WCDO Radio News

The State Labor Department released their latest unemployment statistics for the month of November. The statewide unemployment rate went up .1% to 4.3 % in November, Chenango County had 3.5% unemployment, Delaware County 3.9% & Otsego County had 3.7% in November.

The State Labor Department announced that the number of private sector jobs increased slightly in November, to 8.26 million. The state's unemployment rate increased from 4.2% in October to 4.3% in November , the statewide labor force participation rate increased to 61.7%.

Delaware County Sheriff's office arrested 60 year-old John Necci of Portlandville after deputies conducted a traffic-stop for Speeding Sunday on State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport. Necci was traveling at about 80 miles per hour in a posted 55 mile per hour zone, Deputies stopped Necci, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and Speeding, he was released and directed to appear in the Davenport Town Court on a later date to answer those charges.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-21-23

32 year old Kyle Oakley of South Kortright pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Burglary in Delaware County Court. Oakley was charged following an investigation of forced entry into a seasonal residence during March of 2022. A Deputy responded to the crime scene on March 8, 2022, after the homeowner reported damage to his front door, the Deputy recovered a sweatshirt which was sent to the State Police Crime Lab for DNA extraction, Oakley was subsequently arrested by the Sheriff’s Department. Oakley was sentenced to a 5-year term of felony probation supervision, he was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution to the homeowner, if he violates probation supervision, he faces a possible resentencing of up to 2 and 1/3 to 7 years in state prison.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for October. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in September to 4.2% in October , locally, Chenango County had 3.2%, Delaware County 3.7% and Otsego County 3.4% in October.

The House Ethics panel says it has found "substantial evidence" of lawbreaking by Congressman George Santos, and has referred its findings to the Justice Department. The committee said Thursday that Santos' conduct warrants public condemnation, is beneath the dignity of the office, and has brought severe discredit upon the House. Santos has maintained his innocence and refused to resign despite calls from many of his colleagues to do so. Santos is accused of knowingly making his campaign committee file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission, among other misdeeds.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 10,300, or 0.1%, to 8,252,000 in October. The State's unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in September to 4.2% in October, while the State's labor force decreased by 1,900, the statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.6%.

Otsego County Correctional Facility is seeking full-time Correction Officers. Applicants are encouraged To apply, as long as they have a High School Graduation or a GED, a New York State Driver's License, they must pass a background investigation and psychological test will be required following conditional offer of appointment. To Obtain an application for employment or to view additional vacancies visit otsegocounty.com/departments/personnel

A.M. NEWS Thursday 11-16-23

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident on the I-88 West / I-81 South overpass in the Town of Chenango yesterday morning involving 6 different vehicles. The investigation found that a pickup truck was traveling westbound on the I-88 overpass when the vehicle hit a patch of ice and flipped onto its hood. The 2nd vehicle behind the truck was able to stop before a collision could occur, but the next four vehicles all hit the ice, were unable to stop and collided with the vehicle two and each other. The accident led to the closure of I-88 westbound near Exit 2 for several hours for cleanup. 2 of the drivers were transported to Wilson and Lourdes hospital respectively for minor injuries. The ice was caused by a parked construction site water truck that was leaking water onto the highway. No charges have been filed at this time.

The Chenango County Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for uninsured and under-insured individuals through the Bridge Access Program. This COVID-19 vaccine clinic is for 18 years of age and older, it will be held today & tomorrow from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm at 5 Court Street Norwich. Appointments can be made at 607-337-1660.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office is looking to hire full time Public Safety Dispatchers. Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED, and New York State Driver's License & no Felony Convictions, more information is available on the Chenango County Sheriff's Website.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-13-23

State Senator Peter Oberacker announced that Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Cetta of Walton, who served with both the United States Marine Corps and the New York Army National Guard is the 2023 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame from the 51st Senate District. Cetta currently serves as the Walton Town Supervisor and is a firefighter with the Walton Fire Department. Cetta’s military career spanned nearly four decades.

