WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing today, with Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC, the governor recapped the state strategy as more small gatherings are expected over the holidays, which is contributing to 70% of the new cases currently:

(Cuomo 12-7-20)

Dr. Fauci said that if people let their guard down & don't follow the CDC guidelines, the surge could hit badly in the New Year:

(Dr. Anthony Fauci 12-7-20)

The state reported that 152000 tests were performed Sunday, with 7302 positive  tests, or about 4.8% of all tested, over 4600 are hospitalized, 872 are in ICU beds & 477 are on ventilators, and another 80 died from the virus Sunday.

State Police arrested 26 year old John Flora of Windsor for allegedly burglarizing residences in the town of Windsor. An investigation by State Police BCI arrested Flora at his residence.  He was charged with multiple counts of 2nd degree Burglary & was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee has had 16 community members appointed, with Village residents, business owners, Religious leaders, Village Board members, Members of the Police Department, Delaware County Public Defender's office  and Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard.  The committee has reviewed how the Sidney Police Department operates and with public input determines what changes, if any, need to be made.  Sidney mayor Andy Matviak told WCDO News about how they will get public input:

(Andy Matviak 12-7-20)

After the public input in the months of December and January, they will draft a reform and reinvention plan that will be shared with the public, in February the committee will make any needed changes & submit the revised plan to the Village board for approval. In March the approved plan will be submitted to New York State.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Attorneys for the Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi campaigns filed new motions in State Supreme Court in Oswego regarding the ongoing ballot counts in the 22nd congressional district race.   55 recently-discovered Chenango County early voting ballots & about 2000 other disputed ballots will be ruled on by Justice Scott Delconte in State Supreme Court in Oswego this afternoon.

The Walton Central School District has been notified of a Positive COVID 19 case in a student. The school schedule will all remote education through Friday, and will be reassessed at the end of the week. The decision also includes all programs at DCMO BOCES, Intramurals and offseason athletic workouts are canceled until further notice. More details are available at the Superintendent’s page at waltoncsd.org.

The Acting Justice of the Supreme Court John Lambert has reviewed the 2019 hearing that resulted in the termination of Dana Scuderi-Hunter as Delaware County Commissioner of Social Services. In 2019, Delaware County filed charges against Scuderi-Hunter of misconduct, insubordination, and child endangerment, an independent Hearing Officer was brought in to review evidence, hear testimony, and make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, recommending immediate termination. This year, Scuderi-Hunter filed a petition challenging the Hearing Officer’s recommendations. The final ruling of Judge Lambert states that the preliminary issues presented to the court have been resolved; the matter will be deferred to the Appellate Division, Third Department for disposition.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a violation of a temporary order of protection last week has resulted in the arrest of a Masonville man for criminal contempt charge. On October 22nd, Deputies responded to a disturbance at a Masonville business, 67 year-old Edward Sherman of Masonville had violated the terms of a temporary order of protection issued by the Town of Masonville Court. Deputies arrested Sherman for criminal contempt; he was arraigned virtually & was released on his own recognizance pending his appearance in the Town of Masonville Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-3-20

Today is Election Day, with a host of Offices to be decided by voters. There is the vote for President & Vice President, as well as all seats in the US House of Representatives, the New York State Senate & State Assembly. Polling places close at 9:00 PM.

Delaware County Public Health announced 2 new positive cases of COVID 19 Monday, with 30 active cases, 4 hospitalizations, 150 in quarantine, giving Delaware County a total of 182 cases since March. There have been 9 deaths, 143 recoveries & over 24,700 tests conducted. Public Health is requesting that if you were at T.A.’s Place on October 19th, 24th or 25th, Gramma D’s 10/23, 10/24, 10/25 or the Circle E Diner 10/24; to self-monitor and if you become symptomatic to call Delaware County Public Health, at 607-832-5200. 2 employees of T.A.’s Place in Walton have tested positive for COVID-1Tuesday 11-3-20 Coronavirus Update

The State Health Department reported that 96,101 tests were for COVID 19 were performed Sunday, with 1633 positive tests.  1151 people are hospitalized with the virus, 276 were in an ICU bed, with 116 on ventilators, all of the hospitalization related numbers are about double of what was reported October 2nd,  there were 14 more COVID deaths Sunday.

