WCDO Radio News

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer met with Sidney Officials Saturday at the civic center, to discuss the Sidney flood plain project:

(Schumer 12-22-14)

The plans to buy out & relocate resident from the flood prone River Street area over to the Plankenhorn road are continuing, the town & village board are working to annex that area into the village limits, the cost of the project is about 22 million dollars.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 35-year-old Rafael Figueroa of the town of Roxbury with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, following the unsealing of a grand jury indictment Thursday. Figueroa is accused of selling cocaine in Margaretville, he was held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bail bond. Figueroa has a prior felony drug conviction, & could face up to 12 years imprisonment for each of these drug sales.

State Senator Tom Libous is calling on the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board, and the Governor to reconsider the Southern Tier's 2 applications for the fourth authorized casino license, at a press conference Friday in Binghamton:

(Libous 12-22-14)

Libous said that the chosen Tyre site is closer to Canada than it is to Binghamton, he said that the original casino siting legislation allows up to 2 licenses in each region.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 30-year-old Christopher Davis of Franklin for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, following an investigation into a domestic dispute in the town of Franklin. Davis was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional facility on $1,500 cash bail, he will appear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Golden Era Committee announced balloting results Monday, nine former players and one former executive and were considered by a 16-person committee, they decided that none of the eligible players would be included in this year's Hall of Fame inductions. Hall of Fame Weekend will be held July 24th through the 27th in Cooperstown, with the Induction Ceremony slated for Sunday, July 26th, inductees will be announced January 6th.

Following an investigation into a civilian complaint in the Town of Walton, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 60-year-old Daren Pilch of Walton for Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with BAC .18 or more, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Pilch was released on Appearance Tickets and is to appear in Town of Walton Court at a later date.

The Sidney American legion will host their annual children’s Christmas party again this year, legion spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 12-9-14)

The event runs from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at the legion at 22 Union Street in Sidney Saturday.

Restaurant and hotel workers plan to weigh in as a state board considers whether to mandate they pay tipped workers the standard minimum wage in New York. The Wage Board is reviewing whether to eliminate the so-called tip wage of $5 an hour for food servers and $5.65 for hotel housekeepers. New York law lets employers to pay them less than the state's $8 minimum wage, set to rise to $8.75 in January, provided tips make up the difference. After a hearing today, the board will meet tomorrow and begin considering recommendations to Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera.

State Police in Sidney arrested 52-year-old Shayne Edwards of Unadilla for DWI with a BAC result of .17% and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana following an accident on State Route 7 extension to I- 88 in the town of Unadilla. Edwards was issued uniform traffic tickets and an Appearance Ticket to own of Unadilla January 19th

State Senator Jim Seward announced that he will be hosting a free senior scam prevention forum on Tuesday, December 16th at the Sidney Memorial Public Library. Senator Seward is partnering with the New York State Department of State to inform senior citizens and others about the alarming trend of senior targeted scams. A specialist with the Division of Consumer Protection will conduct the free presentation, helping senior citizens proactively protect their identities and avoid becoming the victims of a scam. The senior scam prevention forum will take place on Tuesday, December 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, 8 River Street in Sidney. The forum is free and open to the public.

State Police from Sidney arrested 21 year old Dillon Kemmerer of Port Crane for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and other vehicle and traffic law violations following a vehicle and traffic law stop when a Trooper observed he was driving a vehicle with a suspended registration while on State Route 41 in Afton. An investigation determined Kemmerer had several suspensions on his driver license and was driving without valid insurance. Also, after smelling marihuana, the Trooper found he unlawfully possessed a small amount inside the vehicle. Kemmerer was arraigned in town of Afton Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28-year-old Justin Cody of Oneonta for torturing, injuring and failure to feed animals after a Trooper responded to a report of animal cruelty at a residence at the Lantern Hill Trailer Park on State Route 23 in Oneonta. An investigation determined two kittens had died while under the care of Cody who then put the remains under his trailer. He was issued a ticket for town of Oneonta Court December 9th

