WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-12-26

Broome County District Attorney's office announced that the 4 Binghamton residents arrested last week have been indicted by a Broome County Grand Jury on multiple felony weapons charges following an investigation into reports of gunfire near the Wittman Lane Watershed on February 4th. Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port Dickinson Police Department responded following a report that 4 males were observed walking toward the dam, followed by reports of multiple gunshots in the area. Officer arrested the 4 who were processed & released on bail, Indicted this week were 23 year old Samear Wallace, 21 year old Jahliek Walker-Coates, 21 year old Isaiah Johnson and 25 year old Johnathan Ayala, they face court action on the indictments shortly.

The 2026 Southern Tier Music Fest Valentine’s Promotion with discounted tickets started today, spokesperson Teri Schunk explained:

(Teri Schunk 2-12-26)

Performers on July 4th at the Sidney Municipal Airport include Matt Vroman, Jessie Kay Band, Rylee Lum Band, The Bennett Hall Band, The Matt Beadle Experience & headliner Jackson Dean, the tickets are available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

Blood Supplies are still very low after a challenging winter and an active Flu season, Meg Rossman of the American Red Cross urges people to make & keep their blood donation appointments, and they have sweetened the deal this month:

(Meg Rossman 2-12-26)

Another Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Oneonta today from 1 pm. - 6 pm., at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market St, book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-24-25

Plans are moving forward for the Clover Lane Development on West Main Street in Sidney, Sidney Mayor Ray Baker explains:

(Ray Baker 10-24-25)

Baker said that the plans call for between 10 to 12 houses at the Clover Lane Site, the closing is expected in the next week.

The 2nd Annual Sidney Spooktacular will be held this Saturday in downtown Sidney, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 10-24-25)

More information is available at the Delaware Valley Humane Society Facebook page.

The Norwich Business Improvement District is hosting the 5th annual ‘Norwitch’ Fall Festival from 9 am. to 2 pm., in East and West Park in Norwich, on Saturday, the event will once again be held in conjunction with Saturday in the Park with Chobani.

A Bluegrass favorite is coming back to the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Saturday night, Jericho Arts Council Spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-24-25)

Reservations can be made by calling 607-288-3882.

Fenimore Farm & Country Village has expanded this year’s Annual Trick or Treating at the Farm with a costume contest, according to spokesperson Kerri Green:

(Kerri Green 10-24-25)

More information about this and other events can be found at fenimorefarm.org.

The Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center is hosting its annual Animals of Halloween on Saturday, from 3-6 PM. The free, event features animal actors on the Rogers Center trails, performing skits which pay tribute to New York wildlife. Each tour concludes at the outdoor amphitheater, with live music by a campfire, Registration is not required, and donations are suggested to support the Rogers Center on State Route 80, Sherburne.

The Unadilla Community Food Pantry is having a resource Fair Monday at their location at 172 Main Street in Unadilla, Pantry Co-Director Elaine Reed explains:

(Elaine Reed 9-5-25)

Various organizations and agencies will be sending representatives to the Resource Fair Monday, the event is free & open to the area public.

The next Comedy Night will be held Saturday night at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, with a special guest in the Gallery before the show, according to spokesperson Tracy Marcellus explains:

(Tracy Marcellus 9-5-25)

There will also be Comedians from North Country Stand Up Comedy Saturday Night, according to spokesperson Amy Williams:

(Amy Williams 9-5-25)

Doors open at 7:00 PM, tickets are available at the door or at mikaelgregg.com.

A.M. NEWS Friday 9-5-25

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 42 year old Christopher Romain of Edmeston and 41 year old Kristin Natterer of Edmeston, following an Animal Cruelty investigation. Romain was charged with 1 count of Torturing/Injuring/Failure to Provide Sustenance to Animals, while Natterer faces 11 counts. The Investigation revealed that the pair were housing numerous emaciated dogs at the residence The dogs were seized and the defendants were taken in to custody, were processed and issued Appearance Tickets returnable to the Town of Edmeston Court at a later date. All of the animals were turned over to the Susquehanna SPCA where they are currently receiving medical attention.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival returns to downtown Norwich this weekend, featuring art, music, and family-friendly experiences. Colorscape’s NBT Mainstage, located in East Park, will again spotlight nationally and regionally recognized bands and solo performers, Spokesperson Michelle Erickson explains:

(Michelle Erickson 9-5-25)

More information is available at colorscape.org.

The Wakeman Coffee Company and Muddy River Farm Brewery have partnered to host the first annual Sidney Brew-to-Brew 5K road race Saturday, spokesperson Colleen McKinney explains:

(Colleen McKinney 7-9-25)

The race will start at 11:00 AM Saturday.

Chenango County Health Department reminds area residents that a free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets will be held Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. the clinic runs from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, pre-registration is required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic, more information is available at 607-337-1673.

The Tri County Chapter of New York State Women Incorporated is hosting an AMBA Blood Screening Clinic Saturday, at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street, from 6:00 to 10:00 AM. Interested Participants must have a prescription from their Doctor and appointments must be made at 1-800-234-8888.

The Tri Town Theatre's production of the "Wizard of Oz" is being held tonight, tomorrow night & Sunday afternoon in Sidney, Theatre spokesman George Wells comments about the talent assembled for this production:

(George Wells 8-22-25)

Tickets are available at tritowntheatre.com, more information is available at their Facebook page.

The Butternut Valley Alliance Summer Harvest Festival & Gravel Grinder will take place on Saturday, at Butternuts Beer & Ale, 4021 State Highway 51, Garrettsville, with a host of activities according to organizer Peter Martin:

(Peter Martin 8-22-25)

The Gravel Grinder is a fundraising 45-mile course for experienced cyclers and a 15-mile course for the more recreational cyclers,  Online registration deadline is today at 12:00 noon. A registration fee applies, more information is available at bikereg.com/68839, to register for the free meal, go to butternutvalleyalliance.org/harvest-festival-gravel-grinder.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Arts & Crafts Festival, both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day. Over 30 vendors have signed up to participate, there will be free music & food available, more information is available at greateraftonareacoc.com

A Business & Wellness Expo will be held Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Muller Plaza on Main Street in Oneonta, admission is free and more information is available at 917-579-7613.

The band Train with Special guests Edwin McCain and Graham Barham will perform tomorrow at the Booster Club Field in Oneonta. The concert starts at 7:00 PM, the show is sponsored by Unalam and proceeds benefit the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

The Sidney American Legion announced that they will hold a fundraiser to help the victims of recent flooding in North Carolina. The event will be this Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Legion on Union Street, there will be dinner & music.

The Otsego County Board of Elections announced that Early Voting for the November 5 General Election will begins tomorrow through November 3 at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, on Market Street in Oneonta & at The Meadows Office Complex, at 140 County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Polls will be open from 9 am. to 5 pm. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Polls will be open from 12 to 8 pm. on Tuesday and Thursday. More information is available at the Otsego County Board of Elections at (607) 547-4247.

On Saturday "AK" McEwan Lomnicki has organized a Halloween Dog Costume Contest in Downtown Sidney, she told WCDO News about her event:

(AK 10-24-24)

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society, more information about animals up for adoption can be obtained by calling (607) 563-7780.

The New York State Veterans home is Oxford is hosting "Trunk Or Treat" Saturday where area children in costumes & their families can celebrate Halloween activities with the resident of the Vet's Home, Spokesman John Wiktor explains:

(John Wiktor 10-25-24)

More information is available at 607-843-3115.

The Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre will host "On The Trail" Saturday Night with Bluegrass Music starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be reserved at 607-288-3882, Also, the popular annual Photography showcase is featured in the gallery, according to spokesman Phil wade:

Phil Wade 10-25-24)

Both events are being held at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, sponsored by the Jericho Arts Council.

