WCDO Radio News

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

(Ian Law 10-9-17)

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

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce annnounced that former area Congressman Chris Gibson will be their special guest at their next 1st Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast on Friday, November 3rd from 8:30 to 10:00 am. The meeting will be held at the Delhi Nursing and Rehabiliation Center at 41861 State Highway 10 in Delhi, Gibson will discuss his recently published new book "Rally Point".

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

(Andy Matviak 10-9-17)

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

Congressman Chris Gibson will leave Congress after 3 terms in Washington, representing the 19th district. Gibson accepted a job offer from Williams College, in Massachusetts. He will begin in February as a visiting lecturer on leadership, & he will continue to live in Kinderhook New York. Gibson may also write another book, and pursue other possible academic positions; Republican John Faso will replace him in the 19th Congressional District.

Congressman Richard Hanna of the 22nd district in New York State will leave Congress after serving 3 terms in the House of Representatives. Hanna has decided to retire at the age of 64 from Public service, he also owned a successful construction company in Barneveld prior to running for Congress, he said that he wishes to spend more time with his family, which includes 2 elementary school aged children.  Hanna will be replaced by Claudia Tenney.

Sidney Village Police will be out patrolling New Year's Eve to make sure that people travel safely, Sidney Police chief Jan Gorshack explains:

(Jan Gorshack 12-30-16)

State Police will also be out in full force across the state for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day this year. Troopers will be looking for speeders, aggressive drivers, drivers using hand held devices, and drunk or impaired drivers.

In April, the Department of Defense ordered a stop shipment at Amphenol of Sidney, which led to a layoff of about 100 employees, an expected 2 year wait for the order to be lifted, but today, U.S Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Chris Gibson & Amphenol leaders announced that the ordered was revered in 4 months, the federal red tape was cut through & the employees have returned to the Sidney facility. Senator Schumer responded:

(Schumer 8-29-16)

Congressman Gibson also discussed the reversal of fortune for Amphenol:

(Gibson 8-29-16)

Others who addressed the press conference today were Sidney mayor Andy Matviak, Amphenol General Manager Ryan Fisher & Amphenol CEO Adam Norwitt.

A "major announcement" will be made at 3 p.m. today at Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney, according to the office of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. Schumer will be joined by Amphenol Aerospace CEO Adam Norwitt, Sidney facility executives, employees and local leaders.

The Sidney Elks Lodge will present the 7th annual Looking Back Car Show on Saturday August 6th at the Elks Lodge on River Street in Sidney. Spokesman Mark Little said that there are trophies for classes that will appeal to young & old alike:

(Mark Little 7-19-16)

The Sidney Elks Car Show is free for spectators; there will also be a chicken Barbecue during the car show, which runs from 9:00 to 3:00 on August 6th.

The Sidney K-mart has been closed today due to an electrical issue. Store Manager Lori Lang told WCDO News that the store will likely remain closed today, as they wait for a repair crew to arrive & fix the underground issue.

Congressman Chris Gibson has endorsed Republican John Faso to replace him in the 19th Congressional district in November. Faso faces Democrat Zephyr Teachout for Gibson's seat in the General Election this year.

Jury selection for the Almond Upton Trial began today In Broome County Court. Upton is accused of purposely running down Trooper Christopher Skinner on I-81 in the town of Chenango, while the Trooper was conducting an unrelated traffic stop. The trial is expected to take about 4 weeks. Upton is being tried for 1st degree Murder for the May 29th, 2014 incident.

Congressman Chris Gibson was named by Speaker Paul Ryan to the House-Senate conference committee that will produce the final 2017 Defense Policy Bill, which authorizes funding for military programs. In addition to a 2.1% pay raise for our troops, the House version of the bill includes the POSTURE Act, legislation authored by Congressman Gibson to stop the Administration’s planned draw down of U.S. Land Forces in order to reestablish peace through strength. Speaker Ryan sited Congressman Gibson’s work on the Armed Services Committee, & his military background as reasons for the appointment.

State Police announced a "Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert" in the Southern Tier, for 78-year-old William Caloroso of Nichols, who is missing since Sunday. Caloroso is described as a white Male, 5’10", about 160 pounds with Brown Hair & eyes, he suffers from Alzheimer's disease and may be in need of medical attention. He was last seen on River Road in Nichols, at 8:30 PM last night, driving a 2010 dark blue Chevrolet Impala with New York license plate GDY-8262. He was wearing a flannel shirt, blue pants, and may be wearing a baseball hat that says Sidney on top. Anyone with information is asked to call State police at 561-7400 or at 911.

