert Band will present its annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at 2:30 PM in the Norwich High School Auditorium.  The ensemble is made possible with public funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Earlville Opera House. Contributions are also accepted at the door.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-20-22

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 64 year old Sherrie White of Deposit, following an investigation of a domestic dispute. Deputies reported that White was engaged in the dispute with a protected party of an order of protection, Deputies charged White with Criminal Contempt, White was processed and released on an appearance ticket for Town of Deposit Court at a later date.

Tri-Town Theatre Inc. Presents Arthur Miller's "THE CRUCIBLE" at the Sidney High School Auditorium tonight & tomorrow night at 7:00 pm & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available at: tritown.booktix.com

On Saturday afternoon, the Regatta Row Street Fest will be held in downtown Bainbridge, Rachel Hares of the Jericho Arts Council explains:

(Rachel Hares 5-20-22)

A total of 18 musicians will be playing, the Canoe Paddle Chairs and the Garden Art Poles are still on display & will be auctioned off at the Regatta at 5:00 pm Saturday, May 28.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the new Delaware County Behavioral Health Clinic at 243 Delaware Street. The building was officially opened last November, the ribbon cutting was held off until COVID cases declined. the Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services & the office of Mental Health are housed in the new building.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-18-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak released a statement regarding the Payton Gendron statements made during an online class at Susquehanna Valley School District in 2021. Korchak said that the statement mentioned Murder & Suicide, District officials followed protocols & notified State Police, who escorted Gendron to an area hospital for a mental Health Evaluation. Korchak said that no direct threat was made in the statement, and there was no mention of firearms, Gendron was released & returned to school & graduation exercises without incident. Gendron faces Court action Thursday for multiple counts of 1st degree murder for the Buffalo Tops Supermarket mass shooting Saturday that left 10 dead & 3 injured.

2 more American Red Cross Blood drives are being held in the region today. Upcoming blood donation opportunities include one in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School, a drive will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS

School budgets overwhelmingly passed Tuesday throughout the region & the state. Locally, the Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget by a vote of 157-32, Corbin Curley and Kerri Green were elected to the school Board, At Bainbridge Guilford, the budget passed 220 to 76, Bus purchases passed in Afton, Andes, Bainbridge Guilford, Charlotte Valley, Cooperstown, Deposit, Franklin, Hancock, Laurens, Oneonta, Schenevus, South Kortright & Unadilla Valley. Capital Reserve Fund Propositions passed in Charlotte Valley, Downsville, Franklin, Greene, Hancock, Norwich, Oxford, Sidney, Unadilla Valley & Worcester.

School Budgets are being voted on across the state today, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO News about their budget proposal:

(Dave Richards 5-17-22)

Polls will be open at the Unatego District Office at 2641 State Highway 7 in Otego until 9:00 pm

The Sidney School District has submitted a 28.7 Million Dollar Budget that voters are deciding on today, which represents a 3.9% increase over last year, but with no increase to the tax levy, according to Superintendent Eben Bullock:

(Eben Bullock 5-17-22)

Bullock said that 3 people are running for 2 seats on the school board, voting will be until 8:00 PM at the Sidney High School Cafeteria.

Friends of Rogers in Sherburne was this week’s winner of a $2,000 grant from Upstate Shredding through their philanthropic endeavor; Southern Tier Tuesdays. Friends of Rogers is a nonprofit organization with a variety of nature based programs & exhibits held year-round.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-17-22

School Budget votes will be held around the state today, some district also have propositions for capital improvements or vehicle purchases, many also have Board of Education seats to decide on. At the Bainbridge Guilford District, Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that they were able to keep the tax levy under the state cap and maintain staffing:

(Tim Ryan 5-17-22)

BG voters will vote at the Greenlawn or Guilford Elementary school from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM today on their 21.4 Million Dollar Budget proposal, & a vehicle purchase proposition.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting Today @ 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner. Chamber members & Directors are urged to attend.

