WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-29-20

Chenango County Public Health reported 2 additional COVID-19 deaths today, bringing their total to 18. Chenango County has 137 active cases, 6 hospitalized and 521 quarantined, and they have had 1129 confirmed cases of the virus.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 44 year old Joseph Garone of South Kortright for driving while ability impaired by drugs for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, after Deputies responded to the front of the County Public Safety building after Garone's vehicle drove over a concrete parking block and became lodged by the main entrance.   Garone was charged with operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs, on December 4th, he was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs following their investigation of a two car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Delhi.

Broome County Health Department reported 7548 total positive COVID tests, which is about 2600 positives in the last month.  Broome County reported 174 deaths, 58 of those since Thanksgiving and they have had 6567 total recoveries, which is 2365 recoveries since the end of November.

Broome County's Festival of Lights returns tonight, after crews cleaned up Otsiningo Park following recent flooding and subsequent damage.  Officials said that that the New Year's Eve fireworks display should go on as scheduled at 7:00 PM; more information is available at the Spiedie Fest Facebook page.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 9 new COVID 19 cases Monday, they have 16 hospitalized, and they reported 4 new deaths from the virus, bringing their total to 16 deaths.  Also, Delaware County Public Health announced 18 new COVID 19 cases Monday; they report 97 active cases with 3 hospitalized & 276 in quarantine.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 44 year old Gregory Schaub of South New Berlin on a variety of Charges after Deputies observed a vehicle with a non-functional brake light in front of them. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and a routine inquiry revealed that Schaub only possessed a non-driver’s ID and that his driving privileges in the State of New York were revoked from a previous DWI charge.  Schaub was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator and operating a vehicle with insufficient stop lamps.  Schaub was released on appearance tickets directing him to appear before the Town of Meredith Court on a later date.

The annual Blood Drive in Honor of Trooper Christopher Skinner will be held today at the 5 Mile Point Fire Station in Kirkwood.  The Drive will be held from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, Trooper Skinner was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop on I-81 in Broome County in 2014.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Saturday to a residence on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi to execute a State Parole Warrant; they arrested 23-year-old Jonathon Stein of Delhi, on the Parole Warrant as well as for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument when the warrant was executed.  Stein was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail on the Parole Warrant.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they had 52 active cases of COVID 19 today, with 5 people hospitalized & 295 quarantined.  Chenango County has had 643 cases of the virus since March with 564 recoveries; they have performed over 45200 tests.

The Latest vote count in the 22nd Congressional District has now swung back to give Republican Claudia Tenney the lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi.  All of the Counties have to certify their vote totals, State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte ordered each of the 8 counties in the congressional district to submit a final, unofficial count to the court by yesterday afternoon, the next court action is expected next Monday December 7th, when Judge DelConte is expected to rule on

2000 disputed ballots.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-1-20

Governor Cuomo today announced New York's annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need across the state begins today.  Donations of new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies are being sought to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season.  The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state through Wednesday, December 16.  COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of those dropping off donations including masks, social distancing, and access to hand sanitizer.  The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley St., Binghamton & the Homer Folks Facility, 28 Hill Street Oneonta.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul Visits the Chenango County Historical Society Museum and she will visit Businesses Downtown Norwich today, Hochul’s visit will start around 1:45 PM.

Delaware County Public Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers Monday, they report 14 new cases, they have 71 active cases, 4 people are hospitalized, 234 are quarantined, and they have had 372 cases since March with 9 deaths & 292 recoveries.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 19 new COVID cases Monday, bringing them to 1314 total confirmed cases since March.  There are 89 active cases, 4 are hospitalized there have been 8 deaths, 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 to Hartwick College.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-20-20

Chenango County Public Health reports that they have 49 active cases currently, with 223 active quarantines & 4 people are hospitalized.  Department Spokesman Isaiah Sutton comments:

(Isaiah Sutton 10-20-20)

Sutton said that the County has had 313 Total Confirmed Cases since March, with 246 recoveries, 7 deaths, & over 33,556 tests conducted.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 36 year old Kelly Gillet of Johnson City, for the shooting death of 39 year old John Ryan of Sherburne.  Ryan's body was found at 7 Gould Drive in Sherburne, Gillet was charged with 2nd degree murder, and she faces court action shortly.

This Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM, Gavin's Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney will be hosting the Baristacrats Coffee Bar from Afton and the pair will be donating 10% of the day's sales to the Afton VFW Building Project.  The Baristacrats Coffee Bar will operate from the Gavin's Italian Ice take out window, The Afton VFW building project includes renovations to the building, which was built in 1898.  Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730."

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the graduation of the Sheriff’s newest K9 Team; Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 “Eli”.  K9 Eli is named after the first Sheriff of Delaware County, Elias Butler, who served in 1797.  Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 Eli were 1 of 10 teams that graduated from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Academy in Montgomery on October 9th.

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced that 20 year old Caleb Casteline of Johnson City Pleaded Guilty today to 1st degree manslaughter, for the stabbing of Q-Quan Richardson of Binghamton at a party in the town of Union in August.  Casteline is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in prison with 5 years of post-release supervision after pleading to the lesser charge.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was notified Monday Night by the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen vehicle on I-81 heading for Broome County.   A Broome County patrol located the vehicle on State Route 11 in the Town of Barker clocked at 125 Miles per Hour, deputies deployed tire deflating devices across the road, the vehicle ran over the device, failed to negotiate a curve & hit a house. The driver 19-year-old Franklin Chambers of Buffalo suffered facial injuries & a leg fracture, 3 occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.  A bag near the scene was retrieved, with 2 handguns and counterfeit money.  Deputies located 17-year-old Kiana Tucker nearby & she was taken into custody.   Chambers was taken to Wilson Hospital & will be processed shortly on a number of felonies; Tucker was arraigned for several felonies & was remanded to the custody of the Erie County Youth Services Center.  The investigation is ongoing.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 239 positive cases of COVID 19. They have 9 active cases with 1 hospitalization, 107 people are in quarantine, there have been 7 deaths and 209 recoveries, and they have performed over 24,600 tests.

State Police arrested 35 year old Vincent Palmisano Jr. of Grand Gorge for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Unlawfully Fleeing from a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving and Resisting Arrest. A trooper on patrol in Grand Gorge observed Palmisano operating a motor vehicle, who the trooper knows from past experience to be unlicensed, Palmisano failed to comply and a pursuit was initiated and Palmisano drove into a yard, jumped out the vehicle and ran into the woods.

A foot pursuit ensued with the trooper and his K9 partner, Palmisano was bit by the K9 and taken into custody, he was virtually arraigned & was remanded without bail to the Delaware County Correction Facility.

The Town of Masonville Board meeting that was postponed last week has been rescheduled. The meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 PM at the Masonville town Building.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said today that the US Senate Republicans unveiled their so-called “skinny” relief package, which protects large corporations and leaves working Americans in the lurch:

(Gillibrand 9-9-20)

Gillibrand is calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to prioritize the needs of American families in the next COVID 19 relief package that will be voted on this week.

Otsego County Department of Health continues to investigate a large outbreak of Coronavirus involving SUNY Oneonta. On Tuesday, 16 new cases were reported; all are linked to SUNY Oneonta. The County reports 823 total confirmed cases, 701 confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, 11 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students, there are no hospitalizations.

Delaware County Public Health is reporting no new positive test results for COVID-19 and no additional recoveries, the known active cases remains 6, all are recovering at home. To date there have been 114 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 73 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 102 have fully recovered.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a job fair spread out over 5 days next week in front of their office at 5 1/2 Main Street in Delhi, Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 9-9-20)

Pucci said that the representatives from County employers will have their own tents out front, masks & social distancing is required, more information is available at delawarecounty.org.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 6 people for a seasonal residence burglary in the Town of Andes On August 18th. Deputies responded to a seasonal home located on Shaver Hollow Road in the Town of Andes where the home owner reported discovering forced entry into his residence and the theft of a garden tractor. Deputies discovered the stolen tractor dismantled outside of a neighboring residence, they arrested 4 youths, ages 11 to 14 for 1 count each of burglary, criminal mischief & grand larceny, a 17 -year old was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, their grandmother, 61 year-old Kathleen Shaffer of Andes was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of stolen property. All face court action at a later date.

