WCDO Radio News

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Norwich Family YMCA, will host a free educational program tonight focused on helping baseball and softball players stay strong, and injury-free throughout the season. UHS Spokesperson Melissa Stagnaro explains:

(Melissa Stagnaro 4-21-26)

The "Pitch Smart, Play Hard” program is tonight at 6:00 PM on Court 1 at the Norwich Family YMCA, 68 North Broad Street in Norwich. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (607) 337-4510

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-21-26

Norwich Police executed a search warrant Friday on East Main Street & Arrested 52 year old Delf King, following a Chenango County Court indictment. King was charged with 3 counts of Burglary, Attempted Robbery, and 2nd & 3rd degree Assault. King was arraigned on the charges & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $40,000 bail, pending future court action.

The online auction for the Grand Union Plaza at 54 East Main Street in Norwich, began Monday, with a starting bid of $500,000. Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey told WCDO News that they are talking to grocery industry people & federal & state lawmakers to try to get interest in the site:

(Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey 4-21-26)

The grocery store at that location closed with little advance warning recently, leaving downtown Norwich without easy access to groceries, and adding to the unemployment rate in the region when all of the workers were let go.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that 10 projects and individuals have been recognized with 2026 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. Locally, the MARK Project of Arkville, will receive the Joan K. Davidson Award, They have spent over 40 years advancing community revitalization in the central Catskills through collaborative, locally driven initiatives and becoming a model for community-based revitalization, uniting local leaders, residents, and funding partners, through initiatives in affordable housing, economic development, local MARK PROJECTfood systems, tourism, farming, civic planning, and downtown revitalization.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-9-26

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that various Municipalities in the Mohawk Valley, received Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds, locally the Village of Morris will receive $4.5 million as winners of the 4th round of the NY Forward program. Morris will invest in sidewalks, streetscapes and housing to strengthen its downtown region in order to make the village a more popular tourist location.

Progress is being made towards the early childhood education center in the lower level of the new Commerce Chenango Building at 19 East Main Street, in downtown Norwich. The project is being coordinated by Commerce Chenango, in collaboration with the City of Norwich, the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency, & "The Place" The center is approved to serve 52 children, featuring classrooms, a play room, and dedicated outdoor space, the project is expected to be completed & open in October.

Village of Sidney reminds local residents that the Department of Public Works will be continuing with Spring Brush Removal, crews will be doing brush pick up the first week of every month. Residents should pile Brush neatly at curb, parallel to the street. More information is available at 607-561 2339

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country by placing American Flags along the village streets and purchasing buntings for the businesses. Businesses interesting in having a bunting placed on their property, should email the Bainbridge Chamber to bainbridge.chamber@yahoo.com. Individuals may purchase buntings from the Chamber for $25.00. The Chamber requests that orders be placed by April 14th. More information is available by calling 607-967-8700.

The National Weather Service are reminding residents that the state burn ban remains in effect through May 14th. The Weather service reported today that the combination of dry ground, wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles & hours & low relative humidity levels can contribute to an elevated risk of fast spreading wildfires currently in New York State.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-5-22

3 Buildings & 4 Vehicles were destroyed in Saturday's early morning fire on Main Street in Worcester. Firefighters were able to remove one person from 1 of the buildings, Otsego County & State Fire investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire.

Norwich Police Department conducted a traffic stop on State Street Sunday, that resulted in the arrest of2 Norwich men on Drug Charges. Arrested were 30 year old Brett Adams of Norwich & 22 year old Brendan Smith of Norwich for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Adams and Smith were arraigned at Norwich City Court. Brett Adams was held on $1,000 cash bail, and Brendan Smith was released on his own recognizance to appear in court at a later date.

