State Police responded to a crash between a motorcycle and vehicle on Conklin Road/ State Route 7 in the town of Conklin. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene, he has been identified as 21 year old Tristan Thor of Vestal. The investigation indicates that 44 year old Seth Delvillano of Binghamton was traveling north on Conklin Road when he crossed over into the southbound lane and struck the motorcycle head-on, the investigation is on-going.

———————————————

Otsego County Department of Health reported 33 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, the highest number of cases reported since March. There have been 2 deaths this week from COVID-19. The County reported 93 active cases, with 4 hospitalized, the Delta variant is suspected in more than 95% of the current cases. Otsego County remains at a HIGH level of community transmission, the CDC & Otsego County Department of Health recommend everyone wear a mask indoors in public. They urge those who have not been vaccinated to do so as quickly as possible, sites can be found at otsegocounty.com or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

——————————————–

State ethics regulators have asked State Attorney General Letitia James to investigate who may have illegally leaked information about a closed-door vote to Governor Cuomo’s office in 2019. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics, or JCOPE, voted to refer the matter to Attorney General James for a criminal investigation, if she accepts the referral, they would attempt to figure out who provided Cuomo’s office with legally protected information from the ethics panel regarding a complaint against Cuomo’s former top aide, Joseph Percoco.

———————————-

The “Share The Bounty” program will return in Sidney, after the program was forced to shut down due to the COVID 19 pandemic last year, Spokesperson Kate Porter explains:

(Kate Porter 8-27-21)

The first “Share The Bounty” Dinner will be on Thursday September 23rd, at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Center on Liberty Street in Sidney.

——————————

Chenango Arts Council is seeking memorabilia, yearbooks and other items from the years its 27 West Main Street location served as the Norwich City Middle and High Schools. Submitted items will be displayed in the gallery exhibit “Back to School”, and items will be returned once the show closes. Those interested in sharing their memorabilia will be please deliver it to the Council at 27 West Main Street, Norwich by September 10th, the exhibit will open with a public reception on Friday, September 17^th at 5:30pm. The exhibit will run until October 1st. More information is available at 336-2787 or info@chenangoarts.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-27-21

The Chenango River Theater will be back with live performances today at the facility in Greene, Spokesman Bill Lelbach commented about the controversial topic of “Ben Butler”:

(Bill Lelbach 8-27-21)

“Ben Butler” starts tonight & runs through September 19th at their facility in Greene, tickets for “Ben Butler” or the following show: “The Craftsman” are available at chenangorivertheatre.org.

————————————————————–

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that Family Farm Day is tomorrow. Participating farms in Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware Counties will be open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 41 farms & Farmers Markets are participating, a map of those farms is located at viewer.mapme.com/familyfarmday.

——————————————————-

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held at the Sidney Fire department Training center on River Street today from 11:00 to 4:00 PM. A Blood drive is also being held today at the Elm Park Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and a blood drive is also being held in Norwich today at the Broad Street Methodist Church from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration is available at redcrossblood.org.

———————————————————

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 54 new cases of COVID 19 in the last week, with 65 active cases, 4 hospitalized, 117 quarantined, they have had 2679 positive cases with 52 deaths since the pandemic began.

——————————————————

Delaware County’s Board of Elections has received funding from a grant to change their system thanks. The Board is planning to create more access with a new early voting site at an undetermined location & they are working on securing a Technology Innovation and Election Resource Grant to purchase an absentee ballot scanner and additional software.

————————————————–

The 6th annual Binghamton Porchfest takes place Sunday, from 12:00 Noon to 7:00 PM, featuring performances from 164 local and regional bands, staged on 58 residential front porches, yards, and in the neighborhood surrounding Recreation Park. The full schedule of performances and an interactive map can be found at binghamtonporchfest.com.

————————————-

(Sheriff DuMond 2-14-20)

Shelter Director Erin Insinga talked about the conditions that the dogs were found in:

(Erin Insinga 2-14-20)

Sheriff DuMond said that Azmat was issued an appearance ticket for town of Franklin Court at 6:00 PM on February 27th.

