The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the recently signed PACT Act. Peter Potter of the VA in Albany told WCDO News that veterans need a couple of forms & they can get into the system & started getting treated:

(Peter Potter 3-6-24)

Potter said that Veterans from all branches are eligible, they can go to VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411.

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Congressman Marc Molinaro’s Office announced the Federal Appropriations bills includes $27.6 million for community development projects in the 19th Congressional District. Funded projects include $5,000,000 for the City of Binghamton Henry Street Improvements, $4,200,000 for the Oneonta West Main Street Water & Sewer Extension Project, $1,250,000 for the City of Norwich Sanitary Sewer System Repairs.

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Former Oneonta Councilmember Michele Frazier announced she is running for the 51st State Senate District, against incumbent Republican Peter Oberacker. Frazier lives in Delhi, is a local Realtor and teaches Criminal Justice at SUNY Delhi, more information is available at Michelefrazierfor51.com

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Douglas Gibson on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Gibson is described as a White Male 5’5″ 150 pounds with Blond Hair & Brown eyes, anyone with information can go to gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/warrants or call (607) 778-1196.

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Ginny Ireland of Bainbridge has passed away on Sunday March 3, at her home, after a 12 year battle with cancer. Ireland was the coordinator of Operation Merry Christmas for many years & volunteered for many other area organizations, Calling hours will be at the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home 123 Main Street Unadilla on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Private burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla. Memorial contributions may be made to: Operation Merry Christmas c/o Community Bank 19 Union Street Sidney, NY 13838. Online condolences may be made at: www.wmaddenfh.com.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-6-24

The House subcommittee investigating the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic subpoenaed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in relation to his administration’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic, they are expected to ask Cuomo about instructing nursing homes to admit recovering COVID-positive patients from hospitals.

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64 year old Johannes Vulto pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to producing cheese that caused a listeria outbreak that killed 2 people and hospitalized six others in 2016. Vulto and his company, Vulto Creamery LLC, pleaded guilty to causing the introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce, according to prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage, Bassett Healthcare Network is encouraging community members to consider donating blood in Oneonta or Sidney Today. 1 Blood Drive will be at the FoxCare Center at 1 Foxcare Drive from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, the other will be at A.O. Fox Hospital – Tri-Town Campus, Sidney from 2:30 to 6:30 pm In the 2nd Floor Conference Room. Walk-ins are welcome, Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is holding their next meeting this morning. The meeting begins at 8:00 AM at the Community Cultural Center at 8:00 AM.

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State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide will crack down on impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend. The STOP-DWI campaign will include underage drinking enforcement, along with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The enforcement initiative runs Today, through Sunday, February Night.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a multi-vehicle accident that occurred on State Route 12A in the Town of Chenango at about 8:10 AM this morning. Broome County Sheriff’s Office patrols received a report of a stolen Kia SUV in the Town of Chenango, a patrol recognized the stolen vehicle waiting at a stop light and initiated a traffic stop, the deputy approached the vehicle, the driver took off at a high rate of speed, running a red light, the deputy returned to his vehicle and began to initiate what would ultimately be a short pursuit, with the stolen Kia colliding with two other vehicles less than a mile from the site of the original traffic stop. The driver of 1 of the vehicles hit, sustained serious injuries and was transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the stolen Kia was identified as a minor, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Wilson. The investigation is continuing.

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40 year old Christopher Davis of Oneonta was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury Thursday, for Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child & Criminal Solicitation, Davis is alleged to have commanded, requested, or otherwise attempted to induce a third party to commit the felony crime of Criminal Sexual Act & repeatedly attempting to arrange for an adult mother to engage in sexual conduct with him and her minor daughters & attempting to cause an adult female to commit Sexual Abuse, and for planning with another adult to drug a female friend so that they could engage in sexual acts while that female was incapacitated. Davis was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Tuesday

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 57 year old John Sheldrick of Edmeston following an investigation into a menacing complaint. Sheldrick was charged with Criminal Possession of a weapon, Menacing, Criminal Mischief & Aggravated Harassment, he was found to be in possession of a weapon, menacing the victim, intentionally damage the property of another and harassment, Sheldrick was held at the Otsego County Sheriffs Office, pending court action.

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The Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in Sidney will host a Comedy Night tonight with Pat Dabiere & Travis Sealey & host Mikael Gregg. Tickets Are $15 Per Person Or $25 Per Couple at the door. Spokesperson Amy Williams told WCDO that there will be an event for children on Saturday:

(Amy Williams 2-9-24)

More information about upcoming events at the Community Cultural Center can be found on their Facebook page.

