WCDO Radio News

Chobani announced that they awarded $400,000 in grants to 40 nonprofit groups through the eighth annual Community Impact Fund. The grants will go to organizations in Central New York, Idaho, Philadelphia and Muskegon Michigan. Locally, the Afton Central Schools will use the funds to build a greenhouse for agricultural education and to supply fresh produce for the FFA Food Pantry. The Food Bank of Central New York will support its Senior Grocery Program, the Norwich City School District will expand its backpack program, the Oneonta Middle School will provide grocery gift cards to families throughout the year, and the Cooperstown Food Pantry will use its grant to offer year-round farmers market vouchers, SNAP matching and CSA shares from regional farms.

Sidney Federal Credit Union announced a $1 million community support initiative for 2026, titled "Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons," the initiative seeks to make a difference in the lives of residents throughout the region, Chief Retail Officer Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 1-29-26)

Smith said that they will be announcing the organizations that will benefit from the initiative shortly, more information is available at sfcuonline.org/1millionreasons or follow @sidneyfcu on social media.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Derrick Gray of Middlefield for Criminal Contempt. Gray failed to obey a lawful court order issued by a judge to respond to the Otsego County Probation Department to receive a GPS ankle monitor, the Otsego County Court issued a bench warrant for Gray's arrest, he was arrested on December 25th and was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility without bail, he was charged with violating a court order and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Otsego Court, he was returned to the correctional facility.

State Police arrested 42 year old Francisco Ortiz of Deposit Monday for Felony Assault following a domestic dispute. Troopers were dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute in a vehicle traveling on Interstate 88 in the town of Colesville. Ortiz is accused of striking a victim in the face and crushing the victim’s arm in the middle console of his vehicle, as well as breaking a door at the victim’s residence in Afton. The victim was transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney for treatment to injuries, Ortiz was located in Deposit and arrested, He was transported to the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment, and he was issued appearance tickets to the Afton Town Court on January 20 for the damage he caused to the victim’s door.

Governor Hochul delivers the official 2026 State of the State Address on January 13th, Among the topics Hochul will discuss includes centers on youth safety for online platforms, & AI, free school meals, rural revitalization, workforce training, expanding Teen Mental Health First Aid, middle-class tax relief, increased minimum wage, and investments in housing and education.

A Public Hearing will be held by the Village of Sidney Planning Board Today at 5:00 pm, at Civic Center, on Liberty Street. The hearing is in reference to a major realty subdivision of Clover Hill Lane requested by owner of Parcels located East of County Rt. 4 and West Main Street. A regular meeting of the Village of Sidney Planning Board will follow the hearing.

The Sidney Police Department has added K9 Chase, to the department, he is handled by Officer Royce Terry & he is a 1 year old Dutch Shepherd. Officer Terry told WCDO news about his new canine partner, and how the community support by area businesses, private donations, & the Sidney Central School district has been outstanding:

(Royce Terry 10-16-25)

K9 Chase replaces K9 Riggs who was retired as a police dog this month, but will continue to live with Officer Terry's family, the program has no cost to taxpayers and Chase will be ready for his position in February.

The Annual Sidney Veterans Memorial Park fundraising Bowling tournament will be held November 1, 2, 8, & 9th at East Main Lanes in Sidney this year, Park President Doug Barnard explains:

(Doug Barnard 10-16-25)

Barnard said that a fundraising raffle will also be held, with the winners of 3 prizes to be announced on November 9th, Money raised will go for the upkeep of the park on River Street, all interested bowlers and sponsors can contact East Main Lanes, more information is available on the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Facebook page.

State tax receipts totaled $59.9 billion through September, the middle of State Fiscal Year, $702.2 million higher than financial plan estimates from the Division of Budget, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. State tax collections through September were $5.2 billion higher than those through the same period last year. The Full Report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

Sidney Village Library today announced that they are closed today due to unforeseen circumstances, they hope to reopen with normal hours & programs on Friday.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 4-23-25

The Otsego County Conservation Association & Otsego County Planning & Solid Waste announced the winning schools of the 2024-2025 Plastic Film Recycling Challenge. The Unatego Elementary School won the elementary division with 2,122 pounds of plastic film recycled & Springbrook won in the high school division with 801 pounds of plastic film recycled. 10 participating schools diverted a total of 4,655.4 pounds of plastic film, each winning division will receive an ice cream social event.

Tri-Town Theatre's next show will be the musical “Big Fish”, at the Sidney High School Auditorium May 2nd through 4th. Destinie Smith is new to the Tri Town Theatre and she has the lead female role of Sandra Bloom:

(Destinie Smith 4-23-25)

Tickets are on sale at TritownTheatre.com, Curtain times are 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3rd and a 2pm matinee on Sunday May 4th.

The State DEC reminds area residents that the burn ban is still in effect through the middle of May, The DEC reported that In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

Gilbertville Mount Upton Superintendent Annette Hammond announced that she will retire following the completion of her 10th year as superintendent and 16th overall at GMU. Hammond became GMU’s middle/high school principal in August 2009, and was named superintendent in August 2015. The District will begin conducting a search for a new Superintendent shortly.

