Several area Fire Departments responded to a blaze at Birdsong Farms on State Route 10 in the town of Delhi early this morning. The fire was called in at about 3:40 AM, Firefighters from Delhi, Walton & Trout Creek responded, traffic was detoured for several hours off of State Route 10, the fire was under control late this morning, with fire companies dismissed from service, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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The State Legislature continues their session in Albany, and Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that he doesn’t see any changes in the Bail Reform laws happening, even after a case on Long Island where 4 people were released after dismembering 2 bodies and scattered them over a wide area in public view:

(Joe Angelino 3-19-24)

Angelino said that New York is the ONLY state that doesn’t allow a Judge to decide the dangerousness of a defendant prior to release, he will continue to call for a review of Bail statutes.

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New York’s Move Over Law will soon be expanded to include all vehicles. Starting March 27th, drivers will be required to take precautions, including slowing down and moving over, to avoid a crash with all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Previously, the law dictated moving over for emergency vehicles parked on the side of a highway, from 2016 to 2020, 37 individuals were killed outside disabled vehicles in New York, nationally, nearly 300 drivers are struck and killed roadside every year.

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The Workforce Development Board is offering a free virtual job fair on Tuesday, April 2, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, for all businesses and job seekers in local counties, including Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties. More information is available at working-solutions.org.

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit affirmed the decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of New York to dismiss the case against Delaware County by former County Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter, who unsuccessfully claimed that the County had violated her First Amendment rights; that she was denied due process as part of her 2019 dismissal; and The County’s actions were retaliatory as a result of her testimony during a Family Court proceeding.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 3-19-24

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of additional home heating assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers, as HEAP has extended the deadline for Regular and Emergency HEAP applications to April 12 and is now accepting applications for a second emergency benefit from eligible New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits. Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or call the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

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Tickets are still available for Little Women The Musical for the performances tonight & tomorrow night online at BroadwayInBinghamton.com, Ticketmaster.com, or by visiting the Arena Box Office. More information is available at 607-772-1391.

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2 American Red Cross Blood Drives are available in locally today. 1 blood drive will be held in Walton from 1:30 to 6:00 PM, at the Pines Brook Church, another will be held in Richfield Springs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Richfield Springs High School, to book an appointment go to RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Governor Hochul gave the Executive Budget presentation this morning in Albany, she talked about her emphasis on assisting law enforcement, Education, addressing Mental Health issues and economic development, among other topics:

(Hochul 1-16-24)

The proposal increases spending by 4.5% for a total of 233 Billion Dollars, Lawmakers have until April 1st to get a deal finished by the beginning of the state’s fiscal year.

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Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announces the guilty plea of Rajee Al-Mashni for a fatal hit and run that occurred in 2023 in Johnson City. Al-Mashni pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Driving While Ability Impaired by Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol and Attempted Assault, in Broome County Court, for fatally striking Elizabeth Atkinson with a vehicle at the Oakdale Commons on March 5^th, 2023. Al-Mashni also entered a guilty plea to Attempted Assault, for a June 2022 motor vehicle accident in Binghamton which left several people seriously injured. Al-Mashni will be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in State prison when he is sentenced April 9^th.

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Binghamton Fire Fighters responded to a blaze at 2 Pleasant Street, where 1 person escaped & another died in the fire. Fire Fighters believed that the building was vacant, but 1 occupant was taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation & the other was dead at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

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Tickets go on Sale this Friday Morning as Legendary Rockers “Styx” will be performing in Binghamton on March 26th, according to Stu Green of Magic City Productions:

(Stu Green 1-16-24)

WCDO will go you the chance to win Styx Tickets before you can buy them on Friday, at the Box office or through ticketmaster.com.

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Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 “Meet the Rumble Ponies” dinner on April 3 at the Holiday Inn Binghamton. The event starts at 5:30 pm. with the entire Opening Day roster of your 2024 Rumble Ponies available for autographs and photographs. Then, bid on an array of amazing auction items, with proceeds to benefit the Rumble Ponies Foundation. Tickets are available for purchase until March 29 online at bingrp.com, by calling 607.722.3866, or by visiting the Mirabito Stadium Administrative Offices,

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Next Blood Drive Will Be Held Today In Walton from 1:30 pm. – 6 pm., Pines Brook Church, to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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State Police at Norwich arrested 37 year old Michael Salamey of Frankfort, in connection with a renovation at home in Chenango County. Salamey was charged with 2 counts of 3^rd degree Grand Larceny, Scheming to Defraud & Petty Larceny. Salamey is accused of entering into a contract for $33,000 to complete improvements to a home in the village of Sherburne, he did not finish the work and also stopped communicating with the homeowners. Additionally, Salamey is accused of failing to pay a surveyor & Sub Contractor, he was arraigned in the Norwich City Court and is scheduled to appear at the Sherburne Village Court on November 16, 2023.