The Walton Central School District has been notified of a Positive COVID 19 case in a student.  The school schedule will all remote education through Friday, and will be reassessed at the end of the week. The decision also includes all programs at DCMO BOCES, Intramurals and offseason athletic workouts are canceled until further notice. More details are available at the Superintendent’s page at waltoncsd.org.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 19 year old Dakota Hall of Fleischmanns for 2nd degree murder following a domestic dispute in Fleischmanns Thursday night.  Deputies, State Police & EMT's responded at about 10:50 PM Thursday night to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was taken to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and died for injuries sustained in the attack.  Dakota Hall was taken into custody without incident by Deputies for allegedly stabbing his brother; Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.  The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a head-on collision in the Town of Franklin on Wednesday afternoon.  Deputies reported that at about 5:30 PM, they responded with EMT's to the accident on County Highway 21 near Leland Hull Road.  Deputies determined that a vehicle driven by 50 year-old Jeffrey Lewis of Walton crossed over the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by 62 year-old Wayne Knorr of Laurens, causing the Knorr vehicle to overturn several times.  Knorr was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a head injury; Lewis was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital also for the treatment of a head injury.  Lewis’ driving privileges were revoked as a result of previous alcohol related offense, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device, failure to keep right and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released to appear in Town of Franklin court at a later date.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident.

The Prospect Hill Cemetery Association Board is looking to receive a grant to help with repairs to the wall near East Main Street, they have decided to apply to Southern Tier Tuesdays.com and see if we could a $2,000 Grant.  Association President Debra Tompkins-Cornett explains how people can help by voting once a day for 5 days, starting this Sunday:

(Debra Tompkins-Cornett 10-23-20)

Prospect Hill Cemetery has been nominated along with 11 others for the Grant; people can go to southerntiertuesdays.com to vote beginning this Sunday.

Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.

The Oneonta City School District have switched middle and high school students to remote learning yesterday & again today after being notified of a teacher testing positive.  NO student or any faculty/staff member is deemed a “close contact” to the affected teacher, according to a district letter; all elementary buildings will open as normal. Middle & High School students are scheduled to return on the previous hybrid schedule Monday.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their "Commitment to Community" Annual Dinner Saturday Night.  The guest Speakers will be Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney.  The Chamber will honor their Citizen of the Year award winner Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year; My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club.

The 27th annual "Pit Run" will be held virtually this year, as COVID guidelines prohibits large gatherings like the Pit Run normally attracts.  Race Committee Member Rob Lishansky told WCDO News how the race will work:

(Rob Lishansky 10-8-20)

Registration runs through October 15th at pitrun.org, money raised will go to the Rick Parisian foundation for area scholarship.  Lishansky is also featured on the Nate Lull Podcast #69, about this year's virtual Pit Run.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that their Citizen of the Year award winner this year is Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year is My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John's Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion's Club.  The Commitment to Community Annual dinner to honor the award winners will be held at Club 55 in Sidney on October 24th at 6:00 PM.

Local Boy Scout Troop 9934 is having a drive through recruitment night tonight in Sidney.  The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Keith Clark Park.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-9-20

