WCDO Radio News

State Police arrested 34 year old Brandon MacLaury of Guilford & 25 year old Candace Cullipher of Oxford, who were illegally living at the Unadilla House Hotel. MacLaury and Cullipher were each charged with 3rd-degree burglary and criminal possession of a controlled substance,  MacLaury was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.  They are accused of possessing Methamphetamines and a rifle, they were processed at the Troop C Sidney Headquarters and were released on appearance tickets for Unadilla Town Court on January 11th.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 21 year old Jessica Winans of Unadilla after a report of a motor vehicle accident on River Road in the Town of Sidney.  Upon arrival Troopers observed that Winans exhibited signs of intoxication during their interview.   Winans was charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more, operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone, as well as other charges. Winans was released to appear in the Town of Sidney Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-10-20

Otsego County Department of Health had 21 new COVID 19 cases reported Wednesday, giving the county 1496 total confirmed cases,  143 active cases,  17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths;  767 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

4 Towns Forward is an effort from Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge & Afton & they are working together for a Small Business Saturday event for the holidays tomorrow, Teri Schunk of the Sidney Chamber comments about their plans:

(Teri Schunk 11-20-20)

June White told WCDO News about the Bainbridge Chamber's event with many vendors spread out over several sites tomorrow:

(June White 11-20-20)

Also, 6zero7 Advertising & Events of Afton will hold their 2nd Locally Made Holiday Shop event at the Hitching Post on Route 7 in Port Crane Saturday from 9:00 to 2:00 and 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

State Police increased patrols to crack down of impaired driving and underage drinking over the Halloween weekend. A checkpoint on State Highway 7 in the town of Unadilla had approximately 110 vehicles pass through. Several arrests and tickets were issued, 1 for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, 1 for Criminal Possession of Marijuana, 1 for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3 for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 1 Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, & 12 for a variety of Vehicle and Traffic violations.

Unadilla Village officials have decided on how they will celebrate Halloween this year safely, during the existing pandemic, Mayor Jack Insinga explains:

(Jack Insinga 10-26-20)

Mayor Insinga said that trick or treating will be allowed between 4:00 & 7:00 PM Saturday, and they are advised to keep the festivities as local as possible.

State Police arrested 22 year old Shawnee Porter of Sidney for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers on patrol on State Route 7 near County Road 1A in the town of Unadilla were nearly struck by Porter and initiated a traffic stop. Porter's B.A.C was .19%; she was processed and issued appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on October 19th.

The Village Bountiful will open their new market in the Willow Bend Plaza at 1004 State Highway 7 in Unadilla Tomorrow morning, Spokesperson Jakkie Bickos explains:

(Jakkie Bickos 9-11-20)

Bickos said that more information about the store or membership is available at villagebountiful.com.

Village Elections were held Tuesday around the state.  Many area candidates ran unopposed, in the Unadilla mayor's race; write in candidate Jack Insinga defeated longtime incumbent mayor Dave Welch 36 to 29.  Trustees’ seats were won by Paul Baldwin & Joshua Palmer.  In Afton, incumbent Mayor Janice Nickerson won over write in candidate Mellissa Mathews, village board member Robert Humphrey defeated write in candidate Alexis VanBuren.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar submitted his proposed county budget by Zoom Thursday.  Broome County is facing hard economic times due to the economic shutdown following the COVID 19 pandemic earlier this year, a no -frills budget with a small tax decrease was forwarded by Garnar for consideration by the Broome County Legislature, all New York Counties are waiting to see if the next federal COVID relief package will finally contain aid to state & local governments.

The Board of Directors for the Village Bountiful have decided that they will open their new market in the Willow Bend Plaza at 1004 State Highway 7 in Unadilla later this month, Spokesperson Jakkie Bickos explains:

(Jakkie Bickos 9-11-20)

Bickos said that more information about the store or membership is available at villagebountiful.com.

State Police arrested 34 year old Robert Youngblood of South New Berlin, for Over-driving, Torturing and Injuring Animals, Criminal Contempt, Obstructing Governmental Administration and Making a False Statement. On August 16, a trooper was dispatched to Dunhams Cross Road in the town of Butternuts, where they discovered that a 6-month old pig had been shot multiple times with a pellet gun. The pig was alive but in obvious distress. Youngblood was additionally charged with violating an order of protection while he was in the trooper’s presence. Youngblood was issued appearance tickets to the town of Butternuts court for September 24th & to the town of Unadilla court for September 21st.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 1110 positive COVID 19 cases since March, with 74 deaths, 965 recoveries & 440 people are being monitored by the Health Department, they have conducted over 33,400 tests.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-17-20

A Black Lives Matter gathering in Bainbridge was met by dozens of counter protestors favoring Police & some had confederate symbols, Saturday afternoon.  Unadilla native & standup comedian Taury Seward aimed some of his comments at the counter protestors:

(Taury Seward 8-17-20)

Brief altercations were reported, but no arrests have been reported by Bainbridge Police yet.

