WCDO Radio News

New Yorkers will vote on School Budgets in New York State Tuesday, as well as Board of Education seats, school bus purchases or other ancillary costs associated with education. Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News about their 35.5 Million Dollar Budget with 0% tax levy increase:

(Eben Bullock 5-18-26)

Voting will be at the Sidney High School from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Bainbridge Guilford Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that they had to deal with a $1 Million dollar gap before sending the proposal to voters:

(TIM RYAN 5-18-26)

The BG total budget is 26.9 Million dollars, the Tax Levy Increase is 1.59% Voting will be at the Greenlawn & Guilford Elementary school buildings. In the Unatego School District, Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO about their budget:

(Dr Dave Richards -18-26)

Voting for Unatego area residents will be from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jr. Sr. High school.

State Police at Troop C responded to a school bus crash on its side in the town of Truxton this morning. A bus from the Homer Central School District had 11 elementary school aged students on the bus, the school bus driver and a school bus aide. Troopers & Local EMS responded, 2 seven year old & an 9 year old were taken to an area hospital, 2 with head injuries and 1 with a hand injury, several other reported minor injuries & were treated at the scene & released, other students were transferred to another bus and transported to the Homer School District.

State Police announced that a multi-agency saturation detail on February 5, resulted in three arrests. Arrested were 61 year old Kenneth Jordan of Endicott for counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Jordan was processed then transported to the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. A traffic stop in the village of Johnson City resulted in the arrest of 50 year old Robert Stankevich of Binghamton for criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance for allegedly possessing crystal meth, he was released on an appearance tickets for Johnson City Village Court on Wednesday. A traffic stop in the town of Union resulted in the arrest of 22 year old Donavin Stiglich of Whitney Point on drug charges for allegedly possessing crystal meth, he'll appear in Union Town Court on February 17.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today from 9 am. - 2 pm., at the Unatego Junior Senior High School, book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-21-25

Many of the Southern Tier area schools had their budgets passed by voters on Tuesday, however not all of the results are in this morning. Locally, Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the budget 147-43, they also passed the bus proposition & the Sidney Luibrary budget, Bainbridge-Guilford School Budget passes 180-78, Franklin had their budget, bus & library votes passed, other local who schools who reported budget votes passing by substantial margins were Unatego, Oneonta, GMU, DEPOSIT, WALTON, Afton, UNADILLA VALLEY, Greene, Harpursville.

School Budget votes will be held tomorrow across the state, Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO news about their proposed budget:

(Eben Bullock 5-19-25)

The Unatego School District is also seeking approval on a new budget, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-19-25)

School Districts are also looking to fill Board of Education Seats, and in some cases capital projects and/or buss purchases around the state tomorrow.

Otsego County, in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, will host a public kickoff meeting on Thursday, May 29, to launch its Broadband Technical Assistance Project. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Meadows Office Complex, at 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown.

Residents in Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties have access to an expanded range of transportation services, thanks to the Getthere program, providing rides to medical appointments,emergency food access, and employment. Getthere is a program of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York, more information is available at (855) 373-4040 or rhnscny.org.

A.M. NEWS Monday 5-19-25

State Police is enhancing its approach to investigating animal cruelty through a new partnership with the State Animal Protection Federation. More than 200 Troopers and Investigators will receive advanced instruction on identifying and responding to animal cruelty cases so that they will be better equipped to detect, investigate, and document cruelty cases, Enhance collaboration with local law enforcement, animal welfare organizations, and prosecutors and it will allow for a more efficient response to these complex investigations.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 11-15-24

Broome County Sheriff’s Office Office arrested 51 year old Byron Bump of the Town of Colesville, for 1st & 2nd degree Rape, & Attempted Rape, Bump was relieved from his job as a school bus driver for the Chenango Valley School District, he is accused of sexually abusing multiple minors over a lengthy period of time, Anyone with information should contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office by calling 607-778-1196.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 35 year old Jacob Snook of Gilbertsville on multiple charges following the execution of a search warrant following a residential fire in the Town of Butternuts. Snook was charged with Criminal Manufacture of Undetectable Firearm, Criminal Possession of Ammunition Feeding Device, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Ghost Gun, among other similar charges, Deputies and investigators executed the search warrant at the residence and discovered that Snook had two 3D printers to manufacture untraceable firearms, plus loaded high-capacity magazines and a large quantity of ammunition, he was taken into custody and was being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Centralized Arraignment.

