WCDO Radio News

State Police are investigating an accidental shooting that occurred in a residence in the town of Guilford this morning. The name of the deceased & the shooter have not been released, the investigation is on going.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an unidentified 16 year old at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus in the Town of Masonville Tuesday, following an investigation into a physical altercation involving a weapon on school grounds. The youth was charged with 1 count of 3rd degree Assault & 1 count of Menacing. The teen was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court and released into the custody of his guardian, pending further action by the Town of Masonville court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27-year-old Jonathan Howard of Walton Thursday for leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle accident, making an unsafe lane change, and obstructing government administration. Howard is accused of leaving the scene of an alcohol related crash in an attempt to elude arrest by law enforcement. Howard was later released on appearance tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

The Oneonta Clerk's office announced that City Hall will be closed on Monday, Christmas Day. The Operations Planning & Evaluation Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled, The Finance/Human Resources Committee will be held Wednesday at 5:00 PM, & on Thursday at 4:00 PM the Examining Board of Plumbers meeting will be held as scheduled. All meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

A free Christmas dinner will be offered in Sidney on Christmas day at the Fire House on River Street, organizer gene Schmidt explains:

(Gene Schmidt 12-19-17)

Schmidt said that those wanting to volunteer for the set up on Saturday or serving on Christmas, can contact him by email to KrautGene@yahoo.com this week.

The Sidney Alumni Basketball Association will hold their annual Basketball game tonight in Sidney. Alumni Association spokesman Greg Davie explains:

(Greg Davie 12-22-17)

Davie said that each year, Association presents a $300 scholarship at graduation to a varsity basketball player determined by the coaching staff who shows dedication and team play.

The State Police CNET Team, State troopers, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and State DEC executed a search warrant at 163 Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Afton, following an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine. 36-year-old Matthew Mazepa, & 21-year-old Taylor Quackenbush of Afton were arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers seized crystal methamphetamine, marihuana, Digital scales, drug packaging material cash & cell phones. Mazepa was arraigned in Afton Town Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail. Quackenbush was issued Appearance Tickets for Afton Town Court and released.

Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a $1.7 million project to replace the State Route 28 bridge over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the town of Milford. The bridge opened to traffic today, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The new bridge is a two-span structure supported by steel and concrete beams. It has 12-foot travel lanes and eight-foot shoulders in each direction. Approximately 5,200 vehicles use the Route 28 bridge each day.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a one-car roll over with property damage on Case Hill Road in Treadwell on November 6th. Deputies determined that William Rathbun’s vehicle left the roadway, entered into a ditch & rolled over and stuck a utility pole, which caused a minor power outage. Rathbun was ticketed for failure to keep right, speed unreasonable and prudent, & possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Rathbun will appear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

The Afton Central School District Board of Education has invited 2 candidates to interview for the Superintendent position. A forum for each candidate will be held next week, with the forum with Daniel Erickson; who is the middle school principal in Johnson City, will be November 28th, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium. Timothy McNamara is the principal in the Downsville Central School District; his public forum will be on November 30th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium.

The Village of Bainbridge announced that there would be 2 public hearings in addition to the regular monthly Board meeting. The hearings are for the new Spectrum contract and the resolution for the Restore NY grant application. All residents are encouraged to attend this evening at 6:30 PM at 33 West Main Street.

CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free Interviewing Workshop Today, at 11:00 am at the CDO Workforce Center, at the Sidney Civic Center. Participants can learn about the interview process; clarifying Interview questions; knowing your resume; selling yourself; anticipate questions and answering difficult questions. Reservations are requested at 832-5776, walk-ins are also welcome to attend.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that the annual Jolly Holly Days parade would be held on Friday December 1st in Downtown Sidney. Interested participants are asked to contact the Sidney Chamber Office at 561-2642.

The first side of the Sidney Main Street Revitalization project is winding down prior to the extended winter weather. Ian Law of Place Alliance told WCDO News of the timeline:

(Ian Law 11-20-17)

Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak said that the Main Street Property owners are being told NOT to use sale or salt like products on the newly poured concrete:

(Andy Matviak 11-20-17)

The Next public meeting with Sidney officials & Place Alliance will be December 4th at 10:00 AM in the 1st floor board room of the Sidney Civic Center.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Richard Talada of Oneonta for the felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Operating a Motor Vehicle without Interlock Device, and several other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop for a motorist failing to keep right on Ceperly Avenue in Oneonta. Talada refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content, he was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail with bail set at $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond. His next court date in the town of Oneonta is on December 21, 2017.

Firefighters from several area Departments responded to a fully involved Structure Fire on county road 21 in the town of Franklin Saturday morning. Fire departments from Franklin, Walton, and Treadwell & Sidney responded, the structure was heavily damaged & the investigation by State Police is continuing.

State Police arrested 22-year-old Nathan McDonald of Sidney for DWI, & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, after a traffic stop on State Route 7, in the town of Unadilla. An investigation determined that McDonald was driving while intoxicated, & an inventory of his vehicle found that he unlawfully possessed a small amount of marihuana. McDonald was issued tickets returnable to the town of Unadilla Court on November 27th.

CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free Interviewing Workshop on November 21st at 11:00 am at the CDO Workforce in the Sidney Civic Center. Also, another session for those interested in learning about College Degrees & Career Opportunities can attend a session on Thursday, November 30th at 1:00 pm, also at the CDO Workforce in the Sidney Civic Center. Alan Sessions of the BEAM program explains:

(Alan Sessions 11-14-17)

Reservations are encouraged for both sessions, but walk-ins are welcome, more information is available at 832-5776

Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 51-year-old Scott Fitch of Preston for 2 counts of Harassment. Fitch is accused of subjecting a victim to unwanted physical contact during the course of a domestic dispute, Fitch was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and was released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Preston Court at a later date.

The Unadilla Town board is holding their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall at 1648 State Highway 7.

Bassett Healthcare Network will host free smoking cessation seminars in recognition of the 2017 Great American Smokeout this week. Seminars will be located at November 15th at 12:00 noon at O'Connor Hospital, Delhi; at 6:00 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital; Sidney; & November 16th at 4:30 PM at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown; & November 17th at 6:00 PM at FoxCare Center. The clinics are Free to the public; registration is available at Bassett.org/smokeout.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Charlotte Heath of Guilford for Menacing & Harassment. Troopers responded to a report of a dispute on Phillips Odell Road, in the Town of Guilford, where Heath allegedly threatened her husband while trying to strike him with an unspecified item. She was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond. An order of protection was issued; Heath faces court action on November 14th.

State Police, State Liquor Authority and Endicott Police Department conducted an Underage Drinker Identification Enforcement check Friday. They targeted 29 Broome County area convenience stores that sold alcoholic beverages, only 1 sold alcohol to an underage operative, at Kelly's Gulf on State route 26 in the Town of Maine. 21-year-old store clerk Zonia Altamirano of Apalachin was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor; She was given an appearance ticket for Town of Maine Court on November 28th.

The elections results are in for many of the key races in the Tri-County Area: Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford is re-elected, for the 2 Sidney Council seats, the winners are Pete Cordes & Frank Selleck. Walton Supervisor Charles Gregory is re-elected, the Franklin Town Council winners were David Grant & Garret Sitts, Oneonta mayor Gary Herzig is re-elected, Oneonta Town Supervisor Robert Wood is re-elected, Oneonta town council Winners were Patricia Jacob & Randy Mowers, Butternuts town board Winners were Paul Irwin & Scot Lueck, for the Norwich City Council 4th Ward: Linda Kays Biviano wins, Norwich Town Council seats go to Stanley Foulds & Debra Cubbedge, the Otselic Supervisor is Marjorie Davis & Oxford Supervisor, incumbent Lawrence Wilcox wins. The proposition for all state voters: the Constitutional Convention was defeated, Cutting Public Pensions for convicted officials was approved, and allowing expansion of roads & bike paths in the Catskills & Adirondacks is too close to call. Candidates who won their races for seats on the Otsego County Board of Representatives include Ed Frazier, Michele Farwell, Kathleen Clark, Andrew Stammel, Margaret Kennedy, Peter Oberacker, David Bliss, Andrew Marietta, Keith McCarty, Adrienne Martini, Danny Lapin & Lizabeth Shannon.

Bassett Healthcare Network is currently holding their annual "Coats for Kids" event; new or gently used children's coats can be dropped off at Bassett Healthcare Network locations or at any First Choice Cleaners before November 20th. Coats will be cleaned by First Choice Cleaners and the Distribution of the items will be November 25th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Bassett Healthcare at 125 Main Street, Oneonta & November 27 to December 1st from 10 AM to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. More information is available at 547-3914

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 17 year old Dylan Osonitch of Queens for unlicensed operator, operating with an expired registration sticker displayed, failure to keep right, and driving while ability impaired by drugs, following a traffic stop in the Town of Colchester. Osonitch was later released on tickets returnable to Colchester Town Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced completion of a $2.3 million project to renew 9.2 lane miles of concrete pavement repair along Interstate 88 between the I-88/Interstate 81 interchange and exit 3 in the towns of Dickinson and Fenton. Interstate-88 serves about 25,600 vehicles use this stretch of highway every day.

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

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 43-year-old Scott Burgess of New Jersey, for allegedly speeding on State Highway 268 in the Town of Hancock. Deputies accuse Burgess of driving while intoxicated, with a child as a passenger. Burgess was charged with Aggravated DWI & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, he was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 secured bond.

State Police arrested 75-year-old John Skerkis of Texas for DWI, and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to an accident on Main Street in Milford. Troopers accused Skerkis of being intoxicated when he drove into a ditch; he refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. Skerkis was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $3,000 cash bail or $6,000 property bond. His next court date is on November 7, 2017.

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

(Carol Allen 11-7-17)

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

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds Sidney Center voters that that the polling site from District 1 & 3 this year, has been changed. Voters in those voting districts will go to the new Sidney Center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

Otsego County Farmers will have 2 opportunities to drop off used agricultural film plastic for recycling under a special program offered by the County Solid Waste Department, the County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Collection dates are this Saturday, November 11, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, November 16 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested. Registration & more information is available at 282-4087, or occainfo.org/recycling-agricultural-plastics.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Gary Goslee of New Milford, Connecticut, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a traffic stop for speeding on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Goslee was arraigned & was later released on $500 cash bail, and scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date for further court proceedings.

