WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo announced today that New York will not move forward with hydrofracking. The announcement follows a study on a possible health effects on Hydraulic Fratcuring for Natural gas. State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker doesn't recommend moving forward with hydrofracking until more studies are done, the state has hadf a moratorium in place for 6 years, ther process was used extensively in Western New York since 1979.

Governor Cuomo today announced new regulations to include transgender health care services under New York State’s Medicaid program. The proposed regulations provide treatment for hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. Under the proposed regulations, hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery would be covered for persons who have referrals from medical professionals. Surgery would be covered for individuals who are a minimum age of 18 or 21 years old, depending on specific circumstances. The public will have 45 days to comment on the proposed regulation.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $26.8 million in State Funding is being awarded to 38 rail and aviation safety, security and Economic development projects across the State. $17.8 million in funding will go for rail upgrades, locally, the Syracuse, Binghamton and New York Railroad Corporation of Cooperstown received $262,600, New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad of Cooperstown received $2.3 million for improving rails, ties and surfacing & the Central New York Railroad of Cooperstown received $3.1 million to rehabilitate railroad track in Delaware and Broome Counties.

Governor Cuomo announced New York State has received $6.2 million in federal funds that will allow 90 community organizations, hospitals, police departments and district attorneys’ offices to enhance services and protections for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The grants will also support the work of health care professionals who are specially trained in examining sexual assault victims and collecting evidence that can be used by law enforcement, as well as allowing the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault to develop protocols and training that better address sexual assaults on college campuses.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be open today from 9:00 am-3:00 pm at the Southside Mall parking lot in Oneonta, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Fair officials announced their line up for their annual concert for August 22nd 2015. Headliners will be Parmalee with singer-actress Jana Kramer opening. The dates for the 2015 Delaware County Fair are August 17th to the 22nd.

Congressman Chris Gibson announced the federal spending bill approved by the House last week includes $344 million to ensure the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are developing electronic health records to transfer veteran's medical information. The legislation also includes language to require the VA to create a system to prevent unnecessary mistakes or delays in veterans’ medical care. If goals are not met, a portion of the funding will not be released. The VA reform bill signed into law earlier this year requires the VA to permit veterans to be seen by non-VA healthcare providers if they reside more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility or are unable to secure an appointment at a VA facility within 30 days.

The Delaware County Sheriff's office announced the availability of text message notification as an enhancement to the New York Sheriffs' Victim Hotline known as "VINE". The hotline allows crime victims to learn the custody status of an offender 24-7 by 1-888-VINE-4-NY, the VINEMobile app, the Sheriffs Mobile Patrol App or at VineLink.com.

The Delaware County Broadband Initiative was awarded $2.9 million in matching New York State grant funding by the Southern Tier Economic Development Council following Governor Cuomo’s annual Regional Council Awards Ceremony on Thursday. The DCBI project will extend broadband services to the un-served residents and businesses, with over 210 miles of fiber optic facilities passing 1800 un-served and underserved households, businesses, and institutions in several towns in Delaware County. Additional information willl be posted at mtctelcom.com, delhitel.com, & dce.coop.

There has been a dramatic decline in the number of deaths in New York caused by AIDS. The state Health department recorded the number of AIDS related deaths were down by ¾’s from 1997 to 2012, when the number had dropped to 749. The decline is attributed to greater awareness on how the disease is spread and also powerful drug treatments for those diagnosed with the illness.

Governor Cuomo & state leaders announced the awards for the Regional Economic Development Councils today in Albany. Cuomo talked about how the successes of the councils activities over the last 4 years have helped lead New York’s resurgence:

(Cuomo 12-11-14)

Locally, the Southern Tier Regional Council, which includes Chenango, Delaware & Broome Counties, came in 3rd by receiving $80.8 Million dollars for their plans for economic development.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fatal 1-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden. 48 Year old Kelvin McKnight of Walton and a passenger, 23 year old James Spain of Walton were traveling north on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden near the intersection of County Highway 26 when the vehicle veered to the left and drove off the highway where the vehicle then struck a tree. McKnight was transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi where he later died from the injuries sustained in the accident. Spain was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton for evaluation and treatment. The accident remains under investigation.