The Otsego County Department of Emergency Services announced that Dry ice and bottled water will be available for pick up this evening at the Unadilla fire station and the West Exeter fire station from 6 PM – 9 PM or while supplies last. They also announced that the Emergency shelter at the Armory in will cease operations tomorrow, at 12 Noon. The Clark’s Sports Center will remain open until further notice. Edmeston Central School will be open this evening from 5:00M – 9 PM for Edmeston residents to come and get warm, get a hot meal and a hot shower.

4Towns Forward will hold their Community Yard Sales Saturday, spokesperson Teri Schunk told WCDO news where people will be set up:

(Teri Schunk 4-21-22)

The event runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in Afton, Bainbridge, Sidney & Unadilla.

40 organizations in the region were awarded grants totaling $287,684 from the Community Foundation for South Central New York. Funded Organizations included museums, theater groups, libraries, human service agencies, animal welfare organizations, chambers of commerce, food banks, housing programs, and public safety agencies and other nonprofits, municipalities, and school districts. More information about the Foundation can be found on its website at www.donorswhocare.org.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-21-22

Attorney General Letitia James distributed the 1st round of payments from the opioid settlements to the Southern Tier. In 2022, the Southern Tier will receive a total of $4.8 million, from the $1.5 billion settlement Attorney General James secured with the manufacturers and distributors of opioids for prevention efforts. Later this year, the Southern Tier will receive additional payments from the settlements with Endo Health Solutions, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan. Locally Broome County receives $1.6 Million dollars, Chenango County, $308,000, Delaware County: $327,000.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed due to downed trees & power lines, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith gave WCDO News an update this morning:

(Matt Beckwith 4-20-22)

Beckwith said that The Norwich YMCA is operating a shelter, The Smyrna & Coventry Fire Departments are operating as "Warming Stations", The Norwich High School will be a warming shelter with showers available, Otselic Valley Central school will have overnight shelter, showers & food available, The Sherburne Earlville School has food available for pick up only, The Unadilla Valley School will be open until 7:00 PM for shelter, And NYSEG is making dry ice available at the Fire Departments in Afton, Bainbridge, Greene, Guilford, Norwich & Smyrna.

The Susquehanna SPCA is assisting pet owners without power & heat through its Emergency Boarding Program. Those seeking emergency boarding of their pets will be required to provide all vaccination records, more information is available at (607) 547-8111, extension 108, or by e-mail dyoungs@sqpca.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-20-22

The State of Emergency and Travel Ban for Chenango County and the City of Norwich continues to be in effect today, due to numerous roads still closed throughout the County. All County offices and Schools in Chenango County will be closed today, Chenango County Director of Emergency Services Matt Beckwith explains:

(Beckwith 4-20-22)

NYSEG crews continued to work through the night, but thousands are still without power, NYSEG representatives announced that it could take another 24 to 48 hours to fully restore power. The American Red Cross opened 2 overnight shelters last night, for those without power & heat. 1 location was the Deposit Fire Department on 2nd Street, another was at the Trinity Church at 118 Oak Street in Binghamton.

Delaware County Deputies observed an SUV traveling at 83 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone on State Highway 17 in the Town of Colchester. Deputies arrested 36-year-old Christina Daggett of Central Square, her Driver’s License had been previously revoked for operating without insurance. Daggett was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator, Speeding & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, she was released on an Appearance Ticket, returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

The Jericho Arts Council will have the Feinberg Brothers Bluegrass band Saturday Night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesman Phil Wade comments:

(Phil Wade 3-25-22)

More information about Saturday Night's Show at 7:00 PM, or upcoming shows can be found at jerichoarts.com.

The Afton Sertoma Club presents Goofy Golf again this year at the Afton Central school, Spokesperson Judy Hinman explains:

(Judy Hinman 3-25-22)

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, no pre registration is required.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced 63 new #VaxForKids pop-up vaccination sites statewide, to increase vaccination rates among children and adolescents. In the Southern Tier, there will be a vaccination clinic at the Hancock Central School Bus Garage Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring the Pfizer and J&J vaccines, for those 5 years of age and up.

The Jericho Arts Council will resume shows Tomorrow at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, Spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 2-4-22)

Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the show, they can be reserved by calling (607) 288-3882.