The chairman of the state Thruway Authority resigned, saying he will return to focus on his business interests. Howard Milstein, the billionaire New York City developer, is leaving the board. The 570-mile highway faces financial problems and is building a $3.9 billion new Tappan Zee Bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties. Milstein's departure won't impact the agency's operations, and they are in the process of finding a replacement to fill the unpaid post. An analysis by a consultant to the Thruway Authority estimates the highway system's revenue will be $67 million short of its needs in 2015 under the current toll rates.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives passed an annual budget plan at their most recent meeting this week. The budget spends 103 million dollars in the next fiscal year, and lowers the tax levy by 2% from last year's budget.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their annual Christmas parade fro this Friday night, Chamber Director Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-2-14)

Parade participants are reminded to line up in the parking lot before the parade at 5:30. The parade begins at 6:30

State Police arrested 21-year-old Alexander Church of Delhi for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop for failing to keep right while driving on State Route 28 in Franklin, Church is accused of driving while impaired & also unlawfully possessed approximately three grams of marihuana, he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court on December 11th.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the release of several municipal audits, including for the Village of Bainbridge. The audit found that the board did not request adequate reports from the clerk-treasurer and was unable to make informed financial decisions. In addition, the clerk-treasurer’s records understated the total fund balance of the general, water and sewer funds by a combined $233,000. The report & the village’s response to the audit are available at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State University of New York has adopted a uniform sexual assault prevention and response policy for SUNY campuses. The policy is being disseminated today to each campus’ official’s implementation. The policy follows the resolution passed by the SUNY Board of Trustees in October, The Governor also today launched a new website that provides information regarding sexual assault prevention and response for students, parents, administrators and law enforcement at campuscrime.ny.gov.

Family Planning of South Central New York is offering free, confidential, rapid HIV testing and counseling this week at the following locations and times: 5 Cortland Street, Norwich tomorrow-Friday noon to 4 PM, 37 Dietz Street, Oneonta: tomorrow-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 PM, 37 Pleasant Street, Sidney: Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 130 North Street, Walton: tomorrow 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rapid HIV test gives results in 20 minutes. Patients will receive counseling on how to identify and reduce their risk of HIV infection. For more information call 607-723-8306

Staff and students at the Sidney Central School district showed their support Ronald McDonald House of Rochester & for 12 year old Francisco LaBoy, a students who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 3, and who spent time at their Rochester facility.   Lori Stevenson from Ronald McDonald House was at the Sidney school of a special assembly today to collect $1500 that was raised through the “Wear Your Striped Socks” fundraising campaign:

(Lori Stevenson 11-25-14)

Francisco LaBoy & his Father Jose expressed their gratitude for the support they have received with this campaign:

(Francisco & Jose LaBoy 11-25-14)

Plans are in the works to continue the fundraising campaign next year, another “Wear Your Striped Socks” campaign Assembly is scheduled for Sidney October 15th 2015.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a reported 1-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton. Deputies arrested 55 year old Richard Wood of Walton, for driving while ability impaired by drugs, he was released with appearance tickets made returnable for Town of Walton Court at a later date.

A decision on where up to 4 casinos will be located in upstate New York is expected to be announced December 17th, when a board reviewing casino applications is expected to meet for the final time. The board is choosing from 16 applications, with 4 licenses are set to be awarded for 3 upstate regions: the Albany-Saratoga area, the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region and the Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley. The decision will be made following months of public hearings and presentations on the proposals.

The joint meeting of the Village & Town of Sidney boards scheduled for Monday has been cancelled. The 2 boards were scheduled to meet Monday at 6:00 PM at the Sidney Civic Center; the Sidney Village board will still hold their meeting at 7:00 PM.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30-year-old Nicholas Ildefonso of Walton for aggravated unlicensed operation, improper licenses plates, uninspected motor vehicle, inadequate headlights, unregistered motor vehicle and no license plate lamps. Ildefonso was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court, where he posted bail in the amount of $950 and was released pending future court action.