23 year old Bryce Farrell of Sidney appeared in Delaware County Court and pleaded guilty to Attempted Burglary, he admitted that on July 28, 2023, in the Village of Walton, he entered a building he did not have permission to be in for the purpose of committing a crime, 3 days later, an individual reported to Walton Police Department that his residence had been broken into and a safe stolen. Investigators reviewed security footage, identified Farrell as one of the burglars, an arrest warrant was issued & Farrell was apprehended by State Police in November. Judge Hubbard ordered the Delaware County Probation Department to conduct a pre-sentencing report. His sentencing is tentatively scheduled for March 11th.

The Mid York Concert band is looking for musicians to join them, as they prepare their annual Holiday performances. Rehearsals are held at the Norwich Middle School on September 26th, October 10 & 17th, November 7th & 21st, their concert is scheduled for December 10th. More information is available by email to midyorkband@gmail.com or by calling 607-267-2614.

The Nate Lull Scholarship Foundation is hosting their next fundraiser event on Sunday, October 15th at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney from 11 AM to 5 PM. Pre-sale tickets for raffle items are available now at Awestruck for $10 per ticket. A portion of all sales from the event will go to The Nate Lull Scholarship, which is available to local seniors in the WCDO coverage area. Last year, the Scholarship fund handed out $14-thousand dollars. More information is available at natelull.com.

Norwich City School District Superintendent Scott Ryan announced that This morning at 10:13 am, the lock-down system was activated the Middle School and High School campus. This activation was not planned. Our safety team followed all of the procedures and protocols. Each building on the MS/HS campus has been declared safe and free of threat by the Norwich Police Department and our safety team. At 11:30 a.m. the campus was restored to full activity.

Many homes have been demolished in the River Street area in the village of Sidney in recent months, many irreparably damaged by the major flooding of 2006 & 2011. Sidney Mayor Ray Baker said that they are looking to replace the missing homes with new ones in the West Main & Circle Drive region of the Village:

(Ray Baker 9-20-23)

Mayor Baker also said that there are currently no plans for the Village Board to opt in & allow for the retail sale of Marijuana.

Delaware County Clean Sweep will be held this Friday & Saturday for those who have registered to participate, Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson Robb explains:

(Tyson Robb 9-20-23)

Robb said that on Friday, businesses & Municipalities will bring their items from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, then farmers will bring their materials from 12:15 to 2:00 PM, household will participate from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Saturday.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that a bat has tested positive for rabies in Burlington Flats today. There was 1 human exposure, that person is undergoing post exposure vaccinations. More information about rabies is available at 547-4230 or on the Health Department page at otsegocounty.com.

A.M. NEWS 9-20-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla was sentenced to a 5-year term of probation supervision for 4th degree Arson in Delaware County Court. On June 4th, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney, Troopers discovered beer bottles, some with gasoline, the victim told Troopers that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. Investigators obtained DNA Swabs from Harris, Harris's DNA was on the bottles, he was arrested & Harris pled guilty to Arson. Harris was directed to immediately report to the Delaware County Department of Probation.

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 State Department of Health released a report regarding tobacco related cancers from 2016 - 2020. Approximately 46,000 cases of tobacco-related cancers are diagnosed in New York State each year. Among the four cancers most closely related to tobacco, rates of esophagus, larynx and lung cancer have steeply declined, but oral cancer increased by 1.3%. Tobacco-related cancers make up 40% of all State cancer cases diagnosed annually. Also 22.5% of high school students reported use of e-cigarettes in the past 30 days; 6.8% of middle school students reported the same. The New York State Smokers' Quitline is available by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS or nysmokefree.com.

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.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-10-23

Delaware County will host an Innovative Readiness Training mission at the Walton High School starting tomorrow, with medical professionals providing free Medical, Dental & Veterinary services, as well as some community Heathcare providers with additional services, according to Director of Delaware County Planning & Watershed Affairs, Shelly Johnson-Bennett:

(Shelly Johnson-Bennett 7-10-23)

More information about the IRT program July 11th to the 19th, is available at delcony.us or at the Healthy Delaware Face Book Page.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 55 year old Daniel Erickson of Greene, who was the Principal of Johnson City Middle School, & who has been charged with luring a child and 3rd degree attempted rape. On Friday, Detectives arrested Erickson following an investigation into suspicious behavior involving a minor that attends Johnson City High School. Erickson is accused of communicating by Snapchat with a 16-year-old female student, he agreed to meet with her in a remote location with the intentions of engaging in sexual acts, however, detectives were at there and he was taken into custody without incident. Erickson was taken to Central Arraignment, he was remanded to the Correctional Facility without bail. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Catholic Charities of Sidney announced that their backpack with school supplies registration starts today & runs through August 11th. Students of the Sidney School District, whose family meets income requirements, can register by contacting the Sidney office in the Civic Center, or by calling at 607-604-4071.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-10-23

State Police issued a total of 12,991 tickets statewide during the 4th of July STOP-DWI enforcement campaign, which ran from Friday, June 30, to July 5. Troopers arrested 193 people for DWI and investigated 949 crashes, including 158 personal injury crashes and 5 fatalities. Troopers issued over 4600 tickets for speeding, In Troop c, there were 497 speeding tickets issued, 9 DWI arrests, & 110 for child restraint or seat belt violation.

