WCDO Radio News

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.

Deborah Stanley has been named as interim SUNY Chancellor, after current Chancellor Jim Malatras resigns on January 14th. Malatras announced his resignation after disparaging text messages from Malatras were sent to then Governor Andrew Cuomo about one of Cuomo's sexual harassment accusers.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that she is making $65 million available to counties across New York State to help with the costs associated with administering vaccines and boosters and enforcing the mask-or-vaccine mandate for indoor public places that went into effect statewide last week. Up to $1 million will be available for most counties, with larger counties eligible to receive up to $2 million.

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.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told reporters that the State Constitution prohibits the legislature from impeaching a governor after he has resigned, so when Andrew Cuomo leaves office on August 24th, the Assembly’s impeachment investigation into him will officially be suspended. State Senator Peter Oberacker said that he was disappointed with the Speaker's Position, but has learned that the Senate will get a report into their findings:

(Senator Peter Oberacker 8-16-21)

Assembly Speaker Heastie said that all evidence gathered by the Assembly over the last 5 months investigation will be turned over to law enforcement agencies that have ongoing criminal investigations into the Governor’s alleged illegal activities.

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.

THE FOXCARE CENTER AND FOXCARE FITNESS IN ONEONTA REMAIN CLOSED TODAY. BASSETT SPOKESPERSON, GABI ARGO EXPLAINS WHY….

(GABBY ARGO 8-13-21)

ARGO SAID THAT A NEW WELL PUMP IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AND BE INSTALLED OVER THE WEEKEND AND THEY HOPE TO RESTORE FULL MEDICAL SERVICES BY MONDAY. UPDATES WILL BE POSTED AT BASSETT DOT ORG ON BASSETT’S FACEBOOK PAGE. PATIENTS NEEDING PRESCRIPTIONS SHOULD CALL 547-5127 FOR ASSISTANCE.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said that she plans to run for Governor in 2022, after she finishes up Governor Cuomo’s existing term. Cuomo will officially resign August 24th, Hochul will then take over as Governor. She plans to name a New Lieutenant Governor next week.

Basset Healthcare Network Announced That COVID 19 vaccines are now available in their locations, Spokesperson Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 7-29-21)

Argo said that Bassett offers the Johnson & Johnson 1-shot  Vaccine for those 18 & older and the 2 shot Pfizer vaccine for those 12 & older, more information is available at Bassett.org.

State police Responded Monday in Summit to the report of a man crashing an ATV into a tree.  28 year old Kenneth Gabrielsen of Jamesport was taken to Albany Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries, the crash remains under investigation.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of New York State's $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit program, designed to help expand employment opportunities for workers and provide relief to COVID-impacted restaurants.  Qualifying businesses are eligible for a tax credit of $5,000 per new worker hired, up-to $50,000 per business, to reduce the restaurant industry's pandemic-induced economic difficulties.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov/restaurant-return-work-tax-credit.

Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 26 year old David Johnson of Norwich following the investigation of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Pittsfield on June 16TH.  Johnson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, DWI, Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, among several other charges, Johnson is accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of methamphetamine, he was taken to Bassett Medical Center for injuries sustained during the accident, he was processed & issued an appearance ticket for Pittsfield Court at a later date.

The DICK'S Sporting Goods Open will be held next week, June 28th through July 4th this year, organizer Dave Pessagno told WCDO News that they had to keep the numbers down when scheduling this event earlier this year:

(Dave Pessagno 6-24-21)

Pessagno said that they are hoping to get back to normal attendance numbers of about 25,000 peak during the 2022 Dick's Sporting Goods Open festivities in Endicott.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York will end the state disaster emergency declared on March 7, 2020 to fight COVID-19 today. Federal CDC guidance will remain in effect, which includes masks for unvaccinated individuals, as well as all riders on public transit and in certain settings, such as health care, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters. State and local government health departments will still be able to ensure mask rules and other health precautions are adhered to in those settings.