——————————————————–

An additional $15 million is available to help eligible New Yorkers facing a home heating emergency this winter.  Starting Tuesday, February 18, households can apply for a 2nd emergency benefit through the HEAP if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off and have already received assistance from HEAP once this winter.  The deadline to apply for both regular and emergency HEAP benefits has been extended until April 24.  Applications can be found at otda.ny.gov.

——————————————————–

Governor Cuomo today launched the campaign to eliminate the so-called “Pink Tax” in New York State this year; Cuomo mentioned the initiative during the State of the State Address January 8th:

(Cuomo 2-14-20)

Cuomo stated that in the early 1990s, several studies reported disparities between the costs of substantially similar goods and services depending on if they were marketed for men or for women; the Governor’s budget proposal includes legislation to prohibit gender-based pricing discrimination for substantially similar goods and services.

———————————————————–

Former State Assembly Republican Minority Leader Brian Kolb announced that he will not seek re-election to the Assembly this year.  Kolb stepped down as the Minority leader after being arrested for DWI following a New Year’s Eve accident with his State Issued SUV, followed by comments to police blaming his wife for the incident.

——————————————————————-

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report today regarding his analysis of the Governor’s proposed 178 Billion Dollar Executive Budget.  DiNapoli said that there is significant fiscal challenges related to higher than expected spending in the Medicaid program, more than a third of the Executive’s proposed nearly $7 billion gap-closing plan remains to be identified by the Medicaid Redesign Team that just started their work this week.   The Comptroller’s report is located at osc.state.ny.us.

The State Health Department announced that for the week ending February 8th, seasonal flu activity continues to be widespread across the state for the 11th consecutive week.  There were 17,233 lab-confirmed flu cases, with a total of 106,824 cases reported this season, with 3 flu-associated pediatric deaths. Last week, 1,993 New Yorkers were hospitalized with lab-confirmed influenza. So far this season, there have been 15,541 flu-related hospitalizations.

———————————————

Governor Cuomo announced the first statewide free fishing weekend in New York for 2020 will take place on this weekend.  During the designated days, residents and visitors are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license.  More information is available at dec.ny.gov/outdoor.

—————————————-

A fundraiser is being held in Sidney by Binghamton based Half Light Theater Company, for Operation Merry Christmas, Dorene Ireland from Operation Merry Christmas explains:

(Dorene Ireland 2-14-20)

The Alice in Wonderland Tea Party event will be held tomorrow at 11:30 am at the Sacred Heart Church, tickets are available at online at TeawithAlice.bpt.me or by phone at 607-201-5850.

———————————————

(Celeste Friend 9-7-18)

Musical headliners will be the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, plus there will be dance companies; literary activities, a Poetry Slam, hours will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 to 5:00 PM in downtown Norwich’s parks. More information is available at colorscape.org.
————————————————
State Senator Jim Seward announced a $1 million state grant to help fund major renovations and improvements at historic Damaschke Field in Oneonta. The $1 million capital grant secured through the State and Municipal Facilities Program will be used to demolish the park’s grandstand and rehabilitate the space to provide a family-friendly recreational area.
———————————————-
The Joshua House announced that they will be hosting a Fall Dance Party Friday Night at the Sacred Heart Church Community Room on Liberty Street in Sidney tonight from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Joshua House Spokesperson Marge Gatien explains:

(Marge Gatien 9-5-18)

Tickets are available at Joshua House at 10 Division Street in Sidney, by phone at 316-3921 or at the door Friday night.
———————————————
Sidney Center Improvement Group will be holding a volunteer workday at the Sidney Center Park and Hamlet Clean Up Day Sunday, starting at 9:00 AM. Group President Mike Sellitti explains:

(MIKE SELLITTI 9-7-18)

Sellitti said that Volunteers will be given lunch & all clean up tools will be provided.
—————————–
A Community Awareness day is being held Saturday in Delhi. The event will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Delhi American Legion, & it is sponsored by “Delaware County Cares”