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Sidney Police Department received a complaint Thursday of a deceased dog found in a wooded area near Fox Street. Officers responded to the scene and located a female dog that is believed to be a Bull-mastiff. The dog is a fawn color with a black mask and appears to be less than a year old. The dog also appeared to have been extremely malnourished before its death. Evidence at the scene suggests the dog was placed at the location after its death. The Sidney Police Department is investigating this as an animal cruelty case and is asking anyone with any information to please contact the Sidney Police Department at 607 561-2301

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-9-24

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident at a residence at 90 Circle Drive in the Town of Colesville, Upon the deputies’ arrival, 22 year old Robert Bertram of Port Crane, pulled into the driveway behind the patrol car, exited his vehicle and began yelling at other residents at the scene. After repeatedly ignoring both verbal commands and efforts by patrols to deescalate the situation, Bertram was arrested, he was intoxicated and fought with officers, While in custody, he refused all sobriety and chemical tests. He continued to act aggressively and erratically, repeatedly shouting, screaming, throwing shoes, he was charged with DWI, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest, Harassment, Refusing to Take a Breath Test, & various traffic violations, he was arraigned at Central Arraignment and released on an appearance ticket to answer for his charges at the Town of Colesville Court later this month.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host a seasonal job fair at Mirabito Stadium on Saturday from 10 am. – 3 pm. The Rumble Ponies are looking to fill a variety of positions this coming season, Open interviews will be held on-site, and candidates are encouraged to bring a resume, Applicants must be 16 years of age or older, The job fair will be held at Mirabito Stadium. More information is available at milb.com/binghamton/team/employmentopportunities

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Bainbridge Rotary Club Red Cross Blood Drive at the Bainbridge Town Hall, 15 North Main Street on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To Make an appointments, call 1-800 RED CROSS or RedCrossBlood.org or with the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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The Delaware County Office for the Aging will have an Open House today, from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at 97 Main Street in Delhi, more information about their programs are available at (607) 832-5750.

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The Village of Sidney will be seeking community input with their Resilient Sidney program, next week, Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak commented:

(Andy Matviak 9-6-22)

The Community meeting will be held on Wednesday September 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street, more information about the program is available at resilient-sidney.com/nyforward.

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The Delaware Valley Humane Society Started their annual “Heavy Metal Haul Out” teaming up with Waste Recovery Enterprises, owner Sean LaRose told WCDO News what they are taking:

(Sean LaRose 9-6-22)

Delaware Valley Humane Society Director Erin Insinga told WCDO News that this fundraiser proved to be very successful last year:

(Erin Insinga 9-6-22)

Insinga said that the Items will be accepted at the collection bin at the Humane Society through the end of the month of September.

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State Police responded Friday to State Route 17 west to a crash involving several vehicles. In the 1st crash, vehicles were stopped on State Route 17 due to a construction barrel in the road, a vehicle was unable to stop and struck the rear of a vehicle, causing 2 vehicles to spin, 1 of them hit the guide rail, the other vehicle, struck a different vehicle and pushed it into 1 of the original vehicles. 2 drivers were taken to Wilson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, 2 other drivers were injured, & were treated at the scene.

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The Chenango County Weekly Wastewater Surveillance Data Report showed an increase in COVID 19 levels over the past 2 weeks, which changes the county’s detection level to “HIGH”. County Health Officials recommend that people should wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation, Get Tested if you have symptoms, more information is available by contacting the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

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State Police were dispatched Saturday to assist Cherry Valley Fire with a hiker who had fallen from a waterfall down about 150-feet into a gorge. 1st responders hiked about a mile through a wooded area to locate the 32-year-old woman from Troy, she was pulled to safety and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where she was treated & released.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Emily Wood of Morris for Aggravated Harassment, following a complaint in the Town of Morris. Wood is accused of sending threatening and unwanted text messages to the victim. The defendant is set to appear in the Town of Morris Court at a later date.

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Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a 2-car accident on I-86 in the Town of Windsor. During the investigation, 39 year old Michael Morgan of Queens, failed a field sobriety test & was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Morgan was processed and released on tickets returnable to the Town of Windsor Court.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-6-22

Firefighters from Bainbridge, Guilford, Mount Upton, Masonville, Coventry, Franklin, Trout Creek, Afton and Sidney all responded to a structure fire at the Auto Plus Store at 4 Front Street Monday Night at about 9:00 PM. Investigators are trying to determine how the fire started, the store was closed when the fire broke out, no injuries among fire fighters were reported.