The Unatego Booster Club No-Tap Bowling Tournament will be held tomorrow at 10:00 AM & 1:30 PM, at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge. More information is available at 237-6638.

The Sidney Central School District will have their budget up for a public vote Tuesday, District Superintendent Eben Bullock told WCDO News about their Proposal:

(Eben Bullock 5-20-24)

Voting will be from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Sidney School District office.

The Unatego School District budget is up for a public vote tomorrow, voters will be deciding on the proposed budget, 3 seats on the School Board & 1 Proposition, according to Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-20-24)

Voting will be from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM at the Junior/ Senior High School on State Route 7 between Wells Bridge & Otego.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their last meeting before the General Clinton Canoe regatta, tomorrow at 7:30 am at the back of Bob's Diner. Chamber members & Directors are encouraged to attend.

A.M. NEWS Monday 5-20-24

School Budget votes will be held across the State Tomorrow. BG Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News about their budget proposal:

(Tim Ryan 5-20-24)

District across the state will be voting on budget, School Board seats and in many cases, capital project & School Bus purchases.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 6-23-23

Anielle "AK" McEwan Lomnicki has been cleared to play basketball at the Gus Macker Tournament in Norwich next Month, AK suffered numerous injuries when she was struck by a drunk driver while walking home from school in Sidney February 15th, she told WCDO News that she is excited & ahead of schedule in her ongoing recovery:

(AK McEwan Lomnicki 6-23-23)

AK's father, Rick Lomnicki said that they have been watching other people playing various sports, but watching his daughter compete after all she has been through will be exciting:

(Rich Lomnicki 6-23-23)

"AK" will be competing at the Norwich Macker July 8th & 9th on 1 of 9 WCDO sponsored teams, she also plans to play in the Ithaca Gus Macker tournament, and 2 other tournaments later this summer.

High School Graduations are scheduled all over the Southern Tier this weekend. Hancock Commencement exercises began this morning, other districts with ceremonies today include Afton, Andes, Charlotte Valley, Deposit, Downsville, Edmeston, GMU, Laurens, Milford, Morris, South Kortright, Schenevus, Unatego & Windsor. Saturday Graduation ceremonies will include Sidney, Bainbridge Guilford, Norwich, Oneonta, Delaware Academy, Greene, Harpursville, Oxford Academy, Unadilla Valley, Sherburne Earlville & Walton. 2 area district will hold their ceremonies on Sunday, they are Cooperstown & Worcester.

The State Comptroller's Office audited the Afton Central School District, , they found that the Afton Board and District officials did not effectively manage the District’s fund balance, so they levied more taxes than needed to fund operations and were not transparent with taxpayers. The Board annually overestimated appropriations by an average of $1.1 million or 7%. The District incurred $63,561 in unnecessary interest and other associated costs for the issuance of bonds to purchase school buses. The Comptrollers office recommended adopting realistic budgets, Reduce surplus fund balance to comply with the statutory limit to benefit taxpayers. District officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they will take corrective action, the full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

School district Budget Votes will be held on Tuesday across the state, Unatego District Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO News about their budget proposal:

(Dave Richards 5-12-23)

Richards said that there are also 2 propositions regarding transportation for district students based on their distance from school, another regarding an Energy Performance Contract. Voting will be from 12:00 noon until 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Unatego District Office.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-12-23

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that 44 year old Dana Britton of Delhi, was re-sentenced to jail after violating his probation supervision. Britton admitted to using illegal drugs while on probation, The Probation Department recommended that he be sent to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, Britton refused to engage in treatment, his probation was revoked & he was sentenced him to 22 months in jail at the Delaware County Correctional Facility.

Voters in the Bainbridge Guilford School district approved of their Capital Project Wednesday. Voters approved by a 140-71 vote in favor of the project, a big portion of the project will improve the Athletic Fields and construct a parking lot next to the Football Field with 102 parking spaces.

The next legislative session in Albany will begin in January, local Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO news that he will be watching what happens with the recently passed Environmental Bond Act:

(Joe Angelino 12-8-22)

Angelino said that with latest redistricting he gained 6 towns in Madison County to his district, but lost a few in Broome County, there will be another redistricting for the 2024 elections that could drastically change his district again.