The 3rd meeting of the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 12th at 3:00 PM. Norwich received a $10 Million Dollar award, Topics discussed during this meeting include an overview of program status, DRI project evaluation criteria, and a review of projects submitted as part of the City’s DRI application & those received through the Open Call for Project Proposals.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-21-22

Several Fire Departments responded to a fire at 775 State Street in Port Dickinson Early this morning. The Osbourne family home was completely destroyed in the fire, that was reported at about 1:00 AM today, the investigation is ongoing, one member of the family was airlifted to a Syracuse Hospital for smoke inhalation issues, and is expected to be discharged shortly.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported 3 more fatalities due to COVID-19 last week, Otsego County has had 108 deaths from the virus since it started 2 years ago. 7 people were hospitalized & County Health Department officials still report that the level of community transmission remains "high," they report a 7 day positivity rate at 5.6%.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum is raffling off a 1965 Mustang Convertible this year. The drawing will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 12th, in the Lobby of the Museum on Rexford Street in Norwich. The raffle is open to U.S. residents age 18+. Tickets must be purchased/postmarked by 4 pm, Wednesday, September 30, to enter and for Official Rules including odds, visit www.classiccarmuseum.org.

The Sidney Rotary Club is looking to add to its membership numbers currently, Spokesman Larry Halbert comments:

(Larry Halbert 2-21-22)

More information about the Sidney Rotary Club can be found on their Facebook page, they meet on the 4th Friday of each Month at St. Luke's on West Main Street at 12:00 Noon.

The City of Norwich was selected as a recipient of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. An informational session regarding an Open Call for Project Proposals will be held virtually on Thursday, February 24th at 6:00 PM. Projects submitted under this Open Call will be reviewed by the Norwich DRI Local Planning Committee to be considered for inclusion in the Norwich Strategic Investment Plan. Projects submitted must be capital projects that can be implemented quickly and will transform the physical environment of downtown Norwich, more information is available at NorwichDRI.com. The ZOOM Link for Thursday's meeting can be found on the WCDO Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-21-22

Delaware County Public Health reported 100 new Cases of COVID 19 for the week of February 12th to the 18th, with 1 more death reported. Delaware County has had 14 deaths from the virus since the beginning of the year.

The Rotary Club of Sidney will be hosting a fundraiser on
March 16th for the Howard & Catherine Lynch Scholarship fund for a
graduating Sidney High School Senior.
Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 3-5-19)

Tickets can be purchased at the Sidney & Norwich
American Legions, at VEP+ on Main Street in Sidney, or by calling Larry Halbert
at 237-4762, the deadline to purchase tickets is March 6th.

State Senator Jim Seward
welcomed J.P. Dewey from Sidney High School to Monday in Albany as part of the
annual “Music in our Schools Month” celebration.   Dewey performed as a member of the
prestigious All State Instrumental Jazz Ensemble. He is the first ever pianist
from the Sidney area to be selected to play with the 18 member group.  Choirs, orchestras and bands from across the
state travel to Albany throughout the month of March to perform in the
concourse of the Empire State Plaza as part of “Music in our Schools Month”.

Otsego County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 19 year old Skyler
Blass of Otego & 18 year old Treyton Hathaway of Oneonta on Felony drug
charges after traffic stop Friday.
Deputies were alerted to be on the lookout for a vehicle that fled the
scene of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Davenport.  Deputies observed the vehicle on State
Highway 23; it was stopped on East Street in the City of Oneonta.  Deputies seized 3 pounds of packaged
psychedelic mushrooms and 5 pounds of packaged marihuana in the vehicle.  Blass & Hathaway were arraigned,  Blass was remanded to the Otsego County Jail
on $20,000 Cash Bail / $50,000 bond, Hathaway was remanded on $10,000 Cash Bail
/ $20,000 Bond.  The motor vehicle
accident is still under investigation by the State Police.

The announcement of the City of Oneonta Downtown Improvement
awards will be made Today by Mayor Gary Herzig as part of his annual State of
the City address during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Oneonta Common
Council beginning at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the Foothills
Performing Arts Center’s Production Center on the first floor to accommodate
those wishing to attend.  As part of Oneonta’s
Downtown Revitalization Initiative, $2.3M was set aside to be provided to
downtown business and property owners for grants to update exterior signage and
building facades along with the development of quality upper floor housing. The
Mayor and Common Council had appointed a Project Selection Committee chaired by
former Mayor Kim Muller to review the more than 100 applications which were
received.