The Norwitch Festival will be held in West Park in downtown Norwich tomorrow, with a variety of scheduled activities according to organizer Mindy Chawgo:

(Mindy Chawgo 10-25-24)

The event runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 pm Saturday.

Chenango County Public Health will hold a vaccine clinic for RSV, COVID 19 & the flu at the public health facility in at 5 Court Street Norwich Today, the clinic will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 PM for those who register at 607-337-1660.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Response Group public safety and crime response initiative was activated in June, The Full results included 16 Narcotics Arrests, 23 Warrant Arrests, 27 Vehicle and Traffic Arrests & 227 Traffic Violations Issued in areas of higher criminal activity by Utilizing statistical and crime-mapping data from the Southern Tier Crime Analysis Center in Binghamton.

State Trooper Christopher DiBartolo of Troop F in Middletown was arrested for 1st degree Robbery, criminal mischief & Officials Misconduct, following an investigation of an incident outside a residence in the village of Liberty in 2023. The victim came forward after he was involved in an incident with DiBartolo while he was on duty, reporting that Trooper DiBartolo took personal property from him, causing damage. DiBartolo was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and released on his own recognizance until the next court date scheduled for August 27, he has been suspended without pay from his position as a State Trooper.

Village of Sidney officials announced that starting on September 1st, there will be an added "Manganese Removal Capital Project Debt Service" fee of $34.35 per quarter on your water bill. The fee goes for financing the new well, new infrastructure and new water treatment facility, the fee will be on all future quarterly water billings.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-15-24

The Delaware County DA's Office announced that 32 year old James Lor of Margaretville pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals in Delaware County Court this week. Lor admitted that he had killed a dog, he was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in jail for committing this act, which violated the terms of his probation.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 39 year old Michael Hitchcock of Otego for Criminal possession of a controlled substance & on an existing warrant, Hitchcock was arrested following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Oneonta, he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, and was wanted on a warrant from Oneonta Police, he was processed & issued an appearance ticket, he was then transported to Oneonta Police Department and turned over to answer his outstanding warrant.

The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals invites the public to a Community Forum TODAY at 5:30PM at Foothills Performing Arts Center. Community members are invited to discuss all animal related issue in local communities, last year's forum led to the formation of a group dealing with feral cat issues, for more information or to donate, visit www.sqspca.org.

The Annual Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight with some free music, followed by free music Friday night & the headliners on Saturday, at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich, according to organizer Eric Larsen:

(Eric Larsen 8-15-24)

More information is available at chenangobluesfest.org.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-7-24

The Daughter of Country Music Legend Garth Brooks; Allie Colleen, has stepped out on her own & will be the headliner Saturday night at the Chenango County Fair in Norwich, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment stopped in to talk about that and another act that he has brought in to the Chenango County Fair this year:

(Terry Potter 8-7-24)

More information about those shows & other activities can be found at chenangofair.org, or the Fair's Facebook page.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that 22 year old Nalya Jimenez of Sidney appeared in Delaware County Court Monday for arraignment on a 4 count indictment for Welfare Fraud, Offering a False Instrument. Jimenez was indicted after evidence was presented to the Delaware County Grand Jury, she is accused of providing false information while applying for the SNAP benefits & concealing recurring income from several sources, she is accused of receiving about $5,600 in public benefits that she was not entitled to, she faces court action at a later date.

The 30th Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will return to downtown Norwich in September, with many new participants and previous favorites returning, according to organizer Michele Erickson:

(Michelle Erickson 8-7-24)

The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held on September 7th & 8th in downtown Norwich with the artists, numerous musical acts and numerous food vendors

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at 8:00 AM at the Sidney Golf & Country Club. Chamber President Teri Schunk reminds area residents that the Chamber's Summer Concert Series continues tonight:

(Teri Schunk 8-7-24)

The Summer Concert series runs through August 28th, Wednesday nights at the corner of Division & Main Streets, the concerts get moved into the Community Cultural Center if it rains.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 56-year-old Phillip Alvarez of Endwell, they recovered drugs and weapons from an apartment at 341 Main Street Binghamton. Police seized various weapons, ammunition , cocaine, crack cocaine, packaging materials, and over $5500 cash from suspected drug sales. Alvarez was charged with 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 5 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing Governmental Administration & Resisting Arrest, an additional search warrant was executed in the Town of Union where investigators found around $1,500 in suspected drug proceeds.

The 2nd annual Gilbertsville Hullaballoo will be held this Sunday, Spokesperson Tracy Martinetti explains:

(Tracie Martinetti 7-26-24)

More information is available at 631-896-2658.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-26-24

Commerce Chenango is bringing back the Taste Of Chenango event on Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani explains:

(Sal Testani 7-26-24)

This event is free to enter and is open to the public from 1:00 PM thru 07:00 PM. More information is available at commercechenango.com

Rock & Roll is scheduled tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts center in Oneonta, Director Geoff Doyle explains:

(Geoff Doyle 7-26-24)

More information about this & other shows are available at foothillspac.org.

The Cullman Child Development Center of Sidney will hold Honey Bee Day Sunday at the Sidney American Legion, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 7-26-24)

The event is free & will run on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Downtown Greene will have about 80 vendors, food, music and shoppers during the 47th annual Greene Arts and Crafts Festival sponsored by the Greene Lions Club, the free festivities will be from from 9 am. to 3 pm., Saturday, on Genessee Street.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-26-24

Sidney Police Department received report of an armed robbery Friday Afternoon at about 1:35 PM at Smiley's at 17 West Main Street. The suspect displayed a Handgun, demanded cash, he was wearing a black and purple wig, blue Oneonta YellowJackets hooded sweatshirt and pink slippers. The suspect left went hrough yards, left behind the disguises and left in a Silver Subaru parked on Adams Street, & left the village. The suspect is a bald or balding, heavy set white male over 6 feet tall. Sidney Police were assisted by STate Police & Delaware County Deputies, Anyone with any information should contact the Sidney Police Department at 607 561-2301, more information is available at the Village of Sidney Police Department Facebook page.

Tickets are still available for the Southern Tier Music Festival in July in Sidney, and spokesman Jake Cotten & Ed Curley said that more of the special coveted tickets have been made available:

(Jake Cotten Ed Curley 4-26-24)

Tickets can be purchased at Southern Tier Music Fest .com which will feature music through the day on July 6th at the Sidney Airport, with headliner Nate Smith closing out the show.

The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has received a $5,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of its lifesaving work on behalf of animals in Otsego County through clinics aimed at expanding access for animals who need care. The Petco Love program helps find homes for pets in partnership with more than 4,000 organizations, like the Susquehanna SPCA, in order to get pets the care they need & adopted into homes, and make sure that pets are not unnecessarily euthanized. More information is available at sqspca.org. or petcolove.org.

The Jericho Arts Council will present a popular Bluegrass Band Saturday Night, as well as the 43rd fine arts show, spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(PHIL WADE 4-26-24)

Tickets for the concert can be reserved by calling (607) 288-3882.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-26-24

President Biden appeared in Syracuse on Thursday afternoon, he discussed the $6.1 Billion Dolla federal investment in Micron Technology, which is building a manufacturing complex in Clay over the next 20 years, investing up to $125 billion, a move that could bring 50,000 to the state, construction will begin next year.