Chenango County Public Health released their latest COVID 19 statistics today.  They remain at 212 cases, with 134 Active Quarantines, 1 Active Hospitalization, 189 Recoveries, 7 deaths & a Total of 17,454 Tests Performed.

The Broome County Health Department added 14 more positive cases of COVID 19 today, bringing their total since March TO 1043.  They no report 70 deaths, 848 recoveries, & 678 are being monitored by the Department; they have conducted over 30,300 tests.

The State Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance to New Yorkers about Census takers who will be visiting homes that haven’t yet responded to the Census beginning this week.   The Office for New Americans is also hosting a Census Hotline Phone Bank Event this afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 PM to provide information and answer questions about the Census.  The Hotline can be reached at 1-800-566-7636.

Delaware County Public Health received no new positive test results for COVID-19 Wednesday and 1 additional recovery has been reported. The known active cases in the County is now 1. To date there have been 96 confirmed positive cases, with 19 people under mandatory quarantine, 1 person is isolated at home, 6 people have died and 89 have fully recovered.

NYSEG announced that the company made significant progress in restoring power to customers impacted by the Tropical Storm.  More than 1,900 out of the total 21,151 impacted customers in the company’s Liberty division, which includes Delaware County, are without power. The company expects to restore 95% of customers impacted in the division by 11 p.m. tonight.

The Otsego County Health Department announces  free testing for COVID 19 on Today  from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Town of Worcester Municipal Building at 19 Katie Lane.  This testing site is for people who are not sick, but want to be tested, by the nasal swab method.   This is a drive up testing site. Individuals will be required to remain in their vehicle and wear a mask when pulling up to the testing tent.  This testing site is for Otsego County residents only; registration is requested at 547-4279.

Gabriel Truitt of Oneonta was sentenced to life in prison without parole in Otsego County Court this morning.  Truitt was convicted earlier this year on charges of 1st & 2nd degree murder plus arson, for setting a fire at Walling Avenue in Oneonta, former Oneonta Firefighter John Heller died in the fire while helping to evacuate people from the burning building.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest Coronavirus Numbers today, they have had a total of 178 confirmed cases, 131 are quarantined, no one is hospitalized, there have been 6 deaths, 149 recoveries and over 13,800 tests have been performed.

Employees at UHS Primary Care Norwich coordinated a food and personal care product drive at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and its outpatient office locations, in order to donate the items to the Catholic Charities Roots & Wings program.    Items such as diapers, formula and hygiene products were donated, 5 collection bins with over 80 items were donated & were distributed to those in need.

State Police identified the 2 women who died after a one-vehicle crash in the town of Pittsfield Wednesday as 21 year old Tehya Gonzalez of Bainbridge and 21 year old Cheyenn Aubry of Treadwell.  The driver is a 26-year-old male who is facing criminal charges; his name will be released after he is formally charged.   Police responded early Wednesday to a report of a vehicle that went off of County Route 13 in the town of Pittsfield.

Otsego County Department of Health announced 4 new cases with 2 people hospitalized, there have been 85 total confirmed cases, with 7 active cases, 73 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, and 41 people are on quarantine & 35 individuals being monitored after travel from a state with high incidence of infection

The New York State Sheriff’s Association is presenting State legislators with 10 proposals to protect law enforcement and civilians in the area.  Sheriff's held press conferences throughout the state this week, they are seeking Increasing Resisting Arrest to a Class E felony, Making Failure to Retreat a Class D felony, Increasing the levels for assaulting a police officer by one degree, and making them crimes that require bail & Deem crimes against police officers as hate crimes.  They also are asking for May 15th to become a state holiday to honor police officers who have died in New York State.  The full list is available at nysheriffs.org.

