WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

An Endicott man is facing a felony charge after allegedly stealing 27 iPhones from a FedEx facility while working for the company. Last Friday the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol responded to a larceny complaint at FedEx Freight East, at Industrial Park Drive in the Town of Kirkwood. Security at the facility advised that someone had been stealing from iPhones since April by sneaking them out of the facility in his coat pocket. After reviewing footage, 22 year old Leon Roberts of Endicott was charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny. Roberts was arraigned at Central Arraignment Part and released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Kirkwood Court.

---

Organizer at the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in Norwich announced that the Registration period has been extended

(Tom Revoir 6-24-25)

A large number of teams were still trying to register yesterday, so registration was extended until midnight on Wednesday, June 25th, more information is available at Macker.com, Tournament Dates are July 12th & 13th

---

Afton Central School's Adult Education Program will be offering free G.E.D instruction into the ONC BOCES District, Program Director June White explains:

(JUNE WHITE 6-24-25)

The Programs will be available to adults 21 and over in ONEONTA, FRANKLIN, MILFORD, MORRIS, CHARLOTTE VALLEY, COOPERSTOWN among others, more information is available by calling 607-639-2811.

---

Catholic Charities of Sidney will hold their Roll The Dice LCR fundraising tournament on July 10th in Sidney, Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 6-24-25)

The event will be held on July 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, more information is available at 607-604-4071.

---

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

Today is Primary Day in New York State, The Chenango County Republican Party Primary Elections will be held in the towns of Afton, Plymouth, Smithville and Smyrna. Sample ballots can be viewed at chenangocountyny.gov; or by calling the Chenango County Board of Elections at 607-337-1760. In Delaware County: Republicans will vote for a candidate for County Treasurer between Ronda Williams & Carli Pinner; In the Town of Sidney 4 Republicans are running for 2 seats on the Town Board, between Richard DeCola, Frank Selleck, William Hunt & Andrew Hinkley. Republican primaries are being held for Town Supervisor in Colchester, Hancock, & Meredith, more information is available at the County Board of Elections page at co.delaware.ny.us. There are no Democratic Party primaries in Chenango or Delaware Counties & there are no primaries in Otsego County this year.

---

On Monday Morning, the Colchester Town Police Department, the Downsville Fire Department and Emergency Squad, responded to a reported motorcycle accident on State Highway 30 & Delaware County Highway 7. The operator of the motorcycle, a 42-year-old female, left the roadway and struck a ditch, she was ejected, sustained serious injuries and was transported by LifeNet of New York to Albany Medical Center for advanced medical care.

---

State Police today announced that Troopers issued 27,208 total traffic tickets during the special “Speed Week” traffic enforcement campaign, from June 9th to June 15th. Troopers issued 12,703 tickets for speeding and 1,184 total tickets for Move Over Law violations. Locally, Troop C issued over 2300 tickets, including over 1400 tickets for speeding and 184 for violating the "Move Over" Law.

---

Amphenol of Sidney is celebrating 100 years in operation in the village of Sidney, with an Open House on Saturday July 19th, with a host of activities & exhibits at the Delaware Avenue facility. WCDO News interviewed Chris Cappello, who is helping to organize the event & wrote a book on the company's rich history in Sidney, that interview will be aired in its entirety following the 6:00 PM News tonight on WCDO.

---

2 American Red Cross Blood Drives are being held today, 1 in Delhi from 12:30 pm. - 5:30 pm., at the Delhi United Ministry, another in  Sidney from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Sidney Elks Lodge, Appointments can be made with American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS

---

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-21-22

Chenango County Emergency Services & NYSEG will distribute bottled water & dry ice this afternoon, according to Coordinator Matt Beckwith:

(Matt Beckwith 4-21-22)

Beckwith said that any distributions tomorrow will depend on how quickly NYSEG gets power restored to Chenango County Residents.

---

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.

---

SFCU announced that they have expanded its field of membership to an additional 4 counties, they are Onondaga, Cortland, Essex and Hamilton counties. SFCU Vice President of Sales & Marketing Andrew Smith told WCDO News how this happened:

(Andrew Smith 4-21-22)

Smith said that people in the 4 Counties can take advantage of SFCU Memberships immediately, future locations of new facilities have not yet been determined, more information on SFCU can be found at www.sfcuonline.org.