The 4 Towns Forward Community Yard sales event will beheld tomorrow, Teri Schunk of 4 Towns Forward comments:

(Teri Schunk 4-26-24)

Also, the Unadilla & Bainbridge Fire Departments will hold their Open House events tomorrow, in an effort to get more people involved in their local fire department, according to Roger Barnhart of the Bainbridge EMS Squad:

(Roger Barnhart 4-25-24)

The Bainbridge & Unadilla Fire Departments Open House events will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Mothers & Babies Peri-Natal Network is hosting a free event in Norwich This Saturday, with a variety of organizations on hand to help educate new Moms & Dads, Director Christy Finch explains:

(Christy Finch 4-26-24)

The event will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus, more information is available at 772-0517.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Keith Tompkins of Oxford for several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 9 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, after deputies observed a male, laying on the floor in the back of the vehicle, attempting to conceal himself by hiding under automotive parts. Tompkins had an active arrest warrant out of the Village of Oxford Court for Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer. Tompkins was in possession of over 2 ounces of crack cocaine, about 4 ounces of crystal Methamphetamine, 1,150 wax envelopes of Fentanyl, packaging material, digital scales, and over $2,000 in cash from suspected drug sales. Tompkins was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail. Tompkins is to appear in Chenango County Court at a later date.

The warm up act for Nate Smith at the Southern Tier Music Festival in July has been scheduled, one of the organizers Ed Curley visited WCDO This Mon ring & made the announcement:

(Ed Curley 12-22-23)

Ed was joined by Teri Schunk, they talked about new camping that will be available at General Clinton Park that weekend:

(Teri Schunk Ed Curley 12-22-23)

More information & tickets are available at southerntiermusicfest.com.

The Bandera Family and Community Alliance will be providing free meals on Christmas day at a variety of locations across the Southern Tier. Meals will be available for dine-in, take out from noon to 2 pm. at the Norwich American Legion, the Oxford American Legion, and the Sidney American Legion. For more information on the Bandera Family and Community Alliance, visit BanderaChristmas.com or the Bandera Family and Community Alliance Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-22-23

Area Resident Gene Schmidt announced that he & his family & volunteers will be serving Christmas dinner again this year, he told WCDO News that it will be at a different location:

(Gene Schmidt 12-6-23)

Schmidt said that people interested in volunteering can also visit his Facebook page & send an instant message this year.

Filmmaker Joseph Stillman will premier his latest movie: “Bear” this weekend in Oneonta, Stillman told WCDO News about his latest film:

(Joseph Stillman 12-18-23)

Stillman said that the movie was filmed around the Gilbertsville area, with local talent on both sides of the camera, The premier of “Bear” will be this today & Saturday at Foothills Performing Arts Center, at 5:00pm and 7:30pm both days, Tickets are available at the box office or at bearthemovieinfo.ticketleap.com/bear.

Norwich Firefighters responded early Thursday Morning to 137 Horstman Lane for a reported structure fire in a mobile home, they located a fire in the ceiling and roof area of the structure. Crews quickly extinguished the fire containing it to the room of origin along with ensuring all occupants were clear of the structure. Firefighters from New Berlin & North Norwich also responded, the cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported & all occupants safely evacuated without injuries.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-17-23

The Sidney Veteran's Memorial Park fundraiser at East Main Lanes in Sidney the last 2 weekends was a big success, Park President Doug Barnard told WCDO how much they raised:

(Doug Barnard 11-17-23)

Barnard said that the money raised will go for routine maintenance, upgrades and added security cameras at the park, the annual fundraising Golf Tournament will be held next June, more details will be released about that in 2024. More information about the park is available at svmpa.org.

The Nate Lull Scholarship held a recent fundraising event at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney, Lull told WCDO News hos much money was raised:

(Nate Lull 11-17-23)

The Nate Lull Scholarship Fund handed out $14,000 in scholarship last year to 8 students in the WCDO Coverage area.

The Sidney Community Cultural Center will have a comedy night tonight, spokesperson Amy William explains:

(Amy Williams 11-17-23)

More information about tonight's show, or other events, can be found at the Sidney Community Cultural Center Facebook page.

The Jericho Arts Council will have Rock Hearts Bluegrass coming to the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday Night at 7:00 PM. Concert goers can also check out the Collages & Clocks exhibit in the Gallery, reservations can be made at 607-288-3882, Tickets are available at the door prior to the show.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-17-23

Residents and businesses in New York's Southern Tier and Central New York regions are one step closer to better broadband service after hundreds of local and state leaders met for the 2nd Annual Upstate Rural Broadband Conference, in Binghamton this week. The daylong conference met to identify funding opportunities to speed-up the deployment of high-speed networks in the Southern Tier and Central New York regions.

The Festival of Trees Gala, sponsored by the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will be held this Saturday, from 5 PM - 10 PM at The Canasawacta Country in Norwich. The event features Live Music, a Silent Auction, Dinner, Dancing, and Cocktails. more information is available by emailing cmhfestival@gmail.com or at 607-226-5152 .

P.M. NEWS Friday 11-10-23

Deposit Fire Department responded Wednesday morning at about 4:00 AM to a house fire in the Town of Sanford. A motorist stopped at a house along North Sanford Road and told a resident about the fire in the woods down the road. Arriving crews found a house and garage fully involved, which led to a brush fire. Investigators believe that the fire started long before it was reported, both the house & garage were destroyed. The fire is still under investigation. Deposit Fire fighters were assisted by the Harpursville, Windsor, West Windsor, Afton Fire Departments, Broome Ambulance, State Police, with Masonville Fire Department covering the Deposit district during the incident.

The Foothills Performing arts Center will feature "A Tribute to Veterans" Saturday Night in the Bettiol Theater. The show features County Music Act Darryl Worley, the event is free for all US Military Veterans with their ID. More information is available at foothillspac.org.

The Southern Tier Music Festival will return to the Sidney Airport next summer, organizers Ed Curley & Teri Schunk visited WCDO to make the announcement:

(Teri-Ed 11-10-23)

More information will be released in the coming weeks, information will be updated at the Southern Tier Music Festival Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-10-23

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested 32 year old Boyd Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania after a fire at a barn at the Tioga Downs Casino complex Thursday. Over two-dozen racehorses died in the fire. Fenton has been charged with Arson, Burglary, Criminal Mischief & Assault, An investigation revealed that Fenton entered the barn and intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. 1 person who entered the burning barn in an attempt to save horses suffered second degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment. Fenton was arraigned and remanded to the Tioga County Correctional Facility.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-27-23

State Police and local law enforcement will be out in force through Halloween in order to crack down on impaired and reckless driving. The enforcement period begins today and runs through Tuesday, October 31st, the annual effort is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

The Heavy Metal Haul Out for the Delaware Valley Humane Society & conducted by Waste Recovery Enterprises, brought in a substantial amount of money for the Shelter, directer Erin Insinga told WCDO news how much was raised:

(Erin Insinga 10-27-23)

Insinga said that the money raised will go for the normal operation of the shelter, they hope to do the haul out for the 5th time next year with Waste Recovery Enterprises.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center will be the site of the Magical Masquerade Ball Saturday night, executive Director Geoff Doyle explains:

(Geoff Doyle 10-27-23)

Doyle said that there were still some tickets available at foothillspac.org, and there may be some tickets available at the box office prior to the show Saturday night.

Chenango Arts Council 2023/24 Season continues on Saturday as audiences will be treated to a spooky Halloween show guaranteed to be one of a kind, according to coucil spokesperson Mary Beth Miller:

(Mary Beth Miller 10-27-23)

Jekyll and Hyde will allow people to experience a silent movie as was it originally intended, as a community, on a big screen and with live music, more information or tickets are available at chenangoarts.org.

The 49th Festival of Bands will be held at the Norwich High School Football Field tomorrow with 8 field bands performing at the combination performance & fundraiser, Spokesman Paul Musk explains:

(Paul Musk 9-28-23)

Musk said that Concession will be available for those in attendance, as part of the fundraising efforts, More information is available at nysfbc.org, or by calling Musk at 336-7883.

.M. NEWS Friday 10-27-23

State Police were asked to check the welfare of a student at Schenevus Central School, The student left the school after speaking with school staff and was interviewed at home by Investigators. It was determined that the student was suffering from a mental health crisis and did have a firearm in his possession while at school. The student did not make any direct threats or display a weapon at any time. The juvenile was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds and appeared before a judge in Otsego County Supreme Court - Youth Part. Investigators applied for an Extreme Risk Protection Order and the juvenile was transported for a mental health evaluation.