THE GUILFORD TOWN BOARD WILL HOLD A WORK SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT, TOMORROW AT NOON AT THE GUILFORD TOWN HALL, LOCATED ON MARBLE RD. IN GUILFORD CENTER. GUILFORD TOWN RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

The national baseball Hall Of fame & Museum in Cooperstown announced that beginning Monday, they will document the San Francisco Giants’ most recent World Series title through a their annual tribute to the World Series Champions. The Museum acquired several artifacts from the champion Giants as well as from Kansas City Royals, including items used in the series by the Giants Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence & manager Bruce Bochy, as well as items from the American League Champion Royals from Yordano Ventura, Brandon Finnegan, & Royals manager Ned Yost.

Sidney village police arrested 31-year-old Carlene Morgan of Wells Bridge, following a 2-vehicle accident on Delaware Avenue Tuesday afternoon. Morgan was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, & failure to keep right, she is accused of losing control of her vehicle and crashing head on into a vehicle in the opposing lane. Morgan was arraigned and faces action in Sidney village court at a later date. The operator of the other vehicle was taken to Tri Town Regional hospital for treatment of injuries; police have not released the name of the 2nd driver.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Donald Kern of Walton on a charge of Assault in the second degree. It is alleged that while Kern was incarcerated at the Delaware County Correctional Facility he assaulted another inmate. He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the correctional facility in lieu of 2,500 cash bail

A decision could come next month on sites for new casinos in Upstate New York. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board met yesterday in closed executive session to talk about the financial and employment history of the applicants. A decision is expected at the next meeting, which has not yet been scheduled. The commission said it expects to decide by mid-December. There are 16 applicants for four licenses. Voters approved new casinos by referendum on the 2013 ballot

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office conducted an audit of the town of Sidney's budget. The Audit found that revenue and expenditure projections in the preliminary budget are reasonable, but the Town’s projections for rental income in the Hospital Fund were not based on amounts expected to be received according to current lease agreements. The Town did not budget for an additional $95,000 in nonrecurring rental income, but did include $30,000 of lease payments for which no lease agreement exists. The Town underestimated rental revenue by a total of $65,000 & they are currently reporting accounts payable in the Hospital Fund related to the hospital, which closed in 2005. The Comptroller's report recommends that if these payables are legitimate liabilities & if not remove them from the balance sheet.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting tonight in the District Conference Room at 5:30 PM. The board will move into executive session for personnel interview sessions.

The results are in from yesterday’s elections. In statewide races, Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Attorney General's Eric Schneiderman & State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli win re-election by healthy margins, and all 3 state propositions pass. In the 19th Congressional District Incumbent Chris Gibson is re-elected, in the 52nd State Senate district, Incumbent Tom Libous is the winner, in 121st Assembly District, incumbent Bill Magee wins again, & Broome County Sheriff David Harder is re-elected.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In local races, for the Sidney Town Board, Republican Jody Proffitt defeats Loddie Marsh by a small margin, in Oneonta, Patricia Kent wins re-election to the town board by a large margin, in Franklin, Republicans Donald Smith and Lisa Huyck win 2seats on the town council

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ganesh Ramsaran for 2nd degree Bribery; he is accused of offering a Chenango County Corrections Officer of $100,000 to aid in his escape from the Correctional Facility. Ramsaran was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $1,000,000 Dollars Cash Bail or $2,500,000 Property Bond, he’ll return to the Town of Norwich Court at a later date. The investigation is continuing with additional charges possible.

