WCDO Radio News

Unemployed New Yorkers will begin receiving extended and expanded federal unemployment benefits, starting the week January 3rd.  Unemployed New Yorkers will receive an additional $300 payment through the extended Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation programs. New Yorkers currently receiving benefits do not need to call the Department of Labor to receive these extended benefits.

Chenango County Public Health announced 31 new positive cases of COVID 19 today; they report 131 active cases with 6 hospitalizations, & 533 Active Quarantines. The Broome County Health Department had 274 new cases of COVID-19 over the last 2 days with 1 more death; they have had 175 deaths from the virus.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-30-20

Governor Cuomo announced updated quarantine guidelines for New York which are consistent with the CDC guidance.  Individuals exposed to COVID-19 can end their quarantine after 10 days without a testing requirement as long as no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period, after day 10, individuals must continue monitoring for symptoms through day 14 and if any develop, they should immediately self-isolate and contact the local health department or their healthcare provider.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 23 new cases of COVID 19 Tuesday.  They report 17 hospitalized & 1 new death reported, brings the total number of deaths to 17.

The Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee will be getting surveys out to village residents soon, to get public input regarding the Sidney Police Department. Sheri Youngs is co-chair of the committee:

(Sheri Youngs 12-23-20)

After the public input is collected, the committee will draft a reform and reinvention plan & they will make changes as needed and submit the revised plan to the Village board for approval, in March the approved plan will then be submitted to New York State.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department arrested 45-year-old William Applegate of Nineveh after a deputy pulled him over while knowing that Applegate did not have a valid license. Applegate was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, he was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance & aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle & he faces court action at a later date.

New York's Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany has begun research of the new, more contagious COVID-19 strain discovered in England, they have looked at more than 3,700 virus sequences & they have not found that variant present in any of their random samples, Governor Cuomo commented about the state labs at today's COVID briefing in Albany:

(Cuomo 12-23-20)

The Wadsworth Lab and the Department of Health have made agreements with 6 hospitals from across the State to obtain additional samples for further research and are making arrangements with other hospitals to do the same, in order to find out if that virus variant is here in New York State.

The First COVID vaccines have been given at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, on Tuesday, Dr. Jason Joseph became the first to receive a COVID vaccine in Chenango County. Chenango Memorial Vice President of Service Coordination & Development, Chris Kisacky told WCDO about the arrival & distribution of the vaccines:

(Chris Kisacky 12-23-20)

Kisacky said that the 1st group of recipients getting the vaccine includes medical providers, ICU nurses, Emergency Department staff, lab personnel, a respiratory therapist and other hospital staff members.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for November. The State’s seasonally adjusted private sector jobs increased over the month by 36,300, or 0.5%, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 9.2% to 8.4%. Locally, Chenango County was down to 4.6%, Delaware County 4.7% & Otsego County 4.9% in November.

The State Department of Labor today announced the state's minimum wage phase-in will continue, with the next stage taking effect on December 31st.  The minimum wage will go to $12.50 an hour in the local counties.

Bassett Healthcare Network & Public Health department will hold a COVID 19 Vaccine Webinar Today from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM.  The webinar is available through ZOOM, or by calling 1-646-876-9923.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-25-20

State health department tested over 173,000 New Yorkers Tuesday, with 6265 testing positive, or 3.6% of all tested.  41 died from the virus Tuesday, the state death toll is 26,482 & 2982 are hospitalized.

Broome County Health Department reported 85 more cases of COVID 19 today; they have had a total of 4937 cases.  They report 116 deaths, 4202 recoveries & about 2900 are being monitored by the department.

Oswego State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte has ordered an injunction stopping the review of ballots in the 22nd Congressional District race between Anthony Brindisi & Claudia Tenney.  Judge DelConte stated that any new motions need to be filed by the campaigns’ attorneys by 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 30th; however, the State Board of Elections set a deadline of November 28th for county boards of elections to certify and transmit their election returns to the state.  Tenney was leading Brindisi by about 200 votes when the counting of absentee ballots was stopped.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-25-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 21 new COVID 19 Cases reported Tuesday, 42 recent cases are linked to the Copper Fox in Oneonta, the department also reports a Potential exposure to COVID at the Red Jug Pub on Friday November 20th, patrons at that time should monitor for symptoms until December 4th.  Currently, Otsego County has had 1236 total confirmed cases, with 115 active cases, 6 hospitalized; there have been 8 deaths since March.  764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

The Sidney Central School District has been notified that 3 members of the District have tested positive for COVID-19. The Department of Health Services is conducting and completing the contact tracing. The Health Department will be contacting people impacted by a potential exposure. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time. The district is working in collaboration with local health departments to make sure all necessary procedures are followed.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 9.7% to 9.6%. Locally, Chenango County had 5% unemployment, Delaware County had 5.2% and Otsego County had 5.6% in October.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors adopted the county budget at their meeting Tuesday, several department heads received pay raises.  The budget has a property tax levy increase of about 1.7%

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-23-20

The Health Department continues to aggressively test New Yorkers for the COVID 19 virus, with over 191,000 tested on Sunday, with 5906 positive tests, or 3% of those tested.  2724 people are hospitalized; increases of 162 from Saturday, there were 33 more deaths from the virus Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 26,390.

