WCDO Radio News

The Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which includes Otsego County, won over 100 million dollars Thursday for assorted projects. Locally, the Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and developed, plus the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center will be built in Oneonta. Other projects include a State Route 205 Corridor Study, an Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project, The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection & the ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities will use Funds to make improvements to 10 group homes.

Governor Cuomo announced the final report and recommendations of the Common Core Task Force. The Task Force recommends overhauling the current Common Core system and adopting new, locally driven New York State standards in a transparent and open process. The Task Force also recommends that current Common Core aligned tests should not count for students or teachers until the start of 2019-2020 school year to ensure the system is implemented completely and properly to avoid the errors caused by the prior flawed implementation.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's New Year's Eve Celebration.

The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association will be hosting “Shop with a Sheriff” at Wal-Mart in Norwich, Saturday. Deputies will take children Christmas Shopping, who will be provided with money raised by the Association & donations from local business, individuals, and each Deputy. The children shopping with the Deputies were selected by each school district throughout Chenango County.

The fourth Cal Harris' fourth murder trial is expected to begin March 28, and the trial will be moved from the Schoharie County Court to the state Supreme Court in Schoharie County. Judge Richard Mott was assigned to the case in a decision by the state's Third Judicial District. The 3rd trial was presided over by Schoharie County judge George Bartlett, it ended in a mistrial, and Harris was convicted twice in Tioga County Court for murdering his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

The anti-bullying "Sweethearts & Heroes" presentation with professional MMA fighter and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Tom Murphy will be presented to Oxford Academy Middle school students Wednesday. Beginning at 12:15 & again at 1:40 PM. Oxford Middle School principal Kathleen Hansen explains:

(Kathleen Hansen 12-8-15)

Principal Hansen also said that Broome County Area Native Rick Yarosh will gives a message about overcoming adversity and turning a negative situation into a positive one, Yarosh is familiar to many area residents, he is a retired sergeant with the U.S. Army from Windsor, who was injured in Iraq with burns over most of his body, more information is available at sweetheartsandheroes.org or on their facebook page.

area performer & music teacher Dana LaCroix has been volunteering with the Garden Groove Project in Binghamton where urban children learning about gardening and growing food. LaCroix decided to get her music students involved in a project to raise money for the Garden Groove Project, she told WCDO news ABOUT IT:

(Dana LaCroix 12-8-15)

LaCroix also said that the The Garden Groove Kids will perform at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party, at 70 River Street, Oneonta this Saturday, December 12th, at 1:00 pm. The event is organized by First Night Oneonta, where download cards will be on sale to help raise funds for this project. more information is available at GardenGroove.org.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visited Norwich this afternoon following the tour of Sidney; she met with Business Leaders at Commerce Chenango, toured the Business district, convened a Women’s Roundtable at the Artist's Pallet, & toured the Northeast Classic Car Museum.

Governor Cuomo announced a 60% decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities since Governor Mario Cuomo raised New York State's drinking age to 21 exactly 30 years ago. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries; school, social, legal, and physical problems; abuse of other drugs; and death from alcohol poisoning.

Oneonta Police & State Police arrested 27-year-old Jason Cousins from Unadilla for Burglary, Attempted Robbery, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Assault, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Menacing, following a home invasion in Oneonta. Cousins is accused of displaying a stolen handgun, taking property & striking & injuring 1 of the victims. Cousins fled the scene and was apprehended and taken into custody, the investigation is continuing.

State police announced that they would host a community-policing meeting on Wednesday December 2nd at the Stamford Fire Department from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Police will discuss law enforcement operations, & the mission priorities of the state police, the school liaison program, traffic safety plus community & police interaction. There will be a question & answer period.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce hosts the NBT Bank Holiday Open House today from 5:00 TO 7:00 pm at NBT Bank’s Wall Street Oneonta Branch location.

The Oneonta Airport Commission Work group will have their next meeting today. That meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the Airport.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season. To make an appointment to donate blood, people can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held in Oneonta today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM at Hartwick College.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Monday, November 30, 2015 in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. Please note the change of date from the original meeting schedule. The Board of Education will also hold an additional meeting on December 1, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the District Conference Room to meet with Alan Pole, Education Consultant, regarding the Superintendent Search.

Oneonta Police Detectives arrested 24-year-old Montaville Richardson of Oneonta on charges of 1st degree rape, 2nd degree burglary, following an investigation into a sexual assault that in the City of Oneonta last Thursday. The investigation revealed that Richardson allegedly entered the home of an acquaintance without permission and performed sexual acts with the victim without her consent. Richardson was held at the City of Oneonta Police Department until arraignment at the City of Oneonta Court.