A.m. news Tuesday 11-4-14
It's Election Day, with the big races on the ballot. The race for governor pits incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo, against Republican Rob Astorino & Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is on the ballot again. In the State Attorney General's race, Incumbent democrat Eric Schneiderman faces Republican John Cahill. In the race for State Comptroller, incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli faces Republican Robert Antonacci. In races of local interest, for the 19th Congressional District, Republican Incumbent Chris Gibson faces democrat Sean Eldridge. In the 52nd State Senate district, Incumbent Republican Tom Libous faces Democrat Anndrea Starzak. In the State Assembly in the 121st Assembly District, incumbent Democrat Bill Magee faces a challenge from republican John Salka. In Sidney, Republican Loddie Marsh is running on the Democratic party line, while Jody Proffitt carries the Republican spot on the ballot for a town council seat. In Oneonta, Patricia Kent faces independent David Rowley for a town board seat. InFranklin, Republicans Donald Smith and Lisa Huyck are vying for two seats on the town council against independents Donald Hebbard and Bryan Babcock. There are also 3 propositions on the ballot; 1 proposal seeks to reform the redistricting process to an independent commission. The 2nd measure have lawmakers receive copies of proposed legislation digitally rather than on print out, the 3rd would allow the state to borrow up to $2 billion for high-speed Internet, equipment & high-tech security features for schools.

State Police responded to a road rage shooting in the parking lot of 2907 State Route 7 in the Town of Bainbridge, Monday afternoon at around 1:30. 26 year old Derek Prindle of Afton was taken to Tri Town Hospital in Sidney, where he later died, his Father; 60 year old Derek Prindle of Afton was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City and is being treated for a gunshot wound. 56 year old John Guzy of Bainbridge has been charged with 2nd degree Murder, he was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail. The investigation is continuing.

The South New Berlin, New Berlin, Mt. Upton, Gilbertsville and Sidney Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 1265 County Road 18 in Mount Upton last night around 7:30. First crews found a fully involved structure fire, Crews knocked the fire down, and the investigation is continuing.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that the last day to mail in an absentee ballot is today, for the upcoming Election. The last day to deliver in person an absentee ballot application is Monday November 3rd & the last day to postmark an absentee ballot is November 3rd. The Delaware county Board of Elections office in Delhi will be open this Saturday, November 1st; more information is available at 746-2315. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Sidney village police arrested 55-year-old James Butler of Sidney for Possession of Sexual Performance by a Child, Possession of Obscene Performance by a Child and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.   Butler was arraigned in Sidney court and was remanded to the Delaware county jail without bail pending future court action.

State Police arrested 19-year-old Garret Lyons of Arkville for Criminal Mischief, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after Troopers responded to a domestic dispute report at a residence in the town of Middletown. Lyons is accused of punching and choking the victim, and keeping the victim from using a phone to get help. Troopers also found Lyons to unlawfully possess a gravity knife; he was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court pending future court action.

The State Board of Regents approved new options for students to meet the state's high school graduation requirements. The new regulations create alternate tracks students can choose to earn a high school diploma. These include Career and Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; the Arts; Bi-literacy; and Humanities. The new regulations also establish a two-year Global History and Geography course requirement and modify the design of the Global History and Geography Regents Exam. For more information go to nysed.gov.

The Gaming Facility Location Board met last night but no decision or announcement regarding casino license recommendations was made. In the Eastern Southern Tier region, Traditions Resort & Casino, in the Town of Union, Tioga Downs, an existing Nichols racino, and Lago Resort & Casino, in Seneca County, are competing for a casino license. The location board is expected to make its recommendations late this month. The Gaming Commission would then review the board's recommendations and issue the final licenses. New York State can issue up to four licenses in the three upstate regions. No region can get more than two licenses.

State Troopers arrested 46-year-old Donald Hartwell of Bainbridge for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC result of .15%. The arrest occurred after a stop for not having working headlights while driving on State Route 8 in Sidney, Hartwell was also violating his conditional driver’s license because, he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Sidney Court on October 9th.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State University of New York would put in place a comprehensive system-wide uniform set of practices to combat sexual assaults on SUNY campuses. The resolution was passed Thursday by the SUNY Board of Trustees, It includes a system wide definition of consent that is required between participants before engaging in sexual activity; an Immunity Policy to protect students coming forward to report sexual assault; A training program for campus police and administrators, Regarding how to address sexual assault incidents; and a Sexual Assault Victims Bill Of Rights that will inform a student of their rights following an attack, including the option of approaching State Police.