The State Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Control is releasing 3 new reports that point to the effectiveness of ongoing tobacco control policies adopted in the State over the last few years. The New York Youth Tobacco Survey of middle and high school students, found a decrease in cigarette smoking from 27.1% in 2000 to an all-time low of 2.1% among high school students. A 2nd report showed a decrease from 14.1% to 12.0% between 2017 and 2021. A 3rd report found that flavored vaping product sales and use decreased across the State following the implementation of a ban on flavored vaping products and new limits on the legal age to purchase other products.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society has a display exploring baseball’s Major Leaguers who played for Oneonta teams. “Oneonta – On the Road to Major League Baseball” opened Today and will run through September 1st at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street. The display will feature baseball cards of some of those players, including Frank Malzone, Don Mattingly, Curtis Granderson, and many more. More information about this & other programs can be found at oneontahistory.org.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 6-1-23

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Dinner at the Sidney Fire Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. The Chamber will be honoring Dr. Rohan Jayasena as the Citizen of the Years, He commented to WCDO about this honor:

(Dr. Rohan Jayasena 6-1-23)

Waste Recovery Enterprises will be honored as the Business of the Years, spokesman Sean LaRose comments:

(Sean LaRose 6-1-23)

Also, former Great American Food Store operator Kyle Westcott will be honored for the Commitment to Community Award tonight:

(Kyle Westcott 6-1-23)

Also, the Chamber will honor recent Long time Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak for a special Retirement Recognition.

State Police at Sidney responded to a crash involving a tractor trailer and SUV on State Route 8 near County Road 35 in the town of Guilford. An investigation at the scene revealed that the SUV was on State Route 35 when the vehicle entered the intersection and collided with a tractor trailer that had been traveling on State Route 8. The driver of the SUV, 27 year old Erin Hazen of South New Berlin was transported to A.O Fox Hospital - Tri Town. A passenger in the vehicle, a 3-year-old male was not injured. The driver of the tractor trailer, 51 year old Sergei Maliutin of Cohoes, did not report any injury.

P.M. N EWS MONDAY 5-22-23

32 year-old Courtni Baker of Sidney pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court today to charges relating to a February 15th accident, where Baker struck 14-year-old Anielle “AK” McEwan-Lomnicki as she was walking home from Sidney middle school. Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith told WCDO news about the verdict:

(DA Shawn Smith 5-22-23)

Baker registered a .24 blood alcohol content, three times the legal limit at the time of her arrest, Smith said that Baker faces 4 to 12 years in prison at her sentencing on September 25th.

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in Sidney today. The drive will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sidney American Legion Post 183, at 22 Union Street. To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS.

"AK" McEwan Lomnicki has been released from a Syracuse hospital & has returned home to Sidney. McEwan Lomnicki was struck by a vehicle while walking home from School on February 15th, 31 year old Courtni Baker of Sidney was charged with Aggravated DWI, & numerous other charges for the incident. The 14 year Sidney Basketball enthusiast has a long recovery ahead of her & she expressed gratitude for the community support following the incident, AK's Father, Rich Lomnicki told WCDO News that she still requires rest at home and it is unknown when she can return to Sidney Middle School.

State Police & The Governor's Office announced that More than 50 school districts across the state received 'swatting' threats today including in Central New York, Long Island, the Southern Tier and the North Country. "Swatting threats are false and are intended to cause panic, the State Police will investigate all of the threats and work closely with all levels of law enforcement to identify the perpetrators & prosecute them.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested a juvenile following an incident Monday that occurred in an Otsego County school. The investigation revealed that the juvenile subjected another student to unwanted physical contact in a bathroom at the school. Due to their age, the defendant was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Otsego County Probation Department. The unidentified student was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, Obstruction of Breathing & Forcible Touching

The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in Norwich will be back this summer July 8th and 9th in the parking lot at the Norwich High School and Middle School. Organizer Tom Revoir said that they are hoping to approach pre-pandemic numbers for teams participating this year:

(Tom Revoir 3-9-23)

Revoir said that there are 3 divisions: Junior Divisions (18 years of age and below), Adult Divisions (19 years of age and above), and Top Divisions (Most experienced level of play). More information is available at Macker.com.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 3-9-23

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Michael Catapano of Oneonta for DWI, following the report of an accident Sunday on State Highway 28, near Frank Slawson Road in the Town of Franklin. Deputies observed a vehicle that had left the roadway and came to rest in the Ditch. Deputies charged Michael Catapano with DWI, Driving with a BAC greater than 0.08%, Failure to keep Right, Catapano was released on uniform traffic summons returnable to the Town of Franklin Court.