Troopers located the work truck belonging to Barney and Sons Well Drilling in Laurens. It was located unoccupied on a dirt road in the town of Sidney. The investigation is on-going. Anyone who knows the person that took the truck or saw someone operating the truck either late at night on October 24 or in the early morning of October 25 is asked to call New York State Police at (607)561-7400.

Saturday in the Park with Chobani concludes tomorrow starting at 9:00 AM in West Park in Norwich, which will coincide Halloween themed events around Norwich Saturday, for the annual "Nor-Witch Festival". Norwich BID Spokesperson Mindy Chawgo explains:

(Mindy Chawgo 10-27-23)

More information is available at Saturday in the Park with Chobani on Facebook or by calling 607-226-2211.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-20-23

State Police responded Wednesday night to a 1-vehicle crash on County Road 39 in the town of Bainbridge. 39 year old Naqwain Johnson of Schenectady drove his vehicle off the roadway and struck a tree, Sidney EMS responded however, Johnson did not survive, the passenger, 38 year old Shelly Courcelle of Schenectady, was transported to an area Hospital, The investigation is on-going.

28 year old Devon Ireland of Unadilla appeared in Delaware County Court today and was arraigned on a sealed indictment. Ireland was charged with Attempting to endanger the welfare of a child, plus 1st & 2nd degree Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors & Ireland is a registered sex offender, he was accused of engaging in a sexually explicit online conversation with a person that he believed to be a 14-year-old child, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child, he attempted to meet the 14 year old in Masonville, and discovered that the child was actually an adult male using a “decoy” account. Ireland was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail. The case is scheduled for a conference on October 23, 2023, at 1:00 P.M.

Sidney Fire Fighters responded this morning to the report of a trailer fire at 50 East Main Street at about 6:00 AM. The trailer was fully involved, all occupants escaped, WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

The process for the new nickname at the Sidney Central School District is in the next phase. The 2nd survey, which allows people to submit their favorite nickname, is now open. The survey will require a person's name, email address, your connection to the Sidney CSD, and the option to select a nickname, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock comments:

(Eben Bullock 10-20-23)

The survey link is available on Facebook, and at sidneycsd.org/nicknamechange. The survey will remain open through Tuesday, October 31. Only one submission per email is allowed.

The Jericho Arts Council will have a bluegrass concert and a gallery exhibit Saturday night, Council Spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-20-23)

The concert & Gallery will be at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, reservations for tickets to see Danny Paisley are available at 607-288-3882.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-20-23

The Binghamton Black Bears next home game will be Saturday Night at the Arena, with a fundraiser coinciding with the game, according to spokesman Brooks Hill:

(Brooks Hill 10-20-23)

Hill said that the jerseys will be auctioned off to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, more information about tickets is available at binghamtonblackbears.com

This Saturday night, The Grand Oneonta Opry is coming to Foothills Performing Arts Center at 6:00 PM, with several local acts backed by the Driftwoods. The show is a fundraiser for Helios Care, Director of Development & Marketing Kathryn Dailey comments:

(Kathryn Dailey 10-20-23)

To Purchase tickets, go to helioscare.org/events.

The Tri Town Theater will be performing “The Music Man” at the Sidney High School Stage starting tonight, continuing on Saturday Night & Sunday Afternoon, performers George Wells commented about the show:

(George Wells 10-20-23)

Tickets for all of the performances can be purchased at tritown.booktix.com.

The Oxtober Festival will take place from 10 am. to 4 pm. on Sunday, October 22, at LaFayette Park in Oxford. Activities include pumpkin carvings, a scarecrow contest, music from the Nate Gross Band, food trucks, a kid zone, vendors and more. The events was rescheduled after it was postponed earlier this month due to inclement weather.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-15-23

The Norwich Chapter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will hold a fundraising raffle today & tomorrow at Hidden Springs Brewery in the town of Norwich. Organizer Jamie Burchill explains:

(Jamie Burchill 9-15-23)

Burchill said that they are already gearing up for next year’s St. Baldrick’s event in March, last year they raised of $50,000 dollars with the event, to raise money to fight Childhood Cancer.

Sidney Village Police arrested 33 year old Codey Miner of Sidney for burglary, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child, preventing an emergency call and menacing 2nd degree. Miner released on own recognizance &will appear back in court later this month.

The annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held tomorrow at 12:00 Noon. A chicken barbecue will also be set up at the Sidney Center Fire House, Registration is from 9:00 to 11:45 A.M.

The City of the Hills Festival will be held this weekend in Downtown Oneonta. The event will be held both Saturday & Sunday with arts, music & food available, it is free to attend & is sponsored by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta.

An AMBA Blood Screening Clinic is being held Saturday by The Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women, at the Sidney Elks Club. The money raised from the $10.00 sponsor fee are used for local high school scholarships. Call 1-800-234-8888 for an appointment, prescriptions from your health care provider are required.

Delaware Valley Humane Society & Waste Recovery Enterprises have teamed up for the 4th consecutive year for the Heavy Metal Haul Out, Humane Society Director Erin Insinga said that they will do the fundraiser differently this year:

(Erin Insinga 8-23-23)

More information about the fundraiser or adoptions is available at 563-7780.

September is Suicide awareness Month, and 2 events will be coming this month to raise awareness & raise funds to combat the continuing suicide problem. Karen Heisig is the Director of the Greater New York Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, she talked about Tomorrow's Walk in Oneonta:

(Karen Heiseg 9-15-23)

Heiseg said Saturday's Oneonta Walk will be at the 6th Ward Booster Club Field, another will be on September 24th starting at SUNY Delhi at 12:00 Noon, people can register for the walks at AFSP.ORG/Oneonta or AFSP.Org/Delaware County, more information is also available at 315-664-0346.

The Rock Band Jimkata returns home for a show at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Saturday Night, Spokesman Geoff Doyle explains:

(Geoff Doyle 9-15-23)

Doyle said that a few tickets were still available at the box office or at foothillspac.org. for Saturday Night's show.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

The Village of Sidney Police Department responded yesterday afternoon at about 2:50 PM, to the report of a unconscious female lying in the middle of Sunset Avenue. Police were advised that the female had been struck by a vehicle, 14 year old Anielle McEwan-Lomnicki was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City & was transferred to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where she remains in stable but critical condition with bleeding & pressure on the brain, an upper spine fracture & fractured ribs according to family, The driver, 31 year old Courtni Baker of Sidney left the scene and returned a short time later, she was charged with Aggravated DWI, with a BAC of .18 or higher, plus DWI, Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, Reckless Driving, Vehicular Assault & Escape for allegedly attempting to leave the Police Station, along with several other lesser charges. Baker was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court where she was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing which could result in more charges being filed.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a bat from Otego tested positive for Rabies. 1 vaccinated cat was exposed & will recieve a rabies booster, there was no human exposure. More information about rabies is available at 547-4230 or at otsegocounty.com.

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 3 people died and another was hospitalized after they were hit by a car in Newark Valley Wednesday afternoon. According to the Sheriff’s Office, an 18-year-old man was driving south on State Route 38 around 11:20 am Wednesday and hit 4 pedestrians walking on the shoulder. 66 year old John Stephens, 25 year old Kurtis Acker & 52 year old Doreen Wood were killed, a 27-year-old woman was flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse in critical condition. All 4 pedestrians were from Newark Valley.