---

Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center is hosting an Earth Fair today through Saturday at the Rogers Center in Sherburne, Spokesperson Heather Tehan explains:

(Heather Tehan 4-12-22)

Tehan said that the Friends of Rogers Visitor Center will have all of the activities, Seasonal hours of the Visitor Center are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

---

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.

---

The Board of Trustees of Hartwick College announced today that they have selected Darren Reisberg, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at the Joyce Foundation, as the College’s 11th president, he will take office on August 1, replacing Dr. Margaret Drugovich, who announced her retirement earlier this after serving as Hartwick College President for 14 years.

---

The Binghamton Great Race Committee announced that the participants will be in Binghamton on Sunday afternoon, June 19th. The Great Race is a cross-country, vintage car timed rally, more information is available at greatrace.com.

---

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond awarded Deputy Samantha Acuna with the Sheriff’s Superstar Award for meritorious service while in the performance of duty. On April 8th, Deputy Acuna was dispatched to a “routine” welfare check following a call to 911 with an “open line”. Upon gaining entrance to the residence, Deputy Acuna found a male victim suffering from an apparent stroke, rendered first aid and immediately called for medical assistance, and likely saved the victim’s life.

---

State Police members from Troop C removed 42 impaired drivers from the roadways in the Southern Tier in March. The majority of the charges stem from misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated charges, several people were charged with other crimes, including robbery, and drug possession.

---

42-year-old Jeremie Hoyt of Davenport, New York, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to 2 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, 2 counts of distribution of child pornography, and 1 count of possession of child pornography. Hoyt is being held pending sentencing scheduled for August 24, 2022, he faces at least 15 years and up to 110 years imprisonment on the charges, and a fine of up to $250,000.

---

NYSEG reports that thousands are still without power this morning across the region. Broome County had more than 15,000 customers without power, Chenango County over 9,600, Delaware County over 5300, Otsego County with more than 6300, earlier today.

---

Governor Cuomo announced that there were 727 new COVID 19 cases discovered Thursday or .85% of all those tested.  The State total is now 424,167; there were 3 virus related deaths Thursday, bringing the state death toll to 25,232.  Patient Hospitalization were down to 554, there were 127 ICU patients, with 59 on ventilators

---

Governor Cuomo announced today that Bowling alleys, gyms, museums and other low-risk indoor cultural venues will be allowed to open shortly with strict COVID-19 guidelines.  Cuomo said that Bowling alleys will be allowed to open Monday, with 50% occupancy capacity, face masks & social distancing must be followed & every other lane will be closed, thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use will be required; and all food service must follow all state-issued guidance.  The opening date and rules for gyms will be revealed on Monday.

---

Chenango County Department of Public Works will be holding their household Hazardous waste collection Tomorrow in Norwich, DPW Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 8-14-20)

More information is available by calling Hendricks at 337-1792, or email him at dhendricks@co.chenango.ny.us.

---

The State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding New Yorkers' ability to complete certain transactions through secure drop boxes. The drop boxes can be used for license plate surrenders, address changes, and license and registration renewals. Customers using drop boxes must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Drop boxes are located at all state-run DMV offices and are available during regular office hours.  More information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

---

A Black Lives Matter peaceful protest & discussion will be held at the Bainbridge Village Green Park Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM.  Those who would like to speak are requested to send an email to BLMBAINBRIDGE@GMAIL.COM.  Mask wearing & social distancing requirements will be mandatory at the event.

---

The Broome County Health Department announced that Friday that they were up to 1102 COVID 19 cases, with 74 deaths, 926 recoveries & 496 are being monitored by the Health Department they have conducted over 32,600 tests since March.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they had no new COVID 19 positive tests Thursday, they have had 218 total cases since March, there are 96 people under quarantine, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 197 recoveries, and they have performed just under 19,000 tests.

---

The Oneonta City School District has posted their extensive District Re-opening plan on their website.  With the expected influx of college students coming from all over the country to Oneonta, the district announced that they will remain in the remote learning environment to start the 2020-2021 school year; they will reevaluate that model when they approach the Interim Progress Report period of October 9th.

---

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced over $290,000 in grant funding for fire departments across New York’s 22nd District.   The grant money is awarded through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will help local fire departments prioritize operations and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Locally the New Berlin Fire Department will get over $29,000; the South Otselic Volunteer Fire Department will get over $74,000.