The Jericho Arts Council's Regatta Row is expected back to being an in person event, featuring 12 Adirondack Paddle chairs, and new this year - Story Poles, with this year's Theme “Regatta Byways - Scenes Along the River.” Spokesperson Rachel Hares explains:

(Rachel Hares 1-27-22)

Hares said that the Live Auction slated to take place on Saturday, May 28 at the 59th General Clinton Canoe Regatta, the Art will be displayed on Bainbridge sidewalks from April 27 until Memorial Day weekend. More Information is available at jerichoarts.com.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released his annual report of schools in fiscal stress or susceptible to fiscal stress. East Ramapo in Rockland County & Newfield in Tioga County were the only 2 districts with significant stress, 21 school district were listed as susceptible to fiscal stress, none of the Districts in the Tri-county area made the list.

NYSEG reported 1249 without power in Afton overnight, with 59 out in the Town of Coventry. NYSEG is working to restore power as soon as possible. Due to this morning's power outage, the Afton Central School District is on a 2 hour delay.

The winner of the Friends of Rogers 2021 Electric Car Raffle is Keith Thode of Grapevine, Texas, who graduated from Sherburne High School in 1989, he won a 2020 Tesla Model 3 and arrived in New York to pick up the car on December 2nd. Heather Tehan of the Friends of Rogers told WCDO News the rest of this story:

(Heather Tehan 12-29-21)

Tehan said that Thode visited friends & family around Sherburne & in Albany & then brought the Tesla to Pennsylvania to have it shipped back to Texas, where he has owned electric vehicles since 2014. All proceeds of the Electric Car Raffle, along with Thode's $5,000 donation, benefits Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.

The Bainbridge Coin laundry is donating 100% of their proceeds today to the Delaware Valley Humane Society. This Month, the Humane Society donations are matched as part of the Staffworks Save a Life fundraising campaign, which runs through this Friday, last year the Shelter received $93,000 from that fundraising effort.

Delaware County is 1 of 6 counties in New York State chosen to receive support from NYSDOH to conduct COVID vaccination clinics. Personnel from NYSDOH and the national guard will support the county operated clinics beginning January 7th. The first location will be held in Sidney at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River St. from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, on Friday January 7th, , 8th, 28th, and 29th. The second in Stamford at the Catskill Veterans Outreach Center, 56 Main St. from 11AM-7PM, on January 14th, 15th & February 4th and 5th. The third location in Hancock at the Hancock Central School Bus Garage, from 11AM-7PM on January 21st, 22nd, February 11th and 12th. Online pre-registration links will be available next week. Walk-in appointments are also accepted for all eligible individuals. More Information is available at 607-832-5200.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will be doing a Collection for Toys for Tots on Saturday, December 11th. The Bainbridge Christmas Parade will be at 5:00 pm and they will have a pickup with Toys for Tots banner at the Firehouse for Collection, all donated Toys must be new & unwrapped. The Chamber will also have another collection on Sunday, December 12th during our Christmas Caroling at 5:00 pm behind Bob's Diner.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Afton Central School for children 5 and older on Wednesday December 1st, In the old gym at Door 13, on Sands Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Registration is available at apps2.health.ny.gov or go to co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/nursing and click on the COVID vaccine and scheduling button.

According to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased to over 7.5 million in October. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 7.1% to 6.9% in October.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-18-21

The Chenango County Health Department is offering a Pfizer Vaccine clinic for children ages 5 and up on November 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in Norwich at the Old Label Shopper store location in the South Plaza. More information is available at co.chenango.ny.us. vaccine clinics ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO Be conducted at local School Districts in December & January.

Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Commitment to Community Dinner on Saturday, at Sundown Golf and Country Club. They will be honoring Bob Evans as the Citizen of the Year, B & W Wines & Liquors as the Business of the Year The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District as the Business of Distinction and The Bainbridge Rotary Club as the Service Organization of the Year.

On Saturday, The Bainbridge American Legion will host a “9/11 Day of Remembrance” Chicken BBQ at the Bainbridge Family Dollar Store starting at 10:30 AM.  Legion Post 806 is dedicating this BBQ to honor the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against our country and to remember all those who died that day, & also honors the sacrifices of those who served in the military fight over the past 20 years.

