WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-20-25

Jeremiah Raub was found guilty by a Broome County Jury today for 1 count of 2nd-degree murder and 2 counts of 1st-degree arson, in connection with a 2011 Binghamton fire that killed 17 year old Jeffrey Aissa. 6 people escaped the blaze, Aissa died inside the house. The 1st trial for Raub ended when the jury could not reach a verdict, he will be sentenced at a later date in Broome County Court.

A recent report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli examined healthcare professional shortages in 16 rural counties in New York state, including Chenango & Delaware Counties locally, and found shortfalls in primary care, pediatric, and obstetrician and OBGYN doctors, Chenango Memorial Hospital's new President & CEO Cecil Miller told WCDO News how they will try to correct that:

(Cecil Miller 8-20-25)

The Comptroller's Report also found a shortage of mental health practitioners, as well as dentists around the rural counties. The full report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

Broome County Department of Civil Service has announced the latest round of Training & Experience Exams for those interested in careers as Corrections Officers. The Deadline to sign up for the exam is August 28 and the exam period will take place between September 1st & September 30th, for more information or to obtain an application, go to broomecountyny.gov.

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 30 year old Patrick Summers of Deposit for Criminal Mischief, 3 counts of Menacing, 3 counts of Harassment and 1 count of Disorderly Conduct with Violent Behavior, Summer was arrested following an investigation into a recent weapons complaint in the Town of Windsor.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-20-25

The Delaware County Business Alliance will recognize several businesses and groups for their service to the county’s business community at its 2025 Business Awards celebration today, Alliance President Ray Pucci told WCDO News about this year's award winners:

(Ray Pucci 8-20-25)

The 2025 Delaware County Business Awards celebration will be held at Stonewall Estates on Holmes Hollow Road in DeLancey, beginning at 5:30 until 8:30 PM.

Delaware County Public Health Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets on today from 5:00PM-7:00PM, at Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extension, more information is available at (607) 832-5200.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-23-23

36 year old Jason Gerhard of Montrose Pennsylvania was found guilty in Broome County Court today for Criminal Possession of a Weapon. State Police responded to a home on Patch Road in the Town of Chenango last February, where Gerhard entered a residence without permission, he was in possession of an illegal handgun & was arrested, at that time, Gerhard was on probation for illegal possession of a .38 caliber revolver. Gerhard could spend 3½ to 7 years in State prison when he is sentenced on April 20th.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association announced that this year's President is Sheriff Craig Apple of Albany County, he is the 4th term Sheriff of Albany County. Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond was named 1st Vice President of the New York State sheriff's Association.

The Endicott Police Department arrested 44 year old David Scanlin for 3rd degree burglary, Grand Larceny and & 3rd degree Arson. Back on January 11th, Scanlin is accused of setting fire to a vehicle parked at J&K Auto Clinic, later that day, Scanlin is accused of stealing a vehicle on the lot at Tank's Auto Sales. Scanlin was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of up to $7.5 million for state-certified providers and other treatment programs to establish low threshold services to address opioid addiction. The funding will provide up to $500,000 for 15 programs statewide to offer low threshold services, certified treatment providers, clinics by the state Office of Mental Health, hospitals, and harm reduction programs are eligible to apply for the funding.

Bassett Medical Center announced today that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification. Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes hospitals that meet exacting standards to support critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients, currently, strokes are the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Local government sales tax collections grew by 15.7% in April compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.7 billion, up $232 million from April of last year. Nearly every county experienced significant year-over-year growth in collections, due, in part, to recent high inflation, more information is available at osc.state.ny.us.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the new Delaware County Behavioral Health Clinic at 243 Delaware Street. The building was officially opened last November, the ribbon cutting was held off until COVID cases declined. the Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services & the office of Mental Health are housed in the new building.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-18-22

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak released a statement regarding the Payton Gendron statements made during an online class at Susquehanna Valley School District in 2021. Korchak said that the statement mentioned Murder & Suicide, District officials followed protocols & notified State Police, who escorted Gendron to an area hospital for a mental Health Evaluation. Korchak said that no direct threat was made in the statement, and there was no mention of firearms, Gendron was released & returned to school & graduation exercises without incident. Gendron faces Court action Thursday for multiple counts of 1st degree murder for the Buffalo Tops Supermarket mass shooting Saturday that left 10 dead & 3 injured.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-22-21

