WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order that states that a provider can be fined up to $1 million and lose all State licenses if they are found to have committed fraud or intentionally administered a vaccine to a person who is not eligible. The order follows reports of health care providers getting the vaccines & administering them against the state's vaccination priority protocols.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 44 year old Joseph Garone of South Kortright for driving while ability impaired by drugs for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, after Deputies responded to the front of the County Public Safety building after Garone's vehicle drove over a concrete parking block and became lodged by the main entrance.   Garone was charged with operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs, on December 4th, he was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs following their investigation of a two car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Delhi.

Broome County Health Department reported 7548 total positive COVID tests, which is about 2600 positives in the last month.  Broome County reported 174 deaths, 58 of those since Thanksgiving and they have had 6567 total recoveries, which is 2365 recoveries since the end of November.

Broome County's Festival of Lights returns tonight, after crews cleaned up Otsiningo Park following recent flooding and subsequent damage.  Officials said that that the New Year's Eve fireworks display should go on as scheduled at 7:00 PM; more information is available at the Spiedie Fest Facebook page.

State Police arrested 54-year-old Robert Trella on an arson charge following the investigation of a suspicious fire at 305 Pease Hill Road in the town of Barker Monday afternoon.  Trella lived in the home, no one else was inside at the time of the fire, he was arraigned and released on his own recognizance & will appear in court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-29-20

Governor Cuomo signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020, which prevents residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also extends the Senior Citizens' Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption from 2020 to 2021. The Act adds to New York State's efforts to protect tenants and homeowners from the economic hardship incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Cuomo will sign an Executive Order withholding pay increases for all commissioners and statewide elected officials. The statewide elected officials included in the Executive Order are the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General and the Comptroller.  The State has a 15 Billion Dollar deficit from costs associated with fighting the COVID 19 pandemic.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 9 new COVID 19 cases Monday, they have 16 hospitalized, and they reported 4 new deaths from the virus, bringing their total to 16 deaths.  Also, Delaware County Public Health announced 18 new COVID 19 cases Monday; they report 97 active cases with 3 hospitalized & 276 in quarantine.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 44 year old Gregory Schaub of South New Berlin on a variety of Charges after Deputies observed a vehicle with a non-functional brake light in front of them. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and a routine inquiry revealed that Schaub only possessed a non-driver’s ID and that his driving privileges in the State of New York were revoked from a previous DWI charge.  Schaub was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator and operating a vehicle with insufficient stop lamps.  Schaub was released on appearance tickets directing him to appear before the Town of Meredith Court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-28-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing in Albany today; he discussed the priorities for those getting the vaccine over the next 2 weeks:

(Cuomo 12-28-20)

So far, 140,000 have been vaccinated in the state, another 259,000 are coming this week from both Pfizer & Moderna, 28,600 are coming to the Southern Tier Counties.

The State had an uptick in the positivity rate of COVID 19 tests Sunday, at 8.3%, which was significantly higher than the 7 day average of over  5%.  Over 124,000 were tested Sunday, with over 10,300 testing positive.  The number of Hospitalizations, ICU Patient’s and patients on Ventilators continues to climb and there were 114 deaths Sunday attributed to the virus.

The state Legislature is expected to pass an emergency bill in a special session this week that would extend an eviction moratorium and strengthen a variety of laws for renters and homeowners due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Legislative leaders will pass the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act to keep people in their homes and help small landlords through May 1st 2021, Governor Cuomo said today that he will sign the bill into law.

Former state Assemblyman Bill Magee died on Christmas Eve, at a nursing home in Morrisville, he was 81.  Magee served from 1990 to 2018 in the State Assembly, representing a district that included Madison, Otsego and Oneida counties. He recently had the COVID virus, though an official cause of death has not been released.

Otsego County Health Department announced new COVID numbers Saturday, they report 114 Active cases, 29 new cases, 16 are hospitalized, and they have had 12 deaths reported.

New York State Health Department reported a 5.8% positivity Rate for COVID Saturday, with over 130,000 tested & 7623 positives. Hospitalizations, ICU patients & Patients on Ventilators all continue to increase, there were 115 Deaths Saturday.

Otsiningo Park in Broome County will remain closed until further notice, due to flooding & subsequent repairs that are needed because of the flooding.

P.M. NEWS Monday 12-21-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing this morning, as phase 1 of COVID Vaccines are being administered around the state for health care workers, the Governor discussed the prioritizing of the vaccine distribution earlier today:

(Cuomo 12-21-20)

Over the weekend, 38,000 vaccines were administered, there were 350 Bassett Hospital employees received the COVID vaccines, more information about the vaccine program is available at ny.gov/vaccine.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 35 new COVID cases Friday with 16 hospitalized & 142 Active cases. Otsego County has had 1692 total confirmed cases, with 10 deaths.

The Festival of Lights opened up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta this past weekend. Visitors can drive through the park to see the colorful displays created by Oneonta area businesses & Organizations; the display is sponsored by First Night Oneonta & is open daily at Sundown.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-21-20

Governor Cuomo announced Saturday's COVID 19 statistics, there were over 191,000 tests conducted, with 9919 positive tests, there were 6,208 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; 1,088 Patients in the ICU; 610 on Ventilators, there were 127 COVID-19 Deaths in Saturday, the total number of Deaths is 28,474.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 43 year old Robert Mohammed of Plymouth for DWI and false personation, following a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Oxford. Mohammed is accused of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol & providing a false identity to the investigating Deputy. Mohammed was released on an appearance tickets and is to return to the Town of Oxford Court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-18-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing earlier today, he said that he does not foresee shutdowns again in the state, but he said that people have to celebrate smart over the holidays so that the Hospitalizations do NOT spiral up again like they have since the Thanksgiving holidays & subsequent "Living Room" spread of the virus:

(Cuomo 12-18-20)

The state tested a record 249,000 people for COVID 19 on Thursday, with 12,694 positive tests or 5.09% of all tested.  Hospitalizations went down Thursday for the 1st time in a few weeks, to 6,081, the number of patients in an ICU bed was at 1,068, the number of patients on Ventilators was 592, there 120 deaths from COVID Thursday.

NY State of Health announced New Yorkers applying for Qualified Health Plan coverage have until December 31 to sign up for health the coverage starting January 1st, 2021. Individuals who were unable to enroll by the December 15 deadline should enroll now by visiting the NY State of Health website.   More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777

Governor Cuomo today announced that state and local law enforcement agencies throughout New York will be stepping up patrols to crack down on impaired driving during the holiday travel season. The enforcement campaign will run through Friday, January 1. This crackdown is part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that Santa Claus will appear in Downtown Sidney again this Saturday& the Sidney Chamber also will have their annual house decorating contest conclude this weekend, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-18-20)

Schunk said that Santa Claus's appearance will include masks & social distancing due to the ongoing pandemic.

A.M. NEWS Friday 12-18-20

Following the Winter Storm, Governor Cuomo Declared a STATE OF EMERGENCY in 18 Counties.  The Disaster Emergency was declared in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego Counties locally, there were over 600 accidents on the roads statewide Thursday, with 2 fatalities.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 14 new COVID cases reported Thursday, there are 16 hospitalized, 135 active cases & 1657 total cases & there have been 10 deaths & 840 cases associated with the 2 Oneonta colleges.

Commerce Chenango, NBT Bank, The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Morrisville & others have teamed up to distribute complete holiday meals in 2 Chenango County locations today, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green comments;

(Kerri Green 12-18-20)

Site #1 will be at SUNY Morrisville, Conkey Avenue in Norwich and pick-up time is 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and Site #2 will be manned by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce at General Clinton Park with a pick-up time of 2:00 to 3:00 PM, for those who pre-registered.

The Sidney Central School District has been notified by the Delaware County Public Health of 4 positive COVID-19 cases in the elementary school in grades K, 2, 3 and 5, Contact tracing has begun and the health department or school district officials will be in contact with any student and staff member impacted by the exposure.  The Sidney elementary school grades K-6 will transition to full remote learning for next Monday & Tuesday due to continued contact tracing efforts. Teachers will be in contact to communicate instructional schedules, there will be no change to the 7-12 instructional schedules.