Otsego County Relay for Life & the village of Milford are teaming up for "Celebrating Our Heroes" on Saturday September 11th.  Festivities begin at 4:30 PM with a parade from the Milford central School to Wilber Park, where there will be activities for children and guest speakers Jim Seward, State Senator Peter Oberacker & Assemblyman John Salka.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and the Health Commissioner issued a determination requiring all teachers, administrators and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass.   The Governor also announced that the State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction regarding Facemasks, which closely echoes the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. More information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be showcasing its school-based health center at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, September 7, at 5:00 pm.  The event is being held in conjunction with the school’s annual open house, Bassett Healthcare Network President & CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim will offer remarks.   Available Care will include Annual physical exams, Immunizations, Diagnosis and treatment of both short-and long-term illnesses,   mental health services & Preventive dental care

The Mid York Concert band is looking for area musicians to join, with rehearsals starting this month in Norwich, Band conductor Mark Sands explains:

(Mark Sands 9-3-21)

Anyone interested in joining the band can call sands at 334-4307, or email him: Midyorkcb@gmail.com, rehearsals will start Tuesday September 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Norwich Middle School band room.

The Summer Fest/ Bainbridge Days event will be held today & tomorrow, Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 9-3-21)

The activities will start this afternoon at 5:00 PM, and continue on Saturday at 9:00 AM, with Events will be in the park and on Main Street.

The Sidney Central School District announced a plan for the school year that will include being in session 5 days per week for in-person learning for all grade levels. There will be no health screenings or temperature checks upon entering the building, but Face coverings will be required starting today, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News that the requirements are in line with Governor Hochul's recommendations, plus the district has an added bonus:

(Eben Bullock 8-30-21)

Bullock said that Face coverings for all students and staff are also required on district transportation, in hallways, entrances, exits, lobbies, restrooms & in all other congregate settings.  There will be no face coverings required while outside, Physical Distancing of at least 3 feet between students will exist in the classroom setting, whenever possible.  More information is available at 561-7700.

State Police 35 year old Jovonne Best of Bainbridge for 2 counts of Aggravated Assault against a Police Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Driving While Impaired by Drugs and Obstructing Governmental Administration.   Officers responded to a report of a violation of an order of protection in the town of Bainbridge, a trooper was interviewing Best when she ran into the garage and got into a vehicle, accelerated in reverse and nearly struck the Investigator, struck the garage door frame, the debris struck the trooper, she also struck the State Police vehicle, she was pursued by Police into a cornfield, where she fled on foot & was arrested. Best was arraigned at the Bainbridge Town Court where she was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 property bond.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 33 year old Casey Smith of the Town of Butternuts for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after deputies responded to assist State Parole Officers with a home visit where Smith is accused of possessing a large amount of narcotics, he was arraigned in Otsego County Centralized Arraignment and released on his own recognizance, he was then sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility on a parole warrant. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Butternuts Court at a later date.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced work starts today on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling 337-1710.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-20-21

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta takes on a different look this year, with a 70 mile virtual race that can be run at any time on the Memorial Day weekend, with a GPS unit tracking the paddlers journey, Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-20-21)

Harmon said that the General Gap races will be held on Friday night, & there will be Scout Races held on Saturday, there will be vendors in Downtown Bainbridge, a free concert at General Clinton Park & there will be a fireworks display Saturday night, weather permitting.

The Morris Central School Board of Education appointed Dr. Shannon Babbie as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools.  Babbie will succeed Matthew Sheldon, who is finishing his 12th year of service at Morris,  Babbie will assume his new position on July 1st.

Governor Cuomo today announced that The State will adopt the CDC Mask Guidelines on Wednesday, when many of the state's previous restriction will be lifted:

(Cuomo 5-17-21)

Unvaccinated people & the immunocompromised should continue to wear a mask.  Masks will still be required on public transit, in schools & some communal settings. The updated guidelines will be available at health.ny.gov.

The town of Bainbridge Highway Department announced that Kelly Road, between State Routes 7 & 8 will be closed tomorrow for paving.  The road will be closed starting at 7:00 AM, until about 5:00 PM.