Governor Cuomo today announced that regulatory guidance has been issued to help ensure that transgender New Yorkers have equal access to commercial health insurance coverage. The Department of Financial Services sent industry guidance to all New York insurers stating that they may not deny medically necessary treatment for gender dysphoria, a condition when a person's gender at birth is contrary to the one with which they identify. An insurer retains the right to review gender dysphoria treatment for medical necessity purposes, as it may do with any benefit covered under a health insurance policy.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today in Unadilla. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach will be available today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Great American in Unadilla; appointments can be made toll-free at 1-888-345-0225.

Governor Cuomo announced $13.6 million in Community Renewal Funds for 44 projects in regions around the State, following yesterday's Regional Economic Development event. Winning entries came from the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the North Country. Locally, The Mohawk Valley Council will fund 21 projects, including: 7 in Otsego County, The Southern Tier Council will have funding for 9 projects, including Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi & The Town of Delhi to assist in the companies' expansion, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Microenterpise Program funds for Delaware County to assist in establishment of 15 agricultural microenterprises and create 22 jobs;

Republicans in the state Senate claim that the new federal immigration order could cost New York as much as $2 billion in Medicaid costs. In a letter, Republican Leader Dean Skelos estimated as many as 300,000 immigrants could enroll in Medicaid under the federal policies ordered last month by President Obama. The state has yet to weigh in on what the cost of the new immigration rules will have on New York, which has a large immigrant population. The state Department of Health said it is reviewing the president's order. Gov. Cuomo will release his state budget proposal next month.

The Chenango county health department will hold their last free rabies clinic of the year tomorrow. The clinic for dogs' cats & ferrets will be held at the Norwich fire station from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today in Walton, in partnership with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach. The coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Bassett Healthcare Network Walton Health Center at 130 North Street, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Sidney village police arrested 31-year-old Carlene Morgan of Wells Bridge, following a 2-vehicle accident on Delaware Avenue Tuesday afternoon. Morgan was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, & failure to keep right, she is accused of losing control of her vehicle and crashing head on into a vehicle in the opposing lane. Morgan was arraigned and faces action in Sidney village court at a later date. The operator of the other vehicle was taken to Tri Town Regional hospital for treatment of injuries; police have not released the name of the 2nd driver.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Donald Kern of Walton on a charge of Assault in the second degree. It is alleged that while Kern was incarcerated at the Delaware County Correctional Facility he assaulted another inmate. He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the correctional facility in lieu of 2,500 cash bail

The state adopted new regulations for child day-care centers and child-care programs, including new naptime procedures, nutrition rules and a ban on reptiles and amphibians. The regulations by the state Office of Children and Family Services will impose new rules for childcare employees, such as banning cell-phone use while supervising children, prohibitions against firearms and new training requirements. The changes will take effect June 1st. The new regulations come after it found a need to improve health and safety standards. The new state rules are posted at dos.ny.gov

Governor Cuomo announced State assistance for storm recovery efforts to communities in 17 counties that were impacted by flooding of June 26th to July 10th in 2013 and Winter Storm Nemo in February 2013. The State will relieve local governments of their entire required share of FEMA Public Assistance Program costs to minimize the financial impact on local taxpayers. The counties eligible for State assistance include Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties.

Deductibles and co-payments will be flat, with individual premiums rising about 4.5% in New York's health exchange for individuals and families during its 2nd year. State Health Department officials said their exchange has operated smoothly in the 1st year after some initial computer capacity problems. The exchange has enrolled 370,604 people with commercial and nonprofit insurers, 525,283 in Medicaid and 64,875 in the state's Child Health Plus coverage. For the coming year, 16 insurers offer plans for individuals and families, 9 insurers offer coverage for small businesses with 50 or fewer workers. Open enrollment begins Saturday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & State Police arrested 32-year-old Christopher Eisele of Walton on an arrest warrant issued by the Town of Walton Justice Court on charges of 3rd degree Criminal Mischief & 3rd degree Criminal Trespass. Also arrested was 31 year old Laura Heslin of Binghamton on an arrest warrant for 3rd degree Criminal Trespass & & on a warrant for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Both subjects were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond

The Chenango County Health Department will hold a free rabies clinic today at the North Norwich Fire Station from 5:30 to 6:30 PM for dogs, cats & domesticated ferrets.