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 Attorney General Letitia James has opened an investigation into Governor Cuomo’s alleged use of state resources in relation to his recent book, a chronicle of the state’s battle against coronavirus for which the governor received a seven-figure advance.  Attorney General James received a referral on the matter from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, after published reports suggested that The Governor's junior staff members and senior aides worked on “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-20-21

Governor Cuomo announced the submission of 36 vetoes from the Enacted State Budget.  The vetoes include various appropriations pertaining to local assistance, and capital projects, 12 appropriations are fully expended, and 6 additional appropriations have minimal spending authority remaining. 13 appropriations are vetoed on constitutional grounds, 4 appropriations are duplicative of other re-appropriations for the same purpose, and one appropriation was previously vetoed.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Health is now accepting applications from businesses seeking to operate as cannabinoid hemp processors, retailers or distributors. The applications are available on the Cannabinoid Hemp Program's webpage health.ny.gov/regulations/hemp. In October, Governor Cuomo announced that the Department filed proposed regulations to regulate cannabinoid hemp products in New York State, which can be found at regs.health.ny.gov.

State Police were dispatched to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the town of Roxbury Sunday.  Police said that 42 year old Cory Davis of Fleischmanns was jogging with his back to traffic & turned into the path of a vehicle driven by an unidentified 75 year old man, who assisted Davis until help arrived.  Davis suffered head and lower body injuries and was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment, the incident remains under investigation.

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.

Governor Cuomo announced his 30-day amendments to his Executive Budget proposal, which includes the establishment of an adult-use Marijuana program in the state:

(Cuomo 2-16-21)

The amendments also include funding for Job placement programs, adult education, mental health treatments, & also the reducing of penalties for 3 drug charges.  The budget is due to be passed by the legislature on Aprils 1st.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order extending the closing time for bars, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, billiard halls, as well as other State Liquor Authority-licensed establishments.  The extension started over the weekend and it amended the closing time for those businesses from 10:00 to 11:00 PM.

Bassett Healthcare Network is tightening visitor restrictions at all of its hospitals and long-term care facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to rise regionally and statewide. Effective Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, only individuals considered essential to the medical care of a patient will be allowed at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown; A.O. Fox Hospital, in Sidney & Oneonta; Little Falls Hospital, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, and O’ Connor Hospital in Delhi.   Visitation is also suspended at the Bassett network’s two long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities – A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, and Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services in Herkimer.

People have been captivated by the story of the little owl that was transported to New York City from West Oneonta last week, on the Tree that is being set up for the Christmas holidays in Rockefeller Center.  Susan O'Hanley of the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society told WCDO News that they believe that the owl was on the tree through the whole process & made the trip to the city:

(Susan O'Hanley 11-19-20)

O'Hanley said that many have commented to the Society that the Owl should be brought back to West Oneonta, the Society members feel that the additional travel would be too stressful & that he will assimilate to the Owl population in the Hudson Valley.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-19-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 18 new COVID cases Wednesday, the number of cases in the county since March is up to 1128, with 58 active cases,  1 hospitalized,  8 deaths,  760 cases are now linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 at Hartwick College.

Governor Cuomo, as well as the Governors of surrounding states, announced they will encourage residential colleges and universities in their respective states to provide testing for all students traveling home for Thanksgiving break to the maximum extent possible before they leave campus. Any student who tests positive will be encouraged to isolate on campus before they can travel or detail arrangements of their safe travel home with the local department of health.

A small explosion at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown Tuesday injured 2 construction workers.  the explosion occurred near the hospital’s receiving dock when a contractor was transporting equipment  in an exterior stairwell connected to a construction site, 1 workers suffered severe injuries & was reported to Upstate medical Center in Syracuse, a 2nd construction worker was treated at Bassett for his injuries.  The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Damage was minimal, hospital operations were not affected.

The Bainbridge Rotary Club will hold their annual Pancake Day; take out only, on Election Day November 3rd, at the Back of Bob's Diner.  Rotary spokesperson June White said that it is part of the Rotary's effort to eradicate polio in the last 2 countries where it exists:

(June White 10-28-20)

White said that people must wear their masks and practice social distancing at the event next Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 10-28-20

Governor Cuomo announced that 98,413 test results were reported Monday, yielding 1,509 positive cases statewide.  The state has 1083 Hospitalized, there are 233 in ICU Beds, 120 are on ventilators, and there were 15 more deaths Monday, bringing the state death toll to 25,758.