Delaware County Public Health reported no new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, with 6 active cases all recovering at home, and 101 are in quarantine.  The county has had 129 total cases since the spring, with 8 deaths & 115 recoveries.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Davenport on Monday night that resulted in the caller being arrested and charged with falsely reporting an incident.  Deputies determined that the caller, 26 year-old Brittany Cole of Davenport called 911 following a verbal dispute and falsely reported being physically assaulted during the domestic dispute.  Cole was charged with falsely reporting an incident; she was processed and issued an appearance to Davenport Town Court at a later date.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich today announced that they have re-instated visitor restrictions, following the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Chenango County and the Southern Tier.  The Visitor Restrictions will be at the hospital and all of its off-site locations, with some limited restrictions regarding end of life patients & pediatric care.  In addition, all patients, staff, vendors and visitors will continue to be screened upon arrival at any UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital location.  More information about the policy is available at 337-4111, more information on COVID-19 or to be evaluated online through the UHS Virtual Walk-in, or visit online at nyuhs.org.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced Monday that the County has taken a former BC Transit bus, stripped it of its seats & installed a laboratory, and will be going all over the County administering Rapid COVID 19 tests, for county residents exhibiting symptoms of the virus.   More information is available at apps.health.ny.gov or by calling 211.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for the inclusion of the Restart Act to support live event venues that are struggling to recover after a summer of limited or no operations due to the COVID 19:

(Gillibrand 10-6-20)

Senator Gillibrand said that the Restart Act has wide support on both sides of the Aisle, but there is no timetable currently for the next Relief Bill to pass the Legislature & get signed by the President.

The Community Foundation for South Central New York has received a $25,000 grant from Lockheed Martin to the Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Fund for related needs in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga counties.   More information about the foundation is available at donorswhocare.org.

State Senator Jim Seward & local officials gathered Monday to dedicate a part of State Route 205 in the town of Hartwick to Sergeant John Kempe Winslow of Hartwick.  Winslow was killed in the line of duty in July of 1969 in Vietnam, he was 22 years old.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accident involving a dirt bike and a parked van on Airport Road in the Town of Union Tuesday night.  Patrols were dispatched to Airport Road following reports of people riding minibikes and off-road motorcycles, 1 patrol observed a male riding a dirt bike which struck a full-size van that was parked on the side of the roadway a short time later.  Cameron Fortner was ejected off the dirt bike, a deputy found him unconscious and not breathing & she began CPR.  The investigation revealed that John Hughes saw the dirt bike traveling on the street, he entered the roadway with a shovel to force the dirt bike to the side of the roadway, and Fortner swerved & struck the van. Fortner was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Hughes was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, the investigation is continuing.

A Broome County Grand Jury has indicted 45 year-old Larry Harris of Johnson City on 2 charges of predatory sexual assault against a child and 2 counts of rape.  Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak said that Harris was already being held in the Broome County Jail facing murder and manslaughter charges for the death of 11 year-old Jerome Smith in February of 2019.  The new charges were filed after a victim came forward accusing Harris of sex crimes between 2013 and 2019, Harris will be tried separately on the new charges.

The Norwich City School District is setting up their school year reopening plans for the fall, Interim Superintendent Diana Bowers explains:

(Diana Bowers 8-19-20)

Bowers said that the full plans are available on the Norwich City School District website.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a series of small job fairs in Delhi Monday September 14th through Friday September 18th, with different industries available on each day, Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 8-19-20)

Pucci said that interested businesses looking for new employees can participate & register at delawarecounty.org or by calling 746-2281.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they had a small number of positive COVID 19 cases diagnosed Tuesday, bringing their total to 1124 since March.  They have had 75 deaths, 980 recoveries and 503 are being monitored by the Department.

State Police and a Delaware County deputy were dispatched to a reported burglary in the town of Kortright where the homeowner told troopers a man & woman left the scene & that their residence in the town of Meredith had also been burglarized & a vehicle had been stolen.  The stolen vehicle was found at the Quality Inn of Oneonta, police arrested 34 year old Amber Weaver of Bloomville and 33 year old Christiaan Stewart of Bloomville for Burglary, Grand Larceny & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Weaver was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Both were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $30,000 cash bail or $60,000 bond.

Hartwick College will welcome students to the campus between this Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 30, with Classes beginning August 31.  All students and employees will be required to adhere to numerous protocols.  Coursework will be delivered both in-person and virtually for students in the fall semester. Changes to the academic calendar for the fall semester eliminated breaks until in-person instruction ends on Friday, November 20, and then all students will leave campus by November 21 and then complete the semester’s instruction and exams remotely. Final exams conclude on December 10. More information is available on the Reopening Campus webpage at Hartwick.edu.