---

The State DOT is advising motorists that State Route 28 is closed between Margaretville and Andes just north of the intersection of NYS Route 28 and NYS Route 30 to allow construction work required in response to recent storm. Detours will be posted.  During the closure, southbound motorists will be directed to County Route 1 to Tremperskill Road, to State Route 30, back onto NYS Route 28. Northbound motorist will follow the same path in reverse. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Up-to-date travel information is available by calling 511, visiting 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

---

The Unatego Central School District will hold 3 meetings next week to get parents up to date about the district's re-opening proposal, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 8-13-20)

The Virtual meetings with parents will be on Monday at 2:00 & 6:00 PM & Tuesday at 3:00 PM, more information is available on the Unatego District website.

---

The Afton Central School district announced that there will be a remote Special Community Meeting today at 2:00 PM; the link to the virtual meeting is available on the district website.  Afton Superintendent Tim McNamara told WCDO News what their plans are for students for the fall:

(Tim McNamara 8-14-20)

McNamara said that on August 21 at 9:00 A.M. there will be a special live presentation in the Margery Secrest Memorial Auditorium and available remotely by clicking Special Community Meeting on the school website. The district's reopening plan is also available on the district website.

---

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance for New Yorkers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, is available.   About 700,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP" will receive a supplemental payment to bring them up to the maximum allowable benefit for August to help them avoid food insecurity.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19.

---

Sales tax revenue for local governments in July fell 8.2% compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections for counties and cities in July totaled $1.3 billion or $116 million less than in July 2019. Although revenue is still down compared to July 2019, the decline is less steep than any month since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect sales tax collections.

---

Delaware County Public Health received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries have been reported, the known active cases is 2. To date there have been 98 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 23 people now under mandatory quarantine.  The 2 people are receiving care at home, since March, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

---

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.

Governor Cuomo announced Thursday that the State has over 159,000 cases of the Coronavirus; they have reported 7,067 deaths so far, with another record breaking amount on Wednesday of 799 deaths.  Governor Cuomo said that people still need to stay at home, and there is no good estimate as to when this ends:

(Cuomo 4-9-20)

Meanwhile, over 800,000 New Yorkers are filing unemployment claims in recent weeks, crashing the state labor department’s system, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa said that the systems gets a reboot & new application tonight:

(DeRosa 4-9-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica said that the state will freeze the 2% increase in wages for state workers for 90 days, and they hope for Federal assistance:

(Mujica 4-9-20)

Governor Cuomo said that there are over 18,200 Hospitalized, the Number of people in ICU beds went up by only 60 Wednesday, the number of recoveries continues to increase.

---

Chenango County Health officials announced Thursday that they have 53 confirmed Coronavirus cases, there are 62 Precautionary Quarantines, 358 Mandatory Quarantines,  9 people are being treated in Hospitals, 10 people have Recovered they have administered 265 tests.

---

Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center & Compost facility is open but with reduced staff.  Spokesman Tyson Robb asks that County residents try to hold off on bringing recyclables to the Center at this time:

(Tyson Robb 4-9-20)

Robb said that hours are currently Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, they also suggest that visitors to the Center try to get in & out as quickly as possible.

---

Good Shepherd Communities Board and Senior Management announces $2 per hour differential for staff at their Binghamton Facility.  The Board reported that this is their way of thanking employees for the exceptional care they are providing to residents at all facilities during the Covid-19 crisis. All employees, except senior management, will receive a $2 per hour differential along with a free meal during lunch periods.

---

Caregivers at UHS Chenango Memorial are in for a sweet treat thanks to The Parson's Daughter chocolate shop of Norwich, by donating their stock of Easter candy to the UHS staff.  The Parson’s Daughter will re-open as soon as it’s safe to do so.

---

Broome County Health department announced that they have 93 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  Officials reported 6 deaths, 14 recoveries, 53 in Precautionary Quarantine, 194 in precautionary quarantine, they have conducted 700 tests.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of the Coronavirus.  There are 42 confirmed positive cases, with 36 people under mandatory quarantine and 2 people under precautionary quarantine. To date 289 people have been tested, 5 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county to where the person actually resides. Of the 37 confirmed positive cases, 6 are isolated in a hospital, 23 are recovering at home, 1 person is deceased and 7 have fully recovered.