Broome County Health Department reports another 84 positive COVID cases today, bringing their total to 6064 since the spring.  They also reported 5 more deaths, bring their toll up to 150, they have had 5157 recoveries & they are monitoring over 4700 people.

Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of the New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership. The program will provide small businesses and their landlords that have struggle during the COVID 19 Pandemic, with informational resources and pro bono assistance to help both parties reach mutually-beneficial lease workout agreements. This service is available to all New York State small businesses and landlords, and participation is voluntary.   Additionally, the New York Forward Loan Fund continues to provide working capital loans of up to $100,000 to help small businesses and non-profit organizations reopen.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 21 year old Jessica Winans of Unadilla after a report of a motor vehicle accident on River Road in the Town of Sidney.  Upon arrival Troopers observed that Winans exhibited signs of intoxication during their interview.   Winans was charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more, operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone, as well as other charges. Winans was released to appear in the Town of Sidney Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-10-20

Otsego County Department of Health had 21 new COVID 19 cases reported Wednesday, giving the county 1496 total confirmed cases,  143 active cases,  17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths;  767 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

The National Baseball Hall of Fame has announced that Al Michaels will be the 45th recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. He will be honored during induction weekend in July 2021.  Michaels became lead broadcaster on ABC’s “Monday Night Baseball” telecasts in 1983. He was in the booth when an earthquake struck at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in 1989.

State Police arrested 26 year old Nicholas Weathers of Endicott for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawfully Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle.  Troopers spotted a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, they stopped the vehicle and began to interview Weathers, When troopers asked him to step out of his vehicle, and he drove off.   Weathers parked in Endicott and took off on foot, he was taken into custody.  Weathers was found in possession of a loaded handgun; he does not possess a pistol permit.  Weathers was transported to Wilson Hospital for an evaluation, he was later processed at Broome Central Processing.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-9-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing today, he outlined the priorities for Vaccine distributions in the state, with the first shipment expected sometime next week:

(Cuomo 12-9-20)

The Governor said that 90 sites are being set up around the state for the cold storage of the Vaccines; the first shipments are expected from Pfizer, with more coming from Moderna & Pfizer later in the month.

Governor Cuomo reported that 10,585 New Yorkers tested positives for COVID 19 Tuesday, out of more than 194,000 tested, or 5.44% of all tested.  4,993 Patients are Hospitalizations Statewide, 952 Patients in the ICU; 521 are on ventilators, there were 95 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Tuesday.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 5980 total COVID 19 cases, after announcing 79 more positive tests today.  The county has 145 deaths, over 5106 recoveries with over 4700 being monitored by the Health Department.

Driver's license expiration dates have been pushed back to January 1, 2021. If you have a New York State Driver's License or permit with an expiration date after March 1, 2020, it is still valid until January 1, 2021. This extended an Executive Order that granted people whose licenses expired during the pandemic more time to renew.

State Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly stole Price Chopper gift cards from a Richfield Springs church around December 1st.  The gift Cards were worth $2500 which was earmarked to be handed out to local families in need this Holiday Season, Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at Troop C at 561-7400.

Bassett Healthcare Network & local Public Health Departments announced that they will hold a COVID 19 Vaccine Webinar on Thursday December 17th from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM.  The webinar will be available through ZOOM or by calling 1-646-876-9923 shortly before the beginning of the webinar.

19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado is holding a Facebook Live Town Hall at 7:00 PM tonight, to update constituents and answer their questions.  Interested constituents can submit questions in advance by going to the congressman's Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-9-20

State Police were dispatched early Monday Morning to a report of a fire on Welton Street in the town of Colesville.  60 year old Wendy Sutton died as a result of the fire, Harpursville, Windsor, Ouaguaga and West Colesville Fire Departments responded.   The fire is not believed to be suspicious & the investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo reported that 9935 tested positives for COVID 19 Monday, out of more than 162,000 tested, or 5.74% of all tested.  4,835 Patients are Hospitalizations Statewide, 906 Patients in the ICU; 493 are on ventilators, there were 74 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Monday.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 35 new COVID cases reported Tuesday, the county now reports 1475 total confirmed cases, 134 active cases,  17 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths,  767 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Commerce Chenango, NBT Bank, The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Morrisville & others have teamed up to distribute complete holiday meals in 2 Chenango County locations on December 18th. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green comments;

(Kerri Green 12-9-20)

Site #1 on December 18th will be at SUNY Morrisville, Conkey Ave in Norwich and pick-up time is 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, reservations are requested at 334-5144, Site #2 will be manned by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce at General Clinton Park with a pick-up time of 2:00 to 3:00 PM, pre-registration is requested at 607-316-2319.

Broome County Health Department had 84 more positive cases of COVID 19 over the last 2 days, bringing their total of 3780 since March, they had 1 more death, giving them 105 from the virus. They have had 3330 recoveries and over 4300 are being monitored by the Health Department.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-6-20

New York & Pennsylvania State Police have cancelled an Amber Alert for Autumn & Evelyn Collis, who were abducted from 50 Park Street in Binghamton Thursday afternoon at about 5:30. The Amber Alert was cancelled at about 2:00 AM this morning; The Binghamton Police Department released new information this afternoon, announcing the arrest of 34 year old Amanda Collis of Hagerstown Maryland, for taking the 8 year sisters without permission from their father from their Binghamton residence. Collis was charged with Custodial Interference, after the children were located safely in Maryland early this morning

Otsego County Department of Health reported 3 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday. The county has had 1042 total confirmed cases, 45 are active cases, there are no hospitalizations, 8 deaths, 754 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, & 57 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-9-20

Governor Cuomo announced Thursday's COVID 19 numbers across the state; they conducted 131,993 tests with 1,194 positives.  Hospitalizations increased again to 779 people, the number of ICU patients went down slightly to 168, and the number of Patients on Ventilators went up by 11 to 78.  There were 6 deaths Thursday; the state death toll is 25,561.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they had another 88 Positive COVID 19 cases today, giving the County 2238 total cases since March, and 628 cases since October 1st.  They report 659 active cases with 10 hospitalizations, there have been 83 deaths, over 1500 recoveries.

The Chenango County Health Department announced a Drive-Through Rabies Clinic will be held tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  The clinic will run from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Pre-Registration is required at 337-1673, a $5 donation is requested.

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.

Today is the last day New Yorkers can register to vote in the 2020 General Election. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the State and the county, city or village in which you are registering for at least 30 days before the election; and be at least 18 years old on or by November 3rd. More information is available at elections.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 10-1-20

Governor Cuomo reported that Clusters of COVID 19 cases increased several of the state’s numbers on Wednesday.  There were 1382 new cases diagnosed out of over 109,000 tests administered, which was a 1.27% positivity rate.  Patient Hospitalizations went up to 612, there were 141 Patients in ICU beds, 63 were on ventilators, and there were 11 deaths Wednesday, bringing the state death toll to 25,490.

The Broome County Health Department reported 83 more positive cases of COVID 19 since Tuesday, bringing their total to 1610 cases, they still report 82 deaths, 1285 recoveries and 1157 people are being monitored by the health department, following the latest cluster reported in Binghamton last weekend.

The town of New Berlin will hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13th at the New Berlin Town Office at 30 North Main Street, to discuss possible cuts to the town budget, including saving about $180,000 dollars by eliminating their Town Police Department.  Municipalities around the state are waiting to see if New York State will receive any federal aid because of the COVID 19 pandemic, New York has lost about 20% of their revenue stream since March.

Village of Delhi Police Department arrested 32-year-old Sheila Thompson and 32-year-old Kyle Alverson of Delhi, each of them being charged with Unlawfully Growing Cannabis and 6 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Thompson and Alverson were released with appearance tickets directing them to appear in Delhi Town Court to answer the charges at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies  & Downsville Fire & EMS were dispatched to a roll-over accident on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester that was reported by “On-Star”.   19-year-old Parker Rosencranse of Roscoe lost control of his vehicle which ran off the roadway, into a ditch and overturned.  Rosencranse was arrested and charged with the DWI, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, unauthorized sticker, among other charges, Rosencranse was released on traffic summonses directing him to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date to answer the charges. Rosencranse & an unidentified passenger were not injured.