The Sidney Central School District announced that the Observatory will be closed tonight, due to inclement weather.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-8-22

The Morris Central School District residents will be voting on a Building project on Tuesday December 13th, Superintendent Jamie Maistros told WCDO News about the $14.5 million dollar project:

(Jamie Maistros 12-8-22)

Maistros said that there will be a public forum today at 5:30 in the School Library, & a link to the meeting will be posted on the District Website for those who can not attend in person.

Voters in the Unatego School District approved of a proposal for a new bus, by a 62 to 19 margin Monday, a proposition to put up to 5 million dollars over 15 years into a capital reserve fund passed by a 56 to 24 vote.

School Budgets are being voted on across the state today, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO News about their budget proposal:

(Dave Richards 5-17-22)

Polls will be open at the Unatego District Office at 2641 State Highway 7 in Otego until 9:00 pm

The Sidney School District has submitted a 28.7 Million Dollar Budget that voters are deciding on today, which represents a 3.9% increase over last year, but with no increase to the tax levy, according to Superintendent Eben Bullock:

(Eben Bullock 5-17-22)

Bullock said that 3 people are running for 2 seats on the school board, voting will be until 8:00 PM at the Sidney High School Cafeteria.

Friends of Rogers in Sherburne was this week’s winner of a $2,000 grant from Upstate Shredding through their philanthropic endeavor; Southern Tier Tuesdays. Friends of Rogers is a nonprofit organization with a variety of nature based programs & exhibits held year-round.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 5-17-22

School Budget votes will be held around the state today, some district also have propositions for capital improvements or vehicle purchases, many also have Board of Education seats to decide on. At the Bainbridge Guilford District, Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that they were able to keep the tax levy under the state cap and maintain staffing:

(Tim Ryan 5-17-22)

BG voters will vote at the Greenlawn or Guilford Elementary school from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM today on their 21.4 Million Dollar Budget proposal, & a vehicle purchase proposition.

Governor Cuomo today announced that The State will adopt the CDC Mask Guidelines on Wednesday, when many of the state's previous restriction will be lifted:

(Cuomo 5-17-21)

Unvaccinated people & the immunocompromised should continue to wear a mask.  Masks will still be required on public transit, in schools & some communal settings. The updated guidelines will be available at health.ny.gov.

The Unatego Central School district will be asking for voter approval tomorrow on a $27.8 million dollar building project, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 5-17-21)

Dr. Richards said that the project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers.  Voting on the project & The Unatego Budget, and all state school budgets, will be tomorrow.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-17-21

This Week is National EMS week, local state Senator Peter Oberacker said that volunteers are needed across the state at fire departments & emergency squads:

(Senator Oberacker 5-17-21)

Senator Oberacker is looking to submit legislation to make it easier to someone looking to volunteers for their local emergency squad, Senator Oberacker still volunteers with the Schenevus Emergency Squad.

The Unatego Central School district will hold a ZOOM meeting tonight at 6:00 PM regarding their $27.8 million dollar building project, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO News about the proposal:

(Dr. Dave Richards 4-15-21)

The project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers, voting is on May 18th.

A $1.48 million grant from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports has been announced.   The Mohawk Valley Behavioral Health Care Collaborative and the South Central Behavioral Health Care Collaborative will merge, the funding will be sued to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery care services throughout 11 counties, including Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego Counties locally.  Friends of Recovery of Delaware & Otsego and Leatherstocking Education of Alcoholism and Addictions Foundation are 2 local organizations that will receive grant funding, more information is oasas.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-14-21

The Unatego Central School district will be asking for voter approval in May on a $27.8 million dollar building project, and a public ZOOM meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dr. Dave Richards 4-14-21)

Dr. Richards said that the project would be paid for with 87.5% state aid plus a capital reserve fund, resulting in no tax increase to district taxpayers.  Voting on the project & The Unatego Budget, and all state school budgets, will be on May 18th.

The State Health Department released guidelines for High School Proms this year.  Starting June 1st, Capacity restrictions will be in place for indoor venues and catering halls, there will also be regulations regarding food service, buffets, social distancing of tables & even rules for live musical performers.  The list of guidelines is available at the state health department website.

