WCDO Radio News

Santa will be appearing in Unadilla Saturday, with events starting at 9:00 AM with a Breakfast at the Methodist Church followed by Classic Christmas Movies at the Library. At 1:00 pm, The Parade line up on Sperry Street, at 1:30 pm, Santa arrives by Fire Truck at Community Center to meet with area children. Other Activities planned include Musical Performances by Unatego High School Band, & the Unadilla Rotary Club Basket Raffles. The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce and Unadilla Rotary Club sponsor the day's events

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “Jolly Holly Days” celebration this evening in Downtown Sidney. The annual Parade will start tonight at 6:00 PM, followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony, & Santa will be see area children at his headquarters at Whitaker Way.

The Village of Sidney is reminding Main Street area property owners & residents to NOT use salt or salt-like products on the newly poured concrete this winter. Sand is available by request to building & businesses owners or caretakers to throw sand on any snow this winter, as the rock salt could be harmful to the new concrete. More information is available at 561-2329 Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM & 2:30 PM.

State Senator Fred Akshar will be visiting classrooms in 3 more schools Today as part of his new district-wide "Akshar All-Star" student recognition program. Akshar will visit the Tioga Central High School in Barton, The Vestal Middle School Library & at 2:00pm, the Oxford High School

The Bassett Mobile Screening Coach is coming to Sidney today. The screenings will be offered from 9a-2:30p at the Great American in Sidney and on Tuesday, December 5th from 9a-3p at the Bassett Healthcare Clinic in Walton. More information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

Today is Election Day, with polls open until 9:00 tonight. All New York voters will decide on 3 propositions on the back of the ballot regarding a constitutional convention, if convicted politicians should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for wider roads or bicycle paths. In Delaware County there are significant races for Town Supervisor in Sidney & Walton, for town board seats in Sidney & Franklin, in Chenango County for town supervisor in the towns of Norwich, Plymouth, Oxford, Smyrna & Otselic, plus Norwich city justice & Norwich city alderman in the 4th ward. In Otsego County, there are races for the Board of Representative's in all districts except the 10th & 11th, where candidates are running unopposed. There are also races for the Town of Oneonta Supervisor & Town Board & Oneonta City Mayor, there are 4 candidates running for 2 seats on the Town of Butternuts board.

The State Preparedness Corps will conduct disaster preparedness training Today at the Sidney Public Library. The Training is free, There will 2 sessions, one from 3:00 to 4:30 PM for senior citizens & another for the general public from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Tri County Senior Center Spokesperson Carol Allen explains:

(Carol Allen 11-7-17)

The Tri County Senior Center & The Sidney United Way are co-sponsoring the Disaster Training, pre-registration is requested at 563-8065, or in person at the Senior Center in the SIdney Civic Center.

The New York State Preparedness Corps will conduct disaster preparedness training on Tuesday November 7th at the Sidney Public Library with a session for seniors from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, and another for the General Public from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Carol Allen of the Tri County Senior Center explains:

(Carol Allen 11-1-17)

The Training is free & is co sponsored by the Tri County Senior Center & The Sidney United Way sponsors the Disaster Training, pre-registration is requested at 563-8065, or in person at the Senior Center.

The Sidney Democratic Committee will have a "Meet the Candidates" session tonight at the Sidney Memorial Library. The candidates will be Supervisor candidate Bill Heath & Town Council Candidates Pete Cordes & Dan Cristelli, the event will run form 6:30 to 8:00 PM, election day is necxt Tuesday November 7th.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will have their Monthly meeting this morning at the Sidney Golf Course; the meeting will begin at 7:45am. Chamber members & directors are urged to attend.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Department Investigators arrested 38-year-old Jennifer Fogliano of Masonville on a Bench Warrant from Village of Sidney Court for Failure to Appear on a Grand Larceny charge. When officers responded to Fogliano’s residence, occupants locked themselves in rooms and refused to comply. Officers eventually arrested Fogliano, 37-year-old Jarred Cutting of Masonville, 31-year-old Andrew Baker of Masonville, 22-year-old Ashley Murphy of Sidney Center for Obstructing Governmental Administration. Murphy is accused of possessing Methamphetamine, she was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. All were arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail or $2000 bond. Foglianoa was also arraigned on the Bench Warrant on an additional $1000 cash bail or $2000 bond.

The Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council will be meeting today to oversee the Early Intervention Program. The Council’s meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Ogden Free Library in Walton, more information is available at 832-5200. The mission of the Program is to enable the County’s infants and toddlers under the age of 3, who are disabled, developmentally delayed or at risk for disability and their families to access an appropriate array of services and supports to maximize his/her potential.