The City of Oneonta Police Department is proudly hosting its 3rd annual toy drive for needy children in our community. If you would like to donate a toy for a boy or girl aged 1-15, we will gladly accept! Please drop off all toy donations to the Oneonta Police Department at 79 Main Street by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15th. All proceeds will be turned over to the Salvation Army for distribution.

Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County is looking to increase enrollment in their classes currently. Program Director Ellen Hurtubise explains:

(Ellen Hurtubise 11-19-15)

Those who are of high school age or adults, whose level of reading math or even computers skills are low, can contact the program at 334-7114.

State Police and Oneonta Police Department arrested 33-year-old Godfrey Little of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Police executed a Search Warrant, they Seized crack-cocaine, a set of digital scales, drug packaging material and over $22,000 cash and a Chevy Malibu, Little was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash/$20,000 property bail.

The Bainbridge Guilford central school district board of education is currently seeking indivduals interested in filling a vacant seat on the board. Candidates must be a qualified voter in the district, 18 years of age, among other qualifications. Those interested should submit a letter to the Bainbridge Guilford school district clerk at 18 Juliand Street Bainbridge 13733 by November 30th, more information is available at 967-6321.

Oneonta Police along with the Delaware county sheriffs department executed a search warrant at 10 Meckley Avenue in Oneonta Wednesday, following an investigation regarding drug trafficking. Arrested were 30 year old Sophie Szczepanski of Oneonta, 43 year old Charles Haynes Jr. of Oneonta & 23 year old Orane Crawford or Queens for multiple counts each for criminal possession of a controlled substance, among other charges. Police recovered Crack cocaine, marijuana, hydrocodone pills & cash, all 3 were being held pending arraignment on Oneonta city court.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today, in the Guilford Cafeteria at 6:30 PM.

Tomorrow is Election day, with quite a few interesting races in an "Off Year” In the State Senate race in the 52nd district; Republican Fred Akshar & Democrat Barbara Fiala are running to fill the seat left vacated by the conviction of long time Senator Tom Libous.
Delaware County will have a Family Court Judge for the first time; the candidates are Democrat Gary Rosa & Republican Porter Kirkwood. In Chenango County, for District Attorney, incumbent Joseph McBride faces Zachary Wentworth. Several Town Races will be decided by voters Tuesday, in the Town of Sidney; Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley, Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath are running for 2 seats on town board
In the Town of Franklin, for town Supervisor, incumbent Jeffery Taggart faces Epifanio Bevilacqua & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the town board: Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard and Donald Smith. In the Town of Harpersfield for Town Supervisor, incumbent Jim Eisel faces a challenge from Edward Pick Jr. Eisel is chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; a Pick Victory would mean a change at the top of Delaware County Government. In the race for Town of Guilford Supervisor, George Seneck faces Jeffrey MacCormack & for Town of Oxford Supervisor Frederick Lanfear faces Lawrence Wilcox.

The city of Oneonta announced that the final paving of Asphalt on 6th Street is scheduled for today. 6th Street will be blocked off after the morning drop off period and should be re-opened in time for afternoon pick ups, any delays or changes will be communicated to the school offices.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting today, in the District Conference room at 6:00 PM.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will be held in the Common Council chambers at city hall beginning at 7:00 PM tonight.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference room at 7:00 PM to discuss the Superintendent Search.

The Norwich Business Improvement District announced a full line up of events for the annual Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 23rd through Saturday the 24th in Norwich. On Friday, from 5:30-7:00pm is the Giant Pumpkin Contest-Weigh In, On Saturday; events include a Pumpkin Bake-Off Contest, the YMCA Halloween Parade, Horse & Wagon Rides, and music with Kaitlyn Jackson and the Hometown Ban& The Beadle Brothers, followed by fireworks at the end of the evening.

The Oneonta police department special response team is scheduled to work in cooperation with the Greater Plains Elementary School to conduct a school lockdown drill today. The event will provide the Oneonta SRT Team the opportunity to train in full gear, and it will give students & faculty a chance to become familiar with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting tonight. The meeting will get underway at 7:00 PM at the common Council Chambers at Oneonta City Hall.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting this evening in the District Conference room at 6:30 PM to discuss the contract of a particular individual.