---

The Otsego County Department of Health is reporting a 2nd death from COVID 19, they currently have 35 confirmed cases, 5 are hospitalized, 12 have recovered, 94 people on mandatory quarantine, 4 people on precautionary quarantine, 46 people have been released from quarantine.

---

The State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet today at 10:30 AM to consider petitions for rehearing of the Siting Board’s December 2019 approval of Bluestone Wind, LLC’s application for Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to build and operate a 124-megawatt wind facility in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.   The parties seeking rehearing are Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Broome County Concerned Residents and a resident of the Village of Johnson City. Bluestone Wind applied to construct and operate 27 wind turbines & its associated network, to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, member of the public will be able to listen at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.

---

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting  Today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM with open session starting at 7:00 PM. Check the BGCSD website for information on on-line or phone-in options for public viewing that will be available or call the District Office at 607-967-6321.

---

Due to the Coronavirus situation, The Village of Afton will be conducting their monthly board meeting through Zoom; the next meeting will be April 13th at 7:00 PM.

---

The Sidney, Sidney Center & Masonville Libraries will remain closed through April 29th.

---

The Annual Bainbridge
Glow Run will be held on September 14th at General Clinton Park in
Bainbridge.  The event began in 2015
after Heather Bucalos of Sidney finished her treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
and decided to hold fundraisers for area cancer patients.  This year, Heather has suffered a relapse
& her friends are teaming up to raise funds for her with the Glow Run
Fundraiser, Bucalos talked to WCDO News this morning about the activities
scheduled for that day:

(Heather Bucalos
8-26-19)

More information is
available at www.bainbridgeglowrun.com.
Heather’s treatment is expected to begin again in the next few weeks.

---

Delaware County
Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25-year-old Alizabeth Ramos of Brooklyn Friday
evening, on a charge of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle,
following a traffic stop on in the Town of Masonville. Ramos was also issued
tickets for Unlicensed Operator, and Speeding, she was released on an
appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to the Town of Masonville Court at
a later date.

---

The New York State DOT
is actively preparing for the arrival of winter weather by making applications
available for approximately 500 positions as permanent and seasonal maintenance
staff.  The DOT intends to hire about 38
in the Southern Tier and another 34 in the Central New York Counties, more
information is available on Twitter @NYSDOT or facebook.com/NYSDOT.

---

Governor Cuomo signed
legislation Friday to stop Pension Poaching, which occurs when financial
planners, insurance agents or others claim they are assisting veterans and
their families get federal benefits, but are really convincing veterans to
reposition their assets to qualify for benefits they are ineligible for, the
poachers then sell the veterans unneeded financial products or services.  The bill will take effect in four months.

---

CDO Workforce is
offering Supervisory Training Classes at the Delaware County eCenter, 5 1/2
Main Street, Delhi on September 6, 13 and 20th.
This 9-hour course is divided into 3 segments and will give participants
an advanced foundation of management skills. More information is available at
832-5781.

---

Oneonta Police responded Saturday to
a residence on Chestnut Street, for a report of a deceased person.   Officers discovered 20 year old Nicolas
Stagnitta from Patchogue, Long Island, who was a student at the State
University at Oneonta, the initial investigation and autopsy revealed that
Stagnitta took his own life; however, the investigation is continuing pending
results of toxicology testing.

---

The Hancock Fire
Department and EMT’s were dispatched Saturday to Jensen’s Ledges for a report
of a 10 year old boy who had fallen off the ledges.  The Hancock Fire Department  rope rescue team performed a high angle rope
rescue to extricate the boy within 1 hour and he was transported down the
mountain in a UTV & was transported by LifeNet to a pediatric trauma center
with life threatening injuries.

The Dormitory Authority has issued
approximately $482 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds on behalf of 54 school
districts across the state as part the School Districts Revenue Bond Financing
Program, for fire protection, security, and air quality systems upgrades;
renovations, Athletic field improvements; and technology updates.  Locally, the Norwich City School District
receives $7,430,000, Sidney Central School District gets $9,820,000 &
Unadilla Valley Central School District gets $6,890,000.