The Cancer Services Program mobile screening coach will be at the Unadilla Bishop Lot on Today from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to provide no cost mammograms and Pap tests to women 40 or older.  Colorectal cancer screening kits are also available for men and women 50 or older and can be sent by mail.  More information or appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi's office announced that the Congressman will Host another Telephone Town Hall with local guests, on August 3rd at 5:00 p.m.  Constituents are encouraged to RSVP to brindisi.house.gov/live to receive the call or dial-in at 5:00 p.m. on August 3rd to 855-614-0159.

State Police arrested 29 year old Nathaniel Richardson of Unadilla for 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, plus Unlawful Imprisonment and Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute July 11th, in the town of Unadilla.  Richardson is accused of taking a cell phone away from the victim & holding the victim down, in the presence of 4 children.  Richardson was arraigned & was released & an order of protection was issued, which Richardson allegedly violated hours later. Richardson was located, was processed was released again pending future court action.

The 2020 Unadilla Summer Concert series continues tonight starting at 6:30 PM, weather permitting.  Dirt Road Express will perform tonight; social distancing & face mask wearing are required.

Delaware County Public Health received one positive lab report for COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the County's total to 89,  78 have recovered, 4 are recovering at home, 1 is Hospitalized, 6 have died, 39 are in Quarantine.

The Village of Unadilla Board Meeting is tonight at 6:30 PM at the Firehouse 77 Clifton St. This meeting will be open to the public- social distancing will be observed and masks will be required.

Delaware County received 1 new case of COVID-19 Monday and is reporting 1 additional recovery. The known active cases in the County remains 4, the total number of positive cases is 87, with 31 people under quarantine, 4 people are isolated at home,  none are in the hospital, 6 people have died and 77 have fully recovered.

The Unadilla Summer Concert series will begin tonight at the Community House Lawn starting at 6:30 PM.  The concert is free & will feature Country Express, face Masks and social distancing is required.

The State Health Department is continuing with research regarding the effects that Air Conditioner Filters may have on curtailing the spread of the COVID 19 virus in restaurants, malls, gyms & other inside businesses with heavier densities, Governor Cuomo commented on Wednesday:

(Cuomo 7-2-20)

The state Health Department announced that over 4 million tests have been administered since March, with 394,954 positive tests, there were 10 deaths Wednesday from the virus, and the state death toll is 24,877.  Hospitalizations statewide were at 878 on Wednesday.

State Police arrested 42 year old Jennifer McCluskey of Otego for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.  A trooper was dispatched to a one-car crash on County Highway 3A in the town of Unadilla, the trooper discovered that McCluskey’s vehicle was in the embankment, McCluskey was arrested, processed and released on appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on July 27th, & was turned over to a sober third party.

The Village of Unadilla announced that the Village playground will be open from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. The playground equipment will be sanitized every day between 8-9 AM and 12:00-1:00 PM. This playground equipment will be closed during this time to allow the cleaner to dry.  Also, the Tennis Court is opened on 1 side at this time; they are working to open up both sides shortly.

3 people have been arrested after the discovery of illegal fireworks in their vehicle.  On June 27th, State Police arrested 29 year old Leon Tryon and 25 year old Garett Lavalley, both of Wolcott, NY.  They were each charged with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks.  A third person was charged with a violation level offense for Possessing a Firework or Dangerous Firework.   A trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in Kirkwood observed Tyron make a vehicle and traffic infraction. A stop was initiated and an investigation led to the discovery of $900 worth of illegal fireworks.  All 3 were processed and issued appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 15th.

