WCDO Radio News

SUNY Delhi University Police reported that 21 year old Steven Sutliff was found in good health Friday afternoon by Oneonta City Police at the Huntington Library. Sutliff was reported missing on Tuesday after he left Delhi on December 10th for Oneonta and told roommates he would return Monday December 12th.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 33 year old Candis Gier, of Walton on 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 2 counts of petty larceny, after an investigation into a report of a theft of prescription pills from a Walton residence. Gier was released on appearance tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Hamden. This is the seventh animal testing positive for rabies in 2016. There were no human or domestic animal exposures. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at delawarecountypublichealth.com

New York state’s Medicaid system made approximately $6.8 million in inappropriate payments, including $3.5 million for separately billed medical services that should have been covered by managed care plans, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Additionally, auditors identified 15 Medicaid providers who were charged with or found guilty of crimes that violated the laws or regulations of a health care program. So far, about $2.4 million of the overpayments were recovered. The report is available at osc.state.ny.us/audits.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 46-year-old Ronald Walley of Walton, for DWI, failure to keep right and speed unreasonable and prudent, following a 1-car rollover accident on County Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Walley was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court on December 28th.

The State DOT announced that bridge work on State Route 30/206 northbound and southbound over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the town Colchester will require intermittent road closures in both directions starting today through December 2 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Crews will be setting bridge girders for the new bridge. Motorists will encounter traffic stoppages intermittently for 10 – 15 minutes several times during the work hours daily. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

An official drought watch was declared for the entire Delaware River Basin today. The declaration is based on the total storage in NYC's Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs, which dropped below 40 percent last night. Officials said that New York City's maximum average daily diversion of drinking water from the basin will be reduced from 800 to 680 million gallons per day & The Delaware River Basin Commission will coordinate the use of water resources throughout the basin to repel the salt front in the Delaware Estuary. More information is available at nj.gov/drbc.

The State DOT announced that bridge work on State Route 30/206 northbound and southbound over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the town Colchester will require intermittent road closures in both directions starting on November 30 through December 2 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Crews will be setting bridge girders for the new bridge. Motorists will encounter traffic stoppages intermittently for 10 – 15 minutes several times during the work hours daily. Flag personnel will control traffic. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

The State Department of Health today announced that it has officially filed amendments to the Medical Use of Marijuana regulations that will authorize nurse practitioners to register with the Department to certify patients for medical marijuana. The amendments will take effect on November 30th, when the notice of adoption will be published in the New York State Register. Nurse practitioners will need to take the Department-approved Medical Use of Marijuana course online. The proposed rulemaking will be published on November 30th and will be subject to a 45-day public comment period. So far, over 10,500 patients have been certified by more than 740 registered physicians to participate.

The state labor department released their county unemployment rates for October today. Locally, Chenango County was at 4.8%, Delaware County was also at 4.8% and Otsego County was at 4.2%. The statewide unemployment rate went up 2/10's to 5.2 % in October.

The New York State Department of Health today announced that it will award $7.2 million to 6 organizations over the next 5 years to establish Breastfeeding Friendly community support networks for families. The funded entities will advance broad-based policy, system and environmental changes that protect and promote breastfeeding within community settings and businesses, & will also work to help child care and healthcare providers support families who opt to breastfeed their infants.

Delaware County deputies along with Downsville Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a missing hunter in the Campbell Brook area in the Town of Colchester Sunday. Deputies and Fire personnel located the vehicle of the missing hunter on Morton Brook Road; Services were summoned from the Environmental Conservation Police, Forest Rangers, Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department and the Colchester Police Department. Following a lengthy search, 24-year-old Steve Quinn of Ocean Side, New York was located, in good health; he was treated by members of Downsville EMS and was released.

Students from the Delaware Academy in Delhi auditioned last week by video for a chance to sing the National Anthem at Citi Field before a New York Mets Baseball game next year. ON Friday, Officials from the Mets notified school officials that their students would be singing at Citi Field on June 18th.