With cold weather just around the corner, customers will be firing up furnaces and other appliances for the first time this season. NYSEG officials urge the public to recognize the potential signs of a natural gas leak and review the following safety tips about what do if a leak is suspected.

(Ridge Harris 10-1-20)

NYSEG officials report that you should leave immediately & call NYSEG at 1-800-572-1121 from a safe location, Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances, as those items may produce a spark that  might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-1-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, all 4 were SUNY Oneonta students, and also 3 cases were reported in SUNY students that had not previously been reported.  Otsego County reports 893 total confirmed cases, 17 are active cases with 1 hospitalization, there have been 7 deaths.   722 cases are linked to the SUNY Oneonta outbreak, 19 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Chenango County Health Department announced that they will have 3 Drive-through rabies clinics this year.  The next one will be in Bainbridge at General Clinton Park Today from 9:00 to 11:00, one is also scheduled at the Sherburne Earlville High School bus garage on October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 and another will be held at the South New Berlin Fire Station on December 5th from 9:00 to 11:00, Pre-Registration is Required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9 or by calling 337-1673.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-25-20

State Police arrested an Otsego County juvenile for Making a Terroristic Threat. State Police reported that on Tuesday approximately 40 illegitimate phone calls were made to Otsego County 911 between 7:00 & 9:00 PM, some of the calls threatened the 911 center and members of Law Enforcement. An investigation led troopers to a residence in the city of Oneonta where troopers interviewed an adult and a juvenile. The juvenile was arrested and issued a Family Court Appearance ticket. Investigators determined there are no other suspects involved.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 38 year old Ashley McLean of South Kortright following a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Meredith on last Sunday, on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith. Deputies reported that the driver left the scene after running off the roadway, striking a guide rail & abandoning the vehicle a short distance away. McLean is accused of driving with a suspended license & was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation & 5 other traffic infractions; she was released & was ordered to appear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced that 908 New Yorkers tested positive for COVID 19 Thursday out of almost 95,000 tests, bringing the state total to 453,755 since March. There were 511 Hospitalized, 154 were in an ICU bed, 76 were on ventilators, there were 7 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Thursday, and the state's death toll is 25,446.

Several Oneonta Area organizations have teamed up for a series of outdoor movies to be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Parking lot on Market Street in Oneonta. The gates open at 6:00 PM, Labyrinth will be the feature tomorrow night, Jurassic Park will play October 3rd & The Hunger Games October 10th, in case of inclement weather, the movies will be moved to the Club Odyssey at 80 Water Street in Oneonta, with COVID restrictions.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-25-20

The Broome County Health Department announced their latest COVID 19 numbers Thursday afternoon, they are reporting 1377 total cases, with 82 deaths, 1232 recoveries & 729 people are being monitored by the Department

Governor Cuomo announced that New York residents can fish for free on Saturday, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day. Freshwater Fishing in New York Generates Estimated $2.14 Billion in Economic Activity Annually, Supports Nearly 11,000 Jobs Statewide

The Village Bountiful will open their new market in the Willow Bend Plaza at 1004 State Highway 7 in Unadilla Tomorrow morning, Spokesperson Jakkie Bickos explains:

(Jakkie Bickos 9-11-20)

Bickos said that more information about the store or membership is available at villagebountiful.com.

Vendors will be set up on State Route 7 near Afton again tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a variety of items for sale, organizer Melissa Matthews of 6Zero7 Vendor Connection explains:

(Mellissa Matthews 9-25-20)

More information is available at 242-8473 or at Facebook.com/6Zero7Vendor Connection.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-22-20

Governor Cuomo reported that the state had 754 new Positive COVID 19 tests Monday, out of almost 84,000 tests administered.  451,227 New Yorkers have tested positive for the virus since March, there were 470 people hospitalized Monday, there were 3 deaths state wide, the number of deaths since March is 25,431.

New York added five states to its official 14 day quarantine list on Tuesday; the states are Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island and Wyoming. No states were removed from the list.  The Full list is at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Chenango County Health Department announced that they will have 3 Drive-through rabies clinics this year.  The next one will be in Bainbridge at General Clinton Park on October 10th from 9:00 to 11:00, one is also scheduled at the Sherburne Earlville High School bus garage on October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 and another will be held at the South New Berlin Fire Station on December 5th from 9:00 to 11:00, Pre-Registration is Required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9 or by calling 337-1673.

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society's 14th annual benefit auction will be 2 virtual auctions this year, they have contracted with 32Auctions, and the 1st auction has about a dozen items. The auction will open on Friday September 25 at 10:00 AM, and will close on Sunday September 27 at 9:00 PM, Society Executive Director Bob Brzozowski told WCDO news of some of the items offered this weekend:

(Bob Brzozowski 9-22-20)

The link for the preliminary auction is 32auctions.com/GOHSMiniAuction; a 2nd bigger auction is scheduled online November 15 to November 21. More information is available at 432-0960 or by email:  info@OneontaHistory.org. The History Center at 183 Main Street in Oneonta will be open during the auction on Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can assist visitors with online auction questions.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-22-20

The Otsego County Department of Health, Bassett Medical Center & the State Department of Health have partnered to provide a rapid testing to Otsego County residents Today & Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta, pre-registration is required at 547-4279.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 3 new COVID 19 cases over the past 2 days & 1 death has also been reported.  The 3 new cases gives Otsego County 869 total confirmed cases, there are 19 active cases, 1 hospitalization, 7 deaths, 694 confirmed cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 16 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-28-20

Governor Cuomo & the State Health Department are anticipating clusters of COVID 19 cases as college students return to campuses across the state.  The Health Department issued guidance that establishes a threshold, where if a college experiences 100 COVID cases or an outbreak equal to 5% of its student body, whichever is less, that college MUST go to remote learning for 2 weeks. If the local health department finds after the 2 week period, that the college cannot contain the number of cases, and then further remote learning could be required, the guidance for colleges is available at governor.ny.gov.

New York State United Teachers  Union called on the state to update Department of Health school reopening guidelines to make mandatory the wearing of masks at all times indoors during the school day, except for appropriate break periods and in cases of medical accommodation.  In a letter to state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, the union cited ongoing concerns with school reopening plans across the state and different mask policies among school districts. The Union urged the state to look to scientific research regarding mask efficiency and recent guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommends the universal use of face masks.

The Sidney community rallied behind the Sidney Police Department with a fundraising campaign that allowed for the purchase of a storage unit at the Police Departments firing range, about a mile away from their station.  Erin Insinga of the Delaware Valley Humane Society was one of the people involved in the fundraiser:

(Erin Insinga 8-28-20)

The Sidney Police Department now has their shed to store all the training accessories; a picnic table has also been donated for their site.

The State Health Department announced the latest state wide COVID 19 numbers, as they have now tested over 8 million tests, after testing over 97,000 on Thursday, which uncovered 636 new cases, there were 3 more death attributed to the virus, bringing the state death toll is up to 25,312.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-28-20

Otsego County Department of Health is investigating 7 new cases of coronavirus, 6 of the cases are SUNY Oneonta students. The other case has been associated with a gathering of high school students.  Currently there are 13 cases in SUNY Oneonta students and 5 cases in high school students. All cases are have been investigated and contacts are being notified.  Otsego County has 135 total confirmed cases, there are 21 active cases, and no one is hospitalized.

On Wednesday morning, troopers investigated a crash where a car struck the rear of a horse-drawn Amish buggy on State Route 11B in Dickinson. Troopers determined the driver of the car who hit the buggy was not paying attention, the buggy’s occupants, including two young children, only had minor injuries. The horse also had a minor injury and was transported from the scene.

State Police arrested 22 year old Keegan Allen of Schenevus for 2 counts of Petit Larceny, for entering at least 2 vehicles; one on Murdock Avenue and another on Madison Avenue in Oneonta and stealing change.  Troopers were advised by the Oneonta City Police that Allen was in the East End Laundromat and he was taken into custody & was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  He was issued appearance tickets for town of Oneonta court on September 8th and was released.