State Police arrested 35 year old Bobby Goss Jr. of Stamford, for Criminal Mischief after troopers responded to the report of a dispute in the parking lot at the Deer Path Restaurant on State Route 8, in the Town of Columbus. Goss is accused of purposely driving his pickup truck into a woman’s SUV, following an argument inside, he also caused damage to a 3rd vehicle parked next to the woman’s vehicle. Goss was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and was released on his own recognize. His next court date in the Town of Columbus is pending.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Johnny Moxham of Delhi for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Moxham is accused of possessing heroin while driving without a license as well as operating a vehicle with a loud exhaust & an unsafe tire. Moxham was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 43 year old Jason Wright of Oneonta, for Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Public Lewdness. Troopers responded to a report of a naked man exposing himself from an apartment on Chestnut Street, Wright is accused of exposing himself in a lewd manner while standing near a window, he was also found to unlawfully possess a handgun inside the apartment. Wright was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

State Police arrested 28 year old Jonathan Holt of Brooksville, Maine for Criminal Possession of Marihuana and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers conducted a traffic stop of a 2005 Honda CRV, which was observed speeding on I-88 in the Town of Milford. The vehicle was searched after troopers detected the odor of Marijuana, with a passenger, Holt allegedly possessing over one pound of marihuana, plus hashish and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Holt was arraigned in the Town of Milford Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

The National Drug Take-Back Day will be tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Residents can dispose of old and unused medicines, in their original containers at various locations, including the Sidney Police Department, Norwich City Police Department, Oneonta City Police, The Bainbridge Town Hall, and at the Otsego, Chenango & Broome County Sheriff's Departments.

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

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

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

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

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

An Informational meeting will be held this morning at 10:00 AM regarding the current situation with the Main Street Revitalization project. The public is invited to attend & participate, the meeting will be held in the Civic Center 1st Floor Board Room.

Oneonta City Police arrested 28-year-old Andrew Tenace of Oneonta for allegedly selling heroin last month. Tenace turned himself in to police Tuesday Afternoon, he was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, & criminal sale of a controlled substance. Tenace was observed by undercover officers making a sale downtown on September 8th, he was arraigned in Oneonta Town Court & was sent to Otsego County jail on $10,000 cash bail.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees announced that they would have an informational  meeting Monday at 10:00 AM in the Civic Center Board Room regarding the ongoing Main Street Revitalization Project, The 3rd meeting of the series will be held on Monday November 6th at 10:00 AM at the Civic Center.

The Guilford Town Board will hold their next meeting this evening. The board will meet at 7:00 PM at the town Hall; they are scheduled to review the 2018 tentative budget proposal.

Sidney Emergency squad responded to the report of a small plane crash into the Acco Parking Lot in Sidney Wednesday Afternoon. Sidney Fire Chief Sean Sands explains:

(Sean Sands 10-19-17)

Chief Sands said that the investigation has been turned over to the FAA for the cause of the crash; the names of the 2 occupants were not released.

State Police arrested 20 year old Tyler Gano of Davenport for Menacing a Police Officer. The arrest was made following the execution of an arrest warrant on an unrelated charge at a residence on County Highway 10 in the Town of Davenport. Gano is accused of displaying a knife towards troopers; he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000.00 bail.

A Sidney 5K Walk or Run will be held this Sunday, with a variety of events scheduled to go along with the run, to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. Sidney Heath Education Teacher Jonathan Yurka explains:

(Jonathan Yurka 10-17-17)

More information about the race is available at localraces.com, and then search for "Warriors” the event will be held between the Sidney High School & Middle school buildings Sunday afternoon.

State Senator Fred Akshar & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting to discuss the repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School at 221 Chenango Bridge Rd.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 36-year-old Harold Wilson of North Branch for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Wilson was observed traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester at a high rate of speed where he was stopped, Deputies determined that Wilson was driving with 13 active suspensions, he was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $750 cash bail or $2,500 secured bond.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $3.7 million in grants to help further reduce motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud.. Police departments, sheriffs' offices and district attorneys' offices will share the funding for anti-theft and anti-fraud training programs to law enforcement professionals. The grants are awarded by the state's Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention program, the state Division of Criminal Justice Services provides staff to the board and administers the grant program.

A forum is being held this evening for Franklin residents with candidates for the Town Council positions. The forum will be held at the Ouleout American Legion Post at 327 Main Street in Franklin beginning at 7:00 PM.

Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 65-year-old Edith Butler of Bainbridge for leaving a companion animal inside a vehicle during extreme conditions at a Norwich business. Deputies responded to find 2 dogs locked inside a car with insufficient ventilation for about 90 minutes. The dogs were then removed from the vehicle and appeared to be in good health. Butler was issued an appearance ticket for a later date in the Town of Norwich Court.