Governor Cuomo announced that California has been added to New York State's COVID-19 travel advisory. No areas have been removed; Non-Essential Interstate Travel to and from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey & Pennsylvania is discouraged.  The List can be located at coronavirus.health.ny.gov

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-30-20

Governor Cuomo announced that the state had an even 1000 new positive COVID 19 tests Tuesday, out of almost 98,000 tests administered. The state has a total of 458,649 positive cases since March, there were 9 deaths, bringing the state total to 25,470. The Governor also announced Tuesday that 1 state was added & 2 were removed from the state's traveler’s advisory list. Travelers from Colorado will now have to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New York, Arizona and Virginia were removed today, the full list is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

State Police arrested 54 year old Cristina Tilton of Mount Vision, last Friday for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & 3rd degree Assault, following the report of an accident involving a car & a motorcycle on Oneida Street and Country Club Road in the town of Oneonta. The driver of the motorcycle was 78 year old Donald Fredenburg of Oneonta, who was ejected off of his bike from the crash; he was airlifted by LifeNet to Wilson Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been treated and released. The investigation determined that Tilton began turning left on to Country Club Road and into the direct path of the motorcycle, Tilton had a BAC above the legal limit, & her license had been revoked, she was released on appearance tickets to the town of Oneonta court on October 6th.

Bassett Hospital has cut back on elective surgeries & implemented emergency procedures, after they were notified of a few positive tests among Bassett Hospital staff. Rapid testing has been deployed to prevent a further spread of the virus among Bassett’s staff.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-23-20

Governor Cuomo announced that 665 people tested positive Tuesday for COVID 19, after almost 71,000 tests were administered statewide.  The state has had over 451,800 positive cases since March, there were 5 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State, and the death toll is up to 25,437.  490 patients are hospitalized, 141 are in an ICU bed and 68 were on ventilators Tuesday.

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

(Gillibrand 9-23-20)

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

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-23-20

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

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-22-20

Governor Cuomo reported that the state had 754 new Positive COVID 19 tests Monday, out of almost 84,000 tests administered.  451,227 New Yorkers have tested positive for the virus since March, there were 470 people hospitalized Monday, there were 3 deaths state wide, the number of deaths since March is 25,431.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society's 14th annual benefit auction will be 2 virtual auctions this year, they have contracted with 32Auctions, and the 1st auction has about a dozen items. The auction will open on Friday September 25 at 10:00 AM, and will close on Sunday September 27 at 9:00 PM, Society Executive Director Bob Brzozowski told WCDO news of some of the items offered this weekend:

(Bob Brzozowski 9-22-20)

The link for the preliminary auction is 32auctions.com/GOHSMiniAuction; a 2nd bigger auction is scheduled online November 15 to November 21. More information is available at 432-0960 or by email:  info@OneontaHistory.org. The History Center at 183 Main Street in Oneonta will be open during the auction on Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can assist visitors with online auction questions.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-22-20

The Otsego County Department of Health, Bassett Medical Center & the State Department of Health have partnered to provide a rapid testing to Otsego County residents Today & Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, pre-registration is required at 547-4279.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-18-20

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

Governor Cuomo announced that the COVID-19 results from Thursday, as 790 out of 89,727 tests performed Thursday were Positive.  The state has had 448,052 cases since March, there were 478 hospitalized, 141 were in an ICU, 62 were on ventilators, there were 10 COVID-19 Deaths, bringing the state toll up to 25,423.

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

A.M. News Friday 9-18-20

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

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-8-20

Governor Cuomo gave a COVID 19 update today, where he first discussed the regulations regarding Colleges:

(Cuomo Colleges)

The Governor also discussed the COVID report card for K-12 School districts:

(Cuomo K-12)

The COVID-19 Report Card will be live at schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov. The Governor also announced that 4 states: Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia have been added to the State's COVID-19 travel advisory. Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands have been removed. The advisory requires individuals who have traveled to New York from areas with significant community spread to quarantine for 14 days.

Governor Cuomo and SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras announced the launch of a SUNY system-wide COVID-19 case tracker dashboard. The centralized dashboard will provide real time, up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases, testing, and quarantine and isolation space availability across SUNY's 64 colleges and universities to more efficiently monitor, respond to, and contain the virus.

Governor Cuomo announced that another 520 COVID cases were confirmed Sunday or .88% of all those tested, Bringing Statewide Total to 440,021; 413 are hospitalized, with 115 in ICU beds & 57 are on Ventilators, there were 2 deaths reported, bringing the state death toll to 25,361.

The Governor also announced the results of the State's testing in the City of Oneonta over 5 days. A total of 1,965 tests were performed at the 3 sites, 91 positive cases were identified, for a positivity rate of 4.6%. Contact tracing efforts in partnership with local health departments are ongoing. 85 of the 91 positives cases were ages 18 to 24, or about 11.5% positive.

