Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50 year old Andrew Frank Jr and 49 year old Rena Jones of Sherburne following a lengthy investigation & the execution of a search warrant. Frank and Jones were arrested on numerous counts of 3rd Degree Burglary and Criminal Mischief, for allegedly breaking into local businesses and stealing money and damaging property. Frank was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. Jones was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sherburne Court on a later date. The investigation is still on going and more charges are pending.

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

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

(Joe Angelino 12-8-22)

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

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Delaware County is announcing the opening of the Delaware County Resiliency and Income Loss Grant, which is a $941,175 grant from the CARES Act, Evan Bowker of the Delaware County Department of Economic Development explains the 2 categories that County Businesses can get funding for regarding how COVID affected their business:

(Evan Bowker 12-8-22)

The Department of Economic Development has published the guidelines and draft applications on its website, with a digital application coming soon. These documents can be found at dcecodev.com/rail. The deadline for applications has been set for January 25, 2023. More information is available at 607-832-5123.

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

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-8-22

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

(Jamie Maistros 12-8-22)

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

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Destination Oneonta will be hosting the annual Tree Lighting later today In Muller Plaza. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 PM, & is open to the public.

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A Recruitment Event is being held at the Norwich CDO Workforce today, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at 1 O’Hara Drive. The Raymond Corporation & T-Squared Custom Millwork are recruiting, interested workers are asked to Call the CDO Workforce Center at 607-334-2201, ext. 127 to schedule an interview time.

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The Town of Sidney will hold a public meeting today at 6:30 PM, to discuss amending the Town zoning laws. The meeting will be held at The Town Building located at 44 Grand Street.

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Tonight will be the 2nd of 2 nights for Legally Blonde The Musical at the Forum Theater in Binghamton, Tina Niles from NAC Entertainment said that some tickets are still available:

(Tina Niles 12-8-22)

More information about tonight’s show or future shows can be found at Broadway In Binghamton.com or by calling 607-772-1391.

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

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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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning this afternoon through tomorrow Morning as a major storm heads up the East Coast; Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what he expects:

(Townsend 12-16-20)

Townsend & the National weather service expect a total of about 14 inches from this storm.

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

(Dave Richards 12-16-20)

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

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Governor Cuomo today held a COVID Briefing, he stated that the COVID Vaccine program is now underway in the state; the Vaccines will have no cost attached:

(Cuomo 12-16-20)

More information on the vaccine program is available at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

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New York State reported just less than 10,000 new COVID 19 cases on Tuesday, out of 160,947 tests conducted statewide, which translates into a 6.2% positivity rate. 115 more people were hospitalized, the state total is now 6,097, there are 1098 patients in an ICU bed, and 611 are on ventilators, there were 95 deaths Tuesday.

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Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 statistics today, they added 12 more positive cases, they have 137 Active Cases, 8 are hospitalized, 558 are Quarantined, and they have had 892 Total Confirmed Cases, with 730 recoveries & 16 deaths.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported 18 new COVID cases today, there are 16 hospitalized, there are 141 active cases. Otsego County is up to 1643 cases, there have been 10 deaths, and 840 cases are attributed to SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College.

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The Delaware Valley Humane Society is partnering with Staffworks for the annual Save A Life Fundraiser; Erin Insinga of the Humane Society said that they have items posted on their Facebook page to give away for those who donate:

(Erin Insinga 12-16-20)

The Fundraiser runs through December 31st, Checks must be postmarked by December 31st in order for those donations to be matched by Staffworks; more information is available at 563-7780 or on the Delaware Valley Humane Society Facebook page.

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

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SUNY Broome announced that they will go to all remote learning this afternoon & this evening, no decision has been made regarding Thursday classes at SUNY Broome.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-16-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 28 new COVID cases Tuesday, they report 16 hospitalized and 1 more death. Otsego County has had 1625 total confirmed cases, 151 active cases, & 10 deaths.

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Delaware County Announced their 10th COVID death Tuesday. They report 7 new cases, 91 active cases, 4 are hospitalized, 385 are quarantined, and there have been 535 cases with 434 recoveries.