Sidney Village Officials announced that Main Street, between Smith Street & Cartwright Avenue would be closed tomorrow to traffic, between the hours of 8:00 AM & 4:00 PM. Crews will be digging trenches in that area for new electric service, as part of the Main Street Revitalization Program. All Main Street businesses will be open their normal Hours Thursday & will be accessible for customers.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old Shane Karika of Castle Creek, after Deputies responded on October 5th, to the report of a pick up truck stuck on Railroad Tracks in the town of Fenton. The truck had been reported stolen from a business in the Town of Vestal on September 17th, Witnesses reported that a male had walked away from the truck and down the tracks. Deputies located Karika, he was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and he was turned over to the Vestal Police Department for further investigation & possible additional charges.

Sidney Boy Scout Troop 99 is holding a Fall Sign Up night tonight from 6:30 to 8:00PM. The session will be held at the 1st Congregational Church at Main & Bridge Streets, boys at age 11 & up through high school, & their families, are welcome to attend.

Governor Cuomo announced $23 million in grants to support 12 essential drinking water and waste-water infrastructure projects throughout the Southern Tier. These grants are part of a $255 million statewide investment, funded through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, as well as the new Inter-municipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program. The Cities of Norwich & Binghamton, and the towns of Oxford & Roxbury will be receiving a portion of those funds for water infrastructure upgrades.

Vestal Police arrested a Mount Upton man Tuesday following a complaint of a burglary at a Vestal home in August. 31 year old Bryan Vasseur of Mount Upton is accused of acting as a real estate agent when he illegally entered the house, and leased the propoerty, while receiving a fee. Vasseur was charged with 3rd degree burglary & 4th degree Grand Larceny, he was arraigned in Town of Vestal Court Tuesday and was returned to the Broome County Jail where he was already being held on another charge.

The Oneonta Town Board will have a public hearing tonight on proposed revisions to the town's sign ordinance. The hearing will be at the start of the regular monthly meeting in Town Hall, West Oneonta, at 7 p.m.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 1-car motor vehicle accident on County Route 23 in the Town of Walton. Deputies arrested 25-Year-old Anthony Masi, of Unadilla; he is accused of possessing a vehicle that was reported stolen out of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office earlier in the day. Masi was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, plus Aggravated DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation as well as other Traffic Violations. Masi was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court; he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Faculty in lieu of $20,000 cash bail pending future court action.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 41 year old Jason Mack of Ellenville, for speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating an uninspected motor vehicle after Mack was observed traveling at a high rate of speed on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Mack’s had 16 active suspensions, he was arraigned in the Village of Hancock Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 secured bond.

A Motorcyclist was airlifted to Wilson hospital after colliding with a pick up truck on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich this morning at 11:15. Lifenet of Sidney was called in to transport the operator of the motorcycle, whose name has not been released. The investigation is ongoing.

The Unatego School District Board of Education will hold their next regular meeting at the Middle School/ High School today in Room 93. The session will begin at 6:30 PM, with the open portion beginning at 7:00 PM.

Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak has announced a series of Meetings to get the public & the businesses owners up to date on the progress of the Main Street Revitalization Project:

(Andy Matviak 10-2-17)

Matviak said that the delays are making the board considering stopping the project for the winter after the one side is completed, and then begin the other side of Main Street next spring.

State Police Superintendent George Beach has promoted Captain William McEvoy to the rank of Major and has assigned him to the position of Troop Commander at Troop C in Sidney. Major McEvoy started his career in 1984 as a trooper and was first assigned to Troop C; in 1989 McEvoy was promoted to Investigator and assigned to the Drug Enforcement Task Force in New York City. In 1991, he returned to Troop C, where he spent the majority of his years with the State Police, his most recent assignment was BCI Captain.

33-Year-Old Tory Brown of Columbus was arrested by Chenango County sheriff’s Deputies for unlawful possession of marihuana, criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated unlicensed operation. Brown was charged following a traffic stop in the Village of New Berlin for operating a motor vehicle while having his driving privileges suspended, marijuana and a weapon were located in the vehicle. Brown was arraigned in the Town of New Berlin Court and was remanded to Chenango County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday October 13th, is the last day to postmark a registration form to vote in the November 7th General Election. Also, October 13th is the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2018. In Delaware County this year, Offices up for Election include Supreme Court Justice, County Sheriff, County Clerk, County Treasurer and many town offices. Officials also stated that the Sidney Center poll site change: Districts 1 & 3 voters will vote at the New Sidney Center Fire Department Building. Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded at co.delaware.ny.us/departments/elec/elec.htm or by calling 832-5321

On Saturday October 14th Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, from 9AM-12PM. The free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats, which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard, may be replaced. more information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

The 22nd Annual Grand Finale Cruise In will be held at the Sidney Municipal Airport this Sunday, in conjunction with the Fagan Flyers fly in breakfast. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with trophies to be given out in a number of categories, vehicles must be on the field by 1:00 to be eligible to win a trophy.