Congressman Marc Molinaro announced over $1.5 million in federal funding will be delivered to law enforcement agencies in his 19th Congressional District, as departments across Upstate New York are struggling to cover a growing law enforcement labor shortage. Locally, the Broome County Sheriff's Office will receive $500,000 to hire 4 new deputies, the Binghamton Police Department: $250,000 to hire a new officer, & the Norwich Police Department will receive $125,000 to hire a new officer.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-24-23

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September 2023. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.9% in August to 4.0% in September, locally Chenango County reported 2.9% unemployment, Delaware County 3.4% & Otsego County had 3.0% in September.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 7,500 to 8,261,800 in September. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.9% in August to 4.0% in September, the statewide labor force participation rate increased slightly to 61.6% in September 2023, matching its highest level in a decade.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-20-23

31 year old Derek Wignall of Hancock was sentenced to a 5 year period of probation supervision for the crime of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree. On May 31st, Wignall violated an Order of Protection by contacting the protected party while incarcerated on an unrelated matter, Wignall was placed back into custody following the violation of the Order of Protection. Wignall pleaded guilty to the charge he was sentenced to a five-year period of probation supervision and 180 days of Electronic Monitoring both to be supervised by the Delaware County Probation Department.

Norwich City School District Superintendent Scott Ryan announced that This morning at 10:13 am, the lock-down system was activated the Middle School and High School campus. This activation was not planned. Our safety team followed all of the procedures and protocols. Each building on the MS/HS campus has been declared safe and free of threat by the Norwich Police Department and our safety team. At 11:30 a.m. the campus was restored to full activity.

Delaware County Clean Sweep will be held this Friday & Saturday for those who have registered to participate, Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson Robb explains:

(Tyson Robb 9-20-23)

Robb said that on Friday, businesses & Municipalities will bring their items from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, then farmers will bring their materials from 12:15 to 2:00 PM, household will participate from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Saturday.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that a bat has tested positive for rabies in Burlington Flats today. There was 1 human exposure, that person is undergoing post exposure vaccinations. More information about rabies is available at 547-4230 or on the Health Department page at otsegocounty.com.

A.M. NEWS 9-20-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla was sentenced to a 5-year term of probation supervision for 4th degree Arson in Delaware County Court. On June 4th, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney, Troopers discovered beer bottles, some with gasoline, the victim told Troopers that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. Investigators obtained DNA Swabs from Harris, Harris's DNA was on the bottles, he was arrested & Harris pled guilty to Arson. Harris was directed to immediately report to the Delaware County Department of Probation.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local unemployment rates for August, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in August 2023. Locally Chenango County had 3.2% unemployment, Delaware County 3.8% and Otsego County 3.6% in August.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 4,900, to 8,252,700 in August. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in August, New York's labor force participation rate increased to 61.5% in August, highest level since 2013.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-14-23

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Monday to a 911 call of a pedestrian-train accident in the Town of Union. The pedestrian, 33 year old Joey Rosa of Endwell was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives found that Rosa had been known to frequent the area and was on the tracks as the train approached. The conductor of the train attempted to signal multiple times to get Rosa’s attention, but Rosa did not move off the tracks. The engineer was unable to stop the train, and at Rosa was struck and killed. Investigators have ruled the incident an accident.

The State Department of Labor released the results of its 2023 Workforce Development Survey, and workers continue to say that flexibility in their job is the number one priority, while attracting new employees and retaining current workers remain the top challenges for businesses. The annual survey started in 2021 as an effort to understand the needs of both workers seeking employment and employers in a post-pandemic economy, with responses from over 2,400 businesses and 8,200 individuals, The report can be found at dol.ny.gov.