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Congressman Antonio Delgado will hold a virtual Town Hall Meeting tonight. The Congressman’s Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM on Facebook Live.

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The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance to help New Yorkers avoid food insecurity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. About 700,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in SNAP will receive additional food benefits to bring them up to the maximum allowable amount for December. More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19.

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The State Health Department reported 655 additional cases of COVID 19, after testing almost 67,000 people Monday, bringing the statewide total to 426,571 since March.  537 people are hospitalized, 126 are in Intensive Care, with 60 on ventilators, and there were 8 deaths from the virus Monday, bringing the state death toll to 25,264. 

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Chenango County Public Health reported that they have had 218 total confirmed cases of COVID 19 since March, they have 96 Active Quarantines, 1 Hospitalization, 199 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths they have conducted 19916 tests.

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Governor Cuomo announced that 2 additional states have been added to the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states to quarantine for 14 days. The newly-added states are Alaska and Delaware. No areas have been removed.  The full list of restricted states can be found at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

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Mirabito Energy Products announced that the employee at the center of the controversy that occurred in Bainbridge last weekend is no longer employed by Mirabito.  Racially motivated and all discriminatory hate speech is not consistent with the values of the Mirabito organization and they do not condone such activities & they will not tolerate activities that create a harmful environment for customers, employees and the communities in which they operate.

Colorscape Chenango announced that they do a “Virtual” Arts Festival on September 12 & 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on YouTube. Spokesperson Roz DeRensis explains:

(Roz DeRensis 8-18-20)

DeRensis said that Music performances will be prerecorded from The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and Adam Erza.  Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival was recently ranked #97 by Sunshine Artist Magazine in their annual list of the 200 Best Arts and Crafts Festivals. 

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The next Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce General Membership Meeting is Today @ 7:30 am.  The Meeting will be held at the back of Bob’s Diner.

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

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

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The City of Oneonta has established a dedicated hotline for citizens to report concerns over gatherings that are seen as jeopardizing public health doing this time of COVID-19 pandemic. New York State Law currently prohibits gatherings at which individuals cannot remain a minimum of 6 feet distance from others. Under no circumstances are gatherings of more than 50 persons permitted. Concerns may be reported by either phone call or text message to (607) 376-7453.

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US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she & many other members of Congress are calling on Postmaster Louis Dejoy to respond regarding the apparent dismantling of the US Postal Service:

(Gillibrand 8-18-20)

Gillibrand said that she is also calling for the Postal Bank to be brought back, which could generate up to 9 Billion dollars a year in revenue for the under-funded postal service.

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

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Delaware County received no new positive test result for COVID-19 today or over the weekend and no additional recoveries have been reported. The known active cases in the County as of today remains at 2. To date there have been 98 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 18 people now under mandatory quarantine.  2 people are isolated at home, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

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The Governor’s office & County Board of Elections officials are working toward sending self-addressed stamped absentee ballots to registered voters for the June 23rd Primaries and possibly for the November General Elections, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa  explains:

(Melissa DeRosa 5-6-20)

Also, at today’s Coronavirus briefing by Governor Cuomo, the governor revealed that the State will be working with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt on a possible reworking of the future of education with remote learning with technology; Schmidt discussed that with the Governor by Teleconference today:

(Eric Schmidt 5-6-20)

Governor Cuomo also said that the re-opening by region in phases will be flexible, based on the latest data & the businesses models drawn up by individual businesses:

(Cuomo 5-6-20)

Governor Cuomo said that the Re-Opening is expected to begin when “New York on Pause” ends May 15th.

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This Week is National Nurses Week and the Nurses & Staff at the AO Fox Hospital Network are celebrating with gift basket drawings, dressing as Superheroes, and they were treated with a drive by salute by area Fire Departments & Emergency Squads Tuesday, Fox Vice President of Nursing Joan MacDonald comments:

(Joan McDonald 5-6-20)

MacDonald said that the nurses are celebrating with the full staff at all Fox Hospital buildings as they could not perform their jobs with a full team effort every day.