At about 12:45 this afternoon, the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus in Masonville, was evacuated, after a note was found indicating a threat to the building. The School Resource Officer and the building principal contacted local law enforcement officials, who responded immediately. Students and staff were moved to the lower yard, where they remained until either their district transportation arrived. The building was declared safe for re-entry at 2:03 p.m.   The investigation is continuing.

The Official launch & open house of the Otsego Now Regional Workforce Training Center initiative and announcement of significant grants, will be tomorrow morning in Oneonta. State Senator Jim Seward helped to secure the grants and guide the through the CFA process, for capital improvements to outfit the center. Seward is scheduled to attend the ceremonies beginning at 10:30 AM Tuesday at the Offices of Otsego Now at 189 Main Street on the 5th floor.

Oneonta Police arrested 47-year-old John Nack of Oneonta on felony drug charges. Nack was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance, for illegally possessing & selling heroin in August. Nack was arrested at the Otsego County jail where he was being held on other charges, he was arraigned in County Court and sent back to the County jail, pending later court appearances.

Runners from all over will participate in this year's "Pit Run" Sunday. The annual race will begin at 10:45 at Neahwa Park in Oneonta, it is named in honor of Late State Police Investigator Rick Parisian of Oneonta, who died trying to stop an armed robbery at an Oneonta supermarket in 1994.

The last day to register to vote in the November 3rd General Election for Delaware county residents is Friday October 9, 2015, it is also the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2016. The 52nd Senate District covering Deposit and Hancock has a 1-year vacancy. County Court Judge and County Family Court Judge and many town offices are up for election. Absentee ballots, sample ballots with any propositions for the General Election are available at the Board of Elections Office in Delhi, Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded from co.delaware.ny.us/departments.

The Sidney high school athletic department announced that directions are available to the Sullivan West central school in Lake Huntington for tonight's Sidney away game. The directions can be accessed on the Sidney central school district athletics web page.

State Police arrested 44-year-old Wayne Johnson of Oneonta for aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .23% and several other traffic law violations. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to an Otsego County 911 report of a vehicle in a ditch off of Emmons Hill Road in the Town of Oneonta. Troopers observed Johnson sleeping behind the wheel of a Pick Up stuck in a ditch, they accuse Johnson of being intoxicated when he tried to back his truck up and got it stuck. Johnson was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Oneonta Court on October 6th .

Governor Cuomo announced a new funding opportunity for school districts across the State aimed at connecting them to farmers to increase the use of locally grown specialty crops. Through the Farm to School program, $350,000 in grants is now available for projects that will help school districts buy & serve locally grown foods on school menus.

The identities of 2 women arrested by state police in Oneonta on Thursday have been identified as 30 year old Kelly Anderson of Maine, and 25 year old Amanda Castillo of Connecticut. . Anderson was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance; both Anderson and Castillo were charged with criminal possession of marijuana and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, they were held in the Otsego County jail pending court action.

Delaware County Public Health continues its pertussis investigation; there are now 4 confirmed cases in the Walton area. Public Health is working with the school district and the community to identify and notify students and residents that have possibly been exposed. If you or your child has been around someone with pertussis, you may become sick with pertussis as well. More information is available by contacting the department at 832-5200.

The city of Oneonta will have 2 committees meet later today. The FTO-CIC committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance /Administration committee will meet at 5:00 PM, both meeting will be held in the Common Council chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

A Pre-Primary Meet and Greet will be held in Norwich today at the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, beginning at 5: 30 PM. Chamber members can meet 1-on-1 with incumbent Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano, candidate-elect Christine Carnrike, incumbent Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and candidate-elect Zachary Wentworth.

The Oneonta FTO/CIC Committee will meet this afternoon at Oneonta City Hall, beginning at 4:00 PM. The Oneonta Finance /Administration committee will the hold their meeting beginning at 5:00 PM at City hall.

Governor Cuomo today announced up to $500,000 in state grants to increase college access for 2016 high school graduates. New York State’s College Action Grants will award up to $5,000 to eligible high schools and community organizations that promote activities aimed at increasing the rate of low-income New York State high school seniors who apply to college, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and ultimately enroll in a college. Eligible high schools are those in which 50 percent or more of the students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program. Qualified not-for-profit organizations serving low-income students from such high schools are also eligible to apply for this grant opportunity.

Assemlyman Pete Lopez will speak at the Citizen Voices meeting tomorrwo morning at 7:30 AM. Lopez will speak at the meeting at the Oneonta Block Company at State Route 23 in Oneonta.