FAGAN FLYERS WILL HOLD A FLY-IN BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY FROM 8 TO 1 AT THE SIDNEY AIRPORT. ORANGE JUICE, EGGS, SAUSAGE, AND PANCAKES WITH REAL MAPLE SYRUP WILL BE SERVED. A 50/50 RAFFLE WILL ALSO BE HELD. ALL PROCEEDS ARE USED TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE THE AIRPORT. The Grand finale cruise-In will also be held at the Airport Sunday, where a variety of antique & show cars will line up & trophies will be awarded in a number of categories.

A Community Blood drive will be held tomorrow at the Sidney Elks Lodge at 104 River Street in Sidney. The blood drive will run from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, online registrations are accepted at redcrossblood.org.

State Police arrested 37 year old Brian Johns of Sidney & 43 year old Jason Rude of Unadilla for Trespassing. The arrest occurred after a complaint from a residence on Sanly Road in Franklin, , where both men were accused of walking near the residence while wearing dark clothing and possessing binoculars at night. Johns and Rude were arraigned in town of Sidney Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. An order of protection was issued against both men.

As the deadline to register to vote in next month's general election approaches, the State Board of Elections reminds residents to turn in their paperwork as soon as possible. The final day to register to vote for the Nov. 4 General Election is Oct. 10. Registration forms are available at elections.state.ny.gov. The forms can also be found at the post office, DMV site or by calling your county board of elections

Sidney village police & NYSEG are alerting residents of a scam, where a caller poses as a NYSEG representative to report a passed due bill & threatens to turn off electricity if a payment is not made. A second person will then pose as a manager to acquire personal financial information from the caller. NYSEG does not operate in this manner, if you should receive such a call, offer to call back at the phone number on your NYSEG Bill, do not give out financial information to unsolicited callers.

The Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will take place this Friday & Saturday. Sidney Alumni Spokesman Greg Davie explains:

(Greg Davie 9-17-14)

Alumni being inducted this year include Del Hodges, Roxie Birdsall, Rick Mirabito and Geri Mirabito.

Former Delaware County Board Chairman Ray Christensen of Davenport has died at the age of 76. Christensen was the Town of Davenport supervisor for 17 years and Chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors for 6 years.

66-year-old Diana LeDuc of Margaretville was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff's Office for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  LeDuc is accused of selling large amounts of cocaine, a Search Warrant executed Thursday led to the seizure of ½ ounce of cocaine, $500cash, 2 handguns, 2 high capacity ammunition loading devices and a Public Assistance Benefit Card issued to LeDuc.  Additional arrests and more charges are pending; LeDuc was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

During the Labor Day weekend, State Police issued more than 9,000 tickets across the state.  Troopers served 3094 for speeding, 497 for seat belt violation, 153 for violating the Move Over Law, 310 for Distracted Driving, and 168 for DWI.  State Police investigated a total of 590 accidents between August 29th through September 1st, compared to last year’s 317. This years accidents led to 171 people injured, and 3 people were killed.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits the Sidney & Walton School Districts.  The audit of the Sidney School District said that District officials have taken steps to increase educational productivity & reduce the costs associated with instructional materials and program delivery. District officials decreased special education costs by using aid to finance additional teaching and learning technology, while at the same time reducing the district’s real property tax levy.  The Audit of the Walton School district states that after incurring several years of operational surpluses, the board adopted budgets that included plans to use nearly $2.5 million of fund balance to finance operations from 2010 to 2013.  The district’s unassigned fund balance declined by 94%, DiNapoli’s office suggests that Walton school board carefully consider the amount of fund balance they appropriate in future school budgets.

The Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held this weekend in Downtown Norwich.  The festival runs on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the East and West Parks in Downtown Norwich.  There will be a juried exhibition of art and fine crafts for sale, plus Artist demonstrations, educational activities and original music.  More information is available at 336-3378 or colorscape.org.