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

(Sandra Bonczkowki 5-6-20)

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

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Chenango County Public Health announced their Latest Coronavirus Numbers today.  They have 100 Confirmed cases, with 47 quarantined, 4 Hospitalized, 77 recoveries & 4 deaths.

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The Masonville town board meeting will be held tonight at 7:30 & can be viewed by zoom. Those who wish to watch can Email the townofmasonville@gmail.com for the link or call the Town Supervisor’s office at 265-3301 for the login information.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $10.7 million grant award to the Broome County Department of Public Transportation as part of the CARES Act. BC Transit will use the grant funds for operating, preventive maintenance and administrative expenses, which are necessary to maintain service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

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The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet by Webcast at 10:30 this morning, to consider a request filed by Baron Winds to build 33 wind turbines in Steuben County.  The Board recently re-approved plans for wind turbines in the towns of Sanford & Windsor; they have not yet acted on plans for the High Bridge Wind farms project in Guilford.  The public can listen to today’s session at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts. 

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UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Medical Neighborhood Campaign is $20,000 closer to its fundraising goal thanks to a commitment by Norwich Pharmaceuticals of North Norwich.  The company currently employs approximately 300 people, the fundraising efforts will aid future expansion plans for the Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich.

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The Deposit Police Department is looking for Robert Kinzer on an outstanding warrant, he was last known to frequent the Church Street area in the Village of Deposit, he described as black male, 5’8″ tall with brown hair & brown eyes, he is wanted on charges of Burglary, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, aggravated Family Offense, Menacing, Obstruction Of Breathing  & Unlawful Imprisonment, anyone with information can report it to the Deposit Police department through their Facebook page or by calling 467-2115. A Deposit Police Officer confronted and approached Kinzer Wednesday, Kinzer fled on foot into a wooded area.

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

(Heastie 1-10-20)

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

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

(Crouch 1-10-20)

State Senator Jim Seward also comments:

(Seward 1-10-20)

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

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Members of the Governor’s staff are beginning to go around the state to give presentations on the State of the State Address; Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the Address at the Agriculture Development Center at 840 Front Street Binghamton, at 3:00 PM today.

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

(Dave Richards 1-10-20)

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

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The Class of 2020 will be inducted into the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame during the 58th annual event in May, spokesman Greg Davie told WCDO news who will be inducted:

(Greg Davie 1-10-20)

The Induction ceremony will be held on Saturday May 23rd at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

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Governor Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to begin enhanced monitoring of hospitals through the Health Emergency Response Data System to ensure hospitals have the capacity, guidance and resources to combat the recent surge in flu hospitalizations.    The latest flu report shows another sharp increase, Last week 1,964 New Yorkers were hospitalized, up 34% percent from the previous week & 10,085 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to the State Department of Health, a 9% increase from the week prior. 

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The Dunderberg Gallery will present Butternut Valley area artists to a closing reception with music by John Colonna will be held on Saturday From 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the g Gallery at 118 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville.  More information is available at 783-2010.

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16 year old Alexis Lotterman of Walton & 17 year old Tatiana Febo of Downsville will have their 1st degree Burglary cases moved to Otsego County Family Court, in connection with the murder of 53 year old Kenneth Robinson in Worcester on October 10th.  15 year old Dylan Robinson, 16 year old Alexander Borggreen  15 year old Anais Soto & 32 year old Nicolas Meridy are all charged with 2nd degree murder & 1st degree Burglary for the Robinson Murder, all are being held pending future court action.

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

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Sidney village police Arrested 21 year old Caleb Zuk of Sidney for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Criminal possessing a hypodermic instrument and Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Thursday.  Zuk was processed & face court action at a later date.

Orlando Tercero has been found guilty of the Nicaraguan charge of Femicide, for the murder of Haley Anderson IN Binghamton last year.  Tercero was wanted in Broome County for the murder of Hailey Anderson in his Binghamton Apartment, he fled to his home country, where he was tried & found guilty of Anderson’s murder.  He is expected to serve 25 to 35 years in jail in Nicaragua.