2 Broome County residents have been arrested following a break-in that occurred at a residence on Wilson Hill Road in the town of Chenango. Troopers arrested 28 year old Christina Martinez of Johnson City for the Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, She was processed and released on appearance tickets to the village of Johnson City court, on Thursday State Police arrested 44 year old Jamie Levene of Binghamton for 2nd degree Burglary, he was already at the Broome County Jail for an unrelated crime with another agency.  He was transported to SP Binghamton for processing and then returned to the Broome County Jail.

"Unite Chenango" will host a Black Lives Matter event at Kurt Beyer Park in Norwich tonight, 1 of the guest speakers is Reverend LaDana Clark of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, who served in the US Army and also served in the Plainfield New Jersey Police Department in a variety of roles in 2005 through 2011.  She told WCDO News that no one is suggesting that Police be eliminated, and she gave her ideas of what should be happening:

(Reverend Clark 8-28-20)

Tonight's event will begin at 6:00 PM; Reverend Clark also has a website related to her church activities at ChurchNTheHood.org.

Governor Cuomo announced that there were 727 new COVID 19 cases discovered Thursday or .85% of all those tested.  The State total is now 424,167; there were 3 virus related deaths Thursday, bringing the state death toll to 25,232.  Patient Hospitalization were down to 554, there were 127 ICU patients, with 59 on ventilators

Governor Cuomo announced today that Bowling alleys, gyms, museums and other low-risk indoor cultural venues will be allowed to open shortly with strict COVID-19 guidelines.  Cuomo said that Bowling alleys will be allowed to open Monday, with 50% occupancy capacity, face masks & social distancing must be followed & every other lane will be closed, thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use will be required; and all food service must follow all state-issued guidance.  The opening date and rules for gyms will be revealed on Monday.

Chenango County Department of Public Works will be holding their household Hazardous waste collection Tomorrow in Norwich, DPW Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 8-14-20)

More information is available by calling Hendricks at 337-1792, or email him at dhendricks@co.chenango.ny.us.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding New Yorkers' ability to complete certain transactions through secure drop boxes. The drop boxes can be used for license plate surrenders, address changes, and license and registration renewals. Customers using drop boxes must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Drop boxes are located at all state-run DMV offices and are available during regular office hours.  More information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

A Black Lives Matter peaceful protest & discussion will be held at the Bainbridge Village Green Park Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM.  Those who would like to speak are requested to send an email to BLMBAINBRIDGE@GMAIL.COM.  Mask wearing & social distancing requirements will be mandatory at the event.

The Broome County Health Department announced that Friday that they were up to 1102 COVID 19 cases, with 74 deaths, 926 recoveries & 496 are being monitored by the Health Department they have conducted over 32,600 tests since March.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they had no new COVID 19 positive tests Thursday, they have had 218 total cases since March, there are 96 people under quarantine, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 197 recoveries, and they have performed just under 19,000 tests.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced over $290,000 in grant funding for fire departments across New York’s 22nd District.   The grant money is awarded through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will help local fire departments prioritize operations and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Locally the New Berlin Fire Department will get over $29,000; the South Otselic Volunteer Fire Department will get over $74,000.

The State DOT is advising motorists that State Route 28 is closed between Margaretville and Andes just north of the intersection of NYS Route 28 and NYS Route 30 to allow construction work required in response to recent storm. Detours will be posted.  During the closure, southbound motorists will be directed to County Route 1 to Tremperskill Road, to State Route 30, back onto NYS Route 28. Northbound motorist will follow the same path in reverse. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Up-to-date travel information is available by calling 511, visiting 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance for New Yorkers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, is available.   About 700,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP" will receive a supplemental payment to bring them up to the maximum allowable benefit for August to help them avoid food insecurity.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19.

Sales tax revenue for local governments in July fell 8.2% compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections for counties and cities in July totaled $1.3 billion or $116 million less than in July 2019. Although revenue is still down compared to July 2019, the decline is less steep than any month since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect sales tax collections.

The State Health Department announced that there were 608 new positives for COVID 19 Sunday, about 1% of all tested, bringing the state total since March up to 412,344.  There were 11 deaths reported Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,117.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest numbers for COVID 19 today, they now report that they are up to 203 confirmed cases, with 162 Active Quarantines 162 with 1 Active Hospitalization, 169 Recoveries, 7 deaths, & just under 15,700 Tests Performed.  The Public Health Contact Tracing team interviewed a positive COVID19 case last Friday, who reported visiting Park Place Sports Bar and Grill  in Norwich July 18th between 9:00 and 11:00 PM, and the Broad Street Tavern from 11:00 to 12:00 Midnight.  Anyone who was at either establishment at those times should closely monitor themselves for COVID 19 symptoms & those who exhibit the symptoms should immediately self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.

Broome County Health Department reported that they are up to 932 positive COVID 19 cases Sunday, they report 64 deaths, 722 recoveries & 659 people are being monitored by the Health Department

New Yorkers are reminded that the 2020 CENSUS will determine congressional representation, & determine federal funding for a variety of programs, for the next decade.   Officials in Chenango County reported that they rank 42nd in the state in filling out the census, with only 53% responding, the deadline to file has been extended to October 31st, more information can be found at my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi's office announced that the Congressman will Host another Telephone Town Hall with local guests, on August 3rd 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.

State Police arrested 29 year old Nathaniel Richardson of Unadilla for 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, plus Unlawful Imprisonment and Criminal Mischief & Criminal Contempt, after troopers responded to a domestic dispute July 11th, in the town of Unadilla.  Richardson is accused of taking a cell phone away from the victim & holding the victim down, in the presence of 4 children.  Richardson was arraigned & was released & an order of protection was issued, which Richardson allegedly violated hours later. Richardson was located, was processed was released again pending future court action.

State Police arrested several individual allegedly involved in a Windsor Burglary in April, items stolen included a rowboat, propane tanks, several tools and household items. Police have arrested 23 year old Caleb Harris of Windsor, 46 year old Robert Harris of Windsor & 39 year old Jamie Klein of Kirkwood, all were processed & released pending future court action.

Otsego County Health Department reported 3 new cases, they are up to 96 total confirmed cases, with 12 active cases, 3 are hospitalized, 79 have recovered, and there have been 5 deaths.

Governor Cuomo unveiled the latest numbers regarding the Coronavirus.  There were 753 news cases diagnosed Thursday, bringing the state total to 410450, the number of people hospitalized was down to 650, there were 9 deaths on the state, bringing the total to 25,090.

Chenango County Public Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers today, they report 194 total cases since March, with 145 Active Quarantines, no Active Hospitalizations, 7 deaths, 168 Recoveries, and they have performed 15157 tests.  Isaiah Sutton of Chenango County Public Health said that a latest positive test showed that the individual was at 2 Norwich Bars recently, & ignored Pandemic protocols:

(Isaiah Sutton 7-24-20)

Sutton said that all of the local counties have been seeing increases again, largely due to larger summertime gatherings; he urges that people continue to practice socially distancing, wear a face mask properly & avoid large gatherings wherever possible.

The Broome County Health Department announced Friday that they are up to 906 positive cases of COVID 19, with 63 deaths, 695 recoveries and 610 are being monitored by the Health Department.

The Afton Open Air Market hosted by 6zero7 Advertising will hold their first free event of the summer tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1386 State Route 7.  Melissa Matthews of 6Zero7 Advertising comments:

(Melissa Matthews 7-24-20)

Suburban Propane is allowing guests to park in their neighboring lot during the Open Air Market, social distancing & face mask wearing is mandatory.

Sales tax revenue for local governments in the state dropped 27.1% in the 2nd quarter compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Most counties outside of New York City saw an improvement compared to the significant drops they experienced from the pandemic in April and May; more information is available at osc.state.ny.us

State Senator Jim Seward announced that Diane Munro of Roxbury has been confirmed by the state senate as a member of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.  Munro has held positions as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, & while a Sidney resident Years ago, she was a co-founder of Sidney Area Youth Advocate Program, and the Tri-Town Boys and Girls Club, she currently serves the board of directors of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County, and is a member of the Delaware County and Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, the appointment runs through June 19, 2024.

Governor Cuomo stated Thursday that New York State has one license for bars & restaurants, and people are misunderstanding the concept of outdoor dining;

(Cuomo food bars)

The State Police & State Liquor Authority will look into as many cases as they can of violating of the state laws, local police agencies are also being asked to enforce the law.

