WCDO Radio News

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Delaware County. This is the first animal testing positive for rabies in 2015, the positive test results were received Monday, and county officials said that there was no human exposure. The domestic animal that was possibly exposed to the rabid raccoon has been immunized against rabies, and is not in danger of contracting the disease. Delaware County Public Health has conducted 14 rabies clinics in 2015 with one clinic remaining on October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall, at 140 Delview Terrace. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 832-5200, more information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will extend the public comment period on the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline, which was due to expire Monday. The FERC decision came as U.S. senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand & area Congressman Chris Gibson urged FERC Chairman Norman Bay to extend the comment period run through the end of November, after Kinder Morgan released 6,000 more pages of technical information on the proposal near the end of July, leaving little time for public comment on the new information.

The Oneonta Parks & Recreation commission will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common Council Chambers at City hall.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today announced legislation to create an optional investment pool to help the state and local governments fund retiree health insurance and other post employment benefits. DiNapoli estimates the unfunded Benefits liability of the State is $68.2 billion with an additional $68.3 billion for local governments outside of New York City. DiNapoli’s proposal would Authorize the creation of irrevocable Benefits trusts, which would not be part of the State Common Retirement Fund; Establish an investment fund in the sole custody of the State Comptroller; Designate the president of the Civil Service Commission as the trustee of the state’s new benefits trust, DiNapoli’s proposal also sets no limit on how much or how little a government can deposit into the trust.

Delaware County Public Health is holding a “Medical Countermeasures” drill on Thursday, April 30th to practice and test the ability to dispense large amounts of medicine in the event of a public health threat such as a disease outbreak or bioterrorism threat to the community. All are welcome to attend the drill. There is no pre-registration required; no actual medicine will be dispensed. The event will be held Thursday, April 30th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Delhi American Legion Hall, 41 Page Avenue, Delhi. More information is available at 607-832-5200.