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held today at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street. The blood drive will run from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at redcrossblood.org.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds voters that absentee ballot applications can be picked up at their office in Delhi, or downloaded from their website. The Board of Elections will also be opened on Saturday October 298th, & November 4th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon for absentee voting. Also, the board reminds Sidney Center voters that the polling site from District 1 & 3 Voters has been changed to the new Sidney center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

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

The New York State Preparedness Corps will conduct disaster preparedness training on Tuesday November 7th at the Sidney Public Library. The Training is free, & will cover how to prepare for a disaster, how to respond to one & how to recover as quickly as [possible. There will 2 sessions, one from 3:00 to 4:30 PM for senior citizens & another for the general public from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. The Tri County Senior Center & The Sidney United Way sponsors the Disaster Training, pre-registration is requested at 563-8065, or in person at the Senior Center.

Tri-Town Coalition On Substance Abuse Prevention will hold their next meeting this evening at the Sidney High School Library from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Coalition Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 9-27-17)

When "Chasing the Dragon” is shown in its entirety on November 15th, it will followed by a panel discussion with prevention and rehabilitation specialists.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 42 year old Brad Stafford of Sidney Center, on an arrest warrant from the Town of Hancock Court, where he had been charged with 4th degree Grand Larceny. Stafford is accused of stealing more than $1800 from his employer by selling bluestone owned by his employer and retaining the payment it. Stafford was arraigned at the Town of Hancock Court and was released on recognizance on that charge, Stafford was returned to the Delaware County Jail where he is being held on an unrelated matter.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Monday, at 7:00 AM in the board room of the Sidney Civic Center. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the grant funding on the Construction of a Full Length Parallel Taxiway for the Sidney Municpal Airport.

The Tri Town Regional Hospital's 3rd Annual Health Fair will be held Saturday at Keith Clark Park in Sidney, spokesperson Amy Beveridge explains:

(Amy Beveridge 9-15-17)

The event will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The 8th Annual Sidney Center Tractor Parade will be held Saturday. The parade will begin at 12:00 Noon, more information is available at 369-9494, 369 9074 or 369 4538.

State Senator Fred Akshar will join Town of Bainbridge Supervisor Dolores Nabinger and local leaders today to officially open the Bainbridge Salt Shed. The $100,000 project will now provide protection from weather and erosion for winter road salt, Previously, road salt had to be stored on the bare ground and covered only by a tarp. Akshar will also help introduce Bainbridge Free Library & Town Hall Theatre's presentation of Jack and the Beanstalk performed by the Tri Cities Opera,

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today. The clinic will run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall on River Street, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The next meeting of the Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention is being held today, at 6:00 PM at the Sidney Middle School Library.

State Senator Fred Akshar joined local librarians at the Fenton Free Library to announce over $150k in library funds for 24 libraries through the BOOKS Program. These funds will go towards children's programming and new books for the children and young adults collections at libraries across the 52nd Senate District. Local Libraries receiving funding includes Afton, Bainbridge, Deposit, Fenton, Oxford & Windsor as well as the 4 County Library System Cybermobile

The Sidney Central School District announced that they would offer after-school programs for no charge, starting in September. The District will offer an after-school program for students in grades K through 6th Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM, on full-length school days & Transportation is available. The After-school programs will begin on Monday, September 11th, more information and registration will be posted on the school website by the end of this month.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will be holding their Luck Day Auction Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Group Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 7-26-17)

The event will be held at the Sidney Center Fire Department Sunday. More information is available at scigny.org or the Sidney Center Improvement group facebook page.

The next Meeting of the Coalition On Substance Abuse Prevention will be today at 6:00 PM at the Sidney Middle School Library. The Coaltion is looking for board members, potential officers and committee chair persons to join in the effort, interested residents are invited to attend tonight's meeting.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held today in Sidney. The drive will be held from 2:30 to 6:30 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a two vehicle crash with serious injuries on River Road in the Town of Sidney. An investigation determined that 39 year old Jason Cunningham of Unadilla was driving his 2005 vehicle on River Road when he entered a sharp curve and drifted into the opposing lane, striking a pickup truck driven by 35 year old Matthias Wesner of Unadilla. Cunningham was transported to Fox hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy will be conducted at Lourdes hospital and the results are pending. Wesner received minor injuries in the crash. No tickets have been issued at this time. This investigation is ongoing.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 Town of Coventry residents for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Using of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Charged were 29-year-old Brenda Manwarren & 40 year old Jessica Sepulveda, they were arraigned & were remanded to the Chenango County jail on $25,000.00 cash bail each. The 2 were arrested following an investigation into the sale and possession of Heroin in Chenango County. Heroin, a digital scale, and heroin packaging material were seized. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Sidney Police Department and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

A Drug Take-Back Day is being held today in Afton. Unused, expired or unwanted medications will be taken from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon at the Afton Free Library at 105 Main Street in Afton.