The Broome County Health Department had 179 more positive cases of COVID 19 diagnosed since Friday, bringing their total to 4744 since March, they had 2 more deaths reported, bringing their total to 114, there have been 4089 recoveries and over 4200 are being monitored by the Health Department.

The Sidney Central School District has been notified that 2 members of the District community have tested positive for COVID-19. The first individual has not been on campus since Thursday, November 12th and the second individual since last Friday, November 20th.  The Department of Health Services has conducted and completed the contact tracing. Any and all people impacted have been notified. The potential exposure has been minimized in this case because of the emphasis placed on wearing face coverings and social distancing; there will be no change to the current Sidney School Schedule.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-23-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing in New York City Sunday; he stated that the current concern will be how high the infection rates will get after Thanksgiving & the Christmas holidays:

(Cuomo 11-23-20)

The state performed over 196,608 tests Saturday, with 5391 positive tests, 2562 are now hospitalized, 500 are in an ICU Bed, 234 are on ventilators & there were 30 deaths from COVID Saturday.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new cases of COVID on Saturday & 17 cases Sunday.   Otsego County now has had 1185 total confirmed cases, 93 active cases, 4 hospitalized, 8 deaths, 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Tourism-related dollars spent in Delaware County in 2019 have grown to $121 million, according to a report issued by the Empire State Development Division for Tourism Development, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 11-23-20)

Traveler spending increased 2.5% across of all New York. The strongest growth occurred in the Catskills with a 7.3% increase in spending last year.  Tourism accounted for over 1,145 jobs in Delaware County resulting in $41.7 million in labor income recirculating through the local economy.  Tourism generated more than $7.7 million in local taxes and over $6.6 million in state taxes.

Broome County Health Department reported another 61 positive COVID 19 tests Tuesday, giving the County 4,340, they have had 112 deaths, 3776 recoveries & 3900 are being monitored. The Broome County Health Department has learned that a person who was at Midway Lanes, in Vestal, on November 11th and 12th has tested positive for COVID-19, if you were at the location you should self-quarantine until November 26th or 27th respectively & contact a health care provider if symptoms occur.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new online training platform with nearly 4,000 online programs, to enable unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers affected the COVID-19 pandemic to learn new skills, earn certificates, and advance their careers at no cost.  New Yorkers can request a free account on the New York State Department of Labor website.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-17-20

The Walton Central School District was advised Monday that 1 person in the district has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The District is coordinating with the Delaware County Department of Health and they have indicated that due to the timing of the onset of symptoms and the last date of the individual being physically present in a district building or vehicle, there is no requirement of contact tracing at this time. As a result, the school operations will continue as normal.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 6 new cases of COVID 19 Monday.  The County is up to 1104 total confirmed cases, they have 47 active cases with 2 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, 756 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Binghamton Police Department responded Friday to a report of a loud party at 140 Front Street, officers discovered around 100 people inside, there was alcoholic beverages & some people under 21 years of age.  2 unidentified people were charged with violating the City's Social Host laws that were enacted earlier this year.

The Broome County Health Department reports 132 more COVID 19 positive cases over the last 2 days, bringing their total to 2957.  They are up to 88 deaths, 2270 recoveries and over 4400 people are binging monitored by the Health Department.

Otsego County Department of Health 3 cases of COVID 19 reported Tuesday, they have had 937 total confirmed cases, with 14 active cases, 2 hospitalizations, 7 deaths, 745 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 21 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local unemployment rates for September 2020, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 12.5% to 9.7% in September 2020.  Locally Chenango County reported 4.7%, Delaware County 4.8% and Otsego County 5%.

Broome County Health Department reported another 83 positive COVID 19 tests today, with 1 more death bringing their total to 86 dead, they report 1999 recoveries & the health department is now monitoring almost 4,000 people.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 numbers today, they report that they are up to 291 cases, with 26 Active Cases, no one is hospitalized, and there are 205 Active Quarantines. Since March there have been 7 deaths 246 Total Recoveries & 32,599 tests have been conducted.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-16-20

The State Department of Labor announced that the State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 12.5% to 9.7% in September. The number of unemployed New York State residents decreased by 302,000, while labor force levels decreased by 362,900.