The next Chenango County Rabies Clinic will be held today at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.  Pet owners are asked to enter the grounds through the gate across from Matthews Ford on East Main Street.   Pre-Registration is required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9, more information is available at 337-1673.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have had 138 positive Coronavirus cases, there are 52 people quarantined, 1 is hospitalized, there have been 127 recoveries, 6 deaths, they have conducted 7656 tests.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County will hold an online "Service of Remembrance" at 7:00 PM tonight on YouTube. More information about the service is available at hospicechenango.org or by calling 334-3556.

Norwich Firefighters responded at about 3:00 AM today to a fire at 37 Guernsey Street.  The vacant building & a tree were reported on fire by a nearby resident, the building was a total loss, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, the investigation is continuing.

Attorney General Letitia James announced that the state has renewed an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State that has been referred to their Office, for an additional 30-day period, starting tomorrow through Thursday, July 16th. After this 30-day period, the Attorney General will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension.

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in Sidney today.  The drive will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge, at 104 River Street, appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

4 people are running for the Republican Party Nomination to run for the 122nd Assembly District, to replace the retiring Cliff Crouch.  James Powers of South New Berlin are the only candidate of the 4 Republicans who has held a political office in Otsego County Government, he told WCDO News of that experience & his agenda:

(James Powers 6-16-20)

Powers faces competition from Joe Angelino, Nick Libous & Vic Furman in the Republican Primary.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 3 confirmed cases of corona virus Monday bringing the County total to 73.  Currently, no one is hospitalized, 62 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 22 people are quarantined, and they have conducted 4,135 tests.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 134 total cases of the Coronavirus, with only 1 hospitalized, 101 have recovered, 99 are quarantined, there have been 5 deaths, & over 5900 tests have been performed.

School Budget votes will be counted starting tomorrow for all school districts statewide.  The Bainbridge Guilford central School District has a proposed budget of 20.1 Million Dollars, BG Superintendent Tim Ryan comments:

(Tim Ryan 6-8-20)

The Afton Central School District has a budget, a bus proposition, and others items for voters to decide on, including a large Capital Project, Afton Superintendent Tim McNamara comments:

(Tim McNamara 6-8-20)

The Proposed budget for the Afton District is $16.4 Million dollars & the Building project is about 19 Million Dollar Building Project.  Governor Cuomo announced over the weekend that they will extend the deadline for school districts to receive school budget ballots, they can be hand delivered by 5:00 PM tomorrow and can be received by mail through June 16th.

Governor Cuomo announced Sunday that the state is considering allowing outdoor Graduation ceremonies up to 150 people with social distancing later this month:

(Cuomo 6-8-20 Graduation)

Governor Cuomo signed legislation extending the deadline to submit absentee ballots until the day of the election.  Primary Ballots must be postmarked by June 23rd, the Governor will extend the deadline for school districts to receive school budget ballots, they can be hand delivered by 5:00 PM tomorrow and can be received by mail through June 16th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31 year old Mario Darder of Hancock following an investigation into a domestic dispute.  Deputies located an individual walking away from the scene of the reported domestic dispute, Darder possessed methamphetamine and heroin, he was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was released on an appearance ticket and directed to appear in the Tompkins Town Court on a later date.

The Broome County Health Department announced Sunday that they have had 597 positive cases of the Coronavirus since Early March.  There have been 45 deaths, 474 recoveries, 273 patients are being monitored by the Health Department, and they have conducted more than 14,000 tests.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, there have been 77 confirmed positive cases, with an additional 15 under quarantine, 2 of the confirmed active cases in the hospital, 5 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 65 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo said today that he was disgusted at the actions of Police in Buffalo yesterday during a protest, where an elderly man was knocked to the ground, he hit his head on the ground, and Police walked passed him, even though he was visibly bleeding from the ear:

(Cuomo 6-5-20)