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The Afton Fairgrounds Speedway is under new management for the 2024 season, Afton Fair Board President Rhonda Barriger told WCDO News that a change was needed:

(Rhonda Barriger 11-2-23)

Barringer said That Thunder Mountain will take over prior to next6 racing season, they have operated a track successfully in Lisle for many decades.

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The City of Norwich will add 3 new Police Officers, from the recent class of graduates at the ​The Broome County Law Enforcement Academy. 40 graduates completed the 6 month training course to become deputies or police officers, and will be joining law enforcement agencies around the southern tier, including 2 deputies for the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

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State Police Investigators continue to search for Brandon Williams who was last seen on March 11, 2019. At the time that Brandon went missing, he was 32 years old, weighing about 220 pounds and 6’2” in height. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, gray jeans, black Converse sneakers, a New England Patriots winter hat and a tan Carhart jacket with black writing on it. Anyone who might have information about Williams or knows what happened to him is asked to call (607) 754-2701 or (607) 561-7400.

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U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro announced his constituent service team will hold mobile office hours Friday from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm at the Town of Oneonta Town Hall in West Oneonta. Constituents will be able to connect with representatives from Rep. Molinaro’s office to share comments and resolve issues they are having with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and Social Security Administration.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-2-23

State Police arrested 3 people after a fight at the Lantern Hill trailer park in Oneonta Saturday. An investigation by Troopers at the scene determined that 25 year old La-Tee Baker of Oneonta, 21 year old Bryanna Patterson of Oneonta, and 23 year old Bethany Brown of Delhi, were involved in a fight, both women sustained injuries, Brown was transported to A.O. Fox Hospital. Baker and Patterson were located by Troopers walking along State Highway 23 and were arrested. They were issued appearance tickets to the Oneonta Town Court on November 21, 2023. After release from the hospital, Brown was charged with Assault, she was issued appearance tickets to the Oneonta Town Court on December 5.

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45 year old Kellie Sanderson of Walton, appeared in Delaware County Court and was arraigned on a sealed indictment. The 5-count indictment charged Sanderson with 3 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing, Welfare Fraud & Grand Larceny, for submitting false applications to the Delaware County Department of Social Services on 3 separate occasions reporting incorrect household income to obtain public assistance benefits that she was not entitled to in an amount greater than $3,000. Sanderson pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released, the case is scheduled for a conference on November 13th.

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The Sidney Democratic Committee is holding a Meet and Greet for Deirdre Hay, who is running on the Democratic line for NY State Supreme Court Justice for the 6th Judicial District, in the upcoming November 7th general election. Hay will meet with area residents at 6:30 in the Sidney Library Smart Community Room tonight. Hay is running for the seat against Republican candidate Cheryl Insinga. Also, Democratic Sidney Town Board Candidate Kevin Greene will also be participating.

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Delaware County Chamber of Commerce EmpowHER Program will be held today in Stamford, Chamber President Ray Pucci explains the purpose of this program:

(Ray Pucci 11-2-23)

The program will be held at Catskills Junction on Railroad Avenue in Stamford, starting with registration and networking at 9:30 am. Pucci said that currently, about half of all Delaware County Businesses are owned by women.

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The Bainbridge Guilford Central School District will hold their annual breakfast for veterans next week, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News about the event:

(Tim Ryan 11-2-23)

Veterans interested in attending the breakfast should RSVP to 607-967-6321.

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More Red Cross Blood Drives are scheduled for today, 1 will be held at the Pines Brook Church in Walton from 1:30 TO 6:00 PM, another will be held at the Schenevus Central School from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-redcross.

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Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced that 41 year old Mary Cutting of Sidney appeared in Delaware County Court Monday & was arraigned on a sealed indictment, which was unsealed & accuses Cutting of selling fentanyl in the Village of Sidney on January 19th, another Count accuses her of selling methamphetamine in the Village of Sidney on January 25th. Cutting pleaded not guilty, she was released from custody, and faces court action on July 31st. Cutting could face up to 9 years in State Prison if convicted.

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Commerce Chenango will host the 1st “Taste of Chenango” event on July 29 in Norwich, Commerce Chenango CEO Sal Testani visited the WCDO Morning Show today & explained what they are planning:

(Sal Testani 7-11-23)

Testani said that musical acts Jason Wicks & The Nate Gross band will perform, the event will be from 1:00 o 7:00 PM on July 29th, more information is available at commercechenango.com or by calling 334-1400, those interested in becoming a vendor can call 226-2211.