Hancock Fire and EMS responded to a report of flash flooding in the area of 5256 County Highway 28 Town of Hancock Saturday Night. A wedding with 130 people was in danger and subjects were advised to seek higher ground. The road covered in 1 to 1 ½ feet of rapidly moving water and impassible, swift water rescue resources by the Delaware County Emergency Services and the Deposit, Walton, and Sidney Swift Water Rescue Teams and boats, State Police responded. The water started to drop allowing responding personnel to gain access to the area of the wedding party. All 130 plus individuals were accounted for and safe on higher ground, they were assisted onto awaiting coach buses that had been provided for the wedding and driven to a safe location. Delaware County DPW cleared and reopened County Highway 28 shortly after. The bridge and lower part of Shea Road however were determined to be unsafe with extensive washouts noted. This area was closed off to travel.

Sidney chamber of commerce arts & music festival is scheduled for July 30th in Downtown Sidney This year, Chamber President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Stephanie Taylor 7-11-16)

The Sidney Chamber can be contacted at 561-2642, their new website is at sidneychamber.org.

Blood donations are being accepted today at 2 locations. Today in Sidney, blood can be donated from 10 a.m. to 3 pm at Sidney Federal Credit Union at 42 Union Street & in Gilbertsville from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Sidney Rotary Club will hold another forum this evening in order to get a local coalition together to try to stop Heroin & Opioid Abuse, organizer Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 6-29-16)

The forum will begin at 6:15 tonight at the Sidney High School and is open to the public.

John Faso defeated Andrew Heaney for the Republican Party nomination in the 19th congressional district primary yesterday. Zephyr Teachout defeated Will Yandik for the Democratic Primary. Faso will face Teachout to replace Chris Gibson in November.

State fair officials announced that the Rock band “Daughtry” fronted by singer Chris Daughtry provides the final 8:00 PM show of the 2016 Chevy Court concert season, on Sunday, September 4th. This year, the Chevy Court will have 23 free shows as part of the Fair's lineup of entertainment & activities. The state fair runs from August 25th to September 5th this year.

Hundreds attended the dedication ceremony Saturday morning for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park. Association member & Retired Army member Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-31-16)

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended the ceremony & spoke to the crowd:

(Crouch 5-31-16)

Congressman Chris Gibson told WCDO News he was proud of the finished park, as both the congressional representative for the area, and as a retired Army Veteran.

(Gibson 5-31-16)

Others who spoke at the ceremony Saturday, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak, US Air Force Brigadier General James McIntyre, & Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is a Sidney High School Graduate originally from Masonville.

1 of 2 men, who murdered 2 area convenience store clerks in the same week in September of 1982, has been denied bail. 66-year-old Thomas Marlowe will continue to serve 23 years to life in prison after being convicted for murder, robbery and perjury in connection with the killings of 22-year-old Christine Kamide of Binghamton and 19-year-old James Wilcox of Afton. 62-year-old Herman Neu was the gunman in those killing, he will not be eligible for parole until 2033.

The Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Association will hold their dedication ceremony for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park tomorrow, Association Spokesman Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-27-16)

Woytek said that Congressman Chris Gibson, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch & Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak will make remarks at the dedication Saturday.

Tonight will be the inaugural Pine Ridge Grocery dash For Cash Canoe race from Sidney to Bainbridge. The race was added to fit in-between the rescheduled Ed Wessels race that was held last Saturday, and the General Clinton canoe regatta during the Memorial Day Weekend, according to Wessel regatta organizer Ed Curley:

(Ed Curley 5-25-16)

WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull will be broadcasting tonight during this new race, starting after the news at 6:00 PM.

Local Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage in the House yesterday of the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which modernizes the Toxic Substances Control Act to institute more rigorous oversight of thousands of chemicals that are used commercially. The bill updates the 40-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act by removing barriers to repeat chemical testing, mandating safety reviews of chemicals already in use, making more information available to the public, limiting animal testing whenever reliable alternatives exist, and setting deadlines for EPA decisions and compliance with restrictions, among other initiatives.

The Sidney Rotary Club is continuing with plans to educate the local public about the continuing Heroin Crisis, with another meeting tonight at the Sidney High School. Organizer Lorraine Keckeisen told WCDO News about tonight's panel and format:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 5-25-16)

The doors open at 6:00 tonight, the presentation should get underway at about at 6:15PM.

The Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Association will hold their dedication ceremony for the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday at the State Route 8 & River street location. Association Spokesman Dane Woytek comments:

(Dane Woytek 5-24-16)

Woytek said that Congressman Chris Gibson, Assemblyman Cliff crouch & Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak will maker remarks at the dedication Saturday, the Keynote Speaker is US Army Brigadier General Peter Palmer, who is also a Sidney School graduate.

The Village of Sidney announced that work would be performed on the Main Street Bridge today from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. The bridge will be open for 1 lane for traffic during the work.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 43-year-old Jack Blanchard of Guilford for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. The arrest is the result of a 2-month investigation into the sale of Cocaine in the Village of Sidney. Blanchard was arrested on an Arrest Warrant Sealed Indictment issued by Delaware County Court. He was sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await arraignment on the charges.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage in the House of an amendment he authored in support of former Navy and Marine Corps personnel and other Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service aboard vessels off the coast of Vietnam and now have serious illnesses that are directly connected to that exposure. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act ensures those Veterans is granted presumptive coverage for Agent Orange exposure. The House bill introduced by Congressman Gibson has 320 cosponsors from both parties, while the Senate version introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has 41 bipartisan cosponsors.

The Village of Sidney announced that work would be performed on the Main Street Bridge on Tuesday May 24th from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. The bridge will be open for 1 lane traffic only during the work.

Tomorrow is school budget vote day across the state. Locally, 2 area school districts managed to lower the tax levy slightly; they were the Milford & Afton School Districts. School that have the tax levy unchanged from last year are Walton, Delhi, Charlotte VALLEY, Deposit, Oxford Academy, Laurens, Gilbertsville Mount Upton, & Morris. Slight increases in the tax levy were in Unatego, Bainbridge Guilford, Oneonta, increases of 1% or more are proposed in the Unadilla VALLEY & Norwich Districts, 2% or more were proposed in Sidney, Greene & Franklin and more than 3% increases were proposed in Harpursville & Windsor. State officials said that the tax cap for the tri-county region was tabulated at roughly 1%.
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Voting for the BG school district residents on the Budget & for the School Board seats will be held in the Bainbridge & Guilford town Halls this year. Voting will be from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 40-year-old Ian Lyle of Unadilla on one count of DWI following an investigation of a one-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Sidney. Lyle was additionally charged with making an unsafe lane change and was released on tickets returnable to Sidney Town Court at a later date.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the passage of 18 bills aimed at combating heroin and opioid abuse. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act would improve the use of opioid therapy and pain management in treating veterans; amends federal law to impose penalties for extraterritorial drug trafficking and production of precursor chemicals used for illegal drugs; clarifies when a prescription for a drug like oxycodone may be partially filled; & amends the Controlled Substances Act to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for people suffering from addiction.

Republican Bob Bishop of Hamden drops out of 19th congressional district race. Delaware County Republican Bob Bishop has dropped his bid to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional District.  Remaining candidates include Republican John Faso & Andrew Heaney & Democrats Zephyr Teachout & Will Yandik.

State Police at Sidney arrested 41-year-old Danielle Pettit of Bainbridge, for criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of criminal mischief on Kelly Road in the Town of Bainbridge. An investigation determined that Pettit had damaged the windows of a parked car and then left the scene. The windows had a value of more than $250. After being located, Pettit was arraigned in the adjoining Town of Afton court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date in the Town of Bainbridge Thursday.

Local businesses and individuals will be recognized by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce with Awards presented at the Chamber's Annual Award Gala tonight at Centennial Lounge at SUNY Delhi. Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi has been selected as the Chamber's Business of the Year. This year's New Business of the Year Award will go to Gravity Ciders of Sidney; The Chamber will also recognize Dr. Candace Vancko, who is retiring as president of SUNY Delhi. Congressman Chris Gibson will be the featured speaker at the event,

The village of Sidney is holding their annual spring clean up event. Village crews will collect brush, leaves, grass clippings & hedge trimmings that are placed by the curb by Monday morning at 7:00 AM. Today & tomorrow, computers, phones, radios, TV’s metal, & appliances tires without rims will be collected from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Today & Saturday AT The village GARAGE AT Sherman avenue. More information is available at villageofsidney.org.