---

The City of Oneonta announced that
there will be a special meeting of the Common Council today at 5:30pm.  The purpose of the meeting will be for the
discussion & approval of a bond resolution and discussion concerning Common
Council guidelines for the City staff’s preparation of the City’s 2020 budget.

---

The Afton Central School District
will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting Today at 7:00 AM in the District
Office of the Afton Central School.  More
information is available at 245-9894.

Commerce Chenango announced today that Kerri Green of Sidney
will succeed Steve Craig as President & CEO of Commerce Chenango starting
in August.  Green told WCDO News that she
is excited for this opportunity:

(Kerri Green 7-29-19)

Green previously served as
President of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce while she worked in Sales at WCDO,
she is also currently president of the Sidney central School District Board of
Education & also previously worked as Senior Assistant to the President at
Hartwick College in Oneonta.

The Otsego County Fair kicks off Tuesday at the Fairgrounds
in Morris.  Fair Spokesperson Lisa Jones
told WCDO News that Wednesday will have 2 new events:

(Lisa Jones 7-29-19)

The full line-up is available at otsegocountyfair.org.

---

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to establish a 30-day
waiting period for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a
firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.  The bill closes loopholes to prohibit
ownership or sale of a bump stock, & gives law enforcement sufficient time
to complete a background check and help ensure that only those eligible to
purchase and own a firearm are able to do so.

---

Delaware County Sherriff’s Deputies arrested 72 year old
Franklin Purdy of Baldwinsville Thursday for Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer
in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Speed not reasonable and prudent,
Speeding at 95 miles an hour in a 55 mile an hour zone, Moving from lane
unsafely, & driving an unregistered & uninsured motor vehicle.  Purdy was observed by Deputies on State
Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock driving at a high rate of speed, they
attempted to conduct a traffic stop, and Purdy fled & was apprehended by
Deputies in Sullivan County.  Purdy faces
additional charges in Sullivan County as well as in Delaware County; he will
appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

---

A new law signed by Governor Cuomo decriminalizes marijuana
use in New York.  Under the new
legislation, the penalty for unlawful possession of marijuana will be reduced
to a violation punishable by a fine. The penalty is $50 for possessing less than
an ounce or a maximum of $200 for 1 to 2 ounces.  There will be no criminal penalties for
possession of any amount of marijuana under two ounces.

---

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old
Thomas Conkling of Long Eddy, early this morning for Aggravated Unlicensed
Operation of a motor vehicle, driving an Unregistered & uninsured motor
vehicle, operating with switched plates, and unsafe tire. Conkling was
arraigned at the Town of Colchester Court and was released on his own
recognizance. Conkling is scheduled to appear at the Town of Hancock Court at a
later date to answer the charges.

---

State Police are looking for the public’s help in locating
approximately 75 escaped buffalo from the Honey Hill Road in Roseboom.  State Police warn the public not to approach
the buffalo since they are a wild animal and can be unpredictable.   Troopers were dispatched Thursday & learned
that a buffalo broke a gate allowing approximately 75 buffalo to escape from a
farm in the town of Sharon.  Troopers
worked with a DEC officer and the owner of the buffalo to devise a plan to
convince the animals to return home, some were reported in the town of
Schoharie & the town of Roseboom.
Anyone who sees any of the buffalo should contact the owner at (518)588-1402
or State Police at (315)858-1122.

Several local fire departments responded to a barn fire at
125 Corbin Road in the town of Bainbridge last night.  The fire started in a barn filled with hay at
about 10:30 last night, according to owner & Bainbridge Fire Chief Fred
Bell.  Fire departments from Afton,
Bainbridge, Sidney, Masonville, Trout Creek, and Coventry responded, No
injuries were reported, Bell said that the fire did NOT spread to his house,
the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

---

The American Red Cross announced that today through August 29th,
blood donors will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Currently, the
Red Cross has less than a 3-day supply of most blood types & less than a
2-day supply of type O blood.
Appointments can be made through Amazon’s Alexa or by using the Red Cross
Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A
blood drive is being held today in Oneonta from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at The
Salvation Army, 25 River Street.

---

16 year old Nicholas Pheilshifter pleaded guilty Thursday to
criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism, as a participant in
the plot against Islamberg in Delaware County.
Pheilshifter will be sentenced to 7 years in state prison, after serving
the first 2 years in juvenile detention.
Previously, Vincent Vetromile pleaded guilty to a weapons charge and
faces seven to 12 years in prison. Brian Colaneri and Andrew Crysel pleaded
guilty to terrorism-related conspiracy and face four to 12 years in prison.

