WCDO Radio News

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive until 6:00 PM in Sidney today, at the American Legion at 22 Union Street, book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-13-26
The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage is Especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood, American Red Cross Spokesperson Meg Rossman comments:

(Meg Rossman 7-13-26)

Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, a blood drive is being held in Sidney Tuesday from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the American Legion Post 183, 22 Union Street.

The Village of Sidney announced that the Village Clerk’s office will be open starting Monday, they will operate out of the Former DMV office in the Sidney Civic Center until ceiling repairs are completed in the regular clerk’s office.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-9-26

47 year old Neil Wesley was sentenced to 25 years in prison for receipt and possession of child pornography in US District Court. As part of his guilty plea, Wesley admitted he had been previously convicted of rape in New York in 2001, he also admitted that from at least December 2024 through February 2025 he received and distributed child pornography & he possessed over 200 images and 18 videos of child pornography. In addition to the 25-year imprisonment term, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi imposed 15 years of supervised release, forfeiture and directed restitution to victims of the offense.

The Sidney Town Board announced that they will hold a Public Information Session This evening at 7:00 PM, to discuss Data Centers, & Battery Storage Units, followed by the Regular meeting at 44 Grand Street in Sidney.

Sidney Village Crews announced that Division Street between Main Street & Grand are closed today & tomorrow as Crews are removing the bump outs at the intersection of Main & Division, Sidney Mayor Ray Baker explains:

(Ray Baker 7-8-26)

The crews will be installing a more traditional corner on the West Side of the Main & Division Street intersection, which should be completed by Thursday afternoon.

A Program entitled “Healthcare in Delaware County” will be held today at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the session will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

The Sidney Town Board announced that they will hold a Public Information Session Thursday at 7:00 PM, to discuss Data Centers, & Battery Storage Units, followed by the Regular meeting at 44 Grand Street in Sidney.

The Sidney Village Clerk's Office at the Sidney Civic Center is closed for emergency repairs, Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News what the interim plans are:

(Ray Baker 7-6-26)

Village employees came to work this morning to find ceiling damage to the office, WCDO News will have updates regarding changes in schedule for the Village clerk's office when they are announced.

The Southern Tier Music Festival will be held tomorrow afternoon into the evening hours at the Sidney Municipal Airport, co-organizer Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 7-3-26)

The schedule can be located at southerntiermusicfest.com, General Admission tickets can also be purchased at the gate.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

With extreme heat forecast in the Tri-County Region over the next few days, Cooling stations will be open at various location, in Delaware County, cooling stations will be at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the Andes Public Library, other locations may be announced, In Chenango County, designated emergency cooling centers include the Guernsey Memorial Library at 3 Court Street, in Norwich, the Sherburne Public Library, more information may be available from the Chenango County Clerk's Office. IN Otsego County, cooling centers include the Southside Mall, The Foxcare Center as well as the greater Plains & Wilber Pools in Oneonta or the Clark Sport Center in Cooperstown, more information is available at the State Department of Health

The new Stewart's Shops Sidney Location construction is moving along, with an opening coming soon according to Stewart's Public Relations Manager Robin Cooper:

(Robin Cooper 6-29-26)

Cooper said that they are still looking for a few more employees for the Sidney Store, and they are planning for a big grand opening celebration in the weeks after the store opens in August.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Sandra Schaffer of Franklin following the investigation of a domestic incident. On May 20th, Deputies were dispatched to a domestic incident in the Town of Sidney.  Schaffer allegedly kicked another person in the chest, Deputies submitted requests for a Criminal Summons and an Order of Protection, Deputies received the documents & on June 17th, Schaffer was charged with Harassment, she was issued the Order of Protection & was released and ordered to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date to answer the charge.