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37 year old Leroy Poole was sentenced to 4 years in State Prison and 2 years of post-release supervision in Broome County Court. Poole pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance for possessing fentanyl with intent to sell, The Broome County Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at Poole’s residence and seized cocaine, methamphetamines, a scale, packaging materials & fentanyl, he was on probation from a 2021 felony narcotics possession charge.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will host the 2nd in a series called “Let’s Talk Oneonta Baseball” Today from 6:00-8:00 pm at 183 Main Street. Special guest Helen Rees is the daughter of the late Jim Konstanty on Oneonta, who was the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1950 for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Society’s Baseball related display continues through September 1. This informal event is free and open to the public, more information, is available at (607) 432-0960.

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The Otsego County Department Of Health will have a free rabies clinic today for dogs, cats & ferrets at the Edmeston Town Barn from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, more information is available at 607-547-4230.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-11-23

The Norwich Police Department is investigating a homicide. Around 6:30 pm. on Sunday, officers responded to 89 North Broad St. for a welfare check and missing person complaint. During an investigation, police found the body of 44-year-old Alisa Ann Martin in the residence. Norwich Police are working closely with the State Police and Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Norwich Police at 607-336-8477.

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Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies received a Trespassing complaint in the Town of Davenport. The investigation revealed that 73 year old George Sydlar had called 911 3 times on July 6th and more than 20 times prior to report similar incidents which were all determined to be unfounded. Deputies arrested Sydlar for falsely reporting an incident, he was released on an appearance ticket to the Town of Davenport court at a later date.

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Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek announced that a visit to Fox Hospital over the weekend resulted in the finding of a blood clot in his lungs. Drnek said on his Twitter page that he will have a reduced schedule due to the pulmonary Embolism, but still plans on attending regularly scheduled City meetings.

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NBT Bancorp announced that it has received regulatory approval to complete the proposed merger of Salisbury Bancorp. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Connecticut State Banking Department both approved the Merger, and NBT received an application waiver from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Merger is expected to close on August 11, a weekend systems conversion will follow with locations of Salisbury Bank opening as NBT Bank offices on August 14.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled in Walton from 1:30 pm to 6:00 PM today at the Pines Brook Church. To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS

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Sidney Village Elections are being held today at the Sidney Civic Center 1st Floor Board Room, Deputy Mayor Vic Tartaglia & Sidney EMS Director Ray Baker are seeking to replace Andy Matviak, who is not seeking re-election after serving as Sidney Mayor for 12 years. Village elections are being performed throughout the state, polling places will be open until 9:00 PM.

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Today is the 50th Anniversary of National Agriculture Day, Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers told WCDO News that Agriculture remains as critically important:

(Bradd Vickers 3-21-23)

Vickers said that this year, the Farm bureau has received proclamations from the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, Assemblyman Joe Angelino and tonight they will receive one from the Norwich Common Council, recognizing the importance of agriculture.

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A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Healthcare Network announced that FoxCare Fitness in Oneonta will be closing permanently as of June 1 for Gym memberships, Spokesperson Gabby Argo told WCDO News that the pandemic made things harder for the facility to remain open as a Gym:

(Gabby Argo 3-21-23)

Argo said that Bassett has been discussing a possible collaboration with the Oneonta YMCA but so far no agreement has been reached. The last day of operations at FoxCare Fitness will be May 31.

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Walton Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire Monday at 34 Mead Street in the Village of Walton. A Walton Assistant Chief who was passing by and notified 911, of smoke showing & a woman on the 2nd floor attempting to escape, the assistant chief was able to assist her in exiting the home. Mutual aid was promptly dispatched from Trout Creek and Delhi Fire Departments & the FAST team from Franklin. 1 firefighters was injured inside & was safely removed, he was transported to DVH where he was further evaluated, treated and later released. The fire was under control in about 90 minutes, The 2nd and 3rd floors were deemed a total loss. The first floor suffered extensive heat, smoke and water damage

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A Red Cross blood drive is being held in Walton today until 6:00 PM. at the Pines Brook Church, Appointments can be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 3-21-23

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a disabled vehicle on State Highway 28 in the Town of Franklin, 23 year old Devon Finch of Andes, had been operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated state, Deputies arrested and charged Finch with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Finch was released on an appearance ticket and directed to appear at the Town of Franklin Town Court at a later date.