The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage due to the cancellation of blood drives and has issued an emergency request for all blood types. Donate blood Today, at the A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus Lab on Pearl Street in Sidney between 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM in Conference Room N-112 . Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RedCross.

The Mid York Concert Band is looking for more musicians to join, as they prepare for their Spring Concert on Sunday, May 21,, at 2:o0 PM in the Norwich High School Auditorium. Band Director Doug Ernst told WCDO news what they are looking for:

(Doug Ernst 1-30-23)

Ernst said that the next rehearsals will be Tuesday Night at 7:00 PM in the Norwich Middle School Band room, followed by rehearsals on February 7th & 14th, more information is available by calling Ernst at 607-263-2618 or by email: midyorkband@gmail.com.

Sidney 7th grader Isabella Phelps competed in the first ever New York State High School Girls Wrestling Tournament on Friday in Syracuse. She finished a 3rd overall in her weight class of 107 pounds. Bella's record was 5-1 for the one day event and she avenged her only loss by beating the same wrestler in the 3rd place match. More information on local results from the tournament, please visit Nate Lull dot com and click on the all-star tab.

Laurens Fire Fighters responded Sunday Morning to a fire in a garage on Brook Street, which spread to a shed and then to a building on Laurens Central School property. Surrounding structures suffered heat damage, no injuries have been reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

New Yorkers needing help paying their heating bills can begin applying for home heating assistance on Tuesday, November 1. The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, can provide up to $976 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and senior citizens, Nearly 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter, the highest in at least the past five years. Similar demand for assistance is expected again this winter. Applications can be found at mybenefits.ny.gov.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer announced that Upstate New York will receive over $50 million in federal funding through the first round of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program to purchase over 130 brand new electric school buses. Locally, the Downsville central School District will receive over $395,000 for the purchase of 1 new electric school bus.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-31-22

Today is Halloween, in Sidney trick or treating will be from 5:00 to 8:30, in Oneonta, trick or treating will be from 3:30 to 8:00 PM, with a parade on Main Street at 6:00 PM. In Bainbridge this year, a community Halloween Party Trunk or Treat will be held in the Village parking lot behind Bob's Diner, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. In Unadilla, Trick or Treating with a costume parade will be held at the Unadilla Elementary School starting at 6:30 PM.

The Sidney Historical Association will present Terry McMaster, who is a direct descendant of Sidney Village Founder William Johnston this coming Saturday. Historical Society President Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 1-31-22)

The event will be held at the Sidney Public Library starting at 1:30 PM.

Norwich Middle School Principal Michelle Osterhoudt, has accepted the position of Superintendent of the Margaretville School District. Osterhoudt, of Oneonta will take over as the Margaretville Superintendent for the start of the new school year, she had served in the Norwich district for several years, she also served on the Oneonta Common Council and served various capacities for the Oneonta NAACP.

A Blood Drive is being held in Sidney today, at the A.O. Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus on Pearl Street. The Blood Drive will run from 1:30 to 6:30 PM, Appointments are requested at 1-800-RED CROSS or redcrossblood.org.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-14-21

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to a fatal 2-car motor vehicle accident on County Road 36 in the Town of Guilford Monday.  Investigators reported that 22-year-old Dominique Brissett of Walkill was traveling north bound on County Road 36 and collided with an SUV operated by 23-year-old Rachel Feyh of Sidney.  Brissett was pronounced dead on the scene, Feyh was air lifted by Life Net to SUNY Upstate Medical in Syracuse, where she was listed in critical but stable condition. The investigation into the cause of the motor vehicle accident is still ongoing.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced significant progress with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Excluded Workers Program. The amount of pandemic-related emergency rental assistance paid out has nearly doubled in the past 3 weeks, up to $399 million, enabling tenants at risk for eviction to stay in their homes and helping struggling landlords to receive unpaid rent. Starting tomorrow, middle-income renters previously ineligible for assistance can begin applying for funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, also Governor Hochul announced that over $1 billion in Excluded Workers Program funds have been approved for distribution to date.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov.

Catholic Charities in Sidney is looking for volunteers to assist them in their next community mass food distribution on September 28th, spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 9-14-21)

McKnight said that they need about 40 to 50 volunteers to help set & then distribute the food to those who show up on the 28th; McKnight said that they have averaged between 9 & 12 tons of food at the previous distributions.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 9-14-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 101 new cases of COVID 19 in the last week, bringing their total of active cases to 184, with 4 hospitalized & 266 quarantined.  49.6% of the total population is vaccinated, 80% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, and Delaware County residents can find vaccine clinic sites at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov or vaccines.gov

The State Department of Health today announced that New York State's youth smoking rate has reached an all-time low. As of 2020, less than 3% of high school students smoke cigarettes, down from 27.1% in 2000.  The Youth Tobacco Survey found that youth tobacco use was down across all tobacco product categories, including a drop in e-cigarette use for the first time.  New Yorkers of all ages can contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS or visit nysmokefree.com.