The Luszi’s Legacy Cornhole Tournament last weekend successful, the tournament raised $1,600 that will go directly to Pet Street Station Animal Hospital fund, to assist families deal with the bills for emergency or quality of life care for their senior pets.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-26-26

Most of the area School Districts will have their High School Graduation exercises today & tomorrow. Graduation ceremonies begin this afternoon at 5:00 pm for Gilbertsville Mount Upton grads, at 6:00 pm for AFTON, MILFORD, 6:30: in WINDSOR and 7:00 PM for UNATEGO, NORWICH, ANDES, MORRIS, LAURENS, DEPOSIT, EDMESTON, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK and 7:30 for CHARLOTTE VALLEY. Graduation ceremonies on SATURDAY start at 9:00 AM for HARPURSVILLE, at 10:00 AM for SIDNEY, UNADILLA VALLEY, DELAWARE ACADEMY, GREENE, WALTON, 10:45 AM for ONEONTA, 11:00 AM at OXFORD ACADEMY, SCHENEVUS; 1:00 PM for SOUTH KORTRIGHT and 7:00 PM for the BAINBRIDGE-GUILFORD.

Norwich Police Department executed a search warrant at 41 Cortland Street following an investigation into the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics. 39 year old Shawn Utter of Norwich, & 24 year old Brittany Cox were charged with several Counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Nuisance & Conspiracy, Officers seized cash from suspected drug sales, drug measuring equipment, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, various pills, & weapons, The Village of Sidney Police Department assisted on scene with their drug detecting K9 unit, Utter was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail pending further proceedings. Cox was processed and arraigned in Norwich City Court, where she was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail.

There are maybe about a dozen VIP Tickets left for the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th in Sidney, featuring local musical acts & Headliner Jackson Dean, Teri Schunk is one of the organizers of the event & she talked to WCDO News today that the time is now to get the VIP Tickets:

(Teri Schunk 6-24-26)

Tickets and more information is available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

Sidney Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire with smoke and flames visible Friday night at about 7:00 PM at 826 Circle Drive, heavy smoke was showing from the ridge of the roof. Sidney firefighters launched an aggressive interior and exterior attack and contained the fire to one apartment. Assistance was provided by Masonville, Unadilla, Sidney Center, Oneonta, Guilford & Harpursville fire departments, no injuries were reported, Sidney was back in service at about 8:30PM.

The 2nd Annual Brew to Brew 5K race will be held on September 19, between Wakeman Coffee to Muddy River Farm Brewery. Spokesperson Colleen McKinney explains:

(Colleen McKinney 6-15-26)

Last year's initial effort raised about $5,000, people can register at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Sidney/SidneyBrewToBrew5K

The Sidney Police Department reports that on Saturday officers became aware of multiple incidents of graffiti vandalism affecting both Village property and private property within the Village of Sidney. The graffiti consisted of derogatory phrases directed at President Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officers apprehended 3 individuals, arrested were 19 year old Mara Van Kingsley of Sidney, 21 year old Harley Riglioni of Unadilla, & 20 year old Saaniah Small of Afton, for 1 count each of Criminal Mischief, Making Graffiti, Conspiracy & Possession of Graffiti Instruments, All 3 defendants were processed by the Sidney Police Department and transported to the Delaware County Court for arraignment, the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as further information becomes available.

The Sidney Historical Society will host a Step Back In Time event Saturday at the Sidney Public Library starting at 11:00 AM, society President Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 6-12-26)

Admission is free, more information is available at 607-237-4762.

Another Sidney Community Clean-Up will be held at Keith Clark Park on Saturday, the Starting time is set for 9:00 at the park pavilion. Volunteers will help variety of jobs throughout the walking trail areas. some tools will be available, or volunteers may bring their favorite shovels, pruners or other gardening gear. Work gloves should be worn.

Some tickets are still remaining for the Southern Tier Music Fest on July 4th at the Sidney Airport, one of the Organizers Ed Curley visited WCDO today to talk about ticket availability:

(Ed Curley 6-11-26)

Country Star Jackson Dean is the headline with many other local bands performing throughout the day, the full line up & other information can be found at southerntiermusicfest.com.