The Chenango County Health Department will be holding a Drive-Thru Flu vaccination clinic in Norwich on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Health Department Director of Patient Services Barbara Ryan explains:

(Barbara Ryan 10-8-20)

Ryan said that interested people must pre-register by calling 337-1660 by the end of today, to receive an appointment time. The cost is $15 for patients over 19 years of age and they ask they people do NOT bring their pets.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is having their Fall Festival Downtown tomorrow, Sidney Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 10-16-20)

Schunk said that all of the vendor slots were filled up to Health Department Guidelines, plus all in attendance must use masks & be socially distanced, more information is available at 561-2642.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of an unidentified 47 year old Endicott man who was struck by a train in the Town of Union. The incident occurred at 11:45 AM Thursday near the Hooper Road overpass in Endwell. Police do not suspect foul play, the investigation is continuing.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Katie Porter of California have forwarded the "STOCK Act 2.0" to strengthen disclosure rules and prevent individuals in trusted positions of public service from using their access for self-enrichment. Gillibrand commented this afternoon:

(Gillibrand 9-23-20)

Gillibrand and Porter are proposing to increase and expand transparency practices of the original STOCK Act, which barred members of Congress, the president, vice president and high level staff from engaging in insider trading or otherwise using nonpublic information for their own benefit, The STOCK Act 2.0 would require officials and staff covered under the STOCK Act to report any time they, a spouse, or a dependent, applies for or receives a benefit of value from the federal government.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-23-20

The Otsego County Department of Health, Bassett Medical Center & NYS Department of Health has partnered to provide a rapid testing to Otsego County residents today from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, for those who pre-register at 547-4279.

The State Labor department released the Unemployment rates for August.  The State rate went down to 12.5% in August, Locally, Chenango County had 7.4%, Delaware County had 7.7% and Otsego County had 8% unemployment.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-18-20

The Otsego County Department of Health, Bassett Medical Center & NYS Department of Health has partnered to provide a rapid testing to Otsego County residents.  The testing will be performed on Tuesday & Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center on Market Street in Oneonta, for those who pre-register at 547-4279.

The State Department of Labor announced that New York has paid nearly $1.9 billion in Lost Wages Assistance benefits to 2.26 million New Yorkers this week, representing retroactive payments of $300 for the weeks ending August 2nd, 9th, and 16th. The State has paid $44.5 billion in benefits to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic; also FEMA has approved New York for the second and final round of that funding. This round of funding provides three additional weeks of Lost Wages Assistance benefits, paid retroactively for the weeks ending August 23rd, August 30th, and September 6th. New Yorkers will begin to receive these payments next week.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding online services, making it easier for New Yorkers to do business with the DMV from the comfort of their homes, and allowing the DMV to serve more customers in person who cannot complete their transactions online. The DMV has initiated a pilot program to offer the written learner permit tests for passenger cars and motorcycles online. It is also piloting a process to allow customers who reside in counties served by the state DMV to register their vehicles online. More information can be found on the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov.

A.M. News Friday 9-18-20

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida found the body of Otsego County Native Michael Shaver buried under a concrete slab in the backyard of his home in 2018,  his wife, 37-year-old Laurie Shaver, has been arrested for 2nd-degree homicide.  Shaver's family had told authorities that they had not heard from Michael since 2015.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 37-year-old Level 2 Sex Offender Martin Planty of Walton for failure to register a change in his residential address.   Planty, who was previously convicted, in the State of Florida, he was arraigned by teleconference, and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending his appearance in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 5 new cases of COVID 19 were reported Thursday, 3 are related to the SUNY Oneonta outbreak and 2 are county residents.  Current COVID numbers: there have been 692 confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, 16 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students, 26 active cases currently residing in the county.  There have been a total of 853 cases, 1 person is hospitalized.

The Broome County Health Department announced Friday that they are reporting a total of 1293 COVID 19 cases since March.  They now report 82 deaths, 1149 recoveries, 423 are being monitored by the Health Department, and they have conducted over 46,000 tests.

Commerce Chenango hosted the very first ‘Sofa Soiree’ on Thursday evening, in a Zoom celebration of member businesses and individuals, who were chosen by their peers for accomplishments throughout this past year. Winners were announced in a variety of categories, Employer of the Year was NBT Bank, New Business award went to Hidden Springs Brewhouse, the Non-Profit award went to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, the good Neighbor award went to Shane Butler of the Chenango County Planning Department and Emerging Professional award went to Julia Miller of the Blueox Corporation.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-11-20

Otsego County Department of Health continues to investigate a large outbreak of Coronavirus involving SUNY Oneonta.  Over the past 2 days 14 new cases have been reported. Currently, there are 829 total confirmed cases with 665 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, there were 11 confirmed cases in Hartwick College, and 2 have since recovered.  268 active cases are currently residing in the county, and there are no hospitalizations.