Governor Cuomo announced a Friday deadline for school districts that have not submitted plans for in-person learning yet. Currently, 107 school districts have not submitted a plan for the fall, last Friday Governor Cuomo said that all school district should be able to re-open in September, but they must submit plans to be approved by the Health Department & the State Education Department.  Local schools that did not submit a plan include:   Cooperstown, Richfield Springs & Worcester in Otsego County, and Andes & Margaretville in Delaware County.

Driving with a broken windshield and a suspended license resulted in a Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arresting a Delhi man last Wednesday evening and charging him with Driving While ability impaired by drugs and felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.  Deputies observed a vehicle being operated on Phoebe Lane in the Village of Delhi with a broken windshield, they stopped the vehicle, which was driven by 30-year-old John Regazzi of Delhi, who was accused of driving while

impaired, along with several other lesser charges.   Regazzi was processed and released and was directed to appear in the Delhi Town Court at a later date.

The Susquehanna SPCA announced that they have met & surpassed a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge in support of its SHELTER US Campaign. So far they have raised over $123,000, bringing the shelter $223,000 closer to the project's roughly $5 million price tag.  In celebration of the milestone, the shelter is giving back to the community with reduced adoption fees through this Friday, August 14th.

Area Chambers of Commerce & Local Governments are urging people to complete the 2020 Census as soon as possible.  The Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year and helps to keep taxes lower, the census can be found online at 2020census.gov.

State Police responded Friday to a reported of a shooting at 1205 Conklin Road in the town of Conklin.  Troopers immediately located two female victims in the parking lot.   38 year old Alison Salisbury of Binghamton was shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  42 year old Shannon Brooks of Conklin was shot in the hand and transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center where she was treated and released.  State Police arrested 45 year old Lance Johnson of Binghamton man for 2nd degree Murder & 2nd degree Attempted Murder, & is being held in the Broome County Jail without bail.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul Hosts A Roundtable with Tourism Leaders to Discuss How to Build Back Better, at 1:00 PM at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Library on Fair Street in Cooperstown.

Governor Cuomo today announced that while the numbers relating to COVID 19 in New York State are good, there are still threats that could make the numbers go back up, and that Law Enforcement & the State Liquor Authority have their hands full:

(Cuomo 8-3-20)

The Governor said that there were 536 people hospitalized statewide for the virus, there were 136 in ICU's 62 were on Ventilators & 3 died on Sunday, all amongst the lowest numbers since the pandemic hit in early March.  There have been over 416,000 positive cases, over 6 million tests have been administered, and 25,172 have died from the virus.

Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock announced that they received 481 responses which covers 830 students, to their survey, sent out to parents regarding what they are planning to regarding schooling their children this fall, , That amount covered a significant sample size of about 75% of the school population.  Bullock told WCDO News that the information compiled from the survey was sent to the state by in the district’s re-opening plan by last Friday’s deadline, he believes that there is room for many but not all students within the existing square footage in the district:

(Eben Bullock 8-3-20)

Governor Cuomo & the state education department, state health department will put together the guidelines for school districts around the state in the coming weeks.  The Sidney District plans to for virtual informational forums to be shared the week of August 10th.

Catholic Charities in Sidney announced that they are offering free school supplies to Sidney School District Students again this fall, spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 8-3-20)

More information is available at the Catholic Charities office at the Sidney Civic Center or by calling 604-4071.

Governor Cuomo announced that the state would postpone a voter referendum on the $3 billion Restore Mother Nature Bond Act that was originally scheduled to be on the ballot on November 3rd.  The Governor said that the state would postpone the vote on the bond act due to the state's financially difficulties that were made more difficult by the pandemic & the subsequent shutdown of the economy.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the DEC and Parks & Trails New York have awarded grants to support not-for-profit organizations involved with stewardship of 29 State Parks, historic sites and public lands. Locally, the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne will receive $36,000 to improve the exhibits at the center.