Commerce Chenango announced that their annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will beheld on March 2nd at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Key Note Speaker will be Ken Entenmann of NBT Bank, more information is available at commercechenango.com

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-16-23

19 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin was sentenced to life in prison without parole yesterday, for the mass shooting of 10 people in May of 2022 at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo. Gendron pleaded guilty in November to 15 charges, including murder, attempted murder & Domestic Terrorism motivated by Hate in a state court room, today Gendron faces Federal Court action, if convicted on the federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

State Police arrested 44 year old Rodney Oakley of Plymouth, for Scheming to Defraud, 5 counts of 4th degree Grand Larceny & 8 counts of Petty Larceny. State Police received a report last November that Oakley, who was the town Highway Department Superintendent, was allegedly using town money for his own personal use, it was determined that since December 2020 Oakley allegedly had been using town funds to purchase various car parts, tools and materials for his own personal use, he was issued an appearance for the town of Plymouth Court on February 22nd.

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, is asking for those who attended the original Woodstock Music & Arts festival at that site in 1969, to come forward & share their story. The Center is conducting its "Oral Histories Project" to document the memories of fans who attended the event. Curators from The Museum will be traveling around the country to interview those who attended. The Oral Histories Project began in 2020; over 18,00 stories have been documented. The museum is hoping to get about 4,500 more, More information can be found at Bethelwoodscenter.org.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-16-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 31 year-old James Lynch will spend 3 ½ to 3 years in prison after pleading guilty to 3rd degree attempted robbery, in Broome County Court. Lynch forcibly stole cash from a cab driver in Binghamton in January 28, The driver reported the robbery to Binghamton Police, who located Lynch & arrested him.

The Community Arts Network will bring back the City of the Hills Art Festival, on Saturday, from 12:00 Noon into the night hours. Activities include a mural unveiling, a downtown art walk, & over 40 artists & vendors are expected, plus over 20 musical performances are scheduled, more information is available at cityofthehillsfest.org.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society opens their latest exhibit today; entitled "Town & Gown: SUNY Oneonta and the Local Community, Past and Present" The exhibit is located at the Oneonta History Center’s at 183 Main Street, the exhibit will be on display until November 12th.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold a Cruise In & Vendor Marketplace this Saturday in downtown Sidney, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 9-16-22)

More information is available by calling the Sidney Chamber at 607-561-2642 or by email: Office@SidneyChamber.org.

WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull announced another fundraising event for his Scholarship, to be held Sunday in Sidney:

(Nate Lull 9-16-22)

Lull said that more information is available at natelull.com

The Annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held tomorrow, starting at 12:00 Noon, following the parade through the hamlet, a chicken barbecue will be held at the fire house.

4 people accused of participating in the murder of 53 year
old Kenneth Robinson of Worcester in October, were arraigned in Otsego County
Court.  15-year-old Anais Soto of Oneonta
was granted a reduction in bail to $2500; she was released & was ordered to
wear an ankle monitor.  Dylan Robinson,
Alexander Borgreen & Nicolas Meridy were arraigned for 2nd degree Murder,
1st degree Burglary, and Attempted Robbery, Meridy is still being held without
bail; Robinson and Borgreen’s are being held on $25,000 cash Bail or $50,000
Bond.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force
executed a narcotics search warrant Wednesday in Binghamton; they arrested 32
year old Christopher Fox on a variety of Drug charges.  Officers seized 24 grams of Fentanyl, plus
marijuana, drug packaging materials and approximately $ 7,400 in cash from
suspected drug sales.  Fox was arraigned
& was remanded to the Broome County Jail pending future court action

The Sidney Elks Lodge will hold a free Dinner this Saturday
at 1:00 PM for area veterans, service members & their families,
Reservations are requested at 265-3804 or 563-2175, last year, about 90 free
meals were served at the Sidney Elks Lodge.

The Franklin Railroad & Community Museum announced that
they will raise money for Helios Care, with their Sports Memorabilia Auctions
this month & Bids can be placed by calling 829-2692. The Museum on Main
Street in Franklin will be open this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the
winning auction bids will be announced on December 29th.

Sidney Center will have their annual "Holiday In The
Hamlet" celebration Saturday starting at 5:15 with Santa Claus, the event
will be held at the Sidney Center Fire station.

The Chenango County Health Department will hold their last
Rabies vaccination clinic tomorrow in Norwich.
The clinic for dogs, cats & ferrets will be held from 9:30 to 11:00
AM at the Norwich Fire Station, More information is available at 337-1673.

Krystal Lee "The Country Sweetheart" has launched
a campaign to collect toy donations to benefit the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree
program. 2 shows will be held to collect toy donations, the 1st at J&D’s
Wagon Wheel tonight from 9:00 to 11:00 PM, the 2nd on Saturday at 4:00 PM at
the Oneonta Holiday Parade, where Krystal will perform on Santa’s float. Drop
Boxes for toys will be located at the Eighth Note Music Store, Transitions
Boutique and the Amish Barn Company in Oneonta.

Destination Oneonta will hold
their 3rd Annual Day of Holiday Fun Saturday & Sunday.  Saturday celebrations include the Home for
the Holidays Parade at 4:00 PM, followed by the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
at 5:30pm on Main Street in Muller Plaza; Santa will meet with children at
Santa's Cottage.  On Sunday, there will
be a Gingerbread Contest, the Festival of Trees & Holiday Cookie Swap, at
the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department arrested 22 year old John
Morton of Fayetteville, for the theft of a motor vehicle from the Village of
Cooperstown on December 1st.  Police were
called to Stewart's following the complaint by a patron that when she returned
to her car from inside the store, her vehicle was gone; she did leave the car
unlocked with it running.   State Police
located the vehicle on State Route 28 in Richfield Springs, Morton was charged
with 3rd degree Grand Larceny, & 2 counts of Petty Larceny, he was
arraigned & remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2000 cash bail or $4,000
bond pending future court action.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade & visit
with Santa Claus will be held to in Downtown Sidney, Chamber President Teri
Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-6-19)

Santa Claus will meet with the Children in Whitaker Way
immediately following the parade on Main Street.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next
networking breakfast this morning from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Feather &
Stone Restaurant at 38 West Street in Walton.
The featured speaker is State Senator Jen Metzger.

The Friends of Afton Parade Committee will hold the annual
Afton Christmas Parade Saturday.  The
Parade line-up will be at Corporate Park on Route 7 at 4:00 pm, the parade
starts at 5:00pm & Santa will be in the NBT Bank after the parade. Food and
hot beverages provided by the Chamber of Commerce and VFW, located inside the
VFW. Community bonfire located in the First Baptist Church Parking lot after
the parade. More information is available at 208-5005, or the "Friends of
Afton" Facebook page.

Hartwick College will host its First Year Seminar Symposium
today 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the Library at Yager Hall. The event, which is free
and open to the public, will provide an opportunity for first-year students to
show off their work, ranging from research about political change to displays
of visual and performing arts. Appetizers, desserts, and beverages will be available
for all participants and guests.

Work is continuing on Patterson Street in Sidney for the new
EMS facility, spokesman Ray Baker explains:

(Ray Baker 8-2-19)

Baker said that the Emergency Squad has succeeded in their
mission to provide ambulance services to Sidney & even surrounding
communities.

The Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their Annual "Looking
Back" Car Show & Chicken Barbecue on Saturday In Sidney,  Spokesman Mark Little explains:

(Mark Little 8-2-19)

Little said that the show will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday
behind the Elks Lodge on River Street in Sidney.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber
of Commerce Sunday Summer Concert Series continues in Afton Sunday Night.  Singer Songwriter Khalil Jade will perform at
Foster Park this Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Congressman Antonio Delgado held a Town Hall Meeting in
Sidney Last Night, he told WCDO News of the issues that have been coming up
from his constituents during these recent meetings across the 19th District:

(Congressman Delgado 8-2-19)

Congressman Delgado drew about 95 people to the Sidney Town
Hall last night at Awestruck Ciders in the Sidney Industrial Park.