The State Labor Department announced that payments for the Lost Wages Assistance program, which provides an additional $300 in weekly benefits to unemployed New Yorkers, will begin next week. Up to 2.4 million New Yorkers are eligible for the program, including 435,000 who must submit an additional certification to qualify, the Certification System Launches today, Payments Begin on a Rolling Basis Next Week.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-4-20

SUNY Oneonta received test results from the earliest employee COVID-19 screenings, which were conducted on September 2nd, none of 208 employees tested were positive.  As of this morning, the number of students in isolation was 138, up from 117 yesterday evening. The number of students in quarantine was 43, down from 46 yesterday.   Hartwick College announced today that they have determined that a 5th student has tested positive for COVID-19, The Department of Health is responsible for contact tracing and will notify individuals with whom the student may have had contact.

State Police and Local Law Enforcement Will continue with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign through Monday, Labor Day.  State Police will be patrolling & will be looking for Drunk or impaired driver, they will also be enforcing the state's Move Over Law & will also be looking for distracted drivers.

The Otsego County Department of Health continues to investigate a large outbreak of Coronavirus involving SUNY Oneonta students.   336 individuals were tested at the rapid testing sites on Wednesday in Oneonta, 3.5% of those tested were positive. All of those were in college students.   The 3 sites are open today & Saturday in Oneonta for free rapid testing for COVID 19, following the outbreak at SUNY Oneonta.  The sites will be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Oneonta Armory at 4 Academy Street, The Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street & the St. James Church at 305 Main Street.  Testing is by appointment only by calling 833-NYSTRNG.

Hartwick College determined Sunday that 1 student has tested positive for COVID-19, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on the Hartwick campus. The student is isolating at home. The Department of Health is responsible for contact tracing and will notify individuals with whom the student may have had contact. Hartwick College officials announced that no one is allowed on the College Private Property except enrolled students, delivery people & Hartwick Employees. Remote learners are not permitted to enter the campus.

Otsego County Department of Health continues to investigate a large outbreak at SUNY Oneonta, on Sunday, 38 lab confirmed cases were reported in SUNY students. Currently there is 94 lab confirmed cases and 34 suspect cases in SUNY Oneonta students and 6 cases in high school students. Anyone who suspects they may have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus should quarantine at home & contact the local health department. Currently, Otsego County has 219 total confirmed cases, 103 are active, & no one is hospitalized

Governor Cuomo and New York labor leaders today called on Congress to provide $59 billion to address catastrophic budget shortfalls that impact the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers in the state. The governor and labor leaders sent a letter to federal representatives enumerating the critical infrastructure projects that would be impacted without federal funding and the hospitals, schools and institutions that would be supported by it. The governor and labor leaders also called on Congress to repeal the tax change that eliminated the State and Local Tax Deduction, also known as "SALT".

Congressman Anthony Brindisi pushed a plan today to double the federal funding for the Department of Justice, the Community Oriented Policing Services or "COPS" Program to recruit, hire, train and fund more community beat cops on the streets. The plan is a national effort. In 2020, the program awarded 596 grants to hire 2,731 police officers at police departments across the nation, according to Justice Department statistics. Brinidisi said that the City of Binghamton just received $250,000 of COPS funds in June.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they have had 1176 total COVID 19 cases since March. They announced 3 more deaths, bring their total to 78, there have been 1028 recoveries, 559 are being monitored by the department, they have conducted over 36,200 tests.

Chenango County Public Health released today's COVID 19 numbers.  The department reports 223 total cases, with 83 Active Quarantines, 1 Hospitalization, 7 deaths, 200 total Recoveries; they have conducted over 21,500 tests.

Following a report detailing how federal dollars set aside for farmers during the pandemic in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program have gone to large corporate farms, while small family farms have received relatively little help, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demands that the U.S. Department of Agriculture respond to that  inequitable distribution.  In the meantime Senator Gillbrand has proposed the Relief For America's Small Farmers Act in the next coronavirus relief package:

(Senator Gillibrand 8-26-20)

Senator Gillibrand is also urging USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to provide direct relief for New York's small farmers who have been financially devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic & to get the promised direct payments to farmers of all sizes immediately.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-26-20

Otsego County Department of Health is investigating 2 cases of coronavirus in SUNY Oneonta students that lived off campus. Neither student had visited the college campus during their communicable period, nor college officials announced that they have arranged to make one of their residence halls set up to house COVID positive students only.   All contacts with the 2 affected students have been notified and are quarantined for 14 days.  Otsego County now has 119 total confirmed cases, 6 active cases, 1 is hospitalized, 107 have recovered, and 24 people are on quarantine for close contact to a case, 167 people are on quarantine for traveling to a high risk state, there have been 6 deaths.