The Broome County Health Department announced that they have reached 400 deaths from COVID-19 since March 2020. The department reported that the peak month was January of 2021 when 86 people died from the virus. Currently, there are 778 cases of COVID 19 in Broome County, with 73 hospitalized, The deadliest month was January 2021, where the county reports 86 deaths from the disease. Currently, there are 778 active cases of COVID-19 in Broome County. 73 people are hospitalized. More than 24,200 positive cases have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic.

Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard has announced the start of his campaign for Delaware County Judge in the 2022 election. The position will be on the 2022 ballot following the announcement of retirement by Judge Richard Northrup. Hubbard was elected District Attorney in November 2016 and was re-elected in 2020, he previously served as Chief Assistant District Attorney under Northrup for 10 years, after first joining the office in 2000 as an Assistant D.A.

Butterball has issued a recall on more than 14,000 pounds of ground turkey products after consumers complained of finding pieces of blue plastic embedded in their raw ground turkey. The items being recalled are the 2.5-pound "farm to family Butterball all-natural Ground Turkey" trays with a sell-by date of October 18th, and the 3-pound "Kroger Ground Turkey" trays with an October 17 sell-by date. The items were produced on September 28, & should be returned to the place of purchase.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-22-21

The FCC has adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. To ensure that calls to 988 reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, area codes with a "988 Exchange, will need to transition to 10-digit dialing. Beginning THIS SUNDAY, in the 607 area, callers must dial 10-digits, the area code + telephone number, for all local calls, those who only dial the 7 digit phone number will not have their call completed, and a recording will remind the caller to hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be hosting several flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the upcoming weeks. The Delhi Health Center is holding a patient flu shot clinic today from 10 am. - noon. Appointments are required. Call 607-746-0550. Also, Bassett Family Medicine State Route 28 on Southside in Oneonta is holding vaccine clinics for established Bassett patients on Saturday, from 8:15 am. - 11:45 am., as well as on November 6th, & 20th. Patients may make an appointment by calling Oneonta Health Center 607-433-1790 or Bassett Family Medicine 607-431-1015.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds voters that Early Voting begins tomorrow at the Board of Elections Office in Delhi. Early voting will be held from Saturday through Sunday October 31st, those who vote early can NOT vote on Election Day. More information is available at Delaware County Board of Elections at 607 832-5321

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-29-21

Chenango County Public Health announced that next Tuesday, October 5th, they are hosting a Pfizer booster clinic for those eligible, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the South Plaza location in Norwich. About 400 appointments are available, more information or registration is available at co.chenango.ny.us. The County currently has 108 Active Cases of COVID 19, 29% are vaccinated cases, and 272 are quarantined.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced some temporary changes to services, this week, as they anticipated that there would be a significant shortage of employees, based on the state mandate that health care workers had to get COVID Vaccinations, or leave their jobs. Gabby Argo of Bassett Healthcare said that they had a high percentage of vaccinated workers:

(Gabby Argo 9-29-21)

Argo said that the most up-to-date information about temporary service changes can be found at bassett.org.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Dr. Mary Bassett has been appointed Commissioner of the Department of Health. From 2014 through summer 2018, Dr. Bassett served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Bassett replaces Dr. Howard Zucker, who served as Health Commissioner for just under 7 1/2 years.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-29-21

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a personal injury car-deer accident on State Highway 206 in Trout Creek Saturday Night. 32 year-old Anthony Mister of Sidney collided with a deer and sustained a head injury, he was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton for treatment. A routine driver’s license inquiry revealed that Mister’s driver’s license was suspended for failure to answer a summons, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released and directed to appear in the Town of Tompkins Court on a later date.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that construction is underway on Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango’s North Side Rehabilitation Project, that will create 27 units of permanent supportive housing across 4 sites in Binghamton. The 8.1 Million Dollar project will serve people who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, people who were formerly incarcerated, veterans, young adults and youth aging out of foster care.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 8-12-21