The Scoville-Meno Family of Dealerships announced the distribution of $10,000 to local charitable agencies. Scoville-Meno Auto Plaza in Owego presented a $2500 check to Tioga Rural Ministry; Scoville-Meno Chevrolet-GMC in Bainbridge presented a $2500 check to Catholic Charities of Chenango County; Scoville-Meno Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-Jeep in Sidney and Scoville-Meno Honda in Oneonta each presented $2500 checks to Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties.

NY State of Health, announced the Marketplace is now open for individuals looking to renew their health plan coverage for 2017. Current enrollees can update their account information, if needed, and enroll in a plan for coverage starting January 1st. New Yorkers must enroll by December 15th for coverage beginning January 1, 2017. More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/individual.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network marked the American Cancer Society's 41st annual Great American Smokeout today by calling on State leaders to protect the health of residents by allocating $52 million to support the New York State Tobacco Control Program. This program supports those trying to quit smoking and provides non-smokers support so they never start. more than 480,000 deaths each year caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the Town of Andes recently. Officials said that there were no human exposures; a dog that was not up to date on its rabies vaccination will be quarantined for 6 months. This is the 6th animal that has tested positive for rabies in 2016. More information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

State Senator Jim Seward unveiled a collaborative initiative to help dispose of unused prescription medication. 10,000 Deterra™ drug deactivation pouches donated by Mallinckrodt will be available, free of charge, at several area locations; the pouch-based systems deactivate prescription drugs and render chemical compounds safe for landfills. The pouches are also biodegradable, the donation was made to LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions with Bassett Healthcare Network assisting, and the pouches are now available at the LEAF Council at 80 Water Street, Oneonta; Oneonta Fox Care Center Pharmacy, & Bassett Medical Center Pharmacy in Cooperstown. Additional locations and distribution opportunities will be added in the future.

Governor Cuomo announced plans for Binghamton University's Health Sciences and Technology Innovation Park in Johnson City,at a press conference their this morning.

(CUOMO 11-15-16)

The $105 million project includes construction of the new School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, as well as the relocation and expansion of the Decker School of Nursing to Corliss Avenue in Johnson City, near the UHS Wilson Hospital Complex. The move is expected to result in the creation 150 new jobs.

State Police arrested 24 year old Thomas Brannigan of Stony Point for DWI and several other traffic violations. At that time troopers were stopped, with their emergency lights flashing, while assisting the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department with a car deer accident on State Route 23 in the Town of Davenport, Brannigan failed to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle as stipulated by the state's Move Over Laws. Brannigan was arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown at 12:00 Noon. Senator Seward is a member of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, he will be joined by officials from LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, Bassett Healthcare Network, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals to unveil a plan to dispose of unused prescription medication.

Delaware County Public Health, SUNY Delhi and A.O. Fox and O’Connor Hospitals will be hosting an event on campus at the Okun Theatre in Farrell Hall at SUNY Delhi today at 12:30 pm, entitled “Painting SUNY Delhi Yellow Day”. the event is designed to help prevent the spread of the Human Papillomavirus. Nicole Blanchard of DCPH explains:

(Nicole Blanchard 11-10-16)

The event features cervical cancer survivor Christine Baze, who raises awareness regarding the HPV virus, through her “Yellow Umbrella” organization.

Delaware county Public Health, SUNY Delhi, & Fox 7 O'Connor hospitals have teamed up for a sexually transmitted disease prevention program at SUNY Delhi thursday afternoon. Nicole Blanchard of Delaware County Public Health explains:

(Nicole Blanchard 11-8-16)

The "Painting SUNY Delhi Yellow" day presentation ill run from 12:30 to 1:45 at Farrell Hall at SUNY Delhi, it is free & open to the public.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a gray fox tested positive for rabies from the town of Andes. There were no humans or animals exposed to the rabid fox. Those who spot suspicious acting animals, should report them to Delaware County Public Health Services at 832-5200. More information about rabies is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com

On Friday night, October 28, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, State Police, Delhi Village Police, S.U.N.Y. Delhi University Police and Delaware County Probation Department conducted an Enhanced Traffic Safety Enforcement Campaign in the Delhi area. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 4 drivers impaired by the use of drugs and or alcohol; 3 of whom were also charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Additionally, 2 Walton residents were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance that led to the discovery and seizure of heroin. 54 summonses were issued during the detail.