---

Corey Weidman of Norwich pleaded guilty this week in federal
court on a variety of drug charges stemming from his arrest in Norwich in
December of last year.  The Chenango
County Sheriff’s Office raided Weidman’s apartment after a 2-month
investigation, officers seized Crystal Meth, Cocaine, marijuana, LSD, suboxone,
a loaded handgun and more than $35,000 in cash. Weidman will be sentenced on
November 25th.

---

State Police have reported that a 17-year-old male has been
arrested in connection with a homicide in the town of Cobleskill.  Police responded to a residence at 435 Lamont
District Road in Cobleskill and found the 50-year-old unidentified male victim
with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head.  A 17-year-old has been remanded to the
Schoharie County Jail and is currently charged with Assault, Criminal Use of a
Firearm, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Additional charges may be
pending. The incident remains under investigation.

---

The State Public Service Commission approved an agreement
with Charter Communications/ Spectrum, to resolve disputes over the
Commission’s network expansion condition that was contained in the Commission’s
approval of the company’s merger with Time Warner Cable in 2016.  Under the terms of the agreement, Charter
will expand its network to provide high-speed broadband service to 145,000
residences and businesses entirely in Upstate New York and will pay an
additional $12 million to expand broadband service to additional premises.

---

The annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball Tournament will be
held this weekend on the streets of Norwich; Organizer Tom Revoir said that
they could still use a few more people to volunteer for the event:

(Tom Revoir 7-12-19)

Revoir said that about 340 teams are participating in the
tournament this weekend.

---

Catholic Charities in Sidney is once again offering free
backpacks to local children in need for the 2019-202 school year, Spokesperson
Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 7-12-19)

McKnight said that the deadline to apply is August 12th,
also donations of school supplies will be accepted, and more information is available
by calling the Sidney Office at 604-4071.

---

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their
inaugural Sunday Summer Concert Series, at various locations around Afton
through September 8th, Chamber Vice President Melissa Matthews explains:

(Melissa Matthews 7-12-19)

More information about the Sunday Summer Concert series in
Afton can be found at gaacoc.com.

---

The "Help After Loss" nonprofit
group, which is also known as HALos, announced that they are purchasing the
former Afton Great American building.
HALos purchased the building at an auction in June, closing is
anticipated in late July or August, plans call for some of the space to be used
by HALos, and additional space can be rented out to interested businesses
following renovations. Donations like building supplies, paints, or gift
certificates will be accepted, more information is available at 639-4256 or
240-1550 or by email at HALosOrg@aol.com. or online at helpafterloss.com

The Sidney Town Board received a petition at Thursday’s
meeting from Muddy Rivers farm Brewery Owners Dustin & Jared Wood, in favor
of changing the zoning laws to allow the business to continue at their current
site on the Back River Road at Tryon’s Corners, past a July 25th
deadline.  Sidney Town Supervisor Gene
Pigford Told WCDO News about potential Town zoning Board & Subsequent Town
Board Action on Muddy Rivers:

(Gene Pigford 7-12-19)

Pigford said that the final actions my take beyond the July
25th deadline, he does not anticipate the business will close at
that time.

---

Delaware County Social Services Commissioner Dana
Scuderi-Hunter has taken an indefinitely leave of absence from that
position.  No timetable was announced for
the commissioner's return, or reason for the leave of absence.

---

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be
held at the Baptist Church in Oneonta tomorrow at 333 Main Street.  All Blood Types are needed, the Blood Drive
will be held from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Property tax levy growth for local governments with fiscal
years that close on December 31 will be capped at 2% for the 2020 fiscal year,
according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This figure affects the tax cap
calculations for all counties, towns, fire districts, 44 cities and 10
villages. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of
inflation or 2% with some exceptions, including a provision that allows
municipalities to override the tax cap.