The State Labor Department released preliminary local area unemployment rates for July 2020. The State’s unemployment rate increased was 15.9% in July 2020, locally; Chenango County had 9.9% unemployment, Delaware County 10.3% and Otsego County 10.7%

Broome County Health Department had 15 more positive COVID 19 cases over the last 2 days, bringing their total to 1139 since March.  There have been 75 deaths, 994 recoveries 505 are being monitored by the Health Department; they have conducted over 34,300 tests.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order extending the state's moratorium on COVID-related commercial evictions and foreclosures an additional month, until September 20th. This measure extends protections already in place for commercial tenants and mortgagors in recognition of the financial toll the pandemic has taken on business owners, including retail establishments and restaurants.

In July 2020, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 244,200, or 3.6%, to 7,116,200, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 15.6% to 15.9% in July.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 1 new case of COVID 19 Today giving the County 117 total confirmed cases, 5 active cases with 1 hospitalized, 106 have recovered, and 33 people on quarantine for close contact to a case, 163 people on quarantine for traveling to a high risk state, there have been 6 deaths.

The State Health Department announced that there were 631 new COVID 19 cases diagnosed Tuesday, out of over 80,000 test administered.  The total number of COVID 19 positive tests is 427,202, currently there are 548 people Hospitalized, there were 6 more deaths attributed to the virus yesterday, bringing the state death toll to 25,270 since March.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they had a small number of positive COVID 19 cases diagnosed Tuesday, bringing their total to 1124 since March.  They have had 75 deaths, 980 recoveries and 503 are being monitored by the Department.

The Chenango County Health Department reported that they are still at 218 total cases of COVID 19 since March, with 102 Active Quarantines, 1 Hospitalization, 199 Recoveries, 7 deaths & 20,089 Tests Performed.

Otsego County Health Department reported 2 new COVID 19 positive cases today, bringing their total since March to 115.  There are 3 active cases with no one hospitalized, 106 have recovered, 25 are quarantined due to close contact to ta case, and 196 are quarantined after traveling from a high risk state.  There have been 6 deaths in Otsego County from the virus.

State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide will be ramping up enforcement of impaired driving today through Labor Day, Monday, September 7th with their annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign is designed to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes.  Law enforcement will be stepping up patrols, and the NYS Thruway Authority and State Department of Transportation will have Variable Message Signs alerting motorists to the consequences of impaired driving to help deter that behavior. During the 2019 enforcement campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 4,995 tickets for impaired driving and 170,378 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they 1094 positive tests since March, but they had 4 more deaths Wednesday, bringing their total to 74.  There have been 919 recoveries & 549 are being monitored by the Health Department.

The State Department of Labor announced that it has prevented more than $1 billion from falling into criminal hands during the coronavirus pandemic, by identifying and stopping more than 42,000 fraudulent unemployment benefit claims since mid-March.   The Department has referred more unemployment fraud cases to federal prosecutors since March, than it did in the last 10 years combined.  New Yorkers’ identities have been stolen during data breaches involving banks, insurance companies, and major employers, the criminals have filed fraudulent claims and illegally collect benefits in the name of individuals who are not unemployed; to report a fraud relating to the Labor Department, go to on.ny.gov/uifraud.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Delaware County Probation Department investigated allegations of Domestic violence from an Arkville woman and her Safe Against Violence advocate. 48-year-old Israel Rivera of Arkville was arrested for 3rd degree Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Endangering the Welfare of a child, Aggravated Harassment and Criminal Contempt.  Following Rivera’s arrest, he was retaken by the Delaware County Probation Department on a County Court Warrant for violating probation; he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail pending an appearance in Delaware County Court.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "Drive Thru Job Fair!" this Today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the parking lot of Damaschke Field.  25 local area employers will participate; Job Seekers will just drive in, follow the signs and traffic flow and remain in the car with your face mask on as you drive to each employer.  There is no fee to job seekers.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 1 new case of COVID 19 Wednesday, bringing their total to 112.  there are 2 active cases, no one is hospitalized, 103 have recovered, and 21 people on quarantine for close contact to a case, 218 people on quarantine for traveling to a high risk state, there have been 6 deaths.

Many area counties have been seeing an increase in Coronavirus cases this month.  Heidi Bond of the Otsego County Health Department reminds people of what they should be doing to prevent the spread of the virus:

(Heidi Bond 7-22-20)

The Southern Tier Regional has had an increase in the percentage of people testing positive in the last couple of weeks, previously it was among the lowest in the state at about 1/2%, in the last week, positive tests were getting close to 2% of those tested on average.