Sidney Village Police arrested 22-year-old Russell Leblanc of Walton Monday on a charge of 1st degree Rape. Leblanc was arraigned in Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail pending future court action.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he would NOT be seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor. Gibson has been offered and accepted a position with Williams College as a Visiting Lecturer on Leadership beginning in February 2017, and he anticipates accepting other academic positions shortly. At the conclusion of his term in the U.S. House of Representatives, he will be closing the exploratory committee & refunding contributions.

Local businesses and individuals will be recognized by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for their achievements and contributions to life in Delaware County. Awards will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Award Gala on Friday, May 6, at Centennial Lounge at SUNY Delhi. Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi has been selected as the Chamber's Business of the Year. This year's New Business of the Year Award will go to Gravity Ciders of Sidney and their popular line of Awestruck Ciders. The Chamber will also recognize Dr. Candace Vancko, who is retiring as president of SUNY Delhi. Congressman Chris Gibson will be the featured speaker at the event, Tickets are $30 and reservations may be made by calling the Chamber at 746-2281.

The Out Of The Woodwork Players have assembled a 28 member cast for the play “A Funny Little Thing Call Love” Area Merchant & Local Theater veteran Rich Cooley told WCDO News about the veteran local actors who are performing in this play:

(Rich Cooley 4-12-16)

The play will be held at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Performances: Friday, April 15th & Saturday, April 16th at 7:00pm, and Sunday April 17th at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at owptheatre@yahoo.com OR contact or at Cooley’s jewelers on Main Street in Sidney at 563-1311.

Congressmen Chris Gibson co-introduced bipartisan legislation to bring fairness to the federal system used to determine the price dairy farmers are paid for their milk. The Dairy Margin Insurance Location Calculation Act amends the Farm Bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to use statisitcs from each state to calculate average feed cost and actual dairy production margins. The current margin protection program is harmful to New York dairy farms because it uses calculations based on the average feed costs associated with the Midwest and other differing markets.

State Police arrested 36-year-old Cristal Cartelli & 38 year old Curtis Webb of Sidney on a variety of charges including drug possession. The arrests occurred after Cartelli failed to stop at a stop sign on State Route 206 in Bainbridge, Troopers recovered heroin & marijuana during a search & they found that Cartelli was wanted on a warrant in Vestal & Webb was wanted on a warrant in Sidney. Cartelli & Webb were arraigned & were both remanded to the Chenango County jail on bail, pending court action on April 26th.

State Police at Sidney arrested 35 year old Melissa Bateman of Unadilla for the felony aggravated DWI with a child less than 16 years old, plus criminal possession of a controlled substance and other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a 1-car accident on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla, Bateman is accused of driving while impaired by drugs when she drove off the roadway and struck a guide rail, one of her passengers was a 14-year-old girl. Bateman was found to unlawfully possess 7 prescription pills. Bateman was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Unadilla court on April 11th.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Christopher Purdy of Oneonta for DWI and other traffic tickets. State Police observed Purdy speeding at 80 miles per hour on I-88, Purdy refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. He was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was released after posting $400 bail. Purdy’s next court date in the Town of Milford is on April 5th.

Congressman Chris Gibson will be in Delaware County today. At Noon, Gibson will tour the Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center in Hamden, at 2:00 he will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Delhi Rehabilitation & Nursing Center & at 4:00 PM, he will help honor Delaware County veterans Douglas Lee Thomson and Charles Groff and present medals to their families, at the Delaware County Public Safety Building in Delhi.

A meeting will be held today of the Prevention Coalition for Heroin Substance Abuse at 6:30 pm at the Sidney High School this evening, spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 3-29-16)

Keckeisen said that they are seeking input from faith-based community leaders; law enforcement; policy makers; school leaders and student body; business people and concerned community people at tonight's meeting in the Sidney High School Library.

The American Red Cross will hold Blood Drives Saturday at 2 area locations. One blood drive will be from 8:00 AM To 1:00 PM At the Main Street Baptist Church at 333 Main Street in Oneonta. Another Blood drive will be from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM At the 1st congregational Church at Bridge & Main Streets in Sidney. All Blood Types are needed; appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Sidney Rotary club will sponsored the 3rd annual "PINS FOR POLIO BOWL-A-THON" today at 7:00 PM AT East Main Lanes in Sidney. Participants do not have to be Rotarians to bowl; pre registration is requested with Rosemary Fisher at East Main Lanes at 563-BOWL.