---

The 43rd Annual Carnival of Sales will be held tomorrow
throughout the village of Unadilla, Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Jackie
Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-12-19)

The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, More information
is available at the Unadilla Chamber web site: unadillachamberofcommerce.org

---

Delhi Telephone Company representatives will be in Sidney
Center tomorrow as they continue to expand broadband services locally, with
High Speed Internet, Cable TV including HD & DVR & phone services.  Jason Miller of DTC comments:

(Jason Miller 7-12-19)

Miller said that the Meet & Greet with the Sidney Center
Fire Department tomorrow will run from 11:00 to 2:00 PM.

---

The Sidney Central School District will be holding a special
Board of Education meeting today, at 4:30pm in the high school library. This
meeting is open to the public.

Chenango County Emergency
Services Responded to a number of reports for flooded roads following heavy
downpours last night & earlier this morning.  Flooded roads were reported at Butler &
State Streets in Oxford, there was washout damage to the grounds at the Oxford
School Playground, & flooding on North Broad Street in Norwich, in
Smithville at North End Road, & Chenango County Road 2 as well as County
Roads 7 & 10 in Pharsalia, County Road 7 in McDonough.  Officials remind motorists to turn around
& seek an alternate route if they encounter a road covered with water, and
to alert authorities.

---

State Lawmakers did not pass a
Marijuana legalization plan as the 2019 session comes to an end.  The bill failed to pass in the State Senate,
State lawmakers also passed the “Gay Panic” bill, which will no longer allow
for a Gay or Transgender fear excuse for those arrested for violent crimes committed
against Gay or Transgender people.
Lawmakers also passed a New York Green New Deal, to address climate
change issues.

---

State Lawmakers also passed a
bill calling allowing farm workers to unionize, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch
opposed the plan:

(Crouch 6-20-19)

Crouch said that many of the
farm workers are migrant workers in the state for 90 days, & they tend to
work more than 40 hours a week in order to make as much as they can for their
families back home.

---

Oneonta police arrested 30 year
old Alexander Coffran of Oneonta for possession of cocaine and marijuana.   Coffran was reported to police for violating
the terms of his parole by possessing drugs in his residence, at the time that
a probation office made a visit.
Coffran is being held in Otsego County Jail without bail pending future
court action.

---

Congressman Anthony Brindisi
announced that he has secured an extra $10 Million Dollars for Department of
Defense programs that fund NextFlex.  The
funding will help the NextFlex Nodes at Binghamton University, which has
brought millions of dollars in economic activity to the area.  The bill now proceeds to the US Senate for consideration.

---

Sidney High School was one of
562 high-achieving and high-progress schools as part of the 2018-19 Recognition
Schools, as announced by New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.

(Bill Christensen 6-20-19)

Sidney was one of just 234 high
schools statewide on the list, and the only high school in the immediate area
to be selected.  Of the 562 schools being
honored, 241 are located in New York City, 40 are public charter schools, and
280 are located in the rest of the state, 131 of those were also named as
Reward Schools last year.

---

Delaware County Sheriff’s
Deputies arrested 51-year-old Diane Dedominicis of Treadwell Tuesday for
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop on
Griswold Street in the Village of Walton.
Dedominicis was additionally charged with Speeding, Unlicensed Operator,
and she was released on tickets returnable to Walton Village Court at a later
date.

---

The Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce announced that Leadership Delaware is seeking participants committed
to community service who would benefit from strengthening leadership skills and
developing a personal professional network.
The 2019 Leadership Delaware program is currently accepting applications
for its 8-month curriculum that begins in October.  Up to 20 individuals will participate in
half-day sessions, held twice monthly.
More information and an application is availbale at 746-2281,
delawarecounty.org, or by email: info@delawarecounty.org.

---

The State Senate passed legislation in honor of Sidney
veterans.  The bill sponsored by Senator
Jim Seward designates a portion of State Route 8 running to the newly developed
Sidney Veterans' Memorial Park as the "Sidney Veterans' Memorial
Parkway".  The special highway
designation was requested by the Village of Sidney.  Companion legislation sponsored by
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch has been introduced in the state assembly. The
legislation must still be approved by the state assembly and signed by the
governor to take effect.

---

The 130th Afton Fair begins Today, Fair Spokesperson Rhonda
Barriger comments:

(Rhonda Barriger Thursday)

The Afton Fair runs through Sunday at the Fairgrounds in
Afton.