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The fire at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve was contained on Sunday, according to the Governor’s office. The State DEC Forest Rangers are leading the incident response in cooperation with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police and many other State and local partners. Response actions in the area will continue in the coming days with a smaller force of state and local experts as fire control efforts advance. More than 200 firefighters, bulldozer operators, pilots, and other professional staff and volunteers have been working to contain the fire.

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The Town of Guilford announced that a repair to the water tank will begin today for customers of the Mt. Upton Water District. The repairs are expected to take 1 week to complete, back up tanks are in place & no disruption of service is anticipated, but water conservation measures are encouraged., more information is available at 607-895-9966.

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The Out Of The Woodwork Players announced that auditions will be taking place soon for “A Suessified Christmas Carol”. Auditions for will be held Saturday September 10th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Friday September 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, many roles are available for children, teens and adults. The performances will be held in December.

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State Police and multiple fire departments responded to I-81 in Homer for a report of a tractor trailer on fire. An investigation on scene determined that the operator of the tractor trailer, a 45-year-old man from Trenton, New Jersey was operating a tractor trailer belonging to Granger Enterprises, for an unknown reason, he went off the roadway, struck trees and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The man was later located deceased in the cab.

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The 3rd meeting of the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee will be held virtually on Tuesday, at 3:00 PM. Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green told WCDO News about the meeting:

(Kerri Green 4-8-22)

Norwich received a $10 Million Dollar award, for projects to upgrade Downtown Norwich, some of the projects could get underway later this year.

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State Police are continuing this weekend with the crackdown on distracted driving as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Operation Hang Up, will include increased patrols and checkpoints targeting drivers using electronic devices while driving, the detail will runs through Monday.

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The Bainbridge Town Hall Theater will host a Doobie Brother Tribute Band “Takin’ it to the Streets” Saturday night, Jericho Arts Council Spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 4-8-22)

Those who would like to reserve tickets can call 607-288-3882.

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North Country Comedy returns to Sidney This weekend with 3 comedians Saturday Night at the American Legion on Union Street. A Prime Rib Dinner is being offered before the show, tickets for Andy McDermott, Bill Lake & Cody Montayne are available at northcountrycomedy.com.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-8-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an agreement on a budget in the Fiscal Year 2023. The State’s reserves will increase to 15% of State Operating Funds by 2025, the budget will include Tax relief for middle-class New Yorkers and small businesses; it will suspending fuel taxes, authorize the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages; & included investments in pandemic recovery funding, infrastructure & a record investment in clean energy. The total budget is currently estimated at approximately $220 billion.

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State Police today are reminding potential candidates that the deadline to register for the Trooper Entrance Exam is this Sunday, April 10th. The exam will be administered through April 30th. Once candidates have completed their exam application, they will choose a date, time, and nearby testing center to take the exam. The State Police has provided an online study guide to assist with preparation at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.

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The Sidney Community Cultural Center in downtown Sidney, presents 2 events this coming weekend, Spokesperson Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 4-8-22)

More information about this weekends shows, or upcoming shows, call 607-604-4584.

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The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive today in Morris. The drive will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Zion Episcopal Church, 162 Main Street in Morris, Donors can make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

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Flooding has been reported on State Route 8 in both directions between Axtell Rd and Michigan Hollow Road in Deposit all lanes blocked Due to flooding, DOT and State police on scene, the Alternate route is China Road to State route 206 to State Route 8. Other roads in the Tri County region have also experienced some flooding, area 1st Responders remind motorists to report any issues they find, and if they come upon a flooded roadway, to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.

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Several area Fire Departments responded Thursday afternoon to a house fire on Depot Street, County Route 35 in Sidney Center. The house was totally destroyed, so far no injuries have been reported.

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Fire Companies responded this morning to a structure fire at 22 Main Street in Laurens. Laurens Fire Fighters are receiving mutual aid from Mount Vision, West Laurens, Morris, Milford, Volunteers from the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to 2 adults after a fire in Laurens, this morning.

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State Senator Fred Akshar joined Broome County officials to welcome the “Hockey 4 Hope” charity event back, on 2 nights at the SUNY Broome Ice Center in Binghamton to raise money to help alleviate the financial burden associated with fighting cancer. The charity hockey game begins with “Paint the Ice” today 5:00 to 8:00 PM where attendees will be able to paint a message of hope, love, and remembrance on the ice. On Saturday, the Hockey 4 Hope Hockey game will begin at 6:00 PM, more information is available at Hockey4hope.com.