On Saturday Oneonta Police responded to Fox Hospital Emergency Department for a reported stabbing victim. Police arrested 25-year-old Avi Figueroa of Oneonta, 37-year-old Nancy Callahan of Oneonta and 16-year-old Future Clovis if Richfield Springs, for 2nd degree Assault & 5th degree Conspiracy, Clovis was also charged with Menacing & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Police stated that the victim had been walking on Chestnut Street in Oneonta near Fonda Avenue, when a confrontation ensued; the victim suffered a stab wound to the upper buttocks that required medical treatment. All 3 suspects were held for arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

Cobleskill Stone Products announced that State Route 205 is undergoing milling and paving from Brown Street to State Route 23 in Oneonta, today through September 10th. From September 14th through September 23rd, construction will continue from Silas Lane to Oneida Street. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes during the project period.

The B-G Central School District is seeking Community members interested in serving on a Capital Project Facility Committee. The next meeting will be held this evening at 6:30 PM in the District Conference Room. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.

Oneonta Police, State Police BCI & the Otsego County Department of Social Services arrested 25 year old Benjamin Williams of Oneonta for 6 counts each for Assault & Endangering the welfare of a child following a report of a 4 month old child treated for injuries consistent with abuse. Williams is also accused of possessing child pornography & was additionally charged with Possession of Obscene sexual performance by a child & Possession of sexual Performance by a child, police said that the investigation is continuing.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today in the District Conference Room; the meeting begins at 6:30 PM.

The State Department of Health today announced amended vaccination regulations for children entering or attending school. School children will now be mandated to receive a complete series of all required vaccines – or be in the process of doing so – in order to attend classes. Beginning September 1, children entering or attending kindergarten through grade 12 will be required to have two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Children entering kindergarten through grade 5 will need to have five doses of the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and a cellular pertussis. Children entering kindergarten, and grades 1, 6 and 7 must have four doses of the polio vaccine. Children who have not yet received all required vaccine doses must schedule appointments with their health care providers to complete the vaccine series in order to remain in school.

The City of Oneonta Department of public service will be flushing water mains today through Wednesday. Affected areas include the Wilber Park Apartments, East Street and around the East End of the city. During the flushing, water users may experience a change in water color or pressure temporarily, those with questions can call the department at 432-2100.

The BG central school district is seeking community members interested in serving on a Capital Project facility Committee, to meet today at 5:30 PM ion the District conference room. The next meeting will be held on august 31st at 6:30 in the district conference room, interested participants can call 967-6321.

State Police at Sidney arrested 36-year-old Celia Daniels of Oneonta for Aggravated DWI with a child less than 15 years old and Endangering the Welfare of a Child plus several other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a trooper responded to a Chenango County 911 report of an erratic driver who struck a guide rail on Interstate 88 in the Town of Bainbridge. Daniels is accused of being intoxicated while having her 4-year-old daughter as a passenger. Daniels was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge on August 24th.

An accident in Otego on Sunday afternoon has left a Delaware County man dead and his wife severely injured. Otego Fire Department officials reported that the man and woman involved were apparently trying to drive a golf cart across the railroad tracks on a private agricultural crossing at the east end of the village and struck the Canadian Pacific train. The 2-engine train was pulling 31 freight cars. Oneonta State Police said that 57-year old Charles Turk of Bloomville was found dead under the overturned golf cart. His wife 58-year old Cynthia Turk was found lying nearby with 2 broken legs. Mrs. Turk was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The investigation is continuing. She is listed in serious but stable condition at this time. The couple had been camping near the railroad tracks over the weekend. Medical personnel from Otego Fire and Rescue squads as well as Cooperstown Medical Transport, Otsego deputies and State Police all reported to the scene of the crash.

The City of Oneonta will be painting the deck of the Pedestrian Bridge adjoining the 2nd level of the parking garage to the Main Street arcade walkway beginning this morning, The bridge will be closed today & Tuesday, during that time, Main street can be accessed from the Muller Park Stairs or by lower Chestnut Street. More information is available at 432-6465.

The Oneonta department of public service announced that they would be replacing a portion of the water main & services & the entire pavement on 8th street starting today. Work is scheduled from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays; a completion date has not been determined. More information is available at 432-6465.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School district will be holding it’s annual mandatory parent-student meeting for JV and Varsity athletics in the Fall season. The meeting will be held at the high school auditorium tonight at 6 PM. All necessary paperwork for participation will be provided at the meeting. Fall sports offered at B-G are: Volleyball, Football, Soccer, Cheerleading and Golf.