Sidney, Unadilla & Masonville fire fighters responded to a fire at 80 Main Street in Sidney today at about 2:45 PM, in the basement of Ermeti’s Community Lounge. Sidney Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Ray Baker told WCDO News that the fire appears to have started in a dryer, & it was under control in about 30 minutes.

Free books are being given out from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Sidney Memorial Library today, as part of the summer book clubs for kids. More information about the program is available at 563-1200.

A Chenango County area Drug Take-Back Day has been announced for July 19th starting at 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Afton Free Library at 105 Main Street, Afton. Various organizations are teaming up for the event, where people can dispose of old, expired & unused medications, in order to keep them out of the wrong hands & out of the Waste Stream.

The Guernsey Library of Norwich will host a “Movies Under the Stars” event tonight with a showing of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in conjunction with the Norwich Merchants Association. The movie will start at about 8:30 PM; movie goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs & blankets for tonight’s presentation.

The Tri-Town Coalition On Substance Abuse Prevention meeting will be this evening at 6:00 pm in the Sidney Middle School Cafeteria-Gym. The agenda for the meeting will be action planning for the upcoming 2017/2018 coalition year. This meeting will be led by the Prevention Resource Center and the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office Investigators announced the arrest of a former Town of Sidney, 43 year old Evan Oliver of Leesburg, Florida, at the Lake County Jail, where he has been held as a Fugitive from Justice since February 17th. Oliver was transported back to Delaware County on May 4th for arraignment, after a Delaware County Grand Jury handed down a Sealed Indictment charging Oliver on 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 3 counts of Conspiracy & 1 count of Criminal Sale of Marihuana.

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

The State Division of Veteran's Affairs closed their Sidney office at the Sidney Civic Center Building recently, following the recent sale of the Civic Center to 2+4 Developers, who are turning some of the building into Senior Housing. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 6-7-17)

Crouch said that he & State Senator Seward are working on the issue to bring those services back to, or closer to Sidney. Other area offices are in Oneonta, Delhi & Cooperstown.

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

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

(John Redente)

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

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual dinner this evening. This year's "Citizen of the Years" will be honored, they are Paul Eaton and Carl Griffith, and The “Business of Years” is the Sidney Elks Club, who will host the Annual Dinner tonight, the doors open at 5:30, dinner is served at 6:30.

The Sidney Municipal Airport will host an Open House & Fly-In Breakfast this Sunday. The event runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday. Plane rides & demonstrations & live music are also planned.

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

(Ray Baker 6-2-17)

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

State Senator Jim Seward announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of nearly $700,000 in public library construction grant funds. Local Libraries receiving funding include Franklin, the Huntington Library in Oneonta, & Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick.

State Police arrested 74-year-old Marion Thompson of Sidney for 1st Degree Sexual Abuse & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. An investigation determined that Thompson allegedly had sexual contact with the victim who was less than 11 years old. Thompson was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court; he was released in his own recognizance. Thompson’s next court date is on June 22, an order of protection was issued against him on behalf of the victim.

The next meeting of the Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The Meeting will be held at the Sidney High School Library from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

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

(Ray Baker 5-31-17)

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

The Village of Sidney's Memorial Day Parade will have a different route this year. Officials with the Sidney American Legion said that the parade would form at the Downtown Great American Parking lot; they will leave at 9:00 AM, & will march to the Sidney Bridge & Library for a ceremony & then continue down River Street to the Veterans Memorial Park to lay another wreath.

The Chenango United Way is doing their annual '2017 Annual Personal Hygiene Collection' throughout the end of the month of May. Items that are being accepted are shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, diapers, baby wipes and baby shampoo. Full size is preferred. Items can be dropped off at NBT Bank branches, Guernsey Memorial Library and at the United Way office at 83 North Broad Street in Norwich. More information is available at 334-8815.

During Trauma Awareness Month in May, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure that blood is available for patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs by donating blood. A Blood drive will be held in Sidney today from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at SFCU on Union Street & in Walton from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Walton O'Neil High School. Donors of all types are currently needed, Donation appointments can be scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention meets this evening, following last week's education dinner held in Sidney. Coalition President Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 3-29-17)

The meeting begins at 6:00 PM at Sidney High School Library, the following Coalition Meeting will be held on April 26th.

