WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo signed legislation prohibiting the launch of watercraft in New York State without taking precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The legislation requires boaters launching watercraft to clean, drain and dry the boat, trailer, and any other exposed equipment of visible plant and animal matter, or have taken other reasonable measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that can destroy ecosystems of the states waterway.

The O' Connor Hospital and Tri-Town Regional Hospital Boards of Trustees have appointed Carlton Rule as Chief Executive Officer of both institutions effective September 29th. Dr. Rule will succeed Dan Ayres, who announced in July that he is returning to West Virginia to become CEO of Summersville Regional Medical Center. Dr. Rule will continue as medical director of Bassett Healthcare Network health centers in the Delaware County communities of Delhi, Andes, Stamford and Walton.

Sue Andrews has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Bassett Medical Center effective September 1, 2014. Andrews, who has been with Bassett's Division of Finance for 34 years and vice president since 2008, will succeed Nicholas Nicoletta, who announced last month that he is retiring December 31, 2014 as CFO of Bassett Medical Center and Corporate CFO of Bassett Healthcare Network. Andrews is a native of Sidney.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to Expand and strengthen services for veterans, active service members and their families. The new law eases the transition to a new school for children of military families that relocate as a result of military orders, lowers the cost of higher education for Veterans receiving benefits under the GI bills, and offers military family members greater flexibility with professional licenses received from other states or jurisdictions. The new law also strengthens the supplemental burial assistance provided by the state to military families when a service member dies in combat or as a result of injuries sustained on the battlefield.

Governor Cuomo officially signed a medical marijuana into law, making New York the 23rd state to legalize the drug to treat patients. In the final days of session last month, Cuomo and legislative leaders negotiated a medical marijuana program for New York, the program will begin in 18 months and does not allow the drug to be smoked. The state will certify up to 5 companies to grow and distribute marijuana. The governor has the power to halt the program if either the state's health commissioner or superintendent of the State Police recommends it.

CEO Dan Ayres of O’ Connor Hospital in Delhi and Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney, announced that he has accepted a position in West Virginia as President and CEO of Summersville Regional Medical Center. Ayres’ last day here will be September 28th. Ayres has been CEO at O’ Connor Hospital since 2004 and Tri-Town Regional Hospital since 2009, a search for a replacement is underway by Bassett healthcare officials.

Governor Cuomo will activate the State Emergency Operations Center this morning at 10:00 AM to monitor the winter storm, which could produce moderate to heavy snowfall across a large portion of the state.  There is a wind-chill watch with values from -30 to -40 degrees.

State Police investigated a two car double fatal head-on collision in the Town of Newfield.  The investigation revealed that 19-year-old James Crosby of Van Etten lost control of his Chevy Monte Carlo and entered the opposing lane, striking a Jeep Grand Cherokee being operated by 31-year-old Samantha Aarnio of Spencer.  Crosby was transported to Packer Hospital, his passenger, 20 year old Derek Nichols was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Aarnio was transported to Packer Hospital for multiple injuries, one of her passengers; 67-year-old Kathy Lattimore was taken to Cortland Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased, and 32 year old Eugene Aarnio was transported to Packer Hospital for an arm injury.  The investigation into the collision is continuing.

Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown will host a 2-day blood Drive.  The American Red Cross blood drives will be held today from 12:30 to 6:30 PM, and tomorrow from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.  The blood drives will be at the Bassett Hall auditorium in Cooperstown, the Red Cross is partnering with Dunkin’ Donuts to provide a coupon for a free pound of coffee to all presenting donors. Registrations are requested at 547-3701, but walk-ins are welcome.