SUNY Delhi will begin conducting surveillance testing for COVID-19 on campus starting Tuesday, September 15th, as an early warning system to assist in the prevention of COVID-19.  SUNY Delhi will conduct pool testing of saliva samples from students. The test will identify the presence of COVID-19 in the samples with a 95+% confidence level.  Students will be selected for pool testing in designated groups and will be notified via email with detailed instructions. Participation is mandatory. Students who have previously had a confirmed case of COVID-19 will need to get medical documentation from their health care provider and must call Health Services at 746-4690 to coordinate an exemption for the surveillance testing.

State Police responded Friday to a 3-car crash on State Highway 23 near the intersection of Regan Way in the town of Davenport.  An investigation revealed that a Pontiac driven by 56 year old Kevin Johnson of Windham was stopped waiting to turn left into the Mirabito when he was rear ended by a Hyundai driven by 20 year old Shaun Jones of Davenport, which caused the Hyundai to then enter the westbound lane of traffic and into the path of an ambulance traveling west on State Highway 23.  The ambulance then struck a guiderail.   Jones was transported to Albany Med and was treated & released, Jones's passenger, a 19-year-old female of Otego was transported to Bassett Medical Center.  The driver of the ambulance, 41 year old Gerald Brown of Milford was transported to Fox Hospital, his passenger; a 21-year-old male of Sherburne was also transported to Fox Hospital.  The crash remains under investigation.

A "Meet the Candidate" event will be held in Afton today, featuring Libertarian Candidate Thomas Daniel Quiter for the State Senate's 52nd District, as well as Larry Sharpe, who was the 2018 Libertarian candidate for New York Governor.  The event will be held in front of 175 Main Street, Afton (The Afton Inn) from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM today.

The State Health Department announced that 667 people tested positive for COVID 19 statewide Monday, bringing the state total to 422,003.  The number of fatalities went up slightly to 25,211.  Governor Cuomo added more states to New York’s coronavirus quarantine list, and removed others.  People traveling from Hawaii, South Dakota and the U.S. Virgin Islands will now be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, Cuomo said that Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington have been removed from the list,  which is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

A trooper and 3 civilians were transported to area hospitals after a 3-car crash on I-88 in Otsego County Monday at about 5:05 PM.  Police stated that a trooper from the Oneonta barracks had a vehicle stopped for a traffic infraction on the shoulder of I-88 east in the town of Maryland, when a 3rd vehicle failed to Move Over and crashed into the State Police vehicle, which had all of its lights activated, the momentum pushed the troop car into the vehicle that was stopped.  The unidentified trooper was transported to Bassett Medical Center for head and neck injuries, the occupants of the stopped vehicle,   21-year-old woman and a 3-year-old child of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania were taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for head and neck injuries & the driver that struck the troop car, a 32-year-old female of Richmondville was also taken to Fox Hospital for knee & arm injuries.  The crash is still under investigation, police remind motorists to slow down & Move over for all emergency vehicles parked on the shoulder of state highways.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced the opening of a new school-based health center at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School, serving pre-K through 12th grade students in that district.  This is Bassett’s 21st school-based health center, the program has been funded through a grant and money secured by State Senator Jim Seward, as well as by the Clark Foundation.   More information is available at 844-255-7242.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation requiring all passengers in motor vehicles over the age of 16 to wear a seat belt. Currently, passengers aged 16 and older are only required to wear a seat belt in the front passenger seat next to the driver.   The new law takes effect November 1.

Catholic Charities at the Sidney Civic Center announced today that they have extended the registration period for their free backpack & school Supplies promotion for Sidney Central School District Students.  The deadline has been extended through Friday August 21st; more information is available at 604-4071.

Delaware County received no new positive test results for COVID-19, the known active cases in the County is 0. To date there have been 96 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 with 12 people under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo held his Daily coronavirus Briefing at the Binghamton university school of Pharmacy this afternoon, he discussed the 1st phase of the re-opening of 3 Local Regions first, starting Friday, and the hope that it does not happen to fast & have an increase in Coronavirus cases:

(Cuomo 5-12-20)

Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa said that Nursing homes across the state will now have to test their employees twice a week to make sure that the vulnerable populations in nursing homes also so not see an increase in the Coronavirus cases:

(DeRosa 5-12-20)

The state has 338,000 cases of the Coronavirus since early March, another 195 people died from the virus Monday, bringing the state death toll to 21,845.