No Arrests have been reported regarding the theft of nameplates at the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park. Assemblyman Joe Angelino has offered a $1,000 rewards, those who want to donate to defer the cost of replacement, there is a donate link on the web page, SVMPA.org.

A live music event will be held Saturday June 6th at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, Board Member Doug Barnard & Director Amy Williams visited WCDO recently to talk about the show:

(Doug Barnard Amy Williams 6-5-26)

More information is available at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office & the Department of Health are holding 2 Car Seat safety checks Saturday. The 1st one will be from 10:00AM to 12:00 Noon at the Boys & Girls Club on River Street in Oneonta, The 2nd will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Home Depot on State Route 28, for more information, call 607-547-4230.

The Friends of Rogers are hosting a Family Fishing Frenzy, today from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The event is for beginners, Registration is required, email erica@friendsofrogers.org and specify the number of poles needed. The Rogers Center is located on State Highway 80, in Sherburne.

The Sidney Historical Society will hold a Paint the Fence Day Saturday at the Prospect Hill Cemetery starting at 9:00 AM, volunteers are needed, more information is available by calling 237-4762 or 434-8258. supplies & lunch will be provided.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-5-26

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Anthony Alessi of Walton for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal possession of a controlled substance, following a traffic stop at a check point in Town of Colchester,  Alessi is accused of being impaired & was found to possess cocaine, he was processed and was released on appearance tickets for Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Clear Path for Veterans IS A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION helping out veterans with a variety of programs, Sean Sejersen is a Peer Mentor with Clear Path For Veterans, and a veteran himself, he told WCDO News about the program:

(Sean Sejerson 6-5-26)

A benefit will be held at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, Sejersen will be there explaining their services & accepting donations, a portion of the proceeds from Awestruck will also be donated.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Celebration will be held tonight in Sidney. The Citizen of the Years is Carol Allen, for her work with the Tri County Senior Center & other organizations, The Business of the Years in USA Custom Pad, The Non Profit of the year is the Sidney United Way & the Distinguished Service award goes to Former Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, who commented about winning the award:

(Andy Matviak 6-4-26)

The Awards Dinner & Celebration will be held tonight at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney.

Sidney Village Officials announced that a water main break occurred on Circle Drive. The water will be shut off to all the apartments on Circle drive until the repairs are completed, which is estimated to be at about 8:00 PM this evening.

Another Sidney Community Clean-Up will be held at Keith Clark Park on Saturday, June 13. Starting time is set for 9:00 at the park pavilion. Volunteers will help variety of jobs throughout the walking trail areas. Some tools will be available, or volunteers may bring their favorite shovels, pruners or other gardening gear. Work gloves should be worn.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-4-26

State Police arrested 36 year old Salvatore Magro of Sherburne following an investigation into reports that underage victims were subjected to unwanted sexual contact while working with him. The investigation determined that over the last two years Magro engaged in a pattern of inappropriate sexual contact toward multiple teenage victims, while the victims were employed at Joe and Vinny’s Pizzeria on North Main Street in the village of Sherburne. Magro was taken into custody & was charged with Three counts of Forcible Touching, Four counts of Sexual Misconduct & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Magro was transported to the Chenango County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. The victims were issued Orders of Protection, Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, they can call State Police at (607)561-7400.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-1-26

Clear Path for Veterans IS A NON TO FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION helping out veterans with a variety of programs, Sean Sejersen is a Peer Mentor with Clear path For Veterans, and a veteran himself, he visited WCDO This morning to talk about the program:

(Sean Sejerson 6-1-26)

A benefit will be held at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, Sejersen will be there explaining their services & accepting donations, a portion of the proceeds from Awestruck will also be donated.