Work should be completed on the 2nd side of Main Street in Sidney, for the Main Street Revitalization project, Architect Ian Law of Place Alliance explains:

(Ian Law 7-31-18)

The deadline date was August 31st; Law said that they are on track to finish before that date.

Oneonta officials invite Main Street businesses to an information session related to the Downtown Oneonta Improvement Fund on Friday at 8:30 AM at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce offices at 189 Main Street in Oneonta. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Improvement Fund, which is a grant program to provide property and business owners a flexible funding mechanism to improve properties located within the Downtown DRI boundaries. The deadline for any signage applications is August 31. RSVP's are requested by this Thursday at 267-4010 Extension 103 or by e-mail baheegan@otsegocc.com

Now that the Main Street Revitalization project is well on its way to completion, Sidney Village officials are wrapping up the first phase of the "Green Plain" project. Grants Administrator John redente explains:

(John Redente 6-26-18)

Reedente said that the Buy-outs of homes in the River Street area should be wrapped up by the end of 2019.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be flushing water mains in the intermediate service area starting today. Flushing in these areas is expected to be completed this week; water users may experience a change in water color, pressure and/or loss of water. This is a common, temporary occurrence and is not a cause for alarm. See attached frequently asked questions. More information is available at 432-2100.

The State Department of Transportation will be closing State Highway 12 north of Oxford for a 2-week period for the construction of the Fly Meadow Creek bridge, where they will replace the bridge deck over the bridge which is located between County Road 4 and Turner Street. Officials stated that sometime during the period of July 16 and August 31, 2018, the bridge is scheduled to be closed for an approximate 2-week period; traffic will be maintained through an off-site detour using County Road 32, State Highway 220 and County Road 32B.

The Sidney Central School Class of 2018 donated the remainder of its class funds to the Delaware Valley Humane Society.  The class presented a check to Erin Insinga of the Humane Society following graduation rehearsal on Friday afternoon.  The donation from the class was for $1,417.77.

The Main Street Revitalization Project in the village of Sidney is progressing on schedule this year, after some setbacks last year. Sidney Village Grants Administrator John Redente explains:

(John Redente 6-20-18)

Redente said that Phase 1 of the Green Plain part of the project is nearing completion with archeological digs at the site; the project will progress along with the rest of the buy-out program from those living in the hardest hit section around River Street.

The Main Street Revitalization Project in continuing in Sidney. Crews have been cementing the West Side of the street this week, today, Trees were being placed in the ground on the East side of the street. The whole project is expected to be completed in Late July.

Catholic Charities is looking to help area people with limited space, to have their own "Container Garden" of various vegetables to grow & eventually eat. Penny McKnight of the Sidney Catholic Charities office explains:

(Penny McKnight 6-6-18)

McKnight said that the registration period to participate in the Container gardening program is Friday; the pick-up event will be June 13th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Sidney United Methodist Church on Liberty Street in Sidney. More information is available at 604-4071.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic today for dogs, cats and ferrets. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Town of Tompkins Highway Garage at 148 Bridge Street in Trout Creek.

The Work is moving along at a good pace so far this year, on the 2nd side of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization plan. Ian Law of Place Alliance outlined the timeline of the project at this morning’s public meeting:

(Ian Law 5-21-18)

Law said that the Torta Construction has set an end date for both sides of the street for August.

The State DOT will host an open house public information meeting on Wednesday from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Colesville Town Hall, regarding the Dilly Road culvert replacement project. NYSDOT representatives will be available, Construction is currently scheduled for the 2019 construction season.

22nd Congressional District Candidate Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica will be holding a town hall meeting that will be free and open to the public. The meeting will be held at the American Legion at 177 Robinson Street in Binghamton beginning at 6:00 pm.

The Sidney Main Street Revitalization on the West side of the street is underway & the plans are wrapping up for the East side if the street. Ian Law of Place Alliance explains:

(Ian Law 4-23-18)

The expected end date for the entire Main Street Sidney project is July 25th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 43 year old Simeon Nesbitt of Oneonta for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, operating a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, insufficient plate lights, and failure to stop at a stop sign following a traffic stop on Townsend Street in the Village of Walton. Nesbitt was arraigned at the Village of Walton Court and released on $200 cash bail; he is scheduled to return to the Village of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charges.

