WCDO Radio News

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

(Heather Tehan 12-29-21)

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

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

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

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

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

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

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-18-21

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

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

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

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

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-3-21

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

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

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

(Mark Sands 9-3-21)

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

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

(June White 9-3-21)

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

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

(Eben Bullock 8-30-21)

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

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

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

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

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-20-21

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

(John Harmon 5-20-21)

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

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

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

(Cuomo 5-17-21)

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

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

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

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-17-21)

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

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

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

(Senator Oberacker 5-17-21)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-10-21

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

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

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-1-21

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

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

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

The Village of Bainbridge has wrapped up work on their Police Reform Committee, Mayor Phil Wade comments:

(Phil Wade 2-18-21)

Wade said that the document can be accessed on the village website.

The Sidney Central School District reported that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, the staff member has not been on campus since Thursday, February 11th. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

State Police responded Tuesday Morning at about 11:30, to Interstate 88 west in the town of Bainbridge for a 2-vehicle crash involving a State Department of Transportation Plow and a garbage truck.   The westbound lanes were closed at exit 9 for several hours to remove the two vehicles.  An investigation revealed that the plow truck was in the left lane plowing the passing lane and shoulder of the roadway.  The garbage truck passed on the right and struck the snowplow wing on the passenger side.  The impact caused both vehicles to go into the median. The garbage truck was registered to Global Transportation in Iowa & was being operated by 77-year-old male from Tennessee, The DOT truck was operated by a 22-year-old male of Oxford with a 55-year-old passenger of Greene, and No injuries were reported.  The roadway reopened around 2:20 p.m.

The Sidney Central School District has been notified that a 3rd grade student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student has not been on campus since Friday, February 5th. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

The Village of Bainbridge will present the Village's Police Reform Commission report for Public Comment through a ZOOM Meeting This Wednesday night.  Bainbridge Mayor Phil wade explains:

(Phil Wade 1-25-21)

The ZOOM link is available for the Wednesday Night meeting on the VillageofBainbridge.org website; the meeting will be from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

The Sidney central School district was notified that 2 6th grade students have tested positive for COVID-19. The last time the students were on campus was Tuesday, January 19th.  The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras joined SUNY Oneonta Acting President Dennis Craig Sunday to reopen campus for the spring semester.   On Sunday, students moved back to campus housing for pre-semester COVID testing and quarantining before the Spring Semester start date of in-person classes of February 1st.  The SUNY system has announced it will be increasing the frequency of mandatory COVID-19 testing at schools.  All students, staff, and faculty who frequent the campuses will be tested weekly for the start of the semester, prior to the start of in-person classes, there will be mandatory mask-wearing & there will be no Spring Break this semester.

Due to an uptick in COVID cases, the Bainbridge-Guilford Schools will be fully remote for the remainder of this week. Students should plan on full remote instruction for the next 3 days.

The Walton Central School District has been advised that a staff member has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The District is coordinating with the Delaware County Department of Health to conduct contact tracing. Individuals requiring quarantine will be notified by County Health officials. Walton will move to full remote for today and Thursday, January 21, this includes all programs at DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus.

The Sidney Central School district has been notified that one 5th grade student has tested positive for COVID-19, The student has not been on campus since Wednesday, January 6th. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

State Police assisted the Village of Sidney Police Sunday Night after a vehicle failed to comply for a traffic stop after entering I-88 at exit 9 in the Village of Sidney.  The vehicle exited at Bainbridge onto State Highway 206, the vehicle intentionally struck a State Police vehicle in Masonville, causing damage. The vehicle continued onto Parker Hollow Road where it left the roadway & took off again, it located a short time later on its roof on Pine Hill Road.  The male driver was transported to A.O Fox Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The female passenger was transported to Wilson Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The investigation continues, charges are pending.  More will be released when it is available.

Bainbridge Guilford School Superintendent Tim Ryan is holding a Zoom Meeting with parents today, regarding how the school district is dealing with the uptick in Chenango County COVID cases, he told WCDO News that their hybrid model seems to be working well:

(Tim Ryan 1-8-21)

Ryan said that they have had 4 students recently test positive, 2 of those were remote only students & they did not expose anyone in the school itself.

The Sidney Central School District reported 2 new COVID 19 cases, they report 2 middle school students are presumed positive, they have not been on campus since Monday, January 4th. The Delaware County Health officials have conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.