New York Attorney General Letitia James and the U.S. Department of Labor announced landmark agreements with United Healthcare to resolve allegations that United unlawfully denied health care coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for thousands of Americans. United will pay approximately $14.3 million in restitution to consumers affected by the policies, including $9 million to more than 20,000 New Yorkers with behavioral health conditions who received denials or reductions in reimbursement.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that State Route 206, between the Village of Walton and Lower Third Brook Road, was closed to traffic for several hours Tuesday morning as a result of a tractor trailer accident. At approximately 9:30 am., Tuesday morning, Deputies, members of the Walton Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Squad and State DOT workers responded, the driver, 59 year-old Rogelio Rodriguez, of Decatur, Indiana, was driving an empty milk tanker when he momentarily took his eyes off the road causing the truck to strike the guide cables and a tree. Rodriquez was not injured in the collision.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a Downsville man is facing a charge of criminal contempt following a report of a domestic dispute in the Town of Colchester. On Tuesday evening, Deputies responded in the Town of Colchester, 53 year-old Michael Colao, of Downsville violated the terms of an order of protection issued by Delaware County Family Court. Colao was charged with criminal contempt, he was released & will appear in the Colchester Town Court on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year-old Shawn Zimmerman, of Gloversville, for endangering the welfare of a child and forcible touching, Zimmerman is accused of inappropriately touching a juvenile female in the Village of Stamford. Zimmerman was arraigned in the Town of Harpersfield Court where he was issued a temporary order of protection prohibiting him from having contact with the victim, he was released in his own recognizance pending a future appearance in that court.

Due to an increased spread of COVID-19, Chenango County is requiring mandatory face masks in all County Buildings and Offices at the start of business on Monday, August 16, 2021. All employees and members of the public (vaccinated and unvaccinated) fall under this requirement. It is also at this time recommended that Chenango County businesses, organizations and schools immediately implement a face mask requirement for their vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, patrons and students.

Otsego County is currently at a SUBSTANTIAL level of community transmission, and is on the verge of becoming HIGH level of community transmission. CDC & Otsego County Department of Health recommends everyone to wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others. This week there have been several cases of individuals having a repeat COVID-19 infection. This occurs when someone is infected with COVID-19 and 90 or more days later tests positive again for COVID-19. These repeat infections are mostly occurring in unvaccinated individuals. This reinforces that immunity from natural infection diminishes after 90 days. It is important if you have had COVID-19 and are not vaccinated please consider getting vaccinated to prevent a reinfection. In Otsego County. there are 82 active cases, 19 new cases reported today, with 5 hospitalized, there have been 2614 total cases in 2021.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 8-12-21

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal motorcycle crash Tuesday night in West Corners at Glendale Drive & Campville Road at 11:44 pm. 42-year-old Jason Krissel of the Town of Union was ejected off of his motorcycle & was pronounced dead, Krissel applied the brakes aggressively at the intersection, after traveling at a high rate of speed. The investigation is continuing.

The State Education Department today released a health and safety guide to help schools and school districts as they plan for the 2021-22 school year. The guide provides strategies, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, to position schools and districts to manage the risks for students and staff from COVID-19. The health and safety guide, as well as other back to school resources, are available on the Department’s Back to School website.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Center in Oneonta remains closed today due to a water outage. Officials say all patients with scheduled appointments will continue to be contacted by their provider’s offices. Pharmacy patients are encouraged to call the Cooperstown clinic at 607-547-5127 for medication assistance.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department and State DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester. 3 Inspections were conducted; Deputies issued 17 summonses for various safety violations including unsafe tires, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered vehicle, loose cargo, spreading debris on the highway, & inadequate brakes. 2 of the vehicles were taken out of service, 1 driver was arrested for a displaying a forged commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate and issued multiple summons returnable to the Town of Colchester Court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested 46 year old Michael Lynch of Sidney following the execution of a search warrant at his County Highway 23, Town of Sidney, and residence. Members of the Criminal Investigation Division, acting on a tip, obtained a search warrant for Lynch's residence, they seized marijuana plants, drying marijuana and a number of rifles and shotguns, Lynch was charged with criminal possession of marijuana & unlawful cultivation of cannabis, he was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Health Department will hold the next Rabies Vaccination clinic tonight in Otego. The clinic will be held at the Otego Fire Department from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 547-4230.