Governor Cuomo released guidelines for the mandatory, 21-day quarantining of medical workers returning from West Africa, that he and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ordered Friday. Cuomo said the health care workers who had contact with Ebola patients will be quarantined at home and receive twice-daily monitoring from medical professionals if they have no symptoms. Family members will be allowed to stay, and friends may visit with the approval of health officials. The state will also pay for any lost compensation, if they are not paid by a volunteer organization

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that the last day to mail in an absentee ballot is today, for the upcoming Election. The last day to deliver in person an absentee ballot application is Monday November 3rd & the last day to postmark an absentee ballot is November 3rd. The Delaware county Board of Elections office in Delhi will be open this Saturday, November 1st; more information is available at 746-2315. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

New York State Public Health has launched a new state information line to answer questions on Ebola. The info line is free and trained staff will answer questions 24/7, at 1-800-861-2280.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37 year old Dawn Bermel of Queens on a bench warrant issued by Town of Colchester Court for Speeding, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Operating a Motor vehicle while Impaired by Drugs and Driving While Intoxicated. Bermel was arraigned in Town Of Colchester Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1500 cash bail or $5000 bond. Bermel is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Colchester Court on November 4th.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state have a chance to receive additional funding, through a new program called the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program. Step one is to gather public input about health needs and the perceived value of the resources that are available. 130 organizations across ten counties in the Southern Tier are participating. Each location is asking patients and visitors to participate in a community needs assessment surveThe survey will allow them to see where community members are experiencing service gaps and other issues that need to be addressed. Go to snapsurveys.com

Governor Cuomo convened New York State agency leadership along with regional hospital and healthcare representatives to outline the State's plans for Ebola preparedness and to assure New Yorkers that the State is taking every precaution to protect their health and safety. The Governor has designated eight hospitals statewide to treat potential patients with Ebola, the State Department of Health has issued a Commissioner's Order to all hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, and ambulance services in New York State, requiring that they follow protocols for identification, isolation and medical evaluation of patients requiring care. An education session for healthcare workers will be held in New York City on TUESDAY.

An open 911 call Thursday morning led to the arrest of a 22 year old James Garcia of Monroe, for felony Unlawful Imprisonment charge. Monroe is accused of being in a violent domestic incident with a passenger in his vehicle on State Highway 28 in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina, whee he allegedly was involved in 2 separate motor vehicle accidents, 1 of which led to the passenger sustaining injuries. Garcia is accused of threatening the victim with a weapon and restricting the victim’s movements and escape, then seizing and disposing of the victim’s cell phone. Garcia was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, Menacing, Criminal Mischief & Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident. He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1000 cash bail pending a future court appearance and a Temporary Stay Away Order of Protection was issued.

Governor Cuomo said $10 million in grants were awarded to localities across the State to support emergency response operations. Administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the grants support municipalities that operate 9-1-1 response and emergency service dispatch operations. Chenango County will receive just under $175,000, Delaware $117,000 and Otsego $161,000

New York will receive $343 million in heating and home energy assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand joined a bipartisan group of 46 Senators, in urging HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, to release Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding as quickly as possible, to ensure more families can access resources they need to heat their homes this winter. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsuredin Sidney Today. The Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach, health screenings will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Tri-Town Regional Hospital, 43 Pearl Sttreet West, appopintments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute's mobile screening coach will be available Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Fly Creek Cider Mill, 288 Goose Street, Fly Creek. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, today at the Southside Mall in Oneonta from 9:00 to 3:00 PM, appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 20-year-old Ethan Bass of Downsville for DWI, Refusal to Take a Breath Test, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Parking in the Roadway & Failure to Keep Right following an accident where the driver fled the scene. The accident occurred Tuesday on County Route 2 in the town of Andes, where Bass is accused of failing to negotiate a curve in the road, entering the opposing lane, driving into a cornfield & then re-entering the road. Bass was arraigned in the Town of Andes Court and was released pending future court action.

The Enterovirus, a rare virus that showed up in Central New York two weeks ago, has now spread to every region of the state, according to the state Health Department. The department advised New Yorkers to take precautions to protect children, especially those with asthma and other respiratory problems. People should follow these precautions: Wash hands often with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. For more information go to health.ny.gov.

The state Health Department announced that 14 cases of the Enterovirus were confirmed in western New York. The virus has landed a significant number of children at health centers and hospitals across the country. Enterovirus results in difficulties breathing and severe respiratory issues. There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and there is no anti-viral medication to treat the infection. Prevention methods include washing hands, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies seized a quantity of drugs and arrested 35-year-old Francis Smith of Kingston today, after investigating illegally parked vehicles in Arkville. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, which violated the terms of his probation in Ulster County. Smith is accused of possessing a switchblade knife, & he may also face drug possession charges upon completion of a laboratory analysis of the seized drugs. Smith was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail.