The Unatego Central School district will be asking for voter approval tomorrow on a $27.8 million dollar building project, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-17-21)

Dr. Richards said that the project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers.  Voting on the project & The Unatego Budget, and all state school budgets, will be tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

This Week is National EMS week, local state Senator Peter Oberacker said that volunteers are needed across the state at fire departments & emergency squads:

(Senator Oberacker 5-17-21)

Senator Oberacker is looking to submit legislation to make it easier to someone looking to volunteers for their local emergency squad, Senator Oberacker still volunteers with the Schenevus Emergency Squad.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced that starting May 24th, Cold In-Place Recycling will begin on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling Director of Public Works Shawn Fry at 337-1710.

About 1,300 members of SUNY Oneonta’s graduating class will be recognized during 2021 commencement exercises that include virtual and in-person components, including an opportunity to cross the stage and hear their name called.  SUNY Oneonta’s virtual ceremony is a full commencement program that will air Saturday, May 15th, and will feature recognition of individual graduates and the official delivery of degrees.  4 ceremonies will take place based on academic major: School of Economics and Business at 9 a.m.; School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies at 11 a.m.; School of Liberal Arts at 1 p.m.; and School of Sciences at 3 p.m.

The Otsego County Department of Health is partnering with local high schools to bring the COVID 19 vaccine to the schools. Clinics will be open to students 16 and older, parents, staff and community members. To register go to otsegocounty.com.  Clinics are May 11 at Cherry Valley Springfield, May 13 at Richfield Springs Central School, May 17th at Schenevus, and May 18th at Morris Central School, all clinics are from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

The Sidney Central School District reported 4 positive COVID-19 cases, 1 from Kindergarten, plus a 6th grader, 10th grader and 11th grade student have tested positive.  There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

The next General Membership Meeting of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will be held at the back of Bob's Diner @ 7:30 am today, Members are encouraged to attend.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that an additional $15 million is available to help eligible New Yorkers facing a home heating emergency. Households that have already received emergency assistance from HEAP can apply for a 2nd round of benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their service disconnected when the statewide moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of March, the deadline to apply for both the regular and emergency HEAP benefits was extended until April 30. More information is available at otda.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-10-21

State Police responded last Friday to a fatal garage fire in the town of Bainbridge.  87-year-old Lloyd Darling of Bainbridge did not survive.  A trooper was dispatched to the fire in a garage on County Highway 38 called in by people passing by.  1 person attempted to put out the flames with fire extinguishers, the trooper used his fire extinguisher, Guilford, Bainbridge and Sidney Fire Departments put the remaining fire out.  The Chenango County Fire Bureau responded to the scene to investigate the fire, which does not appear to be suspicious.  The incident remains under investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 2 East Meredith juveniles for allegedly engaging in repeated physical and verbal harassment at the Charlotte Valley Central School in the Town of Davenport.  The Investigation revealed that from October of 2020 through February 4th, the 2 juveniles had repeatedly engaged in conduct that placed the victim in fear of physical injury.  Deputies charged the juveniles with harassment; they were issued juvenile appearance tickets directing them to report to the Delaware County Probation Department at a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-1-21

Sidney Village Police responded Sunday night at about 11:00 PM to the report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks at the Main Street crossing.  Police stated that 27 year old Joshua Barnhart of Bainbridge attempted to turn into the parking area of Trackside Dining, got stuck on the tracks & vacated the vehicle, which was hit by a train a short time later.  No one was injured, Barnhart was charged with obstructing a railroad crossing, driving on the shoulder of a controlled access road & failing to report an address change to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The investigation is also continuing by Railroad Police, and more charges may be forthcoming.

The Village of Bainbridge reported a Water Main Break near Greenlawn Avenue today.  The water main break has been repaired,  residents on Greenlawn, Bixby & Kirby Streets are reminded that water may be discolored or there may be air in the lines, they advise  that you let the water run for a short period of time to alleviate the problem.

The Sidney Central School District was just notified that one 3rd grade, two 6th grade, 9th grade and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.