2010 Unatego graduate Aaron "Frosty" Foster, who grew up in Wells Bridge, passed away unexpectedly Thursday in Tennessee.  Foster was a bluegrass musician, who currently had the #6 song on the Bluegrass charts, with Troy Boone, entitled "Country Fool". Foster was inducted in 2020 into the Unatego Central School District Hall Of Distinction, he was 28.

Republican Claudia Tenney was sworn in to serve in the New York 22nd Congressional District yesterday, she previously served in Congress from 2016 to 2018 when she lost her re-election bid to Democrat Anthony Brindisi, who she just defeated by 109 votes, the vote count wasn't certified until earlier this week after a prolonged vote count & issues with ballots in Oneida & Chenango Counties.

Unatego School District has decided that they will go to remote learning on Thursday for the Winter storm, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards Explains:

(Dave Richards 12-16-20)

WCDO will have the full run down of how tomorrow's storm will affect area school district during the pandemic.

The Oneonta City School District announced that they will be closed tomorrow for the Winter Storm. The District is in remote learning mode until January 19th, however, there will be no instruction tomorrow, it will be treated as a traditional snow day.

The Norwich City School District will have their parent informational meeting regarding their reopening plans today & tomorrow.   The Meetings will be both virtual & in person with limited seating in the Auditorium, at 6:00 PM tonight, & Wednesday at 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM.

The Unatego Central School District will have their final Parent informational meeting on reopening today.  The meeting will be virtual only & will begin at 3:00 PM, with the links available at the Unatego school website.

State Police arrested 24 year old Alexander Hartman of Binghamton for 2nd degree Burglary and 3rd degree Arson.  On August 9, Troopers and the Nanticoke Fire Department were dispatched to a garage fire, an investigation revealed that Hartman broke into a residence to steal items then started a fire in the garage.  Hartman was arrested and processed at the Binghamton barracks & he was later transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

The Oneonta City School District has posted their extensive District Re-opening plan on their website.  With the expected influx of college students coming from all over the country to Oneonta, the district announced that they will remain in the remote learning environment to start the 2020-2021 school year; they will reevaluate that model when they approach the Interim Progress Report period of October 9th.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced over $290,000 in grant funding for fire departments across New York’s 22nd District.   The grant money is awarded through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will help local fire departments prioritize operations and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Locally the New Berlin Fire Department will get over $29,000; the South Otselic Volunteer Fire Department will get over $74,000.

The Unatego Central School District will hold 3 meetings next week to get parents up to date about the district's re-opening proposal, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 8-13-20)

The Virtual meetings with parents will be on Monday at 2:00 & 6:00 PM & Tuesday at 3:00 PM, more information is available on the Unatego District website.

The Afton Central School district announced that there will be a remote Special Community Meeting today at 2:00 PM; the link to the virtual meeting is available on the district website.  Afton Superintendent Tim McNamara told WCDO News what their plans are for students for the fall:

(Tim McNamara 8-14-20)

McNamara said that on August 21 at 9:00 A.M. there will be a special live presentation in the Margery Secrest Memorial Auditorium and available remotely by clicking Special Community Meeting on the school website. The district's reopening plan is also available on the district website.

2020 SCHOOL BUDGET VOTES

DELAWARE COUNTY
Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the district's proposed budget 538-131 & also approved a capital reserve fund 547-113.
Voters in the Walton Central School District approved the budget 796-292.
Voters in the Franklin School District approved their budget 289-130, and their bus proposition 289-147.
Voters in Deposit approved their budget 472-177, they also approved of their bus & library propositions.
Voters in the Charlotte Valley District voted in favor of their budget 336-188 & their capital reserve proposition 357-164
Voters in the Hancock Central School District voted for their budget 352-135.
Voters in Downsville approved of their budget 199-61
Voters in South Kortright approved their budget 196-64
Voters in the Delaware Academy District approved their budget 845-399 they also approved of the bus proposition & the asbestos abatement proposition.