Grant funding will support a partnership between the state Department of Health & Cornell University that will evaluate the effectiveness of a curriculum that promotes healthy relationships and gender roles to adolescent males aged 12-14. The evaluation will assess the curriculum’s impact on participants’ perceptions of gender norms, social norms around violence. The goal is ultimately to reduce youths’ risk for future acts of sexual violence. The CDC grants enhances the states Enough is Enough initiative.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be conducting NYSERDA’s free energy workshops titled “EMPOWER Save Energy, Save Dollars” at three locations, for those who pre-register through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531. A new workshop has been scheduled for Monday October 31st at the Opportunities for Otsego from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at 3 West Broadway in Oneonta. Other workshops will be held on November 3rd from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Deposit Senior Meals Site at 14 Monument Street, and on November 7th from 1:00 to 2:30pm at Opportunities for Otsego at 3 West Broadway, Oneonta.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county voters that the general election will be on November 8th this year, with the polls open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Absentee ballots and sample ballots for the General Election are available at the Board of Elections Office at 3 Gallant Ave., Delhi NY. Absentee ballot applications may be downloaded from co.delaware.ny.us Sample ballots may also be viewed on that website. The Board of Elections Office will be open on Saturday October 29th and Saturday November 5th from 9AM until Noon for absentee voting. More information is available at 832-5321

A Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council meeting will be held at the Sidney Library tomorrow. Delaware County Public Health Spokesperson Vera Buell told WCDO News who should attend this meting.

(Vera Buell 10-24-16)

The meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon tomorrow.

The Sidney Police Department will have a new Chief sworn in at tonight’s Village Board meeting, and then Jan Gorshack will replace Mike Hood as chief officially Thursday. Gorshack told WCDO news about taking over as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Jan Gorshack 10-14-16)

Gorshack has served in the Sidney Police Department for 23 years, he ran the DARE Program for 20 years, out going Chief Mike Hood will work part time with the Bainbridge Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriffs department.

After many years as the Chief of the Sidney Police Department, Mike Hood is stepping down next week, to be replaced by 23-year Sidney Police Department veteran Jan Gorshack. Hood Commented about his years as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Mike Hood 10-21-16)

Hood's last official day as Sidney Police Chief is October 28th, he will work part time for the Bainbridge Police Department & the Delaware County Sheriff’s department.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to health insurers outlining new insurance coverage requirements for substance abuse treatment. Under the new law, health insurers will be required to cover medication, including naloxone, for detoxification or maintenance treatment of substance use disorders under large group policies. Health insurers will also be required to provide coverage without preauthorization for inpatient substance abuse treatment in facilities that participate in their networks and are certified by the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

The State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers about the importance of getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get their annual flu vaccine by the end of October. The CDC also reports that a study conducted in 2016 showed that those people 50 years and older who got a flu vaccine reduced their risk of getting hospitalized from flu by 57%. More information on the flu and flu vaccine clinics in New York State, are available at health.ny.gov.

