WCDO Radio News

Chenango County, like many other counties, has experienced a rise in COVID 19 deaths, and Chenango County Director of Public Facilities Julie Gates was asked if she could put something together to remember those lost to COVID 19, she told WCDO News what has been decided:

(Julie Gates 1-29-21)

Gates said that in February & March, the lighted ribbon will be displayed on the county Office Building at 5 Court Street in Norwich.

Local Communities are wrapping up their work on their Police Reform & Collaboration Committees, in order to submit their plans to the state in the coming months, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 1-29-21)

Bainbridge Mayor Phil Wade also comments about their efforts:

(Phil Wade 1-29-21)

Communities with police departments were tasked with reforming their police departments, if they deemed that necessary, and they have to submit their plans to the state by April 1st or risk losing State aid.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-29-21

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker responded to Attorney General Letitia James report & said that there was no undercount of the total death toll in hospitals and nursing homes.   Zucker said that the Department of Health reported the number of fatalities within hospitals regardless of the residence of the patient,  The word "undercount" wrongly implies more total fatalities than have been reported.  The Attorney General's initial findings of wrongdoing by certain nursing home operators is why his Department asked for the Attorney General to investigate & they will continue to work with the Attorney General,  Zucker said that the report's findings that nursing home operators failed to comply with the State's infection control protocols are consistent with his Departments own investigation.

The Jericho Arts Council
announced the return performance of the Corvettes Doo-Wop Revue, at the
Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday night at 7:00 PM.  Tickets are available at the box office and
can be reserved at 288-3882.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer visited Sidney yesterday
afternoon, to announce that he is looking to get funding for an emergency
system to alert residence of potential floods, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak
explains:

(Andy Matviak 10-4-19)

Schumer is looking to acquire the $150,000 Grant  from the Appalachian Regional Commission, for
a system that would be more reliable than any existing broadband systems, which
would fail to work in areas of the region that has limited or no broadband
service.

The Ross Park Zoo Invites area children to “Howloween at the Zoo” October 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th. Admission is $6 for members and $10 for non-members, tickets available at the door. Children 2 and under are free. Hours are 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, gates close at 4:00 pm. For more information and a list of special activities, visit rossparkzoo.com or call 724-5461.

The Walton Central School district board of education held another emergency meeting Wednesday night, they appointed Larry Thomas as interim Superintended replacing Roger Clough, who is out of paid administrative leave following accusations of misconduct. The Walton School Board is also working to hire new principal at the High School & Middle School, & an Assistant Principal from both school, after Rob Knuschke, Andy Gates & Mark Lamoreaux all resigned recently to accept other positions in other school districts.

Walton Central School Superintendent Roger Clough has been placed on administrative leave, the High School Principal Rob Knuschke & Assistant Principal Mark Lamoreaux & Middle School Principal Andy Gates have all resigned in recent weeks, following alleged misconduct by Clough while serving as Superintendent since 2013. Clough has hired a Syracuse Law firm; they have begun the process to sue the District, the Board of Education, and Board President Ronda Williams. The Walton School Board released a statement to WCDO today, first the stated that personnel matters cannot be discussed, secondly, 3 of the Walton Administrators accepted positions in other districts, the Board will consider all options to quickly work on replacements, & they are confident that they will have capable staff in place for their opening day events.

An all day event has been planned again this year for July 4th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Organizer Terry Potter told WCDO News about this year's "Fireworks Over The Fairgrounds":

(Terry Potter 7-1-16)

Potter said that the gates would open at 8:30 AM at the Fairgrounds in Norwich on Monday.

Sidney Village Officials & architects held a forum & open house for the community at the SIdney Library last night, to get input on preliminary plans to turn Main Street into a "Green Street" with an underground reservoir, new sidewalks, trees and increased lighting. Mayor Andy Matviak said that this project goes forward first, because the funding is available first:

(Andy Matviak 7-1-16)

Matviak said that other previously announced plans following the 2 floods are continuing to go forward, with different funding sources. Another meeting on the Main Street project will be held in the fall.

Singer Pat Benatar and her guitarist husband Neil Geraldo will perform at the annual Catskill area Hospice annual fundraising concert in Oneonta tonight. Gates ill open at 5:00 PM, at the 6th Ward Booster Club Field on Scrambling Avenue in Oneonta, more information is available at 432-6773.