After a year and a half hiatus, due to the Covid-19 Virus, the Mid York Concert Band is looking forward to beginning rehearsals today for the 40 plus piece ensemble made up of professionals, educators, students and dedicated amateurs from Chenango and surrounding counties.   Spokesman Mark Sands told WCDO News about the musicians they are recruiting:

(Mark Sands 9-14-21)

Sands said that the rehearsals are every other Tuesday evening, with the 1st rehearsal tonight from 7:00 to 9:30 in the Norwich Middle School band room. There are 2 scheduled concerts, December 14, 2021 and May 22, 2022.More information is available at 334-4307 or by email: midyorkcb@gmail.com

The “Share The Bounty” program will return in Sidney, after the program was forced to shut down due to the COVID 19 pandemic last year, Spokesperson Kate Porter explains:

(Kate Porter 8-27-21)

The first "Share The Bounty" Dinner will be on Thursday September 23rd, at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Center on Liberty Street in Sidney.

Chenango Arts Council is seeking memorabilia, yearbooks and other items from the years its 27 West Main Street location served as the Norwich City Middle and High Schools. Submitted items will be displayed in the gallery exhibit “Back to School”, and items will be returned once the show closes. Those interested in sharing their memorabilia will be please deliver it to the Council at 27 West Main Street, Norwich by September 10th, the exhibit will open with a public reception on Friday, September 17th at 5:30pm. The exhibit will run until October 1st. More information is available at 336-2787 or info@chenangoarts.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-27-21

The Chenango River Theater will be back with live performances today at the facility in Greene, Spokesman Bill Lelbach commented about the controversial topic of "Ben Butler":

(Bill Lelbach 8-27-21)

"Ben Butler" starts tonight & runs through September 19th at their facility in Greene, tickets for “Ben Butler” or the following show: “The Craftsman” are available at chenangorivertheatre.org.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held at the Sidney Fire department Training center on River Street today from 11:00 to 4:00 PM. A Blood drive is also being held today at the Elm Park Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and a blood drive is also being held in Norwich today at the Broad Street Methodist Church from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration is available at redcrossblood.org.

The Barstool Fund has been set up by Barstool Sports.com, to raise money for small businesses struggling to survive due to the pandemic.  Locally, Interskate 88 in Oneonta received substantial funding, owner Eric Nelson comments:

(Eric Nelson 1-25-21)

More information about contributing to the fund to help small businesses or what other small businesses received funds, go to barstoolsports.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-25-21

The total week 6 federal allocation of vaccine delivery to providers was completed over the weekend.  New York's health care distribution sites have received 1,304,050 first doses and administered 88% or 1,144,000 first dose vaccinations.  Delivery of the week 7 allocation from the federal government does not begin until the middle of this week.

The Sidney central School district was notified that 2 6th grade students have tested positive for COVID-19. The last time the students were on campus was Tuesday, January 19th.  The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras joined SUNY Oneonta Acting President Dennis Craig Sunday to reopen campus for the spring semester.   On Sunday, students moved back to campus housing for pre-semester COVID testing and quarantining before the Spring Semester start date of in-person classes of February 1st.  The SUNY system has announced it will be increasing the frequency of mandatory COVID-19 testing at schools.  All students, staff, and faculty who frequent the campuses will be tested weekly for the start of the semester, prior to the start of in-person classes, there will be mandatory mask-wearing & there will be no Spring Break this semester.

Bainbridge Guilford School Superintendent Tim Ryan is holding a Zoom Meeting with parents today, regarding how the school district is dealing with the uptick in Chenango County COVID cases, he told WCDO News that their hybrid model seems to be working well:

(Tim Ryan 1-8-21)

Ryan said that they have had 4 students recently test positive, 2 of those were remote only students & they did not expose anyone in the school itself.

The Sidney Central School District reported 2 new COVID 19 cases, they report 2 middle school students are presumed positive, they have not been on campus since Monday, January 4th. The Delaware County Health officials have conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

Bassett Healthcare Network is tightening visitor restrictions at all of its hospitals and long-term care facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to rise regionally and statewide. Effective Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, only individuals considered essential to the medical care of a patient will be allowed at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown; A.O. Fox Hospital, in Sidney & Oneonta; Little Falls Hospital, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, and O’ Connor Hospital in Delhi.   Visitation is also suspended at the Bassett network’s two long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities – A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, and Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services in Herkimer.

Oneonta City School District was made aware of a positive COVID-19 staff member at the Oneonta Middle School, several staff members are close contacts to 2 additional positive COVID cases resulting in quarantines through the Thanksgiving break.  All Oneonta schools will go fully remote beginning today through at least Monday, November 30th.

