WCDO Radio News

There is 1 more week left for the Sidney Chamber Of Commerce "Passport Game" Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Steph Taylor 12-12-16)

Taylor said that the winner of the Passport game would be announced on December 19th at 2:00 PM. More information is available at the Sidney Chamber's new office at 85 Main Street.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have recruited the Maine-Endwell Little League World Series Champions to help them unveil their new uniforms on Wednesday, at 5:30 PM. Rumble Ponies officials will bring the 4 new team uniforms to the Maine-Endwell Middle School auditorium; they will be sported by members of the Maine-Endwell Little League team in a special presentation.

The Village of Sidney, along with officials with Delaware County & the Governors Office of Storm Recovery, will host a meeting on Wednesday December 14th at the Sidney High School Auditorium. Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak said that there are plans for 122 more Buyouts of flood damaged properties, among other items to be discussed:

(Andy Matviak 12-9-16)

The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:30 as the village continues to make plans for the buyouts, new townhouses & related infrastructure, The Senior apartments in civic center, which was officially sold last week, more information is available at 561-2320

The Sidney Students against Destructive Decisions are hosting a community holiday party from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday, at the Sidney middle school gymnasium. The day will feature games, arts and crafts with elves, as well as being able to visit with Santa Claus. Pizza, hot cocoa, and cookies will be provided and will be available in the middle school cafeteria. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Gently used clothes and other items are available to the community in the middle school rubber room during the event.

Afton Central School has teamed up with NBT Bank to add financial education to its curriculum. The school is bringing NBT Bank's Strive® financial literacy programs to students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. NBT Bank Customer Service Representative Jennifer Cower will visit students today, The session will enhance the student’s math and science lessons.

The City Of Oneonta announced that Minor Painting work in the middle level & the down ramp of the Municipal Parking Garage will begin Tuesday. The top Level, & the south bay of the middle level will be closed to traffic & parking, the up ramp tot eh top level will be closed at the Chestnut Street Extension, parking will be allowed in 2/3rds of the middle level & all of the bottom level. The work is expected to take about 4 days to complete.

The Next UNATEGO BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING WILL BE HELD this evening at 6:30 PM. THe meeting will be held at the MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN Wells Bridge in Room 93. The MEETING WILL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS CSE RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE REGULAR MEETING TO START AT 7:00 PM.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 3 Margaretville people on Sealed Grand Jury Indictment Warrants. Deputies and Investigators arrested 39 year old Christopher Fairbairn for allegedly selling heroin in the Town of Middletown. 69 year old Salvatore Esposito was arrested for allegedly selling Oxycodone & Fentanyl transdermal patches from his residence. 62 year old Karen Certain was charged for allegedly selling hydrocodone in Margaretville. While acting on the Warrant, Investigators discovered marihuana being grown outside Certain’s residence, they arrested 61 year old Robert Cline for Unlicensed Cultivation of Cannabis. All face court action shortly.

The Sidney Village Board will have a special meeting tonight at 7:00 PM, to discuss Village Court Personel. The board will meet in executive session.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 78-year-old Sidney Cunningham of Unadilla for DWI & failure to keep right, following a 1-car accident on Dunshee Road in the Town of Sidney. Cunningham was released on his appearance tickets to the Town of Sidney Court on July 14th.

Lawmakers wrapped up their 2016 session Friday, State Senator Jim Seward Comments:

(Seward 6-20-16)

Seward also mentioned a $1.5 billion increase in school aid, eliminating the Gap Elimination Adjustment, provided resources to improve our upstate roads and bridges, and tax cuts for the middle-class.

Local lawmakers are weighing in on the new state budget plan, area state senator Jim Seward comments:

(Seward 4-1-16)

Seward said that the Budget includes the Minimum wage increase to $15.00 an hour by 2021, something that was opposed to, he approves of the $1 billion dollar Middle Class Tax cut in the 1st year, which will reach $4.2 Billion dollars when implemented over the next several years.