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State Police Sergeant Robert Bloom was on his way to a graduation ceremony Friday to play with the pipes and drums and dressed in a kilt,  when saw smoke on Tioga Terrace in Apalachin just after 12:00 noon, he located the burning building, discovered that a male was bedridden inside.  Sergeant Bloom, the bedridden man’s father and a neighbor entered the burning residence, got the man into a wheelchair and out of the home.  All were taken to area hospitals for smoke inhalation.  Sergeant Bloom is a 7-year veteran of the State Police, and is currently works out of State Police Headquarters at Troop C in Sidney.

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

(Dr. Dave Richards 11-4-19)

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

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Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced that Chenango Health Network would receive a Drug Free Communities grant of more than $100,000 per year for five years. The Drug Free Communities grant program provides grants to community organizations to strengthen partnerships in the region and help reduce youth substance abuse.

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(Dave Richards 1-17-17)

Tonight’s meeting will begin at 7:00 PM; Richards said that they expect questions regarding the district’s financial condition, the Facilities Study & the possible closure of the Otego Elementary School.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office & Port Dickinson Police stopped a vehicle on the West Service Road near Chenango Street Sunday Morning after the vehicle was observed driving erratically & striking a concrete wall. Casey Farrell of Greene was arrested for Driving while Intoxicated, resisting arrest, & refusing to submit to a Chemical Test. Farrell was arraigned in Town of Fenton court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $2500 cash bail.
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State Police arrested 27-year-old Justin Martin of Guilford, for DWI with a B.A.C. result of .16% along with other traffic violations, after Martin allegedly failed to stop at a red light in the Village of Bainbridge. Troopers discovered that Martin was wanted by the Oneonta City Police Department on a warrant. Martin was issued tickets for the Town of Bainbridge Court on January 23; he was then turned over to the Oneonta Police Department.
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State Police arrested Heidi Cronin of Whitney Point, for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .18%, as well as Resisting Arrest and several other traffic tickets. The arrest occurred after troopers responded to a Broome County 911 report of an intoxicated woman at the Speedway Gas Station in the Town of Triangle. Cronin allegedly flailed her arms and kicked officers as they handcuffed her; she Cronin was arraigned in the Town of Triangle Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in City Hall & is open to the public.
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State Police have a man and woman in custody who were sought for fleeing from a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle on December 27th. Ryan Markoff of Windsor and Angela Weyrauch of Hancock were taken into custody after they were spotted at McDonald’s in Whitney Point. Markoff was charged with 3rd-degree grand larceny and Weyrauch was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, both were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.
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Several area fire companies responded to a blaze at 389 Hunts Pond Road. The fire was reported at about 1:30 PM Monday & was under control by 5:30. No injuries among fire fighters were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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An Open House will be held on tonight at the Sidney Civic Center in the first floor conference room from 6:00 to 7:30 to view the planned improvements to Main Street, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak comments:

(Andy Matviak 1-17-17)

The Sidney Green Streetscape Project consultants will be available to discuss the design, collect input and answer questions prior to bidding the project and constructing the improvements this spring.
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The State DOT will hold a public meeting on today, to discuss the conclusions of the Interstate 81 pedestrian bridge study, and the US Route 11 Bridge over I-81 replacement project, the public information meeting will be held in at the Dickinson Town Hall, at 6:00 PM.
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The next general meeting of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is this morning. The meeting will be held at 7:30 at Bob’s Diner.
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Breastfeeding support is currently available every Tuesday from 1PM-4PM on the top floor of UHS Pediatrics at 44 Pearl Street in Sidney; for patients and the public. Dr. Jayasena’s office in Sidney is providing a private space for patients and the public; to receive support and education from a Certified Lactation Consultant. More information is available at 561-2200.