The Norwich High School and Middle School will have remote instruction today, after the District discovered a positive COVID-19 student case at the high school, and a middle school teacher's family member had tested positive.  The buildings will be closed today for contact tracing and deep cleaning, and they are working with Health officials in order to re-open for in-person instruction on Friday.  The Gibson and Browne Elementary schools will remain open, and will follow the normal schedule.

Sidney Police responded to a 911 call of a domestic dispute at a business in the Village of Sidney Tuesday, they arrested 43 year old Anthony Fiorillo of Sidney for Criminal contempt, Harassment & Trespassing.  Fiorillo was arraigned in the Village of Sidney court & was released to appear in court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-10-20

Delaware Academy officials announced that their elementary school will go to remote learning until after the Thanksgiving holiday, due to a recent COVID 19 positive test. The infected person was last on the campus on November 5th, the Middle School & High School will continue as previously scheduled.

The Sidney Cultural Community Center will have its inaugural event on Saturday November 21st with a holiday bazaar, Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-21-20)

The Sidney Cultural Community Center is located in the former 1st Congregational church at the corner of Bridge & Main Streets in Sidney.

Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.

The Oneonta City School District have switched middle and high school students to remote learning yesterday & again today after being notified of a teacher testing positive.  NO student or any faculty/staff member is deemed a “close contact” to the affected teacher, according to a district letter; all elementary buildings will open as normal. Middle & High School students are scheduled to return on the previous hybrid schedule Monday.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their "Commitment to Community" Annual Dinner Saturday Night.  The guest Speakers will be Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney.  The Chamber will honor their Citizen of the Year award winner Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year; My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club.

The Baristacrats Coffee Bar of Afton is teaming up with Gavin's Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney on Sunday; they will be donating a percentage of the day's sales to the Afton VFW Building Project.  Baristacrats owner Alexis Van Buren explains:

(Alexis Van Buren 10-23-20)

Van Buren said that The Afton VFW building needs renovations; the building was built in 1898.  Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730.  The combined effort will be held at Gavin’s Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.

Tomorrow is Election Day in New York State, locally, 5
people are running for 3 spots in the State Supreme Court 6th
District, they are Democrats Pete Charnetysky & Claudette Newman &
Republicans Chris Baker, Oliver Blaise, Mark Masler.  In Delaware County for the Sidney Town
Clerk's position, Incumbent Lisa French faces Republican Sheila Paul,   In Delhi & Hamden Town Council races;
each race has 3 candidates for 2 seats.
There are races in 3 districts of the Otsego County Board of
Representatives in districts 2, 3 & 14, there is an election for Laurens
Town Supervisor between Democrat Dean Buccheri & Republican David Neske,
and there are town council seat races in Butternuts, Hartwick, Laurens, New Lisbon,
Oneonta, and Worcester.  In the City of
Oneonta, there are races for common council seats in Wards 2, 4, 5, 6 &
8.  In Chenango County, there is an
election for Norwich City Mayor between incumbent Christine Carnrike, Jill
Osterhoudt-Kraft, Shawn Sastri & former Mayor Joe Maiurano; there are races
for Norwich City Council seats in wards 3 & 5, for Town of Norwich
Supervisor, the voters will decide between Debra Cubbedge & Stanley
Foulds.  In the Town of Coventry, a race
exits for Supervisor between Jan Andrews vs. Jennifer Boudreau.  In the town of Guilford Supervisor's race,
incumbent George Senek faces a challenge from Write-In candidate Dan
Harrington.   In the Guilford Town Council,
2 seats are up between Terence Ives, Richard Dunnigan, Gilda Ward, plus Write
Ins:  Rebecca Young and Duane Reif for
Town Council,   for Town of Pharsalia
Supervisor, the race is between Jeremiah Micklas vs. David Soule & there
are 3 candidates for 2 seats on the Town of Plymouth board.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York's law raising the
minimum sales age from 18 to 21 for tobacco and electronic cigarette products
beginning November 13th.   The law seeks
to prevent cigarettes and vaping products from getting into the hands of our
youth, & creating an addiction to a deadly habit.   According to the State Department of Health,
almost 40% of 12th grade students and 27% of all high school age students are
now using e-cigarettes, and this increase is largely driven by flavored
e-liquids.   The State Police will
partner with the Department of Health to conduct undercover investigations
across the state, retailers found selling tobacco and vaping products to
underage individuals will face criminal penalties in addition to civil
penalties.

Sidney village police Arrested
21 year old Caleb Zuk of Sidney for Criminal possession of a controlled
substance, Criminal possessing a hypodermic instrument and Aggravated
unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Thursday.  Zuk was processed & face court action at
a later date.

Orlando Tercero has been found guilty of the Nicaraguan
charge of Femicide, for the murder of Haley Anderson IN Binghamton last
year.  Tercero was wanted in Broome
County for the murder of Hailey Anderson in his Binghamton Apartment, he fled
to his home country, where he was tried & found guilty of Anderson’s
murder.  He is expected to serve 25 to 35
years in jail in Nicaragua.