State Senator Jim Seward announced Senate passage of legislation to assist a retired teacher from Otsego County who was being forced to repay the State Teachers Retirement System nearly $64,000 due to multiple accounting errors.  Katherine Sweeney retired from teaching from the Richfield Springs school district in 2004, in 2018 & again in 2019 she was informed that she was overcompensated & had to reimburse the State Retirement System.  Sweeney contacted Senator Seward, the issue was corrected, legislation passed both houses & the bill will now go to the governor for final approval.

The State DOT is advising motorists that State Route 7 between Chase Street and Mill Street in the Town of Worcester, will be closed until approximately September 1 to replace the large culvert over West Hill Road Creek. Through traffic is being diverted to I-88 from exit 18 (Schenevus) to exit 19 (Worcester). Detours are posted. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.

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/

Otsego County Department of Health announced 4 new cases with 2 people hospitalized, there have been 85 total confirmed cases, with 7 active cases, 73 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, and 41 people are on quarantine & 35 individuals being monitored after travel from a state with high incidence of infection

The New York State Sheriff’s Association is presenting State legislators with 10 proposals to protect law enforcement and civilians in the area.  Sheriff's held press conferences throughout the state this week, they are seeking Increasing Resisting Arrest to a Class E felony, Making Failure to Retreat a Class D felony, Increasing the levels for assaulting a police officer by one degree, and making them crimes that require bail & Deem crimes against police officers as hate crimes.  They also are asking for May 15th to become a state holiday to honor police officers who have died in New York State.  The full list is available at nysheriffs.org.

Governor Cuomo held a Coronavirus briefing in New York City today, largely focusing on school districts around the state making up regional plans on possibly re-opening in the fall:

(Cuomo 7-8-20)

The Governor also announced that the studies on Air Conditioning filters are close to being completed, all county fairs in the state have officially been closed & Malls in Phase 4 regions can re-open with restrictions July 10th.

The State Health Department announced that 692 people, or 1.2% tested on Tuesday, were positive for the Coronavirus.  the state has had just under 399,000 cases since march, the number of hospitalizations was at 841 statewide, there were 97 people on ventilators, the first time that number went under 100 since March 16th.  There were 11 deaths Tuesday; the state death toll is 29,944.

State Police announced this afternoon that all lanes of I-88 near in Otego have reopened, following a 1 vehicle tractor trailer crash at about 8:30 this morning.  Troopers reported that the tractor trailer filled with milk containers rolled over on I-88, blocking both lanes of the highway westbound & pour a significant amount of milk on the highway.  No injuries were reported in the crash.

The New York State Council on the Arts announced that $490,000 in Cares Act Funding will go to 49 arts organizations around the state.  Locally, the West Kortright Centre in Delaware County will receive $10,000 in funding.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 23 year old Travis Jennings of Hancock with 3rd degree rape and endangering a child.   Jennings is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a female child under the age of 17-years-of-age in the Town of Hancock in August of 2019, he was arraigned & was released on his own recognizance pending his appearance in the Town of Hancock Court on a later date.

Due to the number of complaints from the public over the July 4th holiday weekend, State Police targeted people bringing illegal fireworks purchased in Pennsylvania into New York State.  State Police arrested 21 individuals and charged them with unlawfully dealing with fireworks; more than $27,000 in illegal fireworks were seized.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the ramp at Exit 1 from I-88 Westbound to State Route 7 in the town of Dickinson, is closed through July 22nd for resurfacing.  Motorists should allow extra travel time to follow detours posted on I-88 Westbound, Route 7 and local roads.

The Sidney Community Band has cancelled their 2020 concert season.  They also announced that the 2020 Don Clayton Memorial Concert Trailside Concert Series in Keith Clark Park has been cancelled.

Governor Cuomo announced that individuals travelling from 3 additional states will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to New York State.  The states of Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma have met the Metrics to Qualify for the Travel Advisory.  The State Health department announced that 588 people tested positive statewide for the Coronavirus that was about 1% of those tested Monday.  There were 10 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Monday, the total Number of cases since March is up to 398,237.

New York is continuing a study of specific air conditioning filter requirements to potentially prevent the airborne spread of the Coronavirus. Governor Cuomo comments:

(Cuomo 7-7-20)

The State will make industry recommendations on the use of air filtration technology to potentially eliminate the spread of COVID-19 through air conditioning systems, as research emerges that Coronavirus spread is linked more to airborne transmission than to surface area transmissions.

The free concert tonight sponsored by the Bainbridge Community Foundation at General Clinton Park featuring Fetish Lane has been cancelled by order of the Chenango County Health department.  The Foundation & Chenango County officials are working a viable solution for future concerts in this year's Summer Series.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi will Host a Telephone Town Hall Today at 5:00 p.m.   Constituents are encouraged to RSVP at brindisi.house.gov/live to receive the call or dial-in at 5:00 p.m. to 855-614-0159

Otsego County reported 3 more cases of the Coronavirus Monday, bringing their total number of positive cases to 80.  Currently, there are 23 people quarantined, no one is hospitalized, 72 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 31 individuals are being monitored after travel from a state with high incidence of infection

Governor Cuomo gave a Coronavirus update this morning; he said that all New Yorkers should get tested at 1 of the 750 sites around the state:

(Cuomo 7-1-20)

The State Health Department reported that hospitalizations were at 879 statewide, the number of deaths Tuesday was 11, the state Death toll of 24,866, the total number of cases since March was about 394,000.  The Southern Tier rate of positive tests was .7% Tuesday.

State Police continue their crackdown on people bringing illegal fireworks into the state; Troopers arrested 2 people Tuesday for Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks.  A trooper initiated a traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Kirkwood, after he observed a driver commit a traffic violation. An investigation resulted in the discovery of illegal fireworks totaling over $500.  Arrested were 31 year old Xavier Santos of Syracuse and 34 year old Aristides Lopez-Robles of Syracuse, Both men were released on appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 15th.

State Police arrested 25 year old Casey Jean of Tully for Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks, after a trooper initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 81 in the town of Dickinson.  An investigation yielded numerous illegal fireworks in Jean’s possession totaling over $2,700 dollars.   He was arrested, processed then released on an appearance ticket to the town of Dickinson court on July 14, 2020.

The Chenango County Health Department announced their Coronavirus numbers for today, they have had 146 positive cases, there are 25 people under Quarantine, no one is Hospitalizations, there have been 6 deaths, 137 Recoveries & the Total number of Tests Performed is 10907.

New York State has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in jointly issuing a travel advisory for anyone returning from states that have a significant spread of COVID-19.   All travelers entering New York who have recently traveled within a state with either a positive test rate or a testing positivity rate of higher than a 10% over a 7-day rolling average, will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Analysis of the metrics will be conducted weekly to determine if travelers from other states qualify.

State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon announced that as the Southern Tier continues to reopen there are a growing number of positions available on the Jobs Express website, at jobs.ny.gov. Currently more than 4,400 jobs are available in a number of different fields from businesses looking to hire immediately.

The Sidney Village offices are now open regular hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Village Board Meetings are now open to the public, masks must be worn.  The Village also announced that the playground at Keith Clark Park is open, it will be disinfected 3 times a day, a schedule is posted at the playground, all other playgrounds around the village are still closed.

The State Health Department reports that the total number of Coronavirus cases is 391,220 after 805 new positive tests on Thursday, there were 14 deaths attributed to the virus, the state death toll since March is 24,814. The number of hospitalizations dropped below 1,000 Wednesday, for the first time since March 18, the highest total was 18,825 hospitalizations on April 12th.

The death of 37-year-old Casie Weese of Glen Aubrey back in March has been ruled accidental.  Weese died of hypothermia, there was no trauma or sexual assault, Weese went missing March 1st, after she left her husband behind after their vehicle suffered a flat tire, she was found March 5th in a wooded area near I-86 & State route 434 near the Broome-Tioga County line.

NBT Bank is moving forward on a plan that restores lobby access by appointment while enacting new protocols to protect the safety of its employees and customers.  The phased approach to reopening branch lobbies includes a market-by-market analysis of conditions, close coordination with local government and health officials and strict adherence to state and federal guidelines. Customers are encouraged to visit www.nbtbank.com/access to learn about their preferred branch hours and service options.