The Deadline to register for the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is today.  The tournament is a key fundraiser; they have raised funds for various non-profit organizations and programs including “Odyssey of the Mind” program and B-G Student Council.  The tournament will be held Sunday, at noon, more information or registration is available through John Payne at 316-6854 or Terri DeRoche at 434-2400.

Governor Cuomo announced that the number of Hospitalizations from COVID 19 dropped to 556 Saturday, there were 3 Deaths Statewide.  There were 531 new positive tests Saturday, or 0.9% of those tested, bringing the Statewide Total to 416,298, there have been 6 million diagnostic tests conducted since March. The ICU numbers are down to 143. The number of intubated down slightly to 71.

The Raymond Corporation in Greene announced that they will be closed again today, to allow for further planning, after confirmation of more COVID 19 positive cases among the initial group tested.  The Forklift Manufacturer closed last Thursday & Friday to sanitize & Disinfect the facility in accordance with CDC guidelines, only essential employees will report to work today.  Raymond officials said that they will continue to work with local healthcare providers.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi's office announced that the Congressman will Host another Telephone Town Hall with local guests, today at 5:00 p.m.  Constituents are encouraged to RSVP to brindisi.house.gov/live to receive the call or dial-in at 5:00 p.m. on August 3rd to 855-614-0159

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

Governor Cuomo announced that Hospitalizations from the Coronavirus Dropped to 765 on Thursday, the Lowest Daily Total since March 18th.  there were 776 new cases of the virus yesterday, about 1% of all of those tested, bringing the total number of cases since March up to 405,551.  10 COVID-19 Deaths were reported Thursday the number of ICU patients on ventilators was down to 98.

Governor Cuomo announced that all restaurants and bars statewide can only serve alcohol to seated patrons. Service must be provided at the table, not at the bar, to patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers. Patrons must also order food if they are ordering alcohol. Citizens who see violations can report complaints with photos to the State Liquor Authority at sla.ny.gov.

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

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

State tax receipts in June were down $1.5 billion or 17.3% from the previous year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Due to the shutdown from the pandemic, June tax receipts were $475 million below projections, with shortfalls in personal income, consumption and business taxes.  Unemployment Insurance payments in June totaled just under $13.5 billion, compared to $135.6 million a year earlier.  The report can be found at https://www.osc.state.ny.us/

57 year old Robert Bresee of Norwich has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for transporting and possessing child pornography, according to federal prosecutors & the FBI.  Bresee was previously convicted in Chenango County Court of 1st degree Rape, and was sentenced to 15 years’ in prison; he admitted that while on post-release supervision he uploaded child pornography.  Bresee was additional sentenced to another 15-year term of supervised release, & he is designated as a Level 3 Sexually Violent Offender, will be required to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

There was big news announced today by the State Public High School Athletic Association about the Fall season, WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull has details:

(Nate Lull 7-16-20)

Nate will continue to update this story as more information becomes available, follow Nate on Twitter, or his twitter feed on WWW.WCDOSPORTS.COM.

The Empire 8 Athletic Conference Presidents Council today announced the postponement of all fall athletic competition for the 2020 season due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Empire 8, Hartwick College affected teams include men’s football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s field hockey, women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.

The Binghamton Devils have teamed up with the American Red Cross and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar to host a blood drive, which will take place on Tuesday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Broome County Arena.  Every fan who donates blood will receive a voucher for a Binghamton Devils merchandise gift card for the 2020-21 season, to make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Blood Donor App.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is organizing its 8th annual golf tournament fundraiser. Donations are being accepted from local businesses for prizes, the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, August 9th, more information is available by calling John Payne at 316-6854 or at Terri DeRoche 434-2400.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announce "A Night at the Rumble Town" on July 31st, with their summer movie schedule with a movie and fireworks.  Gates will open at 6:00 PM and "The Lion King" will begin at 7:30 PM with fireworks following immediately after.  Tickets will be available online at bingrp.com or by calling 607-722-3866.