The Otsego County Fair continues today through Sunday at the
Fairgrounds in Morris, spokesperson Lisa Jones told WCDO News about highlights
today & tomorrow:

(Lisa Jones 8-2-19)

The full Lineup of events is available at
Otsegocountyfair.org.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next
Monthly Friday Breakfast event this morning from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Delhi
Rehabilitation & Nursing Center 41861 State Highway 10 Delhi.  More information is available at
Delawarecounty.org

The City of The Hills Arts & Music festival will be held
in Oneonta Saturday.  The event will run
from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Main Street,  between Ford & Chestnut.

Community
events for the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
begin tomorrow with a volunteer appreciation event from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon
at the shelter on State route 28 in Cooperstown. Volunteers and fosters are
invited to stop by for coffee, donuts in observance of National Volunteer
Appreciation Week.  More information
about the Shelter & their activities are available at 547-9371.

The Chenango
Arts Council hosted the 2019 Chenango Area Student Art Show, Lucy Funke and
Chenango Music Scholarship awards ceremony last Friday. The Lucy Funke
Scholarship was awarded to Riley Webster of Sherburne Earlville & Andrea
Dempsey of the Oxford Academy, the Chenango Music Scholarship goes to Matthew
Ryan of the Sherburne Earlville district, The Chenango Area Student Show
winners in a variety of categories were Riley Webster of Sherburne Earlville,
Guin Warren of Norwich, Ashley Spooner of Afton, Samantha Emerson of Oxford,
Shanee Baker Bush of Oxford & Madisyn Stowell of Sherburne Earlville.   All eligible pieces will be entered in
Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s Congressional Art Show in Utica; the winning
entry will have a chance to be displayed in Washington for a year.

The Delaware
County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 44 in the Town
of Sidney to through traffic on Monday at 7:00 am for bridge repairs. The road
will be closed at Bridge 44-1 which is located 0.25 miles north of the
intersection with State Route 357.  It is
expected that the road will be remain closed until Friday, April 19th. The
detour will be Covered Bridge Road to State Route 357.

State Attorney General Letitia James will host a round-table discussion regarding the opioid epidemic in Binghamton this afternoon.  James has invited local Elected Officials, Treatment Providers, Addiction Experts & Impacted Individuals.  The discussion will begin at 2:30 pm at the Office of the Attorney General at the State Office Building at 44 Hawley Street in the 18th Floor Community Room.

As New York
State Leaders consider making the recreational use of Marijuana legal across
the state, the New York Sheriff's Association, and other law enforcement
agencies are against that idea.  Delaware
County Sheriff Craig Dumond commented on what happened in Colorado after they
became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana:

(Sheriff
Dumond 4-12-19)

A study by
the American Journal of Psychiatry showed that people who use marijuana are 3
times more likely to use opioids; another study showed an increase in Psychosis
and schizophrenia among daily users, and states with recreational marijuana saw
a jump in murders & Aggravated Assaults attributed to its use.

The 14th
annual Otsego County Conservation Association Earth Festival will take place on
tomorrow from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Milford Central School.  The Earth Festival will be featuring
exhibits, workshops, vendors, food and entertainment.  More information is available at
occainfo.org.

Jury selection began Tuesday & continued today in Broome
County Court for the re-trial of Aaron Powell of Binghamton.  Powell was convicted of murdering 35-year-old
Christina Powell and 24-year-old Mario Masciarelli in 2013 at Christina
Powell’s' residence, a new trial was ordered due to a conflict of interest
involving one of the original jurors, who had worked on the divorce & child
cases for the Powell's. Aaron Powell had been sentenced to life without parole
in the original conviction.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting
applications for funding under the Tourism Promotion & Development Grant
program.  This program will provide
funding assistance to eligible applicants for projects that seek to attract
visitors to Delaware County and enhance the overall tourism industry.  Applications for grant assistance under this
program must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic
Development or postmarked by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 26TH.  More information is available at dcecodev.com
or at 832-5123.

Michael Lang, who co-organized the original Woodstock Music
& Arts Festival in Bethel in 1969, announced today that he will be
organizing the "Official" 50th anniversary celebration at Watkins
Glen International Raceway.  The festival
will be held August 16th through the 18th, another celebration will be held at
Bethel Woods, on the same weekend, the original Woodstock Festival was held at
that site in 1969.  No musical acts have
been announced to play at either venue yet.

Winter weather is expected to hit other parts of the state
in the next 48 hours; the tri-county area should be able to miss large
accumulations, according to area meteorologist Rich Townshend:

(Rich Townsend 1-9-19)

Western New York & the
Adirondacks are gearing up for more serious accumulations, with some areas
expecting up to 20 inches of snowfall.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced plans for his first
town hall as a member of Congress. Brindisi will meet with Broome County
constituents at 6pm on Tuesday, January 22 at American Legion Post at 39 Louisa
Street in Binghamton. The event is free and open to all members of the
community.  Brindisi will hold a town
hall each month, visiting every county in the district in 2019.

THE SIDNEY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION WILL BEGIN ITS REGULAR
HOURS TODAY AT 44 GRAND STREET IN SIDNEY.
THE MUSEUM WILL BE OPEN FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 2:00 PM ON WEDNESDAYS AND
SATURDAYS.

Governor Cuomo today announced six projects are being funded under the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative in Oneonta. The six programs include Communication Across Barriers, Opportunities for Otsego, CDO Workforce, the Oneonta School District, Family Planning of South Central New York, & the Otsego County Drug Court. The money is part of a broader $25 million effort to target pockets of poverty around the state.

State Police arrested 2 people after a traffic stop on I-88 in Worcester. A trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. After an investigation both the operator and passenger were arrested after drugs and paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. 30 year old Zachary Lushkevich of Laurens was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, 26 year old Katarina Lushkevich of Laurens was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, they were released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Worcester Court on October 30th.

Tajiri the giraffe, who was born at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, will not be going to be heading to a new wildlife facility in North Carolina. Animal Adventure officials announced on Saturday that "requirements and deadlines were not satisfied" on time for Tajiri's transfer, instead, they announced that Construction starts today on a new building to house Tajiri at Animal Adventure, the project is expected to be completed in 3 to 4 weeks.

Democratic incumbent US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will debate Republican opponent Chele Farley Thursday in New York City. A debate had been scheduled for Sunday sponsored by Spectrum's New York City News channel; it was cancelled after Gillibrand refused to cross picket lines at Spectrum’s parent company Charter Communications. A debate between Gillibrand & Farley will be held at WABC-TV in New York City on Thursday, at 1:30 p.m.

Author Gray Basnight of Bethel New York has published his 3rd book, “Flight Of The Fox” a mystery thriller that takes place in Upstate New York, & is tied in to the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Arts festival in Bethel in 1969. Basnight told WCDO about his novel:

(Gray Basnight 10-22-18)

Basnight will appear at the Huntington Memorial Library on Chestnut Street in Oneonta this Saturday starting at 11:30 AM for a book signing. The book is Published by Down & Out Books.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47 year old Eric Palmatier of Harpersfield for cruelty to animals & failure to provide proper food and sustenance. Deputies allege that Palmatier failed to provide food, water, shelter and veterinary care for a dog; he was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at the Harpersfield Town Court at a later date.

The Sidney Village Police department is investigating a 1 Vehicle Crash into the China Buffet Building at about 12:19 PM this afternoon. Police reported that a Chrysler PT Cruiser was traveling westbound in the McDonald's Parking Lot, when the unidentified Driver drove up the embankment & went into the exterior wall of the Restaurant, causing a hole in the wall. The accident is still under investigation.

State Police arrested 38 year old David Miller of Pitcher for 4 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Troopers were advised on September 2, 2018 that Miller was in possession of several stolen road signs. Miller was arrested & was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Pitcher Court on November 6th.