The Otsego County Health Department, Sheriff's Office & The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee will hold a Child car Seat Safety check event today at the AAA office on State Highway 28 in Oneonta. The clinic will run from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, More information is available at 607-547-4230.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-29-23

Delaware County 911 received call Sunday from the operator of tractor trailer stating that he had traveled off the roadway and had rolled over on State Highway 23 in the Town of Kortright. Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the scene along with members of the Davenport Fire Department, Stamford Fire Department, Bovina Fire Department, Headwaters EMS and NYS DEC Spill Response team. 61 year old Michael Rowe of Sidney was taken to Fox Hospital for minor injuries and was released. The investigation into the crash is continuing and tickets are pending.

The State Department of Labor announced a new service to help businesses find skilled job candidates, at no cost. The platform also enables employers to post jobs, communicate directly with job candidates, Employers can start by visiting dol.ny.gov/virtual-career-center.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 8-29-23

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 51 year old Kim Kraemer of Margaretville for driving while ability is impaired by the use of drugs and alcohol, and aggravated unlicensed operator, following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Deputies observed the vehicle driving erratically, they discovered that Kraemer’s driving privileges were revoked for a prior DWI conviction. Kraemer was subsequently released on traffic summons and directed to appear at the Town of Delhi court at a later date to answer for the charge.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of a 4-year labor agreement with the United University Professions, which includes over 37,000 SUNY system faculty and professional employees. The agreement runs until July 1, 2026, it won the approval of 96.4% union members who cast ballots.

A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Unadilla from 12 pm. - 5 pm. at the Unadilla Fire Department, 77 Clifton St, Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

FEMA Officials announced that the Oxford Fire Department will receive over $95,000 in the latest round of firefighter safety grants. The Grant will allow the Oxford Fire Department to increase training, purchase equipment and protective gear & increase recruitment efforts.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for July 2023. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in July, locally, Chenango County had 2.9% unemployment, Delaware County 3.7% & Otsego County 3.3% in July.

The Sidney Police Department arrested 49 year old Brian Kingsbury of Sidney for bail jumping, fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, resisting arrest and a bench warrant from the Village of Sidney Court for failing to appear. Kingsbury will face action in Sidney Court on the charges shortly.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in the State increased over the month by 6,300, to 8,247,200 in July. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in July, the State's labor force participation rate increased from 61.2% to 61.4% in July 2023, its highest level since October 2013.

The State Department of Health announced updates to the State Physician Profile website. The updates are designed to provide the public with an improved user experience when researching doctors who are licensed to practice medicine in New York State or when filing a complaint against a physician. More information is available at health.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-17-23

Hartwick College President Darren Reisberg and SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle announced the One-Hart Nursing Collaboration between the 2 institutions. This partnership allows SUNY Oneonta Pre-Nursing students to transfer into Hartwick's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program after they complete their first 2 years at SUNY Oneonta. Hartwick President Darren Reisberg commented at a press conference Wednesday:

(Darren Reisberg 8-17-23)

SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle also commented Wednesday:

(Alberto Cardelle 8-17-23)

One-Hart program students begin their phase at Hartwick in the summer immediately following year 2 at SUNY Oneonta. One-Hart is open to SUNY Oneonta students who are first-time, matriculated first-year or transfer students who enter with fewer than 24 college credits, the students may also be eligible for Hartwick’s HartLand Promise initiative, which offers a tuition cost comparable to a 4-year public college or university.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office reminds those interested in joining the Department, that the deadline is tomorrow to submit an application, mail in applications can be postmarked no later than August 11th. To obtain an application for OR to apply online or view additional vacancies or examinations go to otsegocounty.com, a fee of $25.00 is required for each separately numbered examination for which you apply. Examinations will be held on September 9th.

The State Department of Labor announced that its Division of Worker Protection investigators have recovered and returned over $11.7 million in stolen wages to 12,000 affected workers since January 1, putting the Department on track to recover $20 million in stolen wages this year. Over the past decade, they have recovered and dispersed more than $360 million in stolen wages, identified over a million misclassified workers, and assessed over $400 million owed in unemployment insurance contributions through both criminal cases and civil enforcement.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-10-23

State Police announced that 15 year old Emily Clapper, who was reported missing recently, from the town of Winfield, has been located. Utica Police found Clapper & reported her in good health.