The City Of Oneonta Will be painting the deck of the Pedestrian Bridge Adjoining the 2nd level of the parking garage to the Main Street arcade walkway beginning Monday morning, The bridge will be closed all day Monday & Tuesday, during that time, main street can be accessed from the Muller Park Stairs of by lower Chestnut Street. More information is available at 432-6465.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting TODAY in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM.

Democrats picked Barbara Fiala & Republicans have picked Fred Akshar as their choice to run in the special election for the vacant seat in the state senates 52nd district. Denver Jones is seeking to get his name on the ballot, he ran as a Republican in 2014 against then incumbent Tom Libous, but lost, Jones is looking to get on the ballot under the "Taxpayers Party" Line. Rich Purtell was selected by the Libertarian Party to run for the seat.

Oneonta police responded to the report of a broken window at a business at 224 Main Street, eyewitnesses claimed that 3 young males broke the window by kicking it. One of the 3 suffered lacerations; police followed a trail of blood to 300 Main Street where they discovered that 21 year old Evan Bowker required medical attention. Bowker was treated at Fox hospital & was released, he was charged with criminal mischief, he was held pending arraignment in Oneonta City Court.

The B-G Central School District is seeking Community members interested in serving on a Capital Project Facility Committee. The next meeting will be held on August 31, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the District Conference Room. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service announced the closing of the James Georgeson Drive entrance to Neahwa Park until further notice, due to an apparent settling beneath the road surface. DPS & the City Engineering Department will be conducting exploratory investigations to determine the cause & extent of the problem, until the problem is rectified, the road will remain closed, and The Park can still be accessed at the Neahwa Place entrance near the Main & River Street Intersection. More information can be obtained at 432-6465.

Former Broome County Executive & former State DMV Commissioner Barbara Fiala is the first to announce a possible run for the vacated 52nd state senate district seat. Fiala already received the endorsement from Governor Cuomo, for the seat vacated by the conviction on federal charges of Tom Libous this week, the conviction automatically removed Libous from the Senate seat that he occupied since 1988.

About 170 military uniformed personnel provided services to Chenango County area residents with the 10 day "Greater Chenango Cares" event The about 2500 people were provided with medical, dental, eye care & even veterinary services over the 10 day event held at the Norwich High School. He event provided military personnel with an opportunity to train in the event of a major emergency that they may have to respond to.

Oneonta Acting Mayor Maureen Hennessy has called a special meeting for Saturday morning at City Hall. The meeting will begin at 9:00 AM in the common council chambers on the 2nd floor, & is open to the public.

The First Night Oneonta committee will hold this year’s Oneonta July 4th Celebration. Activities actually begin tonight with "First Friday" activities, followed by a full slate of events Saturday, according to organizer Carol Mandigo:

(Carol Mandigo 7-3-15)

There will be a variety of vendors and activities set up around Neahwa Park Saturday for the July 4th celebration.

The 5th annual Sidney central school district summer camps will begin on Monday. A variety of interests will be covered through august 14th, and before & after camp care has been arranged with Cullman Day care.

Commencement exercises for area graduating high school seniors continues this weekend. Graduation ceremonies will begin locally at 10:00 AM for the Sidney, Delhi, Greene, Norwich, Walton & Harpursville seniors, at 10:30 for Gilbertsville Mount Upton Seniors, at 10:45 for Oneonta Seniors and 11:00 AM for Oxford academy graduates. Exercises continue Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM for Unadilla valley Grads, & Saturday evening at 7:00 for the Bainbridge Guilford district. On Sunday Afternoon at 1:00 PM, Edmeston seniors will graduate.

19th district Congressman Chris Gibson will be in Franklin today. The Congressman will appear at 5:30 PM for the Franklin Veterans Memorial flag presentation at the Village Park, Gibson will present a flag from the U.S. Capitol to be flown over the park in honor of local veterans. At 7:00 PM, Congressman Gibson will deliver the commencement address to Franklin High School graduating seniors, at the Franklin High School.

The Oneonta Common Council will have a special meeting at 6:00 PM Monday. The Council will consider approval of the applications for certain grants relating to the operating of the Oneonta Municipal Airport. The meeting will be held in the Common Council chambers at City Hall it will be open to the public.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced that the technical training for their 2016 funding application will be held today, at 9:30 A.M. in the Fox Care Center Conference room in Oneonta. The funding cycle is January 1st through December 31st, of 2016.New applicants are highly encouraged to attend. More information is available at 432-8006.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 5:30 PM. The Board will move into Executive Session to interview Principal Candidates.