Long time Sidney resident & Businessman Jim Barnhart passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, at the age of 72, in Asheville, North Carolina while spending time with his family. Barnhart worked at & eventually owned C.H. Landers Funeral home until retirement in 2015. Calling hours will be at C.H. Landers Friday, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Funeral services will be held Saturday, at 11:00 am at the funeral chapel. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. Memorial donations in Jim's memory may be directed to the Delaware Valley Humane Society, the Sidney United Methodist Church Memorial Fund; New York State Tribute Foundation, 1 South Family Drive, Albany, NY 12205 or the Sidney Central School Alumni Association.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old Jared Soodsma of Sprakers for DWI, criminally using drug paraphernalia & unlawful possession of marijuana, following a 2-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Hamden. Deputies allege that Soodsma collided with a parked car in the Hamlet of Hamden; Deputies seized marijuana, as well as a number of wrapping materials used to package a narcotic drug. Soodsma was additionally charged with failure to keep right, moving unsafely from lane, and speed not reasonable and prudent, he was released on tickets returnable to Hamden Town Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 30-year-old Randel Condon of Franklin on 1 count of 2nd degree Assault. Deputies allege that Condon intentionally assaulted another person with a dangerous instrument on Leland Hull Road in the Town of Franklin in August; Condon was arraigned in Franklin Town Court and was released on his own recognizance.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and Walton Fire and Emergency Squad members were dispatched Early Saturday morning to Upper East Brook Road in the Town of Walton following a report of an off-road, personal injury motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian entanglement. a number of campers were sleeping in a field when a truck driven by 30 year old Dustin Truman of Walton, drove over 24 year old William Pregnall of Poughkeepsie, who was sleeping on the trail when he and his sleeping bag became entangled in the truck’s front wheel and undercarriage and had to be extricated by Walton Fire and Emergency Squad members. Pregnall was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital and was transferred to U.H.S. Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for further medical treatment. No charges have been filed at this time as Deputies are continuing their investigation.

New York State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers that the Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15th through December 7th . The open enrollment period is when all people with Medicare can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Plan changes take effect January 1, 2017.

Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will hold their 2nd annual Health Fair tomorrow, which will give the community an opportunity to meet with staff, according to spokesperson Amy Beveridge:

(Amy Beveridge 9-23-16)

The event will be held on the hospital Grounds from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the 43 Pearl Street location.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Senator Charles D Cook County Office Building at 111 Main Street Delhi on Saturday September 24th from 10AM to 2PM to educate the public on how to vote on the voting machines. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

Delaware County Clean Sweep 2016 begins today & concludes tomorrow for those County Residents who pre-registered. today, Businesses & Municipalities participate from 10:00 to 11:45 AM at their alloted time, then Farmers today from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM. County residents bring their items Saturday, from 8:00 to 11:30 AM.

State Police arrested 43 year old Angel Rodriguez of Long Island, and 25 year old Desiree Hernandez of Brooklyn for criminal possession of stolen property, after a trooper responded to check on the welfare of the occupants of a broken down vehicle on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock. An investigation determined that the car had been reported stolen on August 6th in New York City. Rodriguez & Hernandez were arraigned in the Town of Hancock court and were remanded to the Delaware County jail. Rodriguez had his bail set at $25,000 cash and Hernandez had her bail set at $15,000.

Another child safety seat check is being held in Oneonta this afternoon. The event will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the AAA Offices at 195 Oneida Street. Certified technicians will be on hand, more information is available at the Otsego county department of health at 547-4230.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Leonard Ortiz of Bronx on 71 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 1 count of criminal possession of forgery devices, criminal possession of marijuana, speeding at 86 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Deputies allege that Ortiz possessed numerous forged credit cards and checks & equipment to produce forged instruments, following a vehicle search on State Highway 17 in Hancock. Deputies seized 8 ounces of marijuana, packaging envelopes & scales used to weigh and package the marijuana. Ortiz was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

Delaware County Public Health will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event today at Little Lambs Children’s Center 383 Delaware County Hwy 11 Oneonta, from 3:00 to 5:30PM. 75% of children are riding in car seat that are not properly installed or do not fit correctly. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well. More information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

Oneonta police arrested an Andes, man after a traffic stop and a search of his car led to the discovery of heroin and oxycodone pills. 21-year-old Austin Rose was stopped by Police on Center Street, Police seized 12.5 grams of powdered heroin, oxycodone pills; and $3,679 in cash. Rose was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and was being held by the Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court. Oneonta police were assisted by State Police and Delaware County Sheriff Department with K-9 Ozzie.

The Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County is sponsoring a free educational forum, “Let’s Talk-Mental Health Awareness” tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Roxbury Central School. The event seeks to raise awareness about the importance of mental health wellness, from childhood, the teen years through adulthood. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in New York State, in Delaware County the age adjusted suicide rate is 9.5 per 100,000 people which is above the NY State average. More information on the event or about the Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County is available at 832-5200

State Police arrested 50-year-old Michael Silver of Franklin for criminal mischief, after Troopers responded to a dispute at a home on State Route 357 in the Town of Franklin. Silver is accused of smashing the victim's front windshield of her vehicle with a baseball bat, as she was driving away, following a dispute. Silver was arraigned in the Town of Franklin court and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 property bond.

Delaware County Public Health and the Village of Sidney Police will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at McDonalds in Sidney, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. This free event will educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation and use. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced. Be sure to bring your child/children to the event and expectant parents are welcome as well. More information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200.

The Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County is sponsoring a free educational forum, “Let’s Talk-Mental Health Awareness” on Thursday, September 15th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Roxbury Central School. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in New York State, with an average of 1 person committing suicide every five hours. In Delaware County the age-adjusted suicide rate is 9.5 per 100,000 people, which is above the NY State average of 8.07 per 100,000. More information on the event or about the Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County is available at 832-5200.

Bassett Healthcare Network has been awarded a $297,419 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for up to four years to bring telehealth services to the school-based health care setting. The grant-funded project will benefit students enrolled in 18 of Bassett’s school-based health centers in Delaware, Otsego and Chenango counties. In addition to providing access to sub specialists, the school-based project will include diabetes care and education, obesity prevention programming and nutritional counseling, oral health care, behavioral health services, and asthma care and education. From July of 2015 through June of 2016, the program handled 33,522 visits; 32 percent of those were mental health visits, and 59 percent were medical visits; the dental component handled over 3,054 visits.

Just under $310 in cash was raised Friday at the Penguin Ice Cream & Snack Bar for the Delaware Valley Humane Society. Numerous donations of cleaning supplies, food & bedding were also donated at the event at the State Route 8 Masonville location Friday.

Governor Cuomo today signed landmark legislation mandating that schools test drinking water for lead contamination. Lead is a toxic material that is extremely harmful to young children and can result in lowered IQ, behavioral problems and brain damage. The state Department of Health also issued emergency regulations pursuant to the new legislation, requiring that school districts test their water for lead contamination by Oct. 31, 2016 and report results to parents, the state Department of Health and local government officials. These new regulations will reduce the risk for exposure to this dangerous substance and ensure all New York’s students have access to clean, drinkable water.

Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney announced that they would hold a health fair on September 24th. Spokesperson Amy Beveridge explains:

(Amy Beveridge 9-6-16)

Beveridge said that the event will run from10:00 to 2:00 outside the hospital grounds, weather permitting, in case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 26 year old Jeremy Aubry of Middletown, for Attempted Burglary, Attempted Robbery, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Mischief & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Aubry is accused of attempting to make entry into a house on State Highway 30 in the Town of Middletown, where he attempted to rob the homeowner of a purse. Aubry was found in possession of pills and kicked a window of a patrol car causing damage. He was arraigned in the Town of Middletown Court and sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. He is to return to the Town Middletown Court at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a raccoon has tested positive for Rabies in the town of Middletown. The Raccoon was sent to the State Rabies Lab for testing, the positive test results were received Wednesday. Officials said that there was 1 domestic animal and 1 human exposure; they are coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment that the adult will be receiving. The animal has been placed in quarantine for 6 months due to a short lapse in rabies vaccination status. The next scheduled rabies clinic is: Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

In a letter sent this week, State Senator Fred Akshar joined Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon in calling Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate the sharp increase in the cost of EpiPens. Between 2007 and 2016, the cost of an EpiPen has increased from $57 to approximately $500. The letter stated that some have resorted to using expired EpiPens, buying Epinephrine abroad, or using needles from local pharmacies to administer their medication, Emergency First Responders are affected as well.