The Ross Park Zoo will be re-opening in Phase 4, Officials will be implementing the safety measures following CDC & State Health Department guidelines, and Opening dates will be June 29 through July 1 for members only; July 2 will be open to the public.  More information is available at rossparkzoo.org/covid-19/

The Broome County Health Department is up to 661 Coronavirus cases, there have been 553 recoveries, 51 deaths, 149 are being monitored by the Health Department, and they have conducted over 18,700 tests.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19, no additional recoveries, but a 6th death was reported Thursday.  To date there have been 82 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 16 people quarantined.  There are no hospitalizations, 2 are isolated at home, and 74 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Department of Health reported one new positive COVID 19 test Thursday, bringing their total to 75 confirmed cases.  Currently there are no hospitalizations, 67 have recovered, there were 5 deaths, 16 people are quarantined, and 5,158 tests were performed.

New Yorkers can participate in this year’s 2nd free fishing weekend on June 27th and June 28th.  The State DEC hosts 6 free fishing days throughout the year, which allows New Yorkers the opportunity to fish local waterways without purchasing a license.  Because of the Corona virus Pandemic, social distancing guidelines should be followed.

The Next American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held today in Oneonta from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St.  Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

New York, New Jersey & Connecticut announced a new quarantine advisory today, where visitors from current hot spots like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North & South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas will be quarantined upon arrival, effective midnight tonight.  Governor Cuomo also alluded to a possible Phase 4 Reopening in our local counties Friday, with some changes than what was announced earlier:

(Cuomo 6-24-20)

New York, Massachusetts & New Jersey are currently on track to be designated as the first 3 states to contain COVID-19, 22 other states are seeing increases similar to what New York Went through in March.

The Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District announced that they will hold its Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26 on school grounds. The state has allowed Graduations to be held with a maximum of 150 people starting this Friday, more details are available at gmucsd.org.

The Sidney Central School District announced that 5 days of breakfast & lunches will go to all students 18 and under & will be distributed weekly on Wednesdays, July 1st through August 26th, at the Masonville Library from 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Sidney Center Fire House from 10:15 to 11:15 AM, Meadow Valley Park from 9:00 to 11:00 AM; Circle Drive Apartments from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM & the Sidney Junior/Senior High School from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  More information is available at 563-2135, extension 4264.

Joe Angelino is a big winner in the 122 State Assembly Republican Primary yesterday, winning with 75% of the vote, he will face Democrat Richard Shaw in the November General Election.  In Other races, Joe Biden wins the state Democratic Party Nomination for President, Claudia Tenney beats George Phillips for the Republican Nomination to take on incumbent Democratic Congressman Anthony Brindisi in the fall, Tenney lost the seat to Brindisi 2 years ago. The results do not include absentee ballots.

State Police reported that the suspect in a recent Harpursville shooting has died.  38 year old Timothy Wilcox died in a Syracuse hospital from a self inflicted gun shot wound, he was accused of shooting his estranged wife, 35 year old Meghan Wilcox on June 19th in Harpursville.  Meghan Wilcox was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where she was in critical condition.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2020.  The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 15.3% to 14.5% in May, locally, Chenango County reported 8.2% unemployment in May, Delaware County 9.1% & Otsego County 8.5%

Governor Cuomo announced today that the dashboard from the Health Department regarding the Coronavirus will be changing, as the percentage of people testing positive from the Coronavirus is about 1% statewide, the number hospitalized has steadily dropped and the daily death count is down to about 35 a day:

(Cuomo 6-9-20)

The State Health Department announced that the state is up to 379,482 Coronavirus cases since early March, with 683 new positives Monday out of almost 50,000 tests.  24,348 people have died from the virus since the pandemic hit in New Rochelle 3 1/2 months ago.

Otsego County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 57 year old Jonathan Hatch of Cobleskill for 2 counts of DWI plus endangering the welfare of a child.  Hatch is accused of leaving 2 children at Glimmerglass State Park, after they refused to get in his vehicle.  Hatch was arraigned, an order of protection was issued & the children were turned over family.

1st Responders & volunteers searched for about 3 hours Monday at Nathaniel Cole Park to look for 75 year old Kathleen Walsh of Harpursville.  Family members called police after Walsh failed to come home after hiking in Cole Park, she suffers from dementia & became disoriented, and she did leave the park successfully last night.

About 5o volunteers helped out with a food giveaway at the Keith Clark Park in Sidney Monday, Tracy Martindale of the Delaware Otsego Schoharie Catholic Charities commented:

(Tracy Martindale 6-9-20)

About 510 Households representing 1275 individuals were helped out with the giveaway Monday in Sidney, about 9 tons of food was donated.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they were still at 600 total coronavirus cases today, they report 1 death, giving them a total of 46, there have been 490 recoveries & 223 are being monitored by the Health Department.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing local governments to extend the deadline for filing property tax abatements to July 15th in recognition of the hardships many families and businesses continue to face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Police are warning residents of a phone scam that has targets elderly residents.  Troopers reported that scammers have called identifying themselves as a police officer or court officer with a story that a relative was stopped by law enforcement and found in possession of drugs and a large amount of Bail has been set.  The caller has told the victims to money into a box outside their home and that it will be retrieved by an alleged court officer or by a courier service.  State Police reminds residents that no police agency or court will ever ask for money to be sent by mail, courier service or picked up from your home, if you feel you have been scammed, call a law enforcement agency.

Governor Cuomo today announced the state has reached the lowest number of deaths and hospitalizations since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Yesterday, 42 people in New York passed away Thursday due to COVID-19, down from a record-high of 800 from 8 weeks ago. The number of total hospitalizations was down yesterday to 2,728 from a record-high of 18,825 during the peak of the pandemic.   The Governor also confirmed 1,075 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 376,208 confirmed cases since Early March.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Long Island man Monday following their investigation of a domestic dispute.  Deputies and State Police responded to a domestic dispute involving weapons in the Town of Davenport, they arrested 32- year-old Abdessamad Ellouzi of Cedarhurst, for criminal possession of a weapon & menacing, for allegedly possessing and threatening family members with a dangerous instrument.  Ellouzi was arraigned by teleconference in Sidney Village Court and was released; he will appear in Town of Davenport court at a later date.

New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will begin accepting reservations on Monday June 8th for check-in beginning June 22 on State Campgrounds.  The department says campers should follow CDC social-distancing guidelines, Park Police and staff will patrol campgrounds to make sure campers are following the safety measures.  No walk-up reservations allowed; congregate restroom facility will be opened with reduced capacity and cleaned following Department Of Health protocols; more information is available at parks.ny.gov/covid19.

The National Warplane Museum of Geneseo announced plans for a Southern Tier flyover Saturday with a projected take-off time of 9:30 AM.  The Museum’s very own Douglas C-47, known as “Whiskey 7” will be accompanied by a P-51 Mustang named "Mad Max.”  National Warplane Museum Director of Flight Operation Todd Cameron explains:

(Todd Cameron 6-5-20)

The Flyover will honor first responders, medical personnel and essential workers all across the Southern Tier of New York, including UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and the New York State Veteran's Home, Oxford.

State Police arrested 49 year old Wayne Johnson of Unadilla for Aggravated DWI with a child as passenger and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.  Troopers responded to a complaint about a vehicle in the ditch off Lilley Hill Road in the town of Butternuts.  Troopers located Johnson walking on Robert Williams Road with 2 children; Johnson was released on appearance tickets to the town of Butternuts court on June 25th.

Governor Cuomo gave his daily Coronavirus briefing this morning in New York City; he discussed the protesting & looting & instances of Police Brutality, which comes at a time when people should not be gathering in large groups to begin with:

(Cuomo 6-1-20)

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker talked about the mass protests & the potential of an increase in Coronavirus Cases:

(Zucker 6-1-20)

Governor Cuomo said that State Police & the National Guard will be ready to respond tonight if there are any more outbreaks of violence in Cities across the state.