State Police arrested 35 year old Michelle Page of Colesville for 3 counts of Menacing & 27 year old Matthew Meade of Windsor, NY arrested for Reckless Endangerment, Troopers were dispatched to a residence on Circle Drive in Colesville for a reported disturbance. After an investigation, it was determined that Page menaced Meade and other people with a shotgun after he drove to her residence and recklessly drove on her lawn, almost striking her vehicle. Page was arraigned in the town of Colesville Court and released on her own recognizance. Meade was arraigned in the town of Kirkwood and also released on his own recognizance.

Sidney area residents over 65 can get assistance with medical bills of prescription costs through the Mary MacKinnon Trust Fund. Community Bank Trust Department Spokesperson Julia Goff explains:

(Julia Goff 10-10-18)

Goff said that the trust fund has been active & growing for over 50 years, more information is available at 433-4212

Delaware County Sheriff's Department and State DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester. 3 Inspections were conducted; Deputies issued 17 summonses for various safety violations including unsafe tires, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered vehicle, loose cargo, spreading debris on the highway, & inadequate brakes. 2 of the vehicles were taken out of service, 1 driver was arrested for a displaying a forged commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate and issued multiple summons returnable to the Town of Colchester Court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested 46 year old Michael Lynch of Sidney following the execution of a search warrant at his County Highway 23, Town of Sidney, and residence. Members of the Criminal Investigation Division, acting on a tip, obtained a search warrant for Lynch's residence, they seized marijuana plants, drying marijuana and a number of rifles and shotguns, Lynch was charged with criminal possession of marijuana & unlawful cultivation of cannabis, he was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The Regional Economic Development Council awards will include $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair held 50 years ago. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 50th anniversary event for next year, which is planned as a 3-day festival like the original event.

The Governor’s Administration and Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced an October 11 roundtable event in Oneonta to discuss the upcoming 2020 Census and steps to ensure a full count of all New Yorkers. The discussion will be led by Mayor Herzig and Richard Tobe, Governor Cuomo’s Director of Special Intergovernmental Projects, it is open to the public and will take place Thursday at 2:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center on Market Street and more information is available at ny.gov/programs/2020-census.

The SIDNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE monthly meeting will be this morning at 7:45am at the Sidney Golf and Country Club. Members & directors are urged to attend.

Long Time Sidney community leader Roma "Ronnie" Haag died Monday at the age 87. Calling hours will be held today from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel at 21 Main Street in Sidney, A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, at St. Luke's Church at 139 W. Main Street in Sidney, followed by a luncheon. Memorial Donations may be directed to the Tri-Town Youth Club, at 12 Liberty Street Sidney, Haag was a driving force in establishing the clubs presence at its current location, among many other community projects over the years, including the skateboard park in Keith Clark Park.

Organizers for the 34th Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally announced that due to the continued heavy rain, Otsiningo Park is closed today & all of today's scheduled events have been cancelled, with the exception of the KC & The Sunshine Band concert, which has been moved to the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena at 8:00 PM, the doors will open at 7:00 PM. The Spiedie Fest will re-open Saturday Morning at 8:00 AM. Concerts by Phil Vassar on Saturday & Cheap Trick on Sunday are expected to be held as originally scheduled. Updates & changes will be posted at spiediefest.com

Destination Oneonta's Fabulous Friday has been postponed until Friday, August 17th due to rainy weather. scheduled events including Tom & Doug's Cruise-In, live music by Off the Record, and tastings of Awestruck Ciders by Northern Eagle Beverages, will be held on the 17th.

The 2nd annual New York State Craft Beer Competition featured 642 New York State-brewed beers. For the second straight year, Brooklyn-based Threes Brewing took home top honors, winning the Governor's Excelsior Cup. Gold medals were awarded to 23 beers from breweries across the state; including regional brewers Roscoe Beer Company, Good Nature Brewing of Hamilton & Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown. Since 2012, the number of businesses producing craft beverages has more than doubled, while the number of farm-based manufacturers has increased by over 160%.

Congressman John Faso announced today that he has challenged all of his opponents for the 19th Congressional District Seat to a series of debates, including Democratic Party primary winner Antonio Delgado, & as well as Green party Candidate Steve Greenfield, & Independents Dal LaMagna, Diane Neal, and Luisa Parker.

The Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their annual “Looking Back” Car Show & Chicken Barbecue tomorrow, spokesman Mark Little explains:

(Mark Little 8-3-18)

Little said that the event starts at 9:00 AM; Awards will be announced starting at 2:30 PM on the field behind the Elks Lodge on River Street in Sidney.

The City of the Hills Art & Music Festival will be held in Oneonta tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Main Street Oneonta. A complete list of activities is available at cityofthehillsartsfestival.com. The event is sponsored by Community Arts Network of Oneonta.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, a leading expert on human aggression & violent crime, will address area school officials & law enforcement officials at the Sherburne Earlville High School this Friday. Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood told WCDO news about this presentation:

(Sheriff Todd Hood 7-16-18)

The discussion will be held from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, more information is available by email Naylor.c.j74@gmail.com.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Friday to a report of a 1-car motor vehicle accident on Richardson Hill Road in the Town of Masonville. Deputies found the driver, 20 year old Holden Smith of Sidney Center lying on the shoulder of the roadway with an apparent broken leg. Smith’s car was found over the embankment at that location and was found to have impacted a tree head on. Further investigation revealed that Smith was driving to Sidney Center from the Ithaca area at the time of the accident, and that Smith had consumed prescription medications prior to the accident. Smith was later transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained from the collision.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that this year's "Arts & Music Festival", originally scheduled for Saturday July 21st, has been cancelled. Sidney Chamber President Jamie Cole told WCDO News that they expect to bring the Arts & Music Festival back in 2019.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34 year old Patricia Ware of Sharon Springs for Petty Larceny; she is accused of taking various items from a home that she is a caretaker for in the Town of Franklin. Ware was arraigned at the Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $3000 cash bail or $6000 bond. She was scheduled to appear before the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

State Police arrested 24 year old James Joyce of Colesville for Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle & Reckless Endangerment, plus more than a dozen traffic tickets after he attempted to elude troopers while on an ATV. A trooper on State Route 7 in Unadilla observed Joyce on an ATV as he passed an ambulance with its emergency lights activated and over a double solid yellow line. Joyce fled from the trooper, nearly striking a pedestrian. The pursuit was terminated In Bainbridge when Joyce drove onto railroad tracks & he tipped over. Joyce was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond, pending court action on July 24, 2018.

State Police arrested 33 year old Ashlie Keesler of Downsville for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with Child Under 15 or Under as Passenger, & Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test. A trooper on patrol observed Keesler and two children walking on State Highway 30 in Colchester, an investigation revealed that Keesler had been involved in an accident and her vehicle went over an embankment. Keesler and the children were transported to Delaware Valley Hospital. Keesler was arrested and released on appearance tickets returnable to the Colchester Town Court on August 7th.

State Police responded Wednesday night to a 2-vehicle collision on State Route 206, in the town of Bainbridge. A 2002 Mitsubishi operated by 18-year-old Maleek Smith of Staatsburg crossed into the opposite lane into the path of a Chevrolet SUV driven by 53-year-old Joseph Artuso of Syracuse. Smith was eventually air lifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was pronounced deceased due to accident related trauma. Artuso and his two passengers were transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney, NY where were treated for minor injuries and released. The investigation is continuing.

State Police and local law enforcement will participate in the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign beginning today. Through Saturday, December 30th. State Police will also be conducting an enforcement period over New Year's Eve, from Sunday, December 31st to Monday, January 1st. Police will set up DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the "Move Over Law," & they will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.

Planning is already underway for the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1969 Woodstock concert, and the Regional Economic Development Council awards includes $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The three-day concert held in August 1969 drew more than 400,000 rock music fans to Max Yasgur's farm in the town of Bethel. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 2019 anniversary event, they are also planning the event as a 3-day festival.