Many Sidney Main Street businesses went "Blue" today, to increase awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging them to get screened for this preventable disease. Stephanie Thorne of the Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties comments:

(Stephanie Thorne 3-4-16)

Thorne said that More than half of deaths from colon cancer can be prevented with regular screening and it’s still the #2 cause of death among New Yorkers. More information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

The Sidney High School Drama Club will Perform "Grease" at 7:30 PM tonight, Saturday at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM. The performance will be held at the Sidney High School Auditorium, tickets can be purchased at the High School Main Office or at the door prior to each performance.

Democrat Zephyr Teachout announced that she is a candidate for the 19th Congressional District, as incumbent Chris Gibson will not seek re-election & is instead considering a run for Governor. Teachout commented to WCDO News about the campaign:

(Zephyr Teachout 3-4-16)

Teachout will be at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, on Sunday, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for a Town Hall meeting & a Fundraiser.

Eclipse Winterguard will be holding a benefit Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner and Basket Raffle today at the Sidney American Legion, 22 Union Street, from 5 - 8 pm. The Fundraiser is for 4 year old Savannah who was injured in an accident on Feb 20th. Dinner is $10 per plate, all proceeds and donations will go to the family.

19th Congressional District Democratic Party Candidate Zephyr Teachout was campaigning in Sidney yesterday, she told WCDO News of concerns that voters & small business owners told her about:

(Zephyr Teachout 2-25-16)

Teachout mounted an unsuccessful campaign for Governor 2 years ago, she is seeking to be the Democrat Party Candidate against possible Republican candidates Andrew Heaney or John Faso in the 19th district, current congressman Chris Gibson declined to seek another term in congress & is looking at a possible run for Governor.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 33-year-old Christopher Pashley & 32-year-old Kimberly Pashley of Franklin for 1 count each of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. It is alleged that both illegally possessed Suboxone in the Town of Franklin. They both are currently located in the Delaware County Correctional Facility and will be arraigned at the Town of Franklin Court at a later date. Deputies additionally charged Kimberly Pashley for 1 count of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, for allegedly possessing a controlled substance when probation officers took her into custody on the other charges, she is being held in the Delaware County Jail & will be arraigned on the new charge in Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

Congressmen Chris Gibson, Richard Hanna and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts introduced the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act. The bipartisan bill introduced in the House this week seeks to modernize the Small Business Administration’s approach to broadband access, connecting more small businesses & farms with financing programs and guidance on broadband acquisition. The House bill is a companion to bipartisan Senate legislation co-sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has refurbished their website, chamber president Stephanie Taylor Explains:

(Steph Taylor 2-24-16)

the Sidney Chamber website is located at SidneyChamber.org.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he filed a statewide candidate committee this morning at the New York State Board of Elections to explore running for Governor in 2018. The formation of this exploratory committee comes after a year of travel around New York State, attending events in 41 of New York's 62 counties in the last year. Gibson has set up a new website at gibsonforny.com.

The Sidney Rotary Club will be hosting a heroin-substance abuse awareness night Wednesday night at the Sidney high school. Sidney Rotarian Lorraine Keckeisen is one of the events organizers:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-8-16)

Registration is requested at 561-7712 or chaynes@sidneycsd.org. In addition to the raffles & door prizes, those in attendance can hear about the increasing problem of heroin & Opioid addiction in the region from substance abuse experts, Law enforcement officials & one woman has battled substance abuse.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Christopher Kern of Walton New York, for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator, operating a motor vehicle with defective breaks, operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage inside. Deputies say this arrest was a result of a one-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Hamden, Kern was released on traffic tickets returnable to Hamden Town Court at a later date.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life team captain meeting will be held tonight at the United Methodist Church in Sidney at 5:30 PM. This year's Tri-Town Relay for Life will be held on May 14th at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, more information is available at 563-9634.

Congressman Chris Gibson’s name continues to be mentioned as a possible Republican Gubernatorial candidate; Gibson told WCDO News that if he plans to run, he has to make a decision soon in order to raise enough money to go against Governor Cuomo large campaign fund:

(Gibson 1-30-16)

Gibson was in Walton Saturday for the annual Delaware county Fair dinner. Gibson declined to run or another term in Congress

There will be a Red Cross blood drive at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, in Sidney today. Donation time will be between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You may make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RedCross. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