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The City of Oneonta announced that a safety concern on the exit ramp in the City’s Parking Garage located on Market Street, The ramp was immediately closed Monday and a structural engineer brought in , who advised that repairs to the ramp are required before it can be safely re-opened to vehicular traffic. The top level of the parking garage and the exit ramp will remain closed until those repairs can be made. Also, City officials announced that their contractor, R.B. Robinson Contracting, will begin construction for Gardner Place Street Reconstruction project on Wednesday, This project will continue thru the end of June 2023. Work includes replacement of sanitary and storm sewer mains, including new sewer laterals to residents and businesses, and full street reconstruction including some sidewalks and curbs followed by final restoration and stripping.

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Broadway In Binghamton is presenting “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan” Tonight and Wednesday night at the Forum Theater in downtown Binghamton. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at broadwayinbinghamton.com.

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Today is Election Day, all voters in New York State will vote for Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, plus all seats for the State Senate & State Assembly, one seat in the US Senate & 27 seats for the House of Representatives. Delaware County Voters will vote for County Judge, in the town of Sidney , voters will decide on 1 seat on the Town Board. Polls are open until 9:00 PM.

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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District will be holding a vote on their $15.4 Million Dollar capital project on Wednesday, December 7th, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan explains:

(Tim Ryan 11-8-22)

Ryan said that they would use their $4Million dollar capital reserve fund and state aid to pay for the project, the vote will be from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM on December 7th at the Greenlawn Elementary School in Bainbridge and the Guilford Elementary School.

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The State Health Department reported that COVID 19 statistics continue to increase, as the regular flu cases are also widespread. Statistics from November 5th through the 7th showed that 6.84% of those test were positive for the virus, patients hospitalizations are approaching 3000 statewide, with 302 ICU patients and 105 of those were on ventilators. There were 66 more deaths reported in Hospitals & nursing homes over the 3 day reporting period.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Walton from 1:30 to 6:00 PM pm., at the Pines Brook Church, to Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Tonight is the opening night for “Fiddler on The Roof at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. Tickets are still available for tonight & tomorrow nights shows at NAC Entertainment or through Ticketmaster.com, or at the Forum Theater Box Office.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 11-8-22

Several people were injured in a house fire at 83 Rush Avenue in Binghamton early this morning. several people were taken to area hospitals, Binghamton firefighters had the fire under control in about 45 minutes, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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State Police announced that In the month of October, members from Troop “C” removed 34 impaired drivers off the roadways. 3 of those impaired drivers also had a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle with them, 5 of those drivers were more than double the legal limit, 7 of those drivers were under the influence of drugs.

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The Bainbridge-Guilford National Honor Society will be hosting their annual Red Cross Blood Drive at the High School building at 18 Juliand Street in Bainbridge. The Blood Drive will take place today from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Those interested in signing up can visit redcrossblood.org.

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The Bainbridge Rotary Pancake Day is being held again this year on Election day at the First Presbyterian Church at 3 Church Street, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 – 6:00 pm; Take out available, by calling 607-431-8843

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Bassett Healthcare Network warns parents to be aware of the right and wrong approaches to the during the baby formula shortage. Fox Hospital Pediatrician Dr. Bill Fredette told WCDO News that parents should NOT water down existing formula to stretch out supplies, they should avoid using home-made recipes online for baby formula, which commonly lack required nutrients, he did suggest what new parents should try to do:

(Dr. Bill Fredette 5-17-22)

Abbott Laboratories and the FDA reached a deal Monday to restart production of baby formula at the Michigan plant that has been shut down after the recall, where 2 babies died from a rare bacterial issue traced back to that Abbott plant months ago. Dr. Fredette said that to HealthyChildren.org is a good source for information, but the best is to consult with your own pediatrician. WCDO will air the full interview with Dr. Fredette tomorrow morning at about 8:40 AM.

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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

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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.

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The State Police in Troop “C” will be holding their Memorial Service tomorrow, at 11 AM, at the their State Route 7 facilities. Troop C has been holding this event in May for many years, to honor the deceased members of Troop C during the Memorial Day holiday period.

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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.

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The State Office of General Services announced that surplus vehicle auctions have been scheduled through the month of July. The 1st auction is today at 249 Glenwood Road, Binghamton & tomorrow at the State Department of Transportation 241 Colesville Road and on Tuesday, July 12th at State Police Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7, between Sidney & Unadilla. All auctions are scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM, more information is available at ogs.ny.gov/nysstore,

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The Next American Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Walton today. The Blood Drive will be held at the Pines Brook Church from 1:30 to 6:00 PM, Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at Redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting Today @ 7:30 am at the back of Bob’s Diner. Chamber members & Directors are urged to attend.

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