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Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 32 year old Zeke Wilmarth of Binghamton pleaded guilty to 2nd degree attempted murder, Criminal possession of a weapon & Strangulation, in connection with the attack on his girlfriend in July of 2021 in the town of Vestal. Wilmarth is expected to be sentenced to 15 years to life upon sentencing in June.

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Governor Kathy Hochul & Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin wrote an op-ed piece in a Downstate news paper this week, they claimed that New York’s Bail Reform doesn’t need to be repealed, but there are changes needed to the law. Governor Hochul wrote that problems that needs to be addressed include Repeat offenders, those accused of hate crimes, judges should be allowed to set bail; even if the crime would not currently be bail-eligible. The Governor wrote that judges should be able to set bail in all felony cases involving illegal guns, including guns given or sold to minors, & in crimes involving guns, judges should be able to set more restrictive pretrial conditions

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-25-22

Tomorrow night, the Community Cultural Center in Downtown Sidney will have a Comedy night performance by Dan Viola, Center Spokesperson Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 3-25-22)

Viola has previously performed in the region at the Former Silo Restaurant during their longtime Comedy Night series, Tickets for tomorrow night at $20 & includes a beverage, more information is available at 607-604-4584.

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The Jericho Arts Council will have the Feinberg Brothers Bluegrass band Saturday Night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater, spokesman Phil Wade comments:

(Phil Wade 3-25-22)

More information about Saturday Night’s Show at 7:00 PM, or upcoming shows can be found at jerichoarts.com.

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The Afton Sertoma Club presents Goofy Golf again this year at the Afton Central school, Spokesperson Judy Hinman explains:

(Judy Hinman 3-25-22)

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, no pre registration is required.

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The Afton Community Theater & the Tri-Town Theater have teamed up again for “Into The Woods” to be performed in Norwich tonight & this weekend, George Wells is the producer & is in the cast & he said that the show was whipped together by Cameron Kinnear, a local man who has been involved in theater all over the country:

(George Wells 3-25-22)

Tickets are available at tritown.booktix.com, the shows are tonight, Saturday Night at 7:30 PM & Sunday Afternoon at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich.

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Chenango River Theatre’s 14th annual Winter Gala will be held at the Genegantslet Golf Club this Saturday from 6:00 – 9:30pm. The evening includes both a Silent and Live Auction, according to Theater Director Zach Curtis:

(Zach Curtis 3-23-22)

Curtis said that they will also be announcing the schedule of shows this year, at Saturday night’s event.

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New York will distribute more than 20 million over-the-counter COVID-19 tests statewide through the spring. The state will also continue providing test kits to nursing homes, adult care facilities and schools, including one million tests to upstate schools through the end of the school year. Currently, the state has the COVID positivity rate down to about 1.5%, health officials are keeping an eye on the BA-2 strain, which has been reported in small number so far in several states.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office swore in K9 Edge this week. Edge is a Dutch Shepard, training is underway, he will be used for explosives detection, patrol and tracking.

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The State Senate passed a bill this week to suspend the state Gas tax from May 1st to the end of the year. The State Assembly has not tackeled the bill yet, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said that he supports the measure & Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said that she would sign the bill should it make it to her desk. New Yorkers pay 66.6 cents in taxes on a gallon of gas, State gas taxes are 48.2 cents a gallon.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-18-22

Norwich St. Baldrick’s annual head shaving fundraiser to fight childhood cancers will again be a virtual event this Saturday, Event Organizer Jamie Burchill told WCDO News how the virtual event will work:

(Jamie Burchill 3-18-22)

Burchill said that last year’s event in Norwich, despite being a virtual event, raised a record $38,315, those wishing to participate can go to Stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich2022.

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The Out of The Woodwork Players will be presenting the comedy “Always A Bridesmaid” at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater March 18th, 19th & 20th, Players Spokesperson Denise Marshal explains:

(Denise Marshall 3-4-22)

The Show will be at 7:30 Friday & Saturday Nights & 2:00 Pm Sunday, tickets will be available at the door, they can also be reserved by calling 563-2582.

COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER at 1 BRIDGE Street in Sidney presents SPRING CONCERT SERIES featuring Will & Friends featuring special guest Jami Novak saturday Night at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $8.00 presale, $10.00 at the door, More information is available at 607-604-4584.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that nearly 29,000 small and micro businesses throughout New York State have been awarded over $500 million in grant funds through the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. The program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 98% of Awards Have Gone to Businesses with Fewer than 10 Employees and 90% to Have Gone to Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a 50-year-old Matthew May of Starlight, Pennsylvania from a Delaware County Family Court Warrant. On Friday March 11th, Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested May, following a domestic dispute, they learned that May had an active Warrant for his arrest issued by the Delaware County Family Court for failure to pay child support. May was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail, on Monday Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies took custody of May and transported him to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he is to serve six months in jail or until payments are made to the Delaware County Family Court.

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The State Office of General Services announced that surplus vehicle auctions have been scheduled through the month of July. All auctions are scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM, more information on specific items and terms of sale, is available at ogs.ny.gov/nysstore, Locally, auctions will be held on Tuesday, May 17th, at 249 Glenwood Road, Binghamton & on Wednesday, May 18 at the State Department of Transportation 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton and on Tuesday, July 12th at State Police Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7, between Sidney & Unadilla.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22 year old Kiarra McGregor of Binghamton for DWI & Failure to move over for an emergency vehicle, after she crashed into a Broome County Patrol vehicle. The Sheriff’s office reported than a deputy was conducting a traffic stop on Upper Court Street in Binghamton at about 10:30 Thursday night. The deputy and the driver of the pickup truck were not inside their vehicles at the time of the crash, which pushed the vehicles about 25 feet & knocked down the driver of the stopped vehicle, he refused medical treatment. McGregor failed a series of field sobriety tests, she refused to submit to a chemical breath test, she was treated for a cut to the mouth at the scene & faces court action at a later date.

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The Jericho Arts Council Will Host “NOTHIN’ FANCY” on Saturday in the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Jericho Arts Council Spokesman Phil Wade Comments:

(Phil Wade 2-25-22)

More information about this & other show Jerichoarts.com

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The Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in Sidney is hosting a “COMEDY NIGHT” with top east Coast Comedians Saturday Night at 8:00 PM. Admission is $20 a ticket, reservations can be made at 607-604-4584.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for 2 of their annual awards, Chamber President Teri Schunk Explains:

(Teri Schunk 2-25-22)

Nomination forms can be obtained by contacting the Sidney Chamber office by email to office@sidneychamber.org or by calling 561-2642.

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The Chenango SPCA has a new adoption program called “Love is in the Air,” Officials announced that there will be reduced adoption fees through March 31. Adoptions traditionally slow down in the first part of a typical year, Chenango County SPCA has cut the adoption fees in half to get their current animals into homes.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-25-22

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle Saturday, traveling 40 MPH on Main Street in the Village of Delhi, in a 30 MPH speed zone. Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 26-year-old Deanna Probst of Islandia, her Driver’s License was suspended for failure to answer a summons, she was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, and Speeding, she was released on Traffic Tickets, and is scheduled to appear in Delhi Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

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A RED CROSS Blood drive is scheduled for today at the Quality Inn on Route 23 Southside Oneonta. The drive is scheduled for 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM, register for an appointment at 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced today that Larry Harris received a 79 years to Life sentence this morning in Broome County Court. Harris was found guilty of killing 11 year old Jerome Smith in 2019, raping an 11 year old female in 2013 and dealing narcotics.

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State Police at Binghamton and multiple fire agencies responded to a house fire Thursday on Old State Road in the town of Kirkwood. Once the fire was extinguished by fire crews, Broome County Fire Investigators, State Fire Investigators, State Police BCI and State Police Forensic Identification Unit located 2 deceased individuals. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Firefighters responded to a structure fire reported at the former Carpet Master building on State Route 12 in North Norwich early this morning. The fire was reported at about 3:05 AM, the fire did not affect a building located in front of the former flooring store building. North Norwich Fire Fighters were assisted by 3 other area companies, no injuries were reported & the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Chobani announced an expansion of its Scholars Program, adding a pledge of $1 million for those who wish to pursue agriculture. Through its partnerships with Cornell University and the University of Idaho, the Chobani Scholars Program will offer eight $20,000 scholarships ($5,000 each year) over 5 years to historically underserved students interested in studying agriculture, dairy, food science, and/or food entrepreneurship. Chobani Scholars will have an opportunity to intern with Chobani during their college careers. More information is available at the Chobani website.