A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood at a special blood drive in Savannah's memory on Thursday, December 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School at 17 Prospect Street in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District

Downsville Central School District officials reported that 6 students suffered minor injuries & were taken to area hospital as a precautionary measure, after a crash Thursday morning. Investigators believe that a truck lost control while making a turn on Route 30 in the town of Hancock, and hit a district school bus carrying 31 students. The investigation is being conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff's department.

The Sidney American Legion announced that they would be holding their annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday December 16th. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 11-29-17)

The Sidney American Legion is located at 22 Union Street; more information is available at 237-4762.

The Sidney Village government has sent out a letter describing the ongoing process for renovating or rebuilding Sidney with the money that has been awarded to the village following the devastating floods of 2006 & 2011. Village Grants Administrator John Redente explains:

(John Redente 8-11-17)

Monday's Zoning meeting will be open to the public.

State Police announced that an Otsego County teen reported missing since July 28th, has been found. 16 year old Alyssa Jones was located Thursday in Oneonta. Jones was reported missing after she attended a Laurens Music festival July 28th & did not return home, the investigation is ongoing.

August Art Camps through the Oneonta YMCA begin on Tuesday at Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. There will be a different focus each week, for the 3 weeks of the programs for area children for those who have completed Kindergarten to those about to enter the 5th grade in the fall. More Information is available at 432-0010 or at oneontaymca.org.

Chenango County Sherriff’s Department arrested 35 year old Misty Mojica of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after a traffic stop on State Route 12 in the Town of Norwich. Mojica is accused of possessing a controlled substance & items related to manufacturing methamphetamine were located within the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected. Mojica faces action in Town of Norwich court at a later date.

Oneonta Police arrested 5 people following a burglary in June. Police arrested 18-year-old Damion Archibald of Otego, 17-year-old Matthew Judd of Oneonta, 16-year-old Rayven Golinski of Otego, plus 2 15 year olds whose names were not being released, on a variety of charges including Burglary, petty Larceny & criminal mischief. The teens are accused of breaking into & damaging Twisted Sisters Glassworks at 72 Roundhouse Road.

Oneonta Police arrested 2 men in connection with a reported Burglary of a Main Street apartment July 4th. Police reported that the victim discovered the suspects going through her purse, tried to detain them unsuccessfully, police investigated & arrested Spencer McCarthy of Shirley and Jeffrey Votee, of Morris, they are being held on Bail pending additional court action.

The Sidney Alumni Weekend Continues With a Variety Of Activities Saturday & Sunday, Organizer Bryan Innes Explains:

(Bryan Innes 7-14-17)

Tonight's activities include "Ice Breaker" at the American legion tonight featuring the Bruce Beadle Band.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Arts & Music Festival will be held at Keith Clark Park in Sidney Saturday, Chamber Spokesperson Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Steph Taylor 7-14-17)

WCDO will be broadcasting live at the Arts & Music Festival tomorrow at Keith Clark Park.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held today at the Sidney Elks Lodge from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Red Cross is in emergency need for blood donations and encourages all eligible donors to donate. Appointments can be made at Red Cross blood.org, at 1-800 red cross or by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Fox Hospital & Tri Town Regional Hospital President Jeff Joyner will be the guest speaker at the Sidney Rotary club today. The meeting will be held at the St. Luke’s church on West Main Street in Sidney at 12:00 Noon.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded a fatal, 2 vehicle head on collision on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi Thursday morning at about 9:40 AM. 77-year-old Carol Lowell of Delhi crossed the center line & collided head-on with a dump truck, driven by 62 year old Paul Jurjens of Walton, which overturned in a ditch. Jurjens was escaped from the truck before it became engulfed in flames. Lowell was pronounced dead at the scene, Jurjens was taken to O'Connor Hospital where he was treated & released. State Highway 10 was shut down for several hours for accident reconstruction work & clean up, the investigation into the cause of the accident is continuing but at this time Deputies do not anticipate any charges will be filed.

The winning projects were selected & announced today for the City of Oneonta for winning $10 Million Dollars through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The nine winning projects are: The Westcott Lot Mixed-Use Development at 226 to 236 Main Street, a Fund for Small Business Revolving Loans and Sign Grants, the plan to Activate Upper Story Housing, A New Transit Hub and Parking Garage Renovation A Muller Plaza Passage The Water Street Boardwalk, various Market Street and South Main Street Improvements, as well as plans for downtown Signage, and branding & marketing of the Downtown region.

The Sidney Fire Department responded to the report of a small plane crash at the Sidney Airport today, Assistant Fire Chief Ray Baker told WCDO News what happened:

(Ray Baker 5-19-17)

The incident occurred at around Noon today.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta will once again feature the Regatta Music Festival on Sunday May 28th at 1PM in the Mich Ultra Pit Stop tent. Regatta Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 5-19-17)

Live music will play until 11PM, with Fireworks scheduled for both Saturday Night & Sunday night this year.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that the 27th Annual Ed Wessells Canoe Regatta will be held tomorrow on the Susquehanna River, spokesman Ed Curley explains:

(Ed Curley 5-19-17)

The Wessells Regatta is being sponsored this year by SFCU & Wells Fargo Advisers in Oneonta, and is considered a key warm up for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.

The Sidney American Legion will hold an Armed Forces Day Chicken Barbecue on Saturday. All Veterans will eat for free, the event begins at 12:00 Noon, at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street.

The State DEC is urging state residents to "Green" their commute to work this morning. Residents across the state are asked to walk, bike, take public transit, carpool or drive an electric car only to & fro work today.

The Northeast Classic car Museum announces their next exhibit: "Open Road, Open Sky" which will feature a collection of Motorcycles & convertibles. A special Opening of the exhibit for members & exhibitors will open tonight at the museum, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This new exhibit will be on display through April 2018.

The Jericho Arts Council announces that "James Reams & The Barnstormers" will perform at the Bainbridge Town hall Theater Saturday night, at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be reserved at 288-3882; they will also be available at the theater at 6:00 PM, 1 hour prior to the start of the show.

The Flood warning is continuing to be issued by the National Weather service for the WCDO listening area through Saturday afternoon. In Sidney, Mayor Andy Matviak told WCDO what is expected after consulting with Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend this morning:

(Andy Matviak 4-7-17)

Minor flooding has been reported along the Susquehanna River in Unadilla & Bainbridge locally, as well as in Walton on the Delaware River, and in Sherburne & Greene along the Chenango River. River Gauges can be accessed at WCDORadio.com & click on the River Levels Icon.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold the Annual Arts & Music Festival on July 15th in Keith Clark Park, as Main Street will be undergoing renovations during the summer months. The chamber is looking for vendors who want to participate to contact the Chamber soon, according to Stephanie Taylor & Teri Schunk:

(Steph Taylor-Teri Schunk 4-7-16)

This, the Headliners will be Woodshed Prophets, The Art portion of the event is being coordinated by Dan Harrington of the Harrington Gallery. Other scheduled activities will include the Classic Car Cruise in, Cullman Days and the event will also fall on the Sidney Alumni weekend.

Chenango Arts Council will have the "Open Hand Theater" presenting "The Chocolate War". Council Interim Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O’Neill 4-7-17)

The show will be held at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich at 2:00 PM Sunday, more information about this & other events can be accessed at Chenango Arts.org or at 336-2787.

The village of Sidney announced that Keith Clark Park Is closed until further notice, and minor flooding in anticipated in the River Street Area from the Fire House to State Route 8. Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 4-6-17)

Matviak said that those with questions could call the Sidney Fire Department at 561-2313 or 561-2312. Updates will be posted to Village of Sidney website or the Villages Face book Page, river levels can be found at wcdoonline.com & click on the river levels icon.