The Otsego County Health Department announced a car seat safety check today, at the Cooperstown Grand Union from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. More information is available at 547-4230.

Federal funding will be going to the Chenango Health Network, they will receive $60,000 to help the organization to further its comprehensive approach to substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment. The Money is coming from the US Department of Heath & Human Services.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for June. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in June, locally Chenango County had 2.8% unemployment, Delaware County had 3.6% and Otsego County had 3.3% in June.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs increased over the month by 15,000, or 0.2%, to 8,260,000 in June. The State's unemployment rate held constant at 3.9% in June, the labor force participation rate increased to 61.2%.

State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that traffic along a portion of State Route 80, approximately four miles north of the Village of Cooperstown will be reduced to one lane with alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals until further notice. The road sustained heavy damage from last weekend's storms. Crews hope to have the situation repaired before this weekend's influx of travelers to Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame Induction weekend.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for May. The State's unemployment rate dropped .1% to 3.9% in May, Locally, Chenango County's rate was 2.7%, Delaware County was at 3.1% and Otsego County 2.9% in May.

Delhi Telephone, or DTC, announced that they will be holding a Meet & Greet with Walton residents on Saturday July 15th at the Walton Fire Department from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. DTC will donate $25.00 to the Walton Fire Department for every installation that Walton Residents sign up for at the event. DTC is currently installing infrastructure in the village of Walton for their High Speed Internet services.

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs increased over the month by 31,100, or 0.4%, to 8,25 Million in May. The State's unemployment rate decreased from 4.0% in April to 3.9% in May 2023, the labor force participation rate increased from 60.8% to 61.0% in May.

The Norwich City Police Department is seeking help in identifying an individual who committed a gunpoint Robbery of Holt’s Hemp Emporium at 20 South Broad Street in Norwich this afternoon at approximately 1:10 pm. The suspect is described as a black male, 6’01, wearing light tan camouflage pants, a blue hoodie, and a black helmet with a black backpack, he displayed a handgun and left with stolen cash, he was last seen driving a red and white Yamaha racing motorcycle and on State Route 12, anyone with information is asked to contact Norwich City Police at 607-334-2424.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April. The State's area unemployment decreased 1/10th to 4.0% in April, Chenango County had 2.5% unemployment in April, Delaware County had 2.9% & Otsego County had 2.8%.

The State Labor Department announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 25,700, or 0.3%, to 8.22 Million in April. New York State's unemployment rate decreased from 4.1% in March to 4.0% in April, the labor force participation rate increased 1/10th to 60.8% in April.

The State Labor Department released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.2% in February to 4.1% in March. Locally, Chenango County had 3.5%, Delaware County 3.9% and Otsego County 3.8% unemploment in March.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-28-23

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for February 2023. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment held constant at 4.2% in February 2023. Locally, Chenango County had 4.1% unemployment, Delaware County had 4.5% and Otsego County 4.4% unemployment in February.

The twice Annual "Coffee with the Chiefs" event will be held in Norwich on Saturday April 15th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Norwich McDonald's in Norwich. Norwich residents will have the change to talk to new Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach and City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino,

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-28-23

Walton fire fighters responded to 14 Tripp Avenue in Walton last Wednesday for a shed and a garage fire that spread to a nearby house. Firefighters arrived to the scene, 2 occupants had escaped the fire, 2 neighboring homes were evacuated, The shed and garage were destroyed, home suffered significant damage on the second floor, 1 firefighter suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene. Walton was assisted by Delhi and Trout Creek Fire Departments, Sidney Fire Department’s FAST team. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The State Labor Department announced private sector jobs in the state increased over the month by 21,200, or 0.3%, to 8,233,700 in February. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held constant at 4.2% in February 2023. The State's labor force increased by 14,500. & the labor force participation rate increased slightly to 60.6% in February.