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The Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in Sidney will be holding another Comedy Night, this Saturday night at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available by calling 607-604-4584.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-21-22

Endicott Police arrested 31 year old Dominique Wortham of Endicott for attempted Murder, following an investigation into shots being fired in front of 140 Washington Avenue on December 14th. One person was shot in the leg, during that incident, an arrest warrant was issued, Wortham was arrested Wednesday in Binghamton by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and he was processed and was transported to the Centralized Arraignment Facility at the Broome County Jail.

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The State Health department reported that 277,241 were tested for COVID 19, with over 30,600 testing positive, the positivity rate was down to 11%. Patient Hospitalization declined by 457 to 11,370, the number in an ICU Unit went down slightly to 1,583, with 885 on ventilators. 185 died from COVID in a hospital or nursing home Wednesday.

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The State Department of Health announced that Dr. Mary Bassett was confirmed by the State Senate to be the next State Health Commissioner; She replaces Dr. Howard Zucker, who served in the position for 7 years.

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The Community Cultural Center of Sidney will hold another Comedy Night this Saturday night starting at 8:00 PM, center President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-17-21)

The comedians will be Gomez Adams and Tom Anzalone, also on Sunday, at 2:00 PM, there will be a Christmas Concert featuring the Sidney Community Band at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street in downtown Sidney.

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Gene Schmidt & his family are hosting a free Christmas Dinner at the River Street Fire House in Sidney on Christmas Day, & they really need volunteers to help out:

(Gene Schmidt 12-17-21)

Those who would like to volunteer to help out with the Christmas Dinner can call Gene Schmidt, that number again is 607-610-4030.

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The Double M Horse Farm at 289 Collyer Road in Greene is holding an event this Saturday & Sunday where area children can get a picture taken with a horse, with Santa or both, spokesperson Michele Erickson explains:

(Michele Erickson 12-17-21)

More information is available by call 656-9178, the event is being held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM both days this weekend.

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State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in Chenango County & 1 establishment was not in compliance and sold alcohol to a minor. Police said that B&W wines & Liquors of Bainbridge was not in compliance under the New York Beverage Control Law Section 65, the unidentified clerk was issued an appearance ticket to answer to the charge at a later date.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-17-21

Area School district announced that they are aware of the latest social media post threatening gun violence at un-named schools today. A TikTok post was circulating like last week, it is not specific to any specific school district, area law enforcement agencies are aware of the threat & schools will be vigilant in their security efforts today, which may include lockdowns again.

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The Annual Sidney American Legion Kids Christmas Party will be held this Saturday, spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 12-15-21)

Halbert said that Saturday’s event runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the American Legion on Union Street in Sidney.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Chenango County Law Enforcement Association are holding their 6th annual Shop with a Sheriff event this Saturday. More than 30 children from Chenango County will be selected to receive $200 to spend at the Norwich Walmart, participating children will be paired with a Sheriff’s Deputy who will take them shopping.

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The Chenango County Correctional Facility has suspended inmate visitation due to the increased threat in our area connected to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The situation will be closely monitored, and inmate visitation will resume as soon as possible, but will remain suspended until further notice.

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The Town of Bainbridge Board held a meeting last night where the board voted to reject the state’s mask mandate that went into effect Monday. The Board also voted to opt in for allowing marijuana dispensaries, but opted out of the law to allow for places of consumption in the town.

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The Town of Guilford held a special vote Monday regarding the state’s new marijuana law. 121 Guilford residents voted in favor of allowing marijuana dispensaries & on-site consumption business in the town, 67 voted against the measure.

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The Community Cultural Center of Sidney will hold another Comedy Night this Saturday night starting at 8:00 PM, center President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-15-21)

Schunk said that on Sunday, at 2:00 PM, there will be a Christmas Concert featuring the Sidney Community Band

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host an informational ZOOM seminar tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM on Leadership Otsego 2022, which is a 6 month program that begins in February 2022. More information or registration is available at otsegoccny.chambermaster.com.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-15-21

State and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols targeting impaired driving during the holiday travel season. The campaign will begin this Friday, through Saturday, January 1st, as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. During the 2020 holiday season initiative, law enforcement throughout the state arrested 2,067 people for impaired driving & issued over 70,000 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations.

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The State Health Department continues to test people for COVID 19, and the numbers continue to increase. The latest reports for Monday showed that over 142,000 people were tested, with 8266 positives, for a positivity rate of 5.8%, patients hospitalizations are back up to 3772, the number in an ICU Beds was up to 731, & there were 419 on ventilators & there were another 57 deaths in Hospitals & nursing homes on Monday attributed to the virus.

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