The Cancer Services Program mobile screening coach will be at the Unadilla Bishop Lot on Thursday, July 30, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to provide no cost mammograms and Pap tests to women 40 or older.  Colorectal cancer screening kits are also available for men and women 50 or older and can be sent by mail.  More information or appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

Graduations ceremonies will be held at some area schools today & tomorrow.  The Hancock seniors will have their ceremony this morning at 10:00 AM @ the football field, Afton seniors will have a graduation car parade at 4:30 this afternoon, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton will celebrate at 5:30 PM on the school grounds.  Milford seniors will celebrate at 6:00 PM, Sidney at 6:30 on the Athletic Field, Deposit at 7:00 PM on their football field, Franklin 7:00 PM at Franklin Stage Company & Morris at 7:00 PM.  Saturday celebrations include Oneonta Seniors in 3 ceremonies beginning at 10:00 AM, the Delaware Academy at 10:00 AM, Norwich at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at High School field, South Kortright at 1:00, Unadilla Valley Central School District at 2:00 PM in the Gym & Bainbridge Guilford at 7:00 PM on the lawn.

All area school districts passed their budgets yesterday.  Capital projects were passed in Afton, Charlotte Valley, Delaware Academy, Oneonta & Greene.  Bus & vehicles propositions passed in Franklin, Deposit, Delaware Academy, Afton, Bainbridge Guilford, Norwich, Unadilla Valley, Oxford, Edmeston, Laurens, Oneonta,  Library budgets were passed in Sidney, Deposit, Norwich, Oxford & a Capital reserve fund vote was passed in Sidney.

2020 SCHOOL BUDGET VOTES

DELAWARE COUNTY
Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the district's proposed budget 538-131 & also approved a capital reserve fund 547-113.
Voters in the Walton Central School District approved the budget 796-292.
Voters in the Franklin School District approved their budget 289-130, and their bus proposition 289-147.
Voters in Deposit approved their budget 472-177, they also approved of their bus & library propositions.
Voters in the Charlotte Valley District voted in favor of their budget 336-188 & their capital reserve proposition 357-164
Voters in the Hancock Central School District voted for their budget 352-135.
Voters in Downsville approved of their budget 199-61
Voters in South Kortright approved their budget 196-64
Voters in the Delaware Academy District approved their budget 845-399 they also approved of the bus proposition & the asbestos abatement proposition.

CHENANGO COUNTY
Voters in the Afton School District approved of their budget 326-169, their bus proposition 285-207 & their building project 247-244.
Voters in the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School approved their Budget 541 to 255 & approved the bus proposition & the proposition for a Student on the Board of Education.
Norwich City School District voters approved their budget 1179-522, they approved the Leased Vehicles Proposition & the Library Budget.
Greene Central School District Voters approved their Budget 794-436 & passed both Propositions
Unadilla Valley district voters approved a $22.2 million budget by a vote of 534 to 219; Voters also approved a bus lease proposition by a vote of 557 to 194.
Oxford Academy district voters approved their budget School Budget 535 to 236; they also approved a Vehicle Purchase & the Oxford Memorial Library budget

OTSEGO COUNTY:
Voters in the Unatego School District voted in favor of their budget 594-293
Voters in the Edmeston School District approved their budget 171-18, they also approved of 3 vehicle purchases.
Gilbertsville Mount Upton Voters approved of their budget 267-133
Laurens School district voters approved of their budget 231-24, & voted in favor of purchasing busses by a similar margin.
Milford central School District voters approved their budget 467-272

Voters in the Morris District approved their budget 245-38
Voters in the Oneonta City School district approved of their budget, Bus proposition & Capital Project

BROOME COUNTY
Harpursville District Voters approved their budget, 508-194.

WINDSOR Central School district voters approved of their budget 991-537.

State Police arrested 2 teenagers from Delaware County after they engaged in 2 separate vehicle pursuits with troopers.  A 16-year-old was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Grand Larceny, and 2 counts of Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a 17-year-old was arrested for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Grand Larceny.  Troopers were advised of an erratic driver on I-88 near Unadilla, Troopers attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to comply, accelerated off the Interstate at exit 10 and on to State Highway 7 in Unadilla.  Another trooper attempted to stop the vehicle on State Highway 7 when the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree, the juveniles fled on foot & were spotted in another vehicle on State Route 7, and they failed to comply but were taken into custody at the Speedway at State Routes 7 and 8.  The 1st vehicle was stolen from the town of Downsville, the 2nd from the village of Unadilla; both teens were virtually arraigned and were released to legal guardians.

The Unadilla Flag Day Parade has been rescheduled for Sunday at 6:30 PM.  The parade has been changed into a Drive-By Parade, and the public is welcome to attend, & they must abide by Social Distancing Guidelines & wear a face mask.  The procession will start at the Unadilla Elementary School & will continue to the I-88 Interchange with State Route 7, there will be no Flag Day Ceremony at the Community Field this year.