The Delaware County District Attorney's office announced that 50 year old Kristopher Surdis of Kingston, appeared in Delaware County Court on March 20, 2023 and pleaded guilty to one count of Falsely Reporting an Incident. Surdis was arrested by the Colchester Police Department for allegedly calling the Downsville Country Store and reporting a bomb threat. After being arraigned on a Superior Court Information, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time already served in jail and also imposed a 3-year Conditional Discharge, which requires Surdis undergo a mental health evaluation, and comply with any treatment recommendations for the next three years, if he violates the terms, he could be re-sentenced to a term of 7 years in jail.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January 2023. New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment increased from 4.1% to 4.2% in January 2023. Locally Chenango County had 4.3% unemployment, Delaware County 5.1% and Otsego County also had 5.1% in January.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-14-23

Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency, State Police are urging New Yorkers to avoid any unnecessary travel. High winds, rapidly falling heavy snow, and whiteout conditions, will make travel extremely dangerous.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested a juvenile following an incident Monday that occurred in an Otsego County school. The investigation revealed that the juvenile subjected another student to unwanted physical contact in a bathroom at the school. Due to their age, the defendant was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Otsego County Probation Department. The unidentified student was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, Obstruction of Breathing & Forcible Touching

The State Department of Labor announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 23,600, or 0.3%, to 8,238,000 in January. New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 4.2% in January, the State's labor force participation rate increased slightly to 60.5% in January.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 2-22-23

The State Department of Labor announced the adoption of the final farm labor overtime regulations, the phased-in, gradual reduction in the overtime pay threshold will begin on January 1, 2024, with the threshold set at 56 hours. The process will continue with the overtime threshold limit reducing by 4 hours every other year until reaching 40 hours in 2032. More information is available at dol.ny.gov/farm-laborers-wage-board.

Governor Kathy Hochul appeared in Johnson City this morning, she outlined some of the executive Budget Proposal Items that are aimed at helping the Southern Tier:

(Governor Hochul 2-22-23)

Governor Hochul discussed $1.4 billion in School Aid for the Southern Tier, Over $151 million in DOT capital projects, $50 million for Binghamton University to continue establishing a hub for battery technology innovation, Over $23 million for local paving and pothole repairs, $963,000 for Broome Community College, $16 million for addiction services funding, the 227 Billion Dollar Budget proposal is being negotiated & is due on April 1st.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-22-23

The New York State Department of Health today issued the results of its latest annual chronic disease public opinion survey. According to the survey, 88% think heroin use is a serious public health problem, 90% site the use or misuse of prescription opioids, 92% said childhood obesity, 85% think tobacco use continues to be a major problem, 80% reported issues with health care access, 77% said alcohol consumption & 46% think marijuana are other serious health problems.

The Downsville Fire Department is hosting a Red Cross blood drive today at their location on State Route 30 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Appointments can be made at 1-800 RED CROSS, redcrossblood.org or with the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-21-23

Fundraisers are underway with more to come, to help the family of Anielle "AK" McEwan Lomnicki with Medical Expenses associated with AK getting hit by a car while walking home from school last week. AK's father, Rich Lomnicki told WCDO news this morning how she was doing:

(Rich Lomnicki 2-21-23)

Kim Ayres of the Trinity O'Connor Foundation is helping to coordinate the fundraising efforts for AK's Family, she said that the Polar Bear Club donated a sizable amount at Saturday Night's Vigil at Keith Clark Park, which drew over 400 people, She told WCDO News about other efforts getting underway:

(Kim Ayres 2-21-23)

Ayres said that JM Trophies & Specialty Gifts will be making up T-Shirts & donating proceeds, plus Shupperd's Tack Shop is printing up signs "AK Strong", all proceeds from that will go to the family, information is available at Shupperd's Facebook page, also Gavin's Pizza is collaborating with local restaurants, On Friday, The Beez Kneez will be donating 10% of all sales & on Saturday, Gavin’s, Machos Tacos, Tina’s Old Fashioned Donuts, Sidney Joe’s Pizzeria, Trackside Dining, Club 55 Restaurant will be donating 10% of all sales to AK and her family.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced that they will be offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for all new Corrections Officers hired as lateral transfers. Sheriff Akshar stated that they were down by about 40 full time positions in the Corrections Department, Eligibility for this bonus is open to certified Corrections Officers currently employed at local correctional facilities across New York State. Under the new incentive, qualified lateral transfers will receive an extra $2,500 in their first paycheck with the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility, plus other incentives, The incentive was approved by the Broome County Legislature on February 16th.