=================================

3 people were arrested in connection with a series of area burglaries.  State Police arrested 27 year old Steven Barrows of Sidney and 27 year old Zackery England of Sidney for Burglary and Conspiracy and 30 year old Nicole Bell of Oneonta for False Personation, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawfully Possessing a Noxious Material & as a fugitive from justice from the state of Georgia. An investigation revealed that Barrows and England allegedly attempted to break into the property in Guilford, burglarized a seasonal home in Oxford and a seasonal garage in Guilford. Bell originally provided a false name during the arrest of all 3, she was found to be in possession of 2 bb guns, methamphetamine, heroin and brass knuckles. Barrows and England were arraigned in the town of Oxford Court where Barrows was remanded with no bail to the Chenango County Jail and England was remanded on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 property bond. Bell was arraigned in the town of Unadilla Court and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on no bail.  Additional charges are also expected.
———————————————-
State Police arrested 26 year old Zachary Thomas of Deposit for Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. A trooper was contacted by the administrator of an estate of a man who recently passed away. The administrator told the trooper a $5,000 tractor was stolen from the property, Thomas allegedly took the tractor and hid it behind a barn in Bainbridge. Thomas was arrested and arraigned in the town of Coventry Court where he was released on his own recognizance. His next appearance in court is September 26th.
——————————————–
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Eat & Meet Breakfast will be held this morning at Delaware County FoodWorks+, State Highway 28 in Andes from 8:30 – 10 AM. The guest speaker will be Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond.
——————————————————-
Otsego County’s 21st Annual Household Hazardous Waste Days will be held Today & tomorrow. Otsego County Residents can bring household hazardous waste, such as enamel paints, pesticides, antifreeze, batteries and more FREE of CHARGE, Last year 550 cars from an estimated 600 households brought various hazardous materials for disposal. Household collections will be held this morning at the Unadilla Town Barn from 8:00AM to 11:00 AM, and Saturday, at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown from 8:00AM to 1:00PM.
———————————–
The Raymond Corporation in Greene announced that they will hold a Career fair Saturday & next Wednesday September 12, as they look to expand their workforce. Raymond Vice President Steve VanNorstrand comments:

(Steve VanNorstrand 9-7-18)

Raymond Corporation is looking to add about 75 people to the existing 1850 employees; Hours for the Career Fair Saturday will be from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and on September 12th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
———————————————————–
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is conducting its quarterly business meeting this morning at 9:00 AM at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 225 Water Street in Binghamton. The Commissioners will act on 20 project applications; make revisions to investment policies; The meeting is open to the public.
——————————————-
Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27 year old Makia Hathaway of Norwich for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Hathaway was charged following the investigation of a domestic dispute, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine & was taken into custody without incident. Hathaway was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on cash bail pending court action at a later date.
————————————————

(Celeste Friend 9-5-18)

The event usually draws about 10 to 12 thousand people each year.
———————————————
Long time Norwich City School District Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan announced his retirement, which will take effect in August 2019. O’Sullivan has been the district’s superintendent for the last 15 years.
——————————————–
Otsego County Sheriff’s Department arrested 20 year old Christopher Robinson of the Town of Maryland, following allegations of an adult having sexual encounters with a juvenile. Robinson was charged with 2nd degree Rape & Criminal Sexual Act, for allegedly performing sexual acts with a female who was 14 & 15 years old at the time of the incidents in question. Robinson was arraigned in the Town of Worcester Court & is being held on $5,000 dollars cash bail or $10,000 bond at the Otsego County Jail.
—————————————
Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville and the Wildlife Conservation Center of Virginia announced that Tajiri, the calf of April born before the whole world last year, will be transported to the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Park outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. Animal Adventure Park owner Jordan Patch stated that this move will allow Tajiri to play a vital role in the conservation and propagation initiatives that align with the facilities mission statements. Tajiri will be leaving New York at the end of October; more information is available at wildlifeconservationcenter.org.
————————————————-
The Joshua House announced that they will be hosting a Fall Dance Party Friday Night at the Sacred Heart Church Community Room on Liberty Street in Sidney Friday night from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Joshua House Spokesperson Marge Gatien explains:

(Marge Gatien 9-5-18)