About 5,000 to 6,000 people attended the Oneonta OH fest Saturday. Main Street & Neahwa Park were the main locations for activities, the annual event is a collaborative efforts of SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it's extending the hours of its Income Tax Call Center to assist taxpayers through the April 17 filing deadline. Today & Tomorrow, the call center will remain open until 7:30 p.m. to answer last-minute filing questions, at at 518-457-5181 or online at tax.ny.gov.

The Village of Sidney announced that the 2nd part of the Main Street revitalization project will begin today. The work on is expected to be completed July 25th, street parking will be restricted; some changes to traffic flow can be expected.

The 2nd side of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization project is scheduled to begin next Monday April 16th, and the next public meeting regarding the project will be on Aprils 23rd at 10:00 AM at the Sidney Civic Center.

Commerce Chenango has put out their Official Ballot for the 2018 Election of Directors. The ballot must be returned by 4:00 pm on April 30th, they can be mailed to Commerce Chenango 15 South Broad Street, Norwich, 13815 or emailed to info@chenangony.org.

Governor Cuomo announced that more than $9.7 million has been awarded to 12 Southern Tier municipalities through Round 5 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative. Southern Tier Projects include the demolition of the former Endicott K-Mart, to redevelop that site, in the Town of Sherburne - $1,000,000 will be used for the restoration of the Sherburne Inn, in Johnson City, $942,300 will be used for the Remediation and rehabilitation of 19 Avenue B for the Southern Tier Agricultural Foundry Development & in Binghamton, $60,000 will be used to demolish blighted properties & turn the areas into a greenspace & to redevelop the site for an affordable housing development

Democratic Congressional candidate Anthony Brindisi announced that he will hold a series of town halls in the 22nd Congressional district. Live town hall meetings will be held on April 25th at 7:00 pm at the Norwich Family YMCA, & on May 21st at 6:00 pm at the American Legion at 177 Robinson Street in Binghamton. Brindisi is looking to unseat republican congresswoman Claudia Tenney in the November election.

32 year old Jillian Hren of Walton arrested Sunday by State Troopers for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance, after Troopers were called to the Mirabito gas station on Main Street in the village of Franklin, where they discovered Hren asleep in her vehicle with the engine running. Hren was released with appearance tickets for the Village of Franklin Court on April 10.

Officials with SFCU announced today that they will not hold their annual "Hometown Day Parade" again this June, due to the Main Street Revitalization project, and the inability to find a suitable alternative route. Plans call for the parade to be brought back in June of 2019, with the official announcement expected in the Spring of 2019.

The Sidney Main Street revitalization Project is wrapping up the work on one side of Main Street this week, except for the planting of trees perennials & grass that will be planted in the spring. Ian Law of Place Alliance explains:

(Ian Law 12-4-17)

The other side of Main Street will have construction begin in the spring, with plans calling for that side to be finished in time for the Hometown Day Parade in June.

The State DOT announced that construction on the I-86; I-81 & State Route 17 projects will be ramped up at several locations this week, starting this morning. Motorists are advised to check 511 for the latest traffic patterns in the Binghamton area.

The first side of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization project is winding down prior to the extended winter weather. Ian Law of Place Alliance told WCDO News of the timeline:

(Ian Law 11-20-17)

Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak said that the Main Street Property owners are being told NOT to use sale or salt like products on the newly poured concrete:

(Andy Matviak 11-20-17)

The Next public meeting with Sidney officials & Place Alliance will be December 4th at 10:00 AM in the 1st floor board room of the Sidney Civic Center.

Governor Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on State highways will not be permitted from 6:00 AM Wednesday through 6:00 AM on Monday, in order to accommodate motorists during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The AAA predicts that nearly 51 million people nationwide will travel more than 50 miles from home for Sunday, and more than 89% of those will be driving.

The African Children’s Choir will be performing at the Binghamton First Assembly Church Friday Night at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour, that has performed all over American & Canada since April. Tour Leader Keira Carnie explains:

(Keira Carnie 10-25-17)

The African Children’s choir has been performing for over 30 years, and has performed for Queen Elizabeth at her Golden Jubilee, and has performed with Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey & Keith Urban. Friday Nights show is free; the church is located at 225 Washington Street in Binghamton.