(Crouch 3-25-15)

Governor Cuomo has tied ethics reforms for lawmakers to the budget this year, the assembly leadership is going along with the Governors reforms, the State Senate leadership might also agree in the coming days. The governor made the reforms his top priority following the arrest in February of then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on federal corruption charges.
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A “Protect Our Schools” demonstration will be held in Oneonta Tomorrow afternoon as part of a campaign by parents & teachers regarding state mandates on schools, excessive testing of students and the possible closing of schools or consolidating school districts. Kjersti Van Slyke-Briggs is an area parent that co-founded the “Oneonta Area for Public Education” group, she is one of the co-organizers of Thursday’s event in Oneonta & she told WCDO News that there are a list of concerns parents have in addition to the controversial common core curriculum:

(Kjersti Van Slyke Briggs 3-23-15)

Area schoolteacher Michelle Decker said that tying students test scores, with a high failing grade of 85, to teacher effectiveness is not a good way to evaluate teachers:

(Michelle Decker 3-23-15)

The demonstration will begin at 4:30 Thursday at the former Center Street School In Oneonta, more information is available at NYSAPE.org.
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The State Assembly passed legislation to firm up laws regarding a women’s right to access health care regarding reproduction issues, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie comments:

(Heastie 3-25-15)

The bill moves onto the State Senate for consideration, similar bills have failed to gather support in the State Senate in previous sessions.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that nearly 300 restaurants across the state have taken the Pride of New York Pledge, almost tripling the number of restaurants actively supporting New York State agricultural products and beverages since last year. The Pledge is part of the Governor’s Taste NY initiative and was created to increase the sourcing, marketing and education of New York State grown and made products. More information including a list of participants is available at governor.ny.gov.
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Students in the DCMO BOCES region will have access to college courses at no cost. WCDO’s Jim Tomeo has details:

(Jim 3-25-15)

Jim’s text: A free college degree option was the topic of discussion at a parent orientation meeting held at Unatego Central School recently. The Unatego District and Tompkins Cortland Community College have teamed up & high school students will have the opportunity to take SUNY courses without cost, towards a Business Administration Associate’s Degree. A publication explaining the program is available at the DCMO BOCES website at www.learnatboces.com.
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Family Planning of South Central New York announced a new service, Long Acting Reversible Contraception, is now available at their Norwich Health Center at 5 Cortland Street. An informational forum will be offered at the Health Center on Friday, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.
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A.M. NEWS:

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce is holding their annual “New Member Coffee Hour” this morning from 7:30 to 8:30 AM.  The meeting is held at Trackside Dining at 88 Main Street, all Chamber members & directors are urged to attend.

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The Chenango county health department will hold another free rabies clinic tomorrow in Norwich.  The clinic will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Norwich fire station, for dogs, cats & domesticated ferrets at least 4 months old.  More information is available at 337-1673.

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(Terry Potter)

The show begins Saturday night at 7:00 PM at the Clark Athletic Center on the SUNY Delhi campus. More information is available at 746-4565.

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The Unatego school district was forced to change tonight’s performance of the 15^th annual student & faculty variety show to Friday march 15^th at the junior senior high school in wells bridge.  Tickets for tonight’s postponed show will be honored at tomorrow nights show or at the show on march 15^th.  Money raised is going to help 3 area families with large medical expenses.

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A local broadband expansion project will receive state funds through the Connect NY Broadband Grant Program.  The Otsego County Wireless Network project will get $558,940 to bring wireless broadband to the county’s 24 towns, 9 villages and the city of Oneonta.  The connection will serve approximately 28,000 households, 4,500 businesses and 300 community anchor institution locations.

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Members of the Bainbridge-Guilford Board of Education will hold a special meeting on this afternoon.  The meeting will be held in the District Conference room at 5:30 PM to discuss a personnel issue.

(Dave Ramsey 2-27-13)

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The Unatego Central School community group, Save Our Schools, is hosting a legislative forum, tomorrow at 7:00 PM in the Otego Elementary School gym.  Area lawmakers have been invited to participate, as school districts similar to Unatego are looking for Albany to establish a more equitable state aid formula this year.