Tickets are available at Joshua House at 10 Division Street in Sidney, by phone at 316-3921 or at the door Friday night.
———————————————-

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 55 year old Douglas Jones of Hamden, Friday for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest occurred following an investigation regarding a Facebook messenger conversation between Jones and a child under the age of 17, where Jones is accused of acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the child’s mental and moral well-being. Jones was arraigned & was released upon his own recognizance, and scheduled to appear before the Town of Davenport Court at a later date.
—————————————–
State Police arrested 41 year old Bobbi Falank of Sidney for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .22%. Troopers were dispatched to a report of an erratic driver on Woodland Road in Sidney who had driven through a lawn. Troopers caught up with the Falank, she was arrested and released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Sidney Court on September 20th.
——————————————–
State Police arrested 48 year old Jonathan Loftus of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. A trooper was dispatched to Chestnut Street where Loftus was accused of stealing prescription medication; he was arrested & was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court where he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.
———————————————–
State Police arrested 49 year old Scott Ray of Afton for DWI, after Troopers on patrol observed the vehicle Ray was operating speeding and cross over the double yellow line while on County Road 39 in Afton. A traffic stop was initiated and troopers determined Ray was impaired, he was arrested and released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Afton Court on September 17, 2018.
———————————————
The City of Oneonta will begin removing the sidewalk and curb on Boylston Street today to prep for the upcoming reconstruction. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This street will be closed to traffic during the demo operations. More information is available at 432-2100.
————————————————
COOPERSTOWN NATIVE TYLER BERTRAM HAS BEEN THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RECRUIT IN RECENT MEMORY WITH OVER 12 DIVISION-1 SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS TO HIS NAME. LAST NIGHT BERTRAM ANNOUNCED HE WOULD BE PLAYING COLLEGE BALL AT UNC-CHARLOTTE. HE CHOSE THE 49ERS IN FRONT OF A LARGE CROWD AT COOPERSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, BERTRAM TOLD WCDO SPORTS THAT HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR HIM DURING THIS ENTIRE PROCESS:

TYLER BERTRAM NEWS

BERTRAM WILL BE PLAYING FOR NEW UNC CHARLOTTE HEAD COACH RON SANCHEZ WHO ALSO HAS A LOCAL CONNECTION. SANCHEZ IS A 1996 GRADUATE OF SUNY ONEONTA AND BEGAN HIS COACHING CAREER WITH ASSISTANT JOBS AT ONEONTA AND DELHI. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BERTRAM’S COLLEGE DECISION CHECK OUT SPORTS DIRECTOR NATE LULL’S TWITTER FEED AT WCDOSPORTS.COM
——————————————–

(June White 5-8-18)

Anyone who is interested in participating in the TASC program can contact June White at 639-2811.
————————————————
State Police arrested 36 year old Luke Remillard of Otselic for criminal mischief, for allegedly intentionally smashing his car at a residence in April. Remillard was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending court action on May 14th.
———————————————-
Cub Scout Pack 88 will hold their spring recruitment effort this evening in Sidney. The program will be held tonight at the Sacred Heart Church on Liberty Street from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, more information is available at 563-7789.
————————————-

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has resigned, following a report on allegations of assault by multiple women in The New Yorker. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office said they had opened an investigation into the allegations of Schneiderman being physically violent to women; Governor Cuomo called for his resignation Monday. Schneiderman’s interim replacement is Barbara Underwood.
——————————————-
The Broome County Sheriff’s Department will co-host a discussion regarding the issues surrounding marijuana legalization, tonight at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. The discussion will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, the guest speaker will be Jodi Hensley, a Massachusetts based activist on illegal drug issues.
———————————————
The City of Oneonta Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting will be held this evening at City Hall. The Meeting Begins at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & it is open to the public.
————————–
Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arrested 61 year old Robert Wenzel of Delhi for DWI, failure to maintain lane, after a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi. Wenzel was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear at a later date.
————————————–
The Unadilla Valley School District will host their annual school budget meeting this evening in the school library. The meeting will be following the Board of Education meeting at 6:00 PM.
———————————

(June White 9-2-16)

Events will be located around the Village, in the Downtown Bainbridge business District, as well as the parking lot behind Bob’s Diner.
—————————————
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies. Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main Street in Oneonta
—————————————————
The West Kortright Centre presents its 11th Annual Fair on Sunday, from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM. Spokesperson Charlene Sugihara explains:

(Charlene Sugihara 9-2-16)

Admission is $5.00 per person and children under 10 are free. The West Kortright Centre is located at 49 West Kortright Church Road in East Meredith; more information is available at 278-5454 or westkc.org.