The Broome County Health Department has confirmed 2 cases of the West Nile Virus in recent weeks. Both Patients were hospitalized and both are recovering. Mild cases usually feature a fever, headache, body aches and occasionally skin rash or swollen glands, more serious cases include high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and an altered mental status. Public health officials say the key is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, through insect repellent, screens and the elimination of standing water.

The Governor’s Administration and Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced an October 11 roundtable event in Oneonta to discuss the upcoming 2020 Census and steps to ensure a full count of all New Yorkers. The discussion will be led by Mayor Herzig and Richard Tobe, Governor Cuomo’s Director of Special Intergovernmental Projects, it is open to the public and will take place Thursday at 2:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center on Market Street and more information is available at ny.gov/programs/2020-census.

Tomorrow is Primary Day in New York State, as voters in Political parties decide on their candidate to represent that party on election day in November. Among the key Primary races for Democrats, candidates will be chosen for Governor between incumbent Andrew Cuomo & Cynthia Nixon; there are 4 candidates running for Attorney General & in the 121st Assembly District, Democrats will chose between Dan Buttermann & incumbent Bill Magee. Republicans locally will be deciding their candidate in the 122 Assembly District between incumbent Cliff Crouch & Nicholas Libous & in the Otsego County Sheriff's race Republican voters will decide between incumbent Richard Devlin Jr. & Robert Fernandez.

Otsego County held its 21st annual Hazardous Waste Collection Day this past weekend, with a Friday event in Unadilla & the Saturday event at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown. Approximately 689 households participated, & this was the 9th year that pharmaceuticals and medications were collected free of charge, with an estimated 175 pounds collected for incineration. A team of local volunteers diverted latex paint from the waste stream and poured an estimated 270 gallons into bulk containers, which will be re-mixed by Golden Artist Colors of Chenango County for eventual re-distribution to local not-for-profit agencies.

Nearly a year after Hurricane Maria plowed through Puerto Rico, public health conditions are still poor and access to basic health care is limited. Maria was a Category 4 hurricane, a Hospital was destroyed, and chronically ill patients are still struggling to get the care they need. Waterborne and infectious diseases continue to rise, and the mental health crisis Puerto Rico faced before Maria has worsened. 4 representatives will be going to Puerto Rico later this month to assist, according to Nurse Anna Buell:

(Anna Buell 9-12-18)

The Bassett staff will include Buell, Dr. Celeste Johns, chief of Psychiatry; Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal-Heed), a pediatrician, and registered nurse Rachel Gaston along with 8 other volunteers from New York State.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Norwich Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Streeter of Norwich on charges of: Use of a child in a sexual performance, disseminating indecent material to minors, Forcible touching & Endangering the welfare of a child. Streeter was arraigned in Norwich City Court Monday, and was taken to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail pending additional court action on June 30th.

State police reported that on Monday, Broome County 911 received a call to Bell Road in Windsor for a subject who made threats to harm himself and law enforcement. Troopers responded and were assisted by Broome County Sheriff’s deputies, a search continued overnight and this morning, at around 9:00 AM, the subject was located at a relative’s residence and taken into custody without incident and transported to Binghamton General Hospital for a mental health evaluation. The name of the person is not being released.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched Monday afternoon to a 1-car accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton. 34-year-old Christopher Pashley, of Franklin, informed Deputies that his vehicle veered off the right hand shoulder of the roadway and into the ditch when he fell asleep while driving. Deputies charged Pashley, with criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and a traffic summons for moving from lane unsafely, The Division of Parole was notified, & Pashley was then charged on a Parole Violation Warrant, he was released from Prison in December, 2016 after serving part of a 1-½ year prison sentence for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Pashley was arranged in the Town of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

An Elder Law & Special Needs Law Clinic is being held this Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, for residents of Otsego, Chenango & Delaware counties who are 60 and older. Free ½ hour consultations from an attorney in a variety of areas will be available, at the Elm Park Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. The Pre-registration deadline is today, at (607) 231-5950.