The Bassett Hospital Network will begin to perform elective outpatient surgeries & non-urgent outpatient procedures that had topped with the Governor's executive order in March, when the state faced the potential of not having g enough hospital beds to treat Coronavirus Patients.  In Otsego County, they have not had a positive test in over a week, and will proceed with caution, according to President & CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network Dr. William Streck:

(Streck 5-12-20)

President of Bassett Medical Center Dr. William LaCates also commented:

(LaCates 5-12-20)

The loss of revenue from all of the postponed elective surgeries was a major hit to the Bassett Health care systems bottom line according to Dr. Streck, which he said will take some time to get back to previous levels.

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

(Cuomo 5-8-20)

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

(Melissa DeRosa 5-8-20)

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

The American Red Cross has blood drives scheduled in the coming weeks, 1 in Oxford at the American Legion on South Washington Street on Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, also in Oneonta on Saturday at the Main Street Baptist Church from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  There will also be blood drives on Wednesday May 13th at the Norwich VFW from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, & the Sidney Fireman's Training Center from 1:30 to 5:30 PM.  Appointments are requested at 1-800-Red Cross or redcrossblood.org.

Bassett Medical Center and Fox Hospital in Oneonta have been given the go-ahead to resume elective surgeries and non-urgent outpatient procedures.  Officials have called a press conference Tuesday Morning at 10:30 AM to outline their plans; Elective surgeries were put on hold after Governor Cuomo’s emergency declaration Friday, March 13th,   Due to possible issues from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 today; the number of active cases is 9.  To date there have been 74 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, There are an additional 18 people under mandatory quarantine and no people under precautionary quarantine.  12 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county, 2 are receiving medical care in a hospital, 7 are isolated at home, 4 people are deceased and 49 have fully recovered.

The State has well over 200,000 cases of the Coronavirus, and while the number of Hospitalizations has remained relatively flat, & the number of people requiring ventilators has gone down, Governor Cuomo said that the next step is to figure out how to return to normal economic activity, but that requires the seemingly impossible task of testing of millions of people before they can be cleared to go to work:

(Cuomo 4-15-20)

Governor Cuomo said that another 752 people died from the Coronavirus Tuesday statewide, bringing the death toll to 11,646 people.

Bassett Medical Center has started a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficiency of several medications as potential treatments for COVID- 19 among hospitalized patients. The trial was designed by the hospital’s Department of Medicine and the Bassett Research Institute, it will include only patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection who are hospitalized at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown or A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta. Other qualifying institutions nationwide have been invited to join the trial; up to 4,000 patients can be accepted into the clinical trial, more information is available at clinicaltrials.gov.

The Community Foundation for South Central New York has released an additional $142,705 in grants to organizations providing essential services to the individuals and communities during the COVID-19 crisis.  The Otsego County Department of Health receives $5,000 for a public awareness campaign on social distancing, The Delaware Valley Humane Society will receive $5,000 for increased capacity at the shelter as owners are forced to surrender animals, Good Shepherd Communities Foundation will receive $5,000 for Personal Protective Equipment, Helios Care receives $10,000 for Personal Protective Equipment & Catskill Center for Independence receives $8,000 for their meal and prescription delivery program to community members with disabilities.  More information is available at donorswhocare.org.

State Police arrested 38 year old Dennis Lafferty of Unadilla twice Sunday on 2 separate complaints.  At about 1:30 PM, troopers responded to a domestic dispute in Unadilla, Troopers located Lafferty, who was accused of making threats to physically harm one of the residents, which violated an order of protection,  Lafferty was charged with Criminal Contempt, was arraigned by teleconference and released on his own recognizance.   At about 7:30 PM, troopers learned that Lafferty was once again at the residence, he was charged with Criminal Contempt, he was arraigned again by teleconference and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bail bond.

Governor Cuomo gave the latest
statistics regarding the Coronavirus this morning, with the number of Positive
cases now over 75,000. Cuomo said that they are continuing to plan for the
numbers to keep increasing for the next 2 to 4 weeks:

(Cuomo 3-31-20)

Governor Cuomo said that there
are now over 10,900 people hospitalized, with 2710 in ICU beds, there have been
over 4900 discharged & the death toll is now up to 1550.