75 year old Martin Gugino of Buffalo is hospitalized in serious but stable condition today, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said that 2 officers have been suspended & the District Attorneys' office is investigating.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Long Island man Monday following their investigation of a domestic dispute.  Deputies and State Police responded to a domestic dispute involving weapons in the Town of Davenport, they arrested 32- year-old Abdessamad Ellouzi of Cedarhurst, for criminal possession of a weapon & menacing, for allegedly possessing and threatening family members with a dangerous instrument.  Ellouzi was arraigned by teleconference in Sidney Village Court and was released; he will appear in Town of Davenport court at a later date.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are at 133 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.  They have 1 patient hospitalized, 98 have recovered, 5, are deceased, 98 are quarantined, over 4000 tests have been conducted.

The Susquehanna SPCA continues to receive donations for their construction project, as they seek to replace the old facility with a newer, more efficient building, Executive Director Stacie Haynes comments:

(Stacie Haynes 6-5-20)

The SQSPCA is $1.2 million away from its SHELTER US Campaign target of $5 million; more information is available at 547-8111.

Otsego County is accepting applications for grant funding from qualifying Microenterprises to assist with business related activities and COVID-19 related impacts.  A microenterprise is business that employs or will employ 5 or fewer persons, including the business owner or owners.  The grant awards range from $3,000 to a maximum of $30,000 with a 10% equity match from the business owner.  More information is available by email at Info@OtsegoNow.com, at the OTSEGONOW.COM website of by calling 607-267-4010

The Town of Masonville announced that they will have a free giveaway of masks & Hand Sanitizer tomorrow for Town Residents, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, while supplies last, the event will be held at the Masonville Town Hall.

Delaware County is reporting 1 new case of COVID-19, 1 additional recovery & 1 more Death. To date there have been 76 confirmed positive cases, with an additional 18 people under quarantine, 1 person is in the hospital, 6 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 64 have fully recovered.

The National Warplane Museum of Geneseo announced plans for a Southern Tier flyover Saturday with a projected take-off time of 9:30 AM.  The Museum’s very own Douglas C-47, known as “Whiskey 7” will be accompanied by a P-51 Mustang named "Mad Max.”  National Warplane Museum Director of Flight Operation Todd Cameron explains:

(Todd Cameron 6-5-20)

The Flyover will honor first responders, medical personnel and essential workers all across the Southern Tier of New York, including UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and the New York State Veteran's Home, Oxford.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a registered Level II Sex Offender following a sexual abuse investigation in the Town of Davenport.  45-year-old Richard Bennett of Davenport was charged with  sexual abuse & endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly subjecting a female child under the age of 17 to sexual contact, Bennett was served with an order of protection was issued by Deposit Court & was released on an appearance ticket to Town of Davenport Court at a later date.  Bennett was mandated to lifetime registration as a Level II Sex Offender as a result of his 2006 conviction in Otsego County Court for 3rd degree rape, a crime that also involved a victim under the age of seventeen.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 27 year old Dylan Katen of Windsor for possession and use of a credit card that was stolen during a burglary of a Town of Sanford residence in 2019.  Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detectives learned the stolen credit card was utilized at a Deposit convenience store in December, they requested assistance from the Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division.  The joint investigation led to Katen’s arrest, for 1 count of criminal possession of stolen property & petit larceny, he was arraigned by teleconference Friday night & was released on appearance tickets for Deposit Town Court on a later date.

The Broome County Health Department continues to see an increase in the number of Coronavirus case, they are now up to 513 positives, with 35 deaths, 341 recoveries & 361 are being monitored by the Health Department.

Chenango County Public Health is reporting 119 total positive cases of the coronavirus today, there are 50 people in quarantine, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 5 deaths and 87 recoveries, and they have performed 3041 tests.

On June 9th Residents of the Afton Central School District will be voting on a 19 Million Dollar Building Project.  Afton Superintendent Tim McNamara told WCDO News what they are proposing:

(Tim McNamara 5-26-20)

McNamara said that between state aid & a capital fund, there will be no cost to the Afton District taxpayers.