Sue Andrews has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Bassett Medical Center effective September 1, 2014. Andrews, who has been with Bassett's Division of Finance for 34 years and vice president since 2008, will succeed Nicholas Nicoletta, who announced last month that he is retiring December 31, 2014 as CFO of Bassett Medical Center and Corporate CFO of Bassett Healthcare Network. Andrews is a native of Sidney.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 40-year-old Richard Maricle of Oxford for Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt. Maricle was arrested following an investigation of domestic dispute in the Town of Oxford, where he is alleged to have destroyed property belonging to the victim and violated an order of protection. Maricle was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was ordered to the Chenango County Jail on $250 bail pending future court action.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District Board of Education is currently seeking individuals interested in filling the remaining year (one) of a board member term of office. A School Board candidate must be a qualified voter and district resident at least 18 years old, interested candidates should contact the District Clerk at 967-6321 by September 2nd.

The Blues Festival Free Summer Concert Series will feature the New Riders of the Purple Sage tonight in Norwich. The concert will be held in Eastside Park, in downtown Norwich from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, more information is available at chenangobluesfest.org.

The Sidney town board will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:30 PM at the former Sidney Center Elementary school. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM, regarding the Sidney center wastewater project.

The DCMO BOCES will hold an information night at the Sidney High School tomorrow. Spokesperson Martha Brower comments:

(Martha Brower 7-14-14)

More details on the Information night is available at the Sidney High School Distinct office.

Assemblyman Bill Magee has filed petitions to force a September Democratic primary against Michael Hennessy, the party's pick in the 121st District. Democrats in Madison and Oneida counties dropped Magee and designated Hennessy, however, Magee won the endorsement of Otsego County Democrats. Magee has served 12 terms in office. This is his first primary challenge. Brookfield Town Supervisor John Salka filed petitions to run on the Republican and Conservative Party lines.

The village of Bainbridge board of trustees will hold a special meeting this afternoon, at the village clerk's office at 33 west Main Street. The purpose of the meeting is to hold a work session on the Comprehensive plan; the meeting is open to the public.

The Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 51-year-old William Smith & 46 year old Lisa Marie Labouf for 2nd degree Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and 2nd degree Harassment. The 2 are accused of assaulting a female victim and harassing another female victim, in front of 2 children. Smith was arraigned in the Town of McDonough Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,00 cash bail. Labouf was arraigned in the Town of Pharsalia Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $20,00 cash bail. Both are to reappear in the Town of German Court at a later date.

The Chenango county Sheriff's department arrested 29-year-old Bradley Short of Otego for Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer and Reckless Endangerment. Short was charged after failing to stop for law enforcement for allegedly speeding. Short was arraigned in the Town of Plymouth Court and remanded to the Chenango County jail. Short was charged the following day with 1 count of Promoting prison contraband, where he is accused of possessing marihuana in the county jail, he was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Norwich court at a later date.

DCMO BOCES will hold an information night at the Sidney High School this month. Spokesperson Martha Brower told WCDO News that the information night could be a life changer for students:

(Martha Brower 7-3-14)

The Information night will be on Tuesday July 15th at 6:30 at the Sidney High School, more information can be obtained through the Sidney High School Distinct office.

There will be 2 days of July 4th related activities in Oneonta Friday & Saturday. Among the activities, Oneonta Outlaws baseball games, fireworks, & a parade in Neawha Park on Friday, and a skateboard competition and battle of the bands Saturday. The full lineup is available at hometown4th.com.

Former Vestal Town Supervisor Andrea Starzak was endorsed by Broome County Democratic Party to challenge State Senator Tom Libous in the November election. Starzak led the Town of Vestal from 2000 to 2005, she said she made the decision before Libous was indicted on one count of providing false statements to the FBI, and has already been circulating petitions. The 52nd Senate District includes all of Broome and Tioga counties, southern Chenango County and two towns in western Delaware County

For the 2nd year, New York State has required Governor Cuomo, other statewide elected officials, and members of the Assembly and Senate, to reveal to the public a salary range for their day jobs. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics made the 2013 financial disclosure forms public on its website. Disclosure is required for elected officials, some candidates, state public authority board members and state employees who make an annual salary of more than $90,000. Read more at jcope.ny.gov

The Unatego school district board of education will hold a special meeting this morning at 8:00 AM.  The meeting has been called in order for the board to select a member for the BOCES board.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach today.  The screenings will be available without charge to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or underinsured. The screening will be available today between 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital on Pearl Street in Sidney.  Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

The Sidney town board has scheduled a special meeting for today. The meeting   will begin at 6:00 PM in the Civic Center Board room; the board will discuss the Sidney center stream relocation project.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM. They will also hold a public hearing on the CODE OF CONDUCT at 7:00 PM.