The Unadilla Flag Day Parade has been rescheduled, on Sunday June 14th at 6:30 PM.  The parade has been changed into a Drive-By Parade, and the public is welcome to attend, & they must abide by Social Distancing Guidelines & wear a face mask.  The procession will start at the Unadilla Elementary School & will continue to the I-88 Interchange with State Route 7, there will be no Flag Day Ceremony at the Community Field this year.

State Police arrested 49 year old Wayne Johnson of Unadilla for Aggravated DWI with a child as passenger and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.  Troopers responded to a complaint about a vehicle in the ditch off Lilley Hill Road in the town of Butternuts.  Troopers located Johnson walking on Robert Williams Road with 2 children; Johnson was released on appearance tickets to the town of Butternuts court on June 25th.

The Sidney United Way is offering free personal pandemic safety kits to area small business owners to distribute to their employees as they reopen. Each kit includes several masks, a pair of gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and tissues. Business owners may pick up one kit for each employee plus a bottle of hand sanitizer on again today, at SFCU in Sidney between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, SFCU in Bainbridge between 10:00 and 4:00, in Afton at the RINKER INSURANCE AGENCY between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm & in Unadilla at HOUSE OF CONSIGNMENT between 10:00 and 4:00.  These items are being made available through the Sidney Area COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The Sidney United Way is offering free personal pandemic safety kits to area small business owners to distribute to their employees as they reopen. Each kit includes several masks, a pair of gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and tissues. Business owners may pick up one kit for each employee plus a bottle of hand sanitizer on Thursday or Friday, at SFCU in Sidney between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, SFCU in Bainbridge between 10:00 and 4:00, in Afton at the RINKER INSURANCE AGENCY between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm & in Unadilla at HOUSE OF CONSIGNMENT between 10:00 and 4:00.  These items are being made available through the Sidney Area COVID-19 Relief Fund.

4 Towns Forward, which was a collaborative effort between the Sidney, Unadilla, Afton & Bainbridge Chambers, & My Home Gym, held their virtual 5k walk/run last week that ended Sunday, Teri Schunk of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce told WCDO how they did:

(Teri Schunk 6-1-20)

Schunk said that Donations will also go to the Bainbridge Community Center Construction, the Sidney Library, the Afton Community Theatre & the Unadilla Food Bank.

Otsego County Department of Health has received notification of 1 new confirmed positive coronavirus case Saturday, this patient did not attend the Unadilla Livestock auction May 16th.  The county has 63 total confirmed cases, none one is hospitalized currently, 57 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, and 13 people are quarantined

The Otsego County Department of Health has learned of a potential exposure to coronavirus at a public venue & they are now seeking to identify and notify individuals who attended a livestock auction at Unadilla Livestock 38 Maple Avenue in Unadilla on Saturday May 16th.   Otsego County Assistant Public Health Director Kim Schlosser told WCDO News that the auction was agricultural and was allowed to be open in Phase 1 of the Reopening:

(Kim Schlosser 5-22-20)

Schlosser said that an individual who lives in another county attended the auction from 1:30-9:30pm has since been confirmed to have COVID 19 & that individual was not wearing a mask.  Anyone who attended the auction, who develops symptoms, should contact their primary care provider, or the COVID Hotline at 547-5555 or the Otsego County Health Department at 547-4316 to get tested, also, if attendees know someone who attended the auction in the Amish community, to inform them of positive test & self-monitor for symptoms of the illness.

The Sidney, Afton, Bainbridge & Unadilla Chambers of Commerce, 4 towns forward & My Home Gym are co-sponsoring the fundraising Wipe Out Covid-19 Virtual 5K Walk/Run, Starting tomorrow through May 31st. So far, about 400 people have signed up & Anna Banks of My Home Gym told WCDO how much money has been raised, and where it goes:

(Anna Banks 5-22-20)

Mike Banks of My Home Gym reminded participants to be careful & maintain Social Distancing during this event:

(Mike Banks 5-22-20)

The virtual 5K can be run or walked from any location; People can donate or get more information at runsignup.com/MyHomeGym2020 or call 320-4024.

The Village of Unadilla Board meeting will be held on Tonight at 6:30 PM at the firehouse at 77 Clifton Street, the meeting is not open to the public at this time but can be attended via Zoom.