CHENANGO COUNTY
Voters in the Afton School District approved of their budget 326-169, their bus proposition 285-207 & their building project 247-244.
Voters in the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School approved their Budget 541 to 255 & approved the bus proposition & the proposition for a Student on the Board of Education.
Norwich City School District voters approved their budget 1179-522, they approved the Leased Vehicles Proposition & the Library Budget.
Greene Central School District Voters approved their Budget 794-436 & passed both Propositions
Unadilla Valley district voters approved a $22.2 million budget by a vote of 534 to 219; Voters also approved a bus lease proposition by a vote of 557 to 194.
Oxford Academy district voters approved their budget School Budget 535 to 236; they also approved a Vehicle Purchase & the Oxford Memorial Library budget

OTSEGO COUNTY:
Voters in the Unatego School District voted in favor of their budget 594-293
Voters in the Edmeston School District approved their budget 171-18, they also approved of 3 vehicle purchases.
Gilbertsville Mount Upton Voters approved of their budget 267-133
Laurens School district voters approved of their budget 231-24, & voted in favor of purchasing busses by a similar margin.
Milford central School District voters approved their budget 467-272

Voters in the Morris District approved their budget 245-38
Voters in the Oneonta City School district approved of their budget, Bus proposition & Capital Project

BROOME COUNTY
Harpursville District Voters approved their budget, 508-194.

WINDSOR Central School district voters approved of their budget 991-537.

There will be a free milk giveaway on Thursday, starting at 11:00 am, at the Unadilla Elementary School, Unatego Middle/High School and the former Otego Elementary school parking lots, Unatego School District teacher Sandra Bonczkowski told WCDO News how it came about:

(Sandra Bonczkowki 5-6-20)

The milk giveaway is open to anyone, while supplies last Thursday morning.

State lawmakers are looking to get every person counted in
the state, by the US Census this year, assembly Speaker Carl Heastie comments:

(Heastie 1-10-20)

Those interested in becoming a
census taker can contact go online to 2020census.gov.

Governor Cuomo has reportedly backed off a bit on his
controversial Bail Reform Law, where people are being released on appearance
tickets, instead of being remanded to jail, for a number of violent offences,
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 1-10-20)

State Senator Jim Seward also comments:

(Seward 1-10-20)

Many violent offenses & sexual offenses were on the bail
reform law, hundreds of people were released from prisons around the state for
such offenses,  Law Enforcement agencies
& District Attorneys are calling for the Governor to rescind this law and
start discuss related reforms to the criminal justice system,

The Unatego Hall of Distinction Committee has selected 2
alumni to be honored for induction this year, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave
Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-10-20)

This year’s induction ceremony will take place during the
Dan Wickham Wrestling Tournament on Saturday with a reception at 5:00 PM in the
Jr/Sr. High School Auditorium, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 pm in the High
School Gym.

The Unatego Central school District will hold their annual
Senior Citizens day tomorrow morning, with a variety of events scheduled,
according to Student Council Advisor Jeanne Butler:

(Jeanne Butler 12-10-19)

The event will begin at 8:30 Wednesday morning; The Unatego District
has hosted this event for about 10 years.

Today is Election Day, with voters in the Tri-County Area
heading to the polls for a variety of local races. Voters in all 3 local
counties will vote for 3 justices to serve on the State Supreme Court in the
6th district.  In Oneonta, several Common
Council seats are up for grabs; Otsego County has 3 contested races for seats
on the Board of Representatives.  In
Chenango County there are several Town Supervisors races to be decided, in
Norwich, 4 people are running for Mayor plus there are races for 2 seats for
Alderman Positions. In the Town of Sidney, there is a race for Town Clerk
between incumbent Lisa French & Republican Sheila Paul.  Voters will go to the polls until 9:00
tonight

The Unatego Central school District Board of Education
has approved of the proposal from the Oneonta Christian Academy to purchase the
former Otego Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards comments:

(Dave Richards 11-5-19)

Dr. Richards said that the purchase price was $100,000
for the building, which was built back in the 1930's.

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

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

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

(Dr. Dave Richards 11-4-19)

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

Court action was underway Friday in Chenango County Court,
as Chobani seeks to have their assessments lowered, which may result in 3 area
school districts reimbursing the Yogurt manufacturer, hundreds of thousands of
dollars combined.  The conflict has continued
for 3 years already, the Unatego school district could be forced to reimburse
Chobani more than $350,000 pending the outcome of court action.