The Organizers for the Chenango Blues fest announced that this year’s event has been cancel led due to the coronavirus.  The event has been moved to August 20th & 21st of 2021, more information is available at chenangobluesfest.org.

The Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention invites community members to tune into the organization’s next meeting, on Thursday, May 28, at 6:00 PM through Zoom.  The presentation, titled “A Trauma-Sensitive Approach to COVID-19,” will be led by Amanda Decker, program director and prevention specialist for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County. Call 607-746-8300 for Zoom instructions.

On Memorial Day there was no General Clinton Canoe Regatta but several locals decided that they would start at Otsego Lake and do the 70 mile course anyway; Duke Fisher was one of the organizers & Participants:

(Duke Fisher 5-26-20)

Fisher said that they echoed the time of the original paddlers from the early 60's, finishing the course in 11 to 12 hours.

The State Coronavirus numbers has had an uptick since the 1st phase of the reopening started, Governor Cuomo commented about the upstate county numbers yesterday:

(Cuomo CNY)

The Governor was also asked about the number of people who are still not wearing masks in spite of all the facts about their effectiveness:

(Cuomo Masks)

The State Health Department reported well over 362,764 coronavirus cases, the state death toll is over 23,488 since early March.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 and 1 additional recovery. The known active cases in the County is now 12.  To date there have been 72 confirmed positive cases, with 26 people under quarantine,  5 are in the hospital, 7 are isolated at home, 4 people have died and 56 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Department of Health has received notification of 1 new confirmed positive coronavirus case Saturday, this patient did not attend the Unadilla Livestock auction May 16th.  The county has 63 total confirmed cases, none one is hospitalized currently, 57 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, and 13 people are quarantined

The Otsego County Department of Health & the Susquehanna SPCA will continue to hold free weekly rabies vaccination clinics on-site for the foreseeable future.  The shelter is scheduling vaccination appointments for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Wednesday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. and on Thursday mornings from 9-11 a.m. Individual appointments allow for proper social distancing.  Registration is available by calling 547-8111, extension 108.  More information is available at sqspca.org.

The Otsego County Department of Health announced that they now have 21 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  2 of those patients are hospitalized, 2 have fully recovered and are off isolation & there has been 1 death.  103 people on mandatory quarantine,  6 people on precautionary quarantine & 26 people have been released from quarantine.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that they have 33 positive cases of the Corona Virus.  101 people are in Precautionary Quarantine, 218 are in Mandatory Quarantine.

SUNY Broome officials announced today that they have donated personal protective equipment to help shortages at local healthcare facilities.   The campus has Nursing & Dental programs, and during the shutdown from tehe Coronavirus, they donated 8,000 gloves, 750 surgical masks, 100 N95 masks and 150 gowns.  Local residents who have similar items to donate can drop them off at the old Macy's building in the Oakdale Mall Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar updated their Coronavirus numbers Friday afternoon.  They now have 52 confirmed cases, 9 are hospitalized, 32 are recovering at home, 7 have recovered, there are 4 deaths, 459 have been tested.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating complaints of vandalism to an agricultural field in the Town of Hamden.   A vehicle was identified as a result of surveillance camera images, Deputies arrested 18 year-old Austin Moxham of Delhi with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to display a front license plate,  unlawful possession of marihuana & criminal mischief.   Moxham was issued appearance tickets for Town of Hamden Court on a later date.

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet on April 9 at 10:30 AM to consider petitions for rehearing of the Siting Board’s December 2019 approval of Bluestone Wind, LLC’s application for Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to build and operate a 124-megawatt wind facility with 27 wind turbines in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.  The Siting Board determined that the facility met the statutory requirements for certification; the parties seeking rehearing are Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Broome County Concerned Residents and a resident of the Village of Johnson City.  The meeting will be conducted by teleconference at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.

Delaware County has had its first death from the coronavirus; the deceased had been hospitalized with the disease and died Wednesday.  Delaware County has 20 positive cases so far, excluding 3 positive tests that were returned to their county of residence.  2 people have recovered, 10 are recovering at Home, 6 are hospitalized, 43 are in Mandatory Quarantine & 9 are in Precautionary Quarantine, 182 people have been tested.