Binghamton Police charged 27-year-old Nicholas Chappell of Binghamton with 2nd -degree murder & attempted 2nd degree murder for the fatal shooting at 1 Mozart Street Wednesday morning. Chappell is accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old David Sanborn of Whitney Point & injuring 26-year-old Jordan Doolittle of Windsor. The investigation is ongoing.
—————————————–
City of Oneonta Police arrested 18-year-old Noah Graetz of Owings Mills Maryland & Hartwick College for Criminal possession of a Controlled substance & Criminal possession of marihuana. Oneonta Police Department Detectives received information regarding illegal narcotics and a large amount of marihuana on the Hartwick College campus; Police seized 6 grams of cocaine, 27 ounces of marijuana, & $2,150 cash. Graetz was held in the City of Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.
—————————————
Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon has tested positive for Rabies in the town of Middletown. The Raccoon was sent to the State Rabies Lab for testing, the positive test results were received Wednesday. Officials said that there was 1 domestic animal and 1 human exposure; they are coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment that the adult will be receiving. The animal has been placed in quarantine for 6 months due to a short lapse in rabies vaccination status. The next scheduled rabies clinic is: Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.
——————————————
Governor Cuomo announced that the sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products sold in New York State is in effect. Feminine hygiene products have been taxable since the state sales tax was first instituted in 1965, even as a wide variety of other goods, such as dietary and family planning products, have been exempt.
————————————————–
The Susquehanna Balloon Glow Festival will be held in Oneonta this weekend. Activities begin this evening at 5:00 PM and will continue Saturday & Sunday. The full schedule of events is available at the Balloon Glow Fest Facebook page.
———————————————–
The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce has moved into their new location at 85 Main Street in Downtown Sidney. The chamber will once again share office space with the Sidney United Way. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for September 12, and a Business After Hours event is also scheduled for September 12th.
——————————————————–
All public and private school students entering 7th or 12th grades in New York State will be required to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease in order to attend school. Meningococcal disease that can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, as well as blood infections. New York joins 27 other states that currently require meningococcal vaccination for school attendance.
———————————————————
Calling hours for Sidney native & US Army Veteran Adam Petzack of Great Falls Montana will be held at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel on Main Street in Sidney today from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A memorial mass will begin at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Liberty Street in Sidney with military honors following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Adam’s memory either monetary or air miles to healinghero.org. A gathering at of family & friends will follow at Vincent’s on Main Street in Afton will follow the services.
===================================

Police have identified the body of the woman found in the Chenango River as 37-year-old Brenda Halpin, who had been missing since April 8 from her Chenango Bridge home. The identification was announced Thursday after fingerprint comparison and analysis was performed, according to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. An autopsy was conducted Wednesday, and the cause of her death was ruled as freshwater drowning. Halpin’s body was found just before 2 p.m. Tuesday by a man walking along the riverbank in Port Dickinson, in the 600 block of Chenango Street.
————————————————
The American Cancer Society Tri-Town Relay for Life will be held tomorrow at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, Organizer Helen Gregory told WCDO News of some of the activities planned:

(Helen Gregory 5-13-16)