The Village of Sidney Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the individuals responsible for removing 3 nameplates on the Donor Wall at the Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park were stolen, Sidney Village Mayor Ray Baker said that a reward is being offered:

(Ray Baker 6-1-26)

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sidney Police Department at (607) 561-2301.

Delaware County has continued to transition operations of the senior meals program after Delaware Opportunities abruptly ceased operating on May 7th. Delaware County Office for the Aging has supported Senior meals both at congregate meal sites and through home meal deliveries. Congregate meal sites are now fully staffed and operational in Delhi, Hancock, Walton & Grand Gorge, the Margaretville senior meals dining center is open and located back in the Margaretville Methodist Church. The Sidney senior dining center has been temporarily relocated to the Sidney Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in Sidney, today that site will be operational to serve meals on site and prepare meals for home delivery. The County continues to work with the owners of the Sidney Senior Housing site to permanently relocate senior meals back to the senior nutrition site at 21 Liberty Street Sidney. Those interested in county employment, contact the Delaware County personnel office to inquire about these positions.

Keiko Howard is an artist and painter from Sidney Center who is painting a mural on the Liberty Street Side of 7 Stones in downtown Sidney, She told WCDO News that she was commissioned to paint the mural after completing a small 1 on the side of Sidney Flowers & Gifts:

(Keiko Howard 5-28-26)

Howard said that she is going to paint an indoor mural at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney after the completion of the current work, she is also looking to recruit other area artists to try to have painting & murals in village business district in the region.

The 64th General Clinton Canoe Regatta was held over the Memorial Day Weekend, nearly 800 paddlers from 256 US states & 2 Canadian Provinces competed. In Sunday's 1 person 70 mile Pro race, in Sunday's Men's NYMCRA Stock Race, Jeff Newman of Wells Bridge & Dale Beckwith of Sidney Crossed the finish line 9 minutes ahead of 2nd place boat with Nate Lull & Brett Sherwood, last years winners Both Teams spoke with WCDO"S Craig Stevens at the finish line:

(Nate Brett NYMCRA 26)

Beckwith & Newman described what happened:

(beck-new NYMCRA 26)

The weekend weather affected the rides & hot air balloons on Saturday, but the entertainment, music, and fireworks went off as planned.

The Barking Cat Boutique in Sidney will have an everything must go sale at their location on Main Street in Sidney Saturday, Spokesperson Lynn Bekin explains:

(Lynn Bekin 5-26-26)

All of the proceeds benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society, The Barking Cat will be closing in the days following Saturday's Sale.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-22-26

State Police at Troop C in Sidney held their annual Memorial Service, a day to remember those who served, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty, Troop C Commanding Officer Major Lucas Shuta Comments:

(Lucas Shuta 5-22-26)

Major Shuta also reminded motorists that there will be extra traffic on the roads this Memorial Day Weekend, and there will be extra patrols making sure every arrives to their destinations safely:

(Major Shuta MDAY Patrols)

State Police and other Law Enforcement agencies will be looking for intoxicated drivers, distracted drivers, and those violating the state's Move Over Laws, Construction will be suspended during the Memorial day Weekend, except in the case of an emergency.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Sidney Saturday from 10:00AM to 2:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org, 1-800 Red Cross or with the Blood Donor App. The Blood Drive is dedicated to the memory of Madisyn Oakes, a Bainbridge Guilford Student who passed away in a car crash at 17 years of age on April 20, 2025.

This Year, the Sidney Memorial Day Parade will be combined with the SFCU Hometown Day Parade on Monday, Anna Banks of SFCU explains:

(Anna Banks 5-22-26)

The Parade will go from Steiner Road, down Main Street to River Street and end at the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park near State Route 8.

A unique live music event will be held Saturday June 6th at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, Board Member Doug Barnard & Director Amy Williams visited WCDO this morning to talk about the concert:

(Doug Barnard Amy Williams 5-21-26)

More information is available at the Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

The Children's Home will have a Foster Care and Adoption information session tonight at the Sidney Library, Meryl Juster conducts the session and said that tonight's session is more informal:

(Meryl Juster 5-20-26)

More information about foster care is available at 607-765-9059.