The State Health Department announced that the state has reached over 371,000 cases of the Corona Virus, there were 54 deaths on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 23,959 since early March.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that they have cancelled their June Rabies Clinics, but County residents can still get the Rabies vaccine from the Susquehanna SPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes comments:

(Stacie Haynes 6-1-20)

Haynes said that the clinics are being held Wednesday Afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 PM & Thursdays Mornings at 9:00 to 11:00, at their location at 4841 State Highway 28 in Cooperstown, more information is available at 547-8111, extension 108.

The Broome County Health Department announced today that they were up to 559 total positive cases of the Coronavirus, they have 44 deaths, 392 recoveries & 395 are being monitored by the Health Department.

A report released by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found 50% of the contracts in 2019 between Not-for-Profit organizations and the state were not processed until after the contract start date. DiNapoli’s report showed that  50% were processed after their start or renewal dates, he recommends that State agencies make prompt contracting a priority, The Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee should meet regularly & that State agencies should use electronic means to pay promptly & pay any interest due with the first payment to avoid cash flow problems.

Governor Cuomo announced that State Attorney General Letitia James will be conducting an investigation into the protests and Violence across the state this weekend, in regards to the killing of George Floyd by Police in Minneapolis:

(Cuomo 6-1-20)

Protests turned violent in New York City, Rochester & Albany this weekend, State Police & the National Guard are ready to employ extra backup to police again tonight if needed.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York dentists can reopen statewide today. Dentists' offices will be subject to state guidance on best practices for safety and social distancing. The number of Coronavirus cases statewide is over 370,000, about 3500 are hospitalized, the state death toll is 23, 905.

Binghamton Fire Fighters responded overnight to a fire at Recreation Park.  Officials with the Binghamton Fire Department reported that the fire started around 12:45 AM & destroyed the entire playground.  The investigation is continuing.

State Senator Fred Akshar will be taking his Town Hall Meetings online for the 52nd Senate District through Zoom.  Residents who would like to participate in the virtual town hall meetings are asked to register at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov. When meetings are scheduled, participants in certain municipalities will be notified via email and phone.

Governor Cuomo signed into law a new measure providing death benefits to the families of frontline workers who lost their lives fighting Coronavirus in New York. The bill establishes a COVID-19 death benefit for the families of state and local government employees who have been on the front lines of this public health emergency.

Governor Cuomo is alerting New Yorkers they may receive a phone call where the Caller ID may say “NYS Contact Tracing” and they need to answer that call:

(Cuomo Tracers)

Governor Cuomo said that the state has added enough tracers through the help of foundations from former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg; most of the state has now been able to re-open as they have enough tracers to follow up on contacts of those who have been tested positive for the Coronavirus.

The Otsego County Department of Health has learned of a potential exposure to coronavirus at a public venue & they are now seeking to identify and notify individuals who attended a livestock auction at Unadilla Livestock 38 Maple Avenue in Unadilla on Saturday May 16th.   Otsego County Assistant Public Health Director Kim Schlosser told WCDO News that the auction was agricultural and was allowed to be open in Phase 1 of the Reopening:

(Kim Schlosser 5-22-20)

Schlosser said that an individual who lives in another county attended the auction from 1:30-9:30pm has since been confirmed to have COVID 19 & that individual was not wearing a mask.  Anyone who attended the auction, who develops symptoms, should contact their primary care provider, or the COVID Hotline at 547-5555 or the Otsego County Health Department at 547-4316 to get tested, also, if attendees know someone who attended the auction in the Amish community, to inform them of positive test & self-monitor for symptoms of the illness.

The State Health Department announced Friday that they are reporting over 358,000 coronavirus cases, with another 1696 positives discovered Thursday.  109 people died from the virus Thursday , bringing the state death toll to 23,195 since early March.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will open 16 beaches across the state for swimming today with lifeguards staffed at normal levels to ensure public safety. Beach-goers are reminded to practice social distancing, State Parks will limit parking and other means of entry to keep capacity at 50% or less,   Locally Glimmerglass State Park & Chenango Valley state park will be open from 11:00 Am to 7:00 PM over the Memorial Day Weekend, More information is available at parks.ny.gov/covid19.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they were up to 468 positive Coronavirus cases Friday, with 32 deaths, 331 recoveries & 237 are being monitored by the Health Department.  They have conducted just under 9000 tests so far.

Volunteers & donations are requested for the Bainbridge Community Center at 3 Prospect Street.  Officials are looking for monetary donations as well as skilled volunteers for concrete, carpentry, electrical, plumbers, painters, landscapers and laborers, they can email to mgermonddc@yahoo.com.  Monetary donations can be sent by check payable to Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, note Community Center Donation in the memo section, and mail it to P.O. Box 2, Bainbridge, NY 13733.

According to the preliminary results from the U.S. Department of Labor’s business and household surveys for April 2020, the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 1,764,600, or 21.4 percent, to 6,467,600. This was the state’s largest monthly employment drop on record. Just under one-third of the monthly jobs decline occurred in leisure and hospitality, mostly in accommodation and food services.  In April 2020, New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 14.5%, the largest recorded monthly increase since current record keeping began in 1976.

State Police will increase patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving throughout this Memorial Day weekend. The STOP-DWI enforcement period starts on Friday, May 22, and runs through Tuesday, May 26. State Police and our local law enforcement partners will be out in force to remove impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.  On Memorial Day weekend in 2019, Troopers arrested 225 people for drinking and driving, issued 13,693 total tickets, and investigated 134 personal injury crashes, which resulted in four fatalities. ?In addition to the New York State Police, numerous counties and agencies throughout the state also participate in the annual Memorial Day Crackdown.

Congressman Antonio Delgado announced the award of nearly $100,000 in federal funding through U.S. Department of Transportation & the Federal Aviation Administration. Delgado announced $69,000 for Columbia County Airport in Hudson and $30,000 for Sidney Municipal Airport in Delaware County.

State Attorney General Letitia James announced that due to the continuing Coronavirus issue, the state has again renewed an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York that was specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection for an additional 30-day period through June 16th.   After this 30-day period, the Office of the Attorney General will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension.

The State Health Department announced that 1,250 new cases of the Coronavirus were discovered Sunday; bring the state to over 351,000 cases.  Hospitalizations from the virus are decreasing to about 6100, another 106 people died Sunday, and the state death toll is at 22,729.

The Broome County Health Department announced 9 new cases of the Coronavirus today, bringing their total to 419; they also had 2 more deaths, bring their death toll to 30.  292 have recovered & 289 are being monitored by the Health Department

The State Health Department is investigating more than 100 cases of the effect of the Coronavirus on children, after 3 children died & several others presented with a different set of symptoms, including blood vessel & Heart inflammation, Governor Cuomo said that they will continue the studies before opening summer camps for children.

(Cuomo Children)

The State Labor Department has put together a new feature in their streamlined unemployment process to get the last group of people who filed for unemployment to finally get their benefits, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa explains:

(DeRosa Unemployment)

The State Health Department announced Sunday that they now have over 350,000 positive Coronavirus cases.  Hospitalizations were down to about 6000 Sunday, the state death toll is 22,619 since March.

Another American Red Cross blood drive is being held in Oneonta today.  All Blood types are needed, the blood drive will be held at the Elm Park Methodist Church from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, appointment are requested at redcrossblood.org, or 1-800-red cross.

Broome County Health Department announced Sunday that they are up to 410 positive Coronavirus tests; they have 292 recoveries, 28 deaths, & 275 patients being monitored by the Health Department.

The State Health Department announced that they now have over 345,000 positive Coronavirus cases, with another 2762 positive tests Thursday.  Hospitalizations were down to about 6500, there were 132 deaths, bringing the state death toll to 22,304 since March.

Today is day one of the Phase 1 of re-opening of many types of businesses following the shutdown during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic in March.  Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango said that many businesses will have to change the way they operate on many levels from this point on:

(Kerri Green 5-15-20)

Glen Nealis of Delaware County Economic Development said that one of the reasons this part of the state is part of the Phase 1 Re-Opening is that people & businesses took the warnings seriously:

(Glen Nealis 5-15-20)

Nealis said that the hardest part of the reopening of the state is the 4th phase, which would be the opening of businesses that rely on a large gathering of people, where social distancing is difficult.  Business can find out where they fit in, and how the 1st phase is going by logging onto forward.ny.gov.