Gabriel Truitt will be sentenced in Otsego County Court Friday on Murder & Arson charges, for setting the fire at Walling Avenue that killed former Oneonta fireman John Heller on December 29th, 2018.  Truitt started the fire in the building for revenge against an ex-girlfriend; Heller lived in another apartment in the building & died getting others out.  Truitt will appear live in Court Friday, as in person court appearances are back following virtual court action through the pandemic period.

Governor Cuomo announced that Malls in Phase 4 regions can open Friday but only if they have high-efficiency Air Conditioning systems with Filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value; or "MERV rating" that filters out of the COVID-19 virus:

(Cuomo 7-9-20)

Ventilation protocols include increased outdoor air, reduced air circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks, Mall Staff and shoppers will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing protocols.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department announced that a Stamford man succumbed to a cardiac emergency while driving in the Town of Kortright Wednesday afternoon.  At approximately 12:20 PM Wednesday Deputies & EMS responded to a report of a vehicle off the roadway, upon their arrival, emergency medical personnel discovered the driver 67 year old John Mason of Stamford was in cardiac arrest and began lifesaving treatment, however, efforts to resuscitate Mason were unsuccessful.  The Investigation determined that Mason suffered a fatal cardiac related emergency while driving and drifted off the roadway and into a ditch.

The Oneonta Common Council approved of a measure to form the Community Advisory Board, to review the Oneonta Police Departments' policies & procedures.  All municipalities in New York State with a police force are mandated to hold public meetings to reform police practices by April 1st of next year.

The State DOT is advising motorists the ramp from State Route 7 Northbound to I-88 Eastbound in the town of Dickinson will close today through July 23rd for repairs, milling and paving. Motorists should allow extra travel time to follow posted detours.  Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones.

All area school districts passed their budgets yesterday.  Capital projects were passed in Afton, Charlotte Valley, Delaware Academy, Oneonta & Greene.  Bus & vehicles propositions passed in Franklin, Deposit, Delaware Academy, Afton, Bainbridge Guilford, Norwich, Unadilla Valley, Oxford, Edmeston, Laurens, Oneonta,  Library budgets were passed in Sidney, Deposit, Norwich, Oxford & a Capital reserve fund vote was passed in Sidney.

New York State Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan announced that he would not seek re-election to the Senate this fall, he announced Tuesday that effective June 28th, and he will be ending his State Senate career and pursuing a private sector opportunity.

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in Walton today, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street.  Appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta has been officially cancelled this year, according to Chairman John Harmon:

(John Harmon 4-6-20)

Harmon said that the idea to move the regatta to later in the year was not realistic as water levels, especially in the upper 35, are traditionally too low for the canoes, they expect to hold the 58th Regatta in 2021.

The Sidney Central School District will continue to provide food service to the school community; however, there will be changes to the weekly schedule. The Food Service Plan for today & Tuesday will again include breakfast and lunch available for pick up at the Junior/Senior High School from 9am - 12pm, with mobile deliveries also going to the same locations posted on the district website.   The food service plan for Wednesday, will include a bulk food delivery, which the district will move to a once per week bulk food delivery on Wednesdays, delivered door to door for all those that have signed up.  Those who need to sign up can do so at the Monday or Tuesday food pick-ups.

MONDAY MORNING NEWS

Governor Cuomo gave the latest Coronavirus statistics SUNDAY, there were 122, 031 positive cases, with 16,479 hospitalized, 4376 are on ventilators in ICU Beds, there are 4159 deaths, 12,187 have been discharged following recovery.

State Senator Jim Seward was removed from a Ventilator over the weekend, after he had been in a medically induced Coma, while he has been treated at Albany Medical Center for the Corona Virus, his wife Cindy has been quarantined at home, also with the Coronavirus.  Senator Seward went through Cancer Treatments late last year.