A.O. Fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus at 43 Pearl Street West in Sidney is hosting a blood drive in partnership with The American Red Cross on Tuesday, July 28, between 2:00 & 6:00 PM. Donors may participate by appointment only and will receive mandatory temperature screenings at the door.  Reserve a time today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

The State Department of Labor released unemployment rates for June, The State’s rates increased to 15.7% in June, locally Chenango County had 8.4%, Delaware County 9.2% & Otsego County 9.3% unemployment.

Broome County Health Department is reporting that they are up to 869 confirmed cases of COVID 19.  They report 61 deaths, 678 recoveries, 512 are being monitored by the Department, and they have conducted over 25,400 tests.

Otsego County Department of Health received their 1st positive COVID 19 case on March 23rd, the outbreak quickly spread with 21 cases in 11 days. There have been 15 cases reported so far in July. There are currently 4 people hospitalized with 3 people requiring intensive care.  There was 1 new case Tuesday, with 93 total confirmed cases, there are 9 active cases, 79 have recovered from illness & there have been 5 deaths.

Governor Cuomo gave a Coronavirus update this morning; he said that all New Yorkers should get tested at 1 of the 750 sites around the state:

(Cuomo 7-1-20)

The State Health Department reported that hospitalizations were at 879 statewide, the number of deaths Tuesday was 11, the state Death toll of 24,866, the total number of cases since March was about 394,000.  The Southern Tier rate of positive tests was .7% Tuesday.

The Chenango County Health Department announced their Coronavirus numbers for today, they have had 146 positive cases, there are 25 people under Quarantine, no one is Hospitalizations, there have been 6 deaths, 137 Recoveries & the Total number of Tests Performed is 10907.

New York State has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in jointly issuing a travel advisory for anyone returning from states that have a significant spread of COVID-19.   All travelers entering New York who have recently traveled within a state with either a positive test rate or a testing positivity rate of higher than a 10% over a 7-day rolling average, will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Analysis of the metrics will be conducted weekly to determine if travelers from other states qualify.

State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon announced that as the Southern Tier continues to reopen there are a growing number of positions available on the Jobs Express website, at jobs.ny.gov. Currently more than 4,400 jobs are available in a number of different fields from businesses looking to hire immediately.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2020.  The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 15.3% to 14.5% in May, locally, Chenango County reported 8.2% unemployment in May, Delaware County 9.1% & Otsego County 8.5%

The State Department of Labor announced that the state economy added 137,300 Private sector jobs in May to 6.6 Million jobs.  The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 15.3% to 14.5% in May, the number of unemployed New Yorkers decreased by 76,300.

Broome County Health Department announced their Coronavirus numbers Friday, they have 627 total cases, 49 deaths, 535 recoveries, 172 are being monitored by the department, and they have conducted over 17,420 tests.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced a more than $1 million grant for Opportunities for Chenango. The funds are administered through the Department of Health and Human Services, & will be used for the Head Start Program.

Nick Libous is once again running for the Republican Party nomination in the 122nd Assembly District, following the announcement that Cliff Crouch was retiring after 25 years in the Assembly.  Libous Told WCDO News what his priorities are:

(Nick Libous 6-19-20)

Libous faces 3 other Republicans in the June 23rd Primary, James Powers, Vic Furman & Joe Angelino.

State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for April.  The number of private sector jobs in the State was 6,467,600, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 14.5%.  Locally, Chenango County's Unemployment rate was 11.7%, Delaware County 12.4% & Otsego County was 12%.

Otsego County Department of Health announced 2 more positive Coronavirus cases, bringing them to 65 total cases.  Both new cases were asymptomatic both worked in nursing homes outside of Otsego County.  All Nursing home workers are tested for the Coronavirus twice a week in New York State.

The Otsego County Department of Health has learned of a potential exposure to coronavirus at a public venue & they are now seeking to identify and notify individuals who attended a livestock auction at Unadilla Livestock 38 Maple Avenue in Unadilla on Saturday May 16th.   Otsego County Assistant Public Health Director Kim Schlosser told WCDO News that the auction was agricultural and was allowed to be open in Phase 1 of the Reopening:

(Kim Schlosser 5-22-20)

Schlosser said that an individual who lives in another county attended the auction from 1:30-9:30pm has since been confirmed to have COVID 19 & that individual was not wearing a mask.  Anyone who attended the auction, who develops symptoms, should contact their primary care provider, or the COVID Hotline at 547-5555 or the Otsego County Health Department at 547-4316 to get tested, also, if attendees know someone who attended the auction in the Amish community, to inform them of positive test & self-monitor for symptoms of the illness.

The State Health Department announced Friday that they are reporting over 358,000 coronavirus cases, with another 1696 positives discovered Thursday.  109 people died from the virus Thursday , bringing the state death toll to 23,195 since early March.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they were up to 468 positive Coronavirus cases Friday, with 32 deaths, 331 recoveries & 237 are being monitored by the Health Department.  They have conducted just under 9000 tests so far.