On Sunday, the Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies arrested 25-year-old Cody Satkowski of Fish’s Eddy, after Satkowski was involved in a motor vehicle accident on County Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Satkowski was in possession of marihuana and found to be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, he was charged with aggravated DWI and unlawful possession of marihuana & he will appear at the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

New York State Electric & Gas are making headway in returning power to those who were affected by these weekends’ storms. In Chenango County NYSEG reported that power outages affected just under 700 this afternoon, the majority of affected customers were in New Berlin, Norwich & North Norwich. Otsego County had about 1000 customers without power, scattered through the middle & northern townships. Delaware County had all power restored this afternoon.

The Delaware County Fair opens today at the fairgrounds in Walton. Fair Spokesman John Jackson told WCDO News that the new "Hay Hauling" event looks like it would become a staple at the fair:

(John Jackson 8-15-16)

The hay-hauling event will be held Friday morning at 10:00 AM at the Delaware county fair.

State Senator Jim Seward joined in the dedication Saturday of the historic Andes Train Depot and announced a $75,000 state grant he secured to help with restoration costs. The capital funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Program has been used to help fund the restoration of the Delaware and Northern Railroad Depot building, it is now the starting point of the Andes Rail Trail.

NYSEG is reporting that hundreds are still without power this morning following the damaging weekend storms. Chenango County had over 1100 without power late this morning, mainly in Norwich, New Berlin & Preston. In Otsego County, over 1300 were without power, scattered mainly in the middle & northern sections, Delaware County had a little over 100 without power, mostly around Andes and Downsville. NYSEG opened a distribution center at the Norwich Fire Department and is handing out free bottled water.

The New York State Health Department today announced that the more than 2.8 million people signed up for health insurance through the end of the 2016 open enrollment period on January 31, 2016. The data show that enrollment in the Marketplace increased by 33 percent, or nearly 700,000 enrollees from the previous enrollment period; 92 percent of those enrolled through the Marketplace report that they did not have health insurance at the time they applied.

The Delaware County Board of Elections will have a voting machine at the Delaware County Fair on Friday August 19 to educate the public on how to vote on the machines. It will be at the Republican Booth from 11am to 3pm and at the Democratic Booth from 3pm to 7pm. They will also have registration forms and absentee applications available.

According to a new study, New York State is among the worst places to have a baby. "Wallet Hub" compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions: Delivery budget, health care and baby-friendliness, their research had New York State ranked 48th out of 51. The Top States to have a baby were Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Minnesota & New Hampshire. New York also ranked near the bottom in annual infant-care costs & child-care centers per capita. The states that ranked worse than New York were Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WILL HOLD A Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today in Sidney. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Station, on River Street. more information is available at 832-5200, or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Delaware County's annual Clean Sweep event will be in Late September again this year, for homes, farms & small businesses. Online Registration is already underway & phone registrations will be held next month, according to Delaware County Solid Waste Coordinator Sue McIntyre:

(Sue McIntyre 8-8-16)

McIntyre said that all of the flyers, tip sheets & the list of acceptable items are also available at the online registration website, the acceptable items are the same as last year. Businesses & farms will drop off their materials on Friday September 23rd & Households will go on Satu8rday September 24th.

A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Village of Delhi. The Skunk was sent to the State Rabies Laboratory, The positive test results were received Friday & there was 1 human exposure. Delaware County Public Health is coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment the adult will be receiving. The next scheduled rabies clinics are at the Sidney Fire Hall on August 10th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM & the Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 832-5200. More information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com -------------------------------------------

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the arrest and arraignment of 4 former employees of Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Cooperstown, who are accused of leaving a 94-year-old patient left in a recliner with substandard care for 41 hours over the Memorial Day weekend in May. Lorraine Caldwell, of Holland Patent, Amanda Gus of Hartwick, Sarah Schuyler of Mohawk and Donna Gray, of Sidney were charged with Falsifying Business Records, Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person & Willful Violation of Health Laws, all 4 were arraigned in Town of Otsego Court & were released on their own recognizance.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Will hold a free rabies clinic today in Franklin. The Clinic will be held at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.