The Tri-Town Theatre will perform “The Fantasticks” at the Sidney High School Auditorium for 3 performances starting tonight at 7:30 PM, followed by Saturday night at 7:30 PM, and a Sunday afternoon show at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com, or at Rosa's Pizzeria, Bainbridge and Rainbow's End Consignment, Sidney, at the door.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System has designated 27 municipalities across the state as fiscally stressed. The list, which includes 8 counties, 8 cities and 11 towns, which is the fewest number of municipalities listed in stress since DiNapoli implemented his system in 2013. Based on their 2016 financial reports, the counties of Broome and Monroe, and the cities of Albany and Watervliet have received the highest designation of “significant fiscal stress.” 13 communities have been listed in the second-highest category of “moderate fiscal stress.” Locally, it includes the town of Cherry Valley. An additional 10 municipalities have been listed as “susceptible to fiscal stress.” Locally this includes the town of Oxford.

Governor Cuomo announced that the state would make $2.2 million available to local governments for public charging stations for electric vehicles. Cities and towns will have to apply for the funding, which will be given out in the form of a rebate, Local governments can also use the money to purchase or lease electric or hydrogen vehicles for their municipal fleet.

The Delaware County Board of Elections released a statement today, regarding the proposition for a Constitutional Convention on the November Ballot. False information has gone viral over social media, with the implication that if you do not vote on the proposition it will be counted as a yes, which is not true. Officials with the Board of Elections stated that failing to vote on this measure does not default to a vote in favor of holding a Constitutional Convention, according to state election law 9–112. Propositions will be on the back of the ballot again this year, & there will be signs posted at polling sites and inspectors are obliged to tell the voter to turn the ballot over.

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

(Lorraine Keckeisen 9-27-17)

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

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and local Fire Departments and Emergency Squads responded to a fatal all-terrain vehicle accident on a riding trail in Town of Stamford at about 12:30 AM today. The accident was discovered and reported by other ATV riders, the deceased has been identified as 27 year old Daniel Reed of Stamford, who lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently overturned, Reed was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. Deputies believe excessive speed and failure to wear a seat belt were contributing factor, the investigation is continuing.

State Senator Fred Akshar announced over two dozen funding grants to support local volunteer fire departments and emergency services squads totaling $125,000. The grants will go toward a variety of projects depending on the needs of each department. Locally, the Bainbridge Fire Department, Colesville Fire Company, Greene Emergency Squad, Brisben Fire Department, Town of Hancock Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Hancock Fire Department, &  Windsor Emergency Services all received $5,000.

Delaware County Public Health will be sponsoring a free EPA Certified Lead Renovator 8-Hr. Training Course on Thursday, October 26th at the Walton Town Hall. ConTrax, LLC is conducting the class, which is sponsored by Delaware County Public Health, Free Tuition offered on a first come basis, with preference given to Delaware County Residents, businesses, rental property owners, home improvement contractors and Their employees. Registration is underway at 607-588-6640, or email INFO@CONTRAXLLC.COM. More information is available at contraxllc.com

The City of Oneonta Clerk's Office announced 2 Committee meetings for today. At 5:00 PM, the Finance/Human Resources committee will meet, at 7:00 PM, the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals will meet, both meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall.

State Police Major William McEvoy invites the public to help celebrate 100 years of service by attending the Centennial Open House at Troop C in Sidney on October 7th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will have demonstrations from the K-9 unit, Helicopter Rescue, Underwater Recovery Team, Special Operations Response Team, & the Centennial Mounted Unit, and much more. There will be historical displays, firearm displays, vintage Troop cars, motorcycles, along with hands-on patrol car displays, McGruff the Crime Dog, tours of Troop Headquarters and the new Forensic Center. There is no admission; parking will be done at off-site parking on Delaware Avenue and Union Street in Sidney, with Shuttle buses running from that site.

Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 2 Town of Greene residents for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Nuisance. Arrested were 47-year-old Chad Shields of Greene, & 19-year-old Shawn Rhodes of Greene. Shields and Rhodes were arrested following an investigation into the sale and possession of Cocaine and Methamphetamine in Chenango County; they were arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $30,000.00 cash bail. The Greene Police Department, State Police, and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office assisted the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

James Brower and Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding were indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury last week; they were arraigned in Chenango County Court on the indictment charges today. Rundstrom-Wooding was indicted last week on 8 counts including 1st & 2nd degree murder, plus 1st degree rape, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a sexual performance by a child and making false statements, his bail was set at $500,000 cash or $1 million bond. Brower had a 4-count indictment which included a 2nd-degree murder, hindering prosecution, tampering with physical evidence and making false statements, his bail was set at $400,000 cash or $800,000 bond. Both men are accused of the rape and murder of 11 year old Jacelyn O'Connor in the town of Norwich in July.

Sidney Village Police announced the arrest of 60-year-old Jesse Riglioni of Sidney on a sealed indictment warrant, for criminal sale of a controlled substance. Friday's arrest followed a 3 month investigation into the sale of narcotics in the village of Sidney, Rigliono is accused of selling cocaine in Sidney, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail, state Police assisted in the investigation.

The Sidney Center Tractor Parade on Saturday drew a large group of participants again this year. 169 vehicles participated, which included 91 tractors parading through the hamlet of Sidney Center Saturday.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 7 AM in the board room of the Sidney Civic Center, 21 Liberty St., Sidney, NY 13838. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the grant funding on the Construction of a Full Length Parallel Taxiway at the Sidney Municipal Airport.