Sidney senior Carolee Pierce signed her NCAA National Letter of Intent at Sidney High School to play Basketball at Division-3 Marywood University in Pennsylvania next year. She was joined by family, friends, teammates and school administrators for her official signing. Pierce was a 2nd team All-MAC League selection this past winter for the Lady Warriors & was the league leader in blocked shots for the 2016-2017 season.

25 years after the “The Simpson” Homer at the Bat” episode aired, featuring Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith & Wade Boggs, the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that they would pay tribute to that episode on Saturday, May 27. Boggs and Smith will join in a roundtable discussion from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. outside the Library entrance to the Hall, A brief ceremony Inducting Homer Simpson will be followed with the official ribbon cutting on a SIMPSONS-themed exhibit display in the Museum. THE SIMPSONS will also be honored prior to the Hall of Fame Classic legends game taking place that afternoon at Cooperstown’s historic Doubleday Field. More information is available at baseballhall.org or 888-HALL-OF-FAME or 607-547-7200.

Sidney village police arrested 23-year-old Shane Fallon of Norwich for 1 count of 1st degree sexual abuse for allegedly abusing a child under the age of 11. Fallon was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court action. Norwich Police, The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department & the Otsego County department of Social Services, assisted Sidney Police in the investigation.

The Sidney Elementary School Universal Pre-K Applications are available for the 2017-18 School year. Children must be four years old by December 1, 2017 in order to be eligible. Parents interested in having their child attend UPK must call the Sidney Elementary main office at 561-7701 to request an application.

The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will meet tonight at 6:00 PM at the Sidney High School Library. Coalition spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen discussed tonight’s agenda, and other schedule items coming up shortly:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-15-17)

The Recovery Coach Training Event will be hosted by Tri-Town Regional Hospital and will be delivered by Mary Rosenthal & her staff at The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County.

New York State of Health is holding information sessions at libraries throughout the state to reach uninsured New Yorkers. Certified in-person assistors will be available to answer questions and provide enrollment assistance during more than 200 information sessions at 77 libraries in February. a local session will be held in Walton at the Ogden Public Library on February 17th from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM.

The Village of Sidney announced that sign ups For recreational spring sports are currently underway. sign ups are available for Major & minor League Baseball, Quad County Softball, Coed Peewee ball & t-ball. forms are not being mailed out, but are available at the Sidney Elementary school, the village clerks office or online at villageofsidney.org, forms must be submitted by March 10th.

A Valentine Pancake Breakfast will be held Sunday morning at the Sidney Center Fire Hall. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, it is hosted by the Sidney Center Ladies Auxiliary.

The Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse prevention is taking steps to be a non-Profit status & setting up a board of Directors shortly. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-2-17)

Nominations for the coalition's board of directors are due by February 13th, followed by a vote on February 15th at 6:00 PM at the next meeting at the Sidney High School Library.

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

A certificate of need has been submitted to the New York State Department of Health to make Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney; a satellite emergency department under the leadership of Fox Hospital in Oneonta. Tri Town Regional Hospital CEO Dr. Carlton Rule explains:

(Dr Carlton Rule 1-25-17)

Dr. Rule said that both hospitals are part of Bassett Healthcare Network; he said that if the Certificate is approved, the conversion to a satellite Emergency Department model would take effect in the third quarter of this year. Dr. Rule said that services would not change; state regulations simply stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care hospital. Fox Hospital is 23 miles from TRH in Sidney while Bassett Medical Center is just over 45 miles away.

The Tri Town Coalition on Substance abuse will hold their next meeting tonight at the Sidney High School Library. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 1-25-17)

Residents from Sidney, Unadilla & Bainbridge are encouraged to attend tonight's meeting, which will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

The Afton SADD chapter & Afton Driver Education announced a Brooks Chicken Barbecue to benefit the family of Lynn Bascuiska today, during the boys & girls basketball games with Sidney. Pick up or eat in available from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Plans also call for raffling off baskets & other prizes throughout the night.

Test drilling sites have been popping up around Sidney, as the village tries to address lingering water issues, Mayor Andy Matviak addressed their results during Tuesday nights meeting:

(Andy Matviak 1-19-17)

Matviak said that some residents were concerned that the drilling was for natural gas, he said that none of the wells were for that purpose, all were for addressing the existing water problems of the village regarding Manganese & low water pressure in some areas of the village.

Former Bassett Hospital Doctor, John Davis will speak to the Hartwick Historical Society tonight, regarding his book on Dr. Mary Bassett & The history of Bassett Hospital. The event will begin at 7:00 PM tonight at the Kinney Memorial Library; more information is available at 293-7530.