State officials are hoping that the New York Congressional Delegation convinces the US Senate & President Trump to finally send state aid to the struggling states that have lost revenue from the shutdown after the arrival of the Coronavirus Pandemic, State budget Director Robert Mujica comments:

(Mujica 5-15-20)

This year’s State Budget started out with a 7 Billion Dollar deficit, which has more than doubled in the current fiscal year from the shutdown and the payment of state taxes out to July 15th.

Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Delaware Governor John Carney today announced a multi-state agreement to reopen public and private beaches with certain restrictions soon; Governor Cuomo discussed those restrictions earlier today:

(Cuomo Beaches)

The Beaches will open Friday, May 22 in time for the Memorial Day Weekend, statistics gathered will determine the further opening of beaches later this summer.

Broome County Health Department announced today that they are up to 395 positive Coronavirus tests; they have 282 recoveries, 28 deaths, & 282 patients being monitored by the Health Department.

The State Health Department reported over 2300 new Coronavirus cases state wide Thursday, bringing the state total to 343,051.  Another 157 people died Wednesday from the virus; about 7000 people are still hospitalized.

The State Health department continues to monitor 105 cases in children ranging from 1 year old to 21 years old, who test positive for the Coronavirus, but presented with a different set of symptoms from adults, featuring inflamed blood vessels & inflammation of the heart, but without lung issues.  3 children have died, the state Health department is sharing their findings, 6 countries & 16 other states are no looking into similar issues among children & the virus.

State Police arrested 26 year old Eugene Buzie of Oneonta for Menacing, after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at a residence on County Highway 48 in the town of Otego. Buzie allegedly threatened a victim with a knife during an argument; he was located near Lantern Hill Trailer Park and arrested.  He was arraigned virtually and released on his own recognizance.  An order of protection was issued by the judge to the victim.  Buzie is scheduled to appear in the town of Otego court on June 18, 2020.

State Police arrested 62 year old Ronald Bronson of West Winfield for the Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals and Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance.   Bronson told troopers that his cows were running from the dog in the pasture, he fired a shot, missing the dog, it ran off, he located the dog and allegedly shot it a 2nd time, killing it.  Bronson was issued appearance tickets to the town of Plainfield court on September 2nd.

Governor Cuomo today had former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg teleconferenced into his daily Coronavirus briefing, Bloomberg said that his Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bloomberg School of Public Health at John Hopkins University, Vital Strategies & “Resolve To Save Lives” are teaming up with others, to for a "Tracing Army" to investigate those who came in contact with the latest people to test positive for the Coronavirus:

(Mike Bloomberg 4-30-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica discussed the issue of Child Care and summer camps, as Phase 1 is implemented to send back the first group of workers, who have children at home:

(Mujica 4-30-20)

New York State now has over 304,000 cases of the Coronavirus, with over 11,500 hospitalized, and another 306 deaths Wednesday bringing the state death toll to 18,321.

Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 282 positive Coronavirus cases; they have 21 deaths, 164 recoveries, and 194 in quarantine.

The Village of Sidney announced that May 4th "SPRING CLEAN UP"  Curbside pickup of bagged leaves, bagged lawn debris and brush must be out by Monday May 4th. Due to Covid-19 and safety, there will be no drop-off of electronics, appliances, metal and tires this year. Village residents may take electronics, appliances, metal and tires, free of charge (year round) to the Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center located at 32230 State Hwy 10 Walton, and they need make an appointment for drop off at 865-5805.

The Annual Re-dedication Ceremony at the Sidney Veterans Memorial Park originally scheduled for May 23rd has been canceled for this year.  Also the June 7th Annual Sidney Veterans Memorial Park Association Golf Tournament has been canceled for this year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced today that its Board of Directors has voted unanimously to cancel 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events as a result of health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Class of 2020 – consisting of Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker – will be inducted on Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Cooperstown, alongside any new members elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

The Dick's Sporting Goods Open has been canceled for 2020.  The PGA TOUR Champions event was scheduled for August 10-16 at En Joie Golf Club in Endicott.  The Cancellation is due to the impact from the pandemic in the state of New York.  Anyone who has questions pertaining to tickets purchased for this year's event is advised to contact the Dick's Sporting Goods Open office at 607-205-1500.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced more than $7 million
in federal funds for housing assistance across Upstate and Central New York.
The grant dollars are administered by HUD & will be dispersed to more than
a dozen organizations across New York.
Brindisi will hold his January town hall today at 5:30 PM, at the Maine
Endwell Middle School; it is free and open to the public.

Members of the State Police held a private remembrance for
the 10 year anniversary of Trooper Jill Mattice’s death at the State Police
Barracks in Oneonta Monday.  A
remembrance was held then laid a wreath in front of the station barracks.  Members of trooper Mattice’s family &
police agencies, including the State Park Police, Otsego County Sheriff’s
Department, Oneonta City Police Department, and The Town of New Berlin Police
attended.  Trooper Mattice was killed in
a crash with a troop car on State Route 23 near Morris in 2010.

Binghamton University’s M. Stanley Whittingham will use his
expertise to benefit the state, according to the Governor in his State of the
State Address 2 weeks ago.  Whittingham
was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 3 months ago, for his work in the
development of the lithium-ion battery, he was asked by the Governor to head up
the Blue Ribbon Task Force to expand the use of electric vehicles in New York.
The task force will be co-chaired by NYSERDA.

Broome County Sheriff’s Department reported that a sergeant
on patrol observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Glenwood
Road, a traffic stop was attempted, the operator refused to comply.  A pursuit went onto Airport Road, through
Binghamton, onto State Route 7 & to I-88.
Deputies said that the operator, 25 year old Paul Frost of Johnson City
continued after the vehicle caught fire, Deputies and State Troopers attempted
to contain the vehicle and Frost swerved into the Sergeant's patrol car, lost
control and struck the concrete center barrier near exit 2. Frost was charged
with Criminal Mischief, unlawfully fleeing a police officer, plus 31 other
traffic violations, frost's occupants were released.  Frost was processed & faces court action
shortly.

The Deposit Police Department is looking for Robert Kinzer on an outstanding warrant, he was last known to frequent the Church Street area in the Village of Deposit, he described as black male, 5'8" tall with brown hair & brown eyes, he is wanted on charges of Burglary, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, aggravated Family Offense, Menacing, Obstruction Of Breathing  & Unlawful Imprisonment, anyone with information can report it to the Deposit Police department through their Facebook page or by calling 467-2115. A Deposit Police Officer confronted and approached Kinzer Wednesday, Kinzer fled on foot into a wooded area.

State lawmakers are looking to get every person counted in
the state, by the US Census this year, assembly Speaker Carl Heastie comments:

(Heastie 1-10-20)

Those interested in becoming a
census taker can contact go online to 2020census.gov.

Governor Cuomo has reportedly backed off a bit on his
controversial Bail Reform Law, where people are being released on appearance
tickets, instead of being remanded to jail, for a number of violent offences,
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 1-10-20)

State Senator Jim Seward also comments:

(Seward 1-10-20)

Many violent offenses & sexual offenses were on the bail
reform law, hundreds of people were released from prisons around the state for
such offenses,  Law Enforcement agencies
& District Attorneys are calling for the Governor to rescind this law and
start discuss related reforms to the criminal justice system,

Members of the Governor's staff are beginning to go around
the state to give presentations on the State of the State Address; Lieutenant
Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the Address at the Agriculture Development
Center at 840 Front Street Binghamton, at 3:00 PM today.

The Class of 2020 will be inducted into the General Clinton
Canoe Regatta Hall of Fame during the 58th annual event in May, spokesman Greg
Davie told WCDO news who will be inducted:

(Greg Davie 1-10-20)

The Induction ceremony will be held on Saturday May 23rd at
General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.

Governor Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to
begin enhanced monitoring of hospitals through the Health Emergency Response
Data System to ensure hospitals have the capacity, guidance and resources to
combat the recent surge in flu hospitalizations.    The latest flu report shows another sharp
increase, Last week 1,964 New Yorkers were hospitalized, up 34% percent from
the previous week & 10,085 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to
the State Department of Health, a 9% increase from the week prior.