Volunteers & donations are requested for the Bainbridge Community Center at 3 Prospect Street.  Officials are looking for monetary donations as well as skilled volunteers for concrete, carpentry, electrical, plumbers, painters, landscapers and laborers, they can email to mgermonddc@yahoo.com.  Monetary donations can be sent by check payable to Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, note Community Center Donation in the memo section, and mail it to P.O. Box 2, Bainbridge, NY 13733.

According to the preliminary results from the U.S. Department of Labor’s business and household surveys for April 2020, the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 1,764,600, or 21.4 percent, to 6,467,600. This was the state’s largest monthly employment drop on record. Just under one-third of the monthly jobs decline occurred in leisure and hospitality, mostly in accommodation and food services.  In April 2020, New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 14.5%, the largest recorded monthly increase since current record keeping began in 1976.

Congressman Antonio Delgado announced the award of nearly $100,000 in federal funding through U.S. Department of Transportation & the Federal Aviation Administration. Delgado announced $69,000 for Columbia County Airport in Hudson and $30,000 for Sidney Municipal Airport in Delaware County.

The State Department of Labor today announced that the backlog of pending unemployment benefit applications has been reduced to 7,580, following the crush of applications since March 1st because of the COVID 19 pandemic. & state shutdown. Lingering unprocessed applications includes those that are missing critical federally mandated information and cannot be processed, as well as duplicates, abandoned claims & those that are being investigated for potential fraud.  So far more than 2 million unemployment benefit applications have been processed, and those New Yorkers have received over $10 billion in benefits.

Officials with the 2020 summer Otsenango PONY League program announced today that they will postpone baseball activities, as they do not foresee high school athletic facilities becoming available for June and July due to mass gathering issues with the Coronavirus pandemic.   This will be the 1st time in over 50 years that they will not have the summer baseball program, they have discussed the possibility of a Fall league that would start the weekend after Labor Day and run for 6 weekends, playing two games on either Saturday or Sunday.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they are now up to 431 cases of the Coronavirus, and they now report 32 deaths from the virus.  245 patients are being monitored by the Health department; they have had 326 recoveries and have conducted over 7500 tests.

Chenango County Public Health updates their COVID 19 numbers today.  They have 118 positive cases, with 4 deaths, 31 Mandatory Quarantines, 3 are currently hospitalized, 85 have Recovered, and they have performed 2032 tests so far.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported their 5th death Tuesday related to coronavirus. The Department has not had a new case to report since April 30th, they have had 62 total confirmed cases, there are no hospitalizations, 57 have recovered, 4 people are quarantined, and 279 people have been released from quarantine.

Governor Cuomo give his daily Coronavirus briefing on long Island Today, he addressed how Memorial day could be conducted across the state:

(Cuomo 5-19-20)

The State Health Department stated today that they are up 352,845 cases so far, with 22,843 deaths.

The Broome County Health Department reported that they are up to 424 Coronavirus cases, with 30 deaths, 314 recoveries, and 283 are being monitored by the Health Department, they have conducted over 7300 tests.

The State Department of Labor today announced that $9.2 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid to New Yorkers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure includes nearly $290 million in back pay that was processed in the last two weeks and which was unlocked through a new, streamlined process that allows New Yorkers to submit Federally mandated weekly certifications they had missed, unlocking previous weeks’ benefits.

The State Department of Health today announced that 2 pieces of the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policy take effect today. The first law prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine vapor products, and the second bans the sale of all tobacco and nicotine vapor products in pharmacies. The law does not include flavorless and tobacco flavored nicotine vapor products.

The Otsego County Department of Health has not had a new COVID 19 case since April 30th, they report having 62 total confirmed cases, 1 is hospitalized, 57 have recovered, there were 4 deaths, 4 people are quarantined, and 279 people have been released from quarantine.

The State Health Department announced that 1,250 new cases of the Coronavirus were discovered Sunday; bring the state to over 351,000 cases.  Hospitalizations from the virus are decreasing to about 6100, another 106 people died Sunday, and the state death toll is at 22,729.

The Broome County Health Department announced 9 new cases of the Coronavirus today, bringing their total to 419; they also had 2 more deaths, bring their death toll to 30.  292 have recovered & 289 are being monitored by the Health Department

The State Health Department is investigating more than 100 cases of the effect of the Coronavirus on children, after 3 children died & several others presented with a different set of symptoms, including blood vessel & Heart inflammation, Governor Cuomo said that they will continue the studies before opening summer camps for children.

(Cuomo Children)

The State Labor Department has put together a new feature in their streamlined unemployment process to get the last group of people who filed for unemployment to finally get their benefits, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa explains:

(DeRosa Unemployment)

The State Health Department announced Sunday that they now have over 350,000 positive Coronavirus cases.  Hospitalizations were down to about 6000 Sunday, the state death toll is 22,619 since March.