State police at Troop C in Sidney held their annual Memorial Service today, to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Troop C Commander Major Donald Faughnan comments:

(Major Faughnan 5-20-14)

Major Faughnan noted that 4 troopers died in the line of duty in the last year, he also noted that it was 20 years ago today, that Investigator Rick Parisian died while trying to stop an armed robbery at an Oneonta Supermarket.

The Utica School of Commerce will begin offering classes at a Sidney location starting next month. USC Vice President of corporate & workforce development Don Reese gave WCDO News the details:

(Don Reese 5-20-14)

Reese said that courses would be available day & evenings accounting, computer skills, business math, & medical coding & billing as well as their businesses courses.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 52-year-old Donna Whelan of Long Beach for Promoting Prison Contraband & Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance. Whelan was being booked in at the Delaware County Jail on unrelated criminal charges, a quantity of cocaine was found while searching her purse.   Whelan was arraigned in Delhi Town Court and was returned to jail on $1000 cash bail or $2000 bond, pending future court action.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Tuesday May 27th, for the new Skateboard Park in Keith Clark Park in Sidney.   The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 6:30 PM at the site, preparations & groundwork is scheduled to begin this week.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Chenango county sheriff’s department and State Police arrested 33-year-old Douglas Scherr of Budd Lake, New Jersey, at a residence in the Town of Afton. Scherr was a reported as a Fugitive from Justice out of the State of New Jersey on an active arrest warrant for Arson, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail pending court action today.

Michael Kicinski of Earlville will not be on the Republican Primary ballot in the 22nd congressional district. Kicinski lost his spot because he did not have enough valid petition signatures from the district’s registered Republican residents, with several of the collected signatures being deemed invalid by the state Board of Elections. Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney and incumbent Richard Hanna will appear on the June 24th primary ballot.

The Sidney central school district announced that the Community Budget Presentation would be held on Thursday, May 8th at 6:00pm in the High School Library. The Annual Public Hearing for the School Budget will be Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00pm in the High School Library. The District Budget Vote and Election is Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at the HS Auditorium Lobby.

The village of Bainbridge board of trustees will hold a special meeting Tuesday at 5:00 PM. The purpose of the special meeting will be to select a consultant to update the comprehensive plan and provide grant-writing services for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

The Unatego Central School District Board of Education will hold their next meeting tonight, at the 7:00 PM at the Junior Senior High School in Wells Bridge.

The New York state board of regents approved cheerleading to become a competitive sport.  The regent voted unanimously this week, New York will join 34 other states and Washington DC to include cheerleading as sport.  Starting in the 2014 2015 winter sports season, cheer teams will have to follow a set of coaching & safety standards for the 1st time.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Department arrested 39 year old Thomas Carman of Sidney Center on 1 count each of criminal mischief, menacing and unlawful imprisonment.  Carman was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute, he was arraigned in Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $5000 cash bail pending court action on May 5th.

The Chenango County Sheriffs Department arrested 24-year-old Matthew McDermott of Ithaca on an active arrest warrant for unlawful possession of Marijuana and Promoting Prison Contraband.  McDermott was arrested for allegedly attempting to bring marijuana into the Chenango County jail, he was arraigned in town of Norwich court & was remanded to the county jail on bail pending future court action.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Department & Sidney Village Police arrested 27-year-old Michael Nodine of Sidney on an Arrest Warrant for Attempted Assault.   Nodine is accused of assaulting and attempting to cause physical injury to another inmate at the Delaware County Jail last week. Nodine was being held in the Jail on $5000 bail on a pending rape charge, posted bail on April 17th and was released from jail. The assaulted inmate, also from Sidney, sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical treatment. Nodine was arraigned on the Attempted Assault charge and was sent back to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, the state Republican Party’s presumptive nominee for governor this year, will be the keynote speaker at the Otsego County Republican Committee’s annual spring dinner. The $75-a-head dinner will be held May 15th at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.