WCDO Will be broadcasting at the start of tomorrow’s festivities at General Clinton Park, the event runs from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
————————————————
29-Year-old Amanda Hellman of Vestal pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon in Broome County Court to 2nd degree kidnapping. Hellmann faces Sentencing on July 11th, Hellmann kidnapped 14 year old Shaeleen Fortner & 16 year old Kylea Fortner, they were located in March, 47 year old Cindy Fortner who is the girl’s biological mother, was also charged in connection to their kidnapping, she is being held in the Broome County Jail pending court action.
———————————————
Deposit Police have arrested 20-year-old Jonathan Hafele of Deposit, after an investigation into a burglary complaint in the Village where several firearms were stolen. Hafele was charged with 9 counts of 4th degree Grand Larceny & 1count of Offering a false instrument for filing; he was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail pending further action of the Court.
————————————————-
The Afton Chamber of Commerce will hold the formal recognition of Rich Cuthbertson as “Citizen Of The Year” and Liz Dawson’s “Main Street Grill and Bakery” as the Business of The Year. The dinner will take place on Sunday, May 15 at the Afton River Club from 3-6 p.m. Presentation of this year’s honorees will be performed by State Senator Fred Akshar. Reservations or more information can be obtained by calling 765-6507 or 563-8911.
————————————-
The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course, will take place Today. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services, which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens, more information is available at 832-5750.

(Barry Cole 6-6-14)

Video Entertainment Plus was chosen as the “Business of the Years” Owner Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 6-6-14)

The Awards will be given out at tonight’s annual Sidney Chamber Of Commerce dinner at the Sacred Heart Church on Liberty Street starting at 5:30 PM.

———————————

New York State is no longer requiring transgender people, to offer proof of surgery, when asking the state to change the gender on their birth certificate. The state will now issue a new birth certificate, if the person provides an affidavit from a medical provider, stating they have received “appropriate” treatment. The policy change had long been sought by advocates, who say an individual’s official gender, shouldn’t depend on whether they had a medical procedure. Five states have already made similar policy changes.

——————————

Cal Harris, the Tioga County businessman who has been convicted of murdering his wife twice, spoke for the first time in a special interview with CBS. Facing his third trial in the fall, Harris gave his first TV interview to the 48 HOURS program.   The interview will air Monday at 10 p.m. Michele Harris went missing the night of Sept. 11th, 2001. Although amidst a bitter divorce, Michele and Cal were living in the same Tioga County home when she vanished after leaving a boyfriend’s house. Harris has been convicted twice of murdering Michele, but both cases have been thrown out on appeal.

———————————-

State Troopers arrested 34 year old Craig West of Windsor for 3^rd & 4^th degree Criminal Mischief 3rd, Disabling Equipment to Prevent Request for Emergency, & 2^nd degree Harassment.  The arrest resulted from a complaint in Windsor, where West has allegedly engaged in a physical altercation, and smashed a phone that the victim was using to get help from Police, damaged other property and injuring the victims head & jaw. West apprehended and arrested, he was arraigned in the Town of Colesville Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail on bail, an order of protection has been requested against him.

——————————

Greek yogurt maker Chobani has laid off employees at its plant in Chenango County, but has also charted a new direction for growth. Chobani would only say it reduced certain positions at the plant in New Berlin, as well as temporary positions at the facility in Idaho. The local plant will continue to produce for east coast customers, as well as markets in Latin America and the Caribbean. Chobani also opened a new business service center in Norwich.

————————————-

National Guard members may soon have the right for memorial headstones, thanks to a push from Rep. Richard Hanna. The House of Representatives passed the Guard Units and Reservists Deserve Remembrance Act. The act allows National Guard and Reserve members, who have served more than six years, to receive a memorial headstone or marker when they pass away. The GUARD Remembrance Act is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. It will head to the Senate for a vote.

—————————————-

The Sidney chamber of commerce will begin their annual “Jolly Holly” day’s festivities tonight in downtown Sidney.  Chamber President Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green)

The festivities will continue the following weekend with the annual holiday house-decorating contest, where area homeowners can win prizes for the best decorated home.

——————————

Santa Claus will stop in Bainbridge tomorrow, as the US Marines “Toys for Tots” train pull in near Saturday at noon. Chenango County toys of tots chairman Roger Barnhart explains:

———————————–

A group of local women will hold a fundraising effort to help 4 local charities today & tomorrow in Sidney.  Doreen Wakeman is one of the women who put together the “Bit Of Splendor” event:

(Doreen Wakeman)

——————