---

The Otsego County Chamber will host an Informational Session
on Today, from 11:30 AM to -2:00 PM on the “Legalization of Marijuana” with
Featured Speaker Dawn Lanouette, Partner at Hinman, Howard & Kattell.
Topics will include the effect of legalization on employer-employee relations,
landlord-tenant relations, banking and real property and zoning
considerations.  The Event will be at
Foothills Performing Arts Center.

---

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be planting a
new tree on Main Street, in front of the Yellow Deli, Today. Work will begin
around 9:30 AM and is expected to be completed within 2 hours.  During the work, flaggers will maintain
one-way traffic on Main Street; more information is available at 432-2100.

---

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of
Education Meeting on Today in the District Conference Room at the Jr-Sr High
School at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

---

State Police issued 7,891 tickets and arrested 139 people
for impaired driving during the Super Bowl weekend impaired driving crackdown.
The STOP-DWI initiative started on Saturday, February 2, and continued through
4 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019. During the special enforcement period State
Police increased patrols and conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify
and arrest impaired drivers.

---

NYSEG officials announced that with the high wind advisories
around the region, power outages are anticipated from downed tree limbs &
power lines from the wind gusts.  NYSEG
urges customers to avoid downed power lines. Even lines that appear dead can be
deadly. NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines
or other hazardous situations.

---

Governor Cuomo announced that New York is making up to $31.6
million available to ramp-up the expansion of electric vehicle fast charging
stations to serve the future electric vehicle market.  The plan approved by the Public Service
Commission will leverage existing State Energy Research and Development
Authority and New York Power Authority funds to spur the private-sector
development of the charging infrastructure to support the goal of 800,000
zero-emission vehicles in New York by 2025.

---

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old
Shawn McGrath of Hamden on charges of Endangering The Welfare Of a Child and
Harassment following a report of a domestic incident. Deputies accuse the
defendant of engaging in a physical altercation in the presence of a child.
McGrath was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance; he is scheduled
to re-appear at Hamden Town Court at a later date.

---

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 32 year old
Bradley Wallace of Delhi, on charges of Criminal Contempt, Unlawful
imprisonment & harassment following a report of a Domestic Dispute in the
Town of Delhi. Wallace is accused of restraining another person while violating
an order of protection issued by Delhi Town Court. Wallace was arranged in the
Town of Delhi Court, he was releases on his own recognizance.

---

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education has
begun a search for a new Superintendent of Schools.  Sidney community, parents, staff and students
can assist in developing a profile of desirable attributes/qualities of this
individual, at the District's Facebook page or website sidneycsd.org and
complete the survey. All entries are anonymous.

---

Delaware Valley Humane Society
announced that they will hold a Bake Sale Tomorrow at the Sidney Great American
from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  All Proceeds
will go to the Delaware valley Humane Society.

State Police responded to a one-car fatal motor vehicle
accident in the town of Harpersfield Monday Night.  The driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has
been identified as 20 year old Clayton Collins of Jefferson; he was confirmed
deceased by emergency responders.  Collins
traveled off the roadway for an unknown reason and into a large tree.  The investigation continues.

---

The Chenango Arts Council will feature the Popovich Comedy
Pet Theater will be at the Martin Kappel Theater Saturday at 7:00 pm.  Council Executive Director Alecia O’Neill
comments:

(Alecia O'Neill 2-8-19)

Tickets can be purchased online at ChenangoArts.org or by
calling the box office at 336-ARTS.

---

The Jericho Arts Council will bring the "Elvis and
Orbison Show" to the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater this evening at 7:00
PM.  Tickets can be reserved at 288-3882

---

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has collaborated
with industry expert and consultant Jeff Bump of Grow Hemp New York, LLC for an
informal, informational seminar and question and answer session about growing
hemp today.   The discussion will be held
at the Delaware County Business Center, 5 1/2 Main Street, Delhi from 10:00 AM
to 12:00 Noon,  More information about
the Delaware County Chamber is available at 746-2281.

---

6ZERO7 Advertising will be hosting a *Valentine's Day Gift
Shop* at the United Methodist Church of Afton located at 34 Spring Street on
Saturday, February 9th from 10am to 2pm.
Local vendors will be selling merchandise for Valentine's Day shoppers,
Tabitha’s Closet will also be open for the community and supporters to get a
look at the mission.  Proceeds from the
event will benefit Tabitha's Closet; more information is available at 208-4077.

---