The New York State Association of
Counties is calling on the Federal government to provide $3.1 billion in
emergency supplemental funding for the public health response to the novel
coronavirus. Of the $3.1 billion, at least $500 million should be directed to
local and state health departments.
Additionally, Governor Cuomo recently announced that he was seeking a$40
million emergency appropriation for the New York State Department of Health to
hire additional staff, procure equipment and other resources necessary to
respond to the potential novel coronavirus.

A.O. Fox Hospital recently received
the 2019 Financial Sustainability Silver Award from Centurion Service Group,
which annually recognizes top U.S. hospitals for financial and environmental
sustainability in responsible equipment management.  The Award acknowledges hospitals for
strategic participation in Centurion’s surplus medical equipment program for
creating revenue by freeing important resources to access new technology and
improve patient care.

Governor Cuomo
announced that New York State is now offering a free text message program to
help kids quit e-cigarettes as the state moves to reverse the alarming rise in
youth vaping.   To access this program,
text "DropTheVape" to 88709, more information about e-cigarettes is
available at health.ny.gov/NoVape

The Otsego County Office of Emergency
Services confirmed that 5 firefighters were injured in a Middlefield garage
fire from a series of explosions Wednesday night at 3679 Otsego County Route
35.  The firefighters were James Tallman,
Jon Roach & Scott Monington of the Cooperstown Fire Department & John
Sears & Ryan Smith of the Middlefield Fire Department, Roach &
Monington were taken to a Syracuse Hospital for treatment of injuries, the
other 3 were treated at Bassett Hospital & were released.  Firefighters from Middlefield, Cooperstown,
Westford, Cherry Valley, and Milford responded to the fire Wednesday
night.  State Police, State office of
Fire Prevention & Control & the Otsego County Sheriff’s department are
investigating the cause & origin of the fire.

41 year old Nasir Azmat of Franklin
appeared in Town of Franklin Court Thursday night to answer to more than 40
counts of charges relating to animal cruelty.
Azmat pleaded “not guilty” to all charges, he was ordered to check in
weekly with authorities prior to his next court appearance March 26th. Many
protesters showed up to Franklin to show their support for the dogs who are
known as the "Franklin 20", who were brought to area shelters
following Azmat's arrest.

Binghamton police have identified the body found Sunday along the Susquehanna River, as 72-year-old Susan Wayman of Binghamton & formerly from Sidney. Wayman was reported missing about a month ago, the death has been ruled non-criminal; Wayman was identified following an autopsy, she graduated froom Sidney High School in 1965.

Delhi Police stopped a motor vehicle for speeding Saturday on Meredith Street, Police discovered that the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of marihuana, counterfeit money and suspected stolen property. Arrested were 20-year-old Maleik Garland of Queens, 22-year-old Chadwade Chambers, 26-year-old Michael Stevens Jr. & 22-year-old Taijih Bryant, all of Brooklyn, all 4 were arraigned, Garland was being held in the Delaware County jail pending future court action, the others were released on appearance tickets.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department is investigating the death of a man found in a barn near Emmons that Oneonta Fire fighters responded to Monday night. The unidentified man was found in a barn at 130 Riverstone Road, where a fully-involved barn fire was reported at about 11:20 pm Monday Night. Firefighters from Schenevus, Milford and Pindars Corners assisted the Oneonta Fire department. An autopsy has been ordered & the investigation is ongoing, and Susquehanna SPCA took a dog and four horses to the shelter from the property.

Governor Cuomo today announced that up to $5 million in 2nd round census funding will be made available to nonprofits that are participating in the State Complete Count Census campaign. The funding will help fund nonprofits in their efforts to reach at-risk and hard-to-count communities and ensure they are counted during the 2020 Census. Applications may be submitted for a 30 day period that ends on March 26; nonprofits can apply for pre-qualification ny.gov/2020-census.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch joined senators, Congressman Tom Reed & members of the Assembly Minority Conference Monday at a press conference in Albany to show their opposition to the Green Light Law:

(Crouch 2-25-20)

The Green Light Law allows illegal immigrants the right to obtain driver's licenses, it has raised Homeland Security concerns due to it blocking law enforcement's ability to view DMV files and the records of illegal immigrants who have broken the law, which is preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct investigations.