Delaware County Public Health announced that the total of
laboratory confirmed positive Coronavirus cases in Delaware County are 14. 2
individuals have now recovered and are no longer in isolation. 6 cases are
recovering safely at home, 6 cases are receiving medical care in a hospital.

The Otsego County Sheriff's
Office arrested 33 year old Josie Wright of Morris for Petty Larceny, for
allegedly stealing medical supplies from Bassett Medical Center.  Wright is accused of stealing face masks and
alcohol prep pads, Deputies were alerted by the Bassett Security staff, the
investigation is continuing, Wright was issued an appearance ticket for the
Town of Otsego Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo welcomed the Floating Naval Hospital to New
York City today, giving the city added help for its beleaguered Hospitals at
the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Cuomo said that the number of positive cases statewide is 66,497, the
number of deaths jumped to 1,218, the number Hospitalized is now over 9500, the
number of ICU Beds occupied is 2352, & the number discharged from hospitals
is now 4202.  The statistics also showed
that the rate of increase is slowing down:

(Cuomo 3-30-20 doubling the rate)

Governor Cuomo also said that too many people are treating
the "Stay At Home" mandate like it was optional:

(Cuomo 3-30-20 stay home)

Local officials have expressed concern that too many people
are leaving the most affected areas and are coming to Otsego & Delaware
Counties to wait it out, and they could be driving up the local numbers &
threatening the local population and healthcare systems.

State Senator Jim Seward's office announced today that the
Senator & his wife Cindy both tested positive for the Coronavirus.  Seward has displayed mild Symptoms and is expected
to be released from Albany Medical Center shortly, while Cindy Seward was
treated & released from Bassett Hospital and is recovering while
quarantined at home, both are expected to fully recover.

NYSEG today announced they are donating approximately 17,700
protective masks to assist health care workers across the state amid a shortage
of protective gear for medical personnel fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The
donation comes on the heels of Governor Cuomo’s call for assistance as New York
continues to face increasing strains on the health care system. The surgical
masks and N95 respirators are being delivered to a state receiving center,
where officials will disperse them to facilities most in need.

The Community Foundation for
South Central New York has released $110,000 in grants to organizations
providing services during the COVID-19 Crisis in the region. The Friends of Recovery
Delaware/Otsego will receive $5,000, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier will
get $7,500 for meal delivery programs, Delaware Opportunities receives $15,000
for meal delivery programs, Chenango United Way gets $15,000 for their
community response, Opportunities for Otsego receives $15,000 for their
community response to COVID-19, & ARC of Delaware County receives $2,500
for the Walton Food Pantry.  More
information about the Foundation can be found at donorswhocare.org.

Governor Cuomo stated yesterday that there were 59,573 cases
of the Corona Virus in the State, with 965 deaths, over 8500 are in Hospitals,
2037 were in ICU Beds, & 3572 have been discharged.   The Governor talked about the heroism of all
the 1st Responders during this crisis:

(Cuomo 3-30-20)

Governor Cuomo announced all New York on Pause functions
will be extended for the next 2 weeks; the state nonessential workforce will
continue to work from home for an additional two weeks through April 15th.
Executive Orders regarding the closing of restaurants and bars, gyms, movie
theaters, casinos; local government workforces, school districts; malls, public
amusement facilities; barber shops & salons are also extended until April
15th.

New York State has tested over 32,000
people, & there are more than 7100 cases of the Corona Virus with 35
deaths, so Governor Cuomo today announced that that 100% of employees of non-essential
must now stay home:

(Cuomo 3-20-20)

Cuomo said that they are
concentrating on acquiring more hospital beds in existing facilities, hospital
beds for makeshift sites that are not in use for their usual purposes and above
all, Ventilators for those in the ICU Units with the Coronavirus.  New York will implement a 90-day moratorium
on evictions for residential and commercial tenants.

On Monday, a Red Cross EMERGENCY
Blood Drive will be held at the Sidney Fire Department Training Center on River
Street.  Blood supplies are extremely low
as a number of Blood Drives were cancelled due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the
blood drive will be held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced
that all elective surgeries are being postponed during the response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. This includes non-essential medical, surgical and dental
procedures at all Bassett Healthcare Network hospitals and outpatient surgical
facilities.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced today
that the number of Coronavirus cases has increased by 432 cases, bringing the
statewide total to 1374 cases, with new positive tests in 10 counties.  Governor Cuomo announced that they should be
able to test thousands a day for the coronavirus, probably by next week, with
the help of automated testing systems.
Also, the Governor announced a three-way agreement with the Legislature
on a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been
quarantined as a result of the coronavirus.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order delaying village
elections statewide until the April 28th presidential primary.  The Governor said that Public health
officials have been clear that reducing density is one of the most effective
ways to stop the spread, and delaying village elections will help ensure poll
workers and voters are not potentially exposed to the virus and at the same
time maintain integrity in our election system.