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 that he read the script, loved it and then went about putting together the largest production in recent memory:

(Rich Cooley 4-1-16)

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.

Governor Cuomo announced a last minute agreement with legislative leaders on the 2016-17 state budget, which includes Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour in every region of the state by 2021, Enacting a paid family leave policy, Holding the growth in state spending to 2%, Cutting the personal income tax, Providing $24.8 billion in School Aid, & ending the Gap Elimination Adjustment. The budget also includes Investing $55 billion in the largest state transportation plan ever approved – including $27 billion for the DOT and Thruway and $27 billion for the MTA of New York City.

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of shots fired in the area of 117 Glenwood Road in the Town of Dickinson near the Binghamton City Line early Thursday Monring. 2 people were in a vehicle heading south on Glenwood Road when a suspect fired 5 or 6 shots at their vehicle, the driver attempted to leave quickly but struck several parked vehicles and came to rest in the middle of the roadway. No injuries were received. Troopers from the Special Operations Response Team have not located the shooter, the road is re-opened to traffic. State Police were assisted by the Binghamton Police Department and Broome County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation is ongoing.

Those who may have an idea for a business or a product, but don't know how to get started, are invited to "Pitch Night" at the Oxford high School Auditorium on March 24th at 7:00 PM. A Panel featuring members of Commerce Chenango & The southern Tier Startup Alliance will be on hand, according to organizer Steve Palmatier:

(Steve Palmatier 3-4-16)

Those wishing to present an idea should be prepared to give a 3 to 5 minute presentation; more information is available at 336-7727

NYSEG reports a power outage this morning & this afternoon affecting 649 customers in Otsego County. Affected areas include the towns of Butternuts, Gilbertsville, Mount Upton & Unadilla, Students at the Gilbertsville Mount Upton School District were dismissed early due to the power outage, Crews hope to have the power restored as soon as possible.

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.

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.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WILL HOLD A BLOOD DRIVE AT THE LAURENS HIGH SCHOOL ON 64 MAIN STREET today, from, 3:00 TO 7:00 PM. ALL BLOOD TYPES ARE NEEDED AT THIS TIME. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, VISIT REDCROSSBLOOD.OR OR CALL 1-800 RED CROSS.

Oneonta city officials announced a public meeting would be held today at 7:00 PM in the Oneonta Middle school cafeteria, regarding the status of the citywide property revaluations that were conducted last year. Representatives from the firm that conducted the revaluation will be present along with the city assessor to let residents know when they can expect to be notified, how to interpret their notice and how to make inquiries. More information is available at 432-2397 or by email: rmaxwell@oneonta.ny.us

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.

Oneonta city officials announced a public meeting would be held on February 24th in the Oneonta Middle school cafeteria, regarding the status of the citywide property revaluations that were conducted last year. Representatives from the firm that conducted the revaluation will be present along with the city assessor to let residents know when they can expect to be notified, how to interpret their notice and how to make inquiries. More information is available at 432-2397 or by email: rmaxwell@oneonta.ny.us

Chenango County Farm Bureau has scheduled a public informational meeting on leasing land to solar energy companies. The meeting will be held at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street in Sidney at 7:00 pm tonight. Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers explains:

(Bradd Vickers 2-16-16)

Vickers said that an Attorney, an Environmental Scientist and an Accountant would be present to provide information to area property owners before leasing their property.

Sidney Police Department arrested 62-year-old Thaddeus David of Oneonta, and 37-year-old Lisa Dougherty of Sidney, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, following a traffic stop Thursday night. Police officers located and seized 100 packets of heroin; David and Dougherty were arraigned in Sidney Village Court. David was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail, Dougherty was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 secured bond. Sidney Police Officers were assisted by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, K-9 “Ozzie”, Delaware County Probation, State Police and State Parole division.