Broome County Health Department announced Sunday that they are up to 410 positive Coronavirus tests; they have 292 recoveries, 28 deaths, & 275 patients being monitored by the Health Department.

Governor Cuomo gave his latest Coronavirus briefing today in Watertown, as 12 more upstate counties in the state will have a 1st phase "Re-Open" Friday, along with the Southern Tier, The Mohawk Valley Region & Central New York.  Governor Cuomo said that everyone will be keeping a watchful eye on the progress of the 1st 4 regions upon reopening:

(Cuomo 5-13-20)

The State Labor Department continues to work on getting all of the unemployment & pandemic Unemployment claims paid out as quickly as possible after an unprecedented demand on benefits due to the Pandemic shutdown & the addition of 3000 new employees to help tackle the load, according to Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa:

(DeRosa 5-13-20)

Governor Cuomo said that people can log on daily & see how the re-opening is going with the 7 key criteria at forward.ny.gov/industries-reopening-phase.

The State Health Department reported that there are now over 340,794 Coronavirus cases, with another 2176 testing positive Tuesday, there were 166 more deaths Tuesday, bringing the state death toll to 22,013.

The Otsego County Health Department has not had a new Coronavirus positive test since May 2nd, had a total of 62 positive cases, with 4 deaths, there were no current hospitalizations in Otsego County.

Governor Cuomo today reported that Upstate Counties will be able to re-open more aggressively, when "New York On Pause” ends May 15th:

(Cuomo 5-8-20)

The State Labor Department continues to work on streamlining the online process to apply & receive unemployment & pandemic unemployment claims, that have reached record numbers, Secretary to the Governor Mellissa DeRosa explains:

(Melissa DeRosa 5-8-20)

New York State Health Department has tested over 1.1 million people for the Coronavirus since testing began in Early March, they report 330,000 cases with another 2900 positives Thursday, Hospitalizations continue to decline, with just under 8200 people being treated for the virus.  216 people died on Thursday, the state death total is now 21,045.

New York State Health Department now confirms about 327,469 Coronavirus positive tests Thursday, Hospitalizations have decreased sharply down to 8600; the state death toll is 20,828.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced changes to the solid waste department schedules effective May 12th.  The Brisben and North Norwich Transfer Facilities will both be Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8AM to 4PM for residents only; the Landfill in the Town of Pharsalia will remain Open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM to Residents and Haulers.  Saturday the landfill will be open from 8AM to 4PM for residential bagged garbage only, also they will be collecting clean items for recycling at all 3 facilities.  More information is available at 337-1792

Broome County Health Department announced that they have 357 confirmed Coronavirus cases, they are up to 23 deaths, 231 recoveries, and 185 are being monitored by the Health Department.

New York State Empire State Development has updated their guidance on automotive sales, to allow for in-person showing of vehicles, by appointment only.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026.

The State Department of Labor announced that over $5.8 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid to 1.5 million New Yorkers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they also identified over 470,000 New Yorkers who have completed claims, but did not receive some of their benefits in previous weeks because they did not submit weekly certifications, which are required by Federal law.  The Labor Department is launching a new, streamlined process to submit backdated certifications and get their back pay faster and easier.

New York State has now tested over 1 million people for the Coronavirus, according to the State Health Department, they now confirm 318, 953 positive tests, over 9600 current hospitalizations, and another 226 people died Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 19,415.

Governor Cuomo held his latest Coronavirus briefing in Rochester this morning; he discussed the different phases of opening for businesses which is likely to begin May 15th:

(Cuomo 5-4-20)

The Governor Stated that the CDC Guideline dictate that a state needs to have 14 straight days of a decline in new Hospitalizations from this or any pandemic, the state has had only 3 days straight of that decline.  Meanwhile, The State Labor department has identified some of the problem with those who claim that they have not received an unemployment check after filing an application, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa explains:

(Melissa DeRosa 5-4-20)

DeRosa said that the Department of Labor will regularly send emails informing New Yorkers when they are able to begin certifying and receiving their benefits.

Broome County released their latest Coronavirus numbers this afternoon, they now report 333 positive cases, 22 deaths, 184 are being monitored by the Health department, 206 have recovered.

The Otsego County Health Department announced today that they have no new cases of the Coronavirus to report.  They have 62 confirmed cases, 1 person is hospitalized, 57 have recovered, there have been 4 deaths, and 25 people are quarantined.

Otsego County Health department reported that a bat has tested positive for rabies Friday in Oneonta.  The bat was found in a room where 4 people were sleeping, the people were started on post exposure treatment, and more information about rabies is available at 547-4230.