The Unatego Board of Education received 3 proposals after
their recent Request for Proposals to repurpose the former Otego Elementary
School building, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards’s comments:

(Dave Richards 10-10-19)

The 3 proposals are from Dirig Design, a drafting and design
firm located in Wells Bridge, Granite Data Solutions of California which is an
IT service provider & the Oneonta Christian Academy, who wish to move their
private school from Oneonta to Otego.  More
information is available at unatego.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced
that $1.5 million is available for eligible school districts to support the
growth of Farm-to-School programs across the state. Grant funding of up to
$100,000 per project will be awarded for employing a local or regional
farm-to-school coordinator; Training of food service staff & the Purchase
of equipment needed to increase capacity of school kitchens.  More information is available at
agriculture.ny.gov

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 2019
Workforce Summit this morning at Morris Hall at SUNY Oneonta starting with 9:00
AM.    The Chamber joins with Educators,
Students, Workforce and Economic Developers, Community Leaders, Employers &
others to try to improve the overall quality of the region's workforce.

The Sidney Central School District and Village of Sidney
will co-sponsor an American Red Cross Citizen Preparedness Corps training this
evening, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak urges area residents to attend:

(Andy Matviak 10-10-19)

The training session will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the
Sidney Central School auditorium. There is no cost to attend, No RSVP is
necessary, but residents are encouraged to arrive early.

The Unatego Central School District will be soliciting
proposals for repurposing the former Otego Elementary School, after the
previous developer failed to meet deadlines, Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave
Richards comments:

(Dave Richards 9-9-19)

The Otego property consists of the 2 floor former elementary
school building & 4.85 acres of adjoining land.    The Request for Proposals is available
online at unatego.org, or through the District Office at 988-5038.

An Area Boy Scout recruitment effort will be held this week
for students in the Sidney Central School District, spokesman Paul Van Der
Kruik explains:

(Paul Van der Kruik 9-9-19)

Additional information about the Sidney Recruitment, or
others around the region, can call the Leatherstocking Council at 432-6491.

33 organizations in the region received grants totaling
$235,708 from the Community Foundation for South Central New York’s Community
Fund and special funds, in the spring 2019 competitive grant cycles.   Grants were awarded to the Chenango River
Theatre, Chenango United Way, Community Arts Organization of Oneonta, Cornell
Cooperative Extension in Delaware County, Deposit Lumberjack Festival, The
Place-Norwich, Unatego Central School District & the United Way of
Delaware/Otsego.  More information is
available at donorswhocare.org.

The annual meeting of the Community Foundation of Unadilla
was held on June 19, 42 organizations were awarded a total of $131,034.  Grants will be awarded to a Unatego Art
Student, the Delaware Valley Humane Society, the Unadilla Emergency Squad and
the Unadilla Public Library totaling $7,000.00.
More information is available by email to  cfunadilla@gmail.com.

School Budget Votes will be held state wide tomorrow.  Locally, Sidney & Schenevus school
district budget decreased their spending from last year, most have had slight
to mild increases, local districts are close to 2% Property Tax Cap.  Capital Projects will be voted on by voters
in Sidney, Unatego & Afton tomorrow.

The Afton Central School District is asking for approval
tomorrow on a capital project, Superintendent Tim McNamara comments:

(Tim McNamara 5-20-19)

McNamara said that state aid & the capital reserve fund
will cover the cost of the project, meaning that there will be no additional
burden on tax payers.

Governor Cuomo announced that $21.3 million has been awarded
to 6 affordable housing developments in the Southern Tier that will create or
preserve 249 affordable homes. The funds were made available through New York
State Homes & Community Renewal's 2018 Unified Funding Application; Awards
include $4.3 million for Endicott Square, in the Village of Endicott, creating
61 apartments in a mixed income development that repurposes a former school.

The Raymond Corporation hosted more than 150 high school
students at its headquarters in Greene, on Friday, for the company's inaugural
Engineering Day.  Students from 9 schools
across the Southern Tier learned about career opportunities within engineering
and associated disciplines, through 12 interactive exhibits, including 3D
printing, & the award-winning Raymond Virtual Reality Simulator.

A presentation for the public will be hosted by the Unatego
Central School District Board of Education this evening at 7:00 pm, on a future
capital building project. The meeting will be in the high school cafeteria at
2641 State 7 in Wells Bridge.

A presentation for the public will be hosted by the Unatego
Central School District Board of Education at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 27,
on a future capital building project. The meeting will be in the high school
cafeteria at 2641 State 7 in Wells Bridge.