State Police Sergeant Robert Bloom was on his way to a
graduation ceremony Friday to play with the pipes and drums and dressed in a
kilt,  when saw smoke on Tioga Terrace in
Apalachin just after 12:00 noon, he located the burning building, discovered
that a male was bedridden inside.
Sergeant Bloom, the bedridden man’s father and a neighbor entered the
burning residence, got the man into a wheelchair and out of the home.  All were taken to area hospitals for smoke
inhalation.  Sergeant Bloom is a 7-year
veteran of the State Police, and is currently works out of State Police
Headquarters at Troop C in Sidney.

The Unatego Board of Education is expected to make a
decision as to which proposal to accept for the Former Otego Elementary School
Building at their regular Board meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Middle
School/High School cafeteria in Wells Bridge.
Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards said that the 3 proposals are
down to 2 for tonight:

(Dr. Dave Richards 11-4-19)

The remaining proposals are from Dirig Design of Wells
Bridge & Oneonta Christian Academy.

The Village of Delhi Police Department announced that
41-year-old Jessica Ambrose of Sidney was served a criminal summons directing
her to appear in Delhi Town Court to answer complaints of Attempted Welfare
Fraud, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, and Offering a False
Instrument for Filing. The charges against Ambrose stem from complaints filed
by fraud investigators at the Delaware County Department of Social Services.
Ambrose will face court action shortly.

The Afton Community Theater presents "Matilda the
Musical" this weekend. Erin Wehrli is directing the performances of
"Matilda" this weekend:

(Erin Wehrli 9-24-19)

"Matilda The Musical" will be performed Friday
& Saturday nights at 7:00 PM, with Saturday & Sunday Matinees at 2:00
PM, at the Margery Secrest Theater at the Afton Central School.  Tickets are available at
BrownpaperTickets.com.

The State Labor Department
released local unemployment statistics for the month of August today.  Locally, Chenango County had 3.9% unemployment;
Delaware County had 4.4% and Otsego County 3.8% unemployment in August.

The mural on the side of the Tepco building in Bainbridge
was dedicated Monday night.  Kimberly
Moravcik was tasked with putting a Native American theme on the border of the
mural:

(Kimberly Moravcik 9-23-19)

Christopher Lloyd Wright of Afton was given the task to do
the middle part of the mural, to reflect more of the later day Bainbridge:

(Christopher Lloyd Wright 9-23-19)

The dedication was followed by refreshments at the
refurbished Wilsey Building.

Ed Curley of Sidney Recently completed a lengthy bicycle
trip across the country to raise money for a cause; he talked to WCDO about
that aspect of his trip:

(Ed Curley 8-6-19)

Money can still be donated in Ed's name at JDRF.org.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing school
districts to install stop-arm cameras on school buses in order to catch drivers
who unlawfully pass a stopped school bus. In New York State, approximately 1.5
million students ride school buses to and from school every year, However,
Operation Safe Stop in April 2018 exposed that hundreds of people ignore this
law and over 850 people were ticketed in 1 day.

The Chenango County Department
of Public Works closed County Road 17 between State Route 41 and Loomis Road in
the Town of Afton today for the replacement of a large culvert. The work is
expected to take 3 to 5 days, Drivers should seek alternate routes. Local
residents will be allowed to travel to and from their homes. More information
is available at 337-1710.

22nd District Congressman Anthony Brindisi will hold a rural
broadband town hall in Chenango County This afternoon.  The event will begin at 4:45 pm at
Sherburne-Earlville Middle School. This event is free and open to all members
of the community.

State Police have arrested 40 year old Curtis Cuttino & 46 year old Michael McVicker of York Pennsylvania, in connection with the fatal shooting of an Apalachin man in his home on Dorothy Lane Thursday morning. Cuttino was apprehended a short distance away Thursday on the Vestal parkway, McVicker was apprehended in Monticello, both have been charged with 2nd degree murder & are being held without bail in the Broome County Jail.

The Ed Wessels Canoe Regatta will be held tomorrow on the Susquehanna River, sponsored by the Sidney Chamber of Commerce, long time area Paddler Ed Curley comments:

(Ed Curley 5-10-19)

Curley said that proceeds will benefit a Sidney high school
Senior interested in a Business degree, through the Sidney Dollars for Scholars
program.   Registration starts at 8:30
AM, the Post-race dinner and awards will be at the Elks Lodge in Sidney.

Catholic Charities is looking for people to volunteer for
their Mentoring program, spokesperson Kayla Johnson explains:

(Kayla Johnson 5-10-19)

Anyone interested in mentoring can call Catholic Charites at
their Sidney Office at 604-4071 or by email: kjohnson@charitiesccdo.org.

Delhi Telephone or DTC has branched out around the region
and with the services they provide, they will be hosting an event that will
also raise funds for the Sidney Center Fire Department on Monday, DTC spokesman
Jason Miller explains:

(Jason Miller 5-10-19)

Miller said that DTC is offering a variety of services
including High Speed Broad band Internet, Phone Plans, TV Packages & home
security systems.