The Town of Sidney Planning Board meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Civic Center on Liberty Street in Sidney. The public is welcome.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors announced that they have set up a hotline, to inform law enforcement agencies of possible drug issues, mainly with heroin.  State senator John Bonacic said that while the “I-Stop” program has cut down on doctor shopping, there were unintended consequences:

(Bonacic 4-21-14)

The Delaware County hotline to inform police of heroin & drug related problems is 888-914-9111, all calls will be confidential.

State Troopers arrested 49-year-old Patrick Keigel of New Lisbon for Unlawful Imprisonment, Menacing and 3rd degree Assault.  The arrest followed a dispute in New Lisbon, where Kiegel allegedly pulled a victims hair out, threatened to strike the victim with a hammer & held the victim against their will.  Kiegel was arraigned in the Town of New Lisbon Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.  An  order of protection was issued against Kiegel for the victim.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 65-year-old Carolyn Steifel of Oxford Saturday, on charges of Felony Burglary and Petty Larceny.  Stiefel was charged following an investigation into a reported larceny at a Norwich business, where she had been ordered to never return, due to previous larceny issues.  Stiefel was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the custody of The Chenango County Sheriff’s pending court action.

The Delaware Valley Humane Society announced today that they would celebrate their 50th anniversary in June.  The event will be held on Saturday June 21st from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM at the shelter in Sidney.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Village of Bainbridge Planning Board will hold their regular monthly meeting tonight at 7 PM in the Village Clerk’s Office at 33  West Main Street in Bainbridge.  The public is welcome

Governor Cuomo today announced $40 million in State funding to help local governments make necessary repairs to highways and bridges following this year’s exceptionally harsh winter. This funding was passed in the 2014-15 Enacted Budget, is a special one-time allocation to compliment the $438 million in existing State support for local transportation infrastructure. All counties, cities, towns and villages will receive capital assistance through the program.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced that his campaign is submitting 11,000 individual petition signatures today to the New York State Board of Elections for his re-election.  The signatures will enable Gibson to qualify for the Republican, Conservative, and Independence Party's ballot lines, if the Board finds that the correct number of signatures is valid.  Gibson will likely face democrat Sean Eldridge, who announced earlier this week that he has enough signatures to run as the Democratic candidate for the 19th congressional district.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney until 6:00 PM tonight.  All donors in April can enter to win a $250 gift card to use toward a rainy day getaway.  Appointments for future blood drives can be made at 1-800-Red Cross, walk-ins are also welcome.

The Delaware County District Attorney's office announced the arrest of 40-year-old David Rogers of Sidney Center, for 1 count each of Forcible Touching & Endangering the welfare of a child.  Rogers is a Level 1 sex offender, he was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail & he will reappear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.  The Village of Sidney Police Department assisted in the investigation.

The  has selected a Cincinnati, Ohio law firm to analyze the gambling industry and assist with the review and evaluation of the casino applications.  The selection of an outside consultant was mandated by law to avoid a conflict of interest, casino bids will be due in June & by August, the siting board will review and evaluate submissions & then chose up to 4 casino licenses, with at least one facility each in the Capital region, the Catskills and the Southern Tier.

The Delaware County Community Services Board seeks proposals For Mental Health Department consolidation.  Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for the consolidation of the Adult Mental Health Clinic, Children and Family Services and Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services to be located at 1 rental location of at least 10,000 sq. feet.  Interested parties may contact Cynthia Heaney, at the Delaware County Mental Health Department at 865-6522 for proposal and submission requirements.