Bassett Healthcare announced that for the health and safety
of patients, employees, and the communities that they serve, they are
implementing new visitation restrictions across all network facilities.  Access to clinic buildings and outpatient
service areas at all Bassett Healthcare Network facilities will be limited to
only those patients with scheduled appointments or required business, such as a
prescription pick up.  FoxCare Fitness in
Oneonta is also closed until further notice.
Bassett has set up a central phone number; 607-547-5555, for those who
are concerned they may have symptoms of upper respiratory illness, patients
determined to need an in-person visit will be given an appointment and directed
to next steps.  Also Telemedicine
capabilities are being expanded to be able to screen more patients remotely;
Visitation has been suspended to all inpatient units at the 5 hospitals across
the network and the network’s long-term care facilities.  More information is available at bassett.org.

UHS Chenango Memorial is restricting visitors at the
hospital & all off-site locations.
All patients and visitors will be screened upon arrival, Only 1 healthy
visitor will be allowed per patient at a time, Patients coming for medical
appointments or testing may only be accompanied by 1 healthy individual, and
Children under the age of 18 are restricted from visiting.  Visitors experiencing cough, sore throat,
fever, or any other flu-like symptoms will not be permitted.  Individuals who are asymptomatic but who have
an international travel history, or who have recently been in a community with
active cases of COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has tested
positive for the virus, will be screened.
Those with symptoms should call their provider’s office or emergency
room before arriving.  Patients and
visitors are asked to enter through the Main Rear Entrance, except for patients
going to the Emergency Room or patients of the UHS Women’s Health Center.  More information is available at 337-4111 or
at nyuhs.org.

David Thomas of Oneonta Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder
in Otsego County Court, for a December 2018 incident in which he injured a
woman's neck by strangulation.  Thomas
will be sentenced on the charge on June 5th.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34 year old
Lance Barnhart of McDonough for 3rd degree Burglary, Petty Larceny and Criminal
Mischief.   Barnhart is accused of
entering a town of Norwich residence by cutting a window screen to steal an
animal. Barnhart was released on appearance tickets and schedule to appear in
the Town of Norwich at a later date.

Former area Congressman Richard Hanna of Barneveld has died
at the age of 69.  Hanna died Sunday at a
hospital in Oneida County surrounded by loved ones after a battle with
cancer.  Hanna served 3 terms in
Congress, retiring in 2016.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig Announced that as of today, all
City buildings will be closed to the public. Persons requiring emergency
assistance from the Oneonta Police Department can do so by entering the lobby
at the Public Safety Building, all essential services will still be provided,
but all non-essential services and activities will be curtailed. At 7:00 pm
tonight, Mayor Herzig will conduct a live broadcast on the City of Oneonta’s
Facebook page of the Common Council Meeting where the changes will be discussed
in more detail.

The Commerce Chenango Notary Public Prep Workshop is still
scheduled for this morning in Norwich.
The meeting will be held in the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15
South Broad Street in downtown Norwich, the event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00
PM.

State Senator Fred Akshar held a press conference at the
Broome County Sheriff’s Department yesterday, vowing to fight to overturn or
fix some of the portions of the Bail Reform law that just went into effect that
is sending some violent criminals back out onto the streets:

(Akshar 1-28-20)

Akshar said that numerous cases
have occurred already where someone has been released on an appearance ticket,
and almost immediately committed a crime that they would not have been able to
commit if they had been remanded to jail like they would have last year.

The opening of the 2020 personal income tax filing season
has begun, with a dozen free tax filing assistance sites across New York State.
Taxpayers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible to file both their
federal and New York State income tax returns at these locations at no cost.
Eligible taxpayers may also prepare and file their returns for free by using
tax preparation software available through the State Tax Department's
website.    More information is available
at tax.ny.gov/fsa.