The Warwick Rhode Island School district came under fire
earlier this week, after they announced that students with school lunch debts
would be served cold sunbutter & jelly sandwiches.  Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya announced that his
company would pay off the lunch debt, estimated at $77,000 dollars covering
about 1650 children in the district.

Funeral services for 16 year old Amelia Wakefield of Oxford
will be held Today at 5:00 PM, in the auditorium of the Oxford Academy Middle
School.  Wakefield was found deceased in
a residence on Water Street in Smithville Flats last Friday Night, the
investigation into her death is continuing.

THE VILLAGE OF SIDNEY WILL ACCEPT DROPPED OFF APPLIANCES,
TIRES AND METAL AT THE SIDNEY VILLAGE GARAGE TODAY & TOMORROW.  MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM IS
AVAILABLE AT 561-2329.

The Chenango Arts Council
announced its annual Chenango Area Student Art exhibition on Friday, April 5th
at 5:30 pm, with an awards ceremony for 2 scholarships, the council’s Student
Art Show, and Artistic Discovery, where 6 entries will be submitted to
Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s office for a chance to appear in the 2019
Congressional Art Show in Washington, DC.
The exhibit will run through April 19th at the Council's Mariea Brown
and Raymond Loft Galleries at 27 West Main Street, in Norwich.  Interested students can call the Council at
336-ARTS for more information.

(Nate Lull 3-18-19)

WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull with the call in the closing
seconds as the Cooperstown Boys Basketball team won their 1st state title in
program history at the Floyd L. Maines Arena in Binghamton yesterday.  The Hawkeyes Defeated Middle Early College, a
Charter School from Buffalo 71-61 in the title game, Cooperstown’s Jack Lambert
was named tournament MVP after scoring a combined 76 points in 2 games at the
Final 4, John Kennedy was named to the All-Tournament Team for
Cooperstown.  The win came 1 day after a
triple overtime win over Greenport in the State Semi-Finals.  To listen back to the game, or see pictures
of the celebration, go to WCDOSPORTS.COM.

Village Elections will be held across the state tomorrow, in
the Village of Sidney; Mayor Andy Matviak is seeking election for another term:

(Andy Matviak 3-18-19)

Matviak faces a challenge from Jeffrey Stefanek, who told
WCDO News why he decided to run:

(Jeffrey Stefanek 3-18-19)

Voters in Sidney will also be deciding on 2 seats on the
Village Board, between Sheri Youngs, Ray Baker & Barry McPherson, Voting
will be from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm at the Sidney Civic Center.

The 25th annual Colorscape Chenango, the premier arts
festival in Central New York, will be held September 7th & 8th
in downtown Norwich. The application deadline for exhibiting artists is this
Friday, March 8th. Colorscape invites Chenango County high school students to
participate in the Billboard Art Challenge called “Art Can Change the World.”
Submissions are due April 26th, more information is available at 336-3378 or
visit colorscape.org.

State Police arrested 52 year old Frank Price of Sherburne
for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .19%.  Troopers were dispatched to a suspicious
vehicle in the town of Sherburne, they spotted the vehicle stopped in the
middle of the roadway, running, with its brake and headlights on and Price
asleep behind the wheel.   Price was
processed and released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of
Sherburne Court on March 11th.

A Delaware County jury acquitted Jeffrey Hitchcock of Sidney
Center Friday, for charges of sexual abuse & endangering the welfare of a
minor.  Hitchcock had been accused of
inappropriately touching an 11 year old female; the jury took a little over 4
hours to find Hitchcock not guilty of the charges.

Hospice & Palliative care of Chenango County will hold
their annual "Camp-4-Seasons" on Saturday March 23rd from 9am - 3pm,
at the Stanford Gibson Primary School in Norwich.   Grief Services Coordinator Rachel Barletta
explains:

(Rachel Barletta 3-1-19)

Barletta said that registration is requested by March 18th,
more information is available at 334-3556 or by email at
rbarletta@hospicechenango.org.

Governor Cuomo admitted that he
is still trying to get Amazon to reconsider their recent decision to back out
of their plans to open a 2nd headquarters in Queens.  Cuomo said that he talked to CEO Jeff Bezos
& other top officials with the internet giant; he said that so far they
have not moved from their most recent decision to back out of the New York City
deal after local political pressure.

Governor Cuomo launched a Tax Fairness for the Middle Class
Campaign to make the property tax cap permanent and cut middle class taxes
again:

(Cuomo 3-1-19)

Cuomo said that he wants to reduce the rate for incomes up
to $150,000, the rate is now 6.85, and this would bring that down to 5.5%. And
up to $300,000, the rate is 6.85%; bring that down to 6%.

A fundraising “Sock Hop” will be held Saturday at the Sidney
Elks Lodge to raise money for the Delaware Valley Humane Society, Spokespe4rson
Robin Ballo comments:

(Robin Ballo 3-1-19)

The Doors will open at 5:30 PM; all proceeds will go to the
Delaware Valley Humane Society.