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

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

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

(Amy Beveridge 9-15-17)

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

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

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

On Saturday, Oneonta World of Learning presents its Grand Opening Celebration. In 2015, the Town of Oneonta offered OWL the use of the Fortin House at 167 Youngs Road in Fortin Park. A team of volunteers & contractors transformed the space into a year-round children’s museum. Saturday’s Grand Opening runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; It is free and open to the public.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Barbara Vazquez of The Bronx for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Vazquez using a cell phone while driving on Interstate 81 in the town of Kirkwood, When he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, she refused to stop & continued for another 5 miles before stopping for Police. Vazquez is accused of driving without a license, possessing a cocaine & marihuana. Vazquez was arraigned in the town of Kirkwood court and was released without bail required. Her next court date is pending.

State Police arrested 56 year old Rhonda Koban of Norwich for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .19%, plus other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop when Koban failed to keep right on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich. Koban was arraigned in the town of Norwich court and was released without bail required.

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

Sidney Chamber of Commerce meeting has been changed to today @ 7:45am to be held at the Sidney Golf Course. Chambers members & directors are urged to attend...

The Oneonta Board of Public Service will hold their next meeting this afternoon. the board will meet at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Salvation Army based in Sidney will hold an additional collection drive again later this week, for those affected by Hurricane Harvey, spokesperson Marie Cole explains:

(Marie Cole 9-5-17)

Cole said that early estimates from the Walton collection over the weekend, netted about $4000 dollars for the relief effort.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 40 year old Gloria Prott of Southhaven on charges of unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, driving while ability impaired by drugs, speeding at 80 miles an hour in a 55 zone and operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage, following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. 49-year-old Edward Prott of Southhaven was a passenger in the vehicle; he was also arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Cocaine and Marijuana were seized from the vehicle; both were arraigned in Hancock Village Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.

Chenango County Sheriff Deputies & Norwich City Police arrested 56-year-old James Brown following an investigation into the illegal growing of cannabis. The investigation led Deputies to a Sherburne residence where marijuana plants were discovered, Brown was released on an appearance ticket for a later date in the Town of Sherburne Court.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 57-year-old Timothy Hunter after a warrant was issued for his arrest following a domestic dispute where he allegedly displayed a firearm; the victims fled the scene to a nearby residence & called 911. Hunter was arrested without incident and arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $250 cash bail.

A bat tested positive for rabies in the Town of Walton, the 4th rabid animal in Delaware County this year. There was 1 human exposure and the individual is receiving rabies post exposure prophylaxis. Delaware County Public Health’s last free rabies clinic for 2017 will be held in October at the Delhi Fire Hall. To report a suspected rabid animal, call Delaware County Public Health at 832- 5200, more information is also available at delawarecountypublichealth.com

State Police arrested 62-year-old Gary Perine of Sanford for 3rd degree Arson. On August 25, troopers and local fire departments responded to an unoccupied house fire at 28 Kenyon Hill road in the town of Sanford, troopers accuse Perine had purposely started the fire inside his home. Perine was arraigned in the town of Sanford court and was remanded to the Broome county jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

The Village of Sidney Board will hold a Special Meeting this evening at 7:00 PM in the board room located in the Civic Center, to discuss 3 specific personnel matters. The board will go directly into executive session once the meeting is called to order and will take action after executive session is closed and the regular meeting has opened again.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Todd Matias of Harpursville for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1& several other traffic violations, after a trooper heard a vehicle with a loud exhaust on State Route 79, in the town of Colesville. The officer determined that Matias was driving while intoxicated, had a suspended driver's license, and an expired vehicle registration. Matias refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content, he was arraigned in the town of Colesville court, and was remanded to the Broome County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 22-year-old Ashley Murphy, of Sidney Center, on a Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Walton, for failure to appear to answer a charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Murphy was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was released on her own recognizance and directed to reappear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Wayne Johnson of Oneonta, for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device. Johnson was pulled over for improperly working headlights, a trooper determined that Johnson was intoxicated, had a suspended driver’s license, and was driving a vehicle that was not equipped with an ignition interlock device. Johnson was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond, pending September 12th court action.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its September 1st Friday Eat & Meet on Friday, at 8:30 a.m., at the Sidney Elks Club, on River Street in Sidney. The featured speaker for the event is Bill Wagner, Director of Mobility Management of South Central New York, in partnership with Rural Health Network of South Central New York. More information or registration is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

The Town of Hartwick offers collection containers for household batteries and mercury thermostats. There are 2 Drop-off Locations for rechargeable, button cell, and lithium batteries, one is at the Hartwick Town Hall at 103 Town Drive. The second is at Short Cuts located at 10 Commons Drive in the Hartwick Commons during open hours. Household batteries and mercury thermostats can be dropped off during town clerk’s hours, Monday-Wednesday, 10am-2pm and Thursday, 4pm -6pm.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 38 between Hohreiter Road and Searles Hill Road, in the Towns of Guilford and Bainbridge today, between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for a Culvert Replacement project. Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes. More information is available at 337-1710.