State Police are continuing to investigate a November 1980 homicide case in Broome County 30-year-old Barry Marquart of Binghamton was reported missing after they were contacted by Marquart's father, who stated that his son had been missing & he had received a call from Barry’s roommate. On November 9, 1980 Marquart’s car was found parked at the Exit 5 rest area on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson, Troopers found Marquart’s body in the Chenango River, his wallet was located in Otsiningo Park, south of the rest area. The autopsy ruled the death as a drowning and determined the victim received injuries from blows to his head and face. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Investigator Matthew Hicks at the State Police Major Crimes Unit at 561-7400.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Patrick Davenport of Oxford on an active Bench Warrant from the Norwich Police Department. Davenport was wanted for failure to appear on the charges of Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and 3rd degree Burglary. Davenport was turned over to the custody of Norwich Police Department for processing.

Governor Cuomo today announced special education providers would receive a 4% increase in reimbursement rates. Schools benefiting from this increase serve approximately 13,500 students across the state with emotional or physical disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, substance abuse, or involvement with the juvenile justice, social service or child welfare system. Action was taken to continue the reforms approved 2 years ago to help stabilize and streamline the rate-setting process for school-age providers.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings, to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or are underinsured. Screenings include pap with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits. Those who Sign up now will receive a 25% discount card to Sweet Frog, those who get the screenings done by June 30th will have their name entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart and Mirabito's. Appointments can be made toll-free 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Public Health will host a rabies clinic today in Walton, for dogs, cats, and ferrets on: 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Walton Highway Garage on state route 10.

A public hearing about the proposed closure of the Broome County Mental Health Clinic is set for 6:00 tonight, at the Broome County Public Library at 185 Court Street in Binghamton.   The recent budget proposal from Broome County Executive Debbie Preston aims to cut more than 20 mental health positions at the clinic, the county legislature’s finance committee has set a public hearing on the mental health office’s budget (http://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2014/09/24/buzz-comment-broomes-budget/16160557/) on October 22nd at 4:30 at the 6th floor legislative conference room of the County Office Building at 60 Hawley Street in Binghamton.

An information session for young people interested in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at Hartwick College in Oneonta. The program, presented through the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, guides middle and high school students through launching and running a business or social movement. Sessions will begin Nov. 4 and continue through May.   For more information call the chamber at 432-4500.

The Broome County Sheriff’s department arrested 2 Chenango county residents, for allegedly using heroin in Otsiningo Park Saturday, following a complaint from a citizen.  21 year old Michael Verry of Greene was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & 1 count each of Obstructing Governmental Administration & Resisting Arrest, 24 year old Amber Halko of Oxford was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of a Hypodermic instrument.  Police confiscated drug paraphernalia, several packages of heroin, hypodermic needles, & controlled prescription drugs, Verry was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County Jail on bail, and Halko was released on an appearance ticket.

The Delaware County District Attorney's office announced the arrest of 40-year-old David Rogers of Sidney Center, for 1 count each of Forcible Touching & Endangering the welfare of a child.  Rogers is a Level 1 sex offender, he was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail & he will reappear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.  The Village of Sidney Police Department assisted in the investigation.

The Delaware County District Attorney’s office & the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department arrested 24 year old Timothy Nodine of Hobart for 3rd degree Burglary, 4th degree Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Sale of a Firearm & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest followed a 7-month investigation into the disappearance of property from a local estate.

State Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney of New Hartford announced today that she would mount a Republican primary challenge against incumbent Republican congressman Richard Hanna in the 22nd Congressional District.  Tenney joins Michael Kicinski, of Earlville, and Michael Vasquez, of Binghamton, Hanna has already won the endorsement (http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/madison_county_gop_endorses_rep_richard_hanna_for_third_term.html) of all 7 county Republican committees in the 22nd district.

The Delaware County Community Services Board seeks proposals For Mental Health Department consolidation.  Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for the consolidation of the Adult Mental Health Clinic, Children and Family Services and Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services to be located at 1 rental location of at least 10,000 sq. feet.  Interested parties may contact Cynthia Heaney, at the Delaware County Mental Health Department at 865-6522 for proposal and submission requirements.