The State Department of Labor reminds New Yorkers that a new law is in effect that reiterates the State’s commitment to protecting workers who take legally protected absences from work. The law clarifies that it is illegal for employers to threaten, penalize, discriminate, or retaliate against employees for using absences protected under federal, state, or local law, including time off covered by New York State Paid Family Leave and New York State Paid Sick Leave. More information is available at dol.ny.gov/retaliation.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-21-23

The Norwich City Police Department is investigating an assault on 1 of their officer on Monday at 8:47 p.m. at the Stewart's Shop on State Route 23 in the Town of Norwich. The suspect driver is a White Male wearing a baseball cap, with a black Puma Hoody, dark pants and was seen driving a white Chevy sedan with out of state plates, traveling east on Route 23 toward South New Berlin. The passenger with the suspect was Jesse Dann. Anyone with information should call the Police Department at 607-334-1212.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for December 2022. The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment held constant at 4.3% in December, Locally, Chenango County had 3% Unemployment, Delaware County 3.3% and Otsego County 3.2%.

The State Department of Public Service and the DPS Consumer Advocate, will hold a virtual public forum on Tuesday, January 31, and in-person public forums, including one on Wednesday, February 8th In the Binghamton State Office Building at 44 Hawley Street from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM to receive public comments regarding NYSEG. The forums have been set up after multiple complaints of spikes in billing by NYSEG & sister Company Rochester gas & Electric last year, and the inability to reach the companies’ customer service representatives by telephone without substantial delay. Public comments can also be made at the DPS’ toll-free line at 1-800-335-2120.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Friday to a 911 call for a 1 car motor vehicle accident on County Highway 44 in the Town of Sidney. The driver was identified as Amber Astrologo, who had a suspended driver’s license due to insurance not in effect. Deputies subsequently arrested Astrologo for Aggravated Unlicensed Operator and Speed not Reasonable and Prudent. Astrologo was then directed to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date to answer for said charges.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 1-24-23

The New York State Department of Health’s Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows that the number of flu cases declined 50 percent from 14,656 to 7,373 for the week ending January 14th, the virus remains widespread across the State for the 15th consecutive week. The Department also announced two additional pediatric deaths in New York, bringing the total to eight so far this season. The Department's report, shows a total of 300,907 influenza cases reported to date in New York.

The State Labor Department announced that the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 22,100, to 8,105,700 in December. The State unemployment rate held at 4.3% in December, the Labor Participation rate was at 60.5%

The State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control will begin new outreach efforts to help protect New York's firefighters and their families from the threat of cancer. This new initiative coincides with January's Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness among the fire service on how to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention, and to support those who've already received a cancer diagnosis within their fire departments.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office announced that the City of Binghamton Police Department responded to a disturbance call at 21 Munsell Street. Police found Kiana Montanez at the residence and was arrested. Broome County Sheriff's Office announced last week that they were looking for Montanez on a warrant from January 11th.

The State Department of Health officials are exploring their options following a state Supreme Court judge striking down a mandate requiring health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Judge Gerard Neri ruled that the governor and the health department overstepped their authority by mandating a vaccine not included in state public health laws. The judge sided with a group known as "the Medical Professionals for Informed Consent".

The Department of Labor will be holding the Southern Tier Regional Virtual Job Fair on Thursday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Preview day is today. Registration for job-seekers is available at nysdolvirtual3.easyvirtualfair.com. There are 2,400 job openings.