The Oneonta City Clerk's office announced 3 meeting for today at City Hall. The Operations, Planning & Evaluation Committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance Committee meets at 5:00 PM and the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals meets at 7:00 PM. All meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers & are open to the public.

The Sidney Village government has sent out a letter describing the ongoing process for renovating or rebuilding Sidney with the money that has been awarded to the village following the devastating floods of 2006 & 2011. Village Grants Administrator John Redente explains:

(John Redente 8-11-17)

Monday's Zoning meeting will be open to the public.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $60.7 million in grants, in addition to interest-free and low-cost loans, have been approved by the State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board to support drinking water and wastewater projects across the state. The Town of Roxbury will get a $1 million low-interest loan for source, pumping, distribution, storage and treatment improvements, which includes new and upgraded controls, electrical systems, backup power and chemical feed systems; replacement of old valves, hydrants, undersized water mains and a new storage tank mixing system and rehabilitation of the storage tank.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds area voters wishing to vote in the September 12th Party Primary, that Friday, August 18th, is the last day to register in person at the Board of Elections or postmark a registration form for the Primary Election. Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us or call 832-5321.

The 5th Annual Joelyn Sines 5K Walk/Run will be held Saturday morning in Afton. The event will start at 9:00 AM; pre-registration is requested at townofafton.com or Nancyann05@yahoo.com. Money raised will benefit the Joelyn Sines nursing Scholarship, and the Afton Community Outreach program.

Chenango County Sherriff’s Department arrested 35 year old Misty Mojica of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after a traffic stop on State Route 12 in the Town of Norwich. Mojica is accused of possessing a controlled substance & items related to manufacturing methamphetamine were located within the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected. Mojica faces action in Town of Norwich court at a later date.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 17 year old Jason Terkowski of Harpursville and 17 year old Kyle Grose of Harpursville for 2nd degree Burglary. Both are accused of unlawfully entering a residence in the Town of Colesville last month and stealing property, which has been recovered. Terkowski and Grose were arraigned in the Town of Colesville Court and released on their own recognizance to appear in court on a later date.

State Senator Jim Seward and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch renewed their objection to the recent closure of the New York s State Division of Veterans' Affairs office in Sidney, Assemblyman Crouch told WCDO news that, with the assistance of the Town of Sidney, they have reached agreement with the Tri-Town Regional Hospital to provide office space at no cost:

(Crouch 8-3-17)

The previous Veterans Affairs satellite office in the Sidney Civic Center had been open 2 days per week; the office was closed earlier this year following the sale of the Civic Center to a private developer. A final decision regarding the Hospital offer should be made shortly.

The Town of Sidney announced that they have acquired the former Mang Insurance - Mirabito Holdings building 44 Grand Street in Downtown Sidney. Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford explains:

(Gene Pigford 8-3-17)

The Town offices were previously located at the Sidney Civic Center and in Tri Town Regional Hospital, the Civic Center was sold to a private developer with plans for Senior housing, the Hospital building is being targeted by Bassett Hospital for expansion of services, forcing the town to seek one central location.

State Police arrested 39-year-old Kareem Buckley of Hempstead Long Island, after troopers observed a BMW speeding on State Route 17, in the town of Hancock Tuesday. Buckley and his passenger 39 year old Vernon McDaniel of queens did not have valid driving licenses, a vehicle search resulted in the discovery & seizure of 14 pounds of marihuana. Buckley was arrested for Criminal Possession of Marihuana & traffic violations; he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. McDaniel was arrested for Unlawful possession of Marihuana and was issued a ticket to the town of Hancock court on a later date.

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.

State Police arrested 36-year-old James Brower of Norwich, for 1st degree Murder, he is accused of murdering 11-year-old Jacelyn O’Connor in his residence in Norwich Sunday, anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at 334-3296. Brower was arraigned in Chenango County Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail pending court action in the Town of Norwich Court on Thursday, at 9:00 AM. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office assisted with this investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Area Law Enforcement Agencies will team up with Area Dunkin Donuts locations to raise money for the "Cops On Top" fundraiser. Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack told WCDO News that the SIdney Police Deaprtment will be involved Friday:

(Jan Gorshack 8-2-17)

Police officers will also assist in the fundraising efforts in Bainbridge, Norwich, Vestal, Binghamton, Johnson City & Whitney Point this coming Friday morning.

New York state now considers an inmate's age at the time of the crime to ensure that offenders receiving long sentences as juveniles have a legitimate chance at release. Corrections officials say the Board of Parole made the change immediately after a 2016 ruling that juveniles must be granted a meaningful chance at release during parole proceedings. Though New York has never sentenced juveniles to life without parole, groups including the New York Civil Liberties Union had criticized officials for looking only at crimes, and not youth, in parole determinations. Recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have narrowed the instances in which those who commit offenses under age 18 can receive the harshest penalties.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 21-year-old Damion Spicer of Norwich for Criminal Contempt. Spicer was charged following a report of a domestic dispute, where Spicer allegedly subjected the female victim to unwanted physical contact while an order of protection was in place. Spicer was arraigned in the Town of Otselic and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, pending court action in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

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

(Mike Sellitti 7-26-17)

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

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

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

Governor Cuomo announced executive actions designed to expand voter registration opportunities for New Yorkers. Executive Order #169, which directs every state agency to make voter registration forms available and to offer assistance in filling them out. The Governor also established the State Agency Voter Registration Task Force, to oversee administration of the state agency voter registration program in consultation with the State Board of Elections.