The Oneonta Stallions will play 3 Football games at the new Sidney High School filed this summer. Team Owner Angela Eardley comments:

(Angela Eardley 6-11-15)

Eardley has owned the team for the last 6 years, in the 15 team Northeastern Football Alliance, The Stallions play 10 regular season games from Late May through August, they fell just short of the league championship by 2 points last season.

The Chenango Arts Council, Norwich Business Improvement District, and the Norwich Rotary Club announced that the Chenango Public Arts Initiative, Summer 2015 has been created to bring the arts to the public in everyday life. The Public Arts Initiative will showcase local talent and give artists exposure, be placing their artwork on display in the Chenango Arts Council’s Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries from June 26 to August 28th. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.

Delaware county sheriff’s deputies arrested 3 men following a motor vehicle accident on Holmes Hollow Road in the town of Delhi. 42-year-old Zack Vannostrand of Delancey was charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test & Obstruction of Governmental Administration. 27-year-old Alexander Klenck of Delhi was charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration, and he was also wanted on a warrant from Oneonta, and 18-year-old Jonathan Stein of Delhi was charged with trespassing after fleeing the accident scene. Vannostrand & Klenck were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on bail; Stein was issued an appearance ticket for Delhi Town Court.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee announced that the State Police, county and municipal law enforcement agencies issued 1,186 tickets to motorists for illegally passing a stopped school bus on April 16th during the statewide Operation Safe Stop initiative. Studies estimate that some 50,000 motorists illegally pass stopped school buses in New York State each day.

The Sidney Central School Observatory will be open Tonight, from 9:00-10:30PM. The featured attractions for the night will be the first quarter Moon, Jupiter, and Venus, several telescopes will be available for viewing, including the main scope inside the dome, weather permitting. The event is open to the public, and admission is free. The Observatory is located behind the high school building.

Voters in New York State approved of all area school budgets yesterday, with the exception of the Walton district. Building projects were approved in Sidney & Unadilla Valley, Walton voters rejected a building project proposal by a better than 3 to 1 margin. Kjersti Van Slyke-Briggs, Marissa Orezzoli, Nancy Parsons & Thomas Hoskins won school board seats in Sidney. School Board seats in the Bainbridge Guilford district were Tina Ammon, Keith Hanvey & Rebecca Sullivan, in the Norwich district, Jennifer Collins, Robert Smith & Joseph Stagliano in Franklin Jamie Archibald was elected to the school Board.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 18-year-old James Shurock of Sherburne on 11 counts of Petty Larceny. Shurock is accused of stealing 109 library books from the Sherburne-Earlville High School Library, he was released on an appearance ticket to the Village of Sherburne Court at a later date.

The Oneonta department of public Service announced that they plan to co0nnect the new Burnside Avenue water main to the existing water main On River street. The work will begin at 10:00 PM tonight, and crews will be working throughout the night. River Street will be closed to traffic between Wilcox & Mitchell; side streets may be used as detours. Officials said that about 40 customers would be without water, the trench across the street would be filled in & repaved tomorrow morning. Those with questions can call 432-6465.

The B-G Central School District is seeking 2 Community members interested in serving on a Varsity Football Coach Selection Committee. The first meeting will be held tonight at 6:00 PM in the District Conference Room. Candidates will be interviewed next week, with the appointment by the BG School Board expected at their June 18th meeting. Interested community members should contact the District Office at 967-6321.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today in the Guilford School Cafeteria at 5:45 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Otsego county health department will host another free rabies clinic in Oneonta today. The clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Neahwa Park.

The Sidney School District Budget & Capital Project Informational meeting will be held today. Superintendent Bill Christensen will be holding the meeting beginning at 6:00 pm in the high school library; the meeting is open to the public. Voting on all school budgets, projects & school board seats will be on Tuesday, May 19th.

The Oneonta common council will hold their next regular meeting tonight at City hall. The Council is expected to ratify their agreement with The Oneonta City Police Benevolent Assocication tonight, the meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City hall.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach in Oneonta today. Spokesperson Stephanie Thorne comments:

(Stephanie Thorne 4-7-15)

The clinic will be at the Southside mall Parking Lot from 9:00 AM to 3:00 pm. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The Chenango County School Counselors Association is sponsoring their annual "Spring College Day" today from 10:45 AM to 2:00 PM at the Norwich YMCA. Representatives from 40 colleges & The Armed forces will be present. The event is free & open to the public.

The Sidney Central School District Board Of Education meeting scheduled for Today has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on April 21st at 7:00 pm in the High School Library.