WCDO Radio News

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.

The Village of Sidney has been awarded about 9.4 million Dollars in a variety of forms to address the long running water problems, Mayor Andy Matviak Explains:

(Andy Matviak 3-17-17)

Matviak said that the village has issues with aging water mains, Manganese in the existing wells, and low pressure in may areas of the village. Matviak said that they hope to get the water projects started this fall.

New York State, like many others, is funding it hard to sell closed down prison sites. A recent study showed that 94 prisons have been closed nationwide since 2011, but only a few have been sold. Developers reported that cell blocks and dormitories tens to be too expensive to tear down & too restrictive to repurpose. An Adirondack prison overlooking the Saratoga Springs area has been on the market for the 2nd time in 2 years, in spite of its proximity to a major tourist destination.

79-year-old Dick Patel of Vestal was identified as the person who was killed in the Skylark Motel Fire Tuesday. Patel & his wife lived at the Motel, his wife & 7 other people escaped the blaze, the Motel is a total loss, No injuries among firefighters were reported.

Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center will present the 2nd annual "City of the Hills Bluegrass/Americana Festival" today & tomorrow. Admission will be free again for the Friday performances, in their Atrium, Foothills Director Bill Youngs comments:

(Bill Youngs 3-17-17)

General admission tickets for all music on Saturday are $25 in advance or $30 day of event, more information or to order tickets, call 607-431-2080 or online at www.foothillspac.org.

The Chenango Arts Council continues with their line up of events, with Galumpha this weekend. Chenango Arts Council Interim Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 3-17-17)

Information of tickets regarding Galumpha or upcoming events can be found at Chenangoarts.org.

CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free Interviewing Workshop next Wednesday, at 10:30 am to Noon at the CDO Workforce Center at the Sidney Civic Center. Participants can learn about the interview process; clarifying Interview questions; knowing your resume; selling yourself; to anticipate questions and answering difficult questions. Reservations are requested but walk ins are welcome, more information is available at 561-7550.

A 16 Year old was killed in a structure fire at 457 State Highway 8 in Mount Upton early this morning. Firefighters from Mt. Upton Fire Department, Sidney, Bainbridge, Guilford, & South New Berlin responded, Chenango County Sheriff's Department reported that the 16 year old youth was unable to escape the fire, the name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The cause of the fire appears to be a wood stove which was the main home heating source. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation Team & State Police.

A Benefit is being held for Sidney native Jessica Archer Vis, who is battling leukemia & money is needed for uncovered medical costs, travel and family lodging during treatments in the buffalo area. Long time friend Jeannette Peck is organizing the fundraiser Sunday in Sidney:

(Jeannette Peck 3-1-17)

The fundraiser will be held from 2:00 until 6:00 PM at the Elks club on River Street in Sidney. Tickets are $10 in advance & $12 at the door; the fundraiser will feature a chicken & biscuit Dinner, 50/50 drawing, Chinese Auction & bake sale, more information about tickets or donations is available at 337-8110.

State Police at Troop C, announced that they are searching for Willie Thompson of the Binghamton area, he is wanted for criminal contempt. Thompson was arrested in 2013, after violating an order of protection, & after missing court dates; the Town of Barker Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Police said that Thompson has many tattoos including stars, a crown and the words "ADONIS” and “LATHISA”. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 775-1241 or email Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

The Foothills Performing Arts center will hold their second annual Bluegrass & Americana music festival on March 17th & 18th. Foothills spokesman Bill Youngs said that they are currently looking for vendors to set up for both days of the festival:

(Bill Youngs 3-1-17)

Tickets or information for vendors are available at 431-2080, tickets are available also at foothillspac.org.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 21-year-old Korey Bush of Delhi for 2 counts of Petty Larceny and 1 count of Criminal possession of a controlled substance. Bush is accused of stealing prescription medication & cash in the Town of Meredith. Bush was arranged in the Town of Meredith Court and remanded to the Delaware County correctional facility in lieu of $500.00 cash bail. Bush is to reappear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date to answer the said charges.

New York State has new rules in effect today that will require financial institutions to create & maintain cyber-security programs in order to prevent illegal access to sensitive personal records of their customers from hackers. Most banks already have programs in effect, but the new rule makes in mandatory instead of optional.

Sidney village police arrested 43-year-old Carl Peterson of Sidney on a sealed indictment warrant, on charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance, for allegedly selling prescription narcotics in Sidney; he was sent to the Delaware county jail. Also arrested, on an arrest warrant sealed indictment was 35-year-old Shawn Carnicelli of Sidney for criminal sale of a controlled substance, fro allegedly selling cocaine in the village of Sidney. Carnicelli was remanded to the Delaware county jail pending future court proceedings. State police assisted Sidney police in this investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a 1 car, rollover accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Tompkins. 30-year-old Adam Buteau of Deposit swerved to avoid a deer and went off the highway and crossed over the guide rail, the vehicle hit a number of trees & overturned, coming to rest on its roof. Deputies charged Buteau with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance plus a number of traffic other violations. Buteau was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

The Tri-Town Youth Club is moving from the Civic Center to the Sidney United Methodist Church starting Monday afternoon. Spokesperson Roni Haag explains:

(RONI HAAG 1-20-17)

Haag said that the hours for the club would be from 2:00 to 5:30 weekdays, starting Monday.

Free Home Energy Assessments are being made available, along with grant opportunities, for area homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. Brad Pacalis of the Public Policy & Education Fund of New York explains:

(Brad Pacalis 1-20-17)

Pacalis said that Grants are up to $4,000 for single-family homes & up to $8,000 for multiple family dwellings, more information is available at 723-0110.

The Jericho Arts Council announced that the Atkinson Family Band would perform at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Saturday night. More information, or ticket reservations can be made at 288-3882, the show will begin at 7:00 PM. The Doors open at 6:00 pm; General Admission tickets are $12.00, Seniors & Students $10.00 & Students under 10 $5.00

Students from across Chenango County will participate in an all county music festival Saturday January 21st at the Sherburne – Earlville High School. SE High School Band Director Jeff Manwaring explains:

(Jeff Manwaring 1-20-17)

The performance will begin at 4:00PM Saturday in the Sherburne – Earlville Auditorium, Admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for Senior Citizens and Students.

Many area fire departments responded to a fire on State Route 7 in the Wells Bridge area this morning. The fire started at about 7:00 AM at a 2 story structure across the road from the former Babcock's, firefighters from Wells Bridge, Unadilla, Franklin, Sidney, Oneonta, West Oneonta & Gilbertsville responded, traffic was detoured off of route 7 while firefighters tackled that fire. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

A Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Sidney Elks Lodge. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support a group of Sidney High School students who will be traveling to the Grand Canyon in April. Tickets are available at the door.