State DOT officials announced that that Interstate 86/ State Route 17 is closed between Nichols & Lounsberry to allow personnel to evaluate damage caused by Sunday night's storms & flooding. Also, Broome County emergency Services announced that The Town of Vestal is under a State of emergency due to flooding in several locations. Motorists that need to be in Broome County are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops, up to date travel conditions & road closures are available by calling 511 or at 511NY.org.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center. The Board will consider rezoning two parcels located at 139 West Main Street and 995 Circle Drive, from R-1 to R-3. A public hearing on the proposed rezoning will be scheduled at a later date.

Catholic Charities is offering free School supplies & Backpacks to eligible Sidney School district students. Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 7-24-17)

McKnight said that last year they gave away 111 backpacks with school supplies for Sidney students. Catholic Charities office is located in the Sidney Civic Center.

A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital announced the appointment of 5 new members to their Board of Directors. Joining the Board is Noel Goodspeed of Sidney, who is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at SFCU, Jeffrey Lord who is Vice President at Community Bank, N.A, Scott H. McLean of Sidney, who is the owner and President of Tieco-Unadilla Corporation in Unadilla, is business administrator at C.H. Landers, Funeral Chapel, Luisa Montanti who is the Property Manager of the Southside Mall, and Oneonta City School Superintendent Joseph Yelich.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For Dogs, Cats, & Ferrets today from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the town clerk’s building in Deposit. Pet owners are asked to bring vaccination records to the clinic tonight, to verify pet eligibility for a vaccination. More information is available at 832-5200 or at Delaware county public health.com.

State Police arrested 20-year-old Gerald Althiser Jr. of Springfield Center for intentionally starting fires in two campers. During the investigation, Althiser admitted to setting numerous fires, including the March 12th fire that destroyed the Milford United Methodist Church. Althiser was arrested for 3rd & 5th degree Arson; he was arraigned in the Town of Hartwick Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail. The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Otsego County Fire Investigators.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Dakota Coffey of Walton, for petty larceny & criminal mischief for allegedly entering a Masonville stone quarry & damaging equipment. Coffey was arraigned in Masonville Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2500 bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 39-year-old Matthew Maxim, of Margaretville for aggravated harassment & obstructing government administration following a report of a domestic dispute in the Town of Middletown. Maxim is accused of threatening to kill another person through a text message and attempting to obstruct the arresting officers by refusing to comply with police commands. Maxim was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail.

State Police announced the death of Trooper Joel Davis, who responded to a call of shots fired during a domestic dispute in the town of Theresa in Jefferson County Sunday night. While approaching the residence, Trooper Davis was shot once and killed. 32-year old Justin Walters, surrendered to other State Troopers without incident. Walters is an active duty Army infantryman who is stationed at Fort Drum, Police said that his wife, 27-year old Nichole Walters was also found deceased at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

State Police arrested 35 year old Donald Craw of Norwich for criminal possession of narcotic drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Craw was arrested on state Route 8 in the town of Bainbridge at about 3:05 pm. July 5th, he faces court action shortly.

The Sidney Village Board will hold their next regular meeting tonight at 7:00 PM, at the Civic Center. A presentation regarding the Main Street Revitalization project is expected.

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

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Rumeal Soler of Davenport, on a Bench Warrant from the Town of Oneonta Court for Failure to Pay Fines. The arrest came as the result of an investigation into a two-car motor vehicle accident in which Soler was one of the drivers. Soler had an active warrant for his arrest; he was taken into custody and turned over to the Oneonta Police Department for arraignment.

Commerce Chenango is accepting applications for Entrepreneur of the Year and Business of the Year. These awards will be presented at the Chamber's Soiree in the Park on Thursday, September 14th in East Park, Downtown Norwich. The form with criteria can be found at files.constantcontact.com.

The Chenango Arts Council Board of Directors have officially appointed Alecia O'Neill the Council’s new executive director, she told WCDO News that they have a full slate of activities planned already:

(Alecia O’Neill 6-29-17)

The appointment followed the strong recommendation of the search committee, which had been evaluating candidates over the last 6 months; O'Neill was appointed Interim Executive Director when previous director Diane Batson-Smith resigned.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced the first "Coffee With Claudia" event, to be held on July 15th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at her Binghamton Office. Tenney's office said that there would be a series of small groups meeting with Tenney, on a first come, first serve basis, appointments are requested at 315-732-7013. Tenney decided against Town Hall Meeting in the 22nd district earlier this year, following a series of contentious meeting with constituents by other Republican Congressional Members, and a series of threats against Tenney, that were turned over to Capital Police to investigate.

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

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

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM starting with a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct