WCDO Radio News

The Otsego County Health Department Reported 116 new COVID 19 cases Wednesday, they reported 299 active cases, 11 hospitalized and a positivity rate of 8.2% over the previous 7 days.  COVID Vaccines are available in Milford; appointments can be made at appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive today at the A.O. Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus Lab between 1:30 PM and 6:30PM in the Conference Room N-112. Another Blood drive will be held in Cooperstown from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, 140 County Highway 33W, Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RedCross.

Delaware County Public Health reported 117 new COVID cases for Tuesday & Wednesday, with a positivity rate still at 9.5%.  They have 272 active cases, 10 hospitalized & 336 quarantined, there have been 85 deaths from the virus in Delaware County.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-27-21

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated & complete the entire series as quickly as possible, as the omicron variant spreads quickly & hospitalizations continue to increase:

(Governor Hochul 12-27-21)

The latest vaccine information is available at Vaccines.gov.

New York’s ban on single-use Styrofoam food and beverage containers, as well as ‘packing peanuts,’ takes effect Saturday. The new law allows a civil penalty of up to $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second in the same calendar year, and $1000 for the third and subsequent violations in the same calendar year.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-27-21

State Police have identified the Trooper who fired his issued firearm Last Wednesday in Unadilla as Trooper Justin Miller, who has been a trooper since 2016. Trooper Miller responded on December 22 to a domestic dispute in Unadilla, he was confronted by Mark Beilby who was armed with a knife inside the home. Beilby did not comply with Trooper Miller’s repeated commands to drop the knife and advanced at the trooper, Trooper Miller discharged his firearm, striking Beilby, and then administered first aid, Beilby was first takn to AO Fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus in Sidney & then to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was pronounced deceased. The State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident.

The State Health Department tested over 650,000 people Friday & Saturday combined, with about 85,000 new positives, for a positivity rate of 14.1%. Patients Hospitalizations were close to 4900, patients in an ICU dropped slightly to 880, the number on ventilators went up by 6 to 501. The State reports over 60,700 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Vaccine Locations can be found at vaccines.gov.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and Cobleskill Regional Hospital have been placed on a state-wide list of facilities that currently have occupancies of 90% or more; A.O. Fox Hospital and Little Falls Hospital remain on that list. Those impacted facilities are also limiting non-essential elective procedures in accordance with an executive order enacted by the New York State Department of Health on December 3rd. Capacities at affected hospitals are being reassessed every 2 weeks. With rising cases of COVID-19 in the region, Bassett Healthcare Network will suspend visitation for the safety of patients and staff in all emergency departments across its network starting Wednesday.

Chenango County Health Department reports the continued increase in the number of COVID 19 cases in the county. The county has 301 active cases with 2/3rds unvaccinated, 523 are quarantined, 13 are hospitalized, all are unvaccinated, and there have been 92 COVID related deaths since the start of the pandemic. Information about vaccine clinics are available at co.chenango.ny.us.

The State Health Department tested over 258,000, with 23,391 testing positive, for a Positivity rate of 9.04%. Patient Hospitalization are up to 4,020, with 769 in an ICU bed, and Patients on ventilators is up to 451, New deaths reported by healthcare facilities was 60 on Sunday.

Delaware County Public Health reported 77 new cases of COVID 19 Saturday through Monday, there are 263 active cases, 4 hospitalized & 533 in quarantine.

Visitation is suspended at Otsego County Correctional Facility until further notice due to the increase in COVID cases in the area, according to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. Otsego County Health Department reported 21 new cases Monday, there are 320 active COVID-19 cases, 12 people are hospitalized & there were 2 new deaths reported.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that the statewide Mask Mandate will be re-instituted; masks will be required in all indoor public places. The Governor stated that an exception to the mask rule will be if a business or venue has a vaccine requirement. The State Health Department reported that the COVID positivity rate is back over 5% state wide, Hospitalization are well over 3000, the number in ICU Beds & on ventilators has increased at a lower rate than earlier in the year, due to a high rate of vaccinations.

Operation Merry Christmas will have their annual giveaway day tomorrow in Sidney, Program Spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 12-10-21)

The event will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus on Pearl Street in Sidney.

Otsego County Sheriff's department arrested a County inmate Wednesday for assaulting a Corrections Officer and fleeing from custody during a Court appearance in the Town of New Lisbon yesterday afternoon. 27 year old John Clark was charged with Assault on Police Officer, 2nd degree Escape, 3rd degree Assault, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest & Harassment. Otsego County corrections officers were transporting Clark to a regularly scheduled court appearance when he fled from the custody of the corrections officers, a foot pursuit was initiated and a corrections officer attempted to take the defendant back in to custody. During a brief struggle, Clark caused the correction officer to sustain a hand fracture. Clark was returned back to the Otsego County Correctional Facility and will be processed at Otsego County Centralized Arraignment at a later time. The corrections officer was treated at Bassett Hospital and a return to work has not been established.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that in accordance with an executive order enacted by the New York State Department of Health on December 3, 2 of their hospitals; A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta & Little Falls Hospital, have been placed on a state-wide list of facilities that currently have occupancies of 90% or more. These facilities will limit non-essential elective procedures for the next 2 weeks.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-8-21

Chenango County Health Department confirmed their 92nd Resident death attributed to COVID-19 infection. Chenango County reports 321 active cases, 25% of them are fully vaccinated, there are 710 quarantined, 8 hospitalized. Links to Vaccination clinics are available at co.chenango.ny.us or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

In light of the emergence of the Omicron variant in New York State, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced her bipartisan COVID-19 and Pandemic Response Centers of Excellence Act, to prepare for all Hospitals for health emergencies in the near and distant future.

(Gillibrand 12-8-21)

Senator Gillibrand said that Academic medical centers are already at the epicenter of integrating research, clinical operations, vaccine development, and education, and are uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between government and public health programs in rural & urban areas.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-8-21

The State Health Department reported 2 more Omicron variant cases Tuesday, in Broome and Westchester Counties. Over 149,000 were tested for COVID with 8210 positives, for a positivity rate of 5.5%, Patient Hospitalization continue to sharply increase, they are up to 3,401, with 631 Patients in an ICU and 352 on ventilators, there were 52 deaths from COVID in hospitals & Nursing Homes Tuesday.

The American Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. Blood donations are desperately needed now to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. A blood drive is being held today in Oneonta from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at AO Fox Memorial Hospital Levine Center, at One Norton Avenue, Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or at 1-800 Red Cross.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-6-21

2 Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies suffered minor injuries late Saturday night, as they were answering a call in a patrol car when they were hit by another vehicle at East Main Street and North Broad Street in Norwich. 19 year old Seth Wessels was the driver of the pickup truck that struck the Deputies patrol vehicle, he was found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident, he was charged with DWI by Norwich City Police, who responded to the accident. 1 of the deputies returned to work after being treated at Chenango Memorial Hospital, the other suffered a wrist injury & is expected to miss some time. the investigation is opngoing, Wessels will appear in Norwich City court at a later date.

Chenango County Health Department continues to urge County residents to get vaccinated, as they are experiencing a surge again in COVID 19 cases, Spokesman Isaiah Sutton told WCDO News that research shows that naturally immunity after having COVID once, has minimal effect in getting COVID a 2nd time:

(Isaiah Sutton 12-6-21)

Chenango County Residents can register to get vaccinated by going to the co.chenango.ny.us, The County reported 280 active cases, with 23% of those vaccinated, and they have 9 people hospitalized & 622 quarantined.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that members of the Sheriff’s Office recently completed a fundraiser in participation of “No-Shave November” and awarded donations to 2 local Delaware County agencies. Officers raised $1,000, which was divided evenly between the Delaware County Veterans Service Agency and Delaware Opportunities-Safe Against Violence program.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-6-21

Governor Kathy Hochul reported 3 more cases of omicron variant of COVID in New York State. Positivity rates, the number hospitalized is over 3200, & the number in ICU Beds & on Ventilators continues to increase, more information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-variant-data

Delaware County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID test positivity rates. Testing on Thursday & Friday showed a rate of 16.67%, with 103 new cases, 23 hospitalized, 340 active cases and 403 quarantined. 53.4% of Delaware County Residents are fully vaccinated.

The Attorney General's Office has determined the police actions in the fatal shooting of an Oneonta man in April were justified to prevent the death of a child. Tyler Green was fatally shot during a confrontation with Oneonta police on April 6th, after Green made violent threats against his partner, who was visiting his house with their nearly-2-year-old child. Oneonta Police officers saw Green pull a knife and threatened to kill her, he cut his partner’s leg and swung the knife at 1 of the officers & grabbed his son by the leg & swung the knife at the child, when Sergeant Ralph Pajerski, fired 2 shots striking Green in the back. Green was transported to Fox Hospital and was later pronounced dead.

State Police & Emergency Crews responded to a 2 Vehicle Head on Crash near the intersection of State Routes 7 & 8 Friday morning. State Police reported that the crash occurred when 22-year-old Kenneth Button of Plymouth, lost control of his vehicle stuck a minivan, driven by a 31-year-old James Glover of Norwich, Glover's mini van overturned & he was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital's Tri-Town Campus for treatment.

The Unadilla Historical Association & the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their Santa Saturday & Holiday Magic Parade on December 4th, Spokesperson Linda Bickos told WCDO what is scheduled:

(Linda Bickos 11-15-21)

More Information is available at the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 11-15-21

New York State's COVID 19 numbers have been trending back up over the last week, after Test Results were reported Saturday. Over 156,000 were tested with 5078 testing positive, for a 3.25% positivity rate. Patient Hospitalization are back up over 1900, patients in an ICU bed was just under 400, and those on ventilators were back up to 216, there were 29 deaths in hospitals & nursing homes Saturday from COVID.

Delaware County Public Health added 54 more COVID 19 cases Thursday & Friday, with a positivity rate of 8.5%. They reported 248 active cases, 13 hospitalized, 354 quarantined. Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 Pfizer 5-11 year old vaccination clinic on Saturday November 20th at the DCMO BOCES- Harrold Campus from 10AM-1PM. ALL children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, to register go to apps2.health.ny.gov. J&J vaccine will be available for walk-ins over the age of 18. For more information call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

State Police & local Emergency Crews responded to a 2 Vehicle Head on Collision near the intersection of State Routes 7 & 8 this morning, shortly before 8:00 AM. State Police reported that the crash occurred when a 22-year-old male from Plymouth, lost control of his vehicle stuck a minivan, driven by a 31-year-old male of Norwich, the mini van was overturned in the accident & the driver was transported to AO Fox Hospital's Tri-Town Campus for treatment. The investigation is continuing.

State Police were dispatched to a 1-vehicle rollover on Route 7B in the town of Fenton last night. Troopers located the driver, 40 year old Billy Knickerbocker of Kirkwood, with serious injuries; he was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for treatment. Knickerbocker was charged with Driving While Intoxicated & was issued appearance tickets to the Fenton Town Court on December 2nd.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will be hosting a vaccination clinic for eligible individuals looking to receive a booster or third dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The clinic will be held from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday, in UHS Cardiology Norwich, located on the hospital’s 1st floor, for more information on vaccine availability in the Southern Tier, visit SouthernTierVax.org.

Operation Merry Christmas has placed more of their Christmas Trees in Area businesses, where people can take a tag off of the tree and return with the item requested on the tag. Program Spokesperson Dorene Ireland said that last year was one of the busiest years in the program's history:

(Dorene Ireland 11-9-21)

Ireland said that the give away day will be on Saturday December 11th starting at 9:00 AM at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town campus on Pearl Street in Sidney, more information is available on the Opreation Merry Christmas Facebook page.

A.M. News TUESDAY 11-9-21

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, former Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, and others will be unveiling the newly-named "Colchester Veterans Memorial Bridge" today at 1:00 PM. The ceremony will be held at the James S. Moore Post 167, 4466 River Road in Downsville in the parking lot. Legislation was passed last year by Crouch in honor of the fallen veterans who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Delaware County Public Health reported another death from COVID 19 in their latest report, covering Saturday through Monday, they have had 65 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Delaware County had 76 new cases, for a positivity rate of 6.8.%, they increased to 196 active cases, 12 hospitalized and 220 quarantined.

Sidney Police responded Sunday to a report of a physical altercation involving a weapon in the Fox Street & Circle Drive. Police arrested 35 year old Anthony Albro of Sidney for Menacing & Harrassment, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where & was released to appear in court at a later date.

Bassett’s O’Connor Hospital in Delhi will be holding their annual Community Flu Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, for all members of the community 6 years old and older. Appointments are required at 746-0525, the clinic will be held at O’Connor Hospital’s specialty clinic at 460 Andes Road Delhi, More information is available at 547-7973.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will be hosting 2 upcoming vaccination clinics for eligible individuals looking to receive a booster or 3rd dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both this Saturday, and on Saturday, November 13 in UHS Cardiology Norwich, on the hospital’s first floor. For more information on vaccine availability in the Southern Tier, visit SouthernTierVax.org.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-25

State Police responded to a 3-vehicle crash in the town of Guilford Sunday night shortly before 8:00 PM. Troopers and multiple EMS and fire personnel responded to the intersection of County Road 35 and State Highway 8, where a Dodge Pickup traveling eastbound on County Road 35 and a Ford Fusion was traveling north on State Highway 8. The Dodge Ram entered the intersection and struck the Ford Fusion then struck a Subaru Forester which was stopped at the intersection on County Road 35. The operator of the Fusion was a 36-year-old female of New Bedford, Massachusetts, & the passenger was a 30-year-old female of Port Leyden, New York, they were taken to Wilson Hospital with serious injuries. A 5-year-old female, a 7-year-old female and a 3-year old female all of Port Leyden, were transported to Tri-Town Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The 69 year old man driving the Dodge was evaluated at Tri-Town Hospital and released. His passenger, a 37-year-old male was not injured. The operator & a passenger in the Subaru were taken to Tri-Town Hospital then to Wilson Hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

Operation Merry Christmas is already underway, to serve children from struggling families in the region, to receive presents under the Christmas trees this year. Program coordinator Dorene Ireland stopped by WCDO this morning to discuss the program:

(Dorene Ireland 10-25-21)

Ireland said that a few trees are out in local stores & financial institutions with more to come, people can take the tags off of the trees, purchase the item on the tag & bring the present back to the location the tag came from. Ireland said that the giveaway day will be on Saturday December 11th at the AO Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus on Pearl Street in Sidney, more information is available at 607-610-4002 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook page.

George Carnrike III has joined the leadership team at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. The Norwich native will serve as the hospital’s security supervisor, he has 10 years of law enforcement experience, including as a City of Norwich police officer until 2016.

A.M. NEWS Monday 10-25-21

Chobani is partnering with Swipe Out Hunger to help local colleges feed students in need. This collaboration will support efforts to stock food pantries or to establish students accounts in order to purchase hot meals. The partnership will also support efforts to provide food for students at SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, and several colleges in the Mohawk Valley. Chobani, Swipe Out Hunger and VICE News are also joining together for a virtual summit to raise awareness about food security and its impacts. To register for the summit, click chobanicollegehungersummit.com/event/register

The State Health Department Test Results Reports the positivity rate continues to trend downward, with 162,737 tested for COVID Saturday, with 2,861 positive tests, which was 1.76% of those tested. Patient Hospitalizations are down to 2,007, Patients in an ICU bed were down to 453, Patients on ventilators was down to 245. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities was 32 on Saturday.

The Chenango County Public Health announced that with the increase on COVID 19 cases, they are once again releasing their statistics every day. Today they reported 94 active cases, 7 hospitalized with 193 quarantined; they are up over 3700 cases with 80 deaths since the start of the pandemic. This Saturday, a 2nd dose Pfizer COVID vaccination clinic will be held at the old Label Shopper location in the South Plaza in Norwich from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Chenango County Health Department has COVID-19 vaccinations in their clinics; appointments are requested by calling 337-1660. Pfizer clinics will be held on August 20th & 27th.

The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown has announced that 38 previous members of the Hall's fraternity will be on hand to honor Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons, and Marvin Miller when they are inducted into the Hall September 8th. The induction ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 8th at 1:30 p.m. on the grounds Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. The ceremony will also be aired live on MLB Network. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-17-21

The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage due to the cancellation of blood drives and has issued an emergency request for all blood types. A blood drive is being held today at the A.O. Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus on Pearl Street in Sidney, from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM in Conference Room. Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

Basset Healthcare Network’s Fox Care Center in Oneonta will re-open on Tomorrow, including FoxCare Fitness. A boil water advisory will remain in effect until at least Wednesday, Pharmacy patients are encouraged to call Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cooperstown clinic at 607-547-5127 for immediate medication assistance today. Updates are available at Bassett's Facebook page or bassett.org.

CHENANGO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCED THAT they have 91 Active Cases, 197 active Quarantines 197, 6 hospitalized & a total of 3694 Total Confirmed Cases & 80 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

All healthcare workers in New York State, including staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities including nursing homes, adult care, and other congregate care settings, will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Monday, September 27th. The State Health Department will issue Section 16 Orders and implement a policy mandating employee vaccinations, with limited exceptions for those with religious or medical reasons. To date, 75% of the state's 450,000 hospital workers, 74% of the state's 30,000 adult care facility workers, and 68% of the state's 145,500 nursing home workers have completed their vaccine series. The State reported a 3.6% positive COVID 19 positivity rate Sunday, out of over 99,000 people tested, or 3575 positives, over 1700 are hospitalized, with 362 in an ICU bed & 134 on Ventilators, there were 11 deaths Sunday.

Otsego County Department of Health reports a HIGH level of community transmission of COVID 19. The CDC & Otsego County Department of Health recommend everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear a mask indoors in public to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others. Since May 1st, there has been 291 cases of COVID-19 reported in Otsego County, 76% are unvaccinated or vaccine status is unknown, 24% are breakthough cases in vaccinated individuals, the overall number of cases in vaccinated individuals remains at less than 1%, 13.4% of the cases are in children 0-11 years of age, 7.9% in 12-17 years of age, 57.3% in 18-55 years of age & 21.3% 56 and older. There have 10 individuals hospitalized since May 1st, all were unvaccinated, Health Officials urge everyone to get vaccinated against COVID 19.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CURRENTLY HAS A CRITICAL NEED FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES. RED CROSS SPOKESPERSON, MEG ROSSMAN EXPLAINS WHY...

(MEG ROSSMAN 8-11-21)

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA INCLUDE TUESDAY, AUGUST 17TH AT THE GUERNSEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY IN NORWICH AND AO FOX-TRI TOWN CAMPUS IN SIDNEY AND THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH AT THE FRANKLIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THE WALTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG FOR A LISTING OF BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-2-21

The spread of Delta Variant has prompted new restrictions, as it is more aggressive and much more easily transmitted than previously strains.  According to the CDC, the Variant is now responsible for more than 80% of infections in the United States, largely among unvaccinated people.  Governor Cuomo discussed the change in the CDC guidance at a press conference this morning:

(Cuomo 8-2-21)

The CDC reported that the good news is that the vaccines continue to provide strong protection against COVID-19, including the Delta Variant.  If you are not vaccinated, you are at risk for illness and possible death as 99.7% of new COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are unvaccinated people.

A tractor trailer roll-over accident in Meridale late Thursday night resulted in the closure of State Highway 28 for more than 7 hours. Delaware County Sheriff's Office reported that the cargo was manually off-loaded and the wreckage removed from the highway.  The driver was 43 year-old Elysee Moise of Florida, he was extricated from the truck and transported to Fox Hospital in Oneonta, for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident.  The DEC Spill Response Team responded to the scene to contain and mitigate the spill of boxed dairy products & truck fuel.  The investigation is ongoing, excessive speed on the wet roadway was a contributing factor in this accident.

The State Department of Transportation announced that applications are currently being accepted for 57 full-time positions in their fleet administration and transportation maintenance disciplines in the Southern Tier. Additional positions are anticipated to be filled in the coming months. The Department is also teaming up with the Department of Labor to host virtual job fairs to help recruit qualified workers.  More than 400 positions are currently available across the state.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-2-21

Over 93,000 people were tested for COVID Saturday with over 2500 Positives, for a positivity rate of 2.68%.  Patient Hospitalizations were back up to 738, Patients in ICU was up to 152, and those on Ventilators was back up to 52.  There were 9 deaths reported Saturday.

Chenango County Public Health reported 14 active COVID 19 cases, with 27 Quarantines, both numbers are about double the numbers reported 4 weeks ago, but there are no hospitalizations currently & no additional deaths have been reported since the end of June. Chenango County has had 3531 total cases with 3346 recoveries & 77 deaths.

Bainbridge Fire Department & State Police responded to the report of a plane crash in Bainbridge Sunday night. First Responders found the plane upside down tangled up in utility lines on State Route 7. The preliminary investigation revealed that the ultra-light plane had unspecified mechanical issues; the 71 year old unidentified pilot got out of the plane himself & was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital's Tri Town Campus in Sidney & was treated & released.

Osteoporosis is today's topic for the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s 2021 Lunchtime Learning Series at 12:15 on Zoom. To register for Today’s presentation or for more information on upcoming virtual programs, contact Melissa Stagnaro at 337-4183 or by email at melissa.stagnaro@nyuhs.org.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 45 year old Jaime Crowley of Windsor, following a deputy-involved shooting in the Town of Windsor.  Crowley surrendered himself to authorities after he was released from the hospital, he was charged with Aggravated possession of a weapon, 6 counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 2 counts of menacing a police officer & Reckless endangerment.   Deputies responded on July 3rd to a report of shots fired at a car making a K-turn at a residence on Cascade Valley Road, when deputies arrived, Crowley was pointing a handgun at officers, they demanded Crowley drop the weapon multiple times before they shot him in the shoulder, Crowley fired 1 round back, no deputies were injured. Crowley was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility pending future court action.

State Police responded to a report of a 92-year-old male who was missing in the town of Unadilla on Sheep Pen Road.  The unidentified man disappeared Monday, Troopers were assisted by Forest Rangers, Sidney EMS, Unadilla Fire Department and neighbors, Trooper Darrell Dening and his K9 partner Kin were able to track the man and located him shortly after 4:00 PM yesterday, about a mile and a half away from his residence. he was unable to make it back after falling down a hill; he was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital for treatment.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-6-21

State Police responded to a crash involving 2 vehicles at the intersection of State Route 28 and James F. Lettis Highway in the town of Oneonta at about noon on Sunday July 4th.  A motorcycle operated by 29 year old Anthony Masi of Otego was on State Highway 28 when he struck a Chevy Traverse that was on James F. Lettis Highway.   Masi was transported to A.O Fox Memorial Hospital & was later transported by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.   The operator of the Traverse was not injured.  State Police revealed that Masi's motorcycle was recently reported as stolen. The investigation is on-going.

The UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Lunchtime Learning series continues today with a virtual presentation on Gout, at 12:15 pm. on Zoom.  For more information or to register, call 337-4183 or via email at melissa.stagnaro@nyuhs.org.

The investigation into an Otsego County Correctional facility suicide of an inmate is ongoing.  The inmate was found unresponsive in his cell on Saturday, corrections officers used a defibrillator and performed CPR until emergency responders arrived, and the inmate was taken to Bassett Hospital & was pronounced dead, the State Commission of Correction and the State Attorney General’s Office are reviewing the death.

State Police arrested 40 year old Johnny Walker of Rochester on June 13th, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle.  Troopers were dispatched following a report of a vehicle that struck a guide rail, a traffic sign, a restaurant sign, near the Farmhouse Restaurant on State Highway 7 in the Town of Oneonta.  Police were told that the vehicle left the scene, eyewitnesses provided a description & the Troopers Walker & passengers inside a local supermarket, and troopers said that Walker declined medical attention, but a child passenger was taken to Fox Hospital as a precaution.  Walker's license has been suspended 27 times.

Governor Cuomo announced that the COVID 19 numbers continue to decline with record low numbers.  The Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.36%, that number has Declined for 78 Consecutive Days.  There were 486 Patient Hospitalizations, 107 Patients in an ICU bed with 82 on ventilators & 8 deaths were reported Monday.

State Police & local emergency squads responded Saturday afternoon at about 2:15 PM, to a multiple vehicle crash on State Route 7 near the Meadow Crest Park in the Town of Unadilla.  Police stated that a Chevy driven by Michael Tucker of Sidney, was traveling west bound on State Route 7, a Volkswagen Beatle was facing eastbound, driven by Jeanmarie Doelger of Bainbridge, had stopped to make a turn into a driveway when 3 motorcycles driven by Emma Stebbins of Bainbridge, Kory Bennet of Bainbridge & Ralph Bennet of Mount Upton struck the rear of the Doelger vehicle, Ralph Bennet's Motorcycle struck Tucker's Chevy & Tucker then hit a mail box.   Doelger was transported to AO Fox Hospital Tri- Town campus in Sidney, Stebbins was airlifted to Wilson Hospital, Bennett and Tucker were taken to Fox Hospital, Ralph Bennett was transported to Wilson Hospital.

Delaware County Public Health Services and Friends of Recovery- Delaware Otsego will be sponsoring a one-day Recovery Coach Basics course on June 16th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Delaware River Masonic Lodge at 37 Meredith Street, Delhi.  The course includes all materials. Scholarships are available, to register, or for more information call 267-4435 or email at Kyle@friendsofrecoverydo.org.  The deadline to register is this Friday June 11th.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 6-7-21

Following Saturday's COVID testing, the state Health Department reported a .47% positivity rate, Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.52% -- Has Declined for 62 Consecutive Days, there were 816 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide, the Lowest Since October 8, there were 13 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Saturday.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-27-21

Chenango County Public Health confirmed the 77th death from COVID 19 in the County.  The county has 33 active cases, 119 quarantined, & 1 hospitalized.  There have been 3458 total confirmed cases in Chenango County of the virus, with 3261 recoveries.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital's Sidney office on Pearl Street, will host a Pfizer vaccination Clinic for children ages 12 to 18, tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Dr. Rohan Jayasena told WCDO News getting the children vaccinated is crucial in returning to returning to pre-COVID activities:

(Dr. Rohan Jayasena 5-27-21)

Appointments must be made at 337-4888 to reserve a specific time slot.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s Fox Pediatrics at FoxCare Center in Oneonta is offering first dose Pfizer vaccines for patients 12 and up Today and Thursday, June 3rd. Clinics are from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, appointments can be made at 433-1790.  More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-28-21

State Police arrested 35 year old Randy Deese of Unadilla following verbal argument that turned physical & resulted in injures to the victim, in Unadilla Tuesday morning.  State police received a 911 hang up call; the victim then came to Troop C to report the incident & was taken to AO Fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus in Sidney for treatment.   Deese is accused of choking the victim, causing the victim to lose consciousness and forcing the victim to sexual contact.  Deese was taken into custody in Liberty & was brought back to Troop C, and was charged with 1st degree rape, strangulation, coercion, stalking criminal possession of a weapon, forcible touching & assault among other charges, he was arraigned and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $50,000 cash bail.  His next court appearance is scheduled in May.

Chenango County Public Health reported 10 new COVID cases today, with 113 active cases, 6 hospitalized & 483 Active Quarantines.  They have had 3229 Total Confirmed Cases with just under 3000 Total Recoveries.  This week, Public Health has 100 first COVID Vaccine doses for this week and 200 second doses.  The website has been updated and a link to register for appointments each week will be provided at co.chenango.ny.us/public-health

Delaware County Public Health reported 7 positive COVID tests Tuesday out of 218 tested, they have 93 active cases, 19 hospitalized & they are down to 162 quarantined.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-20-21

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 Numbers today, they report 11 active cases, and they are up to 506 quarantines & 8 hospitalizations.  They report 3104 total cases with 2831 recoveries.  The Total number of doses given by Public health to date is 5,395, 37.4 % of the population has had at least one dose of vaccine in the county, This week they anticipate 100 first doses and 400 second doses..

Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich announced that they have 20 Moderna vaccines available today & 50 on Wednesday, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM each day.  Appointments are required at 337-4888.

Bassett Healthcare Network is encouraging people to safely dispose of their unwanted or expired prescription medication during Drug Take-Back Week, through this Saturday April 24th, which is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  Medications in can be dropped at kiosks,  located at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown near the outpatient pharmacy through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, also the O’Connor Hospital in Delhi at the Outpatient pharmacy waiting area through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, & at the FoxCare Pharmacy, in Oneonta through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

State Police at Norwich arrested 53 year old Jose Gonzalez of Norwich, for 2nd degree Assault and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, in connection with an alleged assault on 2 people at Fred's Inn of Norwich On April 14th.  2 people suffered injuries & were taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital, they were treated and released.

Delaware County Public Health reported 35 new COVID positive cases for Saturday, Sunday & Monday out of 414 tested.  They reported 122 active cases, 15 hospitalized and 229 quarantined, and they reported their 47th COVID Death.

State Police at Deposit were dispatched to 2nd Street and Dean Street in the village of Deposit Tuesday evening for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.  The investigation revealed that a 68-year-old male was operating a Chevrolet SUV on Dean Street when he turned on to 2nd Street and struck a 78-year-old woman crossing the street.  The victim was transported to Wilson Hospital where she died from her injuries, the investigation is ongoing.

Chenango County Public Health reported 11 new COVID cases today, with 114 Active Cases, 8 hospitalized & 352 Quarantines.  Chenango County has had 3018 Total Confirmed Cases of COVID since the pandemic began last year.

The State Department of Health announced a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at AO Fox Tri Town Campus in Sidney on Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM; appointments are available at 563-7080.

Delaware County Public Health reported 6 new COVID cases Tuesday, out of 274 tested, they have 17 hospitalized, 113 active cases and 203 quarantined.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-29-21

State Police arrested 29 year old Anthony Masi of Sidney, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Forged Instrument, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle on James F. Lettis Highway, Masi failed to comply. Masi was spotted by troopers operating at a high rate of speed in the village of Unadilla. Masi’s vehicle lost a front tire and his vehicle became disabled on Willow Street in the village of Sidney. Masi refused to comply with trooper’s commands and resisted arrest. He was ultimately taken into custody with the assistance of a New York State Police K9. Masi was transported to AO Fox Memorial Hospital. Masi was issued appearance tickets to the town of Oneonta court on April 6th, he was issued an appearance ticket for the misdemeanor of Resisting Arrest to the village of Sidney court on April 22nd. After processing, Masi was released to a sober third party.

Delaware County Public Health reported 19 new COVID cases Friday, out of 375 tests. they report 11 hospitalized, 132 active cases & 354 quarantined.

Chenango County Public Health had 9 COVID 19 positive tests announced today.  They report  62 Active Cases, 245 Active Quarantines, 6 are hospitalized and there have been a Total of 2452 Confirmed Cases since the start of the pandemic in New York State a year ago.

Bassett Healthcare Network is continuing partial visitation for inpatients at its hospitals, including A.O. Fox Hospital, Bassett Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital, with new hours beginning March 8th.   Visitation hours will be 3:00 to 7:00 PM daily, including weekends, Visitors may present 1 at a time, with a maximum of 2 persons per patient each day and a total of 4 hours per patient. All visitors must be screened for admittance, including temperature checks and a short questionnaire & all visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a mask.  Visitation remains suspended at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, Valley Health Services in Herkimer, and all outpatient locations across the network. More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

COVID 19 testing continues statewide, with over 270,000 tests conducted Wednesday, with 7593 positives, for a 2.8% Positivity Rate, the Lowest Since November 21st, there were 5,177 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; the Lowest Since December 9th, there were 1,043 Patients in the ICU; the Lowest Since December 13 & 712 were on ventilators, the Lowest Since December 29th.  There were 60 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Wednesday.

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP" will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for March. Roughly half of all households participating in SNAP will receive the supplemental allotment later this month, which will result in an infusion of roughly $100 million into the state’s economy.  More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19 or mybenefits.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-4-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 10 new COVID cases Wednesday out of 376 tested.  They report 97 positive cases with 11 hospitalized & 401 quarantined.

Delaware County Public Health reported that a raccoon in the Town of Middletown has tested positive for rabies. One person was bitten by the rabid raccoon and has begun Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.  Raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats are considered a primary carrier of the rabies virus in the United States.  More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Bassett Hospital has just announced a two-day clinic this weekend to administer 1,200 doses of anti-COVID vaccines the county Health Department received for people over 65.  Vaccination clinics will be on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, at the Clark Sports Center.  To make an appointment, call 1-833-697-4829 or go to the State Health Department website.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-16-21

Chenango Public Health reported another COVID related death last week, bringing their total to 50. The County reports 19 hospitalized, 75 active cases & 247 quarantined, they've had a total of 2327 cases since last year.

Delaware County Public Health announced that there were 8 new cases of COVID 19 reported on Monday out of 115 tested, their active cases are at 129, the number hospitalized is 23 & 256 are quarantined.  Delaware County Public Health will continue to vaccinate 1B essential workers, this week, public health will be vaccinating people 65 and older with comorbidities, appointments can be made through the Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750, vaccines will continue to be available for people over 65 at pharmacies & state mass vaccination sites.

Bassett Healthcare Network has resumed partial visitation for inpatients at its hospital locations, Fox Hospital in Oneonta, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi.  Visitation hours are limited from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, hours will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Visitation remains suspended at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, Valley Health Services in Herkimer, and all outpatient locations across the network, more information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will be starting their "Leaderful Delaware" classes virtually, starting in March on 2 afternoons a month for 8 months.  Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 2-16-21)

Applicants can go to Delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281 for an application or more information about the program.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-16-21

State Police arrested 2 people after a Trooper witnesses 1 man chasing another with a baseball bat in Unadilla January 26th.  The suspect with the baseball bat ran to the Unadilla House after seeing the trooper, the victim, 26 year old Justin Cirigliano of Bainbridge was taken to AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney, he was found to be in possession of a syringe, & was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & was will appear in the town of Unadilla court.   State Police arrested 44 year old Daniel Racquet of Unadilla for 2nd degree Assault & Menacing, after he was located at an unrelated incident and was hiding in a closet.  Racquet was transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-15-21

Governor Cuomo held his daily COVID briefing today, he admitted that the state should not have with-held the nursing home information requested by the State Legislature at the same time that the US Department of Justice was requesting that information, he defended the actions of State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, The CDC & their guidance on the Controversial March 25th guidance to send COVID patients from hospitals back to nursing homes:

(Cuomo 2-15-21)

Members from both parties are looking into an investigation of Cuomo's administration regarding several aspects of the COVID 19 pandemic in the last year.

The State Health department reported that over 180,000 New Yorkers were tested for COVID Sunday, and 3.5% tested positive, the lowest level in 3 months. The number hospitalized has dropped to 6600, the number in ICU beds dropped to 1270, the number of Ventilators was down to 875, there were 103 COVID deaths Sunday from the virus.

A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus in Sidney will hold a Blood Drive today from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Spokesperson Rebecca Brooks-White said that there is a shortage of many blood types:

(Rebecca Brooks White 2-12-21)

Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

Delaware County Public Health reported 14 new cases of COVID 19 on Friday & again on Saturday & 12 on Sunday. The County reports 129 total cases, 22 hospitalized & 303 quarantined. Delaware County Public Health has vaccinated 613 people.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-12-21

Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa is under fire, for saying to some state lawmakers in a ZOOM meeting that the administration "Froze Up" after being asked last summer for information by the US Department of Justice, regarding the death toll in the state’s nursing homes from COVID 19. Local State Assemblyman Joe Angelino is the Ranking Republican on the Assembly Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee, he told WCDO news of his reaction:

(Angelino 2-12-21)

The State Health Department has released updated statistics in the last week that greatly increased the number of deaths of Nursing home residents to over 12,700, by including those who died from COVID while in a hospital.  This Afternoon, DeRosa clarified her statements by stating that Governor's Office had asked State Lawmakers to wait for the administration’s response on Nursing Home deaths, so the administration could first resolve the Federal inquiry, she said that they were fully transparent with the Federal & then state inquiries in that order.  Some Lawmakers are calling for limiting the Governor's emergency powers & for the resignations of DeRosa; many have also been calling for the resignation of State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

A.O. Fox Tri-Town Campus in Sidney will hold a Blood Drive Monday from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Spokesperson Rebecca Brooks-White said that there is a shortage of many blood types:

(Rebecca Brooks White 2-12-21)

Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

Chenango County Public Health reported another COVID related death today, bringing their total to 49. The report 102 active cases, 280 quarantined & 20 hospitalized, their total number of cases is up to 2285.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-12-21

State Police updated their information regarding Thursday's crash of a garbage truck on State Route 17 in the town of Windsor.  The unidentified 64 year old driver from the Bronx was traveling at an unsafe speed, and made an unsafe lane change, he went through the guiderail and into the median, struck an earth embankment, the truck continued & the tractor became detached & overturned and came to rest in the median between the over passes for State Line Road.  The driver was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, the truck is registered to Lae Transport Corp in Newark, New Jersey, the investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Public Health reported 17 news COVID cases Thursday out of 352 tests, they have 116 active cases, 22 are hospitalized & 309 are quarantined.