The Chenango Arts Council and Wilson Ceramics will offer “Drink Wine & Let’s Design” tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 pm Classes are taught by Matthew Wilson, current Norwich Middle School art teacher and practicing local artist. All classes are held in the Chenango Arts Council’s art classroom #107, 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-2787 or chenangoarts.org.

The Sidney Chamber of commerce is taking nomination for the Annual "Citizen of The Years" & "Business of the Years" awards. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(Stephanie Taylor 2-5-16)

Taylor said that the Sidney Chamber nomination forms are available at the newly revamped website they are due back to the Chamber office by March 10th, the winners will be honored at the Annual dinner on June 3rd.

The Sidney Rotary Club will host a heroin/substance abuse awareness night on Wednesday, February 10, at the Sidney High School. Sidney Rotary Club member Lorraine Keckeisen explains:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 2-4-16)

Pre-registration for the February 10 event at SHS is highly encouraged to accommodate dinner and door prizes. To register, Call 561-7712, or email chaynes@sidneycsd.org. The doors open at 5:15 p.m. to sign in. The Rotary Program is free with a spaghetti dinner with tickets for door prizes and Backpacks.

The Deposit district will do hold a Drug Awareness Night tonight at 6:00 PM in the Deposit Middle school & High School building. More information is available at 467-8509.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a workshop today at 5:30 PM in the District Conference Room. The next regular meeting will be on February 18, 2016.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision & the State Department of Civil Service will be holding an exam for its latest correction officer recruitment effort. While the exam will be held on April 9th, the application deadline for this examination is February 24th. Those interested must be 21 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a resident of New York, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Those interested in applying for the position of correction officer trainee, one may apply online or download the examination information and applications at the Department of Civil Service website at cs.ny.gov/exams, more information can be found at doccs.ny.gov/.

Delaware County Deputies arrested and charged 37 year old Julia Coan of Oneonta Sunday, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and felony Aggravated DWI with a Child. Coan was arrested following a one-car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith involving Coan who is accused of driving in an impaired condition with a child less than seventeen years old within her vehicle. Deputies were assisted in their investigation by a Sidney Village Police Department. Coan was issued tickets and released on her own recognizance to return to the Town of Meredith Court on February 3rd.

The Windsor Central School District will hold a Drug Awareness Night tonight at the Middle and High School. More information is available at 655-8250.

A Rally was held Saturday at the River Club in Afton with about 300 + Constitution Pipeline supporters. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch attended:

(Crouch 1-25-16)

The Constitution pipeline is expected to traverse the southern tier along the I-88 Corridor from Pennsylvania into the New England markets, with local availability to Am phenol in Sidney among others, along the route.

State Police arrested 35 year old Andrew Adams of Oneonta for 2nd degree Assault, 4 counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated with children under the age of 16, 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Driving while ability impaired by drugs, plus harassment & several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after an Otsego County 911 report of an erratic driver on Interstate 88 westbound who crashed into a guide rail near mile marker 33 in the Town of Sidney. Adams had his four children ages 8-12 in his car with him, with No injuries were reported. Adams also became disorderly and punched at troopers during processing. Adams was arraigned at the Town of Sidney court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 property bond. His next court date in the Town of Sidney is on February 26th.

The Windsor district will hold a Drug Awareness Night this Wednesday, January 27th at the Middle and High School. To reserve your seat and to choose your small group sessions for the Windsor event, call 655-8250. The Deposit district will do hold a Drug Awareness Night on Thursday, February 4th. To reserve your seat and to choose your small group sessions for the Deposit event, call 467-8509

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life announces an information team captain meeting will be held on February 1st at the United Methodist church in Sidney. The meeting will begin 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.

36 year old Rafael Figueroa, of Saugerties was convicted Friday of felony drug trafficking following a trial in Delaware County Court. The jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before reaching its verdict, Figueroa was found guilty of 3 felony charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance for trafficking of cocaine into Town of Middletown. Figueroa was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending sentencing.