Today’s UHS Chenango Women’s Health talk will focus on Healthy
Habits, to be held at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street in Norwich.  Physical Therapist Allison O’Neill of UHS
Therapies Norwich and Registered Dietician Nicole Wake from UHS Chenango
Memorial will present during the event, the evening will begin at 6:00 PM, with
the presentation and discussion to follow at 7:00 PM.  More information is available at 337-4283.

The Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce will hold their next First Friday networking Breakfast on February 7th
from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Belleayre Mountain and Ski Center in
Highmount.  The featured speaker for the
event is New York State Senator James Seward, representing the 51st Senate
District.

Governor Cuomo today announced the Executive Budget includes
record funding for the Environmental Protection Fund at $300 Million.   The Budget appropriations include $39
million for solid waste programs, $89 million for parks and recreation, $152
million for open space programs and $20 million for the climate change
mitigation and adaptation program.

Commerce Chenango has teamed up with SFCU to host a series
of Roundtable Workshops, with the 1st one scheduled for this morning in
Norwich, Commerce Chenango CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 1-28-20)

The workshop will be held in the Commerce Chenango Community
Room at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich, starting at 7:30 AM through 9:00 AM,
more information is available at 334-1400.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Gary Warfield
Jr. of East Branch on 1 count of endangering the welfare of a child.  Deputies allege that Warfield did knowingly
act in a manner injurious to the physical, mental, or moral welfare of a child
less than seventeen years of age. Warfield was released on an appearance ticket
returnable the Town of Hancock court at a later date.

The American Red Cross announced that there are 2 blood
drives being held in Broome County today in Harpursville from 2:30 to 6:30 PM
at the Eastern Broome Senior Center, another is being held in Binghamton from
11:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley
Street.  Donors of all blood types,
especially types O positive and O negative are needed.  Donations can be made with the Red Cross
Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or
enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Governor Cuomo today
announced $151 million in new funding for the renewal of State roadways
impacted by extreme weather events. This State funding will support 95 paving
projects and the renewal of approximately 1,013 lane miles of pavement across
the state.  In the Southern Tier; $2.4
million will be used to renew State Route 97 from John Deck Road to Lordville
Road in Delaware County, $1.7 million to renew Route 12 from the Broome County
line to County Road 2 in Chenango County & $1.2 million to renew Route 12
from just north of County Road 3A to the Town of Oxford.

Testimony is underway in
Otsego County Court for the Murder & Arson Trial of 33 year old Gabriel
Pruitt of Oneonta.  Pruitt is accused of
setting a fire at 5 Walling Avenue in Oneonta on December 29th 2018 that killed
former Oneonta Firefighter John Heller as he tried to get his family out of the
building.

Sergeant Kim Smith of the Delaware County
Sheriff’s Office was awarded the “Carl Draxler Award” by the New York State
Sheriff’s Institute at the NYS Sheriff’s Association Annual Winter Conference
in Albany, Tuesday.  The Award is given
to an employee of the Sheriff’s Office whose exceptional career achievements
and conscientious devotion to duty have demonstrated a spirit of selfless
public service; it is not based on a specific event, but rather on the
nominee’s total career in the Sheriff’s Office.
The award is named in honor of Sheriff of Chemung County, Carl Draxler,

Jury
selection began Tuesday in Otsego County Court for the Murder & Arson Trial
of 33 year old Gabriel Pruitt of Oneonta.
Pruitt is accused of setting a fire at 5 Walling Avenue in Oneonta on
December 29th 2018 that killed John Heller as he tried to get his family out of
the building.

The
Oneonta Common Council voted to purchase the former Oneonta Ford Building at
Market & Chestnut streets at Tuesday Night's meeting.  The purchase price was $425,000, the building
was owned by the 12 Tribes religious organization.

The
Chenango County Sheriff's Office is investigating a motor vehicle theft that
occurred at a business in the Town of Norwich.  The theft took place in the morning hours Tuesday,
the suspect is described as a thin white male, the vehicle is a Buick Crossover
SUV, pictures of both are located at the Chenango Sheriff Facebook page, and
anyone with information is asked to call 337-1973.