Tomorrow is “National Car Seat Saturday” & Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Parents can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat technicians. Car seats that do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. More information is available at 832-5200.

Delaware Opportunities will continue its participation in the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program for 4 more years through a contract with Hunger Solutions New York. The goal is to increase the number of eligible people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the School Breakfast and Summer Food Service programs. More information is available at 746-1670.

The Chenango county health department will hold a free rabies clinic today for dogs, cats & ferrets. The event will be held at the South New Berlin fire station from 6:00 to 7:00 PM more information is available at 337-1673.

Delaware County Public Health & The Delaware County Drug Task Force will be hosting a   free presentation “Emerging Drugs of Abuse”, today from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon at the Delaware County Public Safety Building in Delhi.   The presentation includes how to recognize signs of drug abuse, and what to do if you suspect someone is using illicit drugs, especially heroin.

In Delaware County, Polls will be open from Noon to 9 PM. Democrats will hold a Primary in all towns for Governor and Lt Governor. Republicans will hold a Primary in the Town of Franklin for Member of Council; in the 101st Assembly District that includes Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden and Meredith. Delaware County residents needing more information can call the County Board of Elections at 746-2315.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today, with the Bassett Cancer Institute's mobile screening coach. The Coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM today at the American Legion located at 176 Main Street in Laurens. Appointments are available at 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Fair organizers announced the passing of long time Fair Director Gary Tweedie, who passed Wednesday at the age of 72. Tweedie was a Director of The Fair for nearly 40 years and served as President & Vice-President for numerous years& served as President of The New York State Association Of Agricultural Fairs in 2000.

State senator Jim Seward said 4 local domestic violence programs have been allocated grants in the 2014-2015 state budget. Opportunities For Otsego will receive $12,500, Catholic Charities in Schoharie $15,000, Chenango County Catholic Charities $10,000, and Delaware Opportunities $7,500.

Health insurance companies in New York will receive average rate increases of 5.7% next year, less than half the increases they had requested for individual and family plans. The insurance companies had proposed increases averaging 12.5% with some companies seeking as much as 28% more for some plans. The average increase the state decided to award is below the state’s 8% overall increase in health care costs. The increase also applies to New York State of Health, the exchange that was set up under the Affordable Care Act, to provide subsidized health insurance for state residents who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured, in partnership with the Bassett Cancer Institute's mobile screening coach. Health screenings will be available in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM today at Rite Aid Pharmacy on Main Street. Appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Deputies investigated a 2-car personal injury auto accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith Sunday.  Deputies reported that Kathleen Hibbard of Delhi crossed the double yellow line and entered the on-coming lane striking Thomas Nau of Roanoke Virginia.  Nau was transported to O’Connor hospital with minor injuries.  Hibbard was issued a traffic ticket for failure to keep right, she faces action in Town of Meredith Town Court on September 17th.

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.

Delaware County Public Health & The Delaware County Drug Task Force will be hosting a free presentation “Emerging Drugs of Abuse”, on Friday, September 12th from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon at the Delaware County Public Safety Building in Delhi. The presentation include how to recognize signs of drug abuse, and what to do if you suspect someone is using illicit drugs. Registration is required by email rebecca.gardner@co.delaware.ny.us or 832-5200.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. The Bassett Cancer Institute's mobile screening coach, will be available today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 Main Street Delhi, Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will host a blood drive, sponsored by the American Red Cross & Bassett Healthcare on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Cooper Park adjacent to the Hall of Fame. Blood donors will receive free admission to the Museum on Saturday.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 & older who are uninsured. The screening with the Bassett Mobile Mammography Coach will be at the Delaware County Fair tomorrow in Walton from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments or more information is available at 1-888-345-0225.

Participants in a seminar in Delhi today will learn the 4 basic steps to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them with help.  Delaware County Pubic health director Bonnie Hamilton comments:

(Bonnie Hamilton 8-14-14)

The state Office of Mental Health and the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Coalition are sponsoring a safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training this morning at Delaware County Public Safety Building, in Delhi, from 9:00 AM to 12: 30PM.