Area State Assemblyman Pete Lopez announced today that he will be suspending his bid to replace Congressman Chris Gibson in New York’s 19th Congressional District and is now officially seeking re-election in the 102nd Assembly District. Lopez announced that his father was recently diagnosed with cancer, & he is the eldest of 4 children, is the only sibling living in close proximity to his parents, & that he and his wife Bridget are their main caregivers. Lopez announced that he carries the additional responsibility of serving as a health proxy for his father & will need to stay closer to home.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 38-year-old Thomas Kern of Sidney on 1 count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, following a civilian report of a suspicious person in the Village of Walton. Kern was additionally charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage, he was released on traffic tickets returnable to Walton Village Court at a later date.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be conducting NYSERDA’s free energy workshops titled “EMPOWER Save Energy, Save Dollars.” Those who attend will learn how to reduce energy bills with low-cost, no-cost actions. The next Workshop is Saturday, January 23rd from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Sidney Memorial Library. Preregistration is available at the Sidney Public Library Front Desk or through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531.

Republican Businessman Andrew Heaney of Mill brook announced his candidacy for the 19th Congressional District. Heaney has not held an elected office, He seeks to replace Chris Gibson, who announced that he will not seek another term in Congress at the conclusion of his current term, John Faso & Pete Lopez have already announced their intentions to seek the 19th district congressional seat.

A fundraiser for the Delaware valley humane society will be held this Sunday at the Houndstooth Bakery & Boutique on Main Street in Sidney, where area pet owners can have pictures of their pets professionally taken for the holidays. Terri Heath of the Delaware Valley Humane Society explains:

(Terry Heath 11-10-15)

The event will run from 10:00 until 2:00 PM, more information is available at 563-7780 or 563-2275.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office & Sidney Village Police arrested 38-year-old Richard Swislosky of Sidney following a sting operation and the execution of a search warrant on a vehicle in the Village Sidney Thursday. Swislosky was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & 9 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, he is accused of possessing heroin with intent to sell, & of possessing 9 counterfeited $20 bills. Investigators seized heroin, a color printer/copier & Swislosky’s vehicle; he was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.

Area assemblyman Pete Lopez announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for the 19th congressional district seat. Current Congressman Chris Gibson announced that he would not seek re-election in 2016, for that congressional seat, and will pursue other interests. Lopez will face a challenge from former Assemblyman John Faso for the Republican nomination.

Former Assemblyman and Gubernatorial Candidate John Faso will announce his run as a Republican for the 19th Congressional seat. Faso seeks to replace Chris Gibson, who decided to serve only 3 terms in Congress & pursue other ventures.

The annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held this Saturday. Terry Rendo of the Sidney Center Improvement Group explains:

(Terry Rendo 9-15-15)

Rendo said that the event is open to tractors, doodlebugs, antique cars, last year over 100 entries participated.

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

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

The Village of Sidney will hold their 23rd annual Sidney Arbor Day program on Friday, April 24 at 10:00 AM at Bill Ray field, behind the Moose Lodge off East Main Street. This year’s Arbor Day award will be in memory of Bill Ray; a Crimson King will be planted at the Bill Ray field in memory of Bill’s years of service and dedication to the Sidney Recreation Commission and the community.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the introduction of the Family Farm Relief Act of 2015, to move the H-2A Agricultural Visa program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture, to meet the unique labor needs of farmers. The Act Allows visa applicants to fill out H-2A applications and allows farm cooperatives and other agricultural associations to apply for workers for their members, & makes the program more workable for dairy and other livestock operations, it also requires reporting to Congress if delays occur in the H-2A Visa application process.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the introduction of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, which seeks to protect the Delaware River watershed and strengthens the region’s outdoor economy. The bill creates a Delaware River Basin Restoration Program within the Fish and Wildlife Service, The legislation would require consultation between federal and state agencies and local governments and groups to develop a basin-wide conservation strategy that is science-based, cost-effective, and includes flood mitigation projects & public access and recreation. Congressman Gibson is one of 14 co-sponsors of the

State Police at Sidney arrested 36-year-old Larry Plows of Unadilla, for 1st degree Criminal Contempt. Troopers investigated a report that a victim was receiving harassing phone calls from Plows, which violated a valid court order of protection. Plows was arraigned in the Town of Butternuts Court and released after he made bail. His next court date is on April 23rd.

State Police at Sidney arrested 21-year-old Shelbie Twiss of Walton for Criminal Trespass & Harassment, following Troopers responded to a residence on County Route 23 in Walton. Troopers accuse Twiss of barging her way into the residence and threatening the victim inside. Twiss was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and released without bail, she faces court action on April 22nd, & an order of protection was issued.