Delaware Valley Humane Society & Waste Recovery Enterprises are teaming up for the Spring "Heavy Metal Haul-Out" through the end of this month. Interested participants can bring scrap metal to the large bin across from WRE on Valley View Road off of State Route 7 in Sidney. WRE donates the money they get for the scrap metal to the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

Area School District budgets were passed yesterday, mostly by large margins. Sidney voters approved the budget, the purchase of 2 Diesel busses & the library budget, budgets and propositions passed in Franklin, GMU, BG, Unatego & Afton. Norwich School District voters voted against a plan to sell the Flanagan Field property, which would have allowed for a housing complex to be built there, Milford voters decided against a plan to eliminate seats on the School Board, in Oxford voters turned down a proposal for the purchase of zero emissions vehicles. ============================================

2 American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, 1 in Sidney from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the American Legion Post 183, 22 Union Street, and another will be in Cooperstown, from 12:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at Bassett Hall, 31 Beaver St; make appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

New Yorkers will vote on School Budgets in New York State Tuesday, as well as Board of Education seats, school bus purchases or other ancillary costs associated with education. Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News about their 35.5 Million Dollar Budget with 0% tax levy increase:

(Eben Bullock 5-18-26)

Voting will be at the Sidney High School from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Bainbridge Guilford Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that they had to deal with a $1 Million dollar gap before sending the proposal to voters:

(TIM RYAN 5-18-26)

The BG total budget is 26.9 Million dollars, the Tax Levy Increase is 1.59% Voting will be at the Greenlawn & Guilford Elementary school buildings. In the Unatego School District, Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO about their budget:

(Dr Dave Richards -18-26)

Voting for Unatego area residents will be from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jr. Sr. High school.

Saturday will be the 2nd annual “Play for Pete” Peter Stanton Jr Memorial Softball Tournament @Keith Clark Park in Sidney. The day will include an 8 team softball tournament, concessions, Hot Air Balloon Rides, face painting, music, Cornhole raffles & door prizes. ALL proceeds from the event go to Athletic awards, Scholarships and Youth sports programs.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-14-26

This Year's Memorial Day Parade in Sidney will be combined with the annual SFCU Hometown Parade, for the 250th year old our country, organizer Anna Banks of SFCU explains:

(Anna Banks 5-14-26)

people from all over the region who would like to participate can just show up at 8:00 AM on Monday Memorial Day.

The old Great American Supermarket & former adjacent stores have been removed & the New Stewart's Shops will be constructed, Chuck Marshall of Stewart's said that the store should be up & running fairly quickly:

(Chuck Marshall 5-14-26)

The New Stewart's will include Amenities like a gas station, electric vehicle charging, in additional to the retail store inside, at the corner of West Main & Steiner Road in Sidney.

This Year's General Clinton Canoe Regatta will feature the competition among area singers, with the winners getting to sing on stage at this summer's biggest event in Sidney, according to organizer Ed Curley:

(Ed Curley 5-14-26)

The competition will start at 1:00 pm in the Main Event Tent on Saturday at General Clinton Park in Banbridge during this years' General Clinton Canoe Regatta.

THE TRI-COUNTY SENIORS final presentation in their series regarding end of life issues, will be today at the Sidney Library, Spokesperson Carol Allen explains:

(Carol Allen 5-13-26)

The discussion will run from 10:30AM TO 12:00 NOON, in the Smart Community Room.

Delaware County Office for the Aging & Pizzo's Restaurant of Delhi are developing menus for the next 2 weeks to serve Delaware County Senior Meals. Meal Times will be at 11:30 AM, Sidney Seniors meals will be served at the Community Cultural Center , reservations are requested at 607-643-8390.