WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to expedite access to medicinal marijuana for New Yorkers suffering from serious health conditions. Cuomo also announced that he has ordered state health officials to review whether a new, broader medical marijuana program due to begin in January has enough production and dispensing sites to adequately serve the state. 20 sites are scheduled to open early next year. The governor said that the drug would be dispensed to eligible patients as soon as practicable, he also said that the state will abide by standards from the U.S. Justice Department to ensure that New York’s program does not trigger enforcement actions by the federal government.

The first Baptist Church in Sidney will hold their services this Sunday at the Circle Drive Alliance church from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, due to a heating problem. After the church services, members of the church will return to the Baptist Church for packing the "Operation Child" boxes as originally scheduled.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood today. 2 blood drives will be held in Delaware County today, one in Sidney from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street & in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Those looking to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. All blood types are needed.

The "I Am Dreaming of a Cancer-Free Christmas" Holiday Bazaar will be held on December 5th at the Sidney American legion. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event is sponsored by the NBT Bank, NBT-Mang Insurance Relay For Life team.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood before the holiday season is in full swing. 2 blood drives will be held in Delaware County tomorrow, one in Sidney from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sidney Federal Credit Union, at 42 Union Street & in Delhi from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the State University Farrell Student & Community Center, at 2 Main Street. Those looking to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment.   All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

The Jolly Holly Days Committee of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce will once again sponsor the annual Jolly Holly Days parade on Friday, December 4th. The theme this year is Dr. Seuss Christmas. There will be awards and cash prizes, which will be judged by a panel. The parade will begin at 6:30 pm with line up beginning at 5:30 pm.

Fire investigators have determined that it was a lightning strike that hit the Sidney Federal Credit Union Main branch in Sidney. Vice President of Marketing Keith May told WCDO News that he came to work there at about 6:00 This morning, & the Sidney Fire Department was summoned about an hour later:

(Keith May 7-20-15)

May said that the Sidney branch had only minimal damage, teh clean up is underway & the State of the art insulation in the new building smoldered for several hours since the lightning strike at about 10:00 Sunday night, traditional insulation would have likely burst into flames quicker.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested and charged a Delhi man with introducing dangerous prison contraband into the facility. On Saturday night Delaware County Correctional Facility intake officers conducting a search of a new inmate found Brayan Thompson of Delhi was in possession of a concealed belt buckle knife while being booked into the jail, on an unrelated Burglary charge, he was subsequently charged with Promoting Prison Contraband. Thompson was arraigned on the new charge, & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2000 cash bail; he remains incarcerated pending future court appearances.

The next 4-chamber mixer will be held today, sponsored by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce. At the 6:00 PM at the Sundown Golf club on Hay Path Lane in Guilford. All members of the Sidney, Unadilla, and Afton & Bainbridge chambers are encouraged to attend.

State Police at Sidney arrested 24 year old Bernadette Kalsky of Vestal for Aggravated DWI following an accident on I-88 In Bainbrdge. Troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of a one car motor vehicle accident on the Interstate, Kalsky struck a guiderail and drove off the road. Kalsky was not injured in the accident, she had a reported BAC content of .21, she was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Bainbridge Court on March 23rd.

The Sidney American Legion will be hosting an open house tomorrow to increase membership. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 3-13-15)

More information about the open house or the American legion itself is available at 434-0239 or 237-4762.

A fundraiser for Bainbridge native Heather Bucalos (Byu-CAL-us) will be held Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge. All the money raised at the event will assist Heather to cover medical and travel expenses to treat her illness. More Information is avaialbel at the "Hope For Heather" Facebook page.

More dates that have just been added for free tax preparation programs this month, including on Saturdays this month at the Delhi Branch of Sidney Federal Credit Union. Cheri Albrecht of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties explains:

(Cheri Albrecht 3-13-15)

Locations will be in Delhi & Oneonta; all appointments can be made through Catholic Charities at 432-0061.

A fundraising Bowl-A-Thon will be held in Sidney Saturday to support the Sidney Boys & Girls Club, the event will be held at the East Main Lanes in Sidney, more information is available at 561-2311.

More dates that have just been added for the "My Free Taxes” program by appointment only on Saturdays of March 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Delhi Branch of Sidney Federal Credit Union. Cheri Albrecht of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties explains:

(Cheri Albrecht 3-6-15)

Locations will be in Delhi & Oneonta, all appointments can be made at 432-0061.

Several of the dancers with the Kennedy performing arts center of Sidney will be performing a dance routine at Madison square garden this weekend at a New York knicks basketball game. Nikki Reed of the Kennedy performing arts center explains:

(Nikki Reed 3-4-15)

Reed said the Dancers & their families were able to go to New York City for this event following a recent successful fundraiser.