The Pouring of the Concrete has started, as part of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization Project. The concrete is being poured in a way to allow Main Street Businesses to remain open for their customers, the 1 side of Main Street that is being worked on currently is expected to be concluded in the next 2 weeks, the work for the other side of Main Street will begin early next year.

The State office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services announced the opening of the new Voices Recovery and Community Outreach Center at 340 Prospect Street in Binghamton. The center will provide free support and services for people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder and for their families.

The State DEC announced that remaining Deer Management Permits in several Wildlife Management Units would be available to hunters beginning November 1st. The DEC will re-open the permit application process on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may apply for up to two additional permits at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov.

The Sidney Town Board & Supervisor Gene Pigford announced that they would hold a ribbon cutting & public tours of the town’s new Municipal Building at 44 Grand Street, this Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The building formerly housed the offices of the Mirabito Fuel Group & Mang Insurance.

An Informational meeting will be held this morning at 10:00 AM regarding the current situation with the Main Street Revitalization project. The public is invited to attend & participate, the meeting will be held in the Civic Center 1st Floor Board Room.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees announced that they would have an informational  meeting Monday at 10:00 AM in the Civic Center Board Room regarding the ongoing Main Street Revitalization Project, The 3rd meeting of the series will be held on Monday November 6th at 10:00 AM at the Civic Center.

The Village of Sidney hosted the first of a series of meetings regarding the progress of the Main Street Revitalization Project. Ian Law of Place Alliance designed the project & told WCDO News of the 2 main items that has slowed the project down:

(Ian Law 10-9-17)

Law said that the plans will be to finish the one side of Main Street in the comings weeks, and start the second side as early as possible next year.

Village of Sidney Officials will give an informational meeting regarding the Main Street revitalization project; Mayor Andy Matviak said that changes to the timeline are likely:

(Andy Matviak 10-9-17)

This morning’s meeting will be held at the Civic Center at 10:00 AM.

Governor Cuomo's Raise the Age law took effect on Saturday, it allows people who have remained crime free for 10 years to request certain past convictions be sealed. Certain crimes, including sex crimes and violent felonies, cannot be sealed.

Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak has announced a series of Meetings to get the public & the businesses owners up to date on the progress of the Main Street Revitalization Project:

(Andy Matviak 10-2-17)

Matviak said that the delays are making the board considering stopping the project for the winter after the one side is completed, and then begin the other side of Main Street next spring.

State Police announced the death of Trooper Joel Davis, who responded to a call of shots fired during a domestic dispute in the town of Theresa in Jefferson County Sunday night. While approaching the residence, Trooper Davis was shot once and killed. 32-year old Justin Walters, surrendered to other State Troopers without incident. Walters is an active duty Army infantryman who is stationed at Fort Drum, Police said that his wife, 27-year old Nichole Walters was also found deceased at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

The Delaware County Department of Public Works announced that they will begin Oil & Stone operations on many county roads Today. Affected roads include county routes 41, 8, 36, 37, 3, 6 & 18 in that order. Oil & stone work will then continue in southern portions of the county on County Routes 17, 67, 20, 27 & 22, the project should take about 3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

The Sidney Village Board will hold their next regular meeting tonight at 7:00 PM, at the Civic Center. A presentation regarding the Main Street Revitalization project is expected.

The Village of Sidney & Albert Torto Construction announced that work on the Main Street Revitalization project will be gin on Thursday at 7:30 AM. No Parking signs will be placed in the affected areas, some changes in traffic flow may occur, with patterns restored daily at the conclusion of that day’s work at 4:00 PM. Work will begin near the Library & will work down to the Railroad tracks, various phases of construction will continue, likely through the month of December.

Sidney Boy Scout Troop 99 will be holding their Spring Sign Up night tonight, at the 1st Congregational Church at Main & Bridge Street. All boys ages 11 to 17 are welcome to attend the meeting, which will begin at 7:00 PM. More information is available at 316-2853.

The Main Street Sidney Revitalization Project will be getting underway next week. Sidney Grants Administrator John Redente explains:

(John Redente)

The Project first calls for new wider sidewalks, with benches, & new trees within rain gardens. Both lanes of Main Street will be open, all businesses will be open their normal hours. Work will begin near the Sidney Library & work down to the railroad tracks.

Another American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today in Norwich, at the offices of Commerce Chenango at 15 South Broad Street. The drive will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 PM, Parking is available in the city lot behind Hummel's, with access to the Commerce Chenango offices from that lot. Appointments can be made at 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org

The Sidney Emergency Squad announced that they will hold a free community C.P.R. training class on Saturday. Spokesman Ray Baker explains:

(Ray Baker 6-2-17)

Baker said that the event will be held at the Sidney fire department training center on River Street from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Squad Members will answer questions & teach the new CPR techniques.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a First Friday eat & greet business networking breakfast mixer this morning at the Tulip and Rose Café at 435 Main Street, in Franklin from 8:30 - 10 AM. The featured speaker is Todd Heyn, of the New York State Farm Bureau. More information about the chamber is available at 746-2281 or visit delawarecounty.org.

The village of Sidney will be putting bids out in the next couple of weeks for the Main Street Project, with an eye on getting the projects under by the end of may or early June, which led to SFCU Officials deciding to cancel this year’s home town day parade. Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 4-4-17)

SFCU officials announced that they fully plan on running the next Hometown Day Parade in June of 2018.

Oneonta City Mayor Gary Herzig will deliver the annual State of the City address tonight at 7:00 PM at Oneonta City Hall. The Address will be held just prior to the scheduled Common Council meeting, Mayor Herzig will discuss infrastructure improvement, housing, economic development & downtown revitalization.

The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown revitalization Initiative Planning Committee will be held next Tuesday, at the Foothills Performing Arts center on the 2nd floor. The meeting will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM & is open to the public and there will be a period for public comments.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group most recent project was a fundraising campaign to install a new sign for the library. The Group Received the sign and installed it last week and will be hosting a ribbon cutting and reception at the library today, @ 4:00pm at the Sidney Center Library on Main Street.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations of Delaware County businesses for Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Tourism Property of the Year, and Business Advocate of the Year. Nominations must be received by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 ½ Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753 or info@delawarecounty.org by February 20th. Awards will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Awards Gala in May, more information is available at the Chamber at 746-2281.

The Village of Sidney has received close to another 2 million dollars in federal FEMA funds for their projects, thanks to US Senator Charles Schumer, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 1-18-17)

Senator Schumer visited Sidney in December 2014, and liked the plans & promised to work on getting the federal funding.

About 100 area residents attended last nights Unatego School district Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Dave Richards, who told WCDO News of the 2 main concerns:

(Dave Richards 1-18-17)

Richards said that the Facilities committee has suggested closing the Otego Elementary School first, and then the Unadilla Elementary School in 4 to 5 years after that, the Unatego Board of Education is expected to vote on the Otego closure next month. Richards said that the district has lost 28% of their student population in the last 10 years, and the 2 buildings are over 90 years old and face millions of dollars in repairs & renovations.

Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tuesday January 24th at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting on the 24th.

A presentation from Place Alliance was held at the Sidney Civic Center last night regarding the plans for the Sidney Green Streetscape project for Main Street. Ian Law is the Director of Urban Planning & Design for Place Alliance:

(Ian Law 1-18-17)

Plans call for new sidewalk configurations, new trees, lighting, and underground rainwater collection into reservoirs under the sidewalks. The plans are expected to go up for bidding next month, with construction getting underway this spring.

34-year-old James Williams of Oneonta was arrested by Oneonta Police following a disturbance at the Sip & Sail Tavern on Water Street. Williams was charged Saturday with criminal possession of a weapon, plus menacing, reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, false personation & trespassing, Police accused Williams of using a chain as a weapon, and giving police a false identity. He was held at the Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the Oneonta City Court.

State Police arrested 25 year old Andrew Carnrike of Smyrna for the felony Assault, plus Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and 2nd degree Harassment, after troopers responded to a dispute on East Main Street in Smyrna. Carnrike allegedly pushed & grabbed the vicitm by the throat and followed the vicitm to a neighbor’s home, Carrike is also accused of assaulting the neighbor, causing injuries. Carnrike was located, arrested & was arraigned in the Town of Smyrna Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, he faces court action on Thursday.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli proposed changes to the state’s procurement practices in the wake of criminal charges and allegations of corruption in the awarding of state economic development project contracts. By state law, the Comptroller’s office is responsible for reviewing and approving state agency contracts above $50,000 and certain contracts over $1 million for state public authorities, In recent years, executive and legislative actions have eroded the Comptroller’s contract oversight. In 2015, state agencies issued over $6.8 billion in contracts without Comptroller review. DiNapoli suggested restoring previous powers to his office that have been steadily removed in the last 5 years, Create tougher ethics requirements and penalties for those who abuse the procurement process, & Increase transpoarency over the entire process.

The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative local planning committee is tonight at 7:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. 2 more committee meeting are scheduled for December 20th & January 3rd, both at the Foothills Performing Arts center.

The Chenango County IDA announced significant progress in its Rail Revitalization project, which aims to restore service to the 45 ½ miles of the Utica Mainline track between the Madison and Broome County lines. Frontier Railroad Services of New Stanton, PA is nearing completion of the construction phase of the project, which repaired numerous washouts caused by floods in 2006 and 2011. Chenango County IDA Spokesman Steve Craig comments:

(Steve Craig 10-21-16)

Frontier is working with IDA's engineers at Stone Consulting on the final "punch list" of remaining tasks.

The Maine-Endwell Little League World Series team will be honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this weekend. The Maine-Endwell team was the champions of Little League World Series in August, Team members and coaches will visit the Hall of Fame on Sunday, for a special 1:00 PM ceremony hosted by Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson.

Governor Cuomo announced $1 million in funding is available to assist new and early-stage farmers through the State New Farmers Grant Fund. The Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50% of eligible project costs, with the remaining 50% matched by the recipient. This year, the program has eliminated the 150 acres or fewer requirements and is now accepting farm applicants of all sizes. The application and guidelines are available online at http://esd.ny.gov. The deadline for submission is January 27th.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to health insurers outlining new insurance coverage requirements for substance abuse treatment. Under the new law, health insurers will be required to cover medication, including naloxone, for detoxification or maintenance treatment of substance use disorders under large group policies. Health insurers will also be required to provide coverage without preauthorization for inpatient substance abuse treatment in facilities that participate in their networks and are certified by the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

The Sidney American Legion is hosting a fundraiser Saturday for Camp Hope Veterans Outreach. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 10-21-16)

The fundraiser will be held at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street, Sidney from 1:00 until 5:00 PM, they are asking for donations of services, products and gift certificates to auction or a monetary donation, in order to buy property & start The Camp Hope facility.

The Jericho Arts Council will feature the bluegrass music of "Zink & Company Saturday night. Spokesman Phillip Wade comments:

(Phillip Wade 10-21-16)

ZINK & COMPANY will perform at the Town Hall Theatre on Main Street in Bainbridge beginning at 7:00 PM

The kickoff meeting for the steering committee for the Oneonta downtown revitalization will be held on Tuesday September 27th, Oneonta mayor Gary Herzig told WCDO News of the timeline of events leading up to groundbreakings for projects:

(Herzig 9-22-16)

The steering committee meeting will be held on Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on the 2nd floor. The meeting is open to the public, and public input is being solicited.

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a grant of $35,000 for the City of Norwich. The federal funding was allocated through the USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The City of Norwich will receive funds to cover additional work related to the removal of contaminated soil, which was delaying the start of the tank construction as part of the upgrades to the Norwich water system. The City of Norwich will now be able to complete their $2 Million plus water infrastructure improvement project in the near future.

The TRI-TOWN COALITION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE will have a series of meetings this morning at the TRACKSIDE on Main Street in Sidney. The first meeting begins at 11:00 AM, followed by committee meetings at 12:00 Noon & 1:00 PM, the next full meeting of the coalition will be held on September 28th.