The Green Light Law allows illegal immigrants the right to obtain driver's licenses, it has raised Homeland Security concerns due to it blocking law enforcement's ability to view DMV files and the records of illegal immigrants who have broken the law, which is preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct investigations.

US Senator Chuck Schumer &
Congressman Anthony Brindisi joined Major League Baseball officials, New York
Mets executives, Binghamton Rumble Ponies owner John Hughes, and other elected
officials for a summit on how to keep the Rumble Ponies in Binghamton Monday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred wanted to eliminate more than 40 minor league
teams, including the Rumble Ponies. Schumer & Brindisi have urged Major
League Baseball to follow-up on a promise made to provide the team with a list
of needed improvements for their stadium.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi
announced to a crowd of supporters in Binghamton that he is officially running
for re-election to represent the 22nd New York Congressional District.  Brindisi has had 4 pieces of his legislation
signed into law by President Trump, addressing issues from job creation to supporting
our Veterans; he kicks off his re-election campaign with more than $1.8 million
in the bank.

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

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

Former
Binghamton Rumble Ponies Manager Luis Rojas has been named today as the new
manager of the New York Mets.  Rojas
managed in Binghamton in 2017 & 2018, he replaces Carlos Beltran, who parted
ways with the team after being named in MLB's investigation of the Houston
Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

The
American Red Cross has extended its urgent call for donors of all blood types,
to give blood, especially type O blood, Red Cross Spokesperson Mary Brant
explains:

(Mary
Brant 1-22-20)

A Blood
Drive will be held in Greene from 12:30 to 5:30 PM today at the Church of the
Immaculate Conception, 1180 State Highway 206.
Another Blood drive will be held tomorrow at the Foothills Performing
Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, Appointments can
be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling
1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo
device.

There is still confusion regarding different aspects of the
state’s new Bail Reform law, especially the "Discovery" Provision
that keeps police agencies from arresting suspected criminals if a lab report
is needed, Delaware County DA John Hubbard explains:

(John Hubbard 1-14-20)

Opponents to the Discovery portion of the bail reform bill
note that DA's offices & Law Enforcement agencies would need more personnel
to meet the 15 day requirement & some arrests might not even be made
initially, as it is often difficult to get certain lab tests performed in the
15 day time limit.

The Otsego County Jail is expected to reopen in
mid-February.  The inmates were moved out
to other jails following a roof leak in November, where the prisoners were all
being kept, while renovations were underway in another part of the jail.

The next meeting of the General
Clinton Canoe Regatta committee will be held tonight in Bainbridge.  The meeting will be held at Galaxy Bowl in
Bainbridge.  The race Committee meeting
will begin at 6:30, the general meeting will begin at 7:30.

Oneonta Police Announced that 32 year old April Johnson has
died in an Albany Hospital.  Johnson was
hit by a car while trying to cross the Lettis Highway on December 30th.  No charges will be filed against the driver
of the vehicle, 41 year old David Shafer of Otego.

State Police arrested 54 year old John Buffa of Plymouth for
DWI, after Troopers were dispatched to an accident on County Road 16 in the
town of Plymouth.  The driver of the
vehicle had left the scene and was walking along County Road 16, knocking on
doors asking for a ride, troopers located Buffa, & after failing
standardized field sobriety tests, Buffa was arrested.  Buffa was transported to Chenango Memorial
Hospital for further evaluation.  After
he was released, he was processed then provided appearance tickets to the town
of Plymouth court for today.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a state
Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies and Sexual Harassment Training for Managers
and Owners today in Oneonta. New York State mandates ALL employers to adopt a
sexual harassment prevention policy as well as to train ALL employees on sexual
harassment prevention.  Pinnacle Human
Resources will conduct the training at Northern Eagle Beverages at 41 Browne
Street in Oneonta from 1:00 to 3:00 PM; more information is available at
432-4500.