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.

The State-run Department of
Motor Vehicles locations are moving to an appointment only system to help stop
spread of the coronavirus.   The DMV is
encouraging all New Yorkers to complete routine transactions on its website.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order directing all
schools in New York to close by Wednesday, for 2 weeks ending April 1, at that
time, the state will reassess whether to extend the school closures further and
continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement.   Schools that exceed the closure period
without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule.  School districts are required to develop a
plan for alternative instructional options, including distance learning;
distribution and availability of meals; and daycare, with an emphasis on
children of parents of first responders and healthcare workers.

Governor Cuomo has signed “Gio’s
Bill” named after a 14 year old Giovanni Cipriano of Long island,  the new bill will allow police officers and
firefighters to administer Epinephrine auto-injectors to individuals
experiencing severe allergic reactions.
Cipriano died in October of 2013 from an allergic reaction after eating
a peanut product, and suffered a severe anaphylactic attack.

State Police arrested 33 year old Thomas Shaw of Franklin
for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, after a trooper was dispatched to
a report of an overturned vehicle on State Highway 357 in the town of
Franklin.  Minutes before the crash,
multiple citizens had contacted 911 reporting an erratic driver.  Shaw was transported to Bassett Medical
Center; he was later arrested and issued appearance tickets to the town of
Franklin court.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said that she is still running with Governor Cuomo for the Democratic Party Gubernatorial Nomination this year. Hochul was mentioned in her home area of Buffalo as possible seeking a congressional seat there, she has denied those reports.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $15 million in grant funding is available to help New York livestock farms implement water quality protection projects. The funding is a part of the Governor's historic $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, which invests unprecedented resources for drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and other water quality protection across the state, including funds to ensure proper management and storage of nutrients on farms. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT agriculture.ny.gov.

Otsego County Sheriff's department & Emergency crews responded Tuesday morning at about 9:10, to a 2 vehicle crash on State Route 166. Deputies reported that 67 year old George Murray of Cooperstown crossed into the opposing lane into a vehicle driven by 49 year old Susan Edmonds of Cherry Valley. Both were transported to Bassett Medical Center, Murray was ticketed for Failure to keep Right.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to remove guns from domestic abusers and close a loophole in state law that will ensure domestic abusers are required to surrender all firearms, not just handguns. The Governor also announced he is advancing new legislation to extend the waiting period for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System from 3 days to 10 days.

Bassett Healthcare Network is encouraging people to spring clean their medicine cabinets and get rid of unnecessary medications. Bassett Healthcare Network offers 3 locations for residents to drop off unwanted, expired, or leftover medications by collection kiosks and pre-paid mail-back envelopes at the Bassett Medical Center Pharmacy in Cooperstown, FoxCare Pharmacy in Oneonta and O’Connor Hospital Pharmacy in Delhi. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 28.

Governor Cuomo announced the nation's largest state investment in computer science, as the new state Budget includes a $6 million annual investment in professional development for teachers, paired with the creation of new academic standards for computer science. The program is designed to ensure that every elementary, middle, and high school across the state provides computer science education by 2025.

Governor Cuomo announced that the State Department of Health has issued a health advisory to hospitals, emergency departments and urgent care centers following severe and life-threatening bleeding cases in Illinois, Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri, due to the consumption of synthetic marijuana believed to be contaminated with rat poison. To date, no cases have been reported in New York State. Synthetic marijuana is sold with street names such as K2, Spice and AK-47, which consists of plant material coated by chemicals, which are supposed to mimic the effects of naturally grown marijuana.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced that they will participate in Drug Take-Back Program, collecting leftover pharmaceuticals from the public free of charge through July. Locally, O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown are participating in this pilot program developed by the Product Stewardship Institute and the New York Product Stewardship Council. FoxCare Pharmacy in Oneonta will also begin collecting unused medications free of charge.

27-year-old Anderson Lee is now facing 40 counts of unlawful surveillance, for allegedly spying on co-workers at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown with hidden cameras. Lee is being held in the Otsego County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced $55 million in state grant funding has been awarded to counties statewide for enhancing emergency communications. The funding will enable local governments to expand their ability to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline information to first responders. More information is available at dhses.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment to add 36 different chemical compositions associated with Synthetic Marijuana, to the state's controlled substances list. The 36 compounds are already listed on the federal schedule of controlled substances but are only banned in certain New York State counties. Synthetic marijuana is marketed as K2, Spice, and AK-47, They contain plant material coated by chemicals, which are supposed to mimic the effects of naturally grown marijuana, making them both extremely unpredictable and potentially fatal.

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have launched a coalition to sue the federal government to challenge the Trump tax bill that eliminates full state and local tax deductibility. Governor Cuomo also is looking into 2 other options to combat the Trump Tax plan, the second prong of the effort is to launch a repeal-and-replace strategy, and the third prong is to explore the feasibility of a major shift in the structure of State tax policy.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to combat the flu epidemic, it allows pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18 - increasing access and convenience for those seeking the flu vaccination as the number of reported cases across the state continues to rise. Over the past week, 7,779 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the state and 1,759 New Yorkers have been hospitalized, the highest weekly numbers in both categories since reporting began, and surpassing last week's previous high of 1,606 hospitalizations.

27 year old Anderson Lee of Cooperstown has been charged with 24 counts of unlawful surveillance. Lee is accused of installing a camera in Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and captured videos, while working there as a nurse. Lee was arraigned in Town of Otsego Court and sent to Otsego County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $$250,000 insurance bond. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo issued an emergency Executive Order to help protect property owners in New York from the devastating impact of the Trump tax bill. This order authorizes local governments to immediately issue tax warrants for the collection of 2018 property tax payments and allows property owners to pay at least a portion of their bill before the end of the year and under the current tax construct. The Governor directed the Department of Taxation and Finance to work with local governments to facilitate early tax collection. The federal tax plan caps the deductibility of state and local taxes at $10,000, effectively raising property taxes and reducing home values.

Governor Cuomo has had a special task force created to crack down on illegal tobacco has seized more than $6 million worth of contraband cigarettes and cigars this year. $6.6 million was seized in 2017 is $1 million more than what authorities hauled in last year. The contraband included more than 1.5 million illegal cigars and 47,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes. The state's Cigarette Strike Force also seized 134,000 counterfeit tax stamps and nearly $445,000 in cash. The crackdown resulted in the arrests of 85 cigarette and tobacco smugglers who face more than $7 million in fines. The governor directed the state Tax Department in 2014 to create the strike force to focus on illegal tobacco smuggling and sales.

State Police responded to a 2 vehicle crash Thursday in Franklin. 34 year old Chyanne Allen of Downsville was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where she died from injuries sustained from the crash and from suffering with a brittle bone disease. Troopers responded to an accident on state Route 357 where 25 year old Christopher Delong of Unadilla was backing a delivery van into a driveway when 65 year old Robert Allen of Downsville attempted to avoid the van by veering into the opposite lane, he was unable to avoid the vehicle and a passenger-side collision resulted. Delong and a passenger were not injured. Robert Allen was not injured; 25 year old Savannah Miller was taken to Bassett Medical Center for chest pain.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo's office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA's office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.

Governor Cuomo called for reforms that mandate transparency in political advertising, require online platforms to maintain an archive of political ads, and protect our State elections from outside influence. The proposal will also calls for the streamlining of voter registration services, remove unnecessary barriers that prevent participation in elections and increase accuracy in the voting process. Governor Cuomo will discuss the Strategy to the legislature during his State of The State Address next month.

Governor Cuomo is encouraging State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to begin planning to divest the state retirement fund from fossil fuels companies. DiNapoli said that the State's $200 billion Common Fund has been adding more investments into alternative fuel companies, but has not yet divested any funds from existing fossil fuel companies.

State Police responded to a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield. 56 year old Joseph Moore of Stamford failed to keep right and collided head on with a dump truck. Moore's vehicle came to rest in a ditch, the dump truck tipped over onto the passenger side. Moore sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bassett Hospital, front seat passenger, 80 year old Joseph Moore Jr., of Stamford was also taken to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, backseat passenger 76 year old Erna Moore of Stamford, sustain serious injuries to her legs and body, she was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the dump truck 33 year old Roland